When I first got elected, back in December 2019, the first conversation I had with the Health Secretary was about Burnley General. I was keen to work with him, as he was me, to look at how we cement its position as a hub for modern healthcare. I then followed this up with a question to the Prime Minister in PMQs – my first – where I asked the PM to work with me on achieving that aim.
Just a few weeks after that though, Covid-19 hit us. And our plans, rightly, turned to ensuring the NHS could cope with the pandemic.
As we came out of the pandemic it was clear that the most pressing healthcare need was tackling the backlog. That’s why I began a campaign to make Burnley General part of the national rollout of Community Diagnostic Centres. These centres would help speed up diagnosis of medical issues, in turn allowing for faster treatment and better outcomes.
We achieved that, with Burnley General now part of an East Lancashire Community Diagnostic Centre, with investment in modern screening machines and technologies to help provide fast diagnosis of conditions.
But there is always more to do.
Having been in Royal Blackburn Hospital over this last winter – both in a personal and professional capacity - it’s clear to see that demand is now significantly higher than at any previous point. And, most importantly, patient care isn’t at an acceptable level. I have raised these concerns with the NHS Trust, and I know they agree, and are always looking at how to do more.
But to me, it shows why it is more vital than ever that we invest in Burnley General, and utilise the space and skills we have there. This is a point I have been making to Ministers consistently, since 2019 and still now.
That is the only way we will end the practice of patients on corridors, long wait times, and the backlog from Covid.
In the Budget last week the Chancellor set out an extra £2.45 billion for the NHS, for day-to-day spend, and a further £3.4 billion to invest in technology and productivity. We need to see some of that come to us locally, and I’ll be meeting Health Ministers in the next few weeks to push for this.
I know that the solution all residents want to see is the return of Burnley’s A&E department. It’s something I’d love to see too. And I’ll keep arguing for it, as I have in the House of Commons. But that shouldn’t come at the expense of continuing investment in Burnley General overall.
The local NHS does brilliant work, and working with them, I’m determined to see us do more, and provide the care that residents deserve.
