GIVEN the recent stories about closures in our NHS, it was welcome to attend the opening of the new critical care unit (CCU) at Torbay Hospital last week, writes Torbay MP Kevin Foster.
The new unit has technology that could not have been imagined when the previous CCU was opened in 1985. While we all hope not to need its services, it is reassuring to know we now have one of the best facilities in the country if we need to.
Those who work in the CCU deliver high quality care and their patients have the highest level of need, that is why it is right this investment was made.
The new facilities are also a tribute to all who helped the League of Friends raise an amazing £1.6m towards them.
ON A less positive note, I have now received confirmation from Torbay Hospital of their proposals to remove 32 beds.
Despite speculation, maternity services will remain at Torbay Hospital.
The biggest change from previous information is that a phased implementation is now being proposed, with the two phases being implemented in April and June this year.
This is the wrong time to be considering such reductions given they could be combined with the closure of Paignton Hospital.
Torbay has one of the best records in the country for avoiding delayed discharges and if this deteriorates any savings will be lost.
MPs debated the state of NHS and Social Care finances this week.
The long-term challenges are clear and all MPs, regardless of party, need to think carefully about how we can solve them as a nation.
ON SATURDAY, I was invited to join the march against the closure of Paignton Hospital organised by Torbay and South Devon Trades Council.
I was joined on the march by three of Paignton's councillors and many others who have been involved in the campaign to save Paignton Hospital.
There was a variety of political views represented on the march but most residents were focussed on expressing their views about the hospital and the future of its services.
The majority decided to treat all speakers with respect and listen despite their disagreements as we wanted to present a united front on the issue.
A few associated with fringe political groups decided to heckle while I spoke. Yet after the speeches they became more interested in arguing with others from left wing parties who had attended.
I hope the continued opposition will force a rethink from the Clinical Commissioning Group and see more services kept in Paignton.
Yet those who want to adopt an approach reminiscent of the People's Front of Judea just undermine the whole campaign.
ENDING the practice of using wild animals in circuses is something that has been pledged for over a decade by all major parties.
Yet I was left with a Friday feeling all too many MPs get last week as lengthy speeches on an earlier bill meant there was no time for mine, which would have brought in the promised ban, to be debated.
The welfare needs of non-domesticated wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus, in terms of housing or being able to express normal behaviour.
Unlike zoos and wildlife parks, circuses cannot provide an enclosure that is specifically designed to meet these needs.
This is not the first attempt to pass this piece of legislation and I know it will not be the last, but for now the wait continues.
A NUMBER of residents have been in touch with me following the news that Local Link, which runs 16 local bus services, has given notice that it will stop operating them on April 1.
For many, Local Link is a vital link with many residents not only relying on their services for leisure activities, but for commuting to work as well.
Last week I meet with Cllr Mark King, the council's Executive lead for transport, to discuss the latest situation.
Mark advised me that Torbay Council was in active discussions with another provider to look at picking up parts of the network Local Link served.
I am also pleased to hear that the Torbay Community Development Trust is considering running some parts of the service as a not for profit operation.
This is an interesting development and creates some interesting opportunities to provide provision where a commercial service would not make the returns needed.
While it appears there is still some way to go before any announcements can be made there is reason for optimism.
MY next surgeries will be on Saturday 4th March from 10am to noon at St Martin's Church, Barton Hill Road, and Friday, March 10, from 3pm to 5pm at Anode, The Monastery, Berry Drive, Paignton.
Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at [email protected] to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment.
My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am to 1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay.