Latest news with #AlderHey
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Disposable vape ban: Help young vapers and don't judge, Liverpool medic says
Parents should help young people quit vaping by offering "support - not judgement", a hospital consultant has said as a ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes comes into force on government hopes the ban will curb littering and cut down youth vaping, which has increased despite it being illegal to sell the products to under-18s. Professor Rachel Isba, from Alder Hey Children's Hospital vaping cessation clinic in Liverpool, told BBC Radio 4 that vaping had "sort of snuck up on children and was now so widespread that it's sort of normalised".She advised parents to "guide" their children to a choice rather than just saying they were not allowed, but admitted "it's tricky". Seventeen-year-old Bella is among those receiving support at Alder Hey after vaping for three years."I wake up and then reach for my vape and then feel like I'm ready," she mother Lindsey recalled Bella asking for a box of vapes as a Christmas gift, and said: "I just shook my head and walked away from her."Bella told the BBC she had also seen "really young people vaping in the toilets" at school."I think it's good that they're banning disposable vapes because it's harder to get a reusable one so now more kids can't start." But Bella said she also felt there was a lack of support for young vapers, which Prof Isba agreed with."There are probably tens of thousands of children and young people who want to stop vaping and we don't have the services to support them," she said. "One of the great joys of this clinic [at Alder Hey] is that we can craft it around individual children and young people."She urged parents and carers to approach the issue of their child vaping "from a place of support, not judgement, which is really hard as a parent myself".She said: "It's tricky because you want your child to be as healthy as they can. "But actually my experience has been that supporting them and guiding them to a decision or a choice - rather than just saying 'you are not allowed to vape, you are not allowed to smoke, don't do it' - is a really great place to start."Marcus Sexton, of Blackburn vape shop chain Totally Wicked, said he thought the ban on disposable vapes was more "about environmental grounds". 'Not risk-free' "I was in Manchester recently watching people return them [for recycling]. It's great - but not enough people do," Mr Sexton called on the government to "make sure they don't throw the baby out with the bathwater by making it so hard and difficult for stores and consumers who are smokers to access these products".But he agreed that should be balanced with restricting access for those who were Minister Mary Creagh, who is an ex-smoker and pushed for the ban, admitted vapes could help people quit smoking but said she did not want a new generation to start vaping. She said about eight million disposable vapes were thrown away per week, and they cause 1,200 fires have been widespread concerns about the use of some brands which have "skyrocketed, particularly among younger people", according to the data suggested about 980,000 youngsters aged 11-17 have tried vaping, which is about 18% of that age demographic. However those who vape regularly were estimated to be about 3.7% of the 11-18 age group. The NHS said "developing lungs and brains mean they are more sensitive" to the impact of nicotine vaping, which is "less harmful than smoking but is not risk-free". Read more stories from Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Liverpool fans issued trophy parade warning
Liverpool FC is urging fans to refrain from using pyrotechnics and flares during the team's Premier League victory parade. This follows a number of burn injuries, including one to a child, during previous celebrations. The club is working with Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council, and Alder Hey Children's Hospital to promote safe celebrations. Officials emphasized the dangers of pyrotechnics, especially to children, citing past incidents requiring hospital treatment. The parade will feature professionally organised special effects, ensuring a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Alan Hansen to present Premier League trophy to Virgil van Dijk and anoint his true successor
He won the league title eight times during his 620 appearances for the Merseyside club, lifting the trophy as captain three times. He also won three European Cups with Liverpool and was captain when they won the league and FA Cup double in 1986. In an act of unparalleled humility, Hansen chose not to lift the FA Cup as club captain in 1989, instead allowing Ronnie Whelan to do so. Despite playing in the final win over Everton at Wembley, Hansen had only recently returned from injury and felt his stand-in should have the honour. It is also fitting that Hansen is handing over the trophy to Van Dijk given that the Dutchman has proven himself the modern successor to the elegant centre-back. Liverpool could boast many brilliant and successful centre-backs since Hansen's retirement as a player in 1991, most notably Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher. However, it was only when Van Dijk signed in January 2018 that the club truly felt they had signed Hansen's successor. If an all-time greatest Liverpool XI were selected, Hansen and Van Dijk would be the centre-back partners. Hansen will be joined for the trophy ceremony by Mark and Jo McVeigh from the Owen McVeigh Foundation. Mark and Jo established the foundation in 2015 after the passing of their son, Owen, from leukaemia and have worked tirelessly on behalf of Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital. A host of former Anfield legends will be in attendance this weekend, with former manager Jurgen Klopp expected to be among them. Klopp is back on Merseyside on Friday for a gala dinner on behalf of the Liverpool FC Foundation. He has not returned to Anfield since his emotional exit a year ago, but vowed to return when the title was won. Liverpool have made the most of their chance to celebrate their latest title win after they were denied the chance to host a full stadium and city-wide party because of the 2020 pandemic, when Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Liverpool fans urged to leave the flares at home ahead of victory parade
Liverpool FC fans have been urged to celebrate the team's Premier League victory responsibly, without pyrotechnics and flares, during the team's bus parade next week. Hundreds of thousands are expected to attend the city-wide celebration on Monday. However, the city and club officials highlighted safety concerns following incidents during last month's title win celebrations, where 50 burn injuries, including one to a three-year-old child, were reported outside Anfield. In partnership with Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council, and Alder Hey Children's Hospital – where several young fans were treated for burns last month – the club is emphasising the importance of protecting children from pyrotechnics. The 2022 victory parade, celebrating the FA Cup and Carabao Cup wins, saw 84 reported injuries, many burn-related, with 12 individuals requiring hospital treatment. Liverpool FC is determined to ensure this year's celebrations are safe and enjoyable for all. Nathan Askew, chief nurse at the hospital trust, said: 'We know that Monday will be a fantastic day for all Liverpool fans, but over the past few years we have seen several children and young people who have needed hospital treatment after using pyrotechnics or flares. 'Pyrotechnics and flares can cause serious injuries to children, including severe burns, breathing problems and damage to lungs, ears and eyes.' Pyrotechnics often come with 'safety distance' information, warning they should not be used in crowded spaces, and burn at high temperatures, as well as producing smoke which can exacerbate respiratory conditions and cause irritation to eyes. But the phrase 'no pyro, no party' is often used by football fans when describing celebrations. Director of public health at Liverpool City Council and lifelong Liverpool fan Matt Ashton said: 'This parade is about celebration and joy — and bringing dangerous items like flares and smoke bombs only puts yourself and fellow fans at risk.' Merseyside Police Chief Inspector Chris Barnes, who is silver commander for the parade, said there had been an increase in the use of pyrotechnics, including flares, smoke bombs and fireworks, both inside and outside football grounds. He said: 'While recognising that some supporters feel they can add to the atmosphere of the occasion, this is a real concern and we fully support the club and our partners in working to eradicate this dangerous and reckless practice and would ask that supporters work with us, not only at the victory parade but at the final LFC game of the season at Anfield on Sunday. 'It's also worth remembering that the parade will have its own professionally organised special effects, including confetti canons and fireworks, which will be adding to the fantastic atmosphere on the day in a safe and controlled manner.' The parade will start at 2.30pm on the bank holiday and travel a 15km route before driving along The Strand to finish. Paul Cuttill, vice president of stadium operations for Liverpool FC, said: 'All of us here at the club want a safe parade that everyone can enjoy and be able to see the joy on the faces of the fans as the victory bus makes its way across the city. 'Let's make this a day to remember for everyone involved.' Further discouragement for any fans planning to use pyrotechnics has come in the form of a viral social media post – which claimed an Everton fan had repackaged 10,000 blue flares with red packaging to sell to unsuspecting supporters.
The Guardian
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Liverpool urge fans to keep pyrotechnics away from Premier League victory parade
Liverpool Football Club have urged supporters not to bring pyrotechnics to the club's victory parade on Monday, after 50 incidents of burning were reported after their title-winning victory against Tottenham last month. Medical staff from Alder Hey hospital and local police have endorsed the club's message, reporting that children visited A&E with burns to their hands and scalps after contact with burning flares after the Spurs game. The parade is set to follow the same route through the city as the victory parade of 2022, when St John Ambulance reported 84 injuries and 12 people went to hospital as fans celebrated winning an FA Cup and League Cup double. 'We want our supporters to enjoy a fantastic occasion and celebrate our 20th league title win in style through the city streets, but we want it be safe for everyone,' said Paul Cuttill, Liverpool's vice-president of stadium operations. 'We've seen young children suffering burns injuries as a result of the use of pyrotechnics and, together with our city partners, are taking a responsible approach to highlight just how dangerous they are. 'All of us here at the club want a safe parade that everyone can enjoy and be able to see the joy on the faces of the fans as the victory bus makes its way across the city. Let's make this a day to remember for everyone involved.' Liverpool reported an 'increase in the use of pyrotechnics, including flares, smoke bombs and fireworks in recent weeks' and said a three-year-old child had been among the burn victims after the Spurs match. Pyrotechnics generally burn at temperatures between 700C and 2,500C and can cause burns from direct contact or from being in close proximity. Nathan Askew, chief nurse at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'We know that Monday will be a fantastic day for all Liverpool fans, but over the past few years we have seen several children and young people who have needed hospital treatment after using pyrotechnics or flares. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion 'Pyrotechnics and flares can cause serious injuries to children, including severe burns, breathing problems and damage to lungs, ears and eyes. Burns are both painful and distressing for children who don't recognise or understand the dangers. We would ask anyone attending to enjoy the day, but please do so safely.'
