Alex Colman

Front row (L-R): David Dexter, Mark Prisk, Ursula Lidbetter, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, and Lincoln MP Karl McCartney far right

Recent success of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership has been celebrated with a visit from Business Minister Mark Prisk.

The Minister of State for Business and Enterprise met with members of the partnership and local business leaders at the new Siemens building at Waterside South.

Chairman of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Ursula Lidbetter, said it was a chance to talk about the issues that are important for Lincolnshire businesses.

“We looked at how the partnership could help drive business growth throughout the local area.

“Minister Prisk was certainly impressed with the work we’ve carried out so far and our ambitious plans for the future,” said Lidbetter.

The meeting comes after news the LEP has been granted an £8 million cash boost to kick-start housing and commercial developments in the city.

Funding will be used for infrastructure projects improving transport and flood defences to allow for development projects to move forward.

NHS Lincolnshire says it could save around £2 million a year if people used a more appropriate service for their symptoms, as one in 10 people inappropriately use A&E.

The figure comes from local research into the 200,000 people who visit A&E in Lincolnshire each year.

NHS Lincolnshire reports the money saved could be used to treat almost 500 heart attack victims, provide care for nearly 500 stroke victims or buy around 250 hip replacements.

Dr Martin McShane, Director of Commissioning Development and QIPP for NHS Lincolnshire said: “Before turning up at A&E think, is it really a life threatening emergency?”

Patients are being asked to consider whether they could be treated at a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre, call their GP or go to the nearest pharmacy for health advice.

The Lincolnshire NHS 111 number is being suggested as an alternative to calling 999, as the telephone service can help assess your symptoms and direct you to the most suitable service.

Dr McShane assures: “Should you need an ambulance one will be sent immediately, just as if you have called 999.”

The 111 number is also free to call from mobiles and landlines.