Hitchin MP Bim Afolami writes a regular column for Nub News.

As the son of an NHS doctor and a pharmacist, I grew up understanding just how important high-quality healthcare is in our country, writes Bim Afolami MP

We all rightly expect easy, convenient and accessible healthcare service, in state-of-the-art modern facilities, that delivers the standard of care we need. 

For some time, I have made improving local healthcare one of the central planks of my plan for our area. Whether that be making it quicker and easier to see your GP; seeking improvements to services at our local hospitals; or campaigning for new hospital facilities. 

This month I am delighted to be able to tell you that some of that campaigning has paid off. 

Since October 2021 I have been actively supporting the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in their bid to deliver a new Cancer Hospital for our region. The East of England is the only NHS region without a specialist Cancer Hospital and I know from speaking to constituents and those in the NHS how important this new hospital could be. 

I was delighted that the Government has now confirmed that the Cambridge Cancer Hospital will be included in Cohort 2 of the New Hospitals Programme – meaning we will be able to deliver this great new facility for our region. This also comes alongside significant investment in Hertfordshire's health, with a new hospital in Watford and new facilities in St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead also funded through the Programme. 

We've also had some more good news on healthcare this month, with over £10m of funding confirmed for a new hybrid theatre at the Lister, to support vascular services. 

There is a lot still to do and this month I have also written to the Health Secretary after you told me about your concern over reports of local hospitals and pharmacies that require improvement. I will continue to work with you, local healthcare professionals and colleagues in Westminster to ensure that we deliver absolutely first class healthcare for everyone in Hitchin, Harpenden and the villages. 

Bim Afolami MP