Securing the future of the NHS and Coastguard in Cornwall

Over the past four years on doorsteps and in public meetings, residents have told me that the future of the NHS was of great importance to them.  I have listened to patients, NHS staff and care providers from all sectors and taken their concerns with me into Parliament.  Informed by them, I have worked closely on aspects of the Health and Social Care Bill that was first debated in Parliament last Monday.

Before entering politics I was a Director of Age Concern England and one of my main motivations to become a Member of Parliament was to reform the care system; both services and how they are paid for.  There can’t be a reader of this column who has not had experience of an elderly person who has been bundled around the system, referred to as “bed-blockers” and made to feel a burden.

The Bill links two crucial services together.  For too long the separation of these services and the silo mentality of care delivered by Cornwall Council and health services commissioned by the Primary Care Trusts have prevented care pathways being effectively delivered that work for the patient.  Adult social care has historically been under-funded in Cornwall.  The vital role that family carers and volunteers play in supporting people shut out.

This Bill and the money the Government is making available to help fund the integration - £7.8 million so far this year, will enable our local NHS and Cornwall Council to develop joined-up services.  Despite severe budget constraints and pay freezes I have seen really good work going on to improve services for older people and their carers.  Cornwall has the fastest growing ageing population in the country – a cause for celebration and an opportunity to lead the way on ageing well.

As we have seen from campaigns about changes to NHS services in Cornwall, people do not want decisions taken about health and care services available to them in their community without the opportunity to get involved with the decisions.  The Bill we ensure that no future decisions about us will be taken without us.

Just as significantly, on Wednesday I was delighted to have secured a debate in Parliament on ‘The Future of the UK Coastguard Service’.  I was pleased so many MPs from around the UK joined me.  The Minister invited Falmouth Coastguard to make proposals to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency who are consulting on their plans for the modernisation of the service.  During the consultation I will continue to work closely with Falmouth Coastguard to make the case for maintaining a 24hour operation.

Finally, on Friday and Saturday I spent time at Falmouth Community School and with all Falmouth’s primary school headteachers, as well as participating in the election of Members of Cornwall’s Youth Parliament.  I discussed a range of concerns brought to me by residents with some Cornwall Councillors and I met with the Environment Agency to discuss the future of flood defences for Truro and Portloe and progress on community flood wardens.