THE new MP for Redditch, Rachel Maclean, has promised to work across the community following her General Election victory in the early hours of Friday, June 9.
Mrs Maclean was elected with more total votes, a higher share of the vote, and an increased majority from her predecessor.
She said: “It is a huge honour and a privilege to be elected as your Member of Parliament, I look forward to giving my all to working hard for you, whichever way you voted at the election.
“I thank my opponents for fighting a clean campaign, it was a pleasure to meet them during the campaign and I wish them all the best in the future.
“I am keen to work together with all representatives of our community on the important issues here in Redditch, and I will be reaching out soon to make this happen.
“I will bring dedication and commitment to working for the people of Redditch.
“There are some important priorities for Redditch as I have set out in my campaign. These include health, local services, particularly mental health, education, jobs and business investment.”
On the Alexandra Hospital she said: “Let’s be clear. The Alex isn’t closing, and it is keeping its A&E. It has a bright future ahead of it, and we will see, once the consultation results are delivered, new services coming to our hospital, including an urgent care centre for sick children. And critically ill children will be cared for by a robust emergency response, wherever they happen to fall ill.
“People need certainty. They want to know where to take their sick child; they want to know that they will be expertly cared for if they fall ill or need an operation; and they want to know that the facilities to support them in older age are the best they can be.”
During the election campaign Health Minister Philip Dunne visited the Alex with Mrs Maclean.
He said: “I was encouraged to learn that the Trust (Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust) is progressing with a full business xase to support its plans for a £29 million investment in improved facilities at both the Worcester and Redditch Hospitals.
“I confirmed that if a Conservative Government is re-elected next Thursday then this project will be a priority.”
To provide additional clarity on her work on the Alex, Mrs Maclean has released a 12-point plan. This includes addressing practical concerns such as the lack of car parking at Worcester Royal, for patients travelling there, as well as better public transport between the two sites.
To view the plan click here.
