A CAMPAIGN group has been launched to fight for a new medical centre.
HAWK, Health and Wellbeing Knutsford, has been formed by local residents, determined to lobby the NHS to improve the town’s healthcare.
Patients have come together after plans by Knutsford Medical Partnership to develop the community hospital site were rejected by the newly formed Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) as being too costly.
READ > Knutsford campaign for new medical centre supported by MP
Dad-of-two David Laycock, who has lived in Knutsford for more than 20 years, is leading the pressure group.
The retired project manager said: “It is absolutely disgraceful.
“I cannot believe that the NHS seems to be willing to spend a small fortune reorganising itself time and time again.
“HAWK is a local, apolitical campaign group, dedicated to fighting for a new modern, integrated health and social care facilities in Knutsford.
“These are sorely needed given that the town is currently served by four separate GP surgeries.
“All are located in old properties with limited parking, poor access and high maintenance costs.”
David said two independent consultant reports commissioned over the past 12 years have concluded that the community hospital is ‘the only viable site’ for a one-stop shop for health and social care.
“Knutsford has one of the most deprived areas in Cheshire on the Longridge estate,” said David.
“The current surgeries are running close to maximum capacity.
“Given the massive housing developments, they need room to expand to continue providing safe and effective treatment.
“Knutsford Medical Partnership has considered closing its patient list because they don’t have capacity.
“That would leave new residents without any healthcare at all.
“Elderly patients with more complex needs have to travel to Macclesfield for specialist appointments.
“Public transport is absolutely appalling.
“The old surgeries are located in the town centre and are hugely valuable.
“The NHS should sell those off and reinvest in a purpose built site.
“Doctors could increase their opening hours and offer more services if they were all together.
“We are determined to give patients a voice and urge them to join us.
“It will effectively be an online petition.”
To sign up visit hawknutsford.uk
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