Gainsborough MP supports the campaign for a better out of hours GP service

The MP for Gainsborough has joined the campaign for a better out of hours GP service.
Gainsborough Town council clerk, Matthew Gleadell, Coun Liz Clews and Gainsborough MP, Sir Edward LeighGainsborough Town council clerk, Matthew Gleadell, Coun Liz Clews and Gainsborough MP, Sir Edward Leigh
Gainsborough Town council clerk, Matthew Gleadell, Coun Liz Clews and Gainsborough MP, Sir Edward Leigh

Sir Edward Leigh has signed the petition, started by town councillor, Liz Clews, who is leading the campaign.

Liz Clews met with Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh armed with a petition seeking out of hours cover in Gainsborough at weekends by doctors.

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Liz said: “Gainsborough is unique among towns in Lincolnshire in having no doctor available at weekends to respond to the medical needs of town’s residents.  

“I am delighted Sir Edward has signed our petition seeking GP cover out of hours at John Coupland Hospital.”  

The petition started by Coun Clews currently has attracted hundreds of signatures.  

Anyone wishing to sign may do so at Gainsborough Town Council offices, Richmond House, Richmond Park between 9.30am and 3.30pm on Monday to Friday or online at www.change.org or www.streetlife.com

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Coun Clews said Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust medical director Dr Philip Mitchell addressed a meeting of Gainsborough Town Council at which he explained the difficulty the trust faced recruiting GPs to work out of hours.

She said when councillors explained the difficulties and cost involved for Gainsborough residents reaching Lincoln at weekends for a consultation with a GP, Dr Mitchell indicated that the clearly unsatisfactory situation at Gainsborough would be reviewed by his Trust.

Liz said councillors did express support for the nursing staff that operates the minor injuries unit at John Coupland Hospital between 8 am and 6pm daily.  

However they expressed concern that evening and night support is not available in the town.

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A spokesman from Lincolnshire Community Health Service said: “There is currently no GP cover on weekends at John Coupland Hospital but this is to be explored again as part of countywide urgent care review.

“The decision to stop GP Out of Hours followed a review that was prompted after there was a significant challenge filling all the advertised sessions last year.

“There are still alternative Out of Hours options at Gainsborough including patients directly visiting the Minor Injuries Unit, between 8am and 6pm should they require treatment or advice;

“The MIU is nurse led with experienced nurse practitioners who manage the vast majority of presentations.

“And patients can still book face to face appointments with GPs, nurse practitioners and emergency care practitioners at their GP practices.”