Covid-19: Mass testing of 3,000 residents in Corby

Covid-19: Mass testing of 3,000 residents in Corby The town with the highest Covid-19 rate in England is to carry out door-to-door testing on 3,000 residents ahead of the easing of restrictions on Monday.

Trained volunteers will be going out in the Beanfield area of Corby in Northamptonshire from Saturday. BBC Northampton

See also:

• Covid-19: Northampton people on the easing of restrictions BBC Northampton
• Volunteers blitz 3,300 Northamptonshire households estate offering Covid tests ahead of lockdown lifting Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Another milestone as number of coronavirus vaccinations passes 400,000 in Northamptonshire Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Health bosses: Positivity surrounding coronavirus in Northamptonshire but residents must stick to the rules Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Doorstep Covid tests for NINE THOUSAND people on Corby's Beanfield estate this weekend Northamptonshire Telegraph
• 'Proceed with caution': Northamptonshire residents urged not to get complacent as country takes next step out of lockdown Northamptonshire Telegraph

Birthing partners allowed back to pregnancy scans at Northampton General Hospital after more than a year

Birthing partners allowed back to pregnancy scans at Northampton General Hospital after more than a year After more than a year of birthing partners not being allowed to attend pregnancy scans at Northampton General Hospital, the restriction is finally being lifted. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Gender divide: a post-COVID recovery must address pandemic inequalities

Gender divide: a post-COVID recovery must address pandemic inequalities The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all. However, it’s clear women across the UK have faced particular challenges over the past year. From key workers, the majority of whom are female, to mothers supporting their children with home learning – often combined with working from home – women have shown incredible resilience, but at what risk to their long-term health? The Health Foundation

Visas extended for thousands of frontline health and care workers

Visas extended for thousands of frontline health and care workers Thousands of crucial frontline health workers and their dependents will be granted free visa extensions, Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced.

Free one-year visa extensions will be automatically granted to eligible overseas health and care workers whose visas were due to expire before 1 October 2021. Home Office

Coronavirus: UK sets new record for Covid jab second doses

Coronavirus: UK sets new record for Covid jab second doses More than 400,000 second doses of Covid vaccines have been given in the UK for the fourth consecutive day, according to the latest government data.

A record total of 475,230 second doses were administered on Saturday - along with 111,109 first doses.

On Friday, 450,136 second doses and 106,878 first doses were received. BBC News

See also:

• England Covid lockdown eases: PM warns people to 'behave responsibly' BBC News
• Covid-19: Debunking the latest wave of medical misinformation BBC News
• Coronavirus infections 'a sixth of January peak' BBC News
• NHS Covid-19 app update blocked for breaking Apple and Google's rules BBC News
• How Chile's new Covid spike proves England's cautious roadmap is the right route out of this crisis The Daily Mail
• Why washing your weekly shopping probably does nothing to protect you from Covid  The Daily Mail
• On Covid vaccine safety, how do we close the gap between risk perception and reality? The Guardian
• Virus hotspots could lead to third Covid wave in UK, scientists warn The Guardian
• Long Covid: many will need specialist therapies, says expert The Guardian
• UK reports lowest daily Covid death toll in nearly seven months The Guardian
• Possible Johnson & Johnson vaccine blood clots ‘extraordinarily rare events’, government adviser says The Independent
• Blood clots linked to AstraZeneca vaccine stem from rare antibody reaction The Independent
• Racial discrimination ‘may be driving vaccine hesitancy’, new study suggests The Independent

Contraception blood-clot risk: ‘public need better access to advice’

Contraception blood-clot risk: ‘public need better access to advice’ Women need more information about contraceptive options, experts said, after concerns over rare blood clots linked to the AstraZeneca Covid jab prompted a debate over side-effects caused by certain forms of the pill. The Guardian

Pandemic drinking puts more than 100 people in hospital

Pandemic drinking puts more than 100 people in hospital Official Government data shows the NHS dealt with more than three-quarters of a million alcohol-related admissions between April and December last year. The Daily Mail

Cameron took Greensill for private drink with Hancock to discuss NHS payment scheme

Cameron took Greensill for private drink with Hancock to discuss NHS payment scheme David Cameron took financier Lex Greensill for a private drink with Health Secretary Matt Hancock to discuss an app later offered within the NHS, Sky News has confirmed.

See also:

• David Cameron, Lex Greensill and Matt Hancock discussed NHS payment scheme over 'private drink' ITV News

Covid-19: Corby shoppers 'vital' to town centre in virus hotspot

Covid-19: Corby shoppers 'vital' to town centre in virus hotspot People living in the area with England's highest Covid-19 rate have been urged to support the "fragile" high street as more businesses reopen.

The latest figures show Corby in Northamptonshire, had 142.6 cases per 100,000 people in the week to 3 April - treble the England-wide average but down 34% from the previous week. BBC Northampton

See also:

• Why are some towns struggling to shake off Covid-19? BBC News
• Fifteen alleged lockdown breachers from towns including Corby, Northampton and Irthlingborough to appear in court Northamptonshire Telegraph

Chart of the week: Real-terms NHS staff pay from 2010 to 2020

Chart of the week: Real-terms NHS staff pay from 2010 to 2020 Each week we present analysis of data in chart form to illustrate some key issues and invite discussion. Following recent government proposals to offer a 1% pay rise to most NHS staff following a year unlike almost any other for health professionals, Mark Dayan looks at real-terms pay for different NHS staff groups over the past decade. How are different staff groups faring? Nuffield Trust

Country in the grip of a mental health crisis with children worst affected, new analysis finds

Country in the grip of a mental health crisis with children worst affected, new analysis finds Children and young people are bearing the brunt of the mental health crisis caused by the pandemic, new analysis by the Royal College of Psychiatrists has found. 

A year on from the first lockdown and after warnings from the mental health sector about the impact of the pandemic on the country’s mental health, NHS Digital data shows that while the crisis is affecting people of all ages, it is under-18s who are suffering most. 

See also:

• Extent of mental health crisis in England at ‘terrifying’ level  The Guardian
• Children bearing brunt of ‘terrifying’ coronavirus mental health crisis The Independent

Levelling Up Health

Levelling Up Health Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on our country, exposing our nation’s poor health and our health inequalities - 90% of those who died with Covid had significant prior poor health. A new healthcare system is essential to confront how unhealthy we are.  The report sets out why this is needed and what should be done. It proposes a 10 Year Health Improvement Plan, and new Health Improvement Fund, a shift in political attitudes that have impeded progress, clear priorities for action and the need to challenge and change organisations that harm our children and our health.

All of society and all parties must seize the moment to improve our health, we show how. All-Party Parliamentary Group for Longevity

See also: 

• Welcome recognition that a healthy population is one of our nation’s most important assets The Health Foundation
• ‘Levelling up’ – from slogan to strategy The King's Fund

Government approach to negative body image ‘dangerous’

Government approach to negative body image ‘dangerous’ As the country prepares for the reopening of gyms and beauty salons, a new report into body image has branded the Government's approach to eating disorders and tackling poor body image, and a key health indicator, potentially harmful.

The use of the Body Mass Index (BMI) in determining if an individual's weight is healthy should be scrapped immediately, according to a new report on body image published by the Women and Equalities Committee.

The report also found that lockdown had a 'devastating' impact on those with or at high risk of developing eating disorders and intensified body image anxieties, arguing for improved protection from appearance-based discrimination and more diversity in advertising. Women and Equalities Committee 

See also:

• Eating disorders: 'My BMI wasn't low enough to get help' BBC News
• Scrap use of BMI in decisions on eating disorder support – MPs The Guardian

‘Nightingale effect’ sees thousands of healthcare support workers join the NHS

‘Nightingale effect’ sees thousands of healthcare support workers join the NHS The NHS has boosted support for patients, their families and staff by recruiting 10,000 healthcare support workers (HCSWs) in the first three months of the year.

The new staff will support the workforce and assist nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals to perform health checks, update patient records, help patients wash, dress and move around, and care for women and families in maternity services. They will also support people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and autism.

New NHS data shows of the 10,000 new staff, half are completely new to health and social care – clear evidence of the ‘Nightingale effect’ caused by the coronavirus pandemic. NHS England

New campaign urges public to get tested twice a week

New campaign urges public to get tested twice a week From today (Friday 9 April) everyone in England will be able to access free, regular, rapid COVID-19 testing.

Alongside the roll-out of the vaccine, regular testing is an essential part of the easing of restrictions, helping identify variants and stopping individual cases from becoming outbreaks. Anyone can now access free, rapid lateral flow tests for themselves and their families to use twice a week, in line with clinical guidance. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Detailed guide: Understanding lateral flow antigen testing for people without symptoms Department of Health and Social Care
• Findings from the latest COVID-19 REACT-1 study published Department of Health and Social Care
• Independent report: REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: March 2021 final results Department of Health and Social Care
• COVID-19 vaccines have prevented 10,400 deaths in older adults Public Health England
• Research and analysis: COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers Public Health England

Covid: Deaths in England and Wales fall 92% since January peak

Covid: Deaths in England and Wales fall 92% since January peak Weekly deaths involving coronavirus in England and Wales have dropped 92% since the peak of the second wave in January, according to official figures.

Meanwhile, the total number of deaths registered in the UK over one week is 5% below the five-year average. BBC News

See also:

• 'I went from spreadsheets to proning Covid patients' BBC News
• Pharmacist says get vaccinated despite brother's death BBC News
• Rare blood clots - what you need to know BBC News
• More than HALF of people who test positive for Covid have no symptoms The Daily Mail
• UK expert urges people in 20s to keep getting coronavirus vaccine The Guardian
• UK Covid cases could rise again despite vaccine progress – WHO official The Guardian
• Publish figures on long Covid to show ‘untold suffering’, MPs urge The Guardian
• NHS to cancel vaccinations for under-30s after new AstraZeneca advice The Independent
• Most Britons still trust AstraZeneca vaccine, YouGov poll shows The Independent
• Vaccine during Ramadan will not break fast, leading Muslim NHS workers say The Independent

Overseas health workers to get free UK visa extension, says Home Office

Overseas health workers to get free UK visa extension, says Home Office Frontline health workers from overseas will be given a free one-year UK visa extension, the Home Office says.

The move applies to eligible workers whose visas are due to run out before 1 October 2021 and their dependants.

The list of professions covered includes doctors, nurses, paramedics and midwives, with 14,000 people expected to benefit. BBC News

Southern Health: 'No cultural change' at NHS trust

Southern Health: 'No cultural change' at NHS trust A carer has told a panel investigating a scandal-hit NHS trust he has not seen a "cultural change" at the organisation.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust is being investigated after failures in its care of five patients who died between 2011 and 2015.

Carer Nick Ralls said his experience of "engagement" from the trust's board had "got worse over time".  BBC News

Corby Covid case rate still number one but currently on the decline

Corby Covid case rate still number one but currently on the decline With lockdown restrictions easing, the Corby Covid case rate - the highest in England for most of 2021 has been dropping - but the town still tops the regional and countrywide charts.

Cases per 100,000 residents reported over seven days for Corby have been stubbornly high in comparison to those of other areas causing concern for Public Health officials. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Patients waste tens of thousands of doctor appointments in Northamptonshire during pandemic – costing NHS millions

Patients waste tens of thousands of doctor appointments in Northamptonshire during pandemic – costing NHS millions Tens of thousands of GP appointments were wasted during the coronavirus pandemic in Northamptonshire because patients failed to attend them. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Shaping the future of digital technology in health and social care

Shaping the future of digital technology in health and social care This report, commissioned by the Health Foundation, provides a summary of evidence for how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, smartphones, wearable devices and the internet of things are being used within care settings around the world. The King's Fund

Delivering prevention in an ageing world: using technology effectively

Delivering prevention in an ageing world: using technology effectively  As part of the ILC-UK’s 'Delivering prevention in an ageing world' programme, this consultation paper identifies the key areas where technology can play a crucial role in helping push forward the prevention agenda. The paper also collates examples of good practice, including learnings from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Feedback can be given through the survey within the paper before 30 June 2021. International Longevity Centre UK

The Better End of Life Report 2021

The Better End of Life Report 2021 We take a closer look at how Covid-19 has affected dying, death and bereavement and what we can learn from the pandemic for improving end of life experience in future.

See also:

• Covid: Unpaid carers 'struggled to get pain relief' for terminally ill BBC News

Covid-19 return to work in the roadmap out of lockdown

Covid-19 return to work in the roadmap out of lockdown These guidelines, published in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, are aimed at workers, employers and health practitioners to increase understanding of the risks of returning to work and the appropriate work-related control measures that could be implemented. Presenting a simple, stepwise approach, the document outlines the multiple factors needed to be considered in the Covid-19 return to work assessment. Society of Occupational Medicine

Statement on AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine following MHRA update

Statement on AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine following MHRA update The Government's statement following updated advice from the UK's medicines regulator. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Independent report: Use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: JCVI statement Department of Health and Social Care
• AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine: EMA finds possible link to very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets European Medicines Agency
• MHRA issues new advice, concluding a possible link between COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and extremely rare, unlikely to occur blood clots Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 
• Guidance: COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting Public Health England
• Guidance: COVID-19 vaccination: blood clotting information for healthcare professionals Public Health England

Covid: Vaccines 'break link' between infections and death

Covid: Vaccines 'break link' between infections and death Increasingly strong evidence shows that the UK's vaccination programme is breaking the link between Covid-19 cases and deaths, scientists tracking the epidemic have said.

A study found infections had fallen by roughly two-thirds since February, before beginning to level off. BBC News

See also: 

• Covid: Under-30s offered alternative to AstraZeneca jab BBC News
• Livingston's Valneva vaccine shows 'strong immune response' BBC News
• Britain's daily Covid cases fall by a third in a week with 2,763 more infections The Daily Mail
• Moderna vaccine in the UK: What we know about Britain's third jab The Daily Telegraph
• UK 'secretly sent 700,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Australia' despite shortage The Daily Telegraph
• AstraZeneca jab ‘course correction’ could dent confidence outside UK The Guardian
• What do we know about blood clots and the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine? The Guardian
• Covid prevalence dropped by 60% in March but researchers warn decline ‘levelling off’ The Independent

Concern from patients after Nice advise against painkillers for chronic pain

Concern from patients after Nice advise against painkillers for chronic pain People with chronic pain which has no known cause should not be prescribed painkillers, health officials have said.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommended physical and psychological therapies should be used instead. The Independent 

Maternity compensation claims cost NHS £4 billion

Maternity compensation claims cost NHS £4 billion Failures in maternity care over the past decade have left more than 1,200 children permanently brain damaged and cost taxpayers more than £4 billion in compensation, new data has revealed.

According to NHS Resolution, which handles compensation claims on behalf of the NHS, the number of maternity claims has increased dramatically from 391 in 2009 to 765 in 2019-20. The Independent

Inspectors tell Northampton care agency to improve after finding concerns with safety and leadership

Inspectors tell Northampton care agency to improve after finding concerns with safety and leadership A Northampton care agency has been told to improve by the health watchdog after a recent inspection found concerns around its safety and leadership.

Carebank Healthcare's rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) was been downgraded from 'good' to 'requires improvement' following the visit in February. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Northampton care home must ask for permission to accept new residents after scathing inspection Northampton Chronicle and Echo

The role of trauma-informed care during the Covid-19 pandemic

The role of trauma-informed care during the Covid-19 pandemic At the end of 2019, I wrote about the importance of trauma-informed care and the need for system-level change to better meet the needs of people who sleep rough and others who have experienced traumatic events. The ensuing Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated even more clearly the need for, and the potential of, trauma-informed approaches. The King's Fund

A record of our own: lockdown experiences of ethnic minority prisoners

A record of our own: lockdown experiences of ethnic minority prisoners The report reveals the impact of the first six months of Covid-19 restrictions on ethnic minority prisoners and their families. These restrictions have effectively reduced the spread of Covid-19 and saved lives, but they have also had profoundly affected prisoners’ mental health. Zahid Mubarek Trust

Face coverings in schools and colleges to remain in place

Face coverings in schools and colleges to remain in place Face coverings in schools and colleges are to remain in place at start of summer term, following an ongoing review of the evidence and data. Public Health England

Covid: Moderna vaccine roll-out to begin in Wales

Covid: Moderna vaccine roll-out to begin in Wales The UK is beginning the rollout of its third coronavirus vaccine in Wales.

Patients in Carmarthenshire are the first to get the Moderna jab, with 5,000 doses arriving at Hywel Dda University Health Board vaccination centres on Tuesday. BBC News

See also:

• Covid biggest NHS challenge since World War Two, says NHS boss BBC News
• Covid: Brazil has more than 4,000 deaths in 24 hours for first time BBC News
• Covid: Child vaccine trial paused over possible clot link BBC News
• Covid: Trust regulator on AstraZeneca vaccine safety, Boris Johnson says BBC News
• Boris confirms shops CAN reopen on Monday - but is lockdown roadmap in doubt? The Daily Mail
• Life WON'T return to normal on June 21 because Covid vaccines aren't good enough, SAGE warns The Daily Mail
• COVID-19 could become the new common cold: Experts predict the virus is here to stay The Daily Mail
• UK's long Covid patients facing postcode lottery for support The Guardian
• England’s Covid vaccine programme could slow sharply, Sage warns The Guardian
• Oxford/AstraZeneca jab could have causal link to rare blood clots, say UK experts The Guardian
• ‘Pandemic far from over’: Warning as only 3% of people vaccinated globally The Independent
• 'I couldn't go to work and I couldn't face another dead body': the NHS staff traumatised by the Coronavirus pandemic ITV News

Covid-19 raises risk of depression and dementia, study suggests

Covid-19 raises risk of depression and dementia, study suggests People diagnosed with Covid-19 in the previous six months were more likely to develop depression, dementia, psychosis and stroke, researchers have found.

A third of those with a previous Covid infection went on to develop or have a relapse of a psychological or neurological condition. BBC News

See also:

• 6-month neurological and psychiatric outcomes in 236 379 survivors of COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records (open access) Lancet Psychiatry 
• Covid-19 linked to increased risk of psychiatric and neurological conditions ITV News

Evidence for puberty blockers use very low, says NICE

Evidence for puberty blockers use very low, says NICE The evidence for using puberty blocking drugs to treat young people struggling with their gender identity is "very low", an official review has found.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said existing studies of the drugs were small and "subject to bias and confounding".

The assessment of the evidence into the drugs was commissioned by NHS England. BBC News

Multiple opportunities missed to prevent suicide death at NHS mental health unit, inquest hears

Multiple opportunities missed to prevent suicide death at NHS mental health unit, inquest hears A 40-year-old mother of four took her own life at an NHS mental health unit after multiple opportunities were missed to keep her safe, an inquest has found, prompting her family to call for a public inquiry.

Azra Parveen Hussain was allegedly the seventh in-patient in seven years to die by the same means while in the care of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHT). The Independent 

NHS hospital trust facing prosecution after death of woman and child

NHS hospital trust facing prosecution after death of woman and child A hospital trust is facing prosecution for alleged breaches of patient safety that are said to have led to the deaths of a mother of six and a child who was brain damaged at birth.

The Care Quality Commission, which regulates NHS and social care in England, has charged Dudley group NHS foundation trust with providing illegally substandard care. The West Midlands trust is due to appear at Dudley magistrates court on Wednesday over alleged lapses in safety and patient care at Russells Hall hospital in the town. The Guardian

What Boris Johnson said in his lockdown roadmap press conference

What Boris Johnson said in his lockdown roadmap press conference Beer gardens, non-essential retail and outdoor attractions will be able to open next week, and a new testing regime will see every adult in England able to access two rapid covid tests per week, the prime minister announced. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also: 

• Covid-19 case rates and vaccine rollout for Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire BBC News
• 60,000 more jabs done in a week and nearly six out of ten people have been vaccinated in Northamptonshire Northampton Chronicle and Echo

MEET THE GOVERNORS: Kettering governor tells us more about Northamptonshire's changing health scene

MEET THE GOVERNORS: Kettering governor tells us more about Northamptonshire's changing health scene A KGH governor has written more in his series of pieces about Northamptonshire's changing health scene.

The governors at KGH have teamed up with the Northants Telegraph to give our readers an insight into their role and the work they do. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

"Sexual health clinics in Northampton" Popular Googled search term one day after mini-heatwave in the town

"Sexual health clinics in Northampton" Popular Googled search term one day after mini-heatwave in the town "Sexual health clinics in Northampton" was one of the most Googled phrases in the town on Thursday (April 1), one day after the mini-heatwave

Thursday was the day after the two-day mini-heatwave and also coincided with the recent easing of months of strict lockdown restrictions. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities: the report

Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities: the report This report includes a chapter on health which looks at life expectancy, cancer, diabetes, obesity, maternal mortality as well as access to health care, Covid-19 and more. Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities

See also: 

• Comment on the report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities The Health Foundation
• The King’s Fund response to The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report The King's Fund
• Race and ethnic disparities report published NHS Employers
• Response to the report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities NHS Race and Health Observatory 
• RCGP response to Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report Royal College of General Practitioners
• ‘We must be bold in naming and tackling racism’ Royal College of Nursing
• RCP responds to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities' report Royal College of Physicians
• RCPsych response to the report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities Royal College of Psychiatrists
• 250 public health professionals condemn ‘dangerous’ race report for ignoring inequalities The Independent
• Institutional racism exists in UK and healthcare, says head of NHS race body The Independent

Public health reform: a whole-government priority?

Public health reform: a whole-government priority? ‘Health will no longer only be the business of the DHSC, but a core priority for the whole of government’?

The quote above is from the new policy paper ‘Transforming the public health system: reforming the public health system for the challenges of our times’, published on 29 of March; although the question mark is mine. This paper puts some more flesh on the bones of the announcement of the UK Health Security Agency and the more recently announced Office for Health Promotion, and also connects them to ambitions for the future of integrated care, as set out in the new White Paper. So what to make of it? The King's Fund

What might long COVID mean for the nation’s health?

What might long COVID mean for the nation’s health? There is much more to learn about how COVID-19 affects people and what the implications are for the nation's long-term health. Against this uncertainty, the Health Foundation’s COVID-19 impact inquiry team has reviewed emerging evidence on long COVID. Here we summarise our findings to date. 

5 million people in the UK receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

5 million people in the UK receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine More than 5 million people in the UK have received their second dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

Health services across the UK have now administered over 36.6 million vaccines between 8 December and 02 April, including over 31.4 million people with their first dose and over 5.2 million with their second. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England Department of Health and Social Care
• Two visitors allowed in care homes to reunite with loved ones Department of Health and Social Care
• Detailed guide: The R value and growth rate in the UK  Department of Health and Social Care
• NHS Chiefs urge: book an NHS COVID jab without delay NHS England

Covid: Rapid tests to be offered twice-weekly in England

Covid: Rapid tests to be offered twice-weekly in England Everyone in England is to be given access to two rapid coronavirus tests a week from Friday, under an extension of the government's testing programme.

The lateral flow kits, which can provide results in around 30 minutes, will be available for free at testing sites, pharmacies and through the post. BBC News

See also: 

• Coronavirus: Pfizer jab 'stopping 91% of cases in first six months' BBC News
• Covid: 30 blood clot cases found in AstraZeneca recipients in the UK BBC News
• Coronavirus doctor's diary: How the virus has changed our sleep patterns BBC News
• Vitamin D: The truth about an alleged Covid ‘cover-up’ BBC News
• Long Covid: More than a million affected in February, survey suggests BBC News
• Covid: Passports showing vaccine status would be 'time-limited', says minister BBC News
• Britain's daily Covid cases are down 40% in a week with 2,762 infections The Daily Mail
• Covid-19 UK: NHS under pressure to expand Covid vaccine roll-out to all adults The Daily Mail
• Chris Whitty warns Britain will be vulnerable to Covid for another two years The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: Pfizer vaccine 'WILL protect against the Brazilian and South African Covid variants' The Daily Mail
• Vaccine passports: pilot scheme for theatres, cinemas, sports and nightclubs The Daily Telegraph
• AstraZeneca trial on children reports 'no problems so far' as scientists hope to extend to younger patients The Daily Telegraph
• Easing of England lockdown next week 'highly unlikely' to overwhelm NHS The Guardian

'A truly frightening backlog': ex-NHS chief warns of delays in vital care

'A truly frightening backlog': ex-NHS chief warns of delays in vital care Exclusive: hold-ups in operations in England a political issue for Johnson and pose risks to patients, says Sir David Nicholson

Patients could be waiting as much as two years for vital operations by the time of the next election due to a “truly frightening” backlog of care caused by the pandemic, the NHS’s former boss has said. The Guardian

'A life-changer': NHS England rolls out five-minute breast cancer treatment

'A life-changer': NHS England rolls out five-minute breast cancer treatment A new breast cancer treatment will cut the amount of time some patients have to spend in hospital from two and a half hours to five minutes.

The treatment, called Phesgo, is being rolled out across England by the NHS and will be offered to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It will be available to people with HER2-positive breast cancer, which accounts for 15% of all such cancers. The Guardian

See also:

• Thousands of patients set to benefit from five-minute breast cancer treatment NHS England

NHS England to set up 26 mental health hubs to support new, expectant and bereaved mothers

NHS England to set up 26 mental health hubs to support new, expectant and bereaved mothers New, expectant and bereaved mothers will soon have the help of dozens of new mental health hubs across the country, the NHS has announced.

NHS England is setting up 26 new sites especially for women - bringing together maternity care and psychological therapy under one roof. Sky News

 

See also:

• New dedicated mental health services for new expectant and bereaved mums NHS England
• Mental health: More help for new and expectant mothers in England BBC News
• NHS opening 26 mental health hubs to support new and bereaved mothers The Independent

Let's draw on the spirit of Corby to reduce Covid rates - together we can do it

Let's draw on the spirit of Corby to reduce Covid rates - together we can do it Corby residents, renowned for their community spirit and dogged determination in the face of adversity, are being urged by those in the town to dig deep and stay at home to finally beat Covid. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Rule of Six won't save you from £200 Covid fine if you're inside an Audi parked up in Northamptonshire countryside Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Key workers deserve a medal for efforts during Covid-19 pandemic, says Northamptonshire's Chief Constable Northamptonshire Telegraph

New Chief Executive announced for Northampton General Hospital

New Chief Executive announced for Northampton General Hospital Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust has announced the appointment of Heidi Smoult as its new Chief Executive.

Heidi is currently Deputy Chief Inspector at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) where she is accountable for the effective regulation of the NHS and independent healthcare providers in the Central region. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Why our perceptions of the NHS matter

Why our perceptions of the NHS matter At various times in its 72-year history, the NHS – as a comprehensive, universal, taxpayer-funded service – has been said to be ‘unsustainable’. These arguments have tended to focus on population ageing, the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and ever more expensive treatments as leading to an inexorable rise in demand. The Health Foundation

Making decisions about social care requires tough choices

Making decisions about social care requires tough choices During a recent Institute for Government event, the former Chancellor George Osborne, spoke about social care. I held my breath as I wondered if he was going to join the long list of former politicians who get converted to the cause after leaving office. But no. Instead he spoke the unspoken about social care: ‘[The political consequence of fixing social care] is incredibly unpopular. It’s much more straightforward politically to keep kicking the can down the road.’ The King's Fund

Research and analysis: Supporting people living with dementia through safeguarding processes

Research and analysis: Supporting people living with dementia through safeguarding processes Guidance bringing together research undertaken by Dr Jeremy Dixon at the University of Bath, alongside people living with dementia, their family carers and professionals in the sector. Public Health England

‘COVID-friendly’ cancer care at home extended for more patients

‘COVID-friendly’ cancer care at home extended for more patients Thousands of people with cancer can benefit from ‘COVID friendly’ treatments from home, the NHS announced. More than 30 different drugs are available to treat patients, offering benefits such as fewer hospital visits or a reduced impact on their immune system. NHS England

Covid-19: Few people with symptoms are self-isolating, study finds

Covid-19: Few people with symptoms are self-isolating, study finds Fewer than one in five people request a Covid-19 test if they have symptoms, while the number who follow full self-isolation rules is low, a large study of the test-and-trace system has found.

The report, published in the British Medical Journal, also found only half of people knew the main Covid symptoms. BBC News

See also:

• Adherence to the test, trace, and isolate system in the UK: results from 37 nationally representative surveys (open access) The BMJ
• Covid: Children 'well protected by Pfizer vaccine' BBC News
• Covid 19: Inside the BioNTech vaccine factory in Germany BBC News
• Coronavirus: Germany's brain blood clots after AstraZeneca vaccination not seen in other nations The Daily Mail
• Covid UK: Cases fall 28% in week to 4,052 while deaths halve to 43 The Daily Mail
• Kent coronavirus variant is NOT deadlier than the original strain, PHE study finds The Daily Mail
• European Medicines Agency backs AstraZeneca vaccine but blood clot investigation ongoing The Daily Telegraph
• More than a fifth of Covid deaths at some hospitals after patients caught virus on wards The Daily Telegraph
• Almost third of UK Covid hospital patients readmitted within four months The Guardian
• Clear face mask that makes lip-reading possible approved for NHS use iNews

Assisted dying inquiry essential, leading brain surgeon says

Assisted dying inquiry essential, leading brain surgeon says One of the UK's leading brain surgeons, who has advanced prostate cancer, has said an inquiry into assisted dying is "absolutely essential".

Henry Marsh, a retired neurosurgeon and bestselling author, received his diagnosis six months ago.

He has supported a call by politicians for the government to hold an inquiry. BBC News

Government backs down over NHS deal with Palantir

Government backs down over NHS deal with Palantir Civil liberties group openDemocracy announced on Tuesday that the UK government has been forced to make a U-turn in the face of a legal challenge over involvement of 'spy tech' firm Palantir in the NHS Covid-19 data store. Computing

While the NHS has struggled with the pandemic, our treatment of mental illness has benefited

While the NHS has struggled with the pandemic, our treatment of mental illness has benefited We’re slowly moving away from the era where politicians’ interventions amounted to words, rather than hard cash or policy. iNews

Northamptonshire hospitals treated up to 84 stabbing victims last year

Northamptonshire hospitals treated up to 84 stabbing victims last year Stab victims accounted for up to 84 admissions to hospitals in Northamptonshire last year, figures suggest.

The Ben Kinsella Trust anti-knife crime charity said the Government must take steps to prevent another rise in attacks across the country as coronavirus restrictions are eased. Northamptonshire Telegraph

KGH failures left patient with dementia wandering the streets before he was hit in fatal crash

KGH failures left patient with dementia wandering the streets before he was hit in fatal crash An elderly man with dementia who was killed by a careless driver as he crossed a road was wandering the streets after KGH's catastrophic failures. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Ramadan 2021

Ramadan 2021 The month of Ramadan is likely to begin on either the 12 or 13 of April 2021, and is expected to last for either 29 or 30 days. These are tentative dates as the actual date of commencement of Ramadan 2021 is subject to the sighting of the moon. NHS Employers 

Recover, Reward, Renew: A post-pandemic plan for the healthcare workforce

Recover, Reward, Renew: A post-pandemic plan for the healthcare workforce One year since the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, the political narrative has become one of recovery, for the health system as much as for the economy. But what does 'build back better' really mean for an exhausted and over-stretched healthcare workforce? Institute for Public Policy Research

See also:

• One in four NHS workers more likely to quit than a year ago, survey finds The Guardian
• NHS pay rise should be increased to prevent hundreds of thousands of healthcare staff quitting, report warns iNews
• The NHS staff forced to quit by the pressures of the Covid pandemic ITV News

The lives we want to lead: where next for the debate about care and support reform?

The lives we want to lead: where next for the debate about care and support reform? The issues facing social care, particularly the funding pressures, have been highlighted and exacerbated over the past year during the Covid-19 pandemic. The question of the lessons that need to be learned from the pandemic were central to a roundtable convened by the LGA and this briefing summarises the themes arising from this discussion. Local Government Association 

WHO calls for further studies, data on origin of SARS-CoV-2 virus, reiterates that all hypotheses remain open

WHO calls for further studies, data on origin of SARS-CoV-2 virus, reiterates that all hypotheses remain open The report of the international team on their Wuhan field visit, from 14 January -10 February 2021, was published today as WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for further studies.

The report stems from a Member State resolution adopted by consensus at the World Health Assembly in May 2020 and calling on WHO “to identify the zoonotic source of the virus and the route of introduction to the human population, including the possible role of intermediate hosts, including through efforts such as scientific and collaborative field missions.” World Health Organization

See also:

• WHO chief calls for deeper probe into lab leak Covid origin theory The Independent

Covid-19: Shielding coming to an end for millions

Covid-19: Shielding coming to an end for millions Wednesday marks the last day that about four million of the most clinically vulnerable people in England and Wales are advised to shield at home.

Letters have been sent out to the group in the last few weeks.

They are still being advised to keep social contacts at low levels, work from home where possible and stay at a distance from other people. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: How to help health workers' mental health BBC News
• Covid: Half of UK has antibodies from vaccination or infection BBC News
• Coronavirus: More work needed to rule out lab leak theory says WHO BBC News
• Covid: Germany limits use of AstraZeneca Covid jab for under-60s BBC News
• UK's real Covid death toll hits 150,000, according to the Office for National Statistics The Daily Mail
• Covid variants will make vaccines ineffective within ONE YEAR, 66% of disease experts believe The Daily Mail
• Tricky weeks ahead as countries suspend use of AstraZeneca vaccine The Daily Telegraph
• UK weather: Don't 'blow it', Matt Hancock warns, as temperatures threaten March record The Daily Telegraph
• Covid-19 vaccine passports to be designed by NHS team behind bungled tracing app, sparking concerns among MPs iNews

The crisis at the Tavistock's child gender clinic

The crisis at the Tavistock's child gender clinic In January, England's only NHS gender clinic for children and young people was rated "inadequate" by the country's health watchdog - the lowest rating, meaning it is performing badly.

The findings make for sobering reading with inspectors raising "significant concerns" about the way the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) works. BBC News 

PM accused of 'deliberately delaying' a pay rise for NHS workers

PM accused of 'deliberately delaying' a pay rise for NHS workers The Government told the NHS Pay Review Body that 1% was all it could afford.

The Prime Minister has been urged to “reconsider” the recent 1% pay offer and accused of attempting to “deliberately delaying” a pay rise for NHS workers. NursingNotes

See also:

• Nursing pay rise row: Are other public sector workers in line for an increase? Sky News

Corby's Covid hotspot 'masked' by North Northamptonshire local government shake-up

Corby's Covid hotspot 'masked' by North Northamptonshire local government shake-up Corby's Covid hotspot will become largely invisible to the public from Thursday thanks to the shake-up in local government.

No, it's not an April Fool's gag!

The borough will disappear along with Wellingborough, Kettering and East Northants when the new North Northamptonshire unitary authority takes over on April 1. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Stick to the Rule of Six or face a fine! Police warning as Northamptonshire gets ready to soak up the sun Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Staff set out to raise 60K to refurbish children's garden at Northampton General Hospital

Staff set out to raise 60K to refurbish children's garden at Northampton General Hospital A number of Northampton General Hospital employees will take on a lengthy walk to kickstart a fundraising campaign to pay for a refurbishment of the site’s children’s garden. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

The restructure of public health must not weaken our climate change response

The restructure of public health must not weaken our climate change response ‘The first responsibility of any government is the protection of its citizens. And threats to public health are among the most important of all.’

These were the Health and Social Care Secretary’s words when he announced in August 2020 that Public Health England (PHE) was to be disbanded and replaced with the National Institute for Health Protection – now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Office for Health Promotion.

But when it comes to protecting citizens from climate change, which is one of the greatest threats to human health globally, very little has yet been said about the role of the UKHSA The Health Foundation

See also:

• Has government grasped the full enormity of the country’s public health challenges? The Health Foundation
• The King's Fund comments on the announcement of the new Office for Health Promotion The King's Fund

Policy paper: Suicide prevention in England: fifth progress report

Policy paper: Suicide prevention in England: fifth progress report This report details the steps taken to reduce deaths by suicide since 2019. It sets out the data and evidence on suicide and self-harm; the progress made against existing commitments designed to prevent suicides and self-harm; and further actions for government and its agencies, particularly in the context of Covid-19. Department of Health and Social Care

Sir Lenny Henry urges Black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine

Sir Lenny Henry urges Black Britons to take COVID-19 vaccine Sir Lenny Henry has written an open letter to encourage Black Britons to take the COVID-19 vaccine, signed by some of the most high-profile names in the UK. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Government reintroduces confirmatory PCR testing for assisted testing Department of Health and Social Care
• New vaccine advice for adults living with adults who are immunosuppressed Public Health England

Evidence mounts Covid jab protects those around you

Evidence mounts Covid jab protects those around you The Covid-19 vaccine blocks pretty much all cases of serious illness - but the government has been much more cautious about saying whether it stops people carrying the virus and infecting others.

Until evidence had built up from lots of people being vaccinated, scientists could not say for sure if the jab would stop transmission - and there was concern those vaccinated might stop taking precautions, potentially leading to a rise in infections. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: Secret filming exposes contamination risk at test results lab BBC News
• AstraZeneca vaccine - was it really worth it? BBC News
• Long Covid: 'It's like someone has piled sandbags on top of me' BBC News
• Households of adults with weak immune systems to be vaccinated BBC News
• Covid-19: CDC head warns of 'impending doom' in US BBC News
• UK's 'wall of vaccination' against Covid is 'leaky', Professor Chris Whitty says The Daily Mail
• Experimental drug cuts risk of hospitalized COVID-19 patients needing a ventilator by 54%, The Daily Mail
• UK to make up to 60m doses of Novavax Covid vaccine under GSK deal The Guardian
• Covid PPE 'fitters' wait up to a month on full pay before first NHS hospital visit iNews
• Hospitals and labs told to prioritise Covid testing for mental health patients The Independent
• Half of people in England now have antibodies against Covid, study says The Independent

World leaders call for global treaty to fight future pandemics

World leaders call for global treaty to fight future pandemics Leaders from across the world have backed a call for an international treaty to help fight future health pandemics.

The treaty - which would target preparedness and response to future health emergencies - would ensure universal and equitable access to vaccines, medicines and diagnostics. The Independent

Witness at NHS inquiry intimidated by 'deeply disturbing' messages

Witness at NHS inquiry intimidated by 'deeply disturbing' messages A witness to an inquiry into deaths at England’s largest mental health trust has been intimidated by “cruel and calculated pressure”, with messages described by the man leading the investigation as “truly shocking”. The Independent

See also:

• Southern Health NHS trust probe 'witness intimidation indefensible' BBC News

Autism more common than previously thought, major Cambridge University study finds

Autism more common than previously thought, major Cambridge University study finds University of Cambridge research which looked at more than seven million young people has found that autism is more common than previously thought.

The study found that one in 57 children in England (1.76 per cent) is on the autistic spectrum. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Association of Race/Ethnicity and Social Disadvantage With Autism Prevalence in 7 Million School Children in England (open access) JAMA Pediatrics

BDA fury as dentists told to 'get back to 60% of pre-Covid patient numbers or face NHS funding cut'

BDA fury as dentists told to 'get back to 60% of pre-Covid patient numbers or face NHS funding cut' The British Dental Association has lashed out at the plans and called them 'perverse', warning forcing clinics to make more appointments will wreck social distancing guidelines. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Dentists: NHS Targets rise as 1 in 10 practices face ‘cliff edge’ British Dental Association

Take care in the open air! Health chiefs plea to Northamptonshire folk as lockdown is eased TODAY

Take care in the open air! Health chiefs plea to Northamptonshire folk as lockdown is eased TODAY Public health chiefs are pleading with Northamptonshire folk to "take care in the open air" as lockdown restrictions are finally eased today (Monday).

Stay at home orders have been lifted for the first time since January 5 and people are allowed to leave home without good reason — albeit with some limitations. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Northamptonshire parents urged to take responsibility of their children over Easter Holidays to stop increase in Covid cases Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Two households or up to six people can now meet outdoors - what you can and can't do Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Boris Johnson banking on vaccine rollout to cool Northamptonshire's Covid hotspots Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Lockdown outcome lies with Corby residents and everyone needs to take responsibility Northamptonshire Telegraph
• 'No evidence' to show Corby's HMOs are responsible for high Covid infection rates Northamptonshire Telegraph

Reduced waits for some KGH patients thanks to new biopsy method

Reduced waits for some KGH patients thanks to new biopsy method Many KGH patients with suspected prostate cancer will have less of an anxious wait thanks to a new biopsy method.

The hospital has launched a new way of carrying out prostate biopsies to improve care and reduce waiting and treatment times. Northamptonshire Telegraph

How do GP trainees see their future in general practice?

How do GP trainees see their future in general practice? Since 2016 The King’s Fund has surveyed doctors who are in training to become GPs and at the end of 2020 we repeated this survey and 810 GP trainees across England responded. The 2020 survey findings were consistent with trends from previous years and it is striking just how consistently the findings reveal that increasing number of GPs want to have a ‘portfolio career’.

Thousands of young people missing out on drug and alcohol treatment as budgets cut by over a third

Thousands of young people missing out on drug and alcohol treatment as budgets cut by over a third Drastic cuts to youth addiction services mean thousands of young people with drug or alcohol problems are missing out on specialist help, potentially sentencing them to a life of addiction, says the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

New analysis by the Royal College of Psychiatrists shows £26m (37%) in real terms has been cut from youth addiction services in England between 2013/14 and 2019/20.

See also:

• Doctors warn against cuts to youth drug and alcohol treatment BBC News

Coronavirus and vaccination rates in people aged 70 years and over by socio-demographic characteristic, England: 8 December 2020 to 11 March 2021

Coronavirus and vaccination rates in people aged 70 years and over by socio-demographic characteristic, England: 8 December 2020 to 11 March 2021 irst dose COVID-19 vaccination rates among people aged 70 years and older who live in England, both in private households and communal establishments. Includes estimates for the population as a whole by age and sex, and for ethnic minorities, religious groups, those identified as disabled and by area deprivation. Office for National Statistics

See also:

• Covid: Ethnic jab gap 'not due to area or education' BBC News
• Fewer than 60% of black Britons over the age of 70 have had their Covid vaccine The Daily Mail

Mental health recovery plan backed by £500 million

Mental health recovery plan backed by £500 million People with mental health difficulties, ranging from severe mental illnesses such as bipolar and schizophrenia, to those with more common mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, will benefit from expanded mental health services backed by £500 million as part of the government’s Mental Health Recovery Action Plan. Department of Health and Social Care

Public reminded they must stay outside when meeting others to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Public reminded they must stay outside when meeting others to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) The public are being reminded they must stay outside when meeting others as part of the next step of easing Covid restrictions in a new film released today narrated by GP Dr Hilary Jones MBE. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• New study finds strong immune response following COVID-19 vaccination Department of Health and Social Care
• Speak up and help beat coronavirus (COVID-19) Department of Health and Social Care
• 30 million people in UK receive first dose of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine Department of Health and Social Care
• Second dose milestone as 2.5 million get top-up jab NHS England

Covid-19: More than 30m people in UK receive first jab

Covid-19: More than 30m people in UK receive first jab More than 30m people in the UK have had a first dose of a Covid vaccine, it has been announced, as the government says it is "confident" everyone will receive their second jab within 12 weeks.

Asked about the concerns over supply, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said "we always knew there would be ups and downs" but the timetable was on track. BBC News

See also:

• Covid jab: One dose in care homes gives 'substantial' protection BBC News
• Covid: Outdoor meetings and sport to resume in England BBC News
• Covid: Past infection increases vaccine effectiveness six-fold BBC News
• Over-70s could get booster Covid jab from September - vaccines minister BBC News
• 'Covid shame' is stopping people reporting symptoms or even properly social distancing The Daily Mail
• South African Covid variant makes current crop of vaccines 30% less effective, SAGE warns The Daily Mail
• Covid England: 14% of infected patients are NOT following self-isolation rules The Daily Mail
• Screen Covid patients and NHS staff for post-traumatic stress, expert urges The Guardian
• The UK's randomised coronavirus trials are a global success story The Guardian
• High court to rule on legality of Covid contracts for PM's 'chums' The Guardian
• Covid still has capacity to wreak more havoc and ill health, NHS England chief warns iNews
• Coronavirus ‘very likely’ to have passed to humans from bats via unknown animal, WHO report says The Independent
• COVID-19: Second doses are 'protected' for when UK's vaccine supply falls in April, NHS England says Sky News

Mental health support for NHS staff accessed 800,000 times

Mental health support for NHS staff accessed 800,000 times Mental health support services for NHS staff set up in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has been accessed nearly 800,000 times.

In a sign of the psychological impact of the crisis on frontline staff more than 1,000 workers have also been referred for specific mental health assessments. The Independent 

Office for Health Promotion to be set up to tackle obesity and poor mental health

Office for Health Promotion to be set up to tackle obesity and poor mental health A new Office for Health Promotion will be formed to tackle obesity and poor mental health, as lockdown restrictions are eased and the nation recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday it will be “crucial in tackling the causes, not just the symptoms” of ill-health, with the office’s launch expected by the autumn. The Independent

See also:

• New Office for Health Promotion to drive improvement of nation’s health Department of Health and Social Care
• Number 10 unveils new fat-fighting quango - the Office for Health Promotion The Daily Mail

What you can and can't do in Northamptonshire from Monday

What you can and can't do in Northamptonshire from Monday March 29 is next step in PM's roadmap out of lockdown — here's what's changing and what's not. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• More than a quarter of care home staff in Northamptonshire not vaccinated against Covid-19 Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Northamptonshire's over-50s urged to book Covid jabs before slots dry up next week Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• 'Wear your masks' to KGH appointments, urges Kettering hospital chief Northamptonshire Telegraph

Rise in number of cancer patients admitted to Northamptonshire hospitals as 'emergency cases'

Rise in number of cancer patients admitted to Northamptonshire hospitals as 'emergency cases' The number of cancer patients admitted to hospitals as emergency cases in Northamptonshire rose last summer, figures show.

Macmillan Cancer Support said the rising number of cancer patients across England arriving at hospitals via A&E or other urgent routes showed the “devastating" effect of the virus on cancer care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo