Out and about with MP Mark Lancaster MK Hospital could recieve -- millions in funding --- Having campaigned to support and fund our hospital for more than 1 0 years, it has always been a very emotive issue to me. Both lain Stewart MP and I have been working behind the scenes to spearhead the campaign for investment. Working closely with Joe Harrison, CEO of MK Hospital, we are fully aware that the number of patients are rising by 1 0 per cent each year and we are delighted that Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has indicated that MK Hospital could be in line to receive an additional £2.9 million of funding to physically expand the A&E (pictured below). This strong message comes at a time when a review is being undertaken of Bedford and Milton Keynes health services, and this funding demonstrates a secure future for our A&E department. For some time, we have been calling for more resources to meet the increased demands from our growing population, with the government responding positively so far. I look forward to seeing this investment secured and implemented as soon as possible. While I appreciate there is an election coming, political opponents will want to try and spread doom and gloom in any way they can, I am clear that with investment like this, together with the news of the opening of the new medical school, our hospital has a bright future. Mark is going mobile -- It's time to hit the road again. Each summer I make a point of taking my surgeries out to the more rural areas of my constituency and this year is no exception. During the winter months my regular surgeries are held at the Civic Offices, but in the summer it's good to reach those who would find it otherwise difficult to travel into the city centre. So, please come and share any concerns or issues you may have at any one of the following : 26th August: Newport Pagnell - United Reform Church 1.30pm - 3pm 27th August: Haversham by the School 10.00am - 10.25am Castlethorpe outside the Village Hall 10.30am - 11.00am Hanslope Market Square 11.05am - 11.45am Stoke Goldington outside the Village Hall 11.55am - 12.20pm Gayhurst by the Parish notice board 1. 15pm -1.35pm Tyringham grass triangle near farm entrance 1.40pm -1.55pm Filgrave by the Clock Tower 2. 00pm - 2.20pm Lathbury by the Village Hut 2.30pm - 2.50pm 28th August: Olney by the Market 10.00am - 11.00am Weston Underwood near to Village Hall 11.05am - 11.25am Ravenstone near to Church 11.30am - 11.50am Lavendon outside Village Hall 12.05am - 12.30pm North Crawley by the Institute 2.00pm - 2.30pm Moulsoe on bend near notice board 2.40pm - 3.00pm 29th August: Clifton Reynes outside the Robin Hood 10.00am - 10.20am Newton Blossomville by the School 10.25am - 10.45am Emberton near the Clock Tower 10.50am - 11. 15am Sherington The Knoll near main bus stop 11.25am - 11.55am Chicheley outside Village Hall 12.00 - 12.20pm Astwood near the Swan 12.25 - 12.45pm NEW CAMPAIGN Who will win the title of Olney's I ndependent Shop of 201 4? Who will get your vote? We all know that Olney has some wonderful independent businesses and I am launching this campaign to give you the chance to thank your favourite butcher, florist, grocerorwhoeveryou haveinmind. It's time to give them the recognition they deserve. I certainly appreciate the personal service and sense of community when I shop locally and dont forget the impo ant role they play in generating jobs and boosting the local economy. During August and September, you will be able to spot the posters in the local area, so I would encourage you to vote for your favourite business at marklancastermp. org/olney. You could even win £ 1 00 to spend in the shop you voted for! 16 PhoneboxMagazine