First 'super surgery' launched

Friday, 26 November 2004 11:46 AM

The first of the so-called 'super surgeries' offering both GP and hospital services has opened its doors in east London.

Newham surgery will offer dental, GP, pharmacy, cardiac and x-ray facilities as well as access to health visitors and pathology services.

It is part of a £1 billion investment programme - around 60 per cent of which is provided by the private sector - to provide integrated primary health care facilities across the country. The initial projects have been concentrated on the most deprived areas.

Speaking at the launch, Health Secretary John Reid, said: "This Government is determined to tackle health inequalities. These surgeries target new resources to the poorest communities.

"These new super surgeries will provide some of the most modern family doctor facilities anywhere in the country. NHS patients will be able to access a wide range of services right on their doorsteps, all under one roof.

"The fantastic new facilities will also help attract some of the finest GPs to Britain's deprived areas where they are most needed."

Chairman of the Patients Association, Michael Summers, said: "A one-stop centre for total health care will be more convenient for patients, particularly elderly patients and those with long term medical conditions.

"We are extremely pleased that these centres are being set up in some of the most deprived areas in England."

The next opening is expected in Barnsley before the end of the year, before more centres come on track in 2005. There are 42 such projects in operation, with the first wave of centres (announced in 2001) expected to be completed first. These include centres in Newcastle, Manchester and Camden.

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