MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire, was delighted to see Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting come to Epsom hospital (part of the Epsom & St Helier Trust) today to announce a significant blueprint to tackle the backlog of tests, checks, and treatments exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s ambitious plan outlines a massive expansion in capacity, aiming to reduce waiting times and improve patient care. 

Lord Darzi’s independent investigation into the NHS found it to be in a “critical condition” and is failing to provide timely access to care with 7.6 million people on waiting lists for elective treatment. People are also waiting too long to secure GP or NHS dentist appointments, with over 14,000 patients across Epsom & Ewell having waited longer than 12 hours in local A&Es. 

Although Maguire didn’t join the official visit, she was onsite at Epsom Hospital to intensify her campaign for urgent modernisation at Epsom Hospital and to seek the green light for the building of the much-needed emergency care hospital in Sutton, which she has been campaigning for since her election last year. St Helier Hospital, which opened in 1941, suffers from serious structural problems, which many describe as being in a state of crisis.  

Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom & Ewell said:  

‘While I am delighted that the significant elective care backlog in Epsom will be reduced, we cannot ignore the fact that emergency care is in urgent need of support as well. Almost 200,000 12-hour ‘trolley waits’ have been recorded since Labour took office last July. These figures are shocking and urgent measures are needed to address this dangerous situation. Thousands of patients who are well enough to leave hospital can’t be discharged because social care is in crisis. With thousands of people waiting longer than 12 hours in hospital corridors on the Prime Minister’s watch, the need for social care reform is even more pressing. A three-year review just won’t cut it. This winter we’re seeing the consequences of inaction for our NHS yet again. After years of disastrous neglect of our health and care services under the Conservatives, patients and NHS staff deserve better.’ 

‘In Epsom and Ewell, the situation needs to be addressed urgently. We cannot ask our dedicated NHS staff to deliver world-class care in crumbling facilities. We must ensure that Epsom and St Helier Hospitals are at the front of the queue for necessary repairs and that the new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton is at the top of the priority list. Our community deserves modern, safe, and high-quality healthcare.’ 

‘The reforms announced today have the potential to begin to repair the NHS, ensuring our health care system can continue to deliver outstanding care for the next generation. Whether it’s keeping care within communities, using the latest digital tools to improve efficiency or empowering our GPs to make direct referrals- these promises must be implemented effectively to create meaningful change.’ 

‘‘I am committed to holding the government to its promises, and to ensuring that Epsom and St Helier hospitals, and the people of Epsom & Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead see real, tangible benefits from the discussions held here today.’