The NHS may be broken, but it is not beaten - writes Sadik Al-Hassan.

We have initiated the most important discussion on the NHS in its history and are calling upon the whole nation to shape its future, through a public consultation.

Around 20 per cent of the 1,200 emails I’ve received from North Somerset constituents this month have been about healthcare issues – delays for treatment, long waits for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) to be assessed and a lack of NHS dentists - the list goes on.

As patients, carers, and healthcare providers you have a wealth of valuable insights and I urge you to share them.

Have your say on the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England by visiting: change.nhs.uk before the new year.

(Image: Sadik Al-Hassan) As a pharmacist, I've witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of more than a decade of underfunding - the challenge we face in fixing our NHS is immense.

The Labour government got to work immediately after winning the July 2024 election, bringing in Lord Darzi to undertake a rapid investigation of the NHS.

The findings were grim - overstretched services, worsening health outcomes and public satisfaction at an all-time low.

Repairing the damage won't happen overnight, but together we can safeguard the future of our national treasure with solutions that reflect our community's needs and values.

While consultation and reform will take time, we've already started delivering immediate results, such as resolving NHS pay disputes and ending junior doctor strikes.

Another positive development this month – the government will provide critical support to families struggling with rising living costs with the introduction of the Fair Repayment Rate, which caps deductions of debts from Universal Credit.

This means more money in the pockets of those who truly need it – more than 1 million of the poorest families.

(Image: Sadik Al-Hassan) Many constituents have reached out to me about flooding in our area and I met with the Environment Agency last week to represent your concerns.

Prolonged, intense rainfall resulting from climate change is putting extreme pressure on the surface water drainage system - I am working with North Somerset Council, the Environment Agency and other key actors to find long-term, sustainable solutions as a matter of urgency.

Since I was elected, 250 of you have contacted me about assisted dying - a complex and emotive issue with strongly held ethical and moral views on both sides of the debate.

In over two decades as pharmacist before becoming an MP, I have supported many patients and their families through end-of-life treatment.

Your opinions on this are very important to me, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with constituents in person, ahead of the debate on the assisted dying bill at the end of next month.

If you're interested in attending this event, please email me.

It has been a pleasure to have held 36 hours’ worth of surgeries so far.

Please get in touch if you need support or would like to request a meeting at one of my regular Friday surgeries, which are held across the constituency.

I can also accommodate online consultations during evenings and weekends.

Contact me: sadik.alhassan.mp@parliament.uk