Over recent weeks, I have been taking new action to deliver a Neighbourhood Health Centre for the east of Southampton.
This is something I have campaigned for since being elected as MP for Southampton Itchen, because after our community lost the Bitterne Walk-in Centre under the Conservatives, residents have been clear that they want better access to local healthcare closer to home.
Over the last week, I have held meetings with senior leadership at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, and with NHS Property Services during a visit to Weston Lane Surgery, to push for progress and make the case for investment here in our communities.
I am pleased that three locations relevant to Southampton Itchen have now been submitted to Government as part of the initial long list for Neighbourhood Health Centres:
- Highpoint
- Weston Centre for Healthy Living
- Bitterne Park
This is not the end of the process, but it is an important step forward.
I will now be championing these locations to Government and continuing to work with the NHS locally to make sure the east of Southampton gets the better, more joined-up healthcare services residents deserve.
After years of our community losing local health services, I will keep fighting to bring them back and build the healthcare provision the east of Southampton needs.