Latest news with #StephenChampion
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SPR Redfire purchases Apple Tree Hotel in England
Property investment company SPR Redfire has acquired the Apple Tree Hotel, capitalising on the growing requirement for accommodation near Hinkley Point Power Station in the UK. Located near Nether Stowey, the property was sold for an undisclosed amount. UK-based business property adviser Christie & Co facilitated the transaction with Christie & Co Hotels director Stephen Champion managing the sale. A SPR Redfire spokesperson said: 'We are proud to bring the Apple Tree Hotel into the SPR Redfire portfolio. Demand is here, and growing, and we're delivering real solutions. There's an urgent need for high-quality contractor accommodation for Hinkley Point C and Gravity, but our vision goes further. 'We want to provide modern, reliable places to stay today, while laying the groundwork for smarter, community-focused social housing across Somerset in the future.' The Apple Tree Hotel features 16 guest bedrooms, a bar, a restaurant, and a separate three-bedroom house within its 1.5 acres of gardens. It is around five miles from the town of Bridgwater. Former owners Simon and Gillian Brice, who have managed the hotel since 2001, sold the property as part of their retirement plans. Champion said: 'The number of workers in the UK involved in the construction of Hinkley Point C has now reached 18,000, marking a major milestone in the development of one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. 'In line with this growth, there has been a notable increase in demand for hotels located within the catchment area of the power station. Investors are actively seeking opportunities to capitalise on the rising need for accommodation, driven by the influx of workers and associated economic activity in the region.' Earlier this month, Christie & Co also facilitated the sale of The Windermere Hotel in Cumbria and four other hotels in England. "SPR Redfire purchases Apple Tree Hotel in England" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Warrington Hospital to use AI to speed up diagnosis of skin cancer
AI technology will be used to speed up the diagnosis of skin cancer in Warrington. Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust say this will provide patients with a swifter diagnosis of skin cancer. The service is located at Warrington and Halton Diagnostics Centre which is located at Halton Health Hub, within Runcorn Shopping City. Penketh resident Stephen Champion has already used the service. Speaking about his experience, he said: 'I was amazed by the speed of the AI. The fact that you get seen and diagnosed within minutes rather than having to book a follow-up appointment, was great. The staff there were brilliant too, very friendly and explained clearly what was going on. 'In terms of where the service is, because you're at a shopping centre, I didn't have to pay for parking and there's plenty of it too. It was all seamless.' Stephen Champion (Image: Supplied) The use of AI comes as a rise in skin cancer referrals is resulting in a high demand for dermatology services across NHS organisations. Since 2022, the dermatology service (which is run by Bridgewater Community Healthcare) is now averaging over 300 patient referrals per month, with approximately half resulting in further testing and treatment into conditions such as skin cancer. This new NHS partnership with artificial intelligence technology provider Skin Analytics uses 'cutting-edge, NICE-recommended AI' by recognising cancerous, pre-cancerous and common harmless skin conditions through photographic images. Resulting in faster diagnosis, this 'state-of-the-art' system called DERM, is impressively 99.9 per cent accurate when ruling out melanoma and 97 per cent sensitive when detecting skin cancer. When visiting the service, which is for patients who are 18 years and over and have been referred by their local GP, patients have images taken of their mole or skin lesion at a dedicated 'Photo Hub Clinic'. These are then inputted into the DERM system and assessed using AI. Those with common harmless skin conditions are quickly discharged without having to see a consultant. If, however, the DERM system flags any skin lesions as potentially pre-malignant or malignant, the patient will receive faster access to care, with some treatment performed on the same day, at the same location. Acting as a 'one stop clinic', not only is the service a first of its kind across the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside region. Warrington and Halton Diagnostics Centre, a service provided by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, is located at Halton Health Hub, within Runcorn Shopping City. This is one of only a small number of NHS community diagnostic centres to be launched inside a shopping centre in the country, and as such is another first for the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside region. Dr Paul Fitzsimmons is joint medical director for Bridgewater Community Healthcare and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals. He said: "Skin cancer is the most frequently referred cancer specialty within the NHS, and we're experiencing this increase firsthand across Warrington. 'The rise in suspected skin cancer referrals has been placing increased pressure on our dermatology service. 'To better manage this growing demand, the partnership we have created with Skin Analytics has offered a valuable opportunity to work creatively by using effective, cutting-edge AI healthcare innovation. 'Not only does this AI technology speed up diagnosis and possible on the day treatment; the fact the service is located, not in a hospital but inside a modern diagnostic facility within a shopping centre, showcases how healthcare is able to reach out into our local communities.' Dan Mullarkey, medical director at Skin Analytics said: 'At Skin Analytics, we believe every patient deserves access to fast and effective skin cancer diagnosis. 'With DERM, NHS organisations receive a flexible and transformative solution for dermatology services that brings care directly to the community. 'By establishing this service within a shopping centre, expert dermatological care is conveniently accessible where people already live, work, and shop. 'It's wonderful to see local NHS trusts embracing innovation that eliminates traditional barriers to healthcare access, and together, we'll improve the patient journey for those with suspected skin cancer by providing timely care in familiar, convenient locations."
