Strangford DUP MP Jim Shannon has spoken on a number of key health issues in the past week
Shannon conveys the well wishes of all to Ciara Mageean during her cancer diagnosis and journey back to health
Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, has wished Ciara Mageean a speedy recovery from her recently diagnosed health condition.xa0
He said: “I was so sad to hear the news that Ciara was diagnosed with cancer and this really brings it home that cancer is no respecter of persons – even the fittest among us can be faced with the biggest challenges.
“Ciara is loved by everyone… she is a star in athletics and for sports in the Ards and Strangford constituency.
“As Ciara begins this cancer treatment journey, she can be assured that she will not be fighting this battle on her own.
“Every step of the way her family, friend and supporters will be thinking of her and most importantly, praying for her as she takes on the biggest challenge of her life to return to full health and strength.
“Ciara is much in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.”
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Shannon congratulates Ards Suicide Awareness and Ards Rangers on their fundraising breakfast
Jim Shannon MP has thanked the members and officers of Ards Suicide Awareness and Ards Rangers FC for hosting the fundraising breakfast at the new Kitchen at Ards Rangers grounds.
He said:“It was great to attend the event which had the dual purpose of fundraising for Ards Suicide Awareness and also to celebrate the opening of the new kitchen which was funded by a grant from Ards and North Down Borough Council.
“I attended the event on the invitation of Cllr Steven Irvine and it was great to see the new kitchen and the group of guys who were working hard to raise funds – and awareness that there is always someone to help and always a way through dark times.
“Life is so difficult for so many and that is why it is great to see people joining together in their community to make a difference and great to see it facilitated by Ards Rangers who really are an intrinsic part of the local Ards Community.
“So well Done to Gary Gallagher and the Ards Rangers Team and Billy Tate, and indeed all of those involved.
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Shannon welcomes assurances on Parkinson’s access to Universal Credit and welfare benefits
Jim Shannon MP for Strangford has raised the issue of access to welfare benefits for those who suffer from illnesses which flare up and who are fearful that the help and support they rely on will be removed.
During the debate on the Universal Credit and PIP bill in the Commons, in which the government made many concessions, he raised an issue which Parkinson’s UK had raised with him.
Jim Shannon said: “I asked the Secretary of State for DWP Liz Kendall the question… I have been asked by representatives of people with Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis to put this question to the Secretary of State.
“hey are worried that people with these fluctuating conditions will be locked out of qualifying for the higher rate of the UC health element, as a functional limitation must “’constantly’ apply for a claimant to meet the severe conditions criteria.
“Will she commit to add an explicit reference to the Bill to ensure that those with fluctuating conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS are not locked out of the higher rate? It is really important for those people?”
The Secretary of State responded saying: “The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. Members have asked whether people with fluctuating conditions will meet the severe conditions criteria, which are for those with lifelong conditions that will never improve and mean they can never work.
“It is the case that, as someone’s condition progresses, if they change and meet those severe conditions criteria, they will be protected.
“One of the reasons for the Timms review is precisely to make sure this vital benefit recognises the impact of fluctuating conditions on people’s lives. That is crucial to make sure this benefit is fit for the future.”
This was great news for those who are in need of support and worried about the proposed changes. Whilst we must do all that we can to ensure that only those who need the help are getting it.
“We must ensure that the legislation gives support to those genuine people who need it the most and I will continue to stand up for those who need care and support due to their medical difficulties.”
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Shannon presses government to ensure that NI is not left behind in health funding and initiatives
Strangford MP Jim Shannon has spoken twice during Northern Ireland Question time to the Secretary of State for NI, Hillary Benn and further to the health minister for the inclusion of NI in additional funding and consideration for health matters.
Shannon said: “Whilst health is devolved and the ministers always seek to outline that funding comes through the block grant, I know that in practice additional money for projects can fall by the wayside.
“With an Assembly who would rather put Irish Language Signage up than to use funds to better equip our health service, I have a real concern that health will be left behind if we do not pursue initiatives and developments.
“For this reason during NIQs on Wednesday 2nd July on the NI Spending review I asked the SOS for NI Hillary Ben, what assessment has the Minister made of the impact of Barnett funding on health in Northern Ireland, given that the Northern Ireland Department of Health’s financial bid falls below requested and required levels each year?
“It is important that we have funding for health, so will the Secretary of State outline what that will be?
“And whilst the response was not what is needed, I will continue to press for meaningful change in how we allocate money which is sent for health and yet never reaches the local GP surgery or physiotherapy department.
“When discussing the 10 year NI Health plan, I specifically questioned the Minister again on NI’s place in health improvement saying: ‘Patients are taking up beds in hospitals who cannot get home, because the care in the community is not there.
“There are those who want to go to their homes, but the staff are not there to look after them. When it comes to finding and training people, will he consider training through schools and colleges for specific roles in care in the community and encourage pupils from a young age to see those as careers that they wish to be part of?”
The SOS for Health Wes Streeting responded positively saying: “I can absolutely give the hon. Gentleman that assurance.
“We will ensure that we are delivering that intermediate care in the community through not just the NHS, but our partners in social care.
“I have a really good relationship with Mike Nesbitt, my counterpart in Northern Ireland, so I am happy to share our learnings there.
“The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to emphasise the importance of ensuring that it is not just the sons and daughters of doctors, but more working-class people from backgrounds such as mine who get to go into medicine. That is exactly what this plan will deliver.”
Jim Shannon added: “Whilst discussing health can be difficult due to the devolved nature, the UK government role cannot be ignored and I will continue to press for a health care system that does not depend on a post code lottery.”
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