MP calls on Government to act now to prevent closure of Ambleside surgery

Local MP Tim Farron has used Health Questions in Parliament to urge the Department for Health to intervene to avoid the closure of the GP surgery in Ambleside.

Last autumn, the Central Lakes Medical Group were hit with a proposed £25,000 increase in service charges at its Ambleside site because of a change in how NHS property is managed.

During Health Questions, Tim asked Jeremy Hunt if he would directly intervene to guarantee that Ambleside surgery would not have to pay this unjustified increase, which staff fear would mean they wouldn't be able to keep the surgery open for much longer.

The Health Secretary said he would look at this situation again and said he does not want to see any GP close.

Tim said: "The surgery at Ambleside provides a vital service for hundreds of local people, but the sad fact of the matter is it simply won't be able to afford the colossal bill that the Government have given them.

"Jeremy Hunt said in Parliament today that he wants to see no GP close as a result of increased service charges so I'm glad that he has agreed to look again at this case as a matter of urgency.

"I will continue to hold the Government's feet to the fire until they back down over this daylight robbery."