Philip Dunne MP today took a break from visiting polling stations to meet the three doctors at the Meadows Medical Practice to discuss the future of the practice, following the consultation document launched earlier this month.
On Tuesday Knighton Community Hall was standing room only, as between 400 and 500 people attended a public meeting at which the doctors explained the situation the practice faces.
With Dr Roger Davies due to retire by the end of this year, the practice has been unable so far to recruit a replacement doctor, so have begun consulting their patients and the public on options for the future.
Mr Dunne said: “This is an outstanding practice serving some 4,000 patients, roughly half in Shropshire around Clun, and half from Wales around Knighton.
It is highly rated by the CQC, and has one of the lowest rates of attendance at A&E and the lowest prescribing rates of antibiotics of any practice in Shropshire. This is testimony to the high quality service provided.
I am determined to do my best to help ensure continuing quality primary care for my constituents in Shropshire, and had a constructive meeting with the doctors earlier today. I’ve also discussed the issue with Shropshire CCG, who ultimately has responsivity to ensure primary care provision throughout the county.
I look forward to doing what I can to help reach an appropriate solution, once the doctors consider the best way forward following completion of the consultation.
The Government recognises pressures on our GPs in primary care, and has allocated £500 million for additional recruitment and retention schemes as part of a £2.4 billion of extra spending on GP services – a 14% increase for the rest of this Parliament.”