It is with great sadness that I mark the death and funeral today of Jill Fairbrother-Millis, county and district councillor. Jill was a real servant of the people and she did not let her illness stop her from doing her duty. She continued to make herself go to meetings and events until close to her death. She was a model for all of us of typical British guts and determination – carry on regardless – in spite of every difficulty thrown at her. We will all miss her and she will be long remembered with admiration and affection for her dedication and commitment to the people of Stourport and Wyre Forest.

I have apologised to David for being absent from Jill’s funeral as it coincides with a Health Select Committee meeting in London. This meeting is to finalise and agree the report following the committee’s complex inquiry into the Safety of Patients in the NHS. As one of only two medical members of this committee I feel my presence is essential at the time of agreeing a crucial report.

As there is so much interest in Independent MPs at the moment I was shadowed last Friday by a TV crew. I had agreed long ago to attend an event outside the constituency and this was to talk to the students at Warwick University on the ground breaking degree course in Medical Leadership about political aspects of NHS planning and control.

Then I was filmed at Kemp Hospice talking to their director of operations about the disastrous effect the new gambling laws have on some of the most lucrative charity fund raising events. I plan to make the Government aware of this when I receive details of the scale of the problem. The crew followed me to a surgery but of course could not film anyone without consent or hear any details of the problems brought to me. Interviews at home and in London completed the preparation for, if I am lucky, about two minutes of airtime on a political programme late tonight.

Saturday saw a welcome consultation event at Bewdley School about the plans for the developments at the School affordable through the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme. Although I have heard from an understandable critic of consultation I believe this was a genuine attempt by the headteacher and Governors to involve local people in the planning of the details of the development so we obtain the best facilities for the students and also for the local community.

I was very impressed with exhibitions in the art department which explained exactly why the school has just won the accolade of Specialist School Status for Arts. Students and staff are to be congratulated on this splendid achievement.

The weather behaved on Saturday afternoon for the open air Annual General Meeting of the Kidderminster and District Scout Council. Interest in Scouting is high now and the appointment of Bear Grylls as the new Chief Scout has further increased those wishing to join. The problem is that there are not enough leaders. If you are aged 16 – 25 and would like to help with traditional and modern Scouting, information is available on 0845 300 1818 and www.scouts.org.uk

Dr Richard Taylor MP