Newark MP Robert Jenrick shares his plans to deal with the national issue of long healthcare waiting lists

Over the pandemic doctors and healthcare professionals were on the front line and we owe them a great debt of gratitude.

However, as we move into a post-lockdown world it is evident that many people with medical issues did not come forward during this period, due to concerns of burdening the health service, fears around covid-19 infection or their appointments were cancelled to make space for those with covid. This has now opened the floodgates and is stretching the capacity of local GP surgeries to breaking point. Whether that is accessing face to face appointments, the length of time for referrals and waiting lists, or simply to get a timely appointment many people are impacted by this and feel very strongly about it. In fact it is the number one constituency issue I receive emails about and I have even been stopped on the street lately by local residents, wanting to raise concerns and share difficult stories.

It is important that we tackle these issues. I understand that many people may prefer to have online appointments with GP’s which work around their working day and save travelling to the surgery, but the option for a face-to-face appointment must be available for those who wish to seek assurance about their health in person.