The Half Moon, a 16th-century Grade II listed pub in Kirdford, West Sussex, has temporarily closed its doors after staff reported facing verbal and physical abuse from customers. Owned by former model and television personality Jodie Kidd, the establishment announced a three-day closure from Monday through Wednesday, with plans to reopen on Thursday, September 25. The decision comes amid what the pub described as a recent spate of incidents where team members were subjected to unacceptable behavior.

In a statement posted on social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook, The Half Moon emphasized its commitment to creating a welcoming environment. "We've worked hard to create more than just a pub—we've built a home. A place for people to come together, enjoy good times, and make memories," the statement read. It expressed sadness over the abuse faced by staff in recent weeks, reminding patrons that behind the operation is a human team dedicated to their work.

The closure provides staff with what the pub called a "well-deserved short break" to "relax and recharge." Management highlighted the relentless nature of running an independent business, noting that the team works seven days a week driven by "passion, love, and integrity." They appealed for respect from customers, urging any complaints to be communicated in a "calm, constructive, and polite way" to maintain a positive community atmosphere.

The Half Moon has garnered praise in recent days, having been named one of the best celebrity-run pubs in the UK by food writer Tom Parker Bowles. In a Daily Mail article, he described it as "a proper pub—the sort you'd want to spend a few hours in," citing its historic features like stone floors, wooden beams, and a cozy fire. Kidd, who purchased the pub in 2017, has run it for eight years, earning accolades for maintaining its traditional charm while fostering a community-focused space.

A long-awaited report into the practices of former NHS gynaecologist Daniel Hay has revealed significant failings in patient care that contributed to severe physical harm. The review, commissioned by the Gynaecology Review Steering Group and published on Wednesday, examined Mr. Hay's work at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust between 2015 and 2018. The investigation found that his risky practices and clinical shortcuts resulted in two women suffering severe physical harm and three experiencing moderate physical harm, with the report noting only "good fortune prevented further harm."

The panel reviewed 325 patients treated by Mr. Hay during the specified period, building upon an earlier assessment of 58 women conducted in 2019. The investigation identified numerous clinical deficiencies, including Mr. Hay's failure to take complete patient histories, omission of pre-operation scans, and inadequate documentation. His paperwork was described as "not of an acceptable standard," and he frequently failed to properly explain procedures or discuss risks and benefits with patients, leaving many feeling unsettled and uninformed about their treatment options.

Among the most concerning findings were instances where women underwent hysterectomies without proper consent or understanding of alternative treatments. The report indicated that some patients were made to feel that surgical removal of the womb was their "only option" when less invasive alternatives might have been available. This had profound consequences for women who dreamed of starting families, with the report noting the procedures "adversely affected" their mental health, relationships, and employment.

Following the report's publication, the NHS trust issued a formal apology, expressing being "truly sorry" to the women who received care "below the standards expected." The investigation has prompted recommendations to expand the review to include cases from 2012 to 2015, focusing on major and intermediate gynaecology surgeries. A criminal investigation into Mr. Hay's conduct remains ongoing as the healthcare system confronts the systemic failures that allowed these practices to continue unchecked for years.