Stephen Morgan submitting Labour’s petition to the clinical commissioning group yesterday
The local clinical commissioning group (CCG) has been consulting on the future of the popular health care centre in Guildhall Walk since late last year. The deadline for responses from the public was Friday 19 February. And on the day the consultation closed, the campaigner’s petition reached the important milestone of 1,000 signatures.
As well as providing a crucial out-of-hours service for residents, the Guildhall surgery provides support for students, visitors to the city, homeless people and substance misusers.
Stephen Morgan petition organiser and standing for Labour in Charles Dickens ward this May – the home of the walk-in centre – said:
“Due to unfair cuts to the local NHS the Guildhall Walk Healthcare Centre faces closure. We’ve campaigned relentlessly over the last few months talking to hundreds and hundreds of people on the doorstep, at street stalls and community events. People have shared their concerns and views on the potential impact of any closure…
…Labour want to keep this vital local service open. We care about public services. The closure of the facility will put further pressures in surgery waiting times in the city. I’ll continue to press the CCG to rethink their position and keep this essential service in the heart of Portsmouth for everyone”.
With over 1,000 local people supporting the ‘We Love the Guildhall Walk-In’ campaign, the team of volunteers were also delighted to receive the backing of their efforts by local pharmacy Lalys on Guildhall Walk, and well-known actor David Ames, better known as Dr Dominic Copeland, of Holby City fame.
In a letter accompanying the petition submission to the Chief Operating Officer of the Clinical Commissioning Group, Stephen Morgan and Cllr Yahiya Chowdhury, Charles Dickens ward councillor, write to the CCG:
“We recognise that you are operating within a difficult financial climate due to central government cuts. But with very strong support from residents, and a clear message from communities across this city, we urge you to keep the Guildhall Walk Healthcare Centre open”.
For more information about this campaign and other local issues visit the local Labour Party’s website or www.stephenjmorgan.org
