Newspaper Column – The Cornishman – 12/05/25

I’ve been reviewing progress of our health campaigns and would appreciate feedback. I’ve commenced an online survey which can be found on my website. It covers a full range of essential services, including: 

• Mental ill-health and suicide prevention, which have been poorly supported and under-resourced for too long. The Commons Health Select Committee – of which I am a member – is investigating. Securing parity between physical and mental health is a determined objective. I am pressing for a more responsive system which challenges stigma, prioritises early intervention and efficient access to local services. It would help to hear from locals how the service is coping and to receive feedback 

• Emergency services – Our frontline staff – paramedics, nurses, doctors – are all working in an immensely pressurised environment. Ambulance queues, ‘corridor care’ and declarations of ‘critical incident’ status represent a service that remains in serious crisis. It should never have been allowed to get like this. The new government inherited an NHS system in a worse state than at any time it is 78-year history. Investing in beds and services is now essential. Establishing 24/7 Urgent Treatment at Penzance would help reduce pressure and help patients in our area.  

• West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance has always been vital to our communities. Sometimes we’ve even taken to the streets to protest, to protect its vital services. I am in discussions with Hospital managers and am determined to ensure the hospital receives investment, to protect services and provide patients with access to high-quality care when they need it. Once the new outpatients’ extension is completed I need you to keep requesting your outpatient appointments there and not many miles away. Then of course we need to secure the support necessary to re-establish a medically safe and supported 24/7 Urgent Treatment service there. 

• NHS Dentistry – services across Cornwall have never been poorer. The current ‘dentistry desert’ contributes to chronic poor health for many – especially children and mothers who can’t access timely treatment – and serious, preventable health problems for many others. I am pushing for sustainable changes to improve access to NHS dentistry. Your experience and views would be welcome. 

• Women and Children’s Hospital – Everyone was deeply disappointed when the government put the much-needed Women and Children’s Hospital (Treliske) on hold last year. Health secretary, Wes Streeting, explained the previous government’s promised “40 new hospitals” programme was completely unfunded! However, our behind-the-scenes lobbying helped to put this project back on track. Bringing maternity, neonatal care, paediatrics and gynaecology together with up-to-date, modern facilities will be a welcome improvement.  

Please complete my survey when you can – before the end of the month. Thank you.