It has been another busy week in Westminster and the constituency. Here is a snapshot of my week!
On Monday I met with some of the key scientific figures involved in our national response to COVID-19 to thank them for what they had done and to pledge my continued support to life sciences research in the UK. This is vital if we want to be more resilient against future health threats and if we want to improve access for patients to life changing treatments. I have been working to get greater research obligations into the Health and Care Bill to ensure that all parts of the system are engaging in research to benefit patients - and help us realise our ambition to be a life sciences superpower.
On Tuesday I met with other MPs representing University Technical Colleges (UTCs) and with the Baker Dearing Educational Trust who spearhead work on technical education. It is always a pleasure to hear that UTCs, including our own South Devon University Technical College, are producing exceptional results. The opportunity to undertake technical training is creating a springboard for huge numbers of UTC leavers to enter apprenticeships and universities. I am pleased to be working with Baker Dearing and our local UTC to raise the profile of UTCs as an excellent option for local young people.
Later I attended a reception about the affordable housing challenge in the South West. Our part of the country faces some unique challenges when it comes to housing. Given the high dependence on the tourism industry, we have many properties being converted to holiday lets, meanwhile we are experiencing a shortage in housing for residents, key workers and those on limited means. We must ensure that we build the right types of properties for local people- we don’t need more unaffordable executive homes!
I have had numerous constituents contact me regarding difficulty accessing NHS dentists. In January the Government announced a further £50m of funding to address this, particularly targeted at children and those with mental illnesses and learning disabilities. Yet, the situation seems to remain dire. I have asked the Government what they are doing to address this continuing issue which is particularly acute in Teignbridge. I hope to come back soon with a positive update.
Later in the week I met with Health Minister Ed Argar to hear the conclusion of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel regarding the closure of Teignmouth hospital. I was very unhappy to hear that the panel had determined that the consultation was compliant with the rules the Clinical Commissioning Group must follow. This decision enabling the CCG to close the hospital is not in the best interests of Teignmouth residents. The new health hub intended to provide many of the lost services doesn’t yet exist. Following Covid, our local health system needs more capacity not less. I remain very concerned as to the adequacy of home-based care which it is argued replaces the need for hospital beds. I will be meeting all those who have been involved to consider the options going forward.
Back in the constituency I met with the team working on reopening the Heathfield railway line. I was delighted to hear that good progress has been made on plans which are now looking even more ambitious than before. Modelling has demonstrated that there would be significant appetite for a line between Heathfield and Newton Abbot and even perhaps beyond to Torbay. I look forward to meeting with the team again in due course to hear further updates.
I thoroughly enjoyed a visit to the new offices of the Mid-Devon Advertiser. It is crucial that local journalism continues to thrive! I am sure there is a promising future ahead for this newspaper!
If you would like to book a surgery appointment or raise a specific issue, please call my office on 01626 368277 or email annemarie.morris.mp@parliament.uk