Friday 7 July 2023

UK’s largest health research programme opens 15 new locations in July, including Northampton

UK’s largest health research programme opens 15 new locations in July, including Northampton Our Future Health, the UK’s largest health research programme, will launch appointments in 15 new locations in July 2023, bringing the total to 70 clinics overall across the UK. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Dying Matters: Let’s talk about it!’ a chance to speak to end-of-life experts at Kettering General Hospital

Dying Matters: Let’s talk about it!’ a chance to speak to end-of-life experts at Kettering General Hospital The free online event is on Tuesday, July 18, from 2pm-3pm, and is one of a series of events – open to all in the county – which has been arranged by KGH Public Governors.

The event itself is called Dying Matters – ‘Let’s talk about it’ is part of the series called Your Health Matters that aims to help demystify common health conditions and difficult subjects whilst providing practical support. Northamptonshire Telegraph

The NHS then and now: a view from The King’s Fund’s archive

The NHS then and now: a view from The King’s Fund’s archive When NHS was founded in 1948, The King’s Fund had just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Needless to say, both organisations, and the health and care system, have changed considerably in the 75 years since then.

A quick dive into The King’s Fund archive emphasises that some of challenges the NHS is facing today are not unique. Here are four recommendations from 75 years ago that we can still use as inspiration to tackle the major challenges the NHS is facing today.

NHS at 75: insights report

NHS at 75: insights report In May 2023, National Voices brought together around 50 members and people with lived experience in response to an invitation from the NHS Assembly to offer insights and recommendations on future directions for the NHS in the lead up to its 75th anniversary. Insights were sought around five key themes: prevention; personalisation; participation; primary and community care; and partnerships. This report finds that any future developments within the NHS must focus on responding to what matters to people and ensuring that the basic building blocks are in place, such as equity of access and simple communication. National Voices

    Healthcare and prosperity: the NHS at 75

    Healthcare and prosperity: the NHS at 75 This research shows that a third of British adults (34 per cent) have found it difficult to get the health care services they need through the NHS, since the pandemic began. This rises to 51 per cent of people with a life-limiting health condition. It finds that this disruption is costing lives and livelihoods. Some 71 per cent of those with a life limiting health condition who experienced difficulty getting the NHS health care they need said this lack of access had directly undermined their wellbeing and economic prospects. Institute for Public Policy Research

      New resources support partnership between midwives, women and families

      New resources support partnership between midwives, women and families The NMC has launched a new initiative supporting midwives to work in partnership with women and families, ensuring the best possible experiences during pregnancy, birth and postnatally.

      It’s called, ‘The best midwifery care happens in partnership’. It centres on a set of resources designed to support midwives to reflect on the positive impact they’ve had for women and people in maternity care, as well as anything they might do differently in the future. Nursing and Midwifery Council

      The NHS at 75: The past and future of its funding model

      The NHS at 75: The past and future of its funding model The 75th anniversary of the NHS’s foundation was on 5 July 2023. This article considers how spending on the NHS has changed since its inception and the debate about its funding model going forwards. House of Lords Library

      Rise in psychological distress in young adults - survey

      Rise in psychological distress in young adults - survey There has been a rise in the number of young adults in England who report feelings of severe distress, according to a new survey.

      The study found one in five 18 to 24-year-olds said they experienced severe distress at the end of 2022, compared to around one in seven in 2021.

      The research suggested reports of severe distress rose across all age groups, except for those over 65.

      Experts have pointed to the pandemic, cost of living and healthcare crisis. BBC News

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      Sarms: Illegal muscle drugs sold in UK shops, BBC finds

      Sarms: Illegal muscle drugs sold in UK shops, BBC finds "Dangerous" muscle-building drugs are being sold illegally in shops around the UK, a BBC investigation has found.

      The substances, known as Sarms, can cause erectile dysfunction, mood swings and liver problems, doctors warn.

      Secret filming by the BBC found they were widely available in shops that sell bodybuilding supplements as well as online.

      Responding to the findings, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) called for the law to be tightened. BBC News

      How cancer patients receive the most modern care in buildings that are 'not fit for purpose'

      How cancer patients receive the most modern care in buildings that are 'not fit for purpose' Cancer treatment is carried out in a building that opened in 1839 in the Royal Berkshire Hospital - with waiting patients having to be evacuated after rain flooded through the ceiling. Sky News

      Austerity has led to NHS quality of care deteriorating across the board, study finds

      Austerity has led to NHS quality of care deteriorating across the board, study finds The quality of care that the NHS provides has got worse in many key areas and patients’ long waits to access treatment could become even more common, research has found.

      The coalition government’s austerity programme in the early 2010s led to the heath service no longer being able to meet key waiting time targets, the Nuffield Trust and Health Foundation said. The Guardian

      HPV test could reduce the risk of cervical cancer in over-65s, study finds

      HPV test could reduce the risk of cervical cancer in over-65s, study finds Women over the age of 65 could benefit from an HPV test to reduce their risk of cervical cancer, a study suggests.

      In England, the NHS cervical screening programme does not routinely offer screening to women aged 65 and older.

      But some experts argue there should be a 'catch-up' programme inviting older women to be tested for high-risk forms of human papillomavirus (HPV) - which increase women's risk of developing cervical cancer. The Daily Mail

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      Be nicer to your receptionist, patients urged

      Be nicer to your receptionist, patients urged A team led by the University of Queensland looked at 20 studies on receptionists' experience of hostility from patients in GP surgeries, including 11 from the UK.

      Receptionists in doctors' surgeries are routinely facing hostility from patients, researchers have found.

      They 'bear the brunt' of patients' frustrations, principally caused by being unable to get appointments and having to wait to see a doctor.

      Researchers have appealed to patients to think about the receptionists who act as the 'human shield' of the NHS, and be kinder. The Daily Mail

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