Indian variant: Why is UK taking a risk with the variant?

Indian variant: Why is UK taking a risk with the variant? A Covid variant first identified in India and spreading in parts of the UK, has threatened to derail Britain's plans for a return to normality. In allowing the latest lockdown easing, the government stands accused of recklessness. So why has it taken the risk? BBC News

See also

• Third dose of Covid jab to be trialled in UK BBC News
• PMQs: Johnson asked about his Covid care nurse leaving NHS BBC News
• Covid: WHO urges Wales to delay giving children jabs BBC News
• Covid-19 vaccines: Why some African states can't use their vaccines BBC News
• Boris says there's 'increasing confidence' Covid vaccines work against Indian variant The Daily Mail
• England lockdown end date ‘very much in the balance’, expert warns The Guardian
• UK cases of Covid Indian variant up 28% in two days, says Hancock The Guardian
• Ministers accused of sowing confusion over England’s travel advice The Guardian
• PMQs: Do not visit amber list countries for holidays, says Johnson – video The Guardian
• Covid cases rapidly rising in areas where India variant prevalent The Independent
• COVID-19: Calls for NHS staff to have access to similar mental health support as war veterans Sky News

296 people donate organs in first year of new consent law

296 people donate organs in first year of new consent law In the last year, the organs of 296 people have been donated under a new law which makes all adults in England potential donors unless they opt out.

This accounts for 29% of all donors (1,021) since 20 May 2020 and resulted in a total of 714 organs being transplanted.

Max and Keira's Law has been in force in England for 12 months. BBC News

Almost a fifth of nurses say a negative workplace culture forced them to leave profession

 Almost a fifth of nurses say a negative workplace culture forced them to leave profession Almost a fifth of nurses who left the profession cited a negative workplace culture as a reason for leaving along with almost a quarter saying they were under too much pressure.

The nursing regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) warned there could be an exodus of registered nurses after the coronavirus pandemic in its latest annual report. The Independent

See also:

• Annual registration data report Nursing and Midwifery Council
• The King's Fund comments on the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s annual data registration report The King's Fund

Britons drink 120 bottles of wine or 403 pints per year, report claims

Britons drink 120 bottles of wine or 403 pints per year, report claims Britons drink 120 bottles of wine or 400 pints every year on average but consume less alcohol than the French, Germans and Spaniards, data revealed today.

An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report has called on governments around the world to do more to tackle binge drinking. The Daily Mail

See also: 

• Preventing Harmful Alcohol Use: Key findings for the United Kingdom Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Health chief hopeful Towcester school's Covid outbreak is contained

Health chief hopeful Towcester school's Covid outbreak is contained Northamptonshire's health chief is hopeful that a Covid-19 outbreak at a county school has been contained.

Six cases of a more transmissible Indian strain of the virus were identified last week, sparking a round of targeted testing at Nicholas Hawksmoor School in Towcester. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Covid cases rising in areas around Northamptonshire is a worry for Public Health chiefs Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• ‘Courageous and selfless’ nurse named 'Northamptonshire’s Covid-19 Champion' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Government did not have ‘detailed contingency plans’ in place for pandemic Northamptonshire Telegraph

Northamptonshire's Covid heroes appeal for public support on NHS pay

Northamptonshire's Covid heroes appeal for public support on NHS pay Health workers across Northamptonshire are appealing to the public to back their campaign so NHS staff can receive a proper pay rise before the summer. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Northamptonshire nurse who spilled content of child's stomach in botched school visit struck off

Northamptonshire nurse who spilled content of child's stomach in botched school visit struck off A Northamptonshire nurse who fumbled with the care of at least eight severely ill children across the county will not return to the job. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Fitness to Practise Committee Substantive Order Review Meeting Nursing and Midwifery Council 

Initial learning from the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Initial learning from the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic Over the last year, the National Audit Office has reported on the breadth of government’s response to COVID-19. Today’s report draws out the initial learning from this work to help government evaluate its performance, capitalise on new ways of working and better manage potential future emergencies.

See also:

• Covid: Government criticised over pre-pandemic planning BBC News
• Legacy data and IT issues ‘laid bare’ during Covid-19, says NAO Computer Weekly
• Covid crisis 'exacerbated inequality' and highlighted decades of underfunding watchdog says The Daily Mail
• Covid laid bare existing weaknesses in UK government, says NAO The Guardian
• COVID-19: Government not as prepared as it could have been for a pandemic, National Audit Office report finds Sky News

Dominic Cummings threatens to reveal ‘crucial’ Covid document to Commons committee

Dominic Cummings threatens to reveal ‘crucial’ Covid document to Commons committee Boris Johnson’s former senior adviser Dominic Cummings has threatened to reveal a “crucial” Covid document ahead of an appearance next week at a Commons committee investigating the government’s handling of the pandemic.

And he also took another public swipe at the government, accusing ministers of pursuing a “joke” borders policy as questions mount over the action taken to prevent the spread of a new strain first identified in India. The Independent

See also:

• Covid: Dominic Cummings accuses government of secrecy BBC News
• Cummings to release ‘crucial document from Covid decision-making’  The Guardian

Covid India variant: Where is it, how does it spread and is it more infectious?

Covid India variant: Where is it, how does it spread and is it more infectious? A variant of the Covid-19 virus first discovered in India is responsible for the majority of new cases in pockets of England.

One of three subtypes of the virus identified on the subcontinent, variant B.1.617.2 is thought to spread more easily - but what does that mean for you? BBC News

See also:

• Covid: Nurse who cared for PM resigns from NHS BBC News
• Covid-19: Too soon to decide on roadmap changes, PM says BBC News
• Coronavirus: Ministers to step up vaccine take-up calls amid variant fears BBC News
• Vaccinating children before poor morally wrong, Oxford scientist says BBC News
• There will be enough Pfizer jabs available to vaccinate children, Matt Hancock says The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: Indian variant is already dominant in at least 23 parts of England The Daily Mail
• Tory MPs warn Boris Johnson not to delay unlocking country on June 21 over Covid vaccine refuseniks The Daily Mail
• Covid vaccine: 96% of Britons develop antibodies after one jab, study finds The Guardian
• ‘Morale is very low’: NHS staff fear ongoing Covid disruption The Guardian
• Ministers ‘lobbied’ officials over PPE contracts, court hears The Guardian
• Coronavirus: NHS was 'overwhelmed' in January surge, study finds The Independent

Unpublished hospital patient safety reports exposed

Unpublished hospital patient safety reports exposed Serious patient safety issues are being buried in confidential hospital reports, BBC Panorama has found.

Freedom of Information requests revealed 111 reports, written by medical royal colleges, which NHS trusts have a duty to share.

Eighty reports were given to the BBC but only 26 had been shared in full with regulators, and 16 published. BBC News

Over a million hospital admissions for obesity

Over a million hospital admissions for obesity There were more than a million hospital admissions for obesity-related treatment in England in the year leading into the global pandemic, figures reveal.

The record number provides the clearest indication yet of the scale of the obesity problem as coronavirus started to spread across the UK. BBC News 

Air pollution linked to ‘huge’ rise in child asthma GP visits

Air pollution linked to ‘huge’ rise in child asthma GP visits A “huge” increase in the number of visits to doctors by children with asthma problems occurs after a week of raised air pollution, according to a study. The number of inhaler prescriptions also increases significantly.

Dirty air is already known to increase hospital treatment for severe asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. But the new research is the first using clinical data to show increased illness among the much bigger number of people who seek treatment from their GP. The Guardian

See also:

• Spatio-temporal associations of air pollutant concentrations, GP respiratory consultations and respiratory inhaler prescriptions: a 5-year study of primary care in the borough of Lambeth, South London (open access) Environmental Health

Nearly 90m fewer face-to-face GP appointments carried out in 2020 compared to 2019

Nearly 90m fewer face-to-face GP appointments carried out in 2020 compared to 2019 NHS Digital statistics show 147.85million in-person consultations happened between April 2020 and this March - down from the 238.26million during the same 12-month spell the year before. The Daily Mail 

Covid Indian cases in Northamptonshire 'not directly linked to international travel,' says health chief

Covid Indian cases in Northamptonshire 'not directly linked to international travel,' says health chief Six cases of an Indian Covid-19 variant found in Northamptonshire are the first in the county not brought into the county from abroad, according to health chiefs. Northamptonshire Telegraph

The relationship between the adult social care sector and ICSs: time for action?

The relationship between the adult social care sector and ICSs: time for action? This paper brings together GGI's thinking around some of the key pieces of policy pertaining to the adult social care sector, as well as the learning from a series of interviews and a roundtable that GGI convened with ICS (integrated care systems) independent chairs, policy-makers and adult social care providers. Where relevant, we also present example of good practice from across the country. Good Governance Institute

Patient Safety Syllabus launched

Patient Safety Syllabus launched The NHS Patient Safety Syllabus has been launched today to help save lives and protect patients. The multi-professional syllabus has been developed for all staff in the NHS and is a first of its kind which will help identify risks proactively in order to prevent errors before they occur. Health Education England

More flexible storage conditions for BioNTech/Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine

More flexible storage conditions for BioNTech/Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) has recommended a change to the approved storage conditions of Comirnaty, the COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer, that will facilitate the handling of the vaccine in vaccination centres across the European Union (EU). European Medicines Agency

NHS invites people aged 36 and 37 for life-saving COVID-19 jab

NHS invites people aged 36 and 37 for life-saving COVID-19 jab The NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme, the biggest in health service history, continues its rollout to people in their thirties, opening to people aged 36 and 37 from Tuesday. More than a million more people will be eligible for a life-saving COVID-19 jab with nhs.uk due to update at 7am. NHS England

See also:

• Open consultation: Making vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes Department of Health and Social Care

Covid: Indian variant cases in 86 council areas - Hancock

Covid: Indian variant cases in 86 council areas - Hancock There are now 86 local authorities with five or more confirmed cases of the Indian Covid variant, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.

"This isn't just about Bolton and Blackburn," he said, referring to the areas seeing a spike in cases.

It comes as millions of people can now enjoy new freedoms as lockdown is eased in England, Wales and most of Scotland. BBC News

See also:

• Covid-19: Variant fears could delay England's 21 June easing review BBC News
• Covid: More than 6,000 vaccinated in Bolton over variant BBC News
• Covid UK: 'One shot' Johnson and Johnson vaccine could be targeted at people who refused jabs The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: How will the UK bring forward second vaccine doses to eight weeks? The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: SAGE models warn hospital admissions could soar if India variant is more infectious The Daily Mail
• Indian variant may trigger local lockdowns The Daily Telegraph
• How three days of inaction let the Indian variant take hold in Britain The Daily Telegraph
• Don’t travel to amber list countries, says No 10 despite no ban The Guardian
• If we loosen restrictions too early, there is a real risk of a third wave in the UK The Guardian
• India variant will be dominant UK Covid strain ‘in next few days’ The Guardian
• NHS app acts as vaccination record for travellers from today, says Grant Shapps The Independent

Ambulance crews in England to use iPads to assess accident and stroke victims

Ambulance crews in England to use iPads to assess accident and stroke victims Ambulance crews will start using iPads to send photographs of accident and stroke victims to specialist hospital doctors so that they can make rapid diagnoses and save some patients a trip to A&E.

NHS England is giving 30,000 iPads to regional ambulance services to help paramedics decide what care to give and whether to take someone to hospital or treat them at the scene. The Guardian 

NHS accused of racism after reply to application calls woman 'another Nigerian'

NHS accused of racism after reply to application calls woman 'another Nigerian' A Nigerian nurse who caught Covid while working for the NHS was sent a derogatory comment when she applied for another job in the health service. Metro 

Towcester: Six Indian variant Covid cases found at school

Towcester: Six Indian variant Covid cases found at school Six cases of the Indian variant of Covid-19 have been found at a school.

Testing is now taking place at Nicholas Hawksmoor Primary School in Towcester, Northamptonshire.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the new variant could affect the lifting of coronavirus restrictions in the future. BBC Northampton

See also:

• Health chiefs prepared for surge testing if more Covid Indian cases found in Northamptonshire Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Indian Covid variant can ‘spread like wildfire’ among those who haven’t had jab Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Health chief hails Northamptonshire school's quick response to Indian variant Covid outbreak Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Fears Indian variant is 50% more transmissible and could derail lockdown plans Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Over-35s to be offered Covid vaccine in ‘coming week’ as fears grow over Indian variant Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Kettering hospital visitors told don't hug your nan Northamptonshire Telegraph

Demand for A&E at Northampton General Hospital increasing

Demand for A&E at Northampton General Hospital increasing More patients visited A&E at Northampton General Hospital last month, with demand rising well above the levels seen during the first national lockdown last year. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Northampton General Hospital now employs more clinical staff compared to this time last year Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Integrated care systems are an opportunity to reset the relationship between health services and the public

Integrated care systems are an opportunity to reset the relationship between health services and the public  If there was ever a time for thinking differently about health and care, it is surely now. The Covid-19 pandemic has served as a graphic reminder that people’s health and wellbeing is shaped by the broader circumstances in which they live and the opportunities that are open to them, or not. The King's Fund

Long working hours increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke

Long working hours increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke Long working hours led to 745 000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease in 2016, a 29 per cent increase since 2000, according to the latest estimates by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization.

See also:

• Global, regional, and national burdens of ischemic heart disease and stroke attributable to exposure to long working hours for 194 countries, 2000–2016: A systematic analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury (open access) Environmental International
• Long working hours killing 745,000 people a year, study finds BBC News

More than 20 million UK adults receive both doses of COVID-19 vaccine

More than 20 million UK adults receive both doses of COVID-19 vaccine Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 56,677,012 million vaccines between 8 December and 15 May, including 36,573,354 million people with their first dose (69.4%) and 20,103,658 million with their second (38.2%). Department of Health and Social Care

See also: 

• Most vulnerable offered second dose of COVID-19 vaccine earlier to help protect against variants Department of Health and Social Care
• Summit to build global confidence in vaccines to be convened by the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care
• More than 600,000 NHS Covid Jabs Booked in 48 Hours NHS England
• JCVI advice to mitigate impact of B1.617.2 variant Public Health England

Covid: Hancock confident jab works against Indian variant

Covid: Hancock confident jab works against Indian variant The UK has "increasing confidence" that Covid-19 vaccines work against the Indian variant of the virus, the health secretary has said.

Scientists believe that the variant is more transmissible and cases of it nearly tripled to 1,313 in the past week in England.

But Matt Hancock said early lab data showed vaccines remained effective. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: How should I protect myself now? BBC News
• Covid-19: Boris Johnson urges caution as lockdown eases for millions BBC News
• Covid-19: No 10 defends India travel ban timing amid variant fears BBC News
• Covid: Second vaccine doses to be sped up over variant concerns BBC News
• Why do so many vaccinated Britons still feel too frightened to leave home? The Daily Mail
• I wouldn't meet indoors, says Sage scientist The Daily Telegraph
• India variant could lead to serious third wave of Covid in UK The Guardian
• Matt Hancock: unlocking will go ahead next week despite India variant – video The Guardian
• Indian Covid variant: Where in the UK has the new coronavirus strain been found? The Independent
• Test and trace axes thousands of clinical staff as cases of new Indian variant surge The Independent

'My exhausting smear test battle'

'My exhausting smear test battle' Many dread being invited for their cervical smear test - but Laurie Hodierne found it exhausting to have to keep asking for appointments, and trying to chase up the result.

He is one of a number of transgender men who still have a cervix but are no longer registered as female at their GP surgery. Laurie was re-registered as male without requesting it, he says. BBC News 

Samaritans to extend help for frontline health and care workers

Samaritans to extend help for frontline health and care workers More than 20,000 health and care workers have contacted the charity’s helplines since Covid started spreading last spring, and the Department of Health and Social Care has agreed to extend funding for a dedicated line until at least September.

The Samaritans’ dedicated helpline for NHS and social care workers in England is 0800 069 6222; the number in Wales is 0800 585 0555. The Guardian

See also:

• NHS workers' mental health needs protecting Metro

Covid-19 vaccine: Figures reveal whopping 99.6 percent take-up in one area of Northamptonshire

Covid-19 vaccine: Figures reveal whopping 99.6 percent take-up in one area of Northamptonshire An astonishing 996 people out of every 1,000 aged 50 or over in one area of Northamptonshire have had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Covid-19: New Northampton councillor 'was hospital's first virus patient' BBC Northampton
• Where India variant is dominant in UK - amid concerns lockdown end could be delayed Northamptonshire Telegraph

Hospital admissions for abused woman in Northampton 'just the tip of the iceberg' warn campaigners

Hospital admissions for abused woman in Northampton 'just the tip of the iceberg' warn campaigners Campaigners have warned that hospital admissions for abuse – which have risen steadily across England – are just "the tip of the iceberg".

NHS Digital data shows at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, there were between five and 35 admissions of female victims following abuse by a spouse or partner in the five years to March 2020. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Government reforms could improve care services for patients

Government reforms could improve care services for patients A report by the Health and Social Care Committee into Government reforms of the NHS and social care is supportive of proposals, subject to accountability mechanisms on the safety and quality of care being built into legislation.

See also:

• The King's Fund responds to the Health and Social Care Committee’s report into the government’s proposals for the reform of health and social care The King's Fund
• New laws could lead to politicisation of the NHS, leading MPs warn The Independent

Child Mortality and Social Deprivation

Child Mortality and Social Deprivation This report, which is based on data for children who died between April 2019 and March 2020 in England, finds a clear association between the risk of child death and the level of deprivation (for all categories of death except cancer). More specifically, Child Mortality and Social Deprivation states that over a fifth of all child deaths might be avoided if children living in the most deprived areas had the same mortality risk as those living in the least deprived – which translates to over 700 fewer children dying per year in England. National Child Mortality Database

See also:

• Child deaths are linked to social deprivation in England – NHS report  The Guardian

What happened to English NHS hospital activity during the Covid-19 pandemic?

What happened to English NHS hospital activity during the Covid-19 pandemic? This briefing uses administrative hospital data from across the NHS in England to describe how the use of inpatient (elective and emergency) and outpatient hospital care in 2020 compared with that in the previous year. It shows how overall levels of care changed in the period after the start of the pandemic in March until the end of December 2020 and examines how changes in activity varied across regions and clinical specialties. It also looks at how these patterns differ across patient age, ethnicity and local area deprivation. Institute for Fiscal Studies 

Tackling Covid-19: A case for better financial support to self-isolate

Tackling Covid-19: A case for better financial support to self-isolate Asking people with Covid-19 to self-isolate is vital to keep the pandemic under control as lockdown measures ease, yet only 52% of people who have symptoms isolate. This briefing by the Nuffield Trust and the Resolution Foundation argues that financial support through schemes similar to furlough should be expanded so that workers isolating can continue to receive their full wages.

See also:

• Increase self-isolation support or risk undermining exit from lockdown, think tanks warn Nuffield Trust
• Boost self-isolation payments or risk Covid resurgence, experts say The Guardian

New measures to boost response to the B1.617.2 variant

New measures to boost response to the B1.617.2 variant The B1.617.2 variant of concern is beginning to spread increasingly rapidly in certain areas across the country and decisive action is being taken to further control its spread including additional surge testing, increased genomic sequencing and enhanced contact tracing. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Guidance: Surge testing for new coronavirus (COVID-19) variants Department of Health and Social Care
• Policy paper: Use of scientific advice in the UK response to COVID-19: government response to Science and Technology Committee report Department of Health and Social Care
• Employers unite to encourage over a million staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine Department of Health and Social Care
• All data relating to: Deaths involving COVID-19 by religious group, England Office for National Statistics
• COVID-19 vaccines: 11,700 deaths prevented Public Health England
• Official Statistics: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports Public Health England
• Research: Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: variant risk assessments Public Health England

Covid vaccines have saved 11,700 lives and 33,000 hospital admissions

Covid vaccines have saved 11,700 lives and 33,000 hospital admissions Coronavirus vaccines have saved 11,700 lives and stopped 33,000 people becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 in England, research suggests.

The Public Health England analysis, up to the end of April, found people in their 70s and 80s had seen the biggest fall in deaths and hospital admissions. BBC News

See also:

• Indian variant: Government concern at speed of growth BBC News
• Covid: Surge vaccinations could be used to tackle Indian variant BBC News
• Covid vaccine: Period changes could be a harmless side effect BBC News
• Calls for post-Covid 'revolution' in building air quality BBC News
• Covid in Bolton: What's causing the spike? BBC News
• Covid England: Infections DOUBLE in a week in four Indian variant hotspots The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: UK records 2,657 cases and 11 deaths The Daily Mail
• Covid case rates have increased ‘slightly’ across most English regions, says PHE The Independent
• 70% of people in England now have Covid antibodies, ONS figures show The Independent

Almost 5m people now waiting for hospital treatment in England

Almost 5m people now waiting for hospital treatment in England Almost 5 million people in England are waiting for hospital treatment – the most since records began – as the NHS struggles to recover from the impact of Covid-19 on normal care.

The number of people waiting for more than a year to get into hospital has risen to over 400,000, the most since 2007. The Guardian

See also:

• ‘Almost indescribable pain’: life stuck on an NHS waiting list The Guardian
• Record 5 million people now on NHS waiting list for routine treatment The Independent

Every patient to have right to see a GP as NHS abandons 'total triage'

Every patient to have right to see a GP as NHS abandons 'total triage' The NHS on Thursday night performed a climbdown over plans to use online and telephone "screening" for GP appointments and announced that every patient would now have the right to see their doctor face-to-face. The Daily Telegraph

AI and robots will be used to assess patients in NHS plan to tackle record waiting lists

AI and robots will be used to assess patients in NHS plan to tackle record waiting lists Artificial intelligence will be used to decide who gets treated most quickly under NHS schemes aimed at tackling record waiting lists.

One scheme in Lancashire and South Cumbria will be used for patients waiting for non-urgent surgery, with “AI” systems used to assess which patients would fare worst from long waits. The Daily Telegraph

'I just want to say a huge thank you to them': Celebrating Northamptonshire's nurses on International Nurses' Day 2021

'I just want to say a huge thank you to them': Celebrating Northamptonshire's nurses on International Nurses' Day 2021 NHFT chief nurse, Julie Shepherd, asked a number of nurses what their proudest moments were during the pandemic. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Government sending Covid-19 outreach team to Corby tomorrow

Government sending Covid-19 outreach team to Corby tomorrow The Government is sending a Covid-19 outreach team to Corby’s Asda superstore on Thursday

The third visit from a Government outreach programme aimed at making additional Covid-19 information and guidance available to Northamptonshire residents. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also: 

• Corby's rough sleepers get their Covid jab Northamptonshire Telegraph

On leadership that leads to racial justice

On leadership that leads to racial justice Every movement for social justice is contested; they always have been and always will be. The reasons for this are to do with power. Social justice questions, how power is held, by whom, and how power works. It’s therefore those who have the least power that lead these emancipatory movements, because they have the most to lose where discrimination continues. It is for these reasons that the conversation about leadership needs to change – thinking through what leadership is for, and how to determine what good looks like. This straight-talking blog is aimed at leaders who want to ‘get it’ on inclusion. It’s candid because its purpose is to provoke leaders to lead better for racial justice. The King's Fund 

Community health services

Community health services This infographic highlights what community services are, the care they provide, their models of provision and more - including how community providers have been central to the response to Covid-19. Community Network 

COVID-19: Make it the Last Pandemic

COVID-19: Make it the Last Pandemic Since September 2020, the Independent Panel has systematically, rigorously and comprehensively examined why COVID-19 became a global health and socio-economic crisis. 

In May 2021, the Independent Panel presented its findings and recommendations for action in a report to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure that any future infectious disease outbreak does not become another catastrophic pandemic. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness & Response

See also:

• Covid: Report finds serious failures in WHO and global response BBC News

NHS’s £160 million ‘Accelerator Sites’ to tackle waiting lists

NHS’s £160 million ‘Accelerator Sites’ to tackle waiting lists The NHS has today announced a £160 million initiative to tackle waiting lists and develop a blueprint for elective recovery as early reports show the health service is recovering faster after the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

Indicators suggest operations and other elective activity were already at four fifths of pre-pandemic levels in April, well ahead of the 70% threshold set out in official guidance. NHS England 

Independent report: REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: April 2021 final results

Independent report: REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: April 2021 final results REACT-1 is the largest population surveillance study being undertaken in England that examines the prevalence of the virus causing COVID-19 in the general population. It uses test results and feedback from over 150,000 participants each month. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• NHS in England hits 45 million vaccinations NHS England
• NHS to invite people aged 38 and 39 for life saving COVID-19 jab NHS England

The NHS Covid legacy - long waits and lives at risk

The NHS Covid legacy - long waits and lives at risk Covid has left a toxic legacy for the NHS, with hospitals facing a huge backlog, putting lives at risk, patient groups and staff are warning.

And in-depth analysis by BBC News has found:

• waiting lists have ballooned at some hospitals in England, with more than one out of every 10 of patients in a quarter of trusts left at least a year without treatment
• major disruption to cancer services, with some hospitals struggling to treat half of their patients within the target time of two months
• concern growing for 45,000 "missing cancer patients", after drops in GP referrals and screening services across the UK

Covid vaccines: Mixing increases reports of mild side-effects

Covid vaccines: Mixing increases reports of mild side-effects Adults are more likely to report mild and moderate side-effects after mixing doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer Covid vaccines, a study indicates.

Chills, headaches and muscle pain were reported more frequently when different vaccine doses were combined.

Any adverse reactions were short lived, with no other safety concerns. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus public inquiry to be held in spring 2022 BBC News
• Covid: Lessons to be learned from spring 2022 public inquiry - PM BBC News
• Covid jabs offer to 38 and 39-year-olds in England BBC News
• Covid: The race to vaccinate the world BBC News
• New 'hypersensitive' rapid test can tell whether patients have Covid or flu The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus UK: Could spread of Indian variant jeopardise plans to ease lockdown? The Daily Mail
• Minister hints tiered lockdowns are still on the cards amid rise of Covid hotspots in the North The Daily Mail
• UK Covid inquiry: the key areas likely to be scrutinised The Guardian
• Test-and-trace workers are being made to pay for the government’s outsourcing zeal The Guardian
• NHS frontline jobs 'should be conditional on Covid vaccination' iNews

Ovarian cancer: Setback as major screening trial fails to save lives

Ovarian cancer: Setback as major screening trial fails to save lives A major trial to detect one of the most elusive and deadly cancers - ovarian - has failed to save lives, after two decades of work.

The researchers, at University College London, said the results were a disappointment - and thanked the 200,000 people who participated.

The trial had looked promising, with annual blood tests detecting cases of ovarian cancer earlier.

But routine screening for the cancer is now a distant prospect. BBC News

See also: 

• Ovarian cancer population screening and mortality after long-term follow-up in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS): a randomised controlled trial (open access) The Lancet

NHS England to launch new pilot scheme for trans healthcare ‘this summer’, MPs told

NHS England to launch new pilot scheme for trans healthcare ‘this summer’, MPs told NHS England is opening a fourth pilot scheme for trans healthcare in England in the next few months, MPs have been told.

The fourth pilot scheme will be “opening this summer” in the east of England, John Stewart, the national director of specialised commissioning at NHS England, told MPs today. Pink News

East Midlands Ambulance Service extends non-emergency transport contract in Northamptonshire until 2025

East Midlands Ambulance Service extends non-emergency transport contract in Northamptonshire until 2025 A contract for non-emergency patient transport services (PTS) has been extended in Northamptonshire until 2025.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has been providing patient transport to residents registered to a GP who need help getting to and from appointments since late 2019 after Thames Ambulance Group walked out of its contract early. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

The Health and Care Bill: what can the government learn from 2011?

The Health and Care Bill: what can the government learn from 2011? It barely seems it, but a decade ago the health and care system (or the bit of it that gets really excited by parliamentary processes) was in the middle of ‘the pause’ in April and May 2011. Fast forward to present day, and another Health and Social Care Bill has been confirmed in this week’s Queen’s Speech and is expected to be introduced early in the new Parliamentary session. Has the government learnt the lessons of the last big legislative upheaval in the NHS? The King's Fund

See also:

• Queen's Speech 2021 Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street
• Queen’s speech shows government recognises major health challenges facing the country but not the scale of action needed The Health Foundation
• If not now, when? The long overdue promise of social care reform The Health Foundation
• The King's Fund comments on the Queen's Speech The King's Fund
• Further delay to social care reform a betrayal of commitments made by government Nuffield Trust
• Queen's Speech: PM sets out plans to take UK forward after Covid  BBC News
• The Queen's Speech - what you need to know in two minutes BBC News
• Queen's Speech: Lack of social care plan 'unforgivable', says Labour's Sir Keir Starmer BBC News
• Anger over failure in Queen’s speech to set out social care plans The Guardian
• What made it into the Queen’s speech, and what was left out The Guardian

Mental health: should we be worried?

Mental health: should we be worried? This report provides an overview of the public’s mental health and how it is affecting people’s lives.

It includes analysis by NatCen from the Understanding Society longitudinal study showing the impacts of the Covid–19 pandemic on the public’s financial and mental health.

The future role of remote consultations & patient ‘triage’

The future role of remote consultations & patient ‘triage’ A key challenge for UK governments and health systems will be to build upon the potential benefits that have emerged from technology advances and new ways of working during the Covid-19 pandemic, while ensuring that relational care and health inequalities do not suffer in the longer-term. This will only be possible with further evaluation, action and government investment. This report sets out the challenges which need to be addressed to ensure GPs and practice teams can continue to provide high-quality patient care as we look towards a ‘new normal’. Royal College of General Practitioners

See also:

• Video consultations for secondary care NHS England

Guidance: Sexual health: variation in outcomes and inequalities

Guidance: Sexual health: variation in outcomes and inequalities A toolkit to guide sexual health commissioners, public health teams and sexual health service providers to explore inequalities at a local level in England. Public Health England

New 'We Offer Testing to our Staff' scheme launched

New 'We Offer Testing to our Staff' scheme launched A new scheme for businesses offering workplace testing for staff through NHS Test and Trace has been launched across the UK. It will show customers, employees and the wider public the businesses that are going the extra mile to keep their staff and the public safe. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Research: COVID-19: reported SARS-CoV-2 deaths in England Public Health England

Covid: Will UK vaccine success keep virus at bay?

Covid: Will UK vaccine success keep virus at bay? Next week will see the most significant lifting of restrictions yet in England, with indoor mixing to be allowed. The rest of the UK is making similar steps.

It means the onus is increasingly shifting on to the vaccines, rather than social distancing and restrictions, to keep the virus at bay. How well do they work? And is there now enough immunity in the population to protect us all? BBC News

See also:

• The volunteers using 'honeypot' groups to fight anti-vax propaganda BBC News
• NHS app ready to become vaccine passport next week BBC News
• How Italy's healthcare staff survived the pandemic BBC News
• Covid: UK could be 'back to normal by the end of the year' if vaccines continue to work, says SAGE The Daily Mail
• UK vaccination success could be ‘reversed’ unless jabs shared globally, warns Unicef The Independent
• UK to be Covid-free this summer, says vaccine chief The Independent
• When will under-40s be vaccinated? Next steps of the NHS Covid vaccine schedule – and if you can get it now iNews

Shropshire baby deaths: Review appeals for staff to come forward

Shropshire baby deaths: Review appeals for staff to come forward A review into maternity services where hundreds of mothers and babies may have been harmed is seeking staff testimony.

The review of services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTh), led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden, published an interim report last year. BBC News

What is conversion therapy and will it be banned?

What is conversion therapy and will it be banned? So-called conversion therapy will be banned in England and Wales after a public consultation, it's been announced in the Queen's Speech.

The government said these "abhorrent practices" can cause mental and physical harm. BBC News

See also:

• LGBT+ campaigners fear more delay to UK conversion therapy ban The Guardian

NHS in England and Wales treated fewest ever violence-related injuries in 2020

NHS in England and Wales treated fewest ever violence-related injuries in 2020 Lockdown led to the smallest number of people on record being treated by the NHS for injuries caused by violence away from the home, a study shows.

The closure of pubs, clubs and other venues that sell alcohol as part of the bans on social mixing was a key reason for the sharp decline in serious violence, the researchers say. The Guardian

See also: 

• 2020 was least violent year on record thanks to closure of pubs and clubs The Daily Telegraph
• Serious violence fell by almost a third during coronavirus lockdowns, Cardiff University researchers find ITV News

Sleeping pills do not work in long term, scientists find

Sleeping pills do not work in long term, scientists find Sleeping pills prescribed to millions of people every year do not work in the long term, a study has found.

Scientists found no difference in sleep quality or duration between those who took the medication for one to two years. The Daily Telegraph

See also: 

• Prescription medications for sleep disturbances among midlife women during 2 years of follow-up: a SWAN retrospective cohort study (open access) BMJ Open

Postnatal depression was TWICE as common among mothers caring for new babies during lockdown

Postnatal depression was TWICE as common among mothers caring for new babies during lockdown University College London researchers surveyed 162 London-based women with babies less than six months old between May and June. They found 47 per cent suffered from post-natal depression. The Daily Mail

See also: 

• Communication Across Maternal Social Networks During England’s First National Lockdown and Its Association With Postnatal Depressive Symptoms (Open Access) Frontiers in Psychology
• New mothers twice as likely to have post-natal depression in lockdown University College London

What Covid alert ‘level 3’ means as UK is downgraded ahead of next lockdown phase

What Covid alert ‘level 3’ means as UK is downgraded ahead of next lockdown phase The Covid alert level in the UK has been downgraded following the success of the vaccination programme and lockdown restrictions.

The four chief medical officers of the UK have said the threat level should be lowered from “level 4” to “level 3”, after a “consistent” fall in coronavirus cases, hospital admissions and deaths. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Free lateral flow Covid tests may not be approved for green list countries Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Hugs with family and friends and indoor pints to return in England next week Northamptonshire Telegraph

Cardiac care advances a 'modern miracle' says GP, as KGH develops pioneering clinic

Cardiac care advances a 'modern miracle' says GP, as KGH develops pioneering clinic A GP who suffered a heart attack at his Oundle home has described the way cardiac care has advanced as a 'modern miracle', as KGH develops a pioneering new clinic to help patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph

The state of end of life care: building back better after Covid-19

The state of end of life care: building back better after Covid-19 This report warns that the ‘traumatic’ final days experienced by patients sent home or to care homes to die without adequate support and resources could become the ‘new normal’ without significant reform to England’s end of life care services. The analysis found that annual deaths are projected to overtake rates seen during the 2020 pandemic year spike by 2031 - potentially exposing end of life services to the same pressures faced last year, every year from 2030 onwards. Policy recommendations focus on 'providing everyone the right care, from the right person, at the right time'. Institute for Public Policy Research

Homelessness and rough sleeping in the time of Covid-19

Homelessness and rough sleeping in the time of Covid-19 This report (funded by Trust for London) reviews how Covid-19 has impacted on the problems of homelessness and rough sleeping; clarifies how policies, implementation and funding have changed; and makes recommendations on policy and practice. LSE London

COVID-19 alert level: update from the UK Chief Medical Officers (10 May 2021)

COVID-19 alert level: update from the UK Chief Medical Officers (10 May 2021) Following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and in the light of the most recent data, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director agree that the UK alert level should move from level 4 to level 3. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• More restrictions eased for care homes Department of Health and Social Care
• COVID-19 vaccines: further evidence of success Public Health England

WHO says India Covid variant of 'global concern'

WHO says India Covid variant of 'global concern' The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the coronavirus variant first found in India last year as a "variant of global concern".

It said preliminary studies show the B.1.617 mutation spreads more easily than other variants and requires further study.

The variant has already spread to more than 30 countries, the WHO says. BBC News

See also:

• UK Covid alert level reduced to 3 BBC News
• Coronavirus: PM urges people to live responsibly with Covid as England's lockdown eases BBC News
• Data from UK's roll-out shows first dose of AstraZeneca's jab cuts risk of dying from virus by 80% The Daily Mail
• 80% of those who won't get Covid vaccine claim there is NOTHING that could change their minds The Daily Mail
• Don't hug too much, keep them short and wear a MASK, cautious SAGE scientist warns The Daily Mail
• EU will not renew AstraZeneca contract as it pivots towards Pfizer's vaccine The Daily Telegraph
• Covid’s cruellest blow? Keeping the dying from their loved ones | Rachel Clarke The Guardian

Conversion therapy: Public to be consulted before ban

Conversion therapy: Public to be consulted before ban A public consultation will be opened before a ban on so-called conversion therapy, the BBC understands.

"Conversion therapy" attempts to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity, according to NHS England.

The consultation will consider religious freedom and how to protect professionals, including therapists, say government sources. BBC News

Alder Hey children's mental health team see rise in calls for help

Alder Hey children's mental health team see rise in calls for help The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns have had an effect on many people's mental health.

For Mental Health Awareness Week, BBC North West Tonight has been given access to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Right at the start of the pandemic, the mental health crisis team began covering their helpline 24 hours a day - and they have seen a huge rise in the number of calls they are receiving. BBC News

'A slap in the face': Hundreds of frontline Covid doctors told they won't have jobs from August

'A slap in the face': Hundreds of frontline Covid doctors told they won't have jobs from August Hundreds of doctors working on the front line during the Covid pandemic have been told they won’t have jobs in the NHS training scheme from August, despite the health service being dependent on them to tackle surgical backlogs.

Almost 700 anaesthetists – who had key roles caring for critically ill patients struggling to breathe during the Covid surges – have been dropped from the NHS training scheme and are unable to progress in their careers because of a shortage in places. The Independent

Tax dodging concerns over small firms used to pay NHS test-and-trace workers

Tax dodging concerns over small firms used to pay NHS test-and-trace workers Many workers employed across the £37bn NHS test-and-trace service are being paid through networks of opaque small companies that experts fear could be defrauding the Treasury via a notorious tax scheme.

The Guardian investigated after sources working at Covid-19 call centres, testing sites, mobile testing units and laboratories raised concerns about their payslips and employment terms. 

Visiting restrictions easing at Northamptonshire community hospitals, hospices and mental health inpatient wards

Visiting restrictions easing at Northamptonshire community hospitals, hospices and mental health inpatient wards Visiting restrictions at Northamptonshire’s community hospitals, hospices and mental health inpatient wards will be easing from this week.

Services ran by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) will be able to manage their own visiting procedures in line with restrictions lifting at Kettering and Northampton hospitals. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• When Boris Johnson will announce 17 May changes for lockdown in England today Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• 'Long way to go' before face masks and social distancing will be scrapped, says vaccine chief Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Hugs with family and friends and indoor pints to return in England next week Northamptonshire Telegraph

RCN launches ground-breaking standards for delivery of safe and effective care

RCN launches ground-breaking standards for delivery of safe and effective care The RCN’s Nursing Workforce Standards have been created to explicitly set out what must happen within workplaces to ensure the delivery of safe and effective patient care.

The 14 standards – the first of their kind – have been designed for use by those who fund, plan, commission, design, review and provide services which require a nursing workforce.

They can also be used to help nursing staff understand what they should expect to be in place to enable them to do their jobs safely and effectively. Royal College of Nursing

BMA and Royal College of Nursing raise concerns about NHS staff still being made to work overtime often unpaid

BMA and Royal College of Nursing raise concerns about NHS staff still being made to work overtime often unpaid Thousands of doctors and nursing staff say they feel under pressure from employers to work extra shifts, often unpaid.

Some doctors say they are already exhausted and fear that they will be pressured to do extra shifts without adequate rest to help reduce the huge backlog of patients needing treatment in NHS hospitals. BMA

See also:

• Thousands of doctors and nurses being pressured to work extra hours unpaid The Independent

Talking Toolkit aims to reduce work stress

Talking Toolkit aims to reduce work stress A Talking Toolkit specifically for NHS service providers has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive with the aim of reducing work-related stress. NHS Employers

Two-thirds of UK adults receive first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

Two-thirds of UK adults receive first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine Two-thirds of UK adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Health services across the UK have now administered a total of 51.8 million vaccines between 8 December and 7 May, including 35 million people with their first dose (66.6%) and 16.7 million with their second (31.8%). Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Statement on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine following JCVI update Department of Health and Social Care
• Independent report: Vivaldi 2: coronavirus (COVID-19) new variant (B.1.1.7) in care homes study report Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad Department of Health and Social Care
• Second dose milestone as one third of adults in England receive both jabs NHS England
• Research: COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers Public Health England

Coronavirus: Expert urges caution over hugs as lockdown eases

Coronavirus: Expert urges caution over hugs as lockdown eases People should take precautions when hugging others, says an expert, amid expectations of a further easing of England's Covid restrictions this week.

Prof Cath Noakes said hugs should be selective, short, and avoid face-to-face contact.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said No 10 wants to see "friendly contact" between people restored. BBC News

See also:

• Under 40s to be offered alternative to AZ vaccine BBC News
• India's Covid crisis: Rural hospitals unable to cope as virus spreads BBC News
• Finally, the proof Covid vaccines ARE safe when you're pregnant The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: Large events have 'a small impact' on Covid spread, SAGE report claims The Daily Mail
• 'Levelling up' cash to go to help NHS recover from Covid, Boris Johnson says The Independent

Refugee nurses are being fast-tracked into the NHS

Refugee nurses are being fast-tracked into the NHS Refugee nurses are being fast-tracked into the NHS as part of a pioneering scheme in Liverpool. Those involved explain why the pandemic means it's vital the UK uses their medical experience. BBC News

The NHS can be the envy of the world again – if we give it the funding it needs

The NHS can be the envy of the world again – if we give it the funding it needs The NHS has been the envy of the world and it remains one of the most comprehensive and fair healthcare systems internationally. 

One of its great strengths is the role it plays in tackling inequality – redistributing resources from the healthy to the sick, from the rich to the poor. It does this by allocating its resources in a way that takes account of the needs of different regions of the country, irrespective of their wealth, combined with access to care being based on a patient’s clinical need rather than their ability to pay. The Independent

Nurses receive activist training to mobilise for strike action

Nurses receive activist training to mobilise for strike action Exclusive: Royal College of Nursing says ‘army’ of 25,000 members will take fight to government over ‘pitiful’ 1% pay rise

Up to 25,000 nurses are training to become activists to help Britain’s nursing union force Boris Johnson to improve his “pitiful” 1% NHS pay offer.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) hopes the move will help it achieve a turnout of 50% in the strike ballot it has pledged to call if ministers continue to resist calls for a bigger increase. The Guardian

Fake NHS Covid apps among scams driving huge increase in fraud takedowns

Fake NHS Covid apps among scams driving huge increase in fraud takedowns Fake NHS apps are among the covid-themed cyber crimes that have driven the number of scams taken down by the UK’s security agency up 15-fold.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, said it had removed more scams from the internet last year than in the previous three years combined. The Daily Telegraph

See also: 

• Fifteen times more online scams stamped out as cyber experts moved to protect UK during pandemic National Cyber Security Centre
• Active Cyber Defence (ACD) - the fourth year National Cyber Security Centre

Another Covid vaccine milestone passed as jabs boss says there's no need for 'mix and match' doses in Northamptonshire

Another Covid vaccine milestone passed as jabs boss says there's no need for 'mix and match' doses in Northamptonshire Vaccine bosses insist there is no need for Northamptonshire patients to be offered 'mix and match' Covid-19 jabs.

Those in charge of the county's rollout insist there is no shortage of supplies and everybody should be given a second dose from the same vaccine as their first. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• What to expect when holidays restart - as government warns of long border delays Northampton Chronicle and Echo

New day care centre specialising in dementia care for older people to open in Northampton following high demand

New day care centre specialising in dementia care for older people to open in Northampton following high demand A second day care centre, which will offer specialised dementia care for older people in Northampton will open later this year, due to high demand for the service. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Northamptonshire care home rated inadequate as CQC finds safety risks

Northamptonshire care home rated inadequate as CQC finds safety risks A care home for people with dementia and disabilities has been rated inadequate by health inspectors who found risks to residents' safety.

Bell Lodge in Daventry in Northamptonshire was put into special measures after a visit from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January.

There were also issues with staffing, management, medicines, and infection control at the 15-resident home. BBC Northampton

LSE–Lancet Commission on the future of the NHS: re-laying the foundations for an equitable and efficient health and care service after COVID-19

LSE–Lancet Commission on the future of the NHS: re-laying the foundations for an equitable and efficient health and care service after COVID-19 This UK-wide London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)–Lancet Commission on the future of the NHS provides the first analysis of the initial phases of the COVID-19 response as part of a uniquely comprehensive assessment of the fundamental strengths of and challenges that are faced by the NHS.

See also:

• UK needs £102bn boost to NHS and social care, says major report The Guardian
• Reforming the NHS: key proposals by LSE-Lancet commission The Guardian
• Raise income tax by 1p to secure future of NHS, experts tell government The Independent

10 practical lessons for implementing digital innovations - learning from the Care City test bed

10 practical lessons for implementing digital innovations - learning from the Care City test bed Digital health innovations are often seen as 'ready made' solutions to challenges facing health and care systems but despite their potential, implementing these technologies can be complex. This summary highlights ten lessons for those working to integrate technology into health and social care services. The findings are based on a large-scale evaluation of digital technologies being implemented in health and social care in East London. Nuffield Trust

See also:

• Implementing technology in health and social care: lessons from the Care City test bed Nuffield Trust

Working on organisational culture in Covid-19

Working on organisational culture in Covid-19 A while ago I was asked to work with an NHS trust on improving their culture. I was intrigued to see if there would be enough understanding and support to sponsor a sustained focus on culture change and what internal capability could be mobilised to support it. I felt excited by the prospect of playing a part, but I felt apprehensive too, if I’m honest. Did staff want to change and would the particular mix of politics permit it? The King's Fund

New analysis shows ‘widespread decline’ in adult social care

New analysis shows ‘widespread decline’ in adult social care New figures reveal the dire state of England's social care sector before the pandemic, with more people requesting support but fewer getting the help they needed. The data puts further pressure on the government to commit to reform of social care in next week’s Queen’s Speech.

The new data is part of Social care 360, The King’s Fund’s annual assessment of the state of the social care sector. The overall picture is of deep decline, with many key indicators continuing to move in the wrong direction. The King's Fund 

Why do people abandon assistive technologies? Research suggests users need to be partners in design

Why do people abandon assistive technologies? Research suggests users need to be partners in design Many people with long term - chronic - conditions need a lot of support in their daily lives. A wide range of assistive technologies are designed to help, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, and electronic devices. But people often give up using them. This briefing summarises the findings of research that explored the main barriers that people experienced when using assistive technologies. National Institute for Health Research

The state of the world's midwifery 2021

The state of the world's midwifery 2021 This report presents findings on the Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) workforce from 194 countries and identifies the barriers and challenges to future advancement. It finds that there is a a global shortage of 1.1 million SRMNAH workers, the largest shortage (900,000) being midwives. United Nations Population Fund 

Coronavirus and vaccination rates in people aged 50 years and over by socio-demographic characteristic, England

Coronavirus and vaccination rates in people aged 50 years and over by socio-demographic characteristic, England First dose COVID-19 vaccination rates among people aged 50 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: 

• Weekly national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published Public Health England
• Research: COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers Public Health England