Last night I attended the City Council’s Health Overview Scrutiny Panel (HOSP) to make representations on behalf of local residents regarding the proposed closure of the Bitterne Walk-in Centre. I made it clear that to close the centre without full and thorough consultation was not acceptable. I pointed out that the walk-in centre is a [...]
Since the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced its plans to close the much-valued Bitterne Walk-in Centre I have been working to find a solution that will both protect the Walk-in Centre and perhaps release funding to assist with the additional pressures winter puts on health services. I have asked the Labour controlled council to use [...]
I promised to keep you updated on progress in my campaign to save the Bitterne Walk-in Centre from closure. As I understand it the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) cannot make this decision without approval of the City Council's Health and Well Being Board (H&WBB). This Board is dominated by Labour Councillors. I am therefore a little [...]
I was really pleased to be invited to this morning's business breakfast meeting at No Limits. No Limits helps thousands of young people in Southampton every year. The charity offers information, advice, counselling and support for young people between the ages of 11 and 25 and do a wonderful job.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) has secured £4 million in Government funding to improve frontline services and strengthen its partnerships with other emergency services. HFRS was given the green light and funding for two projects as the Government announced the beneficiaries of the £75 million Fire Transformation Fund. £2.6m will be used to provide a new [...]
Last week I was briefed about the proposed closure of the Bitterne Walk-in Centre. Since then I have received some further information from the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). It sheds more light on their thinking but it doesn't explain how £1.4m is needed for 12 staff and what appear to be relatively inexpensive overheads. I am [...]
Several residents joined me this morning for one of my street surgeries. We talked about many and varied issues including education, health and immigration. The Bitterne Walk-in Centre was, of course, one of the main topics of conversation.
Yesterday I was briefed by the Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) about a 'Pilot' scheme to close the BItterne Walk-in Centre for a period of six months from 1st December 2014. The CCG want to close the centre and re-allocate its current running costs to strengthen community nursing services across the City during the [...]
Hampshire's fire chiefs have welcomed a multi-million pound boost for firefighter welfare causes. The Fire Fighters Charity will receive up to £1 million of funding from the Government to enhance their existing services to fire service staff. The charity will also be handed a further £1 million to enable them to offer their services to both ambulance and [...]
I recently attended an emergency services information day for Southampton City Councillors at St Mary's Fire Station. The event was well attended and the displays and discussions were very informative. One demonstration always certain to capture the attention of the audience and the willing volunteer is the vehicle extrication. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are [...]
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