As always in Orrell, one topic stood out - primary care provision. Since the GP practice closed a few years ago, I know that the lack of healthcare in Orrell has been a source of huge concern. It’s been one of my priorities since I was elected in July, and I’ve been working hard to bang heads together to get something done.
That’s why I bought various members of the Integrated Care Board, Wigan GP Alliance and other healthcare providers with me. We even had a medical van doing blood pressure checks and MMR vaccines outside the coffee morning. It’s important for them to hear directly from you too about what the community needs. Your voices really matter here.
At the coffee morning, and at Prime Minister’s Questions, I spoke about the new healthcare provision that I have agreed will soon open on the Edge Hill Road site of the Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic. Together, we have worked on a plan for part of the site, mostly used as a centre of excellence for women’s sport, to be used to provide healthcare.
The NHS are working out locally what they will offer there first - from health checks and diabetes support groups to women’s health education and mental health services. You can give your opinion at the site open day on 17th May. Sign up here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/wiganwarriors/EDP/Event/Index/196?spell=c88617a2-26b1-4966-92f2-b5c763819fe4
Nationally, the Labour Government is putting together a ten year plan for the NHS. At the heart of that is moving healthcare out of a trap where people end up in hospital because things have gone wrong, to one where we focus on early prevention, and care within our communities. That means that healthcare returning to Orrell, to Hindley Green, and keeping services like pharmacies open is more important than ever.
For too long, waiting lists have skyrocketed, and care has dripped away from our towns. We have bought waiting lists down in our NHS Trust for 6 months in a row now, with the help of experts sent by the Labour Government. And many GP practices, including Marus Bridge Practice in Worsley Mesnes and Winstanley Medical Practice, are receiving funding for refurbishment so they can provide more appointments.
Recently I met with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, and the Minister for Primary Care, Stephen Kinnock. In both meetings, I pushed hard on why Orrell and Hindley Green need to see primary care return - it is an important part of the puzzle.
I know there are many different opinions about what would be best. Some residents feel strongly that the Billinge practice needs to return, others want a Wigan-linked GP. We can all agree though - new offerings at the Edge Hall Road site are a great win for our area - a first step which means you can access the care you need locally. So come along to the launch and help me show, the need for a permanent offer is there.