‘Involvement’ call for £68m health hub plan
ESTABLISHING 19 health and social care “hubs” across Wales will help to address some of the challenges facing general practice, it is claimed.
But leading medical unions and organisations say clinicians need to be heavily involved in their design so they deliver the best care possible for patients.
Last week the Welsh Government announced a £68m investment in new health and care centres across Wales by 2021.
It was described as “the biggest targeted investment in primary and community care infrastructure” since health was devolved to Wales.
A number of new buildings will be created as part of the deal and some existing sites will also be refurbished.
Health boards will be urged to work with local authorities, housing associations and charities to bring a range of services into the hubs.
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “People in the 21st century expect to be treated in modern, advanced healthcare centres that deliver a wide range of services under one roof. We agree and by targeting investment in this way it is hoped that opportunities for delivering service change can be delivered upon.
“We’re funding the future of healthcare in Wales and the pipeline of projects will make a significant difference to the care people receive in their communities.”
While the announcement has been welcomed, Dr Charlotte Jones, chairwoman of the General Practitioners Committee Wales, said members had been kept in the dark over the design of such a vast NHS project.
She said: “GPC Wales is keen to hear more detail about plans to deliver 19 new integrated health and care centres across Wales.
“We would particularly welcome information regarding the allocation of funding and how the distribution of projects has been decided upon. While we welcome improving access to services closer to people’s homes, it’s difficult to assess the impact this will have without knowing the intricacies of how it will work.
“It’s concerning to us that the initial reaction from Local Medical Committees (LMC) members suggests that they haven’t been involved in the design of the scheme. It’s vital local clinicians, who understand the needs of the local community, are involved in service design to ensure patients receive the services they deserve.
“As part of the work to improve access to local services, investment is needed to ensure the GP estate is fit for purpose.”
Dr Rebecca Payne, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners in Wales, said: “Our initial impression is that this investment is a positive step towards that.
“General practice is facing increasing demand due to an ageing population with more multiple long-term conditions.
“As more care will be delivered within the community closer to people’s homes, this demand is only set to increase. It is essential that we ensure GP surgeries are fit for purpose.”