 Adam
Afriyie
MP
|
What Happened to
Wraysbury's GP
29-Sep-06, Windsor Express
Article.
The residents of Wraysbury are worried.
Their two local GPs, who have served the community well
in recent years, are retiring, but no replacement has been
found for them or their premises. In the meantime the
Primary Care Trust (PCT) plans to provide an extra doctor,
but working from a more remote medical centre in Colnbrook.
The provision of a GP surgery close to home is, surely,
one of the basic services to be expected of the NHS and it
is surprising that with 6-months notice, new local provision
has not been forthcoming. The idea of the elderly and those
with disabilities being forced to travel for miles to get
basic healthcare is disturbing in a civilised society,
especially as we approach the winter months.
It is clear from speaking to residents on the doorstep
and from letters received that residents are seriously
worried about losing their local surgery. I have been in
correspondence with the PCT and in addition local
councillors have put together a petition to present to the
council. If, as I expect, the majority of Wraysbury
residents support the petition, I do hope the PCT will be
persuaded to respond immediately.
I am of course aware of the pressures on the PCT,
hospitals and GPs brought about by unnecessary Government
targets, form-filling and a lack of certainty over funding.
However, there are several sensible and practical ideas -
such as arranging a temporary portacabin in Wraysbury - that
could be put into practice at short notice.
In the interests of Wraysbury residents, I would urge
everyone to sign the local petition and place pressure on
the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and the PCT to
rethink and respond. |
I
believe
People are happier
when making their own decisions.
Business is the
engine of the economy that generates our jobs, incomes and
taxes.
Government should
not interfere in our lives beyond protecting and defending
us.
|
