18/04/2013 South East Today

Welcome to South East Today, I'm Rob Smith. And I'm Polly Evans.

Tonight's top stories. An �8.5 million pay out for the Sussex boy

who was left severely disabled after errors during his birth.

will provide care for people to get him out of bed when he's older and

feed him, when we are not here any more. The Government refuses to

back radical plans for drug use rooms in Sussex, saying it won't

support initiatives that break laws. Also in tonight's programme, a long

time waiting. How only a fifth of calls to the new NHS 111 service

were answered within a minute. From the Fresh Prince to the Tragic King

- we meet classical actor Joseph Marcell. And rock innovator Brian

Eno's latest project - a quiet room Good evening. A seven-year-old

Sussex boy, who was left severely disabled because of what lawyers

called a catalogue of errors by midwives, has won an NHS

compensation package of �8.5 million. The High Court heard that

midwives at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath failed

to monitor Alfie Buck's heart rate for more than 12 hours during his

mother's labour, or to deliver him by Caesarean section early enough

to save him from brain damage. He left the High Court today as he

leads his life, in a wheelchair, unable to communicate without

special equipment, needing 24 hours support. The �8.5 million

compensation deal will pay for their help needed to make that like

a little easier. For him, his parents, his brother and sister.

will give access to the whole world for Alfie. It will provide care for

people to get him out of bed when he's older and beat him, when we

are not here any more. -- when he's older and feed him. We will be able

to afford carers now, at night carers when he's up screaming at

night. What happened seven years ago at the Princess Royal Hospital

was, a hospital trust admits, unacceptably poor care. For 12

hours, no midwife monitored the baby's heart rate in the womb. If

his mother had been given a caesarean just 20 minutes earlier,

the brain damage could have been prevented. The family's legal

team's and destination makes startling reading. Midwives were

aware that Samantha was at risk. They failed to provide basic

midwifery care through monitoring and record-keeping. Their

conclusion was this was a tragic catalogue of errors. The trust

disputes none of this. In a statement, the spokesman said they

were exceptionally Surrey. Concluding, we have learnt lessons

and changed practice as a result. But it's not the first time it's

happened at this hospital trust. Three years ago, Ella Bryant Brand

was awarded �7 million, or that the court wraparound her neck. Across

the south-east in one year, �38 million was paid out after hospital

mistakes. The reason the government does it in the way that it does is

to ensure that the person in the claiming position doesn't run out

of money, by giving them a certain amount of money each year, we know

that it's going to cost a certain amount. As it gets more expensive,

the amount of money received goes up. Alfie, his parents told us, has

a great sense of humour and a bright mind. But they also said

they hope no other parents will have to go through what they went

through. The incident happened at the Princess Royal in Haywards

Heath, which has managed by a trust based in Brighton. John Young is

there life for us now. What else did Alfie's parents have to say

about this debate? They said that they welcomed the apology from the

hospital trust. Sometimes in cases like this, hospital trusts deny

everything, sometimes for years, dragging families through the

courts before finally conceding that the last minute. That didn't

happen in this case. The family did have to get lawyers involved, but

once they were involved, the trust rapidly accepted the stakes were

made. Tonight, the family want to put the legal side of things behind

them, grateful that he this has been resolved, but they are really

hoping that when the trust says things have changed as a result,

that it really mean it. Government minister is warning

plans for drug consumption rooms in Brighton and Hove could encourage

illegal drug-taking. As we reported last night, public health officials

are considering providing places for addicts to take illegal drugs

without fear of prosecution, under professional supervision. The

Commons Leader, Andrew Lansley, says the Government won't back

plans which break drug laws. Permitting premises to be used or

consuming or possessing substances controlled under section 8 or the

Misuse of Drugs Act is illegal under UK law. We've not seen

detailed proposals. The establishment of operation of drug

injection roots risks... And carries significant risk of harm

within local communities. Well let's cross live to Westminster and

speak to our political reporter, Alan Soady. It looks like a row

might be brewing between the Brighton and Hove city council and

the Government. This appears not just to be a difference of opinion,

but a difference of real instinct on which way to go on this issue.

That is important because if these drug rooms were to happen, if they

were to be given some sort of legal status, then that would require the

backing of the government. There are always going to be arguments

between those in favour of this, who say it could reduce drug deaths

and could help to take drug taking off the streets of Brighton. And

those on the other side of the argument, who fear it could be seen

to condone drug use, that it could make the problem even worse and

even bring more drug-users into the city. In Brighton, as we were

hearing, there appears to be agreement among Conservative

councillors that this is a good idea and well worth a try. It is

clear tonight that the government remains far to be convinced. South

east patients are having to wait up to 11 that was to be called back by

the new NHS 111 Serbest. A leaked internal NHS document reveals that

over the Easter period, just over 22 % of calls were answered within

the target time of 60 seconds. The longest wait for a call back here

in the south-east was 11 hours and 29 minutes, on March 30th. And on

the same day, the longest wait for a recall to be answered was 21

minutes. Our reporter is in Brighton now. How is the system

meant to work? 111 is the new Health Helpline. It started in

March and is gradually due to replace NHS Direct altogether. It's

a 24 hour number, and it's the number you call if you have an

urgent health concern but don't feel you need to call an ambulance.

You get assessed and then directed to the appropriate place, beer and

out-of-hours doctor or emergency dentist. But these figures show

that doesn't seem to be having -- happening he effectively. One user

described the service today as horrendous. Every step is a

struggle and the pain is intense. Barrios board had a routine the

operation three years ago but has been plagued by infections ever

since. -- Barry Osborn. He dialled 111 over Easter on the advice of a

pharmacist. I rang them at about 11am on the 30th. They said they

would call back within two hours. Nothing, I called back at 2:00pm

after hearing nothing. They said they'd call me back again. They did

call me back then, but that was only when they started looking into

why the first call was and responded to. He claims it took 24

hours to get some morphine, which he says by that point be

desperately needed. He said he didn't want to go to A&E because

he'd heard they were busy, but feels the new system needs to be

better managed. Even the doctors don't know what's going on. They've

said to me it is a shambles. If the doctors are saying that, something

is it really wrong. He complained to South East Coast Ambulance

Service and they responded, saying they were sorry to hear of the

problems and said they are investigating his complaint. The

south-east coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, which runs

the 111 service here in the south- east, says it is still at a very

early stage. It says they are still learning about the different

reasons why patients access the service and about the best way to

respond to their needs. So why was the service introduced? The 24 hour

line is supposed to make it easier to access a range of healthcare

services in non-emergency situations. Initially, there were

four pilot schemes across the country, and it was hoped the new

service would be more cost- effective and efficient, shaving

off millions from the health budget by phasing out the costly �123

million a year NHS Direct. But an official independent report

commissioned by the Department of Health claimed it could cost as

much as an extra �7 million a year. Some doctors say the service isn't

fit or purpose. The whole thing should be suspended until it can be

made to run in this a fashion. The difficulty is this is being driven

by political ideology rather than clinical need. As a result, it is

being driven through regardless of the fact that it's not working

properly. It should be suspended until such time as it can be made

to work in a safe and sensible fashion. South-east coast Ambulance

NHS Foundation Trust, who provide the service in the south-east, say

they recognise there is a need for improvement and are working to

resolve any issues. NHS England say they are still aiming to complete

the roll-out across all of the country by June. The Deputy Mayor

of Brighton and Hove has been suspended by her own party

following an internal investigation into what's being described as a

serious matter. Councillor Anne Meadows represents Moulsecoomb and

Bevendean and is a member of the city council's Labour and Co-

operative Group. The Labour party says the suspension will remain

until the investigation is finished. The MP for Rochester and Strood,

Mark Reckless, has challenged the Home Secretary over the way Kent's

Crime Commissioner is recruiting staff. The Kent Commissioner, Ann

Barnes, has come under fire for her recruitment of a Youth Commissioner

and other senior staff. The Home Secretary told the Home Affairs

Select Committee it was for voters to decide if PCCs are spending

their budgets wisely. Kent soldiers who led the operation to search for

bombs in Afghanistan have been honoured today. Members of Kent-

based 36 Engineer Regiment were presented with medals at a ceremony

at their barracks in Maidstone. Following the medal ceremony,

servicemen and women joined their families for a reception at the

barracks. It was in some ways a celebration of survival. Every

member of the 411 strong task force home safe to Maidstone's barracks.

Home safe from one of the deadliest roles in the world of war. It is

unquestionably one of the most dangerous and nerve-shredding roles

in the military. But these men and women say, with characteristic

modesty, it is just our job. The task force's role was to clear

Improvised Explosive Devices. The home made mines the weapon of

choice of Afghan insurgents. They cleared more than 130. Now they

were back home. Their skills passed on to the Afghan security forces.

All of those soldiers here returned from operations today have achieved

an amazing amount. And that they've all come home SAT is beyond words.

It's absolutely fantastic. They all went, they all came back. The

feeling is indescribable. We are over the moon. The children are

delighted to have their daddy back. The medals today went to the

soldiers, but they were dedicated to their families, those forced to

stay at home and wait. Can you find the words, what it's like to see

your daughter again? It was really nice. She surprised me at the

airport. I've been counting down since January. It's a dream come

true. We have a full home now. It's lovely having daddy home, isn't it?

As they left the parade ground this afternoon to begin time offered

their families, the task force were told by their commanding officer

how he'd been simply humbled by The father of a soldier who went

missing in Rochester more than a week ago has travelled to Kent

today to meet police investigating his disappearance. 18-year-old Josh

Thomas vanished after a night out with friends in the early hours of

last Wednesday. Ellie Price is in Rochester now. Do the police have

any leads? Police say that Josh Thomas was last seen last Wednesday

morning outside the city wall pub, just a short walk up the High

Street. It's thought he then walked down this way towards the Rochester

Bridge and was captured on CCTV outside the Crown pub. That is the

last the police have. I spoke to Kent police a few moments ago.

proximity to the river itself, the drunken state he was in, we haven't

had any proof of life or any usage of his bank cards and telephone. We

are fearing the worst but hoping the best. I spoke to his father,

Gary, earlier. He has been in Rochester today, speaking to

officials at the barracks and also police leading the investigation.

They say he was incredibly emotional. It has been more than a

week since his son was last seen. Police are still investigating and

asking anyone who may have seen Denied top story... A seven-year-

old boy who suffered catastrophic brain damage after a catalogue of

errors at his birth is to receive a compensation package worth �8.5

million. Staff at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath in

West Sussex failed to monitor Alfie Buck sufficiently during his

mother's labour in March 2006. Later... The man from Roxy Music

who is hoping to provide a haven of calm. Brian Eno's latest project is

in a Sussex Hospital. It's been a blustery day to day but the winds

what easing off as we head towards When a struggling Kent dairy farm

decided to diversify into cheese the owners hoped it would go some

way to help the ailing family business. But things have gone

better than they could ever have expected, and Winterdale cheese is

now stocked in Fortnum and Mason. The company has also become the

first cheese business in the country to become carbon neutral

from production through to delivery. Alex Beard has the latest in our

Food Chain series. Seven years ago this family dairy

farm was a struggling business. Using milk to make a Cheddar type

cheese has turned its fortunes around. You have got my dad,

brother and myself all on the one farm. Milk prices were atrocious.

It would not have been able to support all of us. But the business

has gone from strength to strength and is now totally carbon neutral

from start to finish. It will also help them with their finance and

financial management because attempting to cut back on fossil

fuel consumption, looking at renewable sources, hopefully will

save them money ultimately. This is one of the cheeses that has been

maturing for about nine months. she's spent 10 months maturing in a

cave below ground. The temperature maintained by the earth surrounding

it. No electricity needed here. There has Sola panels and an

electric car of delivering the end product to returners. It is a UK

first and all happening in Kent. I think for us as a small business it

is a massive achievement. cheese has won many awards and now

can call itself the greenest of cheeses.

Perhaps best known as a jovial TV butler, he's now a tragic

Shakespearean King. Joseph Marcell found world wide fame as butler

Geoffrey on the 1990s hit TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Tonight he takes the title role in a Shakespeare's Globe production of

King Lear as it starts an international tour with a three

night run in Margate. Sara Smith has been along to rehearsals to

meet him. It may be 17 years since the last

episode was made but the show still has millions of viewers around the

world. The posh British butler was the perfect foil to the young Will

Smith. He'll give it a trifle stop I would

be most happy to but to the best of my knowledge hell has not yet

frozen over. The air not quite so many laughs in his latest role but

that does not mean that people should assume it is not for them,

he says. A lot of these classic plays have been metropolitan events.

We are trying to take Shakespeare to the people which is where it

belongs. It is a production that is accessible. It comes at you like a

punter. You will have the time of your lives. It is for an end.

final run-through is today at the Theatre Royal in Margate. The

paired Down Set and cast take it back to its Elizabethan groups have

focused on the real drama. really is a domestic tragedy. A man

and his three daughters and how they do not understand each other.

They simply cannot sit down and talk. All my ideas of what I

thought it was about have been transformed. It is the mountain, it

really is, the Shakespearian mountain. However more Shakespeare

a dos, and he has done a lot, he is happy to accept that most people

will always associate him with Jeffrey. I love it, it is a dream

for an actor. I can have this popular fame and be allowed to do

the classics. But for now it is all about the far from perfect world of

King Lear. A rock star, writer, musician and

record producer, Brian Eno has been all of these things in a career

stretching back more than 40 years. His latest venture is, somewhat

unexpectedly, in a private hospital in Hove. The "Quiet Room" features

moody lighting and ambient music with the aim of offering patients a

haven of calm. Robin Gibson has His name was made in glam-rock

during the 1970s and since then he has continued as a musical

innovator often collaborating with pop royalty like David Bowie. But

Brian ENO has always remained a unique talent. A path which today

led him to that newly opened Monte fury Hospital in hold. I have to

say this prospect excites me more at the moment than anything else.

We are sitting in the quiet room, with ambient music plane, composed

by him. It is a kind of chill-out space where patients and staff can

relax. What we're looking for it in this hospital is that immediately

someone walks in will want to give them a sense of well-being and a

sense of calmness. As a consultant myself again have a patient that is

in a much better place. Panic is the problem, in away. It sounds

like something that you do in the moment but there is a kind of long

term panic about having a serious illness which does not help in the

treatment of it at all. There is no firm scientific evidence for the

healing power of art and music but there is enough belief here for the

quiet room and an ever-changing audio-visual installation to be

included in that �34 million budget for the new building. They hope

that in time it will prove its worth.

Calm and serene inside. But blown Calm and serene inside. But blown

at gale outside today! We are back again it would be

showers and the gale-force wind today. There are some blustery

showers around. The wind really picking up as well. And

temperatures several degrees down on yesterday as well although it

still remaining in double figures. When we did see those showers it

did feel cooler than that. This evening we have those showers

easing but by that time we get to dawn we have the showers returning.

Temperatures not to Chile tonight, down Gerard five or six degrees in

many places. Mostly we should remain dry-eyed but perhaps some

drizzle to start the day tomorrow. You can see those isobars widening

because of this area of high pressure which is building as we

head towards the weekend. The wind noticeably easing off on Friday.

And temperatures similar, just about in double figures. But

feeling cooler certainly than yesterday. Tomorrow we have a

clearer skies. Temperatures dropping quite close to freezing.

Starting the day with some frost perhaps in some rural areas. High

pressure is in control of things at the weekend. That is around for

Saturday with temperatures getting up to around 12 degrees. And a

similar picture as we go into Sunday. Were the new week we have

some unsettled weather. But for the some unsettled weather. But for the

weekend, not too bad a picture. Let's recap tonight's top national

and local news stories. Rescuers are trying to find survivors of a

huge chemical explosion in the small town of West in Texas. Many

buildings were destroyed by the blast, which was caused by a fire

at a fertiliser plant. A seven-year-old Sussex boy who

suffered catastrophic brain damage after a "catalogue of errors" at

his birth is to receive a compensation package worth �8.5

million. And a Government Minister is