Latest news with #AndrewEdwards
NDTV
4 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Fitness Enthusiasts Warned in US, UK After Rise In Superbug Infections
A recent UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report highlights the growing concern of MRSA superbugs spreading in community settings, particularly in gyms and health clubs, according to The Times. A similar trend has also been reported in the United States, with experts warning against sharing personal items like towels or razors that may come into contact with infected skin or blood. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria resistant to several antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. MRSA cases are increasingly found outside hospitals, with gyms being a significant source of transmission. The officials are closely monitoring the situation, with locals in the United Kingdom being urged to avoid sharing personal items. According to the report, a total of 175 people were infected outside of hospitals, up 47 per cent from 119 community-onset cases in the same period in 2019, The Independent reported. The bacteria can spread through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces and equipment. Poor hygiene practices, such as not cleaning equipment or not showering after workouts, can increase the risk of transmission. Colin Brown, a director of antimicrobial assistance and healthcare-related infections at the UKSHA, told The Times, "The overall risk of MRSA bloodstream infections to the public in hospital and community settings remains low [and] substantially below the last peak observed in the early 2000s." "It is too early to conclude whether the current rise represents a sustained shift; however, the trend is being monitored closely through surveillance and analysis to better understand the underlying drivers. This will include further analysis of patient characteristics, such as residential type. "Outbreaks of these infections in community settings can be managed through maintaining good general hygiene, including regular handwashing and not sharing items such as towels and razors." As per UKHSA data published last month, the infection rates increased by 4.1 per cent in the first three months of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, a rise of 39.4 per cent as compared with the same quarter of 2019. As per Andrew Edwards, who is the associate professor of molecular biology at Imperial College London, younger patients who catch it outside of hospitals are often on sports teams or gym users. "We need to keep a very close eye on whether we are seeing a lot more community transition of MRSA between otherwise healthy people ... and watch to see whether this is a blip in the numbers or the beginning of a worrying new trend," he said. While urging gym users, he said, "Check yourself carefully and be aware you might have abrasions that are not immediately obvious. If you do have any, cover those and just be aware." Cases in the US Simon Clarke, of the University of Reading, said cases were "creeping up but... not exploding". He said historically S. aureus was "considered a hospital pathogen and only infected sick people, old people. But it is now more likely to be able to infect younger, fitter people. This bug has evolved. No question about it." Of potential transmission in gyms, he said: "It's a possibility. However, nobody's ever done any real, proper epidemiological studies on this, or gone and swabbed things in gym equipment." Earlier this year, in the summer, a warning had been issued in the US over MRSA being spread in gyms and changing rooms. The authorities in the UK do not record where patients contracted the bug outside of hospitals. Meanwhile, officials from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said: "MRSA spreads fast in athletic facilities, locker rooms, gyms and health clubs because of shared equipment and skin-to-skin contact."
BBC News
08-07-2025
- BBC News
Ex-Wiltshire Police officer charged with stalking
A former police officer has been charged with Edwards, 32, from Chippenham, was charged with misconduct in public office and section 4A Police said he was suspended from his duties as a response officer after the force was made aware of the alleged events for which he was subsequently Edwards resigned from Wiltshire Police on 6 May, whilst he was being investigated. He has been bailed to appear before Swindon Magistrates' Court on 7 August.
Metro
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Who should pay for the police?Readers discuss football and policing formulas
The most senior police chief in Britain has called for the 43 regional forces covering England and Wales to be replaced with about 12 super-sized authorities (Metro, Mon). Metropolitan Police commissioner Mark Rowley says this, the biggest overhaul of policing in 60 years, would slash costs and help detectives use modern tech better. He also said wealthy football clubs should pay more towards the £70million cost of policing matches. As a former police authority member for Wiltshire, I have studied this merger idea. Like Police Scotland and Police Service of Northern Ireland, the 12 would be Police North West, Police South East – you get my thinking – overseen by elected police and crime commissioners from existing areas to form a police authority. The police formula for London is out of date by about 20 years. Guarding VIPs and embassies in London should be centrally funded. And football clubs should pay additional policing costs. Andrew Edwards, Tidworth All the costs of policing outside and inside football matches should be paid for by the clubs. We don't need the police wasting valuable time policing outside stadiums. This should be done by the club stewards who are given the right of arrest. Clubs can afford it. They're paying some players £400,000 a week, for heaven's sake. Richard Farrar, London Proposals to reduce the total number of police forces will be a real kick in the teeth for rural communities – many of which already feel forgotten about or under-policed when rural crime occurs. Now with proposed 'mega forces' looking after crime hotspots, these rural communities won't get so much as a look in. Neil Dance, Birmingham That was another great Pride celebration in London at the weekend. A million thanks to the organisers and all the volunteers who were so supportive and ensured a wonderful time was had by all. For the third year I attended as an ally. Without doubt it's the best day and party in London. It is totally inclusive for everyone: marchers, attendees, elderly, disabled, children and families. It's always a real privilege to attend. Sarah Bird, London How can the BBC possibly justify the amount of sport it transmitted over the past week? Is Wimbledon really what I pay my licence fee for? The only sport that I'm interested in is golf, which the BBC now fails to air. Anne C Meredith, by email Clara Jennings caused quite a stir in the queue at Wimbledon by adding a Domino's pizza dip to her strawberries. (Metro, Fri). How about this? Pound red chillies with salt and dip or sprinkle a bit of this mix on your mango, pineapple, watermelon etc. They'll taste sweeter. Also, add a wee pinch of salt to your coffee for a richer taste. Bach, Brum Elon Musk would be wise to ditch his plans to build a city on Mars. Instead, he could reroute our water from flood zones to replenish our deserts, thereby improving the eco balance. Pauline, Warrington So many protests on this now sad and divided island on just about anything, everything and everyone. More Trending I'm thinking about having a protest about protesting. Would anyone like to join me? Not on weekends, though. I would rather have fun. Steve, Hackbridge My Aunt Marge has been so ill for so long, we've decided to call her 'I can't believe she's not better'. Dave Hughes, Chigwell MORE: The Metro daily cartoon by Guy Venables MORE: England v India: Ben Stokes' team have begun to resemble a worryingly predictable cult MORE: 12 best early Prime Day deals to shop on Amazon now – from beauty, fashion to home gadgets
Leader Live
26-06-2025
- Leader Live
Llay charity gets funding to raise autism awareness
Your Space, a charity that supports young people with autism and their families, was successful in securing funding for their autism awareness project from the Your Community, Your Choice fund. The Your Community, Your Choice fund is supported by the North Wales Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). The funding partly comes from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by the PCC. With this funding, Your Space will deliver autism presentations and awareness talks in schools, led by their Autism Champion, Andrew Edwards. Mr Edwards, who is autistic and has years of experience in raising the profile of autism within various settings, aims to create a better understanding of neurodiversity within schools. The group discovered that a lack of understanding of neurodiversity among school staff is one of the most significant barriers faced by children. This can lead to many children becoming school refusers and being negatively influenced by peers, potentially leading them into criminal activity. Through their project, Your Space aims to upskill all school staff so that autistic individuals are understood and supported to make positive life choices. On June 17, PCC Andy Dunbobbin visited the charity to learn more about their work and the aims of the initiative. He said: "I was delighted to visit Your Space and learn about their very worthwhile project to raise awareness of autism in education. "As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have made equality, diversity and inclusion a core part of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales and that is why a project like Your Space, with its focus on neurodiversity, is so vital for helping support people in the region." Along with the Assistant Chief Constable of North Wales Police Gareth Evans, Dave Evans from PACT, and local PCSOs Lisa Davies and Catherine Griffiths-Hughes, Mr Dunbobbin was given a tour of the Llay Park Resource Centre facility by the founder of Your Space, Rachel Hancocks, the Autism Champion Andrew Edwards, and the events and communications co-ordinator, Charlotte Roberts. Ms Hancocks said: "It's really positive that we received this funding through a community vote, which means that people are gaining more awareness of the issues autistic people face and our work is now able to reach further." PACT chairman Ashley Rogers, recognising the importance of their work, said: "Your Community, Your Choice is all about local people deciding where money should be invested for the good of their neighbourhood. "Organisations like Your Space do incredible work to help people across our society and I am delighted we have been able to support them in their work." READ MORE: Here's why hundreds of people gathered at Flintshire shrine over the weekend Assistant Chief Constable of North Wales Police Gareth Evans added: "It is only right that money seized from criminals should be reinvested to do good in the community. "That's why I am delighted that money from the Your Community, Your Choice fund has gone to help Your Space and its focus on supporting people with autism in society." Over the past 12 years, Your Community, Your Choice has awarded almost £660,000 to 214 projects working to reduce crime in their neighbourhoods. To find out more about Your Space, visit:
The Independent
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Ex-Tory councillor banned after saying white men should have black slaves
A former councillor who sent a racist message saying white men should have black slaves has been disqualified from serving on any authority for four years. Andrew Edwards, who had served as Tory member of Pembrokeshire County Council representing the Prendergast ward, stepped down in December 2024 and has now been found to have breached the code of conduct. He had left the Conservatives in 2023 when the 16-second recording first emerged, with Edwards previously claiming that it was a 'deep fake' created with malicious intent. In the recording, the person can be heard saying: "Nothing wrong with the skin colour at all. "I think all white men should have a black man as a slave or black woman as a slave, you know. "There's nothing wrong with skin colour, it's just that they're lower class than us white people." Am investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales found that 'on balance' it was his voice on the recording, and referred the case to the Adjudication Panel for Wales. The businessman had also admitted sharing council information and comments about the public to his partner, saying he was 'venting' while under personal pressure. Having been banned for four years, he has the right to appeal the decision of the Adjudication Panel to the High Court. Independent candidate Alun Wills won the Prendergast ward following a by-election in February.
