Northamptonshire's hospitals are on alert for rise in Covid-19 cases, says county GP

 Northamptonshire's hospitals are on alert for rise in Covid-19 cases, says county GP Health officials say they are monitoring "extremely closely" the number of Covid-19 patients in county hospitals.

Public Health Northamptonshire has so far revealed publicly how many coronavirus cases are currently being treated in Northampton and Kettering.

Yet regional figures published by the Government confirm numbers of patients in hospitals are rising sharply. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Concerns over safety at Northampton skatepark after more than 100 people seen 'ignoring coronavirus rules' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Older people have been excluded from most coronavirus vaccine and treatment trials - and experts are concerned Northampton Chronicle and Echo

An uncomfortable truth: digital isn’t perfect, but neither is face to face

An uncomfortable truth: digital isn’t perfect, but neither is face to face Unprecedented – there’s that word again , the word of 2020, a word I have never seen, read or used more than I have during the first nine months of 2020. Despite the risk of a pandemic having been a topic of discussion for several years (and even the plot for Hollywood blockbusters), the world has found itself ill prepared to respond to unprecedented challenges of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). The King's Fund

Worst hit: dementia during coronavirus

Worst hit: dementia during coronavirus Since the coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown on 23 March, this investigation found family and friends have spent an extra 92 million hours caring for loved ones with dementia, due to the double impact of lockdown making dementia symptoms worse, and the chronically underfunded social care system leaving them nowhere else to turn. The report states that government must fix social care now, learning lessons to avoid further winter tragedy, as dementia carers struggle with depression, insomnia and exhaustion. Alzheimer’s Society

See also:

• Dementia wellbeing in the COVID-19 pandemic NHS England

Childhood in the time of Covid

Childhood in the time of Covid While for some children there were certain aspects of the pandemic that brought benefits such as spending more time with their families, this report sets out how for many of the most vulnerable children the disruption of the last six months has been damaging and compounded existing inequalities. It calls for a comprehensive recovery package for children and provides a roadmap for what should be done to help children to recover from their experiences of the last six months and the ongoing crisis. Children's Commissioner

Review of the Shortage Occupation List: 2020

Review of the Shortage Occupation List: 2020 The MAC advises in a new report that senior care workers and nursing assistants are among the occupations that should be added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) to relieve pressure when freedom of movements for those born in the Europen Union ends. The committee has, however, warned of the stark consequences of low wages in social care, with most frontline occupations in the sector ineligible for the skilled worker route and the SOL. It has reiterated the need to make jobs more attractive to UK workers by increasing salaries rather than relying on migrants, particularly during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Migration Advisory Committee

Investigation into how government increased the number of ventilators available to the NHS in response to COVID-19

Investigation into how government increased the number of ventilators available to the NHS in response to COVID-19 Today’s report by the National Audit Office finds that the government acted with urgency to increase the number of ventilators available to the NHS. It prioritised speed over cost and spent a total of £569 million. So far, most of these ventilators have not been needed.

Coronavirus: NHS well stocked for ventilators this winter

Coronavirus: NHS well stocked for ventilators this winter The NHS now has 30,000 ventilators that can help people breathe if they are very unwell with coronavirus.

That is about one for every 2,200 people in the UK - many more than are likely to be needed this winter. BBC News

See also:

• Ex-Sainsbury's boss takes key Test and Trace job BBC News
• Coronavirus doctor's diary: Trying out tech that may help make worship Covid-secure BBC News
• Just 1,800 out of 110,000 occupied hospital beds are currently taken up by Covid-19 patients The Daily Mail
• Scientists to develop live coronavirus vaccine in UK trial The Daily Mail
• Arthritis drug to be trialled as Covid treatment in UK care homes The Guardian
• Williamson sets out plan to allow students in England home for Christmas The Guardian
• Care home coronavirus outbreaks cast doubt on official PHE data The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Plasma treatments for COVID-19 quadruple – but the NHS still needs more donations Sky News

Breast screening: One million women in UK may have missed scans

Breast screening: One million women in UK may have missed scans Almost one million women in the UK have missed vital breast screening due to coronavirus, a leading charity has estimated.

Breast screening programmes were paused in March as the NHS focused resources on tackling the pandemic.

Breast Cancer Now calculates that around 8,600 women who have not had a scan have undetected breast cancer. BBC News

See also:

• Almost one million women in UK miss vital breast screening due to COVID-19 Breast Cancer Now

Maternity units 'too defensive' and failing to learn from mistakes

Maternity units 'too defensive' and failing to learn from mistakes Some maternity units are too defensive when births go wrong and causing a danger to patients, the chief inspector of hospitals in England has said.

Prof Ted Baker of the Care Quality Commission said health workers need to learn from errors.

He told the Health and Social Care Committee that individuals are "blamed" rather than the system. BBC News

Consultant accuses NHS trust of forcing him into modern slavery

Consultant accuses NHS trust of forcing him into modern slavery Dr Shankar Chappiti says he was told to run clinics without pay after an unfounded and racist fraud allegation

A consultant has accused an NHS trust of forcing him into enslavement after making an unfounded and racist allegation of fraud against him that was later dropped.

Dr Shankar Chappiti has lodged a complaint at the Birmingham employment tribunal concerning managers at New Cross hospital, part of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS trust. The Guardian

Elderly face wait for flu vaccine as leading chemists suspend appointments amid shortage of jabs

Elderly face wait for flu vaccine as leading chemists suspend appointments amid shortage of jabs High street pharmacies Boots has decided to suspend bookings for those aged 65 and over at branches across the UK. The Daily Mail

Police break up group of 40 people in Northampton as lockdown rules are broken

 Police break up group of 40 people in Northampton as lockdown rules are broken Police officers dispersed a large group on Saturday night in Briar Hill after receiving a report of a gathering that was breaking the social distancing rules put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Northampton General Hospital lost 9,136 working days due to coronavirus at start of pandemic Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Northampton MP among Tory 'rebels' bidding to defeat Government over Covid-19 lockdown laws Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Student and staff member test positive for coronavirus at Northampton College's Booth Lane campus Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Kettering GP surgery launches drive-thru flu jab clinic

 Kettering GP surgery launches drive-thru flu jab clinic Patients at a Kettering GP surgery are now able to have a flu jab without leaving the comfort of their car after the launch of a drive-thru clinic.

Weavers Medical and the town's Morrisons have joined forces to set up the service on the ground floor of the supermarket's Lower Street car park. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Man attacked female officer in packed Northampton A&E because he 'hates the police'

Man attacked female officer in packed Northampton A&E because he 'hates the police' A man who grabbed a female officer in front of sick patients in the middle of a busy emergency department has been ordered to pay compensation to her. Northamptonshire Telegraph

NHS Reset: a new direction for health and care

NHS Reset: a new direction for health and care Bringing together NHS Confederation members and partners, the NHS Reset campaign has convened the health and care system to reflect on the learning from the last six months of the Covid-19 pandemic and what it means for the future.

This report identifies five factors it believes will help to fundamentally reset the way health and care is planned, commissioned and delivered: honesty and realism: extra funding; a lighter, leaner culture; integrating health and care; and tackling health inequalities. NHS Confederation

Educate and celebrate achievements during Black History Month

Educate and celebrate achievements during Black History Month In preparation for Black History Month which takes place in October, we have pulled together a list of resources and activities that may inspire you to run a local campaign within your own organisation. NHS Employers

Surge in people checking their risk of type 2 diabetes

Surge in people checking their risk of type 2 diabetes Almost 300,000 people have accessed the tool to check their risk of type 2 diabetes online less than two months after the NHS fast tracked access to its world leading Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme. NHS England

New recruitment drive to help 10,000 people with serious mental illness

New recruitment drive to help 10,000 people with serious mental illness £27 million has been announced for mental health charity Think Ahead to expand their mental health social work graduate programme. Department of Health and Social Care

Flu jab waits and delays amid high demand

Flu jab waits and delays amid high demand Some GPs and pharmacies have run out of flu jabs and are asking people to wait until more stock can be delivered.

Boots says it has seen very high demand for the vaccine and has now had to suspend bookings.

Government officials say there is no national shortage and there will be enough doses in the coming weeks and months to vaccinate the 30 million people deemed most vulnerable to flu. BBC News

Coronavirus: NHS faces pandemic 'triple whammy' this winter

Coronavirus: NHS faces pandemic 'triple whammy' this winter The NHS is facing a "triple whammy" of rising Covid-19 cases, a major backlog in treatment and reduced capacity due to infection-control measures, according to health bosses. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: Hancock pressured to give MPs say over lockdown rules BBC News
• Covid-19 deaths pass 1,000 in Birmingham hospitals BBC News
• NHS hospitals warn test and trace system is NOT ready for the enormous demands of winter The Daily Mail
• Surge in coronavirus cases in the UK 'could speed up progress of Oxford vaccine trials' The Daily Mail
• Local lockdowns AREN'T working as data shows Covid-19 outbreaks are still spiraling in hot-spots The Daily Mail
• Do I need to self-isolate? The new law explained The Daily Telegraph
• Coronavirus deaths hit one million – how many more lives will it claim? The Daily Telegraph
• Asking over-65s to shield is 'age-based apartheid', boss of NHS England says The Guardian
• Covid impact on NHS capacity in England to last 'several years' The Guardian
• 'Frail' people like me shouldn't be denied lifesaving Covid care The Guardian
• Sally Warren: 'Covid has brutally exposed the fragilities of the care sector' The Guardian
• Coronavirus: New rapid tests to be rolled out in NHS hospitals after government secures deal with British firm The Independent

Inquiry into failings at south Wales maternity units grows to 160 cases

Inquiry into failings at south Wales maternity units grows to 160 cases An independent panel investigating two maternity units in south Wales where a series of failings may have put the lives of mothers and babies at risk is looking into the care given to 150 women, it emerged on Monday. The Guardian

“Complacency is our biggest enemy" warns council leader after Northampton is removed from Covid-19 watchlist

“Complacency is our biggest enemy" warns council leader after Northampton is removed from Covid-19 watchlist Council leaders are warning against public complacency after Northampton was removed from the Public Health England Covid-19 watchlist. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• ‘Northampton town centre is safe but let’s not get complacent’: Councillor Jonathan Nunn on new Covid restrictions Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Northampton specialist school WILL reopen next week after temporary Covid closure Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Corby REMOVED from Government’s Covid watchlist Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Big screen with Covid warning appears in Kettering Northamptonshire Telegraph
• How well is the coronavirus Test and Trace system working in Northamptonshire? Northamptonshire Telegraph

Four assault victims seen every week at Northampton General Hospital as charity raises concern over rise in attacks

Four assault victims seen every week at Northampton General Hospital as charity raises concern over rise in attacks Anti-violence charities say it is clear more needs to be done to tackle issues such as knife crime and alcohol-fuelled brawls, after figures revealed English hospitals are tending to thousands of injured victims every year.

Analysis of NHS figures shows doctors at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust saw 200 patients who had been admitted to hospital after being assaulted in 2019-20 – an average of almost four patients every week. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Level or not? Comparing general practice in areas of high and low socioeconomic deprivation in England

 Level or not? Comparing general practice in areas of high and low socioeconomic deprivation in England In this briefing we use publicly available data to explore the current relationship between population need and supply in general practice, seeking to answer the question: how does general practice compare in areas of higher and lower socioeconomic deprivation in England? Our analysis contributes to an understanding of the extent to which the inverse care law persists in general practice today. The Health Foundation

See also:

• Poorer areas hit by GP shortages and less funding The Independent

Ordinary and unique lives for adults with a learning disability and/or autism: a six steps approach

Ordinary and unique lives for adults with a learning disability and/or autism: a six steps approach This discussion paper argues that now is the right time to build on the foundation of health and social care policy and legislation from across the UK through outcome focused ‘integrated’ service design, commissioning and performance management approaches. The paper offers a whole system model of care as the evidence-based framework to describe the support and services needed to promote good outcomes for adults with a learning disability and/or autism. Institute of Public Care

Unequal impact? coronavirus, disability and access to services: interim report on temporary provisions in the Coronavirus Act

Unequal impact? coronavirus, disability and access to services: interim report on temporary provisions in the Coronavirus Act This report looks at Care Act easement provisions and temporary Mental Health Act provisions as well as local authority duties to children and young people with special educational needs. It concludes that these provisions have the potential to substantially restrict or curtail rights that disabled people rely on for their quality of life. House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee

Pandemic patient experience: UK patient experience of health, care and other support during the Covid-19 pandemic

Pandemic patient experience: UK patient experience of health, care and other support during the Covid-19 pandemic The Patients Association wanted to get a better understanding of how patients experienced the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a report based on the findings from a survey asking for experiences of health and care services, and the experience of daily life. The survey had four sections: managing and accessing care for existing health condition(s); experience of treatment and care for Covid-19; experience of end of life care and bereavement support; and experience of services under lockdown overall. The Patients Association

Guidance: Genome UK: the future of healthcare

Guidance: Genome UK: the future of healthcare Strategy setting out the vision to extend the UK’s leadership in genomic healthcare and research. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Landmark strategy launched to cement UK’s position as global leader in genomics Department of Health and Social Care

New legal duty to self-isolate comes into force today

New legal duty to self-isolate comes into force today From today, people in England will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Independent report: Priority groups for coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination: advice from the JCVI, 25 September 2020 Department of Health and Social Care
• NHS COVID-19 app has been downloaded over 10 million times Department of Health and Social Care
• NHS COVID-19 app: emails and SMS messages Department of Health and Social Care
• Huge increase in UK Personal Protective Equipment production Department of Health and Social Care
• Research and analysis: COVID-19: impact on vaccination programmes Public Health England

Coronavirus: Up to £10,000 fine for failure to self-isolate in England

Coronavirus: Up to £10,000 fine for failure to self-isolate in England Refusing to self-isolate when told to is now illegal in England from Monday, with fines of up to £10,000.

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19, or has been told they have been in contact with someone who has, now has a legal duty to quarantine.

It comes as a study commissioned by the government found just 18% of people who had symptoms went into isolation. BBC News

See also:

• Covid-19: What do scientists think of the PM's plan? BBC News
• Covid: Coronavirus cases in England up 60% in a week BBC News
• Covid vaccine: Trial of new coronavirus vaccine starts in UK BBC News
• Test and Trace: 'I feel like I’ve achieved a big fat zero' BBC News
• NHS Covid-19: App issue fixed for people who test positive BBC News
• Coronavirus: UK pledges support to global vaccine-sharing scheme BBC News
• Coronavirus UK: SAGE say lockdown on elderly could save economy The Daily Mail
• Only one in FIVE Britons with tell-tale symptoms of Covid-19 are self-isolating, study reveals The Daily Mail
• First coronavirus vaccine will not be a 'silver bullet', scientists warn government The Daily Mail
• Self-isolation rules: What does the law say? The Daily Telegraph
• Is the UK heading for a second national lockdown? The new Covid rules from Boris Johnson's update The Daily Telegraph
• Regular UK lockdowns could help control Covid, says Sage expert The Guardian
• Did the NHS Covid helpline fail hundreds of families?
• Britain's failure to learn the hard lessons of its first Covid surge is a disaster The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Global death toll ‘reaches one million' The Independent
• Coronavirus: Mass rollout of UK vaccine ‘could be delayed by two years’ The Independent

NHS sourcing PPE from company repeatedly accused of forced labour

NHS sourcing PPE from company repeatedly accused of forced labour Exclusive: Gloves from Malaysian company Top Glove found in NHS supply chain despite multiple allegations of worker exploitation

The UK government has been continuing to source medical gloves used as PPE by frontline healthcare workers from a manufacturer in Malaysia repeatedly accused of forcing its workers to endure “slave-like conditions” in its factories, the Guardian can reveal.

Obese TEENAGERS need hip and knee surgery because they are THAT overweight, shock NHS figures reveal

Obese TEENAGERS need hip and knee surgery because they are THAT overweight, shock NHS figures reveal Patients as young as 15 are being given hip and knee replacements because they are so overweight, shocking new NHS figures have revealed.

Statistics exposing the dire state of Britain’s obesity crisis also show that patients under 25 are undergoing heart bypasses because of their weight. The Daily Mail

Care watchdog inspects 'outstanding' Northampton home after whistleblower raises concerns during pandemic

Care watchdog inspects 'outstanding' Northampton home after whistleblower raises concerns during pandemic Issues were raised regarding access to masks, hand washing facilities and areas to dispose of waste.

A Northampton care home was subject to a ‘targeted inspection’ after a whistleblower expressed concerns.

Burlington Court Care Home, in Roseholme Road, Abington, was inspected by the care regulator - Care Quality Commission - on August 13. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Experts warn a blanket care home visiting ban 'could risk premature deaths' Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Another Northampton secondary school confirms two cases of Covid-19 Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Watch walk-through of how Northampton General Hospital's new entrance building will look like

Watch walk-through of how Northampton General Hospital's new entrance building will look like Northampton General Hospital has announced that it is investing in a new hospital entrance to provide staff, patients and visitors a welcoming reception area. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Call to PM on Northamptonshire visit for single body to fund abuse services

Call to PM on Northamptonshire visit for single body to fund abuse services The prime minister has been called on to set up a single funding organisation to support domestic abuse services.

Northamptonshire police and crime commissioner Stephen Mold lobbied Boris Johnson during a visit to county police headquarters.

He handed the PM a letter calling for responsibility to be transferred to PCCs across the country, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. BBC Northampton

The long-term impacts of new care models on hospital use: An evaluation of the Integrated Care Transformation Programme in Mid-Nottinghamshire

The long-term impacts of new care models on hospital use: An evaluation of the Integrated Care Transformation Programme in Mid-Nottinghamshire The briefing examines the impact of Mid-Nottinghamshire's Integrated Care Transformation Programme initiatives on hospital use for people aged over 18 years and registered with a GP practice in the region. It covers a 6-year period from the start of the initiatives in April 2013.  

The analysis found that it took between 2 and 6 years before lower rates of hospital utilisation started emerging. By year 6 (2018-19) there were 4.3% fewer A&E visits and 6.7% fewer emergency admissions per 10,000 people per month compared with a carefully selected comparison area. The Health Foundation

The biggest hospital in England

The biggest hospital in England A little more than five years ago, South London NHS Healthcare Trust was broken up – in part because it was too big and unwieldy; the merger of two trusts in Bournemouth and Poole was blocked on competition grounds; and Monitor published a report on small hospitals that raised doubts about economies of scale in health care. But times, or at least health care strategy, seem to be changing. The King's Fund

Whistleblowing disclosures report 2020: healthcare professional regulators

Whistleblowing disclosures report 2020: healthcare professional regulators This report shows that 107 disclosures of instances of whistleblowing which met the criteria were received compared to 34 in the previous year. The report shows actions taken and how the organisations involved worked together in handling issues or concerns raised by nurses, midwives, nursing associates, students or other health care professionals in their workplaces or practice placements across the UK. Nursing & Midwifery Council

Covid-19 and the health and care workforce: supporting our greatest asset

Covid-19 and the health and care workforce: supporting our greatest asset This report includes key findings from a member survey of more than 250 health care leaders, which revealed that nine out of ten respondents are concerned about the long-term impact of Covid-19 on the wellbeing of their staff. It also raises concerns about workforce shortages. NHS Confederation

Health as the new wealth: the NHS’s role in economic and social recovery

Health as the new wealth: the NHS’s role in economic and social recovery This report argues that health services have a vital role to play in the wider recovery and rebuilding of local economies and communities – driving up prosperity, population health and wellbeing – in the wake of Covid-19. It highlights the links between health and growth, outlines a five-point plan for every system to build on to maximise their local impact and influence and showcases innovative practice which is supporting lasting local change. NHS Confederation

Life expectancy for local areas of the UK: between 2001 to 2003 and 2017 to 2019

Life expectancy for local areas of the UK: between 2001 to 2003 and 2017 to 2019 Subnational trends in the average number of years people will live beyond their current age measured by “period life expectancy”. Office for National Statistics

See also:

• 'Inequalities in life expectancy remain unacceptably high': The King's Fund responds to the ONS data on life expectancy The King's Fund

Health Equity Assessment Tool (HEAT)

Health Equity Assessment Tool (HEAT) The HEAT aims to be a practical framework that enables multiple audiences to systematically embed action on health inequalities and equalities in their work programme or service. The resources consist of: HEAT executive summary; HEAT tool – full version; HEAT tool – simplified version; case studies demonstrating practical application of the tool and the main benefits of applying it in different work areas. Public Health England

14,199 more NHS nurses and nursing student acceptances rise by 23%

14,199 more NHS nurses and nursing student acceptances rise by 23% The number of nurses in the NHS in England has increased by 14,199 compared with last year, and the number of doctors has risen by 9,283. Department of Health and Social Care

More than 1 in 10 people in England have now been tested for coronavirus

More than 1 in 10 people in England have now been tested for coronavirus NHS Test and Trace has now reached almost half a million people, including those testing positive and their contacts, to slow the transmission of coronavirus in England. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Transparency data: Number of coronavirus tests processed by local authority (England): 28 May to 16 September 2020 Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Test turnaround times getting longer in England

Coronavirus: Test turnaround times getting longer in England People are waiting longer for test results from England's community Covid testing centres, figures show.

Only 28% of tests carried out in these venues came back in 24 hours in the week up to 16 September.

That is down from one in three last week, and two in three the week before, NHS Test and Trace said. BBC News

See also:

• NHS Covid-19 app: One million downloads of contact tracer for England and Wales BBC News
• Hancock: 'Upgrade' may be needed to access NHS Covid app BBC News
• NHS Covid-19 app: How to install and use it BBC News
• Coronavirus London: Lockdown fears as hospital admissions triple The Daily Mail
• Thousands of doctors and nurses are having to take time off work because they can't get tested The Daily Mail
• New coronavirus mutation could be evolving to get around mask-wearing and hand-washing The Daily Telegraph
• 'Stark warning to us all': UK reports record daily number of Covid cases The Guardian
• Users report issues as Covid-19 app launches in England and Wales The Guardian
• UK failing to use its high Covid test capacity efficiently, study shows The Guardian
• Countries should look to emulate New Zealand's 'zero-Covid strategy,' scientists say The Independent

Brexit: NHS put on no-deal planning alert, letter reveals

 Brexit: NHS put on no-deal planning alert, letter reveals NHS hospitals have been told to start preparing for the UK to leave the EU single market and customs union without a deal at the end of 2020.

Chief executives of hospitals across England have been put on alert and asked to get the health service ready for potential disruption following the Brexit transition period. The Independent

UK government warned about contaminated blood risk for haemophiliacs

 UK government warned about contaminated blood risk for haemophiliacs A new documentary is set to detail how the UK was warned about risks of a haemophilia treatment that led to thousands of patients being infected with HIV and Hepatitis C.

Letters were sent to the UK officials warning of potential dangers of using blood imported from the US, the upcoming ITV film claims. The Independent

NHS whistleblower privacy concerns passed on to regulator, but campaigners not holding their breath

NHS whistleblower privacy concerns passed on to regulator, but campaigners not holding their breath NHS Improvement chair Dido Harding acknowledges receiving concerns raised about the anonymity of whistleblowers, but campaigners have little faith that anything will be done.

NHS Improvement is looking into criticism of the lack of guarantees of confidentiality for NHS whistleblowers due to inadequate privacy technology and policies, following an investigation by Computer Weekly. ComputerWeekly.com

Health authorities call for volunteers to take part in tests to help control the spread of COVID-19

Health authorities call for volunteers to take part in tests to help control the spread of COVID-19 Following the announcement of new restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19, residents across Northamptonshire have been urged to take part in vital research to help tackle the pandemic.

NHS Trusts and GP practices across Northamptonshire are working with the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) East Midlands, part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), to provide opportunities for residents to be involved in research into COVID-19. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also: 

• NHS Covid-19 app is available on your smartphone NOW — here's everything you need to know Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• More than 100 Corby households warned over social distancing breaches Northamptonshire Telegraph

County council launches new ‘healthy schools’ service across Northamptonshire

 County council launches new ‘healthy schools’ service across Northamptonshire A new county-wide service has launched to help improve the health and wellbeing of school pupils and staff.

Northamptonshire County Council has recruited four dedicated ‘healthy schools advisors’ to work with primary, secondary and specialist schools. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

NHS nursing workforce

NHS nursing workforce This report finds that the NHS has 40,000 nursing vacancies with tens of thousands leaving every year, and 36 per cent of current workforce considering leaving in the next year. It says that the progress on increasing the number of nurses in the NHS is too slow and expresses concerns about the Department of Health and Social Care’s approach to addressing shortages in adult social care nurses. House of Commons Public Account Committee

NHS COVID-19 app launches across England and Wales

NHS COVID-19 app launches across England and Wales People across England and Wales are being urged to download the NHS COVID-19 app to help control the spread of coronavirus and protect themselves and their loved ones as case numbers rise.

The app launches today, and after positive trials and rigorous testing is an important new tool to work alongside traditional contact tracing to help reduce the spread of the virus.

It will be available to those aged 16 and over in multiple languages. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• NHS COVID-19 app (Android) Google
• NHS COVID-19 app (iOS) Apple
• Guidance: NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information Department of Health and Social Care
• Detailed guide: NHS Test and Trace: how it works Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: COVID-19: reducing transmission – what you can do to help Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection Public Health England

Coronavirus vaccine: What are human challenge trials?

Coronavirus vaccine: What are human challenge trials? Human challenge trials are regarded by some as a faster way to develop vaccines - but they come with big risks.

Challenge trials have been used for hundreds of years but a lot of people question how ethical is to deliberately expose people to an infectious disease.

More than 140 different organisations around the world are currently trying to discover a vaccine for Covid-19.

But could challenge trials be used to speed up the process? BBC News

See also:

• NHS Covid-19 app: England and Wales get smartphone contact tracing for over-16s  BBC News
• NHS Covid-19 app: How England and Wales' contact-tracing service works BBC News
• Covid-19: UK volunteers could be given virus to test vaccine BBC News
• Covid-19: Daily reported UK cases rise by a quarter BBC News
• New 'traffic-light' lockdown system that will send automatic alerts to phones is set to be used
• Boris Johnson urged to take action on 'long Covid' which causes symptoms lasting for months The Daily Mail
• Britain hasn't learnt from March and is about to make another 'mistake', SAGE members warn The Daily Mail
• Almost 10,000 people a day contracting Covid in UK, Hancock says The Guardian
• Arrival of NHS contact-tracing app heralds return of QR codes The Guardian
• Is the UK ready for a Covid second wave? – podcast The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Boris Johnson defends testing boss Dido Harding and hits back at 'unseemly' attacks Sky News

Flu jabs limited due to high demand

Flu jabs limited due to high demand Pharmacists and GP surgeries are having to limit flu jabs to the most at-risk groups due to increased demand.

The Boots chain has suspended its appointment booking system for anyone outside of the vulnerable groups, which include people aged over 65.

It said it faces "unprecedented demand" for vaccinations, but NHS England says enough stocks are available. BBC News

Fear of contacting GPs during Covid outbreak 'fuelling missed diagnoses'

Fear of contacting GPs during Covid outbreak 'fuelling missed diagnoses' Study of GP records in Salford shows diagnoses up to 50% lower than expected in spring.

Concerns around contacting GPs during the coronavirus outbreak could be fuelling a rise in missed or delayed diagnoses, researchers have said.

A growing body of research has suggested that patients have avoided seeking medical attention because of the pandemic. Figures have revealed a large increase in the numbers of people dying at home, while visits to A&E have been markedly reduced. The Guardian

See also:

• Diagnosis of physical and mental health conditions in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study (open access) The Lancet
• 10,000 more deaths than usual occurred in UK homes since June The Guardian

NHS trust fined for lack of candour in first prosecution of its kind

NHS trust fined for lack of candour in first prosecution of its kind University Hospitals Plymouth NHS trust admits not being open with bereaved family of patient

A hospital trust has been fined for failing to be open and transparent with the bereaved family of a 91-year-old woman in the first prosecution of its kind.

Elsie Woodfield died at Derriford hospital in Plymouth after suffering a perforated oesophagus during an endoscopy. The Guardian

Hundreds of hospital ventilators could stop working, NHS warned

Hundreds of hospital ventilators could stop working, NHS warned Hospitals have been warned hundreds of ventilators used to keep sedated patients alive are at risk of suddenly shutting down because of a fault, in some cases without warning. The Independent

See also:

• National Patient Safety Alert: Philips Respironics V60 ventilator - unexpected shutdown Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Northamptonshire health officials backing Boris' 10pm shutdown for pubs and restaurants

 Northamptonshire health officials backing Boris' 10pm shutdown for pubs and restaurants Boris Johnson's 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants was an option for Northamptonshire's Public Health officials as they battled rising Covid-19 cases. 

Northampton and Corby remain areas of concern on the Public Health England watch list after spikes in numbers of new infections in the last eight weeks. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• What the PM said: Early closing for pubs, work from home if you can, only 15 guests at weddings Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Contact tracers reaching fewer than two-thirds of Covid contacts in Northamptonshire Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• More than 60 children self-isolating after confirmed Covid-19 case at Northampton primary school Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Supermarkets are warning customers not to panic buy ahead of new restrictions Northamptonshire Telegraph

Can you spare three or four hours a week to help out Northampton General Hospital?

Can you spare three or four hours a week to help out Northampton General Hospital? Northampton General Hospital is looking to bolster its regular army of 300 volunteers supporting patients and staff. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Urgent action is needed to improve working conditions for nurses and midwives

Urgent action is needed to improve working conditions for nurses and midwives New minimum standards to improve working conditions and a review of 12-hour shifts are needed to address exhaustion and burnout among nurses and midwives, according to a new report from The King’s Fund, commissioned by the RCN Foundation.

The report finds that staff stress, absenteeism and turnover in the professions have reached alarmingly high levels. This has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has laid bare and exacerbated longer-term issues including chronic excessive workload, inadequate working conditions, staff burnout and inequalities, particularly among minority ethnic groups.

See also:

• Growing numbers of NHS nurses quit within three years, study finds The Guardian

National survey of malnutrition and nutritional care in adults

National survey of malnutrition and nutritional care in adults The purpose of this report was to gain an understanding of the prevalence of malnutrition according to the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (‘MUST’), and the use of nutritional care across England, in all settings. The survey recorded a high prevalence of malnutrition (42 per cent), higher than previous national surveys. British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

Homes, health and Covid-19

Homes, health and Covid-19 This report from Centre for Ageing Better, written in partnership with The King's Fund, summarises the role and impact of poor-quality housing on health, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Centre for Ageing Better

Lessons and legacy from the Covid-19 pandemic in health and care

Lessons and legacy from the Covid-19 pandemic in health and care This report contains key findings from a short research study undertaken in June and July to understand how technology has been an enabler in reducing the care burden and coping with the Covid-19 crisis, and to identify what should be sustained in the ‘new normal’ longer-term. It argues that social care needs to be given the same weighting as to the NHS to accelerate the move towards health and social care integration. The AHSN Network

Coronavirus: 'We've reached a perilous turning point', says Boris Johnson

Coronavirus: 'We've reached a perilous turning point', says Boris Johnson The UK has reached "a perilous turning point", Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said, as he set out a raft of new coronavirus restrictions for England which could last for up to six months.

Shop staff will have to wear face masks and weddings will be limited to a maximum of 15 people, under the rules.

Fines for breaking laws on gatherings and not wearing a mask will increase to £200 for a first offence. BBC News

See also:

• Covid-19: Health workers 'sick' with fear at thought of second wave BBC News
• Covid: Boris Johnson warns of tougher measures if new rules are flouted BBC News
• Coronavirus: Whitty and Vallance faced 'herd immunity' backlash, emails show BBC News
• Covid: Boris Johnson calls for 'resolve' to fight coronavirus over winter BBC News
• Coronavirus: PM says Covid 'complacency could be our undoing' BBC News
• Coronavirus: 'Government must publish contact-tracing app data' BBC News
• Weekly coronavirus deaths RISE in England and Wales for the first time in five months The Daily Mail
• Is the UK heading for a second national lockdown? The new Covid rules from Boris Johnson's update The Daily Telegraph
• Local lockdowns failing to stop Covid spread in England, experts warn The Guardian

Yew Trees hospital: Ten staff suspended at mental health unit

Yew Trees hospital: Ten staff suspended at mental health unit Ten workers at a mental health unit have been suspended amid claims patients were "dragged, slapped and kicked".

Inspectors said CCTV footage recorded at the Yew Trees hospital in Kirby-le-Soken, Essex, appeared to show episodes of "physical and emotional abuse".

The details emerged in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report after the unit was inspected in July and August. BBC News

NHS chief nurse sets out £180m plan to boost nursing workforce ahead of winter

NHS chief nurse sets out £180m plan to boost nursing workforce ahead of winter England’s chief nurse has set out plans to spend up to £180m to boost NHS nurse numbers ahead of a second wave of coronavirus.

Ruth May said the health service would need more nurses to avoid operations being cancelled this winter. The Independent

NHS to hold review into gender identity services for children and young people

NHS to hold review into gender identity services for children and young people Review will examine rise in number of children in UK seeking treatment, from 77 in 2009 to 2,590 in 2018-19

The NHS is launching an independent review into gender identity services for children and young people, it has been announced. The Guardian

Boots stops taking flu jab bookings for under-65s as stocks run low

Boots stops taking flu jab bookings for under-65s as stocks run low Boots has stopped taking bookings from under-65s who want the flu jab after stocks ran low following a record number of requests.

The company said “more people than ever” had been booking early to get their flu vaccinations, following a government campaign to get people vaccinated to reduce the pressure on the NHS as the country goes into a second wave of the coronavirus crisis. The Guardian

‘Work from home if you can’ - Government changes advice on return to office as coronavirus cases rise

‘Work from home if you can’ - Government changes advice on return to office as coronavirus cases rise The UK government has changed its stance on returning to the office, with workers to be told to work from home if possible, moving away from their ‘back to work’ campaign. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• This is what a 'circuit breaker' lockdown could look like - and its chances of success Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Northamptonshire's pubs and restaurants face 10pm curfew in PM's latest bid to beat Covid-19 Northamptonshire Telegraph

Northamptonshire's NHS workers call on Government to show its appreciation by giving them an early pay rise

Northamptonshire's NHS workers call on Government to show its appreciation by giving them an early pay rise Health staff across Northamptonshire – including nurses, paramedics, cleaners, domestics and porters – joined in two days of campaigning urging the Government to give an early pay rise of at least £2,000 to every NHS worker. Northamptonshire Telegraph

New Do OD Power and Impact tool

New Do OD Power and Impact tool Access the Do OD team's new tool on the Do OD Organisation Development app, A Conversation About Power. The tool comes after a series of workshops, and a session at their annual conference. Power is a central issue in organisation development roles and work. NHS Employers

Surge in smokers trying to quit see increased success rates in 2020

Surge in smokers trying to quit see increased success rates in 2020 This year’s Stoptober campaign is calling on smokers to put their lungs first and breathe easier ahead of flu season. Public Health England

Update from the UK Chief Medical Officers on the COVID-19 alert level

Update from the UK Chief Medical Officers on the COVID-19 alert level A joint statement from the UK CMOs recommending that the UK COVID-19 alert level move from level 3 to level 4. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Speech: Chief Scientific Advisor and Chief Medical Officer briefing on coronavirus (COVID-19): 21 September 2020 Department of Health and Social Care
• Statement to Parliament: New measures in response to the acceleration of coronavirus Department of Health and Social Care
• Childcare to be exempt from interhousehold mixing restrictions in local areas of intervention Department of Health and Social Care
• Statement to Parliament: New measures in response to the acceleration of coronavirus Department of Health and Social Care

Covid: UK coronavirus alert level ‘moving to 4'

Covid: UK coronavirus alert level ‘moving to 4' The UK's coronavirus alert level is being upgraded from 3 to 4, meaning transmission is "high or rising exponentially", its chief medical officers have said.

It comes after the government's scientific adviser warned there could be 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action.

On Monday, a further 4,368 daily cases were reported in the UK, up from 3,899.

The prime minister will make a statement in the Commons on Tuesday. BBC News

See also:

• Covid-19: UK faces 50,000 cases a day by October without action - Vallance BBC News
• Dr Patrick Vallance: 'Epidemic is doubling every seven days' BBC News
• Covid: Pubs and restaurants in England to have 10pm closing times BBC News
• Coronavirus: Hancock on fines for self-isolations rule BBC News
• Covid: Have local lockdowns worked? BBC News
• Human trials of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine are STILL on hold in the US over safety fears The Daily Mail
• Britain records 11 more coronavirus deaths and 4,368 cases The Daily Mail
• What are the five levels of Covid-19 alert in the UK? The Daily Telegraph
• Daily coronavirus tests may not be available on the NHS, Dido Harding suggests The Daily Telegraph
• Follow Covid rules or see UK deaths return to spring levels, minister warns The Guardian
• Some hospitals in England to be kept Covid-free in second wave The Guardian 
• Coronavirus: NHS app will carry out contact-tracing, government admits - hours after saying it would not The Independent
• Teachers, NHS and care staff given priority for Covid-19 tests under new rationing plan iNews
• Daily 'moonshot' tests for Covid-19 will not be given out by NHS - the public will have to pay iNews

Flu jab 'more important than ever' this winter

Flu jab 'more important than ever' this winter People are being advised to get a flu jab to help protect against the "double danger" of flu and coronavirus.

Research shows people can catch both diseases at the same time, with serious and sometimes deadly consequences.

More people will be offered a free flu vaccine this year - anyone over 50 in England is eligible. BBC News

Infected blood scandal: Treasury refuses to publish key documents

Infected blood scandal: Treasury refuses to publish key documents Response to FoI request from victim’s son says disclosure may attract ‘disruptive’ media coverage

The Treasury is refusing to publish key documents about the treatment of haemophiliacs infected by the NHS with HIV on the grounds that it would be “disruptive” and material might be “distorted” by the media. The Guardian

Coronavirus: Northampton council leader says 'keep carping' about tests

Coronavirus: Northampton council leader says 'keep carping' about tests A Conservative council leader has urged residents to "keep carping" about the availability of coronavirus tests.

Earlier this week senior minister Jacob Rees-Mogg was criticised after he described concern over testing shortages as "carping".

Bu Jonathan Nunn from Northampton Borough Council said if someone, or their family member, had symptoms it was "sensible to get a test". BBC Northampton

See also:

• 'Could only be matter of time before coronavirus hospital admissions increase sharply in Northamptonshire' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Experts say the UK is ‘heading in the wrong direction’ with coronavirus battle Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• National lockdown looms just as new Covid-19 cases are falling in Northamptonshire Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• What's really going on inside our Covid testing centres? A north Northants testing site worker speaks out Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Corby remains on government Covid-19 watchlist for third week Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Leader's disappointment as Corby tops county's weekly Covid rate chart Northamptonshire Telegraph

'Think outside the box!': Northampton General Hospital charity urges fundraisers to go virtual as events cancelled

'Think outside the box!': Northampton General Hospital charity urges fundraisers to go virtual as events cancelled Northampton General Hospital's charity is facing the loss of future income this year as iconic races as big events like the London Marathon are being rescheduled. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

What influences improvement processes in healthcare? A rapid evidence review

What influences improvement processes in healthcare? A rapid evidence review Although many healthcare organisations are engaging in activities to improve the quality of healthcare, there are still considerable challenges in doing so. RAND Europe was commissioned by The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute at the University of Cambridge to conduct a rapid review of literature exploring the influences on improvement processes in healthcare. The study identified a number of themes and issues relevant to future research in this space, including the key influences affecting the implementation of improvement processes in healthcare. RAND Europe

Towards resilience: redesigning our systems for a better future

Towards resilience: redesigning our systems for a better future From both a public health and an economic perspective, Britain performed poorly during the Covid-19 crisis in comparison to similar countries. When put to the test, many of Britain's core systems were revealed to be incapable of withstanding extra stress and demand. In partnership with Local Trust, this paper intends to start a conversation about the country can move towards resilience for a more prepared and better future. It identifies five pillars that need to form the centre piece of any approach: economic resilience, public sector resilience, community resilience, environmental resilience and workforce resilience. New Local Government Network

Covid-19: assessing the risk to public protection posed by a doctor as a result of concerns about their practice during the pandemic

Covid-19: assessing the risk to public protection posed by a doctor as a result of concerns about their practice during the pandemic This guidance details how to take the context created by Covid-19 into account when considering complaints about doctors. It means that, in line with the General Medical Council's normal practice, concerns about doctors will be considered in the context of the pandemic and, in certain circumstances and where there are no risks to patients or to public confidence, some issues might not put into question a doctor’s fitness to practice. General Medical Council

Guidance: Visiting care homes during coronavirus

Guidance: Visiting care homes during coronavirus Guidance for making arrangements for limited visits for care homes with the support of their director of public health. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• New plan to help protect care homes from coronavirus over winter Department of Health and Social Care
• New Lighthouse Labs to boost NHS Test and Trace capacity Department of Health and Social Care
• Venues required to enforce rule of 6, NHS QR code posters and contact logs Department of Health and Social Care
• Corporate report: Social Care Sector COVID-19 Support Taskforce: report on first phase of COVID-19 pandemic Department of Health and Social Care
• Research and analysis: National COVID-19 surveillance reports Public Health England

Covid: UK at 'critical point' in pandemic, top scientists to warn

Covid: UK at 'critical point' in pandemic, top scientists to warn The UK is at a "critical point" in the coronavirus pandemic and "heading in the wrong direction", the government's chief medical officer will warn later.

Prof Chris Whitty believes the country is facing a "very challenging winter period" and will hold a televised briefing at 11:00 BST.

It comes after the prime minister spent the weekend considering whether to introduce further measures in England. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: Can a 'circuit break' halt the second wave? BBC News
• Covid: £10,000 fines for self-isolation breaches BBC News
• Covid: PM considering new restrictions amid second coronavirus wave BBC News
• Coronavirus: Test demand 'significantly outstripping' capacity BBC News
• Coronavirus: Care home visitors to be supervised at all times BBC News
• Are corona passports really the magic bullet Ministers hope they'll be? The Daily Mail
• Matt Hancock warns Covid-19 hospital admissions are doubling every EIGHT days The Daily Mail
• Chaos in Britain's Covid labs: Scientist lifts lid on government facilities The Daily Mail
• UK Covid-19 cases and deaths: how the UK is coping with a second wave The Daily Telegraph
• BAME Britons still lack protection from Covid, says doctors' chief The Guardian
• Hospitals in England may have to pay for their Covid-19 tests The Guardian
• Troubled test-and-trace system drafts in management consultants The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Hospitals told not to test staff or patients for Covid-19 The Independent

Cancer taskforce aims to reduce patient backlog

Cancer taskforce aims to reduce patient backlog A new taskforce will meet next week to kick-start the recovery of cancer services across the NHS in England.

Charities believe the pandemic has led to a significant reduction in people being referred for urgent cancer treatment.

Cancer Research UK says three million people have missed cancer screenings since March. BBC News

Music boosts memories for ethnic minority dementia patients

Music boosts memories for ethnic minority dementia patients Charities are using tailored music to bring back memories for dementia patients from ethnic minorities.

To mark World Alzheimer's Day, the BBC has created a catalogue of world music to help people from all cultures living with the syndrome. BBC News

Medics missing mental illness diagnosis in more than one in four patients, data suggests

 Medics missing mental illness diagnosis in more than one in four patients, data suggests More than one in four patients with severe mental health conditions are missing diagnosis when they are admitted to hospital for other reasons, new research suggests.

According to data analysed by scientists at University College London, those who are missing these mental illness diagnoses are more likely to be from ethnic minority groups or have a previously diagnosed mental illnesses. The Independent 

See also:

• Severe mental illness diagnosis in English general hospitals 2006-2017: A registry linkage study (open access) PLOS Medicine

Smokers urged to join 'Stoptober' as quitting rate in England rises

Smokers urged to join 'Stoptober' as quitting rate in England rises The proportion of people who have successfully quit smoking this year is at its highest in more than a decade, new figures show.

Data from the UCL Smoking Toolkit Study shows that in England in 2020 there has been an increase of almost two-thirds in the quitting success rate, rising from 14% to 23%, the highest since at least 2007. There has also been a surge in smokers in England trying to quit, increasing by 22% from 2019, with experts saying attitudes have been changed by the coronavirus pandemic. The Guardian

Chair of Northampton mental health hospital steps down due to shielding as former health minister takes on role

Chair of Northampton mental health hospital steps down due to shielding as former health minister takes on role 
A new chair has been appointed for a Northampton mental health hospital after the current chair announced he is to step down.

Peter Carter joined St Andrew’s in July 2019, but has now ended his reign as he feels he can no longer contribute properly to the transformation strategy of the charity while working remotely due to ongoing shielding requirements. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

‘Most vital ever’ health and care worker flu vaccination drive launched

'Most vital ever’ health and care worker flu vaccination drive launched 
The health and social care service’s most senior clinicians and leaders have urged their frontline colleagues to get their annual flu jab as soon as possible, as the first vaccine deliveries start to reach local employers this week.
This comes alongside an expanded flu vaccination programme for both the public and frontline health and social care workers, with a record 30 million people eligible for a free vaccine this year. NHS England

New personalised care training hub will set standards for evidence-based education and aims to reach 75,000 health and care workers by 2024

New personalised care training hub will set standards for evidence-based education and aims to reach 75,000 health and care workers by 2024 The Personalised Care Institute (PCI), a virtual organisation for evidence-based personalised care training, convened by the Royal College of GPs in partnership and funded by NHS England and Improvement launches today. The PCI will set standards for evidence-based training, offering workers from across health and care sectors access to accredited personalised care training and development. RCGP

Making history: health visiting during Covid-19

Making history: health visiting during Covid-19 
Institute of Health Visiting -
This collection of case studies presents a window into the working lives of health visitors and families navigating the ups and downs of the Covid-19 pandemic. The case studies, family stories and creative pieces contained capture the pace and scale of change as health visiting services adapted to working during “lockdown”. King's Fund

Next steps for funding mental healthcare in England: prevention

Next steps for funding mental healthcare in England: prevention The RCPsych has identified four areas that must be fully and sustainably resourced if access to quality of mental health services in England that have been promised by government is to be realised. These are: infrastructure; prevention; people; and technology. This paper focuses on prevention and considers the next steps for funding mental healthcare in England, with a specific focus on public health and prevention, promoting resilience in social care and budgeting for workforce growth, education and training. King's Fund

Maximum jail term for attacking emergency workers to be doubled

Maximum jail term for attacking emergency workers to be doubled 
The maximum penalty for assaulting police officers, nurses or any other emergency workers is to be doubled from one to two years.

It follows a consultation this summer on raising punishments and comes amid a series of reforms to sentencing being announced by the Ministry of Justice this week. The Guardian

Fears Covid may leave thousands in UK with severe kidney disease

Fears Covid may leave thousands in UK with severe kidney disease 
Tens of thousands of people may require kidney dialysis or transplants because of coronavirus, according to experts who warn the long-term effects of Covid are causing an “epidemic in primary care”.

Up to 90% of coronavirus patients admitted to hospital may still experience symptoms two to three months later – from breathlessness to joint pain, fatigue and chest pain – scientists told the Lords science and technology committee on Tuesday. The Guardian

Covid disruption leaves thousands of UK stroke patients disabled

Covid disruption leaves thousands of UK stroke patients disabled 
Thousands of stroke patients have suffered avoidable disability because NHS care for them was disrupted during the pandemic, a report claims.

Many people who had just had a stroke found it harder to obtain clot-busting drugs or undergo surgery to remove a blood clot from their brain, both of which need to happen quickly. The Guardian

UK Covid testing system has 'huge problems', admits Boris Johnson

UK Covid testing system has 'huge problems', admits Boris Johnson Boris Johnson has said the Covid-19 testing system currently “has huge problems” during a sometimes downbeat appearance before an influential committee of MPs, as new figures showed nearly 4,000 UK cases in the 24 hours up to Wednesday morning, the highest daily total since early May. The Guardian

See also:

• Medics and teachers left unable to get a coronavirus swab Mail Online
• What's REALLY behind Britain's coronavirus testing fiasco? Mail Online
• Hancock says Covid testing crisis may last weeks as UK hospitals plug gaps The Guardian
• Private labs unable to process all Covid tests, NHS email reveals The Guardian
• Bugs in online booking system add to UK's Covid-19 testing crisis The Guardian
• Coronavirus testing: Government claims on test centres and international comparisons fact-checked BBC News
• Coronavirus testing: What's going wrong? BBC News
• COVID-19 testing fiasco forcing GPs and hospital doctors to stay off work GP Online