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.

Discussing the future of Marine Industries in the UK

I today enjoyed meeting with marine business leaders in Westminster to discuss the future of marine industries in the UK.  

Government, industry and other key stakeholders have formed a Marine Industries Leadership Council to build a collaborative, strategic approach to developing opportunities for growth in the marine industry. 

This growth will be vital to the future of Truro and Falmouth, the constituency has a thriving maritime sector that will  develop further over the coming years. 

Supporting geothermal energy generation

In Whitehall today I participated in an important meeting with parliamentarians, officials  and private companies involved with geothermal energy generation.

At that meeting I was pleased to see the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s continuing commitment to encouraging the growth of geothermal energy generation within the UK. I am excited by the potential of geothermal technology, both in generating renewable energy for the UK, innovation and jobs in Cornwall.

I have added my support to the Regional Development Fund bid to back the creation of the UK Centre of Excellence for geothermal energy in Cornwall.  Many new and highly skilled jobs could be created as this technology could generate 15% of the UK’s electricity without the pitfalls of on-shore wind.

Welcoming new Members to the Cornwall Youth Parliament

On Saturday 5th February Sarah Newton MP was delighted to join Cornish youngsters in participating in the election of Members of Cornwall’s Youth Parliament. The election took place at County Hall, Truro.

Commenting on the election, Sarah said:

‘I was very impressed by the organisation of the elections, and the passion and political articulacy of the candidates standing for election. I made a careful note of the issues they raised.  

I look forward to working with the two members representing my constituency.’

Tackling the issues important to Truro and Falmouth

Today was a busy day of constituency meetings.

It commenced with a visit to my old secondary school, Falmouth school, where I was delighted to meet with the head teacher, joined by head teachers from nearby primary schools. It was also a pleasure to listen to the thoughts of youngsters at the school, busy studying for their GCSEs.

A constituency advice surgery at Truro Library followed. As ever I very much valued the opportunity to listen to the concerns of my constituents, and to offer assistance resolving a range of issues.

In the afternoon I met with officers from the Environment Agency in the beautiful village of Portloe. I discussed with the officers what more can be done to improve the flood defences of Portloe, badly affected by flooding in November.

The future of the flood defences for Truro was also discussed in depth. I look forward to continuing to support the Environment Agency in their application for Government funding to secure the development of the City’s flood defences.  

Falmouth Coastguard 'Jewel in the Crown' of UK maritime rescue

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-12339331

The importance of hospice care in Cornwall

I today contributed to the debate on the importance of hospice care. I was pleased to be able to highlight the important role that Children's Hospice South West plays in providing respite and support to families and young people with terminal illnesses.