Before becoming an MP I thought I knew quite a bit about the health issues we face as a society, and the challenges our NHS has in adapting to meet them. But after spending quality time with the people charged with leading our hospitals, and observing and talking to doctors, nurses and staff as they cared for patients within such a complex organisation, I realised I had a great deal more to learn (and still do).

Over the years I have had the privilege of being your MP I have met repeatedly with staff and Chief Executives alike. Year by year I saw the results of continued Conservative Austerity increasing the pressure on one of our most valued institutions.

I will always remember my first visit as MP to the A&E department where the head nurse, Adam, kindly allowed me to observe. An ambulance was en route and had radioed ahead alerting them to the complex needs of their patient. I saw the best of our NHS when a team of no less than 16 specialist clinicians gathered to be ready for the patient. The head nurse, an A&E consultant, two trauma nurses, a surgeon, an obstetrician, and a nurse wearing lead protective gear with mobile x-ray equipment were just some of the team. The patient arrived into the resuscitation room carried by two paramedics who calmly briefed the awaiting team. On television these situations are full of noise and chaos, but in reality it was calm, purposeful, and perfectly coordinated.

As clothes were carefully cut away revealing obvious fractures and several open wounds and terrible bruising, the paramedic explained that the patient was in her 90’s and had fallen down a flight of stairs. A nurse whispered to me, ‘I always say to myself at times like these, ‘this is someone’s mum and she deserves the care I would want for my mum’. A tearful moment for me, but who wouldn’t be moved by witnessing our staggeringly caring and professional NHS staff?

Since then, pressures on the NHS have only increased. Between 2015 and 2025 the number of children with education, health and care plans has more than doubled. Thankfully, now we are in government we have the power to make a real difference, which we have been using to great effect. Waiting lists have dropped dramatically, even despite peak winter pressures. We have introduced major investment and cut down bureaucracy by abolishing the NHS England quango. We are well on track to fulfilling our manifesto commitment of cutting waiting lists from 18 months to 18 weeks by the end of this Parliament through a combination of investment and reform.