A CLEAR healthcare strategy for the borough is needed, councillors from across the political divide said.

A motion put before a full council meeting on Thursday last week by leader of the Basingstoke Labour Group, Councillor Paul Harvey, pushed to get a clear picture of how people in the borough will be able to access healthcare in the town.

Giving a maiden speech to full council, new Brighton Hill South ward councillor Kim Taylor said something that is causing concern for residents is the proposed merger of between the Gillies and Overbridge Medical Partnership, in Brighton Hill, Camrose Medical Partnership, in South Ham, and The Hackwood Partnership, in Essex Road.

Cllr Taylor added: “The merger was one of the hot topics when going door-to-door during the recent elections.

“What we need to know is what is the real cost of this merger.”

Cllr Harvey added: “There is an NHS crisis. People are saying it is almost impossible to get an appointment at their local surgery and there is a clear funding issue.

“People want access to good quality health care.”

Leader of the borough council, Cllr Clive Sanders, who has lobbied with the minister for health about a healthcare strategy for the borough, supported the motion saying, “steps are finally being made”.

Cllr Sanders said: “It is one of three things that people want reassurance on. They want a home, they want to feel safe in that home and that want good healthcare.

“We need to look at the whole healthcare structure and work closely with the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) and the NHS.”

Cllr Harvey, who called for a urgent review and evidence to be gathered of the impact of GP mergers and the re-shaping of GP services added: “There is a balance that needs to be stuck in making sure our residents have the health service they deserve.”

The matter has now been referred to the borough council’s Community, Environment and Partnerships Committee to present evidence to the CCG to help work on the strategy.