(Left to right) Bereaved parents Liam Walsh, Lorin LaFave, Mariano Janin, Ellen Roome, Lisa Kenevan, Ruth Moss, and Stuart Stephens speak to the media in Downing Street, central London, following their meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

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In 1959, a young doctor named David Sackett stumbled on a clinical trial that would change his life – and most of ours. The study showed that conventional wisdom on bed rest in medicine was wrong. And it helped lead Sackett and others to develop evidence-based medicine, in which doctors today make decisions based on rigorous scientific research.

It was a necessary corrective. The history of medicine is littered with practices once assumed to work but which were later shown by research to be useless or harmful – as I discovered in the five years it took me to research my book, Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works.

Sackett was a precocious young doctor in his final year of medical school at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, when he noticed something odd. Most medical advice was based on received wisdom or the opinion of the most senior doctor in the room (an approach now called eminence-based medicine). This was unsatisfying to Sackett, who realised he lacked the information to determine which treatments worked best for his patients.

Then, one day, a teenager set Sackett on a new path. The adolescent had an enlarged liver as a result of infectious hepatitis, which Sackett later ascribed to hepatitis A. Back then, everyone thought that a patient with hepatitis must be kept resting in bed until the liver returned to normal. It was conventional wisdom, and no one really questioned why.

But Sackett’s patient did question why. He felt energetic after a few days, and he demanded to get up. Soon, a battle was raging between an increasingly sulky adolescent and a stubborn doctor who predicted permanent liver damage if the young man dared to get out of bed.

Seeking more information, Sackett went to the library and started scouring medical journals. Here, he found the remarkable bed rest trial. It had been published in 1955 by Thomas Chalmers, a doctor and pioneer in clinical trials.

In the early 1950s, during the
Korean war, Chalmers was based at a US army hospital in Kyoto, Japan. The US military used Japan as a base for treating soldiers evacuated from the front, and the hospital was dealing with a big outbreak of infectious hepatitis among its patients.

Strictly enforced bed rest meant that soldiers were in hospital for about two months, creating a drain on the army. So Chalmers decided to test whether resting this long was necessary using a randomised controlled trial – an unusual experiment at the time.

Chalmers identified men with similar hepatitis symptoms and then randomly assigned them to one of two groups. In one group, men were kept to strict bed rest – so strict, in fact, that they were allowed only one trip to the latrine each day and a once-weekly shower. Men in the other group were prescribed “ad lib rest”, which meant that they could do largely what they wanted as long as their boisterousness didn’t break the ward rules.

The results of this trial showed that the men recovered just as quickly when they were active as when they were confined to bed. Chalmers recommended that hepatitis patients should be allowed to get up earlier – presumably a relief for hundreds of restless soldiers. In 1955, Chalmers also wrote up his findings in one of the most detailed clinical trial reports ever published, at 73 pages long.

As Sackett read this epic paper in the Chicago library, he immediately saw that conventional wisdom on hepatitis treatment was wrong. He convinced his supervisors to let the bedbound teenager get up – and sure enough, the patient recovered just fine. But the incident left a bigger mark on Sackett. It showed him that other standard practices in medicine could be wrong too, and that randomised trials had the power to show which ones had a beneficial effect.

In the short term, this meant that Sackett became a self-professed troublemaker. Now, when senior doctors told him to treat patients because of conventional wisdom, he challenged what they said. He became notorious for interrupting senior doctors whenever they were pontificating about what to do.

But the aftershocks were greater than this. A few years later, Sackett joined the newly established medical school at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Here, he and his colleagues started teaching student doctors to solve problems using evidence from research – such as randomised trials – rather than just doing what eminent physicians said.

This approach eventually became known as evidence-based medicine, a term first published in the medical literature in 1991.

Within a decade, the principles had been integrated into medical teaching all over the world. By 2014, evidence-based medicine had been called one of modern medicine’s greatest intellectual achievements – ranked alongside sanitation, antibiotics and vaccines.

A lesson we keep forgetting

Today, it seems obvious that doctors should base their decisions on rigorous scientific evidence. It is remarkable – and not widely known outside academia – that evidence-based medicine is such a recent phenomenon, which is one reason I wanted to write my book. By helping spark this change, the bed rest trial has indirectly benefited everyone who has received modern medical treatment.

Of course, evidence-based medicine is imperfect and rightly continues to evolve. Evidence is often complex, flawed and contradictory, and new studies can come along that overturn existing ideas. But it can help people do more of what works and less of what doesn’t. It’s a hard-earned lesson we shouldn’t forget.

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Donald Trump has been discharged from Walter Reed Military Medical Center after a routine presidential health check

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Donald Trump has left his biannual check-up declaring it went “perfectly”, thanking medical staff for their care.

On Truth Social, the US President posted: “Just finished my 6 month physical at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Everything checked out PERFECTLY. Thank you to the great Doctors and Staff! Heading back to the White House. President DJT”.

This marked the fourth occasion Trump has publicly revealed details of a medical examination since beginning his second term in office. The divisive American leader, who turns 80 next month, attended Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday (May 26).

The White House has reportedly maintained it was standard “preventive healthcare” as scrutiny over his wellbeing has grown.

“The visit will include the president’s routine annual dental and medical assessments as part of his regular preventive healthcare,” the White House confirmed on May 11.

This follows Trump’s consistent dismissal of worries regarding his age and fitness, referencing past test outcomes that he described as “perfect”, reports the Daily Star.

According to Forbes, Trump recently informed reporters: “I feel the same as I did 50 years ago. It’s crazy. I know many people that all they do is watch their weight… and then they kick the bucket. And here we are, I feel great.”

Earlier this month, he also stated in the Oval Office: “My health is perfect.”

In January, Trump told The Wall Street Journal: “I will know when I am ‘slowing up,’ but it’s not now!”

The appointment marked his third scheduled trip to Walter Reed in roughly 13 months and his fourth publicly revealed medical assessment since re-entering the White House. The White House physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, has stated Trump is in “excellent health” and “fully fit” to serve.

Following an examination in October 2025, Dr Barbabella also purportedly said that the president demonstrated “strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance”. Trump has additionally maintained he “aced” cognitive tests during his assessments, frequently drawing comparisons with Joe Biden.

In July 2025, the White House confirmed Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a widespread condition associated with blood pooling and swelling in the legs. Photographers have likewise repeatedly documented noticeable bruising on his hands, which Dr Barbabella has put down to regular handshaking coupled with a daily 325mg aspirin dose taken for cardiac prevention.

Critics have similarly highlighted occasions where Trump seemed to doze off or “rest his eyes” during official engagements. Concerns have broadened to include mental sharpness.

Earlier this month, a group of 30 psychiatrists and doctors signed a statement in the British Medical Journal describing Trump as “mentally unfit”, citing alleged “deterioration in cognitive functioning” and “impaired judgment”. Despite this, a 2025 memo claimed Trump’s “cardiac age” was 65, some 14 years younger than his actual age at the time, while reports have indicated he has shed around 20lbs (9kg) since 2020 — something his team has attributed to an “active lifestyle”.

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In a holdall was £580 worth of cigarettes and vapes along with cash and coins totalling just over £60

A West Belfast man caught red-handed breaking into a convenience store was today jailed for nine months.

Judge Mark Reel told Conor Martin Gallagher that he will spend a further nine months on supervised licence on his release from custody.

The 38-year-old, formerly of Cherry Park in Dunmurry, had previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of burglary of a non-dwelling with intent to steal.

Belfast Crown Court heard police received a report of a break-in at Jack’s Convenience Store at Broom Park in Dunmurry at around 1.30am on Monday, June 9, 2025.

The report said a man was seen scaling the wall of the shop and climbing on to the roof. Prosecution barrister Gareth Purvis said police attended the scene and noticed the shop’s silent alarm had been activated.

He said a hole had been made in the roof after a number tiles had been removed, thrown to the ground and smashed. He was arrested for the offence of burglary and later told police in an unsolicited comment: ‘I did it. You caught me bang to rights

Mr Purvis said: “Shortly afterwards a male was observed exiting through the hole in the roof carrying a black and pink holdall. He attempted to evade arrest by jumping on to the roof of another building. After a short stand-off, he surrendered.

“He was noted to be wearing black trousers, a white hoodie, a black body warmer and a single glove.”

In the holdall was £580 worth of cigarettes and vapes along with cash and coins totalling just over £60. The court heard it cost the shopkeeper £150 to replace the drawer on the till.

Asked by Judge Reel how much damage was caused during the break-in, Mr Purvis said he didn’t have an exact figure but it was “significant”, the place was in “disarray”, the main roof required re-plastering and the electrics on the shutters had been destroyed.

It was the second time in the space of two months that the shop had been targeted for burglary, the court was told.

During police interviews, Gallagher said he didn’t want legal representation and made full admissions to the burglary.

The court heard Gallagher has 34 convictions on his criminal record, including three for burglary. He is currently serving a sentence in Magilligan Prison for a previous burglary offence.

Judge Reel said: “For the defendant, this may have looked like a simple offence of modest enough value, but his actions caused great difficulty and expense for the victim.

“He clearly thought nothing of those whose livelihoods and businesses he was damaging. And this is the reason why significant custodial sentences are appropriate for this offence.”

Imposing an 18-month determinate custodial sentence, the judge told Gallagher: “Your offending is so serious that neither a fine nor a community sentence could be justified and only immediate custody is appropriate.”

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Three men aged 21, 23 and 28 were arrested following the incident after being stopped in a vehicle.

Three men suffered serious injuries following an assault on Helen’s Bay beach which police are treating as a racially-motivated hate crime.

The incident took place on Monday May 25 at around 9pm on the popular North Down beach and allegedly involved three men in their 30s being assaulted by three men in their 20s following a verbal altercation. The victims suffered serious injuries in the attack.

Three men aged 21, 23 and 28 were arrested following the incident after being stopped in a vehicle. They remain in police custody, with police saying the assaults are being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.

Ards & North Down District Chief Inspector Hutchinson said: “At 9pm, we received a report that three men aged in their thirties had been assaulted on the beach by three other men, following an earlier verbal altercation. They sustained a number of serious, but non-life threatening, injuries.

“A short time later, three men aged 28, 23 and 21 were stopped in their vehicle and arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

“A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected class A and class B drugs, and the 23 year old was subsequently further arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs. The three remain in custody at this time.”

Chief Inspector Hutchinson continued: “This matter is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime. We know that this was shocking for those enjoying the evening sunshine on the beach and want to reassure the local community that our investigation is progressing at pace.

“We had an increased police presence in the area to ensure that everyone left the beach safely, and were on the scene quickly – but want to commend members of the public who helped to prevent the altercation escalating further.

“As our enquiries continue, we would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this assault, or the events leading up to it, to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1721 25/05/26.

“We’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident.”

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Police forces in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire and Devon and Cornwall were all called out to separate fatal incidents involving four teenagers and one man in his 60s.

The National Fire Chiefs Council is urging families to speak to children about the risks of unsupervised swimming in rivers, lakes, quarries, canals and reservoirs.

This can particularly be a problem during warm weather due to cold water shock.

Gavin Ellis, NFCC Drowning Prevention lead, said: “No family should have to experience the devastation of losing a loved one in the water.

“We know that warm weather encourages people to visit rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but these places can be extremely dangerous.

“Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how confident they feel in the water.

“Jumping into open water can cause an involuntary gasp response, panic and loss of swimming ability almost immediately, which is why we urge people not to swim in unsupervised locations during this hot weather.

“We’re asking parents and carers to have open conversations with children and teenagers about the risks, and for young people to look after each other and make safe decisions around water. 

“These incidents can happen very quickly, but many are preventable.”

RNLI wild/open water swimming safety tips

The RNLI has shared the following summary for wild/open water swimming safety tips:

• Be prepared. Check the weather and tides, choose your spot, go with a buddy, have the right equipment
• If in doubt, don’t go out. No matter how much preparation you do, or how experienced you are, if a swim doesn’t feel right there is no shame in getting out of the water straight away, or not entering
• Make sure you acclimatise to avoid cold water shock

Recommended reading:

• Be seen. Wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float
• Stay within your depths
• Float to live. If you get into difficulty in the water and are in shock, turn onto your back and tilt your head back in the water, submerging your ears. Relax and try to breathe normally, using your hands to helps you stay afloat. Wait until the shock passes then call for help or swim to safety
• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard in an emergency

Visit the RNLI website for more information before you get into the water.

Have you tried open water swimming before? Let us know in the comments.

Michael Carrick has signed a two-year contract to remain as Manchester United head coach and his four-word summary about adapting to the role is telling

Michael Carrick appears undaunted by the enormous challenge of reviving a club of Manchester United‘s stature. Indeed, the manager’s reaction to being given control of his former side may well reassure a huge number of United supporters.

Carrick, 44, will continue as United head coach after being confirmed on a two-year contract on Friday. Supporters are eager to witness the club’s first British appointment in more than a decade flourish following a succession of failures during that period.

It represents considerable pressure for Carrick, who became a beloved figure at Old Trafford throughout his 12-year playing career. Yet he offered former team-mate Wayne Rooney a calm and composed response when questioned about his feelings regarding his new role during an interview for United’s official YouTube channel.

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“It feels pretty natural,” said the former England midfielder, who lifted the FA Cup alongside Rooney after defeating Crystal Palace in 2016. Those four words alone and the relaxed manner in which they’re delivered should ease fans’ concerns after numerous predecessors buckled under the strain.

Carrick’s remark is appropriately made on the trophy-laden spiral staircase at United’s Carrington training ground. As though the role itself wasn’t sufficient reminder of the demands that accompany managing such a storied club, though it clearly doesn’t intimidate him.

Before taking charge of United, Carrick’s only previous senior coaching experience was a two-and-a-half-year spell at Middlesbrough. The Teessiders secured three successive top-half finishes under his stewardship but never returned to the Championship play-offs after his opening campaign.

Compare that with a United icon such as Sir Alex Ferguson, who accumulated 12 years of senior management experience in Scotland before heading south. Yet despite his limited background prior to assuming control of one of football’s giants, Carrick’s characteristically calm demeanour comes to the fore.

He added: “It feels big on the outside but when you’re in it, it just feels [shrugs shoulders]…Even though it’s different, the building’s different, some of the people are different, it’s kind of what you get used to from 20 years ago since I signed.

“So it’s all I’ve kind of known, really. So it’s a bigger role than what I’ve had before but actually it just feels like a natural step, to be fair. It’s nice to be here. A lot of responsibility but it’s good. I’m really enjoying it.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Little wonder why after steering United to third place and Champions League qualification. The Red Devils concluded their campaign with an emphatic 3-0 triumph at Brighton, opponents they’ve historically found difficult in recent seasons.

That result in itself highlighted how fortunes are evolving under Carrick. To underscore that progression even more, Bruno Fernandes shattered the Premier League assist record at the Amex Stadium and has been crowned Player of the Season.

Greater challenges undoubtedly await, though Carrick’s seamless transition at United is already yielding remarkable results as he seeks to return the club to its former glory.

Memories of those qualifiers – which both ended 1-1 – are still fresh, but a score will be settled on neutral ground this evening as one team has to emerge victorious. The winners will progress to Saturday’s final to face the winners of the second semi-final between India and Jamaica, while the losing side has to settle for a place in the third-place play-off. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog!