Working With An MP To Facilitate Surgery Change

To be heard there are times when you need the voice from a third party and at government level. Working with an MP can help your cause.

An approach that we have undertaken with Jerrard Keats and Wolley is to work with local MPs to bring influence to the relocation for GPs so they can plan for the future within fit for purpose and modern facilities within their constituency.

This approach is for the well being of a community to go beyond the confines of a GP. It has to be about wider participation.

Our relationship for matters connected to our Bournemouth surgery (Shelley Manor Medical Centre) is with Tobias Elwood, MP for Bournemouth East (he is second from the left in the picture). We have a strong relationship with Tobias that dates back over 10 years with his involvement with the whole project in relocating the surgery on to this site and has worked with us to bring the Shelley Theatre to life (which is on the same site as the surgery).

The primary goal, in our instance, is for our MP to endorse and support the application for funding from the NHS via the CCG. With the strong relationship we have built, this can be attributed to a number of factors that can be taken on board by other GPs looking to generate a better facility for their communities.

Here are some key areas to consider to build longevity and engage on a parliamentary level with regards to your new surgery vision.

 

It Has To Be Personal

To think that a solitary email is a preferred way to lobby an MP is wishful thinking. The impersonal nature is at the complete opposite end of the scale from being able to meet face to face and have the opportunity to discuss. This is where real benefit is gained in the pursuit of building a relationship.

Within the Jerrard Kates and Wolley perspective this has taken around a decade, but means that we are on familiar terms with an MP, who we acknowledge to support and engage with.

 

It Has To Be Substantiated

Once a connection has been made on a personal level, to grab the attention of your local MP, a more substantiated effort is backed up by information and statistics that can help solidify your cause.

When it is focused on a local level and relevant to a constituency, the chances of engagement are far more achievable.

 

Transparency And Clarity

There has to be an aim for any meeting. It can be easy to meander with a host of requests but if 45 minutes are scheduled, that’s 45 minutes to be focused. This allows a more direct approach and to set up a clear response with actions to be achieved. Stick to three or four key points and try not to overload the dialogue.

 

Preparation Prior To Connection

When it comes to involving an MP to facilitate change for you surgery, you cannot expect them to understand the deeper issues such as the CCG and NHS England reticence to support your vision for a new space or relocation. Preparation has to be concentrated on your concerns and vision, plus the importance to the wider constituency and not personal issues.

 

Create A Follow-Up Dialogue

During the meeting if all is agreed to record the conversation, then do so. This helps provide clear call to actions after the meeting and define the main points that were discussed. This can then be followed up with your MP (suggested route can now be via email) to highlight the issues raised, supporting documentation/information and the next steps.

 

Relationships Are Key

Once a dialogue is in place, this has the opportunity to progress.

From smaller groups to public meetings, the importance is to help build a rapport and to liaise on an ongoing basis. The relationship built is centred on improving a community. This has to be a shared goal between MP and GP.

When asking Tobias Elwood the role he provides, he highlighted, “the role of the MP provide influence on a wider basis in order to make things happen. The whole objective is to lobby, support and to encourage debate for a common cause.”

 

To generate support and to ask an MP for help for your medical property needs and its funding, you have to move away from the email and thinking that sending a letter will facilitate change.

From initial dialogue to an ongoing relationship, it has to become personalised and both GP and MP to understand the wider goal within the community. This can help support not just from an individual level but other MPs as well.

The NHS landscape is evolving. We need to explore and use the channels that are available to support communities in receiving better facilities.

Jerrard, Keats and Wolley follow this route and will continue to do so. We have had meetings with other MPs in other regions with the focus to build rapport and a long term relationship. Together we can help support your relationship and create the case for why you have an improved space to work from and your community to have a fit for purpose facility to assist their well being.

To continue this discussion, Jerrard Keats and Wolley are here to support. Contact Jon on 01202 744990 or jon@jkwproperty.co.uk You can be assured that the advice you receive is from someone who has made actions, not just formed an opinion. We look forward to hearing from you.