Local Labour MP, Alex Ballinger, described the news as ‘a huge step in the right direction for patients in our community’ and that ‘once again it is a Labour Government fixing our treasured NHS’. The Government’s recent Ten Year Health Plan promised a shift from hospital to community, with more care in local areas like the Black Country. For families, this means quicker and more convenient appointments, closer to home and more time focusing on treatment and recovery. The government inherited an NHS with some patients waiting as long as 18 months for treatment. Alex Ballinger MP visiting healthcare students in HalesowenLocal Labour MP, Alex Ballinger said: “For too long, patients in our community have been stuck on the Tories NHS waiting lists or struggling to get that healthcare that they need.