9 December, 2004

The Hospital League of Friends had their Christmas Party last Saturday when over 100 volunteers met for a buffet lunch and talks from the architect designing the new coffee shop, from myself and from David Wase, the chairman. I concluded by presenting Community Awards to the chairman, the treasurer, Bob Whittington, Kath Brophy, former secretary and Violet Danks, volunteer organiser. These four have given 120 years of service to the League and have been instrumental in raising over £2.5 million for our hospitals. The awards are sponsored by the Experience Corps an independent not-for-profit company which encourages people aged 50 and over to offer their skills and experience to benefit others in their local communities.

Since the downgrading of our hospital, the League has been careful to spend its money for the benefit of local people. It is holding reserves to spend on items vital for the return of more services to Kidderminster Hospital. This need has been recognised by the independent Auditor who writes in her recent Annual Letter that there are bed shortages at Worcester and Redditch and that the diversion of patients to Kidderminster would have a beneficial effect on bed availability and the use of theatres. The letter also states that “progress will be hampered if arrangements for medical cover in the evening and at night are not quickly agreed upon and implemented”. How satisfactory it is to hear what we have been saying for so long from an independent, authoritative source.

The plans for the development of the Lichfield basin in Stourport are exciting and will add tremendously to the attraction of Stourport to visitors, residents and boaters. Developments such as this increase the need for a relief road which is already a high priority for Stourport and Wyre Forest.

Local problems raised with me recently have included the difficulties caused by the Government’s “Supporting People” initiative experienced by people caring for tenants with learning difficulties. I was grateful to be informed of potential problems for all sugar beet growers from the European Commission’s Proposals on Sugar Sector Reform which unless changed could make the growing of sugar beet uneconomic in Britain.

Following the recognition of the problem for home owners with unadopted sewers the All-Party Group of MPs formed to investigate this problem met the minister, Elliot Morley last week. The proposal for adoption is moving slowly forward but the problem of funding remains although it is being addressed.

I have been asked to pass on a warning to rail travellers. Due to essential track maintenance at Birmingham New Street Station there will be no services on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Delays will continue until 3 January and you are advised to check journey details on 0845 48 49 50. Snow Hill and Moor Street services will not be affected.

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