BBC ONE gives Britain a healthcheck

BBC ONE has commissioned a brand new, peak-time health series. Street Doctor is an innovative and compelling new concept that takes four GPs out of their surgeries and onto the streets of Britain.
The series, which will run for eight 30 minute programmes, takes the GPs to a different town or city each week. The Street Doctors will diagnose, inform and treat members of the public, wherever they are – on the street, in the shopping centres, at their office or on the bus home.
These unique open-air surgeries offer instant reassurance and treatment to patients with a wide number of common complaints.
The series will also follow more serious conditions in depth and help unsuspecting members of the public - who may be previously unaware they have a health problem - gain follow-up care and treatment.
Street Doctor is due to transmit early in 2007 on BBC ONE.
The series was commissioned by Elaine Bedell, Commissioning Editor, Features and Factual Entertainment.
Elaine Bedell says: "This is a really fresh and original factual entertainment series. It's a brand new way of doing a health show and will provide real information and entertainment."
The series will be produced by BBC Entertainment Manchester's Factual Entertainment department, which is also responsible for Dragons' Den on BBC TWO and BBC THREE's Honey, We're Killing The Kids.
The Executive Producer of Street Doctor is Kieron Collins and the Series Producer is Sally Evans.
Executive Producer Kieron Collins says: "Too many people put off going to see their GP. They can't find the time, haven't registered or are simply too worried about the outcome. But if they want to see a Street Doctor, there's no appointment necessary, no waiting room and the doctor will come to them."
The Street Doctor team of GPs includes: Dr Jonty Heaversedge from London, Dr Barbara Murray from Stockport, Dr Ayan Panja from Haringey and Dr George Rae from Newcastle Upon Tyne.