Rats the way to do it...

Released 27/02/2009

by Matt Jane

With GP health centres threatening to lure away staff and patients, Matthew Jane suggests you should be prepared to act

UB40 once sang "There's a rat in the kitchen, what you gonna do" - admittedly not a position anybody would ideally like to be in. There are two options in this situation: you either try to catch the rat once you discover it's presence, or pre-emptively ensure your kitchen is spotlessly clean to avoid an infestation.

News emerged this week about the potential ‘rat' in the kitchen for general practices. The first new GP-led health centre, which opened in Bradford, has been luring patients and staff from neighbouring practices. The Hillside Bridge Healthcare Centre registered 198 new patients in the first two months, with 86 moving from local practices.

The introduction of the centre, one of 150 which will be opened across the UK, was planned to be the solution to the problem of an under-doctored area. It was supposed to give patients who struggled to find a GP another option and another route to healthcare.

As it turns out though, it has proved a tempting offer for those already catered for. The fact that members of staff have been similarly seduced by the shiny new health centre could prove quite a worry for general practices. Like the Three Billy Goats Gruff, the grass could potentially seem greener in the next valley.

It should prove a catalyst for you to consider how you present your practice. Are you providing staff with as much support and opportunities for career development as possible? Are patients aware of all the good work you do, the extra clinics you offer and the friendly and helpful service you provide?

Competition is arguably a good thing. It should keep us on our toes and keep pushing us forward. It shouldn't be something to be feared, as long as you are aware of the situation and put procedures in place to ensure you cope with the dangers, you should have nothing to worry about.

So, if there is a health centre heading your way there are two choices - wait for it to establish and then try to deal with it, or be pre-emptive and get your promotional wheels in motion. What are you gonna do?

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