'We can't give up on it'
Plus: The magic of Terry Pratchett
Morning Patchers — Happy Friday and welcome to your final briefing of the week.
Health is very much on the agenda today with a few (slightly concerning, I’m afraid) updates. Measles has spread and TB cases are on the rise in England, plus there are serious concerns at a very large NHS hospital trust in Birmingham. Try to stay safe out there folks.
Looking for things to take your mind off that? We’ve got you covered. The UK’s only Muslim literary festival takes place in Brum this weekend with lots to stimulate your brain over the two days. Or check out a live show about Terry Pratchett’s life that has critics enraptured. Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy it.
Finally, a surefire way to enjoy your Saturday is to start it with our long read — the story we are publishing tomorrow contains conspiracy, intrigue, and one very astonished judge. In-depth reporting like this is our passion and it takes time and energy, and costs money. Reporters need to eat! And their editors do too (noone needs a hangry editor). More importantly, we want to be able to keep this going for the long haul. If you believe in what we are doing, are enjoying it, and want us to be able to do more of it, you know what to do. Hit the green button and make my day. Thank you.
Brum in brief
💉Measles has spread to all regions of the UK with 521 total cases since October — 358 in the West Midlands. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also launched an investigation into why tuberculosis (TB) cases are on the rise. Numbers of cases were 11 per cent higher in 2023 than the previous year. Dr Esther Robinson, the head of the TB unit at the UKHSA, said: “Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or Covid-19. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than three weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB.”
📸Halesowen residents are invited by the Ikon Gallery to create a public sculpture with photographer Tom Hicks and poet Liz Berry. No previous experience of taking photos or creative writing is necessary, just bring a camera (the one on your phone is fine) for a series of urban walks and let inspiration do the work. Click to find out more.
⚕️Serious issues around A&E safeguarding have been found at the NHS trust that covers the Queen Elizabeth (QE), Heartlands, Good Hope, and Solihull hospitals. The Care Quality Commission visited the University Hospitals Birmingham trust last Spring following reports of bullying and a toxic environment. On Tuesday, a doctor also apologised to the family of the late Dr Vaish Kumar who took her own life because of her experience working at the QE. Margaret Garbett, chief nurse at the trust, said: "We can't give up on it, we can't just put actions in today and expect it to change, it's a real long-term sustainable change that's needed.”
📖 Muslim Lit Fest comes to Birmingham for the first time this weekend with some fascinating-sounding events. Buy books and listen to readings, lectures, and discussions from Muslim artists and scholars on a wide range of subjects at Moseley Community Hub. There is a mix of free and paid talks and activities to choose from — Islamic Medicine: An Introduction sounds especially interesting.
🎤 If the rave reviews are anything to go by, The Magic of Terry Pratchett live show by comedian and author Marc Burrows is sure to be a hit. Based on his Locus Award-winning biography, Burrows takes audiences on a funny, moving, and inspiring journey. The Glee Club doors open at 5.30pm on Sunday and the show is suitable for ages seven and up.
Why are people surprised at the rise in TB ? It was bound to happen when inoculation for teenagers was stopped. These germs don’t go away just cos numbers of infections reduce- this reduce cos of vaccination!