John Denham has been reassured by the local Primary Care Trust (PCT) that no GP practices will close as a result of the development of ‘polyclinics’.

Mr Denham met PCT Chief Brian Skinner after he was told that local doctors were asking patients to sign a petition against polyclinics because their local practice might close.

Mr Denham said “I would like to reassure patients who might have been worried by the petition.

“Polyclinics bring together a range of different health services on one site, including GPs, nurses, dentists and a range of outpatient tests and services that used to be available only in big hospitals.  There is nothing to stop a patient attending a polyclinic from time-to-time , if that is more convenient, but still remain registered with their own GP.

“Southampton already has – to all intents and purposes – a polyclinic on the RSH site in the city centre.  A second is planned for the west of the city on the Western Hospital site.

“The PCT has told me it sees no reason why any GP practice should close as a result of these developments.”