Trust apologises over DNA failings

27 December 2013 Last updated at 00:10 ET

An NHS Trust has apologised for "inexcusable failings" at a sexual assault referral centre in London after complaints that samples were not sent to forensic laboratories for DNA tests.

Two staff members have been dismissed from the Haven in Whitechapel and the centre is under new management.

NHS England said results from some samples had also not been passed on. It said 93 clients were affected.

Barts Health NHS Trust said swift action was taken to retest samples.

An NHS England spokesman said "a serious incident was raised" in 2011 and "an immediate investigation carried out" at the Haven in Whitechapel.

"This investigation unearthed a further issue of results from samples having been received but not passed on to clients," he added.

"A total of 93 clients were affected by the two issues."

Confidential report

Since April 2013, when NHS England was established, the commissioning arrangements for the Haven have changed.

Continue reading the main story

We are extremely sorry for the inexcusable failings at the Whitechapel Haven"

End Quote Barts Health NHS Trust

NHS England said all three Havens in London - in Whitechapel, Paddington and Camberwell - were now managed by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Camberwell and Paddington Havens were not affected by the incident.

The Haven in Whitechapel has reopened but is yet to provide a full 24-hour service.

Barts Health NHS Trust said in a statement: "We are extremely sorry for the inexcusable failings at the Whitechapel Haven.

"As soon as we became aware that there was an issue in 2011, we took swift and immediate action to ensure that all the affected samples were retested and contacted the individuals involved to offer a full apology, support and counselling."

The Independent newspaper says it has seen a confidential report into the incident, obtained by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

The paper reports that dozens of samples taken from victims of sexual attacks had been left in a fridge instead of being sent for forensic analysis.

Staff described working in "an oppressive, tense environment" and told investigators they dreaded shifts but were afraid to complain to managers, the Independent said.

The paper said the report had not been made public while the trust said it had "strived for transparency throughout".

Staff 'commended'

The trust said there had been no suggestion it had acted in an inappropriate way during the investigation.

It said: "The independent investigation report commented on the diligence, honesty and openness of our staff in working together to discover and correct what had gone wrong."

The trust also pointed out that its staff had been commended "for the quality of individual care provided to those accessing the service".

NHS England said: "The trust took swift and immediate action working with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that forensic testing took place without further delay on all samples affected.

"Immediate steps were taken to contact each client, whose samples had not been sent for testing, as well as those whose samples had been tested but who had not been informed of the results.

"They received a full apology and were invited to make an appointment with a trained counsellor to receive the results and continued support."

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Axe 0845 lines, public services told

26 December 2013 Last updated at 22:11 ET

Government departments have been ordered to stop using higher-rate phone lines as the contact for key services.

Cabinet Office guidance states it is "inappropriate" to pay high charges for such services - "particularly for vulnerable and low-income groups".

A recent National Audit Office report found the numbers, often starting 0845 or 0870, cost callers £56m in 2012.

Departments will have to explain themselves to Cabinet ministers if they fail to follow the rules.

'Substantial charges'

Communications regulator Ofcom says 0843 and 0844 calls cost between 1p and 13p a minute from landlines and, typically 15p-41p a minute from mobile phones.

Continue reading the main story

"Start Quote

People should not be left out of pocket when calling essential services so we need to see these new rules brought in as soon as possible"

End Quote Which?

Calls to 0845 numbers cost between 1p and 10.5p a minute from landlines, and 12p-41p from mobiles while for 0870 codes, the rates are 2p-10p and 21p-41p.

The guidelines state: "It is inappropriate for callers to pay substantial charges for accessing core public services, particularly for vulnerable and low income groups.

"01, 02 and 03 numbers are all charged at standard geographic rates and are always included in available minutes within call packages.

"Departments should therefore first consider whether a non-geographic number is required, and if not, use a 01 or 02 prefix.

"Where a non-geographic number is needed, departments should treat the use of the 03 prefix as a default policy position for the provision of key public services."

The document says that, where higher-rate numbers continue to be used, an 03 alternative should also be offered.

'Not acceptable'

Richard Lloyd, executive director of consumer group Which?, said: "This guidance is a step in the right direction but it's disappointing no deadline has been set and public bodies will still be able to use expensive 0845 numbers.

"People should not be left out of pocket when calling essential services so we need to see these new rules brought in as soon as possible so that every government department plays fair."

Continue reading the main story

TYPES OF NUMBERS

Ofcom is planning to reduce the categories of numbers used in an effort to make prices clearer. Its suggestions are:

01, 02 and 03: Geographic rates

07: Mobile rates

0800: Free from landlines

0843/4/5 and 0871/2/3: Business rate, lower cost

090/091/098: Premium rate, higher cost.

July's NAO report found that about one third of central government helplines incurred higher-rate charges but that they accounted for 63% of the calls made to government.

It found that Whitehall higher-rate numbers included those for victim support, benefit and tax enquiries.

And it said people on low incomes, who were more likely to use pay-as-you-go mobiles, were worst hit by the charges.

In November, a Public Accounts Committee report criticised the use of such numbers.

Its chairwoman, Labour MP Margaret Hodge, said their continued use was "not acceptable".

The Say No To 0870 website has long campaigned against the use of higher-rate phone lines and provides "equivalent geographical numbers" as cheaper alternatives.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wildlife 'thrived' after hot summer

26 December 2013 Last updated at 22:29 ET

The hot summer in the UK provided a much-needed boost for wildlife with butterflies, moths and grasshoppers all thriving, the National Trust says.

The warm weather also led to an explosion of berries, nuts and seeds.

The trust's Matthew Oates said 2013 was "one of the most remarkable wildlife years in living memory".

But it said a cold, late spring meant badgers and hedgehogs did not have their usual quantity of worms, and some seabirds died from starvation.

'Real cracker'

Bees and crickets were among other winners.

The distinctive tree bumblebee - which only began to colonise in the UK 12 years ago - was seen north of Hadrian's Wall for the first time.

Many insects had been scarce last year because of poor weather.

The cool spring also provided a long flowering season for snowdrops, primrose and bluebells.

And in some places, there was an explosion of orchids.

Mr Oates said: "We were more than overdue a good summer and eventually we got a real cracker, although it kicked in after the slowest of possible starts.

"The way our butterflies and other sun-loving insects bounced back in July was utterly amazing, showing nature's powers of recovery at their best."

Many birds and mammals had also recovered well from the cold spring, he said.

'Collect memories'

"Importantly, we have seen more winners than losers in our wildlife year, which is a tremendous result considering where we were last year."

He added; "For most specialist naturalists, such as birders and butterfliers, it became deeply memorable because naturalists, like many other people, collect memories."

But the extended cold period was a difficult time for breeding frogs and many mammals coming out of hibernation.

It was a poor year for garden aphids, as well as the seven-spot ladybirds and birds - including tits - which feed on them.

The number of slugs was also dramatically reduced - something many gardeners are unlikely to regret.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

England fight back in Melbourne

Fourth Test, Melbourne (day two)

Close: England 255 lead Australia 164-9 by 91 runs

Match scorecard

England produced their best bowling display of the series to reduce Australia to 164-9, still 91 runs behind, on a dramatic second day at the MCG.

Aided by a succession of wasteful shots from the Australian top six, England fought back superbly to at last give their beleaguered travelling support something to celebrate.

Only Brad Haddin, who once again counter-attacked with aggression for an invaluable 43 not out, and the stodgy Chris Rogers (61) were able to flourish against tight, accurate bowling.

Analysis

"Four of the Australians played awful shots. It was sloppy, stupid batting to give their wickets away. You have to treat the opposition with respect and I don't think they have assessed this pitch properly.

"Barring miracles we will win this Test match. It's been a wonderful day's cricket from England's point of view. We have been waiting for it all series."

In front of another huge crowd at the MCG of more than 78,000, Mitchell Johnson had earlier taken his third five-wicket haul of the series to help dismiss England for just 255.

But James Anderson and Stuart Broad first slowed the Australian reply and then stopped it in its tracks, taking three wickets apiece.

Not since the opening day at the Gabba have Alastair Cook's men enjoyed such success, and with Australia having to bat last on this pitch England now have their best opportunity of the series to salvage a win from this unhappy tour.

The tourists' own innings had subsided in dismal fashion, the remaining four wickets adding just 29 more runs to the overnight 226-6 as Johnson once again smashed through the tail in a mere 50 minutes.

The left-armer had Tim Bresnan caught at short leg from his first ball of the day and then took the prize wicket of Kevin Pietersen, clean bowled to a horrible slog for a stuttering 71.

Pietersen had played with exaggerated caution on the first day, but abandoned that approach for something improbably ambitious despite having Broad at the other end and two further wickets with which to bat.

Johnson, however, was in relentless form. He took his 28th wicket of the series when he had Broad trapped lbw for seven with a full inswinger, meaning his five wickets had come in 42 balls for the cost of just 14 runs.

Monty Panesar shouldered arms to Nathan Lyon for two to leave Anderson unbeaten on 11, and at that stage Australia appeared to have a tight grip on the match.

But they then threw away that advantage with a series of rash strokes that began with the relentlessly aggressive David Warner, who aimed a needless hoick at Anderson to give Jonny Bairstow his first catch as a Test wicketkeeper.

With the score on 36 Shane Watson followed suit with a characteristic strong-armed drive at Ben Stokes that took the inside edge to Bairstow, and suddenly England sensed an opportunity.

Just as Australia's bowlers had throttled England's scoring rate on Boxing Day, so England's tight attack cut out Rogers' and Michael Clarke's scoring opportunities.

The Aussie captain averages only 12 against England on this ground and he went for two runs fewer this time, misjudging a delivery from Anderson that clipped the top of his off stump as he held his bat high out of the way.

Rogers was then clattered on the helmet by Broad before digging in with his usual diligence as the scoring rate dropped close to a run an over.

His half-century took almost three hours but it took Australia past 100 before Steve Smith tried to break free of the shackles with an injudicious cut at Broad to be caught by new second slip Ian Bell for 19.

Stats of the day

• Mitchell Johnson's 5-63 was his 10th Test five-wicket haul, half of which have been against England, with three in this series
• Johnson has taken a remarkable 18-37 in four devastating spells during the series
• James Anderson's dismissal of David Warner was his 600th international wicket for England (337 Test, 245 ODI, 18 T20)
• Anderson also ousted Michael Clarke for the ninth time in Test cricket, but the first in this series
• Brad Haddin's six creates a new world record of 52 for a series, beating the figure set in the 2005 Ashes
• It was the 37th six by Australia, equalling Pakistan's record for one team in a series

It seemed to disturb Rogers' equanimity, for just two runs later he tried to hoist Bresnan down the ground and holed out to Pietersen at mid off for 61.

Australia were in trouble at 112-5 and the tourniquet tightened as George Bailey was given nothing in his favourite scoring area on the leg side.

After 19 balls without a run he tried to force Anderson away off the back foot outside off stump and, despite initially being given not out by Aleem Dar, third umpire Billy Bowden heard a thin edge and reversed the decision.

It brought together Haddin and Johnson, who had rescued their side from a near-identical position on the very first day of the series, and the wicketkeeper immediately went on the attack, launching a huge six off Stokes to break the world record for the number of sixes hit in a Test series.

On 35 he was given out lbw to Panesar, only to be reprieved on a curious ball-tracking review.

Johnson too had a life on two when Anderson dropped a sitter at cover off Bresnan, but the same combination did for him in the same fashion two overs later without him adding another run.

As the shadows lengthened in the Melbourne evening, Broad then had Harris caught fending a short ball to short-leg for six and Peter Siddle miscuing to cover for a five-ball duck.

Despite that poor first hour it made it England's best day of the series, and while the Ashes are long gone the much-feared 5-0 whitewash may yet be avoided.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Storms return to batter the UK

27 December 2013 Last updated at 03:25 ET

Gales and rain have returned to the UK, causing further disruption to transport and the power network.

There are currently around 14-15,000 homes without power in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Energy Networks Association said.

The Met Office has issued an amber "be prepared" warning of gusts up to 80mph in north Wales and northern England.

More than 75 flood warnings have been issued in England, Wales and Scotland, with rain falling on saturated ground.

Rail services have been disrupted, while road closures have been reported around the UK because of uprooted trees.

The Met Office's Emma Sharples says conditions have already cleared eastwards through southern England, with concern focussed on northern parts of Wales, north-west England and north-east England and moving into the Borders of Scotland.

"We will see gusts of around 80 mph particularly in coastal areas, inland probably gusts of 50 to 60 mph, with some quite squally conditions too as showers pass through," she said.

Continue reading the main story'High winds'

Tony Glover from the Energy Networks Association said the experiences of people without power were "horrendous" but the companies were working "incredibly hard, around the clock" to get them reconnected.

"The flooding is a major issue for us and getting a cherry picker out into a a flooded area is one hell of a challenge with the fact that the weather itself continues, there is debris and roads are blocked," he said.

"The good news is the 23,000 people who had lost power in Wales and up into the Midlands who were reconnected overnight."

More travel problems are expected with Gatwick Airport saying it has "additional teams of engineers, electrical staff and volunteers at the airport to minimise the risk of disruption from potential further flooding".

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood: ''We are looking at rain and gales for some of us''

In the Republic of Ireland, Dublin Airport had to divert six planes overnight because of "high winds gusting across both runways" which have stopped any flights taking off from the airport.

The Environment Agency is warning of ongoing disruption on the River Medway and the Kentish Stour around Ashford and Canterbury.

Flooding across the Somerset Levels, River Severn, River Thames and River Ouse in Cambridgeshire and rivers across Essex is expected, the agency said.

Meanwhile:

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Met Office to forecast space weather

26 December 2013 Last updated at 00:15 ET

The Met Office is to begin offering daily forecasts about the weather in space.

The 24 hour service will aim to help businesses and government departments by providing early warnings of solar storms that can disrupt satellites, radio communications and power grids.

The first forecast is expected to be available next spring.

The Department for Business will support the scheme with £4.6m of funding over the next three years.

The Met Office will aim to develop better ways of predicting space weather in collaboration with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

UK partners involved in the project include the British Geological Survey, Bath University and RAL Space.

Space weather is driven by energetic particles from the Sun.

Solar flares and eruptions in the Sun's atmosphere - known as coronal mass ejections - are powerful sources of potentially destructive solar storms.

Continue reading the main story

Space weather is a relatively immature science but understanding is growing rapidly"

End Quote Mark Gibbs The Met Office

They have the potential to damage sensitive satellite components and induce current surges strong enough to knock out power grids on Earth.

A massive blackout in Quebec in 1989 has been attributed to a solar storm.

The Sun's activity peaks about every 11 years, when solar emissions become more intense. It is currently in a "solar maximum" phase.

Mark Gibbs, head of space weather at the Met Office, said: "Space weather is a relatively immature science but understanding is growing rapidly."

He said the Met Office collaboration aimed to "accelerate the development of improved space weather models and prediction systems to make more effective use of space weather data".

Mr Gibbs added: "This investment will enable the Met Office to complete the space weather forecasting capability that it has been developing over the past two years and begin delivering forecasts, warnings and alerts to key sectors to minimise the impact to the technology-based services we all rely on."

Andrew Richards, a risk analyst for the National Grid, said: "A round-the-clock UK forecasting service for space weather is essential as part of National Grid's procedures for running the electricity transmission network securely and safely."

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cheques to be paid in via smartphone

25 December 2013 Last updated at 21:19 ET

Plans have been announced to allow bank customers to pay cheques into their account by taking photos on their smartphones.

Rather than go to the bank in person, customers will be able to photograph the cheque, and send it electronically.

The government is to launch a consultation on the idea, with a view to making the necessary legal changes.

The technology will also allow cheques to be cleared in two days, rather than the six it takes at the moment.

Banks say the new transfer method will be more convenient, and more secure.

"Moving into a virtual world will actually create a more secure customer experience than the paper experience today," said Antony Jenkins, the chief executive of Barclays.

Such photos would not be stored on the phone itself, so there should be no security risk if a phone was stolen.

Continue reading the main story

I think people are going into branches less and less, particularly as a result of mobile banking"

End Quote Antony Jenkins Chief executive, Barclays

Similar technology was introduced in the United States nine years ago, following the attack on the World Trade Centre.

A new law known as Check 21 was passed, to enable banks to process cheques electronically, rather than having to transport paper versions across the country.

Cheques

The government believes a change in the law in the UK would also promote the continuing use of cheques.

The UK Payments Council was originally planning to abolish all cheque payments by 2018, but was forced to change its mind after public opposition.

"We want to see more innovation so that customers see the benefits of new technologies," said Sajid Javid, the financial secretary to the Treasury.

"We want cheques to have a crucial role in the ongoing success of the UK," he added.

In 2012, 10% of all payments by individuals were made by cheque, and 25% of payments by businesses.

The industry says most younger account-holders already use electronic systems of payment, and rarely use cheques.

However all customers will still be able to pay in cheques by posting them to their bank, or by visiting their bank directly.

Branch closures

Barclays is planning to launch a pilot programme for paying in cheques via phone from April 2014.

It hopes to launch a service for all its customers later in the year.

But the new technology is likely to raise further questions about the size of the branch network, as customers turn to banking via PCs and mobiles.

Last month Barclays announced 1700 further job losses in its High Street branches, as a direct result of mobile technology.

In the year to July 2013 it closed 37 branches, and it has hinted at more closures to come.

"I think people are going into branches less and less, particularly as a result of mobile banking, and that's going to accelerate the process," Antony Jenkins told the BBC.

The bank is in the process of moving eight of its branches into stores operated by Asda.

A spokesman said customers would always be able to pay their cheques in at a branch if they wanted to.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Funeral for Syria-death doctor

25 December 2013 Last updated at 23:35 ET

The funeral of a British doctor who died while being held in custody in Syria is due to take place.

Abbas Khan was days from being freed when the Syrian government announced on 17 December he had committed suicide. His family believes he was murdered.

The 32-year-old from Streatham, south London, was arrested after arriving in Syria to work in a field hospital in a rebel-controlled area in November 2012.

The funeral is taking place at Regent's Park Mosque in central London.

The body of Dr Khan, who leaves behind his wife, a seven-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son, will then be taken to Ilford, east London, to be buried.

Dr Khan's body was flown back to London on Sunday and a post-mortem examination later took place.

Michael Mansfield QC has been advising his family and has been asked to represent them should the coroner decide there will be an inquest.

Cameron letter

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Khan entered Syria without a visa, and later told his family he was "accused of treating dying civilians, (women and children), which has been classed as an act of terrorism".

His family has revealed a letter in which Dr Khan talked of his optimism at being released, and his hopes of being home in time for Christmas.

Prime Minister David Cameron wrote to Dr Khan's mother Fatima on 20 December, calling his death a "sickening and appalling tragedy".

Earlier, the Foreign Office had said the doctor had been "in effect murdered" by the Syrian authorities and at best his death was "extremely suspicious".

Officials said they had "consistently sought" consular access to Dr Khan and information on his detention, directly and through the Russians, Czechs and others.

But Dr Khan's brother, Shahnawaz, criticised the UK government for not doing enough to secure his brother's freedom.

He said the Foreign Office had treated his case as if he was a "wayward traveller in Dubai being caught drunk".

He welcomed Mr Cameron's letter but said the prime minister must now "follow through" and use every possible method to get "answers" for the family and bring to justice "those who have murdered my brother".

The Syrian government, meanwhile, has told Dr Khan's family it could send a team to Damascus to investigate his death. It also said it would share the findings of its own post-mortem examination with the family.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man dies after nightclub shooting

26 December 2013 Last updated at 02:53 ET

A man has died in hospital after he was shot inside a nightclub in London's West End.

Police were called to the Avalon club in Shaftesbury Avenue at about 03:00 GMT.

The Metropolitan Police said the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He has not yet been formally identified.

A man has been arrested and is being questioned at a south London police station, a spokesman for the force said.

Shaftesbury Avenue has been closed while police investigate.

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More

New flood fear as more rain forecast

26 December 2013 Last updated at 03:30 ET

The Environment Agency is warning of further significant disruption from flooding in parts of southern England, with more heavy rainfall forecast.

Many rivers remain swollen after storms which led to power cuts and travel delays, and two severe flood warnings are in place on the Stour in Dorset.

About 1,000 homes in south-east and south-west England have been flooded.

Some 24,000 properties still have no power and engineers say some may not be reconnected until the end of the week.

Continue reading the main story

Weather information

From the BBC:

Elsewhere:

The Energy Networks Association said problems remained for engineers working in heavily flooded parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

The Met Office, meanwhile, is warning of another storm coming in from the Atlantic and expected to hit the UK on Thursday night into Friday.

It could bring an inch (2.5cm) of rain and gusts of up to 70 mph and is predicted to affect all parts of the UK except for the East Midlands and East Anglia.

BBC Weather said there was the potential for disruption, especially where ground is already saturated and in those areas where high winds are combined with heavy rainfall.

The Environment Agency also has nearly 100 flood warnings in place - signifying that flooding is "expected". It is warning of disruption on the River Medway in Kent, particularly around Aylesford and Millhall.

The Coastguard rescued 76 people from a flooded caravan park in Yalding, Kent, on Christmas Eve.

The two severe flood warnings - meaning there is a danger to life - are in place for the Beaulieu Garden Park Home Site and the Iford Bridge Home Park and on the River Stour in Dorset, where evacuations of residents took place on Christmas Eve.

Continue reading the main story

Travel news: Choose an area

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority says it may investigate Gatwick Airport over the disruption to Christmas Eve flights.

Thousands of people had their travel plans ruined after an electricity substation flooded. The airport has apologised, and says it is now operating a full schedule.

In Scotland, power has now been restored to all homes cut off after the gale force winds on Christmas Eve. At the height of the storm, 3,500 homes lost their electricity.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has praised people who worked over Christmas to restore power.

Continue reading the main story

What is it like where you are?

Please send your pictures by:

Email: yourpics@bbc.co.uk

Text: 61124

Twitter: @BBC_HaveYourSay

Engineers, ferry staff, and emergency services acted "selflessly" so others could have a happy Christmas, he said.

The number of flood warnings in Wales are falling, with three currently in place.

A spokesman for Natural Resources Wales said: "River levels in Wales are dropping following the prolonged periods of heavy rainfall that led to surface water flooding earlier this week.

"With further rain predicted for Friday, officers from Natural Resources Wales will be monitoring forecasts closely."

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions

15.36 | 0 komentar | Read More