Richard Foord MP intervenes over GP blood test changes
Richard Foord, MP for Honiton & Sidmouth has written to a local NHS boss, following a decision by some Devon GP surgeries to cease providing blood tests for ill patients who are managed by hospital consultants.
People in the area of Devon that Mr Foord represents have written to him about the change. For some, it will mean they will be required to travel long distances to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.
Mr Foord explains: “I understand that it is a funding problem; that one quarter of GP surgeries in Devon are no longer able to afford providing this service without putting other services at risk, because their costs are no longer fully covered.
“I am worried about the impact on unwell constituents of them having to travel, even if they have the means of getting themselves to the hospital. Many won’t of course. In particular, I am concerned about the effect of frequent visits to a large hospital on immuno-compromised patients, or those who are very weak.
“We have five community hospitals in the Honiton and & Sidmouth constituency which are run by the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, so I have written to Chief Executive, Sam Higginson, asking him what the Trust’s plans are for running local blood test clinics, to avoid unnecessary travel for very unwell people.
“It’s essential that we make the most of our valued local community hospitals.”