Appreciate Apprenticeships

The hard working MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon, is in support of creating a Royal College of Apprenticeships, and you can read more about his proposal here. Apprenticeships should have their value highlighted and supported in both the economy and society. I wish him every luck with his proposal. He has suggested that he hopes it will develop into something like the British Medical Association. However, I hope that any Royal College of Apprenticeships will remain true to its name, and rather than following the 'trade union' BMA, it will follow in the footsteps of the Royal College of surgeons/ Physicians or Psychiatrists and be a body to 'maintain and achieve high standards'.

A shortage of psychiatrists?

USA Today recently reported that demand for psychiatrists is climbing faster than for any other medical specialty. From April 2009 to March 2010, the company Merritt Hawkins received 179 requests for psychiatrists — a 47% increase from the previous year and 121% increase from the 2006-2007 survey.

There are concerns that supply of psychiatry trainees is not keeping pace with the increased demand. Shankar Yalamanchili, a psychiatrist with River Region Psychiatry in Montgomery, Ala., says doctors who perform medical procedures make more money than psychiatrists who converse with patients. He said "I get paid more for treating a zit than I get for sitting down for half an hour talking to a patient."

Kurt Mosley, Merritt Hawkins' vice president of strategic services, says it's "the perfect storm right now" as more than half of all psychiatrists age 55 and older are nearing retirement, and there aren't enough physicians to take their spots. The lack of psychiatrists in Iowa has been so bad that several hospitals have had to close their inpatient psychiatric care units, says Scott Lindsley, operations director for Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Curved or Straight?

Elephant Illusion

How many legs does this elephant have?

More Illusions

Do you see the native american wearing a head dress, or the inuit wearing a fluffy coat and entering an igloo?

Young or Old?

Can you see both the young woman and the old woman in this classic optical illusion?

If you need some help, the eye of the old woman is the ear of the young woman. The old woman's mouth is the young woman's necklace.

Are We Waking up to the Cost of Dementia Care?

The BBC today report that the cost associated with dementia is more than 1% of the world's gross domestic product this year at £388bn.

The number of people with dementia is expected to double by 2030, and more than triple by 2050. But experts say the costs of caring for people with dementia are likely to rise even faster than the prevalence, especially in the developing world, with more formal social care costs.

Professor Martin Prince, of the UK's Institute of Psychiatry and who co-authored the report, urged nations to develop better plans for caring for the millions who have the disease. "Governments must show greater leadership, working with all stakeholders, to drive solutions to the long term care issue."

Right or Left?

A Timely Letter

Yesterday the Times newspaper printed a letter by Dr Christoph Lees and Dr Mark Slack. Both Consultants at Addenbrooke's Hospital. The letter was entitled 'Medical Training, Freedom and Fun.' The letter was about doctor training and the impact of the EWTD (European Working Time Directive). They stated 'None of us wants to return to 90-plus-hour weeks but a modest uplift in the hours stipulated by the EWTD would allow trainee doctors greater freedom and satisfaction...The result would be greater continuity in training, with consultants being able to guide the trainee doctor exclusively for a period during which their clinical skills are acquired.'

The photograph shows Andrew Lansely back in 2007 helping to campaign to improve doctor training and hence patient safety. Now he is Health Secretary I look forward to watching him acting the best interests of patients. He needs to work fast to ensure UK doctor training remains globally respected.

The book to watch out for

If you are thinking of ordering a book, look no further than the excellent new novel 'Law and Peace' by Tim Kevan. It has been described as a funny, fast-paced Machiavellian romp through the legal world. It can be pre-ordered here.

North West Durham on Election Night.

Congratulations to Pat Glass MP, I wish her well in representing all of her constituents including those who voted for her, those who voted for others, and those who decided not to vote at all. The candidates in North West Durham fought a good clean campaign, showing you can disagree without being disagreeable, leaving the debate to be about policy rather than just personality. I wish Prime Minister David Cameron every success in leading our great country.

Voting for Number 10

If you want to see David Cameron walk into Number 10 tomorrow then don't forget to go out and vote Conservative today. We have our own Number 10 here in Wolsingham.

David Cameron Bear!

Our blue bear called David Cameron was a big favourite today in Consett. It was lovely to be part of the buzz surrounding the General Election process and meeting people who are going to be voting Conservative tomorrow.

I personally wanted to thanks the hundreds and hundrens of people I have spoken to out on the campaign trail in:

Cornriggs, Cowshill, Wearhead, St John's Chapel, Westgate, Eastgate, Townfield, Rookhope, Hunstanworth, Edmundbuyers, Muggleswick, Waskerley, Crawleyside, Stanhope, Hill End, White Kirkley, Frosterley, Wolsingham, Tow Law, Sunniside, Fir Tree, Howden-le-Wear, Witton-le-Wear, Hunwick, Willington, Crook, Castleside, Satley, Billy Row, Esh, Cornsay, Quebec, Langley Park, Lanchester, Burnhope, Shotley Bridge, Ebchester, Dipton, Knitsley and Consett.

The people of North West Durham are good honest hard working people who have been ignored for too long by the Labour Party. I hope they will vote for change and vote Conservative.

Campaigning - The Last Few Days

The Conservative campaign here in North West Durham has been going from strength to strength. Today the team (Margaret pictured here) were out campaigning in the centre of Crook - with David Cameron (our blue bear). The children adored him.

It has been such a great honour to meet the hundreds and hundreds of people on the doorstep. If I had a pound for every time I heard 'You're the first ever candidate who has ever called', Gordon Brown's debt would be greatly reduced. The Conservatives are not taking the voters for granted in the North East and I am very much looking forward to Election night. The choice is yours - Vote for change - Vote Conservative.

Supporting Local Business

Today the Conservative team were out in Shotley Bridge campaigning all day. Thank you all so much for your hard work - I know we all walked miles. This is a photograph of a wonderful local business, Savilles, that I would highly recommend. As usual it was the lovely people of North West Durham that really made our day.

Vote for Change - Vote Conservative

Election Address

Many thanks to all the people who have been contacting me about the Conservative North West Durham Election Address. It is clear that many people are concerned about the future of Shotley Bridge hospital. This photograph is of me visiting staff and patients in Shotley Bridge hospital. As my election address stated, having worked as a front line NHS doctor for a decade I would ensure that your health and Shotley Bridge Hospital are safe in my hands. David Cameron has pledged that the NHS is his number one priority. So, look out for more David Cameron support in the final week before the election as the Conservatives poll the Party most trusted with the NHS.

Conservative MP helps Campaign in Consett

A big thank you to Brooks Newmark MP for Braintree, who kindly helped out by joining our campaign team in Consett. We were delighted to get such a positive response. There was a clear message that the people of Consett are fed up of being taken for granted by the Labour Party. So, if you want change for the better - Vote Conservative on May 6th.

Move Over David cameron, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown.

We are lucky enough to have a star living in our very own North West Durham constituency - five year old Cherry from Willington. I think she would steal the show at any leaders' debate - and I hope David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown all watch this for tips. The first quesion Cherry answers is: 'Should there be more people filling in forms or more doctors and nurses?'

The Hustings at Castleside

This is a short clip from the Castleside Hustings on Wednesday night - from left to right the representatives are for Liberal Democrats, Labour, Conservative, Independent, UKIP and BNP, all hoping to represent the people of the North West Durham constituency. We were asked questions from directly from the audience. The question: 'Like many people over the past few years politicians from all Parties seem to have lost touch with ordinary people in the street. People are worried about crime, the NHS and many other things. How do I know you will listen and speak up for us in Westminster?'

Second Hustings

A big thank you to all who came along to the second hustings of the political campaign in North West Durham. It was held at the Castleside Club, and despite it being a beautiful sunny evening the club was packed full. I hope everyone enjoyed it.

Out on the Campaign Trail

A special thank you to all those who have been out and about canvassing and delivering leaflets with me in North West Durham - yes, even in Parliament Street. The people who so kindly give up their time and offer support are the real heroes of this General Election. Your work is very much appreciated and together we can deliver change for our country.

Out and About Campaigning

The sun was shining on the beautiful quintessentially English countryside as we were out and about campaigning in force today. A big thank you to all who came along. Tomorrow don't forget your sun cream :-)

Today's Telegraph

Today North West Durham constituency got a mention in the Telegraph, after Grazia magazine printed a feature about how female candidates want to be known for substance over style.

Diggerland, County Durham

Today the sun was shining and the North West Durham team have been hard at work getting on with all the work we have to do between now and the General Election. However, there was a lunch time stop in Langley Park and I couldn't resist popping into 'Diggerland'. They have some of the amazing machines, some of which you can even drive... Plus, I was lucky enough to meet lots of families and children who liked my Union Jack campaign bag.

Tomorrow we shall be campaigning in Willington - you are welcome to come and join in the fun.

The General Election Campaign

The campaign is now well under way. A BIG THANK YOU to all of those involved.
Together we can vote for change.

The Election has been Called - Change is Coming.

Did you know?

After nearly 13 years of a Labour Government

Almost five million people are on out of work benefits.
Over one million violent crimes were recorded last year.
The poorest families are paying a higher share of their income in tax than anyone else.
Government debt is growing by nearly £20 million every hour - with the Government spending more on debt interest than on educating our children.

And in the time it has taken you to read this blog Gordon Brown will have increased the country's debt by a further £360! It's time he stopped spending our taxpayers money, and is held to account at the ballot box.

Happy Retirement

Over the years there has been one place guaranteed to offer the latest medical news on the blogosphere. The excellent NHS Blog Doctor. I would personally like to wish 'Dr Crippen' an extremely happy retirement. Perhaps the words of Michelle Obama are a fitting wave goodbye to such a great blog that stood up for the medical profession:

"All of us are driven by a simple belief that the world as it is just won't do - we have an obligation to fight for the world as it should be."

Thank you NHS Blog Doctor. We will miss you.

Bad Budget from Labour, Clean Fighting from Conservatives

Countryside

Today it has felt as if spring has arrived. In North West Durham we are lucky to have some of the most picturesque landscapes in Great Britain. However, this Labour government does not seem to have understood the rural communities nor rural issues. Professor Robert Huggins, who devised and compiled the UK Competitiveness Index, suggested that urban development has been at the expense of rural areas, stating that 'local economies in rural areas are suffering from declining competitiveness.' Perhaps it's not just time for a change of season, but also a time for a change in government.

Next Week is the Big Budget

When Mr Darling delivers the budget next week it may be worth remembering that hedge funds and speculators are betting against the pound. The latest data published by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission show that net short positions in sterling now stand at their highest since at least January 1999. With 67,549 net short positions, compared with 29,475 at the start of the year.

The weight of speculative money is building fast and the weight of debt is threatening to topple the Labour Party at the General Election.

Music Album

The band Stained Glass heroes have already released their single and we are now awaiting the album. As the drummer in the band is a psychiatrist I thought I'd add them to this blog.

David Cameron Talking About the Economy

Labour's Neglect of Manufacturing in the North East

The Conservative Party have published a report highlighting that 94,857 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the North East between June 1997 and November 2009. Additionally, the number of advanced manufacturing jobs in the region, a key medium to hi-tech sector for which figures are available, fell by 56 per cent in that time.

Ken Clarke MP said, “This has been a tragedy for the North East, an area with a proud manufacturing tradition...We need to rebalance the economy away from Labour’s over-reliance on financial services towards high tech investment and exports. That is why we will cut corporation tax rates, simplify the tax system and support high tech innovation. British manufacturing cannot afford five more years of Gordon Brown making things worse. Only the Conservatives have the energy, leadership and the ideas to make Britain open for business again."

This report follows the Sir James Dyson report I blogged about a couple of days ago. I am glad to see that the Conservative Party are not just thinking about the election, but are thinking long term about how to improve science education, research and development. Ultimately, increasing jobs within the science and manufacturing sector.

The last decade has been termed the decade of the celebrity and excess, immortalised by Hirst's diamond skull. Let's hope any future Conservative Government returns respect to hard working British taxpayers.

Congratulations!

We have some amazing people in North West Durham and one of those is Mr Andrew Adams who is now famous as Mr President amongst the hedgelaying community. Many thanks to all who attended the fabulous cheese and wine party. More evidence of the wonderful community spirit that we are so lucky to have in Great Britain.

Engineering Excellence

Sir James Dyson completed a report for David Cameron highlighting the importance of science to help diversify the economy. Dyson has called for more support for science teachers and tax breaks for high-tech firms to conduct research to encourage an economy where Britain designs, makes and sells.

Among the report's key recommendations are greater financial and regulatory freedom for universities to promote investment in science and engineering, public-private institutes to help translate research into commercial opportunities and more generous tax relief for investors in start-up and established high-tech firms.

David Cameron summarised "I think we have a choice where we go on as we are borrowing money from the Chinese to buy their products, or we can say 'no - wait - this is actually a country with great design, great scientists, great engineers, let's make sure we are developing products and services and goods we can sell to the Chinese as they get richer'."

Gordon Brown has stifled the great British people for too long. It's time to release ourselves from the red tape of the Labour party and vote for change.

Tax

Think tank Reform have recently produced a paper entitled 'Reality check: Fixing the UK's tax system'. It was a very timely report considering the expected budget. Reform's proposals would cut taxes on employment at a time when the economic recovery depends on business growth and increased work effort, and reduce complexity in personal taxes. They would restore the link between sound principles and tax policy making, improving stability and confidence. However, Mr Darling is expected to give a budget aimed at electioneering rather than sound economic thinking.

The 'A Team'

Thanks to all who came along last night to the Corbridge Supper Club. It also gave me the opportunity to take a photograph of the 'A Team' in North West Durham. With their enthusiasm and energy we are already looking forward to the Election.

Summary

Out and about around North West Durham constituency. This poster seems to summarise the feeling on the street.

A Matter of Life and Death

A very interesting piece was published by the telegraph today, written by Professor John Keown. He concludes "If we are not to slide, greased by euphemism, down the Dutch slippery slope and if equal protection of the law is to be guaranteed to all (not least the most vulnerable), the duty of the DPP is clear: resolutely to uphold Parliament’s clear prohibition on assisting suicide."

He has previously given an extremely interesting talk at the House of Lords, and I hope he soon returns to this side of the pond to stimulate more debate in our House of Commons.

Campaigning Week

This week is campaign week in North West Durham - if you want to come and help please do get in contact.

Accident & Emergency

This photograph was taken whilst I was working in A&E with a team of other doctors and nurses. In the dying days of this current Labour government the National Audit Office reported that only one hospital in England and Wales can report to have full consultant cover 24/7. Staff on the frontline know that the Labour legacy is a health emergency.

Agenda for Farming

This week I'm spending time with farmers around Lanchester, and I'm delighted this coincides with the party's launch of "agenda for farming", covering a whole range of policies relating to agriculture.

There are five key summary points:
•Enabling increased production whilst protecting the environment;
•Promoting fair competition;
•Reducing the burden of regulation;
•Further reforming the Common Agricultural Policy;
•Taking action on animal disease.
Then there are two new policies:
•Introducing rules into the new national planning framework to prevent, in all but exceptional circumstances, the development of the most fertile farmland; and
•Fundamentally reforming the Rural Payments Agency by appointing the Farming Minister as chairman of its Management Board as a way of improving accountability, reducing costs and driving up performance.

It's about time we elected a government who both understood and respected the countryside.

Newsflash

Today an article I wrote about Labour's lamentable NHS legacy is featured on the Blue Blog.

Equipment for Heroes

MOD procurement is in the newspapers again today. And, again, it’s in the papers because of cost overruns and delays. Enough is enough. Labour Ministers have lacked the strength of character needed to drive through essential reforms. We must improve the way we equip the men and women who risk their lives defending our way of life. Recently an Army Colonel at the Defence Equipment & Support organisation – the organisation responsible for managing MOD procurement contracts – said “we’ve been planning the Future Command and Logistics Vehicle for 10 years [a lightly armoured 4x4 with specialist communication equipment]. Time’s moved on so far since the concept was first envisaged. By the time we get it in to service it will be the Past Command and Logistics Vehicle”.

I understand that there are challenges when it comes to buying military equipment. It’s not the same as going to the shops to buy a new pair of shoes. It goes without saying that we need appropriate assurance and scrutiny that taxpayers’ money – your money – is being well spent. But, as anyone in business will tell you: time is money. How much has a 10 year procurement cost us? How many lives has the delay cost us? It’s time for change. It's time to vote Labour out of the MOD procurement process.

Book Recommendation

If you are looking for a great read then look no further than confessions of a pupil barrister. It can be bought here. If you thought that legal eagles spent their time studying behind antique desks, think again! This book lifts the lid on legal chambers and offers readers a unique insight into the dirty tricks barristers use to battle each other, in and out of court. It left me asking the question, do these characters think they are above the law?

We Need Growth

As Clement Attlee stated on the day before the NHS came into being:

"You can't distribute wealth until it has been created. Flourishing public servives depend upon a profitable private sector. You can't have care without enterprise."

We all know that Gordon Brown has been so busy concentrating on how he will spend other people's money that he has failed to balance the books. Today think tank Civitas suggests that we need to cut coporation tax to 15% to stimulate growth by attracting businesses and jobs to Britain.

Could or Should Robin Hood be Aiming for the Banks?

Bill Nighy stars in a short sketch about the "Robin Hood" tax - a 0.05% tax on a limited subset of banking transactions. The Robin Hood tax is not a new idea, and in 1972 James Tobin proposed something very similar. The Robin Hood tax message sounds simple: a minuscule tax on banking transactions aiming to produce an enormous tax revenue that could be spent on the public sector. However, reality is seldom quite so simplistic. Actions have unforeseen feedback effects. It's easy to sell a simplified message. It's much more difficult to create mechanisms that are effective, efficient and equitable.

Perhaps we should start by asking what is the Robin Hood tax trying to achieve? Then examine whether this tax is the correct mechanism to drive the behaviour we want, whilst remains alert to unintended consequences. A tax on bankers may sound an attractive proposition. After all, bankers - and MPs embroiled in the expenses gate scandal - are probably amongst the least popular people at the moment. But policy agenda should not be swayed by fads - we need to take a view that balances the short-term and the long-term.

The Robin Hood tax aims to curb excessive financial speculation and redistribute wealth. The first is a laudable aim. The second is a matter of political preference. You (and your conscience) can take your pick about where you sit on the spectrum of socialism to "non-redistributivism".
Taxes are blunt instruments. There are also other ways to bring stability to banks. They're less glamorous and perhaps less high profile than the Robin Hood tax. They certainly don't have such catchy names and are less well known to people outside of finance or economics. Capital Adequacy, solvency and maturity matching are all possible mechanisms that may drive the behaviour we want to see in our banks - but we need to make sure that the regulators have the teeth to enforce them.

As for unintended consequences? Businesses need effective and efficient financial markets to raise capital funds for growth and to hedge against risks. I suspect that bankers and businesses will raise their prices to compensate for costs that are created by the Robin Hood tax. Therefore price increases will work their way back to us, the customer. A stable banking sector that offers reasonably priced services is something I suspect we are all hoping for. But would the less glamorous approaches (capital adequacy, etc) be a better way to achieve our ambitions than Robin Hood?

A Must Watch!

Dan Hannan another author in 'The Future of the NHS' has this to say:

Awaiting an Interesting Read?

Eamonn Bulter wrote a chapter in 'The Future of the NHS'. His new book is entitled 'The Alternative Manifesto'. The book has been described as a 'sort of workshop manual for fixing Britain, and it doesn't flinch from getting the spanner round those nasty problems that the politicians of all sides don't want to talk about.' In fact, the cover describes it not as a workshop manual but as a twelve-step plan to wean the political class off their fiscal alcoholism. It's offically released on the 25th Feb, however, early birds can buy it here.

Do we have Enough Staff in A&E?

The Northern Echo report that accident victims are dying unnecessarily at some of the region’s hospitals, according to a study by the National Audit Office (NAO). The NAO investigation found that many die because they suffer injuries at night or at weekends, when emergency consultants are not on call to provide the rapid diagnosis and treatment. This is more evidence that the Labour Party have not understood the NHS and have neglected our front line services here in the North East.

The Importance of Winning North West Durham for the Conservative Party

I am looking forward to the year of change. Gordon Brown has sold our gold reserves at knockdown prices, sent our troops to war on a peace time budget and under funded the prisons service so that thousands of convicts were released without serving even half of their sentences. Labour have raised the tax burden on the poorest, penalised two parent families, allowed grade inflation in schools, ballooned quangos and lacked any moral leadership in dealing with the MP’s expenses scandal. Labour leave an irresponsible debt legacy.

These are just some of the reasons why I ask for your support in the up coming General Election. David Cameron must prepare to get Britain working again and we must ensure that we do as much as possible to ensure he gets the keys to Number 10. And this means winning North West Durham for the Conservative Party.

Has the Labour Party Ran Out of Gas?

The recent Green Paper on Defence reminded me of the independent report published last October by Sir Bernard Gray about Defence acquisition. Sir Bernard Gray recognised that the UK isn't alone in feeling let down by the way military equipment is bought. Around the world many nations face similar shortcomings: equipment arriving late, being too expensive and not delivering what was requested or expected.

However, just because this is a pervasive problem, should we sit back and accept it? The Labour government have lacked ambition, vision, drive and leadership to act on Sir Bernard Gray's recommendations. Labour have returned similar reports year on year. Perhaps in a similar vain to Labour's education legacy: the bar required to pass exams was reduced, so exam league results looked better. This ignores the commitment required to faciliate the needs of the most able child, whilst also deserting the struggling student.

If the Conservative's win the next election, I don't believe we will accept 'lowest common denominator results'. The men and women fighting to protect us have never given up because something wasn't easy. We owe it them to get better at delivering the right equipment at the right time. We also owe it to the taxpayers to make sure your money is being is being spent in an effective and efficient way. We need to take action and vote at the Ballot box.

Quotation of the Day

"News is the information system on which a democratic society depends: we are free to think what we like - but only on the basis of what we know."
Professor Justin Lewis
Cardiff University

Blogging and Dinner

Over the years of blogging I have been lucky enough to make friends with fellow blogger Ellee Seymour. Last night she hosted myself, Liz truss and Louise Bagshawe with an amazing array of food. It was a thoroughly delightful evening. In a world where we must remain vigilant to the dangers of having an on line profile, this was an example of celebrating wonderful internet connections.

The Importance of Getting Involved in Politics

After yesterday's blog post about the importance of getting involved in politics, today's blog is about getting involved. As soon as the General Election is called there is one thing we can all do to engage in politics - VOTE!

The Importance of Political Enthusiasm

Today the Margaret Thatcher Foundation website have gone live with an amazing resource - the full database of speeches and public statements Margaret Thatcher gave from 1990.

As the expenses scandal rumbles on I note a speech she gave in 1968 where she asked 'Why the present distrust?' Her answer resonates as much then, as it does today. She believed 'there is too great a reliance on statistical forecasts; too little on judgment.' She concluded by encouraging people to vote, explaining the importance of people power in times of distrust, and said 'No great party can survive except on the basis of firm beliefs about what it wants to do. It is not enough to have reluctant support. We want people's enthusiasm as well.'

A Round Table Discussion

The other day I attended a round table discussion with other Conservative female PPC's from all over the country. We had been invited to discuss women's issues. By the end of the day we had also shared many campaign stories and I wanted to thank them all for making it such a successful day:

Kemi Adegoke (in photo), Hannah Foster (in both photos), Joanne Cash, Tracey Crouch and Keely Huxtable. Good luck girls at the General Election!