This debate focused on the Government’s announcement of new community diagnostic centres across England aimed at improving access to tests and reducing NHS waiting times.
Sir John used the opportunity to advocate for Maldon, highlighting the longstanding need for a modern health hub to replace the ageing 150 year-old St Peter’s Hospital. He pressed the Government to consider Maldon in future funding rounds and sought further discussions to progress the proposal on behalf of his constituents.
Wes Streeting Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
“I am delighted to announce that we are investing in 36 new and better community diagnostic centres in shopping centres and high streets across England. This is what a Labour Government deliver: the biggest expansion in diagnostics in a generation, shorter waits for tests, checks and scans, and an NHS on the road to recovery. It is a record that the Tories could not touch, the Scottish National party cannot match, Plaid Cymru cannot sustain, and Reform would destroy. On 7 May, people can only trust Labour with the NHS.”
John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon
“My constituents in Maldon have, for more than 30 years, been promised a new health hub in the town to replace St Peter’s hospital, a building that is over 150 years old. In the first round of new neighbourhood health centres, the integrated care board put forward the case for Maldon, but it was unsuccessful. May I press the Government to include Maldon in the second round? Will the Secretary of State meet me and my right hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Priti Patel) to discuss this matter?”
Wes Streeting Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
“I know the Minister for Secondary Care has met the right hon. Gentleman. I know that the ICB will have been disappointed. There will be further ways to do this, and it should keep trying.”