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Flawed thinking

2013-06-19T23:15:58Z

The man who blew the whistle on the Bristol scandal has strong words for those who would delay the restructuring of this country's paediatric heart units.

According to Professor Steve Bolsin: "Children are sacrificed on altars of surgical pride and units' desire to stay open."

Prof Bolsin's actions 20 years ago cost him job, and resulted in colleagues being struck off.

He was told he was "the most hated cardiac anaesthetist in Europe" and had to move his family to Australia in order to find work.

]]> There is no doubt that he acted courageously and correctly. When someone like him speaks, we should all listen.

"This is not about politics," he added on Radio 4's Today programme. "It's about children's lives."

Lots of people have forgotten this, or perhaps they didn't realise it in the first place.

The announcement by the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt that he was suspending plans to stop children's heart surgery at three hospitals was the latest twist in a mightily long drawn-out saga.

On the advice of an independent review panel, Mr Hunt dragged us all back to square one, announcing that the Safe & Sustainable review was "fundamentally flawed".

I'm not going to argue the merits of one hospital over another. We've been down that road often enough and everyone has their opinions.

All I want now is a decision. But that seems light years away.

It's generally accepted that reconfiguration needs to take place to make operations and recovery periods safer. To cut down on infant deaths wherever possible.

Lots of people appear to support the principle - just as long as their hospital isn't affected.

Last week's exchange on Newsnight between the Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland and Sir Ian Kennedy, who chaired the Bristol Inquiry, was utterly depressing.

On one side was Sir Ian, who backs the Safe & Sustainable recommendations and came across as a reasonable man trying to find a way forward.

Facing him, the belligerent Mr Mulholland, who emphasised every point with an aggressive jab of an index finger towards his fellow studio guest.

"It's not about you, or this hospital or that hospital," said an exasperated Sir Ian. Or tried to, as he was repeatedly shouted down.

Mr Mulholland later retweeted messages of congratulations from Twitter followers praising his performance on the programme. Apparently he had emerged with some sort of victory.

It all leaves me wondering what on earth is going on. What are people actually fighting for here?

Surgery is only one part of the story. A major part, of course, but nevertheless one that fits into a wider picture encompassing the entire treatment and ongoing care of a youngster with a heart defect.

There are plenty of sound proposals in the Safe & Sustainable report, relating not only to surgery.

If this "fundamentally flawed" document is to be dismissed then we'll be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

We're in limbo. We need a decision, a way forward. No more reviews of appeals into reviews. No more politicians playing to the galleries.

At some point, someone has to say, 'This is what is going to happen. If you don't like it, tough.'

Anything short of that really would be flawed.

Where do we go from here?

2012-10-30T22:30:00Z

I really wonder where we're heading now with the restructuring of children's heart units in this country.

It seems to me that a combination of self-interest and political interference is threatening to derail the entire process.

Back in July, the outcome of the Safe & Sustainable review was announced, with paediatric heart operations set to continue at seven hospitals, including Newcastle, and cease at Leeds, Leicester and the Royal Brompton in London.

]]> The protests from those affected have been long and loud.

And last week, new Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced that the decision will be examined by an independent panel, with a final verdict now expected in the new year.

But what happens then? Whatever the outcome, somebody somewhere will challenge it. Do we have more delays as another appeal is looked into? And if someone disagrees with that ruling? It could go on and on.

I'm a dad of two boys with major heart conditions, and stand side by side with all fellow heart parents, wherever they may live.

I fully sympathise with those who don't want to travel longer distances for their child to have surgery.

But somewhere along the line, we have to say enough is enough and think about what's best for everyone.

The debate has focused on where children will have surgery, but that's only part of the story.

We carried a piece this week about a youngster from our region who had a heart transplant at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital at just five months old.

Ruby Sanger is now a fun-loving four-year-old, another of the Freeman's many success stories.

But this heart-warming tale could just as easily have been one of disastrous failure.

Consider these quotes from Ruby's mum: "She was born with the heart condition but we didn't know about it until she was eight weeks old as she had not been putting on weight.

"It was initially thought that she had a water infection.

"It wasn't until she was admitted to the Freeman Hospital that her heart condition was diagnosed."

So here we have a child with a life-threatening heart condition and no-one is aware of it until she's eight weeks old?

It was thought she had a water infection? How wrong can you be?

Thankfully someone decided to refer Ruby to the Freeman, playing a considerable part in saving her life.

Surely we can do so much better than this.

Looking in from the outside, you might suppose congenital heart defects are automatically picked up soon after a child is born.

In fact, time and time again we are talking about a game of chance. Parents whose instinct tells them something is not quite right wondering whether another trip to the GP is called for.

Detection and diagnosis. It hardly gets a mention. All you ever hear about is surgery.

We have some brilliant children's heart surgeons. We don't have a brilliant system for finding their patients.

A quick scan of Ruby's heart any time after she was born would have provided instant answers.

As these machines cost tens of thousands of pounds, though, it's unlikely we'll be testing newborns in this way any time soon.

However, a far less costly check on the level of oxygen in her blood using a fifty quid saturation monitor would have alerted someone to a possible heart condition.

I see Safe & Sustainable not only as a review of surgery but also of something much wider, such as how these conditions are picked up in the first place, and the ongoing relationships between patients, families and those providing treatment.

In misleading language, people talk of units 'closing'. It's all wrong.

Yes, surgery will stop at some hospitals, but there will still be locally-based cardiologists and community nurses in those areas working with children and their families.

No-one should underestimate the importance of these people.

The plan is to create new networks across the country, meaning children with major heart defects should be properly identified and treated as early as possible.

There is a big opportunity here which lots of people seem to have lost sight of. I hope we all come to our senses before it's too late.

A petition calling for the implementation of the Safe & Sustainable decision can be signed here

Smooth Groove

2012-09-26T19:37:23Z

Are you wondering what the title means?
Well, here is my answer...
I don't know about you but I love to wear figure-hugging clothes and skinny jeans , etc.
I am not the person who goes to the gym, but I know many of you do. I also know that we always want to look nice no matter what we wear.
You are probably thinking where I am going with this...
There is a lot of ladies out there who have very similar problem, and it's called "camel toe"
Yes, Yes this is a big problem believe it or not.
I can tell you a secret there is an amazing solution...
As you have probably guessed by now, it's called Smooth Groove. This is a fantastic invention and problem solving item.

I have tried it on and I must say it's definitely doing the job, its very soft and in moulds in to your body shape, to be honest I did not felt it at all. I really like the cute design of it and the way is presented. I can recommended it to all the ladies who tried to find a solution.

You can purchase it on Superdrug's website here is the link:

http://www.superdrug.com/feminine-essentials/smoothgroove-feminine-insert-camel-toe/invt/483659/

It's very hygienic and easy to clean. Its available in black,white and clear. It comes with a cute little satin pouch and lovely designed box.
You have to try it and I am sure you won't regret it.

Celebrating the greatest sporting event in the world

2012-08-09T15:28:27Z

The greatest sporting event in the world being held in London has generated a new spirit and a sense of unity in our country. It is heartening to see that the whole nation is cheering our heroes and heroines irrespective of their background, colour or ethnic origin.

]]> They are all members of our team and representing our country. Through their outstanding performance they have proved that our country is one of the top sporting countries in the world. We would like to congratulate our athletes and thank them for their contribution.

At the same time we must acknowledge tremendous sacrifice thousands of volunteers have made to help organise the programme without any hitch. The London Olympics have generated tremendous spirit of oneness. We must maintain that spirit under any cost. Youth in our country have tremendous potential and every effort should be made to help them to realise their full potential.

We are all aware of the fact that many young people are disillusioned. They very strongly believe that they do not have a future. They believe that there is no hope for them. We must work hard to help them to change that perception. We need to reassure them that there is a future for them. In order to do that the policy makers at both local as well national levels need to re examine their priorities and place youth, educations, skills and equipment at the top. We cannot wait till the economic recovery. It will be too late if we do that.

The lives of many young people will be destroyed. There is no time to apportion blame but to put our differences aside and take steps to help our young people. The new action plan demands sacrifice on our part and provide opportunity to our young people to succeed in life.

Last month we launched a new initiative called "Art of Giving" for schools in Newcastle. The aim is to cultivate the quality of giving in them and make contribution to the community. This initiative, I believe is appropriate for the adults as well.

I would like to congratulate our athletes who took part in the events and wish them well

The five important pillars of Islam

2012-08-01T15:45:40Z

I have great pleasure in writing another piece for my blog.

The season of festivals is approaching soon. People from all faiths are getting ready to celebrate their main festivals. The friends from the Muslim Communities will soon be celebrating their festival Eid which falls at the end of Ramadhan, the month of fasting.

]]> The five important pillars of Islam are:
· Faith in Allah, the supreme being
· Regular prayers
· Fasting in the month of Ramadhan
· Payment of "Zakath" or the wealth purification tax to the underprivileged and needy people
· Performance of the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca by those who can afford it

Though duties and obligations of believers have been broadly classified into two categories, the emphasis in Islam is to render service to God through rendering service to humanity. There are a number of verses in the Holy Koran exhorting believers to be compassionate, truthful, just, kind, charitable and generous to the orphans, the widows and the old, the sick, the destitutes, and to one's own neighbour, relatives, parents, children and others.

Ramadhan
This is the month of Ramadhan, the month of fasting. The Muslim calendar consists of twelve lunar months. Because of this the annual festivals occur at different seasons thirteen days earlier in each successive year. The ninth month is the month of fasting Ramadhan.

Although it, from the first glimpse of the crescent moon to its reappearance a month later to mark the feast, no food or water may be taken from dawn till sunset. Before light, in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh the sound of drum is often heard in the street, with its sinuous to awake and eat in the twighlight, before a white thread can be distinguished from the black, and the day's fast begins.

Ramadhan is a time of discipline and also of family visits and neighbourly calls from the iftar (breakfast) parties in the evenings when the fast is over.
I would like to wish all my Muslim brothers and sisters Ramadhan Kareen a happy month of fasting.

People from all over the world coming to North East

2012-07-27T15:54:24Z

I have great pleasure in writing another article for my blog.

Our country is ready to welcome people from all over the world. The Olympic Games are about to start. The opening ceremony will be held on Friday. More than 10,000 athletes are ready to participate in various events.

]]>
A large number of visitors will be visiting the North East.

The North East is a very welcoming part of the United Kingdom. Visitors are always welcomed to the North East. Let us extend warm welcome to all our visitors. To us in the North East, hospitality is a form of prayer. Our world class athletes, Brendan Forster, Steve Cram, and Jonathon Edwards have played a leading role in the organisation. We thank them for promoting sporting spirit in the country.

For the next couple of months, our visitors will have opportunity of tasting different cultures that represent the North East. We are looking forward to fantastic times.

Diamond Jubilee celebrations are for everyone

2012-07-20T16:16:06Z

I have great pleasure in writing the following article for my blog.

At present the whole nation has been celebrating Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

]]>
Organisations, small and large have been paying tribute to HerMajesty for sixty glorious years of selfless service she has given to our country the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

The Queen is a symbol of unity between all countries of the Commonwealth made up of 54 countries. The people are united to work together and help one another. The Queen is held in high esteem by people irrespective of their cultures or religions.

The Queen, as the Defender of Faith, is the head of followers of Christian Faith but she respects traditions and values held by the people of other faiths. She has played a very important role creating understanding among faith communities so essential in making our multifaith society a reality.

A number of major events were organised to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and pay for the Queen's happiness and long life.

a) The Asian Circle brought prominent members of the Asian Communities and Leaders from all the main institutions to dinner held at the New Kent Hotel on Sunday 27th May, 2012. All prayed for the Queen's ling life and thanked her for sixty years of selfless service to our country.

b) On 3rd June 2012, more than 500 people met at the Holy Nativity Church, Chapel House Newcastle to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and also used this important occasion to launch the Peace Garden, the first initiative of its kind in the city.

It is hoped that the garden will be used by the Chapel House Community irrespective of their faiths or cultures. People will have opportunity of meeting one another and make friends. They will be able to discuss their concern and seek help from people. This initiative hopefully will generate community spirit.

c) On Sunday 17th June, members of the Sikh Community celebrated the Diamond Jubilee. The Chief Guests were Lord Lieutenant Mr Nigel Sherlock. Warm tributes were paid to Her Majesty the Queen by the President of the Sikh Community

d) On Saturday 23rd June 2012, children from around the world who have made Newcastle their home got together to learn about the importance of the Diamond Jubilee. The event was hosted by the Newcastle Council of Faiths, the Newcastle BME Safeguarding initiative, the City Council and the Newcastle Federation of Schools. It was held at Moorside Community Primary School.

Hari Shukla paid a warm tribute to Her Majesty the Queen for her leadership. Children from different cultures performed and they all had lunch party together. It is very heartening to know that people from all backgrounds are joining hands to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and thank her Majesty for her dedication to the service of people of our country.

Diamond Jubilee celebrations are for everyone

2012-07-20T16:16:06Z

I have great pleasure in writing the following article for my blog.

At present the whole nation has been celebrating Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

]]>
Organisations, small and large have been paying tribute to HerMajesty for sixty glorious years of selfless service she has given to our country the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

A number of major events were organised to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and pay for the Queen's happiness and long life.

The Art of Giving

2012-07-15T16:04:34Z

Last month, in the presence of a large number of heads and Governors of schools in Newcastle, a very interesting and useful initiative, first of its kind in the city was launched.

]]>
I thought of this idea when I was asked by "The Journal" our esteem newspaper to write a message for Christmas. I chose to write about "the importance of giving".
After a couple of months later I thought very deeply about this idea and decided to develop an initiative called "The Art of Giving" at school level.

I simple believe that "The Art of Giving" needs to be cultivated among children and young people. I consulted and sought advice from the Bishop of Newcastle, Rt Rev Martin Wharton, Cllr David Faulkner, Mr Jamie Martin of Wardhadaway, Mr John Collins, Executive Director of Children's Services Newcastle. They liked the idea and agreed to support it.

We contacted schools to help us to run a pilot project. The following schools expressed willingness to participate in the pilot project:
Royal Grammar School
Dame Allans School
Percy Hedley School
Moorside Community Primary School
Walbottle Campus Technology College

Aim: To develop caring, concerned citizens with the confidence and skills to make a difference to their local, national and global communities.

Objectives:
To inspire compassions linked to social and moral responsibility
To enhance the skills of communication and to participate in the community
To develop the ability to make choices, set goals and take action.
To raise awareness of the importance of looking after one's surroundings and having a positive attitude to helping
To realise that people and other living things have needs and that we all have responsibilities to meet them
To recognise how our behaviour affects other people

The schools taking part have produced a document outlining their programme. There is a great excitement among staff and children. A large number of young people are giving service and making very useful contribution. But there are others who need motivation and support. Two or three years, children and young people, who have made outstanding contribution will be awarded a certificate and a gift in recognition of their efforts.

Anyone interested in supporting this initiative can contact me on 0191 2433620

I would like to thank the members of the steering commitee and friends who are providing support.

Hari

Some reassurance is called for

2012-07-06T16:00:00Z

Campaigners in Leeds have vowed to fight this week's decision to stop children's heart surgery at the city's Royal Infirmary.

I won't criticise them for fighting their corner, but my own view is that it's time we all moved on and looked to the future.

]]> For those of us attached to the Freeman, it's as you were, but for families whose children are treated in Leeds the picture seems far from certain.

Great efforts will be needed to reassure those families that what lies ahead might not be as bleak as they imagine.

As I understand it, one of their major concerns surrounds the extra distance they will have to travel for their children's operations, and the perceived risks this could pose to those in urgent need of surgery.

But if the new congenital heart networks function as intended, the journey times to the Freeman will not be such an obstacle.

With more effective screening and earlier detection of major heart conditions, we'll see a reduction in the number of emergency cases.

And with more operations going ahead on time there will be far fewer cancelled procedures, meaning less chance of children's conditions worsening to the point where they start straying towards emergency territory.

As I've said before, it's wrong to portray every trip to hospital with your child for heart surgery as a dramatic race against time.

It's a horrible journey, there's no getting away from that, but it's not always accompanied by the sound of a siren.

Of course, there are bound to be emergency cases, and I'm sure the powers that be are aware that they will need effective transport procedures when the need arises.

According to the Safe & Sustainable report, almost 90% of children who undergo heart surgery need only one operation.

So in the majority of cases, we'd be talking about one visit to Newcastle.

The question of where children have surgery has dominated this debate, to the near-exclusion of everything else.

There are a lot of other pieces to the jigsaw, and I think it's time we started to look at the bigger picture.

None of this is easy.

But one thing is certain - there's a warm welcome waiting in the North East for the new members of the family.

It's time to move on

2012-07-04T19:00:00Z

Today has been a long time coming, but finally we have a decision.

Children's heart surgery will continue at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, meaning the end of such operations at Leeds Royal Infirmary.

My first thoughts are with the Leeds parents. There will be people in turmoil at today's outcome, and who can blame them?

]]> Newcastle may be the preferred choice of the decision-makers, but I don't see this as a day for celebrating 'victory'.

If there is a winner then it follows that there must also be a loser, but I am hoping that no-one loses out as a result of this.

As long as the crucial question of transporting emergency cases to Tyneside is properly addressed, then we will all win in the long run.

In future children will receive the best possible standard of care, surgeons will not be working under the kind of pressures they currently face, and parents will have more peace of mind.

The standard of paediatric heart surgery in our country is very good - but at times it's not good enough.

It's rare, but a small number of children die as a result of these dangerous and complex operations.

The Safe & Sustainable review has been underpinned by the desire to make things safer for children who have heart surgery, and to improve the working lives of the people who operate on them.

I just can't argue against that.

To my mind, looking after the surgeons is vital. After all, I don't want someone cutting into my child's chest who is on the brink of exhaustion.

No, I'd much rather they were able to take a day off to recharge their batteries like everyone else.

I've got a bigger debt than most to the Freeman, as two of my sons have gone through life-saving treatment there.

We've been guided through the madness by a team to rival any in the world.

My son Charlie has had five operations there and will need a further open heart procedure when he is a teenager.

His twin brother George, who has an internal defibrillator, presented a considerable challenge to the cardiology team when he began to suffer extreme heart rhythm problems a couple of years ago.

Despite my strong emotional attachment to Newcastle, and the people who work there, I would have reluctantly accepted a different decision today.

That's easy for you to say, you might think, but my opinion hasn't changed since I first started writing about this subject back in 2009.

It's taken way too long to arrive at this point, and let's hope that there are no further delays caused by appeals against the panel's ruling.

This is a difficult day for many people, but the time has come to draw a line, put self-interest aside and move on.

All of our children are counting on us to do so.

Hello Kitty Spa opens in Dubai

2012-06-20T03:48:44Z

When you hear the name Hello Kitty you know exactly who it is.
This little adorable cat is taking over the world by a storm. You can buy anything you can imagine with HK images on. It's not a child's toy anymore it's a grown ups lifestyle.
I must say I am one of these people who is addicted not only to pink and Barbie but also Hello Kitty.
Very recently the very first in the world Hello Kitty Spa was open in Dubai. It's located in Town Centre Dubai.
It looks amazing, the detail of the luxurious spa is out of this world.

They offer pampering sessions for children with all organic products and of curse fabulous pampering for women. I this is a great idea to spend with your girl friends, sister, mam you name it.
You can have relaxing head massage, pedicure, kitty-cure. I love kawaii style and yes they do 3D nails in kawaii. Meowwwwww :)

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I know exactly where I would like to celebrate my Birthday. Oh, yess you can ever have your birthday party at the spa. How amazing is that?! You Must visit their website www.hellokittyspa.com. I hope I can visit soon and give you the inside scoop, or perhaps write a live coverage straight from the source.

You can fly to Dubai with Emirates straight from Newcastle.

Pretty in Pink xxx

Pink beach bag

2012-05-20T18:03:51Z

Only two more sleeps to my holidays! woo hoo! so excited! Majorca here I come.
Few weeks ago I went to Cardiff and I found this cute bag at Disney shop for £2.50!!

I though to myself, I must have it!!!!!!
It's perfect size to take on the beach.
Most of all its Pink and Disney! my two favourite things ha ha...

They don't have this bag at Disney MetroCentre anymore but fingers crossed that it wll show up again.

Pretty in Pink
xxx

Kiwi Boutique- Big Sale

2012-05-20T11:35:26Z

Hey Ladies,
I am sure you remember by blog about Kiwi Boutique.
I think this places is girls dream!!! I love the labels they stock!
Amazing product full stop. To be honest with you I want everything right now.
If you feel the same... I am sure you do.
I have some great news for you, yes I mean great news.
Kiwi Boutique will have an amazing sale on the 27th of May. So, if you want to look amazing and unique, you need to run and get there on that date.

P.S. Running in heels is so this season :)

Happy shopping.

Pretty in Pink
xxx

New way to achieve nice toned body

2012-05-08T10:12:10Z

I hate going to the gym it's just not me at all. I know there is a lot of women who feel the same. For many years I wanted to try pole dancing fitness.

Finally I have done my first class yesterday. To be very honest with you it was fantastic, my arms are sore, but hey no pain, no gain. And I was very surprised to hear that I am not as weak and I though. WOO HOO result.

It was a lot of fun and I know now that this is how I want to get my body fit and toned. I would recommend it to everyone!!

I went to The North Pole Dance in Newcastle. Aimee was my teacher and she is the owner. What a lovely person, she was so good what ever she showed me it looked so beautiful and easy. Well, its harder then it looks but with good practice we can all get there.

I really cant wait for my next class next week. So, ladies if you want to join the fun you know what to do. Get in touch with info@northernpoledance.co.uk
Of course I will keep you in the loop with my progress and how thing are getting on.
Look at the fun we are having :)

Pretty in Pink
xx