EXPANSION of Launceston's Medical Centre has been described as a 'priority development' by the Prime Minister, but the centre's business manager said the situation with the bid for expansion is 'rather confusing'.

Conservative North Cornwall MP Scott Mann took the opportunity in Prime Minister's Question Time last week to ask for an update on the bid.

He said: "May I welcome the recent announcement in the Budget that this Government are pledging an extra £8-billion for the NHS in England. Launceston Medical Centre in my constituency of North Cornwall has been waiting two years for the green light for its expansion. Can my right honourable friend provide me with an update regarding the progress of its bid?"

Mr Cameron said: "I know that he has been campaigning to expedite the situation at Launceston Medical Centre. I am told by NHS England that it is a priority development.

"I hope that perhaps it can form part of the work we are doing to create a genuine seven-day NHS — seven days for people to access the NHS and always get the same levels of high-quality treatment."

Mr Cameron added on the extra funding for the NHS: "The £8-billion — effectively £10-billion when we think of the £2-billion already put in for this Parliament — is a real vote of confidence from this Government in the NHS, and money that will make a real difference."

The Post has previously reported on the medical centre's bid for expansion. In December, residents who attended the town's community network panel meeting, which focused on health care provision, were calling for a key document to be signed, which was said to be holding up the plans for extension.

In April, medical centre business manager Peter Harper confirmed they would receive financial support — a share of the NHS' £1-billion investment programme funding.

In June, Mr Mann visited the town's monthly market, where plans for the expansion were on show at the information table run by the Medical Centre Patient Participation Group. At the time, chairman of the patient group Maureen Amy had told Mr Mann that they 'still have no idea when we may expect final approval'.

The group said the plans received overwhelming support from the public at the market.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.