Prevention has to remain front and centre in the NHS was the message from Steve Brine speaking in one of his final contributions to the House of Commons.
The MP for Winchester & Chandler's Ford was responding to a pre-election Statement from Health Secretary, Victoria Atkins MP, before Parliament prorogued ahead of the General Election on July 4 2024.
He said; "Record funding, a long-term workforce plan finally in place and serious investment at last from the Chancellor on health tech in the spring Budget. That is really welcome and a record to be proud of but the Secretary of State will be aware that if demand continues to exceed supply, we have a problem.
"Prevention is the new cure so throughout the general election campaign and from here on as she continues as Health Secretary, will she please bang on remorselessly about the big drivers of ill health—smoking, alcohol addiction, obesity, poor housing and bad diet—because, remember, we can only protect the NHS if we are a healthier society?"
The Secretary of State agreed and thanked Steve "for his long record in the House, particularly in the world of healthcare. He was a superb Minister in the Department of Health and has chaired the Select Committee with great skill. He has scrutinised many a Minister, which I promise him is not a relaxing experience. I really pay credit to him."
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