“Reasonable” to require care home staff to be vaccinated, says UK’s human rights watchdog

“Reasonable” to require care home staff to be vaccinated, says UK’s human rights watchdog The UK’s human rights watchdog has said it is “reasonable” to legally require care home staff to be vaccination against Covid-19. 

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said a proportionate approach to requiring care home workers to be vaccinated against Covid could help ease restrictions, as well as allowing staff to work in a safe environment and give more freedom to residents. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Northampton General criticised for poor response to racial attack on staff member by patient

Northampton General criticised for poor response to racial attack on staff member by patient Northampton General Hospital has apologised for failing to properly handle an incident where a patient attacked a security officer while hurling racial slurs. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

'Unsafe' Northampton care home is being failed by 'significant shortfalls' from management, say inspectors

'Unsafe' Northampton care home is being failed by 'significant shortfalls' from management, say inspectors The care home for residents with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs has been scolded for exposing patients to risk.

Berrywood Lodge was held in esteem by the CQC after it earned a "good" rating back in 2016 - but in every inspection since then, the home has criticised for declining standards. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Guide for LGBT patients on what to expect from their doctor

Guide for LGBT patients on what to expect from their doctor A new guide for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) patients, setting out what they should expect from their doctor, has been published to coincide with the start of Pride Month by the General Medical Council. 

Wrong site surgery – wrong patient: invasive procedures in outpatient settings

Wrong site surgery – wrong patient: invasive procedures in outpatient settings The investigation looked at the risks involved in the correct identification of patients in outpatient departments. Correct identification is crucial to make sure they receive the right clinical procedure. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch

See also:

• NHS blunder sees wrong woman given invasive procedure BBC News
• NHS mix-up led to female patient having unnecessary cervical examination The Independent

Three quarters of UK adults vaccinated with first dose

Three quarters of UK adults vaccinated with first dose More than three quarters of UK adults have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the latest figures published today (2 June) show, as the vaccination programme continues at pace. Department of Health and Social Care

See also: 

• New international approach to combat emerging health threats as crucial G7 health talks begin Department of Health and Social Care
• G7 Chair’s statement on vaccine confidence Department of Health and Social Care
• Speech: How we got here: lessons from the UK vaccine rollout Department of Health and Social Care

Covid-19: Health staff in plea for better protection

Covid-19: Health staff in plea for better protection More than 20 healthcare organisations, including those representing nurses, doctors, surgeons and therapists, are calling for stricter UK guidelines to be introduced on face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

In a virtual meeting with officials, they will say existing rules leave them vulnerable to infection through the air, especially by new Covid variants. BBC News

See also:

• Covid Could a third wave change 21 June plans in England? BBC News
• Covid-19: UK's data encouraging, says government adviser BBC News
• Covid: What do under-30s need to know about the vaccine? BBC News
• UK's daily Covid cases jump by a third in a week to 4,330 and 12 more deaths are recorded The Daily Mail
• EU delays adding UK to Covid ‘white list’ over fears of Delta variant The Guardian
• Vietnam variant: What is the new mutation of the India Covid strain? The Independent 

Self-harm in over-65s ‘needs post-pandemic focus’

Self-harm in over-65s ‘needs post-pandemic focus’ Self-harm among the over-65s must receive greater focus because of the increased risks associated with the pandemic, a leading expert has said.

Loneliness, bereavement and reluctance to access GPs can all be causes in older adults, said Prof Nav Kapur, who has produced guidelines on the subject.

He warned that in over-65s, without the right help, self-harm can also be a predictor of later suicide attempts. BBC News 

Priti Patel planning 'stealth tax on frontline heroes' with visa fee hike for NHS staff from EU

Priti Patel planning 'stealth tax on frontline heroes' with visa fee hike for NHS staff from EU Priti Patel is planning to hike visa fees for NHS and other workers from EU countries, triggering criticism of “a stealth tax on frontline heroes”. The Independent