Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 4th March 2020) below:
Coronavirus
The increased number of cases have left many people with questions about the Coronavirus.
The key advice from the Government’s Chief Medical Officer is to use the same techniques as should be used to avoid spreading the flu virus or other seasonal diseases. If you are going to cough or sneeze, ensure you catch any germs in a tissue, bin it, then wash your hands using warm water and soap. The Foreign Office is also updating travel advice for individual countries as the situation develops in them.
The main goal is to contain the spread of the virus and prevent it taking a wider grip in the UK. As the situation develops further action may become necessary, with the Government ready to ask Parliament for a range of additional legal powers if necessary, having already implemented some such as the enforcement of quarantine. The Government’s actions are primarily guided by the Chief Medical Officer and key scientific advisors.
Yet the best approach for now is the famous “Keep Calm & Carry On”, whilst keeping an eye out for any updated advice.
New Mental Health Unit
Plans for a new £8million mental health unit at Torbay Hospital have taken a step forward as plans have been submitted to Torbay Council seeking planning permission.
The centre is intended to help solve the shortage of mental health beds in our area by providing 16 extra bedrooms, treatment and therapy spaces, offices and other facilities, built around two courtyard gardens.
Too often patients from our bay with mental health needs routinely find themselves being placed many miles away for treatment, just at the time when they may most need the support of their friends and family. This would never be acceptable for treatment in terms of physical health needs.
Since being elected I have worked with our local NHS to secure funding to change this and am pleased this project is now moving forward.
Palace Hotel
Nearly three years after the last customers left, demolition contractors have arrived at the Palace Hotel in Torquay.
Like many others I have fond memories of time spent there, including my selection to stand for Parliament, my Mother's last visit and Hazel & I’s Wedding Reception held there in June 2017, a few weeks before it closed.
Yet in its last years the Hotel was beginning to show its age and major investment was needed to return it to the grand hotel many will remember. The new Hotel will be the most significant built in our bay for decades, bringing with it £48m of investment, and offer a 5-star level of service.
Whilst sad to see an old friend disappear, the future for the site and the hundreds of people who will work there, looks bright.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 7th March 10am till 12noon at St Martin's Church Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA and Friday 13th March 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG.
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.
