Thursday, October 20, 2022
www.telfordjournal.co.uk
NEWS Fans revved up at rally festival Page 2
FEATURE Ghosts of an abbey’s past Page 8
SPORT Dawley Town marching on Page 27
The region’s biggest free weekly newspaper Price when sold £1.20
BOARD REVIEW FOR NHS TRUST
A review of board governance at Shropshire’s major hospitals trust is under way after an independent report criticised its handling of concerns over failings in maternity care. The report, into the board of Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust, follows an investigation carried out by Fiona Scolding KC, which was commissioned by the trust after complaints from Rhiannon Davies and Richard Stanton in 2020. Ms Davies and Mr Stanton’s daughter, Kate, died avoidably while in the trust’s care in 2009. Campaigning by the couple ultimately led to the Ockenden Inquiry, which confirmed serious and harrowing failures in maternity care at the trust. The latest report was sparked by their concerns about former board chairman Ben Reid and the actions of the board. Ms Scolding has concluded that Mr Reid was “fit and proper”, stating: “Mistakes were made – and not everything was handled as it could and should have been. I do not find however that any of these actions amount to ‘serious mismanagement’.” She added: “The evidence shows that Mr Reid did take steps to seek to improve patient safety. The
By Dominic Robertson
difficulty was trying to make such improvements when not given the relevant information to make a strategic difference and in the context of an organisation which was broken.” However, the report criticises the board’s management and scrutiny of issues in maternity care, finding it was too accepting of information and decisions put before it. It is also criticised over a delay in publishing a controversial report looking at the trust’s maternity services, carried out by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Ms Scolding also found failings in the way the trust had dealt with Ms Davies and Mr Stanton and their daughter’s death. The board’s current chair, Catriona McMahon, Mr Reid’s successor, offered an unreserved apology to them. She said: “I would like to draw specific attention of the board to Ms Scolding’s conclusion that it is undoubtedly true the trust has not dealt with the complaints in an open and honest way and for this I unreservedly apologise to Ms Davies and Mr Stanton.”
Runners enjoy new 10k
Interest in zone status Telford & Wrekin Council has expressed an interest in becoming one of the Government’s ‘Investment Zones’. The move follows the Government inviting Mayoral Combined Authorities and Upper Tier Local Authorities in England to submit expressions of interest in introducing one of the zones in their area. Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Regeneration and the High Street, said they were keen to explore the opportunity, but that any agreement would have to maintain environmental and planning standards.
Exhibition to mark history
Teams proudly ran to support and raise money for charities Runners were on their marks on a bright but chilly morning to enjoy the inaugural Wellington 10K Road Race. On Sunday, around 500 racers gathered at Charlton School in Apley Avenue. There was a mixture of seri-
ous runners chasing fast times and casual community running groups. Runners set off for a lap of the school field before heading into the town centre. Several road closures were put in place so participants could safely make their way round.
A Windrush exhibition and celebration of culture is marking Black History Month in Telford. The Windrush Exhibition Telford & Wrekin was originally launched at Telford College last year, created to honour the memories of families who travelled thousands of miles to help rebuild post-war Britain. Now, it will be hosted at Telford Elim Community Church in Hadley. Telford African & Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre (TARC) have spent the last couple of weeks touring Telford’s schools. The exhibition will run tomorrow (Friday) from 11am until 2pm, and 6pm to 8pm, and on Saturday from 5pm to 8pm.
Why Choose A.P.H Windows? • All uPVC products are made in our own factory. • Deal direct with the owner • No pressure Salesmen Directly employed craftsmen • Full after sales service • No deposit required Our showroom is full of ideas to help you decide on the style & design of your windows, doors and dream conservatory
Good Supply Only Trade Rates - 1 Week Turnaround • Fully Welded uPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories • Internally Glazed with high Security Locks • Composite Doors • Garage Doors • Fascias, Soffits & Guttering • Building Extensions
SHOWROOM OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY