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29May08

POLYCLINICS THREAT TO GP SURGERIES

GP surgeries across Stretford and Urmston could face closure under Government plans to introduce large polyclinic health centres.

Parliamentary Candidate Mark Versallion said, "My concern is that this will lead to the closure of GP surgeries in Stretford and Urmston. Such a centralisation of health services will mean people will have to travel further and will be of greater inconvenience, particularly to the elderly and those with children. In contradiction to Government policy, this will make car travel more likely, not less."

The Government plans are based on the review conducted by Health Minister Lord Darzi, who said the new centres, if built, would take on around 50 per cent of services currently run by hospitals.

Councillor Versallion added, "There are further concerns, as revealed by the Health Secretary." Alan Johnson claimed Labour’s polyclinics will not lead to any GP practices being closed. However, if he is true to his word and does not close any existing GP practices, there will be a £1.4 billion hole in the Government’s finances.

If each of the 271 proposed new polyclinics is staffed with the 25 GPs recommended by Lord Darzi, staffing and overhead costs would be £1.66 billion a year, but Labour have only provided £250 million extra. The Government needs to find an additional £1.4 billion if no GP surgeries are to close.