I am proud to have the Mildmay Hospital in my constituency.
It is a prized institution that has been a pioneer for HIV and Aids care since the 1980s.
Last month, at Prime Minister’s Questions, I urged the Prime Minister to support this iconic charitable hospital, which is at risk of closure because of commissioning issues in the NHS.
Established in 1877, the Mildmay joined the NHS in 1948, reopened as a charity in 1985, and became Europe’s first dedicated HIV and AIDS hospice in 1988.
Mildmay’s contributions to public health and legacy were honoured recently, when Transport for London (TfL0 named the Mildmay Overground line.
Today, its role has evolved to providing specialised rehabilitation for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and essential step-down services for the homeless.
The Mildmay relies on NHS contracts for 90% of its income, yet its 28-bed facility remains significantly underused.
This is not due to a lack of patient demand but due to issues with NHS commissioning.
The Mildmay provides intensive therapy, addiction services, and housing support that would otherwise have to be commissioned separately across multiple NHS budgets.
Mildmay Hospital was incredibly close to Princess Diana’s heart, as she famously visited 17 times, helping to break through the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.
Given next year will be the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, it is a fitting time for the Government to deliver the proper support the Mildmay needs.
More widely, I am proud of the progress Labour has made on healthcare in our first two years of government.
Our record investment for the NHS is beginning to yield clear results: waiting lists across England are down by over 400,000, marking the biggest fall in seventeen years.
We have delivered the best A&E and ambulance response times in five years, shortened cancer diagnosis windows to record lows, as well as recruiting 3,500 more GPs alongside 8,700 mental health workers.
I will continue to work with the Mildmay Hospital, the Government and other stakeholders to ensure this treasured hospital’s capacity to deliver life-changing care is fully utilised and gets the support it needs.
- Rushanara Ali is Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney.
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