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A milestone has been reached in the building of a new £1 million pharmaceutical aseptic unit that will make lifesaving chemotherapy, intravenous nutrition and other ready-made injectable medicines, for the sickest patients in the county’s hospitals.

The brand new aseptic unit has been developed at Lincoln Science & Innovation Park and marks a further development in the ongoing relationship between the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincolnshire Co-op and the University of Lincoln.

The unit will provide ready to administer chemotherapy treatments and other lifesaving injectable medicines such as intravenous nutrition, intravenous antibiotics and cutting-edge medicines for clinical trials.

Paul Matthew, Director of Finance and Digital for ULHT officially declared the new unit complete with Ursula Lidbetter CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op, Tom Blount Director of Lincoln Science & Innovation Park and Professor Andrew Hunter, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Lincoln. The unit will now go through a period of testing to ensure the equipment is all working to standard, before it starts to deliver products later in the year.

In 2012, joint venture partners, Lincolnshire Co-op and the University of Lincoln, founded Lincoln Science & Innovation Park to create a world-class environment for science, research and innovation in the city.

The flexibility and infrastructure at the site has allowed the building of the pharmacy aseptic unit, which involved the creation of clean rooms and the installation of specialist equipment. The unit provides a sterile and controlled environment in which highly qualified staff prepare injectable medicines. The service is subject to high levels of regulatory control and quality assurance enhancing the quality and safety of the medicines. In addition, it releases nursing time to be devoted to patient care and enable care closer to home.

The new unit will increase physical production capacity and this will enable the Trust’s pharmacy team to support more patients and teams by creating a range of vital life-saving products that can then be transported across the county to where they are needed most. 

Paul Matthew Director of Finance and Digital for United Lincolnshire Hospital’s NHS Trust said, “The new unit offers a brand new purpose built environment for staff alongside the prospect of offering future employment in a variety of roles in this modern and well-equipped accessible location in Lincolnshire. The Trust has strong links with the University of Lincoln and are looking at a number of initiatives that combine courses and training that can be offered at the University with practical job experience and employment opportunities available within our Trust with the NHS.

“This project marks the first of our builds at the Science and Innovation Park and a successful partnership with Lincolnshire Co-op. With many new builds at each of our sites and the opening of units like this there are a lot of improvements happening across our Trust that will have a huge impact on the improvement of patient care and will provide better environments for our staff as well as patients.”

Ursula Lidbetter, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “We’re proud to work alongside other local organisations to have brought this exciting project forward, demonstrating what can be achieved when we collaborate.

“The aseptic unit will deliver real benefits for NHS patients in Lincolnshire.”

“The purpose of Lincoln Science & Innovation Park has been to grow our county’s technical skills and facilities, creating a community where innovation can happen. This is a great example of that in action.”

Tom Blount Director of Lincoln Science & Innovation Park, said, “Lincoln Science & Innovation Park represents a unique collaboration that has unlocked more than £30m of investment into the innovation ecosystem of Lincolnshire. We are proud to have worked with ULHT on creating this amazing facility, which not only contributes to growth opportunities within our health and care cluster but will have a direct and meaningful impact across the county.”

Professor Andrew Hunter, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Lincoln , said, “We are delighted to have the aseptic unit next to the University’s School of Pharmacy at the Park. It is another opportunity to strengthen our links with the Trust, which benefits the teaching of our students and offers them potential work experience and graduate-level career options.”

Enforcement officers from South Kesteven District Council working alongside the council’s legal team have successfully prosecuted a fly-tipper from Bourne.

Dovel Taylor (70), of South Fen Road, pleaded guilty in court to three charges of fly-tipping and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for one year.

In the prosecution brought by South Kesteven District Council, the offences were described at Lincoln Crown Court as a commercial and deliberate operation and having a significant impact on the environment.

Taylor dumped controlled waste on land at Meadow Drove, Dyke, and then twice on land at Cherry Holt Road, Bourne, all without a permit and contravening the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

An inspection of the dumped waste and further investigation by SKDC tracked back to two members of the public who had paid Taylor to take their rubbish away. This, in turn, led to the defendant.

Cllr Annie Mason, SKDC’s Cabinet Member for People and Safer Communities, said: “Anyone seeing these images will be in no doubt what happened here was appalling. It is great news to secure a successful prosecution sending a stern message to others.

“Illegal dumping of waste is a significant blight on the community and our environment, a potential danger to public health, a source of pollution and a potential danger to wildlife. It is also a crime, costing the taxpayers of South Kesteven thousands of pounds each year to clear up. 

“It should not be left to the local council to remove fly-tipped waste and clean up the area; we take fly-tipping very seriously and we will take action whenever possible.

“However, we need the public’s continued support to ensure these criminal actions are brought to justice. Please be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, then report it or we could see more of the same.”

Incidents should be reported on 01476 406080 or at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/flytipping

SKDC also urges anyone using a waste carrier to check that they are legal and registered by calling the Environment Agency on 03708 506506 or visiting https://bit.ly/check-waste-carrier

To determine the sentence, the judge acknowledged that although Dovel had initially denied the offences he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity in court. The judge also considered Dovel’s age and health, and that the offences took place in 2017. The court was told he had no finances, no assets and was on benefits.

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As Climate Change Managefor North Kesteven District Council you will play a vital role in delivering all environmental, sustainability and fuel poverty activities. The main focus will be leading the delivery of the Climate Strategy and the current Climate Emergency Action Plan, determining the decarbonisation solutions required to reach our ambitious targets. You will need to have a comprehensive knowledge of the causes of, and solutions to climate change and fuel poverty.

The Sleaford-based role will include driving change across the council and North Kesteven district. Therefore, you will have excellent communication and partnership skills and be innovative. You will be instrumental in developing, leading and delivering projects, campaigns and initiatives with the public, businesses, colleagues and wider partners and stakeholders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from council activities, and across the district.

Our environment and fuel poverty activities are based on evidence and therefore you will need to have the ability to research and analyse information and communicate your findings. You will ensure projects are successfully delivered and possess the ability to manage projects, monitor and reporting progress as necessary.

On the sustainability agenda, you will provide support and advice to colleagues, residents, businesses, partners and key stakeholders. In relation to fuel poverty, you are likely to deal with vulnerable residents with complex circumstances. We also work collaboratively with other local authorities, and you will regularly attend meetings including the Lincolnshire sustainability, and fuel poverty officers’ groups. Therefore, you must be able to build strong, effective working relationships and partnerships, be a strong communicator with highly developed emotional skills to engage with technical and non-technical audiences.

Salary  £41,591 – £43,570 per annum.
Full time – 37 hours per week.

The closing Date for the applications is 12 June 2022.
Interviews will take place on 21 & 23 June 2022.

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Visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/jobs 

for further information and to apply

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A new, free exhibition showcasing the rich history of Lincolnshire’s pubs is set to open at the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards on Monday 16 May 2022.

The exhibition is part of the county council’s Inns on the Edge project, which aims to record and celebrate the heritage of pubs along the Lincolnshire coast between Boston and Grimsby. It has been made possible thanks to funding from Historic England.

Marc Knighton, Inns on the Edge project officer, said: “The Lincolnshire coast is a land of shifting sands and changing fortunes. It is a landscape with a rich history just waiting to be discovered. The exhibition will explore the stories of some of the area’s inns and taverns and how they were shaped by Lincolnshire’s coastal communities. You will discover tales of smugglers, shipwrecks, ghosts and local legends.

“There will also be exhibits to help bring back memories from more recent history, with features on the games, drinks and people that make Lincolnshire’s pubs special. You can be part of the story to by visiting and sharing your memories with us.”

Like pubs across the country, many of these much-loved buildings now face an uncertain future. Come along to find out more about what the future might hold for pubs, and what you can do to support them and preserve their history.

Visitors can also pick up one of the new pub walk leaflets and then go for a wander to explore the nature and history of the nearby Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park.

The exhibition will be on display at the Observatory until Friday 29 May. It will then be available to tour community venues and heritage sites on the coast, to give as many people a chance to see it as possible.

Venues already confirmed include:

•      University of Lincoln, David Chiddick Building, from 20 to 24 June 2022

•      Skegness, Tower Gardens Pavilion, 6 and 7 August 2022

If your venue would like to borrow the exhibition free of charge, please contact innsontheedge@lincolnshire.gov.uk to find out more.

LINCOLNSHIRE’S most beloved event – the Lincolnshire Show – will be making its grand return this June, taking on a royal purple theme to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Taking place for the first time since 2019, the event is set to welcome more than 60,000 visitors across two days with a jam-packed timetable for a royally good show.

Reams of old and new attractions along with family favourites have been secured to bring the Lincolnshire Show back with a bang.  Fly pasts from classic aviation aircraft have been confirmed to mark the Jubilee, with a Hurricane and Spitfire swooping in on the Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

Returning for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic and marking its 137th outing, a street party atmosphere will be created across the Lincolnshire Showground, with purple bunting strung across the Showground. A special stage will see artists performing throughout both days, with performances from local community groups including, Passion to Dance, the Lincoln Orpheus Male Voice Choir and the Market Rasen Ukulele Band. There will also be an additional pop-up stage showcasing a variety of solo and duet artists.

Jayne Southall, CEO at the Lincolnshire Showground, said: “We cannot wait to welcome visitors back to the Lincolnshire Show for the first time in three years. We have so much to offer and be proud of as a county, with these two days every June being the best celebration of all. It really is a one-of-a-kind event, so we could think of nothing better than to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event like the Platinum Jubilee.

“The showground will feel like one big street party and will allow visitors to watch breathtaking displays, learn more about agriculture and what it has to offer, and sample the best food to come out of Lincolnshire. The celebrations also extend to our hospitality menus, where visitors will be able to pre book and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea while overlooking the Main Ring to catch all the action on the Thursday. Make sure you book your table soon as spaces are going fast.”

To spark imagination while bringing words to life, the Lincolnshire Show is also running a poetry competition with local school children. Marking the Queen’s reign, schools are being encouraged to enter the royal rhyme competition, with the winning poem to be selected by renowned Hollywood actor Colin McFarlane, who grew up in Lincoln.

The Main Ring’s big new attraction for 2022 will be the Atkinson Action Horses. Often featured in major TV and film productions, the super talented steeds and riders will treat visitors to high-energy performances on both days. Meanwhile, the ever-popular showjumping and BMX displays will return alongside the Parade of Hounds and the Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Band, who will also lead the closing ceremony.

The return of the RAF Falcons has also been announced. Having first performed at the 2018 Lincolnshire Show, the popular parachute display team will be back to mesmerise crowds with their daring maneuvers through the sky and down into the Main Ring on both days.

Jayne said: “With our rich aviation heritage as a county, it really brings something special to the Show to have the RAF involved, so we’re really pleased to be welcoming the RAF Falcons back to the Show again. They have been one of the most popular displays of the day since their first jump into the Main Ring, and we can’t wait to see their colourful display land with us once more.

“Equally, welcoming the Atkinson Action Horses will be a real treat and we know visitors will be enthralled by the amazing showcase set to take place. Whether it’s the large displays in the Main Ring, enjoying live cookery demonstrations from local chefs and producers or learning more about Lincolnshire’s agricultural offering and aviation history, there really is something for everyone at the Show. Plus, there is plenty for younger visitors to see, make and do, in the Discovery, Activity and Kids Zones too.”

The Lincolnshire Kitchen will return with live cookery demonstrations from local chefs including, Masala Masters Ruchita Green, Indian Curry Pot’s Dr Arya Madhavan, Lincolnshire Cookery School’s Fiona Lucas, along with Rachel Green, Steven Bennett, Dominic Franks, and Neil Curtis. Meanwhile, more traditional attractions will be on display, including the iconic tractor parade in the Krantz Main Ring, livestock and equine classes and the opportunity to get up close and personal with farming machinery from the past and present.

The Lincolnshire Show is organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity that aims to educate about food, farming and the countryside. For more information on tickets, exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk

POLICE are continuing our investigation into the deaths of two people who were found at their home address, on George Street, Sleaford, on Sunday 1 May.

Initial post mortem results show Diana Gabaliene died from strangulation and Deividas Gabalis’ death was non-suspicious.

Detective Inspector Andy McWatt, Senior Investigating Officer, Lincolnshire Police, said: “This is a very sad incident, which, following post mortems, we are treating as a murder-suicide.  We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this enquiry and will prepare a file for the Coroner.   

“I’d like to thank the local community for their patience and support while we have carried out our inquiries.

“Both Diana and Deividas lived in the community and we have seen how they will be missed.  We have family liaison officers working with their families and we ask their privacy is now respected.”

Police say they will not be making any further comment.

Inquiries are continuing today into the deaths of two people found at a house in Sleaford.

A man and a woman were found deceased at the property on George Street just after 4pm yesterday.

Investigating officers are continuing their enquiries today and a scene guard remains in place. Detective Inspector Andy McWatt, who is leading the enquiry, has now confirmed that, at this time, nobody else is being sought in connection with this incident. 

DI McWatt said: “We still have several lines of enquiry to look into to establish the exact circumstances around what has happened, and postmortem examinations have yet to take place to find out what caused the deaths of both of these people, but I am satisfied that, at this moment, we do not need to look for anyone else in connection with this investigation.

“I appreciate there may be a good deal of public interest and concern in relation to this tragic incident and we’re working hard to establish the facts, but I want to make clear that we do not think there is any wider threat to the public. As soon as we can update with more information, we will.”

As postmortem examinations and formal identification have not yet been carried out for either individual, we are not yet in a position to be able to release their names. These are expected to take place later this week.

An investigation is underway following the deaths of two people in Sleaford.

Emergency services were called to a house in George Street just after 4pm yesterday (Sunday, 1 May) following reports of two people being injured in the property.

On arrival, a woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, was found injured and confirmed dead at the scene. A second person, a man thought to be aged in his 40s, was also found dead at the house. Both deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and formal identification has yet to be carried out.

A cordon is in place at the property while forensics teams complete their examinations and local officers are in the area carrying out enquiries and are on hand to talk to residents. Please do feel free to approach them and ask any questions or raise any concerns.

Detective Inspector Andy McWatt, who is leading the enquiry, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. We have specialist officers working with the family and we will do our best to support and look after them.

“The tragic events of this afternoon must be a real shock to people living in the area and I want to make clear that we are doing all we can to find out exactly what has happened.

“We have a team of officers diligently working on this investigation and we are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry, and we are still keen to hear from the public. Did you see or hear anything that seemed odd or out of place, or heard anything that suggested a disturbance in or around the area? If so, please do contact us as soon as possible. Sometimes even the most seemingly small piece of information can prove significant. We appreciate all the information that people take the time to report to us.”

If you have any information that you think could assist the investigation, please contact us via on the of following ways:

• By emailing force.control@lincs.police.uk – please remember to put the reference incident 292 of 01/05/2022.
• Via our non-emergency number 101, quoting incident 292 of 01/05/2022.
• Through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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