inews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus in the UK: NHS Nightingale Hospital contractor short of protective equipment for staff

Coronavirus in the UK : NHS Nightingale Hospital contractor short of protective equipment for staff Exclusive : Mitie , which is providing electrical and water services at the coronavirus hospital , also warned staff it was in 'survival mode' The firm providing and maintaining heating , cooling , lighting and water at the NHS Nightingale Hospital at London ’ s Excel Centre is short of protective equipment , and has warned its staff it is in “ survival mode ” as its revenue is “ drying up ” following the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown last week .
The chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s biggest faculties management company that is also providing waste management services at Nightingale , made the shocking revelations in an email sent to staff on Monday evening .
The email from boss Phil Bentley , which has been obtained by i , told the group ’ s 50,000 staff : “ Many of you wrote to me to say that hand sanitisers and protective equipment were in short supply .
This is true across the country .
“ I ’ d indicated that we had more on order .
Unfortunately , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and diverted to the NHS .
This has helped the NHS but left Mitie short , ” he said adding “ I ’ m sorry this has happened.
” Thousands of Mitie staff are employed to work in NHS hospitals as well as the new NHS hospital created at the Excel centre in London ’ Docklands , the appointment of which Bentley confirmed in the letter .
The NHS Nightingale Hospital has 80 wards , each capable of hosting 42 beds ( Photo : Stefan Rousseau/WPA Pool/Getty ) He added : “ Supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meantime , please make sure you have access to soap and water for your hands .
Public health advice is that it is just as effective as hand sanitisers .
We also have a large number of masks and gloves on order.
” Staff were also warned in the letter from Bentley that Mitie may collapse if it does not receive financial backing .
Bentley said : “ There is no doubt that where income and sales are drying up and costs are continuing , every company will face major financial difficulties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Making sure we can finance ourselves therefore is critical and this is something I ’ m personally focussed on , in particular , getting support from Government to help us weather the storm and getting support from shareholders and banks .
“ We are a good company but even we will run out if money if we don ’ t get support .
It ’ s that simple and stark , I ’ m afraid : We are in survival mode- and I need everyone ’ s help.
” A pay cut for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instated across Mitie for the next three months , along with stopping shareholder dividends , deferring rent payments where possible and freezing recruitment .
A spokeswoman for Mitie said : “ This was an internal memo to 50,000 employees to get them all behind the company and thank our frontline staff for all their hard work at this difficult time .
“ As we said in our market update on 27 March , The board is confident that the combination of its existing lending facilities , Government support measures and the current actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet the challenges arising from Covid-19 in the near term and be well placed - as financing markets normalise - to complete its transformation programme and build an enduring business .
”

The firm providing and maintaining heating, cooling, lighting and water at the NHS Nightingale Hospital at London’s Excel Centre is short of protective equipment, and has warned its staff it is in “survival mode” as its revenue is “drying up” following the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown last week.
The chief executive of Mitie, the UK’s biggest faculties management company that is also providing waste management services at Nightingale, made the shocking revelations in an email sent to staff on Monday evening.
CEO apologises for lack of protective equipment
The email from boss Phil Bentley, which has been obtained by i, told the group’s 50,000 staff: “Many of you wrote to me to say that hand sanitisers and protective equipment were in short supply. This is true across the country.
“I’d indicated that we had more on order. Unfortunately, a number of those were requisitioned by Government and diverted to the NHS. This has helped the NHS but left Mitie short,” he said adding “I’m sorry this has happened.”
Thousands of Mitie staff are employed to work in NHS hospitals as well as the new NHS hospital created at the Excel centre in London’ Docklands, the appointment of which Bentley confirmed in the letter.
Financial woes
Mitie has moved to source its own supplies directly, said Bentley.
He added: “Supplies should therefore be arriving shortly. In the meantime, please make sure you have access to soap and water for your hands. Public health advice is that it is just as effective as hand sanitisers. We also have a large number of masks and gloves on order.”
Staff were also warned in the letter from Bentley that Mitie may collapse if it does not receive financial backing.
Bentley said: “There is no doubt that where income and sales are drying up and costs are continuing, every company will face major financial difficulties – and Mitie is no different. Making sure we can finance ourselves therefore is critical and this is something I’m personally focussed on, in particular, getting support from Government to help us weather the storm and getting support from shareholders and banks.
“We are a good company but even we will run out if money if we don’t get support. It’s that simple and stark, I’m afraid: We are in survival mode- and I need everyone’s help.”
Pay cut for staff
A pay cut for everyone earning at least £40,000 has been instated across Mitie for the next three months, along with stopping shareholder dividends, deferring rent payments where possible and freezing recruitment.
Aside from non-frontline staff that have been furloughed, Mite is making 100 staff redundant across the group, including training staff.
A spokeswoman for Mitie said: “This was an internal memo to 50,000 employees to get them all behind the company and thank our frontline staff for all their hard work at this difficult time.
“As we said in our market update on 27 March, The board is confident that the combination of its existing lending facilities, Government support measures and the current actions being undertaken, will enable Mitie to meet the challenges arising from Covid-19 in the near term and be well placed – as financing markets normalise – to complete its transformation programme and build an enduring business.”
The company added the NHS provides its own protective equipment for Mitie contractors.


inews--2020-04-01--COP26: UK postpones climate change conference in face of coronavirus pandemic

COP26 scheduled for Glasgow in November may not go ahead until spring 2021 Business Secretary Alok Sharma , who is also president of the COP26 conference , held talks with organisers on Wednesday evening to discuss rearranging the summit for spring 2021 .
The conference was scheduled for November , beyond the expected time frame for a UK-wide lockdown , but the pandemic was already causing disruption to preliminary meetings and , given the machinery of government is currently focused on the response to Covid-19 , it was decided that a summit this year would be unsustainable .
Environmental campaigners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the world-wide emergency , but warned that focus must be maintained on the threat of climate change .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson with broadcaster and conservationist David Attenborough launching the UN Climate Change conference COP26 ( Photo : Getty ) Countries left the COP25 meeting last year still locked in disputes over carbon trading , and UK diplomats will need to broker some kind of agreement on that to move the talks forward .
UN officials were also keen to see countries ramp up their official carbon cutting plans ahead of COP26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paris treaty ’ s overall aim of limiting warming to under two degrees .
That is crucial to the success of the Paris Agreement , as currently national pledges added together come nowhere near the two degree target .
But pre-coronavirus , there was little evidence key players such as Australia , China and Japan were playing ball , leaving it up to ministers and Foreign Office officials to drum up momentum for tougher goals .
Many in the climate movement believe pushing the crunch meeting back to Spring 2021 will give the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to build international consensus for tougher action .
Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said : “ The decision to postpone the climate talks in Glasgow was inevitable given the health emergency the world is currently facing .
“ But while the summit has been delayed , the climate emergency can ’ t be put on hold .
The government stimulus packages will hold the key to whether this emergency significantly delays or advances progress on tackling the climate emergency .
“ It ’ s during moments of crisis like this that what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The health of the planet and individual health need to be looked at as a whole .
“ The pandemic has clearly shown that we are all affected and that we can only solve these challenges if we act together as a global community .
Neither the pandemic nor the climate crisis stops at national borders .
“ And that without governments , scientists and civil society working together neither Covid-19 nor the climate and nature crisis will be solved .
By embracing this we are more likely to get a successful deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year.
” Finland 's environment minister Krista Mikkonen confirmed on Twitter that COP26 had been postponed due to coronavirus .
She tweeted : `` Glasgow # COP26 the climate conference is moving because of the # corona situation .
However , climate work will not end .
European Union will demonstrate leadership and update the 2030 Emission Reduction Target as soon as possible . ''

Madeleine Cuff, Cahal Milmo and Jane Merrick

Ministers have postponed the UN climate change conference in Glasgow later this year due to coronavirus.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma, who is also president of the COP26 conference, held talks with organisers on Wednesday evening to discuss rearranging the summit for spring 2021.
The conference was scheduled for November, beyond the expected time frame for a UK-wide lockdown, but the pandemic was already causing disruption to preliminary meetings and, given the machinery of government is currently focused on the response to Covid-19, it was decided that a summit this year would be unsustainable.
Environmental campaigners described the decision as “inevitable” given the world-wide emergency, but warned that focus must be maintained on the threat of climate change.
Work cut out
Even before the coronavirus outbreak the Government had its work cut out making COP26 a success.
Countries left the COP25 meeting last year still locked in disputes over carbon trading, and UK diplomats will need to broker some kind of agreement on that to move the talks forward.
UN officials were also keen to see countries ramp up their official carbon cutting plans ahead of COP26, to bring them closer to the Paris treaty’s overall aim of limiting warming to under two degrees.
That is crucial to the success of the Paris Agreement, as currently national pledges added together come nowhere near the two degree target.
But pre-coronavirus, there was little evidence key players such as Australia, China and Japan were playing ball, leaving it up to ministers and Foreign Office officials to drum up momentum for tougher goals.
Many in the climate movement believe pushing the crunch meeting back to Spring 2021 will give the British diplomatic service the time it needs to build international consensus for tougher action.
Gamble
But it’s a gamble – the hiatus could embolden polluting nations to ignore their commitments and prioritise a high carbon economic recovery from the pandemic.
UN climate change conference #COP26 in Glasgow has been postponed due to #COVID-19. Right decision, but work must continue. EU must lead the way and update its 2030 NDC as soon as possible. — Krista Mikkonen (@MikkonenKrista) April 1, 2020
Greenpeace UK executive director John Sauven said: “The decision to postpone the climate talks in Glasgow was inevitable given the health emergency the world is currently facing.
“But while the summit has been delayed, the climate emergency can’t be put on hold. The government stimulus packages will hold the key to whether this emergency significantly delays or advances progress on tackling the climate emergency.
“It’s during moments of crisis like this that what is possible starts to dramatically shift. The health of the planet and individual health need to be looked at as a whole.
“The pandemic has clearly shown that we are all affected and that we can only solve these challenges if we act together as a global community. Neither the pandemic nor the climate crisis stops at national borders.
“And that without governments, scientists and civil society working together neither Covid-19 nor the climate and nature crisis will be solved. By embracing this we are more likely to get a successful deal at the postponed climate and biodiversity summits next year.”
Finland’s environment minister Krista Mikkonen confirmed on Twitter that COP26 had been postponed due to coronavirus. She tweeted: “Glasgow #COP26 the climate conference is moving because of the #corona situation. However, climate work will not end. European Union will demonstrate leadership and update the 2030 Emission Reduction Target as soon as possible.”


inews--2020-04-01--Robbie Williams reveals his psychic sense has faltered since fatherhood

Robbie Williams reveals his psychic sense has faltered since fatherhood Despite a lifelong interest in the paranormal , he said his children consume his thoughts and energy now Robbie Williams has revealed he has had a number of brushes with the paranormal .
But he said they have drawn to a close with the onset of fatherhood .
Speaking on Coast To Coast radio in the US , Williams , 46 , said he first became interested in the paranormal as a child growing up in Stoke-on-Trent .
`` I ca n't remember not being interested in unusual phenomena , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phenomena has found its way to me several times .
Robbie Williams said his wife Ayda Field was the reason he did not buy a ranch associated with UFO sightings ( Photo : Getty ) '' And once you see things and once you experience things , then it 's very difficult to not remain interested and inquisitive and want to know what 's real and what is n't real , why this is happening '' , he added .
Any regrets or has it entertained him ?
He said : `` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being interested .
Yes , I am a student of the unusual .
`` Yes , it 's fascinating and entertains me and it scares me and it makes me smile . ''
How has having kids changed the psychic dynamic ?
`` The strangest thing is that since I 've had kids , the phenomena have ceased to happen '' , he said , '' I 'm guessing that once you have kids , they just take up all of your energy and your thoughts . ''

Robbie Williams has revealed he has had a number of brushes with the paranormal. But he said they have drawn to a close with the onset of fatherhood.
Speaking on Coast To Coast radio in the US, Williams, 46, said he first became interested in the paranormal as a child growing up in Stoke-on-Trent.
“I can’t remember not being interested in unusual phenomena,” he said. “And unusual phenomena has found its way to me several times.
Tales of the unexpected?
“And once you see things and once you experience things, then it’s very difficult to not remain interested and inquisitive and want to know what’s real and what isn’t real, why this is happening”, he added.
He has previously claimed his hit song Angels was written about spiritual angels he would speak to as a child.
“When I was a kid I used to talk to dead people”, he once said in a interview with The Sun.
Read More: Robbie Williams convinced a reluctant boyfriend to propose to his partner live on Instagram
Any regrets or has it entertained him?
No regrets for the former Take That band member who has forged a highly successful solo career.
He said: “They happened. So, I carry on being interested. Yes, I am a student of the unusual. “Yes, it’s fascinating and entertains me and it scares me and it makes me smile.”
In 2008, he made a BBC Radio 4 documentary with Jon Ronson investigating UFO sightings.
Although, the former X Factor judge admitted he stopped short of buying Skinwalker Ranch in Utah, a popular site for UFO spotting, for fear of the backlash from his wife Ayda Field.
“But if I didn’t have a wife, I would have bought the ranch”, he added.
How has having kids changed the psychic dynamic?
Williams, who is father to Teddy, seven, Charlie, five, Coco, one, and newborn Beau, said his experiences with the unexplained have stopped.
“The strangest thing is that since I’ve had kids, the phenomena have ceased to happen”, he said,”I’m guessing that once you have kids, they just take up all of your energy and your thoughts.”
Was it somethin’ stupid or could it be magic? We may never know.


inews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus in the UK: NHS frontline staff let down on testing as only 2,000 Covid-19 tests were car

Coronavirus in the UK: NHS frontline staff let down on testing as only 2,000 Covid-19 tests were carried out on medics

Coronavirus in the UK : NHS frontline staff let down on testing as only 2,000 Covid-19 tests were carried out on medics Health chief admits that testing capacity has been 'relatively small' Ministers are coming under intense pressure to increase testing of frontline NHS staff after official figures revealed just 2,000 workers had been tested to date .
Around 125,000 of the 500,000 NHS workforce are estimated to be self-isolating due to illness or because a family member or housemate is displaying Covid-19 symptoms , severely hampering the country ’ s response to the pandemic .
But Downing Street revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers have been tested for coronavirus , despite the pressing need to dramatically increase the number of tests .
It has prompted No 10 to issue a “ clear instruction ” to all NHS hospital trusts that where capacity is available it should be used on “ testing frontline staff ” , lifting the 15 per cent cap on staff testing .
Yvonne Doyle , the director of health protection for Public Health England said : 'The number of tests undertaken in the NHS and Public Health England combined testing capacity is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Pippa Fowles/Crown Copyright/10 Downing Street/PA Wire ) It came as the Department of Health and Social Care revealed that a further 563 people had died from coronavirus , bringing the total up to 2,352 since the outbreak started .
Yvonne Doyle , the director of health protection for Public Health England , admitted that the early capacity of testing for NHS staff was “ relatively small ” but said capacity would increase to “ hundreds of thousands in thecoming weeks ” .
“ There is capacity today for almost 3,000 and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in the second strand , where we have five centres where people can drive through and get their testing done in order of priority.
” She added : “ NHS chief executives are identifying that priority and the intention here is to get from thousands to hundreds of thousands within the coming weeks.
” Capacity for overall testing has increased to 12,750 tests a day , and the number of tests carried out in one day exceeded 10,000 for the first time .
Dr Doyle also used the daily press conference to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flout the social distancing measures put in place to slow the outbreak as Cabinet Office data showed a marked uptick in car use over the last couple of days , which she described as “ very concerning ” .
Medics around the country have said they are ready to step in to help the testing effort , amid reports health officials are turning down offers .
“ There is an army of scientists in universities and research Institutes with the expertise and equipment to test for coronavirus , ” said Professor Matthew Freeman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Dunn School of Pathology , the disease research institution .
Meanwhile , the Francis Crick Institute , a world-leading research centre in London , has supplied five testing machines , but is understood to have dozens more in its labs .
Public Health England said : `` scientists from across Government have been redeployed to increase capacity . ''

Ministers are coming under intense pressure to increase testing of frontline NHS staff after official figures revealed just 2,000 workers had been tested to date.
Around 125,000 of the 500,000 NHS workforce are estimated to be self-isolating due to illness or because a family member or housemate is displaying Covid-19 symptoms, severely hampering the country’s response to the pandemic.
But Downing Street revealed that a little more than 2,000 NHS workers have been tested for coronavirus, despite the pressing need to dramatically increase the number of tests.
It has prompted No 10 to issue a “clear instruction” to all NHS hospital trusts that where capacity is available it should be used on “testing frontline staff”, lifting the 15 per cent cap on staff testing.
‘Relatively small’ capacity
It came as the Department of Health and Social Care revealed that a further 563 people had died from coronavirus, bringing the total up to 2,352 since the outbreak started.
Yvonne Doyle, the director of health protection for Public Health England, admitted that the early capacity of testing for NHS staff was “relatively small” but said capacity would increase to “hundreds of thousands in the
coming weeks”.
Dr Doyle said: “The number of tests undertaken in the NHS and Public Health England combined testing capacity is just increasing at the moment.
“There is capacity today for almost 3,000 and that will increase. But the important capacity is in the second strand, where we have five centres where people can drive through and get their testing done in order of priority.”
She added: “NHS chief executives are identifying that priority and the intention here is to get from thousands to hundreds of thousands within the coming weeks.”
Capacity for overall testing has increased to 12,750 tests a day, and the number of tests carried out in one day exceeded 10,000 for the first time.
Social distancing measures flouted
Dr Doyle also used the daily press conference to warn that some people were beginning to flout the social distancing measures put in place to slow the outbreak as Cabinet Office data showed a marked uptick in car use over the last couple of days, which she described as “very concerning”.
Medics around the country have said they are ready to step in to help the testing effort, amid reports health officials are turning down offers.
“There is an army of scientists in universities and research Institutes with the expertise and equipment to test for coronavirus,” said Professor Matthew Freeman, the head of Oxford University’s Dunn School of Pathology, the disease research institution.
Meanwhile, the Francis Crick Institute, a world-leading research centre in London, has supplied five testing machines, but is understood to have dozens more in its labs. Public Health England said: “scientists from across Government have been redeployed to increase capacity.”


inews--2020-04-01--Rick Astley to play free NHS concert at Manchester Arena: here's how to get tickets, who can apply a

Rick Astley to play free NHS concert at Manchester Arena: here's how to get tickets, who can apply and when it's happening

Rick Astley to play free NHS concert at Manchester Arena : here 's how to get tickets , who can apply and when it 's happening The singer will perform for thousands of frontline workers and their loved ones Rick Astley is to hold a free concert for frontline workers later this year as a `` flag in the ground '' to give people hope that things will return to normal .
The singer-songwriter will perform at the Manchester Arena on 28 October for all NHS frontline staff , primary care and emergency services workers as a `` thank you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Astley told BBC Breakfast : `` Everything they 're doing is absolutely incredible and someone like myself , you feel a bit helpless at times , you 're wondering what to do .
`` So I guess that 's what I do , I sing for a living , so that 's what we 're going to do , we 're going to have a bit of a party on 28 October . ''
Musician Rick Astley will do the concert for free ( Photo : Getty ) He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and give people a bit of something to look forward to and to know that we will be through this and when we are , we can go out again , socialise again and do fun things again .
`` I think this one-off gig that we 're going to do is just a flag in the ground to say , yes we are going to get back to normal , and we will be out there doing fun stuff again and obviously thank the first responders and the people on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that for them . ''
How can I get tickets ?
Those keen to attend Astley 's free concert will need to bring their valid staff ID card as ticket checks will be in operation .
NHS workers will be permitted to bring one guest as a plus one , who must enter the venue at the same time as them , according to the rules .
The Never Gon na Give You Up hitmaker said that he was `` gutted '' to have to postpone his UK tour , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April .
`` We tried to postpone ( the dates ) as soon as possible to give people the chance to sort stuff out and rearrange their lives around it , but it 's difficult making that decision , it 's the last decision you want , '' he said .
`` It does n't sit well with me to do it , but obviously these are very different circumstances and it 's nobody 's fault , it 's just the way it is , but it 's gutting for people . ''

Rick Astley is to hold a free concert for frontline workers later this year as a “flag in the ground” to give people hope that things will return to normal.
The singer-songwriter will perform at the Manchester Arena on 28 October for all NHS frontline staff, primary care and emergency services workers as a “thank you” to those working throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Astley told BBC Breakfast: “Everything they’re doing is absolutely incredible and someone like myself, you feel a bit helpless at times, you’re wondering what to do.
“So I guess that’s what I do, I sing for a living, so that’s what we’re going to do, we’re going to have a bit of a party on 28 October.”
Giving back to NHS
He added: “People have to put some gigs on and give people a bit of something to look forward to and to know that we will be through this and when we are, we can go out again, socialise again and do fun things again.
“I think this one-off gig that we’re going to do is just a flag in the ground to say, yes we are going to get back to normal, and we will be out there doing fun stuff again and obviously thank the first responders and the people on the frontline, that’s why we wanted to do that for them.”
How can I get tickets?
Those keen to attend Astley’s free concert will need to bring their valid staff ID card as ticket checks will be in operation.
But some additional people will be allowed in, too.
NHS workers will be permitted to bring one guest as a plus one, who must enter the venue at the same time as them, according to the rules.
Read More Rick Astley on returning to the charts, and why he’s too rich to care about Brexit
Postponed tour
The Never Gonna Give You Up hitmaker said that he was “gutted” to have to postpone his UK tour, which was meant to kick off on 3 April.
“We tried to postpone (the dates) as soon as possible to give people the chance to sort stuff out and rearrange their lives around it, but it’s difficult making that decision, it’s the last decision you want,” he said.
“I’ve only cancelled one gig in the whole of my life and that was because I had horrendous food poisoning.
“It doesn’t sit well with me to do it, but obviously these are very different circumstances and it’s nobody’s fault, it’s just the way it is, but it’s gutting for people.”


inews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus: Unions declare PPE shortage is 'crisis within a crisis' despite Downing Street insisten

Coronavirus: Unions declare PPE shortage is 'crisis within a crisis' despite Downing Street insistence that vital supplies are being delivered

Coronavirus : Unions declare PPE shortage is 'crisis within a crisis ' despite Downing Street insistence that vital supplies are being delivered Staff at one Essex hospital threaten to restrict services to 'bare minimum ' unless protective equipment improves 390 million pieces of PPE delivered in last fortnight NHS doctors , nurses and healthcare workers have spoken out about their fears of working without personal protective equipment ( Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty ) First ventilators to be delivered The Nightingale field hospital at London 's ExCel centre will initially contain 500 beds with ventilators and oxygen and will have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 patients ( Photo : Justin Setterfield/Getty ) Downing Street added that the Government was working with suppliers who had come forward with their own offers of PPE or of increased production .
Ministers also insisted there was good news on the delivery of ventilators with the first batch of 30 UK-manufactured machines due to be handed over to the NHS next week .
In a joint statement , major unions and the Royal College of Midwives said health and social care workers were being exposed to “ unreasonable and unnecessary risk ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened with disciplinary action if they spoke out about concerns over PPE or refused to undertake duties because of inadequate protection .
'They are risking their own health and safety for us' “ Every day we hear from our members that despite repeated assurances from government , people are being asked to work with inadequate or out-of-date protective equipment - and that is where PPE is being provided at all .
Key workers deserve better .
They are risking their own health and safety for us.
” 'We would be better off with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in Bristol said staff were “ in tears ” at the lack of PPE .
She said : “ We ’ ve been given simple surgical masks that ordinarily would be worn for about 15 minutes at a time .
Yet we are being told to wear them all shift .
On Tuesday , that was over 12 hours .
If we pick anything up from a patient , we are potentially carrying it around in our masks all day .
It ’ s horrifying… We would be better off with nothing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent due to sickness of self-isolation and a sharp increase in calls meant the 999 service was facing a 'huge challenge ' ( Photo : Alex Davidson/Getty )

Downing Street has insisted it is getting vital protective equipment to frontline health workers despite being flatly contradicted by unions, who warned on Wednesday that continuing shortages at hospitals and care homes are a “crisis within a crisis”.
Staff at one hospital said that they would consider restricting services to a “bare minimum” within hours unless the quantity and quality of PPE equipment improved after one Cabinet minister acknowledged a “very unsatisfactory situation” with cases of failure to deliver supplies.
The admission from Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, that he was aware of “settings” that had “not received the equipment they need” sat uncomfortably with an insistence from Number 10 that vast quantities of PPE are now flowing to frontline NHS workers and others.
390 million pieces of PPE delivered in last fortnight
A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that more than 390 million pieces of PPE, including masks, hand sanitiser and aprons, had been delivered in the last fortnight after the military and a specialist retail logistics operator were drafted in to expand deliveries.
On Wednesday, some 600,000 high-spec respirator masks and 4.18m surgical face masks were due to be delivered to the NHS and other frontline services.
The No 10 spokesman said: “The full weight of Government is behind this effort, including the military, and we’re working closely with industry, social care providers, the NHS and others so that NHS care staff have the protection that they deserve.”
First ventilators to be delivered
Downing Street added that the Government was working with suppliers who had come forward with their own offers of PPE or of increased production. Ministers also insisted there was good news on the delivery of ventilators with the first batch of 30 UK-manufactured machines due to be handed over to the NHS next week.
But the effort to quell days of criticism – fuelled by reports of GP surgeries having to source their own PPE by ordering from Amazon and 3D printing enthusiasts being asked to produce protective face shields – was strongly challenged by unions and medics.
In a joint statement, major unions and the Royal College of Midwives said health and social care workers were being exposed to “unreasonable and unnecessary risk” and alleged cases where workers were being threatened with disciplinary action if they spoke out about concerns over PPE or refused to undertake duties because of inadequate protection.
‘They are risking their own health and safety for us’
The claim of intimidation was denied as “nonsense” by health minister Nadine Dorries, who tweeted that any health workers facing threats should email her direct.
The organisations, including Unison, Unite and the GMB, said: “It is now clear that the lack of personal protective equipment for frontline workers has become a crisis within a crisis.
“Every day we hear from our members that despite repeated assurances from government, people are being asked to work with inadequate or out-of-date protective equipment – and that is where PPE is being provided at all. Key workers deserve better. They are risking their own health and safety for us.”
‘Petrified’
Staff at Southend Hospital in Essex said they were “petrified” after PPE was allegedly rationed. The BBC reported that a letter had been sent to management warning that “restricted services” would be introduced unless the standard and availability equipment was improved.
Managers said the hospital was complying fully with expert guidance and there were no issues with the cost of equipment.
Multiple reports of shortages have nonetheless continued to surface on social media and elsewhere.
‘We would be better off with nothing’
One nurse who works at a hospital in Bristol said staff were “in tears” at the lack of PPE. She said: “We’ve been given simple surgical masks that ordinarily would be worn for about 15 minutes at a time. Yet we are being told to wear them all shift. On Tuesday, that was over 12 hours. If we pick anything up from a patient, we are potentially carrying it around in our masks all day. It’s horrifying… We would be better off with nothing.”
It was reported that the Government earlier this week ordered an urgent nationwide audit of the state of PPE supplies at all frontline organisations from ambulance trusts to nursing homes.
Unions claim that existing suppliers have been overwhelmed by a spike in demand.
London Ambulance Service hit by 25 per cent absence rate
The London Ambulance Service insisted on Wednesday that it had enough PPE for its staff but underlined that staff absence rates of 25 per cent due to sickness of self-isolation and a sharp increase in calls meant the 999 service was facing a “huge challenge”.
The Government said a national effort to produce ventilators for the NHS was already reaping benefits. The first 30 machines based on an existing UK model made by Oxfordshire firm Penlon will be ready for dispatch by the weekend. The ventilators are made by a consortium including Ford, Siemens, Mercedes, McLaren and engineering company Meggitt.
A further 6,000 machines have been ordered from OxVent, a design created by a team of academics and doctors at Oxford University.
‘Ikea-style’ ventilator
Professor Andrew Farmery, a consultant anaesthetist involved with the project, has described the machine as an “Ikea-style” ventilator because it can be assembled easily without specialist expertise. The researchers designed the OxVent using products already in the NHS supply chain in less than a week, and it was approved for clinical use last week.


inews--2020-04-01--Wimbledon to consider financial help for lower-ranked players after coronavirus cancellation

Wimbledon to consider financial help for lower-ranked players after coronavirus cancellation There are no plans to furlough any of Wimbledon 's 300 employees Wimbledon is to investigate how it might give financial assistance to lower-ranked players following yesterday ’ s cancellation of this summer ’ s Championships .
The All England Club wants to do what it can to help the players , who are facing the prospect of months without the chance to earn .
The cancellation of this summer ’ s grass-court season because of the continuing coronavirus crisis means that no tournaments will be held until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wimbledon was due to start on 29 June .
Bearing in mind the costs of international travel , accommodation and employing coaches , pay cheques from Grand Slam tournaments ( which have much higher prize money than regular tour events ) can keep some players financially afloat .
First-round losers in the singles events at Wimbledon last summer each earned £45,000 , which for some players was by far the biggest cheque they received all year .
For example Jay Clarke , a 21-year-old Briton who plays mostly on the Challenger circuit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also competed in the men ’ s and mixed doubles .
The world No 167 ’ s total Wimbledon prize money of nearly £79,000 accounted for half his total earnings for the year .
A total of £38m in prize money was paid out by the All England Club in 2019 .
Wimbledon , which had previously been called off only because of world wars , consulted several players before making its decision .
Roger Federer said he was “ devastated ” by the cancellation , though his promise to return to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would also be back at Wimbledon , despite previous speculation that 2020 might be his last season .
In announcing the cancellation , Wimbledon said in a statement that it would develop plans in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association and other tennis organisations to support those who rely on the Championships , “ including the players and the tennis community in Britain and around the world ” , as well as its own staff .
There are no current plans to “ furlough ” any of Wimbledon ’ s 300 employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lengths to which the Government is having to support other businesses .
Wimbledon has insurance to cover cancellation of its tournament , which is just as well considering that it would probably have generated at least £250m in revenue this summer .
Members of the public who bought tickets via the ballot will be refunded and will have the chance to purchase them for the same day and court in 2021 , though it has yet to be decided whether they would pay this year ’ s prices or next year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a single ticket for every day of Wimbledon from 2016 to 2020 , will be given proportionate refunds .
The decision to cancel was taken following consultations with the Government and the health authorities which have been continuing since the start of the year .
Consideration was given to staging a slimmed-down event , with smaller draws and a reduced crowd capacity , but Wimbledon was particularly mindful of ongoing restrictions on travel and movement , the ban on mass gatherings and the strain the tournament would have put on medical and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) pandemic has resulted in the closure of sports events across the UK , with Wimbledon cancelled over the outbreak .
( Getty Images ) It decided instead to “ act responsibly to protect the large numbers of people required to prepare The Championships from being at risk – from the training of ball boys and girls to thousands of officials , line judges , stewards , players , suppliers , media and contractors who convene on the AELTC grounds.
” Ian Hewitt , the Wimbledon chairman , said : “ We believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global crisis that it is ultimately the right decision to cancel this year ’ s Championships , and instead concentrate on how we can use the breadth of Wimbledon ’ s resources to help those in our local communities and beyond.
” Wimbledon has already begun donating medical equipment that would have been used at this summer ’ s tournament and is working with local authorities on food distribution .
It has also offered the use of its facilities to the health authorities .

Wimbledon is to investigate how it might give financial assistance to lower-ranked players following yesterday’s cancellation of this summer’s Championships. The All England Club wants to do what it can to help the players, who are facing the prospect of months without the chance to earn.
The cancellation of this summer’s grass-court season because of the continuing coronavirus crisis means that no tournaments will be held until the middle of July at the earliest. Wimbledon was due to start on 29 June.
Bearing in mind the costs of international travel, accommodation and employing coaches, pay cheques from Grand Slam tournaments (which have much higher prize money than regular tour events) can keep some players financially afloat. First-round losers in the singles events at Wimbledon last summer each earned £45,000, which for some players was by far the biggest cheque they received all year.
For example Jay Clarke, a 21-year-old Briton who plays mostly on the Challenger circuit, reached the second round at Wimbledon and also competed in the men’s and mixed doubles. The world No 167’s total Wimbledon prize money of nearly £79,000 accounted for half his total earnings for the year. A total of £38m in prize money was paid out by the All England Club in 2019.
Wimbledon, which had previously been called off only because of world wars, consulted several players before making its decision. Roger Federer said he was “devastated” by the cancellation, though his promise to return to the Halle grass-court tournament next summer suggested that he would also be back at Wimbledon, despite previous speculation that 2020 might be his last season.
Read more: Wimbledon ready to refund tickets if tennis is cancelled by coronavirus outbreak
In announcing the cancellation, Wimbledon said in a statement that it would develop plans in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association and other tennis organisations to support those who rely on the Championships, “including the players and the tennis community in Britain and around the world”, as well as its own staff. There are no current plans to “furlough” any of Wimbledon’s 300 employees as the All England Club recognises the lengths to which the Government is having to support other businesses.
Wimbledon has insurance to cover cancellation of its tournament, which is just as well considering that it would probably have generated at least £250m in revenue this summer.
Members of the public who bought tickets via the ballot will be refunded and will have the chance to purchase them for the same day and court in 2021, though it has yet to be decided whether they would pay this year’s prices or next year’s. Debenture holders, who paid £50,000 for a single ticket for every day of Wimbledon from 2016 to 2020, will be given proportionate refunds.
The decision to cancel was taken following consultations with the Government and the health authorities which have been continuing since the start of the year. Consideration was given to staging a slimmed-down event, with smaller draws and a reduced crowd capacity, but Wimbledon was particularly mindful of ongoing restrictions on travel and movement, the ban on mass gatherings and the strain the tournament would have put on medical and emergency services.
It decided instead to “act responsibly to protect the large numbers of people required to prepare The Championships from being at risk – from the training of ball boys and girls to thousands of officials, line judges, stewards, players, suppliers, media and contractors who convene on the AELTC grounds.”
Ian Hewitt, the Wimbledon chairman, said: “We believe that it is a measure of this global crisis that it is ultimately the right decision to cancel this year’s Championships, and instead concentrate on how we can use the breadth of Wimbledon’s resources to help those in our local communities and beyond.”
Wimbledon has already begun donating medical equipment that would have been used at this summer’s tournament and is working with local authorities on food distribution. It has also offered the use of its facilities to the health authorities.


inews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus lockdown: Forget loo paper — have you stockpiled enough books to read?

Coronavirus lockdown : Forget loo paper — have you stockpiled enough books to read ?
Isolation could last a while , so you want to get your lockdown literature right .
Nick Duerden has some advice on where to start Over the past few weeks of increasing national panic , I somehow repeatedly failed to stock up on family packs of loo paper , or tinned goods , in preparation for self-isolation .
Instead , the moment I heard the country was heading towards a lockdown , I sprinted to my local bookshop ( and I ’ ve not sprinted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from the high street , I ’ d be cut off from my dealer .
I ’ m not the sort of person who wants things sent to me ; I want to go out and do my own browsing and choosing .
Hence all the sprinting .
So I stocked up .
But then I did a foolish thing : I read the books I had purchased for self-isolation before self-isolating – Sinead Gleeson ’ s Constellations and Benjamin Myers ’ The Offing are slim books , both brilliant – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every state of the nation address from the Prime Minister , I went back to my bookshop , spending money I ’ d previously been putting aside for a summer holiday .
Job done : I now have great piles of books , each of them sitting there on my shelves glinting like unopened Christmas presents .
They include Bernardine Evaristo ’ s Booker Prize-winning Girl , Woman , Other ( 450 pages ) , Richard Benson ’ s The Valley ( 571 pages ) , and Simon Reynolds ’ Rip It Up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m going to need this pandemic to last in order to get through them all .
I ’ m not the only one panic-buying , it seems .
Twitter is ablaze with Book People making thoughtful recommendations for those wanting to use their solitary confinement proactively , and Waterstones reported such unprecedented demand that it endeavoured to keep open for as long as possible , “ to meet social need ” , said CEO James Daunt .
This caused some distress to several of its workforce , and the chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like everything else , Waterstones is now operating exclusively online .
Have you stocked up on lockdown literature ?
( Photo : JOEL SAGET/AFP ) Independent bookshops are also experiencing high demand .
Nic Bottomley is the co-owner of Mr B ’ s Emporium in Bath .
He tells me that , while they felt it necessary to shut last week , they are not officially closed .
“ I refuse to use the word , ” he says .
“ Rather , we are non-contact open.
” In other words , staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online requests from customers similarly keen to replenish their “ To Be Read ” piles .
“ We ’ d already been selling a lot of the new Hilary Mantel , ” Bottomley says , “ but it ’ s enjoying a second spike now , perhaps in part because it ’ s such a chunky book.
” Many recent sales , he suggests , are based around girth .
“ People are buying big books now because they normally don ’ t have the time to read them , but just might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular themes .
Popular titles at Mr B ’ s include those that revolve around kindness and empathy , alongside Sandra Cisneros ’ 1984 Hispanic classic , The House on Mango Street , in which the lead character creates a house of her own , “ quiet as snow , a space for myself to go ” , in the midst of her oppressive surroundings .
The former Children ’ s Laureate Chris Riddell ’ s 100 Hugs is also proving popular , perhaps , Bottomley suggests , “ because we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more ” .
He has had a busy few weeks , he says , repeatedly approached on social media by those seeking literary recommendations to help to pass extended periods of home time .
“ I ’ d say it ’ s something people should go into carefully because you don ’ t want to make reading synonymous with your incarceration .
So , now might not be the right time to read , say , Proust or Middlemarch , because while they are great books , they do require a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yourself tackling a big book , then I ’ d recommend no more than 50 pages a day , then go off and do something else entirely – watch A Fistful of Dollars on TV , say , or listen to a piece of classical music you are not yet familiar with , or perhaps some country and western .
Be a cultural omnivore.
” He warns , too , against opting for literary prize-winners simply because they are literary prize-winners .
“ You don ’ t want your reading to become adversarial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be liberal with your tastes .
If you ’ re after escapism , and you are one of the few people left alive who hasn ’ t yet read Lee Child , then now might be the time to read 28 Jack Reacher novels , because they ’ re enormous fun .
Or buy 20 novellas instead .
You ’ ll plough through them quickly , but when you ’ re finished with one and casting around for what to read next , you ’ ll have options .
It ’ s good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wary of reaching for literary escapism .
“ I don ’ t know about you , but my nerves are shot at the moment , so I wouldn ’ t be able to stand the jollity of , say , P G Wodehouse .
That would be like nails down the blackboard .
No , I ’ d much rather read something that reflects my anxiety but doesn ’ t necessarily amplify it , something that taps into the current universal experience .
Nobody recognises Wodehouse as a universal experience unless they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might also be the time to discover some lost classics , or else those great overlooked novels , all of them waiting patiently , like a lost teddy bear , to be rediscovered .
Among my own recent hoard is Alma Cogan , the 1991 debut by the late Gordon Burn , about which Hilary Mantel said : “ This is my book of the year , because it is the one I desperately wish I had written ” , and Lucia Berlin ’ s A Manual for Cleaning Women , a collection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminally undervalued American writer who died in 2004 .
“ I ’ d also strongly recommend the novels and short stories of Elizabeth Taylor , the writer not the actress , ” says Miller .
“ They ’ re very funny , and they won ’ t necessarily jangle your nerves .
If somebody told me I would have to sit at home for the next six weeks just reading Elizabeth Taylor , then I ’ d be quite happy with that .
In fact , that would be wonderful .
”

Over the past few weeks of increasing national panic, I somehow repeatedly failed to stock up on family packs of loo paper, or tinned goods, in preparation for self-isolation. Instead, the moment I heard the country was heading towards a lockdown, I sprinted to my local bookshop (and I’ve not sprinted in years) knowing that, kept away from the high street, I’d be cut off from my dealer. I’m not the sort of person who wants things sent to me; I want to go out and do my own browsing and choosing. Hence all the sprinting.
So I stocked up. But then I did a foolish thing: I read the books I had purchased for self-isolation before self-isolating – Sinead Gleeson’s Constellations and Benjamin Myers’ The Offing are slim books, both brilliant – and so required more. The morning after every state of the nation address from the Prime Minister, I went back to my bookshop, spending money I’d previously been putting aside for a summer holiday.
Job done: I now have great piles of books, each of them sitting there on my shelves glinting like unopened Christmas presents. They include Bernardine Evaristo’s Booker Prize-winning Girl, Woman, Other (450 pages), Richard Benson’s The Valley (571 pages), and Simon Reynolds’ Rip It Up and Start Again (536 pages). I’m going to need this pandemic to last in order to get through them all.
I’m not the only one panic-buying, it seems. Twitter is ablaze with Book People making thoughtful recommendations for those wanting to use their solitary confinement proactively, and Waterstones reported such unprecedented demand that it endeavoured to keep open for as long as possible, “to meet social need”, said CEO James Daunt. This caused some distress to several of its workforce, and the chain eventually closed its doors last Monday. Like everything else, Waterstones is now operating exclusively online.
Independent bookshops are also experiencing high demand. Nic Bottomley is the co-owner of Mr B’s Emporium in Bath. He tells me that, while they felt it necessary to shut last week, they are not officially closed. “I refuse to use the word,” he says. “Rather, we are non-contact open.” In other words, staff are busy dealing with phone calls and online requests from customers similarly keen to replenish their “To Be Read” piles.
“We’d already been selling a lot of the new Hilary Mantel,” Bottomley says, “but it’s enjoying a second spike now, perhaps in part because it’s such a chunky book.” Many recent sales, he suggests, are based around girth. “People are buying big books now because they normally don’t have the time to read them, but just might have now.”
Customers are keen on particular themes. Popular titles at Mr B’s include those that revolve around kindness and empathy, alongside Sandra Cisneros’ 1984 Hispanic classic, The House on Mango Street, in which the lead character creates a house of her own, “quiet as snow, a space for myself to go”, in the midst of her oppressive surroundings. The former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell’s 100 Hugs is also proving popular, perhaps, Bottomley suggests, “because we’re not allowed to actually hug anybody any more”.
Read More Coronavirus lockdown: Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell’s top tips for keeping kids creative at home
Dean Koontz’s 1981 thriller The Eyes of Darkness, which features a killer virus with the eerily prescient name of Wuhan-400, is experiencing a similar boost – when in panic, read about mass panic – as is Emily St John Mandel’s 2014 masterful dystopian novel Station Eleven. “And several people have ordered Camus’s The Plague,” adds Bottomley.
Andy Miller is a writer, editor, podcast presenter and bibliophile, whose 2014 memoir The Year of Reading Dangerously catalogued an obsession that routinely has him reading well over 100 books a year. He is now watching everybody else muscle in on his favoured pastime with an arched eyebrow.
For anyone who follows him on Twitter, this won’t surprise: Miller tends to view everything with an arched eyebrow. “I’m just excited that the rest of the world is catching up with me,” he deadpans.
He has had a busy few weeks, he says, repeatedly approached on social media by those seeking literary recommendations to help to pass extended periods of home time. “I’d say it’s something people should go into carefully because you don’t want to make reading synonymous with your incarceration. So, now might not be the right time to read, say, Proust or Middlemarch, because while they are great books, they do require a lot of puff.
“If you do find yourself tackling a big book, then I’d recommend no more than 50 pages a day, then go off and do something else entirely – watch A Fistful of Dollars on TV, say, or listen to a piece of classical music you are not yet familiar with, or perhaps some country and western. Be a cultural omnivore.”
He warns, too, against opting for literary prize-winners simply because they are literary prize-winners. “You don’t want your reading to become adversarial. Buy them, certainly, but be liberal with your tastes. If you’re after escapism, and you are one of the few people left alive who hasn’t yet read Lee Child, then now might be the time to read 28 Jack Reacher novels, because they’re enormous fun. Or buy 20 novellas instead. You’ll plough through them quickly, but when you’re finished with one and casting around for what to read next, you’ll have options. It’s good to have options.”
Miller himself is wary of reaching for literary escapism. “I don’t know about you, but my nerves are shot at the moment, so I wouldn’t be able to stand the jollity of, say, P G Wodehouse. That would be like nails down the blackboard. No, I’d much rather read something that reflects my anxiety but doesn’t necessarily amplify it, something that taps into the current universal experience. Nobody recognises Wodehouse as a universal experience unless they are a toff or a butler.”
He finds his own jollity via Kafka’s Metamorphosis. “It’s very funny,” he insists, adding that “when Kafka used to read his work aloud, he often couldn’t get through it for laughing”.
Now might also be the time to discover some lost classics, or else those great overlooked novels, all of them waiting patiently, like a lost teddy bear, to be rediscovered. Among my own recent hoard is Alma Cogan, the 1991 debut by the late Gordon Burn, about which Hilary Mantel said: “This is my book of the year, because it is the one I desperately wish I had written”, and Lucia Berlin’s A Manual for Cleaning Women, a collection of beautifully sad short stories from a criminally undervalued American writer who died in 2004.
“I’d also strongly recommend the novels and short stories of Elizabeth Taylor, the writer not the actress,” says Miller. “They’re very funny, and they won’t necessarily jangle your nerves. If somebody told me I would have to sit at home for the next six weeks just reading Elizabeth Taylor, then I’d be quite happy with that. In fact, that would be wonderful.”
Andy Miller’s five essential lockdown reads
Decadent 19th century French masterpiece. How not to self-isolate.
Finding it hard to concentrate? Dip into these stylish, moreish stories.
Gripping and often funny historical novel which feels dreadfully topical.
The greatest epic novel about Icelandic sheep farming you’ve never read.
Any Pym novel will transport you somewhere more calm and peaceful.
Andy Miller is the author of The Year of Reading Dangerously (4th Estate) and co-host of Backlisted, the podcast that gives new life to old books.


inews--2020-04-01--Coronavirus and insolvency: Government's new measures will help struggling companies in unprecedente

Coronavirus and insolvency: Government's new measures will help struggling companies in unprecedented times

Coronavirus and insolvency : Government 's new measures will help struggling companies in unprecedented times But businesses should n't wait around for new legislation These measures are intended to help companies work their way out of difficulty in these unprecedented times .
Will they succeed in that aim ?
We will not know until parliament comes back from its Easter recess and introduces the necessary legislation .
Here is what we are expecting to see .
A company would be able to commence a formal moratorium period , preventing creditors from taking any legal action against the company , meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banks could not enforce their security .
To take advantage of this , the company would probably need to file a notice with the court and it may be that a supervisor must be appointed to oversee the conduct of the directors during the moratorium .
We do not yet know whether all companies will be able to use this protection or whether some types of companies , such as those operating in certain financial services , will be excluded .
We anticipate that clauses in contracts allowing suppliers to terminate those agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insolvent will not be enforceable , though it will still be possible for suppliers to terminate contracts on other grounds , such as non-payment or a breach of contract that is not insolvency-related .
The government is proposing to introduce a new formal process where a majority of creditors could approve a proposed restructuring .
We already have processes that do this , but this new procedure would potentially enable general creditors to vote through a restructuring even where priority creditors vote against it , though creditors would still usually get paid in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in insolvency law .
The intention would be that if a restructuring benefits a group of creditors even where they will not be repaid in full then the restructuring should not be blocked by a creditor who will get paid .
Currently , if a director continues to trade a business when that director knew or ought to have known that the company could not avoid an insolvency then they may be personally liable for certain debts of the company on the basis that they are trading wrongfully .
In the current times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a director to determine whether the company could avoid insolvency so the Government has announced that it will suspend wrongful trading .
We do not yet know in what circumstances or for how long this suspension will apply , and it may be reserved for those companies who can demonstrate that they are in financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19 .
What should businesses do now ?
These protections are likely to be in force from late April , which may not be soon enough for some companies .
That said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new measures are in law but should be talking to their advisers now about what tools are available to help deal with the issues that they are facing and hopefully steer a course through and out the other side of the current downturn .

The Government has announced that it will introduce new processes to help companies who may be facing insolvency during and as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
These measures are intended to help companies work their way out of difficulty in these unprecedented times. Will they succeed in that aim? We will not know until parliament comes back from its Easter recess and introduces the necessary legislation. Here is what we are expecting to see.
A company would be able to commence a formal moratorium period, preventing creditors from taking any legal action against the company, meaning that landlords could not forfeit leases and banks could not enforce their security.
To take advantage of this, the company would probably need to file a notice with the court and it may be that a supervisor must be appointed to oversee the conduct of the directors during the moratorium. We do not yet know whether all companies will be able to use this protection or whether some types of companies, such as those operating in certain financial services, will be excluded.
Protection for suppliers
We anticipate that clauses in contracts allowing suppliers to terminate those agreements on the grounds that the customer is insolvent will not be enforceable, though it will still be possible for suppliers to terminate contracts on other grounds, such as non-payment or a breach of contract that is not insolvency-related.
A new restructuring plan
The government is proposing to introduce a new formal process where a majority of creditors could approve a proposed restructuring. We already have processes that do this, but this new procedure would potentially enable general creditors to vote through a restructuring even where priority creditors vote against it, though creditors would still usually get paid in accordance with the existing order of priority in insolvency law.
The intention would be that if a restructuring benefits a group of creditors even where they will not be repaid in full then the restructuring should not be blocked by a creditor who will get paid.
Suspending wrongful trading liability
Currently, if a director continues to trade a business when that director knew or ought to have known that the company could not avoid an insolvency then they may be personally liable for certain debts of the company on the basis that they are trading wrongfully.
In the current times, it may be considerably harder for a director to determine whether the company could avoid insolvency so the Government has announced that it will suspend wrongful trading. We do not yet know in what circumstances or for how long this suspension will apply, and it may be reserved for those companies who can demonstrate that they are in financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19.
What should businesses do now?
These protections are likely to be in force from late April, which may not be soon enough for some companies. That said, directors should not be waiting until the new measures are in law but should be talking to their advisers now about what tools are available to help deal with the issues that they are facing and hopefully steer a course through and out the other side of the current downturn.
Jessica Walker is a restructuring partner at law firm Mayer Brown


inews--2020-04-02--Four Kids and It, review: A cherry-cheeked family-friendly yarn which needs more magic

Four Kids and It , review : A cherry-cheeked family-friendly yarn which needs more magic Jaqueline Wilson 's adaptation of E Nesbit 's beloved children 's classic , Five Children and It , is likely to go down well with young children Four Kids and It ( PG ) ★★★★ With more than 100 books to her name and several hugely popular TV spin-offs , including The Story of Tracy Beaker , Jacqueline Wilson takes a no-nonsense approach to children ’ s fiction that reflects the realities of jigsaw families , mental illness and divorce .
In 2012 , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , she wrote a spin-off of sorts to E Nesbit ’ s beloved magical children ’ s classic , Five Children and It .
Nesbit ’ s book has been adapted myriad times , and is a familiar tale – but in Wilson and director Andy De Emmony ’ s hands , the story has been tweaked to become Four Kids and It .
There are complicated family dynamics at play ( Film Still : SKY LTD ) The stakes are low and there is just enough slapstick and tomfoolery to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magic sparkle that would raise it to the level of other British adventures of a magical bent such as Nanny McPhee .
De Emmony is an odd choice of director , given his background on comedies such as Spitting Image and Red Dwarf .
Despite this , he succeeds in creating a perfectly serviceable family adventure that is likely to go down well with young children .
David ( Matthew Goode ) , a recent divorcee and father of two , has secretly been dating American and fellow single parent Alice ( Paula @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come for their respective offspring to meet .
So they pack their bags and head to the seaside .
Not surprisingly , it is a disaster .
Alice ’ s eldest , Smash ( Ashley Aufderheide ) , loathes England and wants to live with her dad .
Russell Brand is not a perfect fit ( Photo : Film still , SKY LTD ) The younger two – Robbie ( Billy Jenkins ) and the much younger Maudie ( Ellie-Mae Siame ) – try to avoid the crossfire between their older siblings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the children stumble on a Psammead , a mythical wish-granting troll ( voiced by Michael Caine ) who resembles a green-husked conker with spaniel ears .
Caine is surprisingly good as the curmudgeonly creature .
Less well-suited is Russell Brand as the villain , an eccentric lord of the manor who wants to capture the Psammead .
Like Wilson ’ s book , the film works hard to show the tribulations of single parenting and children coming to terms with their parents ’ divorces .
It works best when dealing with the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the magic and mayhem .

Four Kids and It (PG) ★★★
Dir: Andy De Emmony, 110 mins, starring: Paula Patton, Matthew Goode, Michael Caine, Russell Brand
With more than 100 books to her name and several hugely popular TV spin-offs, including The Story of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson takes a no-nonsense approach to children’s fiction that reflects the realities of jigsaw families, mental illness and divorce.
In 2012, in a detour from the rest of her work, she wrote a spin-off of sorts to E Nesbit’s beloved magical children’s classic, Five Children and It.
Nesbit’s book has been adapted myriad times, and is a familiar tale – but in Wilson and director Andy De Emmony’s hands, the story has been tweaked to become Four Kids and It.
This time it emerges as a cherry-cheeked family-friendly movie set on the Cornish coast.
The stakes are low and there is just enough slapstick and tomfoolery to keep things entertaining. Yet it lacks the magic sparkle that would raise it to the level of other British adventures of a magical bent such as Nanny McPhee.
De Emmony is an odd choice of director, given his background on comedies such as Spitting Image and Red Dwarf.
Despite this, he succeeds in creating a perfectly serviceable family adventure that is likely to go down well with young children.
David (Matthew Goode), a recent divorcee and father of two, has secretly been dating American and fellow single parent Alice (Paula Patton). Now the time has come for their respective offspring to meet.
So they pack their bags and head to the seaside. Not surprisingly, it is a disaster. Alice’s eldest, Smash (Ashley Aufderheide), loathes England and wants to live with her dad.
Meanwhile, David’s daughter Ros (Teddie-Rose Malleson-Allen) is plotting to reunite her mum and dad.
The younger two – Robbie (Billy Jenkins) and the much younger Maudie (Ellie-Mae Siame) – try to avoid the crossfire between their older siblings.
In this situation of domestic disquiet, the children stumble on a Psammead, a mythical wish-granting troll (voiced by Michael Caine) who resembles a green-husked conker with spaniel ears.
Caine is surprisingly good as the curmudgeonly creature. Less well-suited is Russell Brand as the villain, an eccentric lord of the manor who wants to capture the Psammead.
De Emmony’s take is far removed from the knickerbockers and petticoats of Nesbit’s Edwardian England.
Like Wilson’s book, the film works hard to show the tribulations of single parenting and children coming to terms with their parents’ divorces.
It works best when dealing with the family drama, less so when it comes to the magic and mayhem.
Still, it is a chirpy tale that will entertain the young while their parents get on with household chores.
Available to view on Sky Cinema
THEARTSDESK.COM


inews--2020-04-02--World Autism Day 2020: The theme, when Autism Awareness Month is and how to get involved

World Autism Day 2020 : The theme , when Autism Awareness Month is and how to get involved World Autism Day 2020 : The theme , when Autism Awareness Month is and how you can get involved Here ’ s what you need to know about it and how to get involved .
Every year since 2008 , United Nations member states have been encouraged to observe World Autism Awareness Day in order to raise awareness of autism and aspergers syndrome around the world .
Buildings , homes and communities come together on April 2 in recognition of people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
The National Autistic Society explains that , “ Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world .
There are approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK .
“ Some autistic people also have learning disabilities , mental health issues or other conditions , meaning people need different levels of support .
All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop.
” What is this year ’ s theme ?
The transition to adulthood is an important challenge for those with autism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the adulthood stage of people with autism .
Issues include the importance of participation in cultural youth events , community , decision making , education , and how those with autism should have access to post-secondary education and employment , alongside being able to live independently .
The National Autistic Society explains that , “ In the week of 30 March - 5 April we encourage the public to take part in World Autism Awareness Week – a full seven days where people across the UK take part in activities to raise money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Although the UK is currently under lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , the charity explains that there are still a variety of ways you can “ spread awareness , and get advice and support from our charity during this difficult time ” .
The organisation adds : “ We need your help now more than ever to continue to provide support to autistic people and their families , who fear change and feel isolated more than most under normal circumstances .
“ If you are in a position to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy for you to do fundraising activities during the week from the safety of your home.
” Since the kids are off school for Autism Awareness Day this year , they can watch hit cartoon Daisy & Ollie ’ s special episode , created to help children understand autism .
In the episode , Daisy ’ s Uncle Tommy ( Paddy McGuinness ) brings his son Theo to an Autism Hour at the aquarium for a fun day out with Daisy , Ollie and Daisy ’ s Daddy , who is voiced by @ @ @ @

World Autism Day is celebrated every year on 2 April to raise awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders throughout the world.
Here’s what you need to know about it and how to get involved.
What is World Autism Day?
Every year since 2008, United Nations member states have been encouraged to observe World Autism Awareness Day in order to raise awareness of autism and aspergers syndrome around the world.
Buildings, homes and communities come together on April 2 in recognition of people with autism and those who love and support them.
Autism-friendly events and educational activities usually take place all month, as part of World Autism Awareness Month, which takes place throughout April.
These aim to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, alongside encouraging worldwide support and a kinder, more inclusive world.
What is autism?
The National Autistic Society explains that, “Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. There are approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
“Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways.
“Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support. All people on the autism spectrum learn and develop.”
What is this year’s theme?
This year’s World Autism Awareness Day 2020 theme is ‘The Transition to Adulthood’.
The transition to adulthood is an important challenge for those with autism, and this theme therefore draws attention to the adulthood stage of people with autism.
Issues include the importance of participation in cultural youth events, community, decision making, education, and how those with autism should have access to post-secondary education and employment, alongside being able to live independently.
World Autism Awareness Week 2020
World Autism Awareness Week, which is organised by the National Autistic Society, runs from Monday 30 March to Sunday 5 April 2020.
The National Autistic Society explains that, “In the week of 30 March – 5 April we encourage the public to take part in World Autism Awareness Week – a full seven days where people across the UK take part in activities to raise money and awareness for the National Autistic Society.”
Although the UK is currently under lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the charity explains that there are still a variety of ways you can “spread awareness, and get advice and support from our charity during this difficult time”.
The organisation adds: “We need your help now more than ever to continue to provide support to autistic people and their families, who fear change and feel isolated more than most under normal circumstances.
“If you are in a position to do so, we’ve made it easy for you to do fundraising activities during the week from the safety of your home.”
7 ways you can still get involved from home, according to Autism.org.uk:
Read our tips on dealing with the impact of coronavirus
Share our What is Autism? Film
Follow our social media channels and share our video about the top 5 things autistic people want you to know
Join the hundreds of people still doing a 7k for 700k challenge – design an active challenge to fit your ability and your home or outdoor space
Set up a simple Facebook fundraiser and ask friends and family to donate – just go to this page, type in the amount you’d like to raise by when, explain to your network why you’re raising money and upload a photo – and you are set to go!
Host a gaming streamathon or virtual board games night – use our resources on gaming if you need tips on getting started
Download our workplace pack and use our Spectrum Quiz by Anne Hegerty to host a ‘virtual’ pub quiz fundraiser (using a platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams) – just ask people to donate a few pounds to take part
Daisy & Ollie special episode
Since the kids are off school for Autism Awareness Day this year, they can watch hit cartoon Daisy & Ollie’s special episode, created to help children understand autism.
‘Daisy & Ollie: How do I make friends with Theo?’ features a new autistic character called Theo and his parents, voiced by National Autistic Society ambassadors Christine and Paddy McGuinness.
In the episode, Daisy’s Uncle Tommy (Paddy McGuinness) brings his son Theo to an Autism Hour at the aquarium for a fun day out with Daisy, Ollie and Daisy’s Daddy, who is voiced by comedian Jason Manford.
You can watch the episode on the My5 catch up service.


inews--2020-04-02--England rugby coaches: All the key figures in Eddie Jones' assistants for Six Nations 2020

England rugby coaches : All the key figures in Eddie Jones ' assistants for Six Nations 2020 As Eddie Jones prepares for his first Six Nations with England after the Rugby World Cup , the team around him has changed a little Contracted until August 2021 , Eddie Jones led England to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final , where his side lost to a hard-scrummaging South Africa side .
Under Jones ' management , England rose up the World Rugby rankings and enjoyed an 18-match unbeaten run between October 2015 and March 2017 , the longest streak in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current contract expiring before the 2023 World Cup in France , RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has said the union are in no rush to extend it and will be evaluating his performance accordingly .
He told the BBC : `` Those conversations are ongoing , both sides need to want this . ''
Steve Borthwick , the England forwards coach at Oita Stadium on 18 October 2019 ( Getty Images ) The former Japan and Bristol forwards coach was reported in January 2020 to be leaving for Leicester Tigers , at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his coaching commitments with England .
When initially signing his contract to the summer of 2021 , the former New Zealand All Blacks head coach was tasked with solidifying the England defence , which he has largely achieved .
England 's defence in the spring of 2019 showed an improved linespeed and became a real strength of Jones ' side going into the World Cup .
A portrait of Simon Amor coach of the Great Britain Olympic Rugby 7s team ( Getty Images ) Amor was widely expected to replace Scott Wisemantel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become Australia 's attack coach .
One of England 's most decorated sevens players of all time , he became the side 's head coach in 2013 , taking them to an Olympic silver medal in Rio in 2016 .
He has previously worked as a Director of Rugby at London Scottish and was confirmed in mid-January as the new attack coach .
Upon his arrival , Jones said of his new deputy : “ We have had our eyes on Simon for a while .
We used him in the run up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our training camps .
I have been very impressed with his dynamism , his rugby intellect and he will bring a fresh view on how we build our attack .
We have done some great things under Scott Wisemantel and we will always be forever grateful for the work he did , but we are excited about Simon coming in and what he is going to bring.
” Craig joined the England setup in October 2017 and remains in his role after the World Cup , but is now sharing his time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rules AFL .
His job is to use his vast experience to manage the things that analysts can not see - leadership values , team mentality and support structures .
Jones said of Proudfoot 's arrival : “ The Guinness Six Nations 2020 is a fresh start for the team so that is how we have approached our coaching staff .
With Neal Hatley moving to Bath we felt we needed to regenerate the forwards coaching area .
Matt Proudfoot has had an outstanding coaching career to date culminating in being a World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He brings great technical expertise and knowledge having coached in South Africa and Japan and having played in Scotland and South Africa .
We feel he can take the forwards to another level and build on the great work Neal and Steve have done over the last four years.
” Ryles will join later in 2020 as skills coach following Borthwick ’ s departure towards the end of the season .
He was reported in January to be moving to the England setup permanently , having worked with the squad on invitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistant coach will leave at the end of the 2020 NRL season , and said in a statement in January : `` I am really excited about the opportunity to work in a world-class program with the England national team and someone like Eddie , with his experience , is very appealing for me .

Eddie Jones, head coach
Contracted until August 2021, Eddie Jones led England to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, where his side lost to a hard-scrummaging South Africa side. Under Jones’ management, England rose up the World Rugby rankings and enjoyed an 18-match unbeaten run between October 2015 and March 2017, the longest streak in the country’s history.
Despite Jones’ current contract expiring before the 2023 World Cup in France, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has said the union are in no rush to extend it and will be evaluating his performance accordingly. He told the BBC: “Those conversations are ongoing, both sides need to want this.”
Before his job with England, Jones has been head coach of Japan, Suntory Sungoliath, Saracens, Reds, Australia, Brumbies, Tokai University and Randwick.
Steve Borthwick, skills coach
The former Japan and Bristol forwards coach was reported in January 2020 to be leaving for Leicester Tigers,at the end of the season and after finishing his coaching commitments with England.
Borthwick was an experienced international second-row, who represented England 57 times as well as playing for Bath and Saracens and his lineout work with England has been highly praised.
John Mitchell, defence coach
When initially signing his contract to the summer of 2021, the former New Zealand All Blacks head coach was tasked with solidifying the England defence, which he has largely achieved. England’s defence in the spring of 2019 showed an improved linespeed and became a real strength of Jones’ side going into the World Cup.
Mitchell previously worked with the United States, Sale Sharks, Lions, Golden Lions, Western Force, Waikato and the All Blacks.
Simon Amor, attack coach
Amor was widely expected to replace Scott Wisemantel, who departed after the World Cup to become Australia’s attack coach. One of England’s most decorated sevens players of all time, he became the side’s head coach in 2013, taking them to an Olympic silver medal in Rio in 2016. He has previously worked as a Director of Rugby at London Scottish and was confirmed in mid-January as the new attack coach.
Upon his arrival, Jones said of his new deputy: “We have had our eyes on Simon for a while. We used him in the run up to the Rugby World Cup in some of our training camps. I have been very impressed with his dynamism, his rugby intellect and he will bring a fresh view on how we build our attack. We have done some great things under Scott Wisemantel and we will always be forever grateful for the work he did, but we are excited about Simon coming in and what he is going to bring.”
Neil Craig, performance coach
Craig joined the England setup in October 2017 and remains in his role after the World Cup, but is now sharing his time with the Gold Coast in the Aussie Rules AFL. His job is to use his vast experience to manage the things that analysts cannot see – leadership values, team mentality and support structures.
Matt Proudfoot, forwards coach
Proudfoot joins to focus on all things scrum and pack-oriented from the Springboks, having lifted the World Cup with South Africa following a scrum-dominated final with England.
Jones said of Proudfoot’s arrival: “The Guinness Six Nations 2020 is a fresh start for the team so that is how we have approached our coaching staff. With Neal Hatley moving to Bath we felt we needed to regenerate the forwards coaching area. Matt Proudfoot has had an outstanding coaching career to date culminating in being a World Cup winning coach with South Africa.
“He brings great technical expertise and knowledge having coached in South Africa and Japan and having played in Scotland and South Africa. We feel he can take the forwards to another level and build on the great work Neal and Steve have done over the last four years.”
Jason Ryles
Ryles will join later in 2020 as skills coach following Borthwick’s departure towards the end of the season. He was reported in January to be moving to the England setup permanently, having worked with the squad on invitation on skills sessions.
The Melbourne Storm assistant coach will leave at the end of the 2020 NRL season, and said in a statement in January: “I am really excited about the opportunity to work in a world-class program with the England national team and someone like Eddie, with his experience, is very appealing for me.
“Linking with the England rugby team is going to be a new challenge but, first, we have a new NRL season to look forward to.”


inews--2020-04-02--Sonja Farak now: what happened to the chemist featured in How to Fix a Drug Scandal on Netflix

Sonja Farak now : what happened to the chemist featured in How to Fix a Drug Scandal on Netflix Farak was released from prison in 2015 after serving time for stealing drugs from her workplace If you ca n't get enough of true crime documentaries , Netflix is your best friend .
Two new releases have captured everyone 's imagination while we 've all been consigned to our homes thanks to Covid-19 : Tiger King and How to Fix a Drug Scandal .
We 've learned that Tiger King star Joe Exotic is currently in coronavirus isolation in prison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drug Scandal 's central figure , Sonja Farak ?
Here is everything you need to know ... What is How to Fix a Drug Scandal about and who is Sonja Farak ?
She tested evidence collected in drug cases , but in 2013 was arrested for stealing drugs from her workplace .
It emerged that she had been stealing the likes of meth , LSD and amphetamines from the controlled substances used for testing , and taking them at work .
She even ended up stealing from the evidence itself , and using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which she then smoked at work .
Farak worked under the influence of drugs for nine years - from 2004 to 2013 - before she was caught .
She was also under the influence when she took the stand during her trial .
She was caught when it was discovered she was high on LSD while testing samples from Renaldo Penate 's case .
Penate was arrested for selling heroin in 2011 , and his lawyers questioned Farak 's state during testing .
Farak stole the drugs because she was addicted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ died by suicide in high school and was hospitalised in college .
How to Fix a Drug Scandal interweaves Farak 's case with that of Annie Dookhan , another Massachusetts chemist who was found guilty of tampering with evidence .
Where is Sonja Farak now ?

If you can’t get enough of true crime documentaries, Netflix is your best friend.
Two new releases have captured everyone’s imagination while we’ve all been consigned to our homes thanks to Covid-19: Tiger King and How to Fix a Drug Scandal.
We’ve learned that Tiger King star Joe Exotic is currently in coronavirus isolation in prison, but what of How to Fix a Drug Scandal‘s central figure, Sonja Farak?
Here is everything you need to know…
What is How to Fix a Drug Scandal about and who is Sonja Farak?
The four-parter focuses mostly on Farak, a chemist at the state drug lab in Amherst, Massachusetts.
She tested evidence collected in drug cases, but in 2013 was arrested for stealing drugs from her workplace.
It emerged that she had been stealing the likes of meth, LSD and amphetamines from the controlled substances used for testing, and taking them at work.
She even ended up stealing from the evidence itself, and using cocaine she had stolen to make crack, which she then smoked at work.
Farak worked under the influence of drugs for nine years – from 2004 to 2013 – before she was caught. She was also under the influence when she took the stand during her trial.
Her misconduct led to more than 24,000 drug cases being dismissed.
She was caught when it was discovered she was high on LSD while testing samples from Renaldo Penate’s case. Penate was arrested for selling heroin in 2011, and his lawyers questioned Farak’s state during testing.
Farak stole the drugs because she was addicted. She had depression since childhood, nearly died by suicide in high school and was hospitalised in college.
How to Fix a Drug Scandal interweaves Farak’s case with that of Annie Dookhan, another Massachusetts chemist who was found guilty of tampering with evidence.
Between them, they caused 47,000 drug convictions to be overturned.
Where is Sonja Farak now?
Farak was released from prison in 2015, and has managed to avoid the spotlight since.
Erin Lee Carr, director of How to Fix a Drug Scandal, says that she is now sober, and that she is still a huge fan of the New England Patriots.


inews--2020-04-02--Coronavirus in the UK: London NHS hospital almost runs out of oxygen for Covid-19 patients

Coronavirus in the UK : London NHS hospital almost runs out of oxygen for Covid-19 patients NHS England issued the urgent patient safety notice , saying there was an increased demand for oxygen because of Covid-19 A major NHS hospital in London nearly ran out of oxygen for Covid-19 patients on ventilators this weekend because there were so many people in need of assistance breathing , it has been reported .
The incident happened in a teaching hospital , The Guardian reported , and has subsequently led to NHS bosses issuing an urgent warning to all NHS trusts in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto ventilators and and continuous positive airway pressure ( CPAP ) machines .
NHS England issued the urgent patient safety notice on Wednesday , stating that lack of oxygen is normally not an issue , but because of the Covid-19 outbreak a greater proportion of patients are relying on oxygen supplies to survive .
The sudden increase in demand risks hospitals ' oxygen supply failing , which would stop patients being able to access the breathing aids .
The letter laid out a series of urgent measures that needed to be addressed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this from happening .
The letter recommended a series of measures to mitigate the new demand for oxygen ( Photo : Getty ) In addition , the national demand for oxygen in NHS hospitals could also risk hospitals supply of vacuum insulated evaporator ( VIE ) , the liquid oxygen storage tank , running low .
`` If the demand through multiple wall outlets exceeds the maximum capacity of the VIE delivery system , there is a risk of a rapid pressure drop in oxygen supply pipes , '' the letter states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of oxygen delivery systems throughout the hospital , including to patients on face masks , CPAP , ventilators and operating theatres .
There is also a risk of rapid and unpredictable depletion of the VIE . ''
The letter was signed by Prof Ramani Moonesinghe , NHS England ’ s national director for critical care , Prof Andrew Menzies-Gow , its national clinical director for respiratory medicine , and Adrian Eggleton , its national estates operational lead and Covid-19 NHS estates lead .
In order to mitigate these risks , the letter recommends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can be treated with high flow devices such as wall CPAP and communicate this to relevant clinical teams , and to implement safety measures to prevent accidental O2 system failure ( such as limiting the number of these devices available for clinical use ) .
Other recommendations included ensuring used cylinders were returned to be refilled and working with teams to ensure there was adequate supply .
The NHS is already struggling under the strain of the outbreak ; around 125,000 of the 500,000 NHS workforce are estimated to be self-isolating due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or housemate is displaying Covid-19 symptoms , severely hampering the country ’ s response to the pandemic .

A major NHS hospital in London nearly ran out of oxygen for Covid-19 patients on ventilators this weekend because there were so many people in need of assistance breathing, it has been reported.
The incident happened in a teaching hospital, The Guardian reported, and has subsequently led to NHS bosses issuing an urgent warning to all NHS trusts in England to limit the number of people put onto ventilators and and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
NHS England issued the urgent patient safety notice on Wednesday, stating that lack of oxygen is normally not an issue, but because of the Covid-19 outbreak a greater proportion of patients are relying on oxygen supplies to survive.
The sudden increase in demand risks hospitals’ oxygen supply failing, which would stop patients being able to access the breathing aids. The letter laid out a series of urgent measures that needed to be addressed in order to control the demand and stop this from happening.
Impacts on VIE
In addition, the national demand for oxygen in NHS hospitals could also risk hospitals supply of vacuum insulated evaporator (VIE), the liquid oxygen storage tank, running low.
“If the demand through multiple wall outlets exceeds the maximum capacity of the VIE delivery system, there is a risk of a rapid pressure drop in oxygen supply pipes,” the letter states. “This could lead to a failure of oxygen delivery systems throughout the hospital, including to patients on face masks, CPAP, ventilators and operating theatres. There is also a risk of rapid and unpredictable depletion of the VIE.”
“Both of these situations present a potentially significant risk to multiple patients simultaneously.”
The letter was signed by Prof Ramani Moonesinghe, NHS England’s national director for critical care, Prof Andrew Menzies-Gow, its national clinical director for respiratory medicine, and Adrian Eggleton, its national estates operational lead and Covid-19 NHS estates lead.
Recommendations
In order to mitigate these risks, the letter recommends hospitals calculate the maximum number of patients who can be treated with high flow devices such as wall CPAP and communicate this to relevant clinical teams, and to implement safety measures to prevent accidental O2 system failure (such as limiting the number of these devices available for clinical use).
Other recommendations included ensuring used cylinders were returned to be refilled and working with teams to ensure there was adequate supply.
The NHS is already struggling under the strain of the outbreak; around 125,000 of the 500,000 NHS workforce are estimated to be self-isolating due to illness or because a family member or housemate is displaying Covid-19 symptoms, severely hampering the country’s response to the pandemic.