MERIDEN MP Saqib Bhatti has launched a petition over the lack of health provision in the constituency.
It follows the removal of services at Balsall Common Health Centre.
He said: “A number of constituents have been in touch with me about the lack of sufficient healthcare and the overall reduction of services in our local area.
“Solihull Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) was recently closed temporarily to allow Solihull Hospital to become a Covid free site.
“This was following the withdrawal of services at the Balsall Common Health Centre.
“A new temporary facility was established in Chelmsley Wood to ensure an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) service is still available for residents of the Solihull Borough, however this is not easily accessible for a number of residents who lived in the south of the Meriden constituency.
“Everybody appreciates the strains that Covid-19 has placed on the health systems, however the needs of the local population must still be met, and healthcare services need to be accessible.
Saqib Bhatti MP
“I am simply calling on the clinical commissioning group to provide greater access to healthcare for my constituents.”
He added that he had been backed in the petition by local Meriden borough councillors Tony Dicicco, Ken Allsopp and Diane Howell.
“Currently, I do not believe the clinical commissioning group is taking into account the geography and rural nature of the constituency in the decisions that are being made on provision and accessibility of vital health services.”
Paul Jennings, chief executive of NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG said: “We speak with Mr Bhatti regularly and would very much welcome a discussion with him about this petition.
“Solihull Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) is open from 8am to 8pm, every day, and offers appointments that can be booked through NHS 111. The UTC is able to deal with many things people attend A&E for.
“We would actively encourage local people to contact NHS 111 – either by calling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk – to ensure they are directed to the most appropriate NHS service for their needs.”
