Ipswich MPs Jack Abbott and Patrick Spencer meet with Stephen Kinnock to discuss cancellation of GP at Tooks Bakery site
Suffolk MPs have put aside their political differences to urge the Government to reconsider the fate of a scrapped GP surgery in north Ipswich.
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, and Patrick Spencer, who represents Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, met with care minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday.
They discussed the ‘super surgery’ at the old Tooks Bakery site, off Old Norwich Road, which was shelved in October due to rising costs.
During the conversation, the pair raised the need for improved primary care in the north west of the town in the hopes the decision to scrap the plans would be reviewed.
They believed the plans for the GP surgery met the Government’s pledge for community-based care as part of its long-term plans for the NHS in the wake of the Darzi report.
Mr Kinnock wished to re-affirm the Government’s pledge to keep care within communities.
The old Tooks Bakery site falls within Mr Spencer’s constituency.
The site, known as Cardinal Medical Practice, was expected to cost £8 million.
He said the issue transcended politics and was grateful for the meeting with the minister.
Mr Spencer said: “Having met with the partners at Cardinal Medical Practice just over a week ago, I know how bitterly disappointed they are at the cancellation of the redevelopment of the former Tooks Bakery site, as are the residents of North Ipswich.
“The promised new ‘super surgery’ would deliver exactly what the Government has committed to – health services embedded in the local community. It is incumbent upon us as politicians to work together, put aside our political differences and deliver a sustainable solution for the people of North Ipswich and the surrounding villages.”
Mr Abbott was pleased to see the Government’s commitment to neighbourhood care in Ipswich.
He felt the Government was right to emphasise the importance of putting care back into communities as part of its plans for the NHS.
He added: “I will continue to work with local and national politicians and our local NHS to try and find a workable solution that ensures no part of our town or county is left behind as we invest in and reform our NHS.”
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