Amidst the mixed messages from the major political party conferences - further changes for the NHS, for policing and for education, three of our most important concerns - I am going to a conference organised by the NHS Alliance on engaging the public and professionals in delivering the vision for the NHS.

I have to speak on the topic "Engaging and involving citizens". I shall enjoy telling delegates how not to do it based on our past experiences!

At last someone has felt strongly enough about the high quality of care received at Worcestershire Royal Hospital to write to me. It makes a welcome change from all the thoroughly justified complaints that I have had for so long and makes me hope that, under new management the Hospital Trust will begin to deliver the sort of care to which we have been accustomed. We will continue to press for more inpatient surgery at Kidderminster including prostate operations and hip and knee replacements, a better system for coping with local emergencies to save many unnecessary trips to Worcester for patients and families and return of the Birth Centre with assurances of safety. It appears that 'C' Block is necessary for future use therefore I am pressing for the retention of the Millbrook Suite (Cancer Resource Centre) in its present site. Even though we have promises that if moved it will be re-provided in the same form and quality, as the block is likely to remain it would be an awful waste of money (our money as we paid for it entirely) to move it.

I learn that the Harriers' Chairman is now turning our proximity to Premiership and First Division football clubs, long thought to be a disadvantage, to our benefit through the loan of top class players. It certainly paid off last week.

I have had the pleasure of meeting two large groups of young people from sixth forms around the country on visits to the House of Commons to learn about the way Parliament functions and the work of an MP.

It was stimulating as I was faced with innumerable questions ranging from the Euro to the importance of a second Parliamentary Chamber, from representation of women and ethnic minorities in the House to education and foundation hospitals and why do MPs have posh accents?