This week's Coventry Observer letters page...... - The Coventry Observer

This week's Coventry Observer letters page......

Coventry Editorial 8th Jul, 2021   0

Police should be catching speeders, not community volunteers

THE TREND towards community volunteers assisting police on speed watches is encouraging a belief that neighbourhoods are somehow responsible for speeding in their area and that it is up to residents to get together to help control this growing problem.

Is speeding still an offence or has it been downgraded to anti-social behaviour?

If an offence then surely it is the job of police to organise speed monitoring and then perhaps invite communities to get involved.

Apparently Speedwatch is considered the first step to demonstrate there is a problem which needs looking into – although anyone can spot a car travelling at 60mph in a built up area and the watches where I supported police a few years ago quickly descended into farce with motorists spotting the cluster of folk in yellow jackets and the big notices warning them of the action. Many crawled by with some drivers waving cheerfully and the next day the speeding was as usual.




It is great our police network with residents as much as possible but much more effective control is now needed across the city to control speeding. Communities need to feel safe to move around and connect with each other and action on speeding on our urban streets needs to be urgently reviewed and updated.

Pip Pountney


Coventry

 

BIG Thank You to Coventry and Warwickshire’s NHS staff

AN OPEN letter to NHS staff.

I would like to say a BIG thank you for all your effort and commitment over the past year and wish you a very happy NHS 73rd birthday.

It has been a year of unprecedented challenges and it is an honour the NHS was awarded the George Cross on Monday by Her Majesty the Queen.

The George Cross is the UK’s highest award for gallantry and heroism and the NHS has been awarded this to mark its public service over seven decades. Congratulations to everyone.

We have all been unimaginably busy for the last year so it is important we take time to reflect on the hard work we have undertaken and the fabulous progress we have made in both tackling the pandemic and ensuring our Trust continues to develop and innovate to provide the best possible care for our patients.

As a Trust we have seen some real achievements over the last 12 months. Some highlights to name but a few include:

Delivering 1million Covid vaccines across Coventry and Warwickshire in June

The #ThanksKids initiative, led by the Rise team, recognising the super efforts and kindness of children. Many children and young people, despite having to cope with the uncertainty related to the pandemic, reached out and supported their friends, family and community.

Staff survey results show improvement in four themes

Winning two HSJ Awards for the work with OxeHealth for delivering two innovative digital programmes to improve patient safety and care at inpatient mental health hospitals – Best Mental Health Partnership with the NHS, Fewer Incidents and Better Care in Inpatient Mental Health Hospitals and Most Effective Contribution to Patient Safety and Improving Safety and Care for Inpatient Mental Health Patients.

Staff health and wellbeing is a Trust priority. We have developed a system wide ‘With Staff in Mind’ support HUB for those working in Health and Social Care providing emotional wellbeing and support.

Coming together over Let’s Talk sessions and the newly revamped Chief Executive briefings.

Despite being caught up in the pandemic we continue to deliver great work under unprecedented pressures.

I really want you to take the time to reflect on the ones dear to you and your colleagues.

If the last 12 months have taught us anything, it is how important family and friends are to us.

Hope you had great NHS 73rd Birthday and enjoyed a cup of tea/coffee with a colleague, even if it was virtually. Take some time to smile. You all deserve it.

Mel Coombes MBE

Chief Executive

CWPT

 

Take part in Swim22 for Diabetes UK

DIABETES UK is inviting people from across the Midlands to dive into a sponsored swimming challenge that raises vital funds for diabetes research and helps us support people living with the condition.

Swim22 runs between July 22 and October 22 and involves swimming a total of 22 miles – the equivalent of crossing the English Channel. Participants can take on the challenge at their own pace, accumulating the miles across the course of the 12 weeks.

Swimming is a fantastic way to get fit and healthy, have fun and set yourself a challenge.

By taking on Swim22, you’ll also be raising money to help Diabetes UK ensure people living with diabetes get the care and support they need.

There are two other options to choose from. Participants can do ‘The Half’, covering 11 miles – half the distance to France and still an impressive feat. More experienced swimmers may wish to take on ‘The Double’ – swimming 44 miles, the equivalent of swimming to France and back again.

To register for Swim22, visit swim22.diabetes.org.uk.

There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.

Please sign up to Swim22 and make a splash for Diabetes UK.

Peter Shorrick

Midlands and East Regional Head

Diabetes UK

 

EDITOR’S COMMENT

THE GOVERNMENT’S announcement that all restrictions will come to an end on July 19 has split the country down the middle.

A YouGov poll shows 71 per cent of Brits say face masks should be mandatory on public transport and 66 per cent in shops.

Whilst masks, the one-metre social distancing have been legally scrapped and the amount of state intervention reduced, it is up to people to make their own individual choices to ensure they protect themselves and others.

 

We welcome your letters…..

What pressing issues do you feel need addressing in Coventry? Send us your views to [email protected]

 

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