This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/7491954.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Polyclinics 'not a threat' to GPs Polyclinics 'not a threat' to GPs
(about 2 hours later)
No GP surgeries will close due to the introduction of polyclinics, the government's health minister has said.No GP surgeries will close due to the introduction of polyclinics, the government's health minister has said.
Lord Darzi said no practices would be forced to shut due to the 150 new centres which will house doctors alongside other medical staff.Lord Darzi said no practices would be forced to shut due to the 150 new centres which will house doctors alongside other medical staff.
He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "This is additional money, this is not replacing current practices." He told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "This is additional money, this is not replacing current practices."
The Conservatives and some GPs have warned the larger clinics could threaten smaller GP practices.The Conservatives and some GPs have warned the larger clinics could threaten smaller GP practices.
'Extended access''Extended access'
Lord Darzi said: "We want patients to have the choice. Patients are telling us they want better access. These centres will open eight to eight, seven days a week.Lord Darzi said: "We want patients to have the choice. Patients are telling us they want better access. These centres will open eight to eight, seven days a week.
"Is there anything wrong with being able to access your GP on a Saturday or a Sunday? You don't have to change your registration. You can still stay with your GP.""Is there anything wrong with being able to access your GP on a Saturday or a Sunday? You don't have to change your registration. You can still stay with your GP."
Under the £250m plans, every English Primary Care Trust (PCT) will have its own GP-led polyclinic.Under the £250m plans, every English Primary Care Trust (PCT) will have its own GP-led polyclinic.
But the British Medical Association has warned the plans will depersonalise care and the Tories have claimed up to 1,700 surgeries could be at risk.But the British Medical Association has warned the plans will depersonalise care and the Tories have claimed up to 1,700 surgeries could be at risk.
Critics have also claimed the new clinics will be imposed on areas where there is no need for them and that the money could be better spent by local PCTs.Critics have also claimed the new clinics will be imposed on areas where there is no need for them and that the money could be better spent by local PCTs.