Comment from Luke Pollard (Derriford)

Commenting on the Derriford CQC report, Luke Pollard MP said:

“I want to thank our NHS staff for working under incredibly tough circumstances throughout the pandemic. The CQC report identifies some problems, but it should also thank staff enough for going the extra mile and working their socks off. I have confidence in the team at Derriford to address the problems that have been identified.

“A decade of underfunding and fragmenting our NHS means there are some serious problems that need to be addressed. One of the most urgent issues is sorting out the crisis in primary care so everyone can see a GP locally. Derriford’s Emergency Department should be for emergencies but sadly too many Plymouth families are having to use it because they can’t access a doctor.

“I want to see NHS staff paid a decent pay rise not given the planned real terms pay cut by Ministers. It also means proper investment in our NHS and that is what I will continue to argue for.”