28/02/2010 - St Philip Ward Update

Residents Survey

A big thank you to all the Residents who returned the surveys that had been issued over the last couple of months . Your Councillors are in the process of collating this information, and will print some feed back a later date. If you are a resident who has not received this then please let us know and another one will be issued immediately.

Saturday Surgeries

Some Residents will have noticed that the last Surgery was held at the Library on Monday 15 February in the evening. This is a departure from the usual Monthly Saturday ones late Morning. The next one is to be held on Monday 22nd March between 6.00pm-7.00pm. Sinead Darker writes. '' I hope to meet as many Residents as possible over the next few months and look forward to feed back as to whether you prefer the new arrangement..''

Lighting At Gays Place

St Philips Residents will re call that a few months ago it was pointed out that the promised lighting would take place in the in the last week of December 09. Unfortunately this did not take place at the time promised and residents have quite rightly expressed their disappointment and anger at the continuing delay. Paul Findlow writes. '' This delay has been totally unacceptable but I have been assured that the work has now been completed this weekend (21 February ).

Building in Hyde Road

Barretts Builders have given indication that they intend to put a planning application in to build approximately 91 homes on the land adjacent to KingsdownSchool. The builders put on an exhibition on Wednesday 17 February which Paul Findlow attended. Your Wards Councillors stance is as follows. ''

Although we have not seen any plans and this is only in the draft proposal stage, we will be keeping an eye out for the plans in written detail so we can meet with the Officers and take on board your worries and concerns. For those that attended the Display by Barretts a few weeks ago we are very keen to hear your thoughts on this.''

Administration Sets Council Tax for this year.

The Conservative Administration has just set on average for a Band D Household an increase of 1.8% . This is now known to be the lowest increase in the whole of Swindons History. Coupled with the fact that Swindon has been awarded a 3 star performance by the audit commission, there is a lot to be proud of. Paul Findlow writes '' Although there is a lot to be proud of, there is absolutely no complacency, and there is are a lot of difficult decisions to be made in the future. What will never be forgotten is that it is always your money at stake- Every pound counts.''

Good news regarding the GreatWesternHospital.

Its always nice to receive good news , and this month your Ward Councillors have agreed to share this recent press release;

Baby friendly is best for mothers says GreatWesternHospital

The GreatWesternHospital has been awarded a Certificate of Commitment in its first step towards gaining international recognition from the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) Baby Friendly Initiative. The certificate was presented to the Maternity Unit in December 2009. Christina Rattigan, Head of Midwifery at GWH said “We very much embrace working to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers at the hospital.

“Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illness including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers. Mums may also be more interested in hearing that it’s easier and cheaper and simply less hassle than bottle feeding” added Christina.”

The Baby Friendly Initiative set up by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, is a global programme which provides a practical and effective way for health services to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies. In the UK, the initiative works with health professionals to ensure that mothers and babies receive high quality support to enable successful breastfeeding. The Certificate of Commitment recognises that a health care facility is dedicated to implementing recognised best practice standards.

“We are delighted that the GreatWesternHospital has received this award” said baby Friendly Initiative Programme Director Sue Ashmore. “Surveys show us that most mothers want to breastfeed but don’t always get the support they need. Mothers at GWH have the satisfaction of knowing their midwives and health visitors are aiming to provide the highest standard of care.”