Nigel this week spoke in the House of Commons on the Government’s proposal to introduce a fully seven day NHS and its impact on rural health services.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday Mr Evans said,
‘I welcome the expansion of GP services to seven days a week. Will the Secretary of State remember rural areas such as Ribble Valley when GP services are expanded? Funnily enough, people who live in rural areas also get ill at the weekends.’
To which Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said,
‘We will absolutely remember them. That is why it is so important to embrace new technology. Sometimes people who have to travel long distances are able to use such things as Skype or to make a phone call to receive important advice. This is a big priority for us.’
Speaking after the debate Mr Evans said,
“I welcome the Government’s announcement that the NHS will become a truly seven day service and that the extra £8 billion a year by 2020 recommended by NHS head Simon Stevens will be met, but it is vital that rural services in areas such as the Ribble Valley are protected and continue to receive investment. For example the service provided at Slaidburn Country Practice cannot be allowed to end as it provides a vital service for a very rural area.”