Wishing all our readers a very happy Christmas

We would like to wish all our readers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. 

Our health news service will be taking a break over the Christmas holiday but we will be back on Wednesday the 5th of January in what we hope will be a better 2022 for everyone.

The Library Team 

People with Omicron variant 50-70% less likely to be hospitalised, UKHSA says

People with Omicron variant 50-70% less likely to be hospitalised, UKHSA says People are 50-70% less likely to be hospitalised with Omicron compared to previous strains of Covid-19, according to new evidence by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Covid-19: Is it safe to have an unvaccinated guest at home? BBC Cambridgeshire
• This is when Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement on Covid rules for England Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Care workers in Northamptonshire to get £600 bonus for 'powering through' Covid-19 pandemic Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Councillor fears over Omicron spread in 'too small' meeting rooms, as Corby Cube remains closed Northamptonshire Telegraph

Thief jailed for stealing laptops and phones after office break-in at Northampton General Hospital

Thief jailed for stealing laptops and phones after office break-in at Northampton General Hospital A callous thief has been jailed for breaking into an office at Northampton General Hospital and staling phones and laptops from the NHS. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

What just happened? Health and care policy in 2021

What just happened? Health and care policy in 2021 A podcast that takes a look over the year that was in health and care, 2021. Helen McKenna and Siva Anandaciva, two of The King’s Fund’s leading policy experts, review the key themes of 2021; Covid-19, waiting times and performance, the reform agenda, funding and the workforce.

RCP survey finds one in ten doctors off work

RCP survey finds one in ten doctors off work RCP’s thirteenth survey of members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that absence due to illness is rising, particularly in London.

Across the UK, more than 1 in 10 (10.5%) doctors are off work and 1 in 24 (4.2%) due to COVID. In London these figures increase to 1 in 7 (13.9%) off work and 1 in 13 (7.4%) due to COVID. Royal College of Physicians

UK hits 30 million boosters as push continues to Get Boosted Now

UK hits 30 million boosters as push continues to Get Boosted Now More than 30 million people – over 56% of adults in the UK – have now had their COVID-19 booster during a record-breaking week for top-up jabs. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency
• Latest REACT-1 findings show Omicron infections rising fast, while highlighting success of vaccination programmes UK Health Security Agency
• Guidance: The R value and growth rate UK Health Security Agency
• Research: Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: variant risk assessments UK Health Security Agency
• Official Statistics: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2021 to 2022 season UK Health Security Agency

Omicron: Good news, bad news and what it all means

Omicron: Good news, bad news and what it all means The world is being hit by a tsunami of Omicron. Scientists, politicians and indeed all of us are grappling with what it means for our lives.

Restrictions are tightening in parts of the UK and other European countries in order to tackle the new variant.

There's a constant stream of new information - some worrying, some positive. So where do we stand? BBC News

See also:

• Rising numbers of NHS staff off work due to Covid BBC News
• Omicron: 'First signs of cautious optimism' - Dr Susan Hopkins BBC News
• Covid: Booster rollout to continue on Christmas Day BBC News
• Omicron up to 70% less likely to need hospital care BBC News
• Half of colds will be Covid, warn UK researchers BBC News
• Covid cases in South Africa's ground zero fall rapidly one month after its outbreak The Daily Mail
• One in three Britons believe the pandemic will never end, study finds The Daily Telegraph
• UK records 119,789 new Covid cases in one day, its highest total ever The Guardian
• Keep Christmas plans small to help NHS fight Omicron, doctors plead The Guardian
• Voices of Covid doctors: 'It was always about trying to save you' – video The Guardian
• Vallance hits back at Tory accusations of Omicron fear-mongering The Guardian
• Hospitals face being ‘overwhelmed’, Javid warns amid soaring NHS staff sickness as Omicron spreads on wards The Independent
• Omicron is latest blow to pandemic-weary front-line workers The Independent
• We will have to keep turning to lockdowns until the government boosts the NHS's capacity to deal with Covid iNews

Surgeons use 3D technology on patient for first time

Surgeons use 3D technology on patient for first time An 11-year-old has become the first patient in the country to have kidney surgery using specialist 3D equipment.

Libby, from Watchet, Somerset, was suffering from kidney and bladder complications which meant she was often in severe pain.

Surgeons were able to operate on her faster and with greater accuracy using 3D technology during keyhole surgery. BBC News

West Suffolk hospital chair resigns after whistleblowing scandal

West Suffolk hospital chair resigns after whistleblowing scandal The chair of West Suffolk hospital trust has resigned over a whistleblowing scandal exposed by the Guardian, as fresh questions are asked over why the trust continues to pay at least £270,000 a year to its former chief executive.

Sheila Childerhouse was criticised by an independent NHS report for her failure to question senior executives who had hounded Dr Patricia Mills after Mills had raised concerns about a colleague seen injecting himself with drugs while on duty.

Ministers choose top banker with 'an outsider's eye' to run NHS England

Ministers choose top banker with 'an outsider's eye' to run NHS England A senior British banker is set to become the new chairman of NHS England, after ministers sought an “outside eye” to make the health service accountable for its additional funding.

Richard Meddings, a former chairman of TSB Bank, is the Government’s preferred candidate for the role, which will become vacant early next year when the current incumbent, Lord Prior of Brampton, steps down early. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Sajid Javid wants ex-TSB boss Richard Meddings - who presided over the bank's infamous IT meltdown - for top NHS England chairman job The Daily Mail
• Ex-TSB boss Richard Meddings lined up for NHS England chairman role The Independent

Christmas Day freedom for more than 2,500 in Northamptonshire after Covid self-isolation period cut from ten days to just a week

Christmas Day freedom for more than 2,500 in Northamptonshire after Covid self-isolation period cut from ten days to just a week More than 2,500 people could be free to enjoy Christmas Day across Northamptonshire after ministers reduced the ten-day self-isolation requirement to a week. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• NHS bosses in East of England asked to find extra Covid beds BBC News
• Omicron is now the dominant strain of Covid in England, figures suggest Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Children to be offered Covid vaccine as JCVI issues new advice Northamptonshire Telegraph

Rise deaths of people waiting for drug treatment in Northamptonshire, figures show

Rise deaths of people waiting for drug treatment in Northamptonshire, figures show The number of people who died while undergoing drug treatment in Northamptonshire has risen, figures show.

Amid a rise in fatalities nationally, drug reform charity Release warned that drug-related death rates are higher among those not in contact with treatment services. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Northampton neighbourhood slams NHS staff over six-year parking 'nightmare' in busy estate

Northampton neighbourhood slams NHS staff over six-year parking 'nightmare' in busy estate A Northampton neighbourhood has spoken out about the 'nightmare' that rogue car parking is having on their estate. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Bridging the gap: protecting the nation from public health threats

Bridging the gap: protecting the nation from public health threats This report examines the UK’s policies and approach to health protection including the availability of the specialist resources, knowledge and skills needed to tackle the many diverse and challenging public health threats. Deloitte

Government sets clear ambition to close gender health gap

Government sets clear ambition to close gender health gap Decades of gender health inequality will be addressed as the government publishes its vision to reset the dial on women’s health.

The Vision for Women’s Health sets out key government commitments on women’s health, while recognising the system wide changes needed to tackle some of the issues raised, to be addressed by the upcoming Women’s Health Strategy in spring 2022. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Policy paper: Our Vision for the Women’s Health Strategy for England Department of Health and Social Care
• Consultation outcome: Women's Health Strategy: Call for Evidence Department of Health and Social Care
• Women's health ambassador appointment to improve care BBC News
• NHS 'has been neglecting women's health for decades': Ministers pledge to end sexism and stigma The Daily Mail
• Ministers pledge to ‘reset the dial’ on women’s health in England The Guardian
• A strategy for women’s health in England: six areas of focus The Guardian
• Finally the UK has noticed its rampant sexism in healthcare. What now? The Guardian

JCVI issues new vaccination advice for children and young people

JCVI issues new vaccination advice for children and young people Following extensive assessment of the risks and benefits of vaccinations for 5 to 11 year olds, including analysis of clinical trial results and real-world international data, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has updated its advice for this age group.

Children aged 5 to 11, who are in a clinical risk group or who are a household contact of someone (of any age) who is immunosuppressed, should be offered a primary course of vaccination. UK Health Security Agency

See also: 

• Carers urged to get COVID-19 booster now Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Coronavirus Act 2020: status Department of Health and Social Care
• UK hits 30 million boosters as push continues to Get Boosted Now Department of Health and Social Care
• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency

Health staff ‘wrung dry’ by pandemic pressures,

Health staff ‘wrung dry’ by pandemic pressures More than two thirds (69%) of health staff say they’ve experienced burnout during the pandemic, and three in five (62%) feel overwhelmed after long, intense shifts, according to a UNISON survey. 

Omicron wave appears milder, but concern remains

Omicron wave appears milder, but concern remains The wave of Omicron appears to be milder according to preliminary studies published in the UK and South Africa.

Early evidence suggests fewer people are needing hospital treatment than with other variants - with estimates ranging from a 30% to a 70% reduction.

But the concern remains that even if Omicron is milder, the sheer number of cases could overwhelm hospitals. BBC News

See also: 

• SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike mediated immune escape, infectivity and cell-cell fusion (open access) bioRxiv
• Report 50: Hospitalisation risk for Omicron cases in England (open access) Imperial College Covid Response Team
• Early assessment of the clinical severity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in South Africa (open access) medRxiv
• Omicron may be significantly better at evading vaccine-induced immunity, but less likely to cause severe disease University of Cambridge
• Covid: Ministers watch data as studies say Omicron risk lower BBC News
• Daily Covid-19 cases in the UK exceed 100,000 for first time BBC News
• Global Covid vaccine rollout a stain on our soul - Brown BBC News
• Health Secretary Sajid Javid promises millions more antivirals for UK BBC News
• NHS staffing crisis timebomb: 130000 workers are STILL not fully jabbed The Daily Mail
• Covid alert levels explained: What Level 4 means for you as omicron cases rise The Daily Telegraph
• NHS may set up ‘field hospitals’ in car parks to cope with Omicron The Guardian
• Covid: how has the pandemic changed in the UK in 2021? The Guardian
• New Year’s Eve plans in England may have to be cancelled, says minister The Guardian
• Public support for lockdown measures is disintegrating - a new approach is needed | Owen Jones The Guardian
• Innate immune response of children ‘better at fighting Covid’, new study suggests The Independent
• Inside UK intensive care hospital ward where 4 out of 5 patients are unvaccinated The Mirror

NHS England to offer life-changing drug to children with peanut allergy

NHS England to offer life-changing drug to children with peanut allergy Children in the UK will be the first in Europe to receive a life-changing treatment for peanut allergies, after NHS England secured a deal for a drug that decreases the severity of symptoms including anaphylaxis.

The oral treatment, Palforzia, will be available to up to 600 children aged four to 17 the first year and 2,000 the following year. The Guardian 

See also: 

• Palforzia for treating peanut allergy (guideline in development) NICE

GPs must not send patients to pharmacy without proper referral, says NHS England

GPs must not send patients to pharmacy without proper referral, says NHS England GPs must not ‘informally’ send patients to community pharmacies while prioritising Covid booster vaccinations, NHS England has said.

Instead, they must make a referral to the community pharmacist consultation service (CPCS) for the patient’s minor illness symptoms making them eligible for the service ‘via the locally agreed electronic referral route’. Pulse 

Extra Covid tests required from today for visitors to Northampton General Hospital childrens' wards

Extra Covid tests required from today for visitors to Northampton General Hospital childrens' wards People visiting Northampton General Hospital children's wards face extra Covid testing from today.

Parents or guardians need to take regular PCR tests and will not be able to visit kids together. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Wollaston emergency body storage unit ready for reactivation - and it's not if, but when Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Scientists ‘discover' way to speed up vaccine production for future pandemics Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Covid forces cancellation of Northamptonshire village Carols on the Square Christmas Eve event for second year running Northamptonshire Telegraph

'It wasn't the death she deserved': Northampton man backs assisted dying law after terminally ill mum takes her own life

'It wasn't the death she deserved': Northampton man backs assisted dying law after terminally ill mum takes her own life Adam Wellesley and his sister were questioned by police after their terminally ill mum took her life and now he is backing the Dignity in Death campaign as momentum builds up across the UK and Ireland. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Over two thirds of eligible adults boosted ahead of Christmas

Over two thirds of eligible adults boosted ahead of Christmas More than two thirds of people aged 18 and over and who are eligible, have now received their top up protection against COVID-19 as the NHS booster campaign continues to protect the nation against the virus.

In total, 25,130,453 people who are three months on from their second dose have already been boosted in England, with the online service opening to eligible adults last Wednesday. NHS England

See also: 

• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency
• Test and Trace services continue over the festive period UK Health Security Agency
• Guidance: COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC) UK Health Security Agency

Covid: Self-isolation cut from 10 days to seven with negative test

Covid: Self-isolation cut from 10 days to seven with negative test People infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice, it has been announced.

They will now be able to end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it would minimise disruption caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. BBC News

See also: 

• Covid: No new restrictions in England before Christmas - Boris Johnson BBC News
• Covid-19: Israel could become the first country to give four vaccine doses BBC News
• Covid Omicron: European nations reinstate restrictions BBC News
• Many mutations of Omicron variant allow it to bond with human cells better than other Covid strains The Daily Mail
• Boris Johnson's pledge to get every adult a booster jab by New Year looks a bust The Daily Mail
• Previous Delta infection alone provides little protection against Omicron The Daily Mail
• Government will have to act before Christmas if hospitalisations increase, warns expert The Daily Telegraph
• GP practices forced to close or reduce services after COVID-19 outbreaks GPonline
• Suspected Covid outbreaks in UK hospitals double in a week The Guardian
• Minister says Covid plan B has caused significant behaviour change – video The Guardian
• UK government’s wait for Omicron evidence is a high-stakes gamble The Guardian
• How long is Omicron’s incubation period? The Independent
• Hospitals braced for ‘mass casualty’ scenario amid fears one-third of NHS staff could be off sick The Independent

Councils call for billions of pounds to be diverted from NHS to social care

Councils call for billions of pounds to be diverted from NHS to social care Town halls in England are calling for billions of pounds a year earmarked for the NHS to be diverted to social care amid warnings of severe care worker shortages and hundreds of thousands of people not getting the help they need.

The cross-party Local Government Association wants a rethink of the government policy announced in October, which is to reserve 85% of receipts from the new 1.25% health and social care tax for the health service. The Guardian 

Just 10% of patients take up 40% of GP appointments and visit their practice 60 TIMES a year

Just 10% of patients take up 40% of GP appointments and visit their practice 60 TIMES a year Family doctors are being overwhelmed by a small group of ‘frequent attenders’ who have five times more appointments than other patients, research shows.

A study of 1.7 billion GP consultations over the past two decades UK found 40 per cent of all appointments are taken up by just ten per cent of patients.

These ‘regulars’ attend their GP surgery around 60 times a year, five times more than other patients. The Daily Mail

See also: 

• Consultation patterns and frequent attenders in UK primary care from 2000 to 2019: a retrospective cohort analysis of consultation events across 845 general practices (open access) BMJ Open

Top 10 NHS IT stories of 2021

Top 10 NHS IT stories of 2021 Technology has been central to the National Health Service response to the Covid-19 pandemic – we look back at the stories that made the headlines on 2021. Computer Weekly

Tougher Covid rules a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, NHS boss says

Tougher Covid rules a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, NHS boss says Tougher Covid restrictions in the wake of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant have been described as ‘inevitable’ by a key NHS organisation.

The NHS Confederation, a membership body for healthcare providers and staff across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said it was a question of “when, rather than if” new rules would be introduced. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• KGH doctor: 'How we remembered Covid victims as PM joined wine and cheese event' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Response issued after claim that first Omicron death in UK happened in Northampton Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• New restrictions ‘unlikely’ to cancel Christmas despite Omicron surge Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Scientists create 10-step guide on planning safe household mixing this Christmas Northamptonshire Telegraph

Kettering General Hospital: Bereaved family create journal for patient families

Kettering General Hospital: Bereaved family create journal for patient families The family of a child who died as a result of neglect in hospital have created a journal to help other parents. BBC Northampton

That was the year that was: health policy in 2021

That was the year that was: health policy in 2021 In another year shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, we explore some key health policy developments and look ahead to what 2022 might have in store. 

With Omicron dominating the headlines and a public inquiry into the handling of COVID-19 on the horizon, has government learned – and acted on – the lessons from the start of the pandemic?  

As the NHS faces the huge task of COVID-19 recovery, how will the debate about NHS performance and funding play out? Will the Health and Care Bill going through parliament be ready to come into effect next April, and what might it mean for the health system? Podcast from The Health Foundation

Professional nurse advocate A-EQUIP model: a model of clinical supervision for nurses

Professional nurse advocate A-EQUIP model: a model of clinical supervision for nurses This document describes the professional nurse advocate (PNA) role and the A-EQUIP (Advocating and Educating for QUality ImProvement) model of professional nursing leadership and clinical supervision, and provides guidance on their implementation, including key actions for each relevant group. NHS England

Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview

Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview An overview and summary of case data for Omicron focusing on confirmed and SGTF cases in the UK. UK Health Security Agency

 

See also:

• 1.5 million top-up jabs recorded in NHS ‘blockbooster’ weekend NHS England
• NHS opens bookings for 12-15s to get second COVID jab NHS England
• Research: COVID-19: reported SARS-CoV-2 deaths in England UK Health Security Agency

WHO urges cancelling some holiday events over Omicron fears

WHO urges cancelling some holiday events over Omicron fears The World Health Organization has urged people to cancel some of their holiday plans to protect public health, as the Omicron variant spreads globally.

"An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," said WHO head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, adding that "difficult decisions" must be made.

A number of countries have acted to try to halt the spread of the variant, including imposing travel curbs. BBC News

See also:

• Omicron: South African scientists probe link between variants and untreated HIV BBC News
• Immensa: Month delay before incorrect Covid tests halted BBC News
• Covid: NHS staff sickness impacted by Covid case rise Channel 4 News
• Everything the scientists know right now about Omicron The Daily Mail
• Why have 200,000 NHS workers not had Covid jabs? The Daily Mail
• Vulnerable Covid patients to be given GSK's antibody drug on the NHS that can fight Omicron The Daily Mail
• Sajid Javid 'very keen' on shortening Covid self-isolation period to seven days to help NHS staffing crisis The Daily Telegraph
• What Covid rules are being considered to tackle Omicron in England? The Guardian
• New year ‘too late’ for extra Covid rules in England, scientists say The Guardian
• UK’s confirmed Omicron death toll rises to 12 The Independent

Tony Hickmott: Autistic man was 'loneliest man in the hospital'

Tony Hickmott: Autistic man was 'loneliest man in the hospital' A whistle-blower in the case of an autistic man who has been detained in hospital since 2001 says he feels complicit in his "neglect and abuse".

A BBC investigation found 100 people with learning disabilities have been held in specialist hospitals for 20 years or more, including Tony Hickmott.

His parents are fighting to get him rehoused in the community. BBC News

NHS drug pledge broken for asthma sufferers and smokers, report reveals

NHS drug pledge broken for asthma sufferers and smokers, report reveals A promise to ensure that people with severe asthma and smokers who want to quit can get the drugs they need has been broken by ministers and the NHS, a health service report reveals.

Health charities criticised the persistent lack of access to vital medications for patients in England as very worrying and warned that it could damage the health of those affected. The Guardian

Rush for Covid-19 boosters as Northampton and Kettering NHS hospitals brace for staff shortages amid rise in Omicron cases

Rush for Covid-19 boosters as Northampton and Kettering NHS hospitals brace for staff shortages amid rise in Omicron cases A rush for booster jabs in the run-up to Christmas has been welcomed by health chiefs as Northamptonshire hospitals deal with more Covid-19 patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Covid-19: Shielding women say their lives are still on hold BBC News
• Northamptonshire: Army help to boost Covid vaccination programme BBC Northampton
• The 3 options Boris Johnson is considering to limit Omicron Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• People who get Covid after vaccination have ‘super immunity’, study claims Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Health Secretary Sajid Javid refuses to rule out post-Christmas lockdown restrictions amid Omicron spread Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Lateral flow tests should be taken just before meeting others due to Omicron infectiousness, says expert Northamptonshire Telegraph
• NHS denies first UK Omicron victim died in Northampton hospital Northants Live

University students set up toy donation drive to cheer up children in hospital in Northampton for Christmas

University students set up toy donation drive to cheer up children in hospital in Northampton for Christmas A toy donation drive organised by kind-hearted university students has put smiles on the faces of children who will spend Christmas in hospital in Northampton. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Going it alone: health and Brexit in the UK

Going it alone: health and Brexit in the UK After nearly a year out of the Single Market and Customs Union, Brexit is still fuelling uncertainty in many aspects of health and social care. This report looks at six key areas that are being impacted, what has already happened and what NHS, government and business figures expect for the future. Nuffield Trust

See also:

• Slow decisions and vague trade slogans leave NHS uncertain of post-Brexit future Nuffield Trust

Four lessons the pandemic has taught us about health data

Four lessons the pandemic has taught us about health data Data has played a critical role during the pandemic. It’s helped to assess the impact of new treatments, track trends in the quality of care, and identify the needs of the most vulnerable. The government publishing data about the number of cases, hospitalisations and deaths has also been an important way for the media and public to track the impact of COVID-19.

As the UK slowly emerges from the pandemic, data can play a similarly significant role. The Health Foundation

See also:

• Networked Data Lab: using linked data to tackle health and care challenges The Health Foundation

NHS delivers ‘super Saturday’ as COVID booster jabs soar

NHS delivers ‘super Saturday’ as COVID booster jabs soar The NHS delivered another record-breaking day for booster jabs with more than 830,000 reported on ‘super Saturday’ as the NHS booster programme continues at pace.

A total of 830,403 boosters were delivered and 906,656 vaccinations altogether, including more first and second vaccinations – both records for the programme. NHS England

See also:

• £22.5m of funding announced in new community push to get nation boosted now Department of Health and Social Care
• More than half of over 18s boosted against COVID-19 Department of Health and Social Care
• NHS Steps Up To Booster Challenge With Week Of Records NHS England
• Research: COVID-19 vaccine: estimated coverage for people aged 18 and over UK Health Security Agency
• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency

Covid: Vulnerable NHS patients to be offered new drug

Covid: Vulnerable NHS patients to be offered new drug A new Covid drug designed to reduce the risk of vulnerable patients needing hospital treatment will be available on the NHS from today.

Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody given as a transfusion to transplant recipients, cancer patients and other high-risk groups.

If given quickly after symptoms develop it is should help prevent people from falling seriously ill with the disease. BBC News

See also:

• Christmas lockdown: Javid does not rule out new restrictions BBC News
• Covid: More measures needed to limit hospitalisations - Sage scientists BBC News
• First estimate of booster jab impact on Omicron BBC News
• Omicron: Sadiq Khan declares major incident in London BBC News
• Covid: 'We're not looking forward to doing it all again' BBC News
• Covid: Omicron now dominant in England - health experts BBC News
• Ros Atkins on… What 2021 taught us about Covid BBC News
• Is UK heading for New Year lockdown? Professor Neil Ferguson: 5,000 Omicron deaths a DAY The Daily Mail
• Around 936,000 people in England had Covid last week, according to official data The Daily Mail
• NHS is forced to drop rules self-isolation rules for vaccinated staff The Daily Mail
• Sajid Javid hits out at unvaccinated for ‘taking up hospital beds’ The Guardian
• Why a UK Omicron wave is dangerous – even if we see mostly mild cases The Guardian
• England hospital units may close as staff revolt over jab mandate, says NHS leader The Guardian
• The science is clear: the case for more Covid restrictions is overwhelming The Guardian
• Covid patients to be treated in virtual wards at home as NHS staff self-isolate due to Omicron variant iNews
• COVID-19: Warning of NHS staffing 'catastrophe' as one in three London workers could be off by January Sky News

Alzheimer's drug aducanumab not approved for use in EU

Alzheimer's drug aducanumab not approved for use in EU The European Medicines Agency has said no to approving a new drug for Alzheimer's disease in the EU.

Aducanumab does not appear to be effective at treating adults with early-stage symptoms, the EMA said.

Alzheimer's charities say they are disappointed by the decision because thousands of people are left with no treatment options. BBC News 

A dangerous lie is stalking the NHS: that it is no longer fit for purpose

A dangerous lie is stalking the NHS: that it is no longer fit for purpose | Sonia Sodha Painting the health service as inefficient ignores a decade of chronic underfunding.

Each time I’ve gone for a Covid jab, I’ve walked out with a warm glow. It wasn’t just relief to have the protection, or awe at the scientific feats that were pulled off to get a vaccine in my arm, but a sense of national pride in the NHS, an institution that is collectively ours, there for us in good times and bad. Just seeing the NHS’s distinctive blue-and-white logo is enough to make my heart swell a little. The Guardian

Omicron could overwhelm NHS in Northamptonshire, says health boss

Omicron could overwhelm NHS in Northamptonshire, says health boss The rise of the Omicron variant could tip Northamptonshire's health services "into a place where the NHS does become overwhelmed," according to an NHS boss.

There are currently 164 confirmed Omicron cases across the county.

Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Group chief executive Toby Sanders said the situation was "very, very critical". BBC Northamptonshire

See also: 

• First UK omicron victim was 'unvaccinated pensioner hooked by online conspiracy theories' The Daily Telegraph
• ‘We could avoid further restrictions if we test, get boosters and wear masks’, says Northamptonshire health chief Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Northamptonshire’s vaccine director ‘confident’ all over 18s will be offered booster by the end of the year Northamptonshire Telegraph
• 7 key things Professor Chris Whitty told MPs about the Omicron variant Northamptonshire Telegraph

Making sense of population health: a clinician's perspective

Making sense of population health: a clinician's perspective ‘What has population health got to do with me, an eye surgeon?’ 

I asked myself this after a long day working in the extra corneal clinic set up on a Saturday to cope with the backlog of patients created during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other clinicians may be pondering the same question, feeling uncertain about their role in and relevance to population health (a whole-systems approach that aims to improve health and care for populations). The King's Fund 

The global use of medicines 2022: outlook to 2026

The global use of medicines 2022: outlook to 2026 The largest driver of medicine spending through the next five years is expected to be global Covid-19 vaccinations. More widely, global spending on medicines continues to be driven by innovation and offset by losses of exclusivity and the lower costs of generics and biosimilars. This report quantifies the impact of these dynamics and examine the spending and usage of medicines in 2021 and the outlook to 2026, globally and for specific therapy areas and countries. IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science 

Policy paper: Government response to the independent inquiry report into the issues raised by former surgeon Ian Paterson

Policy paper: Government response to the independent inquiry report into the issues raised by former surgeon Ian Paterson The report of the independent inquiry into the issues raised by Paterson was published on 4 February 2020.

This publication sets out the government’s response to the 15 recommendations made in the inquiry report. Department of Health and Social Care 

25m boosters in UK as public urged to Get Boosted Now

25m boosters in UK as public urged to Get Boosted Now 25 million people in the UK have had their booster vaccine or third dose as everyone eligible is urged to keep coming forward for the vital jab. Department of Health and Social Care

See also: 

• G7 statement on the Omicron variant Department of Health and Social Care
• Top nurse says: it’s not too late to join NHS booster mission NHS England
• Research: COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers UK Health Security Agency
• National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published UK Health Security Agency
• Research: COVID-19 vaccine: estimated coverage for people aged 18 and over UK Health Security Agency
• Pregnant women urged to come forward for COVID-19 vaccination UK Health Security Agency

Covid: Cases hit new record as booster drive continues

Covid: Cases hit new record as booster drive continues A record number of daily coronavirus cases have been reported across the UK for the second day running, with 88,376 infections confirmed on Thursday.

England's chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, said the Omicron variant could rise "incredibly fast", but its peak subside quickly due to boosters. BBC News

See also:

• First UK patients given take-at-home Covid pill BBC News
• Covid: How to manage it at home BBC News
• 'Covid stopped my life-saving operation' BBC News
• Some who shielded need support now say charities BBC News
• Omicron could overwhelm the NHS even if 'half as severe' as Delta, says UCL professor Channel 4 News
• Health chiefs insist lateral flows DO pick up Omicron as well as Delta The Daily Mail
• How to tell you've got Omicron: Sniffles, a headache or stomach pains are symptoms of Covid variant The Daily Mail
• Prepare for another 18 MONTHS of Covid chaos says Chris Whitty The Daily Mail
• NHS Test and Trace 'won't work' against surging Covid omicron cases, expert warns The Daily Telegraph
• Johnson’s plan B measures fall far short of what is needed to slow the spread of Covid | Chaand Nagpaul The Guardian
• What Omicron’s Covid ‘tsunami’ could mean for the UK The Guardian
• Hospitals in England draw up plans for significant Covid staff absences The Guardian
• Compulsory Covid jabs ‘calamitous’ for dental services in England, says BDA The Guardian
• No 10 slaps down Tory MP over ‘public health socialist state’ tweet The Guardian
• JCVI classifies pregnant women as at-risk group for Covid vaccination programme The Independent
• Omicron: NHS staff sickness already ‘worse than ever’ with situation set to worsen The Independent

NHS hospitals in England 94% full before start of Omicron surge

NHS hospitals in England 94% full before start of Omicron surge Four in five critical care beds are full and one in four ambulance handovers are taking more than 30 minutes.

Hospitals in England are already 94% full, with four out of five critical care beds occupied, even before the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has started to cause a big influx of patients. The Guardian

See also: 

• Urgent and Emergency Care Daily Situation Reports 2021-22 NHS England
• Quarter of ambulances get stuck in A&E queues BBC News

Omicron spread ‘could see 100,000 operations cancelled in England this winter’

Omicron spread ‘could see 100,000 operations cancelled in England this winter’ A new study suggests more than 100,000 elective operations could be cancelled in England over the coming months, as a result of the current Omicron wave and the anticipated hospital admissions it could cause. The Independent

See also: 

• Projecting COVID-19 disruption to elective surgery (open access) The Lancet

Public warned over 'serious threat' of Omicron as UK records highest ever daily cases

Public warned over 'serious threat' of Omicron as UK records highest ever daily cases The British public have been warned to not believe that Omicron is a milder form of Covid-19, with a warning issued that the strain poses a “serious threat” to the country. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also: 

• Northamptonshire: Omicron prompts call for remote council meetings BBC Northampton
• MPs Andrew Lewer and Andrea Leadsom both rebel against Government's 'Plan B' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Schools offered ‘flexible’ start to January term as closure concerns dismissed Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Prioritise Christmas events that matter Brits urged as Covid cases hit record high Northamptonshire Telegraph

Future plans for Cransley Hospice to be relocated within north Northamptonshire a step closer

Future plans for Cransley Hospice to be relocated within north Northamptonshire a step closer Efforts to keep a Kettering hospice in the north of the county to care for provide terminally-ill patients close to their homes have moved a step closer after a meeting with health chiefs. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

The state of medical education and practice in the UK 2021

The state of medical education and practice in the UK 2021 This is an annual report on the realities and challenges faced by medical professionals in the UK’s health care systems. This year’s report looks at how the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the recovery have affected doctors’ work and training. It also highlights learnings that the UK health services can use to support doctors and patients. General Medical Council

See also:

• GMC report underlines devastating impact of pandemic on the medical workforce BMA
• NMC response to 'The state of medical education and practice in the UK' report Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Relentless workload taking its toll on GP health and wellbeing and must be addressed, urges College Royal College of General Practitioners
• RCP responds to GMC 'state of medical education and practice' report Royal College of Physicians

Integrating health and social care: a comparison of policy and progress across the four countries of the UK

Integrating health and social care: a comparison of policy and progress across the four countries of the UK The integration of health and social care has been a long-standing policy priority in each country of the UK. However, there is limited evidence these policies are delivering the results expected of them. This report looks at the impact of integration across the four countries and compares the policies and approaches each one has trialled to deliver their goals. Nuffield Trust

Our ageing population: How ageing affects health and care need in England

Our ageing population: How ageing affects health and care need in England England’s population is ageing. In the next 25 years, the number of people older than 85 will double to 2.6 million. An ageing population might lead to the presumption that there will be an increased need for health and social care services. But the reality is more complicated. The Health Foundation 

A year like no other: the eighth SSNAP annual report

A year like no other: the eighth SSNAP annual report Based on data from April 2020 to March 2021 (during the Covid-19 pandemic), the report aims to identify which aspects of stroke care need to be improved and how these beneficial changes can enhance outcomes for patients and families during this challenging period. Overall, the report found that, even during the Covid-19 pandemic year, many teams were still able to improve the quality of care through the implementation of evidence-based interventions. However, it also states there is an ongoing need to ensure that such improvements are sustained over the longer term, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan. Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme

See also: 

• Post-acute organisational audit report Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme

Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview

Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview An overview and summary of case data for Omicron focusing on confirmed and SGTF cases in the UK. UK Health Security Agency

See also: 

• NHS booster bookings open to every eligible adult NHS England
• NHS delivers record daily number of boosters as vaccine drive surges forward NHS England

Covid: UK reports highest daily cases since the pandemic began

Covid: UK reports highest daily cases since the pandemic began The UK has recorded the highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, with 78,610 reported on Wednesday.

The previous record was 68,053 on 8 January - when the UK was in lockdown.

Speaking at a news conference, England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty warned that records will be broken a lot in the next few weeks. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: Socialise carefully warns PM, amid record UK cases BBC News
• How many Omicron cases could we see on Christmas Day? BBC News
• Covid: Pregnant women angry at long waits for boosters BBC News
• Omicron: What can we learn from South Africa's experience so far? BBC News
• Long Covid patients still affected one year after discharge, study finds BBC News
• Covid: This winter 'could be worse' for NHS than last year as cases rise, says Prof Mark Walport Channel 4 News
• UKHSA boss admits agency WASN'T consulted on vaccine passports The Daily Mail
• Chris Whitty calls for 'caution' over promising Covid hospitalisation data in South Africa The Daily Mail
• Government to DOUBLE capacity for number of Covid tests to 900,0000 The Daily Mail
•  Scale back your Christmas plans, say Boris Johnson and Chris Whitty The Daily Telegraph
• Housebound elderly people waiting weeks for Covid boosters The Guardian
• Millions of unjabbed a key concern as England scrambles to vaccinate  The Guardian
• NHS cannot be used as vaccination service every few months, jab chief warns The Independent
• Omicron infects 70 times faster but is less severe, early study says The Independent
• Mandatory vaccination for NHS staff in England voted through by MPs Nursing Times
• COVID-19: Hundreds of thousands with coronavirus not using NHS app to 'ping' close contacts Sky News

Peterborough City Hospital doctor accused of hastening patient deaths

Peterborough City Hospital doctor accused of hastening patient deaths A consultant anaesthetist has been accused of "hastening" the deaths of two patients on end-of-life care, a misconduct panel heard.

Dr Andrew Gregg, who worked at Peterborough City Hospital, denies that his actions, related to drug amounts, hastened their deaths.

He was investigated by police but prosecutors decided against action. BBC News 

NHS chief urges tens of thousands of 'missing' cancer patients to come forward and seek help

NHS chief urges tens of thousands of 'missing' cancer patients to come forward and seek help Tens of thousands of cancer patients are “missing” in England according to the head of the NHS who urged anyone with symptoms to come forward and seek help.

Amanda Pritchard said 36,000 fewer people have been diagnosed with cancer than medics would expect to see with prostate, breast and lung cancers making up most of the absent cases. iNews 

South Northants: Omicron hotspot has highest case rate in England

South Northants: Omicron hotspot has highest case rate in England A hotspot for the Omicron variant also has the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in England, data shows.

In the week to 9 December, South Northamptonshire had 891 cases per 100,000 people, a 9% week-on-week rise.

According to figures from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the area also has the highest rate of the Omicron variant in the country. BBC Northampton

See also:

• Covid jabs: Vaccination centre boss says 'We will work 24/7' BBC Northampton
• These are the new Covid pass rules that come into effect from today Nothampton Chronicle and Echo
• Queues form at Corby pharmacy as people wait for Covid booster Northamptonshire Telegraph
• How every MP voted on Covid passes as PM suffers Tory rebellion Northamptonshire Telegraph
• NHS recruiting ‘thousands’ of Covid booster volunteers - here’s how to apply Northamptonshire Telegraph

NHS encourages families to discuss organ donation wishes this Christmas as 65 people in Northamptonshire wait for transplant

NHS encourages families to discuss organ donation wishes this Christmas as 65 people in Northamptonshire wait for transplant As Christmas approaches, the NHS is encouraging families to talk about organ donation wishes as 65 people wait for a transplant in Northamptonshire.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is urging people to take a moment during the festivities to talk about their organ donation decision and to leave their family members certain of what they want to happen. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Are young children healthier than they were two decades ago? The changing face of early childhood in the UK

Are young children healthier than they were two decades ago? The changing face of early childhood in the UK This report explores the significant developments in young children’s health over the last 20 years, focusing on seven fundamental indicators. While the review identifies improvements across these indicators, progress has recently stalled—and in some cases the situation has deteriorated. However, we conclude with evidence of policies that work and demonstrate the potential to reduce inequalities and improve the life chances of many young children. Nuffield Foundation

The Health and Social Care Committee’s Expert Panel : evaluation of the government’s progress against its policy commitments in the area of mental health services in England

The Health and Social Care Committee’s Expert Panel : evaluation of the government’s progress against its policy commitments in the area of mental health services in England This report evaluates government progress to deliver commitments on a wider range of mental health services in England. Its overall rating against progress on nine commitments in four policy areas is ‘requires improvement’. The areas evaluated are: workforce; children and young people’s mental health; adult common mental illness; and adult severe mental illness. House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee

An independent appraisal of the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard

An independent appraisal of the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard The NHS seeks to monitor and control diversity and equality through a programme known as the Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) – it is based on a series of statistical indicators pertaining to outcomes between white and non-white minority groups. However this paper argues that closer inspection of those indicators reveals ‘they do not withstand methodological scrutiny’. Civitas

Booster bookings surge as NHS accelerates COVID-19 vaccine campaign

Booster bookings surge as NHS accelerates COVID-19 vaccine campaign More than 650,000 booster bookings were made yesterday (Monday) as the NHS kickstarted the expansion of its world-leading COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Yesterday was the second highest day for booster bookings as the online service opened to all eligible people aged 30 and above.

A total of 704,148 vaccine appointments were made, including 655,170 for boosters. NHS England

See also:

• 15-minute observation period after vaccine temporarily suspended to speed up booster rollout Department of Health and Social Care
• Independent report: Suspension of the 15-minute wait for vaccination with mRNA vaccine for COVID-19: UK CMOs' opinion Department of Health and Social Care
• Statement to Parliament: Oral statement on COVID-19 by the Health and Social Care Secretary Department of Health and Social Care
• Chief Medical Officer urges public to Get Boosted Now Department of Health and Social Care
• 11 countries removed from the UK’s red list Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency

Covid pass starts in England despite biggest rebellion of Johnson era

Covid pass starts in England despite biggest rebellion of Johnson era Adults in England must now show a Covid pass to enter nightclubs, big sports matches and other large events - despite nearly 100 Conservative MPs voting against the government's plans.

The new rules - which kick in today - require proof of double-vaccination, or a recent negative test, to enter certain venues.

MPs approved the measure in Tuesday's vote on England's new Covid rules. BBC News

See also:

• Over-18s in England invited to book Covid boosters BBC News
• Needle-free Covid vaccination demonstrated by Cambridge scientists BBC News
• Covid-19: High demand blamed for shortage of PCR appointments in England BBC News
• Up to 40% of people who are infected with Covid will suffer an asymptomatic case, study finds The Daily Mail
• COVID vaccine passports triggered rush to get shots in countries with low uptake, study finds The Daily Mail
• Omicron curbs needed for TWO MONTHS, top health boss warns amid fears variant behind 200,000 cases The Daily Mail
• Two Covid jabs DON'T raise risk of myocarditis in English youngsters, real-world data shows The Daily Mail
• Risk of DUAL infection from Omicron and Delta could create a new super-mutant variant The Daily Mail
• London omicron cases 'increasing rapidly' as scientists warn 'it's far more likely to be Covid than a cold' The Daily Telegraph
• Number of pupils forced to stay home owing to school Covid closures doubles in a fortnight The Daily Telegraph
• We must be frank about this booster campaign – it will mean longer NHS waiting lists | Helen Stokes-Lampard The Guardian
• UK Omicron infections ‘could reach 1m a day by end of December’ The Guardian
• Expect mass staff absences and major shortages, UK cabinet told The Guardian
• Is Boris Johnson giving a Covid address today? The Independent
• Omicron ‘most significant threat’ of Covid pandemic, health chief warns The Independent
• Hospitals likely to be ‘overwhelmed’ by omicron, government adviser warns The Independent

GPs in dark over plans to drop care warn move could 'swamp NHS'

GPs in dark over plans to drop care warn move could 'swamp NHS' GPs and hospital leaders have been left hanging over plans to drop “non-urgent” care, and warn there’s no way to safely stem demand without impacting patients health or “swamping” the NHS further. The Independent

NHS in crisis mode as it orders hospitals to empty 'as many patients as possible'

NHS in crisis mode as it orders hospitals to empty 'as many patients as possible' Care bosses have warned homes will not have enough staff to deal with NHS orders for hospitals to discharge as many patients as 'soon as practically possible' to handle the predicted Omicron surge.

In a letter to regional bosses published late last night, NHS England ruled all patients occupying hospital beds who don't 'need' one be sent to care homes, hospices and hotels if it is 'safe' to do so. The Daily Mail

A&E trips to KGH one-third higher than 2020 and adding to pressure on already-stretched NHS

A&E trips to KGH one-third higher than 2020 and adding to pressure on already-stretched NHS Fewer patients went to A&E at Kettering General Hospital in November – but numbers were still up by more than one-third on the same period in 2020.

NHS England figures showed 8,612 patients visited the accident and emergency department last month. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Corby GP practice's abusive patients impacting staff's mental health

Corby GP practice's abusive patients impacting staff's mental health The largest GP practice in Corby has pleaded with frustrated patients to stop abusing their hard-working staff who are 'doing their very best'.

Lakeside Healthcare owns the Lakeside super-practice in Cottingham Road as well as Forest Gate Surgery in Corby, Brigstock Surgery, Headlands Surgery in Kettering and Oundle Medical Practice. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Challenges in implementing digital change

Challenges in implementing digital change Digital change, on which government estimates it spends around £20 billion each year, offers a real opportunity for the government to transform its ways of working and how it provides services to citizens. However, in this report  the PAC is concerned by the number of complex, large-scale digital programmes they continue to see fail and the impact this has on important government services and taxpayers’ money. For example, failures in NHS England’s efforts to transform primary care services potentially put patients at risk of serious harm. Public Accounts Committee

Framework to support inter-hospital transfer of critical care patients

Framework to support inter-hospital transfer of critical care patients This framework document sets out principles to which units and systems should adhere, to maintain equitable and safe access to critical care for both emergency and urgent planned care patients. NHS England