I read with dismay Richard Baker’s letter (and John Geleit before him) pointing to the current inertia of our Surrey and Sussex Area NHS Team who are apparently sitting on funds stopping thriving surgeries to move to newer, larger premises in line with government directives.

What is going on?

Does the Health Minister, Jeremy Hunt realize that the inadequacy of the current premises at the Ashley Centre are a prime driver for patients to go to Epsom A&E as they cannot get an appointment with their GP?

Epsom has seen a great number of additional housing built on former hospital grounds. All these newcomers are now relying on a diminishing number of doctors in the area – no wonder I can’t get an appointment with my GP at the Ashley Centre.

Last Tuesday I had and urgent matter to be dealt with – receptionists at the Ashley Centre had to tell me to come in Wednesday week (not their fault, by the way)! I was in agony! Thankfully my wife intervened, persevered on the phone, determined to get through and finally got me an appointment next day.

Is this what Surrey healthcare is coming to? I know that our MP, Chris Grayling has staunchly intervened in the threatened closure of Epsom Hospital.

Thankfully it is still open.

But what of the beleaguered Epsom A&E?

Is there no plan or provision to relieve the stress this department is under?

Utterly incomprehensible.

Werner & Pam Schulz Parklawn Avenue Epsom

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