At today's Healthwatch AGM, there was a discussion about the difficulties experienced by some residents in obtaining GP appointments. Some areas of the borough, particularly including Purley, have received far more than their fair share of the many new flatted developments which were all approved under the previous administration. Since Mayor Perry withdrew the infamous SPD2 planning document from consideration, fewer applications have been approved, but he can't do anything about those that have already been approved.
All these new development are now starting to be occupied; the new residents are finding that it's difficult to obtain medical and dental appointments and places for schoolchildren, and of course there's also a knock-on effect on current residents.
I think we're all aware of the NHS 111 phone service which operates 24*7 but there's now also an online version https://111.nhs.uk/ which offers lots of useful links and guidance.
If you really feel that you need to speak to or see a GP and your own is not available, then you can now get an appointment via a centralised booking service. In Croydon this is through https://croydongphub.co.uk/ .
Please read the documentation carefully to decide which service is most appropriate for your needs before making contact with either organisation.
Cllr Simon Brew
