Too late to fix Guernsey hospital project black hole, says deputy
HSC said "sadly but unavoidably, the CCU would continue to be delayed until essential remedial works have been completed" but it did not give a timeframe.Contractors Rihoys and Son said the work to extend the hospital had been challenging.The BBC understands work is under way to fix the defects by contractors Rihoys and Son, which was commissioned to work on the full hospital modernisation project.HSC was negotiating with Rihoys about how this work would be funded.
Speaking about the problems, Oswald said: "We don't invest in the technical experts we need right at the beginning to ensure the project goes the right way. "I think that was very apparent in phase two."Last year it was revealed officers knew about a potential £30m overspend for phase 2 of the hospital modernisation project. It led to an inquiry which found no problems with the way the States managed big building projects and a review of the hospital project by a UK firm, which has not been publicly released.
'Technologically difficult'
Oswald said: "That has now been resolved but possibly too late to influence the problem with the black hole we had and as far as I'm aware certainly didn't involve it at stage one. "It was all sourced in-house because that was the cheapest option but building hospitals and commissioning hospitals is an expensive and technologically difficult thing to do."The NHS is littered with examples of where hospital builds have gone wrong to the detriment of both the local population and also sometimes to the detriment of the builders who got themselves involved in it."
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The Independent
18 minutes ago
- The Independent
The gym bro supplement that may be a game changer for women in midlife
Until recently, creatine supplements was almost exclusively used by athletes and bodybuilders looking to enhance performance and pack on muscle mass. But now there is a surprising rapidly growing market for it: middle aged women. While Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson still puts in his protein shake to 'put on size,' Ivanka Trump revealed earlier this year she takes a dose with her morning smoothie. From fitness influencers on TikTok to health experts, the chalky powder is now being touted for a range of benefits for women. So, what exactly is creatine and does the science back up the hype? 'Creatine is a natural compound that comes from three amino acids – arginine, glycine, and methionine,' Dr. Rupa Parmar, a physician and Director at Midland Health, tells The Independent. 'It's stored mainly in our muscles to help produce energy.' While small amounts come from foods like red meat and fish, our bodies also make about a gram each day. Most women don't get the recommended three to five grams per day from food, Rupar said, and supplementation may help. 'Women naturally have much lower creatine stores than men and usually eat less of it in their diet, so they may actually benefit more from taking creatine to boost their levels,' he added. Creatine's rise as a go-to supplement can be traced to 1992 when British sprinter Linford Christie and hurdler Sally Gunnell, both vocal about its use, won gold at the Barcelona Olympics. Glossy fitness magazines began branding it a 'breakthrough'; a 1998 article in Fortune magazine called the compound 'nature's steroid'; a Los Angeles Times headline blared, 'Power powder.' While much of its early reputation focused on muscle-building and workout recovery, research suggests creatine's benefits may extend beyond the gym. Creatine has been linked to improved memory, brain health, depression treatment and increased energy. 'It can even support brain health, with studies suggesting the substance helps to improve cognitive function and provide some protection as we age,' Rupar said. A preliminary study by the University of Kansas Medical Center on people with Alzheimer's found that creatine supplements may improve memory and executive function. Creatine may also offer benefits tied to hormonal fluctuations. 'Creatine can help ease fatigue during your period by supporting stable energy levels,' Rupar continued, 'especially when you're feeling more tired.' Oestrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, influence how the body produces and uses creatine, he explained. 'During the menstrual cycle, creatine levels can change, and supplements may help keep energy and muscle function more stable, especially when oestrogen is low,' Rupar said. For women approaching or going through menopause, creatine appears especially promising as it may help counteract declines in muscle mass, strength, and bone density, particularly when combined with resistance training. One 12-month study found that creatine reduced the loss of bone mineral density in 47 postmenopausal women. For all its potential upsides, creatine isn't without drawbacks. One of the most common complaints is bloating: because it saturates the muscles, it may cause water retention, which sometimes leads to a bloated feeling and a few extra pounds on the scale from water weight. Still, studies have repeatedly shown creatine to be safe for most healthy adults when taken at recommended doses. Experts advise consulting a healthcare provider before starting, especially for those with kidney conditions or who are on medication.
The Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Sun
The truth behind a dramatic rise in autism – and why it could be catastrophic, says Dr Rebecca Ker
IF you've spent any time on social media, you'll likely have come across videos titled 'the signs you're autistic' and 'why autism is to blame' for any number of behaviours or personality traits. This content has become so prolific it's pushed thousands of people to seek an official diagnosis. But is autism really becoming more common, and if so, is TikTok the only factor driving the surge? 3 About 700,000 people in the UK are thought to have autism - a lifelong condition that affects how people experience and interact with the world. But influencers might have you assuming that number is far higher. There are now 3.2million posts about autism on TikTok alone. Many of these are inaccurate, but it is true that diagnoses are on the rise. Rates are up 787 per cent in England from 1998 to 2018, and experts warn the NHS is 'overwhelmed' by the influx. Here, Dr Rebecca Ker, a psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and co-founder of Carlton Psychology in Surrey who specialises in supporting neurodivergent people and their families, reveals what's behind the dramatic increase - and why it could prove catastrophic. EARLIER this year, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr promised a 'massive' research effort involving hundreds of scientists to get to the bottom of what he calls an autism 'epidemic'. Yet after more than 15 years working with autistic children, adults and families, the only epidemic I can see is one of fear-mongering and stigma. We've not suddenly 'caught' autism. Autism isn't an illness. It doesn't need a cure. It is a term that describes areas of difference - some disabling, some brilliant. Yes, autism rates have increased hugely - by 787 per cent in England over the past 20 years. When autism was first discussed in the 1940s, it was thought to affect one in every 2,500 people. Today, research suggests it could be more like one in 30. The reality is, that rise is down to our greater awareness and understanding of the condition and a broadening of the diagnostic criteria we use to define it. For starters, we're better at realising the nuances and subtleties of the condition and the broad spectrum of people who are autistic. That greater understanding has also been informed by the autistic community themselves. There are some brilliant brains out there, advocating, educating, and finally being heard in a way they never were in the 1950s. We meet lots of parents bringing their children to clinics who are beginning to realise they might be autistic too. Often they grew up with a very different understanding of what autism is. THE NEW DEFINITION Secondly, when the DSM-5 - the guidebook psychologists use to classify conditions - was updated in 2013, it removed Asperger syndrome as a separate diagnosis and folded it into the wider autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder is currently defined as 'persistent difficulties with social communication, social interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour (including sensory difficulties), and it has to be present from early childhood to the extent that these limit and impair everyday functioning'. The criteria is broad. For example 'restrictive and repetitive behaviours' could look like lots of things, from rocking, hand-flapping and skin-picking to sticking to a strict routine or eating the same food every evening. For one person, difficulties with social communication might look like difficulties with picking up on the social cues of the person they are speaking to. For another person, it might mean being completely non-verbal. Autistic minds often thrive on sameness, predictability and routine. They have a real need for sameness. But here's the problem. While understanding has moved on, support systems are struggling to keep up. The latest NHS England figures, covering the period ending March 2025, show the number of patients waiting at least three months for an initial specialist appointment has jumped by more than a quarter since last year. That figure has also tripled since 2021. In total, nearly 124,000 under-18s are on the waiting list for over three months - almost 30,000 more than the year before. 3 NHS guidelines say patients should be seen within 13 weeks. But nine in 10 wait much longer. And those who did get assessed last year? They'd already been waiting, on average, a year and a half. And a diagnosis is often just the start… it doesn't automatically unlock the necessary support. In my experience in Surrey, it's not unusual for children to wait years. That's years of growing up without support and without understanding. Changing schools. Falling behind. Developing anxiety. And it's not just children. Last year, the Oxfordshire Adult Autism Diagnostic and Support Service stopped taking new referrals altogether. Adults being referred at that time were told they'd have to wait 18 years. If you're one of those families stuck on a waiting list, it can feel impossible. You're worried, your child is struggling, and you're being told to just wait and keep waiting. But even without a diagnosis, there is support out there. While many end up seeking support privately, there are national charities and helplines available too. Families need faster access to specialists to provide clarity, tools, and reassurance. Someone who understands neurodivergence can help you notice patterns, validate your concerns, and work with you on practical steps that reduce stress and improve connection. If you are concerned that your child is autistic, keep a journal of behaviours that concern you. Record exactly what triggers meltdowns, how you have noticed your child differs from their peers, how they respond to change, what their social interactions look like. Be as specific as you can. Take that evidence to your child's teacher or SENCO. Ask for support plans, even without a diagnosis. Speak to your GP, or if your child's under five, your health visitor. The key characteristics of autism - and why they go unnoticed By Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor MODEL Christine McGuinness was a 'recluse' for eight years and only left the house at 3am. Springwatch presenter Chris Packham says it makes him a 'task-centric workaholic who sees problems in everything he does'. And recently, Bella Ramsey revealed they were diagnosed after struggling to wear thermals on the set of The Last of Us. But what exactly is autism and why does it seem so different in everyone? Leanne Cooper-Brown, neurodevelopmental lead at Clinical Partners, tells Sun Health: 'Autism is considered a spectrum, so not all people share the same traits. 'Whereas we used to think of autism as a linear line, we have come to realise that terms such as 'high' and 'low' functioning or definitions of 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe' aren't helpful and can be misleading. 'Nowadays, we think of autism in terms of the strengths and needs of the individual, which can change over time depending on their environment and support network.' About 700,000 people in the UK are thought to have autism - that's one in 100. But research by University College London suggests that number could be twice as high, as many people remain undiagnosed. Cases are on the rise though. Figures released last year showed a 175 per cent increase from 2011 to 2022. Dr Selina Warlow, clinical psychologist and owner of The Nook Neurodevelopmental Clinic, says: 'Conversation around neurodiversity is becoming normalised, and that's so positive to see. But more awareness is needed. 'Receiving a diagnosis can open access to expert resources that support autistic people to thrive in society.' Autism has long been associated with social difficulties, like problems maintaining conversations and forming relationships. But research published in the journal Cell Press suggested that repetitive behaviours - like rocking or finger-flicking - and special interests - whether it's TV shows or specific animals - are more indicative of an autism diagnosis. Generally though, experts say the core characteristics include… Sensitivity - autistic people can be much more or less sensitive to sights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells. For example, they find bright lights or crowded spaces overwhelming, Leanne says. They may also stand too close to others or need to move their whole body to look at something. Stimming - to manage this sensory overload, some people use repetitive movements or sounds. 'This is called stimming, and includes rocking, tapping and hand-flapping,' Dr Warlow says. 'Though it's something everyone does to some extent, those with autism are likely to engage with it as a form of self-regulation.' Masking - this is a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or not, to match neurotypical people, Dr Warlow says. 'It's a way of hiding your true characteristics, and could involve copying facial expressions, planning conversations in advance, or holding in 'stimming' - swapping hand clapping with playing with a pen, for example,' she adds. Burnout - this is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion and is a common feature in autism. 'Being extremely tired, both mentally and physically, can be associated with the act of masking for a long period of time, or sensory or social overload,' Dr Warlow says. 'Symptoms of autistic burnout include social withdrawal, reduced performance and increased sensitivity.' Social struggles - socialising can be confusing or tiring for autistic people. They often find it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling, making it challenging to make friends. Leanne says: 'In adults, autism may present as difficulties with interpreting social cues such as understanding body language or sarcasm, struggling to express emotions or preferring to be alone. This can impact relationships and work.' Routine - many of us have a fairly regular daily schedule. But for autistic people, this becomes a 'very strong preference for routine', Leanne says. This could be needing a daily timetable to know what is going to happen and when, or having rigid preferences about foods or clothing. Literal thinking - some autistic people have a literal view of language - like believing it's actually 'raining cats and dogs' or that someone really wants you to 'break a leg'. Dr Warlow says: 'This can result in confusion with figures of speech, irony or indirect requests. 'For instance, being told to 'pull your socks up' might be understood literally, not as a motivational phrase.' Hyperfocus - often associated with ADHD, hyperfocusing is also common in autistic people. 'It's where you're able to focus intensely on an activity and become absorbed to the point of forgetting about time,' Dr Warlow says. 'This is useful in work or hobbies but can result in neglect of other aspects of life, such as food or rest.' Special interests - we all have hobbies and interests, but for autistic people, these are so compelling they often want to spend all their time learning about, thinking about or doing them. 'Special interests could include anything from dinosaurs to superheroes, and gardening to music,' Dr Warlow says. 'These usually begin in childhood, but can also form as an adult. 'Chris Packham is an example of an autistic person who turned his childhood special interest in animals into a successful career, becoming one of the UK's best-loved natural world TV presenters.' Please don't let schools tell you everything's fine just because your child is quiet or well-behaved there. Masking is real and it's exhausting. The children who cope at school often fall apart at home. If you can afford to explore a private assessment, be cautious. There are brilliant services out there, but it can be overwhelming choosing a private provider that is offering the best quality in terms of assessment. A good autism assessment is a lot of work. It should involve a multidisciplinary team - not one person sitting with your child for half an hour. The specialists should be Health and Care Professions Council registered. The process should follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. They should draw information from different contexts (observing your child themselves, talking to school, interviewing parents) and produce a detailed report that can stand up when you need it - for school support, Education, Health and Care Plans, or future care. 3 Let's stop talking about trying to 'reduce' autism. That's not the goal. Instead, we need to be building a more accessible world, where people can say: 'I'm neurodivergent. I am more comfortable doing it this way.' That means changing how we run our education system and services. Just as we build wheelchair ramps, and would view a lack of ramps to be unacceptable, we should be building sensory-friendly classrooms, alternative timetables, and flexible expectations. We need to train teachers to understand neurodivergent minds. We need to provide the funding for more capable systems that can enable all types of brains to reach their potential. Too often, quiet girls or rule-following boys are told they're 'fine' while they suffer silently. Too often, parents are dismissed as 'overly anxious'. But often there are signs - a child who is exhausted after school, struggles with transitions, is inflexible in their play, feels different or confused by peers, complains the dining hall is too loud or smelly to be able to eat. The 10-question autism test TO get an official autism diagnosis, you need to be assessed by a healthcare professional. But if you think your or your child might have the condition, there is a simple quiz called the AQ-10 that you can use to help support your suspicions. The assessment tool — used by NHS doctors — does not confirm whether you are on the spectrum. Instead, it is used to screen people who might be. A version for children is also available. For adults For each question, write down if you 'Definitely Agree', 'Slightly Agree', 'Slightly Disagree' or 'Definitely Agree'. I often notice small sounds when others do not I usually concentrate more on the whole picture, rather than the small details I find it easy to do more than one thing at once If there is an interruption, I can switch back to what I was doing very quickly I find it easy to 'read between the lines' when someone is talking to me I know how to tell if someone listening to me is getting bored When I'm reading a story I find it difficult to work out the characters' intentions I like to collect information about categories of things (e.g. types of car, types of bird, types of train, types of plant etc) I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face I find it difficult to work out people's intentions Score 1 point for 'Definitely Agree' or 'Slightly Agree' on each of items 1, 7, 8, and 10. Score 1 point for 'Definitely Disagree' or 'Slightly Disagree' on each of items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9. If you score more than 6 out of 10, a healthcare professional will consider referring you for a specialist diagnostic assessment. For children For each question, write down if you 'Definitely Agree', 'Slightly Agree', 'Slightly Disagree' or 'Definitely Agree'. S/he often notices small sounds when others do not S/he usually concentrates more on the whole picture, rather than the small details In a social group, s/he can easily keep track of several different people's conversations S/he finds it easy to go back and forth between different activities S/he doesn't know how to keep a conversation going with his/her peers S/he is good at social chit-chat When s/he is read a story, s/he finds it difficult to work out the character's intentions or feelings When s/he was in preschool, s/he used to enjoy playing games involving pretending with other children S/he finds it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face S/he finds it hard to make new friends Only 1 point can be scored for each question. Score 1 point for 'Definitely Agree' or 'Slightly Agree' on each of items 1, 5, 7 and 10. Score 1 point for 'Definitely Disagree' or 'Slightly Disagree' on each of items 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9. If the individual scores more than 6 out of 10, they will be considered for a specialist diagnostic assessment. None of these on their own mean a child is autistic, but we should be sensitive to the clues. With adults, the process is more complex. You don't always have parents to describe childhood behaviours. But what we see again and again is this: they've been masking their whole lives. They've been told they're too much, too blunt, too rude. They've often experienced long term difficulties with their mental health or been misdiagnosed with personality disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and so on. Difficulties with mental ill-health are more prevalent in autistic people. These are all signs that it is hard to be autistic in a world that is geared up for neurotypical people. They've made it through work or university by sheer effort - but at a cost. Burnout. Depression. Exhaustion. And often, the moment they receive that diagnosis? It's a relief. At last, something makes sense. 'Not everyone is neurodivergent, but everyone is neurodiverse' So yes, autism is a difference. But it's a difference we've punished, misunderstood and ignored for far too long. The DSM-5 still calls it a disorder. But many autistic people find this term offensive and prefer the word 'difference' or 'condition'. And I agree. It isn't an illness. And there are many strengths associated with autism too. We all have different brains. Neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation - just like height or handedness. Not everyone is neurodivergent, but everyone is neurodiverse. So when Kennedy Jr says autism is worse than Covid, he isn't just wrong - he's dangerous. His words fuel a climate of panic, shame and disinformation. And for what? To blame vaccines? To stir controversy? There's no medical basis for that claim. But what there is is a growing body of knowledge. Of compassion. And of people - autistic people - finally being seen, heard, and supported.
BBC News
40 minutes ago
- BBC News
Hull hospitals scan more patients with AI technology
Staff at NHS hospitals in Hull said AI technology had cut MRI scan times, allowing them to see more University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said the software used algorithms to help reduce background noise, helping to achieve sharper images in a shorter Bunker, head of imaging, said: "This means we can reduce the scanning time on certain sequences, but still get the same imaging quality."The software has been installed at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital and will also be introduced at Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby. The Air Recon Deep Learning (ARDL) software was installed on the hospitals' existing MRI said the software was cutting between 10 and 15 minutes from average scan times. A routine MRI head scan used to take 30 minutes but now takes 20, the trust said, while a prostate scan now takes 30 minutes instead of 45. The trust added it can now scan 31 lumber spine patients over a 12 hour period, instead of 21 Bunker said: "People who struggle with claustrophobia or those with learning disabilities, who previously couldn't tolerate a scan, are finding they are able to endure the shorter scan times."Staff also reported fewer children needed to have a general anaesthetic to get through a to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
