Local campaigners are celebrating today after Chancellor George Osborne responded positively to the push for the South's first children's hospital in Southampton.
Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine has led a campaign, launched in February half-term, to secure £2m match funding for what will initially be a dedicated children's emergency department.
Speaking in his Budget Statement in the House of Commons, the Chancellor said "I'm using the LIBOR funds specifically to help with children's' hospital services. Members across the House have asked for resources for children's' care in Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Southampton and we provide those funds today. A determination to improve the health of our children."
MPs have teamed up with the Daily Echo newspaper, Southampton General Hospital and celebrities Sarah Parish and James Murray from the Murray Parish Trust to campaign for the proposed new unit.
It will offer bespoke care for young people in a 'child friendly' environment - instead of them having to use busy adult A&E services.
Speaking immediately after the Budget from the House of Commons, Steve said; "This has been such a focused campaign and it's picked up huge momentum in short time. Clearly the Chancellor heard our case.
"It's also been a real team effort, with celebrities and clinicians backing the Echo's Say Yes George campaign and local MPs getting right behind it. Special mention should goto Caroline Nokes and Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith who have been brilliant."Above all thanks to George Osborne who has proved yet again he listens to local MPs where we can put together a compelling case backed by clinical need."
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