Friday 31 July 2020

Three Covid-19 victims in a single day at Northampton General Hospital

Three Covid-19 victims in a single day at Northampton General Hospital NHS officials confirmed three more Covid-19 victims died at Northampton General Hospital on Sunday.

The shock news follows two more deaths last Thursday (July 23) among patients who tested positive for the killer bug. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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The colour of power 2020

The colour of power 2020  Ethnic diversity in Britain’s leadership fails to improve over past three years. Just 52 out of 1099 of the most powerful jobs in the country are currently held by ethnic minority individuals. Of the top fifty NHS trusts, none of the chief executive officer posts are filled by non-white individuals. This new work updates research conducted by the company in 2017, in partnership with Operation Black Vote. Green Park

    The NHS after Covid-19: the views of provider trust chief executives

    The NHS after Covid-19: the views of provider trust chief executives This report is based on interviews with thirteen provider trust chief executives in which they discuss the changes they have made to respond to COVID-19, as well as how best to restart and deliver services as we move into the next phase of the pandemic. The interviews took place in late May and early June 2020. The cohort identified three key concerns in resetting services following the emergency response to the pandemic: staff wellbeing, restarting other NHS services safely, and the long-term impact on health inequalities. NHS Confederation

      NHS recovery to put staff wellbeing at its heart

      NHS recovery to put staff wellbeing at its heart The NHS People Plan puts NHS staff wellbeing at its heart with a new recruitment, retention and support package. It sets out practical support for wellbeing such as safe spaces to rest and recuperate, wellbeing guardians and support to keep staff physically safe and healthy. 

      The People Plan builds on the innovations driven by staff during the pandemic and sets out how the NHS can embed them. Department of Health and Social Care

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      Speech: The future of healthcare

      Speech: The future of healthcare Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke at the Royal College of Physicians about the future of healthcare. Department of Health and Social Care

      Health and care workers to self-isolate on return to UK from high-risk countries

      Health and care workers to self-isolate on return to UK from high-risk countries Registered health and care professionals travelling to the UK from high-risk countries will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, the government has confirmed. Department of Health and Social Care

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      England death rate among worst in Europe

      England death rate among worst in Europe The UK saw some of the biggest rises in deaths rates in Europe in the months until the middle of June, official analysis shows.

      England saw the largest increase in death rates in Europe, with Scotland seeing the third largest increase.

      The Office for National Statistics says that Spain saw the highest peak in rates of death in Europe. BBC News

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      Hancock: GP appointments 'should be by phone or video'

      Hancock: GP appointments 'should be by phone or video' People should have phone or video consultations with their doctors unless there is a clinical reason not to, Health Secretary Matt Hancock says.  

      He said there had been a "hugely positive" response to virtual appointments during the coronavirus pandemic.

      And there now needed to be a shift towards more "Zoom medicine," he added. BBC News

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      You'll have to BOOK an A&E appointment this winter: NHS told plans for patients to 'call first'

      You'll have to BOOK an A&E appointment this winter: NHS told plans for patients to 'call first' Patients will be asked to book an A&E appointment by calling 111 this winter, NHS bosses have been told.

      The plans, revealed in a board meeting for NHS England and NHS Improvement yesterday, are set to be put in place before December.

      But hospitals will not turn away patients who turn up without calling ahead of their visit, it was claimed. The Daily Mail

      Wednesday 29 July 2020

      Northamptonshire health chiefs draft in four Covid-19 testing units amid 'hotspot' concerns

      Northamptonshire health chiefs draft in four Covid-19 testing units amid 'hotspot' concerns Four Covid-19 testing units have been drafted into Northamptonshire today as health chiefs remain concerned over becoming a potential hotspot. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

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      “Slow, inconsistent and negligent approach” to social care in pandemic

      “Slow, inconsistent and negligent approach” to social care in pandemic The Government’s “slow, inconsistent, and at times negligent approach” to social care in the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the “tragic impact” of  “years of inattention, funding cuts and delayed reforms”, leaving the sector as a “poor relation” that has suffered badly in the pandemic. The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee in a new report is demanding from Government a “3-point plan” by September, ahead of the second wave, covering health, the economy & procurement of medical supplies and equipment.

      This was illustrated early on by the “appalling error” committed when 25,000 patients were discharged from hospitals into care homes without ensuring all were first tested for COVID-19 – even after there was clear evidence of asymptomatic transmission of the virus.

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      NICE publishes new COVID-19 rapid guideline on arranging planned care in hospitals and diagnostic services

      NICE publishes new COVID-19 rapid guideline on arranging planned care in hospitals and diagnostic services NICE has published a guideline on the arrangements the NHS should put in place for patients needing elective surgery and other planned treatments and procedures (including diagnostics and imaging) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

      NHS Reset workforce: reflections and asks to support employers

      NHS Reset workforce: reflections and asks to support employers The health and care workforce strand launches a summary of employers' feedback on what's needed nationally to support employers with workforce challenges. NHS Employers

      Covid studies aim to save BAME lives 'within months'

      Covid studies aim to save BAME lives 'within months' UK scientists are to receive millions of pounds of government funding for a raft of studies to learn why people from an ethnic minority background are at greater risk from Covid-19.

      Six projects will analyse data on social circumstances, health and day-to-day activities, as well as investigating genetic risk factors. BBC News

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      Alzheimer's: 'Promising' blood test for early stage of disease

      Alzheimer's: 'Promising' blood test for early stage of disease A blood test could spot Alzheimer's disease at the earliest stage and years before symptoms appear, studies in the US and Sweden suggest.

      The test looks for tiny amounts of a protein which is elevated in people with the illness.

      Investigators found measuring this protein, p-tau217, could predict Alzheimer's dementia with 96% accuracy. BBC News

      PMDD: Thousands of women share their experiences

      PMDD: Thousands of women share their experiences PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is an extreme form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) where women can fall into severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and feelings of being out of control in the run up to their period. BBC News

      Call to expand free school meals programme to tackle poverty and obesity

      Call to expand free school meals programme to tackle poverty and obesity A further 1.5 million children should be brought into the free school meals programme, while poorer youngsters should also be fed during the school holidays, a Government-ordered review has said.

      The National Food Strategy, led by Leon restaurant founder Henry Dimbleby, said urgent Government action is needed in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, and described the country's diet as a "slow-motion disaster". The Daily Telegraph

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      Tuesday 28 July 2020

      Testing sites planned for Corby and Kettering due to increasing Covid-19 infection rate

      Testing sites planned for Corby and Kettering due to increasing Covid-19 infection rate Coronavirus testing sites are to be set up in Kettering and Corby after a recent rise in the infection rate.

      A statement from the county council said both towns were being "closely monitored due to increasing trends over recent weeks". ITV News

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      Living in poverty was bad for your health before Covid-19

      Living in poverty was bad for your health before Covid-19 This long read looks at the link between health and income. It explores the nature of the economic shocks experienced in recent years, including those stemming from Covid-19, and the consequences these might have on people’s health. It then considers how we might use the current crisis to build a fairer and healthier society. Health Foundation

        Ageing prison population

        Ageing prison population The number of prisoners over the age of 60 has risen between 2002 and 2020 from 1,511 to 5,176 – an increase of more than 240 per cent. A large proportion of older prisoners have distinct health and social care needs. Prisoners tend to have worse health than the wider community – 85 per cent of prisoners over the age of 60 have some form of major illness. The Justice Committee report reaffirms the call of a previous Justice Committee for the government to produce a national strategy for older prisoners. House of Commons Justice Committee

          Coronavirus (Covid-19): the impact on prisons

          Coronavirus (Covid-19): the impact on prisons Covid-19 presents an unprecedented public health crisis that has put additional pressure on a prison system already in a state of crisis. This report looks at the measures the Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service have taken in response, focusing primarily on regime changes and strategies to manage the prison population. House of Commons Justice Committee

            Coronavirus 'most severe health emergency' WHO has faced

            Coronavirus 'most severe health emergency' WHO has faced Covid-19 is easily the most severe global health emergency ever declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), its leader has said.

            Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he would reconvene the WHO's emergency committee this week for a review.

            There have been five other global health emergencies: Ebola (two outbreaks), Zika, polio and swine flu. BBC News 

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            Obesity: Have 20 years of policies had any effect?

            Obesity: Have 20 years of policies had any effect? The prime minister has launched a new policy on obesity in England.

            This will not be the first attempt to tackle the problem - at least a dozen policies or white papers have been announced on the topic since 1997. 

            So, have 20 years of targets and policies had an impact? BBC News

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            NHS Tayside claims it has 'effectively eliminated' hepatitis C

            NHS Tayside claims it has 'effectively eliminated' hepatitis C A Scottish health board has claimed to be the first region in the world to effectively eliminate hepatitis C.

            NHS Tayside developed a pioneering approach to treating the blood borne virus in 2012, which targeted injecting drug users.

            The health board said around 90% of infections occur through sharing needles. BBC News

            Revealed: NHS could take over social care, swelling budget to £150bn

            Revealed: NHS could take over social care, swelling budget to £150bn Social care could be brought under the control of the NHS in England in a controversial move that would cause the health service’s budget to soar to £150bn, the Guardian has learned.

            Downing Street has drafted in David Cameron’s former policy chief Camilla Cavendish to help finalise proposals designed to honour Boris Johnson’s pledge to “fix the crisis in social care”. The Guardian

            Monday 27 July 2020

            Kettering hospital's first Covid-19 death for 19 days follows health chiefs' concern over rise in cases

            Kettering hospital's first Covid-19 death for 19 days follows health chiefs' concern over rise in cases Covid-19 has claimed its first victim in 19 days at Kettering General Hospital.

            This latest death — the 218th at KGH during the pandemic — occurred on Thursday but was only revealed in today's NHS bulletin. Northamptonshire Telegraph

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            Long-serving Irchester NHS worker Ceri-Anne to brave the shave for KGH to mark retirement

            Long-serving Irchester NHS worker Ceri-Anne to brave the shave for KGH to mark retirement A long-serving NHS worker will brave the shave on her retirement to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Kettering General Hospital's new cancer resource centre. Northamptonshire Telegraph

            New Obesity Strategy unveiled as country urged to lose weight to beat coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect the NHS

            New Obesity Strategy unveiled as country urged to lose weight to beat coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect the NHS A raft of measures have been revealed as part of the government’s new obesity strategy to get the nation fit and healthy, protect themselves against COVID-19 and protect the NHS.

            Obesity is one of the biggest health crises the country faces. Almost two-thirds (63%) of adults in England are overweight or living with obesity – and 1 in 3 children leave primary school overweight or obese, with obesity-related illnesses costing the NHS £6 billion a year. Department of Health and Social Care

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            Childcare costs for doctors to be covered in drive to boost GP numbers

            Childcare costs for doctors to be covered in drive to boost GP numbers The NHS has launched a new scheme to encourage hundreds more doctors to return to general practice by offering help towards the costs of caring for children or family members. NHS England

            Coronavirus: UK brings back 14-day quarantine for Spain

            Coronavirus: UK brings back 14-day quarantine for Spain Travellers returning to the UK from Spain after midnight will have to quarantine for 14 days, the government has said. 

            The decision came following a spike in coronavirus cases in Spain, with more than 900 new cases of the virus reported on Friday.

            Spanish officials have also warned a second wave could be imminent as major cities have seen cases surge. BBC News

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            NHS maternity safety to come under investigation after scandals involving mother and baby deaths

            NHS maternity safety to come under investigation after scandals involving mother and baby deaths The safety of maternity services in the NHS are to be investigated by MPs after a string of scandals, highlighted by The Independent, involving the deaths of mothers and babies. 

            The Health and Social Care Select Committee, chaired by former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, has announced it will hold an inquiry into why maternity incidents keep re-occurring and what needs to be done to improve safety. The Independent

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            Concern for England's mental health patients discharged at start of lockdown

            Concern for England's mental health patients discharged at start of lockdown Nearly 2,500 additional patients were discharged from mental health units across England at the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown, prompting concern that vulnerable people were released into the community before they were ready.

            Official data analysed by the charity Mind showed 11,829 patients were discharged from mental health units in March 2020, a sharp rise from 9,836 last year and up by 2,441 from the February before lockdown started. The Guardian

            Over-40s in UK to pay more tax under plans to fix social care crisis

            Over-40s in UK to pay more tax under plans to fix social care crisis Exclusive: Matt Hancock is advocate of plan to raise tax to cover cost of care in later life

            Everyone over 40 would start contributing towards the cost of care in later life under radical plans being studied by ministers to finally end the crisis in social care, the Guardian can reveal.

            Friday 24 July 2020

            Public Health England lists Northampton as "an area of concern" over rising Covid-19 cases

            Public Health England lists Northampton as "an area of concern" over rising Covid-19 cases Northampton has been highlighted as an "area of concern" by Public Health England following recent rises in Covid-19 cases in the town. 

            PHE's weekly bulletin issued on Thursday showed eight local authority areas which are "taking targeted actions to reduce prevalence" with "additional testing in care homes and increased community engagement with high risk groups." Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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            Resuming health services during the Covid-19 pandemic: What can the NHS learn from other countries?

            Resuming health services during the Covid-19 pandemic: What can the NHS learn from other countries? As the country deals with the easing of lockdown restrictions and a slow decline in Covid-19 cases, health services are attempting to return to some form of pre-pandemic normality – yet demand for services remains anything but predictable. Our new briefing looks at what approaches other countries around the world have taken to dealing with the pandemic. What might we learn from the approaches used internationally, and how long will it take us to fully recover? Nuffield Trust

            Mental health and primary care networks: understanding the opportunities

            Mental health and primary care networks: understanding the opportunities This report published jointly with the Centre for Mental Health, explores the opportunities the emergence of primary care networks has created for improving the support and treatment provided to people with mental health needs. The King's Fund

            The psychology of loneliness: why it matters and what we can do

            The psychology of loneliness: why it matters and what we can do This report looks at how psychological approaches can help tackle loneliness. It is focussed on older people but has lessons for all adults. It gathers the current research and evidence available to us about what we can learn from psychology, as well as making policy recommendations for how this learning can be applied and help the millions of lonely people across the UK. Campaign to End Loneliness

              The future of pharmacy in a sustainable NHS: key principles for transformation and growth

              The future of pharmacy in a sustainable NHS: key principles for transformation and growth This briefing maps out key recommendations under three main priorities: supporting and valuing the pharmacy workforce; supporting an integrated NHS; and innovation. It aims to capture learnings from the pandemic response and explores the contributions the pharmacy profession can make to the NHS. Royal Pharmaceutical Society

                Government and NHSE/I must act on evidence of failings in NHS services caused by Covid crisis

                Government and NHSE/I must act on evidence of failings in NHS services caused by Covid crisis The Health and Social Care Committee is urging the Government and NHSE/I to take immediate steps to address failings in the delivery of NHS services as a result of the Covid crisis.

                A letter jointly addressed to Secretary of State Matt Hancock and NHS England & Improvement Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens highlights early conclusions and recommendations in three key areas arising from the Committee’s inquiry into Delivering core NHS and care services during the pandemic and beyond ahead of a final report due this autumn.

                Most comprehensive flu programme in UK history will be rolled out this winter

                Most comprehensive flu programme in UK history will be rolled out this winter Providers will work to vaccinate more than 30 million people during this flu season – millions more than received it last year. Department of Health and Social Care

                Face coverings mandatory in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and enclosed transport hubs from Friday

                Face coverings mandatory in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and enclosed transport hubs from Friday Face coverings must be worn in additional enclosed public spaces from 24 July in England, as the government takes further steps to help curb the spread of the virus. Department of Health and Social Care

                Coronavirus: Has Covid-19 exposed UK's underlying ill health?

                Coronavirus: Has Covid-19 exposed UK's underlying ill health? Covid-19 has taken a disproportionate toll on those with underlying health conditions.

                Some experts say the crisis has shone a light on the poor state of our health as a nation. But in many communities it has also highlighted the link between ill health and poverty.

                So what lessons has coronavirus taught us - and will ministers and health leaders act upon them? BBC News

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                PM to target junk food ads in obesity crackdown

                PM to target junk food ads in obesity crackdown The prime minister is set to announce new measures to curb obesity next week, and they are expected to include a ban on TV junk food adverts before 21:00.

                The measures are yet to be finalised but are also likely to include a ban on online ads for unhealthy foods and limits on in-store promotions. BBC News

                Investigation launched into safety of maternity equipment used in NHS

                Investigation launched into safety of maternity equipment used in NHS A national investigation has been launched into the equipment used by NHS staff to monitor babies heart rates during labour because of concerns they could be contributing to deaths and disabilities.

                The independent Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB), which investigates systemic safety risks in the NHS, has opened an inquiry after reviewing hundreds of maternity incidents. The Independent

                Mental health leave for paramedics in England nearly triples since 2011

                Mental health leave for paramedics in England nearly triples since 2011 Number of days taken off for stress, anxiety and depression has risen, FOI requests reveal

                The number of paramedics taking time off with mental health conditions has almost tripled over the last decade, a Guardian analysis has found.

                Domestic violence helpline calls up by 80% in June amid warnings that surge will continue in autumn

                Domestic violence helpline calls up by 80% in June amid warnings that surge will continue in autumn More than 40,000 calls have been made to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline since the start of the coronavirus lockdown, and demand is rising as restrictions ease, according to the charity that runs it. The Daily Telegraph

                Thursday 23 July 2020

                Health chiefs draft in extra testers to tackle worrying rise in Northampton's Covid-19 cases

                Health chiefs draft in extra testers to tackle worrying rise in Northampton's Covid-19 cases Health chiefs are drafting in extra testing capacity to tackle rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in Northampton.

                A mobile unit will be deployed in the town centre from tomorrow (Thursday) through to Monday enabling more local people to get a drive-through or walk-in test closer to where they live. Northamptonshire Telegraph

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                The new NHS and mental health

                The new NHS and mental health A dear patient, a gentleman in his mid-50s, was desperate to see me. ‘I want… I need to see you in person’, were his exact words. The remote consultations we have been offering to most of our patients since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic would clearly not be enough. The King's Fund

                The doctor of the future is a generalist

                The doctor of the future is a generalist Health Education England (HEE) has been engaging with the system to develop our understanding of what the doctor of the future should look like. The Covid-19 global pandemic brought into sharp focus how crucial generalist skills are in enabling doctors to manage complex patient care across different specialties.

                HEE’s Future Doctor report sets out a vision for future clinical teams and how education and training can evolve so that our future doctors are equipped with the right skills to deliver care in an ever-changing health care landscape.

                The impact of Covid-19 on the health and care voluntary sector

                The impact of Covid-19 on the health and care voluntary sector The health and care voluntary sector continues to provide invaluable information and support to millions of people with long term conditions as statutory health and care services refocus their efforts on Covid-19. National Voices, together with the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) and the Neurological Alliance, asked it’s members about the impact of the coronavirus emergency on their services and their income. Forty charities responded to the survey between responded between 17th April and 13th May 2020. National Voices

                  Delivering integrated care at neighbourhood level: developing shared working practices

                  Delivering integrated care at neighbourhood level: developing shared working practices This briefing forms part of a series published as part of the Neighbourhood Integration Project. The project focuses on how long-standing local partnerships have resolved the operational challenges that so often hold back the integration agenda. A member survey carried out by the Community Network found that the need to develop shared working practices was one of the four main barriers to more joined-up care at the local level. This briefing focuses on how organisations in Devon, Hull and Worcestershire have found ways to overcome this barrier and establish agreed ways of working across their local partnerships. Community Network

                    Best Beginnings: a proposal for a new early years guarantee to give all children in England the best start in life

                    Best Beginnings: a proposal for a new early years guarantee to give all children in England the best start in life This report looks at the provision of early years services for children across the country, alongside a warning that many nurseries are at risk of closure, hitting the life chances of some of the most vulnerable children and holding back the economic recovery following lockdown. The Children's Commissioner calls for a new Best Beginnings early years investment plan, ranging from Children and Family hubs to midwives and health visitors, to tackle these problems at the beginning of a child’s life rather than waiting until crises develop in later years. Children's Commissioner for England

                      New service enables people to sign up to be contacted for COVID-19 vaccine studies

                      New service enables people to sign up to be contacted for COVID-19 vaccine studies A new NHS service has been launched to enable people across the UK to sign up for information on COVID-19 vaccine trials.

                      The NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry, developed in partnership with NHS Digital, will help large numbers of people to be recruited into trials over the coming months - potentially meaning an effective vaccine for coronavirus can be found and made available.

                      Detailed guide: NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace

                      Detailed guide: NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers. Department of Health and Social Care

                      Coronavirus: Care home visits to resume in England

                      Coronavirus: Care home visits to resume in England Care home residents in England can begin to be reunited with one of their loved ones, the government has said, as it publishes new guidance.

                      Visits will resume in care homes once local authorities and local public health directors say it is safe.
                       
                      Residents will be limited to seeing the same one visitor, where possible, the guidance says. BBC News

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                      Cutting screen time lowers risk of death, study finds

                      Cutting screen time lowers risk of death, study finds Restricting television viewing to two hours a day could prevent or delay poor health, according to a new study.

                      Health risks associated with screen time, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, were at their lowest when daily TV time was two hours or less. BBC News

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                      New £100m NHS intensive care unit shut over fire safety fears

                      New £100m NHS intensive care unit shut over fire safety fears Exclusive: King’s College hospital in London forced to shut ICU after it failed checks

                      A newly built £100m intensive care unit at an NHS hospital has been closed after it failed fire safety checks, leading to seriously ill patients being moved out.

                      King’s College hospital in south London has had to shut the critical care unit after its own engineers and the London fire brigade identified problems that could potentially make it unsafe. The Guardian

                      The Tories' new trade bill means the NHS is now unquestionably up for sale

                      The Tories' new trade bill means the NHS is now unquestionably up for sale | Emily Thornberry By rejecting Labour’s proposed amendments, the government has left our health service at the mercy of hungry US corporations. The Guardian

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                      Wednesday 22 July 2020

                      Northamptonshire Police probe second care home in company's portfolio

                      Northamptonshire Police probe second care home in company's portfolio Northamptonshire Police is investigating a second care home that is run by the same company.

                      A safeguarding incident from a year ago is being probed at Duncote Hall in Towcester, Northamptonshire, run by Minster Care.

                      The company also owns Temple Court in Kettering which was closed after 16 residents died from coronavirus. BBC Northampton 

                      Meet the Northampton nursing lecturer who answered Government calls to return to the frontline

                      Meet the Northampton nursing lecturer who answered Government calls to return to the frontline A nursing lecturer who worked as a nurse before taking up teaching answered Government calls to return to the frontline during the pandemic. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

                      Beyond the bursary: workforce supply

                      Beyond the bursary: workforce supply The current nursing workforce shortage is the result of successive governments’ underinvestment in workforce supply. To get more people into the nursing degree and successfully graduating in England, the government must provide appropriate support both on entering and throughout the degree. This report details modelling, undertaken by London Economics, which demonstrates the level of funding required to increase the number of applicants to the nursing degree. Royal College of Nursing

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                        Misinformation in the Covid-19 infodemic

                        Misinformation in the Covid-19 infodemic This report finds that online misinformation about Covid-19 was allowed to spread virulently across social media without the protections offered by legislation, promised by the government in the Online Harms white paper published in April 2019. The report details evidence on a range of harms from dangerous hoax treatments to conspiracy theories that led to attacks on 5G engineers. The Committee calls for the government to make a final decision on the appointment of an independent online harms regulator immediately. House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee

                          Gender recognition and the rights of transgender people

                          Gender recognition and the rights of transgender people This briefing paper considers the current law relating to gender recognition; the medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria; the current protections from discrimination; consultations by the UK government and the Scottish government on reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004; and the 'self-identification' debate. House of Commons Library

                            Being a patient

                            Being a patient This is the report report from the Patients Association programme of work on patient experience. It suggests that it is time for a fresh look at patient experience. While there is considerable activity in the health and care system devoted to measuring patient experience, the approach is quite narrow and doesn’t truly capture things from the patient’s point of view. The Patients Association

                            Out of routine: a review of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in families where the children are considered at risk of signifcant harm

                            Out of routine: a review of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in families where the children are considered at risk of signifcant harm This review sets out recommendations and findings for government and local safeguarding partners to better protect infants from sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). The aim is to identify what might have been done differently and how to improve approaches to embed safer sleeping advice in families with children considered to be at risk of significant harm through child abuse or neglect. Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel

                            NHS doctors and dentists to receive 2.8% pay rise

                            NHS doctors and dentists to receive 2.8% pay rise NHS dentists and doctors in England will receive a 2.8% pay rise, backdated to April 2020. Department of Health and Social Care

                            Coronavirus: 'Infection here for many years to come'

                            Coronavirus: 'Infection here for many years to come' The UK will be living with coronavirus for many years to come and even a vaccine is unlikely to eliminate it for good, experts are warning. 

                            Wellcome Trust director Prof Sir Jeremy Farrar told the House of Commons' Health Committee "things will not be done by Christmas". 

                            He went on to say humanity would be living with the virus for "decades". BBC News

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                            Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust: 500 more cases included in maternity services inquiry

                            Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust: 500 more cases included in maternity services inquiry Nearly 1,900 cases are now part of the inquiry into what is described as the worst maternity scandal in the history of the NHS. Sky News

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                            Tuesday 21 July 2020

                            Health officials keeping a close eye on Northampton's Covid-19 cases after 35% rise in the last week

                            Health officials keeping a close eye on Northampton's Covid-19 cases after 35% rise in the last week Northampton's number of new Covid-19 cases has risen by 35 per cent in the last week, according to Government figures. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

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                            Testing times: An ethical framework and practical recommendations for COVID-19 testing for NHS workers

                            Testing times: An ethical framework and practical recommendations for COVID-19 testing for NHS workers THIS Institute at the University of Cambridge has undertaken a rapid response project to develop an ethical framework for COVID-19 testing for NHS workers. It sought to identify and characterise the ethical considerations likely to be important to the testing programme, while recognising the tension between different values and goals.

                            Statement to Parliament: Next stages in the NHS Test and Trace plan

                            Statement to Parliament: Next stages in the NHS Test and Trace plan Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke about measures to increase testing and support the NHS this winter, and the latest vaccine developments. Department of Health and Social Care

                            Coronavirus could lead to thousands more cancer deaths

                            Coronavirus could lead to thousands more cancer deaths There could be more than 3,500 avoidable cancer deaths in England in the next five years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, researchers say.

                            The virus had disrupted services and some people had avoided healthcare, they told The Lancet Oncology journal. BBC News

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                            Coronavirus: Oxford vaccine can train immune system

                            Coronavirus: Oxford vaccine can train immune system A coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and triggers an immune response. 

                            Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus.

                            The findings are hugely promising, but it is still too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection and larger trials are under way. BBC News

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                            Coronavirus: Above-inflation pay rise for almost 900,000 public sector workers

                            Coronavirus: Above-inflation pay rise for almost 900,000 public sector workers Doctors, teachers and police officers are among those who will be rewarded for their work in the pandemic. BBC News

                            The NHS taking over social care would be a disaster. Make services truly local instead

                            The NHS taking over social care would be a disaster. Make services truly local instead Covid-19 has exacerbated the social care crisis - but a national service isn’t the answer

                            It is a deep national shame that despite the dedication of staff, care home deaths account for almost a third of all Covid-19 fatalities in the UK.

                            Politicians have procrastinated over social care for years, but this is unlikely to be feasible for much longer. The Guardian

                            Monday 20 July 2020

                            Speaking up: How UK nursing staff expect to be valued

                            Speaking up: How UK nursing staff expect to be valued In mid-May, 42,000 members responded to a survey on their experience of nursing during COVID-19. This is a first look at their experiences of feeling valued, and how in their own view, their value is expressed in relation to pay. Royal College of Nursing

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                            Millions could be vaccinated against Covid-19 as UK secures strong portfolio of promising vaccines

                            Millions could be vaccinated against Covid-19 as UK secures strong portfolio of promising vaccines The UK has secured early access to 90 million doses of promising coronavirus vaccine candidates. Department of Health and Social Care

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                            Coronavirus: Protein treatment trial 'a breakthrough'

                            Coronavirus: Protein treatment trial 'a breakthrough' The preliminary results of a clinical trial suggest a new treatment for Covid-19 dramatically reduces the number of patients needing intensive care, according to the UK company that developed it.
                            The treatment from Southampton-based biotech Synairgen uses a protein called interferon beta which the body produces when it gets a viral infection. BBC News

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                            Brighton Royal Sussex hospital staff member injured in stabbing

                            Brighton Royal Sussex hospital staff member injured in stabbing A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a member of staff was stabbed at a hospital.

                            The 56-year-old victim was attacked at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, at about 08:40 BST.

                            His injuries are not life-threatening and he is "stable and safe", the hospital trust said. BBC News

                            ‘They have stolen his youth’: Mother’s anguish for autistic son still locked up by NHS 14 years after he was first taken to hospital

                            ‘They have stolen his youth’: Mother’s anguish for autistic son still locked up by NHS 14 years after he was first taken to hospital Hundreds of autistic people are detained in hospitals with numbers doubling since 2015. The Independent

                            Family wins £37m in one of largest maternity negligence claims in NHS history

                            Family wins £37m in one of largest maternity negligence claims in NHS history The NHS will pay out £37m in compensation to the parents of a brain-damaged child after one of the country’s leading hospitals admitted it was at fault in one of the largest maternity negligence claims the health service has ever seen, The Independent can reveal.

                            Will every person over 50 get a flu jab on the NHS this winter?

                            Will every person over 50 get a flu jab on the NHS this winter? Matt Hancock and the government are looking to 'consider all options' to avoid a double-whammy scenario of a bad flu season and a second wave of Covid-19. The Daily Mail

                            Friday 17 July 2020

                            Fifteen serious incidents at KGH in three months

                            Fifteen serious incidents at KGH in three months Kettering General Hospital has had 15 serious patient safety incidents during the Covid-19 pandemic months.

                            A report about quality and safeguarding across the county’s health providers, which will be presented to the Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Group on Tuesday (July 21), shows that the acute hospital in Rothwell Road has had by far the most serious incidents between April and June this year. Northamptonshire Telegraph

                            Guidance: Developing and evaluating workplace health interventions: employer toolkit

                            Guidance: Developing and evaluating workplace health interventions: employer toolkit This toolkit provides guidance for employers to develop their offer of workplace health interventions. Public Health England

                            Update on Randox test kits

                            Update on Randox test kits NHS Test and Trace has been notified that some test kits produced by Randox laboratories may not meet our required safety standards for coronavirus testing. Department of Health and Social Care

                            Covid-19 and social protection in Europe and Central Asia

                            Covid-19 and social protection in Europe and Central Asia This report, written with the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund, aims to help strengthen social protection. It makes the case that the crisis offers a moment of opportunity to expand and strengthen social protection mechanisms to safeguard health, well-being and livelihoods, leaving no-one behind in country response and recovery plans. World Health Organization

                              NHS 'Exemplars' to help improve learning disability care

                              NHS 'Exemplars' to help improve learning disability care In an effort to drive forward improvements in the care provided to people with a learning disability, the NHS is calling on local NHS organisations across the country to become learning disability ‘Exemplars’ and act as trailblazers in improving health outcomes for those with learning disabilities.

                              The call has been issued as the fourth annual learning disability review and action report are published. National Health Executive

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                              Coronavirus: £3bn for NHS to prepare for possible second wave

                              Coronavirus: £3bn for NHS to prepare for possible second wave The NHS in England will get an extra £3bn of funding to prepare for a possible second wave of coronavirus, Boris Johnson has announced.

                              The funding will also help ease winter pressures on the health service, Downing Street said.

                              It follows warnings a second wave this winter could see as many as 120,000 Covid-19 deaths in UK hospitals. BBC News

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                              I'm one of the thousands of extra cancer deaths we'll see this year

                              I'm one of the thousands of extra cancer deaths we'll see this year The first thing I saw as I woke up from surgery was the tanned face of my surgeon leaning over me. “It’s bad news, I’m afraid.”

                              Surgery was my last hope. I’d been diagnosed with suspected vaginal cancer at Christmas the previous year. As the lump was still small, my oncologist was optimistic. With radiotherapy and chemo she thought we’d beat it. And, indeed, by last summer I’d been given the all clear. But the tumour returned, and by the time I had surgery it was too late: it had spread and was inoperable. The Guardian

                              Thursday 16 July 2020

                              Rise in A&E visits in June at Northampton General Hospital Trust

                              Rise in A&E visits in June at Northampton General Hospital Trust More people visited A&E last month at the Northampton General Hospital Trust – but attendances were still far lower than in June last year. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

                              Coronavirus: Thirty-six at Desborough home with Covid 'recovering'

                              Coronavirus: Thirty-six at Desborough home with Covid 'recovering' Thirty-six people who tested positive for Covid-19 at a Northamptonshire care home are recovering, the home said.

                              The outbreak at Cheaney Court, Desborough, had been put down to two Kettering General Hospital patients and one from a hospice moved to the home.

                              The hospital said its patients, sent to the home between 25 May and 4 June, had tested negative but were later found to be positive for the virus. BBC Northampton

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