A constructive meeting was held with Lucy Frazer MP, Steve Barclay MP, Tracy Dowling and Dr Gary Howsam from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG, and local representatives from GP surgeries and medical practices across Cambridgeshire, to discuss the future of Minor Injuries Units in Ely, Doddington and Wisbech.
The CCG outlined their financial constraints including the fact that whilst their budget is increasing, demand is also increasing. We discussed whether it would be possible to retain services on each of the MIU sites, maintaining a walk-in treatment centre as well as co-locating more services on site to include GP services. This would join up GPs, out of hours provision, and other services hopefully resulting in an efficient, cost effective and useful local service.
This option clearly ought to merit serious consideration from the CCG, especially given the local desire to retain services, and further analysis is needed to ensure that it is a viable option for the CCG in terms of meeting the new standards for MIUs and cost. In the light of this, Lucy asked the CCG to set out in clear terms their strategy in particular in respect of the site at Ely looking forward, including services, building plans, costs, and delivery outcomes.
Lucy will of continue to update residents and will continue to campaign to retain services at the Princess of Wales.