The future provision of NHS services in Rugby needs to account for the population growth in the town according to Rugby MP Mark Pawsey.
Mark spoke during questions to the Leader of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, and highlighted that given the rate of growth in Rugby – with houses being provided a rate 25% faster than England as a whole – 83% of people live more than 15 minutes’ drive away from a major Accident & Emergency Unit. Mark also spoke about the strong and consistent desire by Rugby residents for more services to be provided at the Hospital of St Cross and asked the Government to consider how population changes should drive the provision of NHS services.
Responding for the Government, Jacob Rees-Mogg promised to raise Mark’s concerns with Health Ministers and noted that the Queen’s Speech announced a new Health Bill and Care Bill, which will create a more integrated and efficient health and care system. The Leader of the House also highlighted University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has received £2.2 million for maintenance at the Hospital of St Cross, and £3 million for A&E upgrades at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.
Speaking after his question in the Commons, Mark said:
“Investing in our NHS is a key priority for the Government, and I am determined to see some of that investment come to Rugby. We know from the recent Coventry and Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group consultation on Urgent Care Services that there is a need for a review of how care is provided locally, and as I said in my letter to Dr Sarah Raistrick I believe there is an extremely strong case to bring additional urgent care services to St Cross.”
Mark continued:
“I am pleased that the Leader of the House has highlighted some of the investment into our local health services, including at St Cross where we are seeing new operating theatres installed, alongside a £1 million purpose-built Haematology and Oncology unit at St Cross. However, there is still a need for additional urgent care services to meet the demands of Rugby’s growing population.”
Mark concluded:
“As the Government brings forward proposals to reform Health and Social Care to respond to the changes in population and demographics, and ensure that staff are able to focus on delivering the best possible treatment and care for their patients, I will continue to make the case for additional services to be delivered here in Rugby.”