20/03/2014 BBC Wales Today

That's all from the BBC News at Six, so it's goodbye from me

Welcome to Wales Today. Our top stories: Health bodies could be put

in special measures. New plans to tackle serious failings

in the NHS. This is an opportunity to detect any serious concerns and

take decisive action. North Wales Police under

investigation after a 15-year-old boy is strip searched by officers.

His father speaks out about his son's treatment.

He'll be able to take all of his pension pots in cash when he

retires, so how will the Chancellor's radical changes affect

people here? And girls are behind the boys when

it comes to taking part in sport. Former Olympic champion Nicole Cooke

calls on the BBC to give women's sport a higher profile.

One of the most high profile critics of the Health Service here has been

the Labour MP, Ann Clwyd. Tonight she's hit back at the First

Minister, saying Carwyn Jones was wrong to say she had produced no

evidence to justify her complaints about the way patients are treated.

The Cynon Valley MP has been talking to our parliamentary correspondent,

David Cornock, who's at Westminster. Over the last year, and include says

she has received hundreds of complaints and happy with the way

they were cave for by the NHS in Wales. She says she has taken blows

to the first Minister and the Welsh Government but earlier this week we

heard from Carwyn Jones who said she had no evidence to back up those

complaints. She is currently in Switzerland at an international

conference but I tracked down today by telephone and she is clearly

angry with what the first minister has said. I wrote a very

comprehensive letter to Carwyn Jones on December three after I had a

meeting with him a few days previously. He was well aware of the

issues I raised. I have done it in Parliament, through letters, in

press statements. Nobody can say I have not provided the information. I

have, over and over again. She is also calling for heads to roll out

one health board. Yes. The husband died around 18 months ago at the

University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and she said at the time he

was treated like a battery hen and kept on a hospital trolley for 27

hours. An investigation was launched into the care he received and she

discovered this week that some of the information about that

investigation has now been released by the local health board in

response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act. She is

very angry about that and says this has breached her confidentiality and

gone against her specific wishes. We have spoken to the health board and

they have said the information that has been released are statements

that are already in the public domain. In a statement the health

board said it has not released the report in full and it is not its

intention to release the report in full or to breach confidentiality.

A mother of a teenager who took his own life says the system failed her

son. Now, a new report says the number of young people who kill

themselves could be lowered by the introduction of minimum pricing for

alcohol and raising of the school leaving age. Paul Heaney has been

speaking to one mother, who lost her son three years ago. It is a knife

that has interested. I will never see him fulfil any of the dreams he

had. I was let down by the system. Regional -- Rachel Williams' centre

is like three years ago. He was 16 years old when he died. His father

had killed himself just weeks earlier. His mum said he had

everything to live for and if he had received more help things might have

been different. There wasn't enough done. There wasn't enough input. The

help wasn't there. The authorities involved in this case say things

have changed and lessons have been learned since his death. Public

Health Wales studied the deaths of 34 young people aged between ten and

17 who died by suicide in Wales. Most were boys. Its recommendations

involve restrict ding access to alcohol, a child protection register

that covers the whole of Wales and providing more support for children.

It says social media can also have a role in suicide. So if those

recommendations are followed what would be the benefits for young

people? People they come into contact with feel able to respond to

them appropriately. Send them to wherever or whatever help is

appropriate. You have seen the report today. What do you make of

the recommendations? I am welcoming it but it should be in place anyway.

Why has it taken all these suicides to happen and all these years? This

man's son killed himself 26 -- at 26 years old and he now works for the

charity which tries to prevent suicide. We want to raise the

profile of young suicides. Most people don't realise how many people

take their lives each year. It is a staggering number. If they I young

people listening, talk about it. Talk to your parents or your doctor

or somebody and child get help. The Welsh Government says it welcomes

today's report and will respond as soon as possible.

A teacher jailed after turning his home into a cocaine laboratory has

been given a lifetime ban by a disciplinary panel. 49-year-old

Macphallen Kuwale from Cardiff was jailed for three years last year

after being caught with around ?8,000 of the Class A drug. He

worked at Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen in Bridgend while running the drugs

operation. A 58-year-old woman has been

arrested and bailed over the alleged concealment of a birth almost 40

years ago. Police have been at a house in Pontardawe in the Swansea

Valley, but their investigation does not involve the current occupants.

A former North Wales Police officer has been jailed for 18 months after

being found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on a 14-year-old

girl in 2002. PC Gary Donnelly, who joined the force in 2003, denied the

offences during a retrial after a previous jury failed to reach a

verdict. Donnelly will register as a sex offender for ten years.

The Police watchdog is investigating after a 15-year-old boy was strip

searched by North Wales Police. The boy was detained in Llandudno 18

months ago. Matthew Richards is at Llandudno Police Station for us this

evening. What more can you tell us? The boy was in a gang of boys that

were stopped by the police. The 15-year-old was subjected to a strip

search. His father is concerned that some essential procedures were not

followed and he has complained to the IPCC. We spoke to him earlier

and we have conceal his identity. I am really annoyed about this. If a

member of the public had taken a 15-year-old child off the streets,

and took them to a secluded space and stripped them of, I am sure head

will -- heads would roll. I don't think the police have been given a

slap on the wrist. What has the police watchdog said about this?

Their main concern here is that an appropriate adult may not have been

present. An independent third person. They say that investigation

could take several months and they want to find out whether certain

elements of procedure were followed. The North Wales Police

have said they will cooperate with the IPCC during the investigation.

The father we spoke to today says he was set -- he wants to see some

consequences. Business rates are likely to be

devolved by the start of next year with stamp duty and landfill tax to

follow in 2018. The UK Government has published the Wales Bill to

devolve financial powers to the National Assembly, including income

tax powers subject to a referendum. Brecon High School has been put in

special measures after a poor inspection. Powys Council says a

report by the schools' inspectorate, Estyn, was "very disappointing". An

action plan has been drawn-up to address the problems.

Health boards and services across Wales could be put into special

measures under new plans to tackle serious NHS failings. The changes,

announced today, follow a damning report which blamed mismanagement of

the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board in North Wales for a catalogue of

errors. The new regime will focus on early detection of problems and

effective intervention to prevent them going any further. James

Williams reports. Betsy Cadwallader was a health board

under pressure. Financial problems and failure to plan the changes and

another rig of the superbug seed of the seal. Complications relating to

the bug cost this woman's husband her life -- his life. His widow says

the number of cases of seed of the seal across North Wales should have

raised alarm bells. I don't understand what has happened. It is

not just myself. Six cases were reported. Systems were in place but

Brian fell through the cracks. New guidelines published today against a

fill them. One of the health bodies under scrutiny is the health

watchdog, healthcare Inspectorate Wales. Today's guidelines are all

about telling the government what rules they should play in

identifying and tackling problems in the NHS. It is an opportunity to

strengthen the system and this particular arrangement the minister

requested, the Welsh Government has worked closely with health

Inspectorate Wales to look at how they can work together in

partnership when situations develop where it is necessary to share

information. There are three levels of intervention the bodies can use

to nip potential problems in the bud. Enhanced monitoring, giving

them a watching brief over any problems. Targeted in -- targeted

intervention and in exceptional circumstances special measures. That

is sending in a team to run a particular health service. The first

time this power has been introduced in the Welsh NHS. It has also been

generally welcomed by doctors leaders but the BMA says the NHS

needs to avoid serious problems in the first place. We have seen

mortality rates -- rates higher than they should be. We have seen

worrying aspects of NHS performance as a result of the crippling NHS

cuts which are being imposed either Welsh Labour government. We have to

get to grips with those issues. It is whether these guidelines can stop

these types of issues turning into big problem that will concern

patients. You're watching Wales Today. Still

to come: Could watching more female athletes on television help inspire

girls to stick with sport? Former Olympic Champion Nicole Cooke calls

on the BBC to take action. Sweeping changes announced to the

rules on pensions mean that many will be able to take their pensions

in cash when they retire. But one leading financial advisor has told

us he's been inundated with calls from clients wanting to access their

pension pots and is urging people to be cautious and think about the

future. Here's Roger Pinney. This is the Co-operative in

Llandudno Junction. A social enterprise finds new uses the goods

which would otherwise go to landfill. The 40 members of staff

span the age range. Even though two of the workers will be affected by

the changes they have been left confused by them. Until now, many

about to retire have been obliged to put a large part of their pension

pot into an income fund but the returns can be poor. The changes

announced yesterday mean they could take their money out and invested or

spend it as they choose although they would still have to pay income

tax on it. I think it is a very good idea. I don't think you should be

told what to do with their own money. The annuities were not

terribly good. You could invest money far more wisely with a much

better return. Will it affects the like you? Definitely. It gives us

freedom to explore different options and having -- not having to be

committed to an annuity will help things massively. They operate a

pension scheme here that in the future staff will automatically be

enrolled unless they choose to about. -- to opt-out. Most of us

don't even think about how our patient -- pensions will work until

we get close to retirement age. Financial advisers say they are

already getting calls about the changes and many investors want

their money out that there are concerns. This could be good for a

number of individuals but some caution has to be taken because you

may have clients who see it as an opportunity to access small pension

pots of 20,000 or 30,000 to go on holiday and it is no provision for

the rest of their lives. Many of us won't have a pension pot with enough

to be affected by many of these changes. The UK government says it

wants to put this in charge of our own money. They also hope we will be

encouraged to save a bit more as well.

And if you want to find out how the Budget affects the money in your

pocket, click on our Budget Calculator, at bbc.co.uk/news.

BBC Wales has learned millions of pounds of Lottery money will be

released next month aimed at getting more girls to take up sport. At the

moment, only around a third of girls take part regularly, unlike half of

boys. Claire's with some gymnasts for us tonight.

Good evening. A real mix of ages here tonight. The under 6's and some

of our Commonwealth hopefuls. These girls train six nights a week.

Gymnastics as a female sport has seen a rise in uptake but it's in

the minority. The problem is, while these girls are passionate about

their sport, many girls simply give up it up when they start secondary

school. Former Olympic cycling champion, Nicole Cooke, thinks that

could change if female athletes had a higher profile. She's called on

the BBC to give women's sport the same amount of coverage on TV as

men's. Our sports news correspondent, Gareth Lewis, has

been looking into her argument. Nicole Cooke is a rear breed, one of

only three Welsh women to win and Linda gold-medal and her passion for

sport still runs deeper year after retirement. These days she has

swapped the bike for books and a business degree at Cardiff

University. You could do the same for TV time. The BBC is paid for by

the public so maybe the equality could be brought in. The BBC said

around 1000 hours of women's sport is broadcast every year on TV and

around 20% of its coverage. In her old school in Bridgend, change is

already under way. The senior girls at the school have been put in

charge of what they do in physical education. The school successfully

applied the ?30,000 worth of grants to refurbish the gym and changing

rooms but it's about more than just money. It is about innovation and

thinking differently and trying things that made us feel

uncomfortable before. The old image behind school PE is starting to

change. What are the main reasons that people lose interest? Low

self-esteem and confidence. The PE kit is an issue with girls as well.

Trousers are the main thing because when you are made to wear shorts,

some people don't suit so -- shorts. Will any of this work? TV coverage

might be a slow burner but in this school they are hoping for positive

results in two years time. Wrexham have a new manager in

charge. Kevin Wilkin succeeds Andy Morrell, who left the club a month

ago. The 46-year-old enjoyed three promotions in four years with

Nunneaton Town and leaves them fourth in the Conference. He's

signed a two year contract at the Racecourse and can't wait for his

first game in charge, at home to Salisbury on Saturday. A fantastic

club. Great history and a great opportunity for me to get it back in

the foot will lead. I have got my ideas about what I want to put into

the club. The club has been through some dark times but I hope to

achieve promotion. With the Commonwealth Games just

four months away, Wales have today named a seven-member squash squad to

compete in Glasgow. Ten-time Welsh champion Dave Evans will compete in

his third games, alongside current Welsh number one Peter Creed. Wales

have two women ranked in the world top 50 for the first time. With

preparations going well, their coach is confident of medal success. We

are going to win medals. The team are there to win medals. We are

there to compete and win medals. We did not go to the Commonwealth games

last time and this time we're ready. The are prepared. They have played

on the courts in Glasgow already. We look forward to the challenge.

The Assembly's Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee has

decided against ordering an inquiry into Welsh rugby's finances. The

Welsh rugby regions had called for an independent public inquiry into

how broadcasting and competition revenue is negotiated and

distributed. I am tired just watching these

girls. Back to you in the studio. Anyone who's seen the recent science

fiction film "Gravity" will appreciate just how sophisticated

special effects in movies have become. Each year, the visual

effects industry brings in around ?200 million to the UK economy, but

most of that work goes to companies based in London. So how can Wales

cash-in and develop a home-grown industry to compete on a global

scale? Carwyn Jones has been finding out.

A low budget film with big ambitions. This is "The Machine", a

Welsh science fiction movie released in cinemas tomorrow. Although it was

made for a modest ?1 million, it contains more than 400 computer

generated effects, most of which were designed by a visual effects

team based in Cardiff. There is no reason why those types of projects

cannot be done by artists in Wales. All that is lacking at the moment is

infrastructure. These are the visual effects designers of the future.

Nearly 100 students here at the University of South Wales are

learning the skills to create high end special effects for the film and

television industry. But when they graduate, there's no guarantee

they'll find work this side of the Severn Bridge. I tell my students,

if you are looking to work on major feature films, London is the base

that there 90% of the visual effects that takes place in this country.

Trying to break beyond that is quite hard. These days most films and TV

dramas use of special effects. As demand for special effects grows, so

too does the industry providing them. And it's a lucrative market.

Last year, visual effects work brought ?200 million into the UK

economy. . If Wales wants a share of those spoils, it will need to prove

that it's a one stop shop for all aspects of film production. Some

believe we're there already. We are seeing a huge migration to Wales

where we can service production and where we have the talent and where

we have the facilities. That will only grow as production gains

momentum here. Danny Hargreaves has taken full advantage of the recent

upturn in production companies filming in Wales. He's done the

special effects work for a slew of high profile television series,

including 'Doctor Who', 'Sherlock' and 'Da Vinci's Demons'. He already

had an effects business in London but eight years ago he moved it all

to Cardiff. It was a huge risk to come here. Generally the industry in

Wales has grown massively over the last few years. For us it has

enabled us as a company to grow with the industry. If our effects

industry is holding its own on the small screen, the big budget rewards

that come with Hollywood productions are still a way off. It's hoped the

arrival of the new Pinewood film studios in Cardiff may change all

that. But films like 'The Machine' prove that we've got the talent in

Wales to produce special effects like these from conception to

completion. Let's get you whether now with

Derek. Temperatures are dropping. And that

sets the scene for the next few days. Colder than recently with a

mixture of sunshine and showers. Some of the showers heavy and wintry

and watch out for frost on Sunday night. Today's rain has now cleared,

leaving a much drier evening and night. The cloud well broken with

just a few scattered showers. Colder than last night. In Mid Wales and

the Marches the temperature will fall close to freezing with a ground

frost. Here's the picture for 8:00am in the morning. Colder than today

but some dry weather. Sunshine in Wrexham. Mind you, it won't be dry

everywhere. Showers in the south and west will be heavy in places. Breezy

on the coast. Strong winds in the northwest. So a mixture of sunshine

and showers tomorrow. The showers becoming more widespread during the

afternoon. Some of them heavy with hail and thunder and wintry on high

ground. The wind increasing with top temperatures 7C to 10C. In

Denbighshire, the morning will be dry and bright but expect showers in

the afternoon. A high of 9C in Ruthin. In Bridgend tomorrow, a

little sunshine but also heavy showers, perhaps with hail and

thunder. Becoming breezy with a top temperature of 8C in Maesteg.

Tomorrow night, clear spells and showers. Again some of the showers

heavy and wintry with hail, sleet and snow. A dusting of snow on

higher ground with a risk of icy patches. Saturday will continue

chilly and breezy with further wintry showers. Sunday night will be

dry, clear and cold with a widespread frost. In Powys the

temperature could fall as low as -3C. Monday looks nice. Dry and

sunny with a southeasterly breeze. It's coming up to 7:00pm. The main

news again from the BBC: The Australian government says it's

received satellite images of two objects in the Southern Ocean which

could be linked to the disappearance of the Malaysian airliner. It's now

13 days since flight MH370 went missing with 239 people on board.

That is it for now. From all of us here, good evening.

That is it for now. From all of us here, good evening.