Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Let's give Boris' three-tier scheme time to see if it works, says Northamptonshire's Public Health chief

 Let's give Boris' three-tier scheme time to see if it works, says Northamptonshire's Public Health chief Northamptonshire's Public Health chief says it's time to stick not twist over the latest Covid-19 restrictions...for now.

The county is rated "medium risk" — the lowest — in Boris Johnson's three-tier system announced on Monday with national restrictions and recommendations staying the same. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

New state-of-the-art medical centre to open next month in Brackley

New state-of-the-art medical centre to open next month in Brackley Brackley Medical Centre and Community Hospital in Wellington Road will include a GP surgery featuring 16 consulting and treatment rooms and a dedicated urgent care unit. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Reducing health inequalities for people living with frailty: a resource for commissioners, service providers and health, care and support staff

Reducing health inequalities for people living with frailty: a resource for commissioners, service providers and health, care and support staff This report aims to share practical recommendations and examples of how commissioners, service providers and health, care and support staff can overcome barriers to health care for people at greater risk of frailty, including people experiencing deprivation, people who are homeless, people experiencing substance misuse, people with learning disabilities, LGBT people, people with mental health needs, people from Gypsy and Traveller communities, and vulnerable migrants.

It offers insights on how services can work in collaborative, holistic and inclusive ways to reduce health inequalities for people living with frailty, and offer patients the support needed to manage the condition long-term. Friends, Families and Travellers

    Avoidable natural deaths in prison custody: putting things right

    Avoidable natural deaths in prison custody: putting things right This report, written in collaboration with the Royal College of Nursing, sets out proposals to reduce the number of preventable natural deaths in prisons. It identifies how natural deaths occurring in prison might be prevented, where possible, and end of life care managed with dignity and compassion. Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody

      World Menopause Day 2020

      World Menopause Day 2020 Access our resources to promote understanding of menopause in the workplace.

      World Menopause Day takes place 18 October 2020.

      Studies have shown that menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on attendance and performance in the workplace, which makes menopause not just a female issue, but an organisational issue.

      With just under one million women working in the NHS, reducing the stigma attached to the menopause is vital so that more people will talk openly about it. NHS Employers

      PM Commons statement on coronavirus: 12 October 2020

      PM Commons statement on coronavirus: 12 October 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement on coronavirus to the House of Commons. Prime Minister's Office

      See also:

      Covid: Sage scientists called for short lockdown weeks ago

      Covid: Sage scientists called for short lockdown weeks ago The government's scientific advisers called for a short lockdown in England to halt the spread of Covid-19 last month, newly released documents show.

      The experts said an immediate "circuit breaker" was the best way to control cases, at a meeting on 21 September.

      Labour called the document "alarming" but No 10 says it took "robust" action. BBC News

      See also:

      Covid reinfection: Man gets Covid twice and second hit 'more severe'

      Covid reinfection: Man gets Covid twice and second hit 'more severe' A man in the United States has caught Covid twice, with the second infection becoming far more dangerous than the first, doctors report.

      The 25-year-old needed hospital treatment after his lungs could not get enough oxygen into his body.

      Reinfections remain rare and he has now recovered. BBC News

      See also:

      Monday, 12 October 2020

      Royal award for Emma at Northampton General Hospital after training 120 volunteers during pandemic - Northampton Chronicle and Echo

      Royal award for Emma at Northampton General Hospital after training 120 volunteers during pandemic Within ten days, Emma Wimpress worked tirelessly to advertise, interview and get 120 new volunteers supporting doctors and nurses in the fight against coronavirus. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

      See also:

      Fewer begin cancer treatment than pre-pandemic at Northampton General Hospital Trust

      Fewer begin cancer treatment than pre-pandemic at Northampton General Hospital Trust Far fewer patients started treatment for cancer at Northampton General Hospital Trust in August compared to the same time last year, new figures reveal. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

      Research on understanding LGBT employee networks published

      Research on understanding LGBT employee networks published New research published by the University of York sets out key findings and recommendations following a three-year study on how LGBT+ employee networks operate within the NHS. NHS Employers

      Building a resilient state: a collection of essays

      Building a resilient state: a collection of essays The Covid-19 pandemic has placed a huge strain on the state, and while the response has demonstrated some of the great strengths of our public services and machinery of government, it has also exposed some of the biggest flaws. As an introduction to Reform's new ‘Resilient State’ programme, this collection of essays brings together insight and expertise from across the political spectrum to explore different aspects of a resilient state. The series aims to provide a platform for innovative ideas, to stimulate debate, and help shape a way forward. Reform

        Power down to level up: resilient place-shaping for a post-Covid age

        Power down to level up: resilient place-shaping for a post-Covid age This report draws on case studies and analysis to argue that an effective case for refocusing UK governance on place must overcome entrenched orthodoxies about where local capacity lies, the nature of power in the modern state, and how policy success is best measured. Local Government Information Unit

        Providers deliver: resilient and resourceful through Covid-19

        Providers deliver: resilient and resourceful through Covid-19 This report showcases eight examples of great ideas put into action by trusts through the dedication and ingenuity of staff. One of the main themes in the report is the value of staff empowerment, where trust leaders support ideas and approaches developed within their workforce. Other themes such as innovation and collaboration also emerge. NHS Providers

          Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam's Op-Ed

          Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam's Op-Ed Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam outlines the current Covid-19 situation.

          In our national fight against Covid-19, we are at a tipping point similar to where we were in March; but we can prevent history repeating itself if we all act now. Department of Health and Social Care

          See also:

          Covid: Pressure building in UK hospitals

          Covid: Pressure building in UK hospitals NHS Nightingale hospitals in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate are being asked to get ready to take patients.

          Government advisers say admissions are rising, with more elderly people needing urgent treatment for Covid.

          More people are now in hospital with Covid than before restrictions were announced in March.

          It comes as a new three-tier system of lockdown rules for England is due to be announced. BBC News

          See also:

          Flu jab 'essential' for pregnant women this winter

          Flu jab 'essential' for pregnant women this winter All pregnant women are being advised to get a flu jab as soon as possible to protect their babies and themselves.

          The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Royal College of Midwives (RCM) say the free vaccination is particularly important this year because of Covid-19.

          Influenza is dangerous to people who are pregnant and can be deadly. BBC News

          How is the plan for 48 hospitals going?

          How is the plan for 48 hospitals going? Boris Johnson said in his virtual conference speech: "This government is pressing on with its plan for 48 hospitals. Count them. That's eight already under way and then 40 more between now and 2030."

          This is an upgrade of the "40 new hospitals" pledge Mr Johnson made during the election campaign in 2019 - a claim we examined last December.

          So, how is the hospital-building plan progressing? BBC News

          Do Not Resuscitate orders to be reviewed after being used on patients during first wave of coronavirus without consent

          Do Not Resuscitate orders to be reviewed after being used on patients during first wave of coronavirus without consent An investigation has been launched into allegations of the blanket use of "Do not resuscitate" orders in England during the early part of the coronavirus pandemic.

          Concerns have been raised that blanket orders were applied to some groups - such as residents in some care homes - as the NHS faced the first peak of Covid-19.

          The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it is proceeding with the review "at pace". The Daily Telegraph

          See also:

          Covid coughing link 'may be stopping people with lung cancer coming forward'

          Covid coughing link 'may be stopping people with lung cancer coming forward' Referrals currently at 60% of pre-pandemic levels, figures from Cancer Research UK show.

          The link between coughing and Covid-19 could be stopping people with lung cancer from seeking medical attention, experts have said.

          According to figures from Cancer Research UK, about 350,000 fewer people than normal received urgent suspected cancer referrals across all cancers since the end of March, while 3 million people have missed out on cancer screening. The Guardian