Plans for more care centres in the community have been unveiled by Surrey Primary Care Trust which hopes fewer people will be treated in hospital casualty departments.

The PCT inherited £25million in debts on its formation on October 1 and two out of five accident and emergency units in Surrey are earmarked for closure.

As part of its programme, Creating an NHS Fit for the Future, the PCT wants future health services to be provided closer to people's homes.

Programme director Jill King said minor hernia operations could be carried out within GP practices, rather than in hospitals. "Healthcare is changing along with the way we deliver health services," she said.

"As care shifts away from the traditional hospital setting, we will need fewer hospitals delivering emergency and critical care services.

"We want to offer more care in the community, through additional services in health centres and GP practices and by offering more hospital outpatient services within the community.

"The consultation we are working towards is not just about A&E services, it is about redesigning the way we deliver healthcare in Surrey at all levels."

The PCT is developing Urgent Care Centres across the county, to bring together many services under one roof.

GP, Dr Liz Lawn said: "We anticipate at least 60 per cent of people who use A&E services will be able to be treated here.

"It is likely these centres will be at community hospitals, with access to beds if required."

Patients will be met by a clinical assessor at the new centres to direct them to the right service. Consultation on the proposals is expected in December.

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