Healthcare & Services
Ensuring that all in Southend West and Leigh are happier, healthier, and safer.
From improving mental health services to fighting for a brand new hospital, and from bringing care into our community and backing residents' needs, there's much to be done in healthcare and local services!
My Record
Here's what I've been up to as your Member of Parliament for Southend West and Leigh to bring improved healthcare services to the constituency!
Future Infrastructure
Part of Opportunity Southend is to ensure that we craft a healthier more stable future for all of us across Southend.
To that end, we have laid out plans for a brand new hospital fit for the 21st Century - backed by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board! Plenty to do but already a great start! A new fit-for-purpose teaching hospital is within reach!
Modern Mental Health Services
Mental health is a major area of focus for me, not just from a policy and campaigning perspective, but also a practical one.
Getting smoother access to mental health support is crucial for so many in our community here, and I've been working with EPUT and the ICB on behalf of many constituents to ensure that happens.
Care in the Community
Some elements of care has been inaccessible for too many people for far too long. I'm proud of the work I and my colleagues have done to change that.
The brand new Southend Community Diagnostic Centre, bringing elements of routine care closer to the heart of our community, open now in the Victoria Shopping Centre!
Investing in Our Hospital
The NHS and Southend Hospital had been let down by the Tories, and so it's of paramount importance it gets the investment it deserves.
Not only has it been given almost £621,000 to cut their energy bills and improve long-term efficiency, it's also been given funding to expand radiotherapy with a new building and 2 new LINAC machines! It's onwards and upwards from here!
Raising Shared Care Concerns
Whilst backing our NHS and its staff is a huge part of my role as an MP, it's also very important that I stand up for patients too.
The concerns around the impact that the withdrawal of Shared Care Agreements has had on those prescribed with ADHD medication and gender-affirming care have been heard by me and raised regularly with the ICB, with positive progress since, including new providers for children's medication and assessments.
An NHS Fit for the Future
I stood to be a Labour MP because I know that Labour Governments are the only governments that can be trusted to look after our NHS, those who use it, and those who work in it.
I'm proud that my voting record shows I have supported the Government as it has smashed its own targets, recruiting 2,500 new GPs on the frontline, delivering over 5 million extra appointments, and freezing prescription charges!