News

Priti Patel campaigns for integrated health facility despite ‘rowing back’ from GP surgeries

The MP for Witham has reaffirmed her case for the building of a new fully-integrated health facility, bringing all GP services in the constituency’s town centre together to deal with surging demand in the coming years.

Priti Patel, Conservative MP for the Essex town, told the Commons yesterday that the “compelling” case for bringing all four GP surgeries in Witham under one roof would add “much-needed capacity, integrate health services” and “grow and strengthen our local health economy.”

“Bringing the four GP surgeries in Witham under one roof would add much-needed capacity, integrate health services, grow and strengthen our local health economy, improve access to local services and reduce demand on hospitals,” said Patel, who became MP for Witham in 2010. “The case is compelling, and the campaign for such a centre is universally supported.”

Witham is experiencing major changes to the demands and requirements of its ageing population; while the national average number of patients per full-time equivalent GP is around 1,700, Witham town’s is a jarring 2,500—nearly 50% higher than the national average. A facility that would bring all services under one roof would allow for this growing demand to be met.

However, Patel noted that some of the surgeries had potentially backtracked on the move: despite all things pointing in the right direction for the move to be made, Patel said, either some GP surgeries were “rowing back on this opportunity for Witham to join forces to deliver an outstanding health centre for my constituents, or the CCG has not been able to advance the plans.”

Patel explained: “Only last month, on 15 October, the CCG informed me that it was pleased to say that it had had a ‘positive response’ from three of the GP surgeries. However, just ​last week, on 2 November, I was notified that during the latest round of discussions, their reactions suddenly had been mixed. Douglas Grove surgery is still strongly supportive, but there is less enthusiasm and support from the other practices.

'They want answers, and they deserve action and delivery'

“I will touch on many aspects of health, but the purpose of the debate really is to ask the minister and his department to go back to the CCG and, where they can, to GPs to ensure that we deliver a new centre for the residents of Witham town and the surrounding area. They want answers, and they deserve action and delivery.”

Responding to the call to action from Patel, minister for health Steve Brine said that Mid Essex CCG has outlined its “full commitment” to the creation of a health hub in Witham, and that local GP practices also support the multidisciplinary hub—but are concerned about the possible impact any relocation might have on the financial stability of their practices.

Brine noted that Dr Salau, GP at the Douglas Grove surgery and member of the CCG board, said that there is “sufficient interest” from other local GP partners in the new development, and that it may proceed without wholesale relocation from other practices.

“The CCG will be undertaking a piece of work with Dr Salau over the next four weeks to understand the viability of his proposal, and I know my right hon. friend will follow that work closely. The CCG has made it clear to me ahead of tonight that it is working closely with her and ensuring that she is kept fully abreast of developments—although I suspect she would be regardless,” added Brine.

“When we talk of structures and who has the keys to new buildings, it is important to get that ​bit right. That is a necessity, of course, but not as a replacement for improved services for our constituents. Let us get it right, but let us get on with it. It sounds as though this has been a bit of an old chestnut for her and her constituents, and that it has gone on for way too long.”

Enjoying NHE? Subscribe here to receive our weekly news updates or click here to receive a copy of the magazine!

Image credit: PA Images