Policy paper: Coronavirus (COVID-19): scaling up testing programmes

Policy paper: Coronavirus (COVID-19): scaling up testing programmes How the government intends to scale up testing programmes to provide a test to anyone who needs one. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• New personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance for NHS teams Department of Health and Social Care
• NHS to benefit from £13.4 billion debt write-off Department of Health and Social Care
• Health Secretary sets out plan to carry out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day Department of Health and Social Care
• Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK Department of Health and Social Care
• NHS asks people to share their coronavirus symptoms to help others Department of Health and Social Care
• World's largest trial of potential coronavirus treatments rolled out across the UK Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes Department of Health and Social Care
• Using virtual consultations in the fight against COVID-19 The Health Foundation
• COVID-19: who can employers obtain fast track DBS checks for? NHS Employers
• Staff terms and conditions during COVID-19 - FAQs published NHS Employers
• Updated guidance on Covid-19 prioritisation within community health services NHS England
• NHS to build more Nightingale Hospitals, as London set for opening NHS England
• NICE publishes second set of rapid COVID-19 guidelines NICE
• Brexit and coronavirus: how can the NHS avoid a fight on two fronts? Nuffield Trust
• Guidance: COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC) Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: management of exposed healthcare workers and patients in hospital settings Public Health England
• Smokers at greater risk of severe respiratory disease from COVID-19 Public Health England
• New guidance provides much-needed clarity for GPs on PPE, says College Royal College of General Practitioners

Coronavirus: When will we know the UK lockdown is working?

Coronavirus: When will we know the UK lockdown is working? It's two weeks since Boris Johnson announced the UK's lockdown, and there are signs the rate of infection is starting to slow, though not deaths.

While the number of people dying in hospital with coronavirus is doubling every few days, the figures for confirmed cases and hospitalisations are slowing down.

The daily death total will follow suit, scientists say. But they warn we could still see record highs in the coming days. BBC News

See also:

• Corornavirus: Tributes paid to 'caring' midwife Lynsay Coventry BBC News
• Coronavirus: High street pharmacists 'needlessly put at risk' BBC News
• 'Dial 999 for stroke emergencies despite coronavirus' BBC News
• Coronavirus: How do you care for someone at home? BBC News
• Coronavirus: UK trialling existing and new medicines BBC News
• Nurse deaths 'inevitable' from coronavirus BBC News
• Britain's antibody testing fiasco The Daily Mail
• ALL health workers must wear full protective equipment when near suspected COVID-19 patients The Daily Mail
• Prime Minister Boris Johnson in hospital for coronavirus – everything we know so far The Daily Telegraph
• The Queen's coronavirus speech transcript: 'We will succeed and better days will come' The Daily Telegraph
• More than 6,000 GPs in second wave of doctors given temporary GMC registration GPonline
• After this crisis, remember the NHS is not drained by migrants, but sustained by them | Nesrine Malik The Guardian
• We need to protect all frontline workers The Guardian
• Number of NHS doctors off sick 'may be nearly triple the official estimate' The Guardian
• 'A smiling hero': tributes pour in for nurse dead at 36 from Covid-19 The Guardian
• Matt Hancock warns of tougher UK lockdown if too many break rules The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Britain faces a care crisis that could overwhelm the NHS The Independent
• Coronavirus: Scotland's chief medical officer resigns after apologising for breaking lockdown rules with visit to second home The Independent
• Coronavirus UK: Disabled people will be 'fully protected' in outbreak Metro

Northamptonshire's two hospitals free up quarter of beds ready for coronavirus sufferers

Northamptonshire's two hospitals free up quarter of beds ready for coronavirus sufferers A huge coordinated effort has gone on over the past two weeks to discharge patients from Kettering and Northampton hospitals to free up capacity for virus patients. Daventry Express

See also:

• Coronavirus: 'Coughed over' Northamptonshire officer unable to care for ill mum BBC Northampton
• Number of Covid-19 cases heading towards 200 with 14 deaths in Northamptonshire in less than a month Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Selfless man sets up fundraiser and creates hampers for isolation wards at Northampton General Hospital Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• A further four Covid-19 patient deaths at KGH bring hospital total to nine Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Wellingborough school sends science supplies to help at hospital Northamptonshire Telegraph

Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK

Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Decision: Coronavirus (COVID-19): notification of data controllers to share information Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Technical Specifications for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Department of Health and Social Care
• Business Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 1 April 2020 Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to the Care Act 2014 Department of Health and Social Care
• Children of the pandemic: policies needed to support children during the Covid-19 crisis Institute for Public Policy Research
• Total number of COVID-19 deaths in England by date of death NHS England
• Mental wellbeing while staying at home NHS UK
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people Public Health England

Coronavirus: Testing will 'unlock puzzle', PM says

Coronavirus: Testing will 'unlock puzzle', PM says Health officials say they are "frustrated" by a lack of progress in expanding UK coronavirus testing.

Prof Paul Cosford of Public Health England (PHE) said "everybody involved" is unhappy testing has not "got to the position yet that we need to get to".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson responded to criticism of the UK's strategy by hailing screening as a solution to "unlock the puzzle" of coronavirus. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: Doctors face agonising life-death decisions BBC News
• Coronavirus: Expert panel to assess face mask use by public BBC News
• Coronavirus: Volunteers help protect NHS workers BBC News
• Recovering from coronavirus: Three harrowing stories of surviving Covid-19 BBC News
• WHO 'deeply concerned by coronavirus 'rapid escalation' BBC News
• Coronavirus: NHS 111 has 1.7 million queries in 15 days BBC News
• Coronavirus: UK 'too late' to order testing chemicals and swabs The Daily Mail
• UK has 'bought 2million coronavirus antibody tests from China' The Daily Mail
• When will the UK lockdown end? The four exit strategies The Daily Telegraph
• Boris Johnson restates pledge to boost UK coronavirus testing capacity The Guardian
• London hospital almost runs out of oxygen for coronavirus patients The Guardian
• 'Shambles, chaos, ridiculous': what the UK papers say about Covid-19 testing The Guardian
• UK records biggest daily rise in coronavirus deaths The Guardian
• AA offers free breakdown assistance for NHS workers ITV News
• Coronavirus: Top NHS doctor dies after contracting COVID-19 Sky News

NHS warns "we are not out of the woods yet" as spread of Covid-19 cases slows in Northamptonshire

NHS warns "we are not out of the woods yet" as spread of Covid-19 cases slows in Northamptonshire NHS chiefs are warning Northamptonshire is "not out of the woods yet" despite a slow-down in the spread of Covid-19 cases.

Public Health England figures revealed the number of known cases in the county was 170 as at 9am yesterday (Tuesday March 31).

The increase of 17 cases in the previous 24 hours was the lowest daily rise in a week, mirroring what is going on across the UK. Daventry Express

See also: 

• Coronavirus: Northamptonshire sisters start 'good news' letter BBC Northampton 
• Two more Covid-19 deaths takes total to eight in Northamptonshire Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Meet little Millie from Corby one of UK's first lockdown babies born on night new rules enforced Northamptonshire Telegraph

First new ventilators to roll off production line this weekend as industry answers call to step up manufacturing

First new ventilators to roll off production line this weekend as industry answers call to step up manufacturing The first devices from the Government’s ventilator challenge will roll off the production line this weekend, ahead of delivery to the NHS next week, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove has announced today. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Joint statement on advance care planning BMA, Care Quality Commission and the Royal College of General Practitioners
• Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to the Care Act 2014 Department of Health and Social Care
• Care Act easements: guidance for local authorities Department of Health and Social Care
• NHS frontline workers visas extended so they can focus on fighting coronavirus Home Office
• Responding to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak The King's Fund
• New advice for safe funerals after discussions with faith leaders Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for care of the deceased Public Health England
• Covid-19: return-to-practice learning plan MIMS Learning
• Automatic NHS visa extensions a welcome step from Government NHS Employers 
• Mental health and psychosocial considerations during Covid-19 outbreak World Health Organization

Coronavirus: Potential drug treatment starts UK trials

Coronavirus: Potential drug treatment starts UK trials A drug that could help treat coronavirus is to be trialled on a small number of patients in England and Scotland.

The studies, which have been fast-tracked by the government, will initially involve 15 NHS centres.

In the absence of a known treatment for the virus, a handful of experimental drugs are being tested globally.

The drug, known as remdesivir, is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Gilead. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: GP surgery apology over 'do not resuscitate' form BBC News
• Coronavirus: Transforming London's ExCeL centre into Nightingale hospital BBC News
• Coronavirus: 'Greatest test since World War Two', says UN chief BBC News
• Coronavirus: Hospitals urged to use lab space to test NHS staff BBC News
• Coronavirus: Are loss of smell and taste key symptoms? BBC News
• Coronavirus: UK considers virus-tracing app to ease lockdown BBC News
• Coronavirus UK: Death toll hits with 2,352 with 563 new deaths The Daily Mail
• GP surgery sends out letter asking terminally ill patients to sign DNR notices The Daily Mail
• UK coronavirus cases could number 1.8MILLION, scientists say The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus UK: Formerly healthy boy, 13, is youngest to die The Daily Mail
• Social distancing is helping to reduce number of coronavirus cases, suggests fever map The Daily Mail
• GPs barred from speaking out about PPE shortages GPonline
• Doctors will have to choose who gets life-saving treatment. Here's how we'll do it | John Chisholm The Guardian
• Hancock orders all spare coronavirus tests to be used for NHS staff The Guardian
• 'Green shoots' visible in UK's fight against Covid-19, says Powis The Guardian
• More orders for NHS ventilators take number to 61,000 The Guardian 
• 'We're at risk, just like doctors': the NHS staff fighting coronavirus behind the scenes The Guardian
• Coronavirus UK: Nurse's devastating account from NHS frontline Metro

iPads with Skype and Houseparty apps helping combat loneliness among isolated Northampton General patients

iPads with Skype and Houseparty apps helping combat loneliness among isolated Northampton General patients Northampton General Hospital has introduced a different way for isolated patients to have contact with their loved ones.

iPads that have apps such as Skype, Zoom and Houseparty downloaded on them have been distributed to patients so they can keep in contact with their loved ones via video call. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Coronavirus: Northampton hospital hand sanitiser theft seen on CCTV BBC Northampton
• Coronavirus: Perfect Day video singalong for Roade school BBC Northampton
• Covid-19 swab testing for staff begins at Northampton General Hospital Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Three more Covid-19 deaths at Northampton General Hospital as pandemic continues to spread Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Coronavirus: Police in Northampton seek hospital hand sanitiser thief caught on CCTV Sky News

Covid-19: why compassionate leadership matters in a crisis

Covid-19: why compassionate leadership matters in a crisis These are the hands of health and care staff who dedicate their lives to caring for others. And who are now committed to caring for their communities during a grave global crisis, risking their own health and wellbeing. Last night, millions of people across the United Kingdom took part in a national applause of thanks for health workers and carers helping in the fight against Covid-19 (coronavirus). The collective gratitude and respect for the work of health and care workers was emotional and uplifting at a time of global crisis. The King's Fund

Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK

Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Guidance: Technical Specifications for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Department of Health and Social Care
• Decision: Temporary approval of home use for both stages of early medical abortion Department of Health and Social Care
• Further COVID-19 guidance for the NHS workforce NHS Employers
• Contractual guidance for junior doctors during COVID-19 NHS Employers
• England’s most senior nurse calls out unacceptable behaviour towards NHS staff NHS England
• Latest Covid-19 update for general practice from NHS England NHS England
• Text messaging service for people with symptoms of Covid-19 NHS England
• Guidance: COVID-19: investigation and initial clinical management of possible cases Public Health England
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest data and analysis on coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK and its effect on the economy and society Office for National Statistics
• Community health and care leaders call on the Cabinet Secretary to take urgent action to protect those caring for the most sick and vulnerable during Coronavirus Royal College of General Practitioners

UK coronavirus measures 'making a difference'

UK coronavirus measures 'making a difference' People are heeding the advice to stay at home to keep pressure off the NHS, and there are early signs that it is working, the UK's chief scientific adviser has said.

Sir Patrick Vallance told a news conference that social distancing measures are "making a difference".

Transmission of coronavirus in the community is thought to be decreasing, which could mean fewer infections.

Hospital admissions data suggests cases are not rising as fast as feared. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: Home abortions approved during outbreak BBC News
• NHS boss: Nightingale hospital an 'extraordinary team effort' BBC News
• Coronavirus: Self-isolation when you are affected by dementia BBC News
• FactCheck: confusion over NHS England testing numbers Channel 4 News
• UK's chief scientific adviser says he doesn't know when coronavirus lockdown will end The Daily Mail
• Around a QUARTER of some NHS forces are off work to self-isolate The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: 'Viral load' with may dictate severity of symptoms The Daily Mail
• Herd immunity is the only way out of this impasse The Daily Telegraph
• 4,000 GP practices asked to join COVID-19 research project GPonline
• Coronavirus: UK spread shows early signs of slowing – key adviser The Guardian
• Christine Beasley: 'Nursing was in difficulty before coronavirus came along'  The Guardian
• Fall in Covid-19 tests putting lives at risk, critics claim The Guardian
• Covid-19: deaths outside hospitals to be included in UK tally for first time The Guardian
• Coronavirus: NHS doctors 'gagged' over protective equipment shortages The Independent
• NHS staff isolating at home will get first coronavirus tests Metro

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Northants rises by 20 for fourth day in a row

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Northants rises by 20 for fourth day in a row The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire has increased by at least 20 for the fourth day in a row and there are now 126 cases in the county. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Coronavrius: University of Northampton gives vacant rooms to NHS BBC Northampton
• Coronavirus: Coping with grief during a lockdown BBC Northampton
• Coronavirus: Exercise rule-breakers spark surge in police calls BBC Northampton
• Trusts advise widespread use of PPE as staff 'refuse to see patients' Health Service Journal
• University of Northampton lights up building to thank NHS staff for their hard work during pandemic Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Hunt for man linked to hand sanitiser theft from Northampton General Hospital Northampton Chronicle and Echo

New advice to support mental health during coronavirus outbreak

New advice to support mental health during coronavirus outbreak People struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will be offered additional online support and practical guidance to help them cope. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing Public Health England
• Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK Department of Health and Social Care
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter from the Secretary of State to the social care workforce Department of Health and Social Care
• Government launches new drive on coronavirus tests for frontline NHS staff Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings Public Health England
• Greater flexibility when completing pre-employment checks during COVID-19 NHS Employers
• NHS volunteer responders: 250,000 target smashed with three quarters of a million committing to volunteer NHS England
• NHS to open two more new hospitals to fight coronavirus NHS England
• Coronavirus and voluntary sector resilience Centre for Social Justice
• Pharmacy resilience guidance Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee
• Covid-19 testing for frontline NHS staff will ensure GPs can provide care when they are well, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners

Coronavirus: Mercedes F1 to make breathing aid

Coronavirus: Mercedes F1 to make breathing aid A breathing aid that can help keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care has been created in under a week.

University College London engineers worked with clinicians at UCLH and Mercedes Formula One to build the device, which delivers oxygen to the lungs without needing a ventilator.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices are already used in hospitals but are in short supply. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: 20,000 former NHS staff return to fight virus, PM says BBC News
• Coronavirus: Six months before UK 'returns to normal' - deputy chief medical officer BBC News
• Coronavirus doctor's diary: Why are people stealing hospital supplies? BBC News
• Coronavirus: Testing rolled out for frontline NHS staff BBC News
• Coronavirus NHS workers 'told to close our eyes if patient coughs' BBC News
• Coronavirus: Number of UK deaths rises above 1,000 BBC News
• Coronavirus: What we still don't know about Covid-19 BBC News
• NHS England: 'Now is not the time to be complacent' BBC News
• It's NOT 'just like flu': All this fake news makes my blood boil, writes DR ELLIE CANNON The Daily Mail
• Not one person will be 'left to die' - no matter their age, says NHS intensive care specialist The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus UK: Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock test positive The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus fake news 'could cost lives', Culture Secretary warns The Daily Telegraph
• At least 1.6m people could be infected with coronavirus in UK, new estimates show The Daily Telegraph
• Pressure to provide equipment grows after two UK doctors die The Guardian
• Care homes refusing to take in patients ready to leave NHS hospitals The Guardian
• Midwife shortage doubles as NHS staff diverted to tend Covid-19 patients The Guardian
• Covid-19 patients in UK intensive care have 50% survival rate The Guardian
• UK strategy to address pandemic threat ‘not properly implemented’ The Guardian
• Artist sends hundreds of uplifting posters to NHS staff across the UK ITV News

'No visitors allowed' at Northampton General Hospital barring 'exceptional circumstances'

'No visitors allowed' at Northampton General Hospital barring 'exceptional circumstances' Northampton General has announced today it will not allow any visitors into the hospital.

With only a few exceptions, the hospital will now turn away anyone asking to visit patients on their wards. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Over 100 volunteers step up to help at Northampton General Hospital in just three days Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Could you join an army of volunteers to help the NHS in Northamptonshire? Northamptonshire Telegraph

Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK

Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• BMA warns that without protective equipment, doctors and Covid-19 patients will die BMA
• Government to provide free car parking for NHS and social care staff Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for hostel or day centres for people rough sleeping Public Health England
• Standard operating procedure – community pharmacy NHS England
• Staying well when social distancing Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Coronavirus: Government orders 10,000 ventilators from Dyson

Coronavirus: Government orders 10,000 ventilators from Dyson The government has ordered 10,000 ventilators from Dyson to help deal with the coronavirus crisis.

The firm, headed by British inventor Sir James Dyson, said it had designed a new type of ventilator in response to a call on behalf of the NHS.

The order is still subject to the devices passing stringent medical tests but that is expected to happen quickly. BBC News

See also:

• Coping with coronavirus anxiety BBC News 
• Coronavirus: 'Frailty score' plan angers special needs parents BBC News 
• Coronavirus: Cancer patient's chemotherapy put on hold BBC News
• Coronavirus: GPs demand 'clarity' over protective gear guidance BBC News
• Coronavirus crisis could cause a loneliness epidemic in older adults The Daily Mail
• How can I join the NHS coronavirus volunteer army, and what would I do? The Daily Telegraph
• Woman, 21, with 'no underlying health issues' dies after contracting coronavirus, family say The Daily Telegraph
• Coronavrius positive: our new daily round-up of good news The Daily Telegraph
• Innovative GPs use 3D printers to produce masks amid PPE shortage GPonline
• Dispatches from the Covid-19 frontline The Guardian
• Mass Covid-19 home testing will help – but the data must be localised | Anthony Costello The Guardian
• NHS staff warned to hide ID after spate of targeted muggings The Guardian
• Coronavirus lockdown will be imposed by force in England The Guardian
• NHS workers to be thanked with nationwide round of applause ITV News
• Coronavirus: NHS will be crippled without frontline testing, says Doctors' Association chair Sky News

Biggest jump in Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire for second day in a row

Biggest jump in Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire for second day in a row The number of known Covid-19 cases in Northamptonshire now stands at 37.

Public Health England officials issued its daily figures, correct as at 9am yesterday (Tuesday March 24). Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• University of Northampton opens its doors at student halls for patients and healthcare staff Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Staff leaving shifts at Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals greeted with free flowers Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Government launches Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp

Government launches Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp The UK Government has today launched a GOV.UK Coronavirus Information service on WhatsApp. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Detailed guide: COVID-19 advice for accommodation providers 
• Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK Department of Health and Social Care
• Coronavirus: effect on the economy and public finances House of Commons Library
• ‘Your NHS Needs You’ – NHS Call For Volunteer Army NHS England
• New NHS Nightingale Hospital To Fight Coronavirus NHS England
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: personal protective equipment use for aerosol generating procedures Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: personal protective equipment use for non-aerosol generating procedures Public Health England

Coronavirus: NHS predicted to cope with increased demand

Coronavirus: NHS predicted to cope with increased demand The NHS should be able to cope with the coronavirus outbreak now the country is in lockdown, according to infectious diseases expert Prof Neil Ferguson.

Keeping people inside and increasing NHS staff and beds would prevent intensive care units (ICUs) from being overwhelmed nationally, he said.

There could still be some difficulties at a local level, he told MPs. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: Millions yet to receive UK government's Covid-19 text BBC News
• Coronavirus: Thousands volunteer to help NHS with vulnerable BBC News
• Coronavirus: What's the risk to young people? BBC News
• Coronavirus: 'We will make sure we have the capacity' BBC News
• Coronavirus UK: Death toll sees biggest daily jump of 87 to 422 The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus UK: Graph may show lockdown enforced too late The Daily Mail
• Covid-19: call for fast-track registration of refugee doctors in UK The Guardian
• 'Astonishing': 170,000 people sign up as NHS volunteers in 15 hours The Guardian
• Cancer patients must not be the forgotten tragedy of this coronavirus crisis The Guardian
• Matt Hancock: 3.5m coronavirus test kits on way to NHS The Guardian
• The UK's coronavirus policy may sound scientific. It isn't The Guardian
• Coronavirus test: UK to make 15-minute at-home kits available within days The Independent
• Coronavirus demand on intensive care units not set to overwhelm NHS during peak, says health expert The Independent
• Coronavirus: NHS volunteer scheme attracts more than 170,000 signs-ups within hours being launched The Independent
• Coronavirus: U-turn on critical care advice for NHS amid fears disabled people will be denied treatment The Independent
• ‘Total disregard for people’s lives’: Hundreds of thousands of fake masks flooding markets as coronavirus depletes world supplies The Independent
• NHS staff fighting coronavirus pandemic still forced to pay hospital parking charges ITV News

Northamptonshire coronavirus cases rise by eight in a single day

Northamptonshire coronavirus cases rise by eight in a single day The number of recorded cases of a Covid-19 has risen to 29 today (Monday, March 23) - the biggest increase in any single day since the global pandemic began. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Coronavirus: Northamptonshire Police could use drones BBC Northampton
• Coronavirus kindness: Christmas lights 'help' counter gloom BBC Northampton
• All inquests in Northamptonshire suspended until September in face of coronavirus measures Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• 'Do you want to help?': Northampton General offers paid roles for medical students who want to do their bit to fight coronavirus Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Full guidance on staying at home and away from others

Full guidance on staying at home and away from others The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. The Cabinet Office

See also:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do Department of Health and Social Care
• Statutory guidance: The Exercise of Commissioning Functions by the NHS Commissioning Board (Coronavirus) Directions 2020 Department of Health and Social Care
• Vaccine trials among recipients of £20 million coronavirus research investment Department of Health and Social Care
• Statutory guidance: The Exercise of Commissioning Functions by the NHS Commissioning Board (Coronavirus) Directions 2020 Department of Health and Social Care
• New technology challenge to support people who are isolating Department of Health and Social Care
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for employees, employers and businesses Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for domestic abuse safe accommodation provision Department of Health and Social Care
• Vaccine trials among recipients of £20 million coronavirus research investment Department of Health and Social Care
• Coronavirus bill: health and social care measures House of Commons Library
• COVID-19 ward for intubated patients NHS England
• Free COVID-19 e-learning programme NHS Employers
• Preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention: interim guidance World Health Organization

Gender pay gap reporting deadline suspended

Gender pay gap reporting deadline suspended Due to COVID-19, there is no longer an expectation on employers to report their gender pay gap data before 30 March. NHS Employers

Monitor BP in people routinely taking oral corticosteroids

Monitor BP in people routinely taking oral corticosteroids People with chronic inflammatory diseases who regularly take oral corticosteroids are at greater risk of hypertension than those who don’t take them, UK research has shown. The researchers behind the study, published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, urged doctors to closely monitor blood pressure in people treated routinely with these medicines. OnMedica

Number of known coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire now stands at 21

Number of known coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire now stands at 21 The number of known coronavirus cases in Northamptonshire now stands at 21.

Public Health England released the figure — a rise of one from 24 hours earlier — last night after earlier revealing the numbers nationwide have reached 5,683 as at 9am on 22 March 2020. Daventry Express

See also:

• Scammers target Northamptonshire couple with fake coronavirus tests Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Boxes full of snacks delivered to Northampton General Hospital staff fighting coronavirus Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• The Corby companies at the cutting edge of the fight against coronavirus Northamptonshire Telegraph

Major new measures to protect people at highest risk from coronavirus

Major new measures to protect people at highest risk from coronavirus A raft of new measures, including a helpline for the most in need of support, have been set out for those considered to be extremely vulnerable. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Guidance: Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 Department of Health and Social Care
• New regulations created by Secretary of State for business closure (COVID-19) Department of Health and Social Care
• COVID-19 essential travel guidance Department of Health and Social Care
• ICNARC report on COVID-19 in critical care Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre 
• COVID-19 guidance for the NHS workforce NHS Employers
• Further COVID-19 guidance for the NHS workforce NHS Employers
• Hospitals Get Ramped Up For Delivery Of Protective Kit To Staff Fighting Coronavirus NHS England
• NHS strikes major deal to expand hospital capacity to battle coronavirus NHS England
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Rapid guidelines and Evidence Review NICE
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection Public Health England
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: infection prevention and control Public Health England
• UK launches whole genome sequence alliance to map spread of coronavirus Public Health England
• Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE): Coronavirus (COVID-19) response Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE)
• Coronavirus: Hancock orders 'millions of masks' for NHS BBC News
• Coronavirus: Doctors 'feel like lambs to the slaughter' BBC News
• Coronavirus: Hancock admits ‘challenges’ over NHS equipment BBC News
• Coronavirus: What is shielding?  BBC News
• NHS deal will provide thousands of extra beds BBC News
• Coronavirus: Health chief's plea to remember NHS workers BBC News
• Coronavirus: Young people are not ‘invincible’, WHO warns BBC News
• A&E doctor reveals people in their THIRTIES are in intensive care with coronavirus in UK hospitals The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus claims Britain's youngest victim at 18 The Daily Telegraph
• Who is on the list of key workers? Coronavirus school closures explained The Daily Telegraph
• 'Fit and healthy' 36-year-old UK nurse in intensive care with coronavirus The Guardian
• Coronavirus dos and don'ts: UK advice on behaving responsibly The Guardian
• Here's how to care for loved ones suffering with coronavirus | Rachel Clarke The Guardian
• Coronavirus: lack of protective equipment is putting medics at risk The Guardian
• Nice issues emergency coronavirus guidelines for UK doctors and nurses The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Government's mixed messages on social distancing could ‘cost lives’, warns Labour MP working as A&E doctor The Independent
• UK coronavirus death toll rises to 281 The Independent
• Thousands of retired doctors/nurse agree to help fight virus OnMedica
• NHS boss: Panic buyers 'should be ashamed' Sky News

A guide to video consultations

A guide to video consultations The British Journal of General Practice has published a guide for practices on how to use video in clinical consultations.

It covers the steps practices need to take to get started, guidance for clinicians on how to conduct the consultation and advice for patients on what to expect and how to prepare

Machine 'could quadruple' heart and lung transplants

Machine 'could quadruple' heart and lung transplants The number of heart and lung transplants could quadruple thanks to a "reanimation" machine used in a pioneering operation, a hospital says.

The device, developed at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, managed to pump oxygenated blood into both organs in a world-first procedure.

The machine can revitalise deteriorating organs allowing "donation after circulatory death" (DCD). BBC News

Blood donations needed after 15% drop, says NHS

Blood donations needed after 15% drop, says NHS The NHS is urging blood donors to keep their appointments during the coronavirus outbreak.

It said donations were 15% lower than expected last week, amid fears donors are feeling unsure about safety and whether sessions are still going ahead.

A spokesman said the impact of the drop was minimal but must be addressed. BBC News

£2.9 billion funding to strengthen care for the vulnerable

£2.9 billion funding to strengthen care for the vulnerable The funding will help patients who no longer need urgent hospital treatment to return home, making at least 15,000 beds available during the coronavirus outbreak. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Online isolation notes launched - providing proof of coronavirus absence from work Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): hospital discharge service requirements Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: COVID-19: ethical framework for adult social care Department of Health and Social Care
• Former docs and nurses told “Your NHS Needs You” to tackle greatest global health threat in history NHS England
• Guidance: COVID-19: prisons and other prescribed places of detention guidance Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for hostel or day centres for people rough sleeping Public Health England
• Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): residential care, supported living and home care guidance Public Health England
• Coronavirus: Thousands of retired medics asked to return to NHS BBC News
• PM: We can 'turn the tide' on coronavirus crisis BBC News
• Coronavirus: How can the NHS, students and businesses be supported? BBC News
• Coronavirus: When will the outbreak end and life get back to normal? BBC News
• Britain could start to lift drastic social restriction measures by summer, expert claims The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus death toll tops 10,000 worldwide as crisis continues to escalate in Europe The Daily Mail
• Who qualifies as a key worker? Coronavirus school closures explained The Daily Telegraph
• Microsoft Teams to be rolled out across NHS in response to coronavirus Digital Health
• 15,000 doctors invited to return to NHS frontline to fight coronavirus GPonline
• 'We're clearing the decks': a GP on watching the coronavirus pandemic unfold The Guardian
• Children to attend school if one parent classed as key worker The Guardian
• I'm the head of a medical school. But doctors like me are going back to the frontline The Guardian
• Busting common myths about Covid-19 The Independent
• Coronavirus: Health Secretary urges Britons to ‘stay home to save lives’ The Independent
• Structured Medication Reviews postponed under new COVID-19 guidance OnMedica

NICE publishes its first medtech briefing on artificial intelligence software

NICE publishes its first medtech briefing on artificial intelligence software A piece of software used to assess CT images of people with suspected brain abnormalities is the first Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB) published by NICE which includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

NHS data shows gap in care for heart failure patients

NHS data shows gap in care for heart failure patients A new study published in a BMJ journal has found that inadequate screening in heart failure has cost the NHS an avoidable £21.5 million.

The investigation, which is the first of its kind, has identified the hidden costs due to under-managed but treatable iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) from one-year data of around 80,000 people with heart failure. PharmaTimes

Northampton General Hospital confirms first coronavirus death

Northampton General Hospital confirms first coronavirus death Northampton's hospital has today confirmed to the media their first death related to coronavirus. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Coronavirus: Children send care home residents uplifting messages BBC Northampton
• Coronavirus: Man, 92, dies in Northampton General Hospital BBC Northampton
• Coronavirus: Craig Ruston 'youngest UK death' BBC Northampton
• Total Northamptonshire coronavirus cases rises to 15 after another three confirmed  Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Northampton General Hospital restricts visiting to one hour per day due to coronavirus Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Coronavirus: Restricted visiting times brought in for Cynthia Spencer Hospice Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Northamptonshire County Council reduces customer service, closes archive service and stops adult learning due to coronavirus Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• More visiting restrictions announced by Northants NHS trust Northamptonshire Telegraph

Social care across the four countries of the UK: what can we learn?

Social care across the four countries of the UK: what can we learn? As we start a series of explainers describing the social care system in each country of the UK, lead author Camille Oung looks at what social care policy-makers in England can learn from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Reform must come with funding and clarity – and it must secure public support. Nuffield Trust

See also:

• Adult social care in the four countries of the UK Nuffield Trust

Homelessness, health and housing: joining up services

Homelessness, health and housing: joining up services In 1996, I co-authored a report for The King’s Fund called Health and Homelessness in London. Along with Joanne Bretherton at the Centre for Housing Policy at the University of York, I have just collaborated with The King’s Fund again, on a new report: Delivering health and care for people who sleep rough: going above and beyond.

Although nearly a quarter of a century apart, both these reports focus on the same problem: the reasons why people who are homeless can experience access to NHS services that is poor, disorganised or non-existent, when free, universal health care is supposed to be available for anyone. The King's Fund

Testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) will increase to 25,000 a day

Testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) will increase to 25,000 a day The government will increase the number of people tested for COVID-19 to 25,000 hospital patients a day. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Schools, colleges and early years settings to close Department for Education
• Mobile networks remove data charges for online NHS coronavirus advice Department of Health and Social Care
• Detailed guide: Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK Department of Health and Social Care
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection Public Health England
• Coronavirus: Answers promised after school shutdown confusion BBC News
• School closures: What will happen now? BBC News
• Coronavirus testing: What is the UK government's plan? BBC News
• Coronavirus: NHS information campaign about the virus BBC News
• Coronavirus: NHS staff 'at risk' over lack of protective gear BBC News
• NHS staff 'already stressed' by coronavirus BBC News
• EVERY Briton could be paid universal basic salary regardless of means due to coronavirus cash crisis The Daily Mail
• Schools could shut until SEPTEMBER: Pupils and parents in limbo as GCSEs and A-levels are CANCELLED The Daily Mail
• GPs forced to self-isolate as 14-day coronavirus rule threatens to decimate NHS workforce GPonline
• Government sets out plans to bring back retired doctors in emergency COVID-19 bill GPonline
• UK coronavirus testing will increase to 25,000 a day, says Boris Johnson The Guardian
• Private firms criticised over £295 coronavirus testing kits The Guardian
• UK failures over Covid-19 will increase death toll, says leading doctor The Guardian
• NHS Digital to deliver new services, use data 'more efficiently' in latest effort to tackle coronavirus pandemic Healthcare IT News
• Coronavirus: UK statistics on cases, tests and deaths, day-by-day The Independent
• Coronavirus: UK calls in army to support police, transport oxygen and run emergency medical centres The Independent
• Coronavirus: UK police to start ‘graduated withdrawal of service’ if outbreak worsens The Independent 
• Coronavirus: Seaside town adopts ‘Blitz spirit’ with launch of telephone befriending service The Independent

Fertility care and emotional wellbeing

Fertility care and emotional wellbeing This guidance has been developed as a resource for all health care professionals in all areas of fertility care and acknowledges the differences between emotional support and wellbeing, implications counselling and therapeutic counselling. Royal College of Nursing

A competency framework for rheumatology nurses

A competency framework for rheumatology nurses This publication provides a competency and role development framework for rheumatology practitioners in clinical practice (most commonly called rheumatology nurse specialists). The role of the rheumatology nurse specialist is complex and may include roles in paediatric nursing, research, advanced level skills in clinical assessment, prescribing and providing intra-articular injections amongst others. Royal College of Nursing

Each baby counts: 2019 progress report

Each baby counts: 2019 progress report This report recommends new measures to reduce stillbirths, baby deaths and brain injuries. It finds that the number of parents being involved in investigations, and the quality of reviews is increasing, and therefore improving understanding of how to prevent future deaths and injuries. Recommendations include how maternity care can be improved, and how to support maternity teams to escalate critical situations. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

NHS negligence payouts at record levels despite landmark court case expected to reduce them

NHS negligence payouts at record levels despite landmark court case expected to reduce them NHS negligence payouts are at record levels, despite a landmark Supreme Court case which was expected to reduce them.

The health service was faced with a total of £400m worth of claims between 2005 and 2019, according to Freedom of Information requests submitted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London. The Daily Telegraph

Vegan diet is no healthier if you continue to eat sugar-laden junk food, new study reveals

Vegan diet is no healthier if you continue to eat sugar-laden junk food, new study reveals A vegetarian or vegan diet is no healthier than one that includes meat unless those who follow it cut out junk food, a study has revealed.

It found that following a ‘plant-based’ diet is pointless if people continue to eat processed, sugar-laden food. The Daily Mail

Coronavirus won't stop the spread of kindness in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden

Coronavirus won't stop the spread of kindness in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden None of us can escape the impact that the spread of Covid-19 has had and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

But at times like these, the unsung heroes of our communities really make a difference and we want to celebrate all the good that is being done in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• This Northampton shop is going above and beyond to support its community during the coronavirus crisis Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• ‘Amazing’ Kettering father becomes UK’s youngest coronavirus victim A man who died at KGH from coronavirus Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Here's how long restrictions are expected to last as UK tightens measures against Covid-19 Northamptonshire Telegraph

NHFT signs Dying to Work charter to support terminally ill employees

NHFT signs Dying to Work charter to support terminally ill employees Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) has signed the Trade Union Congress’ (TUC) Dying to Work charter, pledging to support employees who become terminally ill while in work.

The charter, which NHFT signed on 12 March 2020, is part of TUC’s campaign to seek a more secure future for terminally ill employees, to ensure they are not dismissed or disadvantaged as a result of their condition. Other employers to sign so far include Royal Mail, Hovis and the Co-op. Employee Benefits