By Isle of Wight Observer
In recent weeks, the Government has unveiled details of their new ‘10 Year Health Plan for England’. I have concerns that this plan does not contain any new ideas or new funding. This is of vital importance, when taking into consideration the proposals of earlier this year to cut funding to Mountbatten hospice. Whilst I am relieved that Mountbatten have now received confirmation that £527,000 will not be withdrawn this autumn, there are still ongoing conversations as to future funding arrangements.
I recently hosted a cross-party roundtable between MPs and GP Practice Managers to discuss improving access to GPs and local health services.
Last month, I co-hosted a meeting in Ryde with Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones. It gave residents and business owners, in Ryde and East Wight, the opportunity to raise concerns with members of the senior policing team. A range of topics were discussed, including anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and speeding. Donna has also confirmed that Shanklin Police Station will be re-opening, the third in recent years on the Island following Cowes and Ryde. It will help improve community engagement and increase police visibility on our streets, whilst providing a focal point for reporting crime.
I visited Dover Park Primary School, in Ryde, at the end of the school year. The school has embraced reading initiatives for the children and has a wide choice of books in the school library. Access to books and reading for pleasure can make such a different to children’s lives, as I saw when I was a county co-ordinator for a national school-reading charity. I was also pleased to learn that Islander, Jeanne Jones, has been announced as the winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award as part of the Schoolreaders scheme – schemes such as these make such a difference helping children grow in confidence and ability.
I was honoured to be invited to open the new bear enclosure at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, in Sandown. Benji and Balu arrived from Azerbaijan and have settled in straight away. It was wonderful to see them in their new surroundings and clearly enjoying their new life.
Congratulations to Lawrence and his team, and all the volunteers, staff and people who donated to the fund-raising effort, in order to make this happen.