zaterdag 13 juni 2009

Why am I dark, daddy?

Keith and Catherine, a white couple who lives in Northern Ireland, received mixed race children after an IVF treatment. Keith, who has zero sperm caused by a testicular cyst, and Catherine, who had polycystic ovaries were candidates for IVF. They specifically asked for ‘White Caucasian’ donor sperm, but Catherine’s eggs were fertilized by ‘Caucasian Cape Coloured’ sperm which resulted in two coloured children. Susan has a slightly light skin but Michael has a darker skin. The hospital phoned after three years to inform the family that something had gone wrong. Because of the mental and social discomfort Keith and Catherine will sew the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. This will be the first legal case of its kind in Britain.

Reaction:
Again you rely on science and you end up being damaged. Keith and Catherine did not want their friends and family to know that they were having children by IVF. Their children do not know that they were conceived through IVF. Children are not stupid, so especially Michael keeps asking questions concerning his colour. As for Susan her skin is light. I do think that people will keep on making remarks so you cannot stop that. The hardest part is to explain it to the kids. I think they should do it before the trial starts. If not, the damage will be enormous.

P.S.: Read the article! My summary is way too short.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1192717/Why-I-dark-The-white-couple-who-had-mixed-race-children-after-IVF-blunder.html

Patient died after having buttock fat injected into her face

Rachel Soanes, 37 year old, died at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Rachel who suffered from the condition lupus profondus, which left her with a usually thin face, died after cosmetic surgery when fat from her bottom was injected into a vein in her face. She had already done this procedure twice before, so she was familiar with this plumping treatment. The only difference was that the fat travelled into her lungs and resulted in embolism, or blockage in the arteries.
Pathologist Professor Lucas said that he had never seen such embolism in more than 30 years. Even though the staff did not assist immediately, nothing could save Rachel Soanes for it was a ‘phenomenally rare’ complication when the fat got into her lungs.

Reaction:
When you think you can rely on science it fails you. Miss Soane’s sister, asked the doctor why her sister was not told of the dangers of the procedure. The doctor told her: ‘It was not a known risk.’ This was not a woman who wanted to look prettier, a woman who was not satisfied with her appearance. No, this was utterly necessary. The other two times everything went perfect only the last time it really was her last time. It is a pity she had to come to her end in this way. My heart goes out to her sister and other family members.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1192774/Patient-buttock-fat-injected-face-died-travelled-lungs.html

woensdag 3 juni 2009

They can’t see the benefit in signing on

Recent figures show that the number of jobless in the UK is up to 2.2 million. Among these are a lot of middle and high–income earners who are professionals. These professionals do not want to sign in at Jobcentres because of several reasons. The first reason is that the jobs offered are at the lower end of the skills market. The second reason is that the Jobcentre staff cannot help the unemployed professionals in an adequate way, but still want all personal detailed information from them.
The only reason why some sign up is to qualify for the mortgage protection insurance. The professionals say that in a Jobcentre they should be guided by a specialist consultant. The Jobcentre comments that they have over 1200 vacancies in west London for professionals and say that the unemployed do get a lot of help.

Reaction:
Are there no Jobcentres especially for professionals? There are several Jobcentres for medical profession, office jobs, etc. Why not for professionals?
If you are unemployed would you not accept any job just to have food on the table or are you very picky to get the job you really want. The whole world is in an economic crisis. The jobs are not lined up waiting for you to make your choice.
Although the situation is far from pleasant unemployed professionals should get the proper guidance like everyone else. Not all jobcentres have recruitment specialist to provide their clients with the proper care.

www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/may/31/work-careers-redundancy-unemployment-benefits

Grieving couple ‘jumped off Beachy Head carrying their dead son’

Neil Puttick, 34, and his wife, Kazumi, 44 could not cope with the death of their son Samuel, who was 5 years old. Samuel had been suffering from pneumococcal meningitis. When there was no hope of him recovering he was released from hospital at his parent’s request. Later that evening, at 8 pm, he was declared dead at his home by a doctor. Neil and Kazumi placed the body of their dead son in a rucksack and jumped off Beachy Head ending both their lives.
The Eastbourne Coastguard discovered the bodies on their routine clifftop patrol.

Reaction:
A very sad, sad story. I had to read the story over and over again to try and comprehend what had happened. According to their neighbours, the Putticks gave 150% for their son. Samuel had suffered serious spinal injuries in an accident about three years ago. His parents still had hope that he would be healed. In the end there was no hope at all and he died. What a tragedy. Words cannot express the grieve both parents had. Obviously they could not cope with so much pain and decided to commit suicide. My heart goes out to their family, friends and loved ones.

www. guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jun/02/beachy-head-suicide-couple