Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, visited GPs and
the patient participation group at The Surgery on Horndon-on-the-Hill recently
to gain an insight in to the day-to-day workings of a GP practice.
His visit forms part of
the British Medical Association’s (BMA) MP-GP practice visit scheme which
encourages MPs from across the political spectrum to visit local surgeries to
see the challenged and opportunities facing general practice.
The local MP has been
extremely active on issues surrounding healthcare in the constituency having
met with patient participation groups in a number of surgeries in South
Basildon and East Thurrock.
Stephen commented: “The
BMA are right to stress the importance of MPs engaging with the medical
profession. In order to improve health care for the whole country, MPs must
keep themselves up to date with the issues affecting front line health care and
general practice.”
“During the meeting, Dr
Pattara and Dr Raja expressed concerns about proposals to open surgeries from
8am to 8pm. I am very conscious of the fact that these proposals need to
consider small practices such as this one and as such, I have written to the
Department for Health to ask how the needs of smaller practices will be
incorporated.”
He added: “We had an
extremely useful exchange at The Surgery and I was delighted to hear the
patient participation group singing the praises of the GPs and staff. It was
extremely informative to get the perspective of both patients and medical
practitioners and I look forward to my continued engagement with them.”
