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