First this week a word of warning! 
If you receive incapacity benefit you require 50 weekly credits per year. You will lose one for even two days away and if you are away for a whole week it is possible to lose three credits. This happened to someone who was unaware of the details of the scheme. Two days and a separate week away cost him dearly as he only had 48 credits. 
Do study the leaflets available at the Post Office, Job Centre Plus and Citizens' Advice Bureau if you are in receipt of incapacity benefit and plan a few days away.

Last Friday Suzette Davenport and myself took part in the Wyre Forest Matters survey of people's wishes for the area for future planning. 
Perhaps because I was asking the questions the top of many people's wish list expressed to me was for a proper hospital. Other desires ranged widely over more visible policing, better public transport, cleaner, tidier streets and better facilities for children and teenagers. The results of all the surveys will be collated and, I hope, published in due course.

The long awaited Government document on reconfiguring hospital services has just been published. It is good news indeed.
It states that biggest does not necessarily mean best when talking about hospitals and the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn MP recognises that, "Patients want more, not fewer, local services".

The timing of the announcement gave extra zest to a conference Health Concern held at the Gainsborough House Hotel on 18 February. 
This was to examine with groups from Scotland, Wales and all over England, Democracy, the Role of Elected Independent Representatives and NHS issues.
About 80 delegates discussed these issues and listened to Martin Bell, Milner Whiteman, Leader of the Independent Group of the Local Government Association (LGA) and myself.
Martin Bell's contribution centred on the style of Independent Politics. It is a kinder, gentler form of politics without whips that depends on total honesty and lack of spin. Independent politicians are able to apologise if they were wrong about an issue and they can change their minds.
All agreed that with a Government with a huge majority and a weak opposition now is the very time that voters are likely to support independent candidates to represent them at all levels. Mr Whiteman's group on the LGA exists to assist such representatives.
It was felt that there is a need for a conference solely devoted to NHS issues in view of the Government's commitment to act on people's views. Hopefully this will be organised, possibly in Lincolnshire by a cross party group, fairly soon. It certainly was a stimulating, successful and exciting day.

R.T.