IN this week’s column, Warrington South MP Andy Carter discusses efforts in the town to tackle coronavirus.

I am sure like myself many of you are starting to feel the weight of the social distancing restrictions for just over six weeks, not being able to spend time with family and friends or follow the normal routines of the working week certainly doesn’t get any easier.

However, as the Prime Minister said when he returned to Downing Street earlier this week, we must continue to follow the government guidance to save lives and protect our vital health services.

Every couple of days through the lockdown I have a call with Professor Simon Constable who is the Chief Executive of Warrington and Halton NHS Trust to discuss the situation relating to coronavirus in our local hospital.

As much as the news can be positive, it has been encouraging to hear that the Trust is managing these challenging times well, and to date there has been no significant issues with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

This is mainly due to the great collaboration that has taken place across a number of hospitals in the region to share stocks where necessary.

From the conversations I've had I'm really confident that this challenge is being well managed by the Trust, and with infection numbers beginning to decline it looks like we could have now passed the initial peak and some operations are about to restart.

It was also very refreshing to see a positive story leading the Sky News last week – from our own Warrington Hospital, where brilliant clinicians have adapted technology for people with sleep apnoea to help patients with COVID-19.

As I am sure many of you have seen by now the respiratory team have modified devices known as "black boxes" which appear to have cut mortality rates and improved the chances of a quick recovery from the virus by adapting their breathing.

It’s also meant there's less need for the more intrusive and invasive ventilators and they've experienced a far quicker recovery rate.

The story featured Warrington resident Donna Wall who was very poorly on intensive care. A week on, it’s really good to hear that Donna is on the road to recovery and is doing very well thanks to the care she’s received.

My heartfelt condolences go out to those families who have lost loved ones, this awful virus is claiming so many lives before their time.

Despite being in such difficult circumstances the response to the coronavirus lockdown across Warrington has been brilliant and everyone should be proud of what they are doing.

Communities who have pulled together to deliver food and supplies to elderly and vulnerable residents; the NHS staff, care providers, emergency workers, delivery drivers, teachers, supermarket workers and all the other people who are putting themselves at risk – thank you. 

With Parliament now back sitting after the Easter recess, I am now working ‘virtually’ in the House of Commons from my house here in Warrington, making use of new technologies, speaking in the Chamber and attending Select Committee hearings.

The resumption also means we’re able to question Ministers on the work the Government has been doing during the lockdown.

Many of the schemes put in place some weeks ago are helping to support families and businesses here in Warrington but I’m also aware that we need to continually review them and, in some cases, make changes as time moves on.

Throughout this crisis I have been ensuring that any concerns and queries I receive are relayed directly to Ministers, whilst offering any personal support I can.

After giving feedback I was really pleased to see the Chancellor announce a crucial new Micro Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Up to £50k, 0% interest for 12 months.

Crucially, there are no forward-looking viability tests which should mean loans are much easier to access for small business. The scheme will be available from banks on Monday May 4 at 9am and are designed to help business to ‘bounce back’ as soon as restrictions are lifted.

I am also pleased that Government food parcels are arriving with particularly vulnerable residents in Warrington South who may not have the same support networks as others.

If you have received a letter advising you to shield as a result of your medical history and are struggling to get food and other essential supplies, please contact my office so we can take steps to arrange one of these for you.

As always, please do contact my office if there is anything I can do to support you through this difficult period.

Although I can’t conduct face to face meetings we can speak on the phone or hold a ‘zoom’ surgery.

I can always be contacted by email at andy.carter.mp@parliament.uk and I will aim to respond as quickly as I possibly can.

Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.