Singapore Air ties up with Virgin

Singapore Airlines A380 at Changi airport (file picture)Singapore Airlines recently announced a new budget subsidiary

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia have entered a partnership which allows them to sell tickets and seats on each other’s international and domestic flights.

The so called code-sharing agreement will mean passengers may purchase a seat with Virgin but the flight will be operated by Singapore Air.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

Asia is the world’s largest and fastest growing market for air travel.

The agreement brings Singapore Airlines’ international network together with Virgin’s routes within Australia and the Pacific.

“It will enhance the attractiveness of Australia as a travel destination while also opening up new horizons for travellers from Australia,” said Singapore Airlines head Goh Choon Phong in a statement.

Singapore Airlines passengers will be able to access a further 30 destinations.

While Virgin customers will be able to fly to 70 more places.

“Singapore Airlines’ extensive network throughout Asia will be particularly attractive to our international business and leisure travellers,” said Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti in a statement.

Virgin already has alliances with Delta Airlines, Etihad and Air New Zealand.

Virgin, Australia’s second largest airline, said the agreement with Singapore Air will also allow reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access.

The alliance goes into effect on 1 August.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

EU to hold E.coli crisis meeting

E.coli bacteriaThe E.coli strain is said to be a new hybrid form toxic to humans

EU agriculture ministers are to hold emergency talks, as efforts continue to find the source of an E.coli outbreak which has killed 22 people.

The first tests on bean sprouts from a German farm suspected of being the source of the outbreak were negative.

Of 40 samples being examined from the farm in Uelzen, south of Hamburg, 23 tested negative, officials said.

More than 2,200 people have fallen ill in 12 countries. Cases outside Germany have been linked to travel there.

Initially, German officials had pointed to Spanish cucumbers as the likely cause.

In Luxembourg, the EU agriculture ministers will want to know how close experts are to identifying the source, amid mounting criticism of the investigation into the outbreak, the BBC’s Europe correspondent Chris Morris reports.

Analysis

Are bean sprouts in the clear? The simple answer is no, even though the early test results have come back negative.

The most compelling evidence so far has not come from the microbiology lab, but traditional detective work. Officials were able to link the main outbreaks with bean sprouts from one farm in northern Germany.

They will wait for test results from the remaining 17 samples for final confirmation. However, the prospect remains that no trace of E. coli will ever be found, since any contaminated produce would have been farmed and on the shelves weeks ago.

Even without evidence of E. coli at the farm – bean sprouts remain the prime suspect. But as Spanish cucumber farmers know, we’ve been here before.

He says that the meeting will also consider the sensitive issue of compensation for farmers – and harsh words may well be exchanged.

Spain says it is demanding 100% compensation from Germany for huge losses suffered by its vegetable farmers because of a false accusation.

Spain’s fruit and vegetables exporters association has estimated losses at 225m euros (£200m) a week.

The EU ministers are also expected to address a Russian ban on imports of fresh produce from the EU, introduced in response to the outbreak.

Other EU countries also say that their farmers will need financial help after sales and prices plummeted.

So, the outbreak will be testing European solidarity once again, our correspondent adds.

On Monday, Germany’s Lower Saxony agriculture ministry said that “investigations are continuing”, as as it announced that the first tests had proved negative.

It added that it did not expect “any short-term conclusions”, and that given the complex testing procedure, the remaining 17 samples may not be returned for a few more days.

The organic farm in Uelzen is about 100km (62 miles) south of Hamburg, the epicentre of the outbreak.

It produces bean sprouts including adzuki, alfalfa, broccoli, peas, lentils and mung beans, all grown in a nursery for consumption in salads.

The farm’s general manager, Klaus Verbeck, was quoted by the Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung newspaper as saying that he could not see how it was to blame.

“I can’t understand how the processes we have here and the accusations could possibly fit together,” said Mr Verbeck.

“The salad sprouts are grown only from seeds and water, and they aren’t fertilised at all. There aren’t any animal fertilisers used in other areas on the farm either.”

The strain of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) involved in the outbreak is normally transmitted through faeces or faecal bacteria.

Scientists say it is an aggressive hybrid strain toxic to humans and not previously linked to food poisoning.

Hundreds of those affected by the bacterium have developed haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can be fatal.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Fifth of women shun smear tests

Jade GoodyIn the year of Jade Goody’s illness, more women attended cervical screenings
Related Stories

One in 5 UK women risk deadly cervical cancer because they decline the offer of a smear test, NHS figures reveal.

Early detection through screening, followed by treatment, can prevent up to 75% of these cancers from developing.

Yet despite high profile cases such as that of Jade Goody, who died of the disease two years ago, many women are still not taking advantage of a test.

About 1,000 women die of cervical cancer in the UK annually.

But experts estimate screen saves at least 4,500 lives a year in England alone.

The NHS provides free screening to women aged 25 to 65 years.

The research, released to mark Cervical Screening Awareness Week, appears to suggest that many of those who have missed or delayed appointments for cervical cancer screening are doing so because of inconvenience, embarrassment or worry about taking time off work.

“Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease”

Richard Winder of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes

YouGov researchers asked 2,718 women about their attitude to cervical screening.

Some 39% said they had missed or delayed appointments.

Nearly 30% of women said they found it difficult to find a convenient time to attend a smear test, while more than a third said if their GP surgery had more flexible opening times they would be more likely to attend their appointment.

Almost a third of women aged 24-35 who had missed or delayed appointments said they would rather book a day’s leave from work to attend a smear test than suffer the embarrassment of explaining to their employers why they need the time off.

And a quarter of all women surveyed said they would be more likely to attend if their employer was more flexible and they did not need to use up holiday for an appointment.

Richard Winder, deputy director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, said: “Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease.

“A woman can control her risk of developing the disease by being screened regularly.

“Any abnormalities that might be found can then be treated in order that they do not go on to develop into cancer.

“Where a cervical cancer is found through screening, it is usually at a very early stage where treatment has a greater chance of success.

“It is essential that women are aware of this when deciding whether or not to be screened. Cervical screening is estimated to save 4,500 lives a year in England alone.”

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

UK neurology services ‘lacking’

headacheExpert services are needed locally, says the report
Related Stories

Services for neurological conditions are poorly organised and do not meet patients’ needs, says a report.

The Royal College of Physicians and the Association of British Neurologists say many patients with conditions like epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease are unable to access specialist care.

They point to a lack of expert doctors in local hospitals and emergency departments.

The government agrees a shake-up of services is needed.

Neurological disorders are very common, making up about a 10% of GP consultations and emergency medical admissions.

The disorders include many different conditions, some very common, such as migraine and multiple sclerosis, and some rare, like motor neurone disease.

Together these conditions result in disability in one in 50 people in the UK.

“This is exactly why we need to modernise the NHS. Support for people with long-term neurological conditions has not been good enough”

A Department of Health spokesman

But neurology services in the UK have mainly developed around large regional neurosciences centres with an emphasis on research and academic excellence.

This has left local services undertrained and understaffed, according to the report.

The UK also has fewer neurologists per head of population compared to other countruies – one per 125,000 in the UK compared to one per 40,000 in the US and the rest of Europe.

Patients admitted to hospital with an acute neurological illness are rarely seen by a specialist neurologist.

In contrast, those admitted for a stroke and other acute medical emergencies usually see the right specialist without delay.

The report calls for an expansion and improvement of local services with a shift in emphasis from scheduled to emergency care.

The chairman of the working party who produced the report, Dr David Bateman, said: “The recommendations when implemented will substantially improve local services: many can be achieved at little extra cost mainly by reorganisation of services.”

Steve Ford, Chair of the Neurological Alliance, said: “Patients with neurological conditions need to see the right specialist at the right time in the right place, but evidence shows clearly that this isn’t happening due to poorly organised services and not enough specialist care.

“We welcome the report’s timely publication and call on the government, at this important time of NHS reform, to place neurology at the top of its agenda.”

A Department of Health spokesman said: “This is exactly why we need to modernise the NHS. Support for people with long-term neurological conditions has not been good enough.

“Our plans put patients firmly in the driving seat with more control over their care, and give clinicians the freedom to prescribe the treatment they feel most appropriate.

“Improving commissioning and more integrated services are key to ensuring better care for patients.”

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

UN chief to stand for second term

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in Abu Dhabi (17 Jan 2011)Ban Ki-moon’s term as head of the global body is due to expire at the end of 2011
Related Stories

Ban Ki-moon has put himself forward for a second term as Secretary General of the United Nations.

The ex-South Korean foreign minister, who took the job in 2007, said in a letter to UN member states he “humbly” offered himself for five more years.

Diplomats say that with no rival for the position, he could win a UN General Assembly vote before the end of June.

Mr Ban has won praise for raising awareness on climate change, but his low-key style has drawn some criticism.

His office says he gets things done by mixing quiet diplomacy with public pressure.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Retailers report dip in May sales

Shoppers in LondonThe BRC says May’s dip in sales is a more accurate reflection of customers’ attitude to spending

Retail sales dipped in May as a result of customers’ unwillingness to spend, say retailers.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said May sales values, taking out the effects of closures and new stores, fell 2.1% compared with 2010.

It said rises in previous months were a “distortion”, owing to a late Easter, an extra bank holiday and good weather.

The BRC said the May figures were a more realistic reflection of the “tough conditions” on the high street.

Shoppers bought fewer items across the board, with sales of clothing, footwear and big ticket items all falling.

The 2.1% fall refers to same-store sales – stripping out store expansions or closures.

The BRC said that overall sales were also lower, down by 0.3% on May last year.

Stephen Robertson, the organisation’s director general, said: “After two previous months distorted by the later Easter and extra bank holiday, this is a more realistic reflection of how tough conditions on the high street really are.

“Customers’ fundamental reluctance to spend is now clear to see. “

He said households’ disposable incomes were being squeezed by high inflation and low wage growth.

Uncertainty over the effects of government cuts was also weighing down consumer confidence about their future finances.

Retailers Mothercare, the entertainment group HMV, the sportswear firm JJB and the electrical retailers Comet and Dixons have all announced store closures in recent weeks.

Focus DIY and wine merchant Oddbins have fared worse, both going into administration.

The positive effect caused by April’s extra bank holiday for the royal wedding was enhanced by good weather, another factor that often boosts spending.

Mr Robertson said May’s figures were much more representative, as the three-month figure from March to May showed a like-for-like drop in retail sales of 0.4%.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

IVF ‘postcode lottery’ condemned

IVF treatmentMPs say IVF treatment on the NHS is a postcode lottery
Related Stories

More than 70% of NHS trusts and care providers are ignoring official guidance on offering infertile couples three chances at IVF, according to a report by an all-party group of MPs.

Some primary care trusts have stopped offering IVF altogether.

Others are placing tough restrictions on who can qualify.

The MPs say the result is a postcode lottery of care and are calling on trusts to implement the official guidelines properly.

In 2004 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said couples, where the woman is aged 23 to 39, should be given up to three cycles of IVF on the NHS.

In the UK’s devolved healthcare system this guidance applies to England and Wales, but will also be taken into account in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“It’s clear that many PCTs are not giving IVF the priority they should. There are instances where it is being lumped in with tattoo removals.”

Gareth Johnson MP All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility sent freedom of information requests to primary care trusts (PCTs) in England, health boards in Scotland and Wales, and health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland.

Their answers revealed 70% of the authorities contacted were ignoring the NICE guidance and putting in place strict limits on who can get the treatment.

For example, Bury PCT only allows women to be treated between the ages of 39 and 40, with a similar picture in many Welsh Health Boards.

Others have restrictions on access for smokers, those who are overweight or if one of the couple already has a child – even if that child does not live with them.

At the time of the survey, five PCTs – Warrington, Stockport, North Yorkshire and York, North Staffordshire and West Sussex – offered no IVF at all.

A spokeswoman at NHS West Sussex said: “In line with NHS trusts across the country, we did have to face some tough decisions last year to ensure that we met our legal duty to break even financially.

“Now we are in the new financial year, the decision we made last year on fertility treatment has been reviewed and funding has been reinstated for all eligible cases.”

In 2006, Clare Dando went to her PCT in Hampshire after realising that she would need IVF.

But she was told that at the age of 33 she was too young, as the local policy was to restrict NHS treatment to those over 36 – even though her chances of success would reduce the older she got.

Sher said: “Eventually we realised that time was ticking away so we re-mortgaged our house to raise £15,000. We had to pay for three IVF cycles ourselves and the last one in September 2007 worked.

“Our little boy Alex will be three next week.”

The Hampshire guidelines have now changed, so now one IVF cycle is funded for women aged between 30 to 35.

Gareth Johnson, the Conservative MP for Dartford, is the chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infertility.

He said: “It’s clear that many PCTs are not giving IVF the priority they should. There are instances where it is being lumped in with tattoo removals.

“There is always going to be a limit to what you can provide but the guidance from NICE says three cycles.

“That’s a fair balance between the needs of the patient and the burden placed on the taxpayer.”

Infertility Network UK has campaigned for more equal access to IVF treatments and says providers must follow the guidance from NICE.

In a foreword to the report, Health Minister Anne Milton said many PCTs had made good progress towards implementing the Nice recommendations.

“I am aware, however, that a small number of PCTs with historical funding problems have temporarily suspended provision of IVF services.

“I have already expressed my concerns about this approach and would encourage all PCTs to have regard to the current Nice guidance.”

NICE is currently reviewing its guidance and will publish a report in 2012.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Peru’s Humala celebrates poll win

Peruvian presidential candidates, (from left) Ollanta Humala and Keiko FujimoriOn the left and right of the political spectrum – presidential hopefuls Ollanta Humala and Keiko Fujimori
Related Stories

Voters in Peru are set to cast their ballots on Sunday in a closely fought presidential second-round run-off.

They face a choice of Keiko Fujimori, daughter of jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori, and Ollanta Humala, one-time ally of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez.

The two candidates are at opposite ends of the political spectrum – a fact that has worried some Peruvians who say they will not vote for either of them.

Opinion polls indicate that the outcome is too close to call.

The two candidates led the field after the first round on 10 April, which saw the defeat of three centrist candidates. No-one gained more than the 50% needed to win the election outright.

Whoever wins Sunday’s vote will succeed Alan Garcia, who cannot stand for a second term.

Keiko Fujimori, 36, appeals to voters who still admire her father, president for a decade from 1990. He is now serving a 25-year jail sentence for corruption and organising death squads.

She has defended his record, saying by taming hyper-inflation and defeating Marxist Shining Path rebels, he laid the basis for Peru’s current economic boom.

Peruvian electionTen candidates stood for election on 10 AprilIn Peru’s two-round voting system, no candidate got more than 50% of the vote to avoid a run-offThree centrist candidates split the vote – leaving Humala and Fujimori leading the fieldPresidents serve five-year terms and are only eligible for non-consecutive re-electionVoting is compulsory for citizens 18-70 years oldA choice between wallets and consciences Peru election: Candidate profiles

She supports free-market economic policies, advocates a tough approach to crime and has promised to improve social programmes and infrastructure in poor areas.

Critics say her main aim is to secure a pardon for her father, a claim she denies.

If she wins, she would become Peru’s first woman president.

Ollanta Humala, 48, comes from a left-wing tradition of greater state intervention. He staged a short-lived rebellion against Alberto Fujimori in 2000 and narrowly lost to Alan Garcia in the last presidential election in 2006.

He has campaigned on a promise to increase the state’s role in the economy and redistribute wealth to Peru’s poor majority.

His critics fear he will embark on interventionist policies similar to those of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, although Mr Humala says he is more in sympathy with Brazil’s moderate left-wing approach.

He has also denied allegations that he committed human rights abuses during the fight against Shining Path rebels in the 1990s when he was an army captain.

Polls suggest that around 10% of Peru’s voters could abstain or spoil their ballots, Reuters news agency reports.

Peruvian painter Fernando de Szyszlo is one of those. “It really pains me not to vote, but I’m not voting,” he told the Associated Press.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.