'Super surgeries' will not help patients
Updated on 05 June 2008
Polyclinics will not ease pressure on NHS hospitals and patients will see no improvement in their care a report has said.
A major analysis of the Government's plans for "super surgeries" found that while they may be able to offer patients a wider range of services, there is no evidence larger GP practices deliver better care than smaller ones.
The study, from the influential think-tank the King's Fund, will come as a blow to ministers, who are already facing mounting opposition over polyclinics.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has launched a Support Your Surgery campaign asking members of the public to sign a petition against private involvement in the NHS and expressing fears over the closure of local GP practices.
Polyclinics are designed to bring together groups of GPs with a range of services, such as diagnostic testing, minor surgery, blood tests and X-rays.
The report said polyclinics would provide patients with improved access to diagnostics, specialist advice and treatment, and better access to extended hours and out-of-hours care.
But it warned: "Physical accessibility of primary care is likely to be reduced for most patients if their GPs move into polyclinics, particularly in rural settings."
Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "There may be advantages to having polyclinics in certain circumstances, but this report makes clear that Labour must now ditch its one-size-fits-all approach and stop pushing forward with a scheme which is likely to lead to the closures of hundreds of GP surgeries.
"It would completely destroy the relationship between local people and their family doctor."
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "It is good that this report from the King's Fund recognises the need for challenging how care is delivered and delivering integrated care for patients.
"Once again the BMA is painting a distorted picture of the Government's plans. We are not imposing super surgeries or polyclinics or replacing existing services.
"In fact, we are investing record sums in existing GP practices as well as providing more GP practices in under-served areas.
"The 150 GP-led health centres, which will be established across the country, will complement existing GP practices and serve as an extra way to see a doctor."
© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
