Royston Liberal Democrats are calling for residents to have better access to health services, and to be better represented in NHS decision-making.

A Let's Talk: Royston survey, held last year, saw residents call for better access to GPs and more local health provision.

The town falls under the remit of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Councillors have now called on the ICB to allow Royston residents greater provision within its decision-making process.

Royston Crow: Cllr Matt Barnes has called for Royston to be better represented at the ICBCllr Matt Barnes has called for Royston to be better represented at the ICB (Image: Courtesy of Cllr Matt Barnes)

At a meeting of North Herts Council, Cllr Matt Barnes, who represents Royston Meridian ward, said: "The ICB has some important decisions to make concerning Royston, as evidenced by the recent consultation - the same one which showed our residents were relatively worse off in terms of access to appointments, vs the wider area.

"Over 20,000 people live in Royston and the villages and - unlike the rest of the area covered by the ICB - they currently have no formal representation in decision making which directly affects them.

"This resolution seeks to give North Herts residents a proper and permanent voice to make that case."

Lib Dem group leader and deputy leader of the council Cllr Ruth Brown added: "Royston residents continue to miss out.

Royston Crow: Cllr Ruth BrownCllr Ruth Brown (Image: North Herts Council)

"Recently I've had several people come to me about having to travel to Melbourn or Letchworth for the latest COVID-19 vaccine boosters. That is ridiculous.

"I think it is absolutely vital that Royston residents are better represented at the board level."

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB are currently working with colleagues in Public Health to analyse the results of the Let's Talk: Royston survey, alongside population health data, to help shape their plans for future healthcare in the town.

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A spokesperson said: "We recognise that each of the communities we serve is unique.

"That’s why we launched Let’s Talk: Royston in 2023, to better understand local people’s experience of health and care, as well as their health and wellbeing needs.

"We look forward to hearing from North Herts Council. We will work with the council to ensure communities in and around Royston continue to have their health and care needs met and represented."