This week has seen two big health announcements from the Government - both of which will have a direct impact on Plymouth and the South Hams. Both of which highlight the Conservative Party's commitment to our NHS.
Firstly is the welcome announcement that the Government is investing more money in training doctors.
To be specific, they are creating 1,500 new medical school places across the country. In terms of the South West, this equates to a 58% increase in the number of places on offer at the Plymouth University Peninsula Medical School. According to the Dean of the Medical and Dental Schools, Professor Robert Sneyd, this means the school will grow from 80 places to 150. He also highlighted how the South West currently has the lowest per capita share of doctors - with 87% of the UK average so it is vital we train, employ and retain the excellent students coming through our local medical school.
I am delighted that the excellent work done in our health services in Plymouth is being invested in by the Government in this way.
I am also very pleased to welcome the announcement that thousands of healthcare workers, including nurses, paramedics and hospital porters will see an average of 6.5% pay increase over the next three years.
Earlier this year I met with a regional representative of the Royal College of Nurses and pledged my commitment to the push for increased pay for nurses. As a nurses champion, I have been raising the issue of nurses pay in the House of Commons. I also regularly meet men and women who work tirelessly for the NHS who live in my constituency and am very happy to see that their hard work is being rewarded in this way.
Whilst many will see a 6.5% payrise, half of those affected will in fact get more than this basic amount, receiving up to a 29% payrise. The deal also includes a commitment on both sides to reduce the rate of sickness absence in the workforce.
I hope, that along with the increasing number of training places available for aspiring doctors, this pay announcement will go a long way to boost the staffing of the NHS.