That said, I was disappointed in January when plans were announced to change the walk-in centre to appointment only without a proper consultation, something local people had been promised. 

After talking with local people, I tried to relay this message to the CCG to see if an agreement could be reached. I believed, and still do believe that ultimately we must retain some element of a walk-in facility here. More appointments are needed but it shouldn’t come at the expense of our ability to access urgent care in this growing town or for residents in neighbouring areas who rely on the Centre. I’ll come on to it shortly but ultimately it’s a national funding issue. 

After working with the Action Group, I submitted my views to the Judicial Review last month. I’ve attached my testimonial (see first photo) that I felt was fair and representative of the discussions I’d had with local people. 

My concern throughout this process is that the CCG are between a rock and a hard place. They are under obligations to remain neutral so cannot speak up yet face significant financial constraints. I know this because I asked them in January at their public meeting (see second photo). 

I’ll continue to campaign to get the CCG the funding it needs from this Conservative Government to ensure it can meet our health needs. 

In the meantime, I am so pleased local people will get a say on the future of our much loved Urgent Care Centre. Again, a big ‘thank you’ to the Action Group.