Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing has been thanked for her continued support to the calls for a new hospital in Harlow.

Dame Eleanor was among the seven Essex MPs who signed a letter to then Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt highlighting the need for a new Harlow health campus.

Her contribution was highlighted during a debate instigated by Harlow MP Robert Halfon on Monday when he reiterated the need for a new hospital for the area.

Mr Halfon thanked Dame Eleanor - who was in the chair for the debate - for her "continued support in our campaign for a new healthcare campus in Harlow" and added: "You could not have done more to support me, and I am very glad to see you here this evening."

Stephen Barclay MP, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, also highlighted Dame Eleanor's efforts saying: "I also place on record that I very much recognise that these issues are extremely important to Epping Forest as well, Madam Deputy Speaker. 

"I know how assiduously you have campaigned on behalf of your constituents."

Speaking after the debate, Dame Eleanor said: "Princess Alexandra Hospital now serves a much wider area and a greater population then was originally planned when it was built so many years ago and we have to respond to the changing needs of our local community.

"Everyone will benefit from a health campus where different services are all brought together in one place."

NOTE TO EDITORS: The full Hansard transcript from the debate
https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2018-11-05a.1345.11