Latest news with #NMS
The Herald Scotland
12 hours ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Crustal jar from the Galloway Hoard to go on show for first time
The Galloway Hoard, which was made up of more than 5kg of gold, silver and other materials, was discovered by a metal detectorist in Balmaghie, near Kirkcudbright, in 2014. Among the artefacts, the rock-crystal jar stood out as it was wrapped in linen, and placed in a leather pouch later revealed to be lined with silk. The pouch was then packed within a larger lidded vessel with two dozen other treasures. After painstaking conservation, the jar was found to bear a Latin inscription, also written in gold which translates as, 'Bishop Hyguald had me made.' The jar is thought to have belonged to a bishop (Image: NMS) When first seen, the object was hidden within its wrappings, but 3D X-ray imaging produced in partnership with the British Museum allowed the object to be observed without damaging it. This produced the first glimpse of the inscription on the base, enabling it to be read and translated. Over a number of months, the object was carefully separated from the textile wrapping, a rare medieval survival itself - which includes Scotland's earliest example of silk. Dr Martin Goldberg from National Museums Scotland said: 'The rock crystal jar is one of the highlight objects from the Galloway Hoard. 'From the beautiful rock crystal itself, originally carved in the form of a classical Corinthian column two thousand years ago, to the incredibly intricate gold decoration added hundreds of years later and including a clear inscription identifying its owner, this one object exemplifies the complex, connected and historic nature of the Galloway Hoard. 'The jar was the subject of international attention when we first revealed the inscription, and it's great to be able to put it on display it for the first time in Kirkcudbright.' The jar will go on show later this year (Image: NMS) Cllr Maureen Johnstone, Chair of the Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, said: 'We are excited to see this important and unique object in Kirkcudbright. Dumfries and Galloway Council is very proud of the ongoing partnership with National Museums Scotland which has already produced two superb exhibitions at Kirkcudbright Galleries. 'I have no doubt the Rock Crystal Jar will be a fascinating exhibit, I am looking forward to it.' Due to gaps in church records in the 9th century, when the hoard is thought to have been buried, it has not been possible to more precisely identify Hyguald or where exactly he was based, but it is likely that he was a Northumbrian bishop. The inscription was the clearest evidence that some of the material in the hoard may have come from a church or religious community in the early medieval kingdom of Northumbria, which included Dumfries and Galloway, and stretched as far north as Edinburgh and as far south as Sheffield. Since this was first read, a further translation of an Old English runic inscription from an arm ring in the Galloway Hoard has been proposed, describing a portion of the hoard as 'the community's wealth'. Another clear Christian association in the hoard is a magnificent Anglo-Saxon pectoral cross inscribed with depictions of the four apostles. The Galloway Hoard was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2017 with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish Government, as well as a major public fundraising campaign. Since then, it has undergone extensive conservation and research at the National Museums Collection Centre as well as having been shown at the National Museum of Scotland, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Kirkcudbright Galleries, where it attracted record-breaking visitor numbers. Further venues for the international tour will be announced in due course, as will plans for the hoard's future display after the tour's conclusion, including both in Edinburgh and in Kirkcudbright, near where it was discovered. The research in the hoard was supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), which awarded £1 million for the three-year research project Unwrapping the Galloway Hoard, led by National Museums Scotland in partnership with the University of Glasgow. The project has also seen collaboration with experts from across the UK and Ireland, including The British Museum, Oxford University, University of Wales (Trinity St David), St Andrews University, and University College Cork.
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Parents of autistic teenager who died hail ‘milestone' NHS training guidance
A report in 2020 found 18-year-old Oliver McGowan's death four years earlier was 'potentially avoidable'. He died at Southmead Hospital in Bristol in November 2016, after being given the anti-psychotic Olanzapine and contracting neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) – a rare side effect of the drug. An independent review later found that the fit and healthy teenager's death was 'potentially avoidable' and his parents Paula and Tom McGowan said their son died 'as a result of the combined ignorance and arrogance of doctors' who treated him. The learning disability mortality review (LeDeR) into the death concluded there had been a 'general lack of understanding and acknowledgement of Oliver's autism and how Oliver presented himself when in seizure' and that there had been a 'body of written evidence – alongside verbal requests from Oliver and Oliver's family – not to prescribe' Olanzapine. After the Olanzapine was administered, Oliver's temperature rose and he showed signs of NMS. The medication was stopped on October 28 and a CT scan two days later showed Oliver had sustained a serious brain injury. He died on November 11. His parents have campaigned since his death for improvements in the system, and on Thursday the Government published new guidance it said will ensure safer, more personalised care for people with a learning disability and autistic people. The teenager, from Emerson's Green, Bristol, had contracted meningitis twice during childhood and lived with epilepsy, learning difficulties and autism as a result. The Government said the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice on statutory learning disability and autism training aims to ensure staff have the right skills in providing care and better understanding of the needs of autistic people and those with learning disabilities. The guidelines for health and care providers to train staff set out the standards expected from care providers to be compliant with the law and help make sure patients are kept safe. Oliver McGowan's death in 2016 was 'potentially avoidable', a review found (PA) Mr and Mrs McGowan said they hope the guidelines will bring 'meaningful change' and have a 'lasting impact'. They said: 'The publication of the code of practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver's legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured. 'The code establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the delivery of the training, promoting consistency and a deeper understanding across health and social care services. 'We are profoundly grateful to cross-party politicians for their unwavering support and especially to Baroness Sheila Hollins, whose leadership has been pivotal in advancing this important work. 'Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone within the NHS and social care sectors, to our expert trainers, and to individuals with a learning disability and/or autism, along with their families and carers. 'This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like, giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard, creating a lasting impact that will continue to transform lives for the better.' Paying tribute to the McGowans, care minister Stephen Kinnock said they had been behind an 'incredible campaign to improve the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people after the tragic death of their son, Oliver.' He added: 'Through their work, they have shown admirable dedication, commitment and passion – Oliver's memory and legacy lives through them. 'This government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people. 'Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training. The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.' The Government said training will be backed by funding as part of the Learning and Development Support Scheme for adult social care this autumn. Tom Cahill, national director for Learning Disability and Autism at NHS England said: 'We know that often the quality of care and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people has not been good enough and we are determined to make this better. 'This code of practice – a result of Paula and Tom McGowan's tireless dedication – will mean all NHS staff have the training and support they need to reduce inequalities and give people with a learning disability or autistic people the care they deserve.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Parents of autistic teenager who died hail ‘milestone' NHS training guidance
The parents of an autistic teenager who died after being prescribed medication against his and his parents' wishes have hailed as a 'significant milestone' the publication of guidance they hope will safeguard others. A report in 2020 found 18-year-old Oliver McGowan's death four years earlier was 'potentially avoidable'. He died at Southmead Hospital in Bristol in November 2016, after being given the anti-psychotic Olanzapine and contracting neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) – a rare side effect of the drug. An independent review later found that the fit and healthy teenager's death was 'potentially avoidable' and his parents Paula and Tom McGowan said their son died 'as a result of the combined ignorance and arrogance of doctors' who treated him. The learning disability mortality review (LeDeR) into the death concluded there had been a 'general lack of understanding and acknowledgement of Oliver's autism and how Oliver presented himself when in seizure' and that there had been a 'body of written evidence – alongside verbal requests from Oliver and Oliver's family – not to prescribe' Olanzapine. After the Olanzapine was administered, Oliver's temperature rose and he showed signs of NMS. The medication was stopped on October 28 and a CT scan two days later showed Oliver had sustained a serious brain injury. He died on November 11. His parents have campaigned since his death for improvements in the system, and on Thursday the Government published new guidance it said will ensure safer, more personalised care for people with a learning disability and autistic people. The teenager, from Emerson's Green, Bristol, had contracted meningitis twice during childhood and lived with epilepsy, learning difficulties and autism as a result. The Government said the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice on statutory learning disability and autism training aims to ensure staff have the right skills in providing care and better understanding of the needs of autistic people and those with learning disabilities. The guidelines for health and care providers to train staff set out the standards expected from care providers to be compliant with the law and help make sure patients are kept safe. Mr and Mrs McGowan said they hope the guidelines will bring 'meaningful change' and have a 'lasting impact'. They said: 'The publication of the code of practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver's legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured. 'The code establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the delivery of the training, promoting consistency and a deeper understanding across health and social care services. 'We are profoundly grateful to cross-party politicians for their unwavering support and especially to Baroness Sheila Hollins, whose leadership has been pivotal in advancing this important work. 'Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone within the NHS and social care sectors, to our expert trainers, and to individuals with a learning disability and/or autism, along with their families and carers. 'This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like, giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard, creating a lasting impact that will continue to transform lives for the better.' Paying tribute to the McGowans, care minister Stephen Kinnock said they had been behind an 'incredible campaign to improve the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people after the tragic death of their son, Oliver.' He added: 'Through their work, they have shown admirable dedication, commitment and passion – Oliver's memory and legacy lives through them. 'This government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people. 'Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training. The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.' The Government said training will be backed by funding as part of the Learning and Development Support Scheme for adult social care this autumn. Tom Cahill, national director for Learning Disability and Autism at NHS England said: 'We know that often the quality of care and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people has not been good enough and we are determined to make this better. 'This code of practice – a result of Paula and Tom McGowan's tireless dedication – will mean all NHS staff have the training and support they need to reduce inequalities and give people with a learning disability or autistic people the care they deserve.'
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
New billing systems for prosumers likely to come into force from October 1
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) is hoping to introduce new billing systems proposed under its new renewable energy regulations, the draft of which is now out, from October 1, Commission chairperson T.K. Jose said on Wednesday. As per the draft KSERC (Renewable Energy and Related Matters) Regulations, 2025, the average pooled power purchase cost (APPC) rate for existing prosumers under the net metering system (NMS) is pegged at ₹3.08 per unit. The feed-in-tariffs for solar and wind prosumers have been proposed as ₹2.09 and ₹2.08 respectively. All prosumers billed under agriculture, domestic and industrial tariffs are eligible to opt for NMS. Under the net billing system (NBS), the feed-in-tariffs for solar and wind prosumers have been proposed as ₹2.79 and ₹3.82. Under the gross metering system (GMS), these have been proposed as ₹3.48 and ₹4.78 respectively. All prosumers are eligible to opt for either of the two billing systems. Draft regulations The Commission had published the draft regulations, which places emphasis on promoting energy storage mechanisms, on its website on May 30. The new regulations are meant for a 'control period' of five years from 2025-26 to 2029-30. Mr. Jose said the panel will finalise the regulations after hearing all stakeholders. The schedule of the public hearing is yet to be finalised. The Commission described the new regulations as forward-looking and designed to accommodate the requirements of the State's rapidly transforming renewable energy sector. They are is also meant to open up new opportunities for prosumers with concepts such as peer-to-peer trading, virtual power plants and vehicle-to-grid integration, according to the Commission. 'Timely revision' 'The new regulations are meant as a timely revision of the earlier regulations which expired in March 2025,' Mr. Jose said. Commission member B. Pradeep said the draft regulations are designed to enable an equitable transition and cost sharing in the State's energy sector.
North Wales Chronicle
09-06-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Warning over ‘reputational risk' damage from Church abuse scandals
High-profile cases such as that of serial abuser John Smyth and the subsequent Makin Review which prompted the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury, are said to 'undermine public confidence' in how seriously safeguarding is taken. The annual report from the Church Commissioners for England – which manages the Church's investment portfolio – described their reputational risk as currently being 'at an elevated level'. The Makin review, the commissioners said, 'gave rise to serious questions about safeguarding practice in the Church of England'. The commissioners' report, published on Monday, added: 'This case and other safeguarding failures undermine public confidence in the assertions made by the Church, including the Church Commissioners, about the importance of, and priority given to, safeguarding. 'The potential reputational impacts could be far-reaching; for example, they may in turn make it more difficult for us to attract and retain staff.' The warning came as Church Commissioners announced they would be investing more than £1.6 billion towards the work of the Church from 2026 to 2028. Bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally said the 36% rise on the previous three-year period was 'the biggest injection of funding towards the work of the Church of England in our history, and we are very grateful for that'. The money will go towards various areas including clergy pay, church repairs and net zero plans. Some £30 million is being allocated towards the cost of national safeguarding work, including moves towards greater independence in how safeguarding is dealt with. Some £150 million towards the costs of the new national redress scheme for survivors of Church abuse had already been announced. In his foreword to the report, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell acknowledged the 'challenging year' the Church had faced. The commissioners noted there was also an element of reputational risk around the Church's work on dealing with its past links to slavery, saying such work had already 'attracted significant attention, comment and, in some cases, criticism'. Their latest report warned: 'Further reaction (including negative comment) to this programme of work is expected when the intended new Fund for Healing, Repair and Justice is launched, making investments andissuing grants.' The Church announced in January 2023 its work to address historic links to slavery, with a funding programme for investment, research and engagement to 'address past wrongs' but the initial £100 million investment fund was branded too small and slow. An independent oversight group later said commissioners had 'embraced a target of £1 billion for a broader healing, repair and justice initiative with the fund at its centre'. Elsewhere, some of the overall £1.6 billion investment announced on Monday is to go towards clergy pay rises of almost 11%. The Church said the National Minimum Stipend (NMS) and the National Stipend Benchmark (NSB) will both rise by 10.7% from April, bring them to £33,350 and £34,950 respectively. Dame Sarah said the latest investment will 'value and affirm our clergy who give their lives in the service of Christ through the Church'. She said: 'I hope these carefully costed plans will provide a step-change in support to clergy right the way through from those following a call to ordination to those who have retired. 'It is vital also that we learn the lessons of our recent past and do everything we can to be a safer church for everyone. 'While no amount of money can ever erase the harm done by perpetrators of abuse, these spending plans will support the vital work of safeguarding in the Church and underpin the new National Redress scheme.' To aid the Church's ambition to be 'net zero' by 2030, the commissioners said have earmarked up to £190 million up to 2031 for projects including decarbonising cathedrals, churches, church halls, schools andhouses. The report admits it is 'unlikely that cathedrals will achieve net zero carbon by 2030 without some form of carbon offset, but we are working with the community to help reduce emissions as much as possible'. The commissioners add that the latest investment will go towards preventing 'a 'cliff-edge' after the 2030 target date set by Synod, enabling work to limit carbon emissions to continue to receive support'. Meanwhile, the report noted dozens of repair projects had been funded by commissioners to the value of £1.3 million last year, with a rise in instances of Church ceilings which appeared to have been damaged through lack of ventilation when the buildings were closed during the Covid-19 lockdowns. It said there had been 'an increase in the numbers of failed lath and plaster ceilings due to weakened plaster' which it said was 'likely to have been exacerbated by condensation forming due to the lack of ventilation when churches were closed for prolonged periods during the pandemic'. First Church Estates Commissioner, Alan Smith, said: 'This distribution of £1.6 billion represents the highest distribution in the Church's history – and we celebrate all those who have made it possible across the entire community of the Church, in particular the investments team, clergy and parishes. 'In stewarding these resources, we must be humble and vigilant, as the times ahead promise both great opportunities and challenges.'
