GPs to set up surgeries in supermarkets

The government has invited retail chains to provide GP services in deprived areas.

The Department of Health wants alternative providers to come forward with innovative solutions. Ministers hope that retail chains, including Tesco, Virgin and Boots, will bid to run GP surgeries on behalf of the NHS that would offer more flexible hours to suit people who work during normal surgery hours. They would be expected to team up with existing GPs to provide the new surgeries and walk-in centres in supermarkets or shopping centres, which would include minor injuries units.

The ‘Fairness in Primary Care Procurement’ programme, launched on 19 March by Patricia Hewitt, the Health Secretary, is intended to provide patients with better access to a family doctor and more choice of GP, including flexible opening hours and extended services, such as minor surgery.

The aim is to encourage entrepreneurial GPs, as well as social enterprises and corporate independent providers to create new surgeries. They could also deal with minor injuries, smoking cessation, extended minor surgery, contraception implants, drug misuse, care for the homeless, sexual health services and physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Hewitt plans GP surgeries in supermarkets, Daily Telegraph, 19 March 2007