All Hallows is a highly respected and well-equipped cottage hospital, financed largely by the generosity of local people. I never cease to be impressed by its unique atmosphere of healing and peace.
However, the county’s health funding crisis has hit All Hallows, with the local NHS looking to make savings of £174,000 by cutting the number of beds bought from the hospital. This is clearly at odds with the Government’s promised investment of £750 million into community hospitals.
What a ridiculous state of affairs. Local health bosses are saying they can’t afford community hospitals, just as the Department of Health is saying it wants more of them. I have asked Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt to sort this situation out as soon as possible.
However, should the Waveney go into flood, parts of Diss, Harleston and villages along the banks of the river could be placed at risk.
Flooding can wreck homes and businesses with frightening speed. It is the job of the Environment Agency to protect homes in the Waveney Valley from flooding.
However, because of mismanagement elsewhere in Government, cuts are being made in the Agency’s maintenance budget for flood defences. Flood defences that are not properly maintained will fail.
The National Audit Office will soon be looking at the Environment Agency’s efforts to tackle flood risks and, in the meantime, I have tabled questions in the House of Commons to find out how deep these cuts will bite.
▪ Need to see your MP? You can make an appointment to see Richard by calling 01379 642769.
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