MPs asked to support blood campaign

9:40am Thursday 10th January 2013 in Local News

CONCERNED residents have been asking what our local MPs are doing to help back the Echo campaign to keep blood tests local.

The non urgent screening service is set to move to Bedford from April rather than the current set up at Basildon and Southend hospitals.

The Echo tried for a second time to contact all six of the south Essex MPs. Only three have so far responded.

John Gibson, chairman of the Asset Trust which provides equipment to the hospital, raised the issue of MPs remaining silent.

Mr Gibson who is fully supporting our campaign, said: “The silence of our MPs will not be unnoticed by voters. Many will feel they have been abandoned by their MPs in this time of great need and support.

“Our MPs should stand up and be counted now, with a simple Yes or No to this appalling proposal. Or might they have been warned-off by Government whips?”

Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris said she would speak with her fellow local MPs.

She said: “Residents who rely on a fast turn-around of blood samples are getting really frightened by this. I was assured that all urgent GP and hospital blood tests will still be performed locally and this idea is only being looked at for non-urgent, routine ones.

“The local GP Commissioning Groups needs to clarify this urgently to both MPs and the public before any decision is taken. And even if this is purely for non-urgent tests, they must not endorse anything that reduces the quality of service for local residents.”

Rayleigh MP Mark Francois, Southend West MP David Amess, Billericay MP John Baron have failed to respond.

James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, previously said: “Blood testing has been transferred to another location in Wales before, and it was done so with relatively few problems.

“I understand it is worrying to hear about a change like this, but that does not always mean a worse service.”

While Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, said: “I understand people’s concerns, but they have to be balanced against making sure we get best value for money.

“Any savings would be redirected to frontline services.”

Comments (14)

10:15am Thu 10 Jan 13

Bloodtestguy says...

This is Tory NHS privatisation so don't expect any support from our local MPs
The Bedford labs are run by a private company who also run labs in London with many issues and they don't have to travel 80 miles!
This is Tory NHS privatisation so don't expect any support from our local MPs The Bedford labs are run by a private company who also run labs in London with many issues and they don't have to travel 80 miles! Bloodtestguy

10:59am Thu 10 Jan 13

heartbeat says...

Bloodtestguy wrote:
This is Tory NHS privatisation so don't expect any support from our local MPs
The Bedford labs are run by a private company who also run labs in London with many issues and they don't have to travel 80 miles!
The lack of protest from local MPs, for what is so obviously a worse service for people in South Essex and may well lead to premature deaths, absolutely STINKS in my opinion. I hope any MPs that have the guts and moral fortitude to say so come out and voice their true feelings on the matter.

Maybe then people will take voting more seriously next time around, particularly if one of their family or friends has suffered (or even died) as a result of this "money-saving" scheme.
[quote][p][bold]Bloodtestguy[/bold] wrote: This is Tory NHS privatisation so don't expect any support from our local MPs The Bedford labs are run by a private company who also run labs in London with many issues and they don't have to travel 80 miles![/p][/quote]The lack of protest from local MPs, for what is so obviously a worse service for people in South Essex and may well lead to premature deaths, absolutely STINKS in my opinion. I hope any MPs that have the guts and moral fortitude to say so come out and voice their true feelings on the matter. Maybe then people will take voting more seriously next time around, particularly if one of their family or friends has suffered (or even died) as a result of this "money-saving" scheme. heartbeat

11:28am Thu 10 Jan 13

Elephantman2 says...

They will do sweet fanny adams! The voters in this are are thick; we get nothing from Labour as they will never get elected and we get nothing from the Tories as they don't have to worry what they do as they always get elected. Why don't some of you sharpen up and do what's right for all of us who live here and vote useles wastes of space such as Duddridge and Amos out. Wales has no traffic and hardly any population you bufoon Duddridge.
They will do sweet fanny adams! The voters in this are are thick; we get nothing from Labour as they will never get elected and we get nothing from the Tories as they don't have to worry what they do as they always get elected. Why don't some of you sharpen up and do what's right for all of us who live here and vote useles wastes of space such as Duddridge and Amos out. Wales has no traffic and hardly any population you bufoon Duddridge. Elephantman2

11:40am Thu 10 Jan 13

Shoebury_Cyclist says...

Don't expect any support from that useless tub of lard Duddridge. This proposal is a direct result of the tory plan to erase the NHS.

The idiot even revelled in trying to repeal the human rights act: http://bit.ly/VKFeAQ
Don't expect any support from that useless tub of lard Duddridge. This proposal is a direct result of the tory plan to erase the NHS. The idiot even revelled in trying to repeal the human rights act: http://bit.ly/VKFeAQ Shoebury_Cyclist

12:16pm Thu 10 Jan 13

runwellian says...

From what I have read, Dr Husslebee was the lead on this idea, and it does appear that local GP's (who have remained very quiet on the subject) approve it.

It supposed to be discussed in PPGs but we only learned about the possible transfer from the Echo, we are not kept informed.

I believe Dr Husslebee was involved in the private hospital adjoining his surgery (Highlands) which I believe failed financially so can we trust our local NHS let alone MP's, or Dr Husslebees judgement?

CCG's are about making money, not providing care!

Get involved with your CCG on line at ccg.nhs.net and make sure your voice is heard.

Too many GP surgeries are now depriving us of patient choice and we need to have a voice and make sure it is being heard!
From what I have read, Dr Husslebee was the lead on this idea, and it does appear that local GP's (who have remained very quiet on the subject) approve it. It supposed to be discussed in PPGs but we only learned about the possible transfer from the Echo, we are not kept informed. I believe Dr Husslebee was involved in the private hospital adjoining his surgery (Highlands) which I believe failed financially so can we trust our local NHS let alone MP's, or Dr Husslebees judgement? CCG's are about making money, not providing care! Get involved with your CCG on line at ccg.nhs.net and make sure your voice is heard. Too many GP surgeries are now depriving us of patient choice and we need to have a voice and make sure it is being heard! runwellian

2:53pm Thu 10 Jan 13

Iamcross says...

The mp's don't want to do anything as this service is being privatised. And they stand to gain financially from these private companies another example of the government selling of the country. It will soon be will the last service please shut the door when they leave.
The mp's don't want to do anything as this service is being privatised. And they stand to gain financially from these private companies another example of the government selling of the country. It will soon be will the last service please shut the door when they leave. Iamcross

4:37pm Thu 10 Jan 13

southchurch bob says...

Duddrige and Metcalfes' quotes are insulting to say the least ,where IS the suport from our MPs, is Amess still hiding in a Cafe i'm surprised at the lack of support from Mark Francois but not Baron. Why isn't there all party support across the board on this matter? come on all you Councilors get your fingers out and support the people eleted you all.
Duddrige and Metcalfes' quotes are insulting to say the least ,where IS the suport from our MPs, is Amess still hiding in a Cafe i'm surprised at the lack of support from Mark Francois but not Baron. Why isn't there all party support across the board on this matter? come on all you Councilors get your fingers out and support the people eleted you all. southchurch bob

4:40pm Thu 10 Jan 13

southchurch bob says...

Duddrige and Metcalfes' quotes are insulting to say the least ,where IS the suport from our MPs, is Amess still hiding in a Cafe i'm surprised at the lack of support from Mark Francois but not Baron. Why isn't there all party support across the board on this matter? come on all you Councilors get your fingers out and support the people eleted you all.
Duddrige and Metcalfes' quotes are insulting to say the least ,where IS the suport from our MPs, is Amess still hiding in a Cafe i'm surprised at the lack of support from Mark Francois but not Baron. Why isn't there all party support across the board on this matter? come on all you Councilors get your fingers out and support the people eleted you all. southchurch bob

7:45pm Thu 10 Jan 13

Saisho says...

runwellian wrote:
From what I have read, Dr Husslebee was the lead on this idea, and it does appear that local GP's (who have remained very quiet on the subject) approve it.

It supposed to be discussed in PPGs but we only learned about the possible transfer from the Echo, we are not kept informed.

I believe Dr Husslebee was involved in the private hospital adjoining his surgery (Highlands) which I believe failed financially so can we trust our local NHS let alone MP's, or Dr Husslebees judgement?

CCG's are about making money, not providing care!

Get involved with your CCG on line at ccg.nhs.net and make sure your voice is heard.

Too many GP surgeries are now depriving us of patient choice and we need to have a voice and make sure it is being heard!
I agree with you runwellian.
I thought the job of a GP was to care for patients. It seems that Dr Husselbee spends more time trying to make money! Check out the link below

http://company-direc
tor-check.co.uk/dire
ctor/905098712

Interestingly a number of these private ventures have failed! What business does he have in deciding the future of pathology services?
[quote][p][bold]runwellian[/bold] wrote: From what I have read, Dr Husslebee was the lead on this idea, and it does appear that local GP's (who have remained very quiet on the subject) approve it. It supposed to be discussed in PPGs but we only learned about the possible transfer from the Echo, we are not kept informed. I believe Dr Husslebee was involved in the private hospital adjoining his surgery (Highlands) which I believe failed financially so can we trust our local NHS let alone MP's, or Dr Husslebees judgement? CCG's are about making money, not providing care! Get involved with your CCG on line at ccg.nhs.net and make sure your voice is heard. Too many GP surgeries are now depriving us of patient choice and we need to have a voice and make sure it is being heard![/p][/quote]I agree with you runwellian. I thought the job of a GP was to care for patients. It seems that Dr Husselbee spends more time trying to make money! Check out the link below http://company-direc tor-check.co.uk/dire ctor/905098712 Interestingly a number of these private ventures have failed! What business does he have in deciding the future of pathology services? Saisho

8:35pm Thu 10 Jan 13

Devils Advocate says...

James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, previously said: “Blood testing has been transferred to another location in Wales before, and it was done so with relatively few problems.

“I understand it is worrying to hear about a change like this, but that does not always mean a worse service.”

Key words here are "Relatively few" and "Does not always" both of which are Tory speak and both are meaningless. "Does not always" can be translated as "Usually does" and "Relatively few" should be used with data that would allow the relative proportion to be calculated. Day by day the "Same old same old" gains in strength. I wonder when this mob will be once again caught using the postal votes of dead people?

Do you wonder which parts of the EEC they wish to opt out of? Those silly human rights and minimum pay things, for instance? Look around for heavens sake!
James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, previously said: “Blood testing has been transferred to another location in Wales before, and it was done so with relatively few problems. “I understand it is worrying to hear about a change like this, but that does not always mean a worse service.” Key words here are "Relatively few" and "Does not always" both of which are Tory speak and both are meaningless. "Does not always" can be translated as "Usually does" and "Relatively few" should be used with data that would allow the relative proportion to be calculated. Day by day the "Same old same old" gains in strength. I wonder when this mob will be once again caught using the postal votes of dead people? Do you wonder which parts of the EEC they wish to opt out of? Those silly human rights and minimum pay things, for instance? Look around for heavens sake! Devils Advocate

1:31am Fri 11 Jan 13

Brunning999 says...

MP's are back stabbing, publicity seeking losers.

They talk about 'better value service'

Utter complete and total cr8p anyone with half a brain must agree that in this area blood testing works very efficiently, why risk mistakes in transit and administration, delays and confusion it ain't broken so why fix it?

It is all about saving pennies and losing pounds.

The same is quietly happening with all public services that in years gone by worked well with reliable, proud, well trained staff that felt part of something, now it is 'just a job' I.e Police, Fireman, nurses, postmen.

And as for MP's yuk, yuk, yuk.

Come the election they will suffer.
MP's are back stabbing, publicity seeking losers. They talk about 'better value service' Utter complete and total cr8p anyone with half a brain must agree that in this area blood testing works very efficiently, why risk mistakes in transit and administration, delays and confusion it ain't broken so why fix it? It is all about saving pennies and losing pounds. The same is quietly happening with all public services that in years gone by worked well with reliable, proud, well trained staff that felt part of something, now it is 'just a job' I.e Police, Fireman, nurses, postmen. And as for MP's yuk, yuk, yuk. Come the election they will suffer. Brunning999

3:05pm Mon 14 Jan 13

Shoebury_Cyclist says...

Devils Advocate wrote:
James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, previously said: “Blood testing has been transferred to another location in Wales before, and it was done so with relatively few problems.

“I understand it is worrying to hear about a change like this, but that does not always mean a worse service.”

Key words here are "Relatively few" and "Does not always" both of which are Tory speak and both are meaningless. "Does not always" can be translated as "Usually does" and "Relatively few" should be used with data that would allow the relative proportion to be calculated. Day by day the "Same old same old" gains in strength. I wonder when this mob will be once again caught using the postal votes of dead people?

Do you wonder which parts of the EEC they wish to opt out of? Those silly human rights and minimum pay things, for instance? Look around for heavens sake!
Duddridge is very proud that he voted to repeal the EHRA. See his Tweet about it:

https://twitter.com/
JamesDuddridge/statu
s/275954246430642176
[quote][p][bold]Devils Advocate[/bold] wrote: James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, previously said: “Blood testing has been transferred to another location in Wales before, and it was done so with relatively few problems. “I understand it is worrying to hear about a change like this, but that does not always mean a worse service.” Key words here are "Relatively few" and "Does not always" both of which are Tory speak and both are meaningless. "Does not always" can be translated as "Usually does" and "Relatively few" should be used with data that would allow the relative proportion to be calculated. Day by day the "Same old same old" gains in strength. I wonder when this mob will be once again caught using the postal votes of dead people? Do you wonder which parts of the EEC they wish to opt out of? Those silly human rights and minimum pay things, for instance? Look around for heavens sake![/p][/quote]Duddridge is very proud that he voted to repeal the EHRA. See his Tweet about it: https://twitter.com/ JamesDuddridge/statu s/275954246430642176 Shoebury_Cyclist

8:56pm Mon 14 Jan 13

Devils Advocate says...

Shoebury_Cyclist wrote:
Devils Advocate wrote:
James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, previously said: “Blood testing has been transferred to another location in Wales before, and it was done so with relatively few problems.

“I understand it is worrying to hear about a change like this, but that does not always mean a worse service.”

Key words here are "Relatively few" and "Does not always" both of which are Tory speak and both are meaningless. "Does not always" can be translated as "Usually does" and "Relatively few" should be used with data that would allow the relative proportion to be calculated. Day by day the "Same old same old" gains in strength. I wonder when this mob will be once again caught using the postal votes of dead people?

Do you wonder which parts of the EEC they wish to opt out of? Those silly human rights and minimum pay things, for instance? Look around for heavens sake!
Duddridge is very proud that he voted to repeal the EHRA. See his Tweet about it:

https://twitter.com/

JamesDuddridge/statu

s/275954246430642176
How soon after this will he be voting to abolish the minimum wage? They liked life the way it was in the late 19th century. I bet none of the working classes will though, and, as last time, lower middle classes will be next. Still, what do I know, I am a dinosaur I'm told.
Only thing is, we dinosaurs have watched it all go by us before. Greed will rule forever I think.
When they have what they want, they will call you all to fight their war. shame really, thought we'd civilised.
[quote][p][bold]Shoebury_Cyclist[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Devils Advocate[/bold] wrote: James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, previously said: “Blood testing has been transferred to another location in Wales before, and it was done so with relatively few problems. “I understand it is worrying to hear about a change like this, but that does not always mean a worse service.” Key words here are "Relatively few" and "Does not always" both of which are Tory speak and both are meaningless. "Does not always" can be translated as "Usually does" and "Relatively few" should be used with data that would allow the relative proportion to be calculated. Day by day the "Same old same old" gains in strength. I wonder when this mob will be once again caught using the postal votes of dead people? Do you wonder which parts of the EEC they wish to opt out of? Those silly human rights and minimum pay things, for instance? Look around for heavens sake![/p][/quote]Duddridge is very proud that he voted to repeal the EHRA. See his Tweet about it: https://twitter.com/ JamesDuddridge/statu s/275954246430642176[/p][/quote]How soon after this will he be voting to abolish the minimum wage? They liked life the way it was in the late 19th century. I bet none of the working classes will though, and, as last time, lower middle classes will be next. Still, what do I know, I am a dinosaur I'm told. Only thing is, we dinosaurs have watched it all go by us before. Greed will rule forever I think. When they have what they want, they will call you all to fight their war. shame really, thought we'd civilised. Devils Advocate

7:37pm Fri 18 Jan 13

Angry resident of Hockley says...

I emailed Mark Francois (my MP) more than a week ago complaining about the proposal to transfer blood tests to Bedford. I have yet to receive reply. I think this says it all about his interest in his constituants welfare.


Angry resident of Hockley
I emailed Mark Francois (my MP) more than a week ago complaining about the proposal to transfer blood tests to Bedford. I have yet to receive reply. I think this says it all about his interest in his constituants welfare. Angry resident of Hockley Angry resident of Hockley

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