Liz at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham

Earlier this week I had the privilege of visiting Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham and learning about the work the hospital is doing to improve care for older people.

Geriatricians play a crucial role in leading these improvements, working alongside other staff like specialist mental health nurses and occupational therapists. This team work is making a real difference to older patients and their families.

I was particularly impressed by Ward B47, which focuses on the specific needs of older people with dementia, offering mental and physical activities tailored to patient’s individual needs. The hospital also has a real focus on ensuring older people get the right package of care and support back in the community, so they can safely go home as soon as possible. This is an approach other hospitals could learn from.

On 25th January 2012, I spoke to the North West Carer Leads Network conference, on the need to reform services and support for older and disabled people.

I said that the care system must start with the needs of families and communities, and do more to support the 6.4 million unpaid carers who do vital work looking after their family, friends and neighbours.

You might be interested in reading my speech, which you can find it under the link below.

Liz Kendall MP’s speech to North West Carer Leads Network Conference 25th Jan 2012

I recently appeared on the BBC’s Sunday Politics show with Tory MP, Margot James. We debated the Government’s Health and Social Care Bill.  You can see the programme by clicking here.

De Montfort University and the University of Leicester make a huge contribution to our city, not only by educating the next generation but by creating jobs and conducting groundbreaking research too.

De Montfort is now running a great project called the Square Mile, which aims to help the communities of Newfoundpool, Fosse and Woodgate, which are in my constituency. Students and staff have been knocking on doors and asking residents what their priorities are for improving the area.

The message has come back loud and clear: People want to see stronger community ties, better facilities and more opportunities to socialise together. Working with the city council, the NHS and other organisations, De Montfort wants to come up with practical solutions to residents’ concerns.

This is a great project and I’m determined to do my bit to help. If you’d like to read more about the project and what I’m doing to support it, you can read about it in my latest Leicester Mercury column here.