I was delighted to see first hand the fruits of all the hard-work of all those at Ipswich Hospital who have made the Garrett Anderson Centre a reality. I have supported this new facility from the first business plan and I am pleased to see it up and running.

The Garrett Anderson Centre is all about meeting the needs of the modern patient in a state-of-the-art healthcare setting. It hosts a new Accident and Emergency facility (housing 12 treatment rooms for adults as well as 4 specifically designed for children); a day surgery centre; and a critical care centre. To meet patient demand and to offer more privacy and dignity, 50 percent of the centre's short-stay rooms are single en-suite rooms.

(* Chris with Ipswich Hospital Director of Estates Stephen Harrup)

I was particularly impressed with the quality of the design, the attention to features such as the ease with which wards can be cleaned and the hi-tech equipment which will be used to treat patients. 

The 2007 Budget introduced the lowest basic rate of taxation in the UK at 20p in the pound and this came into effect for millions of earners on the 1st April. Labour in Government had introduced the 10p starting rate in 1999 to help work pay and to encourage people off benefits and into work. The 10p rate benefited everyone regardless of need and the Tax Credit system had been developed to better target those on low incomes and in need of help. Whilst it was clear that pensioners and couples with children had had the impact of the removal of the 10p rate offset by increases in Tax Credits and tax thresholds for the over 65s it was a mistake not to provide something similar for childless couples and younger retirees. A statement by the Chancellor announced that 60-64 year-olds will be helped through the Winter Fuel Allowance scheme and the personal tax allowance was raised by £600, giving earners up to £40,835 an extra £120 thus year offsetting the change for 80% of those affected. 

I was pleased to be able to promote the launch of the enhanced Winter Fuel Allowance with James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Pensioners over 60 will now get £250 and those over 80 will receive £400.

(* Chris with Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell MP)

In Westminster I received a briefing from Anglian Water on their planned investments in water and sewage infrastructure. I asked them to continue to monitor, and take action on, the situation in and around Cliff Quay Water Sewage Treatment Works.

In Ipswich I welcomed the news from Suffolk PCT that they are investing additional funds in hospital services to provide digital hearing aids in response to my campaign on the issue.

I welcomed the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls to Stoke High School where he commented on the significant progress in teaching and learning, particularly as a Technology Specialist School and Ed was shown the proposal for a South West Ipswich Sixth Form Centre.

(* Chris with Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls MP)

I have also met with Rosalind Turner, the Director for Services to Children and Families at Suffolk County Council to discuss their intentions for the application of the Government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) investment. This will allow significant redevelopment of high schools in South West and South East Ipswich.

With Richard Howitt MEP I was able to visit Suffolk New College to discuss the progress of the £70 million new build for the College which is on schedule to open in September 2009. 

I was pleased to attend the launch of the new Ipswich-Stansted direct coach link. This replaces a service lost a few years ago. It is however sad news that American Airlines have withdrawn their service because of the global downturn. 

I visited the CWU - Royal Mail learning centre at the Commercial Road sorting office in order to hear the impact that Trade Union Learning Representatives have had on skills and learning in the workplace.

It was a joy to revisit Handford Hall CP School where I was a governor and parent for so many years. I was impressed by the efforts of the Headteacher Jon Trotter and his team and have passed on my thoughts on their use of the International Primary Curriculum to Schools Minister, Jim Knight MP.

Chris Mole MP