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.

The United Kingdom is bracing for severe weather disruption as Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025/26 season, approaches with forecasts predicting damaging winds up to 95mph and heavy rainfall. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings across northern and western regions, with amber wind alerts indicating potential danger to life in Scotland's Grampian, Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and Strathclyde areas between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Wind gusts are expected to reach 60-70mph widely across northern Britain, potentially exceeding 95mph in exposed coastal and hilly areas, particularly in the northwest. The storm system is forecast to bring gale-force winds initially to western regions during Friday evening before moving northeast overnight into Saturday. Transport Scotland officials have warned of expected disruption to transportation networks in affected areas, with flying debris posing additional hazards during the peak wind periods.

Heavy rainfall accompanies the strong winds, with western Scotland facing the brunt of precipitation. Forecasters predict rainfall totals could exceed 30-50mm within six to nine hours, increasing risks of localized flooding. Yellow rain warnings remain in effect for Northern Ireland and western Scotland through Thursday evening, expanding to cover all of Scotland and much of northern England from Friday noon through midnight.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tom Crabtree emphasized that while uncertainty remains about the storm's exact track, the system will significantly impact northern and western regions. "Forecasts and warnings will be updated as the situation becomes more clear," Crabtree stated, urging residents to monitor local forecasts. Multiple yellow wind warnings will be in force across Scotland, northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland from Friday afternoon through Saturday, affecting power supplies, transportation and outdoor activities.