Last week I had a private meeting with Dr Chris Streather, the new Chief Executive of our local NHS Hospital’s Trust which is considering a major restructuring programme which may include the closure of the A&E in Queen Mary’s Sidcup. This is a massive local issue which has already had a great deal of media coverage. Called A Picture of Health, for some it might be the exact opposite
Whilst I have very profound reservations about some of the proposed changes, I have to say that I was impressed by Dr. Streather’s honest and candid response to the questions I asked him. I didn’t like some of what I heard, but I at least he didn’t try and waffle and fudge the issue. If first impressions count for anything, I suspect that on balance Dr. Streather will be good news for local people – even if the message he brings won’t be.
That may sound like a contradiction, but frankly the major blame for this problem lies with the Government who have put huge amounts of our cash into the NHS, without ensuring that it was being used in an effective and efficient way. So I would rather have someone who actually cares about people implementing unpalatable change than a jobsworth bean counter who couldn’t give a damn about local people.
The follow up to this story will be what improvements to the NHS will the people of Erith & Thamesmead see. Watch this space…
I am STANDING FOR CHANGE. As the Member of Parliament for Erith & Thamesmead I will fight for local people and make sure that our constituency gets the strong leadership it deserves. Like most people, I am sick and tired of the way that this area has been let down by the Labour Party who have taken us for granted. If I am going to bring dynamic political leadership to our area, I need YOUR VOTE! Married with four children, I am actively involved in my church, council and charities.