HARLOW MP Bill Rammell has welcomed the news that Osler House surgery in Prentice Place, Harlow, has featured in the top 20 most improved surgeries in the 2008 Patient Survey - only four years after the MP fought to save the then-struggling surgery from closure.

The recognition comes as Osler House completes its first successful telemedicine pilot involving eight patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Telemedicine allows patients to self-monitor their condition at home using telemonitoring equipment which enables patients to submit vital signs early.

Results from the pilot have shown increased quality of life among participants and patients have given the system an excellent satisfaction rating.

Mr Rammell is visiting the surgery today to congratulate all those involved in the pilot study and also for the excellent results of this year’s patient survey.

He said: “Both of these successes are a real result and I’m delighted to congratulate all staff on their efforts. It seems a lifetime ago that residents from this area contacted me with letters and petitions as the surgery was at urgent risk of closure. I brokered hugely attended public meetings, involved local councillors and finally secured £150,000 of additional funding to refurbish the surgery.

“Compared to where the surgery was back in 2002, the Patients Survey has only proven what I and residents see on a regular basis – an innovative and thriving GP practice under the management of Chilvers McCrea, working with the local community, in the heart of Potter Street.”

Rory McCrae, NHS GP and chairman of Chilvers McCrea Healthcare, said: “Osler House’s high satisfaction ratings show the value of strong cooperation and consultation between patient participation groups, local community leaders and West Essex PCT.

“Their effort and commitment, combined with the abilities of staff in the surgery and the Chilvers McCrea team, have brought the practice on to where it is today.

“The enthusiasm with which staff and patients have greeted the telemedicine system demonstrates how determined we all are to make this practice an exemplar for patient-centred primary care.”