February, 2016
E: paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk
Karin Smyth Patients want to see cancer services in South Bristol
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OU might recall reading in the November issue of the Voice about a community consultation I’ve been running regarding the South Bristol NHS Community Hospital that opened at Hengrove four years ago. I’ve been concerned for some time that it’s underused, with spare capacity, and that it is not yet fulfilling its potential. Too many people living in the south of the city are still being referred for appointments across Bristol, at Southmead and the BRI, for example. So my survey explores people’s experiences of the Hengrove hospital and what, if any, additional services people would like to see there. I’ve now analysed the first few hundred
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The MP’s view Each month Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth gives her perspective responses. Feedback from those who’ve used it is overwhelmingly positive, but nine out of 10 people would like to see more services there, not least to reduce the need to travel across the city for healthcare. That’s not surprising since two thirds of those who have completed the survey tell me they travel elsewhere. A large proportion go to Southmead, which is a difficult journey and is where people
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are often directed for cancer-related treatment. Consultation feedback shows that cancer screening services, followed by a seven day GP service, are the most sought-after additional services for Hengrove. I’ve now written to officials at the Clinical Commissioning Group – the body that’s responsible for funding local health services – giving them details of these findings, and letting them know that I support my constituents’ view that extending cancerrelated screening is a priority for Hengrove. I’ve asked them for their comments and requested they set out what plans or aspirations they have to extend services, and by when, to Hengrove. Watch this space. It took over 50 years of campaigning for the hospital to be built, but if we’re to secure additional healthcare services at Hengrove, it’s important South Bristol people continue to speak up. Voice readers who haven’t already completed my survey and who would like to make their views known are welcome to do so. It can be completed online at www. karinsmyth.com/hospital. If you would like a paper copy call 0117 953 3575. And don’t forget, if you want to write to me about this or any other issue, you can do so by email: karin.smyth.mp@parliament.uk or by post at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
Entertainment
No script – so just make up a play in a week!
CHILDREN who are also carers have the chance to get away from their responsibilities and face a different challenge during half term: creating a play in four days. The Acta community theatre in Gladstone Street, Bedminster, which runs drama groups for young carers every week. The half term project from February 9-12 offers the chance to make an original story for the stage. The week will end with a performance for family and friends on the Friday evening. At the last event during the October half term, 14 young people from North Somerset spent three days creating a show called Ocean Waves. The group came up with a pirate story involving storms, sea monsters, ghosts and mutinies – but with a moral ending where only the good pirates were rewarded with treasure. Among the young people who have attended the carers’
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The old ’uns are the good ’uns REVIEW: Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden: Past Masters Slapstick Festival, St George’s
Total Eclipse: One of Acta’s earlier shows made by the young carers sessions, one said: “It’s helped me lots because I used to be nervous and now I’m not. It’s built up my confidence.” Another said: “I’ve made really good friends and I can talk to people who know what I’m going through and are from similar situations at home.” And another: “I was glad it wasn’t about my caring but it was just about having fun.” • www.acta-bristol.com
A PLAY IN 4 DAYS
• For child carers aged 11-18 • 10am-3pm each day • Show 6pm Friday • No experience necessary; no auditions • At Acta, Gladstone Street, Bedminster BS3 3AY • Free transport available • Book on 0117 953 2448 • Bring a packed lunch
BARRY CRYER was writing putdowns for Frankie Howerd before modern stand-up was invented. But here he is, with multitalented singer-guitarist Ronnie Golden, creasing up a Slapstick Festival audience. Age is not a barrier to enjoying yourself, he opines .“Sex is great at 80. We live at No. 82.” “Barry has been working on his first erotic novel,” says Ronnie. Adds Barry: “It’s a pop-up”. That gives you a flavour. It’s not subtle. In Zimmer Frame Blues, when Barry sings, “My short term memory’s shot to pieces,” you can guess the next line. Ronnie’s impression of Robert De Niro as a chicken is, however, unexpected. It appeared to amuse Bill Oddie, next to us. We don’t usually cover shows that aren’t local; but Slapstick is run by Totterdowners, and it’s cracking. Go see. PB
Got a story or any other inquiry? Call Paul on 07811 766072 or email paul@southbristolvoice.co.uk