3. Improving Health Outcomes

Whether it's securing investment for a new A&E or reworking NHS funding for community pharmacy, Rebecca is utterly committed to improving health outcomes in South West Devon. Born at Freedom Fields Hospital and raised in Plymouth, Rebecca, like many, has relied on the local NHS throughout her life. Working closely with local health leaders, she works day and night to drive investment and improve health outcomes in our corner of Devon.

Rebecca lobbied the Government relentlessly for 6-months to honour its manifesto commitment to deliver Derriford Hospital's new A&E after it was placed under review. She was the first Plymouth MP to take concrete action, tabling a petition in Parliament with almost 1,000 local signatures, and piled pressure on senior government ministers in Parliament to keep their word. Secured in January 2025, the landmark investment will slash ambulance wait times, unclogging a major choke point in Devon and Cornwall's NHS. The local MP "urges the Government to now work at pace to make up for lost time".

Rebecca has also led the charge on funding for community pharmacies, arguing for the NHS funding pharmacists receive for prescriptions to match their cost. When Rebecca met with Noss Mayo pharmacist Esi Kumurdzi, she was alarmed to learn that the unfair funding settlement meant she was facing closure in a matter of months and launched a petition to save the pharmacy.

The South West Devon MP also campaigns on issues which don't grab headlines, such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a debilitating condition that causes an abnormally rapid increase in heart rate when sitting or standing up. She used her first PMQ to raise the need for a new local service for those living with POTS, securing a meeting with key stakeholders.

View recent articles on Rebecca's work to improve health outcomes in South West Devon below.

News

Rebecca catches up with community champions in Parliament

Great to catch up with Cindy and her husband Andy, who came up to Westminster last week to attend a health and social care event with Baroness Watkins of Tavistock.It was lovely to sit down over a cup of tea beforehand to hear more about the fantastic work they’re doing for our community and pop to

Rebecca marks International Men’s Day

Today is International Men’s Day, an important moment to recognise the wellbeing and challenges facing men and boys across the UK.Whether it’s the 14 men we lose to suicide every single day, boys falling behind in education, new dads finding their feet, or the thousands of men affected by homelessne

Rebecca Visits Role 1 Medical & Rescue

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Role 1 Medical & Rescue CIC and meeting some of the dedicated team who provide vital emergency medical services across Plymouth and beyond. Role 1 specialise in industrial emergency response, paramedic cover, and ambulance support, stepping in to prov

Rebecca Stands up Against Spiking

I recently attended the Stamp Out Spiking drop-in, where MPs were given an preview of their new national awareness campaign to tackle this devastating and often unseen crime. It was incredibly valuable to hear from the charity about the scale of spiking, its lasting impact on victims, and the u

Rebecca marks Baby Loss Awareness Week

This week marks Baby Loss Awareness Week, a time to remember the babies who are no longer with us and to stand with the families who have experienced such profound loss. On average, 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth every day in the UK alone.

Rebecca Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Emergency Care Building

I want to recognise the fantastic team helping bringing University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust's new Emergency Care Building to life.The groundbreaking marked a huge milestone, with colleagues from the New Hospital Programme, Mace Group, Willmott Dixon, hospital staff and volunteers all coming toge

Rebecca serves up support for South Devon Tennis Centre!

It was a pleasure to visit South Devon Tennis Centre in Ivybridge last week. I was so impressed with their facilities and excited by the Chairman and coaches' plans to build two more indoor courts. I’ve committed to supporting their growth plans however I can.