Some very welcome good news arrived this week with the announcement that early detection of breast cancer in the North East has nearly doubled over the last ten years.
I promptly tabled a Commons motion applauding this tremendous progress by the government and dedicated staff in boosting access to cancer screening. I wanted, above all, to amplify assurances to women that breast checks are effective and counter scepticism about them.
Last year nearly 100,000 women were screened and 731 cases of cancer were detected. Nearly 600 were invasive. The current target age range for screening is 50-70 but the widening of the screening programme which started in April 2008 includes those aged between 47-73. Full coverage is expected in 2015.
Continuing with preventative measures, I have also backed a new Zero Deaths national campaign to encourage householders, and especially landlords, to install audible Carbon Monoxide alarms.
This silent killer is produced when fuel-burning appliances such as boilers are incorrectly fitted, badly repaired, poorly maintained or if flues, chimneys and vents are blocked. Boilers should be checked every year but having an alarm provides a permanent check on Carbon Monoxide which has no colour, taste or smell but is lethal. These alarms are real life-savers.
I'm keen that all landlords are legally required to fit audible Carbon Monoxide alarms before receiving their annual gas safety certificate. All new homes should include these alarms as with smoke alarms. The alarms are widely available and some retailers are even offering discounts in support of the campaign.
Sadly, prevention sometimes fails. But I was pleased to discover that the Government has a very good record in compensating people for industrial diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and vibration white finger.
Just over £4 billion has been paid out in the last decade. Virtually 100% of nearly 760,000 claims have been settled. Nearly £21 million has been paid out in 3,892 cases in Blaydon and just six claims are outstanding.
On a bad news issue, I am concerned that power-sharing in Northern Ireland could collapse. Many in the North-East have Ireland close to their hearts and want the peace to continue and grow. I have tabled another Commons Motion which says that Catholics and Protestants are deeply segregated from each other, with only 6% of children attending integrated schools which seek to promote mutual understanding. Any long-term reconciliation requires a bigger integrated education sector.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |