Doctors' leaders have warned that the commissioning of child protection services by primary care trusts should only happen where there are experienced GPs with sufficient resources.
The call follows reports that the children's national service framework task force may consider a proposal to pilot the idea in several areas.
Although some GPs with an interest in child protection have supported calls for PCTs to commission such services, the British Medical Association cautioned that it should not happen widely and only where committed doctors are already in place.
BMA GPs' committee executive member Dr Andrew Dearden said most GPs were not sufficiently trained in child protection issues and did not have the time to take on such work.
"In my opinion, health visitors are more likely to see children when they don't come into the surgery. It is a question of the most appropriate person."
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Details of government consultations
02 October 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
