In accordance with notice duly given under Procedure Rule 4, Councillor C Morris to move the following motion, duly seconded by Councillor M G Bassenger.
Motion:
“That MDC resolves to write an open letter to MP John Whittingdale asking him to raise the lack of GP access (by possible parliamentary question, if necessary) in our District and enquire about emergency funding for Maldon District and any other areas with high doctor to patient ratios, to assist the residents and the emergency departments of our hospitals which are also under strain in these medically deprived areas.”
Minutes:
In accordance with Procedure Rule 4, the Chairman advised that a motion proposed by Councillor C Morris and seconded by Councillor M G Bassenger had been received.
Councillor Morris read out his motion and proposed that the following amendments be agreed along to his the motion. This proposal and the amendments were duly seconded by Councillor Bassenger.
“That MDC resolves to write
an open letter to MP John Whittingdaleand Priti
Patel asking him them to
raise the lack of GP access (by possible parliamentary question, if
necessary) in our District and enquire about emergency funding for
Maldon District and any other areas with high
patient
to doctor to patientratios, to assist the residents and the emergency departments of
our hospitals which are also under strain in these medically
deprived areas.”
During the debate that followed the Leader of the Council and other Members outlined the work by the Council that had both taken place and was continuing in conjunction with Members of Parliament, the NHS and the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in relation to this matter. It was noted that Mr Whittingdale had in December 2021 raised a question regarding this matter in Parliament.
The Leader of the Council proposed an amendment to the motion, that the suggested letter be updated to acknowledge the work that had been done and what had been found out so far but also seek the current state of play and an update on the situation. She suggested that an update be sought from both MPs as well as through the MP Liaison meeting. This proposal was duly seconded.
Councillor Morris responded to the proposed amendment from the Leader raising concern regarding requesting an update. He felt a solid, clear and concise question should be asked of both MPs and to agree the proposed amendment in the name of the Leader would dilute his motion.
In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor C Morris requested a recorded vote.
Further debate ensued with comments being made in relation to the difficulty in accessing GPs including appointments and recent changes to healthcare provision. Some Members also provided updates following meetings they had attended with the CCG who were discussing similar concerns to those raised.
The Chairman moved the amendment to the original motion as proposed by Councillor Morris. This was duly agreed by assent.
The Chairman then put the proposal in the name of the Leader that the proposed letter be updated to acknowledge the work done, what has been found out so far on the current situation highlighting the need for access to GPs and that responses be reported back. The Leader suggested that these issues could also be taken up through the Leader / MP Liaison meetings. This was duly agreed by assent and the Chairman reported that this now became the substantive motion which following a further vote was agreed by assent.
RESOLVEDthat the Council writes an open letter to Members of Parliament, John Whittingdale and Priti Patel in respect of the lack of GP access in our District, acknowledging the work that they have done and seeking an update on the situation following the question being raised in Parliament. The letter should also highlight the need for access to GPs as well as enquiring about emergency funding for Maldon District and any other areas with high patient to doctor ratios, to assist the residents and the emergency departments of our hospitals which are also under strain in these medically deprived areas.