We are incredibly fortunate to have our wonderful NHS but there is always room for improvement, and campaigning for better local healthcare remains one of my top priorities. Even before I was elected in 2010 it was clear that the people of the Devizes Constituency had been totally short-changed by the incomprehensible decision of the former Primary Care Trust, to shut all local minor injuries units and then refuse to deliver on a promise to build a new facility iin Devizes. As I pledged in my first ever debate in the House of Commons on July 15th 2010, restoring these local health services and especially delivering a Primary Care Centre for Devizes has been my top local campaigning priority. Since then I been working with local hospitals, the new GP-led Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Devizes area GPs, Wiltshire Council, the Department of Health and dozens of local residents in Marlborough and Devizes to deliver on this promise.
Recently, we were able to welcome more services back into Savernake hospital and I was absolutely thrilled when in November 2015 it was finally confirmed that we have a clear and funded plan for an Urgent Care Centre for Devizes to be built over the next two years. This will include treatment for minor injuries as well as a host of other services and as the plan is for the new Centre to be located off Marshall Road next to the Devizes Treatment Centre there are great opportunities to share resources like X-ray services. The Devizes area GPs, led by Dr. Richard Sandford-Hill and the Clinical Commissioning Group have done an amazing job in developing the plans for the centre, and cross-party local support and the involvement of the Devizes Area Board has been key in keeping everyone focused on local healthcare needs. It really is an exciting prospect and proof that focus, and cross party hard work really can deliver results.
There has also been real progress locally like the initiative in the Devizes area where Emergency Care Practitioners work alongside local doctors to help with home visits and consultations, helping people especially those who are frail or elderly to get quicker treatment. We have also seen the welcome reinstatement of beds and services at Savernake hospital, as well as the Prospect Hospice outpatient centre.
I recently met with representatives from Wiltshire Air Ambulance to review the wonderful work they do, including the amazing charity fundraising programme and the plans to relocate the Air Ambulance base to a site near Semington. I’m delighted to support the plans for the move as the Air Ambulance provides a much-needed, life-saving service for everyone across Wiltshire and it’s absolutely key that the helicopter crews are able meet their 11 minute target to reach all parts of the County.
In the meantime I will continue my work with local health care professionals to ensure that our local health services deliver for local people and to ensure that the Devizes Urgent Care Centre is delivered.
