After intense lobbying, I am pleased Rutland was rightly recognised as the independent county it is, and not placed under tier 3 measures with Leicestershire. It’s been a delight to see our economy cautiously reopening and many people out supporting local businesses. My focus is now on getting us moved into tier 1, however the challenge remains that in addition to getting our rates down, we also need to improve intensive care capacity at our local hospitals – which remains high. The tiering model recognises that it is not enough to have low rates, Rutlanders must also be able to access intensive care if they contract COVID-19 and are severely affected.
A few weeks ago, I was delighted to secure Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) commitment that Rutland Memorial Hospital would be protected and invested in in the years to come. However, I await their further detail on investment to provide enhanced GP provision across our County and a comprehensive health plan for Rutland. The CCG has promised to launch a series of engagements with us in 2021, so that they can develop a One Rutland Health Strategy.
I’m delighted that last week, our County Council provisionally agreed to contribute £4,000 in principle for a feasibility study for improved rail services in Rutland. Together we are committed to delivering improved transport options for Rutlanders, but no decisions have yet been made. This study is an extremely positive first step to investigate whether re-opening Luffenham station, or building a new one, is feasible, and whether it’s right for our communities. Residents can fill in an initial survey on my website.
Improving Rutland’s transport is ever more important with our victory over COVID-19 in sight, with the UK being the first country in the world to approve a vaccine for use. Locally, vaccinations will begin over the next two weeks as the vaccine simultaneously gets rolled out across the country.
Rutland’s vaccine programme will be delivered through community hub sites and GP practices, and there will be a vaccination hub in Oakham. Residents must now wait to be contacted by the NHS to tell them it is time for vaccination.
Until then, we must continue in our collective resolve to reduce COVID-19 transmission and adhere to the Government’s tier measures. I will, of course, urge the Government to review Rutland’s tier status. I wish again to thank all of you for protecting one another over the last nine months and for the sacrifices you have made in doing so.
