West Lindsey District Council has unanimously backed plans to improve access to health care across the district, prioritising the construction of a new GP surgery in Gainsborough.
The council agreed to contact the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to accurately determine GP service needs in the district.
It follows a motion put forward by Cllr Trevor Young, Leader of the Council, which highlighted the population of the district is steadily rising, leading to higher demand for healthcare services.
Cllr Young said existing GP services are under ‘significant pressure’ resulting in longer waiting times for appointments and limited availability of medical professionals.
He said:
“Residents have expressed concerns about the accessibility and quality of the current GP services and inconsistency around across the district. The impact on the community is that the inadequate GP services can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatments which negatively impact on the health and well-being of residents.
“Overburden of healthcare professionals who may experience burnout, further corroborating the problem. Insufficient medical services can deter new residents and businesses from moving into the area affecting local development.”
Cllr Linda Mullally seconded the motion and added:
“We desperately need more and better health care for residents especially in Gainsborough.”
Councillors discussed the matter at length, citing issues across the district, including access to a GP, transport, contacting their GP, security and increased house building without health infrastructure.
Councillors then voted on the motion which was unanimously approved.
The motion outlines both immediate and long-term actions to address the issue:
Immediate Actions
- Call on the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to accurately determine GP service needs.
- Engage with local health authorities, NHS representatives, and community stakeholders to build support for the new GP surgery.
Long-Term Strategy
- Develop a strategic plan for the new GP service, identifying potential locations, resources, and timelines.
- Secure funding through collaboration with local government and healthcare organisations.
Implementation:
- Appoint a working group dedicated to overseeing the establishment of the new GP service, ensuring accountability and progress tracking.
- Launch community awareness campaigns to inform residents of the forthcoming improvements and encourage their participation in the process.
The next full Council meeting will be Monday, 4 November 2024 at 7pm.