Bob Seely MP said: "I’m delighted that work is about to start on upgrades to St Mary’s Hospital.
"These improvements are happening due to the excellent bid submitted by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. I championed this bid with ministers to let them know how important it was for the Isle of Wight and to make sure it was delivered.
"Again, I thank the former Island NHS Trust Chief Executive Maggie Oldham and her team, including current Chief Executive Darren Cattell. I will continue to work closely with the NHS team on the Island to make sure we get the investment in services that we need.
"This week has also seen the announcement of a new diagnostic centre on the Island, another important addition to healthcare on the Island.
"When I became the Island’s MP, I pledged that we would get a better deal for the Island.
"Ministers have been listening - and responding - and we’ve been seeing significant investment coming to the Island in the past few years. Working with others, including the Council, we’ve secured over £120 million of additional funds since 2017.
"That includes: a £48 million investment in the NHS, around £50 million for Island Line and Ryde railway pier, nearly £6 million for a heavy lift ship crane at East Cowes to help Island shipbuilding and £20 million for Isle of Wight College to go from strength to strength.
"These will deliver improved healthcare, better job opportunities and better life chances for Islanders, which is what I came into politics to deliver.
"In addition, working with the previous Council, we secured the future of shipbuilding in East Cowes by ensuring that the Council buy the Columbine ‘Union Jack’ building at a price it could afford.
"I’ve also made sure that the Island was a priority funding area for the Arts Council, we’re getting a roads policing unit back on the Island, and the Government accepted my suggestion that it establish an Island’s Forum to enable UK islands to have more united voice with Government.
"We’re getting a better deal for the Island, but there is always more to do."
