JEN Craft MP joined dozens of residents from Thurrock today (Friday 28 March) to contribute to the Labour government’s development of plans for the future of the NHS.
Mrs Craft, MP for Thurrock, hosted a coffee afternoon in Belhus to hear from residents about their shared experiences of using the NHS locally, their concerns about the system, as well as their ideas for how to improve it.
The workshop was the latest of Mrs Craft’s coffee afternoons, which she will be hosting in every council ward in Thurrock to discuss different issues. The feedback and ideas discussed at the session will be submitted to help shape the Government’s 10 Year Plan, which will lay out the proposals to improve the health service. To date, this national conversation about the future of the NHS has been joined by over a million people online and in person.
The event was attended by local councillors Mark Hurrell and Steve Liddiard, as well as Cllr Mark Hooper, Cabinet Member for Health. Representatives from local health and care organisations also joined the session, responding to residents’ suggestions and offering their expertise to discussions. These included staff from Thurrock Healthwatch, East of England Ambulance Service, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, and Thurrock Alliance.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced the consultation on the future of the NHS after Lord Darzi’s report diagnosed an NHS in crisis. The plan aims to lift the NHS off its knees and make it for the future, by working in partnership with local populations, NHS staff, leaders, health experts, industry, and the wider public.
Commenting after the event in Belhus, Jen Craft MP said:
“I am delighted that residents in Thurrock have been sharing their ideas about the future of our NHS, to make sure their needs and voices are heard in Labour’s plans for the health service.
“Although lots of people spoke positively today about the care and hard work of our local NHS staff, services in Thurrock and across the country are still facing huge challenges. I heard from residents who struggle to see their GP, are stuck on a waiting list, or have to travel long distances for routine appointments.
“It’s vital that our plans to renew the health service are made in partnership those who use these services. In turning the NHS around from the greatest crisis in its history, we have a huge opportunity to make sure our local health services truly meet the needs of the populations they serve.”
