Rachel Maclean MP writes for the Redditch Standard
IT HAS been another difficult year as we continue to fight back against Coronavirus.
We rightly emerged from lockdown restrictions in the summer, only to now be battling the Omicron variant – but boosters in arms is increasing our protection against this new threat.
The NHS continues to be there for us all, and after already asking so much of our amazing healthcare staff, we’re once again asking more of them.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the Alex for all that they have done and continue to do for us all during this pandemic.
I’ve continued to support thousands of constituents this year. My team and I have worked on more than 5,000 cases – supporting constituents on a range of issues. I’ve also held 17 surgeries across the constituency, from the Kingfisher Shopping Centre to St Andrew’s Church in Church Hill to St Peter’s Hall in Inkberrow. I will always make myself as accessible as possible whether that’s in-person surgeries or via virtual meetings.
2021 saw us take a big step forward in our mission to unlock Redditch’s full potential.
In June, the Government approved Redditch’s Town Deal, awarding us £15.6million – on top of the £1m we received last year.
This Town Deal represents one of the single largest government investments in Redditch since it became a new town. I’m proud that our Town Deal received cross-party support on the borough council.
The Alexandra Hospital remained my top priority.
I continue to hold the Acute Trust to account on your behalf, using my Alex Working Group meetings to make the case to return services to Redditch’s hospital.
And thank you for your continued support in the fight to return the Garden Suite to the Alex. More than 8,000 of you have now signed my petition calling for its return.
Acute Trust bosses are set to make their final decision by March.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year and I look forward to continuing to work hard to deliver on your priorities. It remains the greatest honour to be your MP.
Rachel Maclean MP
