ONE of the biggest challenges in the NHS is to keep such a large organisation nimble and flexible enough to respond to the constantly shifting health needs of the public.

We all know that demand for services is on the increase, and that there are a number of challenges emerging around an ageing population.

Plus, new discoveries in treatments mean that more and more people are able to live with chronic conditions and enjoy a relatively good quality of life – often for many years.

Thinking about how we respond to the growing numbers of patients presenting with chronic illnesses and how we deal with major public health problems like diabetes is an important priority and one I was discussing only last week with a constituent whose particular interest is in helping obese people to achieve a healthy weight.

Prevention is better than cure and I have often said that I would like to see fresh spending in reactive healthcare matched with an equal investment in public health initiatives. I am no advocate of a nanny state. People must be allowed to make their own decisions but it is naïve to think that it is not also legitimate for government to play its part in ensuring that they are equipped with the information, advice and support they need to make the right choices.

Our always-impressive hospital will be doing its bit next week, taking part in Self Care Week, offering free informal advice on staying healthy.

I have also been closely involved in the Work and Pensions Select Committee’s inquiry into the government’s proposed tax credit reforms.

The Committee took evidence from expert organisations, and we sat long into the evening on Monday night to finalise the report making key recommendations to government.