Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has been promoted to the role of Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Health as part of the Ministerial reshuffle.
Simon has taken a close interest in health-related issues as Vice-Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV/AIDS and recently successfully campaigned for £420 million in funding for the redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County Hospital, located in his constituency.
Simon is also involved with a number of medical organisations, including as a patron of the Sussex ME society and a supporter of the Sussex Beacon.
Simon said: “The NHS is incredibly important to me, as it is to many of my constituents. That is why I was delighted to accept the offer to be part of the team assisting the Secretary of State, working hard to make the NHS even better for patients.
“I am absolutely committed to the founding principles of the NHS, namely that care is free at the point of use based on need, not on the ability to pay. I know from my campaign to improve the Royal Sussex that the Secretary of State shares this passion for the NHS and I look forward to working with him going forward to improve services for patients and staff alike.
“I am particularly pleased that this position will allow me to keep a close eye on the progress of hospital redevelopment here in Brighton and to continue to be a strong voice for our hospital, which is very close to my heart, having fought so hard to make it a reality.”
Secretary of State for Health, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, added: “Throughout Simon’s tireless campaign for the new hospital in Brighton I was struck by his clear commitment and dedication to the NHS and to improving health services for his constituents. It clearly reflects the Government’s own priorities and I look forward to working closely with Simon going forward.”
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