A DOCTOR is set to be picked to head the controversial shake-up of NHS services in Oxfordshire.

Local GPs are about to vote for the doctor they want to put in charge of creating a reformed NHS in the county. The move reinforces Oxfordshire’s place at the vanguard of the biggest health shake-up for decades.

But doctors have only until March 27 to put their names forward, with the election held between March 31 and April 15.

The announcement of the key figure in bringing about a new-look NHS in Oxfordshire will then be announced on April 18.

It has given new ammunition to critics who say Oxfordshire is setting the pace in a high risk experiment.

The British Medical Association, the GPs and hospital consultants’ body called on Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to “halt the proposed top-down reorganisation of the NHS,” at a special representatives meeting on Tuesday.

Government plans were described as dangerous and “enshrined in ill-thought-through legislation and implemented in a rush”.

The Oxfordshire GP Consortium was named in January as one of the Pathfinder schemes, charged with testing GP commissioning.

News that doctors will elect one of their own to lead the consortium is being presented as evidence that the new body replacing the local primary health care trust is to be democratic and representative.

The leader must be a practising Oxfordshire GP who will ensure the consortium complies with its financial duties and provides value for money.

The job will initially involve overseeing the transition from the existing PCT to the new consortium. The appointment is expected to be for three years.

There are also proposals to create six areas within Oxfordshire, which will each elect a representative to the board of the Oxfordshire PCT consortium, with Oxford city electing two GPs.

John Lister, of the Keep Our NHS Public campaign, warned local GPs against forging ahead in the teeth of mounting opposition within the NHS and the general public.

He said: “When you are in a hole, you should stop digging. We all know that Oxfordshire is facing a massive squeeze in NHS spending. And it will be the new consortium that will be asked to do it.

“Rather than benefitting patients, the GPs will find themselves taking the rap, when less and less services are available. It is all being done on the basis of wishful thinking rather than any hard evidence.”

Alan Webb, director of Oxfordshire PCT seconded to work for the consortium, said: “The whole process is about putting GPs in the driving seat.

“Like all organisations, we know that the key appointment is the leader. All GPs are eligible to apply.

“The election means GPs have a proper say and will feel that they are actively influencing the process. ”

The consortium needs to be in place next year, before taking over responsibility from the PCT in 2013.