Recently we have been celebrating the 70th anniversary of the NHS. It is an institution which has cared for most of us from the cradle to the grave, and ensured that every British citizen has access to the highest quality of healthcare, provided by dedicated professionals, free at the point of use when needed. Every government in history has increased NHS funding, and with the recent increased budget announcement, I am glad that we will continue to support the NHS well into the future.
Locally we have some excellent NHS institutions looking after the health of residents. Recently the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust’s Bluebell Birth Centre opened its doors. The plans for the new unit were approved in April 2017 and represent an expansion to existing maternity services, which include community home birthing teams, to ensure that women in our local area have more choice on where to deliver their babies. The Bluebell Birth Centre offers new parents the opportunity to have their babies in a comfortable, homely environment. This £1.6million investment into providing first class care from the very first breath is a fine addition to our local health service. There has also been fantastic support from the Birth and Babies fundraising appeal, with over £123,000 raised, testament to the wonderful work of staff and fundraisers.
The NHS belongs to all of us, whichever way we vote. It’s a legacy we pass down from generation to generation. Long may it continue.