08/03/2017 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Sunday it will turn called. Back to you. That

In tonight's headlines: Maternity services will remain

in West Cumbria for 12 months - but campaigners fear it's

People need to come to an area, come to a hospital where there are a

permanent jobs, where we are not constantly under review.

Three community hospitals will lose beds in the biggest shake up

in the county's health service for years.

Also tonight: Budget day blues or bonanza?

Market traders give their view on the Chancellor's plans.

Dorothy retires after 70 years of volunteering in the community.

And winners of a photography competition choose our winning

In sport: A goalless draw for Newcastle but the Magpies

And the Wembley Hero who's written a book about facing up to life

A huge shake up of Cumbria's health services has been approved

after a long awaited meeting in West Cumbria.

After months of fighting to save services in the county,

campaigners finally got to hear decisions on the future

The changes mean some key services will be downgraded

at the West Cumberland hospital in Whitehaven.

Children's services and stroke support will be

And all in-patient beds will be lost at three

But there was a surprise reprieve for the consultant-led

Our health reporter Sharon Barbour joins me now from outside

Here we are outside a very busy accident and emergency unit at the

hospital here in Whitehaven were staff to have been anxiously

awaiting the news, the biggest shake-up of health services across

Cumbria in decades. The most emotive issue has been around maternity

care. Our reporter has been speaking to campaigners who have really

argued strongly to keep consultant led maternity here, arguing that the

journey from here across to Carlisle, 40 miles, is dangerous and

could even put lives at risk. At this mother and baby group

meeting in Cockermouth this week, young mums talk openly about the

anxieties of having to travel to give birth. I have straightforward

births, but I would be very concerned at the idea of having to

travel. Labour is stressful enough for mums anyway and the prospect of

losing a baby and yourself as well. So very frightening experience, I

think. It is not just that pregnancy itself is a worrying time. Some say

there is hard evidence available to suggest that increasing travel times

puts lives at risk. I started to read the international research on

the impact of distance from services and birth outcomes and the impact is

simply appalling. The idea of it being saved to travel and our other

half in Labour as a lot of our woman would be asked to do nonsense. If

your bosses ever. Propose changes to hospital services would cause a

short-term stir, then they would have had to think again.

Demonstrations like this would have been frequent in West Cumbria and

campaigners want a long-term solution. We are going to unite,

stand together, fight against this. There is no way they are removing

our services. Our option is to keep what we have already got to work

hard to make sure it is sustainable for the future. Commit to a ten year

plan with a recruitment drive and we can sort this out. Back at the

mother and baby group, some mums say what happens to hospital services

could add even greater worries to possible future pregnancies. For

myself, if I do go on to have any other children, that will just be of

great concern. And something that would overshadow my pregnancy.

Cockermouth to Carlisle is not so bad, but Whitehaven is a lot further

away than that they would have a really long way to travel, is a very

important. Our reporter was at the meeting when the news was announced

not only the news about the maternity services but also those

Community Hospital beds that are going and the other vital hospital

services that are leaving Whitehaven. For the ladies who have

spent their lives delivering babies in West Cumbria, today's news was

not good. I am gutted. Absolutely gutted. We care. We want our mums to

be safe and healthy at the same for our babies. Why are people going to

move here? Why would they proved their family, come to a job weather

is certainty? It is just really a stay of execution. Just more

uncertainty for everybody. The campaigners doubt that 12 months

will be enough time to address maternity staff shortages and in

effect the new plan will leap was born maternity downgrading. But

clinicians working on the proposals say this alternative reflects

feedback from the public and it is a definite attempt to make the safer.

We are going to do our hardest to respond to respond to the challenges

that we have got. But we know that at the same time we will tear some

of the things we should have been doing anyway. Let's work together to

try to put the something together that will be sustainable for the

long time. Much of the debate years been about the time it takes to

travel along as busy, rural road. Today, it was confirmed that the

most seriously ill children will be taken to Carlisle for treatment with

a short stay paediatric ward in Whitehaven. Carlisle would be the

base for a new hyper acute stroke unit as well. Patients taking

directly there will be no changes immediately overnight, but still,

the news is disappointing for campaigning. For us, because we are

so geographically isolated, it could be the death of our community ever

hospital does not have beds. There is great love and affection for

timidity hospitals here. Campaigners say they still have a role to play,

but it is not always the answer. There is a lot more we can do if we

put in testament into supporting people in their own homes and

supporting them to not need a bed in the first place. So a day of big

decisions. Some bringing clarity, others concerned. The only certainty

here, the determination from all involved to make health care in

Cumbria safer for the future. The area's new MP, sworn in just a week

ago is Judy Harrison. You pushed for the review of maternity service. You

have got that. What is your reaction? Good evening. I post for

services to remain at West Cumberland Hospital and what the

review will actually do is to enable us to recruit and retain the staff

that we need to make sure that we retain consultant led maternity.

Campaigners say, yes, it is a reprieve, but they are worried that

12 months is not long enough. They are still concerned. What we all

need to do now, and I would commend all of those that have raised

awareness in this campaign, it has been a sterling effort, but what we

need to do now is get behind the recruitment and retention campaign,

working with the community, with staff supporters, with the partners

in the nuclear industry, because I think they can be really helpful

now. Just to reiterate, the wonderful quality of life that you

can have in West Cumbria and also as West Cumberland Hospital is a

teaching hospital comedy career opportunities there as well. It is

not the day to sound triumphant today, really, is it? Because a lot

has been lost. Children's services, acute care, beds going from

community hospitals and a cut in those that Penrith. Very difficult

time. Well, my pledge was to make sure that we retain services at West

Cumberland Hospital. That remains and I'm very much looking forward to

working with all of those that can help us recruit and retain staff. Do

you think it is going to be a very difficult job to Selby area? This is

the main stumbling block block, not only be recruiting but the retention

of those stuff. I certainly think the hard work starts now. We have a

12 month window of opportunity. I am optimistic that we can recruit and

retain those staff, but it will take everybody. It will mean that the

hospital staff, the supporters, the community and all of those in West

Cumbria get behind this campaign. But I do think it is possible. I

really do. Right. Thank you very much.

Our health reporter Sharon Barbour's still with us.

You have reaction from another local MP.

Yes, some or political reaction. A Labour MP said the downgrading of

children's services showed that services here at the hospital were

still under threat and there is still uncertainty. She did welcome

that reprieve for consultant led maternity, while the review took

place, but she did say that she will be watching that review process very

closely. Well, it is a bit of a mixed bag, really. I am very pleased

that maternity services are going to stay with consultant led services at

least for the next year. But it is really, really important that we

make sure that that then continues beyond the 12 month trial and the

key issue for that is to get recruitment sorted out and I will be

looking for a proper plan on how they are going to tackle recruitment

and make sure that we are able to continue to have those consultant

led services at West Cumberland Hospital. So tonight for all of the

staff here in the hospital in Whitehaven and for the 140,000

patients they serve, the blow was softer than many had expected, but

they do say they are going to continue to fight to keep the

services that they can and to keep consultant led maternity here in

Whitehaven. Back to you. OK, thank you. We moved to other news.

It was Chancellor Philip Hammond's first Budget, but also the last one

The yearly estimate of likely income and spending will now

Well, our Business Correspondent Ian Reeve has been gauging

We do not have his report had been moments, so we will go to our

political editor. The Chancellor did find more more

money to help our councils care Yes, ?2 billion over three years.

That is in addition to some council tax being raised. We will all pay

another 2% to fund social care this year. The concern is that older

people are left without care and therefore they get stuck in hospital

beds and it adds to the pressure on the NHS. But Labour says that ?2

billion over three years just won't be enough. We know that social care

needs ?2 billion immediately. This is ?2 billion spread over three

years. And I think every MP in the country knows that this is the

biggest issue facing us in terms of our surgeries and people bringing

forward issues. So I don't think the Government quite stepped up to the

mark today on social care. The Conservatives say it is not just

about money. In Northumberland, they're trying to get the councils

and the health service to try to work closer together to tackle this.

When I talk to constituents, they don't understand quite rightly why

these different parts of our health service are not one seamless whole

and we are slowly moving towards that in Northumberland but we will

be leading the way, which is fantastic. Councils will now be able

to charge up to 3% and I know we have that in our council tax coming

through in April and this extra ?2 billion will help those councils who

are moving towards a seamless programme as we will have in

Northumberland and we'll get there too. The previous Chancellor was

very keen on talking about the northern powerhouse. In fact, you

launched it. What about this one? Six mentions by George Osborne in

last year's budget. On the one mentioned by Philip Hammond today.

We are promised a share of investment in the rooms and we will

find out the details of that. Some scheme to tackle congestion in the

North East and Cumbria. Over the next few days. There was concern

about raised national insurance contributions for the self-employed,

not just from Labour MPs but also from conservatives and the

Federation of Small Businesses in the North East who say it will

hamper efforts to great jobs in the North East. OK. Thank you.

Durham Police have received a letter threatening the county's

The police say the letter, addressed to the Chief Constable,

contained political rhetoric along with threats.

The police also say, although there's no supporting

evidence to corroborate the threats, they're trying to trace the person

responsible and are offering reassurance to councillors.

I don't think we take threats like this likely in the current climate.

We never received anything like this, but more importantly we are

trying to concentrate on the day job of interacting with our communities

across the county in the way that we always do.

Detectives investigating the rape of a woman have made an appeal for

witnesses to come forward. The attack happened on Friday the 3rd of

March when a woman and her toddler were dragged into a car by two men

and driven to a secluded area. They were then several hours later

between 530 and 630 bundled out of the car.

They were then, several hours later, between 5.30 and 6.30,

bundled out the car on Kirkleatham lane, near the Kirkleatham Museum.

To mark International Women's Day a special plaque's been unveiled

Unveiled by the city's Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Stephenson,

the plaque commemorates the famous Newcastle suffragette,

It symbolised the moment of Kathleen's release

from prison in 1909, where she'd been sentenced

for throwing stones at the windows of Whitehall, during a protest

trying to win the right to vote for women.

Kathleen then returned to Newcastle to a hero's welcome.

Now the extraordinary story of Dorothy Robertson, a lady from South

Shields who has been a hospital volunteer for more than 70 years.

This weekend, Dorothy will be 92, and age at which she has finally

decided to retire. Today, she had a farewell party and our correspondent

was there. Work leaving parties are always

special, but in South Shields today, Dorothy Robertson's leaving do was

one not to be missed. For more than 70 years, Dorothy has been a patient

creature, a loyal volunteer at South Tyneside District Hospital. She

started volunteering there during the Second World War. Now, at the

age of 92, she has decided to call it time after 76 years of giving

directions and advice. If people come in and just sort of look a bit

lost, this is why you have to read the body language. And sometimes I

find gentleman are a bit hesitant in asking for advice. I learned that

with my husband as a driver in the car. He would never ask directions.

The greeters and outpatients are very heavily relied upon by patients

as they come in the door. Dorothy has been a prime example of that. A

typical example. One that we should all hold our heads up high and thank

her for. But Dorothy's legacy as a volunteer goes way beyond South

Tyneside Hospital. As well as being a patient creature, she has worked

for Relate, the Alzheimer's society, and has been a magistrate. She has

even been a chaperone for child actors including a youthful Ant and

Dec. They were not the famous people that they are today. Did they behave

themselves? Well, what do you expect a 12 hour day 13-year-old to be

like? Dorothy's presence in the hospital will be sorely missed. An

extraordinary lady who says she will be often popping back.

Dear me. If you ever felt lazy. Dorothy putting many people to

shame, I am sure. Not you. Naughty Ant and Dec as well. Who would have

believed it? Newcastle United remain top

of the Championship but couldn't add to their 13 away wins in the league,

playing out their first goalless draw of the season last

night against Reading. It was a cagey match

at the Madjeski Stadium and although the Magpies created

the better chances they were restricted to long-range

shots in the first half - Matt Ritchie's strike hitting

the post just before the break. But Reading who have the best home

record in the division forced Karl Darlow into action on occasion

and almost nicked a win in the last minute of injury time

when Garath McCleary's effort The Magpies lead, now just three

points following Brighton's In Scottish League Two,

Berwick Rangers came out on top in a seven goal thriller

against Clyde. Steven Thomson once again

with the pick of the goals with this absolute screamer as Rangers ran out

4-3 winners at Shielfield Park. They're now just two points behind

sixth placed Stirling A huge blow for Team Northumbria's

Superleague Netball squad with news Katarina Cooper has been ruled out

for the remainder of the campaign. The New Zealander suffered

an anterior cruciate ligament injury on her debut two weeks ago in just

the second game of the new season. Now to an extraordinary story

of willpower and determination Just months after helping

Whitley Bay lift the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium in 2009,

non-league footballer Mark Taylor was given the devastating news

that he had Motor Neurone Disease. Told then he may have just

three years to live, Mark is still battling and has

written a moving autobiography. Winning a trophy at the home

of English football - still the pinnacle for

most aspiring players. Little did the 26-year-old

Whitley Bay defender Mark Taylor know that months later he would be

beginning the fight against an incurable disease that

attacks the nerves in the brain The book - A Brief History of Mine -

which was initially written for family and friends

is a searingly honest account of life before

and after the diagnosis The title is a play on the book

written by Professor Stephen Hawking. I just thought it worked

well with that being my disease and my autobiography.

Mark's former teammates involved him in the trophy presentation

of Whitley Bay's 2nd cup final success in two years.

And they saluted his courage with specially made t-shirts.

He's had some dark times - not least in the aftermath

He now can't eat, drink or speak and communicates through his Eyegaze

computer which responds to the movement of his eyes.

The book has given him the opportunity -

sometimes with humour - to explore some painful

What has been the most difficult period for you? I think the months

leading up to my admission to the hospital with pneumonia last March

was the worst period for me and my family. I had developed severe

anxiety centred around the deterioration of my breathing,

including a stay in the hospital. With the help of his

family, assistant Sam and team of carers Mark -

a former PE Teacher - works at Kenton School in Newcastle

holding down a research The 185 page book took him six weeks

to write, a painstaking A lot of people didn't know about

what motoneuron disease was when Mark was diagnosed and it might help

those people who do not have the knowledge of the disease to

understand the condition a bit better. Mark, are you hoping you

could be an inspiration for others? We had another player recently

diagnosed? I don't set out to be or consider myself inspirational. I

just try to live my life the best I can. I hope that if people do read

my book and the have a similar condition they will realise that

life is not over and is definitely worth living.

A remarkable man. Now it is time for the weather

and we have got some experts on hand. We have indeed. Time for the

arguments... I mean, the discussions to continue. I headed off to meet

some people involved in revitalising Reed still, a sometimes forgotten

corner of Northumberland. Revitalising is a partnership

project working with the Heritage lottery to try to look at ways we

can conserve and enhance this fantastic landscape. One of the

things that we want to do is very much engaged local people in terms

of devising the projects that we are going to support. So we developed a

photographic competition to try to find out what local people value

about the landscape and we got some fantastic pictures that shoulder

some of the viewpoints, some of the special places, and what we got

today is the of the winners to come and judge your competition. At this

point in these films, we often find ourselves in a tea room cafe. Today

is no exception. Red, Mary and Rowlie got down to business. The

variety of your separate shots was wide, to say the least. But the

judges were all in agreement about the highlights. We really love John

Shipley's photograph of the starlings. We just love that wave

motion, just when they are moving to the sky and changing direction. It

really summed up debris followers. This was a beautiful picture. Just

like waves with the sun came through and the contrast of the colours and

it was framed absolutely beautifully. I would love to have

taken that photograph. It is a lovely picture. The winning

photograph was taken by Emily Murdoch. It is a sheepdog on a wall

and as a composition it is perfect. The brooding sky in the background

with that line of white is really made the wall stand out. It also had

a lot of personality because the focus of the dog is so clear on its

matter and the way that the sheep were looking at the photographer at

the front so it really was a stunning photograph, that winner.

Thanks to the folks from revitalising Reed still. And this

shot of the sheepdog keeping an eye on the pregnant sheep will feature

in the debris page of next year's look North weather calendar.

Tomorrow, the skies will be brighter. We are expecting a mostly

dry day with some sunshine again. Easy to say the least probably wind

will eventually ease later in the day. It is a dry picture, as we head

into the evening. There will be some cloud around through the night. An

increasing chance of that cloud producing some showery outbreaks of

rain here and there, more especially as we head into the early hours of

the morning. The shoppers become less widespread again by the end of

the night. The temperatures, like last night, generally no lower than

about five Celsius. We keep a brisk westerly wind through the night. So

tomorrow morning, any early showers die away fairly quickly. The cloud

will lift and break and we are in for some sunny spells again. Most

places dry through the day. Plenty of sunshine for the afternoon and

temperatures again into double figures. Today we had highs of 14

Celsius in some spots, not quite as warm as that tomorrow. Highs of

around 11 Celsius. Gusty wind from a West or south westerly direction. It

eventually easing as we head to the afternoon and into words tea-time.

So that is the picture for tomorrow. A little ridge of high pressure that

does not hang around too long. Pushed out of the way as these

weather fronts coming from the West through Friday and into the weekend

as well. Things more changeable over the next few days. Not all bad news

but some others will seek rain at times as we head to the latter part

of the working week and into the weekend itself. So for Friday,

generally speaking, cloudier skies than we have been used to over the

last day or so. Because cloud probably in the West. That is where

we will see some patchy rain and drizzle at times. Temperatures still

making it into double figures. The wind is lighter for most of us on

Friday. Saturday sees the cloud coming and going. There will be some

rain for a time although it does look as if most places will brighten

up through the afternoon. 11-12dC again. The breeze picking up from

the west or south-westerly direction. There will be some rain

around at times on Sunday as well. Generally fairly cloudy skies so

will the temperatures are at 10-11dC again it will not feel as warm as

those numbers suggest, especially when you take into account that

south-westerly breeze again. You can keep up-to-date with the latest

forecast on the website and we will keep you updated on your local radio

station. Remember to keep your march weather pictures coming. You can

send them to our e-mail address. Thank you very much, Paul. That is

all from the ceiling. Don't forget there will be more budget and West

Cumbria health care News in our late bulletin at p.m. And what more could

you want? Good night. Let's Sing And Dance exploded onto

our screens, setting the stage

alight...literally. Stars were a-swinging...

Could somebody help me? Join the party,

as new stars perform on...