The Romsey Advertiser 15 December 2006

Written by Sandra Gidley and published in Romsey Advertiser on Fri 15th Dec 2006

Last Friday was pretty busy. It was a pleasure to officially open the new neonatal unit at the Princess Anne Hospital. The old unit was extremely cramped and not really fit for purpose but the staff did their best to provide a first class service which was much praised by those who came into contact with the unit. The facilities in the new unit are second to none and they can only go from strength to strength.

Next on the agenda was a meeting with Hampshire County Council Officers and portfolio members. Much of the time was devoted to discussing the crisis in adult social care and the problem of delayed discharges. The councillors are faced with making decisions that are incredibly difficult and I don't envy them but if the Government is serious about moving care out of hospital then more funding needs to be put into social care services.

I then had a quick meeting with Martin Tod who is our new candidate in Winchester. I know him well as he was very supportive at the last election and I also know that Winchester have chosen a candidate with energy, drive and commitment.

Then to late night shopping to see Father Christmas arrive (no hitches this year) and meet members of the public. It was a pleasant and very successful evening.

On Sunday I spent the afternoon in Nursling. The Scouts were providing their annual entertainment for the more senior members of the community who all seemed to really enjoy their trip out.

All too soon the weekend was over and after a surgery on Monday morning I set off for London. I was keen to make sure I voted on Monday night because a number of constituents have made representations about the Offender Management Bill which will see an end to the probation service as we know it.

Other highlights of the week included the release of the Health Select Committee Report into NHS Deficits, the Lib Dem health policy working group and giving a speech on Leadership in the NHS at the Westminster Health Forum. There is also an opportunity for MPs to participate in the parliamentary launch of this year's Blue Peter Appeal. "Shoe-Biz" is collecting shoes which will be recycled to raise money for children orphaned by AIDS in Malawi. Somewhere along the line I may find time to do some Christmas shopping.

Published with kind permission of Romsey Advertiser