Can Ipswich's MPs change NHS decision on new health centre

Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Patrick Spencer and Labour MP for Ipswich Jack Abbott have spoken about the cancellation and are now hoping to get plans back on track.

The proposals for the new surgery were abandoned earlier this month after costs rose when the NHS delayed making a final decision on the plan.

But on Sunday Health Secretary Wes Streeting told Laura Kuenssberg on her BBC1 show that his aim was to build a "Neighbourhood Health Service" bringing medical and other NHS services together in larger centres for communities.

That was exactly what had been planned for the Cardinal Medical Practice on the former Tooks site at the junction of Bury Road and Old Norwich Road in Ipswich.

The new medical centre would have been built on the former Tooks' site. (Image: Ipswich Council)

The Cardinal Medical Practice is currently the largest GP practice in Ipswich with patients from across the north west of the town and in nearby communities like Claydon, Blakenham and Bramford.

Most of its patients are in Mr Spencer's constituency, but some nearer the town centre are represented by Mr Abbott.

It is understood the two MPs discussed the crisis when they met in Parliament, and Mr Abbott is going to try to set up a meeting with ministers to discuss the issue.

Mr Spencer said: “The issue of Cardinal Medical Practice is one which transcends politics.  

"It is incumbent upon us as Members of Parliament to work together, put aside our political differences and deliver a sustainable solution for residents living in North Ipswich and the surrounding villages.  

"As we heard just on Sunday from the Health Secretary, the Government has pledged to reform the NHS into a model where more services are delivered in local communities – what better place to start delivering this than for the residents in North Ipswich who have faced bitter disappointment with the recent shelving of the long-awaited new health surgery on the former Tooks bakery site. 

“I will work with Members across the House and councillors from across the political spectrum to deliver better access to primary care services for our residents."

Christine Shaw met Patrick Spencer on Friday. (Image: Paul Geater)

On Friday Mr Spencer had a meeting with local Labour councillor Christine Shaw who is chair of the patients' forum for the practice.

She said she had been encouraged by her conversation - and also hoped to speak to Mr Abbott about the situation.

But she said an increasing number of patients had expressed their concern to her - and many of the practice staff remained frustrated at the decision because they had been looking forward to coming together in a new health centre.

Mr Spencer added: “This is not the time for scoring political points or playing the political blame game – this is quite simply about putting those differences aside and working collaboratively to do what’s right, and that is working together to deliver better health services for local residents.”