Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithAs MP for Norwich North I took the campaign to save Norwich’s Walk In Centre all the way to the Health Secretary this week.
Questioning Steve Barclay and primary care minister, Neil O’Brien, in the House of Commons, I secured the support and commitment of ministers to walk in centres.
As part of the regular Department for Health and Social Care Questions session in the House of Commons, I asked the minister:
“When there is a lot of pressure on GP and A&E services, it’s right that the ministers are focused on helping people to see a doctor when they need to. Does he agree with me that walk in centres such as ours in Norwich are popular, helpful and necessary?”
Minister Neil O’Brien agreed: “My honourable friend is absolutely right. Walk in centres are a key part of primary care; we're looking at how they can do more. I pay tribute to all that they are already doing."
The local health authority has proposed closing the walk in centre on Rouen Road, in the city centre. Local residents have written to me and shared their concerns. Organisations such as Healthwatch Norfolk are also concerned about the proposed closures, and a campaign is in full swing to save the centre.
I have responded in full to the consultation, and my open letter expressing constituents’ concerns is published here:
I urge residents to continue to have their say through the consultation which remains open until 26 March.
Unbelievably, this is the third time that I have had to campaign to save walk in centre services for Norwich North so it is reassuring to know that the Health Secretary recognises how much people value walk-in centres, and he gave a very clear statement in support of such centres. It's clear to me, that Norwich’s walk in centre should not be closed.
If I can help any Norwich North constituent with a concern, please do contact me on chloe@chloesmith.org.uk or tel: 01603 414756
Link to the GP Services consultation:
https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/have-your-say-consultation-on-general-practice-services-in-norwich/
Healthwatch Norwich's response to the consultation:
https://healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk/news/walk-in-centre-consultation-concerns-continue/