Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 17th October 2018) below:
Town Deal
A Town Deal for Torbay could see millions of pounds invested by the Government in our bay to tackle a range of long-standing issues.
The first such deal in Grimsby was approved recently. It was based on a vision involving various public services, private businesses and the local community working together not just to create jobs and deliver skills training courses, but tackle issues of social deprivation and exclusion. Such an approach could deliver major changes in our bay; hence I joined the delegation from Torbay Together making a pitch for a Torbay Town Deal to the Government on Monday.
Our bay has faced challenges over recent decades, with the decline most visible in our Town Centres. Yet last week’s Torbay Business Forum Festival showed real optimism amongst many local businesses who are growing, plus regeneration work starting on long-term derelict sites like Torwood St and the former Nortel site all show what can be achieved.
This key idea now needs to be driven forward by all involved, including the government, to ensure we can deliver a deal for local people.
Mesh Guidance
Mesh surgery is a medical procedure used to treat incontinence and prolapse in women, often because of childbirth.
An increasing number of women have reported suffering from complications after mesh surgery including debilitating pain, infection, inflammation, loss of sex life and mobility issues. I highlighted one resident’s case in parliament and called on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to quickly bring forward planned new guidance.
NICE’s new draft guidance was published last week. It states clinicians should offer non-surgical options for stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse before any mesh operations. This change is a vindication for the many women who have spoken out bravely about their own experiences, to try and help other women avoid what they have suffered.
This new advice, along with the Department for Health’s current suspension of mesh surgery, should mean the end of mesh surgery for incontinence other than for a handful of women for whom all other options have been ruled out.
Train Strain
When heading up to London on Sunday night there was a timely reminder of how vulnerable our rail links are.
GWR’s new Intercity Trains coped well with the “wash” they were given by Storm Callum at Dawlish, yet a sink hole under the track near Teignmouth soon put a stop to services.
Network Rail will soon announce its final plans for the Coastal Railway, we must all get behind them to ensure our vital links are secured.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 20th October from 09:30am till 11am at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 27th October from 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2RB.
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 -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.