Painkillers 'should not be prescribed for chronic pain'

Painkillers 'should not be prescribed for chronic pain' There is 'little or no evidence' the commonly used drugs work, according to England's health regulators, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). The Daily Mail 

See also:

• Chronic pain: assessment and management (guideline in development) NICE
• 'Patchy' access to chronic pain management therapies must be addressed if new NICE guidelines are to make a difference Royal College of General Practitioners
• GPs should not prescribe opioids, NSAIDs or paracetamol for chronic pain, says NICE GPonline

Health chiefs underline "get tested" message after new Covid-19 cases across Northamptonshire

Health chiefs underline "get tested" message after new Covid-19 cases across Northamptonshire New Covid-19 cases were confirmed in all seven boroughs and districts of Northamptonshire on the same day for the first time in a month.

Public Health Northamptonshire ramped up testing last week in an effort to track down cases that may have otherwise gone undetected after parts of the county were highlighted as potential coronavirus hotspots. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• 'Permanent' coronavirus testing centre in Northampton's Market Square is here 'for the foreseeable future' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Here's the extra guidance to follow in Northampton and Corby to slow to spread of Covid-19 Northamptonshire Telegraph
• KGH eases restrictions on bringing partners to pregnancy scans Northamptonshire Telegraph

What is Covid-19 revealing about innovation in the NHS?

What is Covid-19 revealing about innovation in the NHS? As we speak, Covid-19 is conducting its own natural experiment. Before the pandemic, there was an established narrative on the barriers to innovation in the NHS. Reports repeated similar lists of obstacles: lack of financial incentives, resistance by clinicians and a top–down system, among others. Research on social systems is a social activity. We all talk to each other. We read each other’s papers. There is safety in numbers. So there is a tendency to repeat the same things. The King's Fund

Adult social care and Covid-19: assessing the impact on social care users and staff in England so far

Adult social care and Covid-19: assessing the impact on social care users and staff in England so far This briefing provides an overview of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on social care in England. Part 1 describes how the pandemic unfolded in the social care sector from March until June 2020, and part 2 examines the factors that contributed to the scale and severity of outbreaks in care homes. Part 3 attempts to quantify the disruption to health and social care access from February until the end of April 2020. Health Foundation

A Spending Review for wellbeing

A Spending Review for wellbeing This briefing paper estimates that the economic and social cost of mental ill health in England has grown in the last decade to almost £119 billion a year. It sets out evidence-based priorities for how the 2020 Spending Review can improve the nation’s mental health and tackle mental health inequalities. The focus is on how areas of public spending outside of NHS revenue funding (already agreed) can be used to greatest effect. Centre for Mental Health

The experience of people approaching later life in lockdown

The experience of people approaching later life in lockdown This report, produced together with Ipsos MORI, looks at the impact lockdown has had on those aged 50-70, revealing dramatic changes to people’s lives and their plans for the future. Centre for Ageing Better

Cancer patient experience survey 2020: the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients in the UK

Cancer patient experience survey 2020: the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients in the UK The findings from this year's survey report indicate the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients, and their testing, treatment and care. For many cancer patients the Covid-19 pandemic appears to have had a significant impact on their testing and treatment, and most notably their care. This has resulted in a negative impact on the emotional well-being of many cancer patients whether they were hoping to finish their treatment, find out the results of their test, have their regular screening, or continue with care that could support them, in some cases for the remainder of their life. Cancer Research UK

NHS Rolls Out ‘Covid-friendly’ Cancer Treatments

NHS Rolls Out ‘Covid-friendly’ Cancer Treatments ‘Covid-friendly’ cancer treatments that are safer for patients during the pandemic will be expanded and extended through a £160 million initiative, NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens announced today. The funding will pay for drugs that treat patients without having such a big impact on their immune system. NHS England

Updates to the shielding programme on national and regional levels

Updates to the shielding programme on national and regional levels From Saturday 1 August, shielding guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable will be paused across England.

This means those who have been shielding over the course of the pandemic will no longer be advised to do so, and can begin to go back to work and school as long as the sites are COVID-secure.

People will also be able to go outside as much as they like, and visit supermarkets, pubs and shops, with social distancing guidelines still strongly advised. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Guidance: Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests Department of Health and Social Care
• Detailed guide: Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: New 90-minute tests for Covid-19 and flu 'hugely beneficial'

Coronavirus: New 90-minute tests for Covid-19 and flu 'hugely beneficial' New 90-minute tests that can detect coronavirus and flu will be rolled out in care homes and laboratories from next week. 

The "on-the-spot" swab and DNA tests will help distinguish between Covid-19 and other seasonal illnesses, the government said.

The health secretary said this would be "hugely beneficial" over the winter. BBC News

See also:

• Roll-out of 2 new rapid coronavirus tests ahead of winter Department of Health and Social Care
• Coronavirus analysis: We're now at the limit of easing lockdown BBC News
• Coronavirus: Lockdown easing on hold as shielding ends BBC News
• Coronavirus infections rising in England BBC News
• Coronavirus UK: 120 new fatalities in preliminary death toll The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus England: Cases rise 68% in fortnight The Daily Mail
• Fury over Boris Johnson's plan to pause shielding as experts say it's not safe to return to work The Daily Mail
• Urgent appeal for coronavirus survivors to donate blood plasma The Daily Telegraph
• Northern England witnessing ‘lasting ripples’ but not a second wave, analysis shows  The Daily Telegraph
• Coronavirus England: Boris Johnson looking at second-wave lockdown scenarios The Guardian
• Thanks to outsourcing, England's test and trace system is in chaos | Allyson Pollock The Guardian
• Secrecy has harmed UK government's response to Covid-19 crisis, says top scientist The Guardian
• All staff across three NHS trusts in north-west England being urgently tested The Guardian
• Coronavirus pandemic will be ‘lengthy’, World Health Organisation warns The Independent
• Coronavirus: Public switching off from lockdown rules due to ‘deplorable’ government messaging, say experts The Independent

Rare illness spread by ticks diagnosed in UK

Rare illness spread by ticks diagnosed in UK People are being urged to be on alert for tick bites, following the diagnosis for the first time in England of a rare illness.

Public Health England (PHE) says the risk to the public is "very low", but it's important to be "tick aware" when enjoying green spaces this summer.

Babesiosis is caused by a parasite which infects red blood cells. BBC News

See also:

• Rare tick-borne infections diagnosed in England Public Health England

Severe lack of funding for heart disease research revealed

Severe lack of funding for heart disease research revealed Urgent annual cash injection of £650m needed for cardiovascular conditions to match threat to nation’s health of cancer

A severe deficit has emerged in the funding of major health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and mental health, according to a new study calling for an urgent cash injection. The Guardian

Study shows frontline healthcare workers at greater risk of coronavirus, despite protective gear

Study shows frontline healthcare workers at greater risk of coronavirus, despite protective gear Frontline healthcare workers with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) have a three-fold increased risk of testing positive for coronavirus, compared to the general population, a study has found. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Risk of COVID-19 among front-line health-care workers and the general community: a prospective cohort study (opens access) The Lancet Public Health

Three Covid-19 victims in a single day at Northampton General Hospital

Three Covid-19 victims in a single day at Northampton General Hospital NHS officials confirmed three more Covid-19 victims died at Northampton General Hospital on Sunday.

The shock news follows two more deaths last Thursday (July 23) among patients who tested positive for the killer bug. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• 'Good luck Jeremy': Northamptonshire man discharged after 123 days in hospital ITV News
• Walk-in coronavirus testing in Kettering until further notice Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Queue forms as Corby's Covid-19 testing station sets up for a second day Northamptonshire Telegraph

The colour of power 2020

The colour of power 2020  Ethnic diversity in Britain’s leadership fails to improve over past three years. Just 52 out of 1099 of the most powerful jobs in the country are currently held by ethnic minority individuals. Of the top fifty NHS trusts, none of the chief executive officer posts are filled by non-white individuals. This new work updates research conducted by the company in 2017, in partnership with Operation Black Vote. Green Park

The NHS after Covid-19: the views of provider trust chief executives

The NHS after Covid-19: the views of provider trust chief executives This report is based on interviews with thirteen provider trust chief executives in which they discuss the changes they have made to respond to COVID-19, as well as how best to restart and deliver services as we move into the next phase of the pandemic. The interviews took place in late May and early June 2020. The cohort identified three key concerns in resetting services following the emergency response to the pandemic: staff wellbeing, restarting other NHS services safely, and the long-term impact on health inequalities. NHS Confederation

NHS recovery to put staff wellbeing at its heart

NHS recovery to put staff wellbeing at its heart The NHS People Plan puts NHS staff wellbeing at its heart with a new recruitment, retention and support package. It sets out practical support for wellbeing such as safe spaces to rest and recuperate, wellbeing guardians and support to keep staff physically safe and healthy. 

The People Plan builds on the innovations driven by staff during the pandemic and sets out how the NHS can embed them. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• NHS People Plan provides a stop-gap but leaves glaring omissions The Health Foundation
• ‘Another interim stop-gap’ The King's Fund
• Pushing power out from the centre key to cutting red tape and supporting NHS people plan Nuffield Trust
• NHS People Plan welcome but no quick solution to years of disinvestment NHS Employers
• We are the NHS - a summary of the NHS People Plan 2020/21 NHS Employers

Speech: The future of healthcare

Speech: The future of healthcare Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke at the Royal College of Physicians about the future of healthcare. Department of Health and Social Care

Health and care workers to self-isolate on return to UK from high-risk countries

Health and care workers to self-isolate on return to UK from high-risk countries Registered health and care professionals travelling to the UK from high-risk countries will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, the government has confirmed. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• NHS Test and Trace launches campaign to encourage everyone with symptoms to get a free test Department of Health and Social Care
• Detailed guide: Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics Department of Health and Social Care

England death rate among worst in Europe

England death rate among worst in Europe The UK saw some of the biggest rises in deaths rates in Europe in the months until the middle of June, official analysis shows.

England saw the largest increase in death rates in Europe, with Scotland seeing the third largest increase.

The Office for National Statistics says that Spain saw the highest peak in rates of death in Europe. BBC News

See also:

• How does the coronavirus pandemic compare across Europe? Office for National Statistics
• England has highest excess death rate The King's Fund
• Coronavirus: Lockdown tightened in parts of northern England BBC News
• Coronavirus: Care home visits 'delayed' over lack of testing BBC News
• Covid-19: Why Hong Kong's 'third wave' is a warning BBC News
• Coronavirus: UK lockdown solidarity 'starting to fray' BBC News
• Only 7.1% of the UK has had coronavirus: Major antibody study reveals The Daily Mail
• 'I'm worried about a second wave': Matt Hancock warns wave of infections is 'rolling across Europe' The Daily Mail
• Britain's coronavirus cases rise 14% in a week as experts urge ministers not to panic The Daily Mail
• New push to double Covid-19 testing in England to 500,000 a day The Guardian
• Covid-19 test a week after UK arrival 'could halve quarantine time' The Guardian
• Average BAME Covid-19 patient decades younger than white Britons in study  The Guardian
• 'Heartless and reckless' to force shielding people back to work, says TUC The Guardian
• Misunderstanding scale of coronavirus spread ‘undoubtedly led’ to UK’s huge death toll, says expert The Independent

Hancock: GP appointments 'should be by phone or video'

Hancock: GP appointments 'should be by phone or video' People should have phone or video consultations with their doctors unless there is a clinical reason not to, Health Secretary Matt Hancock says.  

He said there had been a "hugely positive" response to virtual appointments during the coronavirus pandemic.

And there now needed to be a shift towards more "Zoom medicine," he added. BBC News

See also:

• The Dr will Zoom you now: getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience National Voices
• The doctor will WhatsApp you now: Matt Hancock to announce NHS reforms in wake of coronavirus The Daily Telegraph
• GPs urge caution over health secretary's push for 'all' consultations to be remote GPonline
• 'Remote first' GP appointments must be handled with care The Guardian

You'll have to BOOK an A&E appointment this winter: NHS told plans for patients to 'call first'

You'll have to BOOK an A&E appointment this winter: NHS told plans for patients to 'call first' Patients will be asked to book an A&E appointment by calling 111 this winter, NHS bosses have been told.

The plans, revealed in a board meeting for NHS England and NHS Improvement yesterday, are set to be put in place before December.

But hospitals will not turn away patients who turn up without calling ahead of their visit, it was claimed. The Daily Mail

Northamptonshire health chiefs draft in four Covid-19 testing units amid 'hotspot' concerns

Northamptonshire health chiefs draft in four Covid-19 testing units amid 'hotspot' concerns Four Covid-19 testing units have been drafted into Northamptonshire today as health chiefs remain concerned over becoming a potential hotspot. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

See also:

• 12,000 face masks to be handed out to Northampton town centre businesses Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Police get four complaints about Northamptonshire's shoppers not wearing face coverings in first few days of directive being in force Northamptonshire Telegraph

“Slow, inconsistent and negligent approach” to social care in pandemic

“Slow, inconsistent and negligent approach” to social care in pandemic The Government’s “slow, inconsistent, and at times negligent approach” to social care in the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the “tragic impact” of  “years of inattention, funding cuts and delayed reforms”, leaving the sector as a “poor relation” that has suffered badly in the pandemic. The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee in a new report is demanding from Government a “3-point plan” by September, ahead of the second wave, covering health, the economy & procurement of medical supplies and equipment.

This was illustrated early on by the “appalling error” committed when 25,000 patients were discharged from hospitals into care homes without ensuring all were first tested for COVID-19 – even after there was clear evidence of asymptomatic transmission of the virus.

See also:

• Coronavirus: Sending untested patients to care homes 'reckless' - MPs BBC News
• Coronavirus: MPs accuse government of ‘slow, inconsistent and at times negligent’ approach to social care The Independent

NICE publishes new COVID-19 rapid guideline on arranging planned care in hospitals and diagnostic services

NICE publishes new COVID-19 rapid guideline on arranging planned care in hospitals and diagnostic services NICE has published a guideline on the arrangements the NHS should put in place for patients needing elective surgery and other planned treatments and procedures (including diagnostics and imaging) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NHS Reset workforce: reflections and asks to support employers

NHS Reset workforce: reflections and asks to support employers The health and care workforce strand launches a summary of employers' feedback on what's needed nationally to support employers with workforce challenges. NHS Employers

Covid studies aim to save BAME lives 'within months'

Covid studies aim to save BAME lives 'within months' UK scientists are to receive millions of pounds of government funding for a raft of studies to learn why people from an ethnic minority background are at greater risk from Covid-19.

Six projects will analyse data on social circumstances, health and day-to-day activities, as well as investigating genetic risk factors. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus vaccine: UK signs deal with GSK and Sanofi BBC News
• Coronavirus: Trump sticks by discredited hydroxychloroquine BBC News
• Coronavirus: Why isn't the UK testing travellers on arrival? BBC News
• Coronavirus: Boris Johnson warns of Europe second wave amid Spain row BBC News
• Daily coronavirus infections in the UK shoot up 30% in a week The Daily Mail
• NHS contact tracing app ready for rollout 'in a few weeks', says outgoing test and trace head The Daily Telegraph
• UK studies exploring Covid-19 links with ethnicity awarded £4m The Guardian
• Clapped out of ICU, passed away days later: the secondary impact of Covid-19 The Guardian
• Covid-19 test a week after UK arrival 'could halve quarantine time' The Guardian
• Coronavirus tracked: Which countries are seeing a second wave? The Independent
• Who is now eligible for a Covid-19 test and the process for getting one from the NHS iNews

Alzheimer's: 'Promising' blood test for early stage of disease

Alzheimer's: 'Promising' blood test for early stage of disease A blood test could spot Alzheimer's disease at the earliest stage and years before symptoms appear, studies in the US and Sweden suggest.

The test looks for tiny amounts of a protein which is elevated in people with the illness.

Investigators found measuring this protein, p-tau217, could predict Alzheimer's dementia with 96% accuracy. BBC News

PMDD: Thousands of women share their experiences

PMDD: Thousands of women share their experiences PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is an extreme form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) where women can fall into severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and feelings of being out of control in the run up to their period. BBC News

Call to expand free school meals programme to tackle poverty and obesity

Call to expand free school meals programme to tackle poverty and obesity A further 1.5 million children should be brought into the free school meals programme, while poorer youngsters should also be fed during the school holidays, a Government-ordered review has said.

The National Food Strategy, led by Leon restaurant founder Henry Dimbleby, said urgent Government action is needed in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, and described the country's diet as a "slow-motion disaster". The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• More free school meals 'would stop diet disaster' BBC News
• Britain's obesity strategy ignores the science: dieting doesn't work | Susie Orbach The Guardian

Testing sites planned for Corby and Kettering due to increasing Covid-19 infection rate

Testing sites planned for Corby and Kettering due to increasing Covid-19 infection rate Coronavirus testing sites are to be set up in Kettering and Corby after a recent rise in the infection rate.

A statement from the county council said both towns were being "closely monitored due to increasing trends over recent weeks". ITV News

See also:

• Everything we know so far about the rising Northampton coronavirus cases and local lockdown warning Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Health chiefs warn Northampton's bus passengers 'keep your distance' in bid to stop town's Covid-19 spike Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Health officials make more Covid-19 tests available in Northampton until Friday as lockdown fear remains Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• KGH learning from lessons as it prepares for second Covid-19 wave Northamptonshire Telegraph

Living in poverty was bad for your health before Covid-19

Living in poverty was bad for your health before Covid-19 This long read looks at the link between health and income. It explores the nature of the economic shocks experienced in recent years, including those stemming from Covid-19, and the consequences these might have on people’s health. It then considers how we might use the current crisis to build a fairer and healthier society. Health Foundation

Ageing prison population

Ageing prison population The number of prisoners over the age of 60 has risen between 2002 and 2020 from 1,511 to 5,176 – an increase of more than 240 per cent. A large proportion of older prisoners have distinct health and social care needs. Prisoners tend to have worse health than the wider community – 85 per cent of prisoners over the age of 60 have some form of major illness. The Justice Committee report reaffirms the call of a previous Justice Committee for the government to produce a national strategy for older prisoners. House of Commons Justice Committee

Coronavirus (Covid-19): the impact on prisons

Coronavirus (Covid-19): the impact on prisons Covid-19 presents an unprecedented public health crisis that has put additional pressure on a prison system already in a state of crisis. This report looks at the measures the Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service have taken in response, focusing primarily on regime changes and strategies to manage the prison population. House of Commons Justice Committee

Coronavirus 'most severe health emergency' WHO has faced

Coronavirus 'most severe health emergency' WHO has faced Covid-19 is easily the most severe global health emergency ever declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), its leader has said.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he would reconvene the WHO's emergency committee this week for a review.

There have been five other global health emergencies: Ebola (two outbreaks), Zika, polio and swine flu. BBC News 

See also:

• Coronavirus: Safety fears over lack of translated virus advice BBC News
• Coronavirus: Pet cat found to have virus in UK BBC News
• Scientists debunk study that claimed 5G networks raise risks of developing COVID-19 The Daily Mail
• 'NO travel is risk free': No10 says countries could be suddenly added to quarantine list with Spain The Daily Mail
• Covid-19 is speeding our march towards an antibiotic resistance catastrophe The Daily Telegraph
• Anti-vaxxers are selfish - our lives shouldn't be put into conspiracy theorists' hands The Daily Telegraph
• I'm a Covid-19 'long-hauler'. For us, there is no end in sight | Jemma Kennedy The Guardian
• Fears UK staycation resorts could become coronavirus hotspots as holidaymakers decide not to risk overseas travel The Independent

Obesity: Have 20 years of policies had any effect?

Obesity: Have 20 years of policies had any effect? The prime minister has launched a new policy on obesity in England.

This will not be the first attempt to tackle the problem - at least a dozen policies or white papers have been announced on the topic since 1997. 

So, have 20 years of targets and policies had an impact? BBC News

See also:

• Policy paper: Tackling obesity: government strategy Department of Health and Social Care
• 'More a minor skirmish than a war on obesity‘ The King's Fund
• 'Fix your bike' vouchers launch, as doctors to prescribe bikes on NHS BBC News
• We are taking action to get the nation's health back on track (Matt Hancock) The Daily Telegraph
• Sugar taxes not ruled out as government says 'further action' will be taken if no results seen The Daily Telegraph
• New UK obesity plan fails to address underlying problems The Guardian

NHS Tayside claims it has 'effectively eliminated' hepatitis C

NHS Tayside claims it has 'effectively eliminated' hepatitis C A Scottish health board has claimed to be the first region in the world to effectively eliminate hepatitis C.

NHS Tayside developed a pioneering approach to treating the blood borne virus in 2012, which targeted injecting drug users.

The health board said around 90% of infections occur through sharing needles. BBC News

Revealed: NHS could take over social care, swelling budget to £150bn

Revealed: NHS could take over social care, swelling budget to £150bn Social care could be brought under the control of the NHS in England in a controversial move that would cause the health service’s budget to soar to £150bn, the Guardian has learned.

Downing Street has drafted in David Cameron’s former policy chief Camilla Cavendish to help finalise proposals designed to honour Boris Johnson’s pledge to “fix the crisis in social care”. The Guardian

Kettering hospital's first Covid-19 death for 19 days follows health chiefs' concern over rise in cases

Kettering hospital's first Covid-19 death for 19 days follows health chiefs' concern over rise in cases Covid-19 has claimed its first victim in 19 days at Kettering General Hospital.

This latest death — the 218th at KGH during the pandemic — occurred on Thursday but was only revealed in today's NHS bulletin. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Northampton residents told to 'limit contact' after coronavirus spike BBC Northampton
• NHS reports seven coronavirus deaths in the Anglia region over the weekend ITV News
• Health chiefs report "great response" to walk-in Covid-19 testers in Northampton town centre Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Three more Covid-19 victims die on same day health chiefs sound alarm over rise in cases Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Northampton could be in different position to rest of England by next week, warns council leader Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Long-serving Irchester NHS worker Ceri-Anne to brave the shave for KGH to mark retirement

Long-serving Irchester NHS worker Ceri-Anne to brave the shave for KGH to mark retirement A long-serving NHS worker will brave the shave on her retirement to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Kettering General Hospital's new cancer resource centre. Northamptonshire Telegraph

New Obesity Strategy unveiled as country urged to lose weight to beat coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect the NHS

New Obesity Strategy unveiled as country urged to lose weight to beat coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect the NHS A raft of measures have been revealed as part of the government’s new obesity strategy to get the nation fit and healthy, protect themselves against COVID-19 and protect the NHS.

Obesity is one of the biggest health crises the country faces. Almost two-thirds (63%) of adults in England are overweight or living with obesity – and 1 in 3 children leave primary school overweight or obese, with obesity-related illnesses costing the NHS £6 billion a year. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Fast online access to world leading NHS weight loss advice NHS England
• Excess weight can increase risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 Public Health England
• Guidance: Excess weight and COVID-19: insights from new evidence Public Health England 

Childcare costs for doctors to be covered in drive to boost GP numbers

Childcare costs for doctors to be covered in drive to boost GP numbers The NHS has launched a new scheme to encourage hundreds more doctors to return to general practice by offering help towards the costs of caring for children or family members. NHS England

Coronavirus: UK brings back 14-day quarantine for Spain

Coronavirus: UK brings back 14-day quarantine for Spain Travellers returning to the UK from Spain after midnight will have to quarantine for 14 days, the government has said. 

The decision came following a spike in coronavirus cases in Spain, with more than 900 new cases of the virus reported on Friday.

Spanish officials have also warned a second wave could be imminent as major cities have seen cases surge. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: Spain says outbreaks under control after UK orders quarantine BBC News
• Coronavirus: How bad will winter really be? BBC News
• Coronavirus doctor's diary: Will vaccine sceptics make trials a headache? BBC News
• Coronavirus England: Average daily cases rising for a WEEK The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus England: People in poor areas twice as likely to die
• Face masks can boost hand washing because they increase perception of risk The Daily Telegraph
• Risk, uncertainty and fear of failure: Why scientists aren't celebrating a coronavirus vaccine yet The Daily Telegraph
• Lack of testing and PPE among key England Covid-19 mistakes, MPs told The Guardian
• Boris Johnson calls anti-vaxxers 'nuts' as he pushes winter flu jabs – video The Guardian
• Only 19 bereaved families approved for NHS staff coronavirus compensation scheme The Guardian
• UK could impose more 'handbrake restrictions' on arrivals beyond Spain The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Hospital patients and staff set to receive rapid one-hour Covid-19 tests in plans to restart NHS The Independent
• Jeremy Hunt: NHS staff should be given weekly coronavirus tests from September iNews

NHS maternity safety to come under investigation after scandals involving mother and baby deaths

NHS maternity safety to come under investigation after scandals involving mother and baby deaths The safety of maternity services in the NHS are to be investigated by MPs after a string of scandals, highlighted by The Independent, involving the deaths of mothers and babies. 

The Health and Social Care Select Committee, chaired by former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, has announced it will hold an inquiry into why maternity incidents keep re-occurring and what needs to be done to improve safety. The Independent

See also:

• Ex-chief of scandal-hit hospital now works for group advising NHS on patient safety The Independent
• Maternity safety across NHS to be investigated as ongoing crisis in Shropshire adds to string of care scandals ITV News

Concern for England's mental health patients discharged at start of lockdown

Concern for England's mental health patients discharged at start of lockdown Nearly 2,500 additional patients were discharged from mental health units across England at the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown, prompting concern that vulnerable people were released into the community before they were ready.

Official data analysed by the charity Mind showed 11,829 patients were discharged from mental health units in March 2020, a sharp rise from 9,836 last year and up by 2,441 from the February before lockdown started. The Guardian

Over-40s in UK to pay more tax under plans to fix social care crisis

Over-40s in UK to pay more tax under plans to fix social care crisis Exclusive: Matt Hancock is advocate of plan to raise tax to cover cost of care in later life

Everyone over 40 would start contributing towards the cost of care in later life under radical plans being studied by ministers to finally end the crisis in social care, the Guardian can reveal.

Public Health England lists Northampton as "an area of concern" over rising Covid-19 cases

Public Health England lists Northampton as "an area of concern" over rising Covid-19 cases Northampton has been highlighted as an "area of concern" by Public Health England following recent rises in Covid-19 cases in the town. 

PHE's weekly bulletin issued on Thursday showed eight local authority areas which are "taking targeted actions to reduce prevalence" with "additional testing in care homes and increased community engagement with high risk groups." Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Northampton's health chiefs warn 'we must take action now or risk potential local lockdown measures' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Here's the key advice you need to follow in and around Northampton to help stop the spread of Covid-19 Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• WATCH: 'Miracle' patient Jeremy moves off high dependancy ward 110 days after contracting COVID-19  Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Covid costs Corby Council £2 million Northamptonshire Telegraph

Resuming health services during the Covid-19 pandemic: What can the NHS learn from other countries?

Resuming health services during the Covid-19 pandemic: What can the NHS learn from other countries? As the country deals with the easing of lockdown restrictions and a slow decline in Covid-19 cases, health services are attempting to return to some form of pre-pandemic normality – yet demand for services remains anything but predictable. Our new briefing looks at what approaches other countries around the world have taken to dealing with the pandemic. What might we learn from the approaches used internationally, and how long will it take us to fully recover? Nuffield Trust

See also:

• Covid-19: Starting position for NHS risks leaving UK trailing the pack in the race to recovery Nuffield Trust
• Recovering from Covid-19: the international picture Nuffield Trust
• Lack of beds and staff will hamper NHS in clearing backlog, says study The Guardian

Mental health and primary care networks: understanding the opportunities

Mental health and primary care networks: understanding the opportunities This report published jointly with the Centre for Mental Health, explores the opportunities the emergence of primary care networks has created for improving the support and treatment provided to people with mental health needs. The King's Fund

The psychology of loneliness: why it matters and what we can do

The psychology of loneliness: why it matters and what we can do This report looks at how psychological approaches can help tackle loneliness. It is focussed on older people but has lessons for all adults. It gathers the current research and evidence available to us about what we can learn from psychology, as well as making policy recommendations for how this learning can be applied and help the millions of lonely people across the UK. Campaign to End Loneliness

The future of pharmacy in a sustainable NHS: key principles for transformation and growth

The future of pharmacy in a sustainable NHS: key principles for transformation and growth This briefing maps out key recommendations under three main priorities: supporting and valuing the pharmacy workforce; supporting an integrated NHS; and innovation. It aims to capture learnings from the pandemic response and explores the contributions the pharmacy profession can make to the NHS. Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Government and NHSE/I must act on evidence of failings in NHS services caused by Covid crisis

Government and NHSE/I must act on evidence of failings in NHS services caused by Covid crisis The Health and Social Care Committee is urging the Government and NHSE/I to take immediate steps to address failings in the delivery of NHS services as a result of the Covid crisis.

A letter jointly addressed to Secretary of State Matt Hancock and NHS England & Improvement Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens highlights early conclusions and recommendations in three key areas arising from the Committee’s inquiry into Delivering core NHS and care services during the pandemic and beyond ahead of a final report due this autumn.

Most comprehensive flu programme in UK history will be rolled out this winter

Most comprehensive flu programme in UK history will be rolled out this winter Providers will work to vaccinate more than 30 million people during this flu season – millions more than received it last year. Department of Health and Social Care

Face coverings mandatory in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and enclosed transport hubs from Friday

Face coverings mandatory in shops, supermarkets, shopping centres and enclosed transport hubs from Friday Face coverings must be worn in additional enclosed public spaces from 24 July in England, as the government takes further steps to help curb the spread of the virus. Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Has Covid-19 exposed UK's underlying ill health?

Coronavirus: Has Covid-19 exposed UK's underlying ill health? Covid-19 has taken a disproportionate toll on those with underlying health conditions.

Some experts say the crisis has shone a light on the poor state of our health as a nation. But in many communities it has also highlighted the link between ill health and poverty.

So what lessons has coronavirus taught us - and will ministers and health leaders act upon them? BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: New guidance on face masks and coverings released for England BBC News
• Coronavirus: Mothers 'unlikely to infect newborns' BBC News
• Coronavirus: Walk-in centres 'to help cope with winter' BBC News 
• Gambling help paused while NHS battled coronavirus BBC News
• UK announces 53 more coronavirus deaths taking the UK total to 45,554 The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus England: Testing is getting SLOWER, data shows The Daily Mail
• A coronavirus vaccine will NOT be available this year, World Health Organization warns The Daily Telegraph
• British scientists and vaccine trials ‘are on track to save the world’ iNews
• Coronavirus: 30-minute walk to get tested as hundreds of new centres to open across England The Independent

PM to target junk food ads in obesity crackdown

PM to target junk food ads in obesity crackdown The prime minister is set to announce new measures to curb obesity next week, and they are expected to include a ban on TV junk food adverts before 21:00.

The measures are yet to be finalised but are also likely to include a ban on online ads for unhealthy foods and limits on in-store promotions. BBC News

Investigation launched into safety of maternity equipment used in NHS

Investigation launched into safety of maternity equipment used in NHS A national investigation has been launched into the equipment used by NHS staff to monitor babies heart rates during labour because of concerns they could be contributing to deaths and disabilities.

The independent Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB), which investigates systemic safety risks in the NHS, has opened an inquiry after reviewing hundreds of maternity incidents. The Independent

Mental health leave for paramedics in England nearly triples since 2011

Mental health leave for paramedics in England nearly triples since 2011 Number of days taken off for stress, anxiety and depression has risen, FOI requests reveal

The number of paramedics taking time off with mental health conditions has almost tripled over the last decade, a Guardian analysis has found.

Domestic violence helpline calls up by 80% in June amid warnings that surge will continue in autumn

Domestic violence helpline calls up by 80% in June amid warnings that surge will continue in autumn More than 40,000 calls have been made to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline since the start of the coronavirus lockdown, and demand is rising as restrictions ease, according to the charity that runs it. The Daily Telegraph

Health chiefs draft in extra testers to tackle worrying rise in Northampton's Covid-19 cases

Health chiefs draft in extra testers to tackle worrying rise in Northampton's Covid-19 cases Health chiefs are drafting in extra testing capacity to tackle rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in Northampton.

A mobile unit will be deployed in the town centre from tomorrow (Thursday) through to Monday enabling more local people to get a drive-through or walk-in test closer to where they live. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Coronavirus: Northampton food bank sees demand rocket BBC News
• Four more coronavirus deaths in hospitals in the Anglia region ITV News
• Police: 'We won't answer calls about shoppers not wearing face coverings in Northamptonshire' Northampton Chronicle and Echo

The new NHS and mental health

The new NHS and mental health A dear patient, a gentleman in his mid-50s, was desperate to see me. ‘I want… I need to see you in person’, were his exact words. The remote consultations we have been offering to most of our patients since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic would clearly not be enough. The King's Fund

The doctor of the future is a generalist

The doctor of the future is a generalist Health Education England (HEE) has been engaging with the system to develop our understanding of what the doctor of the future should look like. The Covid-19 global pandemic brought into sharp focus how crucial generalist skills are in enabling doctors to manage complex patient care across different specialties.

HEE’s Future Doctor report sets out a vision for future clinical teams and how education and training can evolve so that our future doctors are equipped with the right skills to deliver care in an ever-changing health care landscape.

The impact of Covid-19 on the health and care voluntary sector

The impact of Covid-19 on the health and care voluntary sector The health and care voluntary sector continues to provide invaluable information and support to millions of people with long term conditions as statutory health and care services refocus their efforts on Covid-19. National Voices, together with the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) and the Neurological Alliance, asked it’s members about the impact of the coronavirus emergency on their services and their income. Forty charities responded to the survey between responded between 17th April and 13th May 2020. National Voices

Delivering integrated care at neighbourhood level: developing shared working practices

Delivering integrated care at neighbourhood level: developing shared working practices This briefing forms part of a series published as part of the Neighbourhood Integration Project. The project focuses on how long-standing local partnerships have resolved the operational challenges that so often hold back the integration agenda. A member survey carried out by the Community Network found that the need to develop shared working practices was one of the four main barriers to more joined-up care at the local level. This briefing focuses on how organisations in Devon, Hull and Worcestershire have found ways to overcome this barrier and establish agreed ways of working across their local partnerships. Community Network

Best Beginnings: a proposal for a new early years guarantee to give all children in England the best start in life

Best Beginnings: a proposal for a new early years guarantee to give all children in England the best start in life This report looks at the provision of early years services for children across the country, alongside a warning that many nurseries are at risk of closure, hitting the life chances of some of the most vulnerable children and holding back the economic recovery following lockdown. The Children's Commissioner calls for a new Best Beginnings early years investment plan, ranging from Children and Family hubs to midwives and health visitors, to tackle these problems at the beginning of a child’s life rather than waiting until crises develop in later years. Children's Commissioner for England

New service enables people to sign up to be contacted for COVID-19 vaccine studies

New service enables people to sign up to be contacted for COVID-19 vaccine studies A new NHS service has been launched to enable people across the UK to sign up for information on COVID-19 vaccine trials.

The NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry, developed in partnership with NHS Digital, will help large numbers of people to be recruited into trials over the coming months - potentially meaning an effective vaccine for coronavirus can be found and made available.

Detailed guide: NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace

Detailed guide: NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers. Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Care home visits to resume in England

Coronavirus: Care home visits to resume in England Care home residents in England can begin to be reunited with one of their loved ones, the government has said, as it publishes new guidance.

Visits will resume in care homes once local authorities and local public health directors say it is safe.
 
Residents will be limited to seeing the same one visitor, where possible, the guidance says. BBC News

See also:

• Guidance: Visiting care homes during coronavirus Department of Health and Social Care
• Coronavirus: Ministers urged to end face coverings 'confusion' BBC News
• Coronavirus: The great contact-tracing apps mystery BBC News
• Has the handshake gone forever? Public health experts say traditional greeting may never return The Daily Mail
• Covid vaccine could be rolled out for vulnerable Britons before it is approved by regulators The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus UK: 'SAGE and COBRA no longer control decisions' The Daily Mail
• Test and trace failing to contact thousands in England's worst-hit areas The Guardian
• Coronavirus: New strand helping outbreaks spread faster around world, scientist warns The Independent
• Coronavirus: New NHS England contact-tracing app could use Fitbit-style contact counts Sky News

Cutting screen time lowers risk of death, study finds

Cutting screen time lowers risk of death, study finds Restricting television viewing to two hours a day could prevent or delay poor health, according to a new study.

Health risks associated with screen time, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, were at their lowest when daily TV time was two hours or less. BBC News

See also:

• Understanding How Much TV is Too Much: A Nonlinear Analysis of the Association Between Television Viewing Time and Adverse Health Outcomes (abstract) Mayo Clinic Proceedings

New £100m NHS intensive care unit shut over fire safety fears

New £100m NHS intensive care unit shut over fire safety fears Exclusive: King’s College hospital in London forced to shut ICU after it failed checks

A newly built £100m intensive care unit at an NHS hospital has been closed after it failed fire safety checks, leading to seriously ill patients being moved out.

King’s College hospital in south London has had to shut the critical care unit after its own engineers and the London fire brigade identified problems that could potentially make it unsafe. The Guardian

The Tories' new trade bill means the NHS is now unquestionably up for sale

The Tories' new trade bill means the NHS is now unquestionably up for sale | Emily Thornberry By rejecting Labour’s proposed amendments, the government has left our health service at the mercy of hungry US corporations. The Guardian

See also:

• Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris defends NHS Trade Bill vote on residents' Facebook page Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Northamptonshire Police probe second care home in company's portfolio

Northamptonshire Police probe second care home in company's portfolio Northamptonshire Police is investigating a second care home that is run by the same company.

A safeguarding incident from a year ago is being probed at Duncote Hall in Towcester, Northamptonshire, run by Minster Care.

The company also owns Temple Court in Kettering which was closed after 16 residents died from coronavirus. BBC Northampton 

Meet the Northampton nursing lecturer who answered Government calls to return to the frontline

Meet the Northampton nursing lecturer who answered Government calls to return to the frontline A nursing lecturer who worked as a nurse before taking up teaching answered Government calls to return to the frontline during the pandemic. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Beyond the bursary: workforce supply

Beyond the bursary: workforce supply The current nursing workforce shortage is the result of successive governments’ underinvestment in workforce supply. To get more people into the nursing degree and successfully graduating in England, the government must provide appropriate support both on entering and throughout the degree. This report details modelling, undertaken by London Economics, which demonstrates the level of funding required to increase the number of applicants to the nursing degree. Royal College of Nursing

See also:

• Investment needed in nurse training placement capacity NHS Employers

Misinformation in the Covid-19 infodemic

Misinformation in the Covid-19 infodemic This report finds that online misinformation about Covid-19 was allowed to spread virulently across social media without the protections offered by legislation, promised by the government in the Online Harms white paper published in April 2019. The report details evidence on a range of harms from dangerous hoax treatments to conspiracy theories that led to attacks on 5G engineers. The Committee calls for the government to make a final decision on the appointment of an independent online harms regulator immediately. House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee

Gender recognition and the rights of transgender people

Gender recognition and the rights of transgender people This briefing paper considers the current law relating to gender recognition; the medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria; the current protections from discrimination; consultations by the UK government and the Scottish government on reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004; and the 'self-identification' debate. House of Commons Library

Being a patient

Being a patient This is the report report from the Patients Association programme of work on patient experience. It suggests that it is time for a fresh look at patient experience. While there is considerable activity in the health and care system devoted to measuring patient experience, the approach is quite narrow and doesn’t truly capture things from the patient’s point of view. The Patients Association

Out of routine: a review of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in families where the children are considered at risk of signifcant harm

Out of routine: a review of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in families where the children are considered at risk of signifcant harm This review sets out recommendations and findings for government and local safeguarding partners to better protect infants from sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). The aim is to identify what might have been done differently and how to improve approaches to embed safer sleeping advice in families with children considered to be at risk of significant harm through child abuse or neglect. Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel

NHS doctors and dentists to receive 2.8% pay rise

NHS doctors and dentists to receive 2.8% pay rise NHS dentists and doctors in England will receive a 2.8% pay rise, backdated to April 2020. Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: 'Infection here for many years to come'

Coronavirus: 'Infection here for many years to come' The UK will be living with coronavirus for many years to come and even a vaccine is unlikely to eliminate it for good, experts are warning. 

Wellcome Trust director Prof Sir Jeremy Farrar told the House of Commons' Health Committee "things will not be done by Christmas". 

He went on to say humanity would be living with the virus for "decades". BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: NHS nurses told 'lives would be made hell' BBC News
• Senior Bradford nurse survives 40-day coronavirus coma BBC News
• Coronavirus UK: 110 new fatalities in daily death toll The Daily Mail
• Are official figures overstating England's Covid-19 death toll? The Guardian 
• UK targets up to 12 Covid-19 vaccines from around the world The Guardian 
• Chief nurse was dropped from briefings after refusing to back Cummings The Guardian 
• Coronavirus: Scientists call for caution after study suggests warm weather reduces severity of Covid-19 The Independent

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust: 500 more cases included in maternity services inquiry

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust: 500 more cases included in maternity services inquiry Nearly 1,900 cases are now part of the inquiry into what is described as the worst maternity scandal in the history of the NHS. Sky News

See also:

• Shropshire baby deaths: More than 1,800 cases under review BBC News
• Baby deaths at Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals – key questions answered The Guardian
• Hundreds more potentially avoidable baby deaths found at Shropshire NHS trust The Guardian
• Shrewsbury maternity scandal: More than 1,800 families affected, reveals inquiry The Independent
• Shrewsbury maternity scandal: Hospital bosses ‘softened’ damning safety report The Independent

Health officials keeping a close eye on Northampton's Covid-19 cases after 35% rise in the last week

Health officials keeping a close eye on Northampton's Covid-19 cases after 35% rise in the last week Northampton's number of new Covid-19 cases has risen by 35 per cent in the last week, according to Government figures. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Fears more than 1,500 vulnerable Northamptonshire teenagers are at risk due to coronavirus Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• KGH say thank you for almost 300,000 donations during pandemic Northamptonshire Telegraph

Testing times: An ethical framework and practical recommendations for COVID-19 testing for NHS workers

Testing times: An ethical framework and practical recommendations for COVID-19 testing for NHS workers THIS Institute at the University of Cambridge has undertaken a rapid response project to develop an ethical framework for COVID-19 testing for NHS workers. It sought to identify and characterise the ethical considerations likely to be important to the testing programme, while recognising the tension between different values and goals.

Statement to Parliament: Next stages in the NHS Test and Trace plan

Statement to Parliament: Next stages in the NHS Test and Trace plan Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke about measures to increase testing and support the NHS this winter, and the latest vaccine developments. Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus could lead to thousands more cancer deaths

Coronavirus could lead to thousands more cancer deaths There could be more than 3,500 avoidable cancer deaths in England in the next five years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, researchers say.

The virus had disrupted services and some people had avoided healthcare, they told The Lancet Oncology journal. BBC News

See also:

• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer deaths due to delays in diagnosis in England, UK: a national, population-based, modelling study (open access) The Lancet Oncology

Coronavirus: Oxford vaccine can train immune system

Coronavirus: Oxford vaccine can train immune system A coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and triggers an immune response. 

Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus.

The findings are hugely promising, but it is still too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection and larger trials are under way. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: Blackburn with Darwen 'overtaking Leicester for new cases' BBC News
• Government's test and trace programme broke data protection law, rights group says The Daily Mail
• Senior doctors urge Britons to wear face masks and stick to social distancing to prevent second wave The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus vaccine could be ready by end of year if 50,000 people can take part in trials The Daily Telegraph
• Revealed: NHS denied PPE at height of Covid-19 as supplier prioritised China The Guardian
• Some Covid-19 patients are struggling to get doctors to listen. Here's why | Fiona Lowenstein The Guardian

Coronavirus: Above-inflation pay rise for almost 900,000 public sector workers

Coronavirus: Above-inflation pay rise for almost 900,000 public sector workers Doctors, teachers and police officers are among those who will be rewarded for their work in the pandemic. BBC News

The NHS taking over social care would be a disaster. Make services truly local instead

The NHS taking over social care would be a disaster. Make services truly local instead Covid-19 has exacerbated the social care crisis - but a national service isn’t the answer

It is a deep national shame that despite the dedication of staff, care home deaths account for almost a third of all Covid-19 fatalities in the UK.

Politicians have procrastinated over social care for years, but this is unlikely to be feasible for much longer. The Guardian

Speaking up: How UK nursing staff expect to be valued

Speaking up: How UK nursing staff expect to be valued In mid-May, 42,000 members responded to a survey on their experience of nursing during COVID-19. This is a first look at their experiences of feeling valued, and how in their own view, their value is expressed in relation to pay. Royal College of Nursing

See also:

• Members have spoken: survey shows increase in those considering leaving the profession Royal College of Nursing
• ‘Absolutely vital’ for nursing staff to be valued and supported during coming months NHS Employers