Latest news with #JessicaToale
STV News
7 days ago
- Health
- STV News
MPs urge health secretary to take action over cancer-linked pregnancy drug
MPs are urging the government to take action over a controversial pregnancy drug which has links to cancer, as ITV News Social Affairs Editor Sarah Corker reports A group of more than 30 MPs has written a letter to the health secretary urging him to take action over a controversial drug given to pregnant women, following an ITV News investigation. Stilbestrol, also known as DES, was prescribed to an estimated 300,000 women to prevent miscarriage and stop breast milk until the late 1970s, when it was linked to an aggressive type of cancer. If the drug was taken by women who were pregnant, the harm could have been passed down to their children. ITV News has been contacted by hundreds of women who say their health has been damaged by DES – and last week we revealed that it was still being prescribed to women on the NHS nearly a decade after it should have been banned. Now MPs are calling on the government to take action and save lives. An extract from letter which has been sent to Health Secretary Wes Streeting / Credit: ITV News The letter, coordinated by Bournemouth MP Jessica Toale, urges Wes Streeting to formally apologise to victims of the medical scandal and to commit to enhanced cancer screenings for those exposed. What are MPs calling for? A formal apology to the victims of DES, particularly for the prolonged use of the drug after credible evidence of harm had emerged A commitment to advancing research into the long-term and intergenerational effects of DES An information and training campaign across the NHS to ensure that healthcare professionals are aware of DES and its risks An assessment of the feasibility of tracking and notifying individuals who may have been exposed to DES in utero, given that many remain unaware of the drug or its consequences Implementation of targeted, advanced screening and monitoring for cancers and fertility complications associated with DES exposure Jessica Toale wrote the letter after hearing her constituent Jan Hall's story on ITV News. Jan, 75, from Bournemouth, believes her mother Rita was prescribed DES during three pregnancies and that exposure contributed to her death, aged 32, from breast cancer in 1951, when Jan was a toddler. 'Frankly it's shocking that we don't know how many women and families have been affected by this, so we really need to do some work to raise awareness and to make sure we have the protocols in place to screen people.' Jessica Toale MP explains why she is calling for action The legacy of this drug has been devastating, with the harmful effects not limited to the women who were prescribed DES. Medical research suggests it extends across generations, affecting their daughters who have an increased risk of rare types of cancer and fertility problems. ITV News has spoken to one woman from Chichester who was exposed to the drug while her mother was pregnant and was forced to have a hysterectomy when she was just nine-years-old and nearly died from complications. 54-year-old Charly Laurence was just a child when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Doctors said it was linked to the now banned drug that her mother had been given whilst pregnant. She'd had multiple miscarriages and was given DES for prolonged periods of time. Charly first started developing symptoms when she was seven. Her mother took her to her original gynaecologist, who found the cancer after a number of invasive examinations. Over the next two years of Charly's life, she was subjected to countless procedures and spent more time at hospital than she did at home. 'I remember them saying you are going to have an operation – unfortunately you won't be able to have any babies, but you can adopt when you are older,' Charly told us. 'I certainly understood the concept of not being able to have a baby. 'I remember crying a lot as a child. They just kept reminding me that I was still alive and I wasn't going to die of the cancer.' She recently obtained her medical files, which show doctors in the UK were even writing to scientists in the US about her condition. Charly Laurence is calling for more screening for women like her Charly believes she is at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer and her mission now is calling for more screening for women like her. But despite everything, she has defied the odds and has gone on to have twin daughters, through surrogacy. Together, the family wants to raise awareness of the impact of DES and make sure others exposed to it get the right treatment. What is DES? DES, also known as Stilbrestrol, was prescribed on the NHS to prevent miscarriage and to stop breast milk production from 1939 until the late 1970s. It was marketed as a 'wonder drug' and contained a synthetic form of female hormone oestrogen. It has become one of the biggest drug disasters in the NHS's history. The UK government claimed that doctors were told in 1973 to stop prescribing DES for pre-menopausal women, however ITV News has found dozens of women who were given the drug as late as 1980. Other countries around the world, such as the United States, banned the drug in the 1970s as scientific studies linked the use of DES with breast, cervical, and vaginal cancers. Bottles of DES / Credit: ITV News In the UK, health authorities failed to do the same. Earlier this month, the Health Secretary said the government is considering enhanced cancer screening for those impacted by the use of Stilbestrol, also known as DES, and has vowed to 'look seriously at these allegations'. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Our sympathies are with anyone harmed by the historic use of Diethylstilboestrol (DES). 'The Secretary of State has been clear he will look seriously at these allegations, and the government will continue to consider enhanced screening for those impacted by the use of this drug.' The Patient Safety Commissioner, Henrietta Hughes, has welcomed the Health Secretary's views into the 'medication scandal' and is calling for more support for those exposed to the drug during pregnancy. 'Like other medication scandals that have harmed women and their families, patients weren't given the right information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. 'When safety concerns about medications are identified, these need to be swiftly communicated to prescribers and changes embedded in clinical practice. 'For those women and their daughters exposed to this drug during pregnancy it's vital that they receive the right information and support so that they can be confident that any harm will be detected and treated quickly.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Huge blow for over 500,000 Brits being slapped with HIGHER parking fines in new trial to tackle summer ‘chaos'
BRITS living in a seaside town will be at risk of huge parking fines this summer. Bournemouth MPs have promised to take action against cars parked illegally following growing frustration from residents. 1 Parking in Bournemouth has been causing a huge issue for locals for years Credit: BNPS The one-month trial will run throughout August and will target motors parked on pavements, roundabouts, and driveways. Under the scheme, parking The town has a population of around 500,000, of whom the fines will affect. Tom Hayes, MP for read more on parking "Higher fines will help to tackle the chaos we face every summer.' Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, added: 'I've been working with the government to give BCP Council greater powers to tackle the ongoing problems of illegal parking across Bournemouth – especially in the town centre and near the 'I know it's been an issue for many residents, and while it's been good to see the council taking action against selfish and irresponsible parking, the fines were minimal. 'That changes now. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, who I recently met with in Branksome and raised this issue with, has today given BCP Council permission to trial increased Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) this summer.' Most read in Motors Mr Hayes added: 'The parking fine fee has been capped for 20 years and it's frustrating for everyone. "After years of being forgotten in Parliament, the government is listening. Driver gets instant karma after lobbing £50 parking ticket on the floor 'I've fought our town's corner behind-the-scenes and persuaded the government to ease the pressure on our roads this summer.' Leader of the BCP Council, Cllr Millie Earl, said that she welcomes the battle against 'irresponsible' parking. She said that the council has been pushing for this scheme for over six years. Cllr Earl said: 'Even at our busiest last weekend, there were enough parking spaces within a short walk of the seafront across our three towns and when visitors make a choice to park illegally, we know that residents, and responsible visitors, want us to take robust enforcement action. 'During our three busiest weekends of the year we have issued more than 4,000 penalty charge notices to drivers who disregard parking restrictions for the sake of a shorter stroll to the beach. 'We want to encourage and support visitors to our wonderful area but just ask them to consider the safety of others when parking; and a level of fines that reflects the true costs of patrolling and enforcing will help us to do this." This is an issue that plagues holiday hotspots across the UK across the summer months as city-dwellers head to the beach for a much-needed break. One of the most common complaints from residents in coastal towns is visitors parking across driveways, on double yellow lines, and in resident-only zones without permits. In places like Cornwall, Dorset, and parts of North Wales, local councils have reported a sharp rise in complaints and fines issued during the summer holiday period. In some towns, emergency vehicles have even struggled to get through narrow streets due to cars parked on corners and pavements. For residents, the inconvenience is more than just a nuisance—it can mean being blocked in for hours or denied access to their own homes. Many councils have stepped up enforcement in recent years, with increased patrols and mobile ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) units. However, overstretched resources and a lack of available parking alternatives mean that the problem persists. Everything you need to know about parking Can I get Do I have to pay a Can I be fined if your Is How do I Can you How can I Can I reserve the How close Is Can I park on a single yellow line? Can I be fined for Can I use Who is allowed to Where can I Can I be fined if the How close can I Am I allowed to
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Huge blow for over 500,000 Brits being slapped with HIGHER parking fines in new trial to tackle summer ‘chaos'
The town's councillors have been lobbying for the penalties for six years TAKEN FOR A RIDE Huge blow for over 500,000 Brits being slapped with HIGHER parking fines in new trial to tackle summer 'chaos' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS living in a seaside town will be at risk of huge parking fines this summer. Bournemouth MPs have promised to take action against cars parked illegally following growing frustration from residents. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Parking in Bournemouth has been causing a huge issue for locals for years Credit: BNPS The one-month trial will run throughout August and will target motors parked on pavements, roundabouts, and driveways. Under the scheme, parking fines will be drastically increased, and the prices for clamping, towing and vehicle storage will soar to London rates. The town has a population of around 500,000, of whom the fines will affect. Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, said: 'This is something I've fought for and only Bournemouth is getting a shot at a trial. "Higher fines will help to tackle the chaos we face every summer.' Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, added: 'I've been working with the government to give BCP Council greater powers to tackle the ongoing problems of illegal parking across Bournemouth – especially in the town centre and near the beaches. 'I know it's been an issue for many residents, and while it's been good to see the council taking action against selfish and irresponsible parking, the fines were minimal. 'That changes now. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, who I recently met with in Branksome and raised this issue with, has today given BCP Council permission to trial increased Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) this summer.' Mr Hayes added: 'The parking fine fee has been capped for 20 years and it's frustrating for everyone. "After years of being forgotten in Parliament, the government is listening. Driver gets instant karma after lobbing £50 parking ticket on the floor 'I've fought our town's corner behind-the-scenes and persuaded the government to ease the pressure on our roads this summer.' Leader of the BCP Council, Cllr Millie Earl, said that she welcomes the battle against 'irresponsible' parking. She said that the council has been pushing for this scheme for over six years. Cllr Earl said: 'Even at our busiest last weekend, there were enough parking spaces within a short walk of the seafront across our three towns and when visitors make a choice to park illegally, we know that residents, and responsible visitors, want us to take robust enforcement action. 'During our three busiest weekends of the year we have issued more than 4,000 penalty charge notices to drivers who disregard parking restrictions for the sake of a shorter stroll to the beach. 'We want to encourage and support visitors to our wonderful area but just ask them to consider the safety of others when parking; and a level of fines that reflects the true costs of patrolling and enforcing will help us to do this." This is an issue that plagues holiday hotspots across the UK across the summer months as city-dwellers head to the beach for a much-needed break. One of the most common complaints from residents in coastal towns is visitors parking across driveways, on double yellow lines, and in resident-only zones without permits. In places like Cornwall, Dorset, and parts of North Wales, local councils have reported a sharp rise in complaints and fines issued during the summer holiday period. In some towns, emergency vehicles have even struggled to get through narrow streets due to cars parked on corners and pavements. For residents, the inconvenience is more than just a nuisance—it can mean being blocked in for hours or denied access to their own homes. Many councils have stepped up enforcement in recent years, with increased patrols and mobile ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) units. However, overstretched resources and a lack of available parking alternatives mean that the problem persists.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Huge blow for over 500,000 Brits being slapped with HIGHER parking fines in new trial to tackle summer ‘chaos'
BRITS living in a seaside town will be at risk of huge parking fines this summer. Bournemouth MPs have promised to take action against cars parked illegally following growing frustration from residents. 1 The one-month trial will run throughout August and will target motors parked on pavements, roundabouts, and driveways. Under the scheme, parking fines will be drastically increased, and the prices for clamping, towing and vehicle storage will soar to London rates. The town has a population of around 500,000, of whom the fines will affect. Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, said: 'This is something I've fought for and only Bournemouth is getting a shot at a trial. "Higher fines will help to tackle the chaos we face every summer.' Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, added: 'I've been working with the government to give BCP Council greater powers to tackle the ongoing problems of illegal parking across Bournemouth – especially in the town centre and near the beaches. 'I know it's been an issue for many residents, and while it's been good to see the council taking action against selfish and irresponsible parking, the fines were minimal. 'That changes now. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, who I recently met with in Branksome and raised this issue with, has today given BCP Council permission to trial increased Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) this summer.' Mr Hayes added: 'The parking fine fee has been capped for 20 years and it's frustrating for everyone. "After years of being forgotten in Parliament, the government is listening. 'I've fought our town's corner behind-the-scenes and persuaded the government to ease the pressure on our roads this summer.' Leader of the BCP Council, Cllr Millie Earl, said that she welcomes the battle against 'irresponsible' parking. She said that the council has been pushing for this scheme for over six years. Cllr Earl said: 'Even at our busiest last weekend, there were enough parking spaces within a short walk of the seafront across our three towns and when visitors make a choice to park illegally, we know that residents, and responsible visitors, want us to take robust enforcement action. 'During our three busiest weekends of the year we have issued more than 4,000 penalty charge notices to drivers who disregard parking restrictions for the sake of a shorter stroll to the beach. 'We want to encourage and support visitors to our wonderful area but just ask them to consider the safety of others when parking; and a level of fines that reflects the true costs of patrolling and enforcing will help us to do this." This is an issue that plagues holiday hotspots across the UK across the summer months as city-dwellers head to the beach for a much-needed break. One of the most common complaints from residents in coastal towns is visitors parking across driveways, on double yellow lines, and in resident-only zones without permits. In places like Cornwall, Dorset, and parts of North Wales, local councils have reported a sharp rise in complaints and fines issued during the summer holiday period. In some towns, emergency vehicles have even struggled to get through narrow streets due to cars parked on corners and pavements. For residents, the inconvenience is more than just a nuisance—it can mean being blocked in for hours or denied access to their own homes. Many councils have stepped up enforcement in recent years, with increased patrols and mobile ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) units. However, overstretched resources and a lack of available parking alternatives mean that the problem persists.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Closed GP surgery could reopen as part of multimillion-pound investment
A WINTON-based GP surgery, which closed in 2023, could reopen as part of a multimillion-pound government investment. Winton Health Centre is earmarked for government funding as part of a £102 million investment into local GP services. The centre, which closed its doors in 2023, is among 1,000 GP surgeries included in a list of projects as part of funding to refurbish and upgrade facilities to deliver more appointments to support more patients. More than 10,000 patients were registered at the practice, and a spokesman for NHS Dorset previously said most have been transferred to a new practice. Campaigners, residents and Jessica Toale MP have welcomed news that Winton Health Centre in Alma Road has been included in the latest round of government funding to fix the foundations of the NHS. Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, said: 'This is great news for local people. 'This is the biggest public investment in GP facilities for years and couldn't have come at a better time for Winton residents. I've been raising the need for secure GP services in Winton with local NHS bosses and Health Ministers since I was first elected to Bournemouth West last summer.' She added: 'I am so pleased that the area was included as part of this significant funding boost to our NHS. I hope this demonstrates just how determined this government is to fix the foundations of the NHS.' Resident and former nurse Nikki Howard, who has been campaigning for local GP services since the centre closed, said: 'It's been a worrying time for patients. This is great news – we really do need a local surgery for local people.' NHS Dorset has submitted plans to NHS England for approval and will meet with Ms Toale later this month to share further details on how the centre will be run, what services it will include and when it could open. As soon as the scheme is given the green light by NHS England, work can begin. All projects receiving funding under this scheme are due for completion by the April 2026. Ms Toale added: 'I'll continue to liaise with NHS Dorset and partners to ensure the new Winton Health Centre meets the needs of the community.'
