18 April 2008
The NHS Confederation has called for common sense in the debate over plans to introduce polyclinics into the health service in England.
The proposal to create a network of community-based clinics is a central plank of the review of the future of the NHS by health minister Lord Darzi. The clinics would offer a range of services including diagnostic tests, minor surgery and general practice.
However, the confederation said the plan had generated surprising opposition – notably from patients' groups and the British Medical Association.
The confederation broadly backed the clinics but said they were not right for every area. Its report, Ideas from Darzi: polyclinics, says many criticisms are based on 'misconceptions'. For example, many people believe the polyclinics are designed to save money. But the driving force for the clinics is improved patient care, the confederation insisted.
Confederation policy director Nigel Edwards said polyclinics were based on best practice.
'We have been genuinely surprised to see the level of concern about these proposals among the health community and patient groups.
'What we need now is a calm and balanced debate about how to bring out the best in our primary care services,' he said.
However, he warned that hospitals should be given incentives to collaborate with polyclinics. Treatment in polyclinics would reduce hospitals' income, so mechanisms such as gain-sharing or transitional relief were needed to encourage their participation.
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