We discussed a number of issues including some of the cases which I have been raising with the Trust where some of my constituents have been very unhappy about the treatment they received. Of course these are a small minority of the patients treated at the Trust’s hospitals but so they should be!
The Trust is applying for Foundation Trust status which will give it more control over its own affairs. A crucial part of its plans is the involvement of local communities and anyone can apply to become a member. If you are interested you can get the details from www.ekht.nhs.uk.
My next port of call was the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust which is based at Chestfield. The Chief Executive, Ann Sutton, was previously Chief Executive of the Shepway Primary Care Trust so we have got to know each other quite well over the years. She had some good news on audiology waiting times – which have long been a matter of great concern locally.
In the evening there was some light relief when Sandra and I went to the Tower Theatre at Shorncliffe to watch a performance of the FHODS pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Sandra is President of FHODS and we both hugely enjoyed the evening. It would be invidious to single out any of the cast as all the performances were of a very high standard. Congratulations are due to all concerned. I think we can be very proud of the standard of our local drama groups with FHODS setting the pace.
On Saturday, after my advice centres I went to New Romney for the cheque presentation by New Romney Brownies to Guide Dogs for the Blind. By working hard packing bags in Sainsbury’s store at New Romney, the girls raised no less than £1200, part of over £10,000 they have raised for worthy causes in the last few years.
Congratulations to Jackie Ayling and Irene Hills whose inspirational leadership has made this achievement possible. And thanks to them and the Brownies for setting such a wonderful example to us all. |
