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PCT second webchat

• Currently I have to call at 8.30am to book an appointment with a GP and often have to wait two days – taking time off work either in the morning or the afternoon to get an appointment. My understainding is the new arrangements would stop this. Is this r

  Yes - that's exactly what we want to see . Longer opening times and 7 day working. So that patients can access services locally and avoid having to go to hospital or wait for long periods - or having to take time off work. read more

• GPs seem against the plans. what do you say to them?

  Please remember that GPs are independent contractors and derive their living from the NHS. read more

• How much are we paying you for the pleasure of having you destroy our towns healthcare?

  We have not committed any resources to taking foward these plans to date. read more

• How much will the car park charges be?

  Free - it is important to us that patients who need health care services do not have to pay to park their care - or for their vistors or carers. read more

• This proposal will create a self-reproducing army of state employees, paid for by our NHS money.

  This is not the case. Please remember that all the people who work in hospitals, GP surgeries and clinics ae already paid for from tax payers money. read more

• When does the consultation end?

  9 May read more

• Would these plans be more possible if there were better public transport to get people around?Mr Blackwood, Sankey

  Yes. Public transport and car parking will be designed specifically for these new health centres in a way which didn't always happen for GP surgeries and clinics. Car parking will be free. read more

• What will happen to GP patient relationships?

  This will remain the same. We have invited all GPs to practise from the health centres with their current patient lists. read more

• What happens next? These plans seem to be universally unpopular. Is there a plan B or would that have to be drawn up?Perhaps it would have been more simple to have a list of options rather than one published as a fait accompli? friom Mrs Wilson, Orford

  We are proposing two pilot health centres in the town centre and at the new Orford Park development. We have land available at both sites. read more

• Could you please tell me when the next "lively debate" is to take place at the Parr Hall.

  1 May. Look for details here in the Guardian In response to public feedback we have offered to have a short debate with a representative from the Warrington GP community prior to questions and answers. read more

• Before the PCT came up with this super surgery idea or vision, which clinicians were consulted and how many different ideas to improve Warrington's health care provision were formulated before you settled on this one?

  The PCT has been considering for some time how it best delivers health care services. Our own Community Services Unit, which has 900 staff, has considered carefully how it can best serve the people of the town. We also conducted a public opinion poll in 2005 through MORI to tell us what people wanted. read more

• Do you think the health service can afford to keep going as it is – given that people are living much longer and needing more services? from Chris, Padgate

  I don't think the way we currently deliver health care represents best value for money. We think we can get more health services for our money by providing a greater range of services in primary care and from fewer locations. read more

• Do you have any evidence of support for your ideas? Everyone I’ve spoke to has said its stupid, including doctors.

  Health care is delivered in different ways across the UK and rest of the world. There are a number of places which deliver a wider range of services and longer opening hours than we do. read more

• This proposal, as it stands, has all the makings of the junior doctors interview fiasco.

  This has nothing to do with junior doctor interviews. read more

• Who is this John Garside? I don’t recall voting for him. Why are our elected representatives not involved? They can be held to account.

  John Gartside is the PCT Chairman and ex leader of the Council. Parliament have given PCTs the task of managing their local health economies and that's what we are doing through this consultation exercise. read more

• If he is so confident that this is what the people of Warrington want for primary care, why not hold a referendum asking ‘ Do you want to keep your present healthcare centre or go for the new primary care strategy?’

  This is a public consultation exercise and we are actively seeking people's views. The issues can be quite complex which is why we are holding meetings to discuss them. read more

• Are some GPs right in saying that the future of health care in Warrington is playing second fiddle to men in suits wantying to make a name for themselfs by doing something radical, evdn if it is not best for the town?

  No read more

• The proposed new health centres, with single point of access, will result in hospital like waiting times, where the 4 hour minimum is a joke.

  One major aim in this proposal is to offer patients quicker access to services and treatment. The 4 hour wait you refer to relates to Accident & Emergency services. One of the reasons A&E is so busy is that 50% of people attending have not contacted their GP. If surgeries were open longer more people would consider that first where the nature of their condition is not serious and requiring immediate attention. read more

• What would you say to accusations from GPs that the current PCT board is not qualified to impose this vision because of it's lack of local and medical knowledge?

  The Board is made up of local people. They have access to medical advice from a range of sources including the Chair of the Professional executive Committee who is a local GP. read more

• If you haven’t got any people in favour, will you stick to your word and abandon the plans?

  This is a genuine public consultation and our Board will consider carefully the public response. If there is no support for any of the health centres they will not go ahead. read more

On this day: Football | Other Sport | Books | Bowls | CD Reviews | Live music | Latchford news | Latest news | Lymm, Thelwall & Grappenhall | Stockton Heath, Appleton & villages | Orford, Woolston, Padgate & Longford | Callands, Westbrook, Burtonwood & Winwick | Penketh & Great Sankey | Birchwood, Culcheth & Croft | Angling | Rugby Union | Amateur Rugby League | Warrington Town FC | Theatre & arts | Cinema & DVDs | CK:TV | Points of view | Sir Mick... the Guru | Newton | paulwood | The week that was | Bike Blog | PCT second webchat | Birthdays In Memoriam | 21st Birthday | 18th Birthday | Acknowledgements | Births | Birthdays | Silver | In Memoriam | Obituaries