Page 12 - Phonebox Magazine October 2015

Out and About with Mark Lancaster MP
Willen Surgery to re-open its doors
After many months of sensitive negotiations, I’m delighted to announce that Willen Surgery is to finally reopen its doors.
Following the sudden closure in 2013, I campaigned long and hard to ensure that the surgery, in some guise, was able to continue providing GP services for the local residents.
Willen surgery will reopen in January 2016 under the management of Newport Pagnell Medical Centre with the backing of NHS England. The official opening date is yet to be announced but in the meantime the building will be undergoing some refurbishment work.
This is such a positive outcome for the residents of Willen and now the surgery has been reinstated, Newport Pagnell Medical Centre will be able to provide an extension of their service to residents in and around Willen at a closer location. I couldn’t be more pleased that we have managed to bring this matter to a conclusion and I’m looking forward to meeting up with the staff in January.
Caroline Rollings, Managing Partner at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre is urging patients to visit their website http://www.npmc.nhs.uk/ and register their interest to become a patient at Willen, you will find the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HG6VWBJ where you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.
I’m a low Risk!
Last month I took part in the Type 2 diabetes challenge and after standing on the scales, a quick measurement of the waist and a couple of very simple questions, I was able to walk away confident that I’d been diagnosed as low risk.
Records show that 3.2 million people in the UK are living with diabetes and 90 per cent of them have Type 2 diabetes. The charity, Diabetes UK estimate another 590,000 people have Type 2 diabetes but are completely unaware.
The good news is that by getting active and eating well four out of five people can make the changes needed to prevent or, at the very least, delay getting Type 2 diabetes.
I was amazed how simple the tests were and how many people are potentially at risk. With a sensible diet, a little regular exercise and of course, taking the test, will help to reduce your chances of contracting the potentially dangerous condition.
Apprenticeship Portal Goes Live
The Government’s Apprenticeships portal is available offering advice to employers, apprentices, parents and teachers regarding apprenticeships, including how to write an application, how to employ an apprentice and a list of current vacancies.
If you are a business looking to take on an apprentice, or a young person looking for invaluable experience, you can visit the portal at https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
Unemployment figures continue to decline
In line with the rise in local job opportunities I’m delighted to welcome more positive news as recent figures show the number of job seeker claimants in MK North have fallen for another consecutive month. Statistics released for July to August show that the number fell by 27 to 1,369, some 415 fewer than this time last year.
Blooming Marvellous!
Congratulations to Newport Pagnell, winners of a Silver Gilt in this year’s Britain in Bloom.
Points were awarded on the community involvement which pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of a small group of volunteers. Green Park Primary School received a highly commended award in addition to Ousedale School receiving a commended award. The judges were so impressed with the efforts of both schools that they entered the schools themselves into the competition.
Winners of the Best Front Garden in Newport Pagnell, were Mr and Mrs Holland, whose points were added to the town’s Britain in Bloom entry.
12 Phonebox Magazine