Will this affect YOU?

Following our Newsletter article on our Doctors surgeries and The Warrens site being developed as a new Medical Centre, we received a number of responses both for and against this issue.

This culminated in a meeting between our Chairman and the Chairman of the Patient Focus Group (PFG) who are closely linked to the West Wirral Primary Care Trust (PCT) in moving this idea forward.

We hope to post a more informative article in the coming weeks, but in the meantime this should outline what is happening to date and more importantly what the current position is.

For sometime now, we have been hearing and reading about spokespersons stating that ‘a number of sites are being considered’. However, we have always felt The Warrens was firmly on the agenda. The reality of the matter is that appropriate sites in our area are extremely limited, simply because nearly all land that is not already built on is effectively ‘Greenbelt’. The Warrens maybe greenbelt, but is also an area of land that is (or was) effectively used for commercial purposes.

This is the reason for our recent newsletter article, which was designed to provoke a response – it did – and to get the matter in the open so our members can be properly informed and make educated decisions on what they feel is best for them.

The PFG were formed in 2004 and their purpose is to consult with the PCT in the building of the new centre so all patients needs are catered for. The current three sites in Heswall, Thingwall & Irby are described as inadequate to say the least. Complaints are regularly received from patients who feel the current facilities could be vastly improved. To that end a modern facility is much needed, there appears to be little doubt about this fact. Next question – WHERE?

From the ITPAS point of view, only the Irby surgery is affected. This, in our opinion, forms a focal point in our community. Many elderly people and those with young children, who for one reason or another, may, albeit infrequently, have to attend the Doctors surgery in the village on Thingwall Road. Most people find they are able to walk to the surgery, (sometimes because they have no choice). This of course can be combined with a visit to the pharmacist and other outlets such as convenience store, pet shop, butchers and many of the other retailers in the village. For those who travel by car, whilst parking is not always easy, a parking space can more often than not be found. The facility itself is no where near perfect, but for most, it’s accessible and it serves the purpose.

The Warrens is exactly a mile from Irby village. How would that affect you? A number of people have complained to ITPAS that accessibility and the above mentioned issues are of primary concern in their mind. The PCT/PFG answer would be that a new modern facility would benefit everyone and a regular bus service, funded by the PCT, would be provided. Does that change things?

If you fall into the category of people who are not really affected by such a move, then you now need to consider The Warrens as an appropriate site. For many years, ITPAS have worked closely with the Greenbelt Council to preserve those areas that are supposed to be set aside to prevent encroachment and blending of townships. The Greenbelt laws have rigorously been defended by such organisations as ourselves and the GBC. What do we do now then? Do we allow the rules to bend a little to allow for this modern facility catering for the patients needs? Do we maintain our stance of total objection, no room for manoeuvre, in terms of Greenbelt planning applications?

Each of us will be affected in different ways whatever the outcome, but we would like to hear what you have to say. This website is now designed to allow a public forum. You can leave your views on our “Your Voice” page. This of course can be read by others who can make their own minds up, but of course it is also a method for our members and residents to communicate with us…