Polyclinics will be the most radical change in the NHS for over 60 years. In London a network of 150 polyclinics are planned. These clinics will be equipped with x-rays, ultrasound etc and will carry out as much as 50% of the outpatients clinics done at the Hospital. The concept was introduced by the new Health Minister, Sir Ara Dazi.

The announcement has been met with mixed reception. Prof. Bosanquet said it will lead to a complete gridlock in the Capital’s Health Service. Andrew Langley, the Conservative Spokesman, said that there are area where GP services are weak and a polyclinic will deliver better Community access to care. He also stated that there are areas where GP services are strong and that there was no case for shutting down hundreds of local GP surgeries.

Some argue that as the Hospital role changes, local hospitals doing routine work and acute hospitals doing specialised cases and trauma, patients will expect longer journeys for care especially emergency care and could threaten lives.

So is it a good idea? You decide.

The Super-structures will combine GPs, dentists, podiatrists and other specialists under one roof. It is hoped that this will reduce the time waiting for hospital appointments. Richard Vautrey of the BMA is worried about the loss of the Medical Generalists (GPs) and doctors would no longer provide the holistic and generalised service that patients value.

In the “Dr. Findlay” days, the family doctor was respected for his personal and continuous care. Is it the same today? With the introduction of the 24 hours access to GPs, you cannot book to see your GP in advance and when you make an appointment, you can only see the doctors available. One lady said she was lucky if she saw the same doctor twice. In addition, if you need a doctor out of working hours, you will not be seeing your own doctor. He is off duty.

The days of the family doctor that follows your progress from the cradle to the grave is long gone. But are polyclinics the right fit?

Dr. Phil Hariram