Local Havant MP, Alan Mak’s hard work campaigning in Westminster has paid off, with the announcement of an extra £17million in NHS funding to improve healthcare in the area this week, as part of the £760 million investment nationwide.
This extra money for hospitals in Portsmouth and Southampton like Queen Alexandria will go towards increased theatre capacity, meaning more potential operations and shorter waiting lists. As well as plans for innovative new technology, such as a virtual online service for mothers enabling personalised care.
This large investment is set to benefit Havant residents in making sure that the level of care is raised at the two hospitals.
Alan says: “Everyone recognises the tireless work of our fantastic nurses and doctors, so it is only right that the Government has invested extra money to ensure that our hospitals are well equipped with the resources they need and the staff get the pay rise they deserve.’’
“While it’s important that extra money is invested in staff, NHS bosses should also keep looking at how new technology can make the organisation more efficient. That’s why I am currently writing a report looking at how the NHS can best make use of artificial intelligence, new communication tools and personalised medicine to both improve care and save money. The report is due to be launched by the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in early May.’’
This comes in addition to the 157 more doctors and 145 extra nurses at the Queen Alexandra Hospital since 2010. Alan has lobbied the Health Secretary consistently on funding, especially given the challenges QA has faced.
This comes just after last week’s announcement that all of the more than 1 million personnel working for the NHS in England will receive at least a 6.5% pay rise over the next three years. This funding boost will improve quality and deliver better value for money, with a more regionalised system centralising drug and pharmacy procurement also planned.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Jeremy Hunt said: "Alan Mak has campaigned for more NHS funding since 2015. His hard work has paid off. Delighted to announce an extra £17M for his area following our meeting, including for Portsmouth’s QA Hospital to fund more operations, shorter waiting lists & better care."
Photo captions: Alan Mak MP meeting Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to lobby for more local health funding