THE Redditch MP is pushing the Government for more money for vital work at the town's Alexandra Hospital.

It can be revealed that Rachel Maclean is working with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Alex Hospital, to increase the capital funding it needs from £29.6 million to £31.9 million - due to increased costs in building work.

In 2017, following the Future of Acute Services Review in Worcestershire, the acute trust was awarded £29.6 million by the government to implement its plans.

Since then, Mrs Maclean has helped secure £16 million from this funding pot which has been used to build a link bridge at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, and to refurb the Aconbury East Building which created a 28-bed ward.

Money has also been spent on several emergency projects, including improving the safety of the trust’s estate to enhance the quality of patient services.

The Alexandra Hospital hasn’t received any of the £29.6 million.

It had been hoped that some of this would be spent on improvements to the elective care centre, endoscopy, children’s outpatients, and an upgrade in theatres.

However, due to increased costs from contractors, the £29.6 million will no longer cover the costs of the work at the Alex.

Therefore Mrs Maclean has been working with the acute trust to lobby the government to increase the funding needed to £31.9 million so work can hopefully get underway.

The MP has already met with the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Matt Hancock, and says she had "positive discussions" about getting more cash.

She said: “I’m as frustrated as my constituents are that the Alex still hasn’t received this funding. I’m working hard to get this money delivered to our town’s hospital by working constructively with the acute trust.

"Once this funding has been increased, the trust can get on and submit their final business case and get the contractors in place to start the improvement works at the Alex.

“I’ve already had positive discussions with the Health Secretary about increasing the capital funding our hospitals need to £31.9 million."

The MP added: "I’ll continue to do all that I can to get the Alex this cash.”