Bolton West MP Phil Brickell's 'delight' on GP surgery funding

The funding, aimed to boost capacity and improve patient care, means one in six GP practices across the country will benefit to help expand and upgrade their premises.

It is hoped the money will reduce waiting times and improve access to community healthcare services.

MP Phil Brickell alongside Horwich Health and Wellbeing Hub practice managers. (Image: The Office of Phil Brickell) Among the centres expected to benefit are five surgeries in the Bolton West constituency, according to MP Phil Brickell, who visited Horwich Health and Wellbeing Hub to highlight the importance of the initiative.

The hub, which houses Bolton Community Practice and Pike View Practice, has been hailed as the most sustainable and energy-efficient primary care centre in the UK.

READ MORE:

Phil Brickell appointed as Member of the UK's NATO

Phil Brickell's statement on revamp of Bolton maternity unit 

Bolton to get money to repair potholes in the town

The site also hosts a variety of clinics, and features accessible design, including disabled parking and modern, spacious facilities.

Mr Brickell met with staff and families using the "Baby Babble and Bond" class and spoke to frontline health professionals, including midwives and nurses.

He said: “The benefits for patients of 21st Century facilities are obvious when you see the Horwich Health and Wellbeing Hub.

"That’s why I’m delighted with the news that the government is giving an extra £102m to GP surgeries to modernise and expand.

“Five of these practices are in my constituency and several others across Bolton.

MP Phil Brickell also visited the baby and babble group at the hub. (Image: The Office of Phil Brickell) “When I knock on people’s doors, see them at my pop-up surgeries or meet them in the street they often tell me that they are struggling with the 8am scramble for doctor’s appointments, and there’s just not enough appointments for those needing them.

“This new money should allow GPs to work more efficiently for the benefit of patients, enabling more than eight million more appointments across the country.

"Having modern health centres that allow you to see other services within the local community is the way forward.

“That’s why I’m supporting those surgeries that want to modernise, and I’m delighted that this investment will benefit my constituents in Bolton West.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting also welcomed the funding, but highlighted the impact of years of underinvestment in GP infrastructure.

Mr Streeting said: “These are simple fixes for our GP surgeries, but for too long they were left to ruin, allowing waiting lists to build and stopping doctors treating more patients.

“It is only because of the necessary decisions we took in the Budget that we are able to invest in GP surgeries.”