As a former Health Minister and someone with a close understanding of the incredible role our NHS plays each and every day, I am very aware of how difficult the past few years have been – especially for those working on the frontline.
I am also very aware of the growing concern and frustration of many when it comes to trying to get an appointment at their local GP surgery, or when trying to pick up their prescriptions from their local pharmacy.
That’s why I have asked to meet with senior figures from Mid Norfolk’s local surgeries again – and why I am looking forward to visiting South Norfolk Healthcare (a GP provider organisation supporting 23 GP surgeries in the region) next week – to continue the ongoing dialogue I have with GP surgeries and staff throughout the local NHS, and allow me to help them look for solutions both locally and nationally, as well as to raise their feedback with local NHS figures and ministers and officials in Westminster.
Over recent months, I have met with senior figures from Mid Norfolk’s surgeries twice (see more here), and written to Health Ministers as part of my ongoing efforts to ensure the voices of my concerned constituents are being heard at the highest levels and that increased support is provided. I also continue to raise specific concerns and cases from constituents with individual GP surgeries and pharmacies, and am working with councillors and the volunteer ATTCARE team in Attleborough as we look to ensure the local NHS recognises the scale of growth coming to the area and puts in place a proper strategic plan for health and social care in the town (see more here).
Despite more than £2billion of investment over the past two years, a commitment to invest a further £1.5billion to create an additional 50 million GP appointments by 2024 and a package of measures aimed at easing pressures on the frontline of primary care (GP surgeries and pharmacies), there is much still to do however – and I am determined to do all I can to work with local stakeholders and ministers in order to deliver the improvements we need to see.
