THE desire for a new medical centre was one of the first things I heard about when I became the MP for Tatton in 2017, from both local GPs and residents.

Our local doctors were clear then and remain adamant, there is a need for an integrated practice which could offer an extended range of services and make optimum use of the different specialisms different practitioners have to offer.

The new site would be a health and wellbeing hub which could also incorporate hospital consultant appointments, delivering first class care to the residents of Knutsford, whereby most medical needs could be provided in one place.

It is obvious to me the benefits this would bring to patients. But it requires the will of everyone to make it work.

Cheshire East Council and East Cheshire NHS trust must work with Knutsford Medical Partnership and the Integrated Care Board to help get this over the line.

The doctors want to see the community hospital and Bexton Court site developed to provide the new centre, and the location would also provide opportunities to expand further in the future.

I have spoken to the place director at the Integrated Care Board, met with the GPs again last week and am attending a meeting with all the key stakeholders later this month to see what we can do to move the issue forward.

I believe none of the issues that have prevented this from becoming a reality thus far are insurmountable and if everyone works together it can be delivered.

The current surgeries are in old Victorian buildings with limited access and with more homes in the area, this is vital.

The fact our doctors are not under one roof and the practice operates from four sites means they cannot expand and provide the extra services they want, particularly around mental health.

There is a solution on the table and I want to see this sorted.

I will keep raising this matter with all stakeholders to do everything in my power to make it happen.

The GPs know they have my full support on this and I commend them for their dedication and hard work.

We must deliver this much-needed medical centre which will benefit both local residents and our local GPs.