MP Philip Dunne has 'steep learning curve' ahead in Theresa May's government

The Ludlow MP has been moved from his position in the Ministry of Defence to the Department of Health by the new Prime Minister.

Mr Dunne said ministerial responsibilities within the DoH have also been shuffled, so he now has responsibility for NHS operations and performance, hospital care, NHS workforce, patient safety, NHS Finance and maternity care.

He said: "This is a large portfolio, and I know I have a steep learning curve ahead."

In his first week he said he met his new boss and ministerial team, and some of the key leaders of the NHS.

Mr Dunne said most of his existing knowledge of health comes from working to help constituents with the challenges of securing quality healthcare in Shropshire. He said: "They remain issues which need to be resolved to make sure Shropshire has a viable healthcare system fit for the growing needs of this century.

"I shall play my part, while recognising that in some areas my new responsibilities may make it easier to ensure Shropshire issues get addressed – in others, especially where ministerial decisions might be required, the proprieties of the ministerial code of conduct will need to be observed. I am flattered and honoured to have this chance to help maintain our NHS as the envy of the world."

He added: "I'm going from a department with a budget of about £35 billion to one with a budget of £115 billion, with five times as many people and nearly four times as much money, affecting everyone in the UK. I'm flattered to be asked by the Prime Minister to be offered a position in her government at a challenging time.

"It comes as a bit of a surprise – it's not a department I had any expectation of joining."

Gill George, chairwoman of the Shropshire Defend Our NHS campaign group, said it was an opportunity for Mr Dunne to make the case for better services in areas like his own.

She said: "Philip Dunne is very well aware of the financial crisis facing Shropshire's NHS. I hope that his first action in his new role will be to lobby hard for adequate funding for rural areas and ones with an older population, like Shropshire."