As part of my ongoing efforts to free up more GP appointments in Wyre, I contacted Blackpool Teaching Hospitals last November to ask that they accept self-referrals for audiology appointments instead of needing a GP referral.

In response, the chief executive advised that they were hoping to make this a reality, but delays in the Integrated Care Board (ICB) were slowing the process.

Months on from this, we’re no further along.

Residents in Wyre, Fleetwood, and across the Fylde Coast are still having to endure the 8am scramble to see a GP, and are waiting too long for limited appointments – as long as 70 days!

Today I’ve written to the Integrated Care Board to try and push them into action to help alleviate GP pressures, and free up more precious GP appointments.

You can read my letter to the chief executive here: