We do need polyclinics

2:20pm Friday 1st August 2008

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I WAS disappointed to read the letter last week from Ed Macalister Smith (Chief Executive Buckinghamshire PCT) in which he stated that polyclinics are for London only.

The current public furore over polyclinics is a perfect example of the British way - endlessly complain how bad things are but scream loudly when someone suggests a change.

This is nothing more than fear of the unknown. With experience of a polyclinic, I believe that their opening won't be a day too soon. Several years ago, when working abroad, I felt unwell.

After work, I went to my local polyclinic (yes - it was open in the evening, unlike my High Wycombe surgery where seeing my GP is out of the question other than by taking time off work, despite my being one of those contributing to his wages).

The doctor immediately diagnosed appendicitis and took me down the corridor to his colleague for a second opinion.

I spent the night there and was operated on in the morning.

I cannot imagine how such efficiency can be achieved in the NHS until polyclinics are implemented.

Adrian Waters, Alexandra Park, High Wycombe