This week, Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

As we begin a new year, I should like to thank all our NHS staff who have worked over the holiday period and, with that in mind, I thought this would be a good time to review what has happened at Wycombe Hospital over the past twelve months.

An Urgent Treatment Centre has now opened at the hospital, with services led by doctors, nurses and other clinicians. People can either just turn-up at the centre or be referred by NHS 111 or a GP.

A range of diagnostic facilities, X-rays and treatment for broken limbs are available as well as 24 hour-a-day access to a GP.

The Wycombe Hospital cardiac and stroke teams continue to be recognised nationally and internationally for their expertise, innovation and commitment to patient care. The acute stroke unit is among the top 12 per cent in England, Wales and Ireland. If you have a heart attack or stroke in our county the ambulance will bring you to Wycombe.

If you suffer a trauma or a serious road traffic accident you will be taken to the regional trauma unit in Oxford to ensure access to the best life-saving treatment.

Wycombe Hospital has recently installed a new state-of-the-art catheter laboratory, which is used when patients need an artery unblocked during a heart attack.

The cathlab can also be used for inserting stents and for planned treatment such as an angiogram or fitting a pacemaker.

Scannappeal is currently working with the Hospital Trust to fundraise for a new MRI scanner which will hopefully be installed at Wycombe Hospital in summer 2019.

The scanner is so advanced it will be one the first of its kind in any European hospital.

Congratulations must go to everyone who has played their part in contributing to these successes, and I am sure our hospital will continue to provide the best care for local people.