The series of meetings in Mullion, St Keverne, Carbis Bay, Pendeen, St Just, Penzance, Helston, Marazion and St Ives to identify the key areas of concern and ideas regarding health and social care have now concluded. I planned these to coincide with the publication of the 10 Year Plan for the NHS and the Government’s draft proposals for social care due next month. Four issues have been dominant: workforce pressures, mental health services, social care provision and resources available to primary and community care. The next step is for me to host a meeting with people who can set out the challenges and what is being done locally to meet the priorities of the 10 Year NHS Plan. I am also hosting a ‘Work for the NHS’ event April for anyone who wants to know what training and career opportunities are available here within the NHS.
I have much more confidence today compared to a year ago in relation to funding and research into brain tumours. People will more often survive a tumour that previously would have killed them. The Parliamentary Group that I have the honour of chairing has met and heard of people’s experience of loved ones surviving the tumour but being left with a brain injury. In most cases we have the therapies and treatments needed to significantly improve the life chances of these people. However, these are not consistently available across the UK and we have been promised decisive action in this area both within the NHS and social care. March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Please look out for opportunities to donate to this research and learn more about this terrible disease.
It was a privilege to hand out the trophies at this year’s St Keverne Gardeners’ Society show on Saturday. The variety and beauty of the daffodils in particular was a sight to behold. The natural environment (even with help from those who know what they are doing) offers something very reassuring in uncertain times.
On Friday it was helpful to touch base with those joining the fight for Pendeen GP Surgery. The continued commitment to provide GP services in Pendeen is clear but the owners wish to sell the property. An application has been made to secure the property as an Asset of Community Value and we await Cornwall Council’s decision in this regard. If this is achieved the value of the property will be much more realistic and within the reach of those wishing to purchase it to continue offering GP services in Pendeen. The surgery is a vital resource for the Pendeen community and well situated in the middle of the village, close to the school and it would not be easy to find an alternative site that offers the same convenience for residents.
If I were to provide an update on Brexit it would be out of date by the time of publication. Can I refer, instead to my website and Brexit Matters page at derekthomas.org