Doncaster MP welcomes Government support for underperforming NHS trust

Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, is supporting the assistance for Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, which serves many residents across the Isle of Axholme.

The announcement, made by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, forms part of a new NHS intensive recovery programme aimed at improving care in areas facing the longest waits, financial pressures and historic challenges.

Under the plans, struggling trusts will receive targeted support from high-performing NHS teams, alongside tailored interventions to address longstanding issues and improve patient outcomes.

Mr Pitcher met with the Health Secretary following the announcement to discuss what the reforms mean for local residents and services.

“This is a welcome step forward for patients across the Isle of Axholme who rely on Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust,” said Mr Pitcher.

“We all know that while progress is being made nationally, there are still areas where services need to improve.”

The new measures come as recent national data shows patient satisfaction with the NHS has improved for the first time since the pandemic, alongside falling waiting lists and increased staffing levels. However, ministers have acknowledged that some trusts continue to face deep-rooted challenges that require additional support.

The recovery programme will begin from April and is expected to involve leadership support, structural changes where needed, and greater access to resources to help drive

improvement.

Mr Pitcher said supporting local NHS services was one of the key commitments he made when elected.

“I made a clear pledge to stand up for our local NHS and help get services back on their feet,” he said.

“This programme has the potential to make a real difference in North Lincolnshire, and I will continue working with ministers, the Trust and local partners to ensure our area benefits from these improvements.”

He added that while the national picture is improving, it is important that local progress is felt by patients on the ground.

“The NHS is on the road to recovery, but there is definitely more to do,” he said.

“I will keep pushing to make sure that residents in both Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme have access to the services they deserve.”