Saturday, September 23, 2006
Local Lib Dems at Conference
Chingford & Woodford Green Lib Dems played an important part in the recent party conference. [See report below].
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LOCAL LIB DEMS IN ACTION AT BRIGHTON
Conference Report
Chingford & Woodford Green Liberal Democrats played a very active part in the party’s successful Conference at Brighton:Vice-Chair GEOFF SEEFF was called to speak in a debate on the Lebanon.
Chairman Cllr.JOHN BEANSE was called to speak in 2 policy debates, including the important debate on the need to switch to more GREEN TAXES. Part of this speech was broadcast on radio news and on TV’s NEWSNIGHT with Jeremy Paxman.
In addition, Chingford & Woodford Lib Dems had successfully put their own debate on to the agenda “NHS IN CRISIS” as an “Urgent Issue”. Cllr.John Beanse introduced this debate and the second speaker was Steve Webb MP, the party’s Shadow Health Secretary. John drew attention to the serious situation in many parts of the country and spelt out the problems locally in Waltham Forest, particularly the cuts at Whipps Cross Hospital and the threats to its future. Other speakers had similar tales to tell from all over the country.
Local Lib Dems also made contributions in consultation sessions and several “fringe” meetings during the week
Friday, September 15, 2006
NHS in crisis
It's getting worse
Our research confirms that current funding problems in the NHS, leading to serious cuts in frontline services, are a national and by no means just a local problem.
According to a recent BBC investigation, at least 10 major hospitals in England face potential closure or a downgraded role. Talks are underway about removing emergency care from hospitals in London, Surrey, Sussex, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cornwall.
* On Thursday, 14th. September, Waltham Forest's Scrutiny Committee on Health, Adults and Older People discussed the cuts at Whipps Cross (closure of wards & operating theatres and redundancies) and the future plans which might involve the loss of some departments. Liberal Democrat members spoke up strongly against any such changes and in favour of maintaining a full range of services at Whipps Cross for the benefit of all the people of Waltham Forest.
Our local campaign goes on; we face serious problems both in the shorter and the longer term. See also reports below.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Lib Dems in Brighton
Off to Conference
Local Conference stalwarts Dr. Geoff Seeff and Cllr. John Beanse (Vice-Chair & Chair respectively of Chingford & Woodford Green Liberal Democrats) will be taking part in this year's LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CONFERENCE in Brighton (16th to 21st September). Both are former Parliamentary candidates.
A major debate will be on the proposals to switch to more GREEN TAXES.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Let's all recycle more !
GREEN FACTS to consider!
DID YOU KNOW --- ?
* In one hour we produce enough waste in the UK to fill the Albert Hall.
* In one day there would be enough waste to fill Trafalgar Square to the top of Nelson’s Column.
* In one year there would be enough waste to fill bins stretching from the Earth to the Moon.
* In this country, the vast majority of waste goes to expensive and possibly unhealthy landfill (or is incinerated) - what we ought to be doing is increasing recycling. Let's all recycle more.
DID YOU KNOW --- ?
* In one hour we produce enough waste in the UK to fill the Albert Hall.
* In one day there would be enough waste to fill Trafalgar Square to the top of Nelson’s Column.
* In one year there would be enough waste to fill bins stretching from the Earth to the Moon.
* In this country, the vast majority of waste goes to expensive and possibly unhealthy landfill (or is incinerated) - what we ought to be doing is increasing recycling. Let's all recycle more.
NHS under threat ?
Local Lib Dem councillors will be vigilant in seeking to defend our local NHS services. [See report below].
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Defending our NHS
Is there a threat to Whipps Cross ?
There has been much talk in the local press about the future of Whipps Cross Hospital - even a claim that there is a possibility it could close.
The situation is that
* the planned new "state of the art" hospital we have been promised for years is now officially off the agenda - for the time being at least
* because of its financial position, Whipps Cross is currently having to look very carefully at how it delivers services in order to make substantial savings
* Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust is involved in meetings with 3 other NE London PCTs to discuss how services can best be delivered in the future across the whole area. This seems a worrying development, because, crucially, nothing is ruled in and nothing ruled out in this exercise. Not surprisingly, all this has led to many rumours and concerns about the future of Whipps Cross.
* the planned new "state of the art" hospital we have been promised for years is now officially off the agenda - for the time being at least
* because of its financial position, Whipps Cross is currently having to look very carefully at how it delivers services in order to make substantial savings
* Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust is involved in meetings with 3 other NE London PCTs to discuss how services can best be delivered in the future across the whole area. This seems a worrying development, because, crucially, nothing is ruled in and nothing ruled out in this exercise. Not surprisingly, all this has led to many rumours and concerns about the future of Whipps Cross.
Local Liberal Democrat councillors will be monitoring the situation and will speak up for retaining facilities at Whipps Cross in the interests of all the people in Waltham Forest.
