MP reveals "very productive" talks with health minister over extra hospital service calls
Dr Brian Mathew MP wants to see provision at Melksham Community Hospital expanded
The MP for Melksham says he's held positive talks with the Health Minister as he calls for expanded hospital services in the town.
Dr Brian Mathew told Greatest Hits Radio it's an issue he hears about often, insisting the people of Melksham "deserve a better situation".
He said the town is the third largest settlement in Wiltshire and has a growing population, stressing that more services are needed to keep up with local needs.
Melksham Community Hospital currently offers a few services, but for minor injuries and access to A&E, patients must travel significant distances out of the town.
Dr Mathew said Health Minister, Karin Smith, agreed that extra provision at the site is required, saying it "aligned with the Government's 10 year plan".
That plan calls for an increase in local services, reducing the need for patients to travel.
He added that services like community audiology should be handled within local communities so people living in Melksham don't need to travel to Bath or Swindon.
Responding to a question about a Minor Injuries Unit on his social post about the meeting, Dr Mathew said: it was an issue he brought to the Minister's attention.
"Whilst MIUs are a commissioning decision of our local Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Minister agreed that this should be considered," he said. "We will keep making the case to the ICB that patients should be able to access treatment for minor injuries and illnesses locally and not have to travel."
Dr Mathew revealed that the Minister had stressed the importance of diagnostics, which he says builds the case for retaining x-ray services in Melksham.
He said further discussions are to take place: "The Minister has agreed to follow up with our local ICB and advised me on next steps. Ensuring adequate healthcare provision for people across the constituency is a key priority. I will continue to push for local services for local people."