Local MP Mark Pawsey has taken the fight for a new medical surgery in Brownsover to the House of Commons.
On Monday Mark secured a debate on the important local issue with the Minister for Community and Social Care, the Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP.
Working alongside the Brownsover Patients Action Group (BPAG) Mark has fought for work to start on the new surgery since news of the closure of the GP practice on Bow Fell broke last February.
During the debate, Mark labelled the delay in work on the new surgery commencing as “unacceptable”. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by Brownsover residents forced to attend a temporary surgery in the town centre in the wake of the closure of the old practice.
During the debate the Minister praised the work of Mark and the BPAG in pressing NHS England for action and highlighted the need for urgency in delivering the new surgery.
Speaking after the debate, Mark said:
“The case for a new medical facility in Brownsover is undeniable and I share my constituent’s frustration at the lack of progress in recent months. Since the announcement last year that the contract would be withdrawn at the practice on Bow Fell I have taken steps to try and ensure that the people of Brownsover have the health provision they deserve by bringing together the parties involved.”
Mark continued:
“During a meeting with NHS England in February I was extremely disappointed to learn that the commitments made last year to establish a new surgery in Brownsover by the end of 2016 would not be met. I am grateful to the Minister for his interest in this issue and his understanding of the concerns of Brownsover residents. I will be keeping a close eye on developments and shall be banging down his door if little progress is made in the coming months.”
Jake Stevenson, Chair of BPAG added:
“We are grateful to Mark for raising our campaign for a new surgery to serve the residents of Brownsover in Parliament. It is noted that again, the Rt Hon Alistair Burt has stressed the urgency for NHS England to complete their background approvals and get this project underway. Brownsover Patient Action Group continue to engage with NHS England to ensure this project is delivered to meet the expectations of the Minister.”