I take the matter of healthcare provision and better access to services in Corby & East Northamptonshire incredibly seriously, and it is an issue I regularly comment on, and provide updates about, here: https://www.votepursglove.co.uk/news.
I have long since campaigned for improved services and regularly meet with health officials locally to understand service provision on an ongoing basis and consistently press for better access - and indeed, we have made progress around capacity. For example, I have had success over the years in securing more GP appointments, helped keep the Corby Urgent Care Centre open, been part of securing the commitment to constructing new buildings on the dilapidated Kettering General Hospital site and only a couple of weeks ago, the Government announced a new Community Diagnostic Centre for Corby at Cottingham Road. But there is undoubtedly more still to do.
Therefore, by expanding the role of pharmacies, fewer people will need to see their GP in the first place. This will relieve pressure on our hardworking GPs by freeing up 15 million appointments over the next two years and ending the all-too stressful wait on the end of the phone for patients, something which I know is a key concern for local residents, and on which I have been pressing for greater local and national action.