It is vital that testing strips are made available to all type 2 diabetics, without them it is impossible to truly understand how different foods affect blood glucose levels. Upon diagnosis patients should be offered enough strips to be able to test before and after meals and in doing so build up a clearer picture of how diabetes affects them as an individual, after a period of time the patient will no longer need to test so frequently, only if feeling unwell or when eating an unfamiliar food. Testing strips are an aid to good control of diabetes and are integral in reducing the amount of complications that can occur, well managed blood glucose reduces the chance of severe visual loss/blindness by 25% and early kidney damage by 33%. Testing strips cost the NHS between 24-40 pence each, depending on the brand used. The cost of complications far outweigh the cost of providing testing strips on a year by year basis. The cost of amputation and post amputation care cost the NHS approximately £19,000 per patient in 2010/2011. Ulceration cost approximately £3,400 per patient in the same year. Renal failure costs approximately £30,000 each and every year the patient survives. Heart failure costs approximately £3,000 in the first year and then £1,000 in each additional year. The cost of supplying medication and testing strips is estimated at £300-£370 per patient per year. The total cost of treating preventable complications is £9.8 billion per year. I've benefited greatly from testing my blood glucose, my hba1c is down 10% in the year since being diagnosed but I have had to fund testing strips myself after an out and out refusal by my GP on cost grounds, unfortunately I'm unable to refuse on cost grounds as I don't want to risk complications so I buy strips instead of buying gas. It's a shame that so many people who would like to actively manage their diabetes cannot do so due to blanket restrictions on strips, especially when there appears to be such a large financial benefit to the country.

No need to use a sledgehammer to crack this very tiny nut of an issue. This small device will do it in one easy, democratic, stroke.

It is important to keep this site that has been used by and has been integral for the local community for many years. It has been a green space and been used since 1890 by the local community for various sports activities, including tennis, football, rugby, athletics, cricket, hockey, bowls, and even a rifle range.

Primary school places have increased significantly. Before too long these children will be at secondary school. In the spirit of the post Olympics let us preserve our children's right to access school playing fields that can accommodate them all.

A small British jam manufacturer (husband & wife team) recently introduced the first ever British apple-based jams onto the U.K. high street. However, the U.K. government has stated these products cannot legally be called jam because they don't contain enough sugar!!! Standard jams have a sugar content exceeding 60%; however, these apple-based jams have a sugar content of 52-53%. Unfortunately, between 51-59% sugar content there is no clear legal definition as to what these British apple-based products should be called. It's a jam 'no-mans land'! Jam Law across the EU is meant to be harmonised. However, France, Germany and Denmark have all recently used an 'escape clause' in the legislation to permit jams with sugar content below 60%. The U.K. government now needs to use this 'escape clause' to account for British apple-based jams. After 12 months of battling for the issue to be addressed, the U.K. government has finally agreed to consult on making changes to the Law (see http://www.defra.gov.uk/files/jam-consult-statement.pdf). However, there is no guarantee that the Law will be changed and it wouldn’t occur until the end of 2013. We therefore need to keep pressure on the U.K. government to ensure the ridiculous Jam Laws are changed. During these recessionary times, it is vital that the U.K. government supports British business, British innovation and British-specific traditions, i.e. Bramley apple growing. With obesity rates increasing, we should also be encouraging the general public to consume jams with more fruit and less added sugar.

I find it easier to go to a walk in center if I am not feeling well outside surgery hours that is the reason why I am setting up this petition the hospital is nearer to my home but I feel as though it is wasting doctors time if I go with an illness or injury outside surgery times.I have used the Walk in Centre and have always received efficient treatment and advice and also feel as though I am not a burden to the nurses and doctors who work there.

Half of Haverhill is one of 20% of the most deprived health in Suffolk. How would you feel if you had a young child or an elderly parent that could not get to a doctor at weekends, evenings or night and an out of hours doctor that has to cover 120 square miles.

We all know to our cost that Competition between Energy suppliers is a myth When one increase its prices then the rest are quick to follow Ofgen gave up control as it naively thought that completion between the companies would do its work for them, but they forgot one important fact that all major companies naturally like to for cartels in order to ensure their continuing profits When one increase its prices then the rest are quick to follow as we know to our cost Politicians like to patronise the public & they think that we are stupid when they say shop around but we all are aware that this advice is fatuous

This will reduce accidents,road rage and help traffic flow.

These disabled people are suffering enough with their disability and surely we as a caring society should be helpful and be prepared to help them in their fight with the government to keep their factories open.

John Major and other senior party members pledged to return the donations if Nadir was found guilty of fraud - this was a Conservative party commitment which they should honour.

Timmy has a heavily pregnant wife and 2 children Cameron and Skye, they need there daddy and the whole family deserve answers. Dont forget he was servig our country..why arnt we doing more to find him!????