Plans for a new proposed health centre in Knutsford are set to be discussed at the highest level after Esther McVey secured a meeting with health ministers.
Doctors say they desperately need more space and modernised facilities to meet the town’s growing elderly population and influx of new families and that the current surgeries across Knutsford, which are all in Victorian buildings, are not suitable long term.
They want to merge and create a health and wellbeing hub which could also incorporate hospital consultant appointments, as well as other services.
Ms McVey fully supports the projects and hopes things can get moving.
Speaking in Parliament she said: “Knutsford desperately needs a modern medical centre; local GPs and the community are united that the current provision is not fit for purpose and with the growing population cannot meet everyone’s needs.
“So, in light of the Government’s announcement of £102 million to modernise GP surgeries to make it easier to see more patients would the minister meet with me to discuss a new modern medical centre for Knutsford.”
In response Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “I thank her for recognising the significant investment announced for GP services and buildings and I will be delighted to make sure the relevant minister will meet with her.”
Ms McVey has been working with local GPs, the Integrated Care Board, NHS bosses, as well as stakeholders involved in the project, and will continue to do so.
She added: “It is obvious the benefits this centre would bring to patients we must all do everything we can to ensure it happens and get it over the line.
"I am pleased to have secured a meeting with the Health Minister and officials at the Department for Health and I will keep raising this at every opportunity.”
Doctors want to see the community hospital and Bexton Court site developed to provide the new centre, and said the location would also provide opportunities to expand further in the future.
Last week it was reported Bexton Court – which provided dementia services but has been boarded up since 2010 – is still costing the council an estimated £20,000 a year.
Ms McVey added: “I was extremely concerned to read about money allegedly being thrown away paying for a disused building and have written to the council about this. Not only is it a complete waste of taxpayer’s money, but it is also on the site being looked at for this development.”
