First Darzi to face closure

Released 17/08/2010

GPs argue its “cheaper than neighbouring practices”

GPs at the first Darzi centre to be threatened with closure by a PCT looking to save money are fighting to stay open, insisting their service is cheaper than other local GP practices, reports Pulse.

NHS Peterborough has launched a public consultation on the future of the Alma Road Primary Care Centre, run by GP-led company 3Well Medical, and hopes to close the practice in January, in a move it estimates will save £800,000.

Although PCT managers plan to terminate the centre's APMS contract under a ‘no cause' clause, they have also cited poor levels of registration amongst patients as a cause for concern. It had aimed to register 1,500 patients by April this year, but had recruited just 736 patients by the start of August.

GPs at the centre claim to be the victims of short-sighted cost-cutting, as the PCT struggles to tackle a £12.8 million deficit.

Dr Rupert Bankart, GP and medical director at the centre, told Pulse the GP-led health centre provided care for its registered patients at "two thirds or less" the cost of neighbouring practices.

He commented: "Peterborough PCT have got themselves £12.8 million in debt at the end of 09-10. If they want a quick action, then it's the APMS with the ‘no cause' clause that can be cut and they can be seen to be doing something."

"If you remove us, it's a bit like stripping out your loft insulation and selling it on Ebay in order to save some money. It's not going to work."

Dr Bankart said the centre was "exploring options" to appeal against any decision based on the consultation in the light of the Department of Health's recent report on service redesign.

Paul Whiteside, interim director of strategic change at NHS Peterborough, confirmed the cost per registered patient at the GP-led health centre was cheaper than the £79 per head average in Peterborough, but declined to give an exact figure.

Source: Pulse

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