NHS plans Bradford hospital facility for parents of ill children
If plans are approved by Bradford Council, the facility would be built on vacant space at the Smith Lane side of the hospital next to the maternity unit.Explaining the need for the accommodation, the application reads: "The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provides expert clinical care to babies born at the extreme limits of gestational age and those born critically unwell."On average the unit admits around 500 babies per year."The building would include five en-suite rooms for relatives, a family room, dining area and a laundry facility.Plans for outside include a terrace with seating and an informal play space.Changes to the existing neonatal unit would include a new rooming-in bedroom and end of life room, a consultation room, a prayer room and en-suite toilet.A spokesperson for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "This much-needed facility will help keep families together by providing them with a comfortable and supportive space to stay close to their babies during an incredibly challenging time."A decision on the application was expected in October, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
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Wales Online
15 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Toddler was given paracetamol by doctors but she was already fighting for her life and now faces race against time
Toddler was given paracetamol by doctors but she was already fighting for her life and now faces race against time Katie Hughes faces a a looming NHS deadline for £500,000 treatment Sisters Katie and Mackenzie Hughes A little girl who was told to take paracetamol for a simple fever is now fighting for her life after doctors discovered she has a rare and deadly disease. Three-year-old Katie Hughes was rushed to hospital after suffering a terrifying seizure. Doctors blamed it on a high temperature and her parents Grant and Jessica Hughes were reportedly sent home with painkillers and told not to worry. But the fits kept coming and after Katie endured her seventh seizure, her parents demanded answers. On 14 July, with no family history to explain her symptoms, doctors ordered genetic tests that delivered crushing news. Katie has CLN2 Batten Disease – a cruel, terminal brain disorder that will slowly rob her of her ability to walk, talk and see. While there is no cure for Batten Disease, a special enzyme therapy can help slow its relentless progress but the treatment costs a staggering £500,000 a year per patient – and has to be given directly into the brain every two weeks through a permanent device. The NHS has a special deal in place for children who have already started treatment or who can start it before the end of 2025, according to the NICE website. But new patients after that might not be able to get it on the NHS at all, because health bosses say there's not enough long-term evidence it works and the price is too high for the NHS budget. Katie's parents are in a desperate race against time to try to get her onto the treatment before the deadline – or raise enough money to go private or even abroad if they have to. Katie and her dad Grant Hughes "As a mother you're always there for your children and I'm expected to just sit down and slowly watch her deteriorate and go," Jessica, 29, from Porth in Wales, said. "It's just hard to see that because she's only three – she hasn't even lived her life yet. She's too young to understand what's happening to her." Katie's symptoms first appeared in January this year. She had a brain scan in May that confirmed that she had epilepsy before she received her Batten diagnosis in July. Doctors have warned that she may not live past the age of eight to 12, meaning her parents could lose their daughter before she even reaches secondary school. Her family want to make precious memories while she's still able to enjoy them. Grant, said: "I'd never even heard of [the disease] before. "Jessica called me at work and told me to come home because the doctor wanted to give us the news together. I'm not a crying person but I was tearing up – we were in pieces. "They told us what was going to happen in the future but they didn't straight away say she was going to die. I felt like they were skirting around it. "I asked them outright what her life expectancy was and they told me it would be early childhood. It's devastating. It's hard to wrap your head around because she's normal – she's running around fine but all her skills will slowly go." Three-year-old Katie Hughes was rushed to hospital after suffering a terrifying seizure. Despite their heartbreak, the brave parents are determined to stay strong for Katie and her big sister MacKenzie, age seven. They hope to take Katie on dream trips so she can experience the magic before it's too late. Jessica said: "Everything is on a timer now. We want to take her to theme parks and Disney World while she can still enjoy it. "Even that's not simple – because she's epileptic we have to pay £100 for special glasses so she can cope with the flashing lights. "We put on a brave face every day but secretly it's destroying. We have to be there for her – and for MacKenzie too." Katie's loved ones have launched a fundraiser to help cover the sky-high treatment costs, specialist equipment and special days out. Grant added: "We just want Katie to have the best days we can possibly give her. She deserves to smile, to laugh and to feel loved every single day we have left." Article continues below You can donate to Katie's fundraiser here.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
For some Zimbabwe children with heart disease, a rare lifeline restores hope
Tubes snaked across 3-year-old Gracious Chikova's bandaged chest in the intensive care unit of a government hospital in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare. Just a day earlier, surgeons had opened her tiny heart to repair a defect that threatened her life. Now she sipped a drink from a syringe, her mother anxiously watching her every breath. 'I had given up. Those with money have been taking their children to India for surgery, but I simply couldn't afford it,' said Vimbainashe Chakanungwa as she helped her daughter sip her meal. Chakanungwa's monthly salary as a teacher is about $300, barely enough for household basics, let alone surgery. Gracious is one of 10 children who received free open-heart surgery in July at Parirenyatwa Hospital from a visiting team of Egyptian surgeons working alongside Zimbabwean doctors. In a country with just a handful of cardiothoracic specialists and chronic shortages of functioning equipment in public hospitals, the 'heart camp' offered hope to families who can't imagine raising the $15,000 needed for surgery abroad. Zimbabwe has only five cardiothoracic surgeons, including Dr. Kudzai Kanyepi, the country's first and only female heart surgeon. 'There is no medication that can replace surgery. The burden of disease remains, and unfortunately some of the children pass away without getting the help they desperately need,' Kanyepi said. 'It is the reason why we continue to work in our country. There is nothing greater than helping your own people.' Zimbabwe resumed open-heart operations in 2023 after they were paused in 2018 due to economic turmoil. Since then, local surgeons have operated on 55 children. Another 19 have benefited from two surgical camps last year and in July with Egyptian assistance and supported by nongovernmental organizations such as Gift of Life International. Globally, about one in every 100 children is born with congenital heart disease, making it the world's most common birth defect, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Zimbabwe, an estimated 4,500 children are born with heart disease each year, with many unable to access surgery, said Dr. Simukayi Machawira, head of cardiology at the hospital. Of those, 30% — or around 1,200 infants — are likely to die in their first year if untreated, he said. 'You can imagine, it's quite a lot of children,' he said. Dr. Hesham Shawky, the Egyptian team leader, has organized similar camps in Kenya and Uganda. 'This is the only solution for many people in Africa because they can't afford private care,' he said. On the ward in Zimbabwe, mothers hovered over their children, relief etched on their faces. Machines beeped softly as nurses adjusted tubes. One baby slept beside a balloon scrawled with a smiley face. For Chakanungwa, the joy over her child was hard to measure. 'I had resorted to prayer, just hoping for a miracle,' Chakanungwa said, smiling. 'It's impossible to open my heart to show my gratitude and happiness. I was afraid that I could lose my baby, but here is the baby. She's back to life.' ___ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
I'm a nutritionist - eat what you want without cutting calories with my easy hacks'
Expert Robbie Puddick reveals 10 ways to enjoy the summer's barbecues, picnics and all-inclusive buffets and still reduce hunger and boost energy levels As the long sunny summer rolls on, so does the national pastime of firing up the barbecue, dining al fresco or taking some picky bits to the park for a picnic. And who doesn't enjoy eating tasty food and having a drink with friends and family? But, it's also these situations, when we're offered endless food choices or we're out of our usual routine, that can lead us to overeat as we don't want to feel as though we are 'missing out'. The good news is that, with a few tweaks, the food we enjoy while having fun can be delicious and won't compromise our health. When it comes to summer dining and parties, balance really is key. And, by adding healthier options alongside our favourite foods, it can make these occasions something to look forward to rather than worry about. But this isn't about restriction and calorie-counting (our approach at Second Nature, an NHS -backed healthy eating plan focuses on giving our body everything it needs to thrive). Food is information. And, if we send the right signals to our brain with what we're eating, it will respond by lowering our hunger and boosting our energy levels. Our approach ensures you're eating enough protein, fat, and fibre to help you feel fuller for longer, so you're not having to reach for sugary snacks between meals. Here are some top tips for summer eating. READ MORE: Urgent salad and fruit warning to anyone eating common items in hot countries 1 Master the balanced BBQ plate Summer BBQs often focus heavily on meat and refined carbohydrates, but creating a more balanced plate will help you achieve your health goals while still enjoying your favourite foods. Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables; try grilling vegetable skewers, corn on the cob, or foil packets of mixed veg alongside your proteins. For the protein portion (about a quarter of your plate), opt for meat, fish, or plant-based options like grilled tofu or meat alternatives such as veggie sausages. If you're including a starchy carbohydrate like potato salad or a burger bun, keep it to a quarter of your plate (roughly the size of one closed fist). This balanced approach ensures you're getting a variety of nutrients while still enjoying classic BBQ favourites without feeling deprived. 2 Mix your own marinades Many shop-bought marinades contain surprising amounts of added sugar. Creating your own marinades gives you control over ingredients while adding incredible flavour. Mix olive oil with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a Mediterranean option, or try yoghurt with spices for a tandoori-style marinade. Acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or yoghurt not only add flavour but also tenderise meat. 3 Create super summer salads Summer salads don't have to be boring side dishes. To create a satisfying main meal, start with a variety of colourful vegetables for different nutrients and textures. Add a good source of protein, such as grilled chicken, leftover grilled meats from the BBQ, canned fish, feta cheese, or chickpeas. Include a portion of fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, or olive oil dressing, which helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables. Consider adding complex carbohydrates, such as quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potatoes, for sustained energy. This approach transforms a simple side salad into a balanced, nutritious meal that will keep you satisfied for hours. 4 Choose the right cooking method Different cooking techniques can transform both the taste experience and nutritional profile of our favourite dishes. Grilling creates a delicious smoky flavour to vegetables and proteins alike, perfect for outdoor cooking. Light steaming helps vegetables retain their vibrant colours and crisp textures, making them more appealing on the plate. Air-frying can create wonderfully crispy results for foods like homemade chips or vegetable fritters. Quick stir-frying in a small amount of quality extra virgin olive oil preserves the satisfying crunch of vegetables while developing complex flavours. Slow roasting intensifies the natural sweetness in vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and courgettes. These cooking methods aren't about restriction but rather about enhancing the natural qualities of your ingredients, making nutritious foods more delicious and satisfying. 5 Drink mindfully The British culture around alcohol often encourages overconsumption, which can have a knock-on impact on our health in the long term. But we can enjoy alcohol in moderation and enjoy our social events. If you choose to drink, alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated and consume less overall. Wine spritzers (wine with sparkling water) reduce alcohol content while maintaining the social experience. Clear spirits with low-sugar mixers, such as soda water and fresh lime, generally contain fewer calories than creamy cocktails or sugary premixes. Be wary of 'healthy' cocktails as they many contain large amounts of free sugars from fruit juices. Remember that guidelines recommend not exceeding 14 units weekly, spread across several days, with alcohol-free days in between. 6 Snack smart Hot weather can disrupt normal meal patterns and lead to increased snacking. Prepare by having nutritious options readily available. Keep a container of chopped vegetables and hummus in the fridge for quick access. Freeze yoghurt drops by piping small dots of Greek yoghurt onto baking paper and freezing; these make refreshing, protein-rich treats. Homemade ice lollies made with smoothies offer a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. A small handful of mixed nuts provides protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied. Having these options prepared in advance makes it easier to make nutritious choices when hunger strikes, even on the hottest days. 7 Go to parties with a plan Summer parties present a particular challenge for balanced eating. Having a small meal containing protein and fibre, such as Greek yoghurt and berries, before attending can help prevent arriving overly hungry. When at the event, first survey all available options before filling your plate, allowing you to make conscious choices rather than automatically taking everything. Position yourself away from the food table during conversations to prevent mindless grazing. Remember that occasional indulgences are a normal part of enjoying social gatherings; a single event won't derail your health, so focus on enjoyment and connection rather than food perfection. Balance is achieved across days, weeks, and months, rather than within every meal or event. 8 Freeze your fruit Frozen fruits offer convenience, affordability, and preserved nutrients as they're frozen at peak ripeness. For a simple dessert, blend frozen bananas for a creamy ice cream alternative with natural sweetness and no added sugar. Frozen berries can be partially thawed and added to yoghurt for a refreshing snack. Try freezing grapes for nature's 'sweets' that take longer to eat, helping with mindful consumption. Frozen fruit also makes smoothies naturally cold without diluting with ice. Since frozen fruit is pre-prepared and lasts for months, it removes preparation barriers when fresh produce might spoil quickly in summer heat, making healthy choices more convenient. 9 Make your breakfast the night before Traditional hot breakfasts often lose appeal during summer. Overnight oats offer a cooling alternative that preserves the nutritional benefits of porridge, simply combine oats with milk or yoghurt and let them sit in the fridge overnight. Adding protein, such as Greek yoghurt or a spoonful of nut butter, can help us feel fuller for longer. Smoothie bowls with added unsweetened protein powder, nuts, and seeds provide a refreshing, nutrient-dense option. Preparing these options the night before means we don't have to rush around in the morning and provides nutritious options when we're short on time. These approaches ensure you're not skipping breakfast, which research shows can impact energy levels and food choices throughout the day. 10 Batch cook for busy days Summer often brings spontaneous activities that can disrupt meal routines. Batch-preparing core components on the weekend creates flexibility while maintaining a nutritious diet. Cook extra portions of protein, such as chicken breasts or hard-boiled eggs, to add to salads or sandwiches. Prepare a large batch of mixed roasted vegetables that can be eaten cold or reheated. Wash and chop the salad ingredients, then store them separately with kitchen towels to absorb moisture, thereby extending their freshness. Cook and freeze portions of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, that can be quickly defrosted. This preparation enables you to quickly assemble balanced meals when opportunities for outdoor activities arise, supporting both your health goals and ability to enjoy the longer days.
