birminghammail--2020-04-28--Footage of consultant who died last week will be shown in BBC's Life and Birth

The family of consultant neonatologist Dr Vishna Rasiah have given permission for him to make a posthumous appearance in the new BBC1 TV documentary series Life and Birth .
Dr Rasiah , who was married with a daughter and known to his friends as Vish , died last week from coronavirus .
Announcing his death from Covid-19 on Friday , April 24 , Sarah-Jane Marsh , chief executive of Birmingham Women and Children 's Foundation NHS Trust , said : “ Vish was an amazing doctor , leader , colleague and friend of passionate about the care of babies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a cruel and unfair way will be too much to bear for many of us , in particular anyone involved in neonatal care , and of course his beautiful wife and daughter .
“ As our tears flow , we must always remember the values that Vish stood for , and hold his vision , courage and compassion in our hearts .
God bless you Vish , and may you rest in peace.
” His devastated wife Liza said : “ We ’ re devastated at losing our beloved Vish .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father to our beautiful daughter Katelyn , and much loved son and brother to our family in Malaysia and Trinidad . ''
Today , the makers of the TV series confirmed Dr Rasiah would still be appearing in the fourth programme of the six-part series and they issued this statement in his honour .
`` Dragonfly and the Life and Birth production team were very saddened to hear the news of the loss of Dr Rasiah who features as one of our contributors in the series , '' it said .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this difficult time . ''
The company said it was not issuing any photographs of Dr Rasiah in the series .
Dr Rasiah will appear in the fourth episode , on Tuesday , May 12 in which one mother has a baby diagnosed with Down 's Syndrome and another couple are trying again after their second child was stillborn at 40 weeks .
In other tributes , Katie Morris , a consultant in maternal fetal medicine at the University of Birmingham/Birmingham Women 's and Children 's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taught so many , cared for so many , mentored so many , friend and colleague to so many .
`` Thinking of his family and our NNU family x . ''
Also on Twitter , Bradley Thomas wrote : `` An amazing man who we owe so much to .
Thoughts go out not only to Liza but also to the rest of his family .
`` Thank you for everything Vish , as my girls wouldn ’ t be here today without people like yourself .
Your legacy is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the chief officer strategy and innovation at the NHS Foundation where Dr Rasiah worked , said : `` Heartbreaking .
An amazing colleague , friend to so many and a truly wonderful man . ''
Hayley Moggy Morgan posted : `` RIP .
He 's gone to the Angel Neonatal department to look after all his angels . ''
Karen Luyt , an academic neonatologist , wrote `` Profoundly sad .
One of us .
`` Vish , your legacy will live on in the many lives you have saved , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you helped forge and the young doctors you have inspired to follow in your footsteps .
RIP dear colleague . ''

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The family of consultant neonatologist Dr Vishna Rasiah have given permission for him to make a posthumous appearance in the new BBC1 TV documentary series Life and Birth.
Dr Rasiah, who was married with a daughter and known to his friends as Vish, died last week from coronavirus.
Announcing his death from Covid-19 on Friday, April 24, Sarah-Jane Marsh, chief executive of Birmingham Women and Children's Foundation NHS Trust, said: “Vish was an amazing doctor, leader, colleague and friend of passionate about the care of babies and their families.
"Losing him in such a cruel and unfair way will be too much to bear for many of us, in particular anyone involved in neonatal care, and of course his beautiful wife and daughter.
(Image: Birmingham Women and Children's Hospitals)
“As our tears flow, we must always remember the values that Vish stood for, and hold his vision, courage and compassion in our hearts. God bless you Vish, and may you rest in peace.”
His devastated wife Liza said: “We’re devastated at losing our beloved Vish.
"He was such a loving husband and father to our beautiful daughter Katelyn, and much loved son and brother to our family in Malaysia and Trinidad."
Today, the makers of the TV series confirmed Dr Rasiah would still be appearing in the fourth programme of the six-part series and they issued this statement in his honour.
"Dragonfly and the Life and Birth production team were very saddened to hear the news of the loss of Dr Rasiah who features as one of our contributors in the series," it said.
"Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues at this difficult time."
The company said it was not issuing any photographs of Dr Rasiah in the series.
Dr Rasiah will appear in the fourth episode, on Tuesday, May 12 in which one mother has a baby diagnosed with Down's Syndrome and another couple are trying again after their second child was stillborn at 40 weeks.
In other tributes, Katie Morris, a consultant in maternal fetal medicine at the University of Birmingham/Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, posted on Twitter: "Saved so many, taught so many, cared for so many, mentored so many, friend and colleague to so many.
"Thinking of his family and our NNU family x."
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Also on Twitter, Bradley Thomas wrote: "An amazing man who we owe so much to. Thoughts go out not only to Liza but also to the rest of his family.
"Thank you for everything Vish, as my girls wouldn’t be here today without people like yourself. Your legacy is still shining bright here."
Matt Boazman, the chief officer strategy and innovation at the NHS Foundation where Dr Rasiah worked, said: "Heartbreaking. An amazing colleague, friend to so many and a truly wonderful man."
Hayley Moggy Morgan posted: "RIP. He's gone to the Angel Neonatal department to look after all his angels."
Karen Luyt, an academic neonatologist, wrote "Profoundly sad. One of us.
"Vish, your legacy will live on in the many lives you have saved, the families you have supported, the collaborations you helped forge and the young doctors you have inspired to follow in your footsteps. RIP dear colleague."


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Alison Hammond gives This Morning fans tour of Birmingham home

Alison Hammond has given This Morning fans a glimpse of her Birmingham home during a tour live on air .
During the ITV1 daytime favourite , presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield cut to Brummie Alison in her Birmingham house .
Alison then gave viewers a tour of the complex , treating them to a sneak peek of her home in Brum .
The much loved presenter 's home in the city boasts a kitchen and dining room , with family photos decorating the walls .
Viewers saw Alison and son Aiden , 13 , in some of the snaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left giving her advice as she whisked the camera through the home in Brum .
`` And then the mirror I 'd move above the sofa for now , '' Kelly added over video chat .
`` I ca n't do that right now ! ''
Alison said .
Kelly laughed and said : `` I did n't expect you to actually do it .
That makes the table look better already , put a nice bunch of flowers on .
`` Move the mirror because it 's the wrong size .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So move that over there and put some pictures either side . ''
Kelly added : `` Where your work top is , maybe put something there .
Because when you sit on the sofa you want to look at something .
So maybe put some vases , some fruit or something . ''

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Alison Hammond has given This Morning fans a glimpse of her Birmingham home during a tour live on air.
During the ITV1 daytime favourite, presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield cut to Brummie Alison in her Birmingham house.
Alison then gave viewers a tour of the complex, treating them to a sneak peek of her home in Brum.
The much loved presenter's home in the city boasts a kitchen and dining room, with family photos decorating the walls.
Viewers saw Alison and son Aiden, 13, in some of the snaps.
But interior designer Kelly Hoppen was left giving her advice as she whisked the camera through the home in Brum.
"And then the mirror I'd move above the sofa for now," Kelly added over video chat.
"I can't do that right now!" Alison said.
Kelly laughed and said: "I didn't expect you to actually do it. That makes the table look better already, put a nice bunch of flowers on.
"Move the mirror because it's the wrong size. You want a bigger picture over there. So move that over there and put some pictures either side."
Kelly added: "Where your work top is, maybe put something there. Because when you sit on the sofa you want to look at something. So maybe put some vases, some fruit or something."


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Head of Coleshill School shares positive news with parents

The headteacher of The Coleshill School has written to parents , pupils and staff in lockdown to share some positive news – after Ofsted inspectors gave the school a ‘ good ’ rating .
Headteacher Ian Smith-Childs wrote of his pride after Ofsted chiefs shared their final inspection report , following a visit on March 3 and 4 .
In the report , inspectors confirmed that ‘ The Coleshill School continues to be a good school ’ .
“ The report is incredibly positive about the whole school community and I am thrilled that the inspection team appreciated our values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we provide for our students , ” Mr Smith-Childs wrote .
A member of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership , the Coleshill School has almost doubled in size since 2014 , with 1,200 pupils enrolled last year .
The Ofsted report highlights that ‘ The school places as much emphasis on pupils ’ personal development as on their academic success.
’ Inspectors were particularly impressed by the range of opportunities that are on offer for students beyond the classroom and how many students get involved in them – noting that ‘ pupils , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school life ’ .
The report recognized strengths in teaching and curriculum , noting that ‘ Pupils ’ learning is effective and organized well in almost all subjects ’ .
Inspectors also praised teachers ’ ‘ strong subject knowledge ’ .
Inspectors were impressed with the work being done to develop the curriculum in Year 7 and were pleased to see the planned expansion of the Year 9 curriculum .
They did note the need for curriculum work to develop further and include links between subjects to help embed knowledge .
The behaviour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspectors were pleased to see that ‘ Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning.
’ Ofsted was also impressed with the way in which the students have coped with the current construction work to build the new 12-classroom Wilson Block , and the restrictions this has placed on social space .
“ This is real testament to our students and also to our staff who work so hard to support them , '' Mr Smith-Childs wrote .
Named after highly-respected former headteacher Tom Wilson , the new building is due to open this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing size of the school , particularly fitting as school is in its 500th anniversary year .
The report also noted that ‘ Governance is strong ’ and inspectors were clear that ‘ the school has benefitted from its membership of The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership ’ .
Mr Smith-Childs wrote : “ I would like to thank governors and the staff who have supported us from ATLP , as they have had a big part to play in the school being recognized with such a positive inspection report .
“ We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work continues to develop to ensure our curriculum ‘ builds a deep and lasting understanding of key subject knowledge for pupils of all abilities , and especially the most able ’ .
“ As ever , I am incredibly proud and humbled to be leading your school , ” Mrs Smith-Childs wrote .
“ I am surrounded by incredible staff and inspirational students.
” Ofsted will not be publishing the report on their website until schools open after the lockdown , however , parents can read the full report by visiting the Coleshill @ @ @ @ @

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The headteacher of The Coleshill School has written to parents, pupils and staff in lockdown to share some positive news – after Ofsted inspectors gave the school a ‘good’ rating.
Headteacher Ian Smith-Childs wrote of his pride after Ofsted chiefs shared their final inspection report, following a visit on March 3 and 4.
In the report, inspectors confirmed that ‘The Coleshill School continues to be a good school’.
“The report is incredibly positive about the whole school community and I am thrilled that the inspection team appreciated our values and the good standard of education that we provide for our students,” Mr Smith-Childs wrote.
A member of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, the Coleshill School has almost doubled in size since 2014, with 1,200 pupils enrolled last year.
The Ofsted report highlights that ‘The school places as much emphasis on pupils’ personal development as on their academic success.’
Inspectors were particularly impressed by the range of opportunities that are on offer for students beyond the classroom and how many students get involved in them – noting that ‘pupils, students and parents value this aspect of school life’.
The report recognized strengths in teaching and curriculum, noting that ‘Pupils’ learning is effective and organized well in almost all subjects’. Inspectors also praised teachers’ ‘strong subject knowledge’.
Inspectors were impressed with the work being done to develop the curriculum in Year 7 and were pleased to see the planned expansion of the Year 9 curriculum. They did note the need for curriculum work to develop further and include links between subjects to help embed knowledge.
The behaviour of Coleshill students was praised, and inspectors were pleased to see that ‘Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning.’
Ofsted was also impressed with the way in which the students have coped with the current construction work to build the new 12-classroom Wilson Block, and the restrictions this has placed on social space.
“This is real testament to our students and also to our staff who work so hard to support them," Mr Smith-Childs wrote.
Named after highly-respected former headteacher Tom Wilson, the new building is due to open this year, to provide additional capacity for the growing size of the school, particularly fitting as school is in its 500th anniversary year.
The report also noted that ‘Governance is strong’ and inspectors were clear that ‘the school has benefitted from its membership of The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership’.
Mr Smith-Childs wrote: “I would like to thank governors and the staff who have supported us from ATLP, as they have had a big part to play in the school being recognized with such a positive inspection report.
“We will be working on ensuring that our curriculum work continues to develop to ensure our curriculum ‘builds a deep and lasting understanding of key subject knowledge for pupils of all abilities, and especially the most able’.
“As ever, I am incredibly proud and humbled to be leading your school,” Mrs Smith-Childs wrote. “I am surrounded by incredible staff and inspirational students.”
Ofsted will not be publishing the report on their website until schools open after the lockdown, however, parents can read the full report by visiting the Coleshill School’s website.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Watch – 'Reckless' driver hits 'eye-watering' 135mph on M6

This is the shocking moment a 'reckless ' motorist is caught overtaking vehicles at more than 130mph on the M6 .
Staffordshire Police said the driver hit eye-watering speeds as they tore along the motorway at around 11am on Wednesday , April 29 .
The speeding motorist was stopped and reported , a spokesman for the force said .
Shaming the driver , an officer said : `` The white vehicle in front was spotted travelling along the M6 in the Staffordhsire Police area travelling at an eye-watering speed of 133-135mph .
Vehicle stopped and the driver has been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was posted on Twitter but can be watched above – has angered some viewers .
One said : `` Totally reckless ... dare I ask , but what was their excuse ( if you can call it that ! )
?
And another added : `` Speeder should get a jail sentence ; motorway looked quiet enough to not cause him any delays .
No excuse . ''
The clip comes just days after officer shamed speeding motorists during coronavirus lockdown .
One motorist was caught travelling at around 95 and 111mph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a 70mph road , by Staffordshire Police .
Officers revealed the incident – and many others – as the force warned drivers about not treating the streets as a racetrack during lockdown .
Some examples from the last two weeks : • Travelling between 54 and 69mph on the 40mph area at the A34 in Tittensor • Travelling at 50mph in the 30mph zone of the A449 in Penkridge • Travelling between 78 and 85mph on the 60mph zone of the A34 between Stone and Stafford • Travelling between 95 and 111mph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70mph road • Travelling at speeds in excess of 82mph on the A460 ( Hednesford to Rugeley road ) where the speed limit is 60mph .

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This is the shocking moment a 'reckless' motorist is caught overtaking vehicles at more than 130mph on the M6.
Staffordshire Police said the driver hit eye-watering speeds as they tore along the motorway at around 11am on Wednesday, April 29.
The speeding motorist was stopped and reported, a spokesman for the force said.
Shaming the driver, an officer said: "The white vehicle in front was spotted travelling along the M6 in the Staffordhsire Police area travelling at an eye-watering speed of 133-135mph. Vehicle stopped and the driver has been reported. #Fatal4"
The video – which was posted on Twitter but can be watched above – has angered some viewers.
One said: "Totally reckless...dare I ask, but what was their excuse (if you can call it that!)?
And another added: "Speeder should get a jail sentence; motorway looked quiet enough to not cause him any delays. No excuse."
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The clip comes just days after officer shamed speeding motorists during coronavirus lockdown.
One motorist was caught travelling at around 95 and 111mph on the A50 in Uttoxeter, which is a 70mph road, by Staffordshire Police.
Officers revealed the incident – and many others – as the force warned drivers about not treating the streets as a racetrack during lockdown.
Some examples from the last two weeks:


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Anger over tests delay as ninth resident dies from Covid-19 at city care home

It was approaching midnight when the unbearable sadness of coronavirus claimed the life of Charlie Beattie , who became the ninth resident to die at his care home this month .
After a week in hospital surrounded by masked strangers , fighting the virus in vain , Charlie was returned to the Ridings care home in Castle Vale to see out his final hours .
It meant wife Jean , an ex-nurse , and their eldest son could be at his bedside , sharing last memories as he slipped away .
There was also time for one final act of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had cared for him in his final years , said Jean , from Sutton Coldfield .
`` When Charlie died , two girls who were closest to him were contacted and they came straight back to work to wash him and lay him out ; it was midnight and they had already worked 12 hours but wanted to do one last thing for him .
`` I can not speak highly enough of them .
They are lowly paid , they are not appreciated by the outside world , and yet they put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this burden .
`` Charlie dying has not changed my view of them at all .
They are an amazing team of people and should be paid in gold nuggets , not pennies . ''
Charlie became the ninth resident to die at the Ridings from suspected Covid-19 since April 7 .
Only two of them - including Charlie - have tested positive for the virus , but Covid-19 features on the death certificates of them all .
Despite the wave of deaths , there was no mass testing offered for residents or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infection , in line with the Government 's limited testing policy that prevailed at the time .
It 's a failing that angers Jean and others who have lost relatives in care homes .
A new policy has just been announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock - but too late for Charlie .
`` The staff at the home were left to cope without the regular testing and without the best PPE that could have helped them contain this virus .
`` As soon as there was any sign of infection they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the home , for them and residents .
They have also faced some issues getting PPE . ''
She added : `` It is understandable that the initial focus of national efforts was on the hospitals treating the worst cases , but it seemed to take a long time for people to appreciate where all these people were coming from - many from care homes or sheltered accommodation . ''
She has the backing of city MP Jack Dromey , who railed : `` The government has dragged its heels on PPE for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing , and as a consequence people died who might otherwise have lived . ''
Dromey , MP for Birmingham Erdington , said it was vital to investigate why some homes had suffered outbreaks more than others , adding : “ My sympathies go out to all those affected by this virus and to the care home staff who are giving the very best care in immensely difficult circumstances .
`` The residents in the city 's care homes built Birmingham and Britain .
It is utterly shameful that in the twilight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced ( Tuesday ) that testing would now be available to all residents and staff in care homes , even if they have no symptoms .
It marked a major change in policy , as previously care home staff could only get tests if they were symptomatic - by which time they may already have been carrying infection for days ; and only residents who went into hospital were tested .
Campaigners and care home organisations have been lobbying for preventive testing for weeks amid fears that staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus in and out of homes , while asymptomatic residents were mingling with others .
The full impact of coronavirus on care homes in the city and region is only now beginning to emerge , as new data shines a light on the situation .
The latest figures for England and Wales confirm that 4,343 people died in care homes between April 10-24 - taking the tragic overall toll of death wrought by the virus to more than 25,000 .
Some 72 of those were in Birmingham , with more deaths still to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for care homes will be 'far higher ' once the number of residents transferred into hospital prior to death are accounted for .
Tony Davies , whose wife Sue was among those who died last week to coronavirus , said he was furious that care homes had been treated as `` an afterthought '' , adding : `` It 's not just this home but thousands like it , all have lost people , because the care homes have been abandoned and forgotten , as if the lives in there do n't matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the NHS only , not on care homes where old people live . ''
Sue was the fourth to die of suspected coronavirus at Bramley Court care home in School Road , Yardley Wood .
Tony today reacted to news that mass testing would now be offered to staff and residents with one simple , angry sentence : `` Shutting the gate after the horse has bolted . ''
Charlie Beattie , 82 , was a secondary teacher and married his sweetheart Jean 62 years ago , at the tender age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' laughs Jean , who is a whole year older .
He worked in local secondary schools , while Jean worked as a nurse .
Together they had three sons and a daughter - who went on to have five grandchildren and five great grandsons between them .
The couple decided two years ago that Charlie should move into a care home , after initially attending for respite .
He had developed dementia gradually after retiring as a teacher .
He had enjoyed photography and the couple enjoyed lots of travelling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other adventures , until signs of his illness began to impact on daily life .
The death of a beloved son to bowel cancer in 2010 caused `` a big bump down '' and eventually , two years ago , the family realised Charlie needed round the clock care in a home , said Jean .
Jean added : `` We are both 'glass half full ' people , not inclined towards depression , always looking for the silver lining , and I think that kept us both going . ''
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 ) when Charlie was a patient at Heartlands Hospital .
He had been admitted after a fall at the care home , but it was clear he was also struggling with Covid-19 symptoms .
He tested positive in hospital .
At the time , indications were that he was making a recovery and was due to be discharged within a day or two .
`` We thought he had bounced back , that he was going to beat the odds , '' says Jean .
But sadly it soon became clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thrive , but to die .
`` They had done all they could at the hospital but Charlie was just not going to make it , '' said Jean .
`` All we had hoped was that he did not die in hospital , surrounded by strangers , and we got our wish , so we are grateful for that . ''
Charlie died on Friday night , hours after arriving back at The Ridings .
Jean and the couple 's eldest son , in protective equipment , were allowed to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact of the virus too much .
The following day , Jean was in shock and grief - but also determined to ensure her voice , and Charlie 's , are heard .
`` I am so glad Charlie got to be at home , where he was safe .
It must have been so distressing for him in hospital .
I imagine he was very frightened , very bewildered .
`` He would have come round in hospital thinking he was on Mars I imagine , with everyone in full PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no faces at all .
It would have been very scary I think .
`` The home was his safety blanket , his safe place , so hospital would have been very alien to him so I 'm glad he came back . ''
What the home says Jackie Brayford is operations director for Dukeries Healthcare , which runs four homes , including The Ridings in Castle Vale .
The home is managed by Kevin Bradley , who has been unwell and isolating but has just returned to work .
`` It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
The home , rated Good in every category by the Care Quality Commission , cares for around 83 residents , many with dementia and serious conditions , including some requiring end of life care .
Since the pandemic broke , 14 of the residents have died , with nine now believed to be linked to coronavirus .
Only two of those have officially tested positive ; in the other cases , the presence of covid-19 symptoms leading to death has meant it is listed as a cause or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had all the answers but I know our staff are trying their best , every day , in traumatic circumstances , '' said Ms Brayford .
She said the challenges facing the home to keep infection free had been many .
Residents at the home who have gone into hospital during the past month have returned ; the home has also received referrals for new placements from hospitals of people who have previously tested positive .
The first sign of coronavirus infection at the home was on April 7 .
At that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health England , no testing was done of residents .
A total of three staff with symptoms have since been tested , one of them testing positive .
The home has faced other challenges .
Since it locked down the home to visitors on March 11 , a total of 53 staff have been absent for periods , including 17 isolating because of a household member being symptomatic , and 36 because of symptoms .
Within the home , anyone suspected of having the virus was immediately isolated .
Most of the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional challenges around infection control .
The home 's owners say they have worked hard to ensure staff have access to PPE , but have had to rely on extra supplies from Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group and from a local resident who handmade masks and a delivery of handmade visors .
The home say they have been disappointed with the level of support received from external agencies , despite pledges of wraparound care .
The home is privately operated but commissioned by Birmingham City Council as one of its 174 care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What local health and council partners are doing We asked local partners what was being done to support care homes like The Ridings .
This is what they told us : “ Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is delivering a dedicated support team for care homes across Birmingham , bringing together many areas of NHS operation .
`` The team offers support in a number of areas including clinical and operational matters , infection control , testing and tracking .
The team works closely with partners in a multi-agency approach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations , co-ordinated with support from primary care and social care.
” Cllr Paulette Hamilton , Birmingham City Council 's cabinet member for health and social care , said wraparound care was offered to homes known to have outbreaks , including support around PPE and staffing , while the home 's GP and advanced nurse practitioners also provided support locally .
She said it was vital that homes that were struggling reached out for additional support .
She also pledged to investigate what care had been offered to the Ridings and ensure they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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It was approaching midnight when the unbearable sadness of coronavirus claimed the life of Charlie Beattie, who became the ninth resident to die at his care home this month.
After a week in hospital surrounded by masked strangers, fighting the virus in vain, Charlie was returned to the Ridings care home in Castle Vale to see out his final hours.
It meant wife Jean, an ex-nurse, and their eldest son could be nearby, sharing last memories as he slipped away.
There was also time for one final act of love and care from the staff who had cared for him in his final years, said Jean, from Sutton Coldfield.
"When Charlie died, two girls who were closest to him were contacted and they came straight back to work to wash him and lay him out; it was midnight and they had already worked 12 hours but wanted to do one last thing for him.
"I cannot speak highly enough of them. They are lowly paid, they are not appreciated by the outside world, and yet they put themselves at risk every day and shoulder this burden.
"Charlie dying has not changed my view of them at all. They are an amazing team of people and should be paid in gold nuggets, not pennies."
Charlie became the ninth resident to die at the Ridings from suspected Covid-19 since April 7. Only two of them - including Charlie - have tested positive for the virus, but Covid-19 features on the death certificates of them all.
Despite the wave of deaths, there was no mass testing offered for residents or staff before or in the early stages of infection, in line with the Government's limited testing policy that prevailed at the time.
It's a failing that angers Jean and others who have lost relatives in care homes. A new policy has just been announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock - but too late for Charlie.
"The staff at the home were left to cope without the regular testing and without the best PPE that could have helped them contain this virus.
"As soon as there was any sign of infection they should have been supported with testing throughout the home, for them and residents. They have also faced some issues getting PPE."
She added: "It is understandable that the initial focus of national efforts was on the hospitals treating the worst cases, but it seemed to take a long time for people to appreciate where all these people were coming from - many from care homes or sheltered accommodation."
She has the backing of city MP Jack Dromey, who railed: "The government has dragged its heels on PPE for social care workers, and for rapid testing, and as a consequence people died who might otherwise have lived."
Dromey, MP for Birmingham Erdington, said it was vital to investigate why some homes had suffered outbreaks more than others, adding: “My sympathies go out to all those affected by this virus and to the care home staff who are giving the very best care in immensely difficult circumstances.
"The residents in the city's care homes built Birmingham and Britain. It is utterly shameful that in the twilight of their years they should feel abandoned."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced (Tuesday) that testing would now be available to all residents and staff in care homes, even if they have no symptoms.
It marked a major change in policy, as previously care home staff could only get tests if they were symptomatic - by which time they may already have been carrying infection for days; and only residents who went into hospital were tested.
Campaigners and care home organisations have been lobbying for preventive testing for weeks amid fears that staff without symptoms could have been transmitting the virus in and out of homes, while asymptomatic residents were mingling with others.
The full impact of coronavirus on care homes in the city and region is only now beginning to emerge, as new data shines a light on the situation.
The latest figures for England and Wales confirm that 4,343 people died in care homes between April 10-24 - taking the tragic overall toll of death wrought by the virus to more than 25,000.
Some 72 of those were in Birmingham, with more deaths still to be counted.
The total death toll for care homes will be 'far higher' once the number of residents transferred into hospital prior to death are accounted for.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Tony Davies, whose wife Sue was among those who died last week to coronavirus, said he was furious that care homes had been treated as "an afterthought", adding: "It's not just this home but thousands like it, all have lost people, because the care homes have been abandoned and forgotten, as if the lives in there don't matter as much. All the focus was on the NHS only, not on care homes where old people live."
Sue was the fourth to die of suspected coronavirus at Bramley Court care home in School Road, Yardley Wood.
Tony today reacted to news that mass testing would now be offered to staff and residents with one simple, angry sentence: "Shutting the gate after the horse has bolted."
A glimmer of hope, snatched away
Charlie Beattie, 82, was a secondary teacher and married his sweetheart Jean 62 years ago, at the tender age of 21.
"He was my toyboy," laughs Jean, who is a whole year older.
He worked in local secondary schools, while Jean worked as a nurse. Together they had three sons and a daughter - who went on to have five grandchildren and five great grandsons between them.
The couple decided two years ago that Charlie should move into a care home, after initially attending for respite.
He had developed dementia gradually after retiring as a teacher. He had enjoyed photography and the couple enjoyed lots of travelling, including winter trips to Portugal and other adventures, until signs of his illness began to impact on daily life.
The death of a beloved son to bowel cancer in 2010 caused "a big bump down" and eventually, two years ago, the family realised Charlie needed round the clock care in a home, said Jean.
Jean added: "We are both 'glass half full' people, not inclined towards depression, always looking for the silver lining, and I think that kept us both going."
I first interviewed Jean last week (April 22) when Charlie was a patient at Heartlands Hospital. He had been admitted after a fall at the care home, but it was clear he was also struggling with Covid-19 symptoms. He tested positive in hospital.
At the time, indications were that he was making a recovery and was due to be discharged within a day or two.
"We thought he had bounced back, that he was going to beat the odds," says Jean.
But sadly it soon became clear that Charlie was not coming back from hospital to thrive, but to die.
"They had done all they could at the hospital but Charlie was just not going to make it," said Jean. "All we had hoped was that he did not die in hospital, surrounded by strangers, and we got our wish, so we are grateful for that."
Charlie died on Thursday night, hours after arriving back at The Ridings.
Jean and the couple's eldest son, in protective equipment, were allowed to sit with him as he slipped away, the impact of the virus too much.
The following day, Jean was in shock and grief - but also determined to ensure her voice, and Charlie's, are heard.
"I am so glad Charlie got to be at home, where he was safe. It must have been so distressing for him in hospital. I imagine he was very frightened, very bewildered.
"He would have come round in hospital thinking he was on Mars I imagine, with everyone in full PPE, no familiar faces, in fact no faces at all. It would have been very scary I think.
"The home was his safety blanket, his safe place, so hospital would have been very alien to him so I'm glad he came back."
What the home says
Jackie Brayford is operations director for Dukeries Healthcare, which runs four homes, including The Ridings in Castle Vale. The home is managed by Kevin Bradley, who has been unwell and isolating but has just returned to work.
"It has been a very traumatic, difficult time," she said.
The home, rated Good in every category by the Care Quality Commission, cares for around 83 residents, many with dementia and serious conditions, including some requiring end of life care.
Since the pandemic broke, 14 of the residents have died, with nine now believed to be linked to coronavirus. Only two of those have officially tested positive; in the other cases, the presence of covid-19 symptoms leading to death has meant it is listed as a cause or contributory factor.
"I wish we had all the answers but I know our staff are trying their best, every day, in traumatic circumstances," said Ms Brayford.
She said the challenges facing the home to keep infection free had been many. Residents at the home who have gone into hospital during the past month have returned; the home has also received referrals for new placements from hospitals of people who have previously tested positive.
The first sign of coronavirus infection at the home was on April 7. At that time, in line with guidance from Public Health England, no testing was done of residents. A total of three staff with symptoms have since been tested, one of them testing positive.
The home has faced other challenges. Since it locked down the home to visitors on March 11, a total of 53 staff have been absent for periods, including 17 isolating because of a household member being symptomatic, and 36 because of symptoms.
Within the home, anyone suspected of having the virus was immediately isolated.
Most of the home's residents have dementia, which poses additional challenges around infection control.
The home's owners say they have worked hard to ensure staff have access to PPE, but have had to rely on extra supplies from Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, from a local resident who hand-made masks and a delivery of handmade visors.
The home say they have been concerned about some of the support provided by external agencies and hope future pledges of wraparound care materialise.
The home is privately operated but commissioned by Birmingham City Council as one of its 174 care homes for elderly residents in the city.
What local health and council partners are doing
We asked local partners what was being done to support care homes like The Ridings. This is what they told us:
“ Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is delivering a dedicated support team for care homes across Birmingham, bringing together many areas of NHS operation.
"The team offers support in a number of areas including clinical and operational matters, infection control, testing and tracking. The team works closely with partners in a multi-agency approach, including the city council and other NHS organisations, co-ordinated with support from primary care and social care.”
Cllr Paulette Hamilton, Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for health and social care, said wraparound care was offered to homes known to have outbreaks, including support around PPE and staffing, while the home's GP and advanced nurse practitioners also provided support locally.
She said it was vital that homes that were struggling reached out for additional support.
She also pledged to investigate what care had been offered to the Ridings and ensure they were getting any further support they required.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--£50k raised in 48 hours for dad-to-be who wants to hold baby before he dies

Thousands of donors have raised £50,000 in 48 hours for a dad-to-be who wants to hold his newborn before he dies .
Jamie Hunter and Beccy Flint are having their baby earlier than their due date so he can cradle the child .
The 38-year-old Birmingham teacher has incurable cancer and friends aim to raise £100,000 to help the couple .
And almost half the total was raised in just two days with nearly 2,000 donors pledging cash at a JustGiving page .
The couple , from Sutton Coldfield , were over the moon to find they were expecting their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of May 2020 .
But last October , Jamie began experiencing crippling pain in his side and , after tests and scans , he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in March .
A month later , he was given the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his liver and there was no cure .
The brave couple have made the decision to deliver their baby on May 10 in the hope Jamie can have the chance to meet and cuddle his newborn .
The money will go to help support Jamie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby Hunter .
They have also pledged a donation to John Taylor Hospice , which has been supporting the couple .
The fundraiser ’ s co-organiser , Phil Taylor , said he was blown away by the donations .
Mr Taylor said : Thank you for all the kind support considering the time .
It shows what kind of man he is and what he means to people.
” Donors on the JustGiving page sent their best wishes to Jamie who works at John Willmott school in Sutton Coldfield .
Emma Davis wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our college nights out and our science presentations ( we were all so young and nervous ) .
“ I was so proud to see you at John Willmott taking on the role of PE teacher , head of department and head of year .
“ You have taught both my boys and coached them in football along with many other kids who all admire you .
“ I wish you all the strength in the world and I hope with all my heart you get to meet your baby .
“ Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought-of and your family will be supported x ” Florence Coulon said : “ So shocked and sad to hear this terrible news !
Mr Hunter played a big part in our son ’ s life Mel Jose Brown !
He was his teacher and his football coach at John Willmott school .
“ He was always there for him and also for us !
So terribly sad.
” Georgina Hobday wrote : “ I do not know Mr Hunter personally he was my son 's teacher at JW ( we had plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for the kids always there to help , a lovely happy guy.
” You can make a donation to the JustGiving page here .

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Thousands of donors have raised £50,000 in 48 hours for a dad-to-be who wants to hold his newborn before he dies.
Jamie Hunter and Beccy Flint are having their baby earlier than their due date so he can cradle the child.
The 38-year-old Birmingham teacher has incurable cancer and friends aim to raise £100,000 to help the couple.
And almost half the total was raised in just two days with nearly 2,000 donors pledging cash at a JustGiving page.
The couple, from Sutton Coldfield, were over the moon to find they were expecting their first child, due at the end of May 2020.
But last October, Jamie began experiencing crippling pain in his side and, after tests and scans, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in March.
A month later, he was given the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his liver and there was no cure.
The brave couple have made the decision to deliver their baby on May 10 in the hope Jamie can have the chance to meet and cuddle his newborn.
The money will go to help support Jamie’s care, his family and baby Hunter. They have also pledged a donation to John Taylor Hospice, which has been supporting the couple.
The fundraiser’s co-organiser, Phil Taylor, said he was blown away by the donations.
Mr Taylor said: Thank you for all the kind support considering the time. It shows what kind of man he is and what he means to people.”
Donors on the JustGiving page sent their best wishes to Jamie who works at John Willmott school in Sutton Coldfield.
Emma Davis wrote: “Jamie I will never forget our college nights out and our science presentations (we were all so young and nervous).
“I was so proud to see you at John Willmott taking on the role of PE teacher, head of department and head of year.
“You have taught both my boys and coached them in football along with many other kids who all admire you.
“I wish you all the strength in the world and I hope with all my heart you get to meet your baby.
“Life is cruel Jamie but you are well thought-of and your family will be supported x”
Florence Coulon said: “So shocked and sad to hear this terrible news ! Mr Hunter played a big part in our son’s life Mel Jose Brown ! He was his teacher and his football coach at John Willmott school.
“He was always there for him and also for us ! So terribly sad.”
Georgina Hobday wrote: “I do not know Mr Hunter personally he was my son's teacher at JW (we had plenty of meetings) he had so much time for the kids always there to help, a lovely happy guy.”
You can make a donation to the JustGiving page here.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--The radical plan to get Wolves fans back to Molineux - reports

Sanitising pods are being developed in Hong Kong which could play a part in football fans ' return to stadiums .
Large sporting events across the globe have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Premier League has been suspended for six weeks now .
Plans are being discussed to allow the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers to return to action in June , though it still needs to be given the green light by the UK government .
Games are set to be staged behind closed doors initially with a limited number of people allowed inside the stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to .
However , many clubs up and down the country are fearful that they wo n't be able to survive without the match-day revenue supporters provide and are desperate to find a way for crowds to return .
And new technology is being developed in China with the aim of cleansing fans before they enter the stadium , reports The Mirror .
'CLEANTech ' pods have been developed for a Hong Kong exhibition centre and the three-in-one disinfection machine was created to help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now football chiefs are discussing the idea of using the technology to help fans attend once games return .
The technology sees individuals walk through a pod before entering any given venue .
Fans would stand in front of the technology which would take their temperature and deem whether they are well enough to proceed .
If the person is cleared they then carry on to the 'sanitising tunnel ' which is where a combination of UV light and an air-sanitising and purification spray are used to kill off any other germs on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 seconds to complete .
The centre in Hong Kong is due to host an Avril Lavigne concert on May 24 and will house 16,000 people .
Using such technology at football stadiums would be challenging but could help with the return of fixtures , claims The Sun .
Government and health ministers will meet with sport chiefs this week to discuss how and when they will bring back live action .

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Sanitising pods are being developed in Hong Kong which could play a part in football fans' return to stadiums.
Large sporting events across the globe have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Premier League has been suspended for six weeks now.
Plans are being discussed to allow the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers to return to action in June, though it still needs to be given the green light by the UK government.
Games are set to be staged behind closed doors initially with a limited number of people allowed inside the stadium, such as club officials and staff, to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to.
However, many clubs up and down the country are fearful that they won't be able to survive without the match-day revenue supporters provide and are desperate to find a way for crowds to return.
And new technology is being developed in China with the aim of cleansing fans before they enter the stadium, reports The Mirror.
'CLEANTech' pods have been developed for a Hong Kong exhibition centre and the three-in-one disinfection machine was created to help the AsiaWorld-Expo centre host upcoming events.
And now football chiefs are discussing the idea of using the technology to help fans attend once games return.
The technology sees individuals walk through a pod before entering any given venue.
Fans would stand in front of the technology which would take their temperature and deem whether they are well enough to proceed.
If the person is cleared they then carry on to the 'sanitising tunnel' which is where a combination of UV light and an air-sanitising and purification spray are used to kill off any other germs on clothes or belongings.
This process takes 12 seconds to complete. The centre in Hong Kong is due to host an Avril Lavigne concert on May 24 and will house 16,000 people.
Using such technology at football stadiums would be challenging but could help with the return of fixtures, claims The Sun.
Government and health ministers will meet with sport chiefs this week to discuss how and when they will bring back live action.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Van crashes into house after chase sparked by AstroTurf ram raid

Police called to reports of a break-in at a storage yard were lead on a dramatic chase - only ending when the suspects crashed into a house .
Two men - one armed with a knife - were arrested after the van was left embedded in a Small Heath house following the pursuit .
The blue Ford Transit crashed into a semi-detached house at the junction of Millhouse Road and Hob Moor Road , overnight on Tuesday , April 28 .
The driver was thought to have lost control after police deployed a stinger to puncture the tyres .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the storage yard , in which AstroTurf was taken .
This morning ( April 29 ) , the van remained at the scene .
Damage could be seen to the house , while the van 's bonnet was destroyed and the tyres shredded .
Fence posts and panels also appeared to have been taken out by the van during the crash - which happened near to a bus stop .
Watch the video above .
The occupants of the house were uninjured despite being at home at the time of the smash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 've arrested two men on suspicion of burglary after pursuing a stolen van believed to have been used in a ram raid last night ( 28 April ) .
`` We responded to reports of a break-in at a storage yard in Marston Green where astroturf was taken just before midnight .
`` The van was picked up and pursued before coming to a stop after hitting a house wall in Hob Moor Road , Small Heath .
Two men were detained nearby .
`` A 28-year-old man was arrested on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motor vehicle and having a knife .
`` A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving , theft of a motor vehicle and burglary .
They remain in police custody for questioning .

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Police called to reports of a break-in at a storage yard were lead on a dramatic chase - only ending when the suspects crashed into a house.
Two men - one armed with a knife - were arrested after the van was left embedded in a Small Heath house following the pursuit.
The blue Ford Transit crashed into a semi-detached house at the junction of Millhouse Road and Hob Moor Road, overnight on Tuesday, April 28.
The driver was thought to have lost control after police deployed a stinger to puncture the tyres.
The crash came after the midnight ram-raid on the storage yard, in which AstroTurf was taken.
This morning (April 29), the van remained at the scene. Damage could be seen to the house, while the van's bonnet was destroyed and the tyres shredded.
Fence posts and panels also appeared to have been taken out by the van during the crash - which happened near to a bus stop. Watch the video above.
The occupants of the house were uninjured despite being at home at the time of the smash.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We've arrested two men on suspicion of burglary after pursuing a stolen van believed to have been used in a ram raid last night (28 April).
"We responded to reports of a break-in at a storage yard in Marston Green where astroturf was taken just before midnight.
"The van was picked up and pursued before coming to a stop after hitting a house wall in Hob Moor Road, Small Heath. Two men were detained nearby.
"A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and having a knife.
"A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and burglary. They remain in police custody for questioning.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Theatre set to remain shut in Solihull for several more months

Solihull 's flagship theatre is not due to reopen to the public for several more months , as part of continuing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus .
A senior councillor has said that no shows would take place at The Core between now and July 31 .
It had already been announced that all productions and workshops at the council-run venue were definitely off until mid-June .
But speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service ( LDRS ) this week , Cllr Joe Tildesley , cabinet member for leisure , tourism and sport , confirmed the closure was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six weeks beyond this .
`` Nothing will be happening now until then , '' he said , suggesting a decision on shows scheduled beyond this would be taken in the coming weeks .
August is a comparatively quiet month for theatre productions , but September would traditionally mark the start of the autumn programme of shows .
In Solihull the run-up to Christmas culminates with the all-important panto season and it was originally hoped this year would also see the start of cinema-style film screenings .
Details of cancelled shows which have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Core 's website .
These include performances by stand-up comic Omid Djalili and Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society 's production of Made in Dagenham .
The services that Cllr Tildesley oversees have been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus , with the likes of leisure centres also closing their doors .
While no date has been announced for Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and North Solihull Sports Centre to reopen , the cabinet member said discussions would be held with the operator , Everyone Active , on what the `` new normal would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the issues which will need to be addressed , he said : `` How will social distancing work ?
How will the changing rooms operate ? ''
All gyms and fitness facilities were forced to close as part of the nationwide lockdown , with the government instead encouraging residents to take daily exercise in their own home or outdoors .
It is not yet clear at what stage the venues would be allowed to reopen in what is widely expected to be a phased easing of restrictions .
Some maintenance work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tudor Grange in the period it has been shut to the public .

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Solihull's flagship theatre is not due to reopen to the public for several more months, as part of continuing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus.
A senior councillor has said that no shows would take place at The Core between now and July 31.
It had already been announced that all productions and workshops at the council-run venue were definitely off until mid-June.
But speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) this week, Cllr Joe Tildesley, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and sport, confirmed the closure was set to continue for at least another six weeks beyond this.
"Nothing will be happening now until then," he said, suggesting a decision on shows scheduled beyond this would be taken in the coming weeks.
August is a comparatively quiet month for theatre productions, but September would traditionally mark the start of the autumn programme of shows.
In Solihull the run-up to Christmas culminates with the all-important panto season and it was originally hoped this year would also see the start of cinema-style film screenings.
Details of cancelled shows which have already been rescheduled are being posted on The Core's website. These include performances by stand-up comic Omid Djalili and Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society's production of Made in Dagenham.
The services that Cllr Tildesley oversees have been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus, with the likes of leisure centres also closing their doors.
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While no date has been announced for Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and North Solihull Sports Centre to reopen, the cabinet member said discussions would be held with the operator, Everyone Active, on what the "new normal would look like" for services.
Pondering some of the issues which will need to be addressed, he said: "How will social distancing work? How will the changing rooms operate?"
All gyms and fitness facilities were forced to close as part of the nationwide lockdown, with the government instead encouraging residents to take daily exercise in their own home or outdoors.
It is not yet clear at what stage the venues would be allowed to reopen in what is widely expected to be a phased easing of restrictions.
Some maintenance work has been allowed to take place at Tudor Grange in the period it has been shut to the public.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Kinder Egg fan realises secret behind toys - and people are gobsmacked

People 's minds have been blown by a Kinder Egg fan who spotted a secret about the legendary snack .
The chocolate treat is a go-to for many kids across Birmingham , but fans have been left reeling after one fan 's latest discovery .
On Facebook , Sullivan Poulter revealed all in a social media post to fellow users of the networking platform .
The Mirror reports that Sullivan Poulter took to the Children of the 1980s Facebook page to share his latest discovery .
And it has left many realising that every day is a school day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ treat he wrote : `` I was today years old when I realised ... '' Before explaining that he found out the yellow toy capsule is meant to be the yolk inside the egg .
The post has since received more than 20,000 shares as other people could n't quite believe it either .
`` Mind officially blown !
!
!
!
!
! ''
commented one , with hundreds of other comments being posted after Sullivan clicked publish .
Another said : `` 45 , who knew ?
?
? ''
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too old to learn something new !
! ''
`` Well I never , neither did I and it 's so obvious now you point it out , '' added a third , as people reacted with amazement .

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People's minds have been blown by a Kinder Egg fan who spotted a secret about the legendary snack.
The chocolate treat is a go-to for many kids across Birmingham, but fans have been left reeling after one fan's latest discovery.
On Facebook, Sullivan Poulter revealed all in a social media post to fellow users of the networking platform.
The Mirror reports that Sullivan Poulter took to the Children of the 1980s Facebook page to share his latest discovery.
And it has left many realising that every day is a school day.
Shared a picture of the egg-shaped chocolate treat he wrote: "I was today years old when I realised..."
(Image: Huddersfield Daily Examiner)
Before explaining that he found out the yellow toy capsule is meant to be the yolk inside the egg.
The post has since received more than 20,000 shares as other people couldn't quite believe it either.
"Mind officially blown!!!!!!" commented one, with hundreds of other comments being posted after Sullivan clicked publish.
Another said: "45, who knew???"
They continued: "Apparently you're never too old to learn something new!!"
"Well I never, neither did I and it's so obvious now you point it out," added a third, as people reacted with amazement.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--The radical plan to get Villa fans back to Villa Park - reports

Sanitising pods are being developed in Hong Kong which could play a part in football fans ' return to stadiums .
Large sporting events across the globe have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Premier League has been suspended for six weeks now .
Plans are being discussed to allow the likes of Aston Villa to return to action in June , though it still needs to be given the green light by the UK government .
Games are set to be staged behind closed doors initially with a limited number of people allowed inside the stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to .
However , many clubs up and down the country are fearful that they wo n't be able to survive without the match-day revenue supporters provide and are desperate to find a way for crowds to return .
And new technology is being developed in China with the aim of cleansing fans before they enter the stadium , reports The Mirror .
'CLEANTech ' pods have been developed for a Hong Kong exhibition centre and the three-in-one disinfection machine was created to help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now football chiefs are discussing the idea of using the technology to help fans attend once games return .
The technology sees individuals walk through a pod before entering any given venue .
Fans would stand in front of the technology which would take their temperature and deem whether they are well enough to proceed .
If the person is cleared they then carry on to the 'sanitising tunnel ' which is where a combination of UV light and an air-sanitising and purification spray are used to kill off any other germs on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 seconds to complete .
The centre in Hong Kong is due to host an Avril Lavigne concert on May 24 and will house 16,000 people .
Using such technology at football stadiums would be challenging but could help with the return of fixtures , claims The Sun .
Government and health ministers will meet with sport chiefs this week to discuss how and when they will bring back live action .

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Sanitising pods are being developed in Hong Kong which could play a part in football fans' return to stadiums.
Large sporting events across the globe have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Premier League has been suspended for six weeks now.
Plans are being discussed to allow the likes of Aston Villa to return to action in June, though it still needs to be given the green light by the UK government.
Games are set to be staged behind closed doors initially with a limited number of people allowed inside the stadium, such as club officials and staff, to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to.
However, many clubs up and down the country are fearful that they won't be able to survive without the match-day revenue supporters provide and are desperate to find a way for crowds to return.
And new technology is being developed in China with the aim of cleansing fans before they enter the stadium, reports The Mirror.
'CLEANTech' pods have been developed for a Hong Kong exhibition centre and the three-in-one disinfection machine was created to help the AsiaWorld-Expo centre host upcoming events.
And now football chiefs are discussing the idea of using the technology to help fans attend once games return.
The technology sees individuals walk through a pod before entering any given venue.
Fans would stand in front of the technology which would take their temperature and deem whether they are well enough to proceed.
If the person is cleared they then carry on to the 'sanitising tunnel' which is where a combination of UV light and an air-sanitising and purification spray are used to kill off any other germs on clothes or belongings.
This process takes 12 seconds to complete. The centre in Hong Kong is due to host an Avril Lavigne concert on May 24 and will house 16,000 people.
Using such technology at football stadiums would be challenging but could help with the return of fixtures, claims The Sun.
Government and health ministers will meet with sport chiefs this week to discuss how and when they will bring back live action.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--'This is not about cutting services' - council reassures citizens

A decision which means Birmingham council is no longer required to assess care cases is 'not about cutting services ' , bosses have said .
This week it was revealed that the city council was one of just six authorities across the country to take the option to enact Care Act easements , as part of the Coronavirus Bill .
Under the easements , the council is no longer legally obliged to carry out a care assessment for those applying for care , nor is it required to carry out a check on potential carers or a financial assessment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarters , with Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care Cllr Matt Bennett ( Edgbaston , Cons ) questioning how the decision was being communicated to the public , among other things .
Cllr Paul Tilsley CBE ( Sheldon , Lib Dem ) is another to have raised concerns , stating that he will be seeking clarification from the cabinet on the decision later this week .
And , with speculation mounting about what the decision could mean , the council has moved to reassure care users .
“ Birmingham Council has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Easement stage 3 , '' a spokesperson said .
`` This is not about cutting services .
The only changes we have agreed to relate to streamlining assessments , including not providing hard copies of assessments or support plans , and limiting the choice of providers , in recognition of the limited options due to pressures in the care provider sector .
`` We would like to assure citizens that the city council will continue to assess and provide services to those who have an eligible need for care and support and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received by existing service users as a result of this decision .
`` We will keep this decision under regular review , which is part of our wider response to the current situation ; we have also agreed a package of financial support for providers and agreed enhanced health support to care homes with our NHS partners .
”

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A decision which means Birmingham council is no longer required to assess care cases is 'not about cutting services', bosses have said.
This week it was revealed that the city council was one of just six authorities across the country to take the option to enact Care Act easements, as part of the Coronavirus Bill.
Under the easements, the council is no longer legally obliged to carry out a care assessment for those applying for care, nor is it required to carry out a check on potential carers or a financial assessment.
The decision has raised eyebrows in some quarters, with Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care Cllr Matt Bennett (Edgbaston, Cons) questioning how the decision was being communicated to the public, among other things.
Cllr Paul Tilsley CBE (Sheldon, Lib Dem) is another to have raised concerns, stating that he will be seeking clarification from the cabinet on the decision later this week.
And, with speculation mounting about what the decision could mean, the council has moved to reassure care users.
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“Birmingham Council has exercised the power to enact Care Act Easement stage 3," a spokesperson said.
"This is not about cutting services. The only changes we have agreed to relate to streamlining assessments, including not providing hard copies of assessments or support plans, and limiting the choice of providers, in recognition of the limited options due to pressures in the care provider sector.
"We would like to assure citizens that the city council will continue to assess and provide services to those who have an eligible need for care and support and there will be no change to the services received by existing service users as a result of this decision.
"We will keep this decision under regular review, which is part of our wider response to the current situation; we have also agreed a package of financial support for providers and agreed enhanced health support to care homes with our NHS partners.”


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Aldi is giving face masks to every staff member in coronavirus

Aldi will be providing the option of face masks to all its store-based colleagues to further support their safety as they continue to feed the nation .
This move is in addition to the previously announced provision of gloves and clear screens that are being installed at more than 7,000 checkouts .
Colleagues can also now access the Government ’ s Covid-19 testing programme for critical workers .
Aldi has also introduced a voucher scheme to make it easier for volunteers to buy food on behalf of the vulnerable and those self-isolating .
The vouchers are available to buy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Once purchased , the vouchers can be posted to any address in the UK so they can be given to volunteers , friends or family members to shop on behalf of vulnerable people .
Vouchers are available in denominations of £5.00 and £10.00 with no additional costs to customers for postage .
In addition , Aldi has joined the Government ’ s free school meals programme meaning those eligible can now access Aldi vouchers through the Edenred scheme .
Aldi has agreed to buy additional volumes of British beef to support farmers faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants and catering businesses .
It is selling 21-day matured British rump steak ( £8.99 , 900g ) as a Specialbuy across its 877 UK stores .
Aldi is the UK ’ s fastest-growing fresh meat retailer and has reaffirmed its commitment to support the beef farming sector by spot buying additional volume where possible .
The current Specialbuy alone consists of over 130,000 British rump steaks .
It is also helping horticultural suppliers by increasing orders of Spring plants that would otherwise be disposed of because of the closure of their normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sell over 200,000 Spring Perennials from its long-term partner Lovania Nurseries , who have worked with Aldi for over 20 years .
Lovania have also benefitted from Aldi ’ s small supplier payment scheme , which was recently extended to guarantee immediate payments for all suppliers with a turnover of less than £1m .
This is benefitting over 3,000 Aldi suppliers during this difficult period .

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Aldi will be providing the option of face masks to all its store-based colleagues to further support their safety as they continue to feed the nation.
This move is in addition to the previously announced provision of gloves and clear screens that are being installed at more than 7,000 checkouts.
Colleagues can also now access the Government’s Covid-19 testing programme for critical workers.
Aldi has also introduced a voucher scheme to make it easier for volunteers to buy food on behalf of the vulnerable and those self-isolating.
(Image: PA)
The vouchers are available to buy on a new Aldi voucher website vouchers.aldi.co.uk. Once purchased, the vouchers can be posted to any address in the UK so they can be given to volunteers, friends or family members to shop on behalf of vulnerable people.
Vouchers are available in denominations of £5.00 and £10.00 with no additional costs to customers for postage.
(Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
In addition, Aldi has joined the Government’s free school meals programme meaning those eligible can now access Aldi vouchers through the Edenred scheme.
Aldi has agreed to buy additional volumes of British beef to support farmers faced with surplus product due to closures of restaurants and catering businesses.
It is selling 21-day matured British rump steak (£8.99, 900g) as a Specialbuy across its 877 UK stores.
Aldi is the UK’s fastest-growing fresh meat retailer and has reaffirmed its commitment to support the beef farming sector by spot buying additional volume where possible. The current Specialbuy alone consists of over 130,000 British rump steaks.
It is also helping horticultural suppliers by increasing orders of Spring plants that would otherwise be disposed of because of the closure of their normal routes to market. Aldi has agreed to sell over 200,000 Spring Perennials from its long-term partner Lovania Nurseries, who have worked with Aldi for over 20 years. Lovania have also benefitted from Aldi’s small supplier payment scheme, which was recently extended to guarantee immediate payments for all suppliers with a turnover of less than £1m. This is benefitting over 3,000 Aldi suppliers during this difficult period.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--The Championship solution West Brom will hope the EFL consider

The current campaign is over for French clubs with Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 cancelled due to coronavirus .
But that does n't mean this season 's efforts will be null and void .
French clubs are set to vote on a set of three options which will determine the final standings in each of the top two leagues .
One of those options is to take the mid-point table , based on each club 's first game against one another , while the other options include a points ratio and taking the standings from game 27 , the least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club .
Of course , the scenarios will be of particular interest to Championship fans , who still do n't know whether they will see their team in action again this season .
The government say they want to see English football return 'as soon as possible ' , but with no concrete plans , the cancelling of the season remains very much possible .
So , what if the Championship was to take the same steps as France , and what if teams voted to go with the mid-point table option ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be pleased to know their sides would still be heading back to the Premier League , just in a different order .
Slaven Bilic 's men , currently second in the table , would leapfrog Leeds to win the title by three points .
Elsewhere , the real surprise comes in third , where Sheffield Wednesday would finish despite being as low as 15th in the current table .
That could be particularly controversial if third place was to be handed promotion instead of the usual playoff winner .
Fulham , Preston and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top six , with Swansea , Nottingham Forest , Blackburn and Bristol City all missing out .
At the bottom , Stoke City would be relegated in bottom spot despite climbing to 17th in the current table .
Wigan , who are also outside the bottom three in the live standings , would join the Potters , along with current bottom club Barnsley .
Luton and Charlton , who are both in the current drop zone , would be safe from relegation .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (David Dubas-Fisher-BM, Ben Husband, Jamie Kemble)

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The current campaign is over for French clubs with Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 cancelled due to coronavirus.
But that doesn't mean this season's efforts will be null and void.
French clubs are set to vote on a set of three options which will determine the final standings in each of the top two leagues.
One of those options is to take the mid-point table, based on each club's first game against one another, while the other options include a points ratio and taking the standings from game 27, the least amount of games currently played by every club.
Of course, the scenarios will be of particular interest to Championship fans, who still don't know whether they will see their team in action again this season.
The government say they want to see English football return 'as soon as possible', but with no concrete plans, the cancelling of the season remains very much possible.
So, what if the Championship was to take the same steps as France, and what if teams voted to go with the mid-point table option?
West Brom and Leeds United fans will be pleased to know their sides would still be heading back to the Premier League, just in a different order.
Slaven Bilic's men, currently second in the table, would leapfrog Leeds to win the title by three points.
Elsewhere, the real surprise comes in third, where Sheffield Wednesday would finish despite being as low as 15th in the current table.
That could be particularly controversial if third place was to be handed promotion instead of the usual playoff winner.
Fulham, Preston and Brentford make up the rest of the top six, with Swansea, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn and Bristol City all missing out.
At the bottom, Stoke City would be relegated in bottom spot despite climbing to 17th in the current table.
Wigan, who are also outside the bottom three in the live standings, would join the Potters, along with current bottom club Barnsley.
Luton and Charlton, who are both in the current drop zone, would be safe from relegation.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Police rescue woman 'held against her will for six days'

Police rescued a woman who was allegedly beaten and held against her will at a Birmingham address for nearly a week .
Officers forced their way into an address in Somerset Road , Handsworth , just before 2am on Wednesday , April 29 , after receiving reports of an assault , where they found a woman with bruising to the face and broken ribs .
The 45-year-old woman was said to have been kept against her will in the property since April 23 .
She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to hospital for further treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspicion of assault , false imprisonment and remained in custody .
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said : “ We have arrested a man after being called to reports of a woman being held against her will at a property in Somerset Road , Handsworth just after 1.30am this morning .
“ Officers found a 45-year-old woman who had suffered bruising to her face and is believed to have been at the house since 23 April .
“ She is currently being treated in hospital for her injuries , which are not thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 41-year-old man on suspicion of assault and false imprisonment and he remains in police custody this morning for questioning.
” A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said : “ We were called by the police at 1.59am this morning to reports of an assault at a property in Handsworth .
`` One ambulance attended and treated a woman with potentially serious injuries .
“ She was given treatment on scene before being taken to hospital for further assessment and care.
” Force Response tweeted : “ C Team officers # Newtown attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being beaten and held against her will for 6 days .
“ Victim suffered bruising to face and possible broken ribs .
”

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Police rescued a woman who was allegedly beaten and held against her will at a Birmingham address for nearly a week.
Officers forced their way into an address in Somerset Road, Handsworth, just before 2am on Wednesday, April 29, after receiving reports of an assault, where they found a woman with bruising to the face and broken ribs.
The 45-year-old woman was said to have been kept against her will in the property since April 23.
She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to hospital for further treatment.
A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, false imprisonment and remained in custody.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “We have arrested a man after being called to reports of a woman being held against her will at a property in Somerset Road, Handsworth just after 1.30am this morning.
“Officers found a 45-year-old woman who had suffered bruising to her face and is believed to have been at the house since 23 April.
“She is currently being treated in hospital for her injuries, which are not thought to be serious.
“We arrested the 41-year-old man on suspicion of assault and false imprisonment and he remains in police custody this morning for questioning.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We were called by the police at 1.59am this morning to reports of an assault at a property in Handsworth.
"One ambulance attended and treated a woman with potentially serious injuries.
“She was given treatment on scene before being taken to hospital for further assessment and care.”
Force Response tweeted: “C Team officers #Newtown attended address in Handsworth report of a female being beaten and held against her will for 6 days.
“Location found officers forced entry offender arrested.
“Victim suffered bruising to face and possible broken ribs.”


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Police are hunting a swan killer after savage attack at canalside

A swan has died after being attacked in a `` meaningless act of violence '' , police said .
The bird suffered head injuries which were so severe that it had to be put down following the attack on Monday .
The swan was one of a pair nesting in reeds beside the canal in Over , near Gloucester .
A member of the public spotted its wounds and it was taken to Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Beckford , but its injuries were too severe for it to be saved .
The swan 's partner was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair 's eggs are no longer viable .
Officers investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the attack or has any information about it .
They said two teenage boys were seen nearby shortly before the swan was found and may have information .
Wildlife officer Pc Cath McDay , of Gloucestershire Police , said : `` This is a very sad incident , and a meaningless act of violence .
`` A beautiful bird has been killed and its chicks , which would have hatched soon , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about this , especially the two teenage boys who were nearby at the time , and will do all we can to bring the offenders to justice .
`` We are grateful to the Vale Wildlife Hospital for their help , trying to save the swan and providing us with information about its injuries . ''

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A swan has died after being attacked in a "meaningless act of violence", police said.
The bird suffered head injuries which were so severe that it had to be put down following the attack on Monday.
The swan was one of a pair nesting in reeds beside the canal in Over, near Gloucester.
A member of the public spotted its wounds and it was taken to Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Beckford, but its injuries were too severe for it to be saved.
The swan's partner was not injured but abandoned the nest and the pair's eggs are no longer viable.
(Image: RSPCA)
Officers investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the attack or has any information about it.
They said two teenage boys were seen nearby shortly before the swan was found and may have information.
Wildlife officer Pc Cath McDay, of Gloucestershire Police, said: "This is a very sad incident, and a meaningless act of violence.
"A beautiful bird has been killed and its chicks, which would have hatched soon, are believed to have died as well.
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"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about this, especially the two teenage boys who were nearby at the time, and will do all we can to bring the offenders to justice.
"We are grateful to the Vale Wildlife Hospital for their help, trying to save the swan and providing us with information about its injuries."


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Martin Lewis shares how to get Ryanair cash refund instead of voucher

Holidaymakers affected by cancelled flights CAN get refunds from Ryanair - according to MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis .
If your holiday or cruise is axed amid the coronavirus pandemic , Mr Lewis has some great advice for you .
The financial guru and consumer champion , who has his own ITV1 show The Martin Lewis Show , has revealed all .
Previously , Ryanair holidaymakers affected were offered the option of a cash refund or the choice of an alternative holiday of the same cash amount to another destination .
Martin said : `` Last week I told you we 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Authority and Trading Standards as ridiculously , passengers who 'd jumped through the hoops to claim cash not vouchers for cancelled flights were ... sent vouchers anyway .
`` This week we 've been working through ways you can get money back , including asking card providers , as Kim did : ' I got £896 back from Barclays .
'They asked a couple of questions and checked with supervisors .
It was refunded within the hour ' . ''
Martin says you can claim under your card firm , but it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do this .
It means your bank will try to get money back from the bank of the firm you bought from .
Alternatively , try Section 75 , because if you pay for something costing between £100 and £30,000 on a credit card , the card firm 's equally liable if something goes wrong .
This means you may be able to claim your money back from it .

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Holidaymakers affected by cancelled flights CAN get refunds from Ryanair - according to MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis.
If your holiday or cruise is axed amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Lewis has some great advice for you.
The financial guru and consumer champion, who has his own ITV1 show The Martin Lewis Show, has revealed all.
Previously, Ryanair holidaymakers affected were offered the option of a cash refund or the choice of an alternative holiday of the same cash amount to another destination.
(Image: ITV)
Martin said: "Last week I told you we'd reported Ryanair to regulator the Civil Aviation Authority and Trading Standards as ridiculously, passengers who'd jumped through the hoops to claim cash not vouchers for cancelled flights were... sent vouchers anyway.
"This week we've been working through ways you can get money back, including asking card providers, as Kim did: 'I got £896 back from Barclays.
'They asked a couple of questions and checked with supervisors. It was refunded within the hour'."
Martin says you can claim under your card firm, but it's not a legal requirement for firms to do this.
It means your bank will try to get money back from the bank of the firm you bought from.
Alternatively, try Section 75, because if you pay for something costing between £100 and £30,000 on a credit card, the card firm's equally liable if something goes wrong.
This means you may be able to claim your money back from it.


birminghammail--2020-04-29--Museum safe targeted by burglars in Walsall sparking fury

Furious museum bosses have been left counting the cost after an attempted burglary at a Walsall attraction .
Police were alerted to the break-in at Walsall Leather Museum in Littleton Street before 1am on Tuesday ( April 28 ) morning .
A man was arrested at the scene and has since been released pending further investigation and West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward .
Councillor Garry Perry , Walsall Council 's portfolio holder for community , leisure and culture , said he believed there were two burglars involved and they had targeted a small safe which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added the safe was also recovered on the Museum grounds .
Damage was caused to internal and external windows , which have been boarded up to make the building secure .
None of the artefacts or displays were damaged during the incident .
Councillor Perry said : `` What I am seeing at the moment in the Covid-19 crisis is the very best of society but also some examples of the very worst .
And this is one of those .
`` There will always be opportunists who will carry out such deeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Any crime at any time is serious but when the focus of everyone is on this pandemic and supporting our communities , the fact that some people will continue to think its ok to commit crimes in such a manner is appalling .
`` That just shows you the measure of what we are dealing with .
`` But I want to praise the police for their speedy response and the work they did to make an arrest and retrieve the stolen goods .
`` Targeting assets like the leather museum , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always going to be met with anger .
The good thing is they 've not got away with it and have been caught . ''
He added : `` Obviously we will carry out any repairs that are required and replace glass and claim that back through insurance .
But ultimately it still works back down to taxpayers as insurance premiums will rise . ''
A West Midlands Police spokesman said : `` We are investigating a burglary at the Walsall Leather Museum on Littleton Street just before 1am on Tuesday April 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detained at the scene and arrested on suspicion of burglary has been released pending further investigation . ''
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , quoting crime reference 20WS/99318D/20 .
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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Furious museum bosses have been left counting the cost after an attempted burglary at a Walsall attraction.
Police were alerted to the break-in at Walsall Leather Museum in Littleton Street before 1am on Tuesday (April 28) morning.
A man was arrested at the scene and has since been released pending further investigation and West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Councillor Garry Perry, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for community, leisure and culture, said he believed there were two burglars involved and they had targeted a small safe which contained around £100 in it.
He added the safe was also recovered on the Museum grounds. Damage was caused to internal and external windows, which have been boarded up to make the building secure.
None of the artefacts or displays were damaged during the incident.
Councillor Perry said: "What I am seeing at the moment in the Covid-19 crisis is the very best of society but also some examples of the very worst. And this is one of those.
"There will always be opportunists who will carry out such deeds at the most inopportune of times.
"Any crime at any time is serious but when the focus of everyone is on this pandemic and supporting our communities, the fact that some people will continue to think its ok to commit crimes in such a manner is appalling.
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"That just shows you the measure of what we are dealing with.
"But I want to praise the police for their speedy response and the work they did to make an arrest and retrieve the stolen goods.
"Targeting assets like the leather museum, something the community cares about, is always going to be met with anger. The good thing is they've not got away with it and have been caught."
He added: "Obviously we will carry out any repairs that are required and replace glass and claim that back through insurance. But ultimately it still works back down to taxpayers as insurance premiums will rise."
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We are investigating a burglary at the Walsall Leather Museum on Littleton Street just before 1am on Tuesday April 28.
"A 39-year-old man who was detained at the scene and arrested on suspicion of burglary has been released pending further investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, quoting crime reference 20WS/99318D/20.
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.