We need Michael surgery, says MHK

An MHK is vowing to continue fighting for Kirk Michael to have its own doctor's surgery.

Health Minister Eddie Teare told Tynwald last week new surgeries will be built in Jurby and Peel.

That means Kirk Michael patients must continue making a journey to see their GP - or use a visiting doctor.

Michael member David Cannan is incensed - claiming the situation is 'totally unacceptable'.

Marian Kenny reports (audio file attached):

Mr Cannan has waged a long campaign for a full doctor's surgery in the village - at present a doctor from a practice in Ramsey visits twice a week.

Mr Teare's predecessor had made provision in the DHSS budget for a surgery in Kirk Michael - but the project was halted by Minister Teare.

Mr Cannan says Kirk Michael's 1,600 residents are disadvantaged in the provision of health care - compared with other villages of a similar size - like Laxey and Ballasalla.

The Minister has pointed out a new development in Kirk Michael would be costly - while the government already owns the land in Jurby.

But Mr Cannan accuses Mr Teare of pursuing a personal agenda - and says he will continue lobbying to get the decision reversed.