In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittlegives his take on recent news.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
I was pleased to be able to sponsor the MS Society Cymru’s ‘Treat Me Right’ event at the Pier Head building in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday this week.
The society’s campaign has highlighted the fact that many people with MS don’t have easy access to medicines and the support they need. That has to change.
The message I want to go out is that all licensed treatments must be available on the NHS to everyone who needs them and everyone with the disease should be invited for regular reviews of treatment and care by MS specialists.
It is also important that MS sufferers are informed of their options and there is full discussion with a specialist. MS patients must be equal partners when deciding their treatment.
What will never be acceptable is a post code lottery in accessing treatment, nor is it right for MS sufferers to have to navigate complicated local funding systems.
SCAMS
Readers will recall in my last column I mentioned the need for people to be on their guard against conmen.
An elderly friend of mine lost £5,000 as a result of a doorstep con. So along with fellow Plaid members, I distributed 450 advice leaflets at the weekend to homes on the Glenfields estate– where the resident lives – to highlight the need to be wary.
But the same advice obviously applies wherever you live.
FOOD HYGIENE RATINGS
The vast majority of food premises are excellent with high standard of hygiene but there are a few who fall far below what is expected. Some even pose a risk to health.
Food premises are now obliged to post their ratings in a place that can be viewed by customers. My advice is to check out the standards at the restaurant or takeaway where you are eating or the shop you are buying food from. It’s just a sensible precaution.