Last Friday, I was very pleased to visit the new Radiotherapy Centre at Great Western Hospital here in Swindon. Thanks to tireless fundraising and Government funding, the new centre will be open from July, providing diagnostics and continuing radiotherapy treatment for local residents, ending travel to Oxford for the vast majority.
Whilst at the hospital, I was also delighted to visit the new £20m Urgent Treatment Centre. Also open from July, this centre will treat thousands of local residents in a more streamlined and efficient way. This is all part of the Government’s investment in facilities at Great Western Hospital.
As part of my Local Business Support Campaign, it was also great to visit Independent Bookshop, Bert’s Books in Old Town last Friday. They have a fantastic selection of books and also serve delicious takeaway coffee and a wonderful selection of delicious cakes from Lizzy Bakes. These are just two examples of wonderful local independent businesses that we have here in Swindon, and it is vital that we all support them.
During the past twelve years as MP for South Swindon, I have worked closely with local charity, Threshold, so I was pleased to join the crowd to celebrate their 50th Anniversary Party at the Town Gardens on Saturday. The sun shone down, and a glorious time was had by all at the event. With thanks to all of the wonderful team at Threshold.
Improving treatment and care for people with dementia here in Swindon has always been an important priority to me, so I was pleased to attend an event at Swindon Central Library on Monday, as part of Dementia Action Week.
During my time as an MP, I have spoken with many people who have been affected by dementia and learned about the major impact that dementia can have on individuals, their families, and carers.
The Dementia Action Week Expo Event, hosted by Swindon Dementia Action Alliance, provided an opportunity to meet local businesses and organisations who support people living with dementia, their carers, and loved ones, as well as providing public “Dementia Friends” training sessions.
I strongly believe that people with dementia have the right to feel safe and supported and I am proud to be a Dementia Friend. As part of Dementia Action Week, I am calling for others to join me.
A Dementia Friend is somebody who learns more about dementia so that they can help their community.
Too many people affected by dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they live with. Dementia Friends help by raising awareness and understanding so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want.
You can learn more and sign up to become a Dementia Friend here https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBArticle?page=become-dementia-friend
Finally, I am calling on children in South Swindon to take part in my Queens Jubilee Portrait Competition.
I am asking children to draw a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her 70th year reign.
All of the entries I receive will be proudly displayed in a special Jubilee section on my website, and I will also select a winner from each age category. Winners will be presented with a special Queen’s Jubilee Certificate.
Full details about the competition can be found on my website here https://www.robertbuckland.co.uk/news/robert-buckland-mp-launches-queens-jubilee-portrait-competition
