Turning Point comment on polyclinics

    Commenting on today's discussion about polyclinics, Turning Point's Chief Executive, Victor Adebowale says:

    "We have always welcomed Lord Darzi's proposals to establish polyclinics, but it must be about more than just about putting doctors and other professionals in the same room: polyclinics will only be as good as their ability to be bespoke to the needs of the local community that they support. Specifically they must combine health and social care provision.

    "People in our poorest communities all too often have complex needs such as drug, alcohol and mental health problems. Their issues need to be tackled in an integrated way. If Primary Care Trusts are planning for the needs of their communities, then connecting people's care is vital as a sound way of investing the available money wisely. This can be done through polyclinics, as long as they embrace the idea of integrated care."

    For more information please contact:
    Steve Palmer
    Turning Point Press Officer
    020 7481 7639
    Out of hours 07786 938 601
    www.turning-point.co.uk

    Notes to editors:

    1. Turning Point is the UK's leading social care organisation: Turning Point provides services for people with complex needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems or those with a learning disability. Turning Point provides services in over 250 locations and has contact with over 100,000 people every year.

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