4 November, 2004

Two important reports with which I have been involved have been published this week. 

• The first follows an enquiry into the effect on NHS cancer services of funding through Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). 
  Although cancer treatment is a very high Government priority, it was felt that the many other demands on PCTs’ funds displace cancer treatment to a lower level of importance. The report recommended that the Government should consider devolving funds for cancer treatment to cancer networks rather than to PCTs. Cancer networks are well established and have been responsible for many of the improvements that we have seen in cancer care recently. 
  
  Another recommendation was that postgraduate education of general practitioners should focus on the recognition of cancers at an early phase as we still hear reports of delays in diagnosis. 
  
  

• The Health Committee’s report on the provision of allergy services draws attention to the increasing incidence and complexity of allergy induced illnesses. 
  Most allergic illnesses can be coped with in general practice but for somebody with complex multiple allergies, the provision of specialist services across the country is patchy and inadequate.

I had a useful meeting with the organisers of Dial-a-Ride and representatives of the District and County Councils, the PCT and Wyre Forest Community Housing. As the Lottery grant has expired, Dial-a-Ride faces a shortfall in funding of at least £50,000 per year. We discussed economies, increased membership, and ways of increasing income by widening the availability of the service. At Dial-a-Ride’s next Annual General Meeting it will be crucial to involve the members in changes that will be necessary to ensure survival of this vital service.

Thanks to action by Health Concern and other County Councillors, the decision about the Wyre Forest Education Review will be subject to further consideration by the County Council Cabinet in the near future. People in Wyre Forest feel very strongly that it is essential to avoid a repeat of the hospital issue when the future of our services was decided by a majority from other parts of the County. I shall be watching the progress of this review very carefully.

Owing to a previous engagement I was unable to be in the House of Commons for the debate on the Children’s Bill but I added my name to David Hinchliffe’s new Clause to strengthen the Bill regarding reasonable punishment of children. This stated that “battery of a child cannot be justified in any proceedings on the grounds that it constituted reasonable punishment”. But it allowed that reasonable force would not be unlawful if it was to avert immediate danger to the child, to any other person or property, or to prevent the commission of a crime. The House voted against this new Clause but 49 Labour MPs rebelled against a three line whip to support it. Rebellion is becoming common. What a warning to the Government! 

R.T.