Polyclinic pros

Kailash Chand (Response, June 11) raises concerns that patients will lose personalised GP care. This is not the case. We believe it's important that any new polyclinic model ensures continuity of care, and there's no reason why the GP-patient relationship can't be maintained. Patients should still expect to see their own GP as they do now. He also raises concerns that patients will have to travel further to see a doctor. Polyclinics may have little impact on travel and we expect the vast majority of Londoners to remain within walking distance of a GP. Patients would also spend less time travelling to hospital for simple blood tests and other diagnostic and outpatient appointments. Working with GPs and local communities, we will provide more convenient opening hours and a wider range of services closer to home for Londoners.
David Sissling
Programme director, Healthcare for London

Today's best video

Today in pictures