SMALL family GP surgeries would be phased out under a planned government shake-up.
Practices based around one or two doctors look set to be replaced with super-surgeries housing at least 10 doctors.
It has been claimed The Department of Health's new model for primary care would see the number of practices reduced by more than 80 per cent from nearly 10,000 to just 1,800.
But the move has been condemned by local GPs who fear the move will destroy the patient-doctor relationship and instead provide a "shopping mall" type of health care.
The plans to replace single GPs with a system of walk-in centres, super-surgeries and specialist units were outlined at a conference organised by the NHS Modernisation Agency - the body responsible for health service reforms.
Inquiry
Although the government has no stated policy of moving away from smaller practices, officials have indicated that the move is favoured by ministers following the findings of the Shipman Inquiry.
But Dame Janet Smith, chair of the Shipman Inquiry, criticised the phasing out of small surgeries when she looked at whether the Hyde GP's isolation had helped his murders remain undetected.
Her call has been echoed by a regional representative of the British Medical Association, who works as a GP in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Dr Kailash Chand said: "Such a restructuring would end the family doctor school of medicine - in which a local doctor served his community much like the butcher, baker or priest.
"Denuding towns and communities of their GPs is a form of cultural vandalism. Where will people turn if they want to see a doctor they know and trust?"
What do you think of the introduction of 'super surgeries'? Have your say.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
I had a doctor in north
I have fond memories of my old Dr back home in N Manchester. His office was attatched to his home, where he sat behind his big desk & talked to you like a human being ! I can remember him telling me he'd seen me in the pub & drinking & smoking & overdoing things. He gave me a good talking to ! He told me he himself had'nt long to live due to over indulgance.
He would spend time with me ! Giving me confidence in myself & letting me know that he was always there for me should i have any troubles in my life . He spoke words of wisdom & encouragement .
The North American Drs office visit is a real assembly line - mostly in & out in a flash, iv'e been reminded more than once that this is a business we run here - i don't have time for to much talk !
What a sad state of affairs !
I think we need to recognize that we are our own Dr's .
If we are in touch with our own bodies & listen & pay attention to our lifestyles & habits we will be better able to keep healthy !
This new era we live in with toxic air & global warming & junk food & stresss & unhealthy living is what we need to change !
Today's Drs are just keeping sick people coping with the reality of a sick world !
Look after yourselves !!