On Saturday, in the heart of Bitterne Precinct, I held the latest in my series of coffee mornings. The theme for this coffee morning was local frontline NHS services- something that is a top concern to many of my constituents.

More than 40 people braved the heat and spent a couple of hours sharing their experiences of accessing healthcare services with me, my team and a representative from NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board.

We had a really interesting discussion about what’s working well. People are very aware of the pressures that NHS services are under and there was widespread recognition of the excellent job that healthcare professionals do under often challenging circumstances.

But we also had an honest discussion about where people feel there is room for improvement, such as making it easier to book GP appointments, ensuring the system does not unfairly disadvantage people who cannot use online services or who cannot advocate for themselves, and feeling like different parts of the NHS are not always communicating effectively.

I’ll be following up the points raised with ministers in Westminster and with senior healthcare leaders in the city.

A huge thanks to all of you who attended and contributed to a really interesting and productive discussion. I’m particularly grateful to councillors who joined us, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB for providing invaluable perspective and insight, and to Bitterne United Reformed Church for kindly hosting.

I’m holding lots more of these events over the next few months. Do keep an eye on my social media channels or sign up to my newsletter to be among the first to find out about dates, locations and topics.