Investigation into NHS-funded fertility care for female same-sex couples

Investigation into NHS-funded fertility care for female same-sex couples BPAS Fertility releases the results of an investigation into NHS-funded fertility care for female same-sex couples, highlighting the additional, hidden financial burdens they face.

Fertility services in the UK, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), are provided by a mixture of NHS and private services. 

NHS-funded care is commonly given to heterosexual couples once they can demonstrate they have tried to conceive naturally for 2-3 years. However, female same-sex couples are required to establish their “fertility status” by self-funding several rounds of artificial insemination (AI) privately, at considerable cost.

See also:

• Lesbians face 'illegal and discriminatory' barriers to getting IVF on the NHS iNews

Guidance for the transfer and remission of adult prisoners and immigration removal centre detainees under the Mental Health Act 1983

Guidance for the transfer and remission of adult prisoners and immigration removal centre detainees under the Mental Health Act 1983 These good practice guidance documents set out the process for transferring and remitting patients in England to and from prisons, immigration removal centres and mental health, learning disability and/or autism inpatient services. They outline the timeframe for completing the assessment, transfer and remission of individuals detained under the Mental Health Act to and from mental health, learning disability and/or autism services and replace the Department of Health’s Good practice procedure guide 2011. The accompanying consultation report sets out the engagement activity which has helped to inform these guidance documents. NHS England and NHS Improvement 

Patients with type 1 diabetes to get artificial pancreas on the NHS

Patients with type 1 diabetes to get artificial pancreas on the NHS An ‘artificial pancreas’ designed to revolutionise the life of people with Type 1 diabetes will be provided by the NHS, 100 years after the discovery of insulin, health service chief executive Sir Simon Stevens announced. NHS England 

More than 30 million people vaccinated with second dose

More than 30 million people vaccinated with second dose More than 30 million people in the UK have received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the latest figures published today (15 June) show, as the vaccination programme continues at unprecedented pace and scale. Department of Health and Social Care

Another life-saving Covid treatment found

Another life-saving Covid treatment found Exactly a year on from the discovery that a cheap steroid drug prevented Covid deaths, researchers say they have found another life-saving therapy.

It is expensive - a potent intravenous infusion of antibodies to neutralise the virus, rather than dampen the body's inflammatory response to it.

Results from the Recovery trial suggest it could help one in three of those in hospital with severe Covid. BBC News

See also:

• Covid jab 'compulsory' for England care home staff BBC News
• What are the Delta variant symptoms? BBC News
• England needs to speed up vaccine rollout by 12% to meet targets for July 19, analysis shows The Daily Mail
• Covid survivors say they experience 'bizarre' tastes and smells months after clearing the infection The Daily Mail
• One in three patients admitted to hospital during first Covid wave received DNR orders, study shows The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: SAGE warned Covid admissions could spike past 7,000 a day with Indian variant The Daily Mail
• Britain has Europe's WORST Covid outbreak as Indian variant sees nation overtake Spain The Daily Mail
• Mapped: The hotspots for the Delta variant of Covid-19 in the UK The Daily Telegraph
• Compulsory jabs for NHS and care staff to be announced The Daily Telegraph
• All adults in England able to book Covid jabs ‘by end of week’ The Guardian
• Why is Israel lifting Covid restrictions as England extends them? The Guardian

Mental health patients turned away by NHS under controversial scheme

Mental health patients turned away by NHS under controversial scheme NHS whistleblower says that he had to refuse care to a woman who attempted suicide on multiple occasions, because of rules adopted by mental health trusts. iNews 

Care watchdog downgrades two more NHS maternity units over safety concerns

Care watchdog downgrades two more NHS maternity units over safety concerns Maternity services at two hospitals run by the same NHS trust have both been downgraded by the care watchdog after whistleblowers raised the alarm over unsafe staffing levels and a poor culture. The Independent 

'Menopause revolution': England must make hormone replacement therapy free of NHS charges, MPs say

'Menopause revolution': England must make hormone replacement therapy free of NHS charges, MPs say  England must “follow the lead” of Scotland and Wales and make Hormone Replacement Therapy exempt from NHS prescription charges, MPs have warned.

The majority of the 3.4 million women between 50 and 64 in the UK will be experiencing symptoms of the menopause – with these ranging from heart palpitations to hot flushes, vaginal pain, anxiety and depression. The Independent

Adult social care services face ‘deluge’ of requests for support

Adult social care services face ‘deluge’ of requests for support Adult social care services are facing a “deluge” of requests for support from vulnerable and older people as society starts to open up after the pandemic, according to council care chiefs in England.

There has been a big increase in people needing help after their condition deteriorated while waiting to be admitted to hospital for treatment, as well as a surge in those needing support after being discharged from hospital. The Guardian

Boris Johnson ‘confident’ lockdown restrictions will end in England on 19 July

Boris Johnson ‘confident’ lockdown restrictions will end in England on 19 July Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he is "confident" that no further delay to the lifting of remaining Covid restrictions in England will be necessary, and will come to an end on 19 July. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also: 

• Full list of everything announced by Boris Johnson as June 21 lockdown lifting is delayed Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Covid rule-breaker hit with £800 court bill for not wearing a face covering in Northampton barbers Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Naming the issue: chronic excessive workload in the NHS

Naming the issue: chronic excessive workload in the NHS The Health and Social Care Committee’s report on workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care is unequivocal. Chronic excessive workload is damaging staff health, patient care and staff’s long-term ability to provide high-quality and compassionate care for people in their communities. In a context of inadequate resources including unsatisfactory levels of staffing, equipment, training and supportive leadership, workload is the number one factor predicting ever-increasing levels of staff stress. The King's Fund 

Guidance on community mental health services: promoting person-centred and rights-based approaches

Guidance on community mental health services: promoting person-centred and rights-based approaches This guidance provides a detailed description of person-centred and human rights-based approaches in mental health, examples of good practice services around the world and recommendations for integrating such services into national health and social care systems and services. The guidance is accompanied by a set of seven technical packages focused on specific categories of mental health services and guidance for setting up new services. World Health Organization

Outsourcing as a threat to public health: the case for insourcing public sector cleaners and facilities management

Outsourcing as a threat to public health: the case for insourcing public sector cleaners and facilities management The evidence cited in this report suggests that outsourced health facilities management services pose a threat to public health. This represents a major weakness in the UK’s ability to cope with subsequent waves of Covid-19. As a matter of public health, this paper recommends that: the government should launch an urgent and independent inquiry into the outsourcing of key workers, including cleaners, to assess whether, as the literature suggests, there is a link between outsourcing and higher rates of infection; and as a pandemic precautionary measure, all local authorities and NHS Trusts should immediately assess their portfolio of healthcare facilities management and sanitation workers, and examine opportunities to bring them in-house. New Economics Foundation 

Mind the gap: a policy report on how people are disadvantaged by digital exclusion

Mind the gap: a policy report on how people are disadvantaged by digital exclusion The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed a devastating overlap between digital exclusion and social exclusion, social exclusion and poverty, and then in turn, poverty and health inequalities. This report acknowledges digitalisation brings both huge benefits for many but also great disadvantage for some and looks at the experiences of local people based on evidence brought to the attention of Chesterfield Citizens Advice workers. The report sets out measures to ensure that services are `fair by design`, that they are accessible for vulnerable people who cannot use digital and that suitable alternative provisions are always in place to meet their needs. Chesterfield Citizens Advice 

Discharge to assess: the case for permanent funding

Discharge to assess: the case for permanent funding This Community Network briefing sets out the case for permanent funding to support the ‘discharge to assess’ model based on cost effectiveness for the taxpayer and improved outcomes. NHS Confederation 

NHS sets up specialist young people’s services in £100 million long COVID care expansion

NHS sets up specialist young people’s services in £100 million long COVID care expansion The NHS is setting up specialist long COVID services for children and young people as part of a £100 million expansion of care for those suffering from the condition.

The 15 new paediatric hubs will draw together experts on common symptoms such as respiratory problems and fatigue who can directly treat youngsters, advise family doctors or others caring for them or refer them into other specialist services and clinics. NHS England

PM statement at coronavirus press conference: 14 June 2021

PM statement at coronavirus press conference: 14 June 2021 Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference on the delay of easing lockdown restrictions. Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street

See also:

• Statement to Parliament: Oral statement on easing of coronavirus restrictions Department of Health and Social Care
• Sir Richard Sykes appointed chair of Vaccine Taskforce Department of Health and Social Care
• Vaccines highly effective against hospitalisation from Delta variant Public Health England
• Guidance: PHE monitoring of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination Public Health England

Covid-19: 'Immunisation moving us to a better place everyday'

Covid-19: 'Immunisation moving us to a better place everyday' Prof Adam Finn has said that despite uncertainties around Covid variants, continued immunisation "is moving us to a better and better place everyday".

A member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Prof Finn said he understood why people needed dates to hold on to but "this is a process".

His comments came after it was announced that the government was delaying many aspects of easing lockdown restrictions in England planned for 21 June. BBC News

See also:

• 21 June: What will delaying the full unlock achieve? BBC News
• Covid: Lockdown easing in England delayed to 19 July BBC News
• Covid-19: Vaccine booster study begins in Cambridge BBC News
• Headache and running nose linked to Delta variant BBC News
• Proof jabs WILL protect NHS from Indian variant: PHE study finds vaccines more than 90% effective The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: How worsening data have spooked No10 into delaying the end of England's lockdown The Daily Mail
• UK doctors urge public to get fully vaccinated as Delta variant spreads The Guardian
• England’s Covid lockdown lifting: is a four-week delay enough? The Guardian
• Covid-19 will ‘be with us forever,’ warn Whitty and Vallance The Independent
• England’s Covid case rates climb to highest level since early March The Independent

Self-harm warning signs can appear decade earlier

Self-harm warning signs can appear decade earlier Early warning signs of self-harm can appear in children almost a decade before it starts, say researchers.

The team at the University of Cambridge found two distinct groups that were more likely to harm themselves.

The first included those who struggle to control their emotions, and the second featured youngsters more willing to take risks than others their age. BBC News

See also:

• Two Pathways to Self-Harm in Adolescence (open access) Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Serco and G4S order NHS test-and-trace suppliers to clean up act on tax

Serco and G4S order NHS test-and-trace suppliers to clean up act on tax The outsourcing companies Serco and G4S have ordered the recruitment agencies that they rely on to provide workers for the NHS test-and-trace system to clean up their supply chains, after a Guardian investigation prompted concerns over tax dodging.

Serco confirmed it had passed information on some of its suppliers to HM Revenue and Customs, after evidence emerged that agency staff were being paid via controversial “mini-umbrella companies” (MUCs), which are often used to fraudulently dodge national insurance contributions. The Guardian

Why aren't patients being told truth about electric shock therapy? Leaflets on the treatment contain at least one inaccurate statement about safety and effectiveness, investigation shows

Why aren't patients being told truth about electric shock therapy? Leaflets on the treatment contain at least one inaccurate statement about safety and effectiveness, investigation shows Results of a Freedom of Information request to hospital trusts for a copy of their ECT patient information leaflet. 

This audit, published exclusively in the Mail, revealed that the leaflets — including one produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists — contained at least one inaccurate statement about the safety and effectiveness of ECT, such as there being no risk of long-term memory loss. The Daily Mail

More gay and bisexual men able to donate blood after new rule change comes into place

More gay and bisexual men able to donate blood after new rule change comes into place New rules have now come into place which mean more gay and bisexual men will be allowed to donate blood, platelets and plasma. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Permanently closed Northampton community library could become pregnancy clinic

Permanently closed Northampton community library could become pregnancy clinic Plans have been submitted to convert a Northampton community library into a antenatal clinic just months after it was shut for good. 

Despite a furious response by residents, Far Cotton Library was permanently closed this year after the county council ruled there was 'no viable business plan' in place for volunteers to run it. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Kettering General Hospital highlight EDI initiatives

Kettering General Hospital highlight EDI initiatives Kettering General Hospital (KGH) NHS FT have been highlighting initiatives aimed at improving the working lives for BAME staff at their trust. To do this they promoted their BAME Staff Network, and increased the membership from 7 to over 250 last year, after launching several projects to encourage engagement. National Health Executive 

Patients and machines: does technology help or hinder empathy and person-centred care?

Patients and machines: does technology help or hinder empathy and person-centred care? New technologies in the fields of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and communications hold vast potential for improving health care. But their increasing use in patient-facing contexts could have significant implications for patient experience – in particular, for the ‘human dimension’ of health care. The Health Foundation

Learning Disability Mortality (death) Review annual report 2020

Learning Disability Mortality (death) Review annual report 2020 This annual report from the University of Bristol provides information about the deaths of people with a learning disability aged four years and over notified to the programme. NHS England

See also: 

• LeDeR Action from Learning report 2020/21 NHS England
• LeDeR Action from Learning case studies NHS England
• Learning Disability Mortality (death) Review programme NHS England
• Call for urgent action to prevent learning disability deaths BBC News

New right to work guidance announced

New right to work guidance announced The Home Office has published new guidance for employers on how to ensure new EU, EEA and Swiss national staff have the Right to Work in the UK after the EU Settlement Scheme closes on 30 June 2021. NHS Employers 

Covid: Boris Johnson to announce whether 21 June easing to go ahead

Covid: Boris Johnson to announce whether 21 June easing to go ahead Most coronavirus rules will remain in place in England for another four weeks after the planned 21 June unlocking, government sources have told the BBC.

Senior ministers have signed off on the decision to delay the lifting of all legal restrictions on social contact.

That could mean capacity limits for sports, pubs and cinemas will remain, and nightclubs would stay closed. BBC News

See also:

• Covid-19: 'We will have a substantial third wave' BBC News
• Covid: Is there a limit to how much worse variants can get? BBC News
• Vaccinating children against Covid-19 BBC News
• Unvaccinated most at risk from Delta variant BBC News
• G7: World leaders promise one billion Covid vaccine doses for poorer nations BBC News
• Over 60% of COVID-19 patients who die have muscle inflammation, German autopsy study finds The Daily Mail
• Woman who was bedridden for an entire year due to long-haul COVID symptoms tells her story The Daily Mail
• G7 billion vaccine pledge not enough to stop Covid from spreading 'like wildfire', says UN The Daily Telegraph
• England’s R-rate highest since January The Daily Telegraph
• UK health inequalities made worse by Covid crisis, study suggests The Guardian
• Ministers warned of more disruption in English schools as Covid variant spreads The Guardian
• US warns against use of particular lateral flow test UK is buying in bulk The Independent
• Covid: Delta variant cases treble in a week, new analysis reveals The Independent

Tourette’s Syndrome: ‘I don’t want people to think I’m a bad child’

Tourette’s Syndrome: ‘I don’t want people to think I’m a bad child’ Deaglan McCallion is 10 years old and has Tourette's Syndrome.

He said: "When I was younger I noticed I was making a lot of noises and shouting out a bunch of words and thumping my chest.

"I just want people to know that I'm not a bad child, I just have Tourette's and can't hold that back."

Tourette's Syndrome is a neurological condition that can cause verbal and physical tics. BBC News

Why I back the NHS patient data-sharing plan

Why I back the NHS patient data-sharing plan | Polly Toynbee The benefits could be immense – just look at the Covid vaccine. But this proposal needs cast-iron assurances

Who would trust Boris Johnson to keep their deepest secret? Would you dare lend him something valuable, and trust him not to flog it off when he needed the cash? These sort of questions are why citizens may balk at giving the prime minister the keys to their GP records, revealing who has addictions, dementia, psychosis, sexually transmitted diseases, has suffered domestic violence or had an abortion. The Guardian

See also:

• GP Data Saves Lives NHS Digital
• Collection of GP Data for Planning and Research to go ahead on 1 September 2021 NHS Digital
• NHS Digital defends new data system that campaigners claim could mean patient data is passed to US tech giants iNews

Why is Corby lagging behind in Covid-19 vaccination race?

Why is Corby lagging behind in Covid-19 vaccination race? Health chiefs admit they are concerned by Corby lagging behind in the Covid-19 vaccination race.

Experts fear a below-average uptake of jabs could leave areas more vulnerable to fast-spreading variants. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also: 

• Why is Northampton lagging behind in Covid-19 vaccination race? Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Boris Johnson ‘considering delaying June 21 lockdown easing by a month’ Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Tell-all dementia podcast created by Northamptonshire mother and daughter nominated for national award

Tell-all dementia podcast created by Northamptonshire mother and daughter nominated for national award A podcast which aims to reduce the stigma associated with dementia created by a Northamptonshire mother and daughter has been nominated for a national award. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

NHS performance summary: April-May 2021

NHS performance summary: April-May 2021 Today, NHS England published the latest data on key activity and performance measures for April and May of this year. Here we show some of these statistics and how they compare with previous trends. Nuffield Trust

See also: 

• Health Foundation calls for investment and innovation as waiting list hits 5m for first time ever The Health Foundation
• 'Covid-19 has redrawn the scale of the challenge facing the NHS' The King's Fund
• Non-covid demand growing rapidly as NHS staff work hard to dent troubling waiting list Nuffield Trust
• Number of people on England’s NHS waiting list tops 5m for first time The Guardian
• Fixing NHS waiting times could cost £40bn, leaked No 10 estimates show The Guardian
• ‘It’s been real mental torture’: one woman’s wait for vital surgery The Guardian

Comparing G7 countries: are excess deaths an objective measure of pandemic performance?

Comparing G7 countries: are excess deaths an objective measure of pandemic performance? League tables are popular. Rankings are satisfying and, at their best, help us to compare performance – understanding who is best, who is worst and, most importantly, why. COVID-19 comparisons are no different and, as we emerge from pandemic and the Prime Minister prepares to host the G7 summit this weekend, academics, politicians and journalists are increasingly comparing how countries have fared. The Health Foundation 

Delivering a Smokefree 2030: The All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health recommendations for the Tobacco Control Plan 2021

Delivering a Smokefree 2030: The All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health recommendations for the Tobacco Control Plan 2021 This report calls for further regulations, increased funding levied from the tobacco industry on a polluter pays principle and investment in the communities where smoking has the biggest impact. All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health 

NHS ahead of target in recovery of elective care, and mental health services back to pre-pandemic levels

NHS ahead of target in recovery of elective care, and mental health services back to pre-pandemic levels Operations and other routine care are ahead of ambitions set out in April with mental health services back at pre-pandemic levels, NHS figures show today. NHS England

See also:

• Three in four people with a learning disability receive NHS annual health check NHS England

Consultation on the appointment and operation of the Patient Safety Commissioner

Consultation on the appointment and operation of the Patient Safety Commissioner This consultation seeks views and any comments from those who may be affected or have a particular interest in the set up and functions of the new Patient Safety Commissioner for England. It closes on 5 August 2021.  Department of Health and Social Care

UK and US agree new partnership to fight future pandemics and tackle health inequalities

UK and US agree new partnership to fight future pandemics and tackle health inequalities Landmark partnership agreed by UK Health Security Agency and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen global response to future pandemics. Department of Health and Social Care

See also: 

• Transparency data: Coronavirus England briefing, 10 June 2021 Department of Health and Social Care
• Weekly national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published Public Health England
• COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report published Public Health England

Five things Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs

Five things Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has answered questions about his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in front of a committee of MPs. BBC News

See also: 

• UK to donate more than 100m surplus vaccine doses, says PM BBC News
• Covid-19: Vaccines minister says a 'big effort' is needed to vaccinate the world BBC News
• Covid-19 UK: Britain DID simulate a coronavirus pandemic but health chiefs WON'T say how it went The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus is detectable next to the beds of COVID-19 patients - but surface transmission is rare The Daily Mail
• COVID-19 vaccines ARE effective in cancer patients: Study finds 94% of patients developed antibodies The Daily Mail
• Covid UK: Indian variant now makes up 91% of all cases, Matt Hancock warns The Daily Mail
• Matt Hancock pledges to hand over any advice on discharges to care homes The Guardian
• Hancock tells MPs: Cummings’ lack of evidence is ‘telling’ The Guardian
• Fingered for failings he’d forgotten, Matt Hancock wriggles free The Guardian
• Eleven pandemic exercises were carried out before Covid, government admits The Independent
• NHS told to identify patients actually sick from Covid-19 separately to those testing positive The Independent

Monkeypox: Two cases identified in north Wales

Monkeypox: Two cases identified in north Wales There have been two cases of monkeypox identified in north Wales, health officials have said.

Public Health Wales (PHW) said the initial case was acquired overseas and both cases were identified in two people from the same household.

Monitoring and contact tracing is taking place and the risk to the general public is very low, PHW added. BBC News

See also: 

• Monkeypox: What is disease detected in UK and what are the symptoms? The Independent

England is on track to completely ELIMINATE the transmission of HIV by 2030, research suggests

England is on track to completely ELIMINATE the transmission of HIV by 2030, research suggests England is on track to have completely eliminated the transmission of HIV by 2030, a promising new study has revealed.

The annual number of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in England fell from 2,770 in 2013 to 854 in 2018, according to the new research. The Daily Mail

See also: 

• Tracking elimination of HIV transmission in men who have sex with men in England: a modelling study (open access) The Lancet HIV
• England on track to achieve elimination of HIV transmission by 2030 as model shows sharp decrease in HIV incidence University of Cambridge

The unlikely beginnings of the 'radical' rainbow NHS badge – and why LGBT+ allyship is still sorely needed in healthcare

The unlikely beginnings of the 'radical' rainbow NHS badge – and why LGBT+ allyship is still sorely needed in healthcare As far as symbols go, there are few more powerful than the Pride flag – but the iconic blue and white lettering of the NHS certainly comes close. Pink News 

Kettering General Hospital rebuild could face delays, MP warns

Kettering General Hospital rebuild could face delays, MP warns The £400m redevelopment of a NHS hospital could face delays unless two separate projects are combined, an MP has warned.

Kettering General Hospital was awarded £46m for a new urgent care hub with £350m to follow for refurbishment.

Philip Hollobone, the town's MP, said the money should be released earlier so the work can happen at the same time. BBC Northampton

Warning of dental timebomb facing north Northants

Warning of dental timebomb facing north Northants A two-year wait to see a dentist - that's the reality for some NHS dental patients; even those who are lucky enough to be registered with a practice.

Places available for NHS contracted dental care in North Northamptonshire are hard to come by with people scrambling for spaces at surgeries. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Exploring Freedom to Speak Up: Supporting the introduction of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role in Primary Care and Integrated Settings

Exploring Freedom to Speak Up: Supporting the introduction of the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role in Primary Care and Integrated Settings A new report from National Guardian’s Office finds that Primary Care providers need further support to implement Freedom to Speak Up effectively.

It illustrates the challenges and benefits of implementing Freedom to Speak Up in different primary care settings.

The protection of personal data in health information systems: principles and processes for public health

The protection of personal data in health information systems: principles and processes for public health Public health institutions are increasingly required to balance fundamental rights and data protection principles. To address this, WHO Europe has released these easy-to-implement guidelines to allow any organisation in public health to increase its level of data protection compliance. World Health Organization

Anne Longfield appointed by NHS to help transform care of children and young people with a learning disability and autism

Anne Longfield appointed by NHS to help transform care of children and young people with a learning disability and autism The NHS has appointed former Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield OBE to help transform the care of children and young people with a learning disability and autism.

As the new independent chair of the Learning Disability and Autism Children and Young People’s Steering Group, Anne will champion the rights of children and young people to ensure they get the support they need at the right time and work closely with the Ministerial led ‘Building the Right Support Board’. NHS England

100,000 help shape Women’s Health Strategy with more urged to come forward before close

100,000 help shape Women’s Health Strategy with more urged to come forward before close Women from under-represented groups urged to respond to government’s call for evidence to shape the future of women’s healthcare.

Women from Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those living in the Midlands and East of England and women between 16 and 18 years old and those over-50 are being urged to respond to the government’s call for evidence. Department of Health and Social Care

Covid: Everyone can see hospitalisations going up, says PM

Covid: Everyone can see hospitalisations going up, says PM Boris Johnson says it is clear that Covid cases are rising and hospitalisations increasing, as a decision on 21 June unlocking looms.

Official figures show more than 1,000 people in the UK are currently in hospital with the disease.

The PM said he needed to assess the extent to which the vaccine rollout has built up protection in the population before progressing with the roadmap. BBC News

See also: 

• Covid: As Matt Hancock faces grilling, what are key questions for him? BBC News
• Travellers at mercy of rogue testing firms, says Which? BBC News
• Covid: How is Europe lifting lockdown restrictions? BBC News
• Coronavirus UK: Neil Ferguson warns SAGE needs 'two to three weeks' more data The Daily Mail
• Birmingham may face tougher travel guidance and surge testing due to Indian variant, experts say The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus UK: NHS 'can cope' with Indian variant if other areas have outbreaks similar to Bolton The Daily Mail
• Will England's Covid restrictions be lifted on June 21 - and when will it be announced? The Daily Telegraph
• Sage modelling warns of risk of ‘substantial’ Covid third wave The Guardian
• Secret planning exercise in 2016 modelled impact of Mers outbreak in UK The Guardian
• Matt Hancock ‘was warned of Covid care home risk in March 2020’ The Guardian
• MPs demand proof of Hancock claims from Dominic Cummings The Guardian
• ‘Intensity’ of Delta importations from overseas set UK on course for sharp rise in Covid cases, say experts The Independent
• NHS hospitals told to protect staff working in PPE during warm weather amid heat stress warning The Independent

Nadine Dorries says women should stand up to doctors

Nadine Dorries says women should stand up to doctors Health minister Nadine Dorries wants women to feel they can demand different treatment, if they are unhappy with how medical staff are looking after them.

Ms Dorries, who deals with patient safety, suicide prevention and mental health, said she was "very aware" women faced inequalities in healthcare.

She said unconscious biases against women had "always been an issue". BBC News

See also:

• Why I despair at our sexist NHS, by health minister Nadine Dorries The Daily Mail

Access to GPs’ patient data key to new treatments, researchers say

Access to GPs’ patient data key to new treatments, researchers say Group of scientists contest privacy concerns that they say are hampering research into illnesses such as long Covid

Researchers have said they could struggle to find new treatments for conditions dealt with by GPs, from long Covid to depression, if they cannot get access to the patient data held by GPs because of concerns over privacy. The Guardian

See also:

• Misinformation on NHS data sharing could scupper vital health research, warn experts The Independent

Dozens of hospitals hit 'dangerous' bed occupancy levels in May, figures suggest

Dozens of hospitals hit 'dangerous' bed occupancy levels in May, figures suggest Dozens of hospitals in England hit dangerous bed occupancy levels at the end of May even though Covid had fizzled out, official figures show.

MailOnline's analysis of the latest NHS data showed 21 trusts had more than 95 per cent of beds filled in the final week of May. One board in London — North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust — had almost every single bed occupied for the whole week. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Huge regional disparities in long hospital waits BBC News

IVF clinics that lie about success rates could be taken to court under new legal guidance

IVF clinics that lie about success rates could be taken to court under new legal guidance IVF clinics that lie about success rates could be taken to court by couples, as the first legal guidance for fertility treatment is published.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the competition regulator, drew up the ground-breaking guidance with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The Daily Telegraph

See also: 

• HFEA backs new consumer law and advertising guidance for IVF clinics Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

MEET KGH'S GOVERNORS: Find out about the group trying to improve patient experience at Kettering's hospital

MEET KGH'S GOVERNORS: Find out about the group trying to improve patient experience at Kettering's hospital The group’s main objective is to help ensure that patients have the best experience possible when they go into hospital

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

See also: 

• MEET KGH's GOVERNORS: Learn about committee which works to ensure the health and well-being of all hospital staff Northamptonshire Telegraph

Residential and nursing care fee rates in West Northamptonshire could rise by 2.65 per cent

Residential and nursing care fee rates in West Northamptonshire could rise by 2.65 per cent Residential and nursing care fee rates could rise by 2.65 per cent if a proposed increase is approved by West Northamptonshire Council.

The council's cabinet will be recommended to approve the rise which is a proposed inflationary uplift for 2021-22 to support market delivery cost pressures. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Invisible deaths: understanding why deaths at home increased during the Covid-19 pandemic

Invisible deaths: understanding why deaths at home increased during the Covid-19 pandemic One of the untold stories of the Covid-19 pandemic is the dramatic rise in the number of people dying at home. Between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and 28 May 2021, over 59,000 (39 per cent) more deaths occurred at home in England and Wales than the average number of home deaths in 2015-19. Moreover, the sustained increase in people dying at home has been evident throughout the pandemic and shows no sign of abating. The King's Fund 

VacciNation: exploring vaccine confidence with people from African, Bangladeshi, Caribbean and Pakistani backgrounds living in England

VacciNation: exploring vaccine confidence with people from African, Bangladeshi, Caribbean and Pakistani backgrounds living in England This report, produced together with Traverse, explores vaccination confidence among people from African, Bangladeshi, Caribbean and Pakistani backgrounds living in the UK. Its research uncovered five ways to increase public confidence: allow for agency; independence of institutions; focus on transparency; localise the approach; and address ambiguity. Healthwatch 

Half a million COVID jabs booked in ‘Glastonbury rush’ this morning

Half a million COVID jabs booked in ‘Glastonbury rush’ this morning The NHS saw a welcome surge in demand for vaccines this morning as half a million life-saving jabs were booked in a rush likened to the annual scramble for Glastonbury tickets. NHS England

See also: 

• Further measures in additional areas to tackle Delta (B1.617.2) variant Department of Health and Social Care

Lockdown lifting: Four numbers to look for this week

Lockdown lifting: Four numbers to look for this week The government faces a difficult choice in the next few days.

Many people are desperate to see the return to normality promised by the final stage of the government's roadmap to lifting lockdown.

But ministers always said 21 June was not set in stone - and could be affected by changes in the pandemic, including the emergence of new variants. BBC News

See also:

• Lockdown may have led to loss of strength and mobility BBC News
• Britain's daily Covid cases rise by 90% in biggest week-on-week jump since BEFORE Christmas The Daily Mail
• Adults with Down syndrome are THREE TIMES more likely to contract COVID-19 The Daily Mail
• COVID-19 misinformation was mainly spread online by bots in Facebook groups, study finds The Daily Mail
• ‘Glastonbury-style’ rush for Covid vaccine by 25- to 29-year-olds in England The Guardian
• Teaching unions call for return of masks to classrooms in England The Guardian
• Sunak could accept four-week delay to ending Covid restrictions in England The Guardian
• Covid vaccine: 25-29 year olds turned away by NHS booking system on first day they are eligible The Independent

Major hospital’s maternity services downgraded to ‘inadequate’ amid fears for mothers and babies

Major hospital’s maternity services downgraded to ‘inadequate’ amid fears for mothers and babies Maternity services at one of England’s biggest hospital trusts has been downgraded from outstanding to inadequate amid fears for the safety of mothers and babies.

The Care Quality Commission has imposed conditions on Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after an unannounced inspection in March warning it was concerned patients could be at risk of harm. The Independent 

NHS trusts hiring non-nurses for nursing roles, union warns

NHS trusts hiring non-nurses for nursing roles, union warns NHS trusts are recruiting people without the right qualifications to act as registered nurses, despite the risk to patients, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned.

It criticised what it claims is a worrying trend driven by the widespread shortage of nurses in England, where there are almost 35,000 unfilled NHS nursing posts. The Guardian

See also: 

• RCN statement calls for employers to value the role of the registered nurse Royal College of Nursing
• NHS trusts replacing nurses with non-nurses compromises safety, warns RCN The Independent

Health chiefs backing jabs and testing to beat rise in Northamptonshire Covid-19 cases

Health chiefs backing jabs and testing to beat rise in Northamptonshire Covid-19 cases Health chiefs say they are prepared for sharp rises in new Covid-19 cases across Northamptonshire.

Numbers of positive tests across the county have gone up by nearly 70 percent in ONE WEEK, according to government data. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• June 21 lockdown lifting ‘to be delayed by two weeks’ to allow time for more jabs Northamptonshire Telegraph

Workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care

Workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care In a highly critical report, the Health and Social Care Committee finds that workforce burnout across the NHS and social care has reached an emergency level and poses a risk to the future functioning of both services.

Only a total overhaul of workforce planning can provide a solution, say MPs.

Though covid-19 had a huge impact on workforce pressures, the Committee was told of staff shortages across the NHS and social care prior to the pandemic, with such shortages identified as ultimately the biggest driver of workforce burnout.

See also:

• ‘Bitter irony’ that health and care staff are made ill by their work The King's Fund
• NHS and social care staff burn-out at an emergency level - report BBC News
• Staff burnout in health and social care putting safety at risk, say MPs The Guardian
• NHS frontline heading for 'burnout emergency' even before Covid Metro
• NHS and social care staff burnout 'extraordinarily dangerous' to future of services, warns MP Hunt Sky News

Organ donation and transplantation 2030: meeting the need

Organ donation and transplantation 2030: meeting the need This strategy sets out a ten-year vision for deceased and living donation and transplantation in the UK. It outlines the key areas that need to be addressed as the UK continues to save and improve more lives through organ donation and transplantation after 2020. It also sets out the actions to support and maximise the potential for living donation, as well as focusing on areas for research and innovation. NHS Blood and Transplant

Chronic pain in adults 2017

Chronic pain in adults 2017 This updated report explores the responses to questions on chronic pain in the 2017 Health Survey for England. It sets out the overall prevalence of chronic pain amongst the general population as well as identifying differences between sub-groups. It examines the site and severity of the chronic pain for those who are experiencing pain, as well as the impact on their mental health. It finishes with an analysis of the use of specialist pain services. Public Health England

NHS COVID vaccine first dose drive enters ‘the home straight’ as final cohort called forward

NHS COVID vaccine first dose drive enters ‘the home straight’ as final cohort called forward The NHS COVID vaccination programme will start inviting remaining adults for their COVID-19 jabs from tomorrow, on the six month anniversary of administering the world-first approved jab. NHS England 

Covid vaccines for 25 to 29-year-olds offered in England

Covid vaccines for 25 to 29-year-olds offered in England People aged 25 and older in England will be able to book a Covid vaccine from Tuesday morning, the health secretary has announced.

And Matt Hancock said that would bring “us ever closer to the goal” of offering all adults in the UK a vaccine by the end of July. BBC News

See also: 

• Fully vaccinated adults had a 91% reduced risk of contracting COVID-19 The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: Covid test positivity three times higher in people returning from Portugal The Daily Mail
• No10's former scientific adviser says ministers should delay June 21 reopening by a 'few weeks' The Daily Mail
• What could it mean if England’s June 21 reopening is delayed? The Daily Telegraph
• Dozens of schools in English Covid hotspots reintroduce mask rules The Guardian
• NHS trust contacts hundreds of families in effort at honesty over Covid hospital infections The Independent
• NHS spending on antidepressants rose by £139m during pandemic, study finds The Pharmaceutical Journal

US approves first new Alzheimer's drug in 20 years

US approves first new Alzheimer's drug in 20 years The first new treatment for Alzheimer's disease for nearly 20 years has been approved by regulators in the United States, paving the way for its use in the UK.

Aducanumab targets the underlying cause of Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, rather than its symptoms.

Charities have welcomed the news of a new therapy for the condition. BBC News

See also:

• Alzheimer drug: 'I'm heading in the right direction' BBC News

Dido Harding defends test and trace and says expectations too high

Dido Harding defends test and trace and says expectations too high Tory peer and former TalkTalk boss confirms she is considering applying for top job at NHS England.

Dido Harding has confirmed she could apply to lead NHS England, and has defended her much-criticised record leading the Covid test-and-trace system, saying the main issue with the service was that “expectations were set too high”.

Covid testing in the UK was now “the envy of the world”, Harding told BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. The Guardian

See also: 

• Dido Harding to head the NHS? Her position would be untenable | Polly Toynbee The Guardian
• Dido Harding ‘thinking about’ applying for NHSE chief exec job HSJ
• Dido Harding may want to be the head of the NHS but some people aren’t so keen The Independent
• Should Dido Harding end up running the NHS? The Spectator

Thousands of UK men to benefit after NHS approves prostate cancer drug

Thousands of UK men to benefit after NHS approves prostate cancer drug Enzalutamide, which can be taken at home, is especially beneficial to those who cannot have chemotherapy

Thousands of men in the UK with advanced prostate cancer are to benefit from a new drug after it was approved for NHS use.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has recommended enzalutamide as an option for treating some types of prostate cancer. The Guardian 

Indian Covid variant now 'dominant' strain in East Northants and South Northants

Indian Covid variant now 'dominant' strain in East Northants and South Northants Latest figures released today by the director for Public Health for Northamptonshire's two councils have revealed that there have been 88 confirmed cases of the new so-called Indian variant of the coronavirus.   Northamptonshire Telegraph 

‘Our son was let down’: Northampton man, 38, who died on the Racecourse ‘fell through mental health net’, inquest hears

‘Our son was let down’: Northampton man, 38, who died on the Racecourse ‘fell through mental health net’, inquest hears Daniel Sullivan's parents feel their son was 'let down by the NHS and other agencies'.

A Northampton man who died last year had been suffering with mental health issues which had worsened in the six months prior to his death, an inquest heard. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Corby's Lakeside Surgery apologises for appointments woes

Corby's Lakeside Surgery apologises for appointments woes A GP surgery has apologised after patients said they were unable to contact them or make appointments.

Lakeside Surgery in Corby, Northamptonshire, said the number of patients trying to contact them each week had risen from 4,000 in April to 7,000 in May.

Patients said they were "frustrated" at a phone system that either cut them off or keep them on hold. BBC Northampton 

What have we learned from a year of NHS Test and Trace?

What have we learned from a year of NHS Test and Trace? NHS Test and Trace celebrated its first birthday last week.

Through its first year, we’ve tracked its up and downs and reported on its successes and failures. In this blog, we reflect on what we learned and what’s to come of this £37bn government programme. The Health Foundation

Ethnicity coding in English health service datasets

Ethnicity coding in English health service datasets The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted ethnic disparities in health care and outcomes in England, but data on the ethnicities of patients remains poor. This report looks at the quality and consistency of ethnicity coding within health datasets and calls on NHS England to provide new guidance for health service providers and GPs. Nuffield Trust

Clinical radiology: UK workforce census 2020 report

Clinical radiology: UK workforce census 2020 report The RCR's annual workforce census reveals huge shortages across radiology departments – both diagnostic radiologists who enable accurate treatment, and interventional radiologists who treat via non-invasive procedures. The RCR report states that without significant investment in workforce, equipment and new ways of working, patients will suffer, diagnoses will be further delayed, and fewer patients will benefit from life-saving minimally invasive interventional radiology. Royal College of Radiologists

Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK

Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK Estimates of the prevalence and characteristics of people with self-reported “long COVID”, and associated activity limitation, using UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey data to 2 May 2021. Office for National Statistics

See also: 

• Continuing to deepen understanding of long COVID and its unequal impact is crucial to protect the nation’s health The Health Foundation
• 375,000 Britons say they are still suffering from Long Covid, official report finds The Daily Mail

NHS vaccine lead urges people not to delay second dose

NHS vaccine lead urges people not to delay second dose The director of England’s NHS COVID vaccination programme, Dr Emily Lawson, is urging people that are contacted to bring forward their second jab, to rebook as soon as possible, after she received her follow-up jab this week. NHS England

See also: 

• Over 40 million people receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in UK Department of Health and Social Care
• Leading dating apps partner with government to boost vaccine uptake Department of Health and Social Care
• Major testing drive ahead of return to schools next week Department of Health and Social Care
• The MHRA concludes positive safety profile for Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
• Sharp rise in people overcoming hesitancy and saying yes to the lifesaving COVID-19 jab NHS England

Covid-19: Government 'open' to delaying 21 June England lockdown end date

Covid-19: Government 'open' to delaying 21 June England lockdown end date The government is "absolutely open" to delaying the final lifting of England's Covid lockdown on 21 June if necessary, the health secretary has said.

Matt Hancock insisted 21 June was a "not before" date to end restrictions and No 10 "would look at the data".

He said the Delta variant first seen in India was about 40% more transmissible than the Alpha (Kent) strain. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: People in hospital with Indian variant not increasing significantly - NHS boss BBC News
• UK Covid infections rise by two-thirds from low level BBC News
• Covid vaccine stickers come to dating apps in UK BBC News
• Covid: PM to push for world vaccination by end of 2022 BBC News
• Coronavirus: UK regulator approves Pfizer Covid vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: Indian 'Delta' variant may raise hospital risk, Public Health England warns The Daily Mail
• Vaccinated Britons can enter France freely from next week The Daily Telegraph
• Catching up in Britain: experts assess the scale of the challenge The Guardian
• What can the UK government do to stave off a third Covid wave? The Guardian
• ‘Mix and match’ Covid booster jabs may be offered in UK The Guardian
• End of lockdown poses Boris Johnson one of his toughest decisions The Guardian
• ‘Broken’ NHS staff ‘terrified’ about 21 June lockdown lifting The Independent
• Will the UK go back into lockdown? Everything we know so far The Independent
• Bolton Covid-19 hospital patients 'a lot younger' than in previous waves of the pandemic, NHS chief says iNews

Patient data transfer still set to start in July

Patient data transfer still set to start in July The government is proceeding with the creation of a central store of data from GP records in England next month, despite the NHS suggesting a delay.

The data is moving to a central NHS Digital database, with the Department of Health saying it expects GPs to introduce the system from 1 July.

The NHS wanted a delay until September so patients had more time to learn about the system, the BBC has learned. BBC News

See also:

• National data opt-out NHS Digital
• What’s happening with your NHS data? Full Fact
• College writes to Health Secretary calling for immediate delay to patient data proposals Royal College of General Practitioners
• Government faces legal challenge over NHS data sharing plan Computing
• BCS: Lack of communication over NHS GPDPR ‘astonishing’ Computer Weekly
• Why are there calls for patient data-sharing scheme to be halted? The Guardian
• The NHS data grab: why we should be concerned about plans for GPs’ records The Guardian
• Labour asks NHS and Matt Hancock to pause plans for sharing patient data The Guardian
• Tell me how you’ll use my medical data. Only then might I sign up | Kenan Malik The Guardian
• The Tories have worked out how to pull off an NHS data grab: do it during a pandemic | Marina Hyde The Guardian
• Plan for NHS to collect patient data from GPs should be delayed over privacy fears, says Labour Sky News

UK needs national register for eating disorder deaths, MPs say

UK needs national register for eating disorder deaths, MPs say Eating disorder deaths need to be recorded on a national register, MPs are urging, as experts warn of an underreported “crisis” in the growing number of people in the UK experiencing life-threatening disorders.

While Office for National Statistics figures show 36 people died in 2019 from conditions such as anorexia, there are concerns this underestimates the true toll. The Guardian

See also:

• ‘Young people need help’: parents call for change in eating disorder care The Guardian

Ambulance staff in Northamptonshire will now wear body cams due to increased assault incidents

Ambulance staff in Northamptonshire will now wear body cams due to increased assault incidents More than 1,000 cases of assault were reported by ambulance staff in the last 12 months.

Ambulance staff across Northamptonshire and the rest of the region will now wear body cameras while on shift due to an increase in the number of assault incidents. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

The invisible epidemic: rethinking the detection and treatment of structural heart disease in Europe

The invisible epidemic: rethinking the detection and treatment of structural heart disease in Europe This report considers the impact of structural heart disease (SHD) in an ageing society. It sets out the health and economic case for governments to invest in SHD, followed by the key barriers that contribute to suboptimal detection and treatment and recommendations for how governments, healthcare systems and patients can address these issues. International Longevity Centre UK 

Providers deliver: collaborating for better care

Providers deliver: collaborating for better care A report by NHS Providers, Providers deliver: collaborating for better care features 14 innovative cases studies which showcase successful cooperation between providers in the acute, mental health, community and ambulance sectors, working together and with local partners.

The case studies provide a striking insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the drive towards collaboration both within and across integrated care systems (ICSs), with providers and wider system partners supporting each other during an incredibly challenging time. 

Clinically led review of urgent and emergency care standards

Clinically led review of urgent and emergency care standards The NHS National Medical Director was asked to review the current NHS access standards to ensure they measure what matters most to patients and clinically. In December 2020, the recommendations from the clinically-led review of NHS access standards for urgent and emergency care were published for consultation alongside the strategy for transforming urgent and emergency care provision. This document summarises the responses to the consultation and next steps. NHS England and NHS Improvement 

Over half of UK adults vaccinated with second dose

Over half of UK adults vaccinated with second dose Over half of UK adults have been vaccinated with a second dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, giving them the strongest possible protection. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Corporate report: G7 Carbis Bay progress report: advancing universal health coverage and global health through strengthening health systems, preparedness and resilience Department of Health and Social Care
• Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK Public Health England
• Research: COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers Public Health England
• Research: Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: variant risk assessments Public Health England
• Research: COVID-19 vaccine surveillance reports Public Health England

Covid: Indian variant 'now dominant' in the UK

Covid: Indian variant 'now dominant' in the UK The variant of coronavirus first identified in India is now the dominant strain in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) has said.

The number of cases confirmed by laboratory analysis rose by 79% over the last week to 12,431.

Scientists believe the variant, now known as Delta, has overtaken the Kent, or Alpha, variant. BBC News

See also:

• UK 'most trusting' country on Covid vaccines BBC News
• Contracting Covid-19 can make you 85% less likely to contract the virus again The Daily Mail
• Neurological symptoms just as likely in people with mild cases of COVID as in severe cases The Daily Mail
• Watch: What happens at a long Covid clinic The Daily Telegraph
• Nurse who spread Covid conspiracy theories that vaccines will 'kill you' struck off The Daily Telegraph
• Covid variants: how much protection do the different vaccines offer? The Guardian

How AI is working with Parkinson’s patients?

How AI is working with Parkinson’s patients? For two weeks recently I got into a steady routine. At 10:30 each morning, I would sit at my kitchen table, strap three devices containing sensors to my right arm, and switch on a tablet computer. Then I would spend 20 minutes going through a series of exercises monitored by a man who popped up in a window on the screen.

The results of my endeavours will, I hope, help millions of people like me dealing with Parkinson's disease. BBC News 

Baby and mother win right to access Healthy Start food scheme

Baby and mother win right to access Healthy Start food scheme A one-year-old baby and her mother have won a high court challenge granting her the right to access a healthy food and vitamins scheme from which she was previously barred. Thousands of babies and toddlers similarly denied access to the scheme will now be able to benefit from it. The Guardian 

Your medical records are about to be given away. As GPs, we’re fighting back

Your medical records are about to be given away. As GPs, we’re fighting back | Ameen Kamlana GP practices in England have been instructed to hand over their patients’ entire medical histories with just six weeks’ notice. Like many GPs, I’m very concerned about the implications this has for my patients. A growing number of us in London have taken taken the decision to pull the plug on the new data-sharing programme with NHS Digital and refuse to hand over patient records. The Guardian 

See also:

• In a couple of weeks your NHS data will be shared with third parties - GPs like me are worried iNews