As a former Health Minister and someone with a close understanding of the incredible role our NHS plays each and every day, I am very aware of how difficult the past few years have been – especially for those working on the frontline.

I am also very aware of the growing concern and frustration of many when it comes to trying to get an appointment at their local GP surgery.

That’s why I welcomed the opportunity to follow up again with senior figures at a number of our local GP surgeries yesterday – joining them for another of their regular Teams meetings with the local Norfolk and Waveney NHS Integrated Care Board.

As with the previous meeting I had with this key group back in December (see more here), I found yesterday’s conversation incredibly helpful. It was another invaluable opportunity to learn more about the challenges our frontline General Practice staff are facing on a daily basis, as well as a chance to discuss possible solutions in greater depth. I was also able to report back on my work since our previous meeting, which has seen me highlight the group’s feedback with the Department of Health and Social Care ministerial team, in addition to continuing my efforts to speak up on behalf of constituents with concerns.

The Government has showed that it is listening to the views being raised by the NHS and constituents alike. Indeed, it renewed its commitment to our NHS by making a further series of announcements (including £8 billion of funding for the NHS and adult social care in England by 2024-25) in the Autumn Statement – announcements I welcomed as they will ensure our NHS is receiving historic levels of funding, which will not only tackle the Covid backlog but will also enable rapid action to improve urgent and emergency care, as well as primary care so that our NHS is able to deliver even more than it did pre-pandemic, and to higher standards.

I also understand that, in line with the commitment made by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement, the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan will also be published soon too – and welcomed the news in today’s Budget that pension tax reforms are set to be implemented to remove legislation that disincentivises doctors from working full hours or from working right the way up to retirement age.

My hope is that I can bring key DHSC and NHS England officials to my next meeting with this key group of senior GP surgery figures – who I have committed to joining quarterly moving forwards (with conversations ongoing in between as we work together on any specific issues).

Rest assured, I remain committed to doing all I can to speak up for and represent Mid Norfolk – both on behalf of my concerned constituents and those working in our local NHS.