18/12/2013 Midlands Today

let-up. Thank you. That is all from the BBC News at Six. Goodbye. Now

Hello and welcome to Midlands Today. The headlines tonight: A partial

victory for Stafford Hospital campaigners, as some services are

retained but others downgraded. We came here today and they said the

administrators said they had listened to the community, but there

is nothing there in what they are offering.

We'll be asking how it will all work, and the impact it'll have on

neighbouring hospitals. We've spent the day inside the busy

University Hospital of North Staffordshire. Will it be able to

take up the slack from Stafford? A sharp fall in jobless figures with

26,000 fewer out of work, but Birmingham is still the worst city

for unemployment in the country. It is wet and windy, and Stoke City is

hoping to make it a miserable night for Manchester United.

And we may have seen plenty of rain today, but could this be the scene

across us by tomorrow? Full details coming up in the forecast later.

Good evening. Stafford Hospital is being taken over, but some key

services will stay. It's a partial victory for thousands who marched to

save it, although not everyone's happy. Administrators needed more

time to come up with their proposals, such was the strength of

public opinion. They're now recommending a downgraded maternity

unit instead of complete closure. A stays, although it won't be 24

hours. Other services will be scaled back ` with complicated procedures

taking place elsewhere and Stafford used for recuperation and recovery.

The hospital's been trying to rebuild confidence since the scandal

over dreadful neglect and poor care was uncovered five years ago. It's

not quite the end of the story, though ` the Health Secretary still

has to give his approval, and that won't happen until next February at

the earliest. Here's our health correspondent Michele Paduano.

This is what all the fuss is about, babies and children, where they are

born and how they are treated. In the future half of all Stafford

babies will still be born in Stafford. For these mums, today's

improvements are not good enough. There is still some hope there, we

do still have some services, but you cannot guarantee that you will not

have complications if you are giving birth, and to have to go elsewhere

would disrupt so many lives. It is good not `` not good enough for

people with critically ill children. What are they supposed to do? The

Trust Special Administrators said they had listened to the concerns,

and 95% of all patient care will be in Stafford. What we have done I

believe successfully is to provide Stafford and Cannock with a period

of stability, at least four years, when they can work with local health

care commissioners and can address the issues that exist here and also

elsewhere. Stafford Hospital will get ?90 million in subsidy over four

years, and ?40 million refurbishment. A further ?130

million will be spent on improving maternity and accident and emergency

services in Walsall, Stockton Wolverhampton. This will fund a

proportion of our new A department which we have recently started the

preliminary construction. We will also have to build an extension to

our existing maternity units to be able to cope with the consultant

deliveries. Back in Stafford politicians across the spectrum are

not happy. We are going to lobby very hard now, the Secretary of

State for health, because that is where we have to take the fight to.

And my colleagues in all parties have been fighting very hard for

this in the last year or so, and we will carry on. We came in here and

the administrators said they had listened to the community, then we

listen to the detail of what they are offering and there is nothing

there. Most babies are not going to be born in Stafford. Our money's had

to be served elsewhere for new hospitals that could be built here.

`` going to be set. `` great to be sent. At the end of for years, the

hospital will study ?15 million in the red.

The people of the town have been living with this for years, will

they be happy with this delight? There are people out there who

clearly think that services should move elsewhere because they will be

safer there, but they were absent today, one reason being that there

has been such a groundswell of opinion against the hospital. Let us

talk to one of the campaigners. How do you feel about what happened

today? I am very disappointed. It has been made and we have had

concessions made to us, but I think it is a bit of a fudge. We are told

we will get midwife led eternity. 50% of the people could still be

seen at Stafford Hospital, in reality `` but they have spent a

huge amount in subsidy on this, you must realise change has to take

place? We fully agree with that, we know

there has to be a partnership. Specialised services have to be

elsewhere at a larger hospital. We will support integration, we are not

against that. Tomorrow you are seeing one of the Prime Minister's

special advisers. What are you going to say? I think we will have a frank

discussion. We have to look at how the board is going to be formed

between us and UHNS. Clearly people here are not happy, but Jeremy Hunt

has not got out of this political messages yet.

With the trust running Stafford and Cannock hospitals dissolved, Cannock

will be taken over by Wolverhampton. Stafford Hospital, which is far

bigger, will be run by the University Hospital of North

Staffordshire which covers Stoke on Trent. So will it be able to take up

the slack? Our Staffordshire reporter Liz Copper has been finding

out. Brandon is three and will be in

hospital for Christmas. He's one of more than 11,000 patients treated in

the Children's Centre here every year. The changes announced today

could see many more children coming here. Parents have concerns over the

effect for families. It is not brilliant for the parents if they

have to travel and travel, but if it is best for the child that is what

has to be done. There was plenty of festive fun

today on the children's ward, but nevertheless lingering worries about

what the New Year will bring once children will no longer be admitted

for overnight stays in Stafford. I have six children, and I have had to

travel from that which today to hear. But I can't imagine having to

do that with an ill child. The planned changes were among the

most controversial book forward. The question now is, how big an overall

impact will the new arrangements have?

This is the unit where children are assessed. It's busy, but doctors

believe they'll be able to cope with more patients. I think we are

ideally placed to absorb more work because we have become consultant

led down here. We probably have more consultant time on the shop floor

than anywhere else in region actually.

And patients across the region are being reassured the new plans will

lead to better overall care across Staffordshire ` and increased travel

times won't be a serious problem. There is a trade`off between coming

to really high quality services where you have 40 or 50 paediatric

specialists for exam will on the ward we are on now, compared to

three in Stafford. There is this trade`off between accessing a full

range of services when you have a sick child, and that is very

traumatic for patients `` parents. Whilst these changes won't satisfy

everyone, there is now at least a measure of certainty as plans for

shaping the future of health care across Staffordshire become clearer.

Joining us now from our studio in London is the Conservative MP for

Stafford Jeremy Lefroy. Good evening, Mr Lefroy. So Stafford

Hospital is being downgraded, but some services retained ` good news?

I think it is mixed. I was this boot saying some services, `` would

dispute some services, we are talking about a large number of

services being maintained. At the beginning of the year we were told

there would be no A or maternity or paediatrics and many other

services. We have come a long way. It will have on A, there will

according to the TSA's report be midwife led maternity, and we will

be part of a university hospital with a secure future. But

particularly there is a big but over services with children and mothers

and families. The community have done a tremendous job in getting us

to where we are now, but we have further to go because we have to

make the case that our children deserve to have a 20 four sevenths

service where they can stay in unless they have to be transferred.

But as the case I have been making to Jeremy Hunt this afternoon. What

sort of vibes did you get from him? He has to make the final decision,

he cannot tell me at this stage, but I shall firstly be making the case

to monitor because they have too make the case to the Secretary of

State. `` they have to make the case. And also we need to look at

the proposals for maternity. I still believe we need a consultant led

maternity service, I think the numbers justify that. And we need to

look at one or two other areas like the proposals for critical care. I

think we have moved a step forward today, but not a large enough step

at all. Plenty more to come before 7:00.

The problems for ex`servicemen facing the prospect of being

homeless for Christmas. There's been a sharp fall in

unemployment in the region although Birmingham remains the city with the

highest rate in the country. Across the West Midlands, the number of

jobless fell by 26,000 over the last quarter. It means there are now

240,000 people out of work here ` or 8.8% of the working population. Ben

Godfrey has been to Wolverhampton, to look at a scheme helping people

find jobs when English isn't their first language.

Bhupinder Mary wants to return to work now her daughter's older. If

only it were that easy. After four years without a job, she says she's

facing too many hurdles. The main problem is the language, and

experience. It is hard. It is very difficult for us.

She's not alone. For these Asian and Eastern European job`seekers,

Wolverhampton doesn't feel like a land of opportunity.

So they've joined the Park Village Employability Scheme. They get jobs

advice ` nothing new there. But what makes it different is that they'll

design the sort of training opportunities their community needs.

Here in Park Village, changing perceptions is the first challenge.

9% of the working age population is currently claiming job`seeker's

allowance, but it is also about well`being, in an area where women

live to an average age of 79, four men it is just 73. My husband has

not worked since he left school. All the Government plans, and what they

plan to do, the job centres are full of people anyway so I don't see how

that can help. I have had a couple of temporary contracts, but nothing

big. Nothing I can hold on to. There is nothing in Wolverhampton. 30

years after I left school, people are leaving school in this day and

age when they cannot live `` read or write. What is going on?

Asia Jodin has a masters degree from Poland's top university. She moved

to Wolverhampton to be near family, but says she's failed to find a job

to match her skills. I don't want to go to the factory every day. I have

a Masters degree, I had a good job over there in Poland, and I want to

carry on having a better life, and also for my future children I want

to set the example. Dozens of residents have signed up

to the scheme, which hopes to coach them into employment within three

months. Our business correspondent Peter

Plisner is here now. Encouraging figures, Peter ` why do you think

they've gone down? The fact is more jobs are being created. If you look

at the West Midlands, construction jobs are up, and manufacturing is

slightly down, and nationally the art up so that could be a blip.

Managing directors I have spoken to so their order books are full and

they are optimistic about the year ahead. `` they say that their order

books are full. But Birmingham is still the work `` the worst in the

country. Yes, 16.5% of the population are unemployed, the

highest in the UK, but we have some of the worst blackspots for

unemployment, places like Hodge Hill, and Ladywood. More than 20% of

the population there is unemployed. There has been lots about this

so`called skills gap, and a lot is being done to address it.

Detectives are searching for a beggar who attacked a 25`year`old

man in Birmingham, blinding him in one eye.

It happened at Spices restaurant on the Soho Road in Handsworth. The

offender, who was captured on CCTV, asked for a cigarette and money.

When he was refused, he stabbed the victim in the eye with an unknown

weapon. Our top story tonight. A partial victory for Stafford

Hospital campaigners, as some services are retained but others

downgraded. A full weather forecast to come soon

from Shefali ` not too cheerful, I'm afraid, and also in tonight's

programme, what these Stoke City legends make of the Potters' chances

in tonight's cup tie against Manchester United. I can't wait for

these fans to get some pleasure, to get some success.

And our top Christmas tip ` from a team who don't believe in throwing

away anything that could bring some festive fun!

Servicemen and women can sometimes find it hard adjusting to civilian

life after a military career. A small proportion end up on the

streets. Joanne Writtle has been talking to a former Royal Marine

who's trying to help, and to an ex`soldier who's been sleeping on

friends' sofas since leaving the Army six years ago.

Life in the Armed Forces. Disciplined, often tough, and for a

few, I've can remain harsh after they have said goodbye to military

life. Chris Pursehouse served with the

Royal Artillery for six years. But he's been homeless, sofa surfing,

since he came out in 2007 ` unable to settle. In pubs I have to sit in

a place where I can see the front door and the exit and see who is

coming in and going out. For the last few weeks Chris has

been living in a hostel for homeless men in Wolverhampton.

It's run by the P3 charity. Jim Corry is a case worker for those on

the streets. He's helped hundreds this year. A few have been

ex`servicemen. Probably about six or seven this year. A number of

reasons. Some have just come out of the Army, obviously looking for

accommodation support. Maybe they have been out of the Army for a

number of years but going through relationship work done. Some are

suffering from post`dramatic stress. `` post`traumatic stress.

22 miles away in Telford, ex`Royal Marine Steve Wood has a room for a

homeless ex`soldier. He's also offering to help sort out red tape

for benefit payments. Don't you think we owe them a hand out now and

again? I think they deserve it. People have stepped up to bat to

protect our liberty. It's a two`bedroom house. The other

room is taken by a man medically discharged from the army. He's not

prepared to discuss the details, and wants to remain anonymous. When I

try and get a job, and say I have been discharged from the Army, I

struggle getting a job. The national charity veterans' aide says

homelessness amongst ex`soldiers is a small but constant problem, but

stresses that most veterans make a successful transition to civilian

life. Back in Wolverhampton, ex`gunner

Chris is being helped by workers at the hostel. He's just completed a

course with the security industry. And despite everything, he doesn't

regret joining the Army. I would recommend it to anyone. It is one of

those things I am glad I did. When you are old and grey, you can sit

down and say, yes, we did this and all that sort of thing.

Football, and Stoke City are hoping to make it through to the semifinals

of the League Cup tonight but they'll have to do it the hard way.

Their visitors Manchester United are a team rebuilding after the

departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, but they still represent the toughest of

opposition. Nick Clitheroe is at the Britannia

Stadium. Realistically, what are Stoke's chances, Nick?

Well, Manchester United are finding life difficult now Sir Alex has

gone, and Stoke have already pushed them hard in the Premier League once

this season. But they might need some of the spirit of 1972 if

they're to make through ` as Ian Winter has been finding out.

March 1972, Stoke City winning at Wembley for the first time. Today,

Terry Conroy is 67 and lucky to be alive. Two years ago he survived a

massive heart attack, and now on Doctor's orders, he joins his

team`mate for their weekly walk around the lakes. They are never

short of good company, in coding England goalkeeper Gordon Banks. ``

including. When the boys of medicine to two

went to Wembley, their opponents were Manchester United. We perhaps,

Manchester United having a bit of a dip. `` we perhaps caught. If we can

overcome United, we can maybe go old `` all the way.

When they met in the Premier league in October, Stoke were not overawed,

and twice they took the lead. OK, so United one, but the old Potters

legends believe it will be a different story with home advantage

tonight. Two for stock. Two goals to 14

Stoke. What would it mean if/when to get to Wembley again? `` Stoke. I

cannot wait for the fans to get some pleasure and some success. So the

League Cup has good memories for Stoke City, and beating United this

evening would be just the tonic for Terry and Dennis and thousands like

them. The big clubs often field weakened

teams in this competition. Does that give Stoke a fighting chance

tonight? The way this season has started for David Moyes, I don't

think he can take any risks. He needs some silverware in the

sideboard this season, and I think he is going to play a fairly strong

team tonight. Mark Hughes hasn't found it too easy

at Stoke since replacing Tony Pulis in the summer. How important is this

competition for him? Obviously he has had to come in and try and keep

that place in the Premier league for Stoke City, while changing the style

as well and trying to play a bit more passing football. That has

proved that. It is taking time to adjust. But I think there have been

signs in the last few weeks but he is starting to find a system that is

going to help. But of course they have a big game against Aston Villa

at the weekend, so if they can get through tonight that will give them

a boost for that. One thing is for certain, nobody is much greater in

job it tonight with the weather. `` enjoy it.

It's that time of year when many of our streets are shining with

Christmas decorations and lights. Some are truly spectacular, while

others bring us festive cheer in the most unexpected places. We sent Bob

Hockenhull to meet workers in Birmingham who've put a lot of time

and effort into their display ` but really they wouldn't mind at all if

you called it rubbish. A recycling tip on a bleak December

day. Not everyone's idea of a winter wonderland. But the Lifford Lane

centre at Kings Norton in Birmingham has been transformed ` thanks to

everyone's Christmas cast`offs. Every single one has been recovered

from what would otherwise have been thrown away. The condition of some

of the material that gets thrown away is suitable for reuse.

The waste controller has entered into the spirit of things too,

there's seasonal tunes blasting out all day ` and even a nod to other

religions. It's turned a traditional tip into a Christmas hit for the

regular users. They love it. They actually bring the children down to

see it. They turn up without any waste, just to see the display.

The staff are amazed at what people throw away. Some of these figures

are in pretty good condition. But what some have dismissed as rubbish

have now approved an opportunity to create up perfect Christmas scene in

the most unlikely of places. `` a perfect Christmas scene.

Around 150 figures destined for destruction have been saved so far `

causing delight and a little despair. All this stuff is usable,

and you see people throwing stories away, it is quite ashamed. I wish I

could queue for longer, but they are so efficient you get through

quickly. You feel you are going to somewhere happy. Because the music

is happy. You just want to dance! Who'd have thought a load of old

rubbish could lift Christmas spirits so high?

Let's find out how the weather's looking ` here's Shefali who has

some very scary`looking arrows on her weather map today.

Tonight's headlines from I could tell you was shocked by

yesterday's chart, but it is indicative of what is going out

there at the moment. A trampoline was blown onto the tracks at

Smethwick, causing delays. Tomorrow it is quite a different story. Some

snow is on the way, on higher and lower levels. We are unclear how

much we are going to get. But it would lead to a covering on most

areas. Before then, some rain to content with. When you see these

bright green and yellow patches, you have to be wary where rain is

concerned. Also that squeeze on the isobars indicates strong wind. We

can see that in close up right now on the chart. There is a ferocity to

everything going on tonight, but it is moving along very quickly,

because it is being pushed along a 50 mph gusts. Where we do get the

torrential garden `` downpours, we could see an inch of rain. But a

quieter end to the night, and with clearer skies temperatures will drop

to one or three Celsius. At this area is going to be very cold,

digging into the region by tomorrow morning. `` but this area. I think

it is good to be the worst that will get the accumulations most of all to

begin with, because that is where the snow will linger. `` I think it

is going to be the West. Then it starts to move eastwards through

tomorrow evening, temperatures rising to five to 527 Celsius. ``

five two seven Celsius. As for the rest of the week, we have dry

conditions on Friday, rain setting in for Saturday but milder by them

as well. as

Tonight's headlines from the BBC. Sentenced to 35 years, the rock star

Ian Watkins is jailed for a string of horrific sex attacks on children.

A partial victory for Stafford Hospital campaigners, as some

services are retained but others downgraded.

See you later at 10pm. Goodbye.