GP leader outlines alternative to polyclinics
20.02.08
The doctor-patient relationship and continuity of healthcare could
be sacrificed to make way for ‘Martini’ healthcare – any time,
anywhere, any doctor - if proposals for polyclinics go ahead.
This is the warning from RCGP Chairman
Professor Steve Field in a speech to the NHS Confederation today
(20 February).
While the RCGP is not totally opposed to the
concept of polyclinics – and thinks they would work well in some
areas of the country – Professor Field will outline why the
College’s own proposal of “federated” general practice is the best
solution for improving patient care as opposed to a
one-size-fits-all approach.
Under RCGP plans, several GP practices would
work together in partnership or federations to deliver a wider
range of services where patients want them – closer to their homes
- by healthcare professionals they know and trust. GPs would have
greater access to scans and x-rays meaning patients would be sent
to hospital only when absolutely necessary.
Professor Field will tell delegates: “Some of
our inner city areas might benefit from a super surgery or
polyclinic but older people and patients who suffer from several
conditions at once – those who rely on their local practice - do
not want to see a different person for every appointment or keep
having to repeat their medical history and circumstances every time
they see a different health professional.
“Unfortunately, the polyclinic or super
surgery idea as it stands plays down the importance of general
practice in favour of Martini healthcare, which is fine for people
who only need to see a doctor occasionally and are otherwise
healthy and able-bodied but will be a very different story for more
vulnerable patients who need their GP.
“General practice acts as a safety valve and
safety net – we provide lifelong care and never discharge
patients. We believe that our federated model is the best
solution for delivering better care for patients in the future. It
provides the benefits of polyclinics while preserving that
important relationship between GP and patient and ensuring
continuation and co-ordination of care.
“General practice is the most effective – and
cost effective – arm of the NHS and we should be building on its
success rather than trying to destroy it. General practice is the
solution to a thriving NHS of the future, not the problem.”
Ends
Press contact: RCGP Press Office, press@rcgp.org.uk 0207 344 3137,
3136, 3135, 3129
Notes to editors
1. The RCGP is publishing a series of
factsheets on Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS. The first
concentrates on polyclinics
and the RCGP federated model of care the second looks at the
cost
effectiveness of quality patient care
2. The RCGP recently published
The Future of General Practice: A Roadmap which lays out its
plans for federated models of care within general practice.
The document can be found on the RCGP homepage.
3. Professor Field will be available for
interviews after his presentation – please contact the RCGP Press
Office to arrange.
4. Professor Field’s presentation will be
available from the RCGP Press Office press@rcgp.org.uk
The Royal College of General Practitioners is
a network of over 34,000 family doctors working to improve care for
patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards
of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on
education, training, research and clinical standards.