AS secretary of the Associate Parliamentary Health Group, I am able to participate in some very useful discussions about health policy and I have access to valuable data drawn from a variety of sources, including patient surveys Dr Foster intelligence, Department of Health and Heath Protection Agency.
My constituents do use facilities outside the constituency so the performance of nearby acute hospitals is also measured.
There is lots of good news. Surveys in primary care show that 88% of GPs provide a good patient experience and all practices are providing good access to services.
Waiting lists, too, are down with more than 92% of patients waiting for periods within the Department of Health's targets.
Hospital staff numbers are also better than average with more nurses per bed than the national average.
This translates into a lower mortality rate and a lower re-admissions ratio.
An area of special focus for me is vascular disease and, in order to promote and support measures to reduce its incidence and escalation, I have established an All Parliamentary Party Group for Vascular Disease.
It meets on a regular basis and has already produced an influential report with many recommendations, 70% of which have been accepted or already implemented by the Department of Health.
I and my fellow officers will soon be meeting the Secretary of State to press the case for other changes and to underline the importance of public health campaigns as part of a preventative strategy.
As the Health and Wellbeing Board gets established in Gloucestershire, I hope we can have a constructive debate about our local service provision and public health strategy.
To this end, I am keen to engage with GP surgeries and hospitals to explore how community services can be further enhanced.
Finally, I am delighted about the recent award of £169,759 to the Stroud and District Citizens Advice Bureau.
Without doubt, the work of this organisation is of real benefit to local people and I fully support all it does.
If you are interested in the issues raised above, contact me on 01453 751572 or visit my website www.neilcarmichael.co.uk.
Now, you can also follow me on twitter @neil_mp.