Farron meets BMA in bid to save Coniston and Hawkshead GP surgeries

South Lakes MP, Tim Farron, met with Dr Chaand Nagpul of the BMA yesterday to raise the threat of closure currently faced by the GP surgeries in Coniston and Hawkshead.

Both surgeries face closure because small GP surgeries don't have adequate funding to keep them going in the long run. Coniston especially will be hit when the Minimum Practice Income Guarantee is withdrawn in 2015. Tim has been leading the campaign to protect both surgeries.

The BMA told Tim that they would argue the case for both practices, and that there are various paths which can be explored such as looking into whether Hawkshead is eligible for a 'Personal Medical Services' contract and whether Coniston could be classified as an 'outlier' for funding purposes. Dr Nagpul said that these moves could protect the surgeries and solve their funding problems.

Tim will continue the campaign by next meeting with NHS England, to argue that Coniston, Hawkshead and similar rural practises should receive protections due to their special circumstances.

Commenting, Tim said: "This meeting with BMA was really positive. They pledged to help us argue that small rural practices should be protected, and gave me some great information which will help me make the best possible case to NHS England for a special deal for Coniston and Hawkshead."