Nigel Evans has called on the Department for Health to meet with him to discuss the future of Slaidburn Medical Centre, which has long been under threat of closure. The contract for the Medical Centre, which has 1,100 patients from Slaidburn and surrounding villages, is out for procurement with the CCG pushing to find a new provider.
Mr Evans took the opportunity at Prime Minister’s Questions in February to quiz Theresa May on the Government’s approach to rural services, with particular reference to Slaidburn Health Centre. The previous Prime Minister did not address the specifics of Slaidburn’s plight but understood that talks with East Lancs CCG were ongoing.
Mr Evans has also written Consortium of Local Medical Committees who often provide assistance to vulnerable practices. He continues to be in contact with the Chair of Slaidburn Health Centre PPG to identify further opportunities which could benefit the Medical Centre.
Commenting on the future of Slaidburn Medical Centre, Mr Evans said:
“Slaidburn Medical Centre has been under the threat of closure for too long, leaving 1,100 villagers in total limbo about future of their local practice. Rural medical services must be dealt with differently to urban services to address their contrasting needs, it is worrying that a service with a patient book of 1,100 is under threat – I can imagine there are hundreds of services across the UK with smaller numbers.”
I hope the Secretary of State for Health appreciates the urgency of my meeting request and works with all parties involved to achieve a favourable outcome. I will continue to work with the Patients Group to ensure all possible avenues to save the Medical Centre are assessed. I will be in Slaidburn for my Summer Surgery at 11.20am on Saturday 31st August at the Hark to Bounty – I look forward to seeing as many residents as possible.”