This has been a nightmare week for Basildon University Hospital, having been unfairly pilloried by the national press. The attacks, whether expressed in the relatively measured tones of the Telegraph, or the ranting of Littlejohn, have done little other than to provide a platform for political posturing.

The Hospital, already considered good overall, has had its reputation sullied by mischievous reporting and ill-informed conjecture. It has been pleasing to note the feedback we have been receiving from Hospital users in the area. Of course there are some complaints, but overall the weight of opinion is very much in the Hospital’s favour.

I have been to A&E on many occasions. Sometimes patients have to wait for hours to receive medical attention, provided their problems are minor. Those in need of urgent care receive it without delay. Its called giving priority to priority cases: can there be a fairer way of working than on the basis of need?

To be sure, the facilities are limited. A&E needs more space, staff and equipment. But that’s precisely what is happening in the current round of investment.

Arrive on a busy Friday or Saturday night at almost any A&E and you will find people coming in with sports injuries, fight injuries, worse the wear for drink, with assorted bites, burns, aches and pains. There could be heavy nose bleeds and assorted injuries at work or in the home all presenting for attention. The place can all too readily look more like a war zone than a sterile operating theatre. Surprise, surprise!

The Hospital Trust has not been complacent. It has acted straightway on comments arising from a spot inspection in order to be delivering outstanding service. Of course, it is right and proper that we should all take an interest in the performance of our Trust and that its performance should be measured against that of other Trusts: but before the national press rises up in righteous indignation, perhaps we have the right to expect it to get its facts straight.

Of course, the subject has reared its head many times on ‘Good Afternoon’. 

On a more cheerful note, I have had the pleasure of meeting and talking to a number of young people. One, a victim of bullying, spoke movingly about its effect on him and the reasons he felt other kids picked on him. The result is that his education has suffered, yet it is pretty obvious that his determination will see him become the paramedic of his ambitions.

The others, a group of Sixth Formers from the Basildon Upper Academy, were very impressive. An older generation often sees education standards as having slipped and stereotypes today’s youngsters as ignorant uncouth hoodie wearing layabouts unable to articulate their thoughts or to execute the simplest calculations. 

However, these young people were confident (but not cocky), self-assured, highly articulate and all displayed a remarkably down-to-earth realism about the need to work for what you want, to study and get qualified in order to give yourself a better chance in life. That over-worked expression ‘awesome’  just about sums them up.

‘Good Afternoon’  has also set its sights on Age Concern in Basildon, a charity doing sterling work for the elderly. Two anecdotes emerged from the discussion: the first shocking, the second with a positive outcome.

It seems unbelievable in this day and age that a long-married couple can have what amounts to a de facto divorce imposed upon them, though they do not wish it.  I hope to be able to place this item on the site quite shortly for a ‘listen again’ opportunity: don’t miss it and do, please, raise it with those canvassing for your votes.

Sadly there seems little respect paid to the elderly: people become ‘non-persons’ as they become pensioners. Even though they are probably among the most politically aware and the most enthusiastic voters, their voices are not heeded by a younger, more arrogant generation that thinks it knows what is best for them.  Why is this so ? — Just one of  the matters arising from our chat about Age Concern.

The other day the focus was on ‘domestic violence’ and a loud and clear plea came across for Christmas contributions of toys, toiletries etc. to be given to children whose Mums have had to move to a refuge, or whose lives have otherwise been disturbed by domestic violence.  We received an immediate offer from a listener. If you can help, please let us know.

As you gather, Good Afternoon involves a bit of chat, some music and a straight look at issues of the day. Your input is always welcome. The phone number for the studio is 01268 521299 or you can email studio@gatewayfm.com

Of course — you could leave me a comment on this blog. So, if you have been, thanks for listening and do join me again for an afternoon chat.