Richard Brason sets his sights on running Liverpool GP surgery

Feb 5 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

RICHARD BRANSON’S Virgin Group could be opening a doctor’s surgery in Liverpool with the possib- ility of a dentist and physio- therapist being added, too.

Branson’s new business, Virgin Healthcare, is looking to open its first one-stop-shop later this year and Liverpool has been chosen as one of 26 potential locations across the country.

Virgin Healthcare Centres will be staffed by NHS GPs, with treatment paid by the Health Service, but will offer other paid-for services including dentistry, diagnostic and screening.

Members of the Virgin Healthcare team are consulting with GPs and practice teams and will be presenting their plans and inviting feedback at Aintree Racecourse later this month.

The move follows a government announcement allowing private companies to open GP surgeries.

Virgin Healthcare chief executive Mark Adams said: “Virgin’s expertise can combine with the expertise of primary healthcare clinicians to make a real difference in healthcare.

“The Virgin Healthcare model is to work with healthcare professionals under existing NHS contracts.

“They will retain their independent contractor status and Virgin Healthcare will seek to expand and offer more patient services in existing practices.”

But NHS supporters have criticised the plans saying Branson is only interested in making money, and not patients’ health.

Dr John Lister, of Keep Our NHS Public, said: “We are against any private commercial healthcare, particularly when it hasn’t been asked for by patients.

“If Branson can come in and make a profit why can’t the NHS fund this and make it a success?”

The open evening will take place at 7.30-9pm on February 19 at Aintree Racecourse.

BUSINESS: PAGE 26

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