The NHS is one of our nation’s proudest achievements and this year we are celebrating its milestone anniversary of 75 years. When it was founded on 5 July 1948, the NHS was the first universal health system to be available to all, free at the point of delivery and it continues to be a treasured national institution. 

Having worked closely with the local NHS as MP for Hertsmere, I know how important its services are to the local community. Like myself, local residents in Bushey/Radlett particularly benefit from the nearby Watford General Hospital. It has always been there for me and my family – my son was born there, my grandmother received end of life care there and I have been treated there many times. That is why I am so glad that Dean Russell MP, Member of Parliament for Watford, and I were successful in getting Watford General much needed Government funding, with a fully funded new hospital built by 2030. I will continue to work to support it and make sure our community has the healthcare it needs.

Last month, I was delighted that West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust’s virtual hospital programme was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards provide the opportunity for MPs to commend the excellent work and services provided by the NHS in our constituency. Following my visit to Watford General in March, I was very pleased to nominate the Trust for this prestigious Excellence in Healthcare Award after seeing first-hand the ground-breaking care they can provide through the programme.

The virtual hospital uses technology to feed data from the patient at home to a virtual hospital hub where results are closely monitored by clinicians. This innovative programme helps reduce the length of hospital stays for thousands of patients which allows them to return home to their familiar surroundings more quickly, or even avoid hospital admissions altogether.

Their commitment to transforming and improving patient outcomes is exemplary and I congratulate them on this great achievement.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank NHS staff across Bushey/Radlett for their dedication, hard work and commitment as we celebrate this special milestone.