Supersurgeries may leave people far from health care - say Councillors (Garston and Halewood Liberal Democrats)

Garston and Halewood Liberal Democrats <info@garstonld.org.uk>

Supersurgeries may leave people far from health care - say Councillors

June 24, 2006 9:32 AM

Liberal Democrats Health Watchdog Liberal Democrat Councillors in South Liverpool are worried about health service plans to create "supersurgeries" for GPs in the City.

The idea is to group GPs in larger practices with more modern buildings and a wider range of services.

But the only way to have larger practices is for GPs in smaller ones to move.

In a speech to the Garston neighbourhood committee earlier this week (June 22nd) local health service representatives said the supersurgeries were likely to cover areas with around 20,000 people. Locations hadn't been chosen yet and the scheme was at a very early stage. There has however been some media coverage already - suggesting locations in Booker Avenue, Cressington and Childwall.

Councillors in South Liverpool however are worried that the plans would leave large parts of the area with a long way to travel to see a GP.

Cllr Paula Keaveney, who represents Speke and Garston and who is also deputy chair of the neighbourhood committee says:

"My worry is that a mother who needs to drop one, maybe two, children off at school, and then take another to the doctors, needs a GP near her. If you have no car you can end up finding it hard to get around with a small child. Particularly so in parts of Speke. If the only option is to do a long bus journey both ways, a visit to the GP which should be quick is going to be a logistical nightmare.

"I obviously want GPs to have the best facilities, but not at the price of leaving people on the edge of the city without a service. I'll be looking for ways that local services can be retained if the supersurgery scheme does go ahead".

The health service is starting a big public consultation on its ideas and wants as many people as possible to take part. Representatives will also be reporting back to a future meeting of the neighbourhood committee.