GP Provision: Pilsley

Opened the debate

It is an honour to speak on the closure of the Pilsley surgery, a delightful village facing anxiety due to Staffa Health's proposal. The surgery has been under threat for nearly three years; the practice identified stakeholders in May 2019 and consulted patients until August 2019. Mr Fletcher was elected after the consultation period and received notice of closure on January 14th, writing to Staffa Health and NHS Derby and Derbyshire CCG for a meeting with the Secretary of State. He discussed difficulties in recruiting GPs, Staffa's reasons for closure including efficiency concerns, public transport issues impacting elderly residents, new housing developments without adequate infrastructure support, and inadequate consultation processes. Mr Fletcher called for the surgery to remain open to avoid adverse impacts on vulnerable patients.

Government Response

I congratulate Mark Fletcher on his debate and acknowledge the importance of local GP services. I highlighted Derby and Derbyshire CCG’s initiatives, including expanding the workforce and retaining experienced GPs through the ‘GP Aspire’ programme. Regarding Pilsley surgery closure, a consultation was launched in June 2019 with various feedback approaches but noted concerns about modern technology excluding some patients. Staffa Health's application to close the surgery for sustainability reasons was submitted, and despite robust consultations, a petition gathered 592 signatures against it. The CCG is urged to consider local views during decision-making on February 26th. Minister Churchill emphasised workforce shortages as a challenge nationwide, committing to increasing doctors and primary care professionals up to 6,000 each by 2023-24. She also addressed Jim Shannon's point about student doctors' placements, reiterating the importance of training and retaining healthcare professionals.