Thank you for contacting me about the EveryDoctor #ReviveTheNHS campaign.
NHS workers, including those in Gosport have shown excellent service in immensely challenging circumstances over the last two years.
Whilst I cannot commit to signing the #ReviveTheNHS pledge, I know that the Government is taking steps to address the issues highlighted by the campaign to improve the experience of staff and patients in the NHS.
Given the pressures that NHS staff face daily, it is vital that everyone has access to comprehensive mental health support in their workplace. Furthermore, through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, hospitals across England will be able to receive support with energy bills this winter. Also, while the Government does not support removing the locum cap and providing ringfenced funding for locums in secondary care, I understand that Trusts can override rules on agency staffing on exceptional patient safety grounds.
Finally, the service of retired and partially returned staff was crucial to the NHS during the pandemic, and the Government has consistently extended the suspension of NHS Pension Scheme restrictions and the temporary amendments to NHS Pension Scheme regulations.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.