Four trans people, trans-led charity Gendered Intelligence and the Good Law Project have been given permission to bring a judicial review against NHS England on grounds stemming from massive waiting lists and failures by the NHS to help trans people access affirming healthcare. PinkNews
Thursday, 12 May 2022
High Court to hear urgent case against NHS over 'life-threatening' wait times for trans healthcare
High Court to hear urgent case against NHS over 'life-threatening' wait times for trans healthcare A groundbreaking legal challenge against the years-long healthcare waits UK trans people face on the NHS will now be heard in court.
'Unfounded' NHS criticism and investigation caused unnecessary deaths at London heart surgery unit
'Unfounded' NHS criticism and investigation caused unnecessary deaths at London heart surgery unit Heart surgery patients in London have died “unnecessarily” and faced increased risk of death as botched NHS investigations into dozens of deaths reduced a hospital’s ability to treat people, a coroner has warned.
“Unnecessary” patient deaths have occurred as a result of heart surgery at St George’s University Hospital Trust being restricted and emergencies diverted to other “over stretched” hospitals, following investigations by national NHS bodies. The Independent
See also:
England's cancer backlog could take more than five years to clear, leading cancer charity warns
England's cancer backlog could take more than five years to clear, leading cancer charity warns England's cancer backlog won't be tackled for another five years without urgent action, charities warned today.
MacMillan estimates 32,000 fewer patients than expected have started their first treatment in the two years since the start of the pandemic, due to a combination of hospitals prioritising Covid, poor access to GPs and patients being reluctant to come forward. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 11 May 2022
Northamptonshire Care Record goes live in first pilot areas
Northamptonshire Care Record goes live in first pilot areas Northamptonshire Health and Care Partnership has announced the Northamptonshire Care Record has been launched across a number of pilot sites.
The first live data in the system is being pulled from the majority of general practices in the region, and will be followed later this month with all data from Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Data from Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital are set to follow shortly after. Digital Health
KGH team's pride after fast-food trailer testing service wins national award
KGH team's pride after fast-food trailer testing service wins national award When Covid hit the nation one team at KGH faced a dilemma – how would they keep giving blood tests to patients who needed to shield?
With the virus spreading across the country the last thing they wanted was vulnerable people regularly going into the hospital.
But thanks to the imagination of the anticoagulation team they were able to have their tests at a fast-food trailer in a car park. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Government must go further to level up the health recovery
Government must go further to level up the health recovery Commenting on the Queen's Speech, Dr Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of The Health Foundation, said:
‘Today's Queen’s Speech reiterated the UK Government's ambitions to level up. But with a cost-of-living crisis and a huge backlog in NHS care, much bolder action is needed to secure the nation's healthy recovery post-Covid.'
See also:
- Queen’s Speech 2022 Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street
- Queen's Speech is light on health promises British Heart Foundation
- LGA statement on Queen’s Speech: Mental Health Act Reform Bill Local Government Association
- Queen’s Speech 2022: what you need to know NHS Confederation
- On the day briefing: Queen's Speech 2022 NSH Providers
- RCN responds to the Queen's Speech Royal College of Nursing
- RCPsych responds to the Queen's speech Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Proposed Mental Health Act overhaul included in Queen’s Speech Community Care
- The Queen’s speech 2022: what was in it and what it means The Guardian
- Queen's Speech unveils mental health reform to end learning disability detentions Home Care
Reform of adult social care: some progress, but nowhere near enough
Reform of adult social care: some progress, but nowhere near enough In November 2019, we identified the eight key problems in adult social care that any reform would need to address. Since then, the government has issued four key documents outlining measures that directly affect adult social care: its Build back better plan for health and social care, the People at the heart of care social care White Paper, the Health and Care Act (which has now received Royal Assent) and a White Paper on integration of health and care. Together, these introduce major reform to adult social care, with measures including further integration with health care, changes to the means test for social care, a cap on social care costs and an intervention in the social care market intended to ensure local authorities pay a ‘fair price’ for care. But are they enough to tackle the eight deep-rooted problems in the sector? Here’s our assessment. The King's Fund
Partnership working in Doncaster to support children and young people’s mental health
Partnership working in Doncaster to support children and young people’s mental health The Doncaster Children’s Partnership set up the multi-agency Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) Group, which brings together key influencers and decision-makers from the CCG, local authority, children and young people’s mental health service provider and other partners. The SEMH promotes better joint assessments, planning and service delivery for vulnerable young people in need of care, which has led to reduced delays and improved access to appropriate help and support for children and young people in the local area. NHS Confederation
NHS fast tracks mental health support for millions of pupils
NHS fast tracks mental health support for millions of pupils More than 2.4 million children and young people now have access to mental health support in schools and colleges, thanks to the NHS fast tracking services to help address record demand.
The NHS rollout is already one year ahead of schedule – more than 500 teams will be confirmed ahead of the April 2023 ambition with millions able to access help when they need it. NHS England
Chronic pain treatments are failing millions, say experts
Chronic pain treatments are failing millions, say experts Relentless. Unbearable. Overwhelming.
These are just some of the words used by the thousands of people who have revealed their battle with long-term, persistent pain.
An exclusive survey of over 4,000 adults aged 16-75 for BBC News, carried out by research company Ipsos, suggests that a quarter of people in the UK are living with chronic pain - an often hidden and misunderstood condition.
These are just some of the words used by the thousands of people who have revealed their battle with long-term, persistent pain.
An exclusive survey of over 4,000 adults aged 16-75 for BBC News, carried out by research company Ipsos, suggests that a quarter of people in the UK are living with chronic pain - an often hidden and misunderstood condition.
See also:
Sarin gas blamed for Gulf War syndrome
Sarin gas blamed for Gulf War syndrome US scientists say they have discovered what caused thousands of soldiers who served in the 1991 Gulf War to fall sick with mysterious symptoms.
They have pinned the blame on the nerve agent sarin, which was released into the air when caches of Iraqi chemical weapons were bombed.
Many veterans have complained of a range of debilitating symptoms which developed after their service. BBC News
NHS offers refugee nurses a 'new life and career'
NHS offers refugee nurses a 'new life and career' Eleven NHS Trusts are offering a “new life and career” to Palestinian refugees under a new pilot scheme. NursingNotes
Pregnant women who had Covid vaccine 15% LESS likely to suffer stillbirth, 'reassuring' study finds
Pregnant women who had Covid vaccine 15% LESS likely to suffer stillbirth, 'reassuring' study finds Pregnant women who are vaccinated against Covid are 'significantly' less likely to suffer a stillbirth compared to the unvaccinated, research suggests.
There had been widespread safety concerns about the jabs among expectant mothers, which saw them become one of the least vaccinated groups in the country. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy (open access) Nature Communications
- Long Covid: Fears symptoms in ethnic groups 'not believed' BBC News
- New Covid strain now makes up 43% of cases in the US and at least 66% of all infections in New York, CDC reports The Daily Mail
- Covid vaccines safe for pregnant women and cut stillbirth risk, says review The Guardian
- Pandemic gets tougher to track as COVID testing plunges The Independent
20,000 children with rotten teeth missed out on agony-relieving op during Covid
20,000 children with rotten teeth missed out on agony-relieving op during Covid Thousands children missed out on getting their rotten teeth removed because of Covid, data suggests.
Tooth extractions in youngsters halved during the first year of the pandemic, with just 14,645 carried out in 2020/21.
This was roughly 20,000 fewer than the year before. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Ministers must act on child tooth extractions backlog British Dental Association
- Hospital tooth extractions of 0 to 19 year olds 2021 Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
- Hospital tooth extractions for children in England fall by over half in pandemic The Guardian
Dire workforce crisis turning general practice ‘upside down’, UK GPC chair warns
Dire workforce crisis turning general practice ‘upside down’, UK GPC chair warns Politicians must listen to GPs’ concerns about the ‘severe’ workforce crisis in general practice as teams face a ‘daunting mountain of unmet need’ with inadequate support, the BMA UK GP chair has warned. GPonline
See also:
Tuesday, 10 May 2022
New chief executive for Lakeside Healthcare
New chief executive for Lakeside Healthcare A group which runs GP surgeries across the region including Corby’s super-practice has appointed a new chief executive.
Lakeside Healthcare has announced Jessica Bawden will take up the post in September, overseeing a partnership of eight GP practices across Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northamptonshire identified as ‘dental desert’ as fewer than 40 percent of adults seen by dentist in last two years
Northamptonshire identified as ‘dental desert’ as fewer than 40 percent of adults seen by dentist in last two years A new report has identified Northamptonshire as a “dental desert” as figures revealed fewer than 40 percent of adults have been seen by a dentist in the last two years. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Adding value: a strategic vision for volunteering in NHS trusts
Adding value: a strategic vision for volunteering in NHS trusts This report explores the current picture of volunteering in NHS trusts, its purpose, how it has developed and opportunities for adopting a strategic approach in the future. The King's Fund
More than 65,000 people are left waiting to find out if it’s cancer each month
More than 65,000 people are left waiting to find out if it’s cancer each month New calculations from Cancer Research UK estimate that, on average, over 65,000 people in England are left waiting longer than 28 days to find out whether they have cancer each month.
These estimates are based on the latest data from the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS). The FDS is a performance standard introduced by Government in 2021. It’s used to better capture how long people on certain cancer-related referrals wait for a diagnosis.
These estimates are based on the latest data from the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS). The FDS is a performance standard introduced by Government in 2021. It’s used to better capture how long people on certain cancer-related referrals wait for a diagnosis.
See also:
Making wound care work: rebuilding services for the 3.8 million people living with a wound in the UK
Making wound care work: rebuilding services for the 3.8 million people living with a wound in the UK This report, published jointly with the company Mölnlycke, found that around 28 per cent of patients are managing their own wounds due to the pandemic. The report (based on a survey and interview with patients, and a survey of wound care nurses) also found that the majority (88 per cent) of nurses fear that Covid-19 has had a negative impact on wound care services and eight out of ten are worried about the delays it has caused to appointments, and the knock-on effect of delays to patient outcomes. Patients Association
The potential legacy of the pandemic on mortality
The potential legacy of the pandemic on mortality The impact of Covid-19 on mortality can be broadly split into three categories: direct impacts; indirect impacts; and wider social and economic impacts. Indirect impacts represent excess deaths due to stresses on the health system or changes in the health-seeking behaviour of individuals. These are the focus of this bulletin. At this stage of the pandemic, the mortality impacts are shifting from direct to indirect. Analysing emerging data can help to identify the magnitude of these impacts and the extent to which they are asymmetric across the population. If care pathways do not rapidly return to pre-pandemic levels, then the Covid-19 pandemic will affect the standard of healthcare, morbidity and mortality across the UK for years to come. Covid-19 Actuaries Response Group
Covid: Fourth-dose jab trial shows good boost
Covid: Fourth-dose jab trial shows good boost Fourth-dose Covid booster vaccines increase protection against Covid-19, particularly in people aged over 70, according to a UK trial.
But scientists say any short-term protection against infection is likely to fall away quickly.
The UK rolled out fourth doses to over-75s and the most vulnerable in April. BBC News
See also:
- Safety, immunogenicity, and reactogenicity of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines given as fourth-dose boosters following two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or BNT162b2 and a third dose of BNT162b2 (COV-BOOST): a multicentre, blinded, phase 2, randomised trial (open access) The Lancet Infectious Diseases
- Health chiefs will only update Britain-wide figures twice a week after pressure to scrap updates The Daily Mail
- White House projects 100 MILLION COVID-19 infections during fall and winter 2022 The Daily Mail
- Michelle Mone faces police interview over links to £200m covid PPE deal Daily Record
- Keir Starmer pledges to resign as Labour leader if fined for Covid breach The Guardian
- Fourth Covid jab can give higher immunity than initial booster, study finds The Guardian
- Alarm after EHRC says long Covid should not be treated as disability The Guardian
- People Who've Never Had Covid May Hold The Genetic Key To A Cure Huffington Post UK
- Covid cases are down but how will we live with the virus long term? The Independent
- Long Covid affecting day-to-day activities of 1.2m people, official figures show People Management
- 'Paused' GP vaccination sites must 'reactivate' within 5-10 days if needed Pulse
New prostate cancer treatment using ultrasound rolling out across UK
New prostate cancer treatment using ultrasound rolling out across UK A revolutionary new prostate treatment is being rolled out across the UK, with nine hospitals set to offer a non-invasive option to stop thousands of men being left with gruelling side effects from surgery. The Independent
Hundreds of mentally ill prisoners denied urgent treatment in England
Hundreds of mentally ill prisoners denied urgent treatment in England Hundreds of severely mentally ill prisoners in urgent need of hospital treatment are being left in prison cells due to bed shortages in secure NHS psychiatric units, an investigation has discovered.
Freedom of information (FoI) responses from 22 NHS trusts reveal for the first time that just over half of the 5,403 prisoners in England assessed by prison-based psychiatrists to require hospitalisation were not transferred between 2016 and 2021 – an 81% increase on the number of prisoners denied a transfer in the previous five years. The Guardian
See also:
- Locking Up the Sick (podcast) BBC Radio 4
- Mental illness: 'Saddest case' of woman sent to prison not hospital BBC News
Shortages of blood pressure pills and painkillers loom for NHS as drug producers face supply chain crisis
Shortages of blood pressure pills and painkillers loom for NHS as drug producers face supply chain crisis The NHS is facing shortages of drugs relied on by hundreds of thousands of patients, from anti-depressants to blood pressure tablets, amid a supply chain crisis, a leading industry body has warned. iNews
See also:
What's behind the sudden shortage of hay fever pills?
What's behind the sudden shortage of hay fever pills? Hay fever season is well under way and millions are expecting to avoid streaming noses and itchy eyes with their usual antihistamine pills.
Except some are unobtainable. Search for Piriton Allergy Tablets for adults on the Boots website and you’ll see the message: ‘We’re sorry, this product has sold out and we won’t be receiving any further stock.’
It’s a similar message on the Lloyds Pharmacy and Co-op Pharmacy websites. The Daily Mail
See also:
New vaccine is now being trialled in Britons with prostate, lung and ovarian cancers
New vaccine is now being trialled in Britons with prostate, lung and ovarian cancers A vaccine that could ‘dramatically’ improve the treatment of multiple types of cancer is being given to patients for the first time.
The potentially game-changing jab is being trialled in Britons with prostate, lung and ovarian cancers.
Together these claim 51,000 lives a year in the UK — almost a third of all cancer deaths. The Daily Mail
Monday, 9 May 2022
Everything you need to know about Headfest in Northampton during Mental Health Awareness Week
Everything you need to know about Headfest in Northampton during Mental Health Awareness Week “Headfest” is a week-long mental health focused event taking place at the Royal and Derngate theatre, Northampton, during Mental Health Awareness Week, from Monday May 9 - Sunday May 15. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Mum finds sequin stuck in son's throat after being told 'he is fine' by Kettering Hospital
Mum finds sequin stuck in son's throat after being told 'he is fine' by Kettering Hospital A Northampton mum has said she was "made to feel like a silly mum" after taking her baby son to Kettering General Hospital. She was told by a doctor and a nurse that there was nothing wrong, but discovered the next day that he'd had a sequin stuck in his throat. Northants Live
Context matters: what’s needed for young people’s mental health?
Context matters: what’s needed for young people’s mental health? Media stories about young people make for sombre reading, especially today – the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. ‘Mental health referrals for children surge by more than HALF during Covid’, reads one headline. ‘Swamped mental health services turning away children’, reads another.
Such coverage reflects the growing numbers of young people with diagnosable mental health concerns, and a care system that is struggling to cope. The Health Foundation
NHS patients are more likely to die – it is right to ask why
NHS patients are more likely to die – it is right to ask why Last week a think-tank report drew newspaper headlines with the claim that the NHS ranked second from bottom across "a series of major health outcomes" compared with other international systems. Does the NHS really perform so badly internationally, and is there a real problem with our health outcomes? Mark Dayan looks at the evidence in the round. Nuffield Trust
Dying matters - which is why we need to deepen our understanding of end-of-life care
Dying matters - which is why we need to deepen our understanding of end-of-life care What does it mean to be in a good place to die?
That’s a question that Hospice UK are encouraging people to think about as part of this year’s ‘Dying Matters Week’. Obviously, the idea of ‘place’ here is somewhat metaphorical, and rightly draws our attention to the importance of people’s and their family’s emotional states as they approach end-of-life. The King's Fund
Improving inclusion in health and care research: reflections and next steps
Improving inclusion in health and care research: reflections and next steps In autumn 2021 HSR UK, the Nuffield Trust, the King’s Fund, the Health Foundation and PPI representatives from the Health Foundation Inclusion Panel co-developed a series of events to address improving inclusion in health and care research. These events aimed to showcase people, projects and organisations approaching research in inclusive and innovative ways. The events were also used to scrutinise the deeply embedded barriers to inclusion and consider how they might be tackled, at the research project, system and funding level. This report shares insights from the expert speakers who participated in events, as well as reflections and learnings from running the series.
Lack of NHS dental appointments widens health inequalities
Lack of NHS dental appointments widens health inequalities A new survey of public attitudes to NHS dentistry shows that half of the adults in England find dental charges unfair amid escalating living costs. We have warned decision-makers that NHS dentistry is in desperate need of reform. Healthwatch
See also:
Recipients of £5.4 million suicide prevent fund revealed in Mental Health Awareness Week
Recipients of £5.4 million suicide prevent fund revealed in Mental Health Awareness Week The government has announced the charities that have received a share of £5.4million, to support people experiencing suicidal thoughts or approaching a crisis. This follows increased demand for services, met by the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector during the pandemic. Department of Health and Social Care
Monkeypox case confirmed in England
Monkeypox case confirmed in England The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm an individual has been diagnosed with monkeypox in England.
The patient has a recent travel history from Nigeria, which is where they are believed to have contracted the infection, before travelling to the UK.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily between people. It is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals.
Covid: Learning to live with the virus in the UK
Covid: Learning to live with the virus in the UK Coronavirus infections may be receding in the UK - but that does not mean that the virus has suddenly become yesterday's problem.
Far fewer masks are seen on buses and trains and other public spaces. Indoor gatherings seem to be back to where they were pre-pandemic. Restrictions have been lifted and most people are enjoying the freedom.
But Covid is likely to remain with us for years to come. So what will it mean to live with the virus in the longer term? BBC News
See also:
- Covid infections down considerably in UK BBC News
- Covid? What Covid? UK's daily hospital admissions and deaths fall again while cases tumble to 11,000 The Daily Mail
- Healthy young people in UK may never be offered another Covid jab, says expert The Guardian
- Sweden? Japan? UK? Debates over who had a ‘good’ Covid won’t end The Guardian
- Low Covid vaccine uptake among minorities ‘sign of how much health officials need to do to win back trust’ iNews
- GPs to chase immunosuppressed and housebound patients for Covid boosters Pulse
Hepatitis in children mystery still being investigated as cases rise
Hepatitis in children mystery still being investigated as cases rise UK health officials say they are still no clearer on the cause of a rise in liver inflammation, or hepatitis, in children.
A common adenovirus is thought to play a role, but other possibilities are still being investigated.
In the UK, 163 cases have now been identified, and 11 children have received liver transplants. BBC News
See also:
- Research and analysis: Acute hepatitis: technical briefing UK Health Security Agency
- Increase in hepatitis (liver inflammation) cases in children under investigation UK Health Security Agency
- Hepatitis in children: What we know about the surge in liver disease cases BBC Science Focus
- Health chiefs are now probing whether DOGS are to blame for mysterious hepatitis outbreak The Daily Mail
- Possible link between dogs and spike in hepatitis cases among children examined Sky News
Blackpool Victoria Hospital staff charged over patient mistreatment
Blackpool Victoria Hospital staff charged over patient mistreatment Five healthcare staff have been charged with criminal offences as part of a major investigation into the ill-treatment of hospital patients.
Concerns had been raised over the welfare of some patients on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Three nurses and two healthcare assistants will appear at court for offences including unlawful sedation of patients and theft, police said. BBC News
A week off social media reduces depression and anxiety – research
A week off social media reduces depression and anxiety – research Taking a break from social media for as little as a week can reduce depression and anxiety, according to new research.
People who took a break from platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for seven days reported an increased sense of wellbeing, a study by the University of Bath found. The Independent
See also:
- Taking a One-Week Break from Social Media Improves Well-Being, Depression, and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial (open access) Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking
‘Antiquated’ mental health laws in England and Wales set for overhaul
‘Antiquated’ mental health laws in England and Wales set for overhaul An overhaul of what Boris Johnson described as “antiquated” mental health laws will make it harder to detain people with learning disabilities and autistic people in hospital.
The reforms – which will be part of the Queen’s speech next week and are the first big changes to the Mental Health Act in four decades – are designed to reduce the number of people being detained under current laws in England and Wales. The number of detentions rose by 40% between 2005-06 and 2015-16 and have continued to rise year on year. The Guardian
‘It’s shocking’: senior nurse tells of acute pressure on NHS 111
‘It’s shocking’: senior nurse tells of acute pressure on NHS 111 The NHS cannot cope with the growing need for care, long delays for treatment are now routine and the staffing crisis is so acute that retired doctors are now being asked to come back and work in hospitals.
Here, a senior nurse describes how the NHS 111 telephone advice service – an important source of urgent medical advice and way of taking the pressure off A&E – is increasingly unable to help those who ring seeking help and voices her fears that patients with serious conditions may be suffering avoidable harm as a result. The Guardian
NHS offers new 'wide awake' surgery for spinal patients
NHS offers new 'wide awake' surgery for spinal patients Spine surgery performed while people are ‘wide awake’ – rather than under general anaesthetic – could mean patients are back on their feet and out of hospital within hours rather than days.
A pioneering procedure being offered on the NHS uses a combination of painkillers and local anaesthetic injected into the back. The Daily Mail
Friday, 6 May 2022
Drop-in Covid jabs clinic at Eid event on Northampton Racecourse this weekend
Drop-in Covid jabs clinic at Eid event on Northampton Racecourse this weekend Health experts are warning Covid-19 is still very much around in Northamptonshire despite things feeling “back to normal”.
Official figures revealed eight deaths linked to the virus in the county in the last week or so despite a huge fall in hospital patients being treated for the virus. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
How artificial intelligence is a 'second pair of eyes' in KGH cancer trial
How artificial intelligence is a 'second pair of eyes' in KGH cancer trial Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used on some patients at KGH as part of a major study which aims to help better detect bowel cancer.
The Rothwell Road hospital is one of just nine NHS endoscopy units taking part in the UK-first clinical trial, called COLO-DETECT. Northamptonshire Telegraph
KGH improving after warning notice - but there's still work to do
KGH improving after warning notice - but there's still work to do Kettering General Hospital has improved safety on its wards after a rocket from health inspectors – but there’s still more work to do.
The Rothwell Road hospital was given a warning notice last year by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for failing to meet two of its legal care requirements. Northamptonshire TelegraphNHS trust improves safety of mental health patients but more work is needed, say inspectors
NHS trust improves safety of mental health patients but more work is needed, say inspectors An NHS trust which provides mental health services across the city and county has made improvements following a critical inspection report last year but still has work to do, the latest assessment of its work has concluded. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out a follow-up inspection of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust having previously found that some patients were unable to call for help and staff were walking in on them while they were changing. Leicestershire Live
Party politics and attitudes towards the NHS
Party politics and attitudes towards the NHS The Nuffield Trust and The King's Fund's analysis of the latest NatCen British Social Attitudes survey found that overall public satisfaction with the NHS had plummeted to just 36 per cent. Health is a highly politicised issue in the UK, so how does that picture look when broken down by party-political allegiance?
An analysis of hospital estate spending in the English NHS
An analysis of hospital estate spending in the English NHS Using data on the estate costs of the NHS in England, this research assesses whether there are any potential inefficiencies and best practices that can be identified. As this is taxpayers’ money, politicians and NHS managers should be able to justify any apparent anomalies and inefficiencies that appear and use this to make savings without affecting patient care. TaxPayers' Alliance
See also:
NHS rolls out life-saving arthritis drug to treat COVID
NHS rolls out life-saving arthritis drug to treat COVID The NHS is rolling out a cutting-edge, life-saving COVID treatment from today, which is proven to save lives when given to the most seriously ill COVID patients in hospital.
The RECOVERY trial carried out through the NHS found that 13% fewer severely ill patients died of COVID when treated with arthritis drug baricitinib compared to existing treatment options.
Typically used to treat arthritis to reduce pain and inflammation, baricitinib can now be given to hospitalised COVID patients in addition to current treatments, and clinical studies show that this can provide benefits on top of existing treatment. NHS England
The RECOVERY trial carried out through the NHS found that 13% fewer severely ill patients died of COVID when treated with arthritis drug baricitinib compared to existing treatment options.
Typically used to treat arthritis to reduce pain and inflammation, baricitinib can now be given to hospitalised COVID patients in addition to current treatments, and clinical studies show that this can provide benefits on top of existing treatment. NHS England
See also:
- NHS delivers more than half of spring boosters as latest invites land NHS England
- National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published UK Health Security Agency
Covid: World’s true pandemic death toll nearly 15 million, says WHO
Covid: World’s true pandemic death toll nearly 15 million, says WHO The Covid pandemic has caused the deaths of nearly 15 million people around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates.
That is 13% more deaths than normally expected over two years.
The WHO believes many countries undercounted the numbers who died from Covid - only 5.4 million were reported. BBC News
See also:
- 14.9 million excess deaths associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 World Health Organization
- Does US really have world's highest Covid death toll? BBC News
- Russia, India and Indonesia have all faced MORE excess deaths than the US, WHO says The Daily Mail
- UK's daily Covid wave shrinks again as hospital admissions fall by a quarter and cases slump The Daily Mail
- UK government accused of ‘explaining away’ Covid race issues The Guardian
- Black and Asian Britons who refused Covid vaccine faced racial discrimination from NHS staff, study finds iNews
- Omicron just as deadly as earlier Covid variants, Harvard scientists claim The Independent
- NHS rolls out life-saving arthritis drug to treat severely ill Covid patients iNews
- COVID-19: the next phase and beyond (open access) The Lancet
Hospitals urged to use retired staff to cut backlog
Hospitals urged to use retired staff to cut backlog NHS bosses in England are urging hospitals to offer staff more overtime and tempt retired employees back, to help tackle waiting lists.
A letter sent by NHS England said tackling the backlog that had grown during the pandemic would require a "number of high impact actions".
And many hospitals were already taking innovative approaches to the issue. BBC News
See also:
- Desperate NHS begs retiring doctors to stay: Medics urged to WFH or part-time amid staffing crisis The Daily Mail
- Focus on doctor retention must equal recruitment efforts, GMC chief warns GPonline
- NHS backlogs: 'majority' of retiring doctors won't heed call to stay amid 'unbearable' conditions says GP iNews
Sajid Javid in crisis talks over HRT shortages
Sajid Javid in crisis talks over HRT shortages The UK’s acute shortage of hormone replacement therapy products for menopausal women has prompted the health secretary to call a meeting with industry representatives and the government’s new HRT supply tsar to discuss the crisis. The Guardian
NHS Inboxes Hijacked to Send 1000+ Malicious Emails
NHS Inboxes Hijacked to Send 1000+ Malicious Emails More than 1000 phishing emails were sent from compromised National Health Service (NHS) inboxes over a six-month period ending this year, according to new research from Inky.
The email security firm claimed the campaign started around October 2021 and escalated “dramatically” in March this year, when Inky detected 1157 phishing emails originating from NHSmail inboxes. Infosecurity Magazine
Thursday, 5 May 2022
Free gatherings to talk about grief taking place at various locations around Northampton
Free gatherings to talk about grief taking place at various locations around Northampton Delapré Abbey has teamed up with arts organisation, Fevered Sleep, to introduce group conversations about grief to Northampton as part of their wellbeing programme. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Supporting patient engagement with digital health care innovations: Lessons from the Care City test bed
Supporting patient engagement with digital health care innovations: Lessons from the Care City test bed Health apps and digital tools have the potential to help alleviate some of the huge pressures the NHS faces from Covid-19, the backlog of care and rising demand. But introducing these tools into health care and supporting people to use them is never a quick fix, and they will not work for everyone. This summary provides a set of lessons for ensuring digital health innovations are applied in optimal ways for the people using them. The findings are based on a large-scale evaluation of digital technologies being implemented in health and social care in East London. Nuffield Trust
Addressing the noncommunicable disease (NCD) burden in prisons in the WHO European Region: interventions and policy options
Addressing the noncommunicable disease (NCD) burden in prisons in the WHO European Region: interventions and policy options The aim of this policy brief is to shed light on the scale of the noncommunicable disease (NCD) burden in prisons and the unique challenges they present for individuals and society both during and following incarceration. The brief also highlights best practices, interventions and policies to address NCDs and their risk factors in the prison context, while also noting special considerations for their implementation in specific contexts and settings. World Health Organization Europe
Employment advisers in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies
Employment advisers in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Employment advisors (EAs) in improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) is a single service that brings together employment advice and support within IAPT provision. Therapists and EAs work collaboratively to deliver a personalised service to clients based on their individual needs. This research report explores the profile of EAs in IAPT clients, the experiences and longitudinal outcomes of these clients and the impact of seeing an EA. Department of Health and Social Care
Hepatitis detected in nearly 300 children worldwide
Hepatitis detected in nearly 300 children worldwide Nearly 300 probable cases of children with severe hepatitis have been detected in 20 countries worldwide, with some in South East Asia, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
Health officials around the world are investigating a mysterious increase in cases of the liver condition which was first spotted in the UK. BBC News
Radical plans to transform NHS drawn up at drug firms and No 10 roundtable
Radical plans to transform NHS drawn up at drug firms and No 10 roundtable A list of radical ideas for transforming the NHS, including lifting safeguards blocking startups’ access to patient data, and nurses being incentivised to help speed trials, was privately drawn up by drug and healthcare companies in talks with senior No 10 advisers.
The proposals, which can be revealed after a freedom of information request, emerged in private roundtables convened by a taskforce appointed by Boris Johnson to generate ideas for cutting supposed red tape after Brexit. The Guardian
NHS urges doctors to delay retirement to help with backlog
NHS urges doctors to delay retirement to help with backlog Retiring doctors have been urged by NHS England to continue to work to help clear the country’s health backlogs.
In a letter to hospital trusts, NHS urged for retiring and recently retired doctors to be asked to continue working part-time or from home in virtual wards. The Independent
Nottingham maternity scandal: New review chair resigns after mounting pressure from families
Nottingham maternity scandal: New review chair resigns after mounting pressure from families The newly appointed chair of a major review into poor maternity care in Nottingham has resigned following mounting pressure from families.
Julie Dent was appointed by the NHS just two weeks ago to lead a review into hundreds of cases of alleged poor care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The Independent
See also:
- Health and Social Care Secretary meets with Nottingham maternity review families Department of Health and Social Care
COVID-19: Deaths involving coronavirus rise for sixth successive week in England and Wales, ONS says
COVID-19: Deaths involving coronavirus rise for sixth successive week in England and Wales, ONS says Deaths involving COVID in England and Wales have risen for the sixth successive week, figures show.
A total of 1,042 deaths registered in the seven days to 22 April mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, according to the Office for National Statistics. Sky News
See also:
- Covid hospital admissions plunge below 1,000 for first time since before Christmas The Daily Mail
- Just 18% of parents with children under five years old want them vaccinated against covid The Daily Mail
- Care homes in England demand revival of Covid fund to pay isolating staff The Guardian
- What is Omicron XE? Symptoms of the new Covid variant found in UK The Independent
- How long does Omicron last? When the Covid variant is most contagious and its symptoms explained iNews
- Government won’t appeal ruling on unlawful care home discharge policies Metro
Just one in 20 English adults do NHS recommended exercise each week, study finds
Just one in 20 English adults do NHS recommended exercise each week, study finds Just one in 20 adults in England get their recommended amount of exercise, a study suggests.
The NHS says people should do two-and-a-half hours of moderate-intensity physical exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling and pushing a lawn mower. The Daily Mail
See also:
Reality TV bombards viewers with junk food in up to 90% of episodes, study finds
Reality TV bombards viewers with junk food in up to 90% of episodes, study finds Reality TV has been accused of promoting unrealistic body images and causing restrictive eating disorders in recent years.
But new analysis suggests shows like Love Island and Keeping Up with the Kardashians may also be playing a role in obesity. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Exposure to tobacco, alcohol and ‘Junk food’ content in reality TV programmes broadcast in the UK between August 2019–2020 (open access) Journal of Public Health
Wednesday, 4 May 2022
Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital offering help for county's 20,000 long Covid sufferers
Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital offering help for county's 20,000 long Covid sufferers An estimated 20,000 people in Northamptonshire suffering from long Covid can get a virtual helping hand from hospital medics later this month.
According to the NHS, debilitating Covid symptoms can linger for months after the virus has gone. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The Health and Care Act 2022: the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
The Health and Care Act 2022: the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead So, the Health and Care Bill is now a Health and Care Act. While it’s not had the tumultuous passage its predecessor had in 2012, it has gone right down to the wire with important changes being made as its bounced to and fro between the House of Commons and the House of Lords. But before all of that, what does the first post-match assessment tell us about the government’s approach to health and care and the key issues still ahead? The King's Fund
See also:
- The Health and Care Act The BMA
- Health and Care Act passes but leaves unfinished business for the NHS and social care The Health Foundation
- Health & Care Act comes into law in biggest change in a decade National Health Executive
Back to the future? What we can learn from the history of integrated paediatric care in England
Back to the future? What we can learn from the history of integrated paediatric care in England The integration of NHS children and young people’s services has often gained ground before faltering over the last 70 years, but there is now renewed ambition on it. So what can we learn from the history of integrated paediatric care in England? Nuffield Trust
WHO European regional obesity report 2022
WHO European regional obesity report 2022 Overweight and obesity affect almost 60 per cent of adults and nearly one in three children in the WHO European Region. Recent estimates suggest that overweight and obesity is the fourth most common risk factor for noncommunicable diseases in the Region, after high blood pressure, dietary risks and tobacco. This report examines the growing challenge and impact of obesity in the Region and focuses on managing obesity throughout the life course and tackling obesogenic environments. It also considers more recent challenges, including problematic digital marketing to children and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on obesity prevalence. World Health Organization Europe
Severe Covid can cause brain function damage ‘equivalent to losing 10 IQ points’
Severe Covid can cause brain function damage ‘equivalent to losing 10 IQ points’ The cognitive impairment suffered by patients with a severe bout of Covid-19 is the equivalent of losing 10 IQ points, a new study has found.
According to scientists from the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, the cognitive loss is similar to ageing two decades, between 50 and 70 years of age. The Independent
See also:
- Multivariate profile and acute-phase correlates of cognitive deficits in a COVID-19 hospitalised cohort (open access) eClinicalMedicine
- Cognitive impairment from severe COVID-19 equivalent to 20 years of ageing, study finds University of Cambridge
- Being hospitalised with Covid ages your brain by 20 YEARS - and shaves off 10 IQ points, study finds The Daily Mail
- Sajid Javid intervenes as hospitals ignore relaxation of Covid rules The Daily Telegraph
- Civil servants called UK Covid testing scheme ‘unlegit’, court hears The Guardian
- Hospitals still implementing Covid restrictions amid backlogs ‘face being named and shamed’ The Independent
GPs face ‘appalling and systemic’ racism forcing doctors to leave and putting patients’ health ‘at risk’
GPs face ‘appalling and systemic’ racism forcing doctors to leave and putting patients’ health ‘at risk’ GPs face “appalling and systemic” racism from patients and colleagues, a leaked NHS report has revealed.
The first Health Education England report for London of its kind says racism and discrimination are widespread within primary care across the capital, and GPs in other parts of the country have raised similar concerns. The Independent
When the NHS spends billions on personal injury cases, it’s the public that loses
When the NHS spends billions on personal injury cases, it’s the public that loses | Polly Toynbee “Let’s kill all the lawyers,” cries a rebel in Shakespeare’s Henry VI Part 2, raising a loud audience cheer. Now it’s Jeremy Hunt and his health and social care committee that threatens to skewer lawyers, specifically the personal injury ambulance-chasers, who are of course outraged. The Guardian
Shock new figures show just one doctor for every 2,200 patients as NHS staff shortages start to bite
Shock new figures show just one doctor for every 2,200 patients as NHS staff shortages start to bite GPs are being forced to care for 2,200 patients each because of NHS staff shortages.
An extra 3.1million patients have been registered since June 2017 yet the number of fully qualified family doctors has fallen by 1,343 over the same period.
It means each GP has 10 per cent more names on their lists than five years ago. The Daily Mail
Crumbling NHS hospitals are leaving patients' at risk, experts warn as safety incidents TRIPLE
Crumbling NHS hospitals are leaving patients' at risk, experts warn as safety incidents TRIPLE Crumbling hospitals are putting patients at risk and jeopardising efforts to tackle NHS backlogs, experts warned today.
Sewage leaking through ceilings, broken lifts and rat-infested wards are among the issues logged by health chiefs. The Daily Mail
See also:
Mysterious hepatitis outbreak in children has now been spotted in 20 countries, WHO says
Mysterious hepatitis outbreak in children has now been spotted in 20 countries, WHO says Eight more countries have reported cases of a mystery hepatitis in children in the past week, the World Health Organization has confirmed.
It brings the total number of countries with cases to 20. Globally, 228 children have been sickened with an unusual form of the liver disease and another 50 suspected cases are being probed. The Daily Mail
See also:
Tuesday, 3 May 2022
Northampton midwives get Royal seal of approval after winning excellence awards
Northampton midwives get Royal seal of approval after winning excellence awards NGH pair Fatima and Anne’s big night out with Princess Royal and Duchess of Cambridge.
Continuity of Care Team lead Fatima Ghaouch and Anne Richley, a former community midwifery matron now a bank midwife since retiring, met the Princess Royal and Duchess of Cambridge at the official opening of a new joint HQ of the Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Decisions on exclusions
Decisions on exclusions These resources from NHS Resolution’s Practitioner Performance Advice service aim to help health care leaders make the right decisions on exclusions, to ensure patients and staff are protected from harm, and that doctors and dentists are treated fairly, in line with a just and learning culture. The materials include an exclusions flowchart to ensure compliance with good practice, a recording template for the formal exclusion of a practitioner to capture and record decision making, and an exclusion case studies learning pack containing a series of illustrative case studies.
A record year for people receiving lifesaving NHS cancer checks
A record year for people receiving lifesaving NHS cancer checks Almost three million people were referred for cancer checks over the last 12 months – the highest year on record – up by over a tenth on the 2.4 million people referred before the pandemic. NHS England
See also:
Increase in hepatitis (liver inflammation) cases in children under investigation
Increase in hepatitis (liver inflammation) cases in children under investigation The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), working with Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Public Health Agency, are continuing to investigate the cases of sudden onset hepatitis in children aged 10 and under that have been identified since January 2022. UK Health Security Agency
See also:
- Hepatitis in young children: more cases confirmed BBC News
- Child hepatitis cases falsely linked to Covid vaccine BBC News
- Health chiefs won't know what's behind mysterious spate of hepatitis for months, experts warn The Daily Mail
- UK hepatitis outbreak: How worried should we be about mystery virus giving kids liver condition? The Daily Mail
- Three children die from hepatitis in Indonesia bringing global death toll to four amid outbreak The Daily Mail
- Hepatitis: Dozens more cases confirmed in young UK children The Independent
- First child hepatitis death suspected in US as mystery epidemic spreads in 12 countries The Independent
- ‘Acute’ hepatitis confirmed in 10-month-old baby in Singapore amid worldwide outbreak of disease The Independent
- Child hepatitis cases rise in UK amid worldwide outbreak Reuters
Research: Consensus statements and medium-term projections on COVID-19
Research: Consensus statements and medium-term projections on COVID-19 Consensus statements and medium-term projections from the UK Health Security Agency's Epidemiology Modelling Review Group (EMRG).
Covid levels falling in all age groups in most of UK, says ONS
Covid levels falling in all age groups in most of UK, says ONS There has been a record drop in the number of Covid infections in the UK, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics.
Around 2.87 million people would have tested positive in the week to 23 April - 900,000 fewer than the week before.
Covid levels are declining in England, Scotland and Wales but are unchanged in Northern Ireland. BBC News
Around 2.87 million people would have tested positive in the week to 23 April - 900,000 fewer than the week before.
Covid levels are declining in England, Scotland and Wales but are unchanged in Northern Ireland. BBC News
See also:
- Moderna will be ready to roll out Omicron-specific booster this fall, chief medical officer says The Daily Mail
- Covid wave crashes: Official daily cases plunge to lowest level since last June The Daily Mail
- Australian researchers uncover clue to rare and severe response to Covid in children The Guardian
- Michelle Mone’s home raided as PPE firm linked to Tory peer investigated The Guardian
- Labour says government refusal to publish PPE firm’s contracts ‘reeks of cover-up’ The Guardian
- Can the NHS live with Covid? The Independent
- Bill Gates warns risk of new Covid variants could mean ‘we haven’t seen worst’ of pandemic The Independent
- Asymptomatic Covid was discussed by Sage advisers despite Boris Johnson denying Government knew about it iNews
- Storing COVID-related PPE costing taxpayer estimated £3.3m a week, government says Sky News
'The Down Syndrome Act means so much to me'
'The Down Syndrome Act means so much to me' Lucienne, Charlotte and Sarah, from Sutton in south London, have all been part of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group which has been working to bring about change for people with the condition.
After lobbying the government, listening to issues from people with Down's syndrome and gaining the support of MPs, the Down Syndrome Act has been given Royal Assent.
The Act will give people with Down's syndrome better rights with housing, education, social care and healthcare. BBC News
More than 72,000 assaults on NHS staff took place over four years - but very few were reported to police
More than 72,000 assaults on NHS staff took place over four years - but very few were reported to police More than 72,000 assaults were carried out on hospital staff in the past four years but only a small percentage were reported to police, Sky News can reveal.
The number of attacks is probably much higher - perhaps double - as only half the NHS hospital trusts in England and Wales responded to Sky's questionnaire.
Mental health support struggling to cope with needs of pregnant mothers and new parents
Mental health support struggling to cope with needs of pregnant mothers and new parents Pregnant mothers and new parents are struggling to access mental health support when they need it most, according to new research.
The survey by the perinatal mental health charity PANDAS Foundation found that more than one in four felt their concerns were not taken seriously by the NHS, with two in five saying they had to wait too long to receive help. Sky News
30,000 cancer patients waiting for treatment in England
30,000 cancer patients waiting for treatment in England Tens of thousands of patients are still waiting to start cancer treatment in England due to disruption during the pandemic, according to NHS figures, as medical charities called on the government to tackle chronic staff shortages in the health service.
Following a dramatic slump in cancer referrals in 2020, the number of people being investigated for the disease bounced back in the past year, data from NHS England and NHS Improvement show, rising from 2.4 million to a record 2.66 million. The Guardian
Overseas nurses barred from profession due to ‘discriminatory’ language exam
Overseas nurses barred from profession due to ‘discriminatory’ language exam Thousands of qualified nurses recruited by the NHS from overseas are stuck working in unskilled jobs because of unnecessarily difficult language tests, according to researchers.
Nurses with British citizenship who have lived in the UK for years are among those in “regulatory limbo” because they cannot pass the language exams needed to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The Guardian
UTI at-home testing kits could save 10 million GP appointments each year
UTI at-home testing kits could save 10 million GP appointments each year At-home test kits which diagnose urinary tract infections "within minutes" are being trialled on the NHS and could save 10 million GP appointments every year.
The kits allow patients to self-test using a dipstick, scan the result onto their smartphone, and be diagnosed via an app. The Daily Telegraph
4 million people in England left without an NHS dentist after 2,000 quit in just a year
4 million people in England left without an NHS dentist after 2,000 quit in just a year Millions of people have been left without access to dental care after 2,000 dentists quit the NHS in England last year, a report has warned.
The number of NHS dentists fell from 23,733 at the end of 2020 to 21,544 at the end of January this year, according to the Association of Dental Groups (ADG). The Daily Mail
See also:
Friday, 29 April 2022
How many bereaved families whose loved ones caught Covid-19 in Northamptonshire county care homes could sue government after High Court ruling?
How many bereaved families whose loved ones caught Covid-19 in Northamptonshire county care homes could sue government after High Court ruling? Families of more than 140 people who died after catching Covid-19 in Northamptonshire care homes could sue the government after a landmark High Court case. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Chart of the week: How serious is the fall in job satisfaction among midwives?
Chart of the week: How serious is the fall in job satisfaction among midwives? The recent NHS staff survey showed worrying results across all staff groups, but it was midwives who reported the sharpest decline in how satisfied they are in their work. Lucina Rolewicz takes a closer look at their responses to the survey, and emphasises the importance of improving the situation. Nuffield Trust
Health and care for older adults during the pandemic: What The Commonwealth Fund’s 2021 international survey reveals about the UK
Health and care for older adults during the pandemic: What The Commonwealth Fund’s 2021 international survey reveals about the UK The Commonwealth Fund’s 2021 International Health Policy survey asked 18,989 older adults across 11 countries about their health and health care between March and June 2021. This included 1,876 people in the UK. The Health Foundation reports on the findings from a UK perspective.
Consultation draft of revised good medical practice
Consultation draft of revised good medical practice The regulator has today launched a 12-week consultation on the content of Good medical practice. The guidance, last updated in 2013, outlines the professional values, knowledge and behaviours expected of doctors working in the UK. Included for the first time is a duty for doctors to act, or support others to act, if they become aware of workplace bullying, harassment or discrimination, as well as zero tolerance of sexual harassment. The draft guidance also responds to calls from doctors for greater clarity on their use of social media. A new duty makes clear that they must not use digital communications channels to mislead, and they should ‘make reasonable checks’ to avoid doing so. The consultation runs until 20 July 2022. General Medical Council
Health and Care Bill granted Royal Assent in milestone for healthcare recovery and reform
Health and Care Bill granted Royal Assent in milestone for healthcare recovery and reform The Health and Care Bill has received Royal Assent by Her Majesty The Queen, enacting the most significant health legislation in a decade into law.
The Act introduces measures to tackle the Covid backlogs and rebuild health and social care services from the pandemic, backed by £36 billion over the next three years through the Health and Care Levy. It will also contain measures to tackle health disparities and create safer, more joined-up services that will put the health and care system on a more sustainable footing. Department of Health and Social Care
Vaccine Taskforce Director General will harness lessons from pandemic to address HRT supply chain issues
Vaccine Taskforce Director General will harness lessons from pandemic to address HRT supply chain issues Vaccine Taskforce Director General Madelaine McTernan has been appointed to spearhead a new HRT Supply Taskforce to identify ways to support the HRT supply chain and address shortages some women face on a limited number of products. Department of Health and Social Care
See also:
Exercise is good for joints with wear-and-tear arthritis
Exercise is good for joints with wear-and-tear arthritis Exercise is good for people with wear-and-tear joint arthritis and should be a "core treatment", new draft guidelines for the NHS advise.
It may hurt to begin with, but can then ease pain and help individuals with osteoarthritis stay supple, healthy and slim, says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Scans aren't needed to diagnose it and strong painkillers are not recommended. BBC News
See also:
E-scooter ambulance callouts double in a year
E-scooter ambulance callouts double in a year The number of ambulances called to deal with e-scooter accidents nearly doubled between 2020 and 2021.
The emergency services attended 713 accidents in 2021, compared with 392 in 2020, although it is not known how many more scooters were on the road.
NHS Ambulance Trust data also showed a 40% rise in e-scooter riders being taken to A&E in the same period. BBC News
NHS boss's husband drove her to A&E with suspected stroke amid concern over ambulance delays
NHS boss's husband drove her to A&E with suspected stroke amid concern over ambulance delays An NHS boss's husband drove her to A&E with a suspected stroke after he'd heard her "lamenting ambulance delays".
In a series of tweets, Deborah Lee, chief executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust, said she had recovered but warned the government that urgent action is needed. Sky News
External blood oxygenation saved hundreds of Covid-19 sufferers – study
External blood oxygenation saved hundreds of Covid-19 sufferers – study Scores of severely ill Covid-19 sufferers survived because they were given the NHS’s highest form of intensive care in which an artificial lung breathes for them, a study has found.
Patients in the UK who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were more likely to survive than those who did not have the treatment, according to the research. The Guardian
See also:
- Survival benefit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in severe COVID-19: a multi-centre-matched cohort study Intensive Care Medicine
- Vaccine makers see off push to share Covid know-how BBC News
- UK Covid hospital admissions plunge to another two-month low The Daily Mail
- First Covid nasal spray vaccine developed by UK scientists enters trials before vaccinating poorest countries iNews
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)