People sometimes say they only ever hear from politicians at election time. Over many years, I have worked to ensure that is not the case in Winchester & Chandler’s Ford.
As well as all my other activity throughout the year, each Summer while Parliament is in recess I set about my Summer Tour including pop-up surgeries, supermarket surgeries and meeting constituents door to door. See www.stevebrine.com/summertour
This year, I am also conducting a short constituency survey which gives you an even greater chance to feedback views and ensure I carry out my parliamentary duties on your behalf.
My Summer Tour Survey looks specifically at the local NHS, my priority since day one. For me this means truly understanding the issues and the complexity of a local health system, not making knee-jerk responses in what is an ever-changing environment.
My experience here, and as a Health Minister working at the heart of Government the past two years, has taught me you have to see the health economy across the whole area – and in the context of the wider NHS – to ensure it is there when we need it.
Earlier this year, the government announced the Long-Term Plan for our NHS backed by some £20 billion extra funding each year. For us that meant significant new funding I helped secure, including £4m for our impressive new Emergency Department at the RHCH. I look forward to hearing your views on my #prioritynhs.
Ahead of Parliament returning next month, for what promises to be a lively session, I am keen to hear your views on the issue and the things you’d like me to raise using my experience from the backbenches.
I know everyone is rushed off their feet nowadays but I hope you will be able to take a moment to complete my Summer Tour NHS Survey.