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This week we look at the crisis overwhelming Kent hospitals, the Police's crackdown on shoplifting and our MP's thoughts on the possibility of war. If you need some distance from all that uplifting news, Hever Castle have a forest bathing session this weekend, Southborough Panto are performing Treasure Island and The Forum is celebrating REM.

WEATHER

Monday: 0°C 🌡️ 5°C | 🌤️

Tuesday: 2°C 🌡️ 7°C | ⛅

Wednesday: 2°C 🌡️ 7°C | 🌫️

MAIN STORY

What Happened: Kent's hospitals are facing a severe winter flu crisis. Record-breaking numbers of patients are experiencing delays in accessing care. The number of flu cases has surged, reaching almost 10 times December’s early levels. Flu plus Covid-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus combined to create a “quad-demic.” Patients are waiting in overcrowded A&E departments. There are 2,572 people in December alone enduring waits of over 12 hours for a bed. Scenes of patients on trolleys in corridors have drawn comparisons to a “warzone."

Tunbridge Wells: At the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust, the crisis has reached unprecedented levels. 12-hour trolley waits have more than doubled to 171 cases. Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield described conditions as unacceptable in the House of Commons. She has urged the government to address equipment shortages and improve patient care. Residents, such as Sam Fox from Whitstable, have reported waits of over 48 hours for a hospital bed.

More Context: Bed-blocking is worsening the crisis. This is where hospitals cannot discharge fit patients due to a lack of care home or social care support. With 95% of hospital beds across Kent occupied, the strain is forcing staff to treat patients in makeshift spaces. The pandemic’s legacy has also worsened the issue, leaving many patients with more complex health needs. Flu cases may be peaking, but the return of schools could lead to further virus transmission. Health officials urge the public to get vaccinated. They ask people to use NHS services wisely to ease the pressure on overwhelmed healthcare systems.

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THE BRIEF

UK at War: Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin thinks the UK could be at war within the decade. The MP was talking on this week’s Kent Politics Podcast. He also discussed balancing housebuilding with protecting green spaces, and his concerns over Labour’s local government reorganisation plans.

Shoplifting Crackdown: Kent Police have been cracking down on shoplifting in Tunbridge Wells. Their effort resulted in 58 charges and the resolution of 50 out of 80 reported theft offences between 1st December and 8th January. Detective Inspector Rik Spicer emphasised the force’s commitment to protecting retailers. The Police brought 19 charges in January alone and ongoing patrols targeting offenders. Recent arrests include Finbar Caffrey, 41, charged with stealing £2,000 worth of items from Superdrug and Boots. He pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing on 3rd February. Alicia Bell, 27, was also arrested and pleaded not guilty and is bailed for the same date.

New Weight Loss Procedure: Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital is the first in Kent to offer Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty ("ESG"). The procedure is a minimally invasive, scarless weight loss procedure approved by NICE. ESG reshapes the inside of the stomach using an endoscope. It avoids incisions and offers faster recovery than traditional surgeries like sleeve gastrectomy. Suitable for patients with a BMI of 30-40, the procedure helps patients lose 45-60% of excess weight. It includes pre- and post-operative support, such as psychological guidance and dietary advice. Bariatric Surgeon Ahmed Hamouda highlights ESG as a safer, innovative alternative for long-term weight loss.

Striking the Balance: Kent County Council's new Transport Plan focuses on easing congestion on the A228-A264 corridor between Tunbridge Wells and West Malling. The route is vital, especially with new housing and jobs planned in Paddock Wood. Proposed upgrades include better public transport, road safety, and walking and cycling options. A Colts Hill bypass is also under review, but funding relies on government and developers. Public gave mixed feedback on the plan. The goal is to balance economic growth, better living, and environmental needs. Full details are in the Striking the Balance report.

THIS WEEK

Wicked Workshop | 18th Jan, 10am | Step into the magical world of Wicked with TheatreTrain Tunbridge Wells! Workshops for children 4 to 18. | Free​

New Year Forest Bathing & Firepit | Sat, 10am | Hever Castle is hosting another forest bathing session this weekend | £35​

The Baby Cloud Sensory Classes | Thurs | The Baby Cloud will give you the most magical and memorable moments | Details​

Treasure Island | Fri to Sun | Southborough's Community Panto is back with Treasure Island only this weekend! | £10+​

A Head Full of Coldplay | Sat, 7:30pm | Trinity Theatre is hosting this fantastic cover band | £22​

The Orange Circus | Sat, 7pm | Head to the Grey Lady for live sets from The Orange Circus and The Paul Dunton Orchestra. | £15​

You 2.0 Auditions | Mon, 5:30pm | Actors wanted for the latest National Theatre Connections play YOU 2.0| Details​

Spa Valley Railway | Sat & Sun | Faulty Towers, Fish & Chip Lunches, Afternoon Tea and Cream Tea trains all this weekend | Details​

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie | Sat, 6:30pm | See Maggie Smith as the well-meaning Scottish schoolteacher in the 1969 classic | £5​

The Gilbert & Sullivan Story | Sun, 2pm | Rusthall Community Cinema is showing the story of the iconic duo's tumultuous partnership | £5​

Stipe: A Celebration of REM | Sat, 7:30pm | The forum is celebrating all things REM this Saturday! | £20​

Sandi Thom | Fri, 7:30pm | The Forum hosts the Folk-Rock, Americana voice of Sandi Thom this Friday | £23​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

FURTHER OUT

Barrioke | 31st Jan, 8pm | The hugely popular event always sells out fast! | £23.50​

An Evening of Burlesque | 1st Feb, 7:30pm | The Assembly Hall is hosting this brilliant burlesque direct from the West End | £32.63​

The Green Duck Blues Club | 24th Jan | Tunbridge Wells' hot new blues night! | £15​

Eminem Celebration | 1st Feb, 7:30pm | Head to the Forum to celebrate 25 years since the release of Marshall Mathers LP | £20​

Winter Lantern Parade | 8th Feb, 5:30pm | This year's parade has a storytelling theme | Free​

For more events head to Plan My Event App (iPhone / Android)

SPORT

⚽ FOOTBALL

18th Jan - Tunbridge Wells vs. Lordswood AFC

🏉 RUGBY

11th Jan - Tunbridge Wells vs. London Welsh (POSTPONED)

18th Jan - Camberley vs. Tunbridge Wells

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THANK YOU

Hope you enjoyed this week's letter!

Jamie

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