Latest news with #SouthEngland
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Patients should not film without consent in healthcare settings'
Dr Zahra Ali is a junior doctor working in the NHS writing under a pseudonym - she has a passion for healthcare and journalism. In the digital era, we have abjectly surrendered our lives to our social media feeds. If it's not posted online, did it really happen? Perhaps this mindset is what tempts patients to film medical consultations and procedures. Currently, there is no unanimous stance across NHS trusts in the UK, and restrictions on filming are variable. While patients are entitled to video documentation of their treatment, with consent, there is a growing trend of filming in hospital settings without seeking permission. The Society of Radiographers has warned that videos being uploaded to social media are causing 'unease' among healthcare professionals. This statement comes after an incident in the South of England, whereby a patient's relative recorded a cannula being inserted into an arm as they felt it would be 'entertaining on social media'. The filming took place without obtaining the clinicians' consent, and rather than entertainment, it was perceived as a distraction from delivering care. ALSO READ: 'We are heading towards a Victorian-era health crisis' Hospitals serve to treat hundreds of patients, meaning that there is a high probability that filming in this environment is likely to capture sensitive information, especially when done without consent. So, when patients begin filming medical content for the unintended purpose of entertainment, the question arises; is this ethical? In hospital settings, people are at their most vulnerable, and there is an expectation for healthcare workers to uphold patient respect, dignity, and privacy. Uploading content without consent compromises this and underlines why filming in hospitals is ethically questionable. To ensure that trust between the patient and clinicians is not undermined, consent must be obtained before filming takes place.
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I traded in my flat for a £26k caravan, everyone tells me I made a huge mistake but I'm laughing all the way to the bank
SINKING back into her plush sofa, Katrina flicks on her electric fire while she admires the gorgeous interiors of her dream home. With her chic open plan living space complete with a stylish kitchen and coordinating sitting room you would be forgiven for thinking Katrina lives in a posh London flat. 8 8 8 But the reality is that Katrina's perfect pad is a static caravan. Katrina, 31, ditched the rental market after years of dealing with poor living conditions and financial stress and says she has never been happier. The business owner, who lives in the south of England, instead chose to invest £26,000 in a 2021 caravan – a move she calls the most freeing decision of her life. But not everyone agrees and Katrina regularly has to deal with people calling her decision a 'waste of money' on TikTok. 'Getting a mortgage just wasn't on the cards,' Katrina says. 'I could have rented, but in my area, a basic one or two-bedroom flat is around £1,000 a month. 'With bills, you're looking at closer to £1,700. I didn't want to live just to pay bills. 'I value quality of life, and the caravan offered me a more affordable, freeing alternative. 'Honestly, I didn't have many other options, and this one made the most sense.' After viewing a series of 'cold, mouldy and badly maintained' flats, Katrina was inspired by a friend living in a caravan park. Watch the video to see inside the family-of-seven's caravan home One visit later, and she knew she'd found her new home. She moved in March 2025 – and hasn't looked back since. Katrina says she's making massive savings compared to before – spending £528 a month on ground rent, Wi-Fi, gas and electric. 'I know I made the right decision for me,' she says. 'I'd viewed a few flats that were, quite frankly, depressing. Cold, mouldy, and badly maintained. 'Then I visited a friend who lives on the park I'm now in, and I'd always loved where she was. It just clicked. 'I reached out to the park owner to see what was available, and that's when I found my caravan. 'Everyone around me has been so supportive. 'Most people actually think it's a brilliant idea and have even considered doing something similar.' 8 8 8 However, Katrina says she's faced some snide comments about her choice on her TikTok page, Katrinas Caravan. She said: 'On TikTok there's been some negative comments, but it doesn't phase me. 'Unless you've walked in someone else's shoes, you can't always understand their choices, and that's okay. 'People who are quick to judge often have their own stuff to work through. I'm happy for them to form opinions.' Living alone in the caravan, Katrina says she finally feels like she can breathe – both emotionally and financially. Having disposable income is the best part. I hadn't experienced that in years Katrina She's even found an unexpected community. She said: 'Having disposable income is the best part. I hadn't experienced that in years. 'I even managed to take a few days off work and just enjoy myself – something that used to feel impossible under financial pressure. 'My 90-year-old neighbour came round every day to check on me when I sprained my knee. 'That sort of kindness and connection wasn't something I ever had in previous places I lived.' Katrina says that hers is far from a stereotypical caravan. She explains: 'Once you're inside, you'd never guess it was a caravan. I'm decorating room by room, adding my own touches. 'I live quite minimally, and the caravan has brilliant storage. How much does it cost to live in a caravan? LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs: Initial Costs Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year Ongoing Monthly Costs Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120 Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80 Internet and TV: £20 - £50 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40 Other Potential Costs Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25 Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time) Sample Monthly Budget Pitch Fees: £400 Utilities: £80 Maintenance and Repairs: £40 Internet and TV: £40 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25 Total: £585 Annual Estimated Cost Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020 Insurance: £500 Maintenance and Repairs: £480 Total Annual Cost: £8,000 Tips to Save Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself. Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs. While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK. 'Everything has its place. I'm not tripping over anything, and it actually feels spacious and calm. 'Everyone seems to want to come to mine now because they love it so much. They call it a cosy sanctuary.' However, there are some downsides, like not having a washing machine or anywhere to dry clothes. Katrina adds: 'Things like cooking are no different than when I was in a flat, except I might have to be a bit smarter with space. 'I've got a lovely walk-in shower in my bathroom, so no complaints there. I've gained other luxuries – peaceful surroundings, a slower pace of life, and access to lovely leisure facilities. Katrina 'Laundry is a bit more of a juggle – I either use the on-site laundry or drop a bag to my sister when I see her. 'Drying clothes was a bit annoying, so I bought a clothes line for outside. 'I'm also looking to get an outdoor washing machine too.' Despite a few minor headaches, Katrina says that she can't imagine herself going back to bricks and mortar. 'Never say never, but I doubt I'd ever go back to renting,' she says. 'Even if I don't live in a caravan forever, I think I'll always want to live a little differently. Maybe a lodge or even something off-grid that I build myself 'I've gained other luxuries – peaceful surroundings, a slower pace of life, and access to lovely leisure facilities. It's been a trade-up, not a sacrifice.' 8 8
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
North-South divide for older people 'reversible'
Older people in the North of England are more likely to be poorer, less healthy, physically inactive, lonely and live in poor housing, according to a new Ageing in the North study, from the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), said those in the north faced an "alarming" range of disadvantages compared to older people living in the Prof Alan Walker, from the University of Sheffield, said while the North-South divide was "hardly new" the NHSA believed it was "totally reversible" and called on the government to "prioritise tackling the root causes of unequal ageing".The BBC has approached the Department of Health and Social Care for a comment. Prof Walker, from the university's Healthy Lifespan Institute, said: "This report paints an alarming picture of how inequality has eaten away at the quality of life of so many older northerners. "In almost every aspect we investigated, there is a yawning gap between the North and the South - from their income and health to their housing, social care and sense of isolation."This gap is hardly new, but the most frustrating thing about it is that it is totally reversible - assuming that policymakers are willing to take decisive steps to address these issues, and provide a better life for our family members, friends, and neighbours as they age."The report found that across the North there were more than 900,000 economically inactive 50-64 year olds, contributing to a potential reduction in GDP of £10.9bn per the other findings, it said: People in the South are more likely to retire, while people in the North are more likely to leave the job market because of poor healthBetween 2012 and 2022 the rate of poverty among over 65s in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber rose by 10%Northern adults over 65 are 27% more likely to experience food insecurity than those in the South1.47m northern homes are considered "non-decent", with over a third housing residents over 60The North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber were home to he highest proportion of people aged 65 and over living in care homes Co-authored by a team from the University of Sheffield, Durham University, Lancaster University, The University of Manchester and Newcastle University and Health Equity North, the NHSA report urged the government to look at "reversing the widening inequality gap between North and South".Amongst other recommendations, the team suggested:A cross-government approach to prevent unequal ageing, looking at education, housing, employment and healthStrengthening collaboration between local government, combined authorities, housing developers, and the NHSDeveloping a national housing strategy for older people and creating age-friendly, accessible homes Shipley MP Anna Dixon, who wrote the foreword to the report, said: "Where you live shouldn't affect your experience of ageing."This report brings into sharp focus the reality of how unequal ageing is across England."Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Amber heat health alert issued for all of England with 'rise in deaths likely'
An amber heat health alert has been issued for all of England, which means there could be "a rise in deaths". A yellow heat health alert was initially issued on Tuesday (June 17) for most of the country by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), but this has been upgraded. According to the Met Office's latest forecasts, much of the south of England will see temperatures between 31C and 32C by Thursday afternoon (June 19). It would make for the hottest day of the year so far, beating the 29.4C recorded in Suffolk on Friday, June 13, Sky News reports. Just how high will temperatures get? 🌡️ Here's a look at when the peak temperatures may occur where you are over the next few days 📈 — Met Office (@metoffice) June 18, 2025 By this weekend, temperatures are forecast to hit highs of 33C and the amber alert is currently in place until 9am on Monday, June 23. The Heat-health Alert Service forewarns of periods of high temperatures, which may affect the health of the public. According to the Met Office, it is aimed at health and social care professionals and any person with a role in reducing the harm extended periods of hot weather can have on health. This service is provided by the UKHSA in partnership with the Met Office between June and September, and has been in operation since 2004. According to Sky News, an amber alert indicates that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services. It adds that there could be "a rise in deaths" among people with pre-existing health conditions and those aged over 65. The Met Office adds: "An amber alert would represent a situation in which the expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors apart from health may also start to observe impacts, indicating that a coordinated response is required." The NHS suggests staying out of the heat if possible, adding that it is best to stay shaded, particularly between 11am and 3pm. Recommended reading: Heatwave to hit UK as parts of the country set to be hotter than Barcelona What is a Met Office and UKHSA heat health alert? What is SPF and what does the number mean? This is when you should reapply It also recommends using sunscreen, wearing a hat and light clothes, and avoiding exercise or activity that makes you hotter. To cool yourself down, have cold food and drinks and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. It is also vital to keep your living space cool, closing windows during the day and opening them at night when it is cooler.
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
I ditched my £1,000-per-month flat to live in a caravan in a holiday park for half the price - the bills are unbelievably cheap
A woman has revealed why she chose to ditch her comfortable home to live in a caravan in a holiday park. Katrina, 31, who lives in the south of England, decided to uproot her life in her £1,000 per month flat in March this year, and moved into a two-bedroom caravan. The business owner purchased her 'mint condition' 2019 Willerby Skye static caravan outright for £26,000 and has a guaranteed pitch in a holiday park for nine years, paying ground rent quarterly. Katrina now says it's the 'best thing she's ever done' and says she's now paying half of what she was before, and that her disposable income has now doubled. She now pays £3,500 a year for her ground rent, which includes her pitch, access to a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. The fee also covers water, waste and rubbish. Speaking in a video on her TikTok account, Katrina said: 'It cost half of what my old flat did and my life quality is way better now. I can do these things I could never have afforded before. 'I like being different, I like being alternative, I don't want to follow what the societal norm is. I'm happy to break it and have people question me. 'I get that it's not for everyone, but living this way really is for me.' Due to being self-employed, Katrina said getting a regular mortgage in bricks and mortar 'wasn't an option' for her. And she understands the value of her caravan, like a car, will depreciate over time and thinks she'll only be able to sell it for £3,000 when it comes to the end of the nine year tenancy. However, with the money she's saving compared to renting her old flat, Katrina estimates she'll have more than enough to buy a brand-new caravan when the time comes. Her pitch fee only covers 11 months of the year, as she's chosen to live in a holiday park rather than a residential one. For her one month off, she'll either stay in a residential habit or go travelling - as she's self-employed and can take her laptop with her. Katrina said: 'I really like it this way. I don't have all the junk around me and life just feels so much more simple now. 'After living in houses and flats all my life, it's a shock to the system to actually have some disposable income and not have to work seven days a week just to get by. 'I can't believe how much my quality of life has changed since moving into the caravan. Everything was cheaper than I thought it would be and I don't have to work seven days a week anymore. 'I keep on joking I'm semi-retired now because that's what it feels like. 'I think moving into a caravan is the best thing I've ever done. I'm not paying someone else's mortgage anymore.' Recently, Katrina revealed how much she might spend in a typical month. As well as her pitch costs, which include council tax, she bought two bottles of gas for £230, contents insurance for £200 and Wi-fi for £70 a month. That same month, she spent £230 on food, £204 on DIY, £70 on her garden and £80 on petrol. Her caravan has two bedrooms, an office, a kitchen and living space and a bathroom, and she hopes living alone there will help her to achieve a more 'minimalist and simplistic life'. Rushing to the comments, people were inspired by Katrina's story and hoped to do the same in the future. One person said: 'You do you, I think the social norm is changing and that's only a good thing. I don't know how the younger generation are going to be able to buy a 'normal house' soon!' Another wrote: 'Best life... Feels free. No bricks or mortar!!' A third said: 'You are going to love it-just like being on holiday every day. Trust me I know!' However, others were more sceptical, as people said she would have: 'No investment for retirement. Site fees cost a fortune. You'll be spending just as much on ground rent and caravan finance'; 'You could have bought a tent for £495 and saved even more money! These caravans are brutally cold in the winter, plus living in them permanently will eventually drive you mad'; 'Your deluded. Total waste of money.' However, Katrina says her quality of life is 'way better now' and says living in a holiday park 'comes with so many perks', such as using the swimming pool and sauna whenever she likes. She says there's a 'really sweet' community in the caravan park and has become friends with her neighbours, though admits she can't do 'anything mischievous' without them noticing. In one recent video, her new lifestyle meant she could spontaneously have a day off work to go paddleboarding. For those thinking about making the move themselves, Katrina says to first think about what area you would like to live in and then to decide between residential and holiday parks. Next, she advises anyone who's interested to call every site about the rules, ask for site fees and what's included and an estimation for what it will be over the next five years. Previously, a British couple revealed how they ditched living in the UK full-time to move to sunny Benidorm in a caravan. Gemma and Nicky purchased an old caravan for €3,000 - or £2,500 - and have since transformed it into their 'home from home' in Alicante's Villamar camping site. The couple have raved about the benefits of uprooting to the coastal city on their TikTok account @ including 'cheaper living' with 'no council tax, no energy bills, [and] no TV licence.' Worlds away from rainy England, the couple now spend their time sunbathing in hot temperatures and enjoying the area's dining scene. When they're not relaxing, the duo are putting their DIY skills to use and refurbishing the once-derelict caravan, which was out of use for seven years before they bought it, into their dream holiday home. While they currently use the caravan as a holiday home for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, they hope to obtain a Spanish residency to live there full-time. Before they put their stamp on the home, the caravan featured drab interiors and a dirty exterior. Now, it boasts two modern bedrooms, a kitchen fit with a breakfast bar, a living room with a television, and a toilet.
