An MP has welcomed new funding for upgrades to two Southampton GP surgeries.

Satvir Kaur, Labour MP for Southampton Test, has praised the Labour government's decision to allocate funds for improvements to Brook House and Hill Lane surgeries.

The upgrades are part of a national initiative to modernise 1,000 surgeries across the country, as reported by the Daily Echo on May 10.

The aim is to create more usable space, allowing for additional appointments.

READ MORE: Two Southampton GP doctor surgeries set to be upgraded

Ms Kaur said: "We all love our NHS, and fixing it is the number one issue raised with me on the doorstep.

"Residents have told me of their frustration with the dreaded ‘8am scramble’ and the huge difficulties they have in getting a GP appointment.

"I myself have found it impossible to be seen and got sicker whilst waiting.

"Labour promised to bring back the family doctor and we have so far recruited 1,500 new GPs nationally.

"We also said we would fix the front door of our NHS and, today, Southampton is benefitting from the biggest investment GP facilities have seen for years with two local practices, Brook House and Hill Lane, receiving crucial bricks-and-mortar upgrades.

"This much needed investment will create more capacity for appointments locally, beginning to ease pressure and improve access to services."

The initiative is part of the biggest investment in GP facilities in five years, made possible by the government's budget decisions, which allowed for an extra £26 billion investment in the NHS.

The upgrades will involve creating new consultation and treatment rooms and making better use of existing space.

Health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: "It will be a long road, but this government is putting in the work to fix our NHS and make it fit for the future.

"These are simple fixes for our GP surgeries but for too long they were left to ruin, allowing waiting lists to build and stopping doctors treating more patients.

"It is only because of the necessary decisions we took in the budget that we are able to invest in GP surgeries, start tackling the 8am scramble and deliver better services for patients.

"The extra investment and reform this government is making, as part of its plan for change, will transform our NHS so it can once again be there for you when you need it."

The projects are set to be delivered during the 2025-26 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer.