Healthcare is often framed as a national issue – funding battles in Westminster, NHS targets and government initiatives.
But for most people, healthcare is simply local. It’s about getting a GP appointment when needed, accessing hospital care quickly and ensuring loved ones receive the right support.
In our community, healthcare is evolving. The rebuild of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice is a major step forward, creating a modern facility for compassionate, end-of-life care. This project, backed by generous local support, will improve palliative care for years to come.
Similarly, the £1.26 billion redevelopment of Frimley Park Hospital will bring vital upgrades to emergency and specialist services.
I am proud to have played a role in fundraising for the Royal Surrey Cancer Centre redevelopment, which has officially reopened following a multi-million-pound transformation. This project has created a modern, welcoming, and well-equipped space for cancer patients.
However, challenges remain. GPs are under immense strain, pharmacies are closing, and too many patients struggle to navigate a fragmented system.
One recurring concern from healthcare professionals is the lack of joined-up care. I recently met with a GP from the East Hampshire Primary Care Network who highlighted how patients can fall through the cracks between services.
Considering proposals like the Health Hub for Whitehill & Bordon is crucial. If delivered properly, it could bring key services together, easing pressure on GPs and making care more accessible.
But many residents are frustrated by delays. That’s why I have written to the Health Secretary, pushing for clear action to deliver the best healthcare provision for the area, whether that be at the Chase Community Hospital or the new Health Hub.
The impact of disjointed healthcare affects real people. This message is repeated time and again when I am working in the constituency, be it at care homes in Hindhead, Specsavers in Farnham or Badgerswood Pharmacy in Headley.
When an elderly resident struggles to access physiotherapy after a hospital stay, their recovery is delayed. When a parent can’t get specialist mental health support for their child, a difficult situation becomes even harder.
When pharmacies close, everyday healthcare – like medicine reviews and vaccinations – becomes less accessible.
These are the challenges I raise whenever I question ministers. As a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, I am pushing for better coordination nationally and the resources our community needs to make joined-up care a reality.
The investment into new healthcare facilities represents progress. But buildings alone aren’t the solution. Real change comes from ensuring the people running these services have the tools to work together effectively.
That’s why I’ll keep fighting for practical solutions, supporting local initiatives and securing investment in community healthcare, making sure your voices are heard in Westminster.
Because when it comes to healthcare, local really does matter.