SWINDON GP services have come to the top of the political agenda with Labour claiming they’ll guarantee a doctor's appointment within 48 hours – if elected.

Anne Snelgrove, Labour candidate for South Swindon, believes her party’s manifesto promise is achievable.

“It is my aim to get GP surgeries in the town back up to speed. From my understanding, we are 27 family doctors down and I think that is an absolute scandal from this Government, but I do appreciate the tough issues family doctors face,” she said.

“Change is needed. Look at our A&E figures over winter – it’s an indication that people can’t wait any longer to be seen by GP surgeries.

“Some people are fortunate that they can see their doctors quickly but they are too few and far between. We need to achieve this service across the board.”

Robert Buckland, the current South Swindon incumbent, who is standing for re-election with the Conservatives, believes Labour’s target is unrealistic.

He said: “They are talking absolute rubbish with this 48-hour guarantee. It will put unrealistic demands on GPs.”

Mr Buckland said he wants to continue developing a long-term health strategy in Swindon and suggested the town’s clinical commissioning group’s successful bid to the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund will help achieve this goal. The body learned at the end of March they were successful in their application for support from the multi-million pound fund.

Mr Buckland said: “This is more of a long-term issue rather than a political football and I get frustrated by the way Labour put forward glib proposals.”

The Green Party has promised health service reforms if they are elected.

“We have to end the creeping privatisation of the NHS and remove the profit motive from it. The Green Party stands for public services in public hands, operating for the public good,” said Talis Kimberley-Fairbourn, Green Party candidate for South Swindon.

“That’s part of the reason we have to stop the transatlantic trade investment partnership. We will also increase the funding of the NHS by £12bn a year, invest considerably in mental health and remove the charges on dentistry and prescriptions.”

Poppy Hebden-Leeder, the Green Party’s candidate for the North Swindon constituency, said: “Regarding GPs especially, funding is key.

“We are committed to providing accessible, local, community care centres and out-of-hours care.”

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg accused Labour of “bare-faced cheek” on the NHS and said that the Lib Dems were committed to increasing funding for the service.