Sixty years ago, Labour created the NHS. It was born in a society where healthcare was exclusive, expensive and unavailable for many ordinary people. Britain needed a system that provided healthcare to everyone, free at the point of delivery, based on need and not the ability to pay.

The tories cut funding to the NHS across Medway and undermined the principles of healthcare free at the point of need. They increased waiting lists on the NHS to 18 months.

Labour is working with the NHS and is committed to cutting waiting times to 18 weeks.

             

Properly funded. Investment into the NHS has trebled since 1997. Labour remains committed to a NHS that is free at the point of need with equal access for all, irrespective of wealth.

Closer to the community. Labour has built 90 NHS walk in centres across the country, along with over 650 one-stop primary care centres, and is investing £750 million in a new generation of modern, convenient community hospitals.

Better facilities: Labour is investing in new health care facilities with 83 major new hospitals being built and 3000 GP practices improved or refurbished. We are opening over 100 new GP surgeries in the areas that need them most, along with 152 new GP-led health centres across the country, to be open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

Healthier lives. Fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate and other confectionery have been banned in schools and free fruit is provided in many schools for 4 to 6 years olds.

Tories vs Labour: You decide?