Fight to retain rural service

BASSETLAW MP John Mann is campaigning to ensure village GP surgeries can continue to dispense medicines.

Mr Mann (pictured) says the government is currently examining the future of GP practices that dispense medicines directly from their surgeries.

But he says it is vitally important this rural service remains and is due to meet health minister Phil Hope next week to discuss the situation.

A number of Bassetlaw villages including Blyth, Misterton, North Leverton, Gringley and Bawtry have surgeries that dispense medicines, and Mr Mann says he has received huge support from rural residents for this to continue.

Mr Mann said: "Previously I have consulted with local people on Accident and Emergency and Bassetlaw Primary Care Trust remaining independent and I received a huge response.

"We won both of these battles and I now ask for your backing for a third time on pharmacy services."

He said he wanted minister Phil Hope to be fully aware of local people's views before he takes his decision.

Mr Mann said: "I regard this as a valuable service and I have told the minister this is the strong view of my constituents.

"I am calling on the Bassetlaw public to make clear their views to present this to the minister.

"He understands the argument, but I want to show him it is not just me that believes this but the GPs and members of the public."

Mr Mann is inviting people who support the system where GPs can continue to dispense medicine from their surgery to contact him either by emailing details to mannj@parliament.uk, or fax 0207 219 5965 or write to him at the House of Commons, Westminster SW1P OAA.