Super surgeries back on the agenda

Lord Darzi, who led a review of the NHS last year, announced that "polyclinics" are better suited to the nation's health needs.

Last June Warrington primary care trust backtracked on its plans to create five super surgeries in the town after thousands of people signed petitions against it.

In May 20,875 signed a petition which was handed to health bosses.

Shortly afterwards the PCT withdrew the plans for the surgeries.

The plans would have seen five "mini hospitals" across town which would house multiple GPs and nurses and be able to perform minor surgeries.

On Saturday Lord Darzi said that a change was due and polyclinics would provide the best service.

He said he is looking at starting the practices in London before rolling them out across the country.

But he came under attack from health unions, including the British Medical Association.

The BMA's chairman Dr Richard Vautrey denounced the system as "London-centric" and said it would undermine family doctors and GP practices.

The chief executive of Warrington PCT, Andrew Burgess, said: "Whilst we are closely monitoring the national debate regarding polyclinics, we continue to be committed to working closely with GPs and key clinical groups to develop the very best possible local health service for the people of Warrington.

"In terms of specific Warrington proposals, we will be consulting with the people of Warrington on plans to redevelop the Garven Place town centre site to better re-provide essential town wide services which are currently provided from a poor quality, aged building which is too small and has insufficient parking.

"Also, should the Orford Park Project progress we will be consulting with local people on plans to provide health services from the new development, which will be an integrated facility with education and leisure and will attract significant new investment into Warrington.

"We are also looking to expand and improve health service provision elsewhere in the town and where opportunities are identified, we will be consulting with the public at a very local level.

"These improvements will be specifically tailored to the needs of the local population within Warrington and are being developed in full partnership with local GPs and other clinical groups."