HARLOW MP, Robert Halfon, was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, today.

During the visit, Robert and the Prime Minister met with the hospital’s senior management, visited the wards to meet with patients and staff and the Prime Minister announced an extra £200m for new state-of-the-art equipment to boost cancer survival rates.

For a number of years, Robert has been campaigning for a new hospital in Harlow. He has secured 5 parliamentary debates, asked nearly 40 parliamentary questions and tabled 11 parliamentary motions.

Two weeks ago, Robert held his fifth debate in the House of Commons, making a powerful case for a long-term solution and updating the House of Commons Chamber on the state of the Princess Alexandra building, describing its “crumbling basement” and “challenging” layout.

But… but… I thought everyone hated Boris, right? https://t.co/zATrpYwBpL

— Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) September 27, 2019

In his response, the Health Minister at the time, Chris Skidmore MP, commended Robert Halfon, saying: “I know that my right hon. Friend campaigns tirelessly on matters of healthcare in Essex and, in particular, on the issue of funding for the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust.”

Addressing Robert’s plea for capital funding for a new hospital, the Minister said: “I want to reassure my right hon. Friend that when it comes to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, it is under serious consideration in relation to ensuring that that refurbishment will be able to take place for the future.”

The visit from the Prime Minister, followed recent visits from the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock MP, earlier this year, and the former Hospitals Minister.

Robert said: “I’ve been working hard campaigning for a new Harlow hospital and to have the Prime Minister recognise the need for a new hospital was a huge boost to our incredible NHS staff and patients.

“I pay tribute to the remarkable hospital staff —everyone from the cleaners, porters, ancillary staff, nurses, doctors and consultants to the management team, led by a brilliant Chief Executive, Lance McCarthy.

“I was glad that the Prime Minister saw that, despite the amazing work of the staff, the hospital is not fit for purpose and recognised the urgency of the need for capital funding to build a modernised, fit-for-purpose hospital in the town, to serve Harlow residents and the wider population of West Essex.

“My campaign continues with a question to the Treasury on Tuesday, pushing the need for government money for our new hospital.

“I will continue to work hard to secure the new hospital Harlow so desperately needs.”