Emma Hardy MP

My name is Emma Hardy and I'm the MP for Hull West and Hesle and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on vascular and venous disease. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support of the Leg Club Vein Week. This is a vital opportunity to recognise the burden that lower limb conditions place on thousands of people across the country. I've seen first hand the devastating impact of venous leg ulcers and other lower limb conditions on quality of life, on mobility, on a person's mental health and unfortunately on mortality. It is vital that we drive change to improve care for people with these conditions and leg clubs play a vital role in ensuring that patients are supported both physically and emotionally to manage the burden of these conditions. When it comes to treating these conditions I have been told countless times about the need for swift diagnosis, treatment and care centred on what people need. It is clear that we need to build on the efforts and progress made by the NHS to make this a reality. Like most politicians, I do not come from a medical background. I was a school teacher. It was only by seeing the excellent work being done in my local hospital in Hull that I became truly aware of these issues. I want to encourage everyone participating in today's events to bring these crucial issues to the attention of politicians, NHS leaders and the government. We will continue to raise these issues at the all-party parliamentary group on vascular and venous disease. The contributions of people like you, with the lived experience you have of these conditions, is a vital role in driving change to improve the lives of thousands of people carrying these burdens.