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Community awaits police update following rescue operation at Ipswich waterfront

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Residents are waiting for news after emergency services conducted a lengthy rescue operation at the town's waterfront on Wednesday.

Police at the scene of the incident at Ipswich waterfront
The rescue operation continued into darkness last nightOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The big picture: A multi-agency response was triggered after reports of a person falling into the River Orwell near Helena Road in the afternoon.

  • Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 3:18pm, dispatching crews from Ipswich East, Princes Street and Bury St Edmunds.

  • Suffolk Police, East of England Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard joined the operation.

  • An air ambulance was seen at the scene during the rescue efforts.

  • Police and rescue teams were still present at the scene at 6:30pm.

What they're saying: As of Wednesday evening, officials had not released any information about the identity of the person who reportedly fell into the water or the outcome of the rescue operation.

What's next: We've reached out to Suffolk Constabulary for an update which we will publish in due course.

Rescue teams can be seen operating along the water edge
Rescue teams can be seen operating along the water edgeOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The bottom line: This incident reminds residents to exercise caution around waterways, even in familiar settings. In light of this event, local authorities may wish to review safety measures along the waterfront.

Health Minister meets Ipswich MPs over cancelled surgery plans

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The government minister responsible for primary care has met with Ipswich's MPs to discuss the cancelled development of a 'super surgery' in north west Ipswich. Stephen Kinnock MP held talks with local representatives following the scrapping of Cardinal Medical Practice's planned development at the former Tooks Bakery site.

Why it matters: The meeting signals high-level government engagement with Ipswich's primary care challenges, particularly in the north west of the town where the cancelled development was planned.

The big picture: The development at the former Tooks Bakery site was intended to create a new 'super surgery' that would embed healthcare services within the local community, aligning with the government's long-term NHS strategy.

Jack Abbott, Patrick Spencer and Health Minister Stephen Kinnock
Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 NovemberOffice of Jack Abbott MP

The details: Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 November:

  • Both MPs emphasised the need for improved primary care in north west Ipswich

  • The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to community-based healthcare

  • The project was meant to align with recommendations from the Darzi Report on NHS strategy

  • No immediate solution was proposed

What they're saying:

  • "I will continue to work with local and national politicians and our local NHS to try and find a workable solution," said Jack Abbott MP

  • Patrick Spencer MP described the cancellation as "bitterly disappointing" for both the medical practice and local residents

  • Spencer added that the promised new 'super surgery' would "deliver exactly what the Government has committed to – health services embedded in the local community"

The bottom line: While the minister has reinforced the government's commitment to community healthcare, no immediate solution has been proposed for the cancelled development. Both MPs have pledged to continue working towards a sustainable solution.

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