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Showing results for tags 'Pandemic'.
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News Article
NHS waiting list could increase to 13 million warns the health secretary
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Health secretary Sajid Javid has warned NHS waiting lists will soar amid the incoming third wave of coronavirus. Thousands of patients are on hold for at least 2 minutes before their 999 calls are answered, The Independent has revealed. Mr Javid has also been told by officials the situation will get worse in the coming weeks. Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Javid has said "Hearing that figure of 13 million, it has absolutely focused my mind, and it’s going to be one of my top priorities to deal with because we can’t have that." Read full story. Source: The Independent, 11 July 2021- Posted
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Covid-19 vaccinators facing abuse by people seeking second jab early
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
NHS staff have faced abuse by members of the public after demanding their second dose of the jab earlier than 8 weeks so they can go on holiday. A doctors has said covid-19 vaccinators are experiencing aggression and threats from people and after one incident, police had to be called over fears for safety. Chair of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Martin Marshall has said: “It is understandable that people want to be fully vaccinated as soon as possible. But it is entirely unacceptable for anybody working on the Covid vaccination programme, be it in GP-led sites, mass vaccination centres or hospital centres, to be at the receiving end of verbal abuse and intimidation. Read full story. Source: The Guardian, 10 July 2021- Posted
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Irregularities in blood could pave the way for a test for long covid
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A pattern in rouge antibodies has been found by Imperial College London scientists which may lead to a blood test for the condition within 6 to 18 months. Leading the team at Imperial College London, Professor Danny Altmann has said the 'work will lead to a test which could be done in a doctor's surgery'. However, he is concerned with the lifting of lockdown restrictions on 19th July. Long Covid is not yet fully understood with no current diagnostic test yet available for the illness. However, a range of symptoms have been listed which include fatigue, breathlessness, muscle pain and headaches. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 12 July 2021- Posted
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NHS staff face 'dread and anxiety' as virus cases surge again
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A frontline respiratory consultant has said, “Healthcare professionals are deeply anxious about the impact of relaxing restrictions further given the current surge in Covid cases. To do away with risk-mitigating measures like social distancing and wearing of masks is incomprehensible to many of us. I feel anxious and frustrated". Hospitals in Yorkshire and North of England may also be experiencing a fourth wave. Dr Nick Scriven has told The Guardian, “Us up north are experiencing a fourth wave in community cases, with an uptick in hospital cases. Although numbers are not massive it’s both frightening and upsetting for staff as ICU cases are rising with unvaccinated people, either as they are young or by choice or both. There is to me a growing feeling that vaccination makes this almost preventable.” Read full story. Source. The Guardian, 9 July 2021 -
News Article
Covid admissions underestimated by a third
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Newly released documents have revealed Sage modelling from two weeks ago has underestimated hospital admissions by more than a third. Estimations were made by government modelling, predicting there would be about 275 daily hospital cases in England by 6 July, however, on 7 July figures have shown it was around 461. Dr Stephen Griffin, from the University of Leeds has said "“While we can’t say for sure that hospitalisations might follow this precise trajectory, it seems likely that they will track the exponential growth in cases we are seeing. Thus, as many are predicting, the dropping of restrictions on July 19 represents an unacceptable and unnecessary risk,”. Read full story. Source: The Times, 10 July 2021 -
News Article
Covid-19: children at extremely low risk
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
New data looking at the pandemic from the past 12 months has found children are at extremely low risk of becoming very ill or dying from Covid-19. Those who were living with disabilities or chronic illness were also found to have a very low risk, despite being considered at most risk. Scientists from four different universities (UCL, York, Bristol and Liverpool) have said their studies on children are the most comprehensive yet, finding hospital stays a rarity. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 08 July 2021 -
News Article
Social care workers lose out on £7,000 of pay each year
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A new report, Unfair to Care, has found a large pay gap between professionals who work in similar roles such as teaching assistants and police community support workers. However, despite having a similar skillset, social care workers receive £7,000 more a year than social care workers, charity claims. The government has said they are committed to improving the adult social care system and that the social care sector "has been an essential and valued part of the front line response to the pandemic". Read full story. Source: BBC News, 09 July 2021 -
News Article
New survey reveals only 45% of patients feel in control of their health
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A survey by Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF), a global non-profit has found their respondents did not feel in control of their health. The survey focused on how the public view on patient safety and preventable medical harm and their understanding of it. Some highlights of the results include: 53.2% knew what the term 'medical error' meant, with only 37% being able to define it 58% worried about medical errors 45.9% of the public felt in control of what happens to their health The findings of the survey suggest there is still some way to go in educating the public about medical errors and to bring about more awareness on the issue. Read full story. Source: Business Wire, 07 July 2021- Posted
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NHS hospitals cancel operations amid unfolding third wave
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
An influx of Covid-19 patients is being seen in hospitals, leading to cancelled operations. Staff are having to self-isolate for ten days, leading to shortages with Leeds Teaching Hospital having to cancel non-urgent operations in order to help cope with the numbers of patients coming in with Covid-19. It has also been found that other hospitals and ambulance services are being affected as the third wave unfolds. The Department for Health and Social Care has been approached for comment. Read full story. Source: The Guardian, 08 July 2021 -
News Article
Doctors want some Covid measures to remain after 19 July
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A doctors union has said some Covid measures should remain after the 19th July. The British Medical Association has said use of face masks should continue in addition to new ventilation standards. The call to protect the NHS comes after a rise in cases has been observed. On Thursday, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he hopes restrictions can be lifted in England on 19th July but that there may be a need to take extra precautions. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 3 July 2021 -
News ArticleFresh Air NHS, Patient Safety Learning and the Safer Healthcare and Biosafety Network are calling for urgent change to the UK government’s guidelines on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which are failing to adequately protect healthcare workers against the airborne nature of the Covid 19 virus. In March 2020, UK PPE guidance for Covid-19 facing healthcare workers was downgraded, from requiring airborne protection for all staff, to only those in areas where aerosol generating procedures were commonly performed – mainly the ICU. To-date, approximately 1,500 UK health and care workers have died from Covid-19, with non-ICU healthcare workers experiencing far greater risk of infection than their better protected ICU colleagues. It is estimated that a further 122,000 health service workers who contracted Covid-19 are struggling with prolonged symptoms, often referred to as Long Covid. Commenting on this, Helen Hughes, Chief Executive of Patient Safety Learning, said: “Providing enhanced PPE to everyone working in non-ICU Covid-19 wards would offer much-needed reassurance that our leaders are committed to protecting both patients and staff from avoidable infection and the associated consequences. “The lack of recognition of the airborne nature of Covid-19 transmission from the UK government puts at risk the safety of healthcare staff, their loved ones and patients. There needs to be an urgent review of the PPE guidance to ensure that it is lawful, evidence-based, reflective of the airborne nature of the Covid-19 virus, and that safety is prioritised.” Read full story. Source: Safer Healthcare and Biosafety Network, 06 July 2021
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News Article
New report outlines ways to tackle inequalities exposed by pandemic
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
In a new report, Michael Marmot has found Greater Manchester had a 25% higher rate of death incidences from Covid-19 than anywhere else in England. A report commissioned by the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership outlines several key recommendations such as increasing Greater Manchester's budget for prevention, increasing funding and support for training, identifying the minimum income needed for healthy living and investing in routine data collection. The report outlines that now is the time to take these recommendations as actions to address the inequality issues. Read full story. Source: BMJ, 30 June 2021 -
News ArticleWomen forced to give birth alone have said 'the system has completely failed' them. A new report by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service found the Covid rules requiring pregnant women to attend scans and give birth alone has caused widespread distress and anxiety. The research also revealed many women having to attend their appointments online felt it did not meet their requirements at all. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, who released the findings, have said due to a lack of support and resources, the mental health of pregnant women and new mothers is at risk. Read full story. Source: The Independent, 01 July 2021
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Scientists call for list of Covid-19 symptoms to be expanded
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Scientists have called for the list of Covid-19 symptoms to be expanded. The call comes after scientists warned cases may be missed if the symptoms are not included on the official list. However, others are warning that including too many may be confusing and result in unnecessary tests being carried out. Currently, the government maintains that the list is under constant review. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 01 July 2021 -
News ArticleA new leaked report has found almost half of hospital isolation rooms did not meet ventilation guidelines after an audit was commissioned after healthcare staff and patients were found to be infected with COVID-19. The audit revealed nearly 40 per cent of hospital wards failed air filtration guidelines and though 99 percent of wards had enough outside air, problems begin to occur when it gets into the hospitals. The ABC has contacted the Victorian Health Department for comment. Read full story. Source: The ABC News, 1 July 2021
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Pregnant women denied mental health help
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Analysis from leading psychiatrists found from 2020-2021 out of 47,000 women, only 3,1261 were able to get help from perinatal services. Whilst it was deemed the pandemic was not the main reason women were being denied access, it was established that due to lack of investment and funding, services were unable to provide support when needed. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for funding in the next spending review. Read full story. Source: The Guardian, 1 July 2021- Posted
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News Article
Number of positive isolating pupils unknown in England
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
In an attempt to stop the spread of the virus, the government introduced a policy where pupils would be sent home to self-isolate if they came into contact with an infected person in school. However, the number of cases being prevented by this policy is not being monitored. It has been estimated at least 279,000 children are at home with many being asked to self isolate for 10 days. Without a full set of data, it cannot be known how this current policy is affecting the rate of infections. A government spokesperson has said the health secretary and education secretary are working on getting education back to normal as soon as they can. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 01 July 2021- Posted
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New report finds Covid-19 death rate 25% higher in Manchester
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
New research has found the death rate in Manchester was 25% higher than the rest of England during the pandemic. The report describes how Manchester is experiencing a number of avoidable health inequalities that needs to be addressed. The Mayor of Manchester has said people on lower incomes are less able to control their exposure to the virus and that more needs to be done to help communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 29 June 20201- Posted
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BBC research reveals people with disabilities forgotten during pandemic
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Research by the BBC finds thousands of people with disabilities had been forgotten about during the pandemic, revealing most participants experienced worsening of their disability and many said their vital appointments had been cancelled. The research found some reported attempting suicide due to the sudden changes, being isolated or not being able to access their care or support networks. Scope, one of the UK's biggest disabilities charities have said the research conducted by the BBC confirms the government failed to support people with disabilities during the pandemic. Read full story. Source: BBC, 30 June 2021- Posted
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News Article
New FFP3 respirators may cut infection risk
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
New FFP3 masks may reduce likelihood of infection rates, a new study finds. After healthcare workers used the masks when on Covid-19 wards, the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections was found to be lowered by a significant amount. Since the study, Public Health England have updated its guidance which now requires NHS organisations to provide FFP3 respirators where appropriate. Read full story. Source: BMJ, 29 June 2021- Posted
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Covid-19: parents unable to see dying son
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Parents to Ollie Bibby, 27, were unable to see their dying son in UCL Hospital and describe their experience as being treated 'like criminals'. Outrage has come after Matt Hancock, England's Health Secretary was caught having an affair with aide, breaking the social distancing rules. Mother, Penny Bibby, has said she is 'livid' that Mr Hancock broke the rules whilst she and her husband were unable to see their dying son. UCLH have responded that they are learning from the family's experience and are confident he received the appropriate care and treatment and offer their 'sincere condolences'. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 29 June 2021 -
News Article
Covid-19 to cast 'long shadow' on mental health
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
Chris Whitty, England's Chief Medical Officer has said the pandemic will have an impact on mental health for a considerable period to come. Speaking at the Royal College of Psychiatrists international congress, The CMO acknowledged the pandemic may have caused a lot of fear and anxiety as well as affecting people's social support and finances. Whilst Chris Whitty is optimistic that the end of the pandemic is in sight, he believes there will still continue to be some difficulties, now and in the future. Read full article. Source: BMJ, 28 June 2021 -
News Article
More than 2 million people in the UK may have suffered from long Covid
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
A new survey of half a million adults in the UK has revealed more than 2 million may have suffered from long Covid. Currently, long Covid is not fully understood and its definition has not yet been agreed upon. The self-reported survey showed 37% of respondents experienced at least one symptom lasting 12 weeks or more with higher weight, smoking, lower incomes and having a chronic illness being associated with a higher chance of experiencing symptoms of long Covid. The government has issued £50m in funding for research on long Covid. Read full story. Source: BBC News, 24 June 2021- Posted
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Number of children prescribed antidepressants coincide with lockdowns
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
The number of children being prescribed antidepressants has increased over the past 5 years, with analysis from The Pharmaceutical Journal showing peaks have coincided with Covid lockdowns. It was found between April 2015 and April 2020, children from the ages 0-17 who were prescribed antidepressants by a GP increased by 26 per cent with an increase in prescriptions occurring more notably during lockdowns. Furthermore, the analysis found an 8 per cent increase since March 2019 showing 17,902 females and 9,855 males were found to have been prescribed antidepressants when the country was locked down in March 2020. Read full story. Source: The Independent, 24 June 2021- Posted
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Medical treatment denied to sick and disabled people in hotel quarantine
Patient-Safety-Learning posted a news article in News
It has been reported that people in quarantine due to having flown in from overseas, were denied medical treatment when they needed it. Among them, included a baby needing urgent treatment and was stopped from going to Accident and Emergency and a man who had suffered a heart attack. In what has been described as a breach of the law, people quarantined in the hotels in the London area were denied basic facilities and medical treatment. After legal intervention, the government has issued an order to release certain individuals from the hotel after it was found their health was impacted by the quarantine. Read full story. Source: The Independent, 20 June 2021- Posted
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