A PETITION has been launched by MP Saqib Bhatti calling for better healthcare in Meriden as closest ‘urgent care’ centre moves to Chelmsley Wood.
The MP said he has been approached by a number of local residents lodging their concerns over a lack of healthcare and reduction of services in the area.
He said: “Solihull Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) was recently closed temporarily to allow Solihull Hospital to become a Covid free site. This was to enable elective surgery to resume for those that had been placed on hold during the pandemic.
“This was following the withdrawal of services at the Balsall Common Health Centre.
“A new temporary facility was established in Chelmsley Wood to ensure an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) service is still available for residents of the Solihull Borough, however this is not easily accessible for a number of residents who lived in the south of the Meriden constituency.
“Everybody appreciates the strains that Covid-19 has placed on the health systems, however the needs of the local population must still be met, and healthcare services need to be accessible.
“Our doctors, nurses and key workers in the NHS have been nothing short of heroic during this pandemic.
“I am simply calling on the CCG to provide greater services to ease the load on key workers and provide greater access to healthcare for my constituents.”
The petition is supported by Meriden ward councillors, Tony Dicicco, Ken Allsopp and Diane Howell.
Mr Bhatti MP added: “I believe my constituents deserve better than to see the gradual withdrawal of yet more services from their local area.
“Currently, I do not believe the geography and rural nature of the Meriden constituency is being taken into account when decisions are made on provision and accessibility of vital health services.”
Councillor Tony Dicicco said “Our NHS has provided an unparalleled service during the pandemic. However, there are still some areas in the Borough where healthcare is not easily accessible to some families. This is why I am supporting Saqib Bhatti MP in his call for better healthcare provision in the Meriden constituency.”
The petition can be found at: saqibbhatti.org.uk/healthcare-petition
