Mark takes the issue of healthcare for his constituents very seriously and he continues to meet and work closely with NHS leaders at both Basildon, Southend Hospital. Mark has discussed a number of healthcare issues with NHS leaders including access to GP surgeries, frequency of NHS appointments and standards of care across the National Health Service in South Essex.
In line with this, Mark, alongside South Essex MPs, Anna Firth, Rebecca Harris and Sir James Duddridge, were successful in securing £110 million boost to help improve facilities and will support Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, at its hospitals in Southend, Basildon and Broomfield, to help make the hospitals fit for the future.
The Trust received an initial £40 million and March 2025, helping it to carry out critical preparation works and complete some elements of the building works, with the rest of the money set to be delivered in 2025.
This will help the Trust to deliver much needed change and expansion. I hope this will mean patients will be able to access care faster and in better surroundings.
Mark has also supported local GP services, including the expansion of Audley Mills Surgery in Rayleigh, which took place several years ago, the Jones Family Practice in Hockley and the new health centre in the middle of Wickford.
Alongside this, Mark has vowed to “cut through bureaucracy” and press for a new GP surgery to serve a huge new homes development in the Rochford district.
Mark Francois MP pictured outside the Riverside Surgery, in Hullbridge.
In particular, Mark is seeking an expansion of the existing Riverside Surgery in Hullbridge, due to further housebuilding in that area as well. Currently, the ICB now helps oversee NHS services, but there is an issue whereby developers pay over money to build new GP facilities, yet, the ICB - and its predecessor organisations - then just sit on the funds.
This expansion should be built so existing residents can see the benefit and the new homes do not put further pressure on infrastructure in the area.
Mark Francois MP pictured with staff on a recent visit to Sweyne Court Care Home in Rayleigh.
