Neighbourhood health and care close to home, that's the Government's own strategy, and it's the right one. But strategy means nothing without the infrastructure behind it, and in Tiverton and Minehead that infrastructure just isn't there anymore.
Yesterday I intervened in the Commons debate on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.
Each week, people die before they receive the compensation they were promised. That is a moral stain on our country.
#Somerset #Devon #Parliament
What are we without our pubs?
Rural pubs are more than just places to have a pint; they are the heart of our communities and bring us together.
I was proud to mention the fantastic Butcher's Arms in Carhampton, which reopened its doors in January and is now thriving.
#Somerset #Devon #Pubs
I raised this in a Westminster Hall debate this week, using Minehead as my example. The community hospital there lost its CT scanner.
Ministers keep talking about bringing care closer to people but you can't do that if you take it away.
#Somerset #Devon #Minehead
The event raised a whopping £14,000 for local charities, including the Children's Hospice South West and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, and everyone involved should be incredibly proud of what they've achieved.
#Somerset #Stogumber
Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Marika at Fortitude Gym in Williton.
She built it from nothing, and it's become a lifeline for people recovering from injury, illness and addiction. One member went from crutches to running a half-marathon.
#Somerset #Devon #Gym
Great news for Bishops Lydeard!
The Parish Council has agreed the final £50,000 needed to complete the nursery redevelopment.
Without the extraordinary efforts of Phil Durban and dedicated parents, friends and concerned local residents this nursery would not have come about.
#Somerset #Nursery
I told the PAC this month that people had come to me with concerns about a bullying culture at HPC
If you've got any workplace issues or concerns, Whistleblowers UK can offer support and advice: wbuk.org
You can also report it to the Office for Nuclear Regulation: buff.ly/fOXEx1t
#Somerset #Devon
Video
That's preventative health work easing pressure on the NHS. But rising business rates are pushing gyms like Fortitude towards closure.
I raised this with the Leader of the House today and asked him to push the Treasury for fairer rates for small health and fitness providers.