Endless winter for the NHS as Tory cuts cause chaos for patients – Jonathan Ashworth

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The
latest NHS situation reports for A&E performance have been published today
and show Theresa May’s winter crisis stretching into spring.

·         
Emergency
admissions in the week ending 12 March were the highest they have been so far
this winter and A&E attendances in the week ending 12 March were the
highest since December.

·         
In the week ending 12 March, there were
19 temporary diverts from one A&E to another to provide temporary respite.
Overall, there have been around 84 per cent more diverts this winter than last
winter.

·         
In
the week ending 12 March, 34 different trusts reported serious operational
pressures at some point. On average, 20 trusts each day reported serious
operational pressures.

·         
Last week, 13 trusts had average bed
occupancy over 99 per cent – up from 12 in the previous week.

Jonathan
Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, said
:

“Standards
for NHS patients have collapsed this winter because Theresa May just hasn’t
given the health service the resources and the priority it needs.

“It
beggars belief that such pressure is still being seen on A&E after months
of crisis – it is a sign of a wider system creaking under the strain of Tory
neglect.

“The
Prime Minister needs to get a grip and make clear what action she’s going to
take so that patients and their families never have to suffer a winter like
this ever again.”

Notice: YO7 4LG, Heck! Food Limited: environmental permit application advertisement

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The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for waste operations, mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement

These notices explain:

  • what the application is about

  • which Environment Agency office you can visit to see the application documents on the public register

  • when you need to comment by

The Environment Agency will decide:

  • whether to grant or refuse the application

  • what conditions to include in the permit (if granted)

Notice: NR12 8HB, Mrs Lorraine Rivet: environmental permit application advertisement

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The Environment Agency consults the public on certain applications for waste operations, mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities. The arrangements are explained in its Public Participation Statement

These notices explain:

  • what the application is about

  • which Environment Agency office you can visit to see the application documents on the public register

  • when you need to comment by

The Environment Agency will decide:

  • whether to grant or refuse the application

  • what conditions to include in the permit (if granted)

It is shocking that over 70 per cent of young people have never experienced political education in school, college or university – Cat Smith

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Cat
Smith MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Voter Engagement and Youth Affairs,
commenting on
45forthe45th Legacy report published today, said:

“It
is shocking that over 70 per cent of young people have never experienced
political education in school, college or university.

“As
the Tories take the country down a path of Brexit chaos, it is essential that
young people are educated about the civic and public institutions which frame
our laws. Not only will this increase voter engagement and turnout, but it will
make government more accountable for its actions.”

Cabinet Secretary announces Arts Council appointments

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The terms of appointment for Ms Kate Eden, Dr Rachel O’Riordan and Mr Dafydd Rhys will commence on 1 April 2017 and will initially last for three years.

ACW Council members are responsible for setting the aims and objectives of the Arts Council, aligning these  to the Welsh Government’s strategic priorities and ensuring funding in Wales is invested effectively.

The three new members are in addition to the two members appointed from 1 November 2016 and complement the current membership of the Council. With the appointments the Council will now comprise 13 members plus the Chair,  Dr Phil George.

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of these three new Council members. These appointments have enormous personal and professional experience in the arts but come from completely different backgrounds.

“Their individual skills, knowledge and expertise will add significantly to the current strengths of the Council during a period of transition as it faces up to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Phil George, Chair of ACW added

“I’m delighted to welcome three new members who will bring a wealth of skills and experience, as well as a passion for the arts, to our Council.

“They will be terrific advocates and ambassadors for the arts in Wales and I look forward to their contribution as we strive to ensure that all communities in Wales are able to benefit from and have access to high quality arts.

“We look forward to welcoming them as Council Members to our Council meeting in May.”

Two long-serving current members – Dr Kate Woodward and Mrs Margaret Jervis – come to the end of their third and final terms of appointment on 31 March 2017.