It’s emerged that a packed room of residents, who had spent the previous two hours expressing their fears and concerns about losing their local GP surgery, were left aghast after the Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, made comments about Harold Shipman, the serial killer GP, who was estimated to have killed 250 victims.
Mr Seely claims he was explaining why single GP surgeries are a thing of the past, and that Shipman was one reason. However, the two local councillors argue his comments were deeply inappropriate.
Closure of Wootton surgery
The public meeting, organised by Councillor Redrup, was being held to discuss the relocation of Wootton Bridge Medical Centre, after Medina Healthcare announced it would be merging its two practices together in a new facility on the edge of Newport.
The GP partners who attended to explain their situation were also left quite upset by Mr Seely’s remarks.
Redrup: Inappropriate comment about Harold Shipman
Sarah Redrup, the Isle of Wight councillor for Wootton Bridge, told News OnTheWight,
“The room was packed with people who told us how badly this move is going to affect them and their neighbours. One thing was made very clear, Wootton needs a new GP because this relocation is essentially a closure.
Councillor Redrup went on to say,
“I was very pleased to see that our MP, Bob Seely, attended, I thought it would be important for him to hear first-hand how his constituents feel.
“I didn’t think his comment on Harold Shipman was appropriate, especially after we had all just listened to the GP Partners of Medina Healthcare explain how the past few years have been challenging and emotionally difficult for them.
“Nonetheless, I requested a meeting with him to see how we might be able to work together for the benefit of the residents, but unfortunately, I am still waiting to hear back.”
Dore: It was desperately inappropriate
Ian Dore, the Isle of Wight councillor for Binstead, told News OnTheWight,
“I recall he asked those present if they wanted him to speak, which was immediately met with groans and mutterings of ‘no’ from the tiers. That should have been an indicator of the ‘room’, but no one was prepared for what came next. Bob delivered a metaphor using Harold Shipman as the punchline.
“There were deep gasps followed by an un-earthly silence. To visualise that scene, add in some microphone feedback, a tumble weed plus some horrified mutterings, and you soon get the picture.
“It was desperately inappropriate especially when you consider those present. As we know, Shipman targeted the older community. This demographic accounts for a considerable amount of what the practice in Wootton looks after. This was a mic drop moment, but for all the wrong reasons.“
Seely: It’s a shame that some people seek to play silly political games
News OnTheWight got in touch with Bob Seely to ask him to help Islanders understand why he thought his comments were appropriate.
He replied,
“I was explaining why single GP surgeries are a thing of the past, Shipman was one reason. It was a statement of fact.
“It’s a shame that some people seek to play silly political games.
“I look forward to working with Wootton residents to make sure that they retain convenient access to a GP surgery.”
