Plans under way for GP access centre

12:42pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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HEALTH managers have a month to come up with firm proposals for providing a facility which will allow Herefordshire people walk-in access to a GP from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

It is likely they will decide on a central health centre as a base but which services – and how they are provided – is up for debate.

Herefordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has to comply with government orders that at least 150 GP-led health centres must be established to improve primary care across the country.

It has already told the Strategic Health Authority that it will be ready to deliver a centre by December and phased implementation from next January.

Some idea of how it can do this has to be ready by May 16 and consultations have been on going with GPs and health, social, private and volunteer groups across the county for some weeks.

In a statement this week, the PCT said it was keen to develop the new service in a way which maximised the benefits to Herefordshire patients, while at the same time adding to the primary care services that already existed within the county.

The PCT will have to link up its new proposals with out-of-hours arrangements and the fact that, under a new agreement, up to 50% of GP surgeries will remain open for longer hours.

“We are at the very beginning of this development and are keen to talk to local people, GPs and other service providers about the opportunities it could bring. “Herefordshire has different challenges than many other areas and we need input from local people to ensure that the outcome meets those challenges,” said Euan MacPherson, programme manager for the PCT.

There was concern from GP practices over the proposal and care had to be taken not to undermine the extremely good health care already being provided, he added.

The PCT is keen to hear views from anyone about the new development and is willing for a member of the programme team to talk to groups or associations about it. Anyone interested can call 01432 344344 ext 3810.