Our NHS deserves a fair deal - Ian Roome calls for immediate action

Ian Roome, Lib Dem candidate for North Devon, leads an NHS charity which is responsible for helping to deliver and raise funds for the Seamoor Unit and the Fern Centre at North Devon hospital and across the NHS in Devon.

He has seen first-hand the incredible work being done by NHS staff across North Devon. But after years of chronic underfunding from successive Conservative governments he is raising the alarm and calling for immediate action.

75,000 people are stuck on NHS waiting lists in this NHS area. 

These treatment backlogs are incredibly stressful and painful for people waiting  and are also damaging family finances. 

A poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats showed that one in seven people had taken a significant length of time off work while waiting for treatment on the NHS.

Ian Roome, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for North Devon, said: "Far too many people in North Devon are struggling on waiting lists or unable to get a GP appointment when they need one. It is causing people huge anxiety because they can't be confident any more of getting the care they need.

"It shows our community has been totally abandoned by this government when it comes to local health services. Being able to see a GP when you need to should not be too much to ask.

"That is why I’m calling for a legal right for all patients to see their GP within seven days or 24-hours if in urgent need. It’s time we put the needs of patients first."