MPs have issued stark warnings over the dire condition of NHS hospitals, citing failing infrastructure, overwhelmed services, and unsafe facilities across the South West and beyond. They called for a 10-year investment programme and accused successive governments of making promises without delivering improvements.
Edward Morello, Liberal Democrat MP for West Dorset, highlighted the need for an integrated electronic health record system to improve collaboration and information sharing within NHS hospitals. Meanwhile, Brian Mathew, the Liberal Democrat MP for Melksham and Devizes, criticized the lack of out-of-hours healthcare in his constituency, forcing residents to travel long distances for medical assistance.
Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, shared a distressing story from a former nurse, underscoring the urgent need for a major 10-year capital investment programme to revamp the state of hospitals. Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, revealed alarming conditions at Musgrove Park hospital, where staff reportedly fainted in 30°C heat inside temporary buildings, emphasizing the immediate need for interim funding.
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On the other hand, Dr. Simon Opher, Labour MP for Stroud, criticized the Liberal Democrat stance, advocating for investment in community hospitals. Karin Smyth, the Minister for Secondary Care, acknowledged the NHS’s grappling with crumbling infrastructure and outdated equipment, outlining the government’s steps to reverse the damage and rebuild confidence in politics by promising achievable outcomes.