Pembroke surgery has announced a long-discussed move to have several smaller practices share facilities in a "chambers" arrangement on Craven Road. The move will take 2-3 years. There are great advantages for patients in having small practices co-located with shared facilities but the one advantage that could be lost is locality. Colocated practices could share specialist nurses and technical infrastructure, and also clinical expertise. Whereas large practices are able to conduct audit reviews and continually assess and maintain standards this is much harder for the small practice. Kennet and London Street surgeries could be involved. No doubt the proximity to the Royal Berkshire Hospital emergency department will raise the possibility of diverting cases better suited to primary care to the new chambers on Craven Road.