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Work stress could be triggering troubling surge in women ‘suffering heart disease warning signs’

A new study has found stress in the workplace could be leading women suffering from warning signs of heart disease. These signs included work-related stress, sleep disorders, and tiredness - which are important but non-traditional risk factors for having a heart attack or a stroke.

Dr Wagner, a neurology professor at the University of Zurich, said "Traditionally men have been perceived to be more affected by heart attacks and strokes than women, but in some countries, women have overtaken men. There is a gender gap and further research is needed to find out why”.

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Source: The Independent, 31 August 2021

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Life-saving cholesterol jab recommended on NHS

An expensive anti-cholesterol drug called inclisiran could soon be offered to hundreds of thousands of people in England and Wales on the NHS. The drug, which would be administered as a twice-a-year injection, costs around £2,000 per dose, could save about 30,000 lives within a decade.

"Inclisiran represents a potential game-changer in preventing thousands of people from dying prematurely from heart attacks and strokes. We're therefore pleased to be able to recommend it as a cost effective option on the NHS." Said Meindert Boysen, NICE deputy chief executive and director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation. 

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Source: BBC News, 01 September 2021

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Covid Scotland: Patient numbers soar amid 'out of control' A&E crisis

New data has revealed the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is climbing rapidly, even before the latest surge in infections. These figures highlight the immense pressure the NHS is currently facing, and according to this data, there are now 585 people in hospital with the virus, up from 312 just eleven days ago, showing it to be the highest figure since early March.

Health Secretary Huma Yousaf said the situation in A&E is being closely monitored. "Hospitals are reporting increased levels of people attending A&E who are much sicker and require higher levels of care. Weekly performance is impacted due to a range of challenges including high attendances, staffing pressures due to isolation and annual leave and the continued requirement for infection control precautions that is affecting the time people need to spend in A&E."

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Source: The Herald, 01 September 2021

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Ministers warned to plan for ‘exponential’ Covid infections in schools

Government experts have said the reopening of schools next month will likely trigger an exponential rise in Covid infections among children. According to members of SPI-M-O, the governments committee on on pandemic modelling, the removal of certain measures such as face masks, and the lack of vaccinations, may mean children will be susceptible to the virus. 

“Vaccines have amazingly weakened the link between infections and illness and hospitalisations, but not broken it. No one wants to reimpose restrictions but we face a challenging winter. I do believe we need an informed public debate on the options through 2021 and 2022. The infection is not going away, we have incredible tools (tests, treatment, vaccines). No one wants restrictions reimposed but we will have to accept some illness, hospitalisations and deaths.” Said Sage member and director of the Wellcome Trust, Sir Jeremy Farrar

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Source: The Independent, 28 August 2021

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NHS blood test tube shortage: Doctors 'facing difficult choices'

Doctors have warned GPs are having to make difficult choices about which patients get blood tests because of the ongoing shortage of test tubes, describing it as a "perilous" situation. Due to the shortages, the NHS in England and Wales have told surgeries and hospitals to temporarily stop some blood testing, which includes tests for fertility, allergies and pre-diabetes. One woman, Alison Webb, has said she cannot have her yearly thyroid and cholesterol checked due to the shortages - and her tests are already overdue by four months.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said, "The health and care system continues to work flat out with the supplier and stakeholders to put mitigations in place, and restore normal supply, and there continues to be stock in place."

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Source: BBC News, 30 August 2021

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Covid in Scotland: Record number of cases as NHS faces 'perfect storm'

The number of Covid-19 cases reported in Scotland has now reached 7,113, previously recorded as 6,835 on Friday.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has warned the NHS was facing a "perfect storm" of pressure, with latest government figures showing a total of 507 people are in hospital with Covid and 52 are in intensive care.

"We are seeing a rising curve of cases in Scotland. It's reassuring that vaccines are preventing the levels of serious health harms that case numbers like this would once have caused. However, we can't be complacent and are monitoring carefully. In the meantime, please take care." Tweeted First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. 

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Source: BBC News, 30 August 2021 (Scotland)

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Delta variant doubles risk of hospitalisation, new study finds

A new study focused largely on unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people has found the Delta variant is more likely to cause hospitalisation than the Alpha variant.

The Delta variant, first identified in India, is already understood to be far more infectious than the previously dominant Alpha variant that was initially detected in Kent. 

Dr Gavin Dabrera, one of the study’s lead authors and a consultant epidemiologist for Public Health England has said, “This study confirms previous findings that people infected with Delta are significantly more likely to require hospitalisation than those with Alpha, although most cases included in the analysis were unvaccinated.”

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Source: The Guardian, 27 August 2021

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Worcestershire NHS managers knew cancers missed due to X-ray backlog

According to reports, senior managers at an NHS trust knew up to 30 cancers may have gone undetected two years before an official probe into a backlog of thousands of X-rays.

Although the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Healthwatch made investigations in 2016, neither one were told of potential harm to patients. The backlog was publicly exposed by Ken Hall, who approached the Care Quality Commission in 2016, where it then identified 11,000 X-rays had not been processed, but was subsequently struck off after allegations of fraud. 

"These go through a rigorous quality assurance process and the Care Quality Commission would not publish any statement in an inspection report that it did not believe to be true." Said the CQC when asked about its findings of no harm after being shown the 2014 trust management committee reports, the CQC also told the BBC it could find no record of inspectors having had sight of them. 

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Source: BBC News, 27 August 2021

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‘A bleak picture’: Nurse vacancies increase across English NHS

New data from NHS Digital on the latest vacancy statistics shows as of June 2021 there were 38,952 registered nurse vacancies across the health service, with the Royal College of Nursing saying news of worsening nurse shortages should “stun” ministers into taking action. 

RCN England director, Patricia Marquis, has said: “As health and care services head into what will be a very difficult winter, this should stun ministers to address the rising number of nursing vacancies and prevent further risk to patient care. After the pressures from the last 18 months we also know that many experienced nurses are considering leaving the profession. These are skills that cannot be replaced quickly. Unless there is an urgent investment in the nursing workforce, starting with an increase in pay that reflects their skill and professionalism, and there is accountability for workforce planning at ministerial level, we will be dealing with the fallout for years to come.”

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Source: Nursing Times, 26 August 2021

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NHS mental health therapists pressurised to exaggerate success rates, expert claims

According to Elizabeth Cotton, of Cardiff Metropolitan University, an expert in mental health at work, more than four in 10 – 41 per cent – of therapists working for the NHS’s talking treatments programme had been asked to manipulate data about patients’ progress.

This was done in order to  to improve the scheme’s apparent achievement rates, although NHS chiefs insist patients’ views are recorded when therapists are not present.

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Source: The Independent, 26 August 2021

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NHS hospitals warned over infection risks of masks and respirators brought in during pandemic

Following a number of serious infections, hospitals have warned about the risks of wearing the wrong kind of face mask during surgery. 

This comes after a patient safety alert was issued by NHS England where it was reported that respirator masks have been acquired by the millions during the coronavirus pandemic but sometimes have been deployed in inappropriate settings. 

“These incident reports and feedback from services suggest that the risks of valved respirators and PAPRs for surgical and invasive procedures is not well recognised, and that their use may have become routine in some theatre environments.” NHS England said in the document. 

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Source: The Independent, 26 August 2021

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Covid: Vaccine complications dwarfed by virus risks

A major review of vaccines suggests the AstraZeneca jab does raise the risk of blood clots and another serious condition that can cause bleeding. However, the study also found the complications following coronavirus infection to be much higher.

The University of Oxford-led team also found an increased risk of stroke after the Pfizer jab but also found it at a much lower rate than after infection. This comes after a coroner ruled that BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Lisa Shaw died due of complications from the AstraZeneca jab.

Lead author Professor Julia Hippisley-Cox said it was "important people were aware of the risks, but that they were kept in context given the higher risk from being infected".

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Source: BBC News, 26 August 2021

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Waiting lists: 53% wait more than a year to see consultant

According to reports, more than half of patients waiting for a first consultant appointment in Northern Ireland are still waiting longer than a year.

Health Minister Robin Swann has apologised for the long waiting lists, with the Royal College of Surgeons describing the figures as "devastating". Data has revealed 348,867 people are currently  waiting for a first appointment, with fifty-three percent (184,873) found waiting 52 weeks or more. 

"It's not where we want them to be - we don't want people waiting that long because it actually increases demand on our health service the longer people are waiting. This is about changing the direction of the underinvestment, not just in the health service but also in our workforce, so it takes time." Said Mr Swann. 

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Source: BBC News (Northern Ireland), 26 August 2021

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Major spikes in hospital-acquired covid infections at two trusts

A spike in hospital acquired Covid-19 has been observed in two acute trusts, The Royal Wolverhampton Trust and Yeovil District Hospital Foundation Trust. 

According to NHS England, it is can be considered hospital acquired if covid infections are diagnosed eight days or more after admission. Data suggests The Royal Wolverhampton Trust had a weekly average of 25 probable hospital-acquired covid infections in mid-August and a spike at the start of August for Yeovil District Hospital Foundation Trust. 

Infection Prevention Society president Jennie Wilson said "Infection prevention and control teams are totally aware it’s a problem and they strive to do their best to keep it under control. It’s hugely challenging but [staff] are doing their best."

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Source: HSJ, 25 August 2021

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‘Borderline critical’ stock leads to new blood test restrictions

Local NHS organisations are increasing their efforts to conserve ubiquitous blood collection products amid concerns current measures are not working and stocks may run even lower. There is also a concern in east London that the message to reduce routine tests is not being heeded, with GPs not cutting back enough. 

However, this week the British Medical Association raised concerns over suspending routine tests, including “NHS Health Checks, monitoring of quality of care, and medication reviews”.

The union said: “It would also be unreasonable to ask healthcare staff to simply delay these tests until a later date — not only for the sake of our patients, but also the entire system, which is already tackling an enormous backlog of care.”

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Source: HSJ, 25 August 2021

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More than 90% of female doctors have faced sexism at work, finds BMA

A new report from the British Medical Association has published results showing 9 in 10 female doctors have experienced sexism at work in the UK, including unwanted physical contact, denial of opportunities and being asked to massage male colleagues in meetings.

The findings showed 91% of female doctors have experienced sexism at work, almost one-third (31%) of female doctors had experienced unwanted physical conduct in their workplace, and two in five (42%) of female and male doctors who had witnessed or experienced sexism felt that they could not report it.

A female GP has said "I was asked at an interview if I was planning on having children. I’ve had patients refusing to see me as they want to see a proper – i.e. male – doctor … Advised I was not pretty enough to cause a distraction in meetings so they could treat me like a bloke.”

Danny Mortimer, the deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents hospital trusts, said "NHS organisations are working hard to make sure their staff do not experience sexism, or indeed, any form of discrimination, and Amanda Pritchard’s recent appointment [as NHS England’s new chief executive] signals a more representative leadership. But as this report makes clear, there is far more work to be done.”

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Source: The Guardian, 26 August 2021

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Life-saving world first NHS test to rule out pre-eclampsia in pregnant women

A same-day blood test that can rule out pre-eclampsia, in pregnant women is being rolled out across the NHS in England. The test, known as placental growth factor (PLGF) testing, is already being used in three quarters of maternity units in England.

NHS clinical director for maternity and women‘s health Matthew Jolly said: “Pre-eclampsia is a life-threatening condition for both mum and baby if left untreated and this is why the NHS takes every precaution possible when soon-to-be mums have some of the early signs, like high blood pressure. This new way of testing means we can rule out the condition in a much quicker and easier way - it removes the stress that comes with the uncertainty around not having a diagnosis and will reassure thousands of pregnant women every year.”

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Source: The Independent, 25 August 2021

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NHS fears ‘mass exodus’ of staff as mental health absences soar in 2021

NHS leaders and experts have warned healthcare staff will leave their roles in a "mass exodus" unless exhausted doctors and nurses are given better support. This comes as reports earlier this year showed many healthcare staff are suffering from burnout. 

“From April onwards we’ve seen a significant rise in mental health cases, and it shows no sign of stopping,” Steve Carter, director of consulting services at FirstCare, told a panel of MPs and peers on Tuesday. “We need to address the mental health issue quickly if we are to get through the winter.”

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Source: The Independent, 25 August 2021

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GPs facing torrent of abuse and violence as patient frustration boils over

According to reports, GPs and healthcare staff are receiving a torrent of abuse and threats of violence from patients, with some surgeries being sent hate mail, bomb threats and graffiti. This rise in abusive behaviour comes as GP's become overwhelmed with demand, often working many hours overtime with delays being able to get to appointments due to staff shortages. 

Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “It’s entirely unacceptable for anyone working in general practice to be at the receiving end of abuse of any kind, let alone the threat of physical violence. General practice has been open throughout the pandemic, and face-to-face appointments have been offered wherever safe and appropriate.

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Source: The Independent, 23 August 2021

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CQC criticises ‘ineffective leadership’ at mental health provider

Appletree Hospital in Durham, a unit that provides female patients needing mental health care, has received an urgent enforcement notice from the Care Quality Commission.

According to a report published by the CQC today, the hospital had “ineffective leadership”, also warning staff were carrying out “inappropriate” restraint on patients and that restraint was used “as a first line intervention”. The CQC report revealed staff had also claimed managers accepted the use of “unnecessary” restrictive practices.

A spokeswoman for Cygnet’s Appletree unit said: “We move forward with strengthened local leadership, including a new hospital director and safeguarding and quality improvement leads.”

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Source: HSJ, 25 August 2021

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Blood tube shortage: Healthcare staff should not be asked to delay tests, says BMA

On 10 August NHS England issued guidance for healthcare workers, including medical directors and GPs, in the light of global shortages of blood tube products, now, doctors have raised concerns about the effects that a shortage of blood tubes in England will have on patient care and the NHS, which already faces backlogs.

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Source: BMJ, 24 August 2021

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NHS pharmacies to offer blood pressure checks to tackle heart problems

In an effort to tackle heart problems, a new NHS scheme will be rolled out in pharmacies where patients over 40 will be able to have their blood pressure checked. 

The scheme, set to begin checks from October in some 11,300 pharmacies across England, will also give patients clinical and lifestyle advice or referred to treatment where necessary when getting their blood pressure checked. 

Helen Williams, national speciality adviser for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at NHS England and NHS Improvement, said: “As a pharmacist, I am delighted that this service is being rolled out across England. Community pharmacies are ideally placed to deliver blood pressure checks, being accessible within local communities and regularly used by most adults. This service will enable people with high blood pressure to be identified and treated early and will encourage conversations about lifestyle change to help people live healthy lives for longer.”

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Source: The Independent, 24 August 2021

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‘Unrelenting’ pressure forces hospital to turn away non-emergency patients from A&E

According to reports, a hospital in the northeast of England is having to turn away non-emergency patients from A&E due to "unrelenting" pressures on the service. This new policy was announced on Tuesday by Hull Teaching Hospitals Trust, warning patients they may need to travel up to 30 miles in order to receive care. 

Dr Makani Purva, chief medical officer said in a statement on the trust website on Tuesday: “Staff are working incredibly hard to provide care for patients in challenging circumstances but we need people to use the full range of services available. One in four patients who attend A&E in Hull could have been treated more appropriately elsewhere, that’s around 100 patients every day. So from today, after an initial screening process, those arriving at A&E who could safely be cared for elsewhere will be referred on to one of several alternative care centres and providers. Doing so will help us to reduce waiting times for more seriously ill patients and ensure they receive the priority care they need in hospital, while enabling those patients with non-urgent needs to receive care more quickly from a suitably skilled health professional elsewhere.”

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Source: The Independent, 24 August 2021

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Unvaccinated NHS staff will be barred from entering care homes

New rules for care home staff are set to come into force on November 11, 2021, requiring all staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19, unless they are exempt.

Care homes will also be able to refuse entry to anyone who is unable to prove they have been fully vaccinated, with the Care Quality Commission warning that care homes will be monitored around their implementation of the new rules.

In a letter to members of the House of Lords it warned: “The sector faces 112,000 vacancies currently, if the 5 per cent, who may eventually choose not to have the vaccine, leave the sector and are added to the current vacancies it will completely destabilise an already fragile sector.”

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Source: The Independent, 23 August 2021

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Moving A&E patients to other departments has ‘high mishap rate’

The authors of a new study in Australia, published in the Emergency Medicine Journal, have said moving emergency care patients to other hospital departments by wheelchair or trolley is prone to a high rate of mishaps, with nearly 40% leading to incidents.

The study, which took place at Austin Hospital, a teaching hospital in the Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg, also found endotracheal tubes, ventilator hoses, and arterial lines were also associated with high mishap rates. 

“Risk events are common and some result in harm. Risk factors include a high equipment number, transport to a ward and some abnormal vital signs. As many risk events are likely preventable, our identified predisposing factors may inform preventative strategies that may benefit other emergency departments.” The authors have said. 

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Source: Nursing Times, 24 August 2021

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