PCT leaders claim number of GPs could actually increase

The delivery of high quality, accessible care to all our residents is the single most important element of our overall vision for improving health and reducing inequalities in health in Haringey.

While there are some excellent examples of GP practices, we know that many people are frustrated with access to GP services and this needs to change.

We are proposing to make it much easier to see a GP, over extended hours and in better facilities.

This is not about closing surgeries or reducing the number of GPs in Haringey; in fact, the number of GPs could increase.

Rather it looks at reducing the number of locations from which primary care services are currently provided and relocating some surgeries into improved premises.

This is also about reducing inequalities in health to provide improved care and clinical outcomes, especially in the east of Haringey where life expectancy is particularly lower.

Male life expectancy is nearly eight years lower in Bruce Grove (70.5 years) than in Muswell Hill (78.2 years) and our proposals aim to close this gap.

We want to see a greater range of services in primary and community settings, provided from high quality appropriate facilities, for longer hours, with good quality clinical outcomes.

We want better co-ordinated and more convenient care for patients; we don't believe this is achievable across all existing practices, operating from their current premises.

As part of our planning, we are looking closely at any impact on travel which will inform where we finally decide to locate services.

We are committed to ensuring that the GP/patient relationship is retained in any future model of care.

The PCT will continue to engage our local community and clinicians and any changes will follow appropriate local consultation.

Richard Sumray

Haringey Teaching PCT chair

Mayur Gor

Haringey Teaching PCT PEC chair

Tracey Baldwin

Haringey Teaching PCT chief executive