A Healthy Day in Hounslow

I was delighted that Andrew Lansley MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Health, was able to visit the constituency last Thursday.

We started the day by visiting the West Middlesex University Hospital (WMUH), to be briefed on current issues, challenges and progress. We visited several departments in the hospital, including Maternity, A&E and the recently opened West London Day Surgery Centre. The WMUH does not always get the credit it deserves .. but actually, it has become an award-winning, community hospital. Yes, it still has historical financial challenges and yes, there are still improvements to be made, but the staff have made real efforts to improve patient care, MRSA rates and financial management over the last year.

We then visited The Mulberry Centre, a local cancer support charity, which we are currently raising money for in our Healthy Hounslow Campaign. The Mulberry Centre recently won the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) local health award in recognition of excellence in community healthcare. They do fantastic work, as a drop-in centre for those who are affected by cancer. Since one in three people are likely to be diagnosed with cancer, it is so important that patients get the support, advice and treatment they need.

The final stop was GSK, to talk to Simon Jose, Head of GSK UK, and his team, about community involvement, the importance of research and development, and building science skills in schools. GSK is making huge investments in researching both medicines and vaccines for HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria, the World Health Organisation’s three priority diseases. They are also developing new treatments for cancer. It is great to have the headquarters of an organisation like GSK in Brentford, a company who not only made total community investments of £282m last year, but have also made a hands-on difference locally.

In healthcare, a lot has been achieved...but so much more still to do.

All in all ....a healthy day!


Photo (from left to right): Cllr Pam Fisher (Hounslow Lead Member for Adult Social Services and Health), Tara Donnelly (Chief Executive, West Middlesex University Hospital), Andrew Lansley MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Health), Janet Henry (Matron of the West London Day Surgery Centre), Mary Macleod (Conservative Parliamentary Candidate), Sue Ellen(Chairman of the Trust Board) and Sally Stephens (Campaign Co-ordinator)

Join our Healthy Hounslow Campaign ...

We are launching ‘A Healthier Hounslow’ community initiative this week. The aim is to raise awareness and show the importance of healthy eating and nutrition for improving personal health and wellbeing.

It will involve a ten week Healthy Eating Challenge for charity, where local volunteers will try and lose weight as a team, including me. Each person will set their own goal and weekly weigh-in sessions will take place in Chiswick. The group weight loss goal will be announced at the launch event on Saturday 19th April and sponsorship will be raised for the total group weight loss.

This is non-political and anyone can participate…. if you want to support The Mulberry Centre, or you need to lose weight or you just want to support a Healthy Eating Campaign.

The local charity benefiting from this campaign is The Mulberry Centre, which supports people affected by cancer and won the GSK local health award last year for excellence in community health care. I will be visiting them this week with Andrew Lansley MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health.

Also involved is Alli Godbold, a local nutritional therapist. She uses diet and nutritional supplements to help individuals achieve their optimal level of health and advises on many areas of health including coping with stress, fatigue, digestive disorders and weight problems. She will be giving the Healthy Eating Challengers weekly advice and cooking tips!

Do contact me if you would like to join with me and lose weight for a good cause! You can get in touch on 020 8994 1406 or mary@marymacleod.com or just come along to the launch on Saturday 19th April at 2pm at Carvosso’s, 210 Chiswick High Road. Before starting the 10 week challenge, do check with your doctor first.

Donations to our Healthy Hounslow Campaign, can be made on this blog - just look to the right!