MP outraged as new surgery remains shut

12.00.00am GMT Thu 24th Jan 2008

Colchester MP Bob Russell has urged the Government to hold an investigation into the continued delays of opening a new doctors' surgery and community centre at Highwoods.

The Bluebell Centre - currently operating out of prefabricated huts - should have moved into new premises at least three months' ago.

Last night an exasperated Mr Russell tabled a Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Health asking that he holds an investigation into the delays; who is responsible; how much the delays have cost the National Health Service; and when the new Bluebell Centre will open.

Mr Russell said: "I have lost all confidence in the North East Essex Primary Care Trust to resolve whatever problems, perceived or otherwise, there may be for them refusing to take over this building from the builders and provide the community of this part of Highwoods with the facilities which have been built at a considerable cost to the public purse."

He explained that he had pursued matters with the Trust but the new centre remained closed. "This is not the way a public body, there to provide services and facilities for the community, should behave."

About three years' ago Mr Russell raised in the House of Commons the need to provide a modern medical and community centre to replace the Bluebell Centre which he likened as being the sort of accommodation to be found in a Third World Country. This subsequently led to agreement to build modern replacement facilities.