PROPOSED changes to urgent
care services in Solihull have been raised in the Commons by Solihull MP Lorely
Burt.
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The Liberal Democrat asked a
health minister about the proposed shake-up, to be consulted on between April
and July.
Health bosses have said there
is “unnecessary duplication” between urgent care services at Solihull Hospital
Mrs Burt said on Tuesday: “A
review of urgent care services by the new GP-led clinical commissioning group
for Solihull is causing consternation as it is throwing the future
of our highly regarded walk-in centre into doubt.
She asked Dr Daniel Poulter:
“Does the Minister agree that users must be properly consulted, as services
must be designed around patients, and that allocation to cost centres must come
second to delivering services?”
Dr Poulter said: “I agree
with my hon. Friend.
“Where there are
well-functioning local services that have local support, commissioners should
recognise that in their decisions, but it is also important to highlight that
any reconfiguration of local services has to meet the four tests laid down by
the previous Secretary of State: support from GP commissioners; strengthened
public and patient engagement; clarity on the clinical evidence base; and
support for patient choice.
“I hope that reassures my
hon. Friend.”
In a press release, Mrs Burt
said: “I am pleased that Dr Poulter agrees with me and that importantly, he
believes that commissioners should recognise local support for local services
when making their decisions.
“However, this is something
that we are yet to see in Solihull and this is why I have been campaigning to ensure we
see a proper consultation that the people of Solihull deserve.”
