Lace Hill Medical Centre: Update
When I stood for election to be your Member of Parliament, I promised to do everything I could to help secure the Lace Hill Medical Centre for Buckingham. Since July 4th, I’ve been working hard to deliver on that promise. Lace Hill has been in the pipeline for a decade, and it is time to move from words to action.
In my first week as your MP, I met with the The Swan Practice's hard-working team to understand how I could support their efforts. Then in the early autumn, I wrote to the Minister responsible for General Practice, Stephen Kinnock MP, highlighting the urgent need for Government, NHS England, and the District Valuer to collaborate and get this project started.
In November, I was briefed by Montpellier, the developer leading this project, on its current status. Having exchanged letters in December, on 10 January I spoke with the Chief Executive and interim Chief Medical Officer of the BOB ICB (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & West Berkshire Integrated Care Board) where I again stressed the importance of this medical centre for our community.
Having spoken extensively to local people – as well as to Councillors from across political parties – I know we all agree that the need for the Lace Hill Medical Centre has never been greater, with healthcare demand growing in Buckingham and surrounding villages. To build a genuinely community-based NHS that focuses on prevention and healthy living, we simply must deliver. Time is of the essence.
Here’s where we are now:
Montpellier has submitted a planning application to Buckinghamshire Council.
The Swan Practice has submitted its business case to NHS England – who are working with the District Valuer to finalise the financial details.
I have written to both Buckinghamshire Council's Planning Department and NHS England asking them to act with urgency on this vital project for our town. Click here for the letter to the Council, and here for the letter to NHS England.
Please email me if I can be of any further assistance.
