Solihull MPs to meet doctors leaders over delays in seeing a GP - The Solihull Observer

Solihull MPs to meet doctors leaders over delays in seeing a GP

Solihull Editorial 29th May, 2021   0

THERE was one topic on the minds of Solihull residents when MP Julian Knight held a series of impromptu surgeries last week – the delays in getting to see a GP in the borough.

And now, together with Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti Mr Knight will be arranging a meeting with Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to find out what can be done to ease the issue.

“We know the NHS is under huge pressure but I feel as local representatives we should hold their feet to the fire to get better results,” said Mr Knight.

He acknowledged this was something of an ongoing issue, and had talked to health chiefs last year in a bid to improve matters, which had been successful – for a while.




“I had asked that they monitor things on a weekly basis – the way in which health care operators are dealing with backlogs – and that showed to me that there was an improvement.

“Unfortunately it’s now been going backwards so Saqib (Bhatti) and I will be meeting with the CCG to see what can be done to get people attended to more quickly.”


The issue resurfaced on May 17 when Mr Knight joined members of Solihull Indoor Bowls Club to mark the further easing of lockdown and the relaxation on indoor sports.

Whilst at the club’s Brick Kiln Lane he held a series of surgeries, and one subject was uppermost among members.

“Getting a doctor’s appointment was the major issue,” said Mr Knight.

“And I have some experience of these difficulties as my mother has suffered the same, only she was waiting for blood tests.

“We know the NHS is stretched to the limit and I try to make it clear to people the challenges it is facing.

“And it’s not just doctors and nurses but the backroom staff as well as they work as a team.

“But we are sorting out diary dates so we can see if we can find a solution to this problem.”

Dr Will Taylor, clinical chair of NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG and local GP, said: “GPs across Birmingham and Solihull are facing unprecedented demand.

“The public can play their part by choosing the right service for their condition, including making use of local pharmacies who can help with minor illnesses and NHS 111 which can provide urgent advice or onward referrals.”

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