Since my Independent Report into Autism and Employment was published at the end of February, there has been a huge amount of interest and support for its findings. I was very pleased to speak about my Review of Autism and Employment at Great Western Hospital’s Neurodiversity Celebration Event last Thursday, to mark Neurodiversity Week. It was fantastic to see so many local organisations at the event, including the wonderful charity Dressability and DASH Swindon, both of which I have worked with closely over the years.
It is great to see that, as an employer, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust value their neurodiverse staff who may think differently and recognises the incredible strengths that neurodivergent people bring. I hope that the Buckland Review of Autism and Employment will encourage other employers across South Swindon, and indeed across the country, to recognise the true value of employing neurodiverse team members.
On Thursday evening, it was great to be back at Brook Field School in Shaw, to help judge the first heat of a Debating Competition. It was inspiring to see and hear such confidence and teamwork in all of those pupils taking place, and I am very much looking forward to returning to Brook Field Primary in May to help judge the final of the competition.
There was also good news from Westminster last week, as I was announced the fourth most active Conservative MP in the Chamber. I am delighted to be high up in the rankings of MPs making the most contributions in Parliament so far this year. I strongly believe in the role of MPs in scrutinising legislation and government work, representing my constituents energetically and chairing the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.
When it comes to Government Funding, I continue to work hard alongside North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson to make sure that we receive our fair share here in the town, so I was delighted to announce last week that the Link Centre in Swindon will benefit from a £115,460 Conservative Government investment to improve its energy efficiency.
The funding is part of the Swimming Pool Support Fund which has invested £80 million into 442 swimming pools across the country since last year.
The Link Centre in South Swindon is a brilliant facility, allowing people of all ages and abilities to access the mental and physical benefits that come with exercise, so I am very pleased that the Conservative Government has invested £115,460 to improve the pool's efficiency, keep running costs down and give more people the opportunity to swim whilst reducing our environmental impact.
The NHS is one of our country’s proudest achievements and it could not exist without its dedicated staff. Whether it is our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical scientists, cleaners, clerical staff, porters, or our amazing volunteers. All of their hard work and commitment is essential to delivering good healthcare.
Each year, the NHS Parliamentary Awards are an opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution of these staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector.
I am looking for local individuals, teams or organisations within the NHS who have made a real difference to patient care through their dedication and innovation.
If you have experienced great care locally or know of a team that fits this description here in South Swindon, I would like to hear from you!
Please send your nominations through to me by emailing [email protected] before 19th April. You can also find out more about the NHS Parliamentary Awards by visiting www.nhsparliamentaryawards.co.uk
