​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.

​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.

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.

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.

Recently, St George's Hospital announced that as many as 83 beds at the hospital are set to close. At a time when this new Labour Government is making progress on reducing the NHS waiting list, this feels as though it is a step in the wrong direction. Like many across our community, I share the deep concerns regarding this development.

In response to this news, I have written directly to Jacqueline Totterdell, Chief Executive of the St George's and Epsom and St Helier hospitals group, to raise my reservations, and I have raised a question directly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in Parliament. This question can be found online here. 

Rest assured, I will continue to monitor developments on this closely and I will always stand up for our NHS.

Following the decision to relocate children's cancer services in South East England away from St George's Hospital, I met with the Health Secretary with a cross-party group of MPs to raise our concerns.

When I visited the Pinckney Ward where this care is conducted, I met with Jackson, a former patient there, and his parents, who told me that such a move would be detrimental for parents, children and the hospital alike. I have urged the Secretary to review and reconsider NHS England's decision as soon as possible.

In recent weeks, thousands of people across south London and south-east England have signed my petition calling on NHS England to keep children's cancer services at St George's Hospital, including many parents who have told me how worried they are about this proposed closure. 

Last week, NHS England launched its consultation on the future of services at St George’s Hospital and I want to make sure that we have every chance to defend and protect our local services. Keeping services at St George's is best for our patients and best for the NHS, but this can only happen with the support of people in the community who will be affected by this decision. 

Please spare a few minutes to complete to consultation questionnaire and share your views with the NHS. The consultation is running until Monday 18 December. See full details of the consultation here and please share this as widely as possible with friends and family here.