As I write this month’s column, the clocks have recently changed and spring finally seems to be upon us. I know that my children are enjoying the longer lighter evenings, taking the opportunity to spend more time on the trampoline in the garden.
Apparently trampolines are a common cause of accidents for children, though of course accidents in the home can happen at any time. The Red Cross have some excellent first aid training videos and advice on their website, including specialised advice for dealing with children and babies. https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid
Another place where you can get health advice and help is your local pharmacy. I have recently visited a pharmacy, and was impressed by the range of support available. Many pharmacists have consultation rooms for private conversations, and it’s good to remember that pharmacists are trained experts in managing minor illnesses and using medicines safely.
I recently met the senior regional officer for the Royal College of Nursing to discuss a range of issues facing nurses in the NHS. Nurses are the back bone of the NHS, and work incredibly hard day and night across the country. I am delighted a pay deal has been agreed meaning that 1.1 million NHS workers including nurses and midwives will receive a significant pay increase. This will be between 6.5 per cent and 29 per cent and the lowest earning NHS staff such as porters, cleaners and hospital caterers will see their wages rise by 15 per cent over the next three years.
A number of people have contacted me about the drug Orkambi, and its availability for sufferers of Cystic Fibrosis. I was pleased to be able to attend a debate about this in Parliament, and share the words of a young constituent living with cystic fibrosis. Hopefully there will be some good news about this soon, as I know that it will make a huge difference to many people’s lives.
If you want to read my contribution to that debate, and all other questions and debates in the House of Commons, you can find them on my website. https://www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk/parliament