Our NHS has served us for over 75 years, with universal healthcare free at the point of use, I’ll continue to fight for our local services in the current challenges they face. I also have a strong interest in mental health treatment, improving access to services and ensuring it has parity with physical health, and I am working to ensure patients have access to the treatments and services they require.
During my first term as an MP I encouraged the Government to invest in a new hospital for Sandwell, and on several occasions I visited the site of the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick. Despite setbacks during the construction, I am pleased that it is now on course to open in 2024, offering acute and emergency care for many people across the region.
In 2023 and 2024, many constituents raised concerns with me about issues in accessing appointments at the Regis Medical Centre in Blackheath. I raised these issues with the surgery and with the Health Secretary in the House of Commons.
The role of local pharmacies is important, particularly in light of the new ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme whereby pharmacists can treat more conditions without the need for referral from a GP. In February 2024 I visited Halesowen Pharmacy to discuss these changes and to see how patients and pharmacies are benefitting.