When I was elected, one of my first actions was to write to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to raise investment in our local hospitals.
I am deeply disappointed that the Health Secretary has refused a cross-party meeting regarding the hospital building programme. This is an issue that transcends party politics, and it is crucial that all voices are heard when discussing the future of our healthcare infrastructure.
As many will have been aware, under the previous government's New Hospital Programme, Eastbourne General District Hospital and Conquest Hospital had been earmarked for significant investment. Last week, I attended a briefing with the East Sussex Hospital Trust Chief Executive, and it was encouraging to hear about the progress of the business plan and the support they've received thus far. However, the new labour government has cast doubt around whether this will be delivered, committing to a review of the hospital programme.
I will continue to urge the government to reconsider and I hope they can agree to a meeting in the near future.
