The MP for Christchurch has presented a petition in Parliament calling for the reopening of Burton’s only GP surgery.
The petition was organised by Mr and Mrs Mackenzie-Cook, who have been leading a campaign since the closure of Christchurch Medical Practice’s Burton branch in August last year. The decision went ahead despite objections from local residents.
In April this year, South Coast Medical took over the premises with the intention of opening a new branch of the Grove Practice. However, NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board refused permission for the site to reopen as a surgery.
Sir Christopher Chope presented the petition on 2 September. He told the House of Commons: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to overrule the Dorset Integrated Care Board’s decision to refuse permission for the re-opening of a GP surgery in Burton.”
He also pointed out “the needs and wishes of the people of Burton and the fact that new housing already in receipt of planning permission will generate demand from an additional 2,000 patients for local GP services.”
Once a petition is introduced, it is passed to the relevant government department for a response.
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