I attended the Celebratory Mass at the Polish Church in Kidderminster on Sunday and the service, although mostly in Polish brought home to me forcibly what it really means to Poles to become part of the European Community. Having suffered terribly in previous generations and most recently under the Nazis and then the Russians, to have joined the EU means that at last they have obtained the freedom that we in this country have enjoyed since 1066 – a real cause for celebration for us all.

Returning to London on Tuesday I was able to catch Mr Speaker’s eye to ask the Health Minister to support the development of clinical networks in accident and emergency medicine so that accident and emergency departments could work more closely with minor injuries units to increase the range of patients they could cope with and thus to lessen the strains on neighbouring accident and emergency departments.

• Rosie Winterton MP, Minister of State, agreed that such networks can be helpful.
• It is up to us to continue to press local health commissioners and providers relentlessly to involve our minor injuries unit more fully in existing emergency services collaboratives and networks so that, with sharing of staff and expertise along the lines of the Nuffield Trust’s Local Emergency Centres, more emergency patients will be seen locally with benefits to ourselves and the rest of the county.

Tuesday in the House of Commons was a health orientated day.

• A meeting of the All Party Diabetes Group emphasised the importance of screening for diabetes and the fact that good control of diabetes lessens the risk of complications in later life.
• Then there was a meeting of the All Party Cardiac Group to discuss what should go into the White Paper on Public Health from the heart patients’ perspective.
• Meetings with the Food Standards Agency to discuss their food strategy and with the All Party Asthma Group followed.

The widespread concern about the alleged maltreatment of Iraqi prisoners by British troops was addressed by the Defence Minister. Because these matters are under investigation he was unable to announce any conclusions but he confirmed the Government’s determination to establish the truth of the allegations or otherwise while praising the achievements and professionalism of our troops.

Fostercare Fortnight begins on 10 May.
Fostering Network is the UK’s leading charity for all those involved in fostering and they are celebrating thirty years of work supporting the 50,000 children and young people who are fostered on any one day in the UK. 
Despite this huge amount of work, there is currently a shortage of foster carers throughout the UK. 8,000 more foster carers are required if the charity is to continue providing the necessary suitable placements.

• The local contact is Sally Fletcher of the Fostering Recruitment and Training Team on 01905 612428.