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Another Saturday evening shift in A&E last night was a powerful reminder of the pressures our health service is facing. The relentless pace and the sheer dedication of my colleagues never fails to humble me, as they work tirelessly to care for our community under incredible strain.
Amidst the rough and tumble of politics, these shifts keep me grounded. They ensure the challenges facing our NHS are never just abstract debates for me, but real-life struggles for patients and staff. Serving my community here in Tooting, both on the green benches in Westminster and in the emergency department, is an immense privilege. My experiences on the ward directly inform my work as an MP, strengthening my resolve to fight for a health service with the resources it needs to look after us all. It was a genuine privilege to speak at the London SAS Conference this week, addressing the brilliant Specialty, Associate Specialist, and Specialist doctors who are so vital to our health service. These highly-skilled clinicians are the backbone of the NHS, providing stability and senior leadership on our wards every single day, often without the recognition they truly deserve. From my own shifts in A&E, I have seen first-hand the incredible expertise and dedication SAS doctors bring to their roles. They are the experienced engine room of our hospitals, making critical decisions and delivering complex care under immense pressure. Their experience is the bedrock upon which so much of our health service is built.  Parliament may be in recess, but life on the NHS frontline never stops. This morning, I was back in my scrubs for an early shift in our local A&E. Amidst the rough and tumble of politics, these shifts keep me grounded and connected to the realities people face every day. The challenges in our health service are not abstract debates; they are real-life struggles for patients and the dedicated staff caring for them. Serving my community, both on the green benches in Westminster and in the emergency department, is an immense privilege. My experiences on the ward directly inform my work as an MP. It is a powerful reminder of why fighting for an NHS with the resources to look after us all is so important.  Being re-elected as an officer of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Patient Safety is a tremendous honour. As an A&E doctor, I have seen first-hand the devastating consequences when things go wrong and the critical importance of robust safety standards in preventing harm. Every patient deserves to feel safe and confident in the care they receive. Bringing my frontline experience directly into Parliament, I will continue to champion measures that make our health service safer for everyone. We must always learn from mistakes and strive for the highest possible standards in our precious NHS.  Being the keynote speaker at the London Trainee Network was a tremendous honour. Sharing my journey, from working as a humanitarian doctor in some of the world’s most challenging environments to my shifts on the A&E frontline, was a chance to reflect on the experiences that shaped me. My path eventually led to Parliament, where I strive to bring that frontline perspective to policymaking. Meeting the aspiring medics in the room was profoundly inspiring. Their passion, intelligence, and sheer dedication give me immense hope for the future of healthcare. They are the reason we must fight to protect and properly fund our NHS, to give them a system that supports their vital work. I hope my story encourages them to see that a career in medicine can take many forms. 
The sight of vulnerable patients on trolleys lining a busy hospital corridor is something I witness regularly during my A&E shifts. This practice is fundamentally unsafe and strips people of their dignity when they are at their most vulnerable.
Every patient deserves to be treated in a proper bed, not left waiting in a hallway. I am pleased the Government has now committed to ending corridor care. As Chair of the APPG on Emergency Care, I look forward to working with them to make this a reality and ensure everyone gets the compassionate care they deserve.
A busy shift today at St George’s A&E is a powerful reminder of the dedication of NHS staff. While many of us enjoy a well-earned break with loved ones, thousands of doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, porters, and cleaners are working tirelessly across the country. They sacrifice precious time with their families to be there for us in our moments of need. Through my own shifts, I see this incredible commitment firsthand. To every single person keeping our health service running this Christmas and New Year, thank you. Your unwavering compassion and professionalism saves lives.  Speaking at the Trauma 2030 conference and receiving an award was a tremendous honour. True collaboration between medics and policymakers is essential if we are to improve outcomes. By working together, we can ensure every patient receives the compassionate care they so desperately need. 
The sight of vulnerable patients on trolleys lining a busy corridor is something colleagues across the country and I see regularly on A&E shifts. Every healthcare worker wants the best for those in their care, yet this practice is unsafe and strips patients of their dignity. This is the unacceptable consequence of an NHS pushed to the brink by years of underfunding.
Today, I pushed the Health Secretary to work with the APPG on Emergency Care to finally end corridor care. Patients deserve so much better.
Across our NHS, services are under immense pressure from rising flu cases. Through my shifts in A&E, I see first-hand the strain this puts on our vital hospital services. We can all do our part.
Getting your flu immunisation is quick, easy, and can be done at many local pharmacies across Tooting. This simple act not only protects you and your family, but also helps to relieve pressure on our invaluable NHS staff, ensuring it is there for everyone who needs it.
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