Matt Vickers MP has slammed the Labour Government for failing to deliver funding for North Tees Hospital, despite high-profile campaign visits and promises made by Health Secretary Wes Streeting before the election.
During a visit to North Tees Hospital, Streeting - then Shadow Health Secretary - acknowledged the critical need for investment, stating that "staff are doing an excellent job but in spite of the building rather than being supported by the facilities and that has to change."
“What I’ve seen today demonstrates that this is not a hospital where we can just keep on doing patch up jobs and refurbishments.
“…There is no doubt we need a new hospital here”.
Despite these warm words, the Labour Government’s recently announced £15 billion New Hospital Programme completely fails to allocate a single penny to North Tees Hospital—or any hospital on Teesside. This shocking omission leaves patients and hardworking NHS staff to struggle with outdated and inadequate facilities, while other regions benefit from much-needed investment.
The last Conservative Government gave unprecedented funding and investment in our Stockton’s NHS facilities, receiving £40m towards upgrading James Cook and North Tees hospitals with new radiology equipment and a new respiratory unit, £3m for a mental health crisis hub and a further £20m to deliver a brand new Diagnostic Hospital in Stockton Town Centre.
The lack of funding for Teesside comes despite the chancellor increasing spending by £70bn, partially funded by £40bn in tax rises hitting people across Teesside.
Upon the news that North Tees Hospital have failed to receive additional funding, Matt Vickers MP said:
"Labour campaigned on the promise of investment and change, yet their first opportunity to deliver for the people of Teesside has resulted in a complete betrayal. Wes Streeting himself admitted that North Tees Hospital was not fit for purpose, yet his Government has turned its back on our community, giving Teesside nothing. This is a clear case of Labour saying one thing to get elected and doing the exact opposite once in power - they’re all fart and no poop. The people of Teesside deserve better, and I will continue fighting to ensure we get the funding our hospital desperately needs."
Matt added: “The failure to provide funding for North Tees Hospital raises serious concerns about the Labour Government’s commitment to addressing regional healthcare inequalities and supporting frontline NHS staff. I think we need urgent clarity on the future of healthcare investment in Teesside and demands that the Government delivers on its pre-election promises.”
