I along with Local councillors have written to residents of Norfolk Park to thank them for their hard work and dedication in saving Norfolk Park GP surgery from closure.

The surgery was under threat of closure and was due to be merged with its sister surgery at Dovercourt. Over the last two months, hundreds of people including residents, local councillors and Louise Haigh MP campaigned to save the surgery, with resounding results.

I’m delighted that common sense has prevailed and that the Sheffield NHS Clinical Commissioning Group have decided to reverse their decision and keep this much needed medical provision for the community. This is a win for the community and shows that ‘people power’ still exists.

The underlying issues of GP shortages still remain, and we must not take this win for granted.  A decade of under-investment by the government has cost the NHS dearly and has left it running on empty. It’s clear that the government need to start valuing our GPs and NHS staff as much as our local communities do. If there is to be any good that comes from the Coronavirus pandemic, then this must be it.

I will be working with the surgery and Sheffield NHS to try to secure more services in the coming months. It’s important that as many services are provided in the community as possible and I’ll be working with the local NHS to bring more into Norfolk Park, such as mental health services.”

Cllr Ben Miskell, said: 

 “Saving the surgery has been a huge victory for residents and the whole community. Since opening its doors eight years ago, it’s supported thousands of people in some of the most modern facilities in the city. Closing it just didn’t make sense and would have been a disaster for our community.

“We’ll continue to work with residents to ensure they have access to the services they need within their community.”