AS the Wirral GP Federation Patient Group, representing 25 practices, we continue to make representations to Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group regarding the proposals to change urgent care services, and have stated our unequivocal opposition to the plans.

Other points raised include:

Why must opening the urgent care centre mean closing the current services, several of which are in deprived areas?

Why was there no third option of retaining them?

The CCG says 80% of people agreed “change was needed” without any indication of the survey size, or where the survey was taken.

The statement that the proposals will bring treatment “out into the community” completely disregards the fact that the Arrowe Park Hospital site is not “readily accessible” from many parts of Wirral.

The current reducing bus services coupled with high fares will cause problems to many people, adding to the difficulties experienced by the frail, elderly and disabled, or simply unwell.

What will happen if an adult attends a walk-in centre with two children, all with the same symptoms? Under the proposals, the children will be seen but the parent will be referred to the Arrowe Park site or given an “urgent” GP appointment.

Please support the efforts being made to retain our current services.

Elizabeth Hodgson,

Patient Group chairman.