Henry Smith MP has spoken in the House of Commons to hail the return of health services to Crawley.
This followed the recent confirmation that East Surrey Hospital is outperforming the English national average for accident and emergency waiting times, with 94.4 per cent of patients being seen within the four hour target.
Henry said;
“While I am pleased that health services are returning to our town, such as the Digital Mammography Unit I was pleased to open in 2012, we know that the closure of our A&E in 2005 by the previous government was the worst decision in Crawley’s history.
“There is more to do – I continue to put Crawley first when I meet with ministers and NHS officials to discuss healthcare matters.”
Henry Smith, Member of Parliament for Crawley, asked the Health Secretary;
“In 2005, the Labour Government closed the accident and emergency department at Crawley hospital, but services are now returning to the urgent treatment centre. Does my right hon. Friend believe that such centres play an important part in relieving pressure on emergency services?”
The Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, responded
“They absolutely do. One thing we must do better is signpost people to the different parts of the NHS, such as walk-in centres, urgent treatment centres, GP surgeries or A and E departments. That is why the 111 service is so important in giving that advice at the earliest possible stage.”
For video of Henry asking this Question to the Health Secretary, please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKOzg003Ycw
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