Doctors condemn super-clinic push

Doctors condemn super-clinic push

Doctors are claiming local health groups are under pressure from government to create new "polyclinics" even if they are not needed.
The clinics, which provide a range of services under one roof, are part of a wide-ranging review of the NHS by health minister Lord Darzi.

The British Medical Association says the clinics will not work everywhere.

But the Department of Health said it was "not imposing health-centres on anyone".

At worst, it could destabilise existing services

Dr Hamish Meldrum, BMA chairman of council
The BMA has raised concerns about polyclinics since they were first mooted by Lord Darzi last year.

It fears they will be too big to offer patients continuity of care, and is concerned that they will not provide value for money.

Adverts asking public and private health providers to tender for contracts to run polyclinics around England are now appearing in trade magazines.

'Mis-interpretation'

BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said; "This is in addition to whatever services they already have, and whether they feel they need it or not.

"We're worried that at best it's a waste of resources and at worst, it could destabilise existing services."

John May, deputy chairman of the BMA's patient liaison group, said polyclinics could work in large urban areas, like London.

"But for those living outside London, there could be problems about how to get to the polyclinic."

This is about the local NHS making changes that suit patients' needs

Department of Health spokesman

Dr Meldrum said the BMA was concerned the reviews were taking a "big bang approach", rather than introducing gradual change targeted at local need.

Dr Michael Dixon, chairman of the NHS Alliance which represent local health trusts said: "I think the BMA are right, but there is a misinterpretation of what the centre wants.

"It is being taken too literally. The idea needs to be translated down to the locality."

He added: "Our view is that polyclinics are a good thing, providing they are very flexible in terms of meeting local needs."

Core services

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We are not imposing health centres on anyone.

"Last October we announced that new money would be invested in new GP-led health centres, one in every PCT, to complement existing services.

"These will offer core GP services 8am-8pm seven days a week, and where it makes sense for local communities and commissioners, may include a range of other services such as pharmacy, diagnostics and dentistry.

"However this is about the local NHS making changes that suit patients' needs: clinically led, locally driven and fit for the 21st century."

Lord Darzi has already published a review of health services in London and an interim report on care across England, in which the polyclinic proposal was set out.

His final report is due in the summer.