Wealden MP Nus Ghani recently met with the High Weald Lewes Havens Clinical Commissioning Group, who are responsible for the delivery of a wide range of health services across the Wealden area. The meeting was attended by Dr Elizabeth Gill, Clinical Chair of the CCG, and Ashley Scarff, Director of Commissioning, as well as Wealden District Council Leader Bob Standley.
One of the key issues which Nus discussed with the CCG was the proposed closure of the Rotherfield Surgery. This is an issue which many constituents have written to Nus about, and Nus has raised it in the House of Commons Chamber with the Health Department, as well as writing to the CCG and all concerned constituents.
Nus sought reassurances from the CCG that they were still doing everything they can to ensure that the Rotherfield Surgery doesn’t close, as the surgery provides an invaluable service to people in Rotherfield and beyond.
The CCG have confirmed that they will continue to do everything they can to recruit more GPs locally, as well as listening to and considering the consultation responses to the proposed closure of the surgery.
More general issues were also discussed, including how the review of stroke services in Kent and Medway may affect people living in Wealden. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Nus to raise constituent problems to seek faster and more effective resolutions.
Commenting on the meeting, Ms Ghani said: “The Rotherfield Surgery provides an invaluable service to so many of my constituents, so I am glad I was able to have a fruitful and important discussion with the CCG about the surgery’s future.
“I pushed them for the assurances that they are doing everything they can, but will continue to apply pressure on the CCG to ensure that they don’t let Rotherfield and the surrounding villages down.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the CCG on their ‘Golden Ticket’ dementia scheme, which has transformed the lives of so many people who are suffering from dementia, recognising dementia friendly projects in Rotherfield and Buxted.
“Their success at the General Practice Awards 2017 is testament to the innovative and creative scheme, and I look forward to seeing this fantastic idea rolled out across the rest of Wealden.”