Norwich MP talks about healthcare provisions in the county
More doctors and better capacity is needed
Norwich North MP Chloe Smith has said the county needs better healthcare provisions - in the shape of more doctors and better capacity in surgeries.
It comes as NHS bosses are considering closing a walk-in clinic on Rouen Road.
With not enough GP appointments for everyone and new housing going up around the area she is worried the issue will continue into the future, but progress is being made:
"People are struggling to get doctors and dentists appointments at the moment, part of that is because of backlogs from Covid, but also in the case of North Norwich we have lots of new homes coming and that means we need the right health provisions for the residents of today, but also of tomorrow."
"We have some progress, so for example there will be new capacity put into one of the doctors' surgeries in Sprowston, that's really welcome and secondly in terms of dentists, we've also got more appointments now online at the siskin clinic at the community hospital. So that's what I am encouraging constituents to make use of if they need an urgent appointment."
No decision has been finalised regarding the walk-in Clinic on Rouen Road
Chloe added:
"I've had to campaign at least two other times in my career as MP for Norwich North for the saving of the walk-in centre services. This does seem to keep coming round again and I don't think it's very helpful for residents at a time like this when clearly there is pressure on the NHS."
"We know we need to make sure people can get the access when they need it and that's what I am dedicated to working on. "