Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition below:
Minor Injuries Unit & X-Ray to Close At Paignton Hospital,
There was disappointing news last week as it was confirmed the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) and X-Ray Service at Paignton Hospital will see their last patients on Friday 28th July 2017.
The closure follows decisions taken earlier this year by our local Clinical Commissioning Group despite widespread public criticism of the plans and a major campaign to oppose them which both Dr Sarah Wollaston and I supported. The Paignton Hospital site will continue to act as a “Health and Wellbeing Hub”.
Frustratingly the reason for the closure of the X-Ray service is not lack of budget or demand, but an inability to recruit radiographers due to a national shortage.
One of my biggest concerns about the closure of the Paignton MIU is that some may decide that rather than drive to the MIUs in Totnes and Newton Abbot they may instead head to Torbay Hospital’s A&E, putting further strain on this service.
This makes it all the more important that plans are quickly brought forward to use the capital funding allocated earlier this year to ease pressure on Torbay’s A&E.
Persecution of Christians
The first Westminster Hall debate of the new parliament took place last week and the subject was the Persecution of Christians worldwide.
The sad reality of religious persecution across the world is an issue I have regularly spoken on since first being elected to Parliament two years ago. The suppression of religious faith often goes hand in hand with political oppression as regimes seek to remove any sense of free will from their citizens.
The Open Doors organisation produces a Watch List each year of the countries where Christians face the highest levels persecution. North Korea topped it again this year due to the absolute oppression of all religious and political rights the Communist Regime there undertakes. For North Koreans declaring faith in Jesus Christ, not Kim Jong-Un, means facing a firing squad.
Open Doors South West held an evening of prayer at St Matthias last Friday to bring local Christians together to pray for the persecuted church across the world. This event and the debate are a reminder that for millions of Christians expressing their faith in Jesus can put their job, home and ultimately life at risk.
Whilst the debate itself will not change the attitude of regimes overseas in itself, constantly highlighting the issue gives encouragement to those facing oppression for professing their faith that they do not stand alone when doing so.
Palace Hotel
I have very fond memories of time spent at the Palace Hotel in Torquay, including my recent wedding reception.
A major refurbishment of this hotel has been needed for some time. The plans put forward a couple of years ago looked to restore its grandeur and create an iconic destination for our bay, yet this will be little comfort for those whose jobs are affected by its closure on 1st August to allow this.
The ERBID and TDA are supporting the JobCentre team in helping those affected identify new jobs. I popped in for lunch on Sunday and was pleased to hear some of the friendly faces we all see at the Palace have already found jobs elsewhere.
Let’s hope one of the bay’s great hotels will soon be reborn.
Top of The Shops?
Torquay’s main high street recently scooped a title that no-one wants as a survey branded it the worst in the South West.
No-one would deny that Torquay Town Centre has declined significantly since its peak in the 1960’s when many of the top brands competed for space in Union St and on The Strand. Its most recent national fame coming a couple of years ago when a bizarre price war erupted between a pound shop and a new 99p store.
Yet things might not be quite as this survey makes out as new shops have recently opened, including Waterstones making a welcome return to the premises in Union Street that it left 7 years ago. That said there are still too many properties that have been vacant for too long in key locations.
I regularly meet with the Council and other partners to discuss what can be done to help push forward regeneration of our town centres. It is not going to be easy to change a trend that has been followed for decades, yet given the recent flurry of hotel purchases it is clear investors are once again looking at our bay.
That said the biggest sign of change for the better in Torquay Town Centre would be the long awaited Torwood St development finally getting underway.
Surgery Times,
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 15th July from 11am till 1pm at Dot’s Pantry, 118 Union St, Torquay TQ2 5QB and Friday 21st July from 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre 22 Station Ln, Paignton TQ4 5AR.
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.