Significant rise in call-outs for Northamptonshire’s ambulance service
The number of call-outs for the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) in December rose by more than 5,000 since the same month last year. Evening Telegraph
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
News story: Ebola case confirmed in Scotland
News story: Ebola case confirmed in Scotland
The Scottish government has confirmed a case of Ebola in an individual in Scotland, who travelled to Glasgow from Sierra Leone.
The patient will be transferred for treatment in isolation at the Royal Free hospital in London.
The UK has well established and practised infection control procedures for dealing with cases of imported infectious disease. These procedures will be strictly followed while the patient is in transit and when receiving treatment at the Royal Free hospital.
The UK government is working closely with the Scottish government to ensure the patient receives the best possible treatment.
The confirmed case of Ebola in Scotland was a healthcare worker returning from Sierra Leone. They had left Sierra Leone on 28 December and had been a passenger on flight AT596 from Freetown to Casablanca, flight AT0800 from Casablanca to London, and transferred at Heathrow to flight BA1478 for onward travel to Glasgow.
The Scottish government has confirmed a case of Ebola in an individual in Scotland, who travelled to Glasgow from Sierra Leone.
The patient will be transferred for treatment in isolation at the Royal Free hospital in London.
The UK has well established and practised infection control procedures for dealing with cases of imported infectious disease. These procedures will be strictly followed while the patient is in transit and when receiving treatment at the Royal Free hospital.
The UK government is working closely with the Scottish government to ensure the patient receives the best possible treatment.
The confirmed case of Ebola in Scotland was a healthcare worker returning from Sierra Leone. They had left Sierra Leone on 28 December and had been a passenger on flight AT596 from Freetown to Casablanca, flight AT0800 from Casablanca to London, and transferred at Heathrow to flight BA1478 for onward travel to Glasgow.
Tiny microscope can take agonising wait out of cancer tests
Tiny microscope can take agonising wait out of cancer tests
Scientists have developed the world's smallest microscope which is inserted into the body, allowing doctors to 'see' cancer and make an instant, precise diagnosis. Mail
Scientists have developed the world's smallest microscope which is inserted into the body, allowing doctors to 'see' cancer and make an instant, precise diagnosis. Mail
Red meat triggers toxic immune reaction which causes cancer, scientists find
Red meat triggers toxic immune reaction which causes cancer, scientists find
Scientists at the University of California discovered that the human body views red meat as a foreign invader and launches an immune response. Telegraph
Scientists at the University of California discovered that the human body views red meat as a foreign invader and launches an immune response. Telegraph
Prescription fraud plan criticised
Prescription fraud plan criticised
Pharmacists strongly criticised plans to strengthen checks at the counter for entitlement to free prescriptions in England. BBC News
Pharmacists strongly criticised plans to strengthen checks at the counter for entitlement to free prescriptions in England. BBC News
Many breast cancer patients struggle with aftermath of disease, finds charity
Many breast cancer patients struggle with aftermath of disease, finds charity
Debilitating side-effects and depression among most common issues raised by those calling helpline two years after diagnosis
One in six breast cancer patients are still struggling with the aftermath of the disease and its treatment more than two years on from diagnosis, a charity has found.
Breast Cancer Care said the results of a survey of 1,228 people, who had been diagnosed two or more years previously and had called its helpline, illustrate the importance of the phone line and the need for the public to help keep it going. Guardian
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Debilitating side-effects and depression among most common issues raised by those calling helpline two years after diagnosis
One in six breast cancer patients are still struggling with the aftermath of the disease and its treatment more than two years on from diagnosis, a charity has found.
Breast Cancer Care said the results of a survey of 1,228 people, who had been diagnosed two or more years previously and had called its helpline, illustrate the importance of the phone line and the need for the public to help keep it going. Guardian
Continue reading...
Lying on Facebook causes paranoia and memory problems
Lying on Facebook causes paranoia and memory problems
Lying on Facebook is common — but doing so could cause paranoia and memory problems. Independent
Lying on Facebook is common — but doing so could cause paranoia and memory problems. Independent
Jab that can banish allergies in two months: Substance is injected directly into a lymph node in the groin rather than under the skin
Jab that can banish allergies in two months: Substance is injected directly into a lymph node in the groin rather than under the skin
The treatment involves injecting small amounts of an allergen - such as a protein from pet fur - into the patient's body over a period of time, so that the body slowly becomes accustomed. Mail
The treatment involves injecting small amounts of an allergen - such as a protein from pet fur - into the patient's body over a period of time, so that the body slowly becomes accustomed. Mail
Diet advice from overweight GPs more likely to be ignored, finds survey
Diet advice from overweight GPs more likely to be ignored, finds survey
Poll suggests need for NHS staff to be role models to help convince public of importance of losing weight, says health body
Britons are much less likely to follow advice from health professionals such as GPs and nurses if the health professionals are overweight or obese, a new survey shows.
Polling commissioned by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that 41% of people would be less likely to take advice about adopting a healthy diet from an NHS member of staff who was carrying extra pounds, while just 17% said they would heed it. Guardian
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Poll suggests need for NHS staff to be role models to help convince public of importance of losing weight, says health body
Britons are much less likely to follow advice from health professionals such as GPs and nurses if the health professionals are overweight or obese, a new survey shows.
Polling commissioned by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that 41% of people would be less likely to take advice about adopting a healthy diet from an NHS member of staff who was carrying extra pounds, while just 17% said they would heed it. Guardian
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Monday, 29 December 2014
Press release: Stop the rot: new campaign highlights how cigarettes ‘rot’ the body from the inside
Press release: Stop the rot: new campaign highlights how cigarettes ‘rot’ the body from the inside
Today (29 December 2014), Public Health England (PHE) launches a powerful new campaign to highlight how smoking damages the body and causes a slow and steady decline in a process similar to rotting.
The campaign starts as a new expert review commissioned by Public Health England highlights the multiple impacts that toxic ingredients in cigarettes can have on your body. While many smokers know that smoking causes cancer and harms the lungs and heart, the new report highlights how it also damages:
bones and muscles: smoking has a negative impact on bone mineral density, and causes progressive harm to the musculoskeletal system, including:
25% increased risk of any fracture, and a 40% increase in the risk of hip fractures among men
slower healing after injury
increased risk of back and neck pain, leading to a 79% increase in chronic back pain, and a 114% increase in disabling lower back pain
rheumatoid arthritis, and a reduction in the impact of treatment
brain: current smokers are 53% more likely to develop cognitive impairment than non-smokers, and 59% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease
teeth: smoking increases the likelihood of tooth loss and decay
eyes: smoking damages sight by increasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 78% to 358%, and increasing the risk of age-related cataracts
With New Year’s resolutions approaching and two-thirds of smokers saying they want to quit, new adverts are being used to graphically illustrate the degeneration that smoking causes.
Today (29 December 2014), Public Health England (PHE) launches a powerful new campaign to highlight how smoking damages the body and causes a slow and steady decline in a process similar to rotting.
The campaign starts as a new expert review commissioned by Public Health England highlights the multiple impacts that toxic ingredients in cigarettes can have on your body. While many smokers know that smoking causes cancer and harms the lungs and heart, the new report highlights how it also damages:
bones and muscles: smoking has a negative impact on bone mineral density, and causes progressive harm to the musculoskeletal system, including:
25% increased risk of any fracture, and a 40% increase in the risk of hip fractures among men
slower healing after injury
increased risk of back and neck pain, leading to a 79% increase in chronic back pain, and a 114% increase in disabling lower back pain
rheumatoid arthritis, and a reduction in the impact of treatment
brain: current smokers are 53% more likely to develop cognitive impairment than non-smokers, and 59% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease
teeth: smoking increases the likelihood of tooth loss and decay
eyes: smoking damages sight by increasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 78% to 358%, and increasing the risk of age-related cataracts
With New Year’s resolutions approaching and two-thirds of smokers saying they want to quit, new adverts are being used to graphically illustrate the degeneration that smoking causes.
England’s top dementia doctor says “Make cutting back on alcohol your New Year’s resolution”
England’s top dementia doctor says “Make cutting back on alcohol your New Year’s resolution”
NHS England’s top dementia doctor says cutting back on alcohol to protect your mental health is a good 2015 resolution.
Prevention is something everyone can help with as the NHS tackles the growing issue of dementia, says Professor Alistair Burns, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Dementia.
He said a number of research studies* showed significant relationships between alcohol and the onset of dementia.
Most studies suggest drinking large amounts of alcohol increases the risk of dementia.
And today he highlighted a guide to avoiding dementia and the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Cutting down on alcohol can reduce people’s chances of developing dementia.
“The New Year is the perfect chance for us all to consider our lifestyles and think if there is anything we can improve or change to increase our healthiness – both physical and mental,” he said.
“While stopping drinking altogether isn’t a reality for many people, cutting down can make a huge difference. However, it can be very easy for one glass to lead to two and then to a bottle and this can seriously increase you risk of developing dementia in later life along with many other health conditions.”
NHS guidelines state that men shouldn’t regularly drink more than three to four units per day and women shouldn’t regularly drink more than two to three units per day. One unit is roughly equivalent to half a beer or a small glass of wine.
Currently 375,000 people in England have a diagnosis of dementia out of the 683,000 estimated to have the condition.
NHS England, in parallel with the Prime Minister’s Challenge on dementia, has an ambition that two thirds of people with dementia will have a diagnosis and post diagnostic support by 2015.
Two thirds is 455,000 which leaves a gap of 80,000 people who need to be identified.
Being a Dementia Friend is not about volunteering or donating money – it is about finding out how to make life a bit better for somebody with dementia. NHS Commissioning
NHS England’s top dementia doctor says cutting back on alcohol to protect your mental health is a good 2015 resolution.
Prevention is something everyone can help with as the NHS tackles the growing issue of dementia, says Professor Alistair Burns, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Dementia.
He said a number of research studies* showed significant relationships between alcohol and the onset of dementia.
Most studies suggest drinking large amounts of alcohol increases the risk of dementia.
And today he highlighted a guide to avoiding dementia and the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Cutting down on alcohol can reduce people’s chances of developing dementia.
“The New Year is the perfect chance for us all to consider our lifestyles and think if there is anything we can improve or change to increase our healthiness – both physical and mental,” he said.
“While stopping drinking altogether isn’t a reality for many people, cutting down can make a huge difference. However, it can be very easy for one glass to lead to two and then to a bottle and this can seriously increase you risk of developing dementia in later life along with many other health conditions.”
NHS guidelines state that men shouldn’t regularly drink more than three to four units per day and women shouldn’t regularly drink more than two to three units per day. One unit is roughly equivalent to half a beer or a small glass of wine.
Currently 375,000 people in England have a diagnosis of dementia out of the 683,000 estimated to have the condition.
NHS England, in parallel with the Prime Minister’s Challenge on dementia, has an ambition that two thirds of people with dementia will have a diagnosis and post diagnostic support by 2015.
Two thirds is 455,000 which leaves a gap of 80,000 people who need to be identified.
Being a Dementia Friend is not about volunteering or donating money – it is about finding out how to make life a bit better for somebody with dementia. NHS Commissioning
NHS England’s action on obesity
NHS England’s action on obesity
Commenting on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s data in its latest Health At A Glance Europe 2014 report, which shows 24.7 per cent of British adults are obese compared with an average of 16.7 per cent in the rest of Europe, Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of NHS England, said: “The ghost of Christmases past reminds us that 20 years ago we didn’t have these problems as a nation. The ghost of Christmases future tells us that if we get our act together – as the NHS, as parents, as schools, the food industry – we can get back in shape.
“Rather than recent daft judgements by the European court practically pretending that obesity is inevitable, in England in 2015 we’re going to start proving that it isn’t.
“That’s why the NHS is going to be funding a new national programme, proven to work, that will offer tens of thousands of people at risk of diabetes proper support to get healthier, eat better and exercise more.
“We know that for people at risk, losing just 5-7% of your weight can cut your chance of diabetes by nearly 60%. If this was a pill we’d be popping it – instead its a well designed programme of exercise, eating well and making smart health choices, and we’re going to start making it available free on the NHS.”
Commenting on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s data in its latest Health At A Glance Europe 2014 report, which shows 24.7 per cent of British adults are obese compared with an average of 16.7 per cent in the rest of Europe, Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of NHS England, said: “The ghost of Christmases past reminds us that 20 years ago we didn’t have these problems as a nation. The ghost of Christmases future tells us that if we get our act together – as the NHS, as parents, as schools, the food industry – we can get back in shape.
“Rather than recent daft judgements by the European court practically pretending that obesity is inevitable, in England in 2015 we’re going to start proving that it isn’t.
“That’s why the NHS is going to be funding a new national programme, proven to work, that will offer tens of thousands of people at risk of diabetes proper support to get healthier, eat better and exercise more.
“We know that for people at risk, losing just 5-7% of your weight can cut your chance of diabetes by nearly 60%. If this was a pill we’d be popping it – instead its a well designed programme of exercise, eating well and making smart health choices, and we’re going to start making it available free on the NHS.”
Target drunks, A&E boss urges police
Target drunks, A&E boss urges police
Police should crack down on binge drinking to stop hospital staff becoming distracted by disorderly drunks, a leading doctor says. BBC News
Police should crack down on binge drinking to stop hospital staff becoming distracted by disorderly drunks, a leading doctor says. BBC News
NHS cancels 3,000 operations in two December weeks
NHS cancels 3,000 operations in two December weeks
Figures highlighted by Labour show 3,113 elective and 161 urgent operations were cancelled in first part of month
More than 3,000 operations have been cancelled by the NHS in the first two weeks of this month as an “unprecedented demand” takes its toll.
Figures show 3,113 elective operations were cancelled in that period, up by almost half since 2012. Guardian
Continue reading...
Figures highlighted by Labour show 3,113 elective and 161 urgent operations were cancelled in first part of month
More than 3,000 operations have been cancelled by the NHS in the first two weeks of this month as an “unprecedented demand” takes its toll.
Figures show 3,113 elective operations were cancelled in that period, up by almost half since 2012. Guardian
Continue reading...
Whooping cough virus 'evolving fast'
Whooping cough virus 'evolving fast'
Whooping cough may be evolving to outsmart the currently used vaccine, say researchers. BBC News
Whooping cough may be evolving to outsmart the currently used vaccine, say researchers. BBC News
Life choices 'behind many cancers'
Life choices 'behind many cancers'
More than four in 10 cancers - 600,000 in the UK alone - could be prevented if people led healthier lives, say experts. BBC News
More than four in 10 cancers - 600,000 in the UK alone - could be prevented if people led healthier lives, say experts. BBC News
NHS hampered by poor management structure, Rose report claims
NHS hampered by poor management structure, Rose report claims
Former M&S chief blames ‘hydra-like’ complexity of system and poor training and development for holding back staff
The NHS is being hampered by an over-complex management structure which is quashing initiative within the service, a delayed government report by the former Marks & Spencer chief Sir Stuart Rose is expected to conclude.
The report was due to be published in November but is now expected early in the new year before the general election and amid growing concerns about the pressures being placed on hospital accident and emergency departments. Guardian
Continue reading...
Former M&S chief blames ‘hydra-like’ complexity of system and poor training and development for holding back staff
The NHS is being hampered by an over-complex management structure which is quashing initiative within the service, a delayed government report by the former Marks & Spencer chief Sir Stuart Rose is expected to conclude.
The report was due to be published in November but is now expected early in the new year before the general election and amid growing concerns about the pressures being placed on hospital accident and emergency departments. Guardian
Continue reading...
HSCIC issues info code of practice
HSCIC issues info code of practice
The Health and Social Care Information Centre has released a code of practice on confidential information, outlining how NHS organisations should securely collect, analyse and publish health and social care data. EHI News
The Health and Social Care Information Centre has released a code of practice on confidential information, outlining how NHS organisations should securely collect, analyse and publish health and social care data. EHI News
NHS England promotes IT in 'to do' list
NHS England promotes IT in 'to do' list
NHS England has urged clinical commissioning groups to start working on the 'roadmaps' that will lead to integrated digital care records by 2018. EHI News
NHS England has urged clinical commissioning groups to start working on the 'roadmaps' that will lead to integrated digital care records by 2018. EHI News
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