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New Secretary of State visit

The new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care praised the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) as being at the “forefront” of NHS technological advancements last week as he conducted his first official speech from West Suffolk Hospital.

The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock, who is a local west Suffolk MP, chose to share his first speech on Friday (20 July) in his new role from “his local hospital” – here in west Suffolk.

Speaking to a lucky group of around 50 staff, and streamed live by news channels across the country, the Secretary of State set out his three early priorities – technology, the health and care workforce and prevention - to support the long term plan for the NHS and transform health and social care.

Making a pledge to NHS staff across the country, he said: “I promise you this. I will keep listening, and keep listening to and learning from the 3.1 million people who dedicate their lives to caring for the health of others.

"I pay tribute to your service. I value you, I admire you, I'll fight for you and I'll champion you."

The former Culture Secretary announced £487m will be spent on improving NHS technology and reducing staff workload.

Chief executive Steve Dunn, who welcomed the Health Secretary to the stage, said: “Although it’s not his first visit to our outstanding organisation, we are immensely proud to be the Trust chosen to host the Rt Hon Matthew Hancock’s first speech in his new role. He has long been a fantastic supporter of the NHS, our hospital and community services, and been a true ambassador for the fantastic staff that work within it.”

 

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From left to right: Sheila Childerhouse, Trust chair, Stephen Dunn, Trust chief executive, The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Dr Nick Jenkins, Trust medical director

From left to right: Sheila Childerhouse, Trust chair, Stephen Dunn, Trust chief executive, The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Dr Nick Jenkins, Trust medical director