In Horsham this weekend Christmas shopping was definitely upon us… Despite the UK being the No.1 nation for on-line shopping, the town, I am glad to say, was certainly busy. The market with its varied activities, umpteen great places to relax and vibrant independent shops combine to make the town a destination of choice. I enjoyed visiting smaller retailers for small business week and would particularly like to wish FairKind toyshop, just launched in Piries Place, the very best of luck for the future.
Amid the bustle it was a joy to see the Nativity Play and carol singing taking centre stage at the Bandstand.
May I wish you all a very happy Christmas – especially those who will be on duty this Christmas, including the ambulance service – for whom it is their busiest time of year.
Paramedics accessing equipment unknown even in hospitals a few years ago achieve extraordinary results. They do an excellent job and so when I heard from a witness about the delayed response to a patient in Kerves Lane I immediately contacted the CEO of SECAMB.
Rapid response times to life threatening situations are close to standard but clearly the time taken to reach this patient is not acceptable. It may prove that more resources are necessary but I am also conscious of ambulances being kept waiting too long at A&E to transfer patients and that ambulances successfully helping patients avoid going to hospital are not necessarily being recognised for doing so. I have been given immediate assurances about delays but we need the longer term solutions that SECAMB is investigating.
The service is experiencing a significant increase in calls and the nature of them (reflecting the population) is changing. We may find new approaches that better meet patient need and help release ambulances. For example a mobile medical practitioner is being made available in Horsham for a trial period from January - providing urgent advice and assistance to those who call but whose needs are best addressed at home rather than in hospital. Getting the right systems in place for the best patient care is a key local priority for the coming year.
Photo caption: The Nativity Play (complete with camels!) in the heart of a bustling Carfax last weekend.