Victoria Collins MP calls for boost in GP numbers

Hertfordshire and West Essex is one of the areas in England worst hit by GP shortages, with the number of patients per GP now standing at 2,719 according to new data first reported by the BBC.

These new figures show that there is now just one GP per 2,719 in the area covered by Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB. This is significantly above the national average of one GP per 2,364 people.

Victoria Collins, Liberal Democrat MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted has said this alarming data reveals the stark “postcode lottery” facing GP patients, with people in her constituency suffering as a result of the Conservative Party’s disgraceful legacy on the NHS.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a Budget to save the NHS and Care this Autumn, to rescue local health services after years of Conservative neglect.

Since the general election, Victoria has met with a number of local GP surgeries including Davenport House Surgery and Gossoms End Surgery, to hear about the issues that they are facing, including accessing the space they need to bring in more GPs.

She has vowed to use her new frontbench role as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology, to bring local issues like this to the heart of Westminster.

Victoria Collins MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, said:

“It’s clear from these figures that our local NHS services have been driven into the ground after years of Conservative neglect. Many local GPs are working hard to deliver for our local communities but need government support.  I know many of my constituents are hugely concerned about not being able to access the healthcare they need, when they need it.

“We can’t allow this situation to go on any longer. The government must act urgently to recover our broken NHS services, by bringing forward a Budget focussed on saving the NHS this Autumn.

“I know supporting our local health and care services is a major priority for residents of Harpenden and Berkhamsted, particularly as our area is clearly bearing the brunt of this stark postcode lottery in accessing GP services. I will continue to push the government to give our local healthcare services the funding they so desperately need.”