MP ON-LINE AND AT YOUR SERVICE

David Kidney, Stafford's labour MP, now regularly records short audio messages for constituents. These "Audioboos" can be found on his website www.davidkidney.com and can also be picked up if you are following David on Twitter.

David says:

“There are many times when I would like to say more to constituents to explain the complexities of the work MPs do. It is difficult to get this across in “sound bites” and the traditional media like our newspapers have too much competition for space to give complex issues a full airing.

“Social media are changing the ways in which we do politics. I think it is a very good thing. Audioboo is a simple way for me to talk directly to constituents, and I hope that people will find what I have to say interesting.

“I also encourage people to follow me on Twitter. If you let me know you are from Stafford I will follow you back. I don't get the time to tweet as much as I would like, but I do try to respond to direct tweets.

“My latest Audioboo records some thoughts about how the Francis Report on Stafford Hospital is helping some constituents to come to terms with what went wrong:

 http://audioboo.fm/boos/105470-how-the-francis-report-is-helping-stafford-to-move-on

“Stafford Hospital still remains a deeply painful issue for many people in many different ways. I’ve had a number of contacts with grieving people who gave evidence to the Francis Inquiry, with feedback that the thorough and dignified approach of the Francis Report has allowed people to say clearly what it is that they needed to say. They hope that this clear telling of their experiences will help to make things better for other people. 

“We expect and demand the best care possible from the NHS and we make no exception for our local hospital.  There is a need for a twin-track approach. A wider inquiry - one which will look at the checks and balances within the NHS, and discover what needs to be done to make sure that the organisations meant to monitor and support hospitals do just that. And support for staff and management of the hospital to raise standards and lift morale and confidence and, of course, to remember to say thank you when it is deserved.”

Stafford Univeristy article on David's use of Audioboo.