19/1/07

BOURNEMOUTH WEST M.P. VISITS DISABILITY INFORMATION SERVICE IN BOURNEMOUTH

Bournemouth West M.P., John Butterfill, visited Disability Wessex at their office in Wellington Road, Bournemouth, on Friday 19 January, 2007.

He met Nikki Haswell, the Chief Executive Officer of the Disability Information Service and other members of staff.  They discussed various pieces of Government legislation affecting the disabled, including the Independent Living Bill and the Welfare Reform Bill.

John also discussed with them the provision of stoma appliances and similar services and their concerns that these services may be reduced.  He has, in fact, taken this matter up with the Health Minister who assured him that the Government wished to maintain and, where applicable, improve the current quality of care for patients.  However, John has made him aware of his disabled constituents’ concerns.

John said:  “I was very pleased to learn about the excellent work performed by the Disability Information Service in giving help and advice on disability issues  I know that this is of enormous help to my disabled constituents and I intend to publicise their service as much as possible.”