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Proceeding contribution from Nadine Dorries (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 23 April 2008. It occurred during Opposition day on Family Doctor Services.


Family Doctor Services

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The polyclinics will take off in the areas of higher social deprivation where, because of the transient nature of those who will work in those polyclinics and the problems in various hospitals, such as Peterborough, we will see a lesser service on offer rather than a better one. GPs who can combine—like those in the example from Macclesfield that we were given—will do so if it is what the community wants, desires and needs. If it is cost-effective and serves the community better, nothing stops GPs getting together now to provide such services. Many GP practices already do that so there is no barrier to the essence of a polyclinic; GPs can provide that service if their patients need it. I hope that the Minister will clarify those services that a polyclinic will provide better to a community than those that GPs have the freedom to provide now. What is this magic bullet represented by a polyclinic? What will it do that GPs cannot do today?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
474 c1344 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Contracts Finance General practitioners NHS Patients Primary care Public participation Standards Health centres Treatment centres
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk