Covid: 'Getting vaccinated is best for my child'

Covid: 'Getting vaccinated is best for my child' As children aged between five and 11 are offered a low-dose Covid jab in England, the BBC has spoken to families at a vaccination clinic in Northampton about why they decided to take up the offer. BBC Northampton

ANDREW LEWER COLUMN: Hospital care remains a priority

ANDREW LEWER COLUMN: Hospital care remains a priority Covid restrictions have, in the past two years, significantly up-ended even some of our best made plans, writes Andrew Lewer MP. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

A sound investment: Increasing access to treatment for women with common maternal mental health problems

 A sound investment: Increasing access to treatment for women with common maternal mental health problems One in five women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or after they have given birth, with depression and anxiety the most commonly experienced. Maternal mental health problems can have a devastating impact on women and their families. But many find that they have no opportunity to disclose if they are struggling, or to seek help. Centre for Mental Health

Growing problems, in depth: The impact of Covid-19 on health care for children and young people in England

Growing problems, in depth: The impact of Covid-19 on health care for children and young people in England This year’s QualityWatch scrolling data story explores the dramatic and concerning effect of the pandemic on children and young people's health and the care they receive. This accompanying briefing explains the findings in more detail and discusses the potential implications for the younger generation. Nuffield Trust

See also:

• The pandemic has driven unprecedented surge in demand for mental health services for children and young people Nuffield Trust

A cautious exit: healthcare leaders’ views on the route to living with COVID-19

A cautious exit: healthcare leaders’ views on the route to living with COVID-19 The government is expected to publish its COVID-19 exit plan on 21 February. This comes a month earlier than initially scheduled and is expected to lift existing restrictions – including the requirement to isolate after testing positive – in England from 24 February.

Given the continued high prevalence of the Omicron variant, and pressures on services, this plan must represent a cautious and carefully planned exit if the NHS is to continue to concentrate on delivering the full range of care that people value and expect. NHS Confederation

See also:

• Nursing staff must be protected as COVID-19 restrictions in England set to end Royal College of Nursing
• Covid: NHS bosses call for free tests and isolation to remain BBC News
• Free Covid tests and self-isolation rules must continue, say NHS leaders The Guardian
• ‘Leap in the dark’: Government must publish evidence for lifting all Covid restrictions, says nursing union The Independent

New research reinforces the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines

New research reinforces the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines The UKHSA-backed study is the world’s biggest study into COVID- 19 antibodies and regularly tests a large cohort of healthcare workers to answer the most important questions about the virus.

The latest paper focuses on the protection provided against COVID- 19 infection in those who have had 2 doses of the vaccine, as well as those who have previously been infected with COVID-19. UK Health Security Agency

See also:

• National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published UK Health Security Agency
• Research: COVID-19 vaccine weekly surveillance reports (weeks 39 to 7, 2021 to 2022) UK Health Security Agency

Child covid vaccinations: Your questions answered

Child covid vaccinations: Your questions answered Children aged between five and 11 in England will be offered a low-dose Covid vaccine, the government says.

Northern Ireland has said it will also follow Wales and Scotland in offering young children the vaccine.

Our health correspondents Smitha Mundasad and Philippa Roxby answer some of your questions. BBC News

See also:

• Just ELEVEN under-15s in England and Wales died of Covid in 2020, new official data shows The Daily Mail
• Health minister admits Government KNEW about links between Tory peer and PPE firm given £200m The Daily Mail
• UK's daily Covid cases plunge by another 22% while hospitalisations and deaths fall by a tenth The Daily Mail
• Next Covid strain could kill many more, warn scientists ahead of England restrictions ending The Guardian

'My child is in pain - but I'm helpless'

'My child is in pain - but I'm helpless' How children are becoming the forgotten victims of pandemic after disruption to care and support. BBC News

Midwives tell Sajid Javid to 'stem the tide' of those leaving NHS with patient safety at risk

Midwives tell Sajid Javid to 'stem the tide' of those leaving NHS with patient safety at risk The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has called on the Government to urgently invest in maternity services to stem the tide of staff leaving the NHS.

Despite promises to increase the workforce the number of midwives has actually fallen to 26,901, according to most recent NHS England figures, down from 27,272 a year ago. The RCM said it was concerned at the drop, which adds to the existing shortage of more than 2,000 staff. iNews

NHS boss earns £60000 more than her predecessor as she rakes in up to £260000, figures show

NHS boss earns £60000 more than her predecessor as she rakes in up to £260000, figures show NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard was hired on £60,000 more than her predecessor, government figures revealed yesterday. 

She is paid between £255,000 and £260,000 for her role leading the health service, Cabinet Office data shows. The Daily Mail