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Senior GP blasted for keeping quiet on closure plans

Senior GP blasted for keeping quiet on closure plans
10 January 2012



An East Staffordshire commissioning GP has sparked fury for refusing to comment on the closure of a mental health centre.

Despite being questioned by local newspaper the Burton Mail, Dr John Cleary, a GP executive member of East Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (ESCCG) and mental health expert, refused to indicate whether he was in favour of the Margaret Stanhope Centre shutting its doors.


An East Staffordshire commissioning GP has sparked fury for refusing to comment on the closure of a mental health centre.

Despite being questioned by local newspaper the Burton Mail, Dr John Cleary, a GP executive member of East Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (ESCCG) and mental health expert, refused to indicate whether he was in favour of the Margaret Stanhope Centre shutting its doors.

An East Staffordshire commissioning GP has sparked fury for refusing to comment on the closure of a mental health centre.

Despite being questioned by local newspaper the Burton Mail, Dr John Cleary, a GP executive member of East Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (ESCCG) and mental health expert, refused to indicate whether he was in favour of the Margaret Stanhope Centre shutting its doors.

"Taking sides would not best reflect what my role is about," he told the Burton Mail.

"There are pressures on what we can provide. It's important we get good value for money and that we are aware there's not a bottomless pit of funding."

His refusal to give a view on the closure of Stanhope has angered campaigners, including Tory MP for Burton Andrew Griffiths.

"It's essential those making the decision are held accountable for the choices they make," he said.

"It's vital we have absolute transparency in this process and that means knowing what decisions people are taking on our behalf and that includes doctors, board members and those employed by the PCT.

"We all have a right to know what people are doing on our behalf."

Dr Cleary was unavailable when contacted by GPB.

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