NHS polyclinic consultation "is inadequate"

4.39.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Sep 2009

Liberal Democrats are questioning NHS Wandsworth's plans to establish three new polyclinics in Tooting, Earlsfield and Balham. The proposal is contained in a consultation document that they say has too much prescription and not enough diagnosis. "This consultation is inadequate," says local Chair Matthew Green. "There is no review of alternative ideas for investment, and the questionnaire would be a joke if the issue wasn't so serious. The local NHS needs to be more independent, less political, and better connected to local people."

In their response to the consultation, the Liberal Democrats say that they do not think that enough attention has been paid to the diversity of the area's needs. They are also concerned about the need for service continuity for patients with more complex needs, the need for community outpatient services following the closure of Bolingbroke Hospital, and the need for better coordination between hospitals and local GPs.

Nevertheless, they welcome the idea that more services should be moved from large hospitals to local health centres. "The problem comes if local doctors are either forced to move to the new polyclinics, or if there is underinvestment in their practices," says Matthew Green.

The proposal to develop the walk-in centre at St George's is also welcomed. This will suit many of the area's residents - those who are short-term residents or who have less complex needs. And it will help divert less serious cases from Accident & Emergency.

Related Links:

NHS Wandsworth "South Wandsworth" Consultation.

Full Liberal Democrat response.