News from Westminster
Posted by Dawn Primarolo, MP for Bristol South, at 15:36, Fri 11 July 2008:
NHS 60th ANNIVERSARY
Last Saturday the NHS celebrated its 60th birthday, which is a terrific achievement. It is important we take the time to reflect on just what the health service has meant to individuals and to society at large since it began in July 5th, 1948. The establishment of a health service, free to all at the point of use without regard for age, health status or ability to pay, was arguably the greatest achievement of the twentieth century, and the vast majority of us are beneficiaries of the vision laid out by the post-war Labour government. We should also say a huge thank you to the dedicated and hard-working staff who keep the NHS running; without them, the last 60 years wouldn’t have been possible.
RESIDENTS' PARKING SCHEME
Several residents have been in touch with me about Residents’ Parking Zones in the last fortnight. As you probably know, the Council has embarked on a major consultation exercise, which has prompted much local comment. I know that commuter parking is a major irritant to some local residents, particularly those living in Southville and Windmill Hill. My view is that residents are best placed to decide whether their area would benefit from the scheme so, whatever your views, be sure to write to the Council before 1 August to have your voice heard – the address is: Residents’ Parking Scheme Consultation, Bristol City Council, Wilder House, Wilder Street, Bristol, BS2 8PH.
NEW DENTIST IN HARTCLIFFE
The new Hartcliffe NHS Dental Surgery opened its doors to patients on Monday and I’m thrilled to see such enthusiasm for this local service. To have a new practice built in the heart of the community is fantastic. I hope that all residents who aren’t currently registered with a dentist take the time to join the new Hartcliffe practice and help make it a success. Over the last decade the Government has been investing heavily in health services and this new dental surgery is just one example of this, with the South Bristol Community Hospital just around the corner.
MINISTERIAL VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA
Over last weekend and early into this week, I visited South Africa in my role as Public Health Minister for discussions with my South African counterparts regarding co-operation on public health issues. The media spotlight will soon be focussed on South Africa with the World Cup less than two years away, so there has never been a better opportunity time for our two countries to work together to tackle health issues. During my visit, I went to see a number of local health facilities and saw schemes in place to help the many South Africans living with HIV/AIDS. Vital work like this demonstrates why the Prime Minister was so right to call on the G8 to remember the importance of international aid; projects like these rely on the generosity of world governments to treat the sufferers of terrible diseases like HIV/AIDS.
MPs' PAY
Due to my ministerial visit to South Africa I was unable to be in London to vote on the issue of MPs’ pay last week, but I was pleased to note that MPs backed the Prime Minister’s call for restraint by voting for a pay rise in line with other public sector workers. Also, I will not be receiving any increase on my ministerial salary this year. From now on I hope that MPs will no longer vote on their own pay, which would be infinitely preferable to the system we have previously seen.
NEXT STAGE REVIEW
Last week Lord Darzi published the NHS Next Stage Review which set out the future of the NHS in the coming years. As a result of the proposals, all patients suffering from a long term health complaint will be given a personalised healthcare plan, which will offer the patient more choice over their own treatment. All residents of England will be entitled to any drug approved for use in the NHS by NICE, regardless of where they live – ending the so-called ‘postcode lottery’. A new Constitution for the NHS has also been unveiled, outlining patients’ rights in the health service which will be backed up by law. These are just some of the many proposals to come out of the Review, and demonstrate the Government’s commitment to offering more choice and high quality treatment to patients in the NHS. I know the outcomes of the Review will help thousands more patients get better care, and understand what they should expect from the NHS.
ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any queries about these issues, or have a question you would like to ask about anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Just respond to this email, phone 0117 909 0063 or write to me at PO Box 1002, Bristol, BS99 1WH. Alternatively, for more information on what’s happening in and around Bristol South, you can visit www.bristolsouthlabourparty.org.uk.
Comments
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Posted by Pete Ferguson, 16:18, Wed 16 July 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
NEW DENTIST IN HARTCLIFFE
Lets hope the people of Hartcliffe that do register for the NHS Dental Surgery can afford the extortionate prices that Dentists charge in order to keep their Porshe, Merc's and BMWs on the road!
MINISTERIAL VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA
You really do try to take us for idiots Dawn, I can assure you we all KNOW what MPs so called fact-finding trips are, away-days, holidays, junkets paid for by the taxpayer.
MPs' PAY
So you won't be receiving any increase on your ministerial salary. But unlike any other profession in the UK (or anywhere) MPs/MEPs have the most grotesque expenses to fall back on, and while these expenses are legal (although until recently, hidden) they are repulsive, disgusting and deplorable. We even have The First Lord of the Treasury The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Gordon Brown claiming on his expenses for (wait for it)............. light bulbs and Sky subscription.