In light of the pressures the NHS has come under this winter I thought it necessary to share with my constituents how the government has and will continue to support our local hospitals, as well as congratulating the staff on their commitment and outstanding performance in such tough times.
The reasons for the high demand over the winter are complex, but a change in demographics coupled with advances in treatment (resulting in more patients requiring complex care) has undoubtedly played a part. In response to this, the Government has allocated £337 million as part of an immediate funding boost for hospitals this winter, in addition to the £2.8 billon the NHS will receive nationwide over the next 2 years. This translates to an extra £2.5 million for both Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals which are available for use as the hospitals see fit. CEO of Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Sonia Swart, has informed me that this money has been used to increase the number of doctors on site as well as to purchase placements in care homes for patients who no longer require urgent care. This will allow more beds to become available for those who need them most, whilst reducing pressure on staff.
I would also like to apologise to all those who have been affected by operation cancellations and delays, and assure you that NHS staff are working tirelessly to provide patients with the best care possible. I have been told that patients will be given as much notice as possible if appointments are cancelled.
Finally, I would like to give my sincere thanks to NHS staff who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty. Their hard work is what makes our health service amongst the finest in the world, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to improve in the future.