Latest news with #HSP
South China Morning Post
03-08-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Are you a highly sensitive person? How you can tell and why it can be a gift
Has anyone ever told you to 'stop being so sensitive' or to 'toughen up'? If you are regularly accused of being too sensitive, you may be a highly sensitive person (HSP), among an estimated 15 to 30 per cent of the global population. 'I was told my entire life I was oversensitive, or being overdramatic,' says Catherine Asta, an author, psychotherapist, and founder and host of The Late Discovered Club, a podcast that gives voice to autistic women. Asta is autistic , something that was identified late in her life. 'Over time, you learn to mask to protect yourself in all the spaces, faces and places that make it feel unsafe to be you.' It was not until she was in her thirties, after a period of repeated burnout , that Asta realised she had to change her lifestyle and the way she worked. Based in the United Kingdom, she trained to become a psychotherapist and is now writing her second book. Psychotherapist Catherine Asta works with others who have felt 'differently wired' all their lives without knowing why. Photo: Catherine Asta Her story, she saw, was not uncommon. Now she works with people – some in their seventies and eighties – who have felt 'differently wired' all their lives without knowing why.
South China Morning Post
03-08-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Are you a highly sensitive person? How you can tell and why it can be a gift
Has anyone ever told you to 'stop being so sensitive' or to 'toughen up'? Advertisement If you are regularly accused of being too sensitive, you may be a highly sensitive person (HSP), among an estimated 15 to 30 per cent of the global population. 'I was told my entire life I was oversensitive, or being overdramatic,' says Catherine Asta, an author, psychotherapist, and founder and host of The Late Discovered Club, a podcast that gives voice to autistic women. Asta is autistic , something that was identified late in her life. 'Over time, you learn to mask to protect yourself in all the spaces, faces and places that make it feel unsafe to be you.' It was not until she was in her thirties, after a period of repeated burnout , that Asta realised she had to change her lifestyle and the way she worked. Based in the United Kingdom, she trained to become a psychotherapist and is now writing her second book. Psychotherapist Catherine Asta works with others who have felt 'differently wired' all their lives without knowing why. Photo: Catherine Asta Her story, she saw, was not uncommon. Now she works with people – some in their seventies and eighties – who have felt 'differently wired' all their lives without knowing why.
BBC News
30-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
I've stopped life-saving medication says man exhausted by fight for NHS care
Tim Hull can point to many achievements during his 56 years. He's run his own handyman business and housed Ukrainian refugees for two years. He's even been in the Guinness Book of Records: at nearly 7ft in height, he and his brother were the UK's tallest twins for almost two it is a life Tim has decided to end. His quality of life, he says, is "very, very low". Tim has a medical condition - unrelated to his height - that weakens his muscles, and his health has declined rapidly over the past two is the battles to get the health and care support he needs which have driven him to make the desperate decision, says Tim. He feels abandoned by health professionals, has been moved from one waiting list to another, has not been provided with the right equipment to help him and has been bed-bound for nearly seven months. In February, he stopped taking the medication that prevents his kidneys from failing. They are now beginning to give up and he knows he has months, if not weeks, to live."I don't feel that things are going to get any better than this," he tells BBC News. "I just feel [ending my life] would be a better option than lying in bed 24 hours a day."Tim's neurological condition is rare, however, many of the difficulties he has faced feel familiar to the past two years, BBC News has been contacted by the families of more than 250 people with serious disabilities or illnesses about their struggles to access health and care services. Many described the impact of very long waits for assessments, appointments, and for vital equipment that can help them cope at home. They also highlighted the frustrations of trying to get someone to signpost the right services, being passed from department to department, and the feeling that they were only listened to when they reached a crisis. For some there were also lengthy arguments over whether their care should be paid for by the NHS or local councils. Tim, who lives on his own in Worcester, first went to his GP in 2022 because he started stumbling while was referred to a rheumatologist. He waited a year for the appointment only to be told it was the wrong then waited several months to see a local neurologist, then several more months to see a more senior neurologist in Birmingham. In the two years this took, he lost the ability to walk and had to use a was eventually diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), which causes spasms and muscle weakness. Pain, fatigue and depression are also common is incurable, but according to the NHS website, it does not usually affect life expectancy. There are more than 80 variants, but Tim says he has yet to be told which he has. Physiotherapy and drugs are generally used to manage the symptoms, but Tim felt after being diagnosed he was just expected to "get on with it".In 2024, he spent two months in hospital. While there, regular physio helped him regain some mobility, but after he was discharged there was no ongoing support. His case was referred back to Worcester and its neurology therapy received a letter dated 10 July 2024 welcoming him and saying he was on the waiting list for an assessment. Despite chasing for an appointment, he says he heard nothing. A year later, on 15 July 2025, he got another almost identical letter. It says welcome, you are on a waiting list. This time it included an information leaflet. When Tim has asked his GP for help, he says he has often been told his case is too specialist and he should call height has added to his difficulties. Getting the basics right for someone who is 6ft 10in (2.08m) has seemingly been used all his savings to adapt his home and buy equipment so he could live downstairs, but spent two years in a standard hospital bed, provided by the NHS, which was too small for him. He describes it as "hideously uncomfortable" and like "torture". Three months ago, he was finally given a new, longer bed, but that causes him to sit up in a position that he says led to a major choking incident one mealtime. He now mostly has meal-substitute a hoist to lift him in and out of bed has also been a major problem. The first two tried by the NHS were too small to be used the end of April, there was discussion about putting in a ceiling hoist. Two-and-a-half months on they are still waiting. It means Tim has not been able to leave his bed since February this is also waiting to be fitted for a wheelchair that can cope with his height, but that cannot happen until there is a hoist to lift him out of bed."Life is just lying in a bed on a day-to-day basis, feeling very uncomfortable, fighting to get support," says Tim. "Above a certain height, you don't exist."I'd had enough of living the way I was. I couldn't see myself getting any better and decided I didn't want to be here anymore," he says. The health and care system, he adds, "hasn't worked. There's no joined-up thinking. Nobody cares."Authorities responsible for Tim's care say they cannot comment on individual cases but that they regularly review how care is delivered to meet each person's "unique needs".Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust says that "where equipment, home adaptations or community nursing support are required, we aim to have these in place [before discharge] to ensure a safe, well supported transition from hospital to home". Tim has a separate, hereditary kidney condition, called polycystic kidney disease. His twin Andy, their father Alan and sister Sue were also born with the years ago, Tim had a kidney transplant from his older brother, Richard. Tim's twice-daily tablets are supposed to stop the kidney from them Tim knows he has months, if not weeks, left to live. He feels he has little choice but to stop taking the a retired children's social worker, says she is devastated by Tim's decision."He doesn't need to be lying here dying. He's got so much more to give," she says. "And I just feel that he's been completely abandoned."She spends nearly every day caring for him and has made endless calls to try to get him the support he February, Sue made urgent calls to Tim's GP, local mental health services and adult social services because he was so low. Again, she says she was passed from pillar to post, and that getting help was a fight. There was "no joined-up thinking", she months after stopping the tablets, Tim says he does not regret pressed on what would make a difference, he says: "If I could be hoisted out [of bed] and sat up to have dinner, if I could be wheeled out into the garden just to get a change of scenery, that could help a lot."A friend suggested Sue should contact the local hospice. It has now become the central point of advice, support and information that Tim desperately needed two years ago. It manages his pain medication and has helped him get NHS funding for four care visits a day. It also arranged for a psychologist to check he had capacity to make his end-of-life says he's been asked that question by clinicians several times, but no-one has ever asked what can be done to make him tragic irony that it took the move to end-of-life care to get them more joined-up help is not lost on Sue, but she says it is still not enough to provide the level of support he really needs."I feel absolutely heartbroken by the situation," she says. "I think I've gone beyond anger. I just can't believe that the UK would allow this to happen. Tim's local NHS Trust says "we work in close partnership with other health and care organisations to make sure patients experience joined‑up care. Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) bring together professionals from different specialisms to regularly review each patient's needs".NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) says it regularly reviews how care is delivered to "make sure it meets the needs of patients and is both safe and effective". It also says it has "clear systems in place to respond to any concerns, learn from incidents, and continuously improve care across the whole system".The ICB says it aims to "ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and supported – no matter their individual circumstances".The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says "it is unacceptable that Mr Hull has not received the care he deserves" and that it is working to ensure everyone has access to high-quality DHSC says its 10-year health plan will "shift healthcare out of hospitals into the community, to ensure patients and their families receive personalised care in the right place, at the right time". It also says it is investing an additional £100m into hospices and end-of-life is now much frailer, and on very strong painkillers. He says in the time he has left he wants to be "as comfortable and supported as possible," adding that "there's a lot of fear of the unknown with the decisions I've made".If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support in the UK are available at BBC Action Line.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Concerns rife about reckless driving by heavy vehicles on Pune-Mumbai Expressway days after fatal truck accident
1 2 Pune: Frequent travellers on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway have voiced growing concerns about reckless driving by heavy vehicles, particularly trucks, following the tragic accident on July 26 near Adoshi Tunnel in Khalapur taluka of Raigad. The incident, caused by a container trailer truck's brake failure, claimed one life and injured 18 others, with the truck ramming into 22 vehicles. Regular commuters expressed alarm over the lack of lane discipline among truck drivers, especially in ghat sections. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "As someone who travels between Mumbai and Pune frequently, I'm constantly worried about trucks veering into the middle or right lanes when they're supposed to stick to the left," said one such regular expressway user, adding, "These trucks are often overloaded, and when you're driving in front of one, especially in the ghats, it's terrifying to think their brakes could fail, as we saw on Saturday. Govt needs to enforce strict monitoring or restrict heavy vehicles to the old Mumbai-Pune highway. " Rohan K, an actor and freelance artist who travels on the expressway weekly, said, "For the past five years, I've noticed trucks driving in the rightmost lane, especially at night, causing severe congestion near places like Amrutanjan Bridge. While they're supposed to stay in the left lane, there's no enforcement. This defeats the purpose of an expressway meant for faster, safer travel. Diverting trucks to the old highway could prevent such accidents and reduce clogging. " Sandeep Ranawat, another weekly user, said, "Large vehicle drivers just don't follow basic safety rules. Container trucks, multi-axle trucks, or trailers with significantly higher load capacities should have mandatory checks, and drivers need proper training to stick to traffic regulations. It's frustrating to see heavy vehicles overtaking in the first lane, which is meant for lighter vehicles. There should be strict enforcement — maybe one or two chances for violations, but after that, serious action is a must. " "Smaller trucks are just as bad, weaving in and out recklessly. Drivers must take annual tests, maybe online, to prove they understand traffic signs and safety protocols. Right now, we don't even know if trucks are being checked before they hit the road. Another thing is that trucks should always have a driver and helper, but I've seen plenty on without the latter," he added. According to Ranawat, drivers and vehicle owners involved in accidents like the recent expressway mishap should face heavy fines. A senior Highway Safety Patrol (HSP) officer told TOI that accidents are more frequent on the Mumbai-bound (downhill) stretch of the expressway compared to the Pune-bound (uphill) journey. "Only 5-10% of accidents here occur while travelling towards Pune, as the downhill journey towards Mumbai often involves issues like uncontrolled speed, brake failures, or clutch problems," the officer said. The recent accident, compounded by heavy rainfall, underscored these risks, he said. In response, HSP is intensifying efforts to curb violations. "We've already fined numerous drivers on the expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune highway for drunk driving in the last four months, with each fine amounting to Rs 10,000," the officer said. Lane-cutting — a significant issue not just with trucks but also cars encroaching into the left lane meant for heavy vehicles — is being addressed through a dedicated squad. "The fine for lane-cutting is around Rs 2,000, and we're enforcing this more stringently. The expressway is equipped with rumble strips in the ghat sections to alert drivers to sharp curves or potential hazards, particularly if they're drowsy," the HSP officer added.
Zawya
21-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Makarem unveils latest standards of performance in strategic partnership with HSP Alliance
Riyadh: Makarem, one of Saudi Arabia's premier hospitality brands owned by Taiba, has launched a new set of Standards of Performance (SOPs) through a strategic partnership with HSP, the global network of expert hospitality consultants. This milestone marks a transformative step toward elevating operational excellence and delivering a consistent, high-quality guest experience across all Makarem hotels. The updated SOPs were introduced following a successful collaboration with HSP, an internationally recognized consultancy with over two decades of expertise in hospitality operations, strategic planning, and advisory services across the hotel, resort, and restaurant sectors. With a presence spanning five continents and a network of world-class experts, HSP empowers hospitality organizations to navigate complex challenges in development and operations across the broader hospitality sector. Hassan Ahdab, Chief Hospitality Operations at Taiba, stated: "The rollout of these new SOPs is central to Makarem's strategy to reinforce its leadership in the Kingdom's spiritual hospitality sector. It also reflects Taiba's firm commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia's hospitality ecosystem by applying world-class standards and global best practices in property and facility management'. The newly introduced SOPs involved a comprehensive redevelopment of more than 400 standard operating procedures, covering all operational and administrative departments. These standards were aligned with Makarem Hotels' vision and its five core values, as defined by the SERVQUAL service quality model: tangibles (quality of facilities and overall appearance), reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Regarding the quality of facilities and overall appearance, Makarem places great emphasis on maintaining its properties and preserving an environment that enhances the spiritual atmosphere. In terms of reliability, Makarem is committed to delivering precise and consistent services that meet guest expectations. Responsiveness is reflected in the prompt handling of guest requests, especially during peak periods. Assurance and safety are demonstrated through the competence of staff and their adherence to safety protocols. Lastly, empathy is embodied in Makarem's dedication to providing humane service that respects the cultural and religious needs of its guests. A thorough review of hospitality standards was also conducted to ensure their integration into current operational practices and alignment with Makarem's renewed brand identity. This alignment process included several elements, such as the integration of Makarem Hotels' core values and the introduction of the concept of "guest service guardianship" as part of the terminology used in defining the standards. Al Ahdab explained that the new standards, which reflect Makarem's core values, have been adopted as a foundational pillar across several strategic areas. These include delivering a distinguished experience for pilgrims, strengthening training and institutional onboarding, enhancing the overall guest journey, reinforcing organizational culture, and unifying brand identity across all Makarem properties. Integrated within a model operational framework, these standards empower Makarem's hospitality professionals to provide an exceptional guest experience with confidence, clarity, and consistency. "The collaboration with HSP, particularly through the digital application for the operations and service teams, will enhance usability flexibility and clarify institutional terminology to ensure consistency in the vocabulary used in guest service. Additionally, we have launched a cooperative field evaluation program to strengthen integration across all departments, especially front office, accommodation, food, and beverage", Al Ahdab emphasized. Serving as a unified training reference, the SOPs enrich onboarding and development programs, particularly for frontline staff, by outlining clear procedures, service benchmarks, and professional behavior. This structured approach reduces training time and accelerates operational readiness, which is especially critical during peak seasons like Hajj, Ramadan, and other high-demand periods where speed, professionalism, and a precise response to guest needs. Beyond streamlining operations, the new standards serve as a tool for institutional alignment and brand expression. They ensure a consistent guest experience across departments such as front office, housekeeping, and food and beverage, strengthening brand cohesion, deepening customer trust, and supporting sustainable growth as Makarem expands or explores future franchising opportunities. About Makarem: Makarem Hotels, which has been operating since 1983, is a leading Saudi hotel brand in the spiritual hospitality sector, offering a unique model of hospitality services based on the values of faith and authenticity. Since its launch as the first five-star hotel in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, aiming to enrich the hospitality and accommodation experiences of pilgrims and Umrah performers, Makarem has been committed to meeting the spiritual needs of its guests in accordance with the values and principles of authentic Saudi hospitality. Today, as one of Taiba Investment's leading hospitality brands, Makarem continues to evolve by offering spiritual retreats that transcend traditional norms. All its facilities provide spaces for worship and tranquility, while offering innovative concepts, personalized services, and quality experiences customized to the modern needs and tastes of guests. Building on its deep roots in both Makkah and Madinah, Makarem is committed to positively contributing to strengthening the social fabric and economic impact of the two holy cities through supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. About Taiba Investments: Established in 1988, Taiba is a Saudi forward company in the hospitality and real estate sectors. The company has a longstanding reputation in the hotel sector, property and facility management, real estate development, and asset management. It possesses a diverse portfolio of projects comprising more than 39 establishments, including hotels, residential complexes, and commercial centers, with a total of over 7,700 keys and more than 8 additional properties under development. In 2024, the company achieved one of its most significant strategic expansions after completing the merger with Dur Hospitality, one of the largest hospitality, development, and property management companies in Saudi Arabia. This has contributed to strengthening the presence of the Taiba Investments brand across most regions of the Kingdom, particularly in the holy cities. Taiba is committed to providing exceptional hospitality and accommodation options through its portfolio of specialized Saudi brands in this field, including Al Aqeeq Hotels, Makarem Hotels, Noor by Makarem, and Dur Communities. Furthermore, its partnerships with some of the world's most renowned brands, such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Accor, enhance its ability to offer and develop a wide range of distinguished hospitality and accommodation services that cater to all categories of guests. Media contact: Taiba Investments: Mashael Alnosayan Marketing and Corporate Communication Manager Email: malnosayan@ JUMMAR PR & COMMUNICATIONS Abdullah Khairallah Media Relations Manager Email: khairallah@
