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MARKET DRAYTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ FORUM - WINTER 2007/8 PRESS REPORT
This Report covers the significant issues discussed during our
September-November meetings.
September..
1. The consequences of the Town’s NHS Dentists having closed their
waiting lists: in particular the need for persons with special needs
having to travel to Dawley. The PCT having failed to respond to the
Forum Chairman’s letter, the matter was referred to the County
Association as similar closures elsewhere will impact heavily on many
throughout the County - particularly the elderly. The PCT eventually
responded that practices in Whitchurch and Newport are taking on new
patients. This remains unsatisfactory for Market Drayton residents and
the issue needs to be pursued.
2. The public toilets on the A529 Newport Road are intended to be
used by ramblers, car-parkers, passing pedestrians and motorists - in
addition to young folk using the adjacent skateboard park and recreation
area, primarily for whom they were recently refurbished. However, the
toilets are closed daily at 3.30 pm and remain closed permanently
throughout the weekend. The reason for them being closed at times when
they are most needed is, as we knew, vandalism and insufficient funds to
staff the facility. However, in the knowledge that a change in the
attitude of the moronic minority is not on the horizon, we must campaign
for funds to be made available to provide Market Drayton with basic
facilities needed by local residents - not least elderly incontinent
persons - and to encourage visitors to the Town.
3. Litter ’hotspots’ - in particular the Tern Valley Countryside
Project - and frequency of street cleaning.
4. The Community Asset Trust and future of the Cottage Hospital. A
lot is happening behind the scenes as investigations are made to
determine ownership of the Cottage Hospital land and whereabouts of
money donated many years ago. We have in mind the need to cater for an
ageing population and the exorbitant cost of renting space at the Health
Centre ruling it out as an alternative venue.
The last speakers for 2007 were Clive and Carol Chapman from the
Town’s Museum. Clive’s presentation outlined the history of the Museum,
ranging from the collection of artefacts over many years to the recent
renovation of a listed building - previously a derelict shop - to house
the collection.
October.
1. The implications of Accessing Medical Records via Home Computers.
2. Commitments contained in the Shropshire County Council/Shropshire
Association of SCF’s Agreement.
3. Meals-on-Wheels. A close watch needs to be maintained to ensure
that customers are not prejudiced by any cost-cutting measures. For
instance, while efforts to reduce delivery costs by encouraging frozen
meals would be useful to some recipients, without instruction there is a
danger of microwave misuse.
4. Physiotherapy. There is a 33-week waiting list for appointments
due to insufficient staff numbers. This discussion coincided with a
request from the Association to provide details of delayed discharges
from hospitals and lack of care following discharge, enabling the
experience of one member who needed physiotherapy to be cited. Our
member eventually received the care she needed from Whitchurch after
failing to receive it locally.
November.
1. The Forum will have a stall at the Victorian Market/Christmas
Fair/Festival of Lights on 23 November.
2. Most of the Meeting was taken up by considering members
experiences or knowledge of each of the Services Provided for Older
People as listed on Shropshire County Council’s web site. This, in
anticipation of Liz Nicholson’s meeting Trustee Members of the
Association on 12 November. Matters highlighted for mention were the
apparent inexperience of Assessors who were expected to make
life-dependent recommendations; guidance given to meals-on-wheels
delivery drivers and concern about the present structure of the Warden
Service covering sheltered dwellings and outlying residents.
Further information on any aspect mentioned above or Market Drayton
Forum’s activities can be obtained from Eric Davis by telephoning 01630
655778 or via e-mail ericatriverside@btinternet.com
ENDS
For further information please contact Mr Eric Davies on 01630
655572 or email
ericatriverside@btinternet.com |
