And this week's special interest is

Health, the subject that left-wing politicians, believe to be their own, on the basis I suppose that the creation of national health service, is and was Labours best and least flawed inventions unlike much of the welfare state.

Seeing a notice from, the latest campaign group, "Save our Health Service" courtesy of Christine Tongue (local film maker), promoting a demonstration outside the Broadstairs Health Clinic against Concordia Health Limited , I thought I'd make inquires, being naive, I naturally assumed that this would be one of those vaguely left of centre groups, apparently not, all are welcome.

Just to underline the non political nature of the event, I understand that local hero Cllr Ian Driver will, most likely be at the forefront, of tomorrow's action, as we all know Cllr Driver has yet to commit to any political group, for more than a few months since being elected to TDC most recently joining forces with ex Tory Cllr Worrow.

Still coming to the object of protest, this apparently revolves around, the fact that since Concordia Health Limited took over the practice, doctors have resigned, and no full time replacements have yet established themselves, from my limited experience, this seems little worse than the standard health care.

I rarely visit my surgery however they must be at the cutting edge of health care, since my doctor has been replaced with a word processor, which every few months, commands me to a consultation with a blood pressure machine, in the waiting room and if your thinking it lacks the human touch, no worries because generally the receptionist rejects the machines printout, insisting I have another go, sometimes insisting on a third.

Take a look at the Press release for details

SAVE OUR HEALTH SERVICE


11 Grosvenor Road
Broadstairs
KENT CT10 2BT
inmeds@yahoo.co.uk


PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 2012


PROTEST CALLED AGAINST BROADSTAIRS HEALTH CRISIS

Angry patients are planning a protest outside Broadstairs Health Centre at 2pm tomorrow, Tuesday June 19.

The protest comes after it was revealed that the centre currently has no full time GPs to serve over 7,000 patients.

The protest has been called by Save Our Health Service, a new campaigning group, which has been formed to safeguard health services in Thanet.

Local film-maker, Christine Tongue, who is a patient with the practice, says the protest comes following the centre’s takeover by Concordia Health Ltd, a private company who own a string of practices in London and one in Dover.

“Two popular GPs left following the coming of Concordia. But Concordia assured us that the level of care would not be affected and that in fact the level of service would be improved.

“Now we discover we have no full time GPs and the practice manager has resigned. And there are ongoing difficulties in making appointments.

“We’ve been told that two new GPs have been appointed but are working out their notice in other practices. But the two GPs which Concordia previously recruited both left within months of joining the practice. Who’s to say these new GPs won’t leave very soon, too?

“There is something very wrong going on with Concordia and we need explanations about what’s happening there.

The Save Our Health Service group claims the problems with Concordia isn’t just an issue for its current patients, but for Thanet as a whole. Christine said: “The government’s new legislation means that it’s likely that companies like Concordia will become more and more involved with the provision of health services in Thanet. It’s important we confront these sorts of problems now or face much bigger problems in the future.”

Christine added: “Anyone who’s worried about our health service is welcome to join us at the protest at 2pm on Tuesday.” 

More information from Christine Tongue on 01843 604 253.


PS I see on tonight's news that the Thanet Conservative group have taken the tough stance of punishing Cllr Gregory by suspending him for six months after offensive comments left on Cllr Worrows phone,  its a pity Labour didn't do the same to Cllr Mike Harrison for comments made about womem and  Cllr Driver, who, I think should take a principled stand and refuse to work with Labour, unlikley as it might be.