When Health Minister, Jeremy Hunt, spoke at a Conservative fundraiser in Somerset back in March; local campaigner James Heappey took the opportunity to talk to him about the healthcare situation in Shepton Mallet. Praising the well regarded Treatment Centre but also raising local people’s concerns over the possible loss of the convalescence beds in the Cottage Hospital, James also mentioned the excellent proposals for a new doctors surgery that would mean all healthcare provision in Shepton was based at the same site.
Mr Hunt obviously took note because a month later, he was back in Somerset and asking to visit Shepton Hospital to meet with the hospital’s League of Friends. During the visit, the League’s committee were able to brief Mr Hunt on the proposals under development and impressed with their passion for improving healthcare in Shepton Mallet.
On saying goodbye, Mr Hunt remarked that it was great to see such knowledgeable and passionate people looking for innovative ways to improve healthcare within their local community. He left with a notebook full of ideas and has promised to maintain a keen interest in Shepton.
James Heappey commented “it has been great to see Jeremy follow up on his initial interest by coming back to see us today. He, like me, is completely committed to making sure that world class healthcare is delivered as efficiently as possible and, ideally, in primary healthcare facilities like those in Shepton Mallet. I look forward to working with him closely over the next few years to help the League of Friends and other stakeholders in Shepton achieve their brilliant vision for healthcare in the town.”