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59 consulting rooms, a gym and a café in the new super-surgery
Anna Davis29.04.09
This is the first glimpse inside London's flagship polyclinic - one of seven new super-surgeries.
The health centres have been heralded by government as the future of non-emergency medical treatment and are set to radically change healthcare in the capital.
Patients at the Loxford Polyclinic in Redbridge - the only purpose-built polyclinic in London - will be able to see a GP seven days a week, undergo counselling, have a blood test and seek advice on benefits all under one roof.
The centres, most of which have been built in existing buildings, were conceived by health minister Lord Darzi, who wants to see one in every area of London in the next five years.
They are designed to take pressure off busy A&E departments, move care away from hospitals and into the community, and make it easier for people to see a GP outside normal working hours.
The 4,000-square metre Loxford polyclinic is the biggest in London and will serve a population of up to 50,000. It was built in Loxford because it is one of the most deprived areas in Redbridge.
Patients, who will be able to use the centre from June, will be met at the door by "greeters" who will show them what part of the polyclinic to go to.
GPs from two existing surgeries will relocate to the centre, while four other practices will be linked to the polyclinic and be able to use its services.
The £18million building, which is on the site of a former pub, has 59 consulting rooms as well as a rehabilitation gym and TB clinic.
Critics warn that the super-surgeries, which will serve thousands more patients than a normal GP practice, will break down the intimate doctor-patient relationship.
But supporters argue that polyclinics will make it easier to see a GP and patients will not waste time travelling to hospital for tests and treatments that can be carried out within the one centre.
Heather O'Meara, chief executive of NHS Redbridge, said: "We know people need better access to services and we need to bring care closer to their homes. This is 100 times better than what I envisaged. I could not be more proud of it. I want to see four more polyclinics set up in Redbridge in the next four years. It is an opportunity to take services that were in very poor buildings and bring them into a state-of-the-art centre. An enormous amount of energy and resources is focused on treating illness when the key is really preventing it in the first place. Polyclinics will help us redirect this focus and empower people to make healthier lifestyle choices."
Ruth Carnall, chief executive of NHS London, said: "Today's launch of seven polyclinics sees Lord Darzi's vision of improving health care for London become a reality.
"Polyclinics will transform primary and community care in London for the better, delivering accessible, high quality services which will ultimately reduce health inequalities."
The building which houses the Loxford polyclinic belongs to developer Loxford Complex Ltd. It will be leased out at £900,000 a year.
NHS Redbridge will pay £400,000 a year, while the rest of the rent will be paid by the café, the pharmacy and other community groups that use the building. The café, Peabody's Community Health Café, will offer healthy food, including sandwiches, salads and smoothies.
Reader views (5)
This looks and sounds amazing - why can't every person in London get this. GPs need to wake up and stop being so selfish - give us what we need, not what suits you lot. The BMA should be struck off - they are only self interested.
- Arena, East London
It all sounds wonderful and I am sure that patients living in a deprived area deserve better services. But at what cost? How much did the building cost to build? Probably less than the £900,000 a year that the NHS now has to pay whether the building is used or not. These Private finance initiatives have been shown to be much more expensive than if the govt just paid for the building out of its own money. Tax payers will be left with a huge bill for years to come.
- Dr E.A.North, Sutton,Surrey
Gyms are very good for rehabilitation after surgery or illness. If you have these facilities in the local area, it means people won't have to wait for ages in A&E to receive minor treatment.
Sounds good to meet, and looks good, too.
- Rob, London, UK
I guess that should just cover all the migrant cases since Labour's UK open door policy.
- Mike, London England
A gym? Is this because people know they're likely to be waiting around for a couple hours?
- Marianne, SW France
