Update to '14 patients recalled following breast biopsy'

SOUTHPORT and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust issued a media statement on 29 April 2014, after becoming aware of programming issues with equipment used for taking breast biopsies. On 21 May 2014, Jonathan Parry, Chief Executive, issued the following update statment to the media that reads:- "The Trust is in the process of undertaking a thorough investigation into a programming issue with the equipment used for taking biopsies of the breast at Ormskirk and District General Hospital. All 14 affected patients have been recalled and are either discharged or subject to further investigation. The internal investigation is on going and the Trust is working closely with external bodies and regulators to ensure that any lessons we learn can be shared more widely. As the investigation has not concluded it would be unwise to speculate as to the cause of the programming issue, but I wish to clarify at this stage initial indications are that the issue was not related to the Vacora needle used during the procedure or the machine itself. I will provide full information when the investigation has concluded."

Lord Mayor funds new homeless breakfast club

THE Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Gary Millar has become one of the first to sign up for The Big Issue in the North Corporate Subscriptions for 2014. It has been agreed that the Lord Mayor's subscription will go towards supporting vendors within Liverpool going towards their new Breakfast Club.

The vast majority of the vendors don't have the money to buy breakfast first thing in the morning due to the fact that they need to purchase the magazines and then go and sell them before they have the available funds.

From the Big Issue staff's point of view, it gives them a little extra time each day to interact with the vendors, which they say is vital from many points of view whether that be just a general chat or finding out if there are any problems that they can help with.

The Lord Mayor's subscription will cover bread, milk, tea, coffee, butter, sugar, fruit and travel expenses for a volunteer to supervise.

The Lord Mayor said:- "it is important that funds for my Lord Mayor Charity Appeal helps Liverpool residents and I am particularly pleased that The Big Issue in the North magazine has agreed to use my annual subscription to assist local homeless people.  During my 12 month role I have raised a considerable amount of money to tackle cancer and homelessness, create a safe haven for LGBT youth and to support children with disabilities and special educational needs. If you can help please send any donations to Liverpool Town Hall made payable to "The Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal."

Assistant Director of The Big Issue in the North, Keith Smith said:- "This new initiative offers organisations the opportunity to take out a Corporate Subscription with the magazine. The money raised will go towards supporting vendors of the magazine who are working hard to move on in their lives.  I am pleased that the Lord Mayor of Liverpool has agreed to take one of our very first Corporate Subscriptions and his donation will definitely help vendors in Liverpool. The Breakfast Club provides an important start to the day to vendors as they go out selling the magazine and we're really pleased that we are able to launch this new service with this support from the Lord Mayor."

MAN CHARGED WITH RAPE IN SOUTHPORT

MERSEYSIDE Police have confirmed that a 17 year old female reported that she had been raped in Southport in the early hours of Saturday, 17 May 2014. The incident is said to have taken place on Lord Street, Southport, at around 5.05am. Patrols were called to the location following a report that a young woman stopped 2 members of the public for help. As a result part of a churchyard that is close to Lord Street was cordoned off for a time whilst Officers from the force's specialist Unity team carried out a forensic examination. A short time later, a 24 year old man of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of rape. Adam Riding, 24, of No Fixed Abode was arrested and subsequently charged with rape on Sunday, 18 May 2014 and Sefton Magistrates' Court on Monday, 19 May 2014. Detective Sergeant Paul Hampson from the force's Matrix Serious and Organised Crime specialist Unity Team said:- "The young woman is now being supported by specially trained officers. Merseyside Police takes every report of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and I would appeal to anyone with any information about this incident to come forward." Neighbourhood Inspector for Southport, Darren Wilson, said:- "Patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the local community and will remain so over the coming days." An investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call officers from the specialist Unity Team on:- 0151 777 3296 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.