Local improvements are a huge focus of mine. The Covid pandemic was a big challenge and I thank the NHS for the grit that they have shown in exceptional circumstances. Now, we must invest and ensure that the waiting lists start to come down.
Recently, I have helped secure the opening of Basildon’s new Mental Health Urgent Care Department, Corringham’s new Integrated Medical and Wellbeing Centre and Pitsea will soon have a new Community Diagnostic Centre which will carry out over 46,000 tests, checks and scans per year (MRI and CT). Community Diagnostic Centres are a big part of the Government's plan to reduce waiting lists and reduce pressure on local hospitals.
I am in close contact with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust and regularly help residents with their concerns and enquiries.
Finally, I am pleased that the Chancellor has increased the total NHS budget to £162.5 billion for 2024-25 in England, 45 per cent higher than 2018-19 in cash terms. This will enable rapid action to improve emergency, elective and primary care performance. This will happen alongside the introduction of reforms to support the workforce and improve performance across the health system over the longer term.
