Priory Group heavily indebted despite improved trading
The business, which makes the majority of is revenue from the public sector, saw its debts and lease liabilities remain at about £1.2 billion while its sales and profit improved.
The Priory Group is a provider of mental healthcare and adult social care. A healthcare division focuses on people with various mental health conditions and addiction problems, while its adult care arm provides residential and supported-living services for people with issues including learning disabilities and autism. It also supports older people who require nursing and dementia care.
A substantial proportion of its revenue comes from public bodies such as local authorities and NHS providers. It says it offers 'additional bed capacity for the NHS and is therefore seen as an integral part of the mental healthcare system in the UK'.
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The Independent
33 minutes ago
- The Independent
Unite boss accuses Angela Rayner of ‘totally and utterly abhorrent' behaviour as clash with Labour escalates
The leader of Unite has described Angela Rayner's behaviour during recent bin strikes as 'totally and utterly abhorrent' as tensions ramp up between the government and Labour's biggest union backers. General secretary Sharon Graham hit out at the deputy prime minister after the union voted to suspend her in a row over how the Labour-run council in Birmingham treated striking bin workers. The union, one of Labour's biggest financial backers, claims fire and rehire tactics had 'effectively' been deployed against striking workers, who are taking industrial action in a dispute over pay and job conditions. In a fresh attack on Saturday, Ms Graham told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Angela Rayner refuses to get involved, and she is directly aiding and abetting the fire and rehire of these bin workers, it is totally and utterly abhorrent." The general secretary said Ms Rayner had been "a member of our union for over 10 years". Allies of Ms Rayner have said she resigned from Unite in April. Ms Graham said the politician may well have done 'Houdini act' in recent months by trying to leave the Union, but added: "She was very clearly a member when she asked us to give her £10,000 for the election. And on our system, obviously we go by quarters, so up to the March quarter." She added: "Now, if she has over the last couple of weeks, because she's seen the mood music, because this isn't the first time that we've discussed that we're not happy with what's going on, then she may well have done that." Ms Graham hinted that the union may have to rethink its relationship with Labour, adding that Unite members have to see that the fee to affiliate with Labour is "worth something'. "At this present moment in time, it is hard to justify it, if I'm being honest,' she continued. 'Would that money be better spent on frontline services for my members? But the decision will be a serious decision. It's not a rash decision."
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
We fix botched plastic surgeries for a living… here are the 5 common procedures you should NEVER get
BOOB jobs, liposuction, tummy tucks, BBLs… the list of surgical procedures to transform your looks seems never-ending. And while we might marvel at the results of such operations on Instagram, not all patients are left with perfect bums and breasts, and sadly some don't make it off the operating table alive. 6 There is a serious dark side to the booming plastic surgery business, now estimated to be worth $112billion. Experts warn that complications, ranging from sepsis to organ failure, frequently occur - something Sarah, from Lincoln, knows all too well. 'I've got Crohn's disease and spent a lot of 2023 to 2024 hospitalised on and off with it,' she tells Sun Health. 'I lost 6st and looked terrible. 'When I started my recovery, I thought about having some filler around my glutes – a bit like a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) but just to fill out what was so hollow. 'I did my research, so it's not like I went into it green. 'I found a clinic that was reputable in Bristol so I travelled there. But minutes after I started getting the filler done, it was really painful. 'After the treatment I felt really uncomfortable but I was reassured it was normal. 'I left, but on the way home I started thinking, 'What have I done?' 'I didn't want a curvy bum or anything like that; I just wanted to look normal and not as tiny as I had. 'But within 24 hours, the pain was excruciating and I was feverish.' Tens of thousands of cosmetic surgeries are performed annually across the UK. Last year, 27,462 were officially recorded at private clinics - a five per cent increase from the previous 12 months, figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) show. This was most driven by a surge in facial rejuvenations - including lifting and tightening procedures and body contouring like the BBL, as well as breast augmentation and reduction. Many are carried out safely, but some studies estimate mortality rates are as high as one in 3,000 for some procedures. Among the most likely to go wrong is the BBL, as Sarah discovered. I was in organ failure thanks to sepsis, and the surgeons said that if I'd got there even an hour later, I might not have survived Sarah 'I called the clinic and was told my pain wasn't anything to worry about and to keep on taking the antibiotics they'd prescribed for me,' she says. 'I became bed bound for the next six days. The pain in my left leg was so bad I couldn't stand on it. 'By the week after, I couldn't even raise my head or eat. 'I was staying with my parents at the time, who were looking after me, but when my mum came to check on me, she decided to call an ambulance because I was so poorly. 'We explained what had happened and I was told to get straight to A&E. 'Within 30 minutes of getting there I was in surgery to remove the filler that had been injected into me. 'I was in organ failure thanks to sepsis, and the surgeons said that if I'd got there even an hour later, I might not have survived.' 6 6 6 Michael Saul, partner at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, which helps people get compensation when surgeries go wrong, says the majority of the cases they take on relate to BBLs like Sarah's. The two other main claims usually follow breast augmentations and nose jobs. 'The first procedure that springs to mind for complications is the BBL, where as many as one in 3,000 die,' he says. 'Other surgeries that are particularly dangerous include tummy tucks, which risk the formation of blood clots that can travel to the lungs and cause life-threatening complications. 'Breast augmentation surgery issues include implant rupture or displacement, changes in sensation, pain, infection, and visible implant rippling. 'Rhinoplasty, or nose job, risks include breathing difficulties, poor cosmetic results, scarring, numbness, septal perforation, and prolonged swelling. 'Both procedures also carry general surgical risks like infection, bleeding, and reactions to anaesthesia.' 'PTSD meant I didn't want anyone to touch me' While Sarah's life would have ended had she not sought medical attention straight away, she says she's incredibly grateful for the NHS staff who saved her life. 'I was left with a 4in (10cm) open wound which I had to have packed and cleaned every day for five and a half months after being in hospital for two weeks,' she says. 'While the surgery definitely saved my life, the NHS surgeons wouldn't remove the filler on the other side so I was left really unbalanced. 'I did a lot of research and found a really highly recommended surgeon called Dr Ducu Botoaca in London. 'We had several appointments and he looked at my bloodwork from my time in hospital – even speaking to my NHS doctors about the infection type I'd had. 'I trusted him to use filler, a little and often, to improve my shape and give me some balance between my right and left side. 'I think I'd been left with PTSD and didn't want anyone to touch me, but he's been incredible - so patient, kind and understanding of the fears I had about getting anything like this done again. 'But while he's been brilliant, I wish I'd never tried filler in the first place. 'I know people are always advised to do their research but I did mine and still ended up nearly dying of sepsis and organ failure. 'My advice would be to love the body you're in no matter what it looks like. I'm so envious of natural bodies now. 'I paid £3,500 for the original fillers and £20,000 for Dr Ducu to fix what happened. 'When I had my open wound, I couldn't shower properly, swim, or go to the gym. 'It's been six months of absolute hell and I'm only just coming out the other side of it. 'What happened to me could happen to anyone too so my advice would be to ask yourself: 'Are you sure you want to risk the worst that could happen just for an Instagram picture?'' Injectable BBLs are often performed by underqualified practitioners, sometimes in unlicensed or poorly regulated settings Professor Iain WhitakerPlastic surgeon Sarah is one of the lucky ones. As well as catching her sepsis and organ failure in the nick of time, she had only the BBL. Mr Bryan Mayou, plastic surgeon and founder of the Cadogan Clinic, says the number of procedures done at once can increase the risk of complications and affect recovery time. 'Throughout my entire 40-plus year career as a plastic surgeon, I have always cautioned patients against undergoing multiple or excessive cosmetic surgeries,' he says. 'While aesthetic procedures can enhance confidence and address specific concerns, repeatedly operating on the same areas can have serious consequences. 'Each surgery carries inherent risks: infection, scarring, nerve damage and anaesthetic complications. 'With every additional procedure, these risks increase and the tissue becomes less resilient. 'Over time, excessive surgery can lead to unnatural results, asymmetry, thinning of the skin and structural weakness.' So, what procedures cause the most issues and which ones should be avoided? We spoke to several experts about the ones they would never go near. 1. INJECTABLE BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFTS (BBLs) UNLIKE surgical BBLs, which involve transferring fat from one part of the body to the buttocks, injectable BBLs use dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or poly-L-lactic acid, to add volume and shape. The fact it's a non-surgical approach means it's promoted as a quicker, safer alternative - but that's not necessarily true. Professor Iain Whitaker, plastic surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic, says: 'Injectable BBLs are associated with significant concerns, particularly around regulation and safety. 'The procedure is often performed by underqualified practitioners, sometimes in unlicensed or poorly regulated settings. 'In many cases, the substances being injected are not approved for use in large volumes or for buttock augmentation at all. 'The lack of standardisation in training, technique, and product use has led to a marked rise in complications, including asymmetry, hard lumps, filler migration and irregular contouring. 'Serious medical complications can occur though. One of the most dangerous is tissue necrosis, where filler obstructs blood flow, leading to the death of the skin and underlying tissue. 'The most catastrophic complications occur if filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel. It can travel to critical areas such as the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism and death.' 2. THREAD LIFTS MR Kshem Yapa, consultant plastic surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic, frequently sees patients who have experienced complications or disappointment from thread lifts. While marketed as a minimally invasive 'lunchtime lift', he says the reality is that thread lifts often fall short of expectations. 'The threads used are designed to create a lifting effect by anchoring into the skin and underlying tissue,' he says. 'But this effect is usually modest and temporary, often lasting less than 12 months. 'The complications I regularly treat include thread migration, visible lumps under the skin, asymmetry, dimpling, and, in some cases, infection. 'Removal of threads can be difficult and lead to scarring or tissue distortion too. 'They can also alter the natural shape of the face in ways that are hard to correct.' 3. BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL EXPERTS also strongly discourage buccal fat removal - which can streamline and contour the face. Mr Tunc Tiryaki, plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic, says: 'It's a procedure that I will never do. 'The buccal fat pads, located between the cheekbones and the lower jaw, play a vital role in maintaining facial shape, structure and youthful volume. 'Fat in the mid-face is essential, not just for contour but for healthy ageing. 'Once removed, this fat cannot be replaced which can lead to premature hollowing, a gaunt appearance, and an increase in visible fine lines and sagging skin as the years go on. 'Many patients are initially pleased with their slimmer facial contours post-surgery. But over time, the effects of buccal fat removal can exaggerate signs of ageing. 'I've seen patients return looking much older than their chronological age and really regretful.' 4. SURGICAL EYE FOX PROCEDURE NOTICED a rise in the number of women with ' fox eyes '? A procedure, which involves lifting and shaping the outer corners of the eyes through incisions, tissue repositioning and, in some cases, removing skin to create a more elongated, upward-tilted eye shape, is on the rise. But it carries serious dangers, according to Mr Tiryaki. 'The procedure is irreversible as once tissue is cut or removed, it cannot be restored to its original state,' he says. 'This means that if the final result appears unnatural, asymmetrical, or simply doesn't suit the patient's features, it can't be undone. 'Revision surgery is extremely complex and complications can include visible scarring, tightness or pulling around the eyes, changes in facial expression or even interference with blinking closing eyes.' 5. LIQUID SILICONE THE use of silicone injections for cosmetic enhancement is also of serious concern, Mr Tiryaki says. While medical-grade silicone is used in implants that are enclosed – such as breast implants – free silicone injections, especially those involving non-medical or "industrial" silicone, are highly dangerous and widely condemned. 'In the short term, silicone injections may create the shape in areas like the lips, face, or buttocks,' he says. 'However, the body views silicone as a foreign substance, which can result in a range of severe complications. 'Silicone can migrate from the original injection site to other parts of the body, leading to often disfiguring outcomes. 'It can cause chronic inflammatory responses, nerve damage, tissue necrosis and result in lifelong complications. 'In many countries, including the United States and the UK, injectable silicone is banned for cosmetic use due to its dangerous profile.' HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SURGEON ACCORDING to Mr Mayou, finding the right surgeon isn't always about having a doctor who agrees to all the desired procedures. 'A growing concern is the trend of combining too many procedures into a single surgical session,' he says, 'While it may seem convenient to address multiple areas at once, extended operating times increase the risk of complications, such as blood clots, fluid overload, poor wound healing, and cardiac strain. 'The body can only tolerate so much trauma in one sitting.' He adds: 'Wherever you're having surgery, it's crucial to do your homework. 'Choosing the right surgeon and facility ensures a safer experience and more satisfactory results.' Use the checklist below to make an informed decision. UK surgery safety checklist Is the surgeon fully qualified and licensed to perform this procedure? Are they on the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register for plastic surgery or aesthetic medicine? What professional bodies are they affiliated with? Some to look out for include BAAPS, BAPRAS, RCS. How experienced is the surgeon with this specific procedure? Ask for examples of recent work with before-and-after photos. Can you speak with previous patients or read verified testimonials? What are the known risks and complications of the procedure? Have they been clearly explained? Where will the surgery take place? Is the clinic or hospital CQC-registered and inspected? What does post-operative care involve? Who do you contact if something doesn't feel right? Is there an emergency protocol in place if complications occur? What happens if revision surgery is needed later on? Will it be included and what will it cost? Does the quoted price include all follow-up appointments and aftercare? When seeking cosmetic surgery outside the UK, the risks increase due to variations in medical standards, regulation and aftercare, Mr Mayou says. This checklist helps you minimise those risks. Cosmetic surgery abroad – added precautions: Is the surgeon internationally accredited and trained to recognised standards? What is the name and accreditation status of the medical facility? Will you meet your surgeon before the day of surgery? Do they speak fluent English to ensure clear communication before and after the procedure? What aftercare is available if you're only staying a short time post-op? What is the advised recovery time and how soon can you safely fly home? What insurance is provided to cover complications during or after your trip? Who will provide care or treatment if complications arise once you return to the UK? Does your travel insurance cover elective surgery abroad? Will the clinic offer support with revision surgery if the results are unsatisfactory? What are the risks of getting surgery abroad? IT'S important to do your research if you're thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad. It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks. Safety standards in different countries may not be as high. No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad. If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment. Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK. Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems. Source: NHS
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Reeves opens door to weakening OBR's influence
Rachel Reeves has opened the door to weakening the Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) scrutiny of tax and spending as she struggles to balance the books. It is understood that Downing Street wants to end the prospect of being forced to raise taxes or cut spending twice a year after a bruising time for Ms Reeves during Labour's first year in power. Options on the table include ordering the OBR to assess whether the Government has met its fiscal target just once a year or bringing forward a mechanism that would give the Chancellor more breathing space to meet her tax and spending goals. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) put the ideas forward at its latest health check of the British economy in May. Ms Reeves admitted last month that officials were 'looking at how the OBR works', adding that maintaining a 'grip on the public finances' should be balanced with being able to 'deliver better fiscal policymaking'. It is understood that Sir Keir Starmer has also privately questioned why the watchdog delivers its verdict twice a year when the Government has committed to just one fiscal event. However, multiple sources said the fiscal rules themselves that state the Government will only borrow to invest and get overall debt down were non-negotiable. 'This is not about more borrowing,' said one, while a Treasury spokesman highlighted that Labour's 'fiscal lock' meant the OBR could not be sidelined if the Government decided to loosen the purse strings. The watchdog is currently required by law to deliver its verdict on the Chancellor's ability to balance the books twice a year, even though Ms Reeves has repeatedly said she will deliver just one autumn Budget. The Chancellor rushed through a series of controversial welfare reforms this spring after a stagnant economy and surge in borrowing costs wiped out the £9.9bn buffer she had against her main rule of balancing the books on day-to-day spending. However, Labour backbenchers subsequently forced the Chancellor into an embarrassing about-turn on cuts to sickness and disability benefits and reforms to winter fuel allowance eligibility that have left a £5bn black hole in the public finances. Government sources said they wanted to avoid a repeat in the future, as rating agency Fitch said there were still 'sizeable' risks to getting debt down, adding that more tax rises were on the way. However, Treasury officials remain extremely nervous about investor reaction to any suggestion that the rules will be loosened and it is understood there is little appetite for major legislative changes. The Chancellor's tears in the House of Commons this month triggered a lurch in borrowing costs not seen since Liz Truss was in power as investors feared her replacement would abandon the party's already loose fiscal rules. Speaking to the Guardian earlier this month, Ms Reeves insisted the OBR would remain independent. She said: 'We are looking at how the OBR works, but I think it is really important to have those independent economic institutions, because if you start undermining those and getting rid of the checks and balances on a government, I do think that is risky.' 'Backed into a corner' She noted she was taking a series of recommendations by the IMF seriously. The Fund called for 'further refinements' to how her borrowing rules are assessed to 'improve predictability and reduce pressure for frequent fiscal policy changes'. However, economists warned that the move could be seen as a desperate manoeuvre by investors. Simon French at Panmure Liberum said: 'Changes to the fiscal framework as suggested by the IMF are sensible. But as a government you want to be making those changes from a position of strength, not when backed into a corner. 'This is the problem facing Treasury advisers – they can construct a sensible abstract argument for a framework that triggers less frequent fiscal changes. But the bond market considers context. And the context would look like the Chancellor is simply kicking the can down the road.' A Treasury spokesman said: 'Our fiscal rules are non-negotiable, they are the basis of the stability that underpins growth, and we have shown at the autumn Budget and spring statement that we will meet them. 'The first Bill passed by this Government included the fiscal lock, which prevents the sidelining of the OBR and demonstrates that this Government will never play fast and loose with public finances.'
