Health Minister visits Pinderfields

Delighted to welcome Health Minister Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, to Pinderfields Hospital earlier this week.

We had the opportunity to meet with frontline staff and see first-hand the incredible work being done every day by our dedicated NHS teams. Their commitment, professionalism, and compassion are the backbone of our health service — and they deserve our full support.

But let’s be honest: our NHS is under immense pressure. In Mid-Yorkshire, only 65% of A&E patients are seen within the four-hour target, and just 60% of patients begin treatment within 18 weeks. These figures are not just statistics — they represent real people waiting in pain, stress, and uncertainty.

We need bold, radical change to turn this around. That means faster A&E response times, shorter waiting lists, and a system that works for both patients and staff.

That’s why I welcome the recent Budget announcement of an additional £25.6 billion in NHS funding over the next two years. This investment is a vital step toward rebuilding our health service and restoring public confidence.

Looking ahead, the Government’s upcoming 10-Year Health Plan will be crucial. It aims to deliver long-term reform, tackle workforce shortages, modernise services, and ensure the NHS is fit for the future.

We owe it to our communities — and to the NHS heroes who care for us — to get this right.