Mee Healthcare is setting up integrated healthcare centres for optical, hearing, dental, GP and nursing services in community settings in a multimillion pound development backed by the Allele Fund.
A number of centres have completed the design stage and the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment and paperless practice IT technology, with the first, set to open in Leeds in March. Cambridgeshire will follow and an outlet at Westfield Shopping Centre at the Olympic Village will open before the Olympics.
Dr Gail Lese, chairman and CEO, is a doctor and fund manager as well as a founder member of the Allele Fund with Cherie Blair. Peter Price-Taylor is development COO of Mee Healthcare, with optometrists Bob Hutchinson and Lyn Price as chief business development officer and chief clinical officer/clinical director.
Dr Lese said: 'As a medical doctor I have worked to help make sure that integrated healthcare, with an emphasis on high quality care provision and prevention, customer service, convenient locations and opening hours are available.'
The development board will oversee the companies of each professional discipline, with 'See Mee' and 'Hear Mee' among the first health centres implemented.
Hutchinson described Mee Healthcare as one of the most exciting projects he had undertaken in 35 years in optics. 'Those who have known me during my business and optical political life will be aware of my passion for improved detection and better outcomes in optics, backed by a quality provision of exciting eyewear to entice the public to take greater care of their sight. Encouraging professionals to relate to each other's roles, cross refer and take on additional services will be made much easier under one roof. Primary care under the new NHS needs an innovative investment like Mee Healthcare to raise recognition of the importance of eye care.'
He said that considerable time was being spent on finding locations with suitable footfall and funding would cover an ambitious roll-out. The healthcare offering would vary by location and would be balanced with commercialism. 'We will have nice product lines across the professions and unusual displays to tempt people in. The largest centres will be a one-stop-shop looking after eyes, teeth, hearing etc. People will hopefully feel that it is a place they will keep returning to.' Smaller outlets would house optical and hearing services with a multidisciplinary room.
Hutchinson said that while this was not the UK's first integrated service, he was sure many more would follow Mee Healthcare's lead in the future. It would appeal to optometrists who enjoyed using their clinical skills and working with other professions, in a medical career with progression. There will be a standard price for an eye exam which will include a full pre-testing regime and fundus camera photography for all, whether private or NHS funded.
There would also be an emphasis on professional training and development, with Lyn Price director of clinical studies on the See Mee board.