LEYTON: two students receiving treatment for TB

2:00pm Thursday 12th May 2011

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TWO STUDENTS at a Leyton school have been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB).

The first confirmed case at Lammas School in Seymour Road, Leyton, was at the end of March, and the second in April.

According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), which deals with infectious diseases, the cases are not thought to be linked.

The two pupils concerned, both in Year 10, are undergoing a six-month treatment programme, but their conditions are no longer contagious.

Letters were sent out to Year 10 students informing them and their parents after the first case and then to the whole school following the second diagnosis.

The agency has also identified pupils and staff who had the greatest contact with the patients and is offering them screening for TB, as a precautionary measure.

Dr Rebecca Cordery, a consultant from the HPA’s North East & North Central London Health Protection Unit, said: “Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that typically requires close, prolonged and frequent contact before transmission occurs.

“Because of this, the greatest risk of it spreading is to people who live in the same household as a person with the infectious form of the disease.

“The risk to other contacts, including those in a school setting, is low.”

Residents warned to be vigilant of bacterial infection

5:30pm Tuesday 5th April 2011

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TUBERCULOSIS has not been eradicated, warn health chiefs.

They are mounting a campaign to make people across Halton aware of the disease.

Tuberculosis, known as TB, is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of th body, but most often the lungs.

Around 9,000 cases were reported in England and Wales in 2009, 819 of these in the north west, up from 743 in 2008.

Professor Dr Qutub Syed, director of the Health Protection Agency north west, said: “Our goal is to give people basic information on TB and its symptoms and the knowledge of what to do if they think they may have the disease.

“This will be one of our top priorities for the next six months.

“It would be a huge mistake for people to think that TB is just in immigrant communities in Britain.

“TB can affect anyone and no one should be complacent about it.

In most cases, TB is fully curable with a six month course of drugs.

the earlier the treatment starts, the more effective it will be.

Symptoms include a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, coughing up blood, night sweats, extreme tiredness and a lack of energy, very high temperatures (fever) and weight loss for no obvious reason.

some people are more at risk than others.

these include people who were exposed to TB in their youth, people whose immunity to infection has been lessened by illness or treatment.

People with chronic poor health as a result of homelessness, alcoholism and drug addiction are prone to TB.

Very young children and old people are also vulnerable.

People are urged to seek medical advice if they have any of these symptoms.

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Dementia survey shows Bexton is needed

8:30am Thursday 10th March 2011

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a NEW government pilot campaign has been launched in the north west aimed at increasing early diagnosis of dementia.

It encourages people to recognise the signs and symptoms of the condition and urges them to seek advice from their GP if they are worried.

Latest figures show that in Central and Eastern Cheshire – that covers Knutsford – there is an estimated 6,148 people with dementia and of those people approximately 3,571 remain undiagnosed and are missing out on access to the right treatment and support to help them live well.

But with the specialist dementia unit in Knutsford – Bexton Court – currently closed the potential sufferers will have no where local to attend for care.

in the north west, there is an estimated 82,661 people with dementia and of those people approximately 46,709 remain undiagnosed.

in Central and Eastern Cheshire the figure of people living with dementia is expected to rise to an estimated 8,7291 people in 2021.

Dr Mike Cheshire, medical director of NHS North West, added: “Research has shown that people don’t know enough about dementia to be able to help – recognising the signs and symptoms, talking about it and seeking advice are the crucial steps to receiving a diagnosis.

“For example if a loved one is struggling to remember recent events, but can easily recall things that happened in the past, this could be one of the signs of dementia.”

Laurie Burton, who is leading the campaign to reopen Bexton Court, said: “This campaign could possibly double the number of those diagnosed with dementia. Surely Cheshire East Council must now urgently re-open Bexton Court.

“They have created a north-south divide in their borough by closing the only specialist dementia care centre in the north, thereby compelling sufferers and their carers to travel to Crewe for essential respite care facilities.

“At the same time, they are telling people to arrange for their own transport, as the fleet of community transport mini-buses is to be reduced in size and charges for care services as well as transport are to be greatly increased.

“The council is even considering spending large amounts on a completely new building or buildings on the Community Hospital/Bexton Court site, despite the obvious need for a local dementia respite care centre to help both sufferers and their carers.

“As one of the early signs of dementia is ‘problems with thinking and reasoning’, it seems Cheshire East Council is a good place to start the campaign for early diagnosis.”

Talk about this on our website at knutsfordguardian.co.uk.

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Explore bowel cancer by walking through inflatable model at Harlequin Centre, Watford

9:50am Wednesday 9th March 2011

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Shoppers can explore the causes and effects of bowel cancer during an unusual event at the Harlequin Centre.

NHS Hertfordshire and the Department of Health will inflate a 2.4m high walk-through replica of a human colon inside the Watford shopping centre on March 18 and 19.

the model allows visitors to learn about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and trained staff will be on hand to talk to about the condition.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and is the second biggest cancer killer.

it affects men and women, particularly those over 50.

Dr Perumal Raveendran, a GP from Hertfordshire, said: “The symptoms to look out for are a change to your normal toilet habit to softer or looser poo, going to the loo more often or blood in your poo.

“If you recognise these symptoms and have had them for three weeks or more, then make an appointment to get checked out by your GP. No need to feel embarrassed – it’s all in a days work for your doctor.

“It could be that there’s nothing to worry about but if not then the earlier cancer is caught the more chance there is of a complete cure.”

Wootton Bassett mother-of-four dies after flu

1:25pm Thursday 3rd February 2011

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the family of mother-of-four Liz Reeves, who died after contracting swine flu, have taken comfort that her death has allowed two other people to live.

the family gave consent to the kidneys and liver of Ms Reeves, 53, of Brynards Hill, Wootton Bassett, being donated.

Ms Reeves and her partner Andrew Wickers, 51, who had been due to celebrate their 24th anniversary on Tuesday, have both been donor card carriers for about 30 years.

Mr Wickers said: “She would have liked to know that she had helped others.

“It helps us too, because we’ve given the gift of life to two other people.”

the organs have gone to a man, 55, who was on dialysis for six years, and a mother-of-two, also 55, who was on dialysis for nine years.

Ms Reeves had been healthy up to the day after Boxing Day when she was struck with flu-like symptoms. Within a week her ailments had worsened and on January 2 she was admitted to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon with breathing problems.

the following day she was put on an ECMO, a procedure to help circulate oxygen to her organs.

but during a routine check on January 5, staff discovered she had slight bleeding on the brain that had caused irreversible damage.

the family gave permission for her organs to be donated the following day.

No inquest is to be held.

Ms Reeves, who had worked in family therapy for many years, leaves four daughters Caroline, 31, Helen, 30, Anna, 16, and Rosie, 15.

she also has four grandchildren, Callum, 15, Keiran, 12, Dylan, ten, and Jacob, four.

Her parents, John and Sarah Knott, are 87 and 86.

more than 120 people attended her civil funeral service at the Memorial Hall on Friday when she was remembered for her “loving and kind-hearted nature” and her “charisma, wit and dazzling smile”.

See also the obituary.

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Grieving parents Claire and Stefan Fox in meningitis appeal

9:19am Tuesday 18th January 2011

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GRIEVING parents who lost their ten-month-old daughter to meningitis are hoping to help find a vaccine for the killer disease.

Claire and Stefan Fox, from Upper Poppleton, York, are raising funds and awareness of the deadly virus after their baby Clara – “the friendliest and bubbliest little girl” – died last year.

Claire, 33, had only recently survived a life-threatening brain tumour and was looking forward to watching Clara and her son, Alexander, 14, grow up when tragedy struck.

Clara contracted pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia and died on October 6 in Claire’s arms.

Clara initially had a temperature and a runny nose, which her parents initially thought was due to a new tooth.

Claire’s mum Norma looked after Clara while she was at work, but the baby began being sick. they rushed her to the doctors, by which time she was looking vacant and flushed, but Clara was initially misdiagnosed with gastroenteritis.

she was admitted to York Hospital for a check-up in case she was dehydrated and needed fluids, but Clara continued to be sick throughout the night and a blood test showed she had an infection.

A senior paediatrician later assessed Clara and said she had meningitis. after a CT scan, Clara was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

Claire said: “I paced for an hour before we were called to see her. A doctor appeared and I asked him what they could do to help Clara.

“He said there had been no change and confirmed that she was brain dead.

“Those words cut through my heart like a bolt of lightning.

“They kept her on ventilators overnight while I held her. I prayed with the priest all night, asking for a miracle to allow Clara to have the life she so deserved and enjoyed.

“After a third opinion later that morning, and after watching her little body fight for 14 hours, I was given no option other than to hold her as tight as I could while we took her ventilator away.

“Clara continued to fight in my arms until the very last heartbeat – the moment I wished mine would stop too.

“It was her happiness that shone through. she was so happy and full of life. when I was ill and the house was full of flowers she loved the smell of them. she would literally stop to smell the roses.”

Pneumococcal meningitis is the most deadly form of the disease. There is a vaccine but it does not protect against all strains and one in six children who contract it will die.

Claire and Stefan, 38, who are related to former York City footballer Christian Fox, are now backing a week-long awareness drive at Asda at Monks Cross, York, in a bid to save future parents the heartache of losing a child.

Claire said she hoped their story would help save “at least one life”.

Meningitis UK’s trailer will be at the store warning that meningitis can kill in under four hours. Free symptoms cards will be given to shoppers.

Claire and Stefan have also set up a tribute fund in memory of Clara, to raise money towards finding a vaccine to protect against all forms of meningitis.

Claire said: “Clara has left a hole in so many people’s hearts. we hope our fundraising will keep her memory alive and I also feel strongly that people need to be much more aware of what a deadly, rapid and devastating disease it is.

“My advice to everyone is not to wait for the rash as it’s one of the last symptoms to appear. you know your child better than anyone. Parents need to be aware of all the symptoms and trust their instincts – they’re stronger than any qualification I’ve come across.”

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after he lost his son, Spencer, to the disease in 1982, said: “We believe that the only way to eradicate the disease completely is through the development of a preventative vaccine.”

The trailer will be at Asda until January 24. To donate to the Forever Fund set up in Clara’s memory, visit meningitisuk.tributefunds.com.

Catching meningitis early on

• Classic symptoms of include a headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright light. Other symptoms can include difficulty supporting own weight, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, confusion and drowsiness.

• it can cause septicaemia, which leads to aching limbs, cold hands and feet and a rash.

• Meningitis can affect anyone of any age, however babies, children under the age of five, young people aged 16-24 and the elderly are most at risk.

• Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord.

• In 2008, there were approximately 3,000 cases of all forms of meningitis provisionally recorded in the UK. every year 300 people die and hundreds more are left with permanent disabilities.

• every week, six families face the traumatic loss of a loved one to meningitis.

• No vaccine exists for Meningitis B, which is the most common form of the disease – accounting for 90 per cent of meningococcal cases.

• it can kill in under four hours, which is why prompt medical treatment is so important.

for further information visit meningitisuk.org or phone 0117 373 7373.

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45 swine flu cases at Worcestershire hospitals

8:20am Friday 31st December 2010

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THERE have been 45 confirmed swine flu cases seen at Worcestershire hospitals since December 9, it has been revealed.

The number of people with flu like illness is continuing to rise across Worcestershire and at a national level as part of the normal development of seasonal flu.

Swine flu (H1N1) is the main flu virus circulating this year, affecting mostly younger people. many of those most seriously affected have been patients under 65 years with long term conditions, including pregnancy.

NHS Worcestershire and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are continuing to urge eligible people to get vaccinated against the virus.

People displaying flu-like symptoms are being asked to refrain from visiting patients in hospital to avoid the spread of infection further.

Stuart Bourne, assistant director of public health at NHS Worcestershire, said: “Influenza, or flu is highly contagious and can lead to serious illness or even death.

“The seasonal flu jab is safe and effective and offers protection against the strains of flu that are circulating this winter, including swine flu.

“People at risk from flu and who should be vaccinated include everybody over 65, people in residential care, people under 65 with chronic illnesses, people with lowered immunity to infection as a result of illness or treatment and pregnant women.

“Flu vaccine is also recommended for carers of the elderly and infirm, and health and social care staff.”

He added: “I strongly recommend everyone at risk to be vaccinated against flu as soon as possible.

“They can contact their GP, or pregnant women who can’t get hold of their GP can phone their midwife to arrange vaccination.

“If you catch flu the best advice is to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms, according to manufacturers’ instructions.

“If symptoms are severe, particularly in patients who are vulnerable, you should seek medical advice.”

meanwhile, the number of patients with flu-like illnesses on critical care units in the region has risen over the past week.

A total of 88 patients with suspected or confirmed flu are currently being cared for on critical care units in hospitals across the West Midlands, compared to 56 last week.

For advice on flu and the seasonal flu vaccine log on to worcestershire.nhs.uk/flu-information.

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Chaos rising

12:06pm Wednesday 4th August 2010

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Roaches on the railways, malaria in the snow and the Bishop Auckland head known for his wit and wonderful voice.

STARTING from scratch – and in a church magazine, so it must be true – the Messenger, the mag of St Margaret’s in Brookfield, Middlesbrough, reports that the average railway carriage is “home to as many as 1,000 cockroaches, 200 bed bugs and 200 fleas”.

Where, for heaven’s sake? “The cockroaches are hiding behind the lighting and ceiling panels while the bed bugs lurk in the seating fabric.

“The fleas jump about wherever they like, particularly down your leg.”

Years of spraying have proved ineffective, the report adds. now the train operators have approached Rentokil in a bid to find a “more drastic”

Shooting the Messenger, I read it two weeks ago on a train from Darlington to Teesside. I swear I’ve been itching ever since.

STILL with the flying squad, recent columns have touched upon malaria – the pharmacy in Tow Law, Switzerland of the North, advertises treatment. It may not be so improbable after all.

the Stainmore Railway Company’s quarterly magazine recalls the incident during the great winter of 1947 when workmen struggling to clear the line at Stainmore Summit – between Barnard Castle and Cumbria – were summoned to help a sick lorry driver on the nearby A66.

Though doctors were unable to get through, the Barney station master passed details to the local GP who correctly read the symptoms and sent medication on a special breakdown train.

the magazine acknowledges the improbability of a malaria case in six feet of Stainmore snow. It’s likely the poor chap had served in the Far East during the Second World War, it says. It may all make Tow Law seem quite clement by comparison.

T HE Daily Mail, incidentally, devotes a page to the irresistible spread of Blandford fly, a pest said – like Mr Norman Hunter – to bite your legs. Pop singer Mollie King had to abandon a show after being attacked by one (or, perhaps, more). the insect takes its name from the Dorset town of Blandford Forum, where first it was identified and, as ever, it’s the female which is the pesky trouble. the males are vegetarian.

FOR Gadfly readers, nothing flies like time. several have responded to last week’s note recalling the Bishop Auckland (boys) Grammar School train trip to the Royal show on Newcastle Town Moor, July 1962.

We’d been foolish fourth formers, should never have been let out, marked the return journey by tipping thousands of agricultural leaflets – flyers, maybe, but they fell quickly enough to earth – from Durham viaduct onto the streets below.

It sent Christine Armstrong – now in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough – searching for her diary of the 1961 school trip when she attended the Girls Grammar School in Bishop.

the two didn’t merge until 1963, kept apart by a football field – a sort of green chastity belt – and, truth to tell, by the fact that we probably preferred football in the first place.

Christine, at any rate, remembers that theirs was a train trip, too – from Bishop Auckland for three days in Venice and thence to Lugano.

“With hindsight we were very lucky to have teachers like miss Curry and mrs Walker (and her husband) who were prepared to give up their time to lead us,” she says. With hindsight, they were also quite lucky to be girls.

PETE Sixsmith, at Bishop Grammar a few years later, recalls a school trip down the coaly Tyne – “as then it was” – when Swan Hunter was building the Southern Cross, a luxury liner.

It may not have been as educational, however, as the Ferryhill School leavers’ outing to Scarborough in 1977 – Pete, then as now, a teacher at the school.

Initially disinclined to allow it, the head relented after being assured that they’d take in Rievaulx Abbey on the way.

After refreshments in Helmsley – “read into that what you will” – the party left on the Rievaulx road.

“Stand up, look over the wall and tell Mr Bowman you’ve seen Rievaulx Abbey,” the demob mob were instructed.

they spent the rest of the day by the sea – sampling, as Pete perhaps euphemistically puts it, the delights of the Queen of the Yorkshire Coast.

BOTH Phil Steele in Crook and John Vasey in France remember that the Royal show group disgorged at West Jesmond station. We’d been steam hauled by a V2, says Phil, but a “snotty first year” at the time.

“We didn’t fancy a load of tractors very much, but a trip to Newcastle was wonderful for a fanatical train spotter like me.”

John remembers two separate queues – male and female crocodiles.

“The thing that really sticks in my mind, however, is the first sighting of a colour television. It was experimental, and I remember it being a bit wishy-washy.”

the memory, of course, is strictly black and white – but maybe more about colour telly next week.

THE same note acknowledged Denis Weatherley, the Bishop Auckland headmaster, a wonderful singer and (as later I learned) a great man.

It was Denis, encountered in Darlington in 1997, to whom I’d suggested that he looked well. “There are three ages of man,” he replied.

“Youth, middle age and ‘By God you do look well’.”

It was Denis who died a few weeks later while singing Swing low Sweet Chariot in his son’s choir. They’d just got to the line about coming for to carry me home.

Mary Hawgood in Durham recalls singing with him in the Palatine Opera Group – “a brilliant principal, his wit and unflappable humour made rehearsals a joy” – and the “truly memorable” last night parties hosted by Denis and his wife Eleanor.

Since Mary is also a former mayor of Durham, we’ve asked if the Bishop boys are forgiven for depositing so much agricultural waste over her serene city.

Sadly, ominously, there hasn’t been a reply.

FINALLY, back to church magazines and the Reverend Barry Pyke, vicar of the Mulgrave group of parishes near Whitby, is commendably brief in his August letter.

Barry simply tells the story, said to have been related during a clergy retreat, of the surgeon, the civil engineer and the politician discussing which of the three professions was the oldest. the surgeon claims seniority because when God created woman, he took his scalpel to remove a rib from Adam to make Eve.

the engineer retorts. “When God divided the Chaos into Earth and Sea, that must have been the first and greatest civil engineering project of all time.”

the politician says he can beat both of them.

“Who do you think created the Chaos in the first place?”

once bitten or otherwise, the column returns next week.

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