Improving our NHS, making appointments with GPs and dentists easier, and cutting waiting times at hospitals.

Being prevented from visiting those we love in hospital has been one of the cruellest aspects of the Coronavirus pandemic.   It was a completely understandable measure, to help contain the virus, but so hard for families and patients, be they Covid or Non-Covid.  It was therefore a g

A successful cure for Coronavirus, be it a vaccine or some other mechanism, is the grail we all seek for our long-term health and safety.   Whilst that mission is carried out around the world the NHS is looking at how to diminish the worst effects of the disease, giving us a better chance

The most optimistic hopes for an effective coronavirus vaccine to become available are reported to be at least a year away, and probably more.  People I speak with in Maidstone & The Weald know that the effect of an extended general lockdown could be just as damaging as the virus itself, an

‘It’s not possible to fight a fire blindfolded’ said the World Health Organisation back in March when they issued the maxim ‘Test, Test, Test’ to governments around the world.  Until we have a vaccine, knowing who is infected is key because we can then selectively isolate people and trace those

My regular catch-up sessions with NHS Trust CEO Miles Scott are always important and I would like to share details of this week’s communication with Downs Mail readers. Firstly, everyone who works across the Trust are hugely grateful for the support and generosity of local people and businesses.&nb

Dear Friends and Residents   The Covid-19 virus is perhaps the most disruptive and dangerous pandemic we have faced in generations.  As with the rest of the country, and indeed the world, all of us in Maidstone and the Weald will face upheavals in the coming months as we tackle, individua

The international outbreak of Coronavirus is a huge challenge, and rightly our Government is treating the issue with great care and seriousness.

One of my top priorities in Maidstone and The Weald, ever since the MASH campaigns started back in 2008, has been to protect and help improve our NHS services for local people.  Earlier this year I wrote in these pages of my concern that Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells (MATW) NHS Trust found the

Our NHS is so cherished across the nation because, perhaps without exception, we all have such intimate personal experiences, often in times of great emotion and pain; getting us through emergencies, caring for an elderly relative, managing the multitude of modern cancer threats, or helping bring ou

A group of 15 young people from Maidstone have been running a social action campaign as part of their National Citizens Service summer project.  The goal was to raise awareness of mental health issues and the services available for younger people in the Maidstone area. One of their activities