Rebecca Smith celebrates the new A&E announcement for Derriford, calling it a significant victory for Plymouth and its residents
There were some worries that the Conservative’s New Hospital Programme might be in trouble after Labour took over. Wes Streeting even said it was “undeliverable and unaffordable,” which had folks concerned about the future of Derriford’s A&E.
But the Government reassured everyone that 20 projects, including Derriford, would move forward without a hitch. Other hospitals like Torbay and the new Women and Children’s Hospital at Royal Cornwall are also on the list.
Rebecca Smith has been a strong advocate for this project. She’s been pushing for Labour to stick to the previous government’s promise to fund the new A&E. She expressed her relief that the Government finally agreed to honor that commitment.
She mentioned how crucial it is to tackle the long wait times in the NHS, especially with the ambulance queues outside Derriford’s A&E. It’s about time they got things moving, and she’s urging the Government to act quickly.
Rebecca also thanked nearly 1,000 locals who signed her petition to support the cause. Their backing helped her make a strong case to the Government.
Last October, she even tabled a petition in the House of Commons to protect A&E funding. The Minister of State for Secondary Care acknowledged the importance of the investment and reiterated the commitment to the New Hospital Programme.
Derriford received £25.2 million for 2023/24, thanks to the last Conservative Government. Rebecca has been relentless in her efforts to lobby for full funding for the new A&E.
A spokesperson for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust expressed their delight at the announcement, stating that the new Emergency Care Building can now proceed. This facility will replace the current Emergency Department, which is outdated and not fit for purpose.
The new building aims to create a modern healthcare environment that the community has been waiting for. There’s been a lot of hard work and dedication from everyone involved, along with strong support from local MPs across party lines.
PlymouthLive is also inviting people to join their WhatsApp community for the latest news and updates. It’s a great way to stay connected and get breaking news straight to your phone. If you’re interested, just click the link to join!
