The NHS needs support and innovative solutions, not just more money. It must be reengineered to treat the cause of illness, not just the symptoms. Prevention is better for people and cheaper than cure.

Critical Access to NHS Dentistry and Doctors

Improved access to NHS dentistry and doctors is especially critical for our area.

Addressing Obesity and Related Health Issues

The NHS is being overwhelmed with specific problems related to obesity, leading to type II diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, and hypertension. Other illnesses are linked to the quality of our food. It’s imperative to review the nation’s diet and ensure everyone has access to nutritious, affordable food from an early age. Doctors and nurses need training on this. Hospitals should collaborate with other agencies, such as councils and schools, to focus on prevention.

Mental Health Provision

Mental health needs much more provision. Proper funding will reduce overspill into services like the police.

Life Expectancy and Quality of Life

Life-expectancy in our area is 80 years, yet active life expectancy is only 64. We need to ensure that if people are living to 80, it is a quality life.

Assisted Dying as an Option

Having watched my mother slowly die of Alzheimer’s over six years, losing her dignity as she first lost the power of speech, then her other faculties, and eventually becoming doubly incontinent, I can only say that assisted dying must be an option for terminal illness. The nurses and the home where she was cared for were tremendous, but no one was satisfied watching someone die in such a cruel way.

Social Care Provision

Social care provision is much reduced, causing blockages in hospitals as care home places for the elderly to be discharged to are sought. The convalescence hospitals were also an essential component lost to austerity. It needs to be reviewed, and a strategy set out, including how it is funded.