Earlier this week Anna Firth MP met with the Minister of State for Health in Westminster to call for the urgent release of £51 million of vital funding for Southend University Hospital.
Since her election in February, the Member of Parliament for Southend West has been chasing high-priority financial support from the Department for Health and Social Care which was promised to the hospital in 2017.
Meeting with the Chief Executive of Southend University Hospital in July, Anna had a roundtable discussion with senior staff members who outlined the importance of securing this vital funding to ensure the hospital can continue to provide the level of care patients and taxpayers should expect.
As issues such as unacceptable ambulance delays and oversubscribed beds continue, the MP outlined the two most important gains that the £51 million would unlock once the money arrives.
Firstly, to create fit-for-purpose elective capacity that ensures the hospital can reduce waiting times and enhance patient experience. Secondly, to the develop an Emergency Care Hub which will address the critical space and flow issues across the site.
The Minister of State was incredibly receptive, praising Anna for her dogged pursuit of the money and ensuring her that the Department for Health and Social Care see Southend University Hospital as a high-priority project.
The MP for Southend West was informed news will hopefully be on its way within weeks as soon as the new Government has finished reviewing spending for projects earmarked under the previous leadership of Boris Johnson.
Speaking on the meeting, Anna Firth said that “from the start, I have assured constituents that my pursuit of this money will be relentless until Southend University Hospital gets what it has been promised. The hardworking nurses and taxpaying patients in desperate need of critical treatment deserve a hospital fit for city status, and I will work with the Minister until the £51 million is secured.”
