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Gedling MP visits city hospitals to thank staff for work over ‘challenging winter’

Lucy Linton
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Gedling MP visits city hospitals to thank staff for work over ‘challenging winter’

Gedling’s MP joined a group of politicians in a visit to Nottingham’s hospitals to personally thank staff for their hard work and effort through a challenging winter.

Michael Payne joined other Nottingham MPs Nadia Whittome, Lilian Greenwood, James Naish and Amanda Hack for the visit to City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) to congratulate staff on the positive impact they had on planned and emergency care through winter.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) successfully maintained it’s planned care this winter, following a commitment to prevent pressures from seasonal illnesses like flu from having an impact on wait times. In addition, through various initiatives and new approaches, the Trust has reduced emergency care wait times and improved patient discharge.

Gedling MP Michael Payne said: “I was born at City Hospital and it was the amazing staff at City Hospital who cared for my grandma and grandad as they were battling terminal cancer. I’ll never, ever forget the care, kindness and compassion every single member of staff showed to my grandparents, just as they do for tens of thousands of people every single day here in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

“It was a privilege to spend time with City Hospital staff from the Respiratory Assessment Unit Ward, Newell Ward (Winter Care) Ward, the Specialist Receiving Unit Ward and the Gervis Pearson Male Oncology Ward. It was my honour to be able to thank Ward Sister, Sarah Merritt who cared for my grandad as he passed away two years ago on Gervis Pearson Ward – she still remembers him.

“I have nothing but immense admiration for all our NHS heroes and will never stop fighting their corner. I’m looking forward to being back at City Hospital again soon to hear more about the amazing work that happens there every single day.”

Further details of improvements across Nottingham hospitals this winter, include:

  • Ambulance handover times – reduced handover times thanks to a new trial in partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service. Category 2 response times (stroke, heart attacks and major burns, for example) have reduced by 20 minutes in Nottinghamshire. This means that ambulances are getting out to emergency situations quicker.
  • Reduced waits in the Emergency Department (ED) – the average length of stay has reduced by 40 minutes. Time spent waiting for a bed to become available has also reduced by two hours, ensuring patients are admitted to wards quicker.
  • New wards – opened two winter wards, providing 48 additional beds throughout winter, including 24 beds at QMC – the first time a winter ward has opened at QMC.
  • Improved discharges – gained the equivalent of two full wards’ worth of space by speeding up patient discharges. The average number of medically safe patients has reduced by around from around 200 to 150 compared to last year.
  • Expanded admission areas – created more space in our medical Same Day Emergency Care and Urgent Treatment Centre, allowing us to provide non-emergency patients with care quicker. 
  • Maximising theatre and planned care space – from dual-operating theatres to high-intensity theatre lists and 24-hour surgery, our teams are delivering more procedures and reducing waiting times using innovative practices.

Dr Mark Simmonds, Deputy Medical Director at NUH said: “Our plan for this winter was to maintain planned care and manage wait times across our services, providing the best patient care possible for those visiting our hospitals. Through early planning and hard work, we have managed tomaintain our elective activity for the second year running with no elective procedures cancelled due to winter pressures.  

“Not only that, but we have successfully improved discharge figures and wait times in our emergency department.

“Along with caring for the thousands of patients who came through our doors this winter, our teams set up and introduced new wards, extended current wards, created additional surgery opportunities, improved patient pathways and collaborated with system partners to ensure swift and safe patient discharge.

“There is no doubt that this winter was a challenge, and we know there is still much more to do, to improve waiting lists further and to manage the pressures in our emergency department, but I can certainly see that things have improved. Despite these difficult circumstances, I never cease to be amazed by the hard work and dedication of the staff at NUH in providing excellent patient care this winter.”

Councillors take on urban tree planting challenge to boost green spaces in Daybrook

David Bratton
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Councillors take on urban tree planting challenge to boost green spaces in Daybrook

Two Gedling councillors are helping to boost green spaces in Daybrook after taking up the Urban Tree Challenge.

Councillor Kyle Robinson-Payne and Councillor Sandra Barnes, who represent the Daybrook ward on Gedling Borough Council, have this week been helping plant 27 trees adjacent to Shelley Road Playground and 28 at Queens Bower Recreation Ground in Daybrook

New trees across the borough are being funded by the Forestry Commission as part of its Urban Tree Challenge.to increase greenery coverage in urban areas and tackle climate change.

As a result, more than 270 new trees have been planted across the borough.

Councillor Kyle Robinson-Payne said: “I was delighted to be involved in this project, which has brought a diverse mixture of trees to Queens Bower Recreation Ground and Shelley Road Playground.

“I want to thank council officers for working closely with us to consider the views of Daybrook residents. Many local people have told us how much they welcome these new trees, which will enhance the environment and add natural beauty to these spaces.

We are passionate about tackling climate change in every way we can, and this is another positive step forward.”

“The Urban Tree Challenge Fund focuses on increasing tree coverage in areas that need it most, including parks, open spaces, and neighbourhoods with limited green infrastructure.”

Councillor Sandra Barnes added: “It has been wonderful to support this scheme, and I’m looking forward to seeing these trees bloom. They will add colour to the area while also benefiting our local environment and wildlife.

“We will continue working with officers and partners to bring forward more initiatives like this for Daybrook and the wider borough.”

Police officers praised for saving life of man found ‘seriously ill’ in back of Calverton taxi

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Police officers praised for saving life of man found ‘seriously ill’ in back of Calverton taxi

Police officers have been praised for helping to save the life of a man after he fell ‘seriously ill’ in the back of a taxi in Calverton.

The officers arrived in Bonner Lane at 8.30pm on Wednesday, March 5 and found the man, aged in his 50s, slumped and unresponsive in the back seat.

After the man stopped breathing, the officers began to administer CPR as they waited for paramedics to take over.

Suspecting he was suffering from a drug overdose, they then administered a dose of Naloxone – a nasal spray designed to temporarily reverse the effects of opioid drugs.

The officers arrived in Bonner Lane in Calverton and found the man, aged in his 50s, slumped and unresponsive in the back seat.

Than man was later taken to hospital.

Nottinghamshire Police introduced 400 Naloxone kits in November 2024 and has been training frontline officers in its use.

The drug was successfully deployed for the first time a few days after it was introduced and has now been used to help save another life.

Assistant Chief Constable Sukesh Verma, said: “Without the timely intervention and quick thinking of these officers, this man may have passed away.

“The officers in this case remained calm and professional during a very difficult incident and used their experience and training to ensure patient got the immediate help he needed.

“All involved officers should be extremely proud of their actions and will all be recognised appropriately.”

Naloxone works by temporarily reversing the effects of opioid/opiate drugs by reversing the depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems – potentially helping to prevent a casualty from dying and buying them crucial time until paramedics arrive. 

Health update: Modern treatment options for everyday wellness

Gedling Eye
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Health update: Modern treatment options for everyday wellness

Access to reliable health treatments has improved significantly in recent years, offering individuals more choices when managing common concerns. From hair-thinning solutions to chronic condition management, modern advancements provide a variety of options to enhance overall wellbeing.

Taking care of health involves a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and professional guidance. However, having the right information helps individuals make informed decisions about their wellbeing, whether they are looking for prescription medications, non-invasive therapies, or natural remedies. Keep reading as we explore some of the modern-day treatment options for everyday wellness.

Prescription Medications for Common Health Concerns

Medical advancements have led to the development of prescription treatments that effectively manage various conditions. These include medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health conditions, and hair loss. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures that the right treatment is selected based on individual needs.

For those experiencing hair thinning, prescription treatments such as Propecia have been widely used. This medication works by targeting the hormone responsible for hair follicle shrinkage, helping to slow down hair loss and, in some cases, promote regrowth. Other prescription options, including oral and topical solutions, offer alternatives for those looking to maintain hair health.

Non-Invasive Therapies for Health and Wellness

For those looking for treatment options beyond medication, non-invasive therapies offer promising alternatives. Low-level laser therapy, for example, is an emerging method used to stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth. This pain-free treatment can be combined with medications such as Propecia for better results.

Other non-invasive therapies, including physiotherapy, acupuncture, and massage, help with pain relief, stress management, and general wellness. These treatments are particularly useful for individuals looking to improve their health without relying solely on prescription medications.

Lifestyle Changes That Support Medical Treatments

While medical treatments are important in managing health, lifestyle choices can enhance their effectiveness. A well-balanced diet provides the body with essential nutrients, supporting energy levels, immune function, and overall wellness. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains, contribute to long-term health.

Regular exercise is another key factor in supporting treatment outcomes. Movement helps regulate metabolism, improve cardiovascular health, and support mental wellbeing. Whether engaging in strength training, aerobic workouts, or yoga, staying active has numerous benefits. Complementing medical treatments with healthy habits ensures the best possible results.

Online Pharmacies: A Convenient Way to Access Treatments

With the rise of digital healthcare services, accessing prescription medications has become easier. Online pharmacies provide a convenient solution for those needing regular prescriptions without frequent visits to a physical pharmacy. Reputable online providers ensure medications are dispensed safely and legally.

When purchasing treatments online, it’s essential to choose a licensed provider. Checking for accreditation and customer reviews helps ensure authenticity and reliability. Trusted platforms offer clear product information, professional guidance, and secure delivery options for prescription medications.

Advancements in Mental Health Treatments

Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health, and modern treatments have expanded to address a wide range of mental health concerns. Therapy, counselling, and prescription medications offer effective support for conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Innovative treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, provide structured approaches to managing mental health challenges. In addition, digital therapy options, such as mobile apps and online counselling, have made mental health support more accessible. Seeking the right treatment ensures that individuals receive the care they need.

Alternative Health Approaches

For those looking beyond conventional medicine, alternative treatments offer additional options for improving wellbeing. Herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and traditional practices such as acupuncture have been used for centuries to support health.

While these approaches can complement modern treatments, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any alternative therapy. Ensuring treatments are safe and suitable for individual needs prevents potential interactions with prescribed medications.

Take Control of Your Health Today

With so many modern treatment options available, taking charge of personal health has never been more achievable. Whether seeking prescription medications, exploring non-invasive therapies, or making lifestyle improvements, a well-rounded approach leads to better wellbeing.

Consulting healthcare professionals, using reputable medication sources, and making informed lifestyle choices contribute to long-term health. By exploring the available options, individuals can take proactive steps toward improving their overall quality of life.

Community centre in Arnold finally receives defibrillator after three-year campaign

David Bratton
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Community centre in Arnold finally receives defibrillator after three-year campaign

An Arnold community centre has finally received a defibrillator following a three-year campaign led by a local councillor.

Killisick Community Centre, on Killisick Road, received the life-saving equipment earlier this week.

Staff will be trained on its use and it will provide a safety-boost for those using the facilities.

Councillor Henry Wheeler, who represents Coppice Ward on Gedling Borough Council, has been campaigning to get the essential equipment installed at the centre.

Cllr Henry Wheeler, pictured, has campaigned for the defibrillator to be installed at Killisick Community Centre for three years

Cllr Wheeler is also portfolio holder for Lifestyles, Health & Wellbeing for the local authority.

He said: “I have been campaigning to get this installed at Killisick Community Centre for three years.

“I have been working with key individuals from the The South Nottinghamshire Place-Based Partnership and Gedling Borough Councils Health Development Officer.  

“It was installed this week and staff at the Family Centre and Community Centre will receive training in how to use this life-saving equipment.”

Arnold man with more than 17,000 child abuse images jailed

Emily Sanchez
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Arnold man with more than 17,000 child abuse images jailed

A sex offender has been jailed after he was found in possession of more than 17,000 child sexual abuse images.

Lucas Banton, now aged 23, was exposed when an email address linked to him was used to upload two indecent videos of children to the internet.

Officers from Nottinghamshire Police attended his home address in February 2023 and seized two electronic devices form his home.

Forensic examination of the one of the devices revealed 60 Category A images and videos – each depicting the most serious sexual offences that can be committed by adults against children.

Nottingham_Crown_Court
Banton was jailed at Nottingham Crown Court
Banton was charged with multiple offences and remained on police bail as investigations continued.

Banton was charged with multiple offences and remained on police bail as investigations continued.

During a routine monitoring visit nine months later, he confessed to downloading and viewing thousands of other images.

Examination of his mobile phone led to the discovery of nearly 17,000 indecent images – more than 200 of which were graded as Category A.

Banton, of Byron Street, Daybrook, later pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday he was jailed for 33 months.

Detective Constable Peter Chappell, of Nottinghamshire Police’s internet child exploitation team, said: “Behind every one of these images is a real child somewhere in the world who has endured the most appalling sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

“Each has had their childhood stolen from them and each will live with the life-long physical and emotional impact of what has happened to them.

“People like Banton may not be committing this abuse themselves, but they are directly contributing to this suffering by consuming this appalling material.

“As Banton has just found out to his cost, the end result of this behaviour is very likely to be a prison sentence, so I hope this case serves as a warning to others who may be thinking of searching for such material.”

Letters: Local politicians should unite in celebrating funding success

Letters to the Editor
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Letters: Local politicians should unite in celebrating funding success

Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.

Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line. You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.

Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE

Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters published do not reflect the views of Gedling Eye

‘Politicians should stop arguing over who won Carlton cash’

Sir,

I’m embarrassed how our local politicians have been arguing over who got the money for Carlton. (‘Local people to get more say on where £20m regeneration cash aimed at revitalising Carlton will be spent’ – Gedling Eye 04/03)

Was it Tom Randall? Was it Michael Payne? Both parties then arguing on Facebook about who it was won by.

If they were grown up about it Mr Randall should congratulate Mr Payne on getting it paid and Mr Payne should congratulate Randall for getting the bid started. I am pleased with them both so stop rowing.

All us people care about in town is how it is spent and not who won it.

L Roberts,
Carlton

Thank you for town sculpture

I will not be popular for saying this but I actually would like to say thank you for the new sculpture in Arnold and well done to the artist on a nice piece of work and to the children who helped.

The new sculpture in Arnold town centre (PHOTO: GBC)

I was left very sad by the nasty remarks online by people saying it would be damaged and we should fix the roads instead – not all of us drive you know.

When things are done to improve the town people get angry; when nothing is done to improve our town, people get angry.

We should be more positive about our town.

I think it is a nice idea and it celebrates Arnold’s history and will make shoppers feel welcome when they come and visit the town.

Name and Address witheld by request

Do traffic patrols really take place?

Sir,

I’ve read your article on the supposed traffic patrols on Beaumaris Drive (“Council says 230 patrols ‘busting myth’ parking wardens are never out” – Gedling Eye 24/02). I live quite near the top of Beaumaris and I’ve never seen one warden.

I’ve seen the police monitoring the children coming out of school at 2.30pm and one even had to put his blue light on to gain access to the road due to cars being double parked. Some parents arrive as early as 2pm and sit with their engines running for 30 minutes.

I have attached a couple of photographs to show the reality of the traffic issues on Beaumaris Drive.

Margaret Stocks,
Gedling

Free bus travel would end traffic woes

Sir,

Everyone is fed up with Gedling’s traffic meltdown, and things can only get worse now bus fares have gone up.

Now that the £2 fare cap will increase to £3 will surely see even more people using their cars.

Vale Road is a nightmare!

The only way to reduce car use and to cut vehicle emissions is cheaper and better public transport.

Gedling borough has a fantastic network of railway stations, but train travel can be expensive. We need to see fares cut, and the frequency of trains increased at Burton Joyce and Carlton to make them a better option for commuting.

However, it is buses that are the best hope for reducing our daily logjam. And cheaper tickets increase bus use, reduce congestion, and make our borough greener and cleaner.

Rather than upping bus fares we should be moving to free bus travel for all. If buses were free for everyone then it wouldn’t just be pensioners leaving their car at home.

J Walters,
Colwick

‘Don’t blame elderly for problems of young people’

Sir,

I am a 75 year-old lady who has lived in Arnold all her life and I believe I am being a drain on this country according to some beliefs.

I would agree there are some my age that have not worked a day in their life some due to disabilities they have no control of and those who used every ailment possible to get out of work and have to say benefitting from all privileges available to them today, something I do not have due to working hard and going without to pay for a private pension.

There are so many in my generation like me who worked hard from the age of fifteen and because we did save and took out private pensions we still pay taxes.

There are also pensioners who worked hard in jobs that did not have the benefit of private pension but worked very hard and today struggle to eat a decent diet and keep warm. Also the taxes we paid all our lives paid towards education and NHS, which today’s generation benefit from. Our taxes also helped to pay off the national debt from the Second World War.

I say to the working generation think before you blame the senior citizens for what is wrong today. I would also like to state the women of my generation did not have the privilege of having 9 months off of work after giving birth, 6 weeks was all we had then back to work accept for those who lucky enough to afford not to work.

Christine Cassell,
Arnold

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    ‘County only’: NCC leader issues statement ahead of joint talks over reorganisation of Notts councils

    David Bratton
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    ‘County only’: NCC leader issues statement ahead of joint talks over reorganisation of Notts councils

    Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) leader Cllr Sam Smith has moved to clarify the authority’s position on the planned Local Government Reorganisation of the county ahead of a meetings to discuss options.

    Local authority leaders will come together next week to discuss three potential options for reorganisation, which have been developed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) following discussions with Gedling and all other existing Notts councils.

    The Conservative leader said that NCC would be formally endorsing the ‘county only’ option on the table.

    That would see Nottingham city remaining a unitary authority, with a new single unitary authority created for the rest of Nottinghamshire.

    The other options are combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire or combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.

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    https://www.tiktok.com/@gedlingeye/video/7478691248715468065

    Council Leader Sam Smith said: “We have carefully considered the options available and it is clear that a ‘County Only’ model is the only way to ensure that all current county residents continue to receive high-quality services while keeping council tax low. The alternative proposals at this stage, in their current form, are not acceptable to this Conservative administration and would require significant boundary changes to make them feasible.”

    He added: “The County Council remains committed to protecting vital services for all its residents. Unlike many adjoining areas facing significant financial cutbacks, this Conservative run Nottinghamshire County Council is keeping libraries open, spendingover £70m on repairing our roads and pavements, and continuing to support essential bus routes to ensure our communities remain well-connected.”

    “Our priority, as always is the people of Nottinghamshire, and by endorsing the ‘County Only’ model, we are championing a stable and financially sustainable future for local government, that protects the services that matter most to our residents, ensuring that they continue to benefit from good quality provision.”

    Council bosses to meet next week to discuss Notts unitary authority merger options

    David Bratton
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    Council bosses to meet next week to discuss Notts unitary authority merger options

    Gedling Borough Council leaders will join with other authority chiefs next week at a meeting to discuss how to progress with plans to merge councils across Nottinghamshire.

    In February, the Government wrote to local authorities formally inviting them to submit proposals to create new structures of unitary authorities – which is a single tier of local government responsible for all local services in an area. The aim is to create more efficient and effective local government, potentially leading to streamlined services and cost savings for residents.

    Now all nine local councils will come together at their Full Council meetings to discuss progress.

    They will discuss an interim submission to Government (due on March 21), that outlines three core options.

    In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, the nine existing local authorities would be abolished, to create new unitary councils with a higher population of residents.

    The three options for the formation of unitary councils up for discussion are as follows:

    A new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
    A new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
    Nottingham city remains a unitary authority, with a new single unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.

    At their meeting on March 5, leaders accepted that some councils may still wish to continue to explore additional proposals alongside the three core options being tabled.

    A spokesperson for the council leaders said: “This is arguably the biggest shake-up of local government in 50 years. In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire we are absolutely determined to work together to ensure the best outcome for local people.

    https://www.tiktok.com/@gedlingeye/video/7478691248715468065?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7473457334740846102

    “Councils will meet to note the submission of a collective interim plan, but it’s important to note that there is no decision being made at this point – this is simply one step in the Government’s process.

    “We’ve been given an incredibly tight timescale to pull together these initial submissions, and we don’t yet have enough data to make a fully informed decision on a single option, but this is a good first step.

    “Between now and November we are committed to further exploration of data that will allow us to make informed decisions, that also considers how we engage with local people and businesses – making our submission evidence-based, and the best one for our people.

    “It is accepted that some councils may still wish to continue to explore alternative proposals beyond the three core options being tabled, but we are committed to continuing our work together to achieve an interim submission that will meet the Government’s deadline – to consider the art of the possible, and make the best of this opportunity.”

    The Government has given all councils a deadline of November 28 to submit final, much more detailed, proposals.

    The nine councils involved are:

    • Ashfield District Council
    • Bassetlaw District Council
    • Broxtowe Borough Council
    • Gedling Borough Council
    • Mansfield District Council
    • Newark and Sherwood District Council
    • Nottingham City Council
    • Nottinghamshire County Council
    • Rushcliffe Borough Council

    Train performance stats to be displayed at stations in new ‘era of accountability’

    Emily Sanchez
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    Train performance stats to be displayed at stations in new ‘era of accountability’

    Rail passengers across England will now be shown how often trains are cancelled and delayed at each station, with station performance stats being displayed on new screens and via QR codes.

    The government said it hopes that in holding train operators to account, they will be encouraged to drive up efficiency and productivity – providing better value for money.

    The data, broken down by operator, will go live at 1,700 stations today (6) for the first time.

    The performance stats will show the percentage of trains cancelled and how punctual trains are at that station.

    In February, it was reported that rail reliability across Britain was at a record low

    They will be displayed at major stations through digital screens, while passengers at smaller stations will be able to scan a QR code and see the data online.

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the announcement “marks the beginning of a new era of rail accountability”.

    She said: “These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways, as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations.”

    In February, it was reported that rail reliability across Britain was at a record low, with the equivalent of more than one in 25 services cancelled in the year to 1 February.

    Independent rail consultant William Barter said it was “good” that punctuality data will now be presented with respect to individual stations, rather than arrivals at destinations, as there is “a tendency to pad timetables out with slack time immediately before the terminus”.

    “This tends to make performance look good even though a train may have been late at every station until then,” he said.

    Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said the transparency drive sends “a clear message to customers the rail sector is committed to improving punctuality and to find solutions to make train services more reliable”.

    The decline in train reliability comes at a time of rising rail fares, which will go up again by 4.6% next week, while rail cards will also become more expensive.

    Labour is planning to nationalise passenger rail services, with the first coming into public ownership in May 2025, with the aim of nationalisation helping to improve reliability rather than reduce ticket costs.

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