The Liberal Democrats said today that GPs should be able to arrange appointments to suit the needs of patients, not government targets. A YouGov poll revealed only 44 per cent of people asked were able to book an appointment with their GP within the 48 hour target.
A new report showing the true extent to which smoking affects the lives of people in the South East has been launched by the South East Public Health Observatory (SEPHO). The report shows the proportion of people that smoke in each Local Authority in the South East and has new figures showing the cost of smoking to business and to the NHS in the region.
New figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats reveal the extent of under age drunken anti-social behaviour across England. Since Labour came to power some areas have seen a massive rise in the numbers of youths arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour. Surrey has seen massive 111% rise and Kent a 98% jump.
Following a review of the East Kent Non Emergency Patient Transport Service (PTS) by the East Kent NHS Trust, "leadership and senior management" responsibilities are to be passed to the private sector.
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam, died at a hospice in Kent this morning. She was admitted to hospital following a fall at home earlier this month and never regained consciousness.
A survey from NatWest has shown that 49% of this year's first year students admit that they would have been less likely to start university in 2006 because of top-up fees coming info effect. With students across Shepway awaiting A Level results, the Liberal Democrats are worried that many local young people could choose not to go onto further education due to the cost of top-up fees.
Figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have shown the number of alcohol-related deaths has increased by nearly a fifth in four years. In the South East deaths rose from 725 in 2000 to 842 in 2004 - a rise of 16.1%
Are you aware that Lydd Airport is proposing to increase passenger numbers at Lydd Airport from 4500 per annum in 2003 to 2 million per annum in 2011, and to further increase number to 6 million per annum by 2021? This would make the airport comparable to Luton Airport today.
Up to 50,000 businesses which provide alcohol, hot food or entertainment after 11pm may have to shut temporarily after failing to reapply for licences. Businesses across Kent including in Shepway are expected to have been affected - in some parts of the county nearly half the licensees have not submitted their forms, according to council figures. New licences will be needed from 24 November.
Identity cards could create a "health underclass", the Liberal Democrats have warned as opponents of the scheme intensify their campaign. Lib Dem health spokesman Steve Webb said he feared people without ID cards could be prevented from seeing NHS doctors - except in emergencies.
Airport expansion is bad for the South East's economy, a report has claimed. Friends of the Earth said the boom in aviation is costing the region three times more than it gains. Using data from the Office of National Statistics, it said UK travellers are spending £2.7bn more abroad per year than foreigners flying to the area.
The firm which runs the Hong Kong Metro and a UK train company have submitted a bid to take over the rail franchise for the south east of England including services to Folkestone Central and West stations.