Last updated 17:18, Wednesday, 04 June 2008

SIR – I would like to comment on the article printed in the May 29 edition ‘Hand-wipes bid to beat hospital bugs’. My son was involved, as a pedestrian, in a road traffic accident back in February this year. He was treated in Intensive Care at The West Cumberland Hospital, where he remained comatose until he was transferred to Newcastle.

SIR – I would like to comment on the article printed in the May 29 edition ‘Hand-wipes bid to beat hospital bugs’. My son was involved, as a pedestrian, in a road traffic accident back in February this year. He was treated in Intensive Care at The West Cumberland Hospital, where he remained comatose until he was transferred to Newcastle.
During those awful few days, none of my family or friends was asked to clean their hands before approaching the area in which my son was being monitored. Also my son’s clothing, which was cut from him at the scene of his accident, lay in a hospital plastic bag on the floor opposite his bed, covered in blood.
He was then transferred to Newcastle General Hospital, due to internal bleeding to his brain. He was initially placed in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit but later moved to the Neuro-rehabilitation Ward, where he spent five weeks recovering from his injuries.
During his time at Newcastle, he had various family and friends visit him and every time anyone entered or left the ward they were monitored to check they had washed their hands in warm soap and water, not just a squirt of gel.
My son didn’t pick up any bugs while in that hospital, thanks to the vigilance of the staff.
However, in May this year he attended Leeds General Infirmary for intensive brachial plexus surgery in an attempt to repair the nerves in his left arm, as he has no function or feeling of it whatsoever, as a result of his accident. He spent just over a week there and for the first three to four days he was placed in his own room on the High Dependency Unit of the ward. Following this, he was moved to a six-bedder. During his stay he developed diarrhoea and was asked to provide a sample for analysis. The sample came back showing he had C-Difficile, although whether he contracted it from the hospital or actually already had it remains unclear.
He was then placed back in the High Dependency Unit for the remainder of his stay, to avoid contact with other patients. The nurse who was looking after my son at the time of this discovery, was also looking after two other patients.
I found out after asking a few questions about this ‘bug’ that C-Dif is not eliminated by using the gel on entering and leaving the ward. Your hands must be washed in warm soapy water and dried thoroughly in order to stop infection, which is information that I have yet to see or hear ‘NHS Trust’ representatives talking/warning the public about.
It seems to me that it is totally pointless using only the hand gel if it isn’t going to stop the spread of C-Dif. I imagine by the time my son left hospital the whole ward was probably rife with it, due to the late detection.
People due to be admitted to hospital for treatment should all undergo a test to ensure that they are not carrying this bug into our hospitals. They are already tested for MRSA so why not C-Dif?
I think it comes down to money, as do most problems regarding our hospitals today. They are all too keen to say what they are doing to combat these bugs but are not prepared to put their hands in their pockets and employ further staff and create the materials / equipment to monitor this problem. They need people employed to monitor those who enter/leave the hospital and instead of the hand gel, an area where you must wash your hands thoroughly before even considering entering areas where you are in contact with patients. Most people who are just visiting or delivering don’t bother with the gel anyway,
My son, luckily, was not at risk of serious illness as normally he is a healthy boy of 10 but as for those who are seriously ill, old or young; this can be potentially fatal .
I imagine someone will respond to this letter; lots will agree and others will no doubt defend the hospital. But his is not a dig at anyone who cleans/maintains the cleanliness in the hospital; but a point which I felt I must make, to those at the top, who make the decisions.
I wouldn’t have wasted my time sending this if my son hadn’t contracted the bug but when it happens to you or your own, especially after what he has had to deal with over the past few months, then that’s when you feel the need to be heard.
Nicola BANKS
Rutland Avenue, Whitehaven
Let’s have fair play over bins
With the ‘bins strike’ continuing I wonder whether Copeland council are going to be as officious in this matter as they were in prosecuting Mr Corkhill recently, for leaving his wheelie bin lid open?
By that I mean, are the people of Copeland set to receive a refund on their Council Tax, for each week collections are missed? After all, it stands to reason that if there are rules about shutting your bin lid, the council are also bound to collect refuse and failure to do so must put them in the wrong, so it would be hypocritical of them not to provide a refund.
No doubt there are those who will say that the strike is outside the Council's control. You could also argue that once you put your bin out for collection, you have no control over somebody walking past and lifting the lid; or for that matter putting the wrong type of rubbish in the bin. So come on Copeland let's have some fair play.
Andrew PAYNE
Devonshire Street, Workington

Sir – The latest refuse collectors strike (which I am not against) reminded me to send this letter regarding refuse collection in Copeland.
The fortnightly collection is a disgrace when neighbouring Allerdale can still collect weekly. If your bin is overflowing/ you place additional bags beside your bin, a sticker is placed on the bin stating that this not acceptable and you should contact the council for information on regarding recycling and your nearest refuse site (the additional bags are not taken away).
If your bin lid does not close then you could be fined as in the case of Gareth Corkill.
As additional bags are not taken away, the residents of Copeland are making weekly trips to the refuse site, at Frizington, on their weekends off from work. By doing this we are preventing birds, cats, dogs and rodents scavenging through the refuse bags and are actually working for the council. Therefore a COUNCIL TAX REBATE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ALL COUNCIL TAX PAYERS as we are not getting the service required by the council.

Peter BURNS
Crossings Close, Cleator Moor

SIR – I would like to comment on Copeland Borough Council’s refuse department. While my bin was being emptied by the refuse collectors, over two weeks ago, they managed to break the lid and I was left with an open bin.
I rang the council to be informed I would have to put my complaint in writing to get a replacement lid. The letter was sent the same day.

I have now waited two weeks, and when I visited Copeland Borough Council I was told that I would still have to wait as the refuse collectors are now going on strike. My bin is now full with a fortnight’s refuse.
I have three young children and the smell from the bins is unbearable. We have had to take some of the rubbish to the tip at Frizington because of the smell.

Through no fault of my own, I have been left with a smelly bin and the hassle of trying to get a replacement.

Maybe we should fine the council for their failure to adhere to regulations (health and safety).
Name and address supplied
Complaint to Northern Rail
SIR – Below follows a copy of a letter I sent to Northern Rail.
“I wish to complain about the conditions we were forced to travel in on Saturday, May 31 on the 16.30 train from Newcastle to Whitehaven as discussed with your customer relations officer Brian Walker.

“I am registered as blind and I am a guide dog user. We got onto the train ok at Newcastle and listened to the public safety announcement over the train tannoy system which stated: ‘In the interests of safety nothing must be left in the aisle.’ However, when we got as far as the Metro Centre the train filled to almost triple the amount of passengers to seats, people stood in the aisles, people sat in the aisles in direct contravention of your own safety rules. This train was unsafe for able-bodied people as well as disabled people. My guide dog was trodden on on at least 10 occasions and is traumatised by the experience.
“ I fully intend to send a copy of this email to the national press. Is this the level of service we can expect from Northern Rail and furthermore I am told by passengers who use this service regularly that it is a regular occurrence on this service.”
Bob STOKER
Overend Road, Whitehaven
Coalfield’s proud and tragic history
SIR – I agree wholeheartedly with Mrs A Smith of Sandwith’s letter published in The Whitehaven News of May 22.
Some years ago, as a volunteer with the Groundwork Trust, I devised and led a guided walk that started with Saltom, ending on the North Pier and linked the mines and mine memorials in between.
There is a wealth of fascinating information connected with the Whitehaven coalfield for it has a proud and tragic history.
As Mrs Smith points out: “It deserves to be recognised for its national importance.”
E M BRANTHWAITE
Bridge End Park, Egremont


Haven RL Club: great game guys
SIR – I, along with scores of other supporters of Whitehaven Rugby League Club, would like to congratulate the Whitehaven team for the superb display that they produced on Thursday night’s televised match against table-topping Salford City Reds. It doesn’t get much better than that – they were brilliant. With thousands watching the game on TV what a good advert this is not only for Whitehaven but also for rugby in Cumbria.
The club has had more downs than ups recently, surely this performance must give them a much-needed boost. Games like this will surely see the crowds flooding back to the Rec. Well done also to the coach Ged Stokes and everyone else who puts so much work and effort into running the club.
Ken MAWSON
Bailey Ground, Seascale

Northern Rock shareholders
SIR – I read with interest your article on April 21 titled “Why should we bail out Northern Rock?” This view has been expressed before and gathered headwind to the point where I fear, as a small shareholder, we will not get a fair shake of the stick.
I am dismayed at the apparent reluctance of the Press to balance the argument and tell our story. We understand that shares can go up as well as down; what we don’t understand is how the shares can be worth a reported 5p each when the Government confidently expects to recover the tax payers’ money and sell on Northern Rock at a substantial profit. Where is this profit coming from we ask?
The shareholders had no say in determining the fate of the bank. The Government, having acted unilaterally, should therefore face the rightful consequences of its actions. I for one would not expect to receive compensation at the expense of the tax payer, however, one must ask to whom does the equity in Northern Rock belong? One fact is indisputable – it did not belong to the Government or the Tax Payer prior Nationalisation.
There are many innocent victims in this mess including pensioners and the two thousand or so employees who are about face the double whammy of losing their jobs and their savings in the Northern Rock share plan. This is not a simple case of a failed business, the Government acted unilaterally, the compensation terms are dubious at best and illegal at worst. If, as it appears, Northern Rock is able to pay back the BOE loans, why shouldn’t the shareholders be paid out the residual value? I fear this is a case of the government stealing from the poor, a modern day Robin Hood Story if you will.
Tony NORSTROM
CB&I
Request for volunteers
SIR – As RNIB community fundraising manager I am looking for volunteers to join my existing team in the North of England.
Every day more than 100 people start to lose their sight. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) helps to rebuild lives devastated by sight loss, by providing over 60 services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
As an organisation we receive no government or statutory funding and rely on generous donations from the general public. Much of our funding comes from our famous “Sooty” boxes, which many of your readers may have seen in shops, restaurants and pubs throughout the area.
I am looking for volunteers to collect, count and bank the donations generated through “Sooty”.
Any readers who feel they can offer help a few hours per month, to undertake this rewarding work, should contact me to discuss the flexible volunteering opportunities within RNIB.
I can be contacted on 01388 528297, or via email at linda.brown@rnib.org.uk
Thank you for your support.
Linda BROWN
Community Fundraising Manager North of England
Royal National Institute of Blind People


Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
SIR – I was so pleased to read the Moresby WI article in The Whitehaven News of May 22 by Avril Done, referring to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
So little appears to be known about this charity locally.
My husband and I have supported this charity for a number of years and, a couple of years ago, Distington Community Amateur Sports Club and Distington Community School raised money for this worthy cause.
Following the previous week’s article we were delighted to see a picture in The Whitehaven News of May 29 about the opening of the bridge, in Distington, by Mrs Scott. Many thanks to all those who were instrumental in making this project happen especially to Mr P Flynn and to Mr R McAvoy who approached Rathbones who designed and constructed the bridge. Thanks to the Reading Room Trustees who provided the funding and to Mr and Mrs Scott who allowed the bridge to be built on their land.
My husband was there at the opening of the bridge. We walk our dog along that path every day, and for that reason he attended the opening and therefore was in the picture.
Now I can reveal the connection. He was wearing a polo shirt with the logo of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. A number of people showed an interest and he was able to explain what the charity was all about.
So for two consecutive weeks, however obscure, The Whitehaven News printed articles about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Any publicity for this worthy cause is appreciated.
Thank you.
Anne Shepherd (Mrs)
Common End
Distington
Charity thanks
SIR – If you have ever enjoyed a stroll or ride across the wonderful sea to sea (C2C) route you might be surprised to read it is all kept safe and attractive by dedicated volunteers.
Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, would like to mark Volunteers’ Week (June 1 to 7) by thanking our two and a half thousand volunteer rangers, who make an incredible contribution to our work.
They act as our eyes and ears to ensure that the 12,000 miles of National Cycle Network are a pleasure for walkers, cyclists and others to use. They cut back hedges, put up signs and bird boxes, build benches, pick litter and even organise local bike rides.

Our volunteers are as keen as ever for like-minded people to join their local group. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer ranger and want to help make a positive difference in your community visit www.sustrans.org.uk
Tony AMBROSE
Sustrans Volunteer Programme Manager
College Green, Bristol

Afternoon tea...
SIR – Queen Victoria did many things, but she did not start the meal called afternoon tea, as Grainne Jakobson thinks (Good Food, April 24), which was begun by the Duchess of Bedford (or some other such lady) in about 1840, as stopgap between lunch and dinner.
Lunch was then a newish meal itself (the word derives from “lump”, of bread, meat etc), brought in when dinner’s time moved from between 3pm and 5pm, to 8pm or after, in London.
By four o’clock the duchess was hungry and asked for tea and bread and butter to be brought to her room. Others copied this. When dinner was at 3pm, the previous meal of the affluent was a vast cooked breakfast.
As a widow, Queen Victoria did not laugh; but early and late in life, she did – “gales of laughter”, Princess Alice recalled (she lived with her when young). Princess Alice lived well into her 90s, and was on Radio 4, recalling.
Jeremy GODWIN
Drovers Lane, Penrith

...with bread
SIR – This is in answer to the letter about home made bread. I have made this for years. I hope it helps people to get started.

Bread (basic)
500g of Strong White Bread Flour
2 heaped teaspoons of Sugar
1 level teaspoon of Sea Salt
1 packet of dried Yeast
300ml of hand hot water, slightly over warm
1 tablespoon of Olive Oil, I use slightly more.

Preheat the oven to 80d, turn off after 10 min.
Flour a cooking tray.
Lightly oil the bread tins, even if they are non stick.

Put it all into a bowl and mix with a spoon.
When it sticks to the spoon, empty it onto a floured surface and knead for five minutes mins.
If it’s dry add water, if wet add flour.
Put it all onto a tray, cover with a light tea towel and put it in the oven for 40 mins.
Remove the tray, knead the bread for five mins.
Halve the mix, push it into the bread tins, cover each with a light tea towel (loosely).
Put it back into the oven, let it rise to the rim of the tin.
Remove the towel, cook on 230 for 30 mins.
Remove from the tin on to a wire rack to cool.
All flours have different water absorption rates, adjust by feel.
Clive MORGAN
Seascale