MP takes up the cudgels over health centre's early closure
Thursday, 24th May 2012.
Haverhill's MP has told the head of the organisation which has decided to close the Crown Health Centre early of the town's anger at the move.
Following the news that the centre is due to close in July rather than October, Matthew Hancock has spoken to the head of NHS Suffolk, Dr Paul Watson.
Mr Hancock said his priority was that Haverhill, soon to be the fourth largest town in Suffolk, received its fair share of NHS Suffolk’s budget, which is being given a £24million increase.
Commenting on the esrly closure decision, Mr Hancock said: “After news that the Crown centre will now close in July, I spoke to Paul Watson, head of Suffolk's primary care trust, to let him know what people in the town feel about the decision.
"I have demanded he ensure enough resources for GPs in Haverhill to compensate for this unexpected change, and to ensure the transition can be managed smoothly.
“Haverhill is a growing town. It needs more healthcare resources. The Government has protected the NHS budget, and NHS Suffolk’s budget is rising by £24m this year, on top of the £1.2m saved by closing the Crown centre.
"Haverhill deserves its fair share, and it is essential that some of this is invested in Haverhill to ensure those who live there get the level of care they need.”
Following the news that the centre is due to close in July rather than October, Matthew Hancock has spoken to the head of NHS Suffolk, Dr Paul Watson.
Mr Hancock said his priority was that Haverhill, soon to be the fourth largest town in Suffolk, received its fair share of NHS Suffolk’s budget, which is being given a £24million increase.
Commenting on the esrly closure decision, Mr Hancock said: “After news that the Crown centre will now close in July, I spoke to Paul Watson, head of Suffolk's primary care trust, to let him know what people in the town feel about the decision.
"I have demanded he ensure enough resources for GPs in Haverhill to compensate for this unexpected change, and to ensure the transition can be managed smoothly.
“Haverhill is a growing town. It needs more healthcare resources. The Government has protected the NHS budget, and NHS Suffolk’s budget is rising by £24m this year, on top of the £1.2m saved by closing the Crown centre.
"Haverhill deserves its fair share, and it is essential that some of this is invested in Haverhill to ensure those who live there get the level of care they need.”
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