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