Fears over the end of family docs

lil eva · Fears over the end of family docs

The era of local family doctors is under threat as a fifth of GP surgeries face closure, it has been claimed.

Government proposals for creating large-scale "polyclinics" will result in 1,700 practices shutting down, according to analysis by the Tories.

Their place will be taken by super-surgeries housing up to 25 GPs, with longer opening hours, facilities for minor operations, and on-site pharmacies.

Ministers have hailed the plans as the future of healthcare, but opponents fear it will spell the end for the traditional doctor-patient relationship.

People could also end up travelling far greater distances for their medical appointments - particularly difficult for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

David Cameron will deliver a speech to the King's Fund on Monday, insisting that the traditional GP surgery is at risk, and only the Conservatives will save it.

There are 8,261 GP practices in England, including 1,546 in the capital.

Tory research, based on Department of Health estimates, shows that 1,701 surgeries in England face closure. Some 1,091 in London may go - nearly three-quarters of the total. In the rest of the country, 609 - almost one in 10 - could close in the next few years. The figures are based on the average number
of GPs per practice in each primary care trust, and assumes each polyclinic will be staffed by 25 GPs.

The Department of Health said it was investing an extra £250 million to establish new primary care services in GP-run health centres and practices.

"These new health centres are designed to provide additional access to primary care, 8am to 8pm, seven days a week - not just GP services but a range of other services such as pharmacy and diagnostic services," a spokeswoman said.

lil eva

I have mixed feelings about this one

It will be difficult for some people to get to these surgeries,but if it means that you can get an appointment to be seen quicker,it can only benefit the patients.
I think that the days when your doctor knew you from being small has long gone in many areas,so really this shouldn't be an issue.