On Friday 6th June, Sam Gyimah MP was at East Surrey Hospital to volunteer as a Nursing Assistant.

Mr Gyimah, whose mother was a nurse, was able to gain first-hand experience cleaning hospital equipment and serving lunches on the Capel Ward. He also spent time talking to staff and patients at the hospital, which is run by Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and used by many of Mr Gyimah’s constituents.

Mr Gyimah said: “As the son of a nurse, I thought I knew what to expect, but spending time helping at East Surrey Hospital as a Nursing Assistant was a real eye opener. Caring for frail and elderly patients on the Capel Ward, I was tasked with serving patients the lunchtime meal and cleaning the commode, and throughout my visit I was impressed by the diligence, care and enthusiasm with which the staff undertook their duties.

“East Surrey Hospital has turned a corner, and today is meeting or exceeding its clinical targets. After my time on the ward, I met with Chief Financial Officer Paul Simpson to discuss the unannounced Care Quality Commission inspection the day before, and the challenges of managing a district general hospital at a time of increasing demand. It is great to see that the Hospital has a clear plan moving forward, and to continue improving the service provided to our community.”