One of the honours of being our Member of Parliament is the ability to give a national voice to local families, to give important issues a bigger platform and fix things that are letting local people down.
I was very fortunate to be selected for the second week running to ask a question to the Prime Minister, to do exactly that.
I spoke up for Shannon and Tyler, who tragically lost their two-year-old son Hudson in January. Hudson was diagnosed with gastroenteritis during an NHS 111 telephone consultation. In reality he was suffering from a twisted bowel. His condition quickly worsened and he was rushed to Darlington Memorial Hospital where, despite the best efforts of doctors, he sadly passed away.
Shannon and Tyler have shown extraordinary courage in the face of heartbreak. They are full of praise for the medical staff who tried so hard to save Hudson’s life, but they believe an in-person appointment might have allowed for a more accurate diagnosis and quicker more effective treatment. In Hudson’s memory they have launched a campaign calling for guaranteed face-to-face NHS appointments for children under five. Their petition has already gathered more than 80,000 signatures.
I raised this with the Prime Minister, asking him to ensure that Shannon and Tyler can meet with a Health Minister to make their case. The Prime Minister agreed, offered his condolences and confirmed that a meeting will take place. There was strong support and best wishes to the family from MPs across the entire House of Commons. I’ve since discussed this issue further with the Prime Minister following my question and am grateful for the support he’s providing. Improving access to face-to-face NHS appointments and enhancing medical care for children are both priorities for the government – I’ll keep pushing on this important issue of access to in-person diagnosis for under-fives.
It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, to Ferryhill. Bridget outlined her inspiring plans to give every young person the best possible start in life, including investment in free breakfast clubs, school-based nurseries, family hubs, higher school standards and better vocational training.
As Bridget’s Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department for Education I’m proud to support her in delivering this vital work. We are incredibly lucky to have so many talented young people in our community and we must do all we can to help them thrive.
It was good to welcome residents to my advice surgery at the weekend. Thank you to everyone who came along to raise important local issues. My next surgery will be in Newton Aycliffe on 14th November. To book an appointment please email me at:
alan.strickland.mp@parliament.uk
This weekend we remember those who have served our country in uniform. We give special thought to those who have given their lives or been injured in the service of our nation. I will be proudly laying wreaths in a number of towns and villages across area. Please do find time to pause, reflect and give thanks to all of those who’ve given so much to defend our freedom.