Writing in this week's (January 17th) Bromsgrove Standard, Bradley said:
“It’s been a successful start to 2025, with big wins on the promises I have made to you.
First, you may remember that I’ve been fighting to save the Children’s Hospice Grant. This is vital Government funding which supports hospices like Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Last year, Acorns, which is headquartered in Wythall, warned that, for the first time in the charity’s history, they would have to turn away children in need if vital Government funding did not continue.
That’s why I wrote to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget and attended a parliamentary debate on funding for children’s hospices where I backed Acorns’ fight for continued funding.
Well, I’m pleased to say that, after working with hospices, I have helped to secure the extension of this vital funding for children’s hospices. The Government has confirmed hospices for children and young people will receive a further £26 million revenue funding for 2025/26.
However, it’s disappointing the Government has failed to guarantee the funding for at least five years and increase it by the rate of inflation every year as hospices and I had called for.
I’ll continue to work with Acorns and the hospice sector to ensure they receive the long-term funding they to enable them to be there for every child and family who needs them.
Second, as part of My Plan for Bromsgrove and the Villages in which I promised to campaign for better local GP access, I have been campaigning for more GP appointments for local residents.
Last November I wrote to the Chief Executive of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, urging him to increase the number of GP appointments.
I’m delighted to say that, after asking for more appointments, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire has confirmed that, as part of their Winter Plan for 2024/25, they have added nearly 7,000 additional appointments for Bromsgrove and the Villages residents to access over the coming year.
I look forward to continuing to work with our local NHS to improve the health services that we all rely on.
Working together with local organisations and partners, I’ve made a good start on delivering on the promises I’ve made to you, but of course there’s much more to do in the year ahead.
As always, if there’s anything I can do to help then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. You’ll find my contact details on my website at bradleythomas.org.uk where you can also sign up to my e-newsletter which provides regular updates on the progress I’m making on the promises I’ve made to you.”
