CALLS are being made for a group to be set up to scrutinise the provision of GP and dentist practices in Copeland.
At Whitehaven Town Council’s latest meeting, Councillor Ray Gill proposed that members write to Copeland Council, requesting a group be set up to look into service provision within the borough.
It comes after concerns were raised by Cllr Gill over the level of service provided to the people of Whitehaven by GP practices and dentists, with many residents struggling to access appointments.
At the meeting, he described his own struggles of trying to get a doctor’s appointment and said the situation in Copeland was 'disgraceful'.
Cllr Gill, who represents Sneckyeat South, had outlined the issues at a previous meeting and a letter had then been sent out to the chairperson of Cumbria County Council’s health and scrutiny committee, requesting an investigation into the provision of doctors and dentists in Whitehaven.
Carni McCarron-Holmes, chair of the health and scrutiny committee, had responded to say that the committee was already aware of the issues and would continue to press for action.
She said Allerdale Council had set up its own task and finish group due to the concerns over the 'continued retraction of services'.
Cllr Gill proposed that a letter be sent to Copeland Borough Council, urging the authority to set up an overview and scrutiny committee task and finish group into the provision of doctors and dentist practices within the borough, 'as a matter of urgency'.
Members voted unanimously in favour of the proposal.
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