Supporting and strengthening our NHS, both locally and nationally, remains one of my top priorities as your Member of Parliament. I have been raising serious concerns about Stepping Hill Hospital, and I want to update residents on the action I am taking to secure the investment our community urgently needs.
The Current State of Stepping Hill Hospital
Stepping Hill is at the heart of our local healthcare system, serving thousands of patients across Stockport and Greater Manchester. The staff who work there do an incredible job under very challenging circumstances. I regularly meet with NHS workers who are clear that the conditions they are working in are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Parts of the hospital estate are no longer fit for purpose, following years of underinvestment under the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrat Coalition. Repair costs have now risen to more than £130 million, highlighting the scale of the challenge we face. While recent funding allocations for safety works and improvements are welcome, it is clear that far greater long-term investment will be required to bring facilities up to the standard that patients and staff deserve.
Action Taken in Parliament and Beyond
Since 2019, I have consistently called on Governments to provide this much-needed funding. Most recently, I raised the issue during a debate on the NHS Modernisation Bill in the House of Commons, where I highlighted the pressures facing hospitals like Stepping Hill. In my contribution, I stressed that modernising the NHS must include sustained investment in buildings and equipment, alongside support for staff and improved patient outcomes. I also raised wider issues, including workforce pressures and the importance of ensuring that new technology is introduced in a way that is ethical, transparent, and benefits both patients and staff.
I have also written directly to the newly appointed Health Secretary, James Murray MP, to press the case for urgent action. In my letter, I set out the condition of Stepping Hill Hospital in clear terms, emphasising the need for significant investment not just to address immediate safety concerns, but to deliver long-term improvements. I also raised broader concerns brought to me by constituents and NHS staff, making clear that our local services must not be left behind.
Voices from the Frontline
During a meeting with the Royal College of Midwives, I heard about the dire state of maternity units across Britain, with many facilities struggling due to outdated estates and insufficient resources. These concerns echo what I have been hearing locally. The message I continue to receive from NHS staff in Stockport is clear: they are committed to delivering the best possible care, but they need the tools, facilities, and support to do so safely and effectively. Whether it is improving hospital buildings or addressing wider workforce challenges, more must be done.
National Progress and Local Needs
I will continue to press Ministers to ensure that Stockport gets its fair share of NHS investment. Our community deserves high-quality, modern healthcare facilities, and our NHS staff deserve a working environment that reflects the vital role they play. I recognise that this Government has taken important initial steps to begin addressing the long-standing underinvestment in our health service. The NHS has recently reached a major milestone as waiting times fall and more patients receive timely care. Thanks to the work undertaken by this Labour Government, for the first time in years, the 18-week waiting time target has been met, with waiting lists dropping by over half a million and hundreds of thousands fewer patients facing long delays for treatment. This significant progress reflects the extraordinary commitment of NHS staff, who have delivered despite ongoing pressures. This achievement is a clear sign that the Government's investment and reform are making a real difference for patients across the country. Sustained commitment over time is essential, and delivering the transformation our NHS needs will require the stability and focus that only a second term can provide.
How to Get in Touch
As always, if you would like to raise anything with me, you can contact me by phone, email or letter and my town centre office is open weekdays from 10am to 3.30pm. You can find my details here: https://www.navendumishra.co.uk/contact
READ NEXT: Want to see more from Stockport's MPs? See our dedicated page.
