Delays mean it's easier to see MP than a GP in Wellesbourne - The Stratford Observer

Delays mean it's easier to see MP than a GP in Wellesbourne

Stratford Editorial 10th Jan, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

VILLAGERS in Wellesbourne have hit out at NHS chiefs for keeping them waiting.

Residents are lobbying the government and the NHS for delaying a decision about funding for a long-awaited second medical centre for the village.

Last summer, housing developer Persimmon Homes was granted planning permission for 350 homes on land either side of the Ettington Road, and a new state-of-the-art doctor’s surgery in the centre of the village on Dog’s Close.

But funding support towards the £4million building from the NHS and South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (SWCCG) has been delayed until February while under review.




Wellesbourne and Walton Parish Council (WWPC), Hastings House medical centre and villagers are concerned they will end up with more homes but no new medical centre.

They argue with some 7,000 people living in the village current resources are already being stretched.


WWPC chair Anne Prior said: “Hastings House is already full to capacity, and although our doctors do an excellent job, patients struggle to obtain appointments as the building is inadequate and no longer fit for purpose.

“The people who depend on the medical practice at Hastings House have been badly let down by SWCCG’s decision to defer. It is frankly astounding that they are unwilling to fulfil their written agreement to support the practice now in this exciting development for Wellesbourne and all the surrounding villages served by the surgery.

“We need to make the SWCCG aware of how badly Wellesbourne and surrounding villages need this new Medical Centre. Maybe they don’t know that it is easier to see your MP than your GP here.”

In a bid to put pressure on the SWCCG, a petition has been set up. The parish council is also encouraging people to to write letters to the NHS, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, and local MPs.

Visit petition.parliament.uk/petitions/116645 to sign the petition.

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