JEN Craft MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Thurrock has today (Friday 7th January) welcomed an increase in funding for public health services in Thurrock as part of a £200 million national funding boost to the Public Health Grant – the biggest real-terms increase after nearly a decade of reduced spending under the Conservatives.
As part of Labour’s plans to improve health outcomes across the country and build healthier communities, local public health services will be given more money to deliver prevention programmes, tailored to their residents.
Thurrock will receive more than £13 million to help drive key health services from smoking cessation to addiction recovery and children’s health, and to help fund family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public services in the local area.
The Government is currently running a national conversation to help build a health service fit for the future and shape a new 10 Year Health Plan for England. The plan will set out how we can focus on preventing sickness, not just treating it, with the investment announced today in line with this aim.
Jen Craft MP, Member of Parliament for Thurrock said:
“After nearly a decade of cuts under the Tories, I am delighted that Labour are continuing to deliver on our promise to improve health outcomes across the country as part of our Plan for Change.
“People in Thurrock have been let down by years of underinvestment in the health of our community, with local NHS services put under increasing pressure as a result.
“This new funding will help drive key health services in our community, prevent people from falling into ill health, and relieve pressure on the NHS.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:
“Lord Darzi’s investigation into the NHS found that children are sicker today than a decade ago, and adults are falling into ill-health earlier in life.
“Prevention is better than cure. If we can reach people earlier and help them stay healthy, this extra investment will pay for itself several times over in reduced demand on the NHS and by keeping people in work.
“Whether it’s supporting people to quit smoking, giving children a healthy start to life, or providing addiction recovery services, this investment as part of the government’s Plan for Change will make a real difference in communities across the country.
“After a decade of cuts to public health, this government is committed to shifting the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is.”
