An MP has met with a Government minister in a bid to gain support for the reopening of a mental health facility in Mile Oak.
The George Bryan Centre was closed five years ago following a fire.
Prospects of it reopening have looked slim following a decision to move provision on a permanent basis to an alternative site in Stafford.
But Eddie Hughes, who currently represents Walsall North but will contest the Tamworth constituency at the next General Election, said he believed the facility could still be brought back into use.
The Conservative MP has met with Maria Caulfield, Minister for Mental Health, to discuss options for the centre.
He said:
“It’s been five years since the fire at the George Bryan Centre – but following the unfortunate decision to move mental health provision to Stafford, it is surely about time that local people benefit from health services on this site?
“I’m determined to push for the building to be reopened and used to provide much needed services for local people as soon as possible.
“I have been contacting and meeting with NHS bosses to explore what options are available.
“I recently contacted Stephen Posey, Chief Executive of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, to arrange a meeting and I’ll be following up with the Integrated Care Board, which oversees primary care services.”
Eddie Hughes
Great stuff Eddie, but as someone who has consistently supported the underfunding of the NHS, despite record levels of taxation, you really should know why the George Bryan Centre has not reopened. The money isn’t there!
MP opens his mouth and rubbish spills out. They are all the same
What has always puzzled me is what happened to the insurance money after the fire? Surely it was insured. Why was it never repaired and reopened? We have lost most of the mental health hospitals as it is. Basing such provision at Stafford is bound to be inadequate. Apart from the travel distance, I very much doubt that St George’s will cope with the demand, as there never seem to be any beds available, and I have heard that it is not a very therapeutic environment. The George Bryan centre was a really good facility, and should be brought back into use.
@John Allen. I was told years ago, the government and NHS do not do insurance.
They just take money from the national pot to cover events like this.
But this facility doesn’t cater for his Walsall constituents.
Why is this man constantly commenting on things outside his area? Does he just want to be noticed?