Torbay Hospital at breaking point, says Steve Darling, as he calls for urgent action on rebuild
Torbay Hospital's Tower Block is at risk of having its beds closed due to safety concerns, with Steve Darling reiterating his plea for government funding to prevent this from happening
We cannot escape the fact that the Cost of Living Crisis in this country and rising energy prices will continue to be dictated by the unstable United States. Trump’s latest move has been to further weaken Europe’s defence against Russia in exchange for diesel from the Russians to improve Trump’s profile ahead of the upcoming American Midterm Elections. Of course, the US would not be in this situation if not for Trump’s ongoing war in the Middle East.
The deal involves the US suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports in exchange for 300,000 tonnes of diesel. Americans are currently suffering from extortionate prices as U.S. diesel prices are at $6.18 a gallon, up 66.5 per cent from $3.66 a year earlier; however, the BBC interviewed an investment strategist who said that the diesel the US will receive from Russia is actually quite small and likely will not make a material difference to pump prices in the US. As is typical of Trump, this represents a dramatic U-turn as the US Congress only recently enacted legislation to authorise new American sanctions on nations that import Russian oil and gas.
With such an unstable force in the White House, it is absolutely critical that the UK can hold its own against Trump and Putin, and support Ukraine, in order to protect Europe from the Russian threat and to help combat the instability in the markets caused by Trump’s random and chaotic decisions.
Last week we were grappling with the urgent news that Torbay Hospital has to take immediate action to prevent beds being closed in the Tower Block, which contains a quarter of all beds in the Hospital, after being served notices by both the fire service and the Care Quality Commission. This was deeply disappointing news, as I have been advocating for funding for the Tower Block since my election, including on this precise issue since February, and have repeatedly appeared before government ministers to impress on them how urgently we need funding for the Hospital. Whilst I was pleased to secure £1.8 million, this is clearly insufficient, and it seems the chickens have now come home to roost.
Last week, I reiterated my plea in Parliament that the situation with the Tower Block has reached a breaking point and the government must step in. The Minister has yet to respond, so I will provide an update as soon as I receive it. You can get regular updates on my work by signing up to my newsletter at Steve Darling MP Newsletter - Torbay Liberal Democrats.
As Torbay Hospital continues to crumble, I have started a petition to bring forward the rebuild of Torbay Hospital under the New Hospitals Petition. I am pleased that this petition already has over 1600 signatures. You can add your voice to the petition here: Hospital Rebuild - Torbay Liberal Democrats.
I’m keen to congratulate Ozzi and Owain from Torquay, who are both 12 years old, who completed a 3.7 mile charity walk this Saturday from Torquay Harbour to Paignton. They are raising money for Torbay Bikers for Kids, who raise money to purchase essential items to improve the lives of severely ill or disabled children in Torbay. Owain decided to do an annual charity walk each year after his step-dad, Chris Wheeler, who supported the charity, passed away. They have raised over £400 already, and you can still donate more at Fundraiser by Michelle Wheeler: Owain and Ozzi spooky glow walk.
As always, if you need assistance or would like to share your thoughts, please get in touch. You can reach me at [email protected] or on 07908 349347. For regular updates, sign up to my weekly e-newsletter at www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter.