Health crisis: Mayor Dave continues fight for better GP services

Mayor Dave Hodgson is leading Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats' calls for better health facilities for residents. Mayor Dave is calling for a fair deal for Bedford Borough after figures reveal patients per GP have increased by 18% since 2016 in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes area. Meanwhile the number of GP surgeries in the East of England and the Midlands has decreased by 115 since 2019.

Mayor Dave said "I know how important getting access to primary healthcare is and that is why I have campaigned strongly on this issue for many years. I'm very proud of the work we have done to save maternity and A&E services at Bedford Hospital and stopped the closure of Putnoe Walk-in Centre. These facilities provide vital services for residents and without them we would see even more pressure on our other medical practices.

After years of campaigning from the Liberal Democrats and residents, last year it was announced Putnoe Walk-In Centre will remain open with the contract being extended to 31st March 2024. Since the decision to close Putnoe Walk-In Centre in January 2018, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have worked tirelessly with residents to save it. After the overwhelming response in support of the Walk-In Centre which was evidenced by a Liberal Democrat petition with over 1,600 responses, that decision was reversed in September 2018 and the contract was extended.

Mayor Dave added "Whilst we have been successful in many of our campaigns, the fight is still not over. Bedford Borough needs more GPs - we have been saying this for years, yet the government are refusing to prioritise health infrastructure for our residents. Our doctors and nurses are working incredibly hard and need proper support from this government."

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are campaigning for a fair deal for Bedford Borough. They are calling on the government to prioritise health infrastructure and fund more GP surgery space and more GPs so residents can get help when they need it. To help support their campaign you can sign their petition at www.bedfordlibdems.org.uk/GPShortage.