MP: I'll deliver on pledge to get new hospital

MERCER REAFFIRMS PROMISE DESPITE 'NERVES ON ECONOMY'

- SARAH ELMES

CITY MP Johnny Mercer has promised Derriford will get a new hospital after previously claiming 'he will retire' after it was built.

The Moor View MP has reaffirmed his promise a new hospital will be constructed in the north of the city despite 'nerves' around the 'economic situation'

Back in May 2021, the former army officer and newly re-appointed Veterans Minister said he was determined to get a new hospital built after a damning report from the CQC into Derriford Hospital's ED, which ordered Plymouth University Hospitals NHS Trust to make urgent improvements following an inspection. At the time, the parliamentarian said it was imperative Plymouth got the health infrastructure improvements it desperately needed and claimed he would stand down once his bid to bolster the NHS in the city came to fruition.

Now, a year-and-ahalf later, Mr Mercer has reaffirmed his promise despite admitting to 'having nerves' around where the money will actually come from.