MPs criticise plans for polyclinics

Officials have been unable to give details of the criteria on which primary care trusts (PCTs) should decide if they need them, the Commons health select committee said.

While some places in England may benefit from the clinics, which are often called polyclinics, there is not enough evidence to say all areas require them, according to the committee's report.

The Government has said every one of the 152 PCTs in England must introduce a GP-led health centre, open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. They are designed to bring together a range of services, such as diagnostic testing, minor surgery, blood tests and X-rays. In addition, extra clinics will be introduced across London.

Today's report, which looked at Lord Darzi's NHS Next Stage Review, published last year, said: "While some PCTs, particularly those which are "under-doctored" or with a high burden of disease, would undoubtedly benefit from more primary care services, it is less clear how other PCTs would benefit.

"We are not convinced by the Department of Health's argument that all PCTs should have a GP-led health centre.

"However, PCTs should not make their decisions on a whim, but national criteria should be set out to ensure that benefits and costs of their decisions are known.

"We were disappointed that neither the Government nor witnesses representing doctors could tell us what criteria should be used to decide whether a PCT needed a GP-led health centre.

"While polyclinics and GP-led health centres can bring benefits, we are disappointed that the Department is introducing them without prior pilots and adequate evaluation."

Last June, a large-scale analysis of the Government's plans found no evidence that larger GP practices delivered better care than smaller ones.