Nick Clegg speaks out against polyclinics in rural areas
June 10, 2008 2:02 PM
Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg has today spoken out against Polyclinics in communities that do not want them in a speech to The Kings Fund in Central London.
Nick Clegg said:
"Local consultations are being rushed through and there is a clear sense that GP-led health centres will be introduced [by the Government] irrespective of what local people say.
"Under our proposals these decisions would be made by Local Health Boards, in accordance with local opinion."
Local people are backing Lib Dem Stephen Kearney's campaign to save our doctor's surgeries and other local services. Gordon Brown's plans to impose 'Polyclinics' on our area would mean the loss of many smaller doctor's surgeries.
Each 'Polyclinic' would have up to 50,000 patients. Local people especially in rural areas would be left facing a long journey just to see a doctor.
Stephen Kearney said, "We have had a terrific response to our petition to protect doctor's surgeries and other vital local services. It's clear that Labour's 'Polyclinic' plans are wrong for a rural area like South Oxfordshire."
A report by The King's Fund has also undermined the case for 'Polyclinics' saying that "Patients outside cities could end up travelling longer distances for no improvement in care."
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