Saqib has relaunched his ‘A&E for Solihull’ petition jointly with Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP, Member of Parliament for Solihull West and Shirley on Friday 22nd November. Having originally launched the petition before the General Election, the strength of local feeling on the issue was demonstrated by the 1,500 people who signed the petition and through countless conversations with residents on the doorstep during the election campaign. Constituents expressed deep concern about local healthcare provisions, especially regarding Accident and Emergency (A&E) services.
Saqib and Neil wrote to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask for his support in securing A&E services for the Solihull borough. They 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. Compounded by the Government’s planning reform, which is likely to increase population size and exacerbate demand, they highlighted that adequate healthcare infrastructure must be put in place to support a growing population. They also requested to meet with the Secretary of State to discuss the need for A&E services in the Solihull borough.
During the Department of Health and Social Care’s oral parliamentary questions, Saqib reiterated the need for A&E services in the Solihull borough and again asked for the Secretary of State to meet with himself and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst to discuss how the Budget can support the people of Solihull through increased investment in healthcare provisions. Saqib and Neil have also held a meeting with the Chair of the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board to discuss the current healthcare provisions.
Commenting on the relaunch, Saqib said:
“I am delighted to be relaunching my ‘A&E for Solihull’ petition alongside Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst. I have always championed healthcare within my constituency, delivering several facilities, including a minor injuries unit, a community diagnostic centre and a state-of-the-art surgical hub. My constituents are united in calling for A&E services to be restored to Solihull and I would urge everyone to sign the petition to demonstrate the strength of local feeling on this issue.”
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst said:
“Ensuring constituents have access to timely 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. By signing the petition, you can help send a message that you want services restored to Solihull Hospital.”
