My NHS work in the last month has focused on preparing A & E departments for a busy winter - always a difficult time for the NHS and alas often somewhat of a political football. I am also finalising our response to the Francis inquiry into the tragedies and failings at Mid-Staffs hospital which chimes in with my number one priority - raising standards so that the care throughout the NHS is as compassionate and safe as it should be. Standards of care out of hospitals are just as important, which is why we achieved a major milestone in the GP contract when - in return for dropping a number of unnecessary targets - GPs agreed to take personal responsibility for all over 75's. This will transform care for millions of people and deal with one of the biggest challenges in the NHS today, namely that when people leave hospital it is not clear who takes over responsibility for their care.
The last few weeks have also kept me busy in the constituency. I have:
• Spoken at the Carers Support Waverley AGM
• Opened the new Surrey Resources Centre at the National Autistic Society’s Godalming HQ, Linden House
• Held surgeries in Godalming and Hindhead
• Celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Turner Court Supported Living Housing in Godalming
• Spoke at the Farnham Lecture 2013 on ‘The Health of the Nation’ for the Old Farnhamians
• Lit the Farnham Bonfire
• Was proud to lay a wreath at the Remembrance Day service in Farnham
Speaking at the Carers Support AGM was a pleasure and it was really beneficial to hear from the carers themselves about their experiences and hopes for the future of caring. I have previously stated that with our ageing population it is inevitable that the majority of people will at some point be a carer for a family member and the importance of reinvigorating the social contract between generations. The constituents I met are real champions in combating the loneliness of the frail elderly and those living with long term conditions and it was a privilege to talk to them. It’s vitally important that carers get the support they need and Carers Support Waverley do a fantastic job providing help and advice.
It was great to meet people using the National Autistic Society’s new Resources Centre at Linden House in Godalming. The facility there provides enormous practical support for those with autism and has had great success with enabling people through access to training and advice to lead full and rewarding lives within the community. It was a pleasure to be shown round and meet both the staff and users of the service who were clearly benefiting hugely from what the centre has to offer.
I have a busy few weeks coming up, continuing to progress the plans for a Waverley Disability Games and also working with Haslemere Town Council, before meeting with Patrick McLoughlin MP in the New Year, to try to secure a deal for the much needed multi-storey car park at the station. You may have seen in the press the email campaign for the car park and so please do email [email protected] to register your support.
In addition I will be hosting a public meeting on Dementia on Friday 29th November in Haslemere. It will be the first of a series of public meetings about the condition, held in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society, and should offer a good opportunity to get information and advice for anyone who feels they might benefit. There will be further meetings in Godalming and Farnham over the next few months.
In the meantime you may see me out and about on the football pitch refereeing for the local youth teams in the constituency. With these cold bright mornings we’re having I’m so glad that the tea and bacon rolls are in plentiful supply!
