Halesowen & Rowley Regis MP James Morris has spoken out against plans to close two GP surgeries in Halesowen.
The two surgeries, which currently form part of a group of three, will be merged into one surgery based at the Halesowen Health Centre on Birmingham Street. The consultation on the closure of Coombswood and Tenlands surgery started on the 11th December.
MP James Morris said, “GP services work best when they are in the heart of the communities that they serve, this is so that patients can form a relationship with their GP and for them to be as easily accessible as possible. I am not convinced by anything I have read so far that these plans would benefit patients, but are being solely made as a business decision by the principal GP.”
A six week consultation is currently being run by the surgery, which will then report to the Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for a final decision.
James Morris MP added, “I want to make sure that all patients have an opportunity to participate in this consultation, to ensure that an accurate view of these proposals is heard. It’s really important that each and every patient takes part, and expresses their opinion. I do have some concerns about the way in which this consultation is being handled, especially as it is being held over the Christmas and New Year break. I will be watching this very closely to make sure it is a fair and transparent process.”
