“I very much regret the closure of the Burntwood GP Health and Wellbeing Centre next year” Michael Fabricant says.  “Although the contract to supply GP services was always time limited until a more permanent health centre opened, I have had meetings with Dr Manu K Agrawal who is the senior GP, and the Staffordshire and Stoke Integrated Care Board to see whether the practice could remain open.  Sadly, that was not to be.

“I have been struck by the loyalty of patients at the Burntwood GP Health and Wellbeing Centre who have reported excellent service and accessibility to their GPs.  This is in marked contrast to the occasional complaints I have received from patients at other local GP practices.  I believe there are lessons to be learned from the private management of this Burntwood practice and I shall be asking the Integrated Care Board to carefully consider them and provide advice to other GP practices.

“It is now important that patients from the closing GP practice now register with alternative practices available in the area and I urge them to do so.”

Michael adds “As we approach Christmas, I want to take this opportunity of wishing everyone living in the Lichfield constituency, a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.  We should never take for granted the safety we enjoy in Britain compared with that of other parts of the world – particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East where I hope peace will be restored in 2024.”