Covid: UK records more than 150,000 deaths

Covid: UK records more than 150,000 deaths More than 150,000 people in the UK have now died within 28 days of a positive Covid test since the pandemic began.

A further 313 deaths were reported in the government's daily figures on Saturday, taking the total to 150,057.

The UK is the seventh country to pass 150,000 reported deaths, after the US, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru. BBC News

 

See also:

• Covid: Visualising 150,000 UK coronavirus deaths BBC News
• Covid vaccine: Pregnant women urged not to delay getting jab BBC News
• Covid: Hospital boss admits they may lose staff over compulsory vaccines BBC News
• Covid isolation period still under review - Zahawi BBC News
• Look familiar? How rapid tests changed the pandemic BBC News
• Britons DON'T need a fourth jab... yet: Health chiefs say booster doses are working against Omicron The Daily Mail
• None of England's 25 boroughs worst hit by Omicron are now in London The Daily Mail
• How the surge of the omicron variant caught the NHS off guard The Daily Telegraph
• NHS in England hit by highest Covid absences since vaccine rollout The Guardian
• NHS England strikes private hospitals deal to fight Omicron surge The Guardian
• NHS frontline 'stretched perilously thin' by Omicron, warns trusts chief The Independent
• NHS leaders accused of 'bullying' hospitals into silence over scale of Covid crisis The Independent
• Covid variants: How many strains are in circulation and causing concern around the world? The Independent

Calls to male sexual abuse helpline double in 2021

Calls to male sexual abuse helpline double in 2021 More than 7,000 calls, texts and emails were received by Safeline's male helpline in 2021 - more than double the number of 2020.

It's one of several services the charity runs for survivors of sexual abuse, and has seen a huge rise in people reaching out for help. BBC News 

Pledge to bolster GP surgery staff set to be broken, say health leaders

Pledge to bolster GP surgery staff set to be broken, say health leaders A manifesto pledge to hire 26,000 extra health professionals to work in GP surgeries is set to be broken by the government, health leaders have warned, leaving family doctors straining under a heavier workload. The Guardian

Millions could be forced to pay for prescriptions with NHS rule change

Millions could be forced to pay for prescriptions with NHS rule change Elderly people could soon be forced to pay for prescriptions as the Government considers changing who gets their medicine for free. Metro 

Boris Johnson visits Northampton to call out anti-vaxxers labelling them 'completely wrong' and 'counterproductive'

Boris Johnson visits Northampton to call out anti-vaxxers labelling them 'completely wrong' and 'counterproductive' The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in Northampton this afternoon (January 6) to discuss anti-vaxxers.

Mr Johnson visited the county vaccination centre at Moulton Park where he said the people putting 'mumbo jumbo' on social media about Covid-19 vaccines are 'completely wrong'. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also: 

• Covid: Anti-vaccine campaigns are mumbo jumbo, says PM BBC News
• Boris Johnson in Northampton: Prime Minister thanks hospital staff and volunteers at vaccination centre Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• 100,000 critical workers to get daily lateral flow tests from next week Northamptonshire Telegraph
• COVID-19: Boris Johnson attacks anti-vax 'mumbo jumbo' as minister says Omicron peak will be over 'relatively soon' Sky News

2022/23 NHS priorities and operational planning guidance: what you need to know

2022/23 NHS priorities and operational planning guidance: what you need to know This briefing provides a summary and analysis of NHS England and NHS Improvement's latest operational planning guidance and priorities for the service in 2022/23. NHS Confederation

See also: 

• 2022/23 priorities and operational planning guidance NHS England

Official Statistics: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2021 to 2022 season

Official Statistics: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2021 to 2022 season National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses. UK Health Security Agency

See also:

• Record level of flu jab uptake in those aged 65 and over UK Health Security Agency
• Pre-departure testing removed for vaccinated travellers UK Health Security Agency
• Research: COVID-19 vaccine weekly surveillance reports (weeks 39 to 1, 2021 to 2022) UK Health Security Agency

Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK : 6 January 2022

Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK : 6 January 2022 An estimated 1.3 million people living in private households in the UK (2.0% of the population) were experiencing self-reported long COVID (symptoms persisting for more than four weeks after the first suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) infection that were not explained by something else) as of 6 December 2021. Office for National Statistics

See also: 

• UK survey suggests 1.3 million have long Covid BBC News

Covid: Deadly Omicron should not be called mild, warns WHO

Covid: Deadly Omicron should not be called mild, warns WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against describing the Omicron variant as mild, saying it is killing people across the world.

Recent studies suggest that Omicron is less likely to make people seriously ill than previous Covid variants.

But the record number of people catching it has left health systems under severe pressure, said WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. BBC News

See also: 

• Covid: Mask refusals in England's secondary schools causing concern BBC News
• Covid: The Army sends 200 personnel to support the NHS in London BBC News
• Covid: Evidence on face masks in schools 'inconclusive' BBC News
• 'Crisis actor' conspiracy theory: How anti-vax activists targeted a Covid patient BBC News
• Covid UK: Yet ANOTHER study suggests London's Omicron crisis has peaked The Daily Mail
• At least 5,000 Covid patients in England are NOT primarily in hospital for virus: analysis The Daily Mail
• Hospital stays for Covid patients are getting shorter The Daily Mail
• Hospitals outside London ‘expect more Covid patients than last January’  The Guardian
• UK reports 179,756 new Covid cases as Omicron surge continues The Guardian
• IHU: How dangerous is new Covid variant and where has it spread? The Independent
• How effective are the Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines against Omicron? The Independent
• Scam PCR test text message claiming to be from NHS taken down The Independent
• COVID-19: Steep rise in hospital admissions among elderly will send shudders through NHS Sky News

UK faces legal action for approving firm accused of using forced labour as PPE supplier

UK faces legal action for approving firm accused of using forced labour as PPE supplier The UK government is facing legal action over its decision to keep using a Malaysian company accused of using forced labour as a supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the NHS.

Lawyers at the London-based law firm Wilson Solicitors have filed for a judicial review of the government’s decision to name the UK subsidiary of the Malaysian company Supermax as one of the approved suppliers in a new £6bn contract for disposable gloves for NHS workers. The Guardian

See also:

• Tory peer Michelle Mone secretly involved in PPE firm she referred to government The Guardian

Are free prescriptions being scrapped? Why there are fears of NHS medicine charges for over-60s from April

Are free prescriptions being scrapped? Why there are fears of NHS medicine charges for over-60s from April Vulnerable older people may have to choose between food and medicine if the Government increases the age at which they can access free NHS prescriptions, campaigners have warned.

Raising the upper age exemption in England from 60 to 66, in line with the state pension age, would be a “disaster for tens of thousands of people who may face a new barrier to accessing their vital medicines”, said the Prescription Charges Coalition. iNews

First case of human H5-type bird flu found in UK

First case of human H5-type bird flu found in UK A duck expert has been identified as the first person in Britain to be infected with a deadly strain of H5 bird flu.

Alan Gosling, 79, tested positive for the virus during routine swabbing after the flock of Muscovy ducks he kept at his home in Buckfastleigh, Devon, became infected and were culled last week. The Daily Telegraph

See also: 

• Human case of avian flu detected in UK UK Health Security Agency
• Human case of bird flu detected in the UK BBC News
• Bird flu: ‘Very rare’ case detected in person in southwest England The Independent

Global dementia cases will TRIPLE by 2050 unless people adopt healthier lifestyles, study warns

Global dementia cases will TRIPLE by 2050 unless people adopt healthier lifestyles, study warns Dementia cases will triple by 2050 unless people adopt healthier lifestyles and education improves, a major study suggests.

Experts warn of a potential dementia time bomb, with 153million living with the condition worldwide within decades.

This is up from 57million in 2019, with the soaring numbers fuelled by growing and ageing populations as well as poor diets and a lack of exercise. The Daily Mail

See also: 

• Estimation of the global prevalence of dementia in 2019 and forecasted prevalence in 2050: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (open access) The Lancet Public Health

Northamptonshire's mental health phoneline received more than 3100 calls for help in 11 days over festive period

Northamptonshire's mental health phoneline received more than 3100 calls for help in 11 days over festive period Northamptonshire' s mental health help line received more than 3,100 calls in just 11 days during the festive season, averaging more than calls per day.

The mental health number, which was launched back in April 2020, is a 24/ hour telephone helpline designed as the only number you need to call for mental health support in the county. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

One in eight in Northamptonshire had a New Year's resolution to quit smoking

One in eight in Northamptonshire had a New Year's resolution to quit smoking Figures show up to one in eight people in Northamptonshire went into 2022 considering quitting smoking.

Public Health England data shows 13.1 percent of the area's adults — around 75,000 people — smoked in 2020, above the national average of 12.1 percent. Northamptonshire Telegraph

2021: the health policy year in 12 charts

2021: the health policy year in 12 charts 2021 may have been another ‘year of Covid’ but there was still plenty of other health policy news, notes and data to recap in our annual round-up of the year. So before we turn the page to 2022, let’s take our annual chart-based look at the year that was. The King's Fund 

Omicron and emergency care crisis could derail plans to tackle backlog, warn MPs

Omicron and emergency care crisis could derail plans to tackle backlog, warn MPs The Health and Social Care Committee’s Report on clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic finds that the elective recovery plans are threatened by pressure on emergency care with a record number of 999 calls and waiting times in emergency departments at record levels.  

The Report concludes that tackling the wider backlog caused by the pandemic is a major and ‘unquantifiable’ challenge. It calls for a broad national health and care recovery plan to include mental health, primary care, community care, and social care as well as emergency care.  

See also: 

• Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic (report) Health and Social Care Committee
• BMA says the Government must listen in order to end the staffing crisis BMA
• Government must be realistic about the time and resources needed to clear the NHS backlog The Health Foundation
• Response to HSCSC inquiry on the backlog of care caused by the pandemic NHS Confederation
• RCN comments on Health and Social Care Committee report ‘Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic' Royal College of Nursing
• RCP responds to the Health and Social Care Committee's report on clearing the backlog Royal College of Physicians
• RCGP responds to Health and Social Care Committee Report on NHS backlog Royal College of General Practitioners
• Fix NHS staffing crisis to tackle waiting lists backlog, warn MPs BBC News
• Government told to 'wake up' over NHS staff crisis as MPs highlight pressure on GPs GPonline
• MPs call for urgent action to tackle NHS treatment waiting list The Guardian

Urgent steps needed now to avoid staffing crisis in the NHS

Urgent steps needed now to avoid staffing crisis in the NHS The NHS is facing a staffing crisis which threatens the quality of patient care unless urgent steps are taken now by the Government to help alleviate the mounting pressure on front-line services.

The NHS Confederation, which represents the whole healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is calling for a range of measures to be taken in the NHS in England to support hospitals, ambulance services, mental health and community providers, primary care and social care providers.

See also: 

• Ministers must act now on NHS staffing crisis, health chiefs warn The Guardian
• Assurances NHS is not overwhelmed ‘will not chime’ with experience of staff The Independent

Covid: Boris Johnson confirms Plan B rules to continue for three weeks

Covid: Boris Johnson confirms Plan B rules to continue for three weeks England's current Plan B rules will continue for now, Boris Johnson has confirmed - as new figures show a record one in 15 people had Covid on New Year's Eve.

In an update to MPs, the prime minister said the Covid measures will be reviewed again by 26 January. BBC News

See also: 

• Shapps: No PCR needed for asymptomatic Covid cases BBC News
• Covid: PCR not needed after positive lateral flow under new plans BBC News
• Covid: French uproar as Macron vows to 'piss off' unvaccinated BBC News
• Record 3.3 MILLION people - one in 15 - had Covid on New Year's Eve in England The Daily Mail
• NHS workers left empty handed in scramble for lateral flows The Daily Mail
• Hundreds of UK care homes are closing their doors to new patients The Daily Mail
• PCR vs LFT: Lateral flows can cut Covid isolation but could leave one in 10 with false positive The Daily Telegraph
• At least 24 NHS trusts declare critical incidents due to Covid pressures The Guardian
• ‘Covid is affecting all of acute care – so the system sludges up’ The Guardian
• People urged to report results of home Covid tests after follow-up PCRs suspended The Guardian
• Will the UK’s Covid booster campaign pick up speed in January? The Guardian
• Covid: UK reports 194747 new cases as pressure mounts on NHS and hospitals cancel surgeries The Independent
• Nurses in 'disbelief' as PM fails to act despite NHS being 'more broken than ever' Nursing Notes
• Will Omicron tip the NHS into a winter crisis? Sky News

NHS hospital uses robot technology

NHS hospital uses robot technology The NHS is facing unprecedented challenges with long waiting lists for treatment and staff shortages.

But could robots be part of the solution? 

A hospital in Bristol is already using robots to improve efficiency in some behind the scenes roles and is now experimenting with how robots might interact with patients. BBC News

Nurse ‘victimised’ for wearing cross at work was unfairly dismissed, tribunal rules

Nurse ‘victimised’ for wearing cross at work was unfairly dismissed, tribunal rules A nurse who claimed she was victimised for wearing a necklace with a Christian cross at work has won a case for unfair dismissal.

Mary Onuoha, a theatre practitioner at Croydon university hospital, Surrey, was discriminated against and harassed, an employment tribunal ruled on Wednesday. The Guardian 

New map shows Northampton's Covid hotspots

New map shows Northampton's Covid hotspots Covid-19 cases spread so fast in Northampton between Christmas and New Year the government's interactive map needed a new colour to show spiralling infections. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Northampton General Hospital restricts visitors BBC Northampton
• Follow-up PCR testing rules to be ‘relaxed’ to tackle staff shortages Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Fears over Covid-19 spread behind Northampton General Hospital suspending visiting for majority of patients Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• People warned not to share pictures of Covid lateral flow tests online Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Jabs army on target to give 380,000 people a Covid-19 booster in Northamptonshire by end of 2021 Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Northamptonshire hit with nine Covid black spots as cases soar Northants Live

East Midlands Ambulance Service receives record-breaking number of calls in first few hours of 2022

East Midlands Ambulance Service receives record-breaking number of calls in first few hours of 2022 The ambulance service that covers Northamptonshire received a record-breaking number of calls in the first few hours of 2022. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Another year, another variant, but what lies in store for the NHS and social care in 2022?

Another year, another variant, but what lies in store for the NHS and social care in 2022? As I wrote 2021’s New Year blog exactly a year ago, the Alpha variant of Covid-19 was laying waste to the green shoots of recovery we’d begun to see emerge across health and care after the first wave of the pandemic. Back then, the vaccination programme was in its infancy, but still offered the hope of an ultimate end to the Covid-19 crisis. Here I write at the end of 2021, where once again recovery – for the country, for the NHS and for social care – is on hold as a new and deadly race takes place between the Omicron variant and another wave of vaccination. This is not where we wanted to be. The King's Fund 

Time for action: investing in comprehensive mental health support for children and young people

Time for action: investing in comprehensive mental health support for children and young people This report, published together with the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition, highlights the historic underinvestment in children and young people’s mental health, and the postcode lottery of support which has resulted. Public spending on children’s mental health lags behind investment in adult mental health services and there is wide variation in the amount spent per child in different areas. The report calls for a comprehensive mental health investment strategy for 0-25 year olds. Centre for Mental Health 

Telephone survey two: PCNs and Covid-19

Telephone survey two: PCNs and Covid-19 The purpose of the telephone survey was to try and understand the role primary care networks (PCNs) had played in response to the Covid-19 pandemic; focussing on whether the pandemic had influenced and shaped the development and operation of PCNs and whether PCNs had worked collectively or as individual practices in their Covid-19 response. This short report comprises data collected between August and December 2020. Data is from eighteen qualitative telephone interviews with clinical commissioning group staff from across England. Policy Research Unit in Commissioning and the Healthcare System 

New campaign launch reveals 6 major health benefits to losing weight

New campaign launch reveals 6 major health benefits to losing weight A new Better Health marketing campaign has been launched today to help people prevent risks of developing serious illness and help reduce the risk of being hospitalised with COVID-19.

Better Health is working in partnership with 15 weight management and physical activity partners who are providing both free and discounted offers and the website will also signpost to local weight management support. Department of Health and Social Care 

One year anniversary of UK deploying Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine

One year anniversary of UK deploying Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine One year ago, Tuesday 4 January 2021, the UK became the first country in the world to administer the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Testing measures to ensure young people return to classrooms Department of Health and Social Care
• More than two million jabs up for grabs over next week NHS England
• NHS Reports More Than A Quarter Of A Million Covid Boosters Over Jabby New Year NHS England
• Research: COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over UK Health Security Agency
• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency

Is the end of Omicron in sight?

Is the end of Omicron in sight? Much as we'd all like the disruptions caused by Omicron to be reduced, it is still too early to know its trend, explains Matthew Taylor. NHS Confederation 

Covid: Boris Johnson plans to 'ride out' Omicron wave with no more curbs

Covid: Boris Johnson plans to 'ride out' Omicron wave with no more curbs Boris Johnson says he hopes England can "ride out" the current wave of Covid-19 without further restrictions.

But he acknowledged parts of the NHS would feel "temporarily overwhelmed" amid a surge of Omicron cases.

The prime minister said there was a "good chance" he would not impose fresh measures and would recommend continuing the government's "Plan B" strategy in England to ministers on Wednesday. BBC News

See also: 

• Covid: Six hospital trusts declare 'critical incident' over staff shortages BBC News
• Covid: Critical incidents declared over staff shortages BBC News
• Covid: Greater Manchester pauses non-urgent surgery BBC News
• Covid: Israel Omicron spike could bring herd immunity but with risks - health boss BBC News
• Covid 19: Lateral flow tests 'very accurate for positive cases' BBC News
• Covid: Vaccines for all every four to six months not needed, says expert BBC News
• Covid England: Up to 85% of Omicron hospitalisations have NOT had booster vaccine, data shows The Daily Mail
• WHO hails 'good news' that ultra-infectious variant is less likely to penetrate deep into lungs The Daily Mail
• UK's Covid cases rise by another 45% in a week to 157,758 The Daily Mail
• Private firms tasked with helping NHS during the Covid pandemic pocketed £72million in furlough The Daily Mail
• Fourth Covid jab: We can’t vaccinate the planet every six months, says JCVI chief The Daily Telegraph
• Can the UK cope with the Omicron surge? The Guardian
• Parts of NHS may be overwhelmed by Covid wave, admits Boris Johnson The Guardian
• NHS is in crisis but the roots go much further back than Omicron The Guardian
• UK Covid test distributor shut for Christmas after receiving 2.5m kits The Guardian
• Plan B is working, says minister despite NHS trusts declaring critical incidents The Independent
• IHU: How dangerous is new Covid variant and where has it spread? The Independent

Revealed: More than 300m expired PPE items in UK stockpile

Revealed: More than 300m expired PPE items in UK stockpile More than 300m items of PPE in the government's national stockpile cannot be used by frontline health workers because they have passed their expiry date, The Independent can reveal. 

Lockdown hobbies led to thousands of injuries in England, NHS data suggests

Lockdown hobbies led to thousands of injuries in England, NHS data suggests Popular lockdown pursuits such as cooking, DIY and buying pets led to thousands of people needing hospital care for injuries, figures suggest.

Analysis of hospital admissions in England by the PA Media news agency showed that thousands were treated for injuries sustained as a result of activities that surged in popularity as people were confined to their homes. The Guardian 

NHS unable to treat every child with eating disorder as cases soar

NHS unable to treat every child with eating disorder as cases soar The NHS can no longer treat every child with an eating disorder, a leading psychiatrist has warned, as “worrying” figures reveal hospital admissions have risen 41% in a year.

A dramatic surge in cases during the pandemic has left already struggling community services overstretched with many unable to care for everyone who requires help, experts said. The Guardian

See also: 

• Hospital admissions with a primary or secondary diagnosis of eating disorders NHS Digital

Life-extending prostate drug is ruled out for NHS use as officials deem it's not worth the money

Life-extending prostate drug is ruled out for NHS use as officials deem it's not worth the money A life-extending prostate cancer drug has been rejected for use on the NHS after officials ruled it is not worth the money.

The innovative drug is the first ‘precision treatment’ for the disease, which treats men based on the genetic make-up of their cancer.

It has already been approved for use in Scotland but will not be available to men in England and Wales. The Daily Mail

See also: 

• Olaparib for previously treated, hormone-relapsed metastatic prostate cancer with homologous recombination repair gene mutations [ID1640] NICE

Wishing all our readers a very happy Christmas

We would like to wish all our readers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. 

Our health news service will be taking a break over the Christmas holiday but we will be back on Wednesday the 5th of January in what we hope will be a better 2022 for everyone.

The Library Team 

People with Omicron variant 50-70% less likely to be hospitalised, UKHSA says

People with Omicron variant 50-70% less likely to be hospitalised, UKHSA says People are 50-70% less likely to be hospitalised with Omicron compared to previous strains of Covid-19, according to new evidence by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Covid-19: Is it safe to have an unvaccinated guest at home? BBC Cambridgeshire
• This is when Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement on Covid rules for England Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Care workers in Northamptonshire to get £600 bonus for 'powering through' Covid-19 pandemic Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Councillor fears over Omicron spread in 'too small' meeting rooms, as Corby Cube remains closed Northamptonshire Telegraph

Thief jailed for stealing laptops and phones after office break-in at Northampton General Hospital

Thief jailed for stealing laptops and phones after office break-in at Northampton General Hospital A callous thief has been jailed for breaking into an office at Northampton General Hospital and staling phones and laptops from the NHS. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

What just happened? Health and care policy in 2021

What just happened? Health and care policy in 2021 A podcast that takes a look over the year that was in health and care, 2021. Helen McKenna and Siva Anandaciva, two of The King’s Fund’s leading policy experts, review the key themes of 2021; Covid-19, waiting times and performance, the reform agenda, funding and the workforce.

RCP survey finds one in ten doctors off work

RCP survey finds one in ten doctors off work RCP’s thirteenth survey of members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that absence due to illness is rising, particularly in London.

Across the UK, more than 1 in 10 (10.5%) doctors are off work and 1 in 24 (4.2%) due to COVID. In London these figures increase to 1 in 7 (13.9%) off work and 1 in 13 (7.4%) due to COVID. Royal College of Physicians

UK hits 30 million boosters as push continues to Get Boosted Now

UK hits 30 million boosters as push continues to Get Boosted Now More than 30 million people – over 56% of adults in the UK – have now had their COVID-19 booster during a record-breaking week for top-up jabs. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency
• Latest REACT-1 findings show Omicron infections rising fast, while highlighting success of vaccination programmes UK Health Security Agency
• Guidance: The R value and growth rate UK Health Security Agency
• Research: Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: variant risk assessments UK Health Security Agency
• Official Statistics: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2021 to 2022 season UK Health Security Agency

Omicron: Good news, bad news and what it all means

Omicron: Good news, bad news and what it all means The world is being hit by a tsunami of Omicron. Scientists, politicians and indeed all of us are grappling with what it means for our lives.

Restrictions are tightening in parts of the UK and other European countries in order to tackle the new variant.

There's a constant stream of new information - some worrying, some positive. So where do we stand? BBC News

See also:

• Rising numbers of NHS staff off work due to Covid BBC News
• Omicron: 'First signs of cautious optimism' - Dr Susan Hopkins BBC News
• Covid: Booster rollout to continue on Christmas Day BBC News
• Omicron up to 70% less likely to need hospital care BBC News
• Half of colds will be Covid, warn UK researchers BBC News
• Covid cases in South Africa's ground zero fall rapidly one month after its outbreak The Daily Mail
• One in three Britons believe the pandemic will never end, study finds The Daily Telegraph
• UK records 119,789 new Covid cases in one day, its highest total ever The Guardian
• Keep Christmas plans small to help NHS fight Omicron, doctors plead The Guardian
• Voices of Covid doctors: 'It was always about trying to save you' – video The Guardian
• Vallance hits back at Tory accusations of Omicron fear-mongering The Guardian
• Hospitals face being ‘overwhelmed’, Javid warns amid soaring NHS staff sickness as Omicron spreads on wards The Independent
• Omicron is latest blow to pandemic-weary front-line workers The Independent
• We will have to keep turning to lockdowns until the government boosts the NHS's capacity to deal with Covid iNews

Surgeons use 3D technology on patient for first time

Surgeons use 3D technology on patient for first time An 11-year-old has become the first patient in the country to have kidney surgery using specialist 3D equipment.

Libby, from Watchet, Somerset, was suffering from kidney and bladder complications which meant she was often in severe pain.

Surgeons were able to operate on her faster and with greater accuracy using 3D technology during keyhole surgery. BBC News

West Suffolk hospital chair resigns after whistleblowing scandal

West Suffolk hospital chair resigns after whistleblowing scandal The chair of West Suffolk hospital trust has resigned over a whistleblowing scandal exposed by the Guardian, as fresh questions are asked over why the trust continues to pay at least £270,000 a year to its former chief executive.

Sheila Childerhouse was criticised by an independent NHS report for her failure to question senior executives who had hounded Dr Patricia Mills after Mills had raised concerns about a colleague seen injecting himself with drugs while on duty.

Ministers choose top banker with 'an outsider's eye' to run NHS England

Ministers choose top banker with 'an outsider's eye' to run NHS England A senior British banker is set to become the new chairman of NHS England, after ministers sought an “outside eye” to make the health service accountable for its additional funding.

Richard Meddings, a former chairman of TSB Bank, is the Government’s preferred candidate for the role, which will become vacant early next year when the current incumbent, Lord Prior of Brampton, steps down early. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Sajid Javid wants ex-TSB boss Richard Meddings - who presided over the bank's infamous IT meltdown - for top NHS England chairman job The Daily Mail
• Ex-TSB boss Richard Meddings lined up for NHS England chairman role The Independent

Christmas Day freedom for more than 2,500 in Northamptonshire after Covid self-isolation period cut from ten days to just a week

Christmas Day freedom for more than 2,500 in Northamptonshire after Covid self-isolation period cut from ten days to just a week More than 2,500 people could be free to enjoy Christmas Day across Northamptonshire after ministers reduced the ten-day self-isolation requirement to a week. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• NHS bosses in East of England asked to find extra Covid beds BBC News
• Omicron is now the dominant strain of Covid in England, figures suggest Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Children to be offered Covid vaccine as JCVI issues new advice Northamptonshire Telegraph

Rise deaths of people waiting for drug treatment in Northamptonshire, figures show

Rise deaths of people waiting for drug treatment in Northamptonshire, figures show The number of people who died while undergoing drug treatment in Northamptonshire has risen, figures show.

Amid a rise in fatalities nationally, drug reform charity Release warned that drug-related death rates are higher among those not in contact with treatment services. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Northampton neighbourhood slams NHS staff over six-year parking 'nightmare' in busy estate

Northampton neighbourhood slams NHS staff over six-year parking 'nightmare' in busy estate A Northampton neighbourhood has spoken out about the 'nightmare' that rogue car parking is having on their estate. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Bridging the gap: protecting the nation from public health threats

Bridging the gap: protecting the nation from public health threats This report examines the UK’s policies and approach to health protection including the availability of the specialist resources, knowledge and skills needed to tackle the many diverse and challenging public health threats. Deloitte

Government sets clear ambition to close gender health gap

Government sets clear ambition to close gender health gap Decades of gender health inequality will be addressed as the government publishes its vision to reset the dial on women’s health.

The Vision for Women’s Health sets out key government commitments on women’s health, while recognising the system wide changes needed to tackle some of the issues raised, to be addressed by the upcoming Women’s Health Strategy in spring 2022. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Policy paper: Our Vision for the Women’s Health Strategy for England Department of Health and Social Care
• Consultation outcome: Women's Health Strategy: Call for Evidence Department of Health and Social Care
• Women's health ambassador appointment to improve care BBC News
• NHS 'has been neglecting women's health for decades': Ministers pledge to end sexism and stigma The Daily Mail
• Ministers pledge to ‘reset the dial’ on women’s health in England The Guardian
• A strategy for women’s health in England: six areas of focus The Guardian
• Finally the UK has noticed its rampant sexism in healthcare. What now? The Guardian

JCVI issues new vaccination advice for children and young people

JCVI issues new vaccination advice for children and young people Following extensive assessment of the risks and benefits of vaccinations for 5 to 11 year olds, including analysis of clinical trial results and real-world international data, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has updated its advice for this age group.

Children aged 5 to 11, who are in a clinical risk group or who are a household contact of someone (of any age) who is immunosuppressed, should be offered a primary course of vaccination. UK Health Security Agency

See also: 

• Carers urged to get COVID-19 booster now Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: Coronavirus Act 2020: status Department of Health and Social Care
• UK hits 30 million boosters as push continues to Get Boosted Now Department of Health and Social Care
• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency

Health staff ‘wrung dry’ by pandemic pressures,

Health staff ‘wrung dry’ by pandemic pressures More than two thirds (69%) of health staff say they’ve experienced burnout during the pandemic, and three in five (62%) feel overwhelmed after long, intense shifts, according to a UNISON survey. 

Omicron wave appears milder, but concern remains

Omicron wave appears milder, but concern remains The wave of Omicron appears to be milder according to preliminary studies published in the UK and South Africa.

Early evidence suggests fewer people are needing hospital treatment than with other variants - with estimates ranging from a 30% to a 70% reduction.

But the concern remains that even if Omicron is milder, the sheer number of cases could overwhelm hospitals. BBC News

See also: 

• SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike mediated immune escape, infectivity and cell-cell fusion (open access) bioRxiv
• Report 50: Hospitalisation risk for Omicron cases in England (open access) Imperial College Covid Response Team
• Early assessment of the clinical severity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in South Africa (open access) medRxiv
• Omicron may be significantly better at evading vaccine-induced immunity, but less likely to cause severe disease University of Cambridge
• Covid: Ministers watch data as studies say Omicron risk lower BBC News
• Daily Covid-19 cases in the UK exceed 100,000 for first time BBC News
• Global Covid vaccine rollout a stain on our soul - Brown BBC News
• Health Secretary Sajid Javid promises millions more antivirals for UK BBC News
• NHS staffing crisis timebomb: 130000 workers are STILL not fully jabbed The Daily Mail
• Covid alert levels explained: What Level 4 means for you as omicron cases rise The Daily Telegraph
• NHS may set up ‘field hospitals’ in car parks to cope with Omicron The Guardian
• Covid: how has the pandemic changed in the UK in 2021? The Guardian
• New Year’s Eve plans in England may have to be cancelled, says minister The Guardian
• Public support for lockdown measures is disintegrating - a new approach is needed | Owen Jones The Guardian
• Innate immune response of children ‘better at fighting Covid’, new study suggests The Independent
• Inside UK intensive care hospital ward where 4 out of 5 patients are unvaccinated The Mirror

NHS England to offer life-changing drug to children with peanut allergy

NHS England to offer life-changing drug to children with peanut allergy Children in the UK will be the first in Europe to receive a life-changing treatment for peanut allergies, after NHS England secured a deal for a drug that decreases the severity of symptoms including anaphylaxis.

The oral treatment, Palforzia, will be available to up to 600 children aged four to 17 the first year and 2,000 the following year. The Guardian 

See also: 

• Palforzia for treating peanut allergy (guideline in development) NICE

GPs must not send patients to pharmacy without proper referral, says NHS England

GPs must not send patients to pharmacy without proper referral, says NHS England GPs must not ‘informally’ send patients to community pharmacies while prioritising Covid booster vaccinations, NHS England has said.

Instead, they must make a referral to the community pharmacist consultation service (CPCS) for the patient’s minor illness symptoms making them eligible for the service ‘via the locally agreed electronic referral route’. Pulse 

Extra Covid tests required from today for visitors to Northampton General Hospital childrens' wards

Extra Covid tests required from today for visitors to Northampton General Hospital childrens' wards People visiting Northampton General Hospital children's wards face extra Covid testing from today.

Parents or guardians need to take regular PCR tests and will not be able to visit kids together. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Wollaston emergency body storage unit ready for reactivation - and it's not if, but when Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Scientists ‘discover' way to speed up vaccine production for future pandemics Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Covid forces cancellation of Northamptonshire village Carols on the Square Christmas Eve event for second year running Northamptonshire Telegraph

'It wasn't the death she deserved': Northampton man backs assisted dying law after terminally ill mum takes her own life

'It wasn't the death she deserved': Northampton man backs assisted dying law after terminally ill mum takes her own life Adam Wellesley and his sister were questioned by police after their terminally ill mum took her life and now he is backing the Dignity in Death campaign as momentum builds up across the UK and Ireland. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Over two thirds of eligible adults boosted ahead of Christmas

Over two thirds of eligible adults boosted ahead of Christmas More than two thirds of people aged 18 and over and who are eligible, have now received their top up protection against COVID-19 as the NHS booster campaign continues to protect the nation against the virus.

In total, 25,130,453 people who are three months on from their second dose have already been boosted in England, with the online service opening to eligible adults last Wednesday. NHS England

See also: 

• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency
• Test and Trace services continue over the festive period UK Health Security Agency
• Guidance: COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC) UK Health Security Agency

Covid: Self-isolation cut from 10 days to seven with negative test

Covid: Self-isolation cut from 10 days to seven with negative test People infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice, it has been announced.

They will now be able to end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it would minimise disruption caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. BBC News

See also: 

• Covid: No new restrictions in England before Christmas - Boris Johnson BBC News
• Covid-19: Israel could become the first country to give four vaccine doses BBC News
• Covid Omicron: European nations reinstate restrictions BBC News
• Many mutations of Omicron variant allow it to bond with human cells better than other Covid strains The Daily Mail
• Boris Johnson's pledge to get every adult a booster jab by New Year looks a bust The Daily Mail
• Previous Delta infection alone provides little protection against Omicron The Daily Mail
• Government will have to act before Christmas if hospitalisations increase, warns expert The Daily Telegraph
• GP practices forced to close or reduce services after COVID-19 outbreaks GPonline
• Suspected Covid outbreaks in UK hospitals double in a week The Guardian
• Minister says Covid plan B has caused significant behaviour change – video The Guardian
• UK government’s wait for Omicron evidence is a high-stakes gamble The Guardian
• How long is Omicron’s incubation period? The Independent
• Hospitals braced for ‘mass casualty’ scenario amid fears one-third of NHS staff could be off sick The Independent

Councils call for billions of pounds to be diverted from NHS to social care

Councils call for billions of pounds to be diverted from NHS to social care Town halls in England are calling for billions of pounds a year earmarked for the NHS to be diverted to social care amid warnings of severe care worker shortages and hundreds of thousands of people not getting the help they need.

The cross-party Local Government Association wants a rethink of the government policy announced in October, which is to reserve 85% of receipts from the new 1.25% health and social care tax for the health service. The Guardian 

Just 10% of patients take up 40% of GP appointments and visit their practice 60 TIMES a year

Just 10% of patients take up 40% of GP appointments and visit their practice 60 TIMES a year Family doctors are being overwhelmed by a small group of ‘frequent attenders’ who have five times more appointments than other patients, research shows.

A study of 1.7 billion GP consultations over the past two decades UK found 40 per cent of all appointments are taken up by just ten per cent of patients.

These ‘regulars’ attend their GP surgery around 60 times a year, five times more than other patients. The Daily Mail

See also: 

• Consultation patterns and frequent attenders in UK primary care from 2000 to 2019: a retrospective cohort analysis of consultation events across 845 general practices (open access) BMJ Open

Top 10 NHS IT stories of 2021

Top 10 NHS IT stories of 2021 Technology has been central to the National Health Service response to the Covid-19 pandemic – we look back at the stories that made the headlines on 2021. Computer Weekly

Tougher Covid rules a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, NHS boss says

Tougher Covid rules a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, NHS boss says Tougher Covid restrictions in the wake of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant have been described as ‘inevitable’ by a key NHS organisation.

The NHS Confederation, a membership body for healthcare providers and staff across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said it was a question of “when, rather than if” new rules would be introduced. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• KGH doctor: 'How we remembered Covid victims as PM joined wine and cheese event' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Response issued after claim that first Omicron death in UK happened in Northampton Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• New restrictions ‘unlikely’ to cancel Christmas despite Omicron surge Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Scientists create 10-step guide on planning safe household mixing this Christmas Northamptonshire Telegraph

Kettering General Hospital: Bereaved family create journal for patient families

Kettering General Hospital: Bereaved family create journal for patient families The family of a child who died as a result of neglect in hospital have created a journal to help other parents. BBC Northampton

That was the year that was: health policy in 2021

That was the year that was: health policy in 2021 In another year shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, we explore some key health policy developments and look ahead to what 2022 might have in store. 

With Omicron dominating the headlines and a public inquiry into the handling of COVID-19 on the horizon, has government learned – and acted on – the lessons from the start of the pandemic?  

As the NHS faces the huge task of COVID-19 recovery, how will the debate about NHS performance and funding play out? Will the Health and Care Bill going through parliament be ready to come into effect next April, and what might it mean for the health system? Podcast from The Health Foundation

Professional nurse advocate A-EQUIP model: a model of clinical supervision for nurses

Professional nurse advocate A-EQUIP model: a model of clinical supervision for nurses This document describes the professional nurse advocate (PNA) role and the A-EQUIP (Advocating and Educating for QUality ImProvement) model of professional nursing leadership and clinical supervision, and provides guidance on their implementation, including key actions for each relevant group. NHS England

Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview

Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview An overview and summary of case data for Omicron focusing on confirmed and SGTF cases in the UK. UK Health Security Agency

 

See also:

• 1.5 million top-up jabs recorded in NHS ‘blockbooster’ weekend NHS England
• NHS opens bookings for 12-15s to get second COVID jab NHS England
• Research: COVID-19: reported SARS-CoV-2 deaths in England UK Health Security Agency

WHO urges cancelling some holiday events over Omicron fears

WHO urges cancelling some holiday events over Omicron fears The World Health Organization has urged people to cancel some of their holiday plans to protect public health, as the Omicron variant spreads globally.

"An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled," said WHO head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, adding that "difficult decisions" must be made.

A number of countries have acted to try to halt the spread of the variant, including imposing travel curbs. BBC News

See also:

• Omicron: South African scientists probe link between variants and untreated HIV BBC News
• Immensa: Month delay before incorrect Covid tests halted BBC News
• Covid: NHS staff sickness impacted by Covid case rise Channel 4 News
• Everything the scientists know right now about Omicron The Daily Mail
• Why have 200,000 NHS workers not had Covid jabs? The Daily Mail
• Vulnerable Covid patients to be given GSK's antibody drug on the NHS that can fight Omicron The Daily Mail
• Sajid Javid 'very keen' on shortening Covid self-isolation period to seven days to help NHS staffing crisis The Daily Telegraph
• What Covid rules are being considered to tackle Omicron in England? The Guardian
• New year ‘too late’ for extra Covid rules in England, scientists say The Guardian
• UK’s confirmed Omicron death toll rises to 12 The Independent

Tony Hickmott: Autistic man was 'loneliest man in the hospital'

Tony Hickmott: Autistic man was 'loneliest man in the hospital' A whistle-blower in the case of an autistic man who has been detained in hospital since 2001 says he feels complicit in his "neglect and abuse".

A BBC investigation found 100 people with learning disabilities have been held in specialist hospitals for 20 years or more, including Tony Hickmott.

His parents are fighting to get him rehoused in the community. BBC News

NHS drug pledge broken for asthma sufferers and smokers, report reveals

NHS drug pledge broken for asthma sufferers and smokers, report reveals A promise to ensure that people with severe asthma and smokers who want to quit can get the drugs they need has been broken by ministers and the NHS, a health service report reveals.

Health charities criticised the persistent lack of access to vital medications for patients in England as very worrying and warned that it could damage the health of those affected. The Guardian

Rush for Covid-19 boosters as Northampton and Kettering NHS hospitals brace for staff shortages amid rise in Omicron cases

Rush for Covid-19 boosters as Northampton and Kettering NHS hospitals brace for staff shortages amid rise in Omicron cases A rush for booster jabs in the run-up to Christmas has been welcomed by health chiefs as Northamptonshire hospitals deal with more Covid-19 patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Covid-19: Shielding women say their lives are still on hold BBC News
• Northamptonshire: Army help to boost Covid vaccination programme BBC Northampton
• The 3 options Boris Johnson is considering to limit Omicron Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• People who get Covid after vaccination have ‘super immunity’, study claims Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Health Secretary Sajid Javid refuses to rule out post-Christmas lockdown restrictions amid Omicron spread Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Lateral flow tests should be taken just before meeting others due to Omicron infectiousness, says expert Northamptonshire Telegraph
• NHS denies first UK Omicron victim died in Northampton hospital Northants Live

University students set up toy donation drive to cheer up children in hospital in Northampton for Christmas

University students set up toy donation drive to cheer up children in hospital in Northampton for Christmas A toy donation drive organised by kind-hearted university students has put smiles on the faces of children who will spend Christmas in hospital in Northampton. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Going it alone: health and Brexit in the UK

Going it alone: health and Brexit in the UK After nearly a year out of the Single Market and Customs Union, Brexit is still fuelling uncertainty in many aspects of health and social care. This report looks at six key areas that are being impacted, what has already happened and what NHS, government and business figures expect for the future. Nuffield Trust

See also:

• Slow decisions and vague trade slogans leave NHS uncertain of post-Brexit future Nuffield Trust

Four lessons the pandemic has taught us about health data

Four lessons the pandemic has taught us about health data Data has played a critical role during the pandemic. It’s helped to assess the impact of new treatments, track trends in the quality of care, and identify the needs of the most vulnerable. The government publishing data about the number of cases, hospitalisations and deaths has also been an important way for the media and public to track the impact of COVID-19.

As the UK slowly emerges from the pandemic, data can play a similarly significant role. The Health Foundation

See also:

• Networked Data Lab: using linked data to tackle health and care challenges The Health Foundation

NHS delivers ‘super Saturday’ as COVID booster jabs soar

NHS delivers ‘super Saturday’ as COVID booster jabs soar The NHS delivered another record-breaking day for booster jabs with more than 830,000 reported on ‘super Saturday’ as the NHS booster programme continues at pace.

A total of 830,403 boosters were delivered and 906,656 vaccinations altogether, including more first and second vaccinations – both records for the programme. NHS England

See also:

• £22.5m of funding announced in new community push to get nation boosted now Department of Health and Social Care
• More than half of over 18s boosted against COVID-19 Department of Health and Social Care
• NHS Steps Up To Booster Challenge With Week Of Records NHS England
• Research: COVID-19 vaccine: estimated coverage for people aged 18 and over UK Health Security Agency
• Research: COVID-19: Omicron daily overview UK Health Security Agency

Covid: Vulnerable NHS patients to be offered new drug

Covid: Vulnerable NHS patients to be offered new drug A new Covid drug designed to reduce the risk of vulnerable patients needing hospital treatment will be available on the NHS from today.

Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody given as a transfusion to transplant recipients, cancer patients and other high-risk groups.

If given quickly after symptoms develop it is should help prevent people from falling seriously ill with the disease. BBC News

See also:

• Christmas lockdown: Javid does not rule out new restrictions BBC News
• Covid: More measures needed to limit hospitalisations - Sage scientists BBC News
• First estimate of booster jab impact on Omicron BBC News
• Omicron: Sadiq Khan declares major incident in London BBC News
• Covid: 'We're not looking forward to doing it all again' BBC News
• Covid: Omicron now dominant in England - health experts BBC News
• Ros Atkins on… What 2021 taught us about Covid BBC News
• Is UK heading for New Year lockdown? Professor Neil Ferguson: 5,000 Omicron deaths a DAY The Daily Mail
• Around 936,000 people in England had Covid last week, according to official data The Daily Mail
• NHS is forced to drop rules self-isolation rules for vaccinated staff The Daily Mail
• Sajid Javid hits out at unvaccinated for ‘taking up hospital beds’ The Guardian
• Why a UK Omicron wave is dangerous – even if we see mostly mild cases The Guardian
• England hospital units may close as staff revolt over jab mandate, says NHS leader The Guardian
• The science is clear: the case for more Covid restrictions is overwhelming The Guardian
• Covid patients to be treated in virtual wards at home as NHS staff self-isolate due to Omicron variant iNews
• COVID-19: Warning of NHS staffing 'catastrophe' as one in three London workers could be off by January Sky News

Alzheimer's drug aducanumab not approved for use in EU

Alzheimer's drug aducanumab not approved for use in EU The European Medicines Agency has said no to approving a new drug for Alzheimer's disease in the EU.

Aducanumab does not appear to be effective at treating adults with early-stage symptoms, the EMA said.

Alzheimer's charities say they are disappointed by the decision because thousands of people are left with no treatment options. BBC News 

A dangerous lie is stalking the NHS: that it is no longer fit for purpose

A dangerous lie is stalking the NHS: that it is no longer fit for purpose | Sonia Sodha Painting the health service as inefficient ignores a decade of chronic underfunding.

Each time I’ve gone for a Covid jab, I’ve walked out with a warm glow. It wasn’t just relief to have the protection, or awe at the scientific feats that were pulled off to get a vaccine in my arm, but a sense of national pride in the NHS, an institution that is collectively ours, there for us in good times and bad. Just seeing the NHS’s distinctive blue-and-white logo is enough to make my heart swell a little. The Guardian