‘Convenient’ commuter clinics shunned by patients, finds study

Clinics that were introduced in 2004 with the intention of providing more convenient healthcare services to busy citizens have not been embraced by them, it has been discovered.

According to the report, which was compiled by researchers at the University of Sheffield, a pilot programme which saw the introduction of six drop-in health centres near to railways stations, has failed to attract as many patients as intended.

The centres were established in Leeds, Manchester, London and Newcastle and cost a total of £50 million.

However, despite this research, a spokesperson from the Department of Health said that the centres, which remain open until 7pm, have provided “a valuable service to young, mobile patients”.

“It will be for primary care trusts to decide whether to continue providing these services and whether they offer the best value for money,” the representative continued.

Meanwhile, the NHS faced further criticism this week, as a study undertaken by health charity BAPEN showed that there has been a 16 per cent rise in malnutrition-related deaths in its hospitals over the last 12 years, reported the Telegraph.