Government investment promises to cut Monday morning madness when trying to reach a GP

Stuart Pearcey
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Government investment promises to cut Monday morning madness when trying to reach a GP
Patients will be able to contact their general practice more easily and quickly – and find out exactly how their request will be handled on the day they call – as part of a major multi-million pound overhaul of primary care, the government and NHS will announce this week. Practices across the UK will also be given £240 million this year to embrace the latest technology, replacing old analogue phones with modern systems so patients never get engaged tones and easy to use online tools to ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible. This will mean when patients contact their practice online or over the phone, they will know on the day they make contact how their query will be managed, rather than being told to call back later. If their need is urgent, they will be assessed and given appointments on the same day. If it is not urgent, appointments should be offered within two weeks, or patients will be referred to NHS 111 or a local pharmacy. Primary care is the way most people access the NHS, and the government is committed to modernising the way patients contact their GP surgery – improving satisfaction and delivering on the Prime Minister’s promise to cut waiting lists. Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay will announce a major expansion of the role of receptionists to become expert “care navigators” – whose job it is to gather information, to make sure patients are directed to the most suitable healthcare professional and to simplify and streamline the process. Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “We are already making real progress with 10% more GP appointments happening every month compared to before the pandemic. I want to make sure people receive the right support when they contact their general practice and bring an end to the 8am scramble for appointments.

“To do this we are improving technology and reducing bureaucracy, increasing staffing and changing the way primary care services are provided, which are all helping to deliver on the government’s promise to cut waiting lists.”

Minister for Health Neil O’Brien said: “Where GPs have already moved over to these new technologies we see they free up the phones, making it much easier for people to get through to their general practice team. “As well as being more convenient for patients, these really easy to use digital tools allow a lot of patients to get the help they need without ever needing to go in for an appointment, which will help cut waiting lists.

“Investing £240 million in these modern tools and the help GPs need to move onto them will make things more convenient for patients, but also make the workload more manageable for general practice teams.”

An average sized practice of 10,000 patients often receives more than 100 calls in the first hour every Monday. With advanced digital telephony, rather than an engaged tone patients will receive a queue position, a call back option and their call can be directly routed to the right professional. The phone system will also be integrated with the clinical systems so practice staff can quickly identify patients and their information from phone numbers. Practices that have invested in modern online booking and messaging systems find they help free up phones for those who prefer to call, while giving patients a convenient way to get the help they need. As well as helping patients to make contact the government is supporting staff in dealing with the calls. Working with NHS England the government will fund 6,500 care navigator training places – that is one member of staff per practice who can then pass on the training to colleagues. Care navigators will help assess, prioritise, respond and assist. They can help make sure those who want to see a named GP or preferred member of staff can do while those who are happy to see a duty doctor can also do so. Care navigators will direct patients to other professionals within the general practice or other medical professionals such as community pharmacists who can best meet the needs of the patients. Successful care navigation can help direct 40% of requests more effectively and speeds up appointments for those who need them.

Lindum secures place on next iteration of supplier framework

Stuart Pearcey
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Lindum secures place on next iteration of supplier framework
Lincolnshire construction company Lindum has secured a place as one of 93 companies on the second iteration of Pagabo’s Refit and Refurbishment framework. The total value of the framework, within which public sector organisations across the UK secure appropriate contractors, will run for another four years, and means Lindum can continue to offer its public sector clients a direct and compliant route on specific refit and refurbishment projects. Lindum will feature on four of the five lots available, with values ranging from £50k to £15 million, in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Rutland. Jonathan Parker, Pagabo Head of Construction said: “It is fantastic news that we have appointed over 90 suppliers to the second generation of our Refit and Refurbishment Framework. “It is also fantastic to see that a number of suppliers have been successful from the previous framework, such as Lindum, so that we can continue to work closely with contractors to provide a collaborative, compliant, and reliable procurement method for the public sector. “We are very excited to see this framework and Lindum thrive with the increased value lots providing ample choice for clients, ensuring the generation of maximum positive social impact for communities in which schemes will be delivered. Matthew Jones, Lindum Group Framework Manager said: “The communities in which we work are also the communities in which our staff live, meaning maximising social value is a priority for us. To be able to continue working with a framework provider that shares this drive is a huge boost for us. “With the huge increase in energy prices and adoption of hybrid working practices, we expect this framework to become very popular for our clients who may be rethinking how best to utilise their estate. The increase in lot value means we can assist with a much wider range of refit and refurbishment projects, helping us to work more strategically with clients on larger pipelines of works.”

The Data City secures six-figure project with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to drive growth in the UK economy

Tess Egginton
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The Data City secures six-figure project with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to drive growth in the UK economy

Data consultancy, The Data City has secured a six-figure project with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Cambridge Econometrics to map high-potential business clusters around the UK.

The work will help DSIT drive the growth of the UK economy and support the government’s Growth Plan. The project sees expert analysts from Leeds-based The Data City working closely with both organisations to explore science, technology, research & innovation cluster formation and performance. It involves identifying groups of businesses with a high potential for growth and sharing characteristics that can be defined as a cluster.

The Data City is successfully mapping the UK’s emerging economy, providing researchers, policymakers and investors with real-time data on dynamic sectors and the companies within them.

The primary focus of the multi-stage study is to identify groups of firms that meet the different criteria and can be considered ‘true’ clusters. The project involves collecting, processing and analysing four primary datasets before data processing and analysis.

The team will then identify groups of firms based on their patterns of activity and location. The work will be undertaken through network analysis of the UKRI and Patent and Academic Activity Datasets. Both databases will then be linked, and a complete list of clusters will be finalised.

As registered secure data users, Cambridge Econometrics will process all secure microdata and ensure non-disclosive before sharing it with other partners.

Once the data has been collected, processed and checked, it will be used to produce the final report, added to the cluster database, and built into an interactive website created by The Data City.

The Data City is a data-as-a-service company providing unique, real-time industrial data on the most dynamic emerging economic sectors. Delivered by a cutting-edge AI, The Data City’s platform combines all the data needed in one place, from open data sets and website text to company financials and investment data, allowing users to make impactful discoveries in minutes.

The Data City team has spent the last seven years working with industry bodies, academic and sector experts and government departments to build an extensive library of new economy sector classifications that, once classified, are made available to all of its customers.

Alex Craven, CEO of The Data City, said: “It is a testament to the hard work of our team that we can work in partnership with leading organisations to play an important part in the UK’s Growth Plan.

“The innovative approach we have proposed will prove more effective in identifying a wider selection of clusters of different types than any single approach would be capable of, leading to a much more comprehensive and detailed picture of the UK cluster landscape that will ensure that support is targeted to companies with great potential for growth and job creation.”

Trucking company fined after man killed unloading a wagon

Tess Egginton
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Trucking company fined after man killed unloading a wagon
The sister of a man killed while unloading a lorry trailer has spoken of the devastating impact her brother’s death has had on their family. Anthony Clark, 51, from Darlington worked for GCS Johnson Limited, a trucking company based in North Yorkshire. On 17 August 2018 the father-of-two was helping move a large piece of machinery from one trailer to another at the GCS Johnson depot at Barton Quarry industrial estate in Richmond. As a team of workers were moving the piece of machinery, it fell from the bed of the vehicle trailer and hit Anthony killing him instantly. Anthony, a grandfather of two and an avid Sunderland fan, had recently got engaged to his fiancé Marie. On the day of his funeral, he was due to leave on a cruise with Marie. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that when the workers were transferring the load for shipment, the machinery was in two parts and the smaller section fell free during the lifting operation. This caused the part of machinery to strike Anthony resulting in immediate fatal injuries. On 3 May 2023 at Leeds Magistrates’ Court, GCS Johnson Limited of Barton Park, Barton, Richmond, North Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £140,000 and ordered to pay £18,355.07 in costs. Anthony had an older brother, Graham, and sister Elaine. Elaine Clark said: “Today’s verdict will not bring our Anthony back. He absolutely should not have died at work that day. He should still be here but he’s not. And that leaves a huge void in all our lives that nothing will ever replace.
“Mum has lost her son. Marie has lost her fiancé. Graham and I don’t have our baby brother anymore. His daughters don’t have their dad. His grandchildren will never get to know their Grandad. “None of us get to see his smile. None of us get to hear him laugh. He doesn’t get to ride his scooter with his mates. Or go to watch Sunderland every week. He will never get old like the rest of us. “Nearly five years on, family events that should be joyous occasions are tainted by our Anthony not being there. And that will never change. I can only repeat, he absolutely should not have died at work that day.” After the hearing, HSE inspector Julian Franklin said: “You can tell from the moving tribute from Anthony’s sister, Elaine, how popular he was and the severe impact his death has had on the family. “If the load had been examined carefully prior to the lift being carried out, the team would have identified that it was in two pieces. As it was, the lifting method used was not suitable for a load of that size and shape, and a lifting plan should have been prepared. “This terrible incident could so easily have been avoided by simply implementing the correct control measures and safe working practices.”

WANdisco to reduce headcount by 30%

Tess Egginton
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0
WANdisco to reduce headcount by 30%
Sheffield-based WANdisco, the data activation platform, has revealed that it is undertaking a reorganisation and review process that will reduce the company’s global headcount by approximately 30%. The proposed actions are across all areas of the company’s operational and geographic footprint, with the individuals impacted being consulted in accordance with local law with the provision of support and information on next steps. WANdisco says it has conducted a detailed review of the business which has “indicated the need for difficult but necessary changes to the company’s size in order to position the company for long-term growth and success.” The news comes after scandal hit the business recently, in which “significant, sophisticated and potentially fraudulent irregularities with regard to received purchase orders and related revenue and bookings, as represented by one senior sales employee” were discovered. Trading in WANdisco’s shares were subsequently suspended back in March. Kenneth Lever, executive chairman of WANdisco plc, said: “The proposal to reduce the company’s overall headcount was considered at great length. Regrettably, the proposed action is a necessary step to responsibly position WANdisco for long-term growth. “We are working through the process as sensitively and supportively as we can, providing those directly impacted with as much information and support as possible and at all times in full compliance with local law.”

Glencar wins major warehouse fit-out project in Doncaster

Tess Egginton
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Glencar wins major warehouse fit-out project in Doncaster
Glencar has been appointed by Maersk, the Danish shipping and logistics company, to undertake comprehensive fit-out works at Mammoth 602, a 602,000 sq ft warehouse development situated at GLP’s G-Park Doncaster development that it has recently occupied. The £12m project will comprise of the fit out of the existing office areas to category A standard, warehouse high level services and minor external works alterations. Warehouse area fit-out includes lighting, sprinklers including works associated, frost protection, fire alarm and small power. Works started at the beginning of February are expected to be complete at end of the September 2023. Tom Kearsley, Glencar operations director, said: “Mammoth 602 is an incredible development and the largest such fit-out project Glencar have been awarded to date so we are suitably delighted. “The specialist knowledge and expertise we have built our name on within the Industrial & Logistics lends itself perfectly to support the needs of a growing number of occupiers requiring specialist fit-out and enabling works. We look forward to expanding our offering in the face of increasing demand. “We also look forward to working with the team at Maersk and delivering to their exacting needs.” A spokesperson from Maersk said: “Mammoth 602 is a strong example of GLP’s commitment to sustainability across its developments. It is GLP’s third building to be net zero carbon for construction, in line with the UKGBC framework, and is part of the Planet Mark accreditation scheme which helps to further reduce the carbon footprint for the occupier.”

Legal & General to stop production at Yorkshire modular housing facility

Tess Egginton
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Legal & General to stop production at Yorkshire modular housing facility
Legal & General is to stop production at its Yorkshire modular housing facility, seeing around 450 jobs affected. Reports from Sky News indicate that the company is proposing to reduce business activity and cease new modular production at its Selby site following a lack of demand. Existing orders will be completed to ensure delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic and planning delays are said to be the main reasons why the facility has been unable to deliver the number of orders needed to become profitable. The business is commencing consultation with employees around making most modular homes roles redundant.

Teenage entrepreneur urges others to follow in her footsteps

Stuart Pearcey
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Teenage entrepreneur urges others to follow in her footsteps
A teenager who tried her hand at various careers is urging other young people to follow their dreams after expanding a business named after her baby sister. Eighteen-year-old Ashlee Spyvee was inspired to launch the business by her experience of trying to find suitable clothes for Mya Rose, who is just 19 months old. But before opening the shop in Paragon Arcade, Hull, Ashlee worked in a range of sales and care roles, eventually leaving her family and heading back to the area where she was born and brought up. She said: “I’m from East Yorkshire but we moved to the Cotswolds six years ago. I didn’t like it there and I missed Hull so I came back to live with my grandmother in Thorngumbald. “I started the business before I came back and then expanded it in February when a unit became available in Paragon Arcade. It’s a lovely place and the city centre could do with more spaces like this. The owners Allenby Commercial have chosen the tenants very carefully and we all work together to attract a lot of people.” Ashlee said: “I knew there was a gap in the market because we found it difficult to get the clothes we wanted for Mya Rose. Some things were very expensive but we’ve put the effort in to get good quality, nice clothes at affordable prices. “It’s baby and children’s wear and accessories, also gifts for baby showers. We try to make sure everything is different from what you’d find in the High Street shops and we get quite a few people travelling here from out of town. Customers keep telling me there’s nothing like this in the area.”  

Scarborough seafront hotel sold

Tess Egginton
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0
Scarborough seafront hotel sold
The Weston Hotel in Scarborough, situated on the seafront in the town’s south bay, has been sold. The 32-bedroom hotel has recently undergone a full internal and external refurbishment and enjoys stunning coastal views from its lofty perch above the Scarborough Spa, arguably the town’s main tourist attraction. Previous owners, John Simms and Pat Hendry have run the hotel for around 12 years and are selling to retire. John says: “We have really enjoyed our time here and have some wonderful memories. “The Weston has been our life and we leave with a heavy heart but knowing that the new owners, who are themselves hugely experienced hoteliers, will continue to operate the hotel in much the same way that it is now. We wish them every success and hope that our long list of loyal customers will continue the support they have showed us.” The sale was handled by Christie & Co hotel director Mark Worley, who has completed several hotel deals across North Yorkshire over the last few months. He says: “Scarborough is a hugely popular tourist destination and one of the busiest seaside towns in the UK. It has a multitude of attractions including its imposing castle, glorious beaches and its proximity to the North York Moors National Park plus the stunning Yorkshire coastline dotted with quaint and historic places such as Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay and Sandsend. “It’s easy to see why this part of the world is so popular with hotel buyers and I look forward to announcing more transactions in the coming months.”

Software training and development partnership to launch this summer

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Software training and development partnership to launch this summer

This summer will see the launch of a new partnership designed to offer a range of software development training and career opportunities to individuals and businesses in the North.

The Edge Hub, a digital upskilling and business growth collaboration, will work withwith Makers, a provider of hybrid bootcamps and apprenticeships in the digital sector.

Based in Hull, The Edge Hub will offer a unique hybrid technology centre dedicated to innovation, technology, and skills. Makers is a leading provider of holistic software development courses and apprenticeships and have trained 1’000’s of technology leaders over their ten-year journey. They work with an extensive range of national brands, including Santander, Tesco, Meta and Ford. The relationship will offer individuals and businesses in the North the opportunity to access a 16-week bootcamp in software development along with wraparound career support to fast-track the advancement of digital skills in the region. Claudia Harris, Makers’ CEO, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with The Edge Hub to build a unique community and space for Makers training in the Humber region and beyond. Over the past ten years, we have trained a diverse group of thousands of engineers, focusing on a growth mindset and emotional intelligence alongside excellent technical skills. Our partnership with The Edge Hub will create a powerful and intimate community of individuals and businesses working to unlock the full potential of the digital sector in the region.” Antonio Tombanane, the founder of The Edge Hub and Tech Week Humber, added: “The partnership with Makers is fantastic news for The Edge Hub and the North. We are introducing a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals to access a new digital career in just 16 weeks. This fits perfectly with our ethos of fast-tracking filling the region’s digital skills gaps.”
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