Latest news with #TomMcGowan
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Oliver McGowan's bereaved parents praise 'milestone' NHS update
The parents of a teenager with special needs who died after being prescribed an anti-psychotic drug have hailed the publication of new NHS guidance as a "significant milestone".Oliver McGowan, 18, who was autistic and had epilepsy, was being treated for a seizure when he was given olanzapine to sedate him. He died in intensive care 17 days later after a rare side effect caused his brain to swell.A report in 2020 found his death was "potentially avoidable", with his parents Paula and Tom McGowan, from near Bristol, blaming the "ignorance" of couple said they hoped the new Oliver McGowan Code of Practice would bring "meaningful change". After the drug was administered, Oliver's temperature rose and he showed signs of neuroleptic malignant medication was stopped on 28 October 2016 and a CT scan two days later showed he had sustained a serious brain injury. He died on 11 November.A review into Oliver's death concluded there had been a "general lack of understanding and acknowledgement of Oliver's autism and how Oliver presented himself when in seizure". His parents have campaigned since his death for improvements in the system, and on Thursday the government published new guidance it said would ensure safer, more personalised care for people with a learning disability and autistic and Mrs McGowan said: "The publication of the code of practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver's legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured."They added: "This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like - giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard." The government said training would be backed by funding as part of the Learning and Development Support Scheme for adult social care this minister Stephen Kinnock praised the McGowans' "incredible campaign", adding: "This government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people."Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training." Jackie O'Sullivan, of disability charity Mencap, said the new guidance has the potential "to transform care for people with a learning disability".She added: "Whilst we have seen improvements in recent years, the life expectancy of people with a learning disability is still a shocking 23 years less than everyone else and people die of conditions which are entirely treatable."
The Independent
14 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Parents of autistic teenager who died hail ‘milestone' NHS training guidance
The parents of an autistic teenager who died after being prescribed medication against his and his parents' wishes have hailed the publication of guidance they hope will safeguard others as a 'significant milestone'. A report in 2020 found 18-year-old Oliver McGowan's death four years earlier was 'potentially avoidable'. He died at Southmead Hospital in Bristol in November 2016, after being given the antipsychotic Olanzapine and contracting neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) – a rare side-effect of the drug. An independent review later found that the fit and healthy teenager's death was 'potentially avoidable' and his parents, Paula and Tom McGowan, said their son died 'as a result of the combined ignorance and arrogance of doctors' who treated him. The learning disability mortality review (LeDeR) into the death concluded there had been a 'general lack of understanding and acknowledgement of Oliver's autism and how Oliver presented himself when in seizure' and that there had been a 'body of written evidence – alongside verbal requests from Oliver and Oliver's family – not to prescribe' Olanzapine. After the Olanzapine was administered, Oliver's temperature rose and he showed signs of NMS. The medication was stopped on October 28 and a CT scan two days later showed Oliver had sustained a serious brain injury. He died on November 11. His parents have campaigned since his death for improvements in the system and, on Thursday, the Government published new guidance it said will ensure safer, more personalised care for people with a learning disability and autistic people. The teenager, from Emersons Green, Bristol, had contracted meningitis twice during childhood and lived with epilepsy, learning difficulties and autism as a result. The Government said the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice on statutory learning disability and autism training aims to ensure staff have the right skills in providing care and better understanding of the needs of autistic people and those with learning disabilities. The guidelines for health and care providers to train staff set out the standards expected from care providers to be compliant with the law and help make sure patients are kept safe. Mr and Mrs McGowan said they hope the guidelines will bring 'meaningful change' and have a 'lasting impact'. They said: 'The publication of the code of practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver's legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured. 'The code establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the delivery of the training, promoting consistency and a deeper understanding across health and social care services. 'We are profoundly grateful to cross-party politicians for their unwavering support and especially to Baroness Sheila Hollins, whose leadership has been pivotal in advancing this important work. 'Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone within the NHS and social care sectors, to our expert trainers, and to individuals with a learning disability and/or autism, along with their families and carers. 'This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like, giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard, creating a lasting impact that will continue to transform lives for the better.' Paying tribute to the McGowans, care minister Stephen Kinnock said they had been behind an 'incredible campaign to improve the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people after the tragic death of their son, Oliver.' He added: 'Through their work, they have shown admirable dedication, commitment and passion – Oliver's memory and legacy lives through them. 'This Government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people. 'Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training. The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.' The Government said training will be backed by funding as part of the learning and development support scheme for adult social care this autumn. Tom Cahill, national director for Learning Disability and Autism at NHS England, said: 'We know that often the quality of care and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people has not been good enough and we are determined to make this better. 'This code of practice – a result of Paula and Tom McGowan's tireless dedication – will mean all NHS staff have the training and support they need to reduce inequalities and give people with a learning disability or autistic people the care they deserve.' Learning disability charity Mencap's executive director of strategy and influence, Jackie O'Sullivan, said the new guidance has the 'potential to transform care for people with a learning disability' and cut the number of avoidable deaths. Ms O'Sullivan said: 'After two years of waiting, we're pleased to see the Oliver McGowan mandatory training code of practice launched today. 'It has the potential to transform care for people with a learning disability and reduce the number of avoidable deaths. 'Whilst we have seen improvements in recent years, the life expectancy of people with a learning disability is still a shocking 23 years less than everyone else and people die of conditions which are entirely treatable.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kite Realty Group Trust (KRG) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Financial Performance ...
Release Date: April 30, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG) reported strong first quarter operating results, highlighted by a guidance raise and a landmark acquisition in a joint venture with GIC. The company achieved blended cash leasing spreads of just under 14%, with non-option renewal spreads at 20%, indicating strong market demand. KRG's acquisition of Legacy West in a joint venture with GIC is immediately accretive to FFO per share and enhances the portfolio quality. The company reported a $0.02 increase to NARE and core FFO per share guidance, reflecting strong financial performance. KRG's strong balance sheet allows for opportunistic responses to potential economic disruptions, supporting long-term growth. The company noted an increase in the general bad debt reserve by 15 basis points due to economic uncertainty. KRG's net interest expense assumption increased due to the acquisition of Legacy West, partially funded on a revolving credit facility. The company faces challenges in backfilling spaces from bankrupt anchor tenants, although progress is being made. There is a potential need for a special dividend due to asset sales, which may not be the most efficient use of capital. KRG's stock price at the time of the Legacy West acquisition was higher, raising questions about capital allocation decisions in the current market. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Sign with KRG. Q: Can you comment on the expected NOI growth rate for Legacy West and its current occupancy rates? A: The embedded rent bumps for Legacy West are 2.6%, above the portfolio average of 1.8-1.7%. There's significant mark-to-market potential, with 30% of deals rolling over in the next three years. The office component is 98.7% leased, and retail is 95% leased. (John Kiy, CEO) Q: How is the office demand at Legacy West, and what is the remaining lease duration? A: The office product is strong, with 98% leased and action on the remaining space. The submarket in Plano is robust, with 95% leased. The average lease duration is around six years, and there's potential to push rents higher. (John Kiy, CEO; Tom McGowan, COO) Q: Is there interest in expanding the relationship with GIC for additional investments? A: Yes, we are happy with our partnership with GIC and are actively working on a second joint venture. The long-term vision is aligned, and there are other opportunities to explore. (John Kiy, CEO) Q: What is driving the shift in the bad debt reserve, and are there any concerns with tenant AR? A: The anchor reserve decreased due to better-than-expected outcomes, and the general reserve increased due to economic uncertainty. There's no specific concern with tenant AR; it's a precautionary measure. (Keith Fee, CFO) Q: How is the transaction environment for selling power center type deals? A: The environment remains healthy, with active acquisition buyers and competitive cap rates. There's liquidity, and demand is strong despite geopolitical uncertainties. (John Kiy, CEO) For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
