To consider two motions which have been submitted, which are detailed below:
Motion from Councillor Courts:
“The unlawful invasion of
Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the escalating humanitarian
crisis facing the Country, represents a direct threat to peace and
security in Europe.
This Council Resolves to:-
(i) Condemn unequivocally the unprovoked Russian invasion of
Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and
their families and friends, including those local to
Solihull;
(ii) Stand ready to provide support to those affected by this War
and will open our arms to people displaced and affected.
(iii) Work with and support the efforts of our local communities to
provide help and comfort to those in need.”
Motion from Cllr L McCarthy
“Council recognises the contribution that health care workers have made during the pandemic and beyond.Council is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to appropriate medical care at all times and recognises the impact that the loss of services in Solihull in recent years has had on residents.
Council notes that:
a) Due to high demand and ongoing technical issues, many residents are unable to secure appointments with their local GPs.
b) The loss of the A&E, Maternity Unit, and Ambulance Station at Solihull Hospital has left a gap in care provision for residents of the borough
c) Ambulance response times in the region are consistently missing their target in recent months
d) There is concern that the Minor Injuries Unit has not yet returned in its full capacity to Solihull Hospital.
Council Resolves to:
(i) Request an extraordinary scrutiny meeting to look at the issues around GP access for patients;
.
(ii) Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to WMAS encouraging the re-opening of the ambulance station at Solihull Hospital;
(iii) Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to all relevant partners requesting the full reinstatement of the Minor Injuries Unit at Solihull Hospital.”
Minutes:
Motion from Councillor Courts:
“The unlawful invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Country, represents a direct threat to peace and security in Europe.
This Council Resolves
to:-
(i) condemn unequivocally the unprovoked Russian invasion of
Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and
their families and friends, including those local to
Solihull;
(ii) Stand ready to provide support to those affected by this War
and will open our arms to people displaced and affected.
(iii) Work with and support the efforts of our local communities to
provide help and comfort to those in need.”
Councillor Mackiewicz seconded the motion.
The following amendment was proposed by Cllr Caudwell with the addition of (iv) below and seconded by Cllr Burn.
(iv) Call on the Home Office to follow the example of many other countries and drop the requirement for Ukrainian nationals to have completed visa applications before being eligible for evacuation to the United Kingdom
The amendment was put and lost.
Council RESOLVED:
(i) To condemn unequivocally the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Solihull;
(ii) To stand ready to provide support to those affected by this
War and will open our arms to people displaced and affected;
and
(iii) To work with and support the efforts of our local communities
to provide help and comfort to those in need.
Motion from Cllr L McCarthy –in the absence of Cllr L McCarthy the motion was moved by Cllr K Tomas and seconded by Cllr Long
“Council recognises the contribution that health care workers have made during the pandemic and beyond. Council is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to appropriate medical care at all times and recognises the impact that the loss of services in Solihull in recent years has had on residents.
Council notes that:
a) Due to high demand and ongoing technical issues, many residents are unable to secure appointments with their local GPs.
b) The loss of the A&E, Maternity Unit, and Ambulance Station at Solihull Hospital has left a gap in care provision for residents of the borough.
c) Ambulance response times in the region are consistently missing their target in recent months.
d) There is concern that the Minor Injuries Unit has not yet returned in its full capacity to Solihull Hospital.
Council Resolves to:
(i) Request an extraordinary scrutiny meeting to look at the issues around GP access for patients;
.
(ii) Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to WMAS encouraging the re-opening of the ambulance station at Solihull Hospital;
(iii) Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to all relevant partners requesting the full reinstatement of the Minor Injuries Unit at Solihull Hospital.”
The following amendment was proposed by Cllr Dr Sexton and seconded by Cllr Brain.
“Council recognises the contribution that health care workers have made during the pandemic and beyond. Council is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to appropriate medical care at all times and recognises the impact that the loss of services in Solihull in recent years has had on residents.
Council notes that:
a) Due to high demand and ongoing technical issues, many residents are unable to secure appointments with their local GPs.
b) There is concern that the Minor Injuries Unit has not yet returned in its full capacity to Solihull Hospital.
Council Resolves to:
(i) Request an extraordinary scrutiny meeting to look at the issues around GP access for patients;
(ii) Ask the Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive to write to all relevant partners requesting the full reinstatement of the Minor Injuries Unit at Solihull Hospital.”
The amendment was accepted by the proposer of the Motion.
The Mayor asked Council to confirm whether they wanted to debate the motion as amended of refer it on.
Council agreed to refer the motion on to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board for their consideration in the next municipal year.