GPs launch ‘care in the community’ consultation

GPs in Redbridge want your views on plans to move health care out of hospitals and into people’s homes.

Three so-called community rehabilitation units - which provide intermediate care, often needed by older people in recovery - in Wanstead, Goodmayes and Dagenham would be consolidated into one centre on the King George Hospital site, under the plans being outlined by GP leaders.

Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Havering think some of the services provided by these units, such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation, could be better delivered in a more cost effective way in the community.

GP Dr Gurdev Saini, chair of the intermediate care steering committee for the group of CCGs, said the current system resulted in “duplication of resources”.

“We have got limited resources,” he said.

“And we’ve had duplication of those resources. The new approach will be cost beneficial and patients will get better care.”

Redbridge CCG’s clinical director for integrated care Dr Mehul Methukia added:“We are suggesting these changes in order to make services better.

“We’ve known for a long time that too many people – especially older people – are staying for too long in hospital and community beds and this makes it harder for them to return home and live independently again.”

Drop-in sessions on the consultation, and attended by GPs, are being held at Redbridge Central Library on July 31 between 4-7pm, Romford Central Library on August 21 at the same time and in Barking Learning Centre September 11 between 4-7pm.

The consultation closes on October 1. Visit redbridgeccg.nhs.uk/intermediatecare to have your say.