Monthly Archives: June 2016

Disabled Trunch pensioner reduced to tears by care firm

Patricia Burnett. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE

A care firm with 66 clients in north Norfolk has come under fire for its treatment of a disabled pensioner.

Wheelchair user Patricia Burnett, 73, has been reduced to tears, and left feeling helpless and frustrated by what she claims is poor care provided by Better Healthcare Services.

Her string of grievances include alleging that one carer failed to turn up, others do not know what they are supposed to do and leave without helping her, some turn up too early, and others are not properly trained.

After months of dissatisfaction, Miss Burnett decided to go public this week after breaking down when she said a new carer had not listened to her, handled her roughly and left her in discomfort.

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More than 12 million UK adults lack basic digital knowhow, MPs say

An estimated 5.8 million British adults have never used the internet at all.

Britain is facing a “digital skills crisis” with more than 12 million adults lacking basic digital knowhow, MPs have said.

The Commons science and technology committee said systemic problems with digital education and training were costing the economy an estimated £63bn a year in lost income. Only urgent action from government, industry, schools and universities could prevent the skills shortage damaging future productivity and competitiveness, it said.

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The art of happiness

A number of high-profile artists have come together to create a restorative environment in a London psychiatric ward.

photo Nick Knight

Hidden away in south-west London is one of the most exclusive art galleries in the UK. Turner Prize winners and renowned fashion photographers are displaying their work for viewers at the Phoenix Unit – a secure psychiatric hospital in Tooting.

It’s home to 18 residents with severe and enduring mental health problems who live there, on average, between one and three years as they recover and regain their independence.

For now, the interior walls are decorated with the same calming, yet chilly, colours throughout, with the quiet room and activity room looking very similar. But the artists are coming.

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