After visiting Brentwood Community hospital last week the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has said the hospital could provide a model for health services across the country.

The minister was at the hospital to look at how the haematology services had developed since its opening in 2008.

The service aims to give patients and their GP's direct access to a range of high quality haematology practices including outside of the hospital.

Lansley said: “This is an excellent example of how consultants, GPs and health trusts can work together to deliver high quality, accessible services in the community.

“This project has not only given patients better care but realised savings for the NHS – and I would like to develop a similar model, where appropriate, across the country.”

For more information
www.swessex.nhs.uk/brentwood-community-hospital