13/09/2011 Spotlight

Dealing with the difficulties of dementia. A new initiative to cope

with violent patients. Good evening. Tens of thousands of people in the

South West are suffering from the condition. We'll have all the

details in a moment. Hoping lightning The family in Cornwall

made homeless by the recent storms. Doesn't strike twice. Construction

completed on Dorset's Olympic village. We have a sneak preview.

It is a win for us in terms of looking after the athletes and for

the area and the need for housing here. And rescued, rested and ready

to fly again. The journey continues for the birds blown off course. On

the day that a new report reveals that 27 million people suffering

from dementia worldwide remain undiagnosed, a steep rise in cases

have been reported in the South West. It's estimated that well over

100,000 people in the region will be living with the condition within

a decade. The new figures coincide with a radical initiative at the

Royal Devon and Exeter. Nurses and security guards have formed a

unique partnership to help staff cope with dementia patients who

become agitated or violent. Our Health Correspondent, Sally

Mountjoy, been talking to staff and patients at the hospital and has

this report. Today the elderly care wards at the RDE are calm. But many

have dementia, a decline of the brain often marked by the loss of

memory, speech and emotional control. Some patients become

aggressive. A disproportionate number of nurses were suffering

injuries and we felt it would be best rather than just calling the

security to make sure the nurses, security and everyone was fully in

the picture about the best way of managing disturbance. That is where

Jason comes in. His build might be suited to managing unruly drunks,

but he has teamed up with specialists to lack after dementia

patients. Remaining elderly people doesn't happen. It is more

supporting them. We aim to prevent falls and them causing harm to

themselves or other patients around them. It is support and showing

them the right way, as opposed to what they think is right and

putting themselves at risk. It is more a physical intervention to

help and aid their care. We had a lot of violent and aggressive

incidents and through no fault of the patient. We didn't think we

were managing that properly in the rate way. We're trying to teach

ourselves skills we can get away from an issue, while keeping the

patient safe and the relatives not feeling as if we have been too

heavy handed. That has been key. 79,000 people in the South West are

living with dementia, that figure is expected to rise by 25%. But

here the number of in-patients with dementia symptoms has gone up 25%

in two years. Diagnosed with early onset dementia, this man is pleased

with the training programme. It is a fantastic step forward and

hopefully everyone else will start doing it. It should be the

prototype for the others. Training staff to manage dis-- disturbed

patients will help keep hospitals the safe places they're meant to be.

Earlier, I spoke to Debbie Donnison from the Alzheimers Society. I

asked for her views on this new way of dealing with dementia patients.

I think for a long time that dementia has been hidden from

public view and people with dementia haven't had a voice.

People caring for people with dementia haven't, have felt

stigmatised by having to deal with the disease. But it is coming more

to the forefront, because more people are having to deal with it.

For that reason, I think these, the education and training and

awareness, hasn't been there, because people haven't seen it as a

condition that needs to be paid attention to. Dementia is a disease

that is not going to go away, more and more of us are suffering from

it aren't we? We're. The figures are startling. At the moment there

are 750,000 people who have dementia. But of course only on

average 40% of those have a diagnosis. So there are many people

who living without knowing that they have dementia and of course

that does bt a -- doesn't allow to get access to treatments available.

Would you like to see this new way of dealing with patient rolled out

across the country? Yes I think we have to raise awareness on a much

more wade scale. It is important in hospital of course, because a

quarter of beds are occupied by people with dementia. So it is

important there and you can see that because there are so many

people with dementia in hospital, that it is important to, for the

staff and for people who work in the hospital, not just the nurses

and doctors, but for as we see, the security guards, having the

training necessary. But also that we need to do that across our

communities. 10 that everyone's aware of dementia, because with

understanding it helps in dealing with people and understanding how

they, what they have to cope with. Thank you. People in Cornwall have

been expressing their anger after plans were released for the cross-

county seat of Bideford and Bude. As our Political Editor Martyn

Oates reports, the controversial move is part of the Government's

plan to cut the number of MPs across Britain. It is here as it

meets the channel that we see this boundary between Devon and Cornwall.

Plymouth and Saltash may have been joined by the great bridge, but the

boundary commission has shrunk from following them. South of Bude the

river is less formidable and this is where Devon and Cornwall could

soon become even more acquainted. The border might only be crossed

through a narrow bottleneck, but that would mean Devon towns finding

themselves in a forced and arguably loveless marriage with Bude and

even this place, Launceston, the oldest frontier stoun. No, Cornish

stay Cornish. It is a shame we keep them separated. But I understand

the reasoning. But Launceston and Bude, they have all been close.

don't think it will help our cause to go in with deeven, because we're

not Devon. The change would leave the two current MPs fighting over

one seat. It not whether it affects me, but about natural communities

and that sense of identity and the sort of Cornish pride that people

have and their concern that that might be affected if their voice in

Parliament is not wholly within the area. I'm saddened by the

suggestions of the commission. I'm struggling to understand its logic.

It seems to me they could have been achieved much better in other ways.

And I'm particularly concerned by the splitting of the area into

three constituencies. There is another twist. This is a Cornish

village. Historically in the distripbgt of Launceston and the

area of Cornwall. But until 1966, in the county of Devon. But fla

won't console those opposed to the Tamar being breached. Even at its

shallowest and the Boundary Commission hopes least resistance

point. And Martyn Oates is here with me now. There are some big

potential changes elsewhere in the South West aren't there? Yes some

whole constituencys in Devon and Cornwall, in Devon the Tavistock

and Plymouthton seat that would link communities up to Tavistock

and beyond into north-west Devon. Cornwall would get the Bodmin and

Newquay seat. Elsewhere, some constituencies and names we thought

we were saying goodbye to a year ago, they could make a come back.

Falmouth and Cambourne and Truro. But I should stress it is just a

proposal and it is a long way from happening. If it does, a long

consultation process and a lot of MPs unhappy with it. I know from

experience that it, they do need to scrutinise where the lines go. Draw

the line in a different way and it affects the election.

Westminster they were queuing up to get their hands on copies of maps

to finds o' out -- out whether their constituency would disappear

and whether they become marginal or Unwinable. If we were to project

the votes from last year's election to these boundaries, most of the

outcomes would have been the same. A couple of exceptions to that, in

Plymouth, instead of one Labour MP we would have none. And the new

seat of bird ford and Bude would be Liberal Democrat. -- bid ford add

Bude. You are watching BBC Spotlight. Still to come tonight: A

Devon show from the past celebrating the present, but can

Widecombe Fair live on into the future? And in Plymouth the robots

of the future are helping to teach a new generation of scientists.

mother has been describing the moment her family home was hit by

one of several lightning strikes which have affected Cornwall. Helen

Shorland's house is just one to be hit after a series of thunderstorms,

in the wake of Hurricane Katia. Her family is one of two made

temporarily homeless, because their homes were so badly damaged.

Eleanor Parkinson reports. This is the four foot hole left in one home.

The lightning went through roof and ceiling. It blew sockets outside

and inside. This is my ten-year- old's bedroom. So what happened?

would have come through chimney and blew the bricks out across the room.

This is all out in the room? Yes, the council have placed them back

in. Your daughter sleeps here, had she been in the room, what could

have happened? She would have been hit by win of the bricks, possibly

knocked out. You were planning to hoover just before it struck?

but I changed my mind and decided to have my dinner first. There was

bricks all over the floor, in the garden, I went in my sister's room

and she has a massive hole. gave us a hug and said the house

was hit by lightning. So I was so shocked, I didn't say anything.

lightning has been blamed on storms caused by the tail end of Hurricane

Katia and the autumn equinox. Melon didn't have home contents insurance

and was struggling to replace furniture. But she has been offered

some by a benefactor. But she has had a lucky escape. The South

West's housing market remained subdued during August. The Royal

Institution of Chartered Surveyors blames economic uncertainty and

tight mortgage lending. The number of sales per surveyor also remains

low, while the number of properties on their books has also fallen.

Estate agents say sellers have to be realistic about asking prices.

As a buyer, it's probably a good time to buy. Amongst surveyors

there is not the mectation that prices are going to drop, but we're

in most cases, something like 10% below the figure that we were

achieving at the height of the market in 2007. Some of the

migrating birds rescued from stormy seas and cared for at a wildlife

unit in Somerset were released back into the wild today. Around 350

birds were taken to the RSCPA centre at West Hatch near Taunton

last week after being pulled out of the sea in West Wales. Strong winds

had scuppered their migration to South America, but this morning

around 50 of the birds were boxed up and taken to the North Devon

coast to be set free. But, as Clinton Rogers reports, the

operation wasn't without its problems. Not the way they had

hoped to begin their journey to South America. But then these birds

couldn't have made it on their own. It was last week that hundreds of

these birds were pulled from the sea in Wales. Strong winds had

scuppered their annual migration, leaving them battered and exhausted.

More than 350 were brought to the RSPCA unit near Taunton, where they

were cleaned and hand fed to build up their strength. Six days on and

around 60 were being prepared for release back into the wild.

Individually boxed, and heading for the coast of North Devon. They're

going to the seaside to release them on the coast and we're happy

with that location, because there is a nice cliff to go off and make

their final journey and freedom. Conservation bol volunteers in

Wales have leased a handful of birdss from a ferry. They believe

the birds stand better chance of survival if they're set free away

from land. I don't see the English side of the Bristol channel

particularly, the narrow part of it, as a good place to release them.

Here in Somersety bird is tested for its floatation abilitys before

being considered for release. Reacting to the criticism, the

RSPCA say there isn't a ferry option here and transporting them

by road to North Wales would have caused them too much stress. As for

this this release site, they say it was approved by experts in Wales.

And so today with a little help, the birds began their migration to

South America. Some were plainly not keen to go. But most knew just

what to do. Only 7,000 miles to go! Oh he didn't want to go. Let's hope

they make it. A full weather forecast coming up and I think the

winds are easing. Now the sport. One of the businessmen bidding to

take over Plymouth Argyle will decide on Friday if he'll do a deal

for the club. North Devon-based hotelier James Brent has told BBC

South West that he's talking with stakeholders at the club to see if

a deal is possible. Argyle are still in administration and earlier

this month players threatened to strike in order to get part of

their wages. On the pitch, South West teams desperately need winning

points tonight in a full programme of League games. Exeter City are

without suspended striker Daniel Nardiello as they try to beat Notts

County at St James Park. Yeovil Town seek their first win in a

month against Wycombe Wanderers at Huish Park. In League Two, it's

sixth against fifth at Plainmoor when Torquay United face Cheltenham

Town and Plymouth Argyle will stay bottom no matter what they do at

Barnet. It's been another big day in the countdown to the Olympics in

Dorset. Work on some of the buildings where the sailors will

stay was completed. The former Olympic gold medallist Jonathan

Edwards unveiled a very special piece of Portland Stone. Before I

spoke to him, I took a look around the �13 million development. The

last time I was here it was still a building site. Tonight another

stage in Dorset's preparation for 2012 is reached. The sailing venue

was the first in Britain to be finish. Now as well as somewhere to

compete, the athletes have a roof over their heads too. This host is

looking well organised. Outside the buildings are now complete. And

they are dual purpose, they have not just put them up for Olympics,

next year sailor will be here and after they become fart of the local

housing stock. Some will be -- part of the local housing stock. Some

will be part of an affording housing scheme. The team will see a

different look inside. This is the show home for the open market.

lot of focus is on the venues where they will compete, but they spend

most of the time in Olympic village. How important is that, where you

eat and sleep? It is crucial, most of the time the sailors will spend

here within the Olympic village. You know, how good a night's sleep

they have and the ability to relax and watch television, to deflect

from the pressure that, will make the difference on how well they do

on the water. There was some anger in Portland at the siting of the

houses, the sailors could have been put in up a floating hotel. But the

council said this is the right outcome. This could have been a

boat and then it would have come in and gone. As it is, it is being

used by the athletes for Olympics and in the meantime and I think

that is fantastic. It would have been here any way, but it is coming

quicker and in available for local people straightaway after the

Olympics. The builders say the houses will be complete and handed

over in January. Plenty of time before the games commerce. --

commence. Hundreds of people descended on a Dartmoor village

today for one of Devon's oldest shows. But although the crowds were

soaking up everything Widecombe Fair had to offer, organisers admit

its long-term future is in the balance. Simon Alexander reports.

It has been all the fun of the fair tairbgsd uncle Tom cobbibly and all

here for one of the most traditional events. It is a bit of

fun. One a -- once a year you dress up. One of the main focuses was

keeping traditional rural activities alive. There is always

young people coming into the trade. I get inquirys two or three times a

year. It is a hands on skill. More so man this many other trades,

because it is a thing you have fot to learn over a long period of time.

It was a day to remember for show goers with at love both the old and

the new. -- a lot of both the old It is a family show. It is not

commercial and it is like the old fairs. We come every year. It is a

great way of seeing the countryside. I think it is, yeah, it is

excellent. After making a loss for two of the last three year, a lots

will depend on it breaking even. I'm sure we can carry on. It is

whether we can afford to put on a big fair with everything going on,

it costs a lot these days. There is insurance and transport and road

closures. Dating back to 18 50s, the festival is world renowned.

Organisers hope to toast its success again next year.

Schoolchildren from across Devon and Cornwall were on Plymouth Hoe

today to experience and learn about some of the wonders of modern

science. Among the attractions, Ferdinand the footballing robot,

recently crowned World Champion at the Robo World Cup in Taiwan. From

searchinging for -- searching for bugs to the je hetic code there was

a lot of science. It is gross people. Gross. We're using a chisel

and Mallet to dig into a bit of sand. Wow, I need to sit down. So

So vines can be fun. But it always had a ser -- so science can be fun,

but it has a serious side. This is making robots for companions for

children in hospital. We're looking at children with diabetes, and it

is as an educational tool and a companion too. This is world class

research. It is international world class. These robots are desiends

and manufactured in Plymouth and are cutting edge technology and our

undergraduates learn and experience from this. Even the most cutting

edge technology can still trip you up. That is a bit more exciting

than it was when I was at school. I led getting a tortoise to go one

step forward and one step back. That was amazing. We were astounded.

Do you know what he is on about. Were you in the dark age like me,

David? I don't think we had tortoises in our school. What is

happening with the weather. Well those sea wirds -- birds, the winds

are dying down but they have a long are dying down but they have a long

way to go. Quieter conditions on the way with the wind dropping.

There are some showers tonight. They're already appearing on the

satellite. As this cloud is on the way towards us. For most of the

area it is fine and dry until later on after dark. This area of high

pressure will become our friends. It gets closer tonight. And by

lunchtime on Thursday, it is across southern Britain. This is a weak

one and will trickle past us. By Thursday the high pressure is over

us and it means quiet conditions, light winds, a chilly start on

Thursday and the possibility of mist and fog. Quite widespread on

Thursday morning. There is the picture from earlier, you can see

the cloud coming into western parts of Ireland. But earlier our camera

man was on Dartmoor and the weather was really quite nice. There has

been a breeze blowing today, but some sunshine and patchy cloud and

mainly dry conditions and excel lepbts views. Good visibility as

well after last week's mist and low cloud. If you're up for a walk on

the moors, the vizibilities should be good. And with good clean air as

well. Nor cloud in the west now. But the cloud across Ireland will

head our way later on. And a whole rash of showers will cross most of

the South West when we're asleep. In the morning they will have

disappeared to the east. Brisk, west or north-west winds continuing

tonight. But falling light in some valleys. So quiet conditions, apart

from the slours and -- showers and cooler than it has been, down to

seven in the countryside. Tomorrow morpbling we have some fine and dry

weather and a slight chance of one or two showers. Was the -- but the

main theme is a fine day. With lighter winds it will feel warmer.

Temperatures around 19 degrees. Still on the cool side along the

west-facing coasts. For the Isles of Scilly, a small chance of a

shower in the morning rgs, but other than that die with the

westerly winds not so long -- strong. For surfers still some big

waives, the north coast still choppy. Cleaner surf along the

south coast. For the coast e coastal waters the winds are from

the west or north-west tomorrow at force four or five. Meshes Cup

starts again tomorrow. A good view from Plymouth Hoe with good

visibility and fine conditions. Here is the forecast for the rest

of the week and into the weekends. I mentioned it could be on the

misty side on Thursday morning. After a cold start, temperatures up

to 16 degrees. Friday starts off fine, but we see more cloud coming

our way with the risk of patchy rain and breezy and damp as we move

into the start of the weekend. Have a nice evening. Dank you. Our top

story: As the number of people suffering de. Ya reach record

levels, security -- dementia reach records levels, now plans to deal