Today, amongst other constituency visits, I visited the James Paget Hospital to see some of the new measures they have put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. I found out more about the ‘Green’ and ‘Yellow’ areas that the hospital has been divided into to separate suspected COVID and non-COVID cases, saw face mask fit testing taking place and also tried ‘Attend Anywhere’ – the new system that was put in place during the pandemic to offer patients the opportunity for video appointments where this is appropriate. I tested out the virtual system during a chat with Deputy Medical Director and Consultant Surgeon Vivek Chitre
It was a good opportunity to thank their Chief Executive Anna Hills, the new Director of Nursing Paul Morris and Medical Director Hazel Stuart for the amazing work all their staff have undertaken during this exceptionally difficult time.
Social distancing remains important as I am able to recommence face-to-face engagement with businesses and organisations around the village. This allowed me to visit the Borough Council to back the bid for cash from the Future High Street Fund. This is an exciting and bold project that would see the redevelopment of the market place. The centrepiece to the proposals is the conversion of the iconic Palmers store, now vacant, into a library as well as providing a cultural hub at the centre of our town. I have no hesitation in backing these plans and lobbying for government support back in Westminster.
Yarmouth Racecourse held their first race, albeit behind closed doors, this week. This is an important step-forward as sporting fixtures begin to start again as lockdown restrictions are eased. Executive Director, Glenn Tubby, briefed me on his plans to re-open this important business more widely in due course. Likewise, in time we need to support the caravan and holiday parks around the constituency as they re-open and we can once again welcome visitors to the area. The team at Vauxhall Holiday Park provided details as to how they will operate, so as to protect holidaymakers, staff and local residents.