Monday, April 30, 2007
NHS Consultation Delay
The long-awaited consultation on the so-called "Fit for the Future" options - all of which seem to point to some downgrading or reduction in local hospital services - has been delayed yet again. It now appears that the consultation will not occur before OCTOBER. In the meantime, there will be further reviews and calculations. The consultation on the future of our Mental Health Services, managed by the North East London Mental Health Trust (NELMHT), is however likely to happen before October.
Cllr. John Beanse, who is Vice-Chair of Health Scrutiny in Waltham Forest, commented: "This uncertainty is most unsatisfactory, both for patients and for our local health services, particularly WHIPPS CROSS Hospital. The whole "Fit for the Future" exercise has seemed flawed in several important respects. When will the voice of the people - already clearly articulated in petition signatures and the protest march and rally - finally be listened to?"
Cllr. John Beanse, who is Vice-Chair of Health Scrutiny in Waltham Forest, commented: "This uncertainty is most unsatisfactory, both for patients and for our local health services, particularly WHIPPS CROSS Hospital. The whole "Fit for the Future" exercise has seemed flawed in several important respects. When will the voice of the people - already clearly articulated in petition signatures and the protest march and rally - finally be listened to?"
Friday, April 27, 2007
By-election result
Chingford Green ward, Waltham Forest
The result of the Chingford Green by-election, held on Thurs., 26th. April, 2007, was as follows:
UKIP 143
CON 1694
Labour 208
Lib Dem 1022
There was a big swing to the Liberal Democrats, compared with the 2006 result, particularly in the west of the ward, and candidate Graham Woolnough's vote exceeded one thousand. It was always going to be a big mountain to climb for the Lib Dems, but after an energetic and hard-working campaign, the result has to be seen as a very creditable achievement.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Chingford Green campaign
The campaign was a genuine team effort and a whole host of local issues were raised by residents which the FOCUS Team has followed up with the relevant bodies.
One positive outcome of the by-election has certainly been a real focus on issues of concern in this most northerly ward in Waltham Forest.
One positive outcome of the by-election has certainly been a real focus on issues of concern in this most northerly ward in Waltham Forest.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Standing up for our NHS
Questioning the Prime Minister, Lib Dem Leader, Sir Menzies Campbell challenged Tony Blair to explain why nurses in England and Wales are not getting their full pay increase up front (as they are in Scotland). He also lambasted him for failing health care workers in general, including newly qualified nurses who can’t get jobs, junior doctors and nursing assistants hit by the budget. The Royal College of Nursing has threatened to ballot its members on industrial action unless ministers reverse their decision to award nurses an “insulting” below-inflation pay deal. Nurses at the annual conference voted 97% in favour of investigating what forms of action could be taken.
Friday, April 13, 2007
On the campaign trail
GRAHAM WOOLNOUGH, Lib Dem candidate in the Chingford Green by-election (Waltham Forest), is pictured campaigning on the Yardley Lane estate. The land at the bottom of the hill is Green Belt, but there is currently a proposal for a development of over 100 homes just over the border in Epping Forest District. This would have serious consequences for traffic along this already very busy stretch of SEWARDSTONE ROAD, quite apart from the fact that we should be preserving our Green Belt. Graham has slammed as "a disgrace" the refusal to date of the Secretary of State to "call in" these plans for a Public Inquiry.Friday, April 06, 2007
A rail service for the 21st.century?
Lib Dem Graham Woolnough (pictured here at Chingford Station) has backed the campaign for an additional direct service from Chingford to STRATFORD. This scheme requires the re-opening of the Hall Farm Curve beyond St. James Street.
He said: " This service would provide a valuable interchange at Stratford with the Central and Jubilee Lines plus the Docklands Light Railway and overground services too. It is high time that this project, which has been been talked about for so long, should be given the go-ahead!"
