Saqib Bhatti MP, Member of Parliament for Meriden and Solihull East and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP, Member of Parliament for Solihull West and Shirley, have jointly written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask for his support in securing more provision for healthcare within the Solihull borough. Throughout the General Election campaign, both Saqib and Neil had countless conversations with residents who expressed deep concern about local provisions, especially regarding Accident and Emergency (A&E) services.
The letter explained that A&E services have declined in recent years, with 14% more attendees at A&E than 10 years prior, meaning that residents are experiencing longer waiting times. It noted that in August 2024, 65.4% of patients at Birmingham and Solihull ICB spent less than four hours in major A&E departments, which is markedly below the NHS’ target of 95%. With the Government’s planning reform likely to increase population size and exacerbate demand, adequate healthcare infrastructure must be put in place to support a growing population.
Saqib and Neil have secured a meeting with the Chair of the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board to discuss the current healthcare provisions. They have also asked the Secretary of State for Health to meet with them so they can outline the urgent need for better provision within the Solihull borough.
Commenting on the letter, Saqib said:
“One of my top priorities is to ensure that my constituents have access to first-class health services. Having campaigned for and delivered several healthcare facilities in the constituency, including a minor injuries unit, a community diagnostic centre and a state-of-the-art surgical hub, my constituents and I are united in our calls for A&E services to be restored to the Solihull borough.”
Former NHS surgeon, Neil said:
“As a former clinician, ensuring constituents have access to high quality healthcare is a key priority for me. Whilst it is encouraging to see the opening of the surgical hub at Solihull Hospital, there is a compelling case for restoring Emergency Department services. This is particularly the case given our growing population in the Borough. I stand with residents in our pursuit for seeing services restored locally.”
