Richmond Park News: 19 February 2021
"Perseverance will get you anywhere." That was the message tweeted back to Earth from the surface of Mars by the Nasa rover Perseverance when it landed there yesterday.
We have succeeded in the challenging task of getting the pandemic back under control by persevering ourselves, maintaining a difficult lockdown and rolling out our vaccination programme with impressive speed and competence. I am looking forward to the Prime Minister's announcement on Monday about reopening schools, and further information on their exit plan from Covid-19. But until we are truly safe we must continue to work hard to combat the virus on all fronts - by staying home, wearing masks and getting vaccinated in our turn.
SMALL BUSINESS SURGERY
Today I held my second small business surgery for local firms struggling as a result of the pandemic. While I was immensely grateful for their time, it was deeply distressing to hear of the challenges they are facing on a daily basis. One thing that was clear was that our hospitality and creative arts industries are in dire need of urgent support. I’ve spoken with tour operators, travel companies, restaurateurs and music agents and it is clear that they desperately need additional government support, or they risk extinction in the summer.
When the Prime Minister announces his roadmap back to normality on Monday, it remains likely that these sectors will be at the back of the queue in terms of when they can re-open. However, the Treasury will be expecting them to re-pay their loans and grants in the coming months, something they simply will not be able to do. I will therefore be lobbying the Treasury to ask that special consideration is given.
LETTER TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Following my small business surgery last week, one thing that became very clear was that the information and advisory services for small businesses trying to make sense of the UK-EU Trade Agreement are unfit for purpose. I have therefore written to the Secretary of State urging him to overhaul the system both in terms of the information on GOV.UK and the advice provided by the Trade Support Service. Given the dual-challenges of Brexit and the pandemic, it’s absolutely critical that we do all we can to support those struggling to remain afloat. You can see my letter here.
VACCINATIONS NOW AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE OVER 65
If you are over 65 and you haven't had your vaccination yet you are invited to go to the government website to book one here. You don't need your NHS number and you don't have to be registered with a GP surgery already. All health and care workers, and people on the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list who haven't had a jab yet, can also book on the national website.
An additional 1.7 million people across England have recently been identified as being at a greater risk from COVID-19. People on the new list who have not already received their vaccination will now be prioritised for one. If you are on the new list, you will be sent a letter from NHS England in the next few days. You should wait to hear from your GP or the NHS about your vaccination.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE NEWLY ADDED TO THE SHIELDING LIST
Richmond Council will be sending a letter next week to all Richmond residents who have been added to the shielding list, setting out the support available to them. Additional Council staff have been seconded to the Community Hub and the Adult Social Care hub so residents receive a quick response to any requests for help. You can reach the Community Hub by phone on 020 8871 6555 or by email on covid19support@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.
Kingston residents who have recently been advised to shield can access support, food and medicine deliveries, as well as befriending services, from Kingston Council. All support is available through the Kingston Stronger Together Hub.
VACCINATING SOCIAL CARE WORKERS
Some of my constituents have written to me with concerns about low vaccination rates among care home staff, who are all eligible for the vaccine and can book themselves one on the government website here.
While Richmond and Kingston have some of the highest uptakes in London, they are not as high as we would wish. I asked our local NHS leadership about this issue and was told that they are working hard to correct this. Care home staff are being offered vaccinations in their workplaces, at local clinics and at the national vaccination centres, some of which have extended hours to accommodate shift workers.
The Southwest London NHS is also:
working closely with local authority colleagues to identify care home staff
supporting local engagement events, providing clinicians to answer questions about the vaccine
conducting work to understand the reasons for low uptake
setting up webinars and shared information on specific issues, like women’s health and fertility
offering messages and materials for care home operators to use in their internal channels
providing weekly newsletters with key messages about the vaccine
If you have a friend or family member who works in the social care sector, please encourage them to protect themselves, their patients and their families by booking a vaccination here.
RAIL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BRANCH REPORT ON EDEN PARK TRAGEDY
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published a report into the fatality of a blind man at Eden Park train station on 26 February 2020. There remains a shameful lack of urgency in the Department for Transport’s efforts to install tactile paving at our train stations. Network Rail’s stated aim of full provision by 2029 is inadequate and signals a profound lack of empathy for those living with a disability, who are forced to navigate unsafe transport systems. I have urged the Department to bring forward its timetable for safety renovations, and uphold its commitment to providing accessible transport for all.
RICHMOND NEWS
HEALTHWATCH RICHMOND COVID-19 WEBINAR
On Tuesday, 2 February, Healthwatch Richmond hosted a live webinar with a panel of experts answering questions on everything you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine. The panel included:
Dr Patrick Gibson, GP Clinical Chair Richmond, NHS South West London CCG
Tonia Michaelides, Locality Executive Director (Richmond & Kingston) NHS South West London CCG
Julie Risley, Chair of Healthwatch Richmond (Event Chair)
Mike Derry, Chief Officer Healthwatch Richmond
Shannon Katiyo FFPH, Director of Public Health
The event was recorded live in front of 315 attendees. If you missed the event you can watch the recording via this link.
EMERGENCY APPEAL FOR FOOD DONATIONS FROM RICHMOND FOODBANK
The team at Richmond Foodbank is in urgent need of food donations to ensure they can continue to support the local community. If you can, please consider making a donation at one of their drop off food donations site. Read more here.
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