HEALTHCARE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS CITY'S DOCTOR DELAY

12.01.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 16th Oct 2008

Bassett and Swaythling MP, Sandra Gidley has today [Thursday] called for urgent action by Southampton PCT, after a new report from the Healthcare Commission has slammed it for "underachieving" in ensuring local people have good access to a GP.

Commenting Sandra, who is also the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister said:

"Having access to a GP is essential. It is deeply worrying to think that people in Southampton are struggling to see their local doctors when they need to most.

"For years the government has told us that it is really easy to see your local doctor. Now, over ten years since Labour came to power, we see that these assurances were wrong. This must change - now.

"I welcome the Healthcare Commission for providing such a good assessment so that we can all see the reality of the situation.

"I will do all I can to make sure that central government and the Southampton PCT act quickly. The citizens of Southampton deserve better than a second rate access to healthcare."

ENDS