Before I became the MP for South Thanet I worked for Pfizer. At that time, and possibly today for all I know, they provided free private medical insurance as part of their employees’ remuneration package.

I refused to accept it and made it a condition of my taking up employment with them that they would never expect me to. My loyalty has always been to the NHS, and that is as true now as it was then.

It’s simply that my family and I live here in Thanet, rely on the NHS here in Thanet and if the service it offers us falls below what I regard as acceptable then its my job to get the service improved, not to opt out.

At the time when I worked for Pfizer I debated the issue with colleagues many times. Most took the same view as Mrs Thatcher – she said she went private because she wanted to be able to see the doctor of her choice at a time when it suited her and without a waiting list for treatment. I argued that a Government dedicated to investing in the NHS could deliver that for everyone rather than just the few.

Ten years of Labour investment in the NHS are now proving me right. NHS waiting lists have tumbled and standards are rising every year. Not only that, but while emergency operations and urgent referrals are being handled promptly the local hospital trust will also shortly hit its target of delivering an average 8 week and maximum 18 week waiting time from GP referral to the start of treatment for all routine procedures. Not only that but Choose and Book computer systems in GP surgeries now allow patients to pick the hospital and doctor best suited to their needs and circumstances and to book an appointment at a convenient time.

In more recent times, when I’ve debated the need for private health care with friends and constituents I have found that they have begun to acknowledge that waiting times are no longer a reason for ‘going private’. Indeed, the argument for private health insurance has shifted to preventative medicine and health ‘MOT’ tests have become the benefit that is usually used to justify private health insurance. Now that argument is being shot down too.

Last month the NHS began to make available a cervical cancer vaccine that will save about 1000 lives a year in addition to its already extensive range of preventative treatments. This month the PM has unveiled a ground breaking programme for the NHS to offer routine screening for heart problems, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease and he has outlined plans for extending the screening of colon and breast cancer. In addition, patients, particularly those with chronic conditions, will be given greater control over their own care.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t object to people taking out private health insurance if that is how they want to spend their money. I just believe the NHS can do for everyone what private health care can offer only for the few. The staff of the NHS and the Labour Government that invested in them and their skills are making my words a reality.