MP urges GPs to bring back acute local services
Local MP Tim Farron is calling on constituents to contact their local GP and urge them to bring back acute local services, under the NHS reforms currently going through Parliament.
With the changes to the NHS that are currently being debated by the government, GPs will be given more power to influence the health services provided in their local area. Therefore, Tim is urging residents to contact their GP and ask for acute services for local people. He has provided an example letter for constituents to use for getting in touch with their GP.
Dear GP
As you know, NHS reforms mean GP Consortiums will be taking over from the PCT and be given more power to commission local services.
I am very concerned that, over the past few years, South Lakeland has lost a number of acute services, including the Coronary Care unit at Westmorland General Hospital (WGH). I believe that this loss of services is making Westmorland and Lonsdale and much less safe place to live and visit.
I was encouraged by Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley's response to Tim Farron MP's question, when he agreed with Tim that the new GP fundholding arrangements would allow the possibility of returning services that are clinically supportable, and thus are able to revisit such decisions as scrapping the heart unit at WGH.
Therefore, I am asking you to use your influence to help us call for acute local services and review previously contested decisions, including the Coronary Care unit at WGH.
Commenting, Tim said; "As residents of South Lakeland, we have a real chance to push for the local services that matter to us, including returning a Coronary Care Unit to Westmorland General Hospital.
"Under the new changes going through Parliament, our local GPs will have more power to influence the provision of services in our area. Therefore, I think it's a great idea for residents to contact them and get our opinions heard. Residents are more than welcome to use the example letter however, I do think it's always more powerful when we write in our own words."