Thursday 24 December 2020

Seasons greetings

We'd like to wish all our readers a very happy Christmas and we hope you have a wonderful New Year. 

This is the last blog of 2020, as we will be taking a break over the Christmas holidays, but we will still be tweeting updates via @NHFTNHSLibrary

We will be back from the 4th of January with our regular health news updates.

Covid-19: Northamptonshire moves to tier 3

Covid-19: Northamptonshire moves to tier 3 Northamptonshire will move into England's tier three of coronavirus restrictions.

The county, currently in tier two, will face the higher level of restrictions from 00:01 GMT on 26 December, the government has announced.

People in tier three can form bubbles with another household on Christmas Day, but not with anyone in tier four. BBC Northampton

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Chart of the week: From horribilis in 2020 to mirabilis in 2021?

Chart of the week: From horribilis in 2020 to mirabilis in 2021? Each week we present analysis of data in chart form to illustrate some key issues and invite discussion. In our final chart of this year, we use Google Trends data to take a light-hearted look at what's been occupying us during 2020 – finding that the coronavirus has dominated our internet searching habits, like everything else... Nuffield Trust

Surviving COVID: The impact of the pandemic on the mental health of NHS workers

Surviving COVID: The impact of the pandemic on the mental health of NHS workers This film illustrates the impact of the pandemic on the mental wellbeing of NHS workers and highlights the importance of providing emotional support to them at this challenging time and into the future. 

Many health care staff have gone above and beyond to provide care for both COVID-19 and other patients, often placing themselves at personal risk. Some have faced extremely stressful circumstances that have had a long-term impact on their mental health. The Health Foundation

Perspectives from the front line: the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BME communities

Perspectives from the front line: the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BME communities This report finds that the effects of long-standing health and socio-economic inequalities and institutional racism lie behind the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds. It distils the findings of a research study into the underlying factors. It is based on interviews with BME NHS leaders, clinicians, community organisations and service users, and a survey of over 100 members of the NHS Confederation’s BME Leadership Network. NHS Confederation

    Government tiers review update

    Government tiers review update Exponential rises in cases in the South East and East of England necessitate decisive action ahead of the formal review on 30 December.

    From the beginning of 26 December, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire and most of Hampshire to be escalated to Tier 4, Cheshire and Northamptonshire escalated to Tier 3, and Cornwall and Herefordshire escalated to Tier 2. Department of Health and Social Care

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    Covid-19: Six million more people to enter tier 4 on Boxing Day

    Covid-19: Six million more people to enter tier 4 on Boxing Day Six million more people in the east and south east of England are to enter tier four on Boxing Day, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced. 

    The places moving into the highest level of restrictions - which include a "stay at home" order - border the areas already in tier four.

    A number of areas will also move up into tiers three and two. BBC News

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    Crocodile bites and volcanic eruption injuries treated by NHS in last year

    Crocodile bites and volcanic eruption injuries treated by NHS in last year Crocodile bites, snake attacks and volcanic eruptions were among the more unusual causes of injuries treated by the NHS in England over the last year.

    Three victims of lightning and 490 lawnmower mishaps are also detailed in newly released data on hospital admissions from March 2019 to March 2020. The Independent

    Wednesday 23 December 2020

    Covid-19: Kettering General Hospital doctor tells of 'accelerating' cases

    Covid-19: Kettering General Hospital doctor tells of 'accelerating' cases A hospital consultant who spoke of his fears over the rise in coronavirus cases said it appeared someone had "pressed the accelerator".

    Dr Ajay Verma said he was "blown away" with "how heavy the burden is with Covid" at Kettering General Hospital.

    He said patients being admitted, including those in their 30s and 40s, were "incredibly poorly". BBC Northampton 

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    KGH's £1m extension to help it get through the winter

    KGH's £1m extension to help it get through the winter Two wards at KGH will be extended in a £1m projectto help cope with the winter pressures.

    The Rothwell Road hospital is spending the cash to add 12 beds in two new side rooms with a temporary building. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

    New senior leaders appointed for KGH and NGH

    New senior leaders appointed for KGH and NGH Northampton General Hospital (NGH) and Kettering General Hospital (KGH) have announced three senior appointments as they continue to implement leadership arrangements for the two trusts to be run as a new hospital group. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

    “Perilously uncertain” future for UK health sector despite Brexit deal, expert analysis reveals

    “Perilously uncertain” future for UK health sector despite Brexit deal, expert analysis reveals The perilously uncertain future facing the UK at the end of the Brexit transition period could put the UK’s health and care system at risk.

    New barriers to migration, an unknown level of disruption to medicines and devices, a prolonged economic slowdown and barriers to investment in science will impact the health sector almost immediately and into the future. Nuffield Trust 

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    Rapid Response Guidance Note: Vaccination and Mental Capacity (First Update)

    Rapid Response Guidance Note: Vaccination and Mental Capacity (First Update) Thirty Nine Essex Street LLP have done a vaccination guide for those in England (but also potentially more generally relevant), to help people think through capacity and best interests properly to ensure individualised decisions are taken. 

    Coronavirus pandemic prompts a surge in the number of people using NHS tech in 2020

    Coronavirus pandemic prompts a surge in the number of people using NHS tech Digital services provided by the NHS have seen a huge increase in usage throughout 2020 as a result of social distancing and the need to access healthcare remotely.

    Since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, tech services provided by NHS Digital have seen unprecedented levels of usage by both patients and frontline staff. 

    Record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS

    Record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS The number of nurses in the NHS in England increased by 13,313 on last year to a record 299,184, and the number of doctors rose by 6,030 to a record 122,446, figures to the end of September show. Department of Health and Social Care  

    Policy paper: Community testing

    Policy paper: Community testing Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms. Department of Health and Social Care

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    Covid: New variant detected 'due to strength of UK surveillance'

    Covid: New variant detected 'due to strength of UK surveillance' A new variant of the virus causing Covid-19, first spotted in Kent, could already be circulating - or have originated from - outside the UK.

    But it was spotted here because of the strength of the UK's surveillance system, scientists have said.

    The Covid-19 Genomics Consortium (Cog-UK) has tracked the genetic history of more than 150,000 samples of Sars-Cov-2 virus. BBC News

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    Cygnet Woodside in special measures over 'patient safety risks'

    Cygnet Woodside in special measures over 'patient safety risks' A hospital for men with learning disabilities has been placed in special measures after there were "serious risks to patient safety".

    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected Cygnet Woodside, in Bradford, in September following allegations of abuse by staff towards a patient.

    Police said they were investigating a report of an assault at the hospital on 31 August and had arrested two men. BBC News 

    Puberty blockers: Parents' warning as ruling appealed

    Puberty blockers: Parents' warning as ruling appealed The NHS gender identity service is appealing against a High Court ruling that restricts children under 16 from accessing "puberty-blocking" drugs.

    The NHS service says the move harms young people with gender dysphoria.

    Doctors and parents have told the BBC News the ruling could cause distressed trans teens to self-harm or even take their own lives. 

    Record number of children face domestic abuse this Christmas, warns charity

    Record number of children face domestic abuse this Christmas, warns charity A record number of children are likely to be exposed to domestic violence this Christmas, experts warn, as the new coronavirus restrictions push family tensions to tipping point.

    The Early Intervention Foundation, a charity that supports children experiencing poor outcomes, estimates that more than 15,000 youngsters are at risk of witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse over the two-week Christmas period. The Independent

    Tuesday 22 December 2020

    Public Health officials urge residents of neighbouring counties to stay away from Northamptonshire

    Public Health officials urge residents of neighbouring counties to stay away from Northamptonshire Public Health officials are urging residents of neighbouring counties to stay away from Northamptonshire unless absolutely essential and not to come for shopping or leisure activities.

    Northamptonshire, whilst remaining in Tier Two - ‘high alert’ - is currently flanked by a number of areas, which have been placed into Tier Three - ‘very high alert’ - on the COVID-19 alert level system. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

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    Thousands still missing out on free flu jabs in Northamptonshire

    Thousands still missing out on free flu jabs in Northamptonshire Doctors in Northamptonshire have issued another plea to thousands of people not to miss out on getting free flu jabs.

    The NHS boosted numbers of free vaccinations available in a bid to avoid extra pressure on hospitals from people suffering with winter illnesses. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

    After the COVID storm: Where next for the NHS?

    After the COVID storm: Where next for the NHS? What happens when the emergency phase of COVID is over? Has the pandemic set health and social care on a new course or will most things snap back to the way they were before?

    In a global emergency we have to deal with the short term first, but what’s the long-term path for the NHS in particular? And what are the deeper threats and opportunities we should be thinking about? Podcast from The Health Foundation

    The Anti-Vaxx Playbook: Exposing anti-vaxxers' deadly plan to disrupt Covid vaccines, and how we can stop them

    The Anti-Vaxx Playbook: Exposing anti-vaxxers' deadly plan to disrupt Covid vaccines, and how we can stop them Anti-vaxxers met in private in late October 2020 to discuss their plans to disrupt the Covid vaccine. They didn't realise CCDH was there too. The Anti-Vaxx Playbook is our new report exposing their tactics, messages and use of social media. Our report explains how health experts, the public, tech giants and legislators can counter these harmful plans. Centre for Countering Digital Hate 

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    Science advice in a crisis

    Science advice in a crisis This paper draws on interviews with key players including current and former officials, scientific advisers and SAGE members. It concludes ministers must improve the way they use and communicate science advice or risk repeating mistakes made during the coronavirus crisis. While ministers have faced extraordinarily difficult choices, the government’s response to the pandemic has too often been undermined by misunderstanding the role of science advice and using it inconsistently. Institute for Government

      What is the goal of advanced telecare provision for older people?

      What is the goal of advanced telecare provision for older people? This report suggests that there is a discrepancy in opinion about what telecare is for and the goals to be achieved, between telecare designers, suppliers, manufacturers, local authority commissioners, housing association managers, and the many others professionally engaged in rolling out telecare services. Housing LIN

      State of health visiting in England

      State of health visiting in England The iHV's seventh annual survey report (completed by 1012 health visitors from across the UK during October and November 2020) finds that health visitors are concerned that the needs of vulnerable babies and young children are invisible as they are only able to focus on what feels like the “tip of a very large iceberg” of unmet need, with almost two-thirds of health visitors reporting an increase in cases of child neglect. Four out of five health visitors report soaring increases in domestic violence and abuse, perinatal mental illness, and the negative impact of poverty on families. Institute of Health Visiting 

        Guidance: Investigation of novel SARS-COV-2 variant: Variant of Concern 202012/01

        Guidance: Investigation of novel SARS-COV-2 variant: Variant of Concern 202012/01 Technical briefing document on novel SARS-COV-2 variant. Public Health England 

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        Coronavirus: Impact of new variant on children investigated

        Coronavirus: Impact of new variant on children investigated Scientists are urgently investigating hints the new variant of coronavirus spreads more easily in children.

        If proven, this could account for "a significant proportion" of the increase in transmission, they say.

        The claim comes from members of the government's New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats advisory group (Nervtag). BBC News

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        No ‘major disruptions’ to medicine supply expected due to border chaos, say pharma firms

        No ‘major disruptions’ to medicine supply expected due to border chaos, say pharma firms Medicine supplies in the UK will not be disrupted as a result of the border restrictions placed on the UK by France, manufacturing firms have said.

        The suspension of all travel and freight from the UK to France — as European states try to avoid importing the new strain of coronavirus into the continent — from Sunday night threw up serious concerns over supplies of medicine and fresh food. The Independent

        Treatment plans at gender clinics have 'effectively stopped' for young trans people, warns clinician

        Treatment plans at gender clinics have 'effectively stopped' for young trans people, warns clinician NHS England is clamping down on treatment options for young transgender people above and beyond legal requirement, an NHS clinician who treats them has warned.

        Following a High Court decision earlier on this month which ruled that people under the age of 16 cannot consent to hormonal treatment, guidelines on NHS treatment options for young transgender people using the service have been under review. iNews

        Monday 21 December 2020

        Northamptonshire's hospitals on high alert for Christmas after nine more Covid deaths

        Northamptonshire's hospitals on high alert for Christmas after nine more Covid deaths "Most of our beds are full and we are under severe pressure," warns NGH chief executive.

        Northamptonshire's two main hospitals are set to remain on a high level of operational alert all over Christmas. 

        NHS England today confirmed nine more coronavirus deaths in the county in the space of two days this week. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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        Specialised supported housing: guidance for local government and NHS commissioners

        Specialised supported housing: guidance for local government and NHS commissioners Supported housing is typically defined as a housing service where housing, support and/or care services are provided to help people to live as independently as possible. This is guidance for local government and NHS commissioners about a category of supported housing referred to as ‘Specialised Supported Housing’ (SSH), particularly lease-based models of SSH. Local Government Association

          Cancer services recovery plan

          Cancer services recovery plan One of the most significant impacts of the coronavirus pandemic was a sharp reduction in the number of people coming forward and being referred urgently with suspected cancer and referred from screening programmes. This report has several aims, including restoring demand at least to pre-pandemic levels and reducing the number of people waiting over 62 days from urgent referral. NHS England

            New sites to test how connecting people with nature can improve mental health

            New sites to test how connecting people with nature can improve mental health Seven sites which will test the ways in which connecting people with nature can improve mental wellbeing have been awarded a share of a £5.77 million pot, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow has announced. Department of Health and Social Care 

            Statement from Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, about new strain of COVID-19

            Statement from Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, about new strain of COVID-19 New strain of COVID-19 reported to World Health Organization. Department of Health and Social Care

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            Covid: Cases rise as Christmas rules come into force

            Covid: Cases rise as Christmas rules come into force Coronavirus cases in the UK have risen by 35,928 - nearly double the number recorded last Sunday, figures show.

            Public Health England medical director Yvonne Doyle said the "sharp" rise in cases was of "serious concern". 

            It comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that a new variant of the virus was "getting out of control". BBC News

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            Shortages of staff and equipment weigh on doctors’ decisions, survey reveals

             Shortages of staff and equipment weigh on doctors’ decisions, survey reveals Staff shortages and a lack of equipment are affecting the day-to-day decisions about patient care by doctors and nurses, a new YouGov survey has revealed. 

            The representative survey of NHS clinicians revealed more than half, 54 per cent, admitted that factors such as a lack of staff played a role in their decisions about patients beyond what was in their best interests. The Independent

            ‘I wasn’t allowed to leave the room’: Restrictive practices in a psychiatric ward during coronavirus

            ‘I wasn’t allowed to leave the room’: Restrictive practices in a psychiatric ward during coronavirus Reducing restrictive practices (RP) has become one of the most ‘hated topics in psychiatry’, but it has become even harder in the pandemic. The Independent

            Firm with mystery investors wins £200m of PPE contracts via 'high-priority lane'

            Firm with mystery investors wins £200m of PPE contracts via 'high-priority lane' Exclusive: It’s unclear how PPE Medpro’s bids were processed through channel for firms referred by MPs and senior officials.

            A company with mystery investors and links to the Isle of Man was awarded government contracts worth £200m to supply the UK with personal protective equipment (PPE) after it was placed in a “high-priority lane” for well-connected firms, the Guardian can reveal. The Guardian

            Labour and unions criticise Matt Hancock over delays to NHS pay rise

            Labour and unions criticise Matt Hancock over delays to NHS pay rise GMB lambasts health secretary for slipping out letter late on a Friday, saying staff will ‘rightly be angry’

            Unions and the Labour leadership have criticised the health secretary over a delayed pay rise for NHS staff, as it was revealed that he had emphasised “affordability” must determine the size of healthcare workers’ wage increases.

            In a letter to the NHS pay review body chair formally beginning the process on Friday, Matt Hancock repeatedly underlined that wage increases must be influenced by the country’s economic situation. The Guardian

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            Friday 18 December 2020

            Covid-19: Northamptonshire was 'hair's breadth' from tier 3

            Covid-19: Northamptonshire was 'hair's breadth' from tier 3 Northamptonshire was a "hair's breadth" away from being moved into tougher tier three Covid-19 restrictions, its director of public health said.

            The county will remain under tier two rules, as it has been since England's second national lockdown ended. 

            Lucy Wightman, director of Public Health Northamptonshire, said people should remain "vigilant". BBC Northampton

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            Mental health support 24-hour helpline launches in December across Northamptonshire

            Mental health support 24-hour helpline launches in December across Northamptonshire Mental Health can affect us at any time, and the festive period and COVID-19 restrictions may have an impact our mental wellbeing this Christmas time. 

            There is 24-hour mental health support available this December for anyone in need of immediate advice, including during a crisis. Northamptonshire Telegraph

            Public perceptions of health and social care in light of COVID-19

            Public perceptions of health and social care in light of COVID-19 The Health Foundation commissioned Ipsos MORI to carry out a survey of the general public in Great Britain to gather their views on a range of health and care issues in light of COVID-19. 

            This polling data looks at the public’s attitudes towards the impact of coronavirus and Government’s handling of the pandemic. The data shows a number of changes in the public’s perceptions on these issues since July and May this year, when the first two rounds of this polling by Ipsos MORI were carried out.

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            Chart of the week: Covid-19 continues to disproportionately affect the health and wellbeing of disabled people

            Chart of the week: Covid-19 continues to disproportionately affect the health and wellbeing of disabled people Each week we present analysis of data in chart form to illustrate some key issues and invite discussion. This week Camille Oung and Lauren Elias look at the effects of the pandemic on disabled people and find, as in so many other cases, that previously existing inequalities are being exacerbated by Covid-19. Nuffield Trust 

            The remote care revolution in the NHS: understanding impacts and attitudes

            The remote care revolution in the NHS: understanding impacts and attitudes This year’s QualityWatch animated scrolling data story explores the increased use of remote care in the NHS after the outbreak of Covid-19. This article explains the findings in more detail and discusses some of the implications for patients, clinicians and the NHS. Nuffield Trust 

            Research and analysis: Surgical site infections (SSI) surveillance: NHS hospitals in England

            Research and analysis: Surgical site infections (SSI) surveillance: NHS hospitals in England This annual report covers surgical site infection (SSI) data collected by NHS hospitals and independent sector NHS treatment centres. Public Health England

            Detailed guide: Healthcare for EU citizens living in or moving to the UK from 1 January 2021

            Detailed guide: Healthcare for EU citizens living in or moving to the UK from 1 January 2021 Information on accessing healthcare for citizens from EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland living in or moving to the UK from 1 January 2021. Department of Health and Social Care

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            Long COVID patients to get help at more than 60 clinics

            Long COVID patients to get help at more than 60 clinics Thousands of patients suffering with the long term symptoms of coronavirus can now access specialist help at more than 60 sites, NHS England announced today.

            The assessment centres are taking referrals from GPs for people experiencing brain fog, anxiety, depression, breathlessness, fatigue and other debilitating symptoms.

            NHS England has provided £10 million for the network of clinics, which started opening last month. There are now 69 operating across the country with hundreds of patients already getting help. NHS England 

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            Statement to Parliament: Oral statement on review of coronavirus tiering restrictions in England

            Statement to Parliament: Oral statement on review of coronavirus tiering restrictions in England Oral statement by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the outcome of the government's first formal review of tiering in England, which took place on 16 December 2020. Department of Health and Social Care 

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            Covid: Millions prepare for tougher restrictions amid rising cases

            Covid: Millions prepare for tougher restrictions amid rising cases Millions of people across the UK are preparing for tougher coronavirus restrictions amid growing concern about the rising number of cases.

            Some 38 million people in England will be subject to the nation's strictest measures - tier three - from Saturday. BBC News 

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            Revealed: Nurses forced to use food banks as Covid and financial pressures drive many to brink of quitting

            Revealed: Nurses forced to use food banks as Covid and financial pressures drive many to brink of quitting Over a third (39%) of nurses have skipped meals in order to feed their family or to save money as financial and Covid pressures force many to the brink of quitting the NHS, a survey seen by ITV News has revealed.

            For nurses from an ethnic minority background the situation is even bleaker, with over half (61%) admitting to missing meals owing to money worries. 

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            Clapped-out kit, long delays, too few beds and staff: NHS enters 2021 in a sorry state

            Clapped-out kit, long delays, too few beds and staff: NHS enters 2021 in a sorry state The health service was struggling even before the pandemic. It now faces the spectre of perpetual crisis

            Think 2020 has been awful for the NHS? Next year is shaping up to be far worse – and most of the huge hole it’s in was dug long before Covid. The virus has merely finished off the job.

            The health service does not have the beds, staff or equipment to recover the ground it lost during the first two waves of the coronavirus pandemic, but the government is blocking desperately needed improvements, and another round of organisational upheaval is on its way. The Guardian

            Clean air zones to tackle traffic pollution delayed or on hold

            Clean air zones to tackle traffic pollution delayed or on hold Local authorities deferring schemes to reduce toxic emissions as calls rise to put WHO targets into UK law.

            Measures to tackle illegal air pollution, which kills tens of thousands of people a year in the UK, are being delayed or shelved despite growing evidence of the health risks.

            Several local authorities have deferred or put a hold on the introduction of clean air zones, which are designed to reduce toxic air from traffic in town and city centres. The Guardian

            UK teenagers far more overweight than previous generations

            UK teenagers far more overweight than previous generations More than a third of teenagers in the UK begin their adult life already overweight or obese, disturbing new reseach has revealed.

            Scientists have found that one in five (21%) young people were obese at age 17, and a further one in seven (14%) were overweight. The Daily Telegraph

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            Thursday 17 December 2020

            Northamptonshire care homes back in spotlight after spike in coronavirus deaths

            Northamptonshire care homes back in spotlight after spike in coronavirus deaths Northamptonshire’s care homes are under more scrutiny following a sharp rise in coronavirus deaths.

            Regulatory body the Care Quality Commission has reported 30 deaths linked to Covid-19 in county care homes during a 19-day period between November 23 and December 11. Northamptonshire Telegraph

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            Tens of thousands missed out on life-saving cancer scans at Northamptonshire hospitals this year

            Tens of thousands missed out on life-saving cancer scans at Northamptonshire hospitals this year Tens of thousands of people missed out on potentially life-saving scans at Northamptonshire hospitals when non-Covid NHS services were cancelled during the pandemic.

            Northampton and Kettering hospitals carried out 71,610 fewer scans between April and September compared to the same period in 2019, analysis by the BBC Shared Data Unit, which this newspaper is part of, found. Northamptonshire Telegraph

            Teen mental health unit in Northampton has 'shown improvements'

            Teen mental health unit in Northampton has 'shown improvements' A mental health hospital for children and teenagers that was threatened with closure has "shown improvements", health inspectors said.

            St Andrew's Healthcare Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has left special measures and is now rated as "requires improvement" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). BBC Northampton

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            Placement of nasogastric tubes

            Placement of nasogastric tubes This investigation report looks at nasogastric tubes and how previously identified safety improvements for the placement of these tubes are put into practice.

            Nasogastric (NG) tubes are used to deliver fluid, food and medication to patients via a tube that passes through the nose and down into the stomach. There is a risk of serious harm and risk to life if NG tubes are incorrectly placed into the lungs, rather than the stomach, and feed is passed through them. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch

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            Transformation of urgent and emergency care: models of care and measurement

            Transformation of urgent and emergency care: models of care and measurement This report sets out the recommendations from the clinically-led review of NHS access standards for urgent and emergency care. NHS England

              New poll finds BAME groups less likely to want COVID vaccine

              New poll finds BAME groups less likely to want COVID vaccine New polling commissioned by the Royal Society for Public Health has revealed that three in four (76%) of the UK public would take a COVID-19 vaccine if advised to do so by their GP or health professional, with just 8% stating they would be very unlikely to do so. The findings reiterate just how much trust the public has in NHS professionals, showing that most people are more than happy to get a vaccine providing they are getting the right information from the right source.

              However, of particular concern were findings that 57% of respondents from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds (199 respondents) were likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 79% of White respondents. Confidence was lowest among respondents of Asian ethnicity, of whom 55% were likely to say yes.

              See also:

              Prevalence of long COVID symptoms and COVID-19 complications

              Prevalence of long COVID symptoms and COVID-19 complications Experimental estimates of the prevalence and duration of long COVID symptoms, and rates of adverse events for hospitalised coronavirus (COVID-19) patients compared with those for matched control patients. Office for National Statistics

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              More than 137,000 people in UK receive first dose of COVID vaccine in one week

              More than 137,000 people in UK receive first dose of COVID vaccine in one week The majority of the vaccines have been administered to the over-80s, care home workers and NHS staff through more than 70 sites across the UK. Department of Health and Social Care

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              Covid and vitamin D: 'Not enough evidence' for treatment

              Covid and vitamin D: 'Not enough evidence' for treatment There is not enough evidence that vitamin D supplements protect people against Covid-19, an expert panel says.

              Made up of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Public Health England and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, it said more research was needed.

              But everyone is still advised to take a daily supplement this winter to keep bones and muscles healthy. BBC News

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              Ella Kissi-Debrah: Air pollution a factor in girl's death, inquest finds

              Ella Kissi-Debrah: Air pollution a factor in girl's death, inquest finds A nine-year-old girl who died following an asthma attack has become the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death.

              Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who lived near the South Circular Road in Lewisham, south-east London, died in 2013.

              Southwark Coroner's Court found that air pollution "made a material contribution" to Ella's death. BBC News

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              Nurses leaving the NHS – the consequences of COVID

              Nurses leaving the NHS – the consequences of COVID A third of nurses in the UK are considering leaving the profession due to burnout and exhaustion as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

              In this episode of the Sky News Daily Podcast, host Jayne Secker speaks to Anthony Johnson, a nurse in London, about the effects the COVID-19 crisis has had on him; and Rachael Browning, who's in charge of nurse recruitment at the Warrington NHS Trust. 

              NHS hospital trusts told to rethink pregnant women partner ban

              NHS hospital trusts told to rethink pregnant women partner ban Fresh guidance issued after growing outrage about women being forced to go through labour alone

              Hospital trusts have been ordered by the NHS to review their current rules and allow pregnant women to have their partner present throughout scans, labour and birth. The Guardian

              Unicef steps in to feed British children for the first time in its history

              Unicef steps in to feed British children for the first time in its history Unicef is helping to feed hungry children in the UK as part of the charity's first domestic emergency response in its 70-year history.

              Some 1,800 families struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic will receive breakfast boxes over the Christmas school holidays, the charity School Food Matters said. The Daily Telegraph

              Wednesday 16 December 2020

              Ten more coronavirus deaths recorded across Northamptonshire

              Ten more coronavirus deaths recorded across Northamptonshire The number of coronavirus deaths in Northamptonshire rose by ten as pressure on the Government to rethink plans for a Christmas relaxation in restrictions grew. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

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              Reforming the finances of the NHS

              Reforming the finances of the NHS A new financial architecture for the NHS requires coherence and balance, and a recognition that any national financial strategy will be heavily mediated by the quality of local relationships. Our new long read discusses how lessons from the recent history of NHS finances can help the system plan for the future. The King's Fund 

                Newham Health Champions: a community-shaped response to Covid-19

                Newham Health Champions: a community-shaped response to Covid-19  Newham’s Covid-19 Health Champions programme, which aims to have open and honest conversations with communities about the latest Covid-19 advice, the situation in Newham, what people are experiencing and what they need. The King's Fund 

                A guide to promoting health care workforce well-being during and after the Covid-19 pandemic

                A guide to promoting health care workforce well-being during and after the Covid-19 pandemic This guide provides ideas and lessons learned to improve the wellbeing of the health care workforce, including actions that individuals, leaders, and organisations can take to support the health care workforce during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. It aims to support health care leaders at all levels with actionable tools for combatting health care workforce burnout, fatigue, and emotional distress. Institute for Healthcare Improvement 

                  Unlimited potential: report of the Commission of Gender Stereotypes in Early Childhood

                  Unlimited potential: report of the Commission of Gender Stereotypes in Early Childhood This report warns that harmful gender stereotypes are significantly limiting children’s potential, causing problems such as lower self-esteem in girls and poorer reading skills in boys. It finds that stereotypes contribute towards the mental health crisis among children and young people, are at the root of girls’ problems with body image and eating disorders, higher male suicide rates and violence against women and girls. Fawcett Society

                    Investigation into preparations for potential COVID-19 vaccines

                    Investigation into preparations for potential COVID-19 vaccines Today the National Audit Office (NAO) reports that government has worked quickly to secure potential COVID-19 vaccines, successfully signing deals for five vaccines providing up to 267 million doses at an expected cost of £2.9 billion.

                    The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) chose to purchase different types of vaccines from a range of pharmaceutical companies, to create a diverse set of options, recognising the uncertainty over which ones, if any, might prove to be safe and effective. It originally intended to purchase up to 12 vaccines, later reducing the number to up to nine as its understanding of requirements and costs developed.

                    NHS seeks views on next steps for assessing urgent care

                    NHS seeks views on next steps for assessing urgent care Patients, clinicians and the public are being invited to give their views on a comprehensive set of indicators for urgent care.

                    The updated standards aim to capture what matters clinically and to patients, end hidden waits and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. NHS England

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                    Government takes forward plans to cut gender pay gap in medicine

                    Government takes forward plans to cut gender pay gap in medicine The Health and Social Care Secretary has today committed to tackle the gender pay gap among doctors by making the NHS a more equal place to work, as an independent report finds structural barriers are the main reason for pay disparities. Department of Health and Social Care

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