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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.
Today I visited the Ronald McDonald House at St George's Hospital today for Christmas Jumper Day, it was a real pleasure. From my work in A&E, I understand the immense strain families are under when a child is critically ill. The RMHC team works incredibly hard to provide a ‘home away from home’, offering vital support during these unimaginable times. This service is a lifeline, allowing parents to remain close. Please consider donating to their "Christmas Comforts" campaign to bring some festive relief. You can donate online here.  Through my shifts in A&E, the sight of vulnerable patients on trolleys lining a busy corridor has become a symbol of a struggling NHS. This practice, known as ‘corridor care’, is unsafe and profoundly undignified. As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Emergency Care, I was proud to launch our recent report setting out solutions. Following this, I have written directly to the Health Secretary, raising our concerns and outlining the recommendations from the report. These changes will go a long way to ensuring patients get the dignified care they rightly deserve across the UK.  |
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