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