26/08/2011 Spotlight

Good evening. Queue jumping. One of the region's

biggest hospitals is accused of giving preferential treatment to

new patients, leaving others on long waiting lists.

Be the evening. More on that in a moment. Also tonight. Pensioners on

the poverty line - a warning that many elderly could die this winter

because they cannot afford to heat their homes.

Scenes of jubilation as the deal to save the planet Argyle is on.

can now look forward to a future for this club and its supporters.

Dartmouth Regatta remembers the Red Arrows pilot with a minute's

silence. The Royal Cornwall Hospital has

admitted that newer patients are effectively jumping the queue for

operations. Recent referrals are often treated before a huge backlog

of people, who have waited longer than the government average of 4

1/2 months. Page and groups say they should be

treated in order, the hospital has brought in a mobile operating

theatre to ease the situation. Yesterday, the Royal Cornwall

Hospital was visited by the Prime Minister, his wife and daughter,

one a year after his daughter was born in its maternity wing. Across

the road is the mobile operating theatre, which is part of a plan to

deal with the hospital's failure to meet the 18 week target for

operations. Sir is this mobile theatre began

its work in June, -- since, it has carried out over 400 operations.

That has helped bring the backlog down from over 1,600 to 670. Some

of those patients have been waiting far longer than 18 weeks, and some

still do not have a date for the operation.

Patients are concerned they have been left on the shelf, there is no

plan for them. People are unconcerned about their excessive

waiting times. The hospital says the backlog has

been caused by work and its operating theatres, and it has to

treat new referrals to avoid penalties imposed. We are doing our

best not to breach the targets any further and treating the people

under 18 weeks, we are also dealing with the breached patients' as fast

as we can. That is why we have this extra facility in pace -- in place,

extra operations have taken place at the weekend and there has been

considerable investment in equipment. We are doing our best to

attack it in a two pronged away. When the breached patients', that

small group, say to their representatives that they feel

those ahead of them are jumping the queue, they are right, aren't they?

To an extent, yes. We are trying to deal with each as best we can. We

have got behind with the waiting list because of our theatre

reconfiguration. We are trying to deal with all groups in as their

way as we can. The mobile theatre has cost half-a-

million pounds, while the hospital's finances remain

challenging. There is a �25 million historic debt, rising costs and

falling income. The hospital intends to pay off part of that

debt this year, necessary for their trust application.

Doctors here say the backlog of orthopaedic patients should be

cleared by the end of next month. In other disciplines may take

longer. Meanwhile, held the initiative Cornwall are suggesting

that unhappy patients should go A leading charity is warning

tonight that more pensioners could die this winter because of falling

income and the rise in heating bills. The rising cost of living

means 42% of pensioners in the south-west of living on or below

the poverty line. That is 7% Higher than the national average. It means

many have less than �100 per week left after allowing for housing

costs, many have outstanding debts such as a mortgage, credit card or

bank loan. Levels of debt are Higher among younger pensioners.

Having worked all of their lives, Harry and Anna Roberts never

imagined that retirement would be so tough or cost so much. The

couple received just over �200 a week in state benefit. With rising

bills and the cost of living, they are finding it harder to make ends

meet. I am very angry. We are coming up to the time, before very

long they will issue the cold weather payment, which has been

reduced by �50. We here constantly about making sure we look after

ourselves and keep warm. How can we without the money? We are

frightened to put things on excessively because we know what it

is going to cost. Of course it is a strain.

Last year, 25,000 deaths were attributed to the cold in the UK.

For many, pension piling can be confusing and uncertain.

I have been paying into a plan for 20 years. I am not confident in the

return it would give me with the way finances are headed worldwide.

I have a partial pension, what it will pay for by the time I retire,

I do not know. A whatever happens in the future I do not mind. I have

nothing set-up, know. Add think the government is trying to make the

regulation less complicated and more flexible, I do think.

We have a problem where people are not saving enough for their

pensions. We are having to make pension provision.

Time is on your side if you are planning for the future, but for

those like Harry, time is running out.

Joining me now is Nina Parnell from Age UK. What sort of difference

have you noticed in the type of concerns older people are coming

tea with? We are receiving calls from younger pensioners, with

concerns about paying their mortgage and credit card debts.

From all the pensioners, real concern about paying fuel bills.

On that point, although we are only in August, many are thinking ahead

to their winter fuel bills. What are your concerns with so many

people on the poverty line, this winter?

We are concerned that people will choose to think about paying their

electricity and gas bills, as opposed to feeding themselves with

nutritional war if foods. That is a real concern of ours, -- warming

foods. Our people are already saying that is their priority?

Putting bills before their own welfare? Absolutely yes. With the

news in the media about rising gas prices, we get lots of calls about

that. We often hear about the help which is available such as winter

fuel payments. So why are we seeing so many older people on the poverty

line? One of the main reasons, is that people still do not know what

is out there to help them. That is where charities like Age UK, across

the country, can help people and talk through the benefits that are

available and help them climb them. I think that is the most important

message we can get at this winter. -- help them claim benefits. The NT.

The future of Plymouth Argyle appeared more secured. The club's

administrator has said he is satisfied that the preferred bidder

has funding in place to complete the deal. The news was broken to

fans within the last hour. It was not quite Neville

Chamberlain with peace in our time but we did have Peter Ridsdale

waving a piece of paper, reading a statement, saying that he was

satisfied the funding was in place. A major step towards securing the

future of Plymouth Argyle. Celebrations from some fans, the

hopeless they are not premature. After a day waiting, the fans were

told that the preferred bidder for the club had satisfied the

administrator and had the funds to complete the purchase.

Joint administrators are now satisfied that the necessary

funding has been secured and everything has been agreed between

all parties. Solicitors will come in at the weekend to get

documentation signed and complete the sale.

Despite the cheers, some still have concerns that the deal has not been

finalised, despite being in place for 16 weeks. Nothing has been

signed. It is all right saying that, but if you have not got the

approval, it do not mean nothing. We should be confident. We

expressed our worries earlier he said, they have seen the colour of

the money. The Peter Ridsdale, who will take

over the club, said he believes this is the biggest hurdle which

had to be overcome. I read out a statement today from

the administrator, he is in charge of the football club and he is

satisfied. If that is the case, there should not be any further

barriers to was concluding this deal.

The fans have been here for a couple of nights now, staging a

vigil, such was their concern for the future of the club. Let's get

some reaction to what this deal means. This man is from the Argyle

fans trust. How good is the deal? The best news is that the deal will

be completed, I understand there are many agreements to sign, around

400, which must then be approved by the League. Hopefully by the end of

the month will be out of administration. Peter Ridsdale said

this funding was be biggest hurdle to be overcome, is that the use it

as La? Absolutely. That and the transfer of the league share,

without either we would not have a football club. Payment for the

staff has been a crucial issue for the fans. Absolutely, it is

essential they are paid, we should not forget the sacrifices they have

made over recent months. They have deferred wages. Without that, we

would not have a club today, that is for sure. Is there anything to

concern you the deal could fall through between now and its

completion? Our way out of the woods? Both Peter Ridsdale and

Brendan Guilfoyle have gone on the record to say all the requisite

pieces are in place and it is just a case of signing the Documentation.

We will have to take them at their word.

The team is not doing well on the field, could this help them ahead

of tomorrow's big-game? This would give the fans a lift, the

supporters, players and staff will have the impetus to move forward

and get out of League two. That game tomorrow is against Crewe,

the Football League still has to give final approval, but it is

hoped it will all be sorted by next week.

Thousands of children will go to School for the first time of the

next few weeks. Theo Ruskin will be amongst them, it is a day his

family will be celebrating, a milestone the feared he would never

reach. Theo Ruskin was born 70 meet

premature, as early as anyone has been and survived. -- 17 weeks.

This holiday has been a chance for the Ruskin a family to think about

ruck or -- Theo Ruskin's entrance into the world, these very small

baby clothes belonged to him when he was born.

When he came out, I heard a cry and I could not believe it, he sounded

like a little kitten. It was the best South and I have ever heard in

my life. Amazing! -- sound. Theo Ruskin spent a lot of time in

the intensive care unit, fighting for his life after countless

operations. Do you remember all the machines going beep beep beep?

Mummy was really happy when she held before the first time.

Now, Theo Ruskin is a healthy and happy five year old, preparing to

go to the same School as his big sister, Siena. Trying on his

uniform is a real turning point. is like a dream. Seen him put his

It will be fun, I will see him at break time. Will he look out for

him? Yes. He says he wants to be a super hero when he grows up, he has

proved he has the strength of character.

Torrential rain caused problems in Cornwall today. Three ground floor

flats flooded in St Austell Street in Truro at lunchtime. Roads

including the Trafalgar Roundabout were also affected. Firefighters

had to pump floodwater into the nearby river.

Thousands of people have been in Dartmouth today for the second day

of the annual royal regatta. Our South Devon reporter John Ayres is

among them. Let's join him there live now on what's been a poignant

day. John. Yes, it has. We were expecting the

Red Arrows this evening but because of the incident at the weekend they

have not been flying. The planes are flying that it could be some

time before there is a display. The regatta has gone ahead but the

people here have been paying respects.

At 6 o'clock the town fell silent as it paid respects. Many people

wore red. The Air Show may have been reduced but there was the

usual mix of events on the water. It is always a very competitive. I

have never known it not to be. Yacht sailing is very competitive.

Everybody enters into the spirit of it. And basically it is a huge

amount of fun but also serious sailing. Within the economy as it

is, it provides an opportunity to pull people into town. Giving local

businesses a lift. The town is full of interesting organised events.

Music festival, the regatta and Comedy Festival. They do not

directly help business necessarily but they do have a terrific

indirect effect. The regatta has grown into a big event off and on

the water. Quite how this race works are not sure but the naval

officers were not afraid to get stuck in. It is fun but there is

rivalry. It is competition all the time. Good fun. Rivalry from the

beginning. The tournaments and the squadron, brilliant banter. It

keeps the fighting spirit which is what is about. The regatta is a

huge social occasion in its 167th year. Ben Ainslie has been taking

part. Poor weather has not dampened spirits.

I am joined by the regatta chairman. The weather was not great but

people still turned out in numbers. There was a massive turnout tonight.

We estimate from this evening over 10,000 people along the Embankment.

Acknowledging the mark of respect. And you want to say thank you.

Vice Marshal Mark Greene was on board with me and he asked... His

department includes the Red Arrows and he wants to say thank you to

everybody that turned out. Particularly everybody who turned

out in red. There is plenty to come, what are we expecting? Tomorrow, a

full day of events. The road races, air displays, big firework displays

and 9 o'clock tomorrow and other events as well. We have had a good

week so far. The rowing has been fantastic yesterday and again today.

We have had entries for the sailing. All the fun events as well have

been good. Thank you. It goes on until tomorrow night so do get down

tonight if you want to see this. Thank you. We will be back in

Dartmouth for the weather forecast later. We heard from Hamish about

the latest situation at Plymouth Argyle earlier. Now with the rest

of the sport here's Dave. After the hullabaloo of Liverpool

in midweek, Exeter City try to pick up their first home League win of

the season against Chesterfield. Right back Steve Tully returns from

a one match ban after his dismissal at Preston last week. Yeovil Town

are out to upset Sheffield United at Huish Park in a one o'clock kick

off. Torquay United will be without striker Billy Kee at Dagenham and

Redbridge. He's been sold to Burton Albion because he's homesick. Ben

Gibson misses Plymouth Argyle's home duel with Crewe after his red

card at Gillingham. Somerset have received a boost for

the Twenty/20 cricket finals day at Edgbaston tomorrow. Jos Buttler and

Craig Kieswetter have been called up for England's short format

international against India next Wednesday. The last time Somerset

won the domestic Twenty/20 trophy was six years ago and they've lost

in the final for the past two years. Last year it was Hampshire who beat

them - their opponents in the second semi-final tomorrow.

We have played consistently good cricket over the past four years.

Remembering those aspects in the final, this crucial and pivotal

moments which can turn events. Saturday is a huge occasion for the

club. It would be fitting to win the first trophy.

Four South West rowers are busily preparing for next weeks World

Championships in Slovenia. Newlyn's Helen Glover is tipped for honours

after winning gold in the pairs at the last World Cup event. Torquay's

Marcus Bateman goes in the double scull. Bill Lucas, from Kingswear,

is in the quadruple scull while Annabel Vernon of Wadebridge goes

for success in the womens version. The best of luck. A Finally, the

build up to the new rugby season, which starts next weekend,

continues. Exeter Chiefs, Plymouth Albion and the Cornish Pirates all

meet top quality opposition tomorrow. And the best of luck to

Jersey in their first game since going up to National One. The

speedway in Plymouth has been postponed. Sorry about that. Have a

great weekend. And staying with sport. But sport

of yesteryear. Time for a look back now through the Spotlight archives

and a day at the races in the 1960s. Tonight we go back to August 1967

to find Spotlight's Hugh Scully at Number nine for a place. Thank you.

A good win on it moleskin. I said you could have your money back and

drinks for life! A very good win. You will mark my card? Yes.

I cannot help it... I cannot tell the prices. What about a nice

outside a question are no, I don't Our friend was absolutely right,

filament came first. Are you a professional punter? No, amateur.

�100 on a horse is incredible. I would not dream of it. I had a good

season. A terrible afternoon. He was not running right. The horse

A good time at the races back in 1967. Now, time for the weather. A

big weekend for our region, the bank holiday. Tourists heading our

way. David is back at Dartmouth Good evening and welcome back to

Dartmouth. Before the weather, I important man I need to talk to,

Captain Robert Giles, the new harbour master. It has gone well. A

fantastic time, a multitude of events, rowing races, air displays,

the foreshore and street market, sailing regatta. We have kept it

apart and it's been wonderful. is a baptism of fire for you. How

are you coping? This is my first regatta. I take over from David

White. Filling his shoes. Fantastic, all has gone well so far. I look

forward to doing many more to come. The weather has been a challenge.

Wit impact on further events? think your forecast also things

will be slightly better. I am excited about being open for

business, the final day, come on down and enjoy yourself. Thank you

and good luck. The weather forecast is getting

better, I brought in some good news because there has been heavy rain

today but it is moving out of the way. That promises fine weather not

just in Tamas but across the south- west. After dreadful weather today,

things get better. The sunshine is returning, across Cornwall and West

Devon. The bank holiday weekend, not a complete write-off. Let's

start with the forecast for the weekend, it will get better. Some

showers a rent, blustery conditions with north-west wins. When that

moves away, into Sunday and Monday it becomes dry. You can see the

curl of cloud right across the south-west today, it has been slow

moving end with a heavy rain it has been hard to shift. The low

pressure is now on the move. This is the charge for this evening,

moving out of the way gradually. By lunch time to write, it is out in

the North Sea. By Sunday, an improving picture. Some fine

weather for Monday, and Tuesday and Wednesday. A closer look shows you

how intense the rainfall has been. Heavy rain in Truro and Exeter. The

heavy rain band is pulling away but it will take its time. This is the

see things forecast, you can see the rain moving away, things

improve, the wind picks up chasing rain away. North-west wind and

overnight temperatures between 10 and 13. Try morning, fine weather,

the risk of showers tomorrow but by the end of the day it will be

isolated. The breeze will be a stiff north-westerly tomorrow and

that brings temperatures down on the coast to 16 or 17. The English

Riviera and around Lyme Bay, with Shelter, temperatures to 18 or 19.

The Isles of Scilly, the risk of showers, most will begin to pull

away in the afternoon. Much brighter conditions are developing

and by the end of the day. The times of high water: at Dartmouth a

full day and programme tomorrow. The surfing conditions will be

quite challenging on the north coast. There is an onshore breeze.

The north-west wind will be quite lively at times. Those heading for

the beach will feel cool. The south coast has cleanest surf. Two or

three feet. If you come to the sunshine -- seaside, temperatures

around 13. Coastal waters forecast has the wind north-westerly, a

force for, occasionally five or six. Gusting conditions. The outlook, on

Sunday it a mainly dry story, there is this more chance of one or two

showers in Dorset and Somerset. The shadows will be fleeting, for the

rest of us sunny spells through the day with a top temperature of 18 or

19. Monday, quite a lot of cloud but Ellese it is dry with light