It has been a week of ups and downs! 

First I had a fright around 4pm on 12 July. "House adjourned" appeared without warning on the electronic notice boards around the Commons. 
The House should have adjourned after 7pm and as I had the Adjournment Debate for that day I would have been in the Chamber in comfortable time for that. 
My fear was that I had lost the debate as I was not present at the appropriate time. Luckily my fears were groundless. 
On the rare occasion when the House decides to adjourn unexpectedly the Adjournment Debate is cancelled. 
Mr Speaker, in his kindness selected my Adjournment Debate for tonight.

On 13 July we debated the NHS Redress Bill and with other MPs I wished to see the whole process totally independent of NHS trusts as is the NHS Complaints Procedure. 
This is overseen by the Healthcare Commission to ensure independence. Sadly the Government wish to see the Redress process "owned" by the NHS. They would not accept the impossibility of confidence in a system when the body that investigates, without independent oversight, one's claim for redress is the very body that you believe harmed you. They plan to introduce lawyers throughout the process which I believe defeats the object of the scheme which is to make it quick, easy, cheap and non-confrontational.

On a happier note we have completed two Health Committee reports with agreement across all Parties. 
The first, published on Tuesday, relates to NHS Charges for prescriptions, dentistry, eye examinations, parking and telephone calls when in hospital. Our recommendations are only for moderate changes now but we have challenged the Government to carry out major reviews of all charges soon as there are so many oddities about the present system. 
The second report to be published next week concerns Independent Sector Treatment Centres that are being used increasingly for NHS patients.

Other highlights included Assembly at Stourport First School, Tan Lane, to present their Gold Artsmark Award. 
A terrific achievement celebrated with golden costumes and hats, lovely, enthusiastic singing and energetic dancing despite the hot weather. 

Then it was the Bewdley High School 50th Birthday Gala Dinner – a grand occasion graced by the very first pupil to sign the register in 1955 and superbly talented singers and musicians mostly previous students - a very happy community occasion.

Last Saturday saw the conclusion of Operation Covert with the opening of the splendid facilities for all associated with Scouting at Rhydd Covert.
What a community achievement! 
£80,000 raised in a short time with gifts in kind producing a building worth far more surrounded by activity opportunities second to none.

Stourport Choral and Operatic Society's exciting and varied Summer Concert, sadly the last under their gifted Musical Director, Judith Standing concluded Saturday. 

On Sunday Kidderminster hosted the annual County British Legion Commemoration Service, a moving tribute to those who gave their lives for us.