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Camden News by TOM FOOT
Published: 18 September 2008

Glenda Jackson

MP backs plans for polyclinic at the Royal Free

GLENDA Jackson has backed plans for a polyclinic in the Royal Free Hospital.
The Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate said the super surgery would help patients see a doctor faster and speed up waiting times in the hospital.
She said: “The government is proposing providing better services for patients and is running a series of polyclinic pilots. No existing practices will be closed down. I think it will ensure that patients see doctors earlier. We have large practices providing hospital services already in Camden.”
Health campaigners have raised fears that the north London polyclinic will be run by a private provider like UnitedHealth or Virgin and that services at local surgeries will be squeezed.
Ms Jackson added: “It is not about handing over services to anyone who would not be responsible to the PCT. The people providing the service are covered by the same standards that are attached to the PCT.”
Regan Scott, a political activist who lives in Hampstead, said: “We think traditional GP-based polyclinics in the community are all right – but we are worried it could open the door to a lot of other things. Local chemists are worried that, with the hospital becoming a foundation trust, they will be looking for all possible opportunities for profit.”
A public meeting in Hampstead about the north Camden polyclinic has been called on Wednesday at 7.30pm in Fleet Road community centre.
A representative from Camidoc will speak along with doctors and politicians contesting the Hampstead Town by-election.

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