Since being elected in 2010, I have worked to ensure our rural area gets fair healthcare and education. The NHS received record funding of £164.9 billion for 2024-25, 45% more than in 2018-19. The previous Government also launched the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, with £2.4 billion to expand staff training and increase productivity.
Locally, I have pushed for healthcare improvements securing funding to rebuild Airedale Hospital by 2030 due to its failing concrete structure. I am concerned that the new Government might delay this, but I will work to ensure the rebuild happens. Airedale also received £4.12 million for a new Urgent Treatment Centre, and in 2020, nearly £2 million was allocated for upgrades and a new critical care facility.
In Ripon, a new diagnostic centre opened in 2023 providing vital scans and tests to help reduce waiting times, especially for cancer and surgery. I will continue advocating for the new Government to prioritise reducing waiting lists.
I also successfully campaigned to reopen Castleberg Hospital in 2019 and addressed concerns about access to NHS dentists. The last Government launched a £200 million Dental Recovery Plan to provide more appointments and attract dentists to underserved areas. I will ensure the new Government continues these efforts to improve healthcare access in Skipton and Ripon.
