CONCERNS about the lack of doctor-led urgent care services at Rugby’s hospital have been raised in Parliament by the town’s MP.
John Slinger told Health Secretary Wes Streeting that Rugby residents had long-standing concerns about travelling to University Hospital Coventry to access accident and emergency services, and the long wait times they encounter.
Mr Slinger said: “Councillors, local health campaigners, I and others have been making the case for a doctor-led urgent treatment centre at the Hospital of St Cross, but many of my constituents are concerned about having to travel to the larger hospital in Coventry and the long waiting times they find there.
“The Integrated Care Board (ICB) has a review of urgent care underway in Warwickshire, but I still do not know when it will be completed and my constituents want to know when urgent care at our local hospital will be upgraded.”
He asked Mr Streeting if planned reforms to NHS England would ‘equip ICBs more effectively to respond to local needs’.
Mr Streeting said: “I strongly believe in local decision making to make sure services are configured and designed to meet the differing needs of local communities.
“We have to shift out of hospital with the NHS being not just the national health service but a neighbourhood health service, with as many services as possible closer to people’s homes and indeed in people’s homes.”
Following the Parliamentary session, Mr Slinger added: “I’m glad to have had the opportunity to raise my constituents’ concerns directly with the Health Secretary.
“I’ve worked closely with NHS leaders, including of the Trust and the ICB, clinicians, local councillors, the community health groups, local campaigners and others, to discuss health provision in Rugby.
“I’m very supportive of the recent investment into the Hospital of St Cross, that has seen the services it offers improve in many areas.
“I’ll work with everyone to ensure improvements locally as we get the NHS back on its feet.”
A ‘Citizens’ Assembly for Health’ will take place from 9am-2pm on Friday April 11 at the Indian Association in Edward Street, organised by Rugby Borough Council, Healthwatch Warwickshire and Rugby Health and Care Improvement Forum.
Anyone wishing to attend should email [email protected], including their name, phone number and question.
