THE FIGHT to strengthen urgent and emergency care services across Solihull has stepped up a gear.
Saqib Bahtti, Meriden and Solihull East MP, and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Solihull West and Shirley MP, met with senior hospital leaders at Solihull Hospital as part of their campaign to bring back an A&E department to the borough.
During the visit, the MPs held detailed discussions about current healthcare resources, future service opportunities, and the steps needed to deliver enhanced urgent care provision for the Solihull community.
The meeting follows continued engagement by both MPs with the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB), as well as parliamentary contributions surrounding local emergency service provision, including an Adjorunment Debate to call for A&E provison at Solihull Hospital.
The Conservative MPs reiterated their commitment to campaigning for the return of enhanced emergency healthcare resources to Solihull Hospital and ensuring residents have access to high-quality, accessible urgent care services close to home.
Mr Bhatti said: “Since my election in 2019, returning healthcare resources to Meriden and Solihull East has been one of my core priorities. We have already secured significant progress for local healthcare services, including the opening of a new Locality Hub in December 2023, an Urgent Treatment Centre in Summer 2023, an Elective Hub in November 2024, and a new Community Diagnostic Centre in North Solihull, opening in May last year.
“However, I am putting pressure on the Government to do more.
“Solihull Hospital has the foundations to become a trailblazer for innovation and efficiency in urgent care provision, and I will continue fighting to ensure our community receives the healthcare resources it needs and deserves.”
Dr Shastri-Hurst said: “Solihull Hospital plays a vital role in serving communities across Solihull West and Shirley, and I remain committed to ensuring local residents can access high-quality urgent and emergency care close to home.
“It was extremely valuable to meet with senior hospital leaders alongside Saqib to discuss both the challenges facing local healthcare provision and the opportunities to strengthen services for the future. Solihull Hospital has enormous potential, supported by dedicated staff and a strong record of innovation and patient care.
“As demand on the NHS continues to grow, it is essential that local healthcare infrastructure keeps pace. That is why we will continue working closely with the ICB, hospital leadership, and Government to make the case for enhanced urgent and emergency care resources in Solihull.
“Our community deserves accessible, reliable healthcare services, and I will continue championing that cause both in Parliament and locally”
