NORTH Cornwall’s MP has said that the region’s need for Minor Injuries Units and Urgent Treatment Centres will be put ‘firmly on the national agenda’ thanks to a new bill.

Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, announced this week that he has successfully secured a 10 Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons, giving him the opportunity to bring forward legislation on improving access to healthcare in rural communities.

Mr Maguire's proposed Medical Services (Rural Areas) bill would require the government to develop a strategy for expanding the provision of Minor Injuries Units and Urgent Treatment Centres in rural areas, alongside annual reports to Parliament on progress.

Ten Minute Rule bills are one of the principal ways backbench MPs can introduce legislation and highlight issues of national importance. MPs must apply for a very limited number of available slots, with successful ballot applications providing an opportunity to make the case directly in the House of Commons.

Commenting, the MP said: "North Cornwall is sadly completely overlooked when it comes to healthcare provision. People in rural places like ours should not have to travel huge distances to access treatment that those in urban areas can receive much closer to home. On this, I've also been pushing the Government to provide more money to strengthen our dire bus network, especially the lack of direct routes to hospitals.

"That's why I'm delighted to have officially secured this important Parliamentary debate slot, and have chosen to use it to raise an issue that affects thousands of my constituents in Cornwall, and other rural parts of the country.

"My bill is about ensuring we get the healthcare services that we deserve in rural areas, and I'll be putting that challenge firmly on the national agenda and directly to Ministers in the House of Commons."