Tuesday 31 March 2020

iPads with Skype and Houseparty apps helping combat loneliness among isolated Northampton General patients

iPads with Skype and Houseparty apps helping combat loneliness among isolated Northampton General patients Northampton General Hospital has introduced a different way for isolated patients to have contact with their loved ones.

iPads that have apps such as Skype, Zoom and Houseparty downloaded on them have been distributed to patients so they can keep in contact with their loved ones via video call. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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Covid-19: why compassionate leadership matters in a crisis

Covid-19: why compassionate leadership matters in a crisis These are the hands of health and care staff who dedicate their lives to caring for others. And who are now committed to caring for their communities during a grave global crisis, risking their own health and wellbeing. Last night, millions of people across the United Kingdom took part in a national applause of thanks for health workers and carers helping in the fight against Covid-19 (coronavirus). The collective gratitude and respect for the work of health and care workers was emotional and uplifting at a time of global crisis. The King's Fund

Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK

Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK. Department of Health and Social Care

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UK coronavirus measures 'making a difference'

UK coronavirus measures 'making a difference' People are heeding the advice to stay at home to keep pressure off the NHS, and there are early signs that it is working, the UK's chief scientific adviser has said.

Sir Patrick Vallance told a news conference that social distancing measures are "making a difference".

Transmission of coronavirus in the community is thought to be decreasing, which could mean fewer infections.

Hospital admissions data suggests cases are not rising as fast as feared. BBC News

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Monday 30 March 2020

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Northants rises by 20 for fourth day in a row

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Northants rises by 20 for fourth day in a row The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire has increased by at least 20 for the fourth day in a row and there are now 126 cases in the county. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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New advice to support mental health during coronavirus outbreak

New advice to support mental health during coronavirus outbreak People struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will be offered additional online support and practical guidance to help them cope. Department of Health and Social Care

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Coronavirus: Mercedes F1 to make breathing aid

Coronavirus: Mercedes F1 to make breathing aid A breathing aid that can help keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care has been created in under a week.

University College London engineers worked with clinicians at UCLH and Mercedes Formula One to build the device, which delivers oxygen to the lungs without needing a ventilator.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices are already used in hospitals but are in short supply. BBC News

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Thursday 26 March 2020

'No visitors allowed' at Northampton General Hospital barring 'exceptional circumstances'

'No visitors allowed' at Northampton General Hospital barring 'exceptional circumstances' Northampton General has announced today it will not allow any visitors into the hospital.

With only a few exceptions, the hospital will now turn away anyone asking to visit patients on their wards. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK

Coronavirus: Government orders 10,000 ventilators from Dyson

Coronavirus: Government orders 10,000 ventilators from Dyson The government has ordered 10,000 ventilators from Dyson to help deal with the coronavirus crisis.

The firm, headed by British inventor Sir James Dyson, said it had designed a new type of ventilator in response to a call on behalf of the NHS.

The order is still subject to the devices passing stringent medical tests but that is expected to happen quickly. BBC News

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Wednesday 25 March 2020

Biggest jump in Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire for second day in a row

Biggest jump in Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire for second day in a row The number of known Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire now stands at 37.

Public Health England officials issued its daily figures, correct as at 9am yesterday (Tuesday March 24). Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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Government launches Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp

Government launches Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp The UK Government has today launched a GOV.UK Coronavirus Information service on WhatsApp. Department of Health and Social Care

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Coronavirus: NHS predicted to cope with increased demand

Coronavirus: NHS predicted to cope with increased demand The NHS should be able to cope with the coronavirus outbreak now the country is in lockdown, according to infectious diseases expert Prof Neil Ferguson.

Keeping people inside and increasing NHS staff and beds would prevent intensive care units (ICUs) from being overwhelmed nationally, he said.

There could still be some difficulties at a local level, he told MPs. BBC News

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Tuesday 24 March 2020

Northamptonshire coronavirus cases rise by eight in a single day

Northamptonshire coronavirus cases rise by eight in a single day The number of recorded cases of a Covid-19 has risen to 29 today (Monday, March 23) - the biggest increase in any single day since the global pandemic began. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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Full guidance on staying at home and away from others

Full guidance on staying at home and away from others The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. The Cabinet Office

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Gender pay gap reporting deadline suspended

Gender pay gap reporting deadline suspended Due to COVID-19, there is no longer an expectation on employers to report their gender pay gap data before 30 March. NHS Employers

Monitor BP in people routinely taking oral corticosteroids

Monitor BP in people routinely taking oral corticosteroids People with chronic inflammatory diseases who regularly take oral corticosteroids are at greater risk of hypertension than those who don’t take them, UK research has shown. The researchers behind the study, published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, urged doctors to closely monitor blood pressure in people treated routinely with these medicines. OnMedica

Monday 23 March 2020

Number of known coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire now stands at 21

Number of known coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire now stands at 21 The number of known coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire now stands at 21.

Public Health England released the figure — a rise of one from 24 hours earlier — last night after earlier revealing the numbers nationwide have reached 5,683 as at 9am on 22 March 2020. Daventry Express

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Major new measures to protect people at highest risk from coronavirus

Major new measures to protect people at highest risk from coronavirus A raft of new measures, including a helpline for the most in need of support, have been set out for those considered to be extremely vulnerable. Department of Health and Social Care

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A guide to video consultations

A guide to video consultations The British Journal of General Practice has published a guide for practices on how to use video in clinical consultations.

It covers the steps practices need to take to get started, guidance for clinicians on how to conduct the consultation and advice for patients on what to expect and how to prepare

Machine 'could quadruple' heart and lung transplants

Machine 'could quadruple' heart and lung transplants The number of heart and lung transplants could quadruple thanks to a "reanimation" machine used in a pioneering operation, a hospital says.

The device, developed at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, managed to pump oxygenated blood into both organs in a world-first procedure.

The machine can revitalise deteriorating organs allowing "donation after circulatory death" (DCD). BBC News

Blood donations needed after 15% drop, says NHS

Blood donations needed after 15% drop, says NHS The NHS is urging blood donors to keep their appointments during the coronavirus outbreak.

It said donations were 15% lower than expected last week, amid fears donors are feeling unsure about safety and whether sessions are still going ahead.

A spokesman said the impact of the drop was minimal but must be addressed. BBC News

Friday 20 March 2020

£2.9 billion funding to strengthen care for the vulnerable

£2.9 billion funding to strengthen care for the vulnerable The funding will help patients who no longer need urgent hospital treatment to return home, making at least 15,000 beds available during the coronavirus outbreak. Department of Health and Social Care

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NICE publishes its first medtech briefing on artificial intelligence software

NICE publishes its first medtech briefing on artificial intelligence software A piece of software used to assess CT images of people with suspected brain abnormalities is the first Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB) published by NICE which includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

NHS data shows gap in care for heart failure patients

NHS data shows gap in care for heart failure patients A new study published in a BMJ journal has found that inadequate screening in heart failure has cost the NHS an avoidable £21.5 million.

The investigation, which is the first of its kind, has identified the hidden costs due to under-managed but treatable iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) from one-year data of around 80,000 people with heart failure. PharmaTimes

Thursday 19 March 2020

Northampton General Hospital confirms first coronavirus death

Northampton General Hospital confirms first coronavirus death Northampton's hospital has today confirmed to the media their first death related to coronavirus. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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Social care across the four countries of the UK: what can we learn?

Social care across the four countries of the UK: what can we learn? As we start a series of explainers describing the social care system in each country of the UK, lead author Camille Oung looks at what social care policy-makers in England can learn from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Reform must come with funding and clarity – and it must secure public support. Nuffield Trust

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Homelessness, health and housing: joining up services

Homelessness, health and housing: joining up services In 1996, I co-authored a report for The King’s Fund called Health and Homelessness in London. Along with Joanne Bretherton at the Centre for Housing Policy at the University of York, I have just collaborated with The King’s Fund again, on a new report: Delivering health and care for people who sleep rough: going above and beyond.

Although nearly a quarter of a century apart, both these reports focus on the same problem: the reasons why people who are homeless can experience access to NHS services that is poor, disorganised or non-existent, when free, universal health care is supposed to be available for anyone. The King's Fund

Testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) will increase to 25,000 a day 

Testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) will increase to 25,000 a day The government will increase the number of people tested for COVID-19 to 25,000 hospital patients a day. Department of Health and Social Care

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Fertility care and emotional wellbeing

Fertility care and emotional wellbeing This guidance has been developed as a resource for all health care professionals in all areas of fertility care and acknowledges the differences between emotional support and wellbeing, implications counselling and therapeutic counselling. Royal College of Nursing

A competency framework for rheumatology nurses

A competency framework for rheumatology nurses This publication provides a competency and role development framework for rheumatology practitioners in clinical practice (most commonly called rheumatology nurse specialists). The role of the rheumatology nurse specialist is complex and may include roles in paediatric nursing, research, advanced level skills in clinical assessment, prescribing and providing intra-articular injections amongst others. Royal College of Nursing

    Each baby counts: 2019 progress report

    Each baby counts: 2019 progress report This report recommends new measures to reduce stillbirths, baby deaths and brain injuries. It finds that the number of parents being involved in investigations, and the quality of reviews is increasing, and therefore improving understanding of how to prevent future deaths and injuries. Recommendations include how maternity care can be improved, and how to support maternity teams to escalate critical situations. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

      NHS negligence payouts at record levels despite landmark court case expected to reduce them

      NHS negligence payouts at record levels despite landmark court case expected to reduce them NHS negligence payouts are at record levels, despite a landmark Supreme Court case which was expected to reduce them.

      The health service was faced with a total of £400m worth of claims between 2005 and 2019, according to Freedom of Information requests submitted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London. The Daily Telegraph

      Vegan diet is no healthier if you continue to eat sugar-laden junk food, new study reveals

      Vegan diet is no healthier if you continue to eat sugar-laden junk food, new study reveals A vegetarian or vegan diet is no healthier than one that includes meat unless those who follow it cut out junk food, a study has revealed.

      It found that following a ‘plant-based’ diet is pointless if people continue to eat processed, sugar-laden food. The Daily Mail

      Wednesday 18 March 2020

      Coronavirus won't stop the spread of kindness in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden

      Coronavirus won't stop the spread of kindness in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden None of us can escape the impact that the spread of Covid-19 has had and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

      But at times like these, the unsung heroes of our communities really make a difference and we want to celebrate all the good that is being done in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden. Northamptonshire Telegraph

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      NHFT signs Dying to Work charter to support terminally ill employees

      NHFT signs Dying to Work charter to support terminally ill employees Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) has signed the Trade Union Congress’ (TUC) Dying to Work charter, pledging to support employees who become terminally ill while in work.

      The charter, which NHFT signed on 12 March 2020, is part of TUC’s campaign to seek a more secure future for terminally ill employees, to ensure they are not dismissed or disadvantaged as a result of their condition. Other employers to sign so far include Royal Mail, Hovis and the Co-op. Employee Benefits

      Emergency bill to strengthen coronavirus (COVID-19) response plans

      Emergency bill to strengthen coronavirus (COVID-19) response plans New laws will be introduced to protect public health, increase NHS capacity, strengthen social care and support the public to take the right action at the right time. Department of Health and Social Care

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      Guidance: Public health grants to local authorities: 2020 to 2021

      Guidance: Public health grants to local authorities: 2020 to 2021 The public health allocations and monetary conditions for local authorities to improve health in local populations. Public Health England

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      3D bioprinting in medicine

      3D bioprinting in medicine This POSTnote gives an overview of 3D bioprinting in medine and the associated biological, manufacturing, regulatory and ethical implications. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST)

        Tuesday 17 March 2020

        New guidance for households with possible COVID-19 infection

        New guidance for households with possible COVID-19 infection New guidance to stay at home for 14 days if someone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19 is the focus of the next stage of a public awareness campaign launched by Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock today.

        The new guidance will set out that individuals will still be asked to self-isolate for 7 days from the onset of COVID-19 symptoms but any individuals in the household will now be asked to self-isolate for 14 days from that moment as well. Department of Health and Social Care

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        What do children and young people need from primary care networks?

        What do children and young people need from primary care networks? Healthy London Partnership and the Association of Young People’s Health (AYPH) have produced resources for primary care networks as they seek to address the needs of children and young people.

        Trans mental health better if ID matches gender

        Trans mental health better if ID matches gender Trans adults have improved mental health and less suicidal thoughts when their identification documents reflect their identified gender, new research shows.

        The findings published this week in The Lancet Public Health journal are based on the results from a survey of over 20,000 American trans adults. OnMedica

        Type 1 diabetes is two distinct conditions

        Type 1 diabetes is two distinct conditions Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes under the age of seven have a different endotype compared with those diagnosed aged 13 or above.

        This is the finding from new research published in Diabetologia - the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes [EASD]. OnMedica

        Monday 16 March 2020

        Hundreds of patients in Nene repeatedly admitted to A&E in final months

        Hundreds of patients in Nene repeatedly admitted to A&E in final months Hundreds of patients a year in Nene are repeatedly admitted to A&E in the last few months of their life, new figures reveal. Daventry Express

        Another Northamptonshire coronavirus case confirmed

        Another Northamptonshire coronavirus case confirmed A ninth case of coronavirus in Northamptonshire has been confirmed by health officials today (Sunday). Daventry Express

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        Health Secretary Matt Hancock's Sunday Telegraph Op-Ed

        Health Secretary Matt Hancock's Sunday Telegraph Op-Ed Health Secretary Matt Hancock outlines the steps taken over recent days in the fight against COVID-19. Department of Health and Social Care

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        Health Education England to invest up to £10m in clinical placements across England

        Health Education England to invest up to £10m in clinical placements across England Investment plans to support new undergraduate nurses have been unveiled by Mark Radford, chief nurse at Health Education England, to boost nursing workforce numbers.

        'I was sectioned - now I'm working for change'

        'I was sectioned - now I'm working for change' A teenager who felt punished after being discharged from a mental health unit has said she is "excited" to work with an NHS trust to improve systems.

        Sasha Campbell, 18, was sectioned after several attempts on her own life and spent time in psychiatric units.

        She has become involved in recruitment at the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, and will be helping with staff training at her former unit. BBC News