59% of London GP surgeries ‘below standard’
More than half of GPs' surgeries in London are substandard buildings.
Many are unfit for disabled people or are too cramped to provide proper treatment. Others urgently need washing and heating facilities upgraded.
A total of 59 per cent of practices in the capital fall below the minimum standard set by buildings inspectors with some of the worst offenders in west London.
All 27 surgeries in Hammersmith and Fulham fail to make the grade with eight "dangerously" below standard.
The NHS trust said it was investing £20 million over four years. In Barnet 49 per cent of surgeries were below standard; in Camden it was 62 per cent. The findings are based on an investigation by Pulse magazine.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "Since 2000 around 3,000 GP premises have been refurbished or replaced, 750 primary care centres created and £1.7billion invested via LIFT into 219 new primary and community care premises across England, which fully satisfy minimum standards.
"We recognise that some historic problems still exist, particularly for inner city PCTs. Modernisation of GP premises still needs more time to achieve, but good progress has been made and will continue to be made.
"The Government is determined to bring all premises up to standard as soon as possible. GP occupiers and their NHS or third party landlords are responsible for maintaining their premises to provide patients with access to safe, effective and appropriate services."
