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GPs criticise plans for new health centre
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| Dr Robert Upshall says the new centre will suck the lifeblood from existing practices |
TWO family doctors have strongly criticised Government plans to impose a new kind of health centre in a North-East town which they say is already well served by GPs.
Darlington GPs Drs Robert Upshall and Ahmet Fuat argue that a new health centre which is likely to be based at the existing NHS walk-in treatment centre in King Street is unnecessary, a waste of public money and a threat to existing practices.
"This new centre will suck the lifeblood from existing practices," said Dr Upshall, senior partner at the Whinfield Medical Practice.
"If it is successful it risks destabilising existing practices and if it is not successful it will be a monumental waste of money," he added.
Another Darlington GP, Dr Ahmet Fuat, said: "I am not convinced that this new health centre is needed. Darlington already has 11 established GP practices which are performing well. The money should be invested in the existing surgeries."
The move is part of a £40m wave of new health centres ordered by Health Minister Lord Ara Darzi to improve access to NHS primary care services, particularly in areas of poor health.
Dr Upshall said the plan - currently subject to public consultation - was a solution looking for a problem and would disrupt continuity of care.
The two GPs also argue that the new centre is likely to be run by a private health company employing salaried doctors.
Darlington PCT's head of planning, Lou Okello said: "Clearly the public are demanding greater access to primary care both in terms of the range of services offered and their ability to access them.
"Some GPs in the town see there is a real opportunity for joint working with the new centre and the tendering process is open to all doctors.
"The centre will provide residents and visitors with walk-in or bookable appointments. There is no need to register, though patients can if they wish.
"It will provide much better access for people who find it difficult to make appointments during surgery hours."
A Department of Health spokesman said: "The proposed new health centres are not intended to replace existing healthcare services but should be seen as a welcome complement to the services already provided by GP practices."
2:15am Wednesday 21st May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Peter Dolan, Newton Aycliffe on 8:32am Wed 21 May 08
Well New Labour has wrecked the countries education system now it wants to start on the health of the country. Its all right putting all these extra services into GP surgeries but its increasing the work of the GP and lowering the standard of treatment offered to the patient, lets go back to the time when a GP was a family doctor and knew you when you went to the surgery, all you get these days is an offer of the next one that is free.
Well New Labour has wrecked the countries education system now it wants to start on the health of the country. Its all right putting all these extra services into GP surgeries but its increasing the work of the GP and lowering the standard of treatment offered to the patient, lets go back to the time when a GP was a family doctor and knew you when you went to the surgery, all you get these days is an offer of the next one that is free.
Posted by: Sandra Longstaff on 11:02am Wed 21 May 08
Do you not think that these centres could be a good thing. If used properly they could be a back up to busy Doctors Surgeries. We will then be able to access all types of services if needed, and we will not have to wait for days for an appointment at the doctors because they are fully booked.
Do you not think that these centres could be a good thing. If used properly they could be a back up to busy Doctors Surgeries. We will then be able to access all types of services if needed, and we will not have to wait for days for an appointment at the doctors because they are fully booked.
Posted by: William Wennington, Marske by the Sea on 11:44am Sat 24 May 08
This is yet another move towards the privatisation of health care and has 'imported from America' written all over it. Since 1997 we have had the most right wing Government in my memory, ( born 1943 ). The National Health Service that I grew up with was once said to be 'safe in the hands of the Labour Party' latterly they have rested on the disingenuous phrase that health care remains free 'at the point of delivery'. The reality is that health care is being progressively privatised by stealth. Private companies are being paid directly from general taxation to take over health care provision. Of-course, as with all private enterprise, their motivation is based upon profit. Similarly, the provision of state education as we have know it is being stealthily eroded with every teacher now having to register with the Institute of Learning a body also financed through our taxes. Why else do we have the highest taxation levels in Europe?
This is yet another move towards the privatisation of health care and has 'imported from America' written all over it. Since 1997 we have had the most right wing Government in my memory, ( born 1943 ). The National Health Service that I grew up with was once said to be 'safe in the hands of the Labour Party' latterly they have rested on the disingenuous phrase that health care remains free 'at the point of delivery'. The reality is that health care is being progressively privatised by stealth. Private companies are being paid directly from general taxation to take over health care provision. Of-course, as with all private enterprise, their motivation is based upon profit. Similarly, the provision of state education as we have know it is being stealthily eroded with every teacher now having to register with the Institute of Learning a body also financed through our taxes. Why else do we have the highest taxation levels in Europe?
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