Move to push NHS services into community

The government has unveiled proposals aimed at providing health services closer to people's homes.

The new White Paper on improving community health and care services includes proposals to offer some hospital services, such as dermatology, ENT, orthopaedics and gynaecology, in communities.

Private companies could also offer some services, while a range of new 'super surgeries' would provide diagnostics, minor surgery, outpatient facilities, as well as access to social services, all in one location.

Health services could also be offered in other locations, such as supermarkets, in order to make them more convenient, under the proposals.

There would also be a focus on preventative services, such as regular health checks - dubbed 'health MoTs' - to assess lifestyle risks, which could lead to the development of diseases such as diabetes.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "During the consultation, the public told us that they wanted three things from community services: to have more control of their own health and care; to enable and support people to maintain their health, independence and well-being; and rapid and convenient access to high quality, cost effective care."

Ms Hewitt said that the proposals would "pave the way for many changes to the services people receive in the community". She said: "The plans will help people to access community services throughout all stages of their lives and in places and at times that suit them."

However, the British Medical Association warned that a lack of GPs could affect the plans, while the Conservatives said that community hospitals were continuing to close across the country.

The Liberal Democrats also expressed concerns that the health MoTs proposals would not be cost effective.

(KMcA)