Flooding, artificial limbs, feet and smashed windows

14/08/2009 by Steve Barclay.

Flooding, artificial limbs, feet and smashed windows - all in the casework this week

Helping residents with a varied range of issues this week.  A key point we need to address are the recent problems of flooding in Whittlesey. 

Delph Ward in Whittlesey has seen problems with flooding, and I am working with Cllr Kay Mayor and County Cllr Martin Curtis to ensure this is looked at as a matter of urgency.  Guidenburg Crescent has had problems, and there have been problems also in Coates  - Richardson Way has suffered in past downpours.  The issue came up at one of my regular coffee morning sessions, and I have a site meeting arranged to see first hand on Saturday morning.  Flooding is hugely distressing in causing damage to someone’s home, and when it occurs we need to ensure government agencies respond.  Also liaising with MP Malcolm Moss so we can arrange a meeting with Anglian Water, the Environment Agency, RSPB (some work to provide the ideal environment for wading birds is thought to be one of the factors), and Council engineers as soon as possible this month - more on this in later blogs.  Proposals for another 500 homes in Whittlesey must not be rushed through before we understand better the problems around flooding and the impact these homes will have.

Another issue causing concern locally is the treatment for those needing artificial limbs at Addenbrookes.  It is a world class hospital, but the service offered in this department raises a number of questions.  Issues include ill fitting prosthetic limbs (if an X ray is not taken when fitting an artificial leg then back pain can result), lack of regular skin covers for the artificial leg and a failure to match the cover to the patients skin colour, money wasted on limbs that do not fit (at £8,000 to £12,000 a time, and they apparently are not sent to be used in developing countries as happens in other UK hospitals but just thrown away), a lack of physio when fitting limbs - it is not sensible to expect those in North Cambs to travel for a 30 minute session separately when it could be done at the time of one of the 5 fittings, and a failure to provide artificial sports legs to enable activities like cycling - the rules appear to be that this is provided if the accident is recent but not if the requirement was caused at birth.  Draft a letter to the hospital setting out the concerns raised and seeking clarification.  What is alarming is that a quick internet search reveals another patient flagging many of these same points back in March 2000!  Surely if the problems were known then, 9 years is adequate time to address them?

Catch up again this week with podiatrist Karen Coppin who kindly lets me join her to watch treatments for some of her older patients.  It is helpful to see and chat first hand to those using this service to understand what is needed and the benefits offered.  With over 26 years experience, Karen has a first class understanding which she combines with a great caring touch.  One of the clearest points I take away is the benefit of prevention.  With the cost of a silver dressing at approx £50 a time not to mention the cost and time involved in providing anti-biotics in drips when infections occur, it makes more sense to treat things quickly and nip them in the bud.  The NHS used to offer a one stop shop but this has been stopped.  Training used to be hands on after 6 weeks whereas now some degree courses have no practical training at all in the first year.  Diabetics are involved in 100 amputations a week and are more likely to lose feeling in their nerve endings and so not know if they have hurt their feet.  However diabetics do not automatically have access to NHS podiatrists.  Some operations e.g. for bunions carried out in hospital could be done in Boston quicker and at less cost with a podiatrist surgeon.   Plenty of points emerge which I will pick up as part of my campaign for better podiatry services.

Also pop in to the clothes shop Start Dust in March which once again has suffered from vandalism with a smashed window. As the owner is out, have a brief chat and will go back on Saturday. In the meantime speak with the March Police Sgt who is dealing with the crime.  He confirms that an arrest was made, but that guilty party got just an £80 fine which is far less than the damage caused.  Will go in again on Saturday to see the boutique owner.

Finally this week, a more random discovery.  Was told I am not the first Stephen Barclay in North East Cambs.  Apparently the first Governor of Whitemore Prison had the same name, as did one of the previous local GPs.  From the prison, to the hospital, to potentially Parliament - not sure what to make of this.

Posted in March, Malcolm Moss MP, Whittlesey | No Comments »