Although there is a case for changing how some NHS services are provided in London, Government proposals do not build on the best aspects of the NHS, could result in damaging fragmentation and may not produce the predicted cost savings, or improvements in patient care, that the Government envisages, the BMA has warned in its response to Lord Ara Darzi’s review of healthcare in London.
Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of BMA Council said: “Despite the Government wishing to provide more care closer to home, it is likely that for most people in London, the polyclinic would actually be further away than their existing, local GP surgery. It would be much better to invest in existing GP services, and where necessary district general hospitals, rather than imposing costly, unproven polyclinics.”
The BMA’s response does recognise that patient care can be enhanced by moving some services away from hospital into the community and by centralising some aspects requiring more complex care. However, it states that these changes must be based on good evidence and decisions made in partnership with clinicians in both primary and secondary care, and in consultation with the public, to ensure patients are seen in the appropriate locations by appropriately skilled and qualified clinicians.
Dr Meldrum adds: “There is evidence that the centralisation of some services would benefit certain patients, for example trauma patients with significant injuries. However for other critically-ill patients, such as those with a severe asthma attack, anaphylactic shock or choking, there may be a detriment in having to travel significantly further for urgent care.”
