Wycombe MP Steve Baker has been slammed for verbally “attacking” a health campaigner on social media, after plans to build a medical ‘super hub’ in Wycombe were unveiled.

Last week concerns were raised over early proposals to build a primary care hub on the Wycombe Hospital site, with campaigners fearing the move could prompt the closure of some GP surgeries.

However Mr Baker took to Facebook to lambast Ozma Hafiz, who has passionately campaigned for the return of High Wycombe’s A&E unit, for provoking “unnecessary worries” over the plans.

He said: “I was deeply disappointed yesterday when our local paper used a notoriously ill-informed campaigner to seek to provoke unnecessary worries about improvements to our NHS…

“I look forward to full details of how the CCG will be improving local services through the new hub, especially following advice from patients and doctors that positive change is needed here”

In a blog post campaigner and former parish councillor, Linda Derrick, slammed Mr Baker for failing to listen to Ms Hafiz’s concerns,  and called for him to address residents’ worries.

She also questioned why the MP chose to single out Ms Hafiz, when Wycombe District Councillor, Tony Green, had raised similar concerns during a Bucks County Council health and social care select committee meeting last week.

Addressing Mr Baker, Dr Derrick wrote: “Ozma has done such a lot to raise the concerns of residents. And you have done so little, not even trying to fight for Wycombe’s A&E.

“Don’t you think you should take a bit of a break from Brexit and address your constituents’ concerns, rather than leaving it to Ozma?”

Buckinghamshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group has been “provisionally allocated” £8.8 million to create three ‘primary care hubs’ in the county, including one at Wycombe’s hospital.

Health chiefs say the new centre could eventually serve up to 50,000 patients, and are expected to offer primary care, out-of-hospital and voluntary sector services, in a bid to reduce “unnecessary trips” to hospitals.

Ms Hafiz said she was saddened to see such a “personal remark” from the politician on “such an important issue”, adding she only wants to work with Mr Baker on improving Wycombe’s healthcare.

She said: “I appreciate decision makers would have wanted to sell it as an investment in health services (as they continue to try to sell the closure of overnight beds at Marlow and Thame which resulted in part time ‘hubs’), however it’s important the needs of patients are always put first and the public is properly consulted.

“I have been overwhelmed by support from people who agree with our concerns and would encourage people to continue to ask questions and use their voices.”

Responding to the criticism, Mr Baker said the town’s healthcare debate has been “blighted” by “political partisanship and an unwillingness to engage with the facts” for years.

He added: “Sadly, this is worsening as Corbyn supporters from outside the constituency pile in. Their words should be discounted heavily.

At a time when our local health professionals are striving so hard to improve general practice, hospital care and integration with social care, it’s time to take the politics out of the NHS.

“Our local NHS leaders will continue to have my support, encouragement and, yes, scrutiny on behalf of local people as they strive to do more for Wycombe. I wish them very success.”