Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 24th April 2024) below:
NHS
I met the relevant Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, to feedback responses from a survey I undertook of local dental practices on the Government’s NHS Dental Recovery Plan.
All who responded highlighted the need for the wider NHS Dental contract to be reviewed, with some being particularly critical of how the UDA (Unit of Dental Activity) aspect of it worked. Whilst some local practices indicated the new plan would not change their provision of NHS Dental Services or see them restart, others confirmed they would be looking to sign on new NHS Patients due to the increased payments offered under the Government’s plan. We also discussed the bizarre situation where a dentist in Paignton had disappeared and closed their practice without any notice.
It was good to hear some of Minister’s thoughts in response to points raised by local dentists, including indications further reforms to the contract and payment system will be brought in. We also discussed the current availability of NHS Dental Services, with some practices in our bay having signed on new NHS patients since the recent changes were implemented last month.
There is more work to be done. Further reforms are needed to ensure the NHS can make more use of the dental surgeries which don’t currently provide NHS services, whilst patients deserve a clearer system where registering with a Dentist is like registering with a GP for NHS services.
Ukraine
A vital package of military support for Ukraine has been approved by the United States Congress.
Many of the arguments used by those who opposed it, were like those of isolationists who in the 1930s argued America could simply ignore disputes in Europe and not get drawn in. They were wrong then and are wrong now.
The approval of this package is not only about practical aid for Ukraine but sending a message the world’s democracies will support them for as long as it takes to achieve victory. Putin’s hope of being able to win a waiting game has been dashed.
TUFC
A 5-0 win and no relegation worries meant the season ended on a high at Plainmoor last Saturday. Now the focus must turn to next season and a new era.
Having been relegated last year and spent a lot of this season struggling on the pitch against part-time teams, whilst off-pitch the club went into administration, there must be a hardheaded review of what is going wrong and how it can be fixed under a new owner. Torquay United should be a league club, not one struggling to stay in the top two tiers of Non-League Football. The fans who have stuck with the club deserve nothing less.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 26th April 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Road, Paignton TQ4 5AG and Friday 3rd May 10am till 12Noon at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
