Here is what Standard readers have been writing in about this week –
‘Time is up after lack of achievements’
I SEE Rachel Maclean persists in telling us the Alexandra Hospital is her number one priority.
I think Rachel’s campaign for the Alex is her number one embarrassment.
Back in 2017 she told us that we should accept the decisions of the CCG and the Trust.
In 2019 with a snap election she panicked and suddenly wanted to restore our services.
Fast forward five more years and Rachel has achieved absolutely nothing.
She crows about funding for new theatre space but this was promised back in 2015 when she was living in Solihull. It was a bribe aimed at keeping us sweet when maternity was closed.
She claims to have brought back the Garden Suite, but I think the return of chemotherapy services was on the post-Covid agenda without her input.
She says there are more doctors and nurses, but any of us who have visited A&E can attest to the fact there are not enough.
Waiting times and crisis points have hugely increased over the 14 Tory years, whilst patient satisfaction is at an all time low.
Let’s judge Rachel on her record – and vote her out.
Sharon Harvey, Labour Councillor
Southcrest
Next government needs to improve end-of-life care
WITH party manifestos and policies dominating the news, the general election is no doubt at the forefront of readers’ minds.
What is concerning is none of the parties have set out a comprehensive plan to fix end-of-life care, which will be a significant challenge for our health and care systems in the years to come.
This election, Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, is asking politicians to commit to ending the postcode lottery in access, finding a sustainable way to fund vital end-of-life care, and setting out a national plan for end-of-life care that guarantees 24/7 access.
Over the next Parliament, 3.3million people in the UK will die and without action after this election, more people will have a bad death, carers will suffer, and there will be more strain on the NHS.
The current system all too often forces people with a terminal illness into hospital when they do not want or need to be there which causes unnecessary strain for people living with terminal illness, their families, and the NHS.
Marie Curie last year provided direct support to more than 61,800 people through its services.
The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from and those they care for, through its free information and support line, as well as in its hospices and where people live.
We are urging people across the Midlands to sign our petition, to ensure that over the course of the next government, end of life care is no longer overlooked.
Visit: mariecurie.org.uk/petition to find the petition.
Toby North
Head of public affairs
Marie Curie
Dementia needs to be made parties’ prority
PEOPLE in Redditch need action on dementia now.
At this general election, candidates from all political parties must acknowledge dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and the greatest health and social care challenge we face.
Alzheimer’s Society research shows one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime and, with over 1,200 people living with dementia in Redditch, it is time decision makers at a local and national level address the biggest social care challenge of our time: dementia.
As things stand, the burden of dementia falls on families. Families shoulder 63 per cent of the care costs of dementia, which is at an overwhelming £42 billion annually in the UK.
Without action, this figure will more than double to £90billion by 2040. Families in your constituency are paying for failings in the wider system which have been overlooked for too long.
If elected, candidates have the power to change, locally and nationally.
The dementia diagnosis rate targets across the UK are not ambitious enough and a third of people living with dementia in England do not have a diagnosis.
This means people can’t access the vital care and support they deserve and will not be able to receive new treatments for which they may be eligible, if approved.
Alzheimer’s Society is calling on the next UK government to:
Deliver a long-term social care workforce strategy, so we have enough well-trained staff to provide high-quality, personalised dementia care
Set new, ambitious dementia diagnosis rate targets accompanied by funded plans to deliver early, accurate high-quality diagnosis
Publish plans by healthcare systems across the UK on delivering disease-modifying treatments, including investment in the diagnostic workforce and infrastructure.
No one in Redditch should face dementia alone. If you are worried about yourself, or someone close to you, check your symptoms using Alzheimer’s Society’s checklist.
Visit alzheimers.org.uk or call the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.
Harrison Marsh
Redditch local systems influencing manager
Alzheimer’s Society
Donate your first King Charles III fiver to Kidney Care
THE NEW bank notes featuring King Charles III are now coming into circulation and we’re asking your readers if they would consider donating the first new £5 note they receive to Kidney Care UK.
Kidney disease affects one in 10 people in Hereford and Worcester and as the UK’s leading kidney patient support charity, we have been supporting kidney patients and their families for five decades and work to ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone.
Last year Kidney Care UK spent over £4.5million on charitable activities, helping more than 3,000 individuals and their families through our direct support services including counselling, debt advice and advocacy.
Additionally, we provided financial support of over £860,000 to help people cope with unexpected bills and supported families facing hardship and last year we were able to help individuals identify, and claim, more than £1.5million in benefits they were eligible for but were not claiming.
As a charity we receive no government funding, so by donating your #FirstFiver this can help us to provide immediate and life changing support to kidney patients and their families.
Please go to kidneycareuk.org/first-fiver/ for more information about the campaign including how your readers can donate.
Emily Millington
Head of Fundraising
Kidney Care UK
EDITOR’S COMMENT
CONGRATULATIONS to Joe Feivan from Tudor Grange Academy for finishing runner-up in the ‘Outstanding New Teacher’ category of the National Teaching Awards.
Teachers play such an important role in shaping the lives of children and young people and preparing them for adulthood.
There is always so much negativity in the media surrounding education, so it is fantastic that Joe has achieved this recognition both the school and the town.
Thank you to Joe and all the inspiring teachers for all you do.
SEND US YOUR VIEWS
We welcome your letters on any subject but please keep them to a maximum of 350 words. Send your views to [email protected].
