COMMUNITY doctors are set to control millions of pound of health budgets, as the borough's NHS trust becomes the first in the country to hand over the power to commission services to doctors.

NHS Redbridge has handed over the power to five new polysystems, each of which is run by a board of local GPs, who will use their specialist knowledge to advise the NHS on the best way to meet patient's needs.

The board is chaired by Dr Sarah Heyes, who liaises with GPs across Redbridge in addition to running The Shrubberies Medical Centre in South Woodford.

Dr Heyes said: “GPs are best placed to serve the health needs of the local community and anticipate future health trends.

“The polysystem will allow more patients to be treated in the community yet still offer access to high quality care and support. We aim to raise the quality of care our patients receive across-the-board irrespective of which practice they are registered with.”

NHS Redbridge launched a public consultation into polysystems in November, but despite attempts by health bosses to allay fears over the changes, concerns still exist that the level of patient care will be hit.

Two sites for Wanstead and Woodford's first polyclinic – which will form the 'hub' at the centre of the polysystem – have been chosen.

The former Wanstead Hospital in Hermon Hill and the South Woodford Medical Centre in South Woodford High Road are both in the running.

For more information on polysystems call Amy Burgess on 020 8926 5048.