STUNELL SHOWS CONCERN OVER STOCKPORT GP ACCESS

10.33.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 16th Oct 2008

Local MP, Andrew Stunell has today called for urgent action by Stockport PCT, after a new report from the Healthcare Commission said the Primary Care Trust is "underachieving" in its plans to give local people better access to a GP.

Commenting Andrew said:

"This report makes disappointing reading. It says that despite making progress in some areas, Stockport PCT 's GP provision isn't up to scratch.

"GP access is vital for local communities, and if people across Stockport are struggling to see their doctors when they need them most then it must be fixed .

"The PCT needs to get on with the clinic rebuilding programme without any more delay, and push ahead with its plans for a drop-in round-the-clock surgery in town.

"I welcome the Healthcare Commission report for its frank assessment of the town's healthcare needs. Now it is up to the Government and Stockport PCT to pull their fingers out and get moving."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1 The Healthcare Commission's Report, entitled 'The Annual Health Check', will be available on the Healthcare Commission's website on October 16: http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/homepage.cfm

2. The access to a GP rating is based upon an indicator, which scores the following: the proportion of patients reporting a good 48 hour access to a GP in the 2008 patient survey; an annual improvement in the proportion of patients reporting good 48 hour access; and the close correlation of the results of the 2008 GP patient survey and the results of the primary care access survey.