This week in the House of Commons Chamber I raised two questions with the Department for Health and Social Care’s ministerial team, which you can watch here. I asked the Minister to support me in encouraging the local CCG to protect access to GP appointments at the walk-in service at the Pinn Medical Centre, and to work with me to secure the long-term future of hospice services at the Mount Vernon site. The Secretary of State and the Minister for Care have both committed to meeting with me. I will always support a model of healthcare provision which works for our constituency and I will share the outcome of those meetings.
Topical Questions, 28.01.2020
Will my hon. Friend commit to working with me to secure the long-term future of hospice services in any reorganisation of the Mount Vernon Hospital site in my constituency?
We are very committed to hospice services, which is why an additional £25 million went into hospices last year. I am certainly happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the hospices in his area.
Adult Social Care, 28.01.2020
For the record, I declare my interest as the spouse of an NHS doctor. The Pinn Medical Centre in my constituency is due to close its walk-in service so that the Harrow CCG can save money, but the likely diversion of patients to local A&E services will end up costing the NHS more. Will the Minister join me in encouraging the CCG to consider the wider context of NHS budgets and to support the service while local NHS providers consider how to increase access to GP appointments in line with our manifesto commitments?
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of access to primary and community services within Pinner. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be happy to meet him to discuss the matter further, but we will support anything he is doing to assist his local services.
