1 in 5 GP surgeries to close
As supermarkets and big business move into providing GP services will traditional surgeries go the way of the local post office and corner shop? A recent article in the Independent newspaper (Sunday, 20 April 2008) highlighted current fears, which we share, for the future of traditional Family Practice if the Governments plans go ahead.
An analysis of NHS plans reveal that one in five GP surgeries in England is set to close,
threatening to end the era of a family doctor in every neighbourhood, “The Government insists (that their plans for large polyclinics) would create more choice for pa-
tients ... but critics say those with chronic conditions who need to visit their GPs more often than the typical patient want the continuity of seeing the same family doctor.”
Read the full article on-line at
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/struck-off-one-in-five-surgeries -faces-closure-812177.html
Thursday, 24 April 2008