 SHERYLL MURRAY, the Conservative Prospective MP for South East Cornwall has spoken of her delight after joining Andrew Lansley MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health for a visit to the Plymouth Hospital Trust at Derriford site.
Sheryll, who was joined by her fellow Conservative prospective MPs Oliver Colvile (Plymouth Sutton and Devonport) and Matthew Groves (Plymouth Moor View), joined Andrew Lansley on a visit to the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry.
The Trust is developing rapidly as a centre for research in partnership with the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. The group were impressed by the fifth year students working together to deal with a simulated cardiac incident using computer controlled dummy patient.
They were then given a tour of the new Cardiothoracic Unit by the two Matrons who share responsibility for Cardiothoracic Services. Chief Executive of the trust Paul Roberts and Commanding Officer of the Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit Cdr Rick Stead introduced them to staff including Consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Jonathon Unsworth-White.
They watched a video of the new procedure using the keyhole technique to insert a stent into a heart valve.
Speaking after the visit Sheryll said: “Working at the sharp end of primary healthcare, I see a lot of people admitted to Derriford after experiencing heart problems and it was really good to see witness the care and treatment they receive once they arrive in hospital.”
Cdr Stead told the group about the integration of the MDHU into the trust. They learned about the implications for staffing rotas when staff are deployed to Afghanistan or additional medical cover is required at the Military Hospital, Hedley Court when increased numbers of injured casualties are admitted.
Sheryll continued: “I have a great respect for all the NHS staff and had no idea of the implication the drafting of a Consultant Surgeon has on the day to day operations that we all take for granted.
“I was also delighted to hear that the sharing of expertise between military and civilian medical practitioners at all levels provides a real benefit to the patients.”
Noted for Editors
For more information, please telephone Sheryll Murray on 07703 838851
The photograph shows Sheryll Murray, second right, with Andrew Lansley MP (4th right), Matthew Groves (3rd left) and Oliver Colvile (end, right)
12th February 2010 | 
