Is this Care in the Community?

Does this government care about our most vulnerable?

There is no closer issue to the hearts of local residents than our NHS and care systems.

But if we only focus on numbers that highlight under-investment in hospitals, record waiting lists, ambulance problems, access to GP and dentistry services, then we are in danger of taking our eyes off the less abled individuals in our community who are really suffering.

Too often I am coming across those in our community who are being left behind by a regime that no longer seems to care.

One local lady, who is visually impaired and suffering from numerous debilitating ailments, tells me that she is “living in hell” thanks to the withdrawal of financial support from Conservative controlled Surrey County Council. As funding and other support gets withdrawn, many are feeling increasingly isolated.

Care in the community must mean CARE in OUR community

If you are elderly and cannot see or walk, then being told to get your blood pressure checked in a self-help booth at your local surgery is not sensitive given the difficulties accessing such self-services. If you have no family but have to rely on the limited hours provided by a care worker, then getting to the pharmacy can be problematic.

As this lady said to me most eloquently, ‘care in the community has turned into no care in the community’ - this is not a civilised society.

I agree… and I want to do something about it.