Press release: PCT network comments on Healthcare for London Polyclinics announcement

12 Sep 2008

Commenting on the plans, David Stout, director of the NHS Confederation's PCT Network, said:

"There are real challenges for the delivery of healthcare in a large and complex city like London. Primary care trusts in London have rightly been looking at their primary care services, taking into account local circumstances, and finding out what local people want. The polyclinic model should improve the quality of care in the capital, offering extended opening hours, and better access to diagnostic tests.

"Of course we do not want to see a one size fits all approach rolled out across the country; what works for these areas in London won't necessarily work everywhere else.  Polyclinics need to build on what is best in general practice at a local level, and involve the public and clinicians in decisions about local services."

Notes for editors

The PCT Network represents the vast majority of primary care trusts in England. It was established in December 2006 to provide a distinct voice for PCTs. The Network is part of the NHS Confederation;

The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.

Contact details

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