A Labour councillor raised residents’ concerns about quality of service at Wolverton Health Centre during a ‘productive’ meeting this month.
Recently it was revealed that Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes CCG is one of the worst hit areas in the country by the growing shortage of GPs.
It comes as many Milton Keynes residents say they are struggling to book an appointment with their GP, with services increasingly under pressure from rising demand.
Councillor for Wolverton Ward, Ansar Hussain, met with Wolverton Health Centre’s management team to discuss the current situation for patients.
Cllr Hussain said: “During the meeting I discovered that most of the problems raised are out of the surgery’s control. The main issue is the national shortage of doctors, which in turn has an impact on the service provided.
“There is approximately one GP per 2,500 people. This is something the Conservative Government needs to get a grip on. It is shocking that they have watched while our hardworking NHS staff toil to the point of exhaustion and quit because they cannot take it anymore. The Government must properly invest in GP training and ensure that all doctors are looked after.”
There were other points raised during the meeting that were specific to Wolverton Health Centre, such as problems with the phone booking line and elderly residents struggling to book appointments.
Cllr Hussain added: “The management team were open, transparent and keen to listen to these concerns. They have told me improvements will be made where possible. Overall, the meeting with Wolverton Health Centre was productive and positive. I remain assured the practice hold good intentions and will try their best to accommodate patients with appointments where practically possible.
“GP surgeries across Milton Keynes are facing real challenges and are trying their best despite the lack of support from Central Government.”
