One has an impression of the Government's intentions for the NHS from its frequent use of the phrase "A Patient-led NHS". Sadly one would be wrong because the first time this is tested over the public and patients' wishes to retain local Primary Care Trusts, these wishes are disregarded because of Government pressure on PCT executives to approve the merger of all the county's PCTs into one. I understand that people in other parts of the county object to this as much as we do.

I am pleased to have some good news to report in contrast. A party of young people from Oldington and Foley Park visited the House of Commons on Tuesday to launch their Young People's Charter with the sub-title "Small People with Big Ideas". 
This covers crime, health, education, environment from the youth point of view and ends with promises. It has been put together by the young people, Junior Pathfinders and Pathfinder Reporters assisted by Headteacher Wendy Taylor and Pathfinder Co-ordinator Sarah Turner with involvement of the Neighbourbood Manager, Wardens, the Police, The Community Housing Group and the District and County Councils. 
The document highlights points such as _
..."I think we should put more fun in the area because people are probably damaging the area because they have nothing else to do"; 
..."more young people on the survey (51.26%) smoke cigarettes than don't"; 
..."67.2% of young people admitted to having been drunk" and 
..."25.35% of young people admitted to carrying a weapon". 

But there is hope! 
The Charter lists actions to be taken by young people and their adult partners and concludes with promises of action from local agencies. The document is a model of originality and clarity and could be used as a blueprint for such charters elsewhere. I plan to obtain more copies to circulate in Westminster.

I had several important engagements last Friday. I met 60 or 70 people at the Drakelow tunnels and looked round the tunnels with a smaller group including representatives of the potential developers. I was amazed by the extent of the tunnels but realised that there is little prospect of an acceptable compromise between all parties. I have arranged to meet representatives from the Drakelow Preservation Trust to list all the objections and then to take them to the developers. In the end my job is to represent the wishes of local people and if no compromise is possible I will certainly carry out that duty.

I also met members of the Myalgic Encephelomyelitis Group. 
Their plight when they are attempting to receive sympathy, support and treatment from local health services was made very clear to me. I hope the Parliamentary inquiry into the scientific basis for this puzzling illness will help to improve the care available for ME patients.