My first week back in Westminster following the
Christmas Recess was a very productive one with lots going on both in Cornwall
and in London.
Whilst Brexit continues to dominate things in
Parliament, with the next few days likely to be decisive, I want you to know
that I continue to work on a number of other issues relevant to our
constituency.
In Westminster I met with Suez, the company that manages
all of Cornwall household waste and runs the incinerator at St Dennis, to talk
about their waste and recycling strategies and raise concerns about the recent
issues with the incinerator’s power generation. I also visited the RAF
Benevolent Fund HQ to discuss the work they are doing to support service
personnel, veterans and their families.
Meanwhile in Mid-Cornwall I joined residents at a
meeting at Pentire Headland to discuss planning and enforcement issues with
Cornwall Council, and met with management at Polkyth Leisure Centre to raise
concerns about the future use of the sports hall.
At the beginning of the week I welcomed a major government
announcement when we saw the launch of the NHS 10-year plan, which provides a
clear plan of how we will deliver an improved health service. Following the
recent announcement of the record funding increase for the NHS it is also
vitally important that we spend this money wisely. This includes measures to improve
prevention to avoid people falling ill and avoid suffering heart attacks,
strokes and dementia as well as providing better access to mental health
services for adults and children.
The plan focuses on building an NHS fit for the future by enabling
everyone to get the best start in life, helping communities to live well and helping
people to age well.
The plan has been developed in partnership with frontline
health and care staff, patients and their families. It will improve outcomes
for major diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease
and dementia.
This Government has already put real terms increases of
funding into Cornwall’s NHS and we have seen tangible outcomes from this,
including the construction of the inpatient mental health facility for young
people which is due to open this year. In December we also saw confirmation of
£40.4m of NHS Capital funding for Cornwall, which will go straight to improving
vital facilities around our county. Apart from investment, a long term plan is
crucial though, so the Government and NHS can think ahead to further support
our crucial health services for ours and future generations.
Of course, improving outcomes for patients is not just about
putting more money in, it is important we also spend it in the right way and I
welcome the focus of this plan in helping people to be healthier as well as
improving treatments.
As ever I will be working with my Cornish MP colleagues to
do everything we can to ensure that Cornwall benefits from this national
strategy in the years to come.
My team and I are here to serve the whole
constituency and work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone
needing support. The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am –
4.00pm (no appointment necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance
on then please, either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or
office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only,
advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at:
www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
