Oral Answers to Questions

Gagan Mohindra Excerpts

Tuesday 25th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Karin Smyth]

As my kids would say, that is a bit boomer, but I take the point. My hon. Friend is a tireless campaigner for Northwick Park and his constituents, and he has long campaigned for the improvement of cancer services. Any reconfiguration or change to services needs to be clinically led by local decision makers, following engagement with patients and stakeholders. I am sure that the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Ashley Dalton), who is developing the cancer plan, would be happy to meet him to discuss services in his constituency.

[Mr Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con)]

Mount Vernon hospital is a cancer specialist hospital in north-west London. Following the recent closure of the Mount Vernon urgent care centre and the delay to the new Watford general hospital until at least 2032, both of which I have previously raised in the Chamber, uncertainty regarding the future of Hemel Hempstead hospital now looks set to further restrict access to vital healthcare services for my constituents. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that my constituents receive the adequate access to healthcare that they deserve?

[Mr Speaker]

Presumably at this particular hospital.

[Mr Mohindra]

Mount Vernon is next door.

[Karin Smyth]

This question is about services across north-west London. We are working with all integrated care boards to ensure that they work with local Members of Parliament about service configuration. It is a matter for them to determine. I have spoken to the hon. Gentleman previously. We are determined to ensure that we have the best services for people in their local areas based on clinical need. Today I have been talking about neighbourhood health services, for example. As we develop the health service plan and put right the mistakes of the past in getting the new hospital programme on to a sustainable footing, all of this will be considered in the round. I am happy to keep talking with him.