Government must address GP crisis, says MP Helen Maguire
The team at Ashlea Medical Practice, Leatherhead
MP for Epsom and Ewell Helen Maguire has called on the Government to urgently tackle the growing crisis in the NHS, with an urgent focus on GP services.
Maguire’s comments come in response to the Prime Minister’s ‘Plan for Change’ and highlight the struggles faced by GPs and patients across Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead. Access to GP appointments remains a significant issue for residents, with many experiencing long waits and fragmented care.
A 70-year-old constituent from Epsom shared their frustration with Bourne Hall Health Centre:
“After waiting two weeks for a 10-minute consultation, I could only discuss one issue - a fungal nail infection - before being referred elsewhere. There was little time to address my neurological foot pain or recurring concerns about skin cancer. After today’s appointment, I feel depressed and disheartened. I cannot see any improvement in the future.”
At Ashlea Medical Practice in Leatherhead, the challenges are just as acute. Staff struggle with a severe lack of space, working in converted cupboards, and operating on top of each other in cramped conditions. To make matters worse, their building has asbestos in the ceilings, creating unsafe and inadequate facilities for both staff and patients.
Helen Maguire said:
“The Government continues to neglect the GP crisis, leaving people in our community waiting weeks for appointments and forcing healthcare professionals to work in unacceptable conditions. Stories like these - from patients and hardworking GP teams alike - are all too common.
“At Ashlea Medical Practice, staff are doing their best under incredibly difficult circumstances, with inadequate space and facilities that are unfit for purpose. Patients like those at Bourne Hall are being let down by delays, red tape, and a lack of joined-up care.
“The Prime Minister’s speech made no concrete commitments to resolve this, and it’s time for action, not rhetoric. GPs and their patients deserve better.
“I will continue to fight in Westminster and here at home to ensure our NHS, hospitals, and GPs are given the resources they need to provide timely and effective care. Winter is coming, and our community cannot afford to be let down any longer.”