The NHS is a vital service, and one we all care about deeply.  My mother worked as a nurse for 45 years, so it is particularly close to my heart.  Doctors and nurses do an amazing job and want what is best for their patients, and we in return rely on being able to access dedicated healthcare where and when we need it. 

Patients want an NHS with proper 7-day care, and we made a clear promise in our manifesto to deliver that for them.  I have engaged local healthcare staff and managers in meetings to discuss the best way of ensuring the changes the government is making bring about these and other improvements.

FAREHAM COMMUNITY HOSPITAL TASKFORCE

Better healthcare services also means ensuring treatment is available closer to those who need it.  Fareham Community Hospital is a great facility, costing £28million but remains underused and subject to complex governance structures.  Many local people still struggle to get a GP appointment and have to travel to QA for routine check-ups or minor injuries.  To ease these pressures, I am campaigning to expand the services offered at Fareham to include a minor injuries unit, a GP practice and more primary care. Better access to Fareham Community Hospital is crucial as many patients struggle to get there on public transport. I have raised these issue with the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt who is due to visit the hospital soon.I have also set up Fareham Community Hospital Taskforce, bringing together Health Service Providers and Commissioners so that better collaboration can be achieved.

LOCAL HEALTH NEEDS: DIABETES, EPILEPSY, DEMENTIA

Better preventative care and public health awareness are also important, and I am working to support certain health groups where a real problem has been identified locally: Fareham and Gosport has the highest rate of limb amputation due to diabetes and so I am working for increased understanding of diabetes and the measures that people can take to minimise the risk of that illness.  I have also helped establish a local Epilepsy support group, and am a Dementia Friend, supporting the Alzheimer's Society locally. 

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health is as important as physical health. Every year, mental health problems will affect one in four people, which is more people than will develop heart disease or cancer. Whether it is depression, dementia, schizophrenia, alcohol or drug related illnesses, mental health problems can have a tragic effect on peoples' lives.

I hope to play a vital role in securing good quality support for people in Fareham, as well as promoting mental health at a national level. I am pleased that we will increase funding for mental health care, boosting funding of children's mental health services by £1.25 billion over the next five years. We are also committed to providing more mental health support to women during and after pregnancy, and have pledged to end the practice of using police cells as "places of safety" for those experiencing a mental health crisis by ensuring proper provision of health and community-based places of safety.

Solent Mind is a great charity, providing advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They have a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline on (lines open 9am -6pm, Monday-Friday).

I take a keen interest in local health services and regularly meet with local GPs, junior doctors, paramedics, hospital staff and managers.