Since being elected in July, delivering a local NHS fit for the future has been one of my top priorities.

It was one of my five key pledges during the campaign, and I remain absolutely committed to making sure people in Crewe and Nantwich get the healthcare they deserve.

While there is still a long way to go, we are beginning to see progress, both nationally and locally.

On a national level, the government has made a real difference in tackling the NHS backlog. In just five months, two million extra appointments have been delivered across the country.

That means more people getting the treatment they need – whether it's chemotherapy, diagnostic tests, or routine GP visits.

We've also seen waiting lists start to come down after years of growing longer and longer. There's still much more to do, but we are finally heading in the right direction.

One of the most significant national improvements has been the progress made in ensuring people can see a GP when they need to.

The government's commitment to increasing the number of GP appointments has already resulted in more patients being seen sooner, easing pressure on hospitals and reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Extending GP hours, recruiting more staff, and modernising booking systems have all contributed to these improvements, helping people access the care they need more quickly and efficiently.

In addition to increasing appointments, the government has made substantial financial commitments to the NHS.

The recent budget included a £22.6 billion boost to the day-to-day health budget over the next two years, alongside a £3.1 billion increase in capital spending.

This funding is earmarked for critical areas such as hospital repairs, new surgical hubs, and advanced diagnostic equipment.

These investments are designed to enhance patient care and reduce waiting times, ensuring the NHS can meet the evolving needs of our population.

Closer to home, one of the biggest NHS challenges in our area has been the state of Leighton Hospital.

Built in the 1970s, it was never designed to meet the demands of modern healthcare, and it has been plagued with structural issues.

I've long argued that the people of Crewe and Nantwich deserve a hospital that is safe, modern, and fit for the future.

That's why I am so pleased that work is progressing on delivering a brand-new Leighton Hospital, thanks to government backing.

The new hospital will be one of the most digitally advanced in the country and will deliver world-class care for generations to come.

I know that many people are keen to see this work get underway as soon as possible, and I will continue pushing for the project to move forward at pace.

It's clear that fixing the NHS won't happen overnight, but I will keep fighting for a health service that delivers for people in Crewe and Nantwich.

Whether it's securing investment in Leighton Hospital, pushing for shorter waiting times, or making sure that everyone can see a GP when they need to, I am determined to make our local NHS fit for the future.