Better Local Healthcare

Shotley Bridge

Campaign for a new community hospital

I am absolutely committed to improving our local NHS, ensuring it is fit for purpose and delivers what our community deserves. My mum works in the NHS and I back the fantastic work that the NHS does 100%.

I am campaigning for a replacement community hospital to Shotley Bridge to benefit people in the Consett area and beyond, whilst also working to maintain services for people in the Three Town Area and Weardale.

I’ve spoken about Shotley Bridge Hospital repeatedly in the House of Commons and won the backing of the Heath Secretary and the Prime Minister. I am delighted we will be getting a new hospital and the extra funding we need for new beds.

I'm also working with colleagues like Dehenna Davison MP to ensure services are maintained at Bishop Auckland Hospital, serving the south of the constituency.

Mental Health

I’m also working to improve mental health services in the area alongside charities, social services, and the Police. There is deep concern that mental health services are delivered too slowly to those most in need for support, and I am determined to fight for them.

 

News

Our NHS at 75

Today is the 75th anniversary of our NHS.

CUTTING WAITING LISTS – GETTING ON WITH THE JOB

Being able to get a GP appointment when you need one is vitally important. I am delighted that how primary care is delivered is being modernised to keep up with patient demand and help to cut NHS waiting lists.

Richard and Alzheimer's Society for Dementia Action Week

In Parliament, I went to chat with the Alzheimer's Society for Dementia Action Week. Not only did my nan sadly pass away with dementia, but loads of constituents got in touch with me about this important week.

National Epilepsy Week with Richard Holden MP

This week, 22nd to 28th May 2023, is National Epilepsy Week. It is a great chance to raise awareness about this illness and celebrate the massive scientific advances we have made in recent years.

SHOTLEY BRIDGE HOSPITAL FUNDING CONFIRMED!

Today in Parliament, the Health Secretary announced that the money needed for the expansion and improvement of Shotley Bridge Hospital is to be delivered in its entirety as part of the Government’s £20bn Hospital Building Programme.

County Durham Day

Today is County Durham Day, celebrated each 20th March – the date of Saint Cuthbert’s death

Richard Holden MP Supports Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Tragically, ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer in women and kills over 4,000 a year in the UK. What's worse is that so many of these cases can be prevented with raised awareness because a lot of the signs go unnoticed or attributed to other things.

Richard Holden MP Celebrates the Work of Marie Curie

Yesterday, Richard caught up with some of the team from Marie Curie in Parliament. They do so much important work for terminally ill people across the country but particularly in County Durham.

Shotley Bridge Update!

Reversing the decades of decline of healthcare services in North West Durham has been one of my top priorities since I was elected by you as your Member of Parliament.