David Ruffley has called a meeting with Tony Ranzetta, Chief Executive of Suffolk West Primary Care Trust, (PCT) to discuss the implementation of the PCT's decision to establish a branch GP surgery at Thurston. The meeting will also be attended by Mrs Joanna Spicer, Chairman of Suffolk West PCT. Also invited are County Councillor Mrs Susan Sida-Lockett, and Mid Suffolk District Councillors, Derrick Haley and Alan Stiff.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, 2 October at 11.30 am. in the PCT offices in Bury St Edmunds.

David Ruffley said: 'Whilst the PCT board agreed 'in principle' to establish a branch surgery in the village of Thurston, I am concerned that we do not have any timetable or cast iron guarantees at the moment. That is why I have called this meeting together with Sue Sida-Lockett, the County Councillor for the area to discuss the following details:

• What sort of funding will go to the Woolpit and Ixworth practices?
• How much do they need to contribute to make it viable?
• What is the timetable for buying land and starting the building work?

I do not want there to be any complacency- this project must be driven through forcibly for the patients of Thurston and the nearby villages. That's why I am keeping the pressure up.'