More than 600 mental health crisis referrals to Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust in just a month

More than 600 mental health crisis referrals to Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust in just a month People in crisis were referred for urgent or emergency mental health support at Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust more than 600 times in just a month, figures show. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Warning as Covid variant found in South Africa is ‘most mutated’ strain so far

Warning as Covid variant found in South Africa is ‘most mutated’ strain so far A Covid variant first identified in South Africa “could be more infectious” than all other mutations identified so far, scientists warn.

The C.1.2 strain was detected by scientists in South Africa in May this year and is thought to have the potential to evade coronavirus vaccines. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Covid vaccine uptake: The Northampton areas with the greatest number of teenagers vaccinated Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Campaign launched for Northamptonshire public to 'be kind and bear others in mind' as normality returns Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Covid rule-breakers from Burton Latimer, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough sentenced at court Northamptonshire Telegraph

The good childhood report 2021

The good childhood report 2021 This report shows the latest trends in children's well-being. The research seeks to understand how young people feel about different aspects of their lives. This year school, friendships and appearance continue to cause the greatest dissatisfaction in adolescence. Children's Society 

Responding to the needs of a diverse workforce and community during Covid-19

Responding to the needs of a diverse workforce and community during Covid-19 Solent NHS Trust is a community and mental health trust that covers Portsmouth, Southampton and parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. At the outbreak of Covid-19, a comprehensive organisational diversity and inclusion response was developed, focussing on five workstreams. This case study describes in detail the five workstreams, accomplishments and lessons learnt for the future. NHS Employers 

NHS COVID ‘grab-a-jab’ initiative boosts ethnic minority vaccinations

NHS COVID ‘grab-a-jab’ initiative boosts ethnic minority vaccinations The NHS COIVD vaccination programme has protected more than 700,000 people from ethnic minority backgrounds since rolling out the grab-a-jab campaign.

An analysis of one grab-a-jab weekend in July found that 2 in 5 of the 80,000 walk-in doses administered were to people from ethnic minority groups, significantly more than the proportion in the wider community.

People have been able to turn up and ‘grab a jab’ at festivals, mosques, town halls, football grounds and other convenient sites since the campaign began earlier this summer. NHS England

See also: 

• Health Secretary article in The Times Department of Health and Social Care

Covid: Delta twice as likely to need hospital care

Covid: Delta twice as likely to need hospital care People are twice as likely to need hospital care if they are sick with the Delta Covid variant, rather than the Alpha variant that was once prevalent in the UK, data from England suggests.

Experts say the big study, published in The Lancet, reinforces why it is important that people get fully jabbed. BBC News

See also:

• Hospital admission and emergency care attendance risk for SARS-CoV-2 delta (B.1.617.2) compared with alpha (B.1.1.7) variants of concern: a cohort study (open access) The Lancet
• Covid: Teen in hospital with virus urges others to get vaccinated BBC News
• New Zealand woman dies after receiving Pfizer vaccine BBC News
• Covid in Scotland: Record number of cases as NHS faces 'perfect storm' BBC News
• Covid origin: US spy agencies publish 'inconclusive' report BBC News
• England will suffer a WORSE Covid outbreak than Scotland following children returning to schools The Daily Mail
• Covid UK: Cases rise 2% in a week to 38,046 as hospitalisations creep up by 10% The Daily Mail
• England's R rate is now definitely ABOVE one for first time in a month and outbreak grew by 9% The Daily Mail
• Unvaccinated care home staff moving to NHS, creating tricky dilemma for Government The Daily Telegraph
• Who is now receiving critical care for Covid? The Guardian
• Up to 600,000 Britons feared to have missed second AstraZeneca dose The Independent
• Why are US anti-vaxxers touting a horse dewormer as a cure for Covid? The Independent

Rugby study finds brain affected in one season

Rugby study finds brain affected in one season After just one season of rugby players at a professional team saw a decline in both blood flow to the brain and cognitive function, a new study claims

The University of South Wales research followed a professional rugby team over the course of a season, testing players pre-season, mid-season and post season.

It will be published in Wednesday's September edition of the Journal of Experimental Physiology. BBC News 

Blood test shortage: NHS chiefs working 'flat out' to resolve shortage of blood sample tubes

Blood test shortage: NHS chiefs working 'flat out' to resolve shortage of blood sample tubes Health chiefs say they are working ‘flat out’ to resolve the nationwide shortage of blood collection tubes that has halted all but the most clinically urgent blood tests.

The British Medical Association warned at the weekend that the shortage of blood tubes across hospitals and GP surgeries is now severe and if the NHS does not reduce the amount being used in the coming days, even the most clinically important blood tests may be at risk. iNews

See also: 

• NHS blood test tube shortage set to worsen BBC News
• NHS blood test tube shortage: Doctors 'facing difficult choices' BBC News
• GPs instructed to halt all non-urgent blood tests until mid-September GPonline
• GPs ordered to halt all non-urgent blood tests across England until September The Independent

Strain on mental health care leaves 8m people without help, say NHS leaders

Strain on mental health care leaves 8m people without help, say NHS leaders An estimated 8 million people in England with mental health problems cannot get specialist help because they are not considered sick enough to qualify, NHS leaders have revealed as the toll of the pandemic is laid bare.

The figure, drawn up by mental health trusts and NHS Providers, underlines the gap between the growing need for care for anxiety, depression and other mental health problems, and the ability of the NHS to treat them. The Guardian

Huge decrease in organ transplants as Covid took hold across world

Huge decrease in organ transplants as Covid took hold across world The number of solid organ transplants fell dramatically around the world between 2019 and 2020, researchers have found, highlighting the widespread impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on health services and patients.

As the pandemic surged, hospitals were forced to delay potentially life-saving organ transplant surgery, because of resources such as intensive care beds being needed for Covid patients and because of concerns including whether it was safe to treat transplant recipients in hospital. The Guardian 

Royal College of Nursing moves conference online following allegations of sexual harassment

Royal College of Nursing moves conference online following allegations of sexual harassment A major nursing conference has been moved online following serious allegations of sexual harassment.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said its 2021 Congress would now be held virtually in order to safeguard attendees. The Daily Telegraph

See also: 

• RCN Congress 2021 to be held exclusively online Royal College of Nursing
• Royal College of Nursing: Conference scrapped over sex harassment claims BBC News

Corby Novavax vaccine trial volunteers' concerns raised with health secretary

Corby Novavax vaccine trial volunteers' concerns raised with health secretary The plight of volunteers of a vaccine trial that was held in Corby and recruited unpaid volunteers from the town has been raised at the highest level of government.

More than 600 people had been recruited to trial the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine, carried out by GPs at Lakeside Healthcare in Cottingham Road. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Northampton General Hospital praises service to connect consultants and GPs for reducing Covid backlog

Northampton General Hospital praises service to connect consultants and GPs for reducing Covid backlog A service which better connects consultants and GPs has been praised by Northampton General Hospital for helping during the pandemic and to reduce its backlog. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Chart of the week: How does patient experience of general practice vary with deprivation?

Chart of the week: How does patient experience of general practice vary with deprivation? With the recently published 2021 GP Patient Survey providing an insight into patient experience during the pandemic, Jessica Morris takes a closer look at how the results varied across areas with different levels of deprivation. Nuffield Trust 

The public health workforce: overdue for attention

The public health workforce: overdue for attention There were times in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic when the decision-makers in Whitehall (including in the Department of Health and Social Care) gave the impression that they did not know what or who their directors of public health (DsPH) were, or how to use them. The 134 DsPH, based in local authorities across the country, were left battling Covid-19 while essential information failed to reach them from the centre. The King's Fund 

Antenatal and newborn screening: identifying and reducing inequalities

Antenatal and newborn screening: identifying and reducing inequalities This guidance was produced to support providers, commissioners and other partners involved in the delivery of NHS antenatal and newborn screening programmes. It includes information and resources on how to identify and reduce inequalities. Public Health England 

Official Statistics: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2021 to 2022 season

Official Statistics: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2021 to 2022 season National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses. Public Health England 

Covid: Vaccine complications dwarfed by virus risks

Covid: Vaccine complications dwarfed by virus risks A major review of vaccines suggests the AstraZeneca jab does raise the risk of blood clots and another serious condition that can cause bleeding.

But the study found the risk of such problems following a coronavirus infection was still much higher.

The University of Oxford-led team also found an increased risk of stroke after the Pfizer jab - but again at a much lower rate than after infection.

The team said it once again showed the "substantial" benefit of vaccination. BBC News

See also:

• Risk of thrombocytopenia and thromboembolism after covid-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 positive testing: self-controlled case series study (open access) The BMJ
• Covid jab side-effects 'mild' for at-risk children BBC News
• Around 85% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients STILL have not fully recovered months later The Daily Mail
• BBC presenter died of brain haemorrhage 'due to complications of AZ vaccine', inquest finds The Daily Telegraph
• Confusion over Covid jabs for over-12s in England ahead of new school term The Guardian
• Attempt to force release of Johnson’s messages on Covid in care homes fails The Guardian
• NHS hospitals warned over infection risks of masks and respirators brought in during pandemic The Independent
• Are people getting Covid after the vaccine? Rest of the world matches UK rise in cases among fully vaccinated iNews
• Boris Johnson ‘privately accepts’ up to 50,000 annual Covid deaths as an acceptable level iNews

Eating disorders: Charity reports rise in calls about binge eating

Eating disorders: Charity reports rise in calls about binge eating There's been a significant rise in the number of people requesting help for Binge Eating Disorder over the past three years, according to the charity Beat.

The condition is a serious mental illness, where people eat large quantities of food without feeling like they're in control of what they're doing.

Beat says calls about binge eating to its helpline more than tripled in the past three years, with much of the increase taking place during the coronavirus lockdown. BBC News 

Air pollution linked to more severe mental illness – study

Air pollution linked to more severe mental illness – study Exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased severity of mental illness, according to the most comprehensive study of its kind.

The research, involving 13,000 people in London, found that a relatively small increase in exposure to nitrogen dioxide led to a 32% increase in the risk of needing community-based treatment and an 18% increase in the risk of being admitted to hospital. The Guardian

See also:

• Association between air pollution exposure and mental health service use among individuals with first presentations of psychotic and mood disorders: retrospective cohort study (open access) British Journal of Psychiatry

Government orders NHS trusts to call hospital refurbs ‘new hospitals’ as it scrambles to hit 2030 build target

Government orders NHS trusts to call hospital refurbs ‘new hospitals’ as it scrambles to hit 2030 build target The Government has ordered NHS trusts to describe any major refurbishments, new wings, and units as “a new hospital” as it seeks to deliver on its pledge to build 48 hospitals by 2030.

The communications “playbook” for the Government’s NHS building programme tells trusts that such building projects “must always be referred to as a new hospital”. iNews

See also: 

• Did Sajid Javid open a ‘new hospital’ in Carlisle? Full Fact
• DHSC ‘playbook’ orders trusts to describe big building projects as ‘new hospitals’ (log in required) HSJ
• NHS trusts told to describe building work on existing sites as ‘new hospitals’ The Independent

'A bleak picture': Nurse vacancies increase across English NHS

'A bleak picture': Nurse vacancies increase across English NHS The number of NHS nurse vacancies in England has spiked by a significant 12% in the past few months, latest data has revealed. Nursing Times

See also:

• NHS Vacancy Statistics England April 2015 – June 2021 NHS Digital
• Royal College of Nursing responds to increase in NHS England nursing vacancies Royal College of Nursing

Majority of the public support a 10% pay rise for NHS workers and would back industrial action

Majority of the public support a 10% pay rise for NHS workers and would back industrial action A massive 94% of the British public support a single year rise of more than 3%, with over half saying above 10% is more appropriate.

Over half of the public also said they supported industrial action if a deal could not be reached. NursingNotes  

Most drop-in Covid-19 vaccine centres in Northamptonshire now open to 16 and 17-year-olds

Most drop-in Covid-19 vaccine centres in Northamptonshire now open to 16 and 17-year-olds Nearly every drop-in COVID vaccination clinic in Northamptonshire is now open for people aged 16 and 17 to get their first jab and protect themselves against coronavirus. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Wellingborough Isebrook Hospital reduced outpatients services to make way for antenatal hub

Wellingborough Isebrook Hospital reduced outpatients services to make way for antenatal hub Isebrook Hospital patients who accessed medical outpatients care at the Wellingborough before the Covid pandemic disrupted services may not be back at their clinics due to the space being requisitioned for a new antenatal hub. Northamptonshire Telegraph

NHS staff vote on Government’s pay offer as UNISON visits Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals

NHS staff vote on Government’s pay offer as UNISON visits Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals Staff at both Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals had a visit from a health union to discuss and vote on the Government’s pay offer. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Waiting for care: Understanding the pandemic’s effects on people’s health and quality of life

Waiting for care: Understanding the pandemic’s effects on people’s health and quality of life The effects of the pandemic should not be measured in mortality alone. The suspension of routine NHS care has affected people’s health and wellbeing – with the significance of this depending on the type of condition or treatment delayed.

For some conditions, a delay in care will make little or no difference. For others, a delay could lead both to living longer in pain – worsening quality of life – and/or a deterioration in their condition. This analysis explores the implications of this via two case studies – hip replacements and diabetes. The Health Foundation

See also:

• Patients denied care during pandemic face agonising delays as waiting times hit record levels ITV News 

The extent of discrimination emerges

The extent of discrimination emerges A BMA survey of the medical profession finds antiquated attitudes prevail towards women, who reportedly lack the support needed to establish themselves in leadership positions British Medical Association

See also: 

• Sexism in medicine (report) British Medical Association

What support do nurses and midwives qualifying in the age of Covid-19 need?: insights from UNISON members 2021

What support do nurses and midwives qualifying in the age of Covid-19 need?: insights from UNISON members 2021 This report finds that more than two thirds (70 per cent) of students or newly qualified nurses and midwives believe they have missed out on important learning experiences during Covid. The findings also show more than half (56 per cent) of final year students worry they’re not as prepared for qualification as they should be. The report calls for the government and NHS leaders to give greater support to the newly qualified health staff. UNISON 

Reaching the tipping point: children and young people's mental health

Reaching the tipping point: children and young people's mental health According to this report, many children and young people will be left without vital mental health support unless the Government goes further to invest fully in services where they are most needed. It lists the Covid-19 pandemic as a factor as it brought with it uncertainty and anxiety caused by the lockdowns, school closures, isolation from friends and peers, bereavement and loss, and extra stresses and pressures on families. NHS Confederation

Independent report: SHARE: consent, confidentiality and information sharing in mental healthcare and suicide prevention

Independent report: SHARE: consent, confidentiality and information sharing in mental healthcare and suicide prevention Guidance from the Zero Suicide Alliance on using DHSC’s consensus statement and engaging with patients when discussing confidentiality and consent to share information. Department of Health and Social Care

See also: 

• Guidance: Consensus statement for information sharing and suicide prevention Department of Health and Social Care

Back to school campaign launches

Back to school campaign launches Today (Thursday 26 August) the government launches its back to school and college campaign to set out the experience that students can ‘get back to’ from September, with restrictions such as bubbles eased to allow a full return to sport, music, drama, science experiments and being with their friends.

Schools and colleges are maintaining proportionate protective measures such as testing, ventilation and extra hygiene precautions that help keep children and staff safe and minimise disruption to face-to-face education. Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care 

Coronavirus: Waning immunity and rising cases - time to worry?

Coronavirus: Waning immunity and rising cases - time to worry? A month ago, coronavirus cases were falling and the lifting of nearly all restrictions looked like it had been a success.

But just weeks later, infections levels are rising again, with more than 30,000 new cases being confirmed each day, and there is growing evidence immunity through vaccination is waning. BBC News

See also:

• Covid-19: NHS England prepares jabs plan for 12-15 year-olds BBC News
• Search for Covid's origins stalled, scientists say BBC News
• Student A level result parties blamed for 'astonishing' Covid boom in Leicestershire district The Daily Mail
• Pfizer CEO says vaccine-resistant strain of COVID is 'likely' to emerge The Daily Mail
• Sources say only 'a few hundred thousand' of most vulnerable Brits will be eligible for third doses The Daily Mail
• NHS draws up plans to vaccinate 12-year-olds The Daily Telegraph
• Unions criticise English schools ‘more normal year’ campaign as naive The Guardian

NHS stops some blood tests due to vial shortages

NHS stops some blood tests due to vial shortages The NHS has temporarily stopped some blood testing for certain conditions due to shortages of collection tubes.

NHS England has issued guidance urging doctors to stagger regular blood tests if clinically safe.

The decision came after Becton Dickinson, which makes vials for the NHS, warned of serious supply chain issues across the UK. BBC News

Hospitals told to remove toxic chemical after children left with burns and patients injected by mistake

Hospitals told to remove toxic chemical after children left with burns and patients injected by mistake The NHS has ordered the removal of a toxic corrosive liquid from all clinical areas after more than 30 incidents of patients and staff being left with serious injuries, including burns, when it was injected by mistake or spilled.

A safety alert issued on Wednesday by NHS England said all bottles of liquefied phenol 80 per cent concentration should be taken out of use and replaced by safer alternatives. The Independent 

NHS mental health therapists pressurised to exaggerate success rates, expert claims

NHS mental health therapists pressurised to exaggerate success rates, expert claims The provision of psychological treatment on the NHS has undergone an “Uberisation”, in which counsellors are pressurised to exaggerate their success in treating patients, a conference has heard. The Independent 

Northampton man spared jail after going on two drunken rampages at hospital - including spitting in police officer's face

Northampton man spared jail after going on two drunken rampages at hospital - including spitting in police officer's face A Northampton man was spared jail after a string of drunken offences including spitting in the face of a police officer during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stoian Veaceslav assaulted two guards, a police officer and a nurse at Northampton General Hospital and crashed his car while intoxicated in two separate incidents last year. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

International nurse recruitment to the community

International nurse recruitment to the community The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) has launched a new project to support the work of NHS England & NHS Improvement, to facilitate the recruitment of Registered Nurses from overseas to NHS community organisations in England.

The QNI project seeks to understand what would attract a nurse to work within an NHS community service, and the enablers and barriers to international recruitment to community provider organisations. The project will also give support to the six pilot sites currently participating in the NHS International Recruitment (IR) scheme.

Organ donation and transplantation data for Black, Asian, mixed race and minority ethnic (BAME) communities: report for 2020/2021 (1 April 2016 - 31 March 2021)

Organ donation and transplantation data for Black, Asian, mixed race and minority ethnic (BAME) communities: report for 2020/2021 (1 April 2016 - 31 March 2021) This report provides information related to organ donation and transplantation within the white and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK. It finds the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the numbers of living donor kidney transplants that could be performed. In 2020/21 there was a comparable drop in both White and non-White deceased donors, but a 61 per cent decrease in the number of BAME living donors, compared to a 58 per cent drop overall. NHS Blood and Transplant 

Guidance on the functions and governance of the integrated care board, and the model constitution

Guidance on the functions and governance of the integrated care board, and the model constitution NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE/I) published several integrated care system (ICS) guidance documents and accompanying resources on 19 August 2021 to support systems’ transition into statutory integrated care boards (ICBs) by 1 April 2022. This briefing summarises these resources and provides detailed commentary on the ICB functions and governance guidance, model constitution and ICS people guidance. NHS Providers

Life-saving world-first NHS test for pregnant women

Life-saving world-first NHS test for pregnant women A same-day life-saving test to rule out a potentially fatal disease in pregnant women is being rolled out across the NHS.

Known as placental growth factor (PLGF) testing, the new blood test is the first of its kind in the world to rule out pre-eclampsia – a life-threatening condition for both pregnant women and their babies that often results in long hospital stays – and has already helped thousands of expectant mothers. NHS England 

New study to test third COVID-19 vaccine for people with weakened immune systems

New study to test third COVID-19 vaccine for people with weakened immune systems A new clinical trial will investigate whether a third dose of vaccine for people with weakened immune systems gives a stronger immune response than two doses. Department of Health and Social Care 

Covid infection protection waning in double jabbed

Covid infection protection waning in double jabbed Researchers say they are seeing some waning of protection against Covid infections in double-jabbed people.

The real-world study includes data on positive Covid PCR test results between May and July 2021 among more than a million people who had received two doses of Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine. BBC News

See also:

• Covid jab response low for some immunosuppressed people BBC News
• Covid: Cornwall tourists urged to 'stay away' as cases rise BBC News
• Covid patients are up to TWICE as likely to develop dangerous blood clots after surgery The Daily Mail
• Why force care home workers to have jabs, but not NHS staff? The Daily Telegraph
• NHS Covid pass still not recognised in some EU countries The Guardian
• Covid claims 100 lives a day on average across the UK, statistics show The Guardian

Number of young smokers rose by a quarter in first lockdown, England study shows

Number of young smokers rose by a quarter in first lockdown, England study shows The number of young adults who smoke in England rose by about a quarter in the first lockdown, research has suggested.

Nevertheless, the number of people who stopped smoking altogether increased, with the number across all age groups almost doubling during the first national lockdown when compared with the period immediately prior, researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of Sheffield said. The Guardian

See also: 

• Smoking among young adults increased by 25% during first lockdown Cancer Research UK
• Smoking surge in young during Covid lockdown BBC News

NHS fears ‘mass exodus’ of staff as mental health absences soar in 2021

NHS fears ‘mass exodus’ of staff as mental health absences soar in 2021 NHS leaders and experts have warned that the health service is facing a “mass exodus” of staff in the year ahead unless exhausted doctors and nurses struggle are given more support.

It comes as the latest figures show that mental health absences among NHS staff have soared during the spring and early summer – as a growing number suffer from burnout. The Independent

See also: 

• NHS doctors who postponed retirement at risk of ‘bailing’ from ‘creaking’ system The Daily Telegraph

Warning of delays to schools reopening in England due to Covid testing

Warning of delays to schools reopening in England due to Covid testing Pupils’ return to schools in England in September is set to be delayed again due to Covid-19 testing.

The first week of the autumn term is due to be spent carrying out tests for coronavirus, with all secondary school pupils required to take two tests on returning to classrooms next month. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also: 

• University of Northampton says it is not mandatory for students to be double jabbed before term begins but it is ‘encouraging’ vaccine uptake Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• More drop-in vaccine clinics for 16 and 17-year-olds confirmed across Northamptonshire Northamptonshire Telegraph
• How to get a Covid antibody test as new UK programme launches this week Northamptonshire Telegraph

First ever Wellingborough health and wellbeing festival promises free feel-good fun

First ever Wellingborough health and wellbeing festival promises free feel-good fun The first ever Wellingborough health and wellbeing festival, a week-long celebration of health and wellbeing, from September 6 to September 12 will see North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) partner with local wellness experts, sports clubs and organisations. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Young people say their prospects are dwindling and wellbeing suffering in the wake of the pandemic

Young people say their prospects are dwindling and wellbeing suffering in the wake of the pandemic A survey of young people conducted by The Health Foundation has revealed the extent to which young people feel their employment prospects and mental health have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Report on medical devices

Report on medical devices The RHC is an independent expert committee that identifies the implications of technological innovation, and provides government with impartial, expert advice on the regulatory reform required to support its rapid and safe introduction. This report makes recommendations on how the UK can encourage international investment, innovation and improve safety in the medical devices area through regulatory and non-regulatory changes. Regulatory Horizons Council

• Report
• Government response

Interim guidance on the functions and governance of the integrated care board

Interim guidance on the functions and governance of the integrated care board This interim guidance covers the expected governance requirements for integrated care boards as outlined in the Health and Care Bill and the Integrated care systems design framework. NHS England and NHS Improvement 

UK signs deal with Pfizer/BioNTech for 35 million vaccines

UK signs deal with Pfizer/BioNTech for 35 million vaccines The UK has agreed a contract for 35 million more doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, to be delivered from the second half of next year.

The government, through the Vaccine Taskforce, is putting in place preparations to future-proof the country from the threat of COVID-19 and its variants through safe and effective vaccines, as the UK’s world-renowned vaccination programme continues to protect the population. Department of Health and Social Care 

Covid returns to top 10 causes of death

Covid returns to top 10 causes of death Covid-19 was the ninth biggest cause of death in England in July, having been the 26th most common cause in June.

In Wales it was the 22nd leading cause of death, having been too low to rank the previous month.

The total number of people dying rose back above the average levels for 2015 to 2019 in July. BBC News

See also: 

• UK orders 35 million more Pfizer vaccine doses BBC News
• Long Covid sufferer: Brushing my hair can be 'emotionally traumatising' BBC News
• Covid England: 45% of Delta hospital patients only test positive AFTER admission The Daily Mail
• UK's daily Covid infections increase by 12% in a week to 31,914 and deaths jump by 54% to 40 The Daily Mail
• Up to 200 anti-vaxxers storm ITN's London HQ The Daily Mail
• Booster shot of Pfizer's vaccine slashes the risk of Covid infection FOURFOLD in over-60s The Daily Mail
• Boardmasters: Nearly 5,000 Covid cases may be linked to Cornwall festival The Daily Telegraph
• Unvaccinated NHS staff will be barred from entering care homes The Independent

Social care charges: Disabled and vulnerable adults hit by steep rises

Social care charges: Disabled and vulnerable adults hit by steep rises Disabled and vulnerable adults in England are being hit by a steep rise in the amount they have to pay towards their care, BBC News research reveals.

Some adults with learning disabilities are paying thousands of pounds extra a year, with six councils doubling the amount of money collected in charges.

In half of 83 areas that responded to a BBC request, bills across all users have risen at least 10% over two years.

Directors of council care services blame years of government funding cuts. 

Can remote consultations with a doctor be improved?

Can remote consultations with a doctor be improved? Before the pandemic, billboards in London advertised a doctor-in-your-pocket service. Targeted at busy commuters, it consisted of a smartphone app and a promise of a video link-up to a real doctor within 45 minutes. What’s not to like?

Plenty. The pop-up video doc may be fine, on this occasion, for busy accountant Adesh Patel, who wants an antibiotic in the post for his septic finger. Indeed, patients like him may not even need a video call, they can explain their symptoms to a doctor by phone. The video link was, arguably, a commercial gimmick to lure the worried well. The Independent 

NHS pharmacies in England to offer over-40s heart checkups

NHS pharmacies in England to offer over-40s heart checkups High street pharmacies are to start offering heart health checkups in a move that could save thousands of lives every year.

From October, every NHS pharmacy in England will be able to provide blood pressure checks to people aged 40 and over. The deal is part of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework, a deal between NHS England, the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee and the Department of Health and Social Care. The Guardian

Rise in number of GP patients per practice in Northamptonshire

Rise in number of GP patients per practice in Northamptonshire The average number of GP patients at practices in Northamptonshire is rising, figures show.

The British Medical Association said a rapid expansion of the GP workforce across England is needed, as the number of patients per practice hit a new national record. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Checking the NHS’s reality

Checking the NHS’s reality Sally Gainsbury takes a forensic look at the current NHS finances – showing how trusts in England are on course to spend almost £5 billion more in the next financial year than was anticipated when funding levels were set. She argues that a heavy dose of realism is needed ahead of the new spending settlement for the health service. Nuffield Trust 

Pride in the NHS Week

Pride in the NHS Week The first ever national Pride in the NHS Week and NHS Virtual Pride finale will take place within an always-on, virtual festival arena, open to all from 6th-10th Sept. NHS England 

Young COVID patients share stories to urge others to get jabbed

Young COVID patients share stories to urge others to get jabbed Young coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have told their stories of battling the virus and suffering long-term debilitating effects as part of a new film encouraging people to get their vaccines. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Government launches UK-wide antibody surveillance programme Department of Health and Social Care
• 82 testing providers to be issued warnings over misleading prices Department of Health and Social Care
• Government data shows mass events can take place safely but fans urged to remain cautious in crowds and get vaccinated Department of Health and Social Care
• Research: COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers Public Health England

Covid cases: This summer compared with last

Covid cases: This summer compared with last This time last year, the UK was slowly taking its first small steps into what would become the second wave of Covid-19.

That led to tighter local restrictions and, ultimately, lockdowns across all the nations, which didn't start to unravel until late spring 2021.

Case numbers now are more than 30 times higher than at the same point last year and are showing signs of climbing again.

So what does this all mean and where might we be heading? BBC News

See also:

• Covid-antibody therapy approved in UK BBC News
• Coronavirus: Young people warn of long Covid amid jab drive BBC News
• Covid: Antibody tests offered to public for first time BBC News
• Why was it so hard to get my patient treatment for long Covid? The Daily Mail
• Britain and US 'could be facing a similar crisis to Israel in the coming weeks or months' The Daily Mail
• Chris Whitty warns of 'very sick' young patients in hospital with Covid The Daily Mail
• Public still avoiding face-to-face contact despite lifting of restrictions The Daily Telegraph
• Nine in 10 in UK still wearing masks despite end of Covid controls The Guardian
• 9,000 Covid cases linked to Euro 2020 games in mass events scheme The Guardian
• Classrooms in England to get air quality monitors to help combat Covid The Guardian
• England’s Covid R number rises to between 0.9 and 1.2 The Independent

Army supporting ambulance services in England

Army supporting ambulance services in England Nearly 100 members of the Army have been brought in to help four ambulance trusts in England look after patients.

High demand and staffing shortages mean they are being used to work alongside NHS staff.

Ambulance services in the South Central, South West, North East and East areas of England are being supported by the military. BBC News 

NHS data grab on hold as millions opt out

NHS data grab on hold as millions opt out A plan to share GP data was set to launch in September, but an online summer campaign has prompted widespread dissent.

More than a million people opted out of NHS data-sharing in one month in a huge backlash against government plans to make patient data available to private companies, the Observer can reveal.

The General Practice Data for Planning and Research scheme is now on hold with no new date for implementation, and NHS Digital has made a series of concessions to campaigners to try to salvage it.

GPs facing torrent of abuse and violence as patient frustration boils over

GPs facing torrent of abuse and violence as patient frustration boils over Doctors and their staff working in GP surgeries across England are reporting a torrent of abuse from patients, with some receiving hate mail while others have been left shaking and in tears by physical and verbal attacks.

Some family doctors have told The Independent they fear coming to work, and have seen staff quit over the threats they are receiving almost daily.

Cystic fibrosis patients in England hail ‘miracle treatment’ one year after becoming available on NHS

Cystic fibrosis patients in England hail ‘miracle treatment’ one year after becoming available on NHS Thousands of cystic fibrosis patients in England have had their health drastically improved by a “miracle” treatment – even allowing one to give birth to a baby since the NHS made it available exactly one year ago today. iNews

Corby drop-in vaccine centre low on stock after 16 and 17-year-olds grab a jab

Corby drop-in vaccine centre low on stock after 16 and 17-year-olds grab a jab Corby's drop-in vaccine sessions for 16 and 17-year-olds have proved so popular that the pharmacy offering the service cannot offer the ‘grab a jab’ unless booked. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Drop in number of homeless people using Northamptonshire trust's mental health services during Covid

Drop in number of homeless people using Northamptonshire trust's mental health services during Covid The number of homeless people using Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) mental health services dropped during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic.

But a charity boss believes this does not suggest there has been a decrease in need for such support and many factors could have affected the figures. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Untapped? Understanding the mental health clinical support workforce

Untapped? Understanding the mental health clinical support workforce NHS clinical support staff are particularly important to mental health services and while they usually deliver the bulk of hands-on care, they are often undervalued. This report examines the profile of mental health clinical support staff and discusses how issues around recruitment and retention can be improved. Nuffield Trust

See also:

• Tapping into the potential: putting mental health clinical support staff in the spotlight Nuffield Trust

Inclusive language in health and care: why the words we use matter

Inclusive language in health and care: why the words we use matter As the forthcoming Health and Care Bill ushers in new measures to promote and enable collaboration in health and care, it brings with it a slew of new terminology and acronyms. While we integrate this new language into daily usage, we must think critically about how and why we choose specific terms over others. The King's Fund

Atlas of variation in risk factors and healthcare for vision in England

Atlas of variation in risk factors and healthcare for vision in England This atlas brings together 32 indicators across the whole vision pathway from describing populations at risk of poor eye health, through screening to healthcare services, and eye health outcomes. The indicators are drawn from the best available population level data sources, and the atlas addresses a long recognised gap in regular review and reporting of eye health data arising from routine NHS care. Public Health England

Better Care Fund increased to support health and care integration

Better Care Fund increased to support health and care integration More than £6.9 billion has been committed to continue driving integration between health and social care and support local recovery from the pandemic. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Policy paper: Better Care Fund policy framework: 2021 to 2022 Department of Health and Social Care

NHS Covid app 'pings' fall after changes

NHS Covid app 'pings' fall after changes The number of alerts sent by the NHS COVID-19 app in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest number since the week ending 23 June.

A total of 261,453 alerts were sent in the week to August 11, down 18% on the previous week.

The figures cover the first full week since changes were made to the app so that it notified fewer close contacts. BBC News

See also:

• NHS invites all remaining 16 and 17 year olds for Covid jabs The Daily Mail
• Vaccinating all over-12s is NOT off the cards, Government adviser says The Daily Mail
• Health Secretary Sajid Javid insists Covid booster vaccine drive WILL go ahead in September The Daily Mail
• UK vaccine watchdog expert sceptical about booster jabs for all adults The Guardian
• UK Covid booster jabs highly unlikely to begin soon, JCVI sources say The Guardian
• English schools told to delay seeking help with small Covid outbreaks The Guardian
• Sajid Javid ‘confident’ Covid booster jabs will start in September The Independent

Lockdown screen time sees rise in short-sightedness

Lockdown screen time sees rise in short-sightedness Optometrists across the country say they are diagnosing higher numbers of children with short-sightedness (myopia) since the start of the pandemic.

They put this down to less time spent outside due to Covid restrictions, more time spent on screens, and a drop-off in numbers of eye tests carried out during the pandemic.

The College of Optometrists is calling for parents to get kids playing outside for two hours a day, this is proven to prevent or stop the development of myopia; and to take their children for eye tests. BBC News 

Mental health crisis ends in cells for too many, snapshot suggests

Mental health crisis ends in cells for too many, snapshot suggests Up to 4,500 people in mental health crisis were unlawfully held in police custody in England and Wales in a year, previously unpublished data suggests.

It happened because of a lack of hospital beds and police officers say the problem persists in some areas.

Ministers say they are clear "police cells should, in general, not be used as places of safety". BBC News 

End-of-life care should not simply be about prolonging a painful death

End-of-life care should not simply be about prolonging a painful death | Polly Toynbee We must focus on easing the exit rather than delaying the inevitable at huge expense

Of all life’s seven ages, which do people value most? Surely no one puts their final few months at the top, when all that’s left is the hope of avoiding departure through a torture chamber. Yet the UK spends most on the end of life, when there’s no future left. The Guardian

NHS England has no plans for a national inhaler recycling scheme despite net zero ambitions

NHS England has no plans for a national inhaler recycling scheme despite net zero ambitions NHS England and NHS Improvement does not currently have plans for an inhaler recycling scheme but encourages the use of local and manufacturer-led inhaler disposal schemes across the NHS. The Pharmaceutical Journal

Five out of six Kettering neighbourhoods now have Covid case-rates over 400

Five out of six Kettering neighbourhoods now have Covid case-rates over 400 Kettering has been identified as a Covid-19 hotspot after a rise in case rates across the town.

Analysts use a formula to compare how the virus is spreading in different areas, by splitting towns into small areas, dividing the number of cases in each area by the population and multiplying by 100,000.

Of the six neighbourhoods in Kettering, five had case rates in excess of 400 per 100,000 people in the week to August 13. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Ten Northampton neighbourhoods with Covid case rates of over 400 Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Fewer than three-quarters people at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust discover bowel cancer diagnosis within four weeks

Fewer than three-quarters people at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust discover bowel cancer diagnosis within four weeks Fewer than three-quarters people urgently referred to Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust with suspected bowel cancer receive a diagnosis or an all-clear within four weeks, figures reveal. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

The full health and care data strategy must address its shortcomings

The full health and care data strategy must address its shortcomings On 22 June, NHSX published their draft data strategy for health and social care. This strategy could not have come at a more crucial time. Population health was already suffering before the pandemic, through stalled improvements in life expectancy and widening health inequalities. Now the NHS faces renewed and unprecedented pressure, with a growing backlog of care (4 million fewer people completed elective care in 2020 than in 2019), and the long-term health burden of the pandemic still unknown. The Health Foundation 

A combined health and care levy could create as many problems as it solves

A combined health and care levy could create as many problems as it solves Just before Parliament broke for its summer recess, rumours swirled that a new £10 billion-a-year health and care levy would be introduced this autumn. Funded through an increase in National Insurance contributions, the funds from the levy would initially focus on tackling the growing backlog for NHS care, before shifting towards supporting social care services in the medium to long term. But alongside issues of equity, there are two problems that mean this levy could be more trouble than it's worth. The King's Fund 

Pastoral support and induction for international recruits

Pastoral support and induction for international recruits This case study looks at what University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has done to effectively induct new overseas nurses over recent months. NHS Employers

Right time, right place: urgent community-based care for older people

Right time, right place: urgent community-based care for older people This document explores emerging community models for responding to an older person’s urgent care needs without them being admitted to hospital. It identifies commonalities and connections between different community responses, offering a brief explanation of the main models, such as hospital at home and urgent community response. There is a lack of consensus around definitions of services and provision in different parts of the country and the document sets out some principles that should underpin person-centred, timely care for older people. British Geriatrics Society 

A system approach to the demand crunch

A system approach to the demand crunch This briefing outlines NHS leaders' views on what must be done to ensure the NHS does not become overwhelmed. It outlines what we can learn now in order to plan well as a system for the winter, and highlights ten areas of focus for local systems. NHS Confederation 

Record number of children and young people waiting for eating disorder treatment, as soaring demand overwhelms services

Record number of children and young people waiting for eating disorder treatment, as soaring demand overwhelms services The number of under-19s waiting for eating disorder treatment has reached record levels as services are struggling to provide timely treatment in the face of overwhelming demand, says the Royal College of Psychiatrists. 

New NHS data analysed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows that while the number of those waiting for urgent and routine treatment has reached record levels during the pandemic, more children and young people are being treated than ever before.

See also:

• Record number of children on NHS waiting lists for eating disorder treatment amid Covid pandemic The Daily Mail
• Record number of young people wait for eating disorder treatment in England The Guardian
• Record numbers of children with eating disorders left waiting for help The Independent

85,000 people with osteoporosis in England are missing out on the drug treatments they need

 85,000 people with osteoporosis in England are missing out on the drug treatments they need New figures released by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) show the scale of the ‘postcode lottery’ facing osteoporosis patients across the country, with many not getting the expert care they need.

The key to timely diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis is a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) – the British-born success story that has become the world standard. An FLS systematically identifies, assesses and treats anyone who sustains a fracture after age 50.

Yet ironically, FLS coverage in the UK is weak, and today’s new figures reveal the full extent of the postcode lottery.

See also: 

• Around 85,000 Britons are missing out on therapy, charity warns The Daily Mail

Covid vaccines still effective against Delta variant

Covid vaccines still effective against Delta variant Having two doses of Covid vaccine remains the best way to protect against the Delta variant, first identified in India and now dominant in the UK.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, though initially less effective, offers the same high protection as the Pfizer-BioNTech after four to five months, the largest study of its kind suggests. BBC News

See also: 

• Impact of Delta on viral burden and vaccine effectiveness against new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the UK (open access) Nuffield Department of Medicine
• Covid vaccine: US plans to offer booster Covid jabs in September BBC News
• UK's Covid cases rise again with 33,904 positive tests, marking a 15% week-on-week jump The Daily Mail
• Double-jabbed who catch Delta variant are just as likely to spread Covid as the unvaccinated The Daily Mail
• Covid hospital patient numbers hit five-month high in England The Independent
• NHS worker who died with Covid was refused shielding status despite history of respiratory problems ITV News

Covid-vaccine scientists begin plague-jab trial

Covid-vaccine scientists begin plague-jab trial UK scientists behind the AstraZeneca Covid jab have given the first trial volunteers a new plague vaccine.

One of them, Larissa, 26, hopes she can help save lives by volunteering for the research, at the University of Oxford, where she studies genetics.

The phase-one trial will see at least 40 healthy 18- to 55-year-olds test the vaccine, which uses the same technology as the coronavirus jab. BBC News

Aspirin may help treat aggressive breast cancer

Aspirin may help treat aggressive breast cancer Aspirin may help fight aggressive breast cancer by making hard-to-treat tumours more responsive to anti-cancer drugs, doctors say.

A team at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, in Manchester, are beginning a trial with triple-negative breast-cancer patients.

They suspect it is aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties rather than its analgesic effect that gives the boost. BBC News 

A potential first step forward’: Moderna to launch human trials for new HIV vaccines

A potential first step forward’: Moderna to launch human trials for new HIV vaccines Human trials for two new HIV vaccines developed by US biotech company Moderna are set to be launched on Thursday – a moment that has been described as a “potential first step forward” in protecting people against the deadly virus. The Independent 

Hundreds of children and teenagers treated by Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust as eating disorders rise

Hundreds of children and teenagers treated by Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust as eating disorders rise NHS England data shows 239 children and young people began treatment for eating disorders at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust between July 2020 and June 2021. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Thousands of people in Northamptonshire have an STI, according to new research

Thousands of people in Northamptonshire have an STI, according to new research New research has revealed that thousands of people in Northamptonshire currently have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

A new interactive STI calculator created by experts at FROM MARS - a men's healthcare firm - reveals how likely you are to come into contact with an STI in Northamptonshire, across the East Midlands and also the rest of the country. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Stretched NHS staff warn "A&E is incredibly busy today" at Northampton General Hospital

Stretched NHS staff warn "A&E is incredibly busy today" at Northampton General Hospital Stretched NHS staff at Northampton General Hospital are begging people to stay away from its emergency department unless absolutely necessary.

Non-emergency cases are likely to be turned away and re-directed to online or phone triage services provided by the NHS. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Year of the nurse and the midwife

Year of the nurse and the midwife The Queen’s Nursing Institute has launched a new animated film to celebrate the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.

The QNI’s animation – the first ever created by the charity – has spent many months in planning and development. It celebrates the expertise of nurses, their critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of their local communities and the breadth of work that they undertake in healthcare and wider society in the UK. 

The health impacts of early childhood interventions: evidence from Sure Start

The health impacts of early childhood interventions: evidence from Sure Start The research in a working paper and briefing note finds that one of England’s biggest early years programmes, Sure Start, delivered long-lasting health benefits for children through their teenage years. Taken together, the savings from reduced hospitalisations up to age 15 offset around 31- per cent of spending on the programme. Institute for Fiscal Studies 

Cost of NHS travel tests to be reduced and private provider list reviewed

Cost of NHS travel tests to be reduced and private provider list reviewed The cost of NHS Test and Trace tests for international arrivals will now be reduced from £88 to £68 for one test and private testing providers will be reviewed. Department of Health and Social Care

Covid: 'I'm pregnant, should I have the vaccine?'

Covid: 'I'm pregnant, should I have the vaccine?' Vaccine uptake by pregnant women is causing concern among doctors and midwives, as 98% of pregnant women in hospital with Covid-19 are unvaccinated, according to NHS England.

BBC London reporter Victoria Cook is pregnant and has reservations about getting the Covid vaccination.

She met other expectant mums who say mixed messaging from doctors and politicians has left them feeling unsure about how best to protect their babies.

Victoria also spoke to experts who told her why pregnant women are now being encouraged to have the jab. BBC News

See also: 

• Pregnant women are less likely to experience side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine The Daily Mail
• Britain records 170 Covid fatalities in deadliest daily toll since MARCH The Daily Mail
• GlaxoSmithKline announces good lab results for new Covid vaccine The Daily Mail
• No evidence that Covid vaccines increase risk of miscarriage, says UK medicines regulator The Independent
• G7 nations will have stockpiled a billion spare Covid vaccine doses by end of 2021, analysis shows The Independent

Outrage at chronic fatigue syndrome advice update pause

Outrage at chronic fatigue syndrome advice update pause A health watchdog has paused a final update to ME treatment guidance just hours before planned publication due to disagreement on its contents - a move that has angered some charities.

NICE says it needs more conversations with patient groups and professionals so that the advice is supported.

There are strong and varied views on how the illness should be best managed. BBC News 

 

'NHS abandoned me after I tried to kill myself'

'NHS abandoned me after I tried to kill myself' A woman who tried to take her own life after suffering post-natal depression says she was abandoned by NHS mental health services during the pandemic.

Katie Yelland, 30, relied on family support to get her through the first lockdown after services were paused.

It comes as monthly mental health referrals across the UK hit their highest point in two years. BBC News 

Poorer areas have fewer GPs as national shortage hits the least healthy more

Poorer areas have fewer GPs as national shortage hits the least healthy more People in the poorest areas of England are less likely to get appointments when they need them because of a shortage of GPs where they live – the result is a deepening gulf in health inequalities between rich and poor.

One doctor with 15 years experience in the NHS told The Independent the situation was akin to a “humanitarian disaster and national emergency” and said ministers must act to tackle the problem. The Independent

See also: 

• Inequalities in the distribution of the general practice workforce in England: a practice-level longitudinal analysis (open access) BJGP Open

Almost 124,000 patients waiting more than three months for NHS tests in England

Almost 124,000 patients waiting more than three months for NHS tests in England NHS patients are waiting more than three months for tests including MRIs, colonoscopies and heart scans, with overall waiting lists doubling in some parts of England.

The number of people waiting more than three months for tests was 22 times that in 2019 as the health system continues to tackle the Covid pandemic backlog. Almost 124,000 people were kept waiting more than three months in 2021, compared with 5,675 in 2019. It is a slight fall from the May 2021 figure, which stood at just over 127,000. The Guardian 

Scrapping free over-60s prescriptions would be 'kick in the teeth' for older people, charity warns

Scrapping free over-60s prescriptions would be 'kick in the teeth' for older people, charity warns Age UK says 2.4million more Britons would have to pay the £9.35 charge if ministers press ahead with plans to raise the qualifying age from 60 to 66. 

It fears many will be unable to afford the cost, so will forgo their drugs and become more ill – placing a bigger burden on the health service.  The Daily Mail

Covid cases multiply in Northampton neighbourhoods with lowest vaccine uptake

Covid cases multiply in Northampton neighbourhoods with lowest vaccine uptake Covid cases in an area of Northampton with the lowest vaccine uptake have multiplied by more than TEN TIMES in less than six weeks.

The town centre and Semilong neighbourhood, which also includes part of St James, saw just four positive tests in the week to June 30 at a rate of 40.5 per 100,000 people. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Rise in the number of patients at Northampton General Hospital Trust waiting for treatment

Rise in the number of patients at Northampton General Hospital Trust waiting for treatment More patients were waiting for routine treatment at Northampton General Hospital Trust in June, figures show.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid warned that waiting lists across England will keep rising, despite the number of patients waiting for treatment reaching a new national record. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Coroner urges action after KGH patient dies of rare PEG allergy

Coroner urges action after KGH patient dies of rare PEG allergy A coroner has asked the authorities to take action to prevent more deaths after a patient admitted to Kettering General Hospital following a heart attack died of a rare allergic reaction to equipment used in a procedure designed to save his life. Northamptonshire Telegraph

HSIB’s maternity programme: a year in review

HSIB’s maternity programme: a year in review Our latest report charts the progress of our maternity investigation programme over the last year and the influence of our work at a local and national level.

The review covers everything from operational performance to planned developments in the coming year (2021/22.) There are key sections on family and NHS staff engagement – focusing on their experiences of working with us including how we gather their feedback and sharing direct quotes. The review also sets out how HSIB fits into the wider maternity picture, explaining the way we work with other organisations and the contributions we have made to high-profile initiatives, projects, inquiries and reports. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch

See also: 

• Hundreds of maternity incidents in one year prompt 1500 safety instructions to hospitals The Independent

Resident-to-resident harm in care homes and other residential settings: a scoping review

Resident-to-resident harm in care homes and other residential settings: a scoping review This review explores resident-to-resident harm in care homes, also referred to as resident-to-resident abuse. The review considers: definitions and types of resident-to-resident abuse; prevalence of resident-to-resident abuse; risk factors for resident-to-resident abuse; prevention of and interventions for resident-to-resident abuse; research gaps; and potential case studies. Free registration is required to access this document. Social Care Institute for Excellence

The role of the ambulance sector in transforming services and coping with the long-term impact of Covid-19

The role of the ambulance sector in transforming services and coping with the long-term impact of Covid-19 This report, produced together with the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), says ambulance services should play a pivotal role in helping the NHS pull through the pandemic, bear down on the care backlog and transform services for patients. NHS Providers 

Covid public inquiry will be pushed back beyond spring 2022, families fear

Covid public inquiry will be pushed back beyond spring 2022, families fear Campaigners who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus fear the start of the public inquiry into the government’s handling of the Covid crisis will be pushed beyond the promised date of spring 2020.

Lawyers representing Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group recently met with the Cabinet Office last month to discuss the inquiry’s potential scope – but were told work has not yet begun on the basic terms of reference. The Independent

See also: 

• Britain's daily Covid cases jump by 13% in a week to 28,438 The Daily Mail
• Blood test can determine whether a patient will suffer from 'long Covid' The Daily Mail
• Covid app pinged close contacts in prior five days not two, says source The Guardian
• Anti-vaxxers offered fake NHS Covid-19 passes and vaccine cards on Telegram iNews