Vulnerable adults in care in England are to be given more protection from abuse, the government has said. The pledge comes after a BBC Panorama investigation showed staff at a privately run hospital mistreating adults with learning disabilities.
England's care home regulator has a staff shortage of nearly 300, including some 133 inspectors, it has said. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has 283 unfilled posts in its workforce, including inspectors whose job it is to ensure care homes meet standards. It blamed a recruitment freeze imposed by the Government last year - but the Department of Health said it relaxed the curb in February.
UK scientists say pioneering research into cystic fibrosis has been delayed by funding problems caused by the economic downturn. The researchers were hoping to begin a trial later this summer, using gene therapy to try to protect patients' lungs from potentially fatal damage. They have been shortlisted for a prestigious award medical innovation. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust says public donations for this type of work have fallen in the tough economic climate.
WHALEY Bridge Liberal Democrat Councillor David Lomax is the new Mayor of High Peak.
I am writing this on the 22nd anniversary of 'Six Four' (the codename for the Tian An Men incident that occurred on 4th of June 1989). Perhaps no better day to reflect on the subject of media censorship in China and to question the role of international broadcasters?
Liberal Democrat County Councillors David Kendall and Barry Aspinell went on a recent tour of Brentwood High Street (23/5/11) with Mark Redgewell of Essex County Council to discuss and identify the number of unfinished works in the High Street which are making it look an eyesore. They were joined on their fact finding walk by the Conservative Highways Scrutiny Chairman County Cllr Simon Walsh.