just a few lines to let you know that I wrote to my local CCG (as advised to do so by the office of the Health Secretary). I received a predictably bland reply enclosing links to a couple of reports and an assurance that a lot,of work was being done alongside GPS and Pharmacists to address the issue of waste. I replied pointing out that (1) I had personally seen no evidence of it being effective and this was confirmed by the testimony and experiences of very many people in my city and elsewhere and (2) they had completely missed my point again - I was requesting a campaign to directly inform and educate the public. If I had come across proper evidence of GPs and Pharmacists actively working to reduce waste I would not have bothered setting up this petition. Of the several people I have spoken to who have tried to return mobility equipment to the hospital, not one has been referred to Medequip - this despite the CCG report confirming that they would be working with Medequip to sanitise and reuse this equipment. I have been asked to write to NHS England.

i am taking a break over this festive period but have written once again to the Health Secretary, copied to our PM and my local MP. I will write to NHS England in the new year. 

In the meantime I wish you all a happy Christmas and hope that 2020 brings you everything you desire. For anyone out there who is having a difficult time and not feeling particularly festive I hope that things improve very soon, and that you have someone to support you through your troubles.