NEW HARLOW HOSPITAL - PRESSURE ON A&E SERVICES

That this House is aware of the unbearable and increasing pressure on A&E services at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow; notes that this results in part due to the downgrading of other local healthcare facilities, including Chase Farm Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth II; understands that the population of Harlow and the surrounding area Is growing; further understands that the additional influx of patients has led to occupancy levels at the hospital consistently running higher than 98 per cent; is aware that the A&E department sees 200 to 300 patients per day; understands that this is 10 per cent higher than the national average; further understands that capital funding for a new hospital in Harlow would solve these problems; and therefore urges the Government to make capital funding available to bring healthcare in Harlow into the 21st Century.