Support NHS General Practice

Audlem Medical Practice write: "The Government's plans to change the way in which GP services are provided will put at risk the comprehensive, high-quality patient care that your local surgery provides.

"Most NHS GP Practices are independently run by local GPs on behalf of their patients. However, the Government is now encouraging commercial companies to run GP surgeries. These companies are accountable firstly to shareholders not patients. Commercial companies are likely to be offered short-term contracts. This could lead to a higher turnover of doctors who may not know you and your long-term health needs. This is bad for patients.

Polyclinics

"The Government plans to introduce up to 250 large new health centres – often called polyclinics – across England instead of funding extra services in local surgeries. Polyclinics are very expensive to develop and run and there is no evidence they are needed in many areas. These health centres may contain up to 25 GPs, and we are worried that patients may lose the personal relationship they usually have with their current family doctor.

"As a result of these changes we are concerned that many local surgeries may not survive. We believe NHS funds would be better spent on expanding the high quality services at your own local GP Surgery. Why are we so worried?

We want you to be treated by GPs who see you as patients, not customers.

We want the Government to:

• Improve services to patients by further investment in existing GP Surgeries and not waste money on unwanted polyclinics

• Halt its plans to encourage commercial companies to run GP surgeries.

"Support your local surgery by signing the NHS General Practice 60th Birthday card petition."

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