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First super-surgeries in London are named
Anna Davis10 Sep 2008
The first polyclinics due to open in London are revealed today.
Health bosses announced plans for five "super-surgeries" that will mark the start of sweeping changes to primary care in the capital.
The unprecedented detail ends months of speculation over how polyclinics will operate.
Every primary care trust in London is expected to build a polyclinic within the next five years as part of health minister Lord Darzi's NHS reforms.
The first five will be built in Harrow, Hounslow, Lambeth, Redbridge and Waltham Forest and are expected to open by next spring.
They will all offer GP appointments in the evenings and at weekends, blood tests, ultrasound scans, physiotherapists and screening for HIV and diabetes while some will also offer free yoga classes, benefits advice and gyms.
Each polyclinic will be linked to local GP practices, meaning doctors can refer patients to the "super-surgeries" instead of moving into the new site.
Ruth Carnall, chief executive of NHS London, said: "Polyclinics are a London solution to a London problem. They will tackle two of the biggest problems in the capital, namely patients finding it difficult to get a GP appointment and people turning up at A&E when they should be seeing their family doctor."
Critics say polyclinics will destroy the family doctor-patient relationship while opening the door to the private sector. But supporters argue they will be better for patients as they are open for longer and contain a range of specialists under one roof.
At least three local GP practices will close and move into the first "super surgeries", while most practices will stay where they are and refer patients to the polyclinic.
Dr Tony Stanton, joint chief executive of Londonwide Local Medical Committees, which represents GPs in Hounslow, Harrow and Lambeth, said: "It is encouraging to see that common sense appears to be prevailing in the planning of a majority of these polyclinic pilots." The Redbridge polyclinic, known as the Loxford Centre, is the only polyclinic in today's announcement being built from scratch by a private developer. It will serve 50,000 patients and the Primary Care Trust will rent the building for £1 million a year.
The other four polyclinics will be built on existing health centre sites.
Heather O'Meara, chief executive of Redbridge PCT, said: "The polyclinic is being built in one of the most deprived areas of Redbridge. I want to reassure patients that they will get a better service in lots of ways. It will be open for longer and they will be able to get diagnostic tests such as blood tests in a single visit."
Two local GP surgeries, the John Telford practice and Henley Road practice, will move into the Loxford Centre. Four others local surgeries will be able to refer patients but will not move in. The Evening Standard can reveal that patients will be met at the door by "meeters and greeters" who will show them which section of the polyclinic to go to. The reception area will house "interactive health pods" where patients can test their own Body Mass Index and blood pressure while they wait for appointments.
The polyclinic will also house podiatrists, dentists, dieticians, a minor injuries clinic, and an X-Ray department. Patients "prescribed" exercise by their doctors will be able to use the polyclinic gym. Up to 20,000 people will be registered with doctors at the surgery, while an extra 30,000 with other doctors will be able to use the services.
There are plans to build four more polyclinics in Redbridge in the next five years but Mrs O'Meara insisted doctors would not be forced to move.
But the British Medical Association said polyclinics had been "rushed" through without proper consultation. The Conservatives also attacked the super surgeries. Shadow health minister Mark Simmonds said polyclinics threaten family doctors and the plans were "unpopular and unwanted".
Seven days a week... how five new polyclinics will function
1 - Harrow PCT: Alexandra Avenue Health and Social Care Centre
One local GP practice is expected to move into the polyclinic, while six GP practices will be part of the network. An urgent care centre will be created and access to diagnostics such as blood testing introduced.
2 - Hounslow PCT: Heart of Hounslow Health Centre
A new GP practice will be created, and opening hours will be extended to seven days a week. Diagnostic provision such as blood testing will be introduced. Up to seven existing practices will be part of the network.
3 - Lambeth PCT: Gracefield Gardens
Up to 21 GP practices will be part of this polyclinic's network. It will be open seven days a week and offer access to outpatient hospital services.
4 - Redbridge PCT: Loxford Centre
The first purpose-built polyclinic centre. Four GP practices will be part of the network and two local practices will move into the new building.
5 - Waltham Forest PCT
The PCT will create three polyclinics, with at least one opening in spring next year. It is currently working on more detailed plans.
Reader views (2)
Personally I think polyclinics are a good thing - I might finally be able to get an appointment when I need it and it will be particularly good for those of us with chronic conditions.
- Kirsty Warwick, SW London, 11/09/2008 12:45
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This is the style of operation that Primary care has needed for a long time. GPs need to be confident of seeing themselves as the key people in the team, and give up any remaining ideas of glorious isolation.
- Alan Griffiths, Forest Gate, LONDON. UK, 11/09/2008 07:53
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