Why I am campaigning for a new Children's Hospital in South Cambs
This project has the potential to become a crown jewel in Cambridgeshire’s already world-leading medical and research sector.
Designed to integrate mental health, physical health, and channel research, the specialist hospital would bring together Cambridge University Hospitals, the Cambridge & Peterborough Foundation Trust, and the University of Cambridge Department of Paediatrics. By bringing together top scientists from around the world, clinicians would be able to explore new ways of diagnosing and treating some of the most challenging diseases of childhood - a whole new way of thinking that has the potential to become a beacon of hope for children around the world.
This is the kind of project which only comes around once in a lifetime – it is not only my duty to support it but a privilege too. I will continue to do all I can to assist in bringing the Cambridge Children’s Hospital project to fruition.
For more information on the new hospital go to www.cambridgechildrens.org.uk.
So far, I have
- Written to and met with Ministers to discuss funding opportunities.
- Helped ensure the hospital's inclusion in the Government's new hospital building programme.
- Met with campaigners and key figures to discuss challenges and funding opportunities, including:
- Dame Mary Archer, Co-Chair, Cambridge Children’s Hospital
- Prof. David Rowditch, Head of Cambridge University's Department of Paediatrics
- Claire Stoneham, Director of Strategy and Major Projects at Cambridge University Hospitals
- Shelly Thake, CEO of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
- Assisted with efforts to secure the additional funding required.
- Lobbied the Prime Minister to fully fund the project.
Campaign success
I have been involved in assisting the project and will continue to seek further funding for the project, but our greatest achievement has been to ensure £100 million in public funding, announced the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in 2020.