Health & Social Care
As your Member of Parliament, I am committed to ensuring that everyone in Redditch and the Villages has access to high-quality healthcare when and where they need it. Health and Social care is one of my key priorities and I'm working every day to deliver real improvements for our community.
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Investing in Our NHS
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I've secured major wins for local healthcare, including £3 million for fire safety upgrades at the Alexandra Hospital as part of the Government's £1.2 billion programme to repair and modernise England's NHS infrastructure. After years of underinvestment that led to over 4,000 cancelled appointments and operations, our local hospital is finally getting the safer, modern environment patients and staff deserve.
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I'm also pushing hard for expanded GP capacity across Redditch. Following my visits to Elgar House Surgery and meetings with NHS leaders, I'm working to overcome delays and deliver up to 30 additional appointments each day at local practices. I've met with Simon Trickett, Chief Executive of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, to press the case for a new neighbourhood health centre in Redditch and ensure essential upgrades are completed without further hold-ups.
Tackling NHS Dentistry Crisis
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Access to NHS dentistry is one of the biggest issues raised by residents. I've met with local dentists, including Dr Thegan Moodley at Webheath Dental Practice, to hear about the severe pressures they face - from difficulty recruiting NHS dentists to children waiting up to 12 months for treatment. I'm calling for urgent reform of NHS dental contracts, fair funding and a sustainable plan to rebuild dentistry in Worcestershire so families aren't left waiting months in pain.
Supporting Children and Families
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I've welcomed over £210,000 Government investment to establish Best Start Family Hubs in Worcestershire, reviving the legacy of Sure Start. These hubs will provide one-stop support for families from pregnancy through to school age, including health visiting, parenting support, SEND services, mental health guidance and much more - ensuring every child gets the best start in life.
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I've also championed the expansion of free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit, which will benefit up to 4,620 children in Redditch and the Villages from September 2026, saving families up to £500 per child per year while supporting better learning outcomes and wellbeing.
Mental Health and SEND
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Mental health and special educational needs support are close to my heart. I served on the Mental Health Bill Committee, helping to deliver the first major reform of mental health law in over 40 years. I've led a parliamentary debate on mental health in schools and welcomed government investment in Mental Health Support Teams reaching an additional 900,000 pupils.
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I regularly meet with the North Worcestershire Autism Parents Support Group at Redditch United FC and I'm determined to ensure families navigating SEND have the support they deserve. I've also backed local initiatives like Sholfins Swim School, which provides vital swimming lessons for children with additional needs.
Championing Prevention and Community Wellbeing​​
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From visiting Primrose Hospice to firing the starting gun Cancer Research UK's Race for Life in Arrow Valley Park, I've seen first-hand the incredible work our community does to support health and wellbeing. I've championed diabetes awareness through a House of Commons debate, celebrated community health events with the Kerala Cultural Association and supported Alzheimer's Society's Singing for the Brain sessions.
I've also introduced the Schools (Allergy Safety) Bill to protect children with allergies, backed by leading charities and families who deserve peace of mind that their children are safe at school.
The Road Ahead
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There's much more to do. I'm monitoring the NHS 10-Year Plan to ensure it delivers for Redditch and the Villages, pushing for better community care, continuing to fight for NHS dentistry reform and holding local health leaders to account until residents see real improvements in frontline services.
