Education for Primary Care 2009 Vol. 20 No. 3 Contents Page
Fade Fave: Developing a set of quality criteria for community-based medical education in the UK.
Fade Skinny: General practices educate increasing numbers of learners at various stages. Criteria for educational provision exist, but practices supporting learners at different stages and from different institutions might face different criteria.
Contact the Library for a copy of this article
America to remove HIV visa ban after Briton’s protest – The Observer 5th July 2009
Campaigner persuades Washington to alter laws that forced travellers to lie on entry forms
tags: Travel Health, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, HIV, IHN, Health, News, The Observer
World Aids experts say the failure to act upon 25-year-old evidence that male circumcision plays a major role in preventing transmission of the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) may have cost “millions of lives”, especially in Africa.
In 1985 researchers discovered that circumcised men who visited prostitutes in Kenya were much less likely to contract HIV. Some 30 studies on the issue were done during the 1990s, but it was not until 2004 that formal double-blind trials were commissioned by international Aids agencies. As a result of “overwhelming results” from these, pilot programmes for mass circumcision of men began in a number of African countries late last year.
tags: HIV, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Health, News, IHN, Developing Countries, Circumcision, The Observer
A coffee a day ensures the memory will stay – The Independent 6th July 2009
A few cups of coffee a day may be all that is needed to reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests. Scientists have uncovered powerful evidence that caffeine not only helps to stave off the disease but can treat it.
They plan to follow up the initial results from animal experiments with human patient trials. Leading researcher, the US neuroscientist Gary Arendash said: “The new findings provide evidence that caffeine could be a viable ‘treatment’ for established Alzheimer’s disease, and not simply a protective strategy. That’s important because caffeine is a safe drug for most people. It easily enters the brain, and it appears to directly affect the disease process.”
tags: Alzheimers Disease, Health, News, IHN, Caffeine, Coffee, The Independent
Additional Stories
Villains who smoke in films are enticing ‘good’ teenagers to light up, researchers claim.
tags: IHN, Mass Media, Smoking, Health, News, The Telegraph
Shared computers are “breeding grounds for germs” and hot-desking in the office can cause workers to become ill, research shows.
tags: Infection Control, Health, News, IHN, Information Technology, The Telegraph
Beer lovers across Britain will be raising a glass to the latest research on drinking.
For scientists have discovered that the so-called ‘beer belly’ is not caused by consuming alcohol – but more to do with genetics.
A study of thousands of beer drinkers found that although people who drink regularly are more likely to put on weight, they do not necessarily accumulate fat around the abdomen.
tags: Obesity, Genetics, Health, News, IHN, Daily Mail
A New Zealand company is seeking EU approval to market honeybee venom to help people with arthritis ease their pain.
Nelson Honey & Marketing says two teaspoons a day of its honey with added venom milked from honeybees has anti-inflammatory power to soothe joints.
tags: Arthritis, Complementary Therapies, Health, News, IHN, BBC Health News
A woman from Gaza stands at an Israeli check-point. We can only see her back but it is clear that in shame she opens her top to a female Israeli soldier to show that her breasts have been removed in an attempt to beat cancer. Despite this, she is refused entry to Israel on security grounds.
tags: Mass Media, Breast Cancer, Health, News, IHN, BBC Health News
The UN’s top health official has opened a forum in Mexico on combating swine flu by saying that the spread of the virus worldwide is now unstoppable.
World Health Organization head Margaret Chan added that the holding of the meeting in Cancun showed confidence in Mexico, which has been hard hit.
tags: H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic, Epidemiology, Health, News, IHN, BBC Health News
Indigenous peoples, such as Aborigines and Native Americans, have low quality health which puts them at higher risk from swine flu, experts have warned.
There are around 400m people around the world who are classed as indigenous.
tags: Influenza, Health, News, Ethnic Groups, IHN, BBC Health News
MORE than 1,000 Merseysiders a day could catch swine flu at its peak, health chiefs warned.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and all the region’s primary care trusts are working to minimise the impact after the government announced on Thursday the disease can longer be contained.
tags: Influenza, Pandemic, Epidemiology, H1N1, Health, News, CMHN, Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Women’s Hospital relaunches no-smoking drive – Liverpool Echo 3rd July 2009
LIVERPOOL Women’s hospital is spending thousands of pounds clearing up cigarette butts – because people are ignoring its no smoking rules.
Bosses said staff are too scared to confront patients and visitors caught lighting up.
Pregnant women are among the culprits.
tags: Hospitals, Smoking, Health, News, CMHN, Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Alder Hey burns unit nurses fear for the future – Liverpool Echo 3rd July 2009
NURSES at Alder Hey’s burns unit said they fear for their jobs after it was left off a shortlist to become a super centre.
The ECHO is campaigning to safeguard Merseyside’s world-class burns care, provided by centres at Alder Hey and Whiston hospitals.
tags: Nursing, Employment, Burns, Organisational Design, Health, News, CMHN, Liverpool Echo
Additional Story
Cow tissue used to save baby boy’s life after heart bypass – The Sunday Telegraph 5th July 2009
A baby born with two missing heart valves was saved when surgeons implanted tissue from a cow in him.
tags: Transplantation Services, Surgery, Ethics, Neonatology, CMHN, UHN, The Sunday Telegraph, Heart Diseases
Additional Story
A mother who faces losing 11 frozen embryos is leading a campaign on behalf of dozens of women to change rules that would prevent them having more children.
Some of the women could lose the chance of having any children of their own if laws which state that their IVF embryos must be destroyed on October 1 are not changed.
tags: In Vitro Fertilisation, Ethics, Health, News, CMHN, UHN, The Sunday Times
Additional Stories
Mother fights to save frozen embryos – The Sunday Telegraph 5th July 2009
Crusading mother in race to save ‘death row’ embryos – Daily Mail 5th July 2009
Medical campaign joy – Carlisle News & Star 4th July 2009
A CAMPAIGN to re-open a medical treatment room to serve Ulverston and South Lakeland patients has taken a giant step forward.
Ulverston lost its minor injuries treatment service in 2005 when the town’s health centre relocated from Victoria Road to a new £4.6m facility in Stanley Street.
tags: Primary Care, Wounds and Injuries, Organisational Design, Health, News, CLHN, Carlisle News & Star
Coroner slams FGH after baby stillborn – Carlisle News & Star 4th July 2009
he near-12lb baby – Alex Davey-Brady – was later found to have asphyxiated because the umbilical cord was tight around his neck.
Four doctors and four midwives gave evidence about the events in September of last year at a day-long inquest in Barrow Town Hall yesterday, with both the family and the NHS Trust having legal representation.
tags: Obstetrics, Negligence, NHS, Health, News, Infant Mortality, Mortality, CLHN, Carlisle News & Star
Mental health meetings – Carlisle News & Star 3rd July 2009
DO you think enough is being done to help people with mental health problems in Furness?
A new initiative by NHS Cumbria and Cumbria County Council is giving everybody the chance to tell officials how communities can improve mental health care provision.
tags: Mental Health, CLHN, Health, News, Carlisle News & Star
Ambulance service scoops two awards – Lancashire Telegraph 4th July 2009
NORTH West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) scooped two awards at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s annual awards ceremony.
The emergency services in Keswick picked up an award for ‘operational excellence’ for their involvement in a multi-agency rescue in which a woman and her husband were wedged under a 70ft tree in Borrowdale, Keswick.
tags: Quality, Ambulance Services, CLHN, Health, News, Lancashire Telegraph
‘Swine flu cluster’ alert in Accrington – Lancashire Telegraph4th July 2009
A SWINE flu cluster has emerged in East Lancashire, the Lancashire Telegraph can reveal.
The Health Protection Agency has confirmed there are now five confirmed cases in Accrington.
It said that all of those suffering from the condition are at home and are recovering well.
tags: H1N1, Pandemic, Epidemiology, Influenza, Health, News, CLHN, Lancashire Telegraph
Chorley dentist reveals parental role is key to oral health – Corley Citizen 3rd July 2009
A Chorley dentist has stressed the importance of parental responsibilty in brushing up chilren’s oral health.
New research commissioned by Denplan, reveals the important role of parents when it comes to instilling good habits from an early age.
tags: Dental Health, Parenting, Children, Health, News, CLHN, Chorley Citizen
Festival parade’s health warning – Manchester Evening News 4th July 2009
A `SMOKERS’ parade at the Manchester International Festival is to carry a health warning.
Unrepentant smokers were recruited to take part in Procession – a parade designed to showcase Manchester life to the world – but their inclusion triggered a row between council bosses and festival organisers.
tags: Manchester Evening News, GMHN, Smoking, Health, News
Brown’s Christie tribute – Manchester Evening News 4th July 2009
PRIME Minister Gordon Brown tried his hand at operating a state-of-the-art surgery robot when he visited The Christie hospital.
He met staff and patients at the Withington centre where staff are celebrating recovering £6.5m cash lost in the Icelandic banking crisis.
tags: Cancer, Surgery, Medical Technology, Health, News, GMHN, Manchester Evening News
Heatwave putting pressure on A&E – The Bolton News 3rd July 2009
SOARING temperatures are putting local health services under increased pressure, NHS bosses said last night.
Both the Royal Bolton Hospital and the North West Ambulance Service have reported a rise in demand over the last week.
tags: Ambulance Services, Accident and Emergency Departments, Demand, Climate, Health, News, UHN, The Bolton News, GMHN
Reprieve for dentist who enforced Islamic dress – The Guardian 3rd July 2009
A dentist who told Muslim patients he would treat them only if they wore Islamic dress can still practise, the General Dental Council ruled today. While working at a clinic in Bury, Greater Manchester, Dr Omer Butt told two women to wear head scarfs before he would see them and their families. The GDC concluded he sought to impose a dress code on Muslim patients between April 2005 and June 2007. Butt “discriminated” against people and “did not act in the best interests of his patients” but it said the events took place “a considerable time ago” and he had not repeated the conduct since.
tags: Dental Health, Professional Discipline, Ethics, Religion, Health, News, UHN, GMHN, The Guardian
Journal of the American Medical Association 2009 Vol. 301 No. 24 Contents
Fade Fave: Migraine headache in middle age and later-life brain infarcts
Fade Skinny: Migraine is considered to be an episodic condition with no long-term consequences. However, recent studies suggest that migraine attacks may be associated with pathologic changes in the brain, particularly in the cerebellum. The article aims to determine whether individuals not reporting headache compared with individuals reporting migraine symptoms, particularly aura, in midlife are at increased risk of late-life infarct-like lesions found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without consideration of clinical symptoms. The article concludes that migraine with aura in midlife was associated with late-life prevalence of cerebellar infarct-like lesions on MRI. This association was statistically significant only for women. This is consistent with the hypothesis that migraine with aura in midlife is associated with late-life vascular disease in the cerebellum and in women.
An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online.
Posted in Current Awareness, Journals | Tags: Migraine, Middle Age, Brain Infarcts
Fade Fave: Pre-morbid skin changes in patients with cancer: Using ‘Welam’s sign’ as a new prognostic marker
Fade Skinny: Identification of the imminently dying patient can be a complex and difficult process, especially in a frail and elderly population with malignancy. The Liverpool Care Pathway utilizes a number of identification criteria for end-of-life care, but additional prognostic physical signs may be useful. This article describes specific skin changes not previously featured in the literature in four patients at end of life with malignancy, and discusses the potential use of this as a prognostic indicator.
Contact the Library for a copy of this article
Posted in Current Awareness, Journals | Tags: End of Life Care, Palliative Care, Palliative Treatment, Prognosis, Skin Changes
Fade Fave: Using quality-improvement techniques to enhance patient education and counselling of diagnosis and management
Fade Skinny: Patients recall less than half the information provided to them by their physicians. This study used quality-improvement (QI) techniques which included stakeholder analysis, process mapping and plan-do-study-act (PDSA) to enhance patient understanding of diagnosis, management and follow-up at the end of their visit. the article concludes that QI tools can be used for creating and initiating system improvements aimed at improving patient education and counselling.
A copy of this article is available from the Library.
Posted in Current Awareness, Journals | Tags: Patient Counselling, Patient Education, Plan-Do-Study-Act, Quality Improvement
Fade Fave: Building bridges or negotiating tensions? Experiences from a project aimed at enabling migrant access to health and social care in Sweden
Fade Skinny:A current challenge for many European countries is to enable forced migrants to access health and social care to meet their needs. One solution is to use paraprofessionals to act as bridge-builders between minority groups and the health and social care sectors.
A print copy of this article is available from the Library
Posted in Current Awareness, Journals | Tags: Ethnic Groups, Immigrants, Inequalities, Link Workers, Service Provision
Journal of the American Medical Association 2009 Vol. 302 No. 1 Contents
Fade Fave: Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus in three pregnant women – United States, April-May 2009
Fade Skinny:As part of surveillance for infection with H1N1 virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated surveillance with pregnant women who were infected. Cases studies discuss diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for 3 pregnant patients.
An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online
Posted in Current Awareness, Journals | Tags: H1N1, Infection Control, Maternal Care, Pregnancy
Fade Fave: Competent care at the end of life – p8-10
Fade Skinny: This articles discusses the launch of 2 major end of life care documents, New core competencies and Principles for working with adults at the end of life.
Contact the Library for a copy of this article
Posted in Current Awareness, Journals | Tags: End of Life Care, Guidelines, Palliative Care, Patient Choice, Primary Care, Training
Title: New H1N1v Influenza: Current Situation and Next Steps
The Skinny: Letter from the Chief Medical Officer that gives doctors,
Publisher: DH
Size of Document: 8p
Published: 02/07/2009
Posted in Legislation, Statutory Instruments | Tags: Accidents, COMAH, Embryology, Food, Food Hygiene, Legislation, Regulations, Statutory Instruments
Title: Understanding personal health budgets
The Skinny: Provides consistent, accessible information to give to people who might be interested in having a personal health budget. Defines personal health budgets and provides details of where to obtain further information.
Publisher: DH
Size of Document: 14p
Published: 02/07/2009
Title: Recognising complexity: commissioning guidance for personality disorder
The Skinny: Provides information and suggestions on best practice when considering services and systems for people with personality disorders. Of value to commissioners in the NHS, criminal justice system, local authorities and others.
Publisher: DH
Size of Document: 69p
Published: 02/07/2009
Title: A new national template for commissioning NHS Health Checks from community pharmacy
The Skinny: New model template designed to help PCTs who may wish to commission NHS Health Checks from community pharmacy.
Publisher: DH
Size of Document: 2p
Published: 03/07/2009
Posted in Commissioning, Grey Literature, NHS, Pharmacy, Primary Care | Tags: Commissioning, Grey Literature, Models, NHS Health Checks, Pharmacy
Title: Changed approach to managing the swine flu pandemic
The Skinny: Updates all NHS staff on the changed approach to managing the swine flu pandemic.
Publisher: DH
Size of Document: 3p
Published: 02/07/2009
Title: Patient Safety: Sixth Report of Session 2008–09: Volume I: Report, together with formal minutes
The Skinny: Identifies the need for improved patient safety systems in the NHS and emphasises that this should be the first consideration of NHS organisations.
Recommends:
Publisher: TSO
Size of Document: 120p
Published: 03/07/2009
Posted in Acute Services, Change, Clinical Governance, Commissioning, Corporate Governance, Decision Making, Governance, Grey Literature, Hospitals, Leadership, Management, NHS, Organisational Learning, Primary Care, Quality | Tags: Advocacy, Blame Culture, Clinical Engagement, Clinical Governance, Commissioning, Complaints Procedures, Fair Blame Culture, Grey Literature, Health and Safety, Leadership, NHS Redress Scheme, Organisational Culture, Organisational Learning, Patient Safety, Performance Management, Quality, Recordkeeeping, Reporting
BMJ 2009 (Vol 338, No 7711) content page
Fade Fave: Doctors’ leaders back new guidance on using patients’ records for research
Fade Skinny: Leading GP bodies have given their support to new guidance on how patients’ medical records should be used in medical research. The guidance, published this week by the medical charity the Wellcome Trust, aims to make it clearer to GPs and researchers how they can ensure that medical records are used safely in research.
(NHS Athens is required to access this article online)
Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals | Tags: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, GPs, Patient Records, Research
Health service Journal 2009 (2nd July)
Fade Fade: Building Britain’s Future hints at threat to SHAs
Fade Skinny: The government has set out plans to turn NHS targets into enforceable patient entitlements in a move that is likely to see the role of strategic health authorities reduced. Instead of top-down targets, the government’s Building Britain’s Future document describes the NHS as shaped by patients exercising choice, with sanctions where standards and entitlements are not met.
(Print subscription held at Fade Library)
Posted in Current Awareness, Journals | Tags: Current Awareness, Journals
Journal of Medical Screening 2009 (Volume 16 No 2) Contents Page
Fade Skinny: To improve breast cancer screening uptake and coverage, persistent non-attenders in the Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust were included in an invitation management initiative. Phone calls and home visits resulted in only a moderate increase in breast cancer screening uptake. While nervous attenders were reassured the process made it easier for women to request to be permanently withdrawn from the NHSBSP.
(NHS Athens is required to access this article online)
Posted in Current Awareness | Tags: Athens Password, Breast Cancer, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Invitation Management, Mass Screening, Uptake
Journal of Medical Genetics 2009 (Volume 46 No 7) Contents Page
Fade Fave: SPRED1 germline mutations caused a neurofibromatosis type 1 overlapping phenotype
Fade Skinny: Identifies that National Institutes of Health diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1 must be revised in view of newly characterised Legius syndrome in order to establish a specific genetic counselling.
(NHS Athens is required to access this article online)
Posted in Current Awareness | Tags: Athens Password, Current Awareness, Diagnosis, E-Journals, Genetics
The Lancet 2009 (Vol 373 No 9683) Contents Page
Fade Fave:
Rivaroxaban versus placebo in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ATLAS ACS-TIMI 46): a randomised, double-blind, phase II trial
Fade Skinny: Rivaroxaban is an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor that has been effective in prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Its use after acute coronary syndromes has not been investigated. Finds that the use of an oral factor Xa inhibitor in patients stabilised after an acute coronary syndrome increases bleeding in a dose-dependent manner and might reduce major ischaemic outcomes. On the basis of these observations, a phase III study of low-dose rivaroxaban as adjunctive therapy in these patients is underway.
(Print subscription held at Fade Library)
Posted in Current Awareness
Patients at risk from ‘unsafe’ NHS trusts – The Guardian 3rd July 2009
Patient safety has been put at risk through “disastrously unsafe care” in a handful of NHS trusts, and insufficient progress is being made in improving services, a critical parliamentary study warns today.
As many as one in 10 patients who enter hospital may suffer harm, the Commons health select committee reports, while annual payouts for NHS medical negligence have climbed to more than £630m.
tags: Health and Safety, NHS, Hospitals, Primary Care, Management, Clinical Governance, Health, News, UHN, The Guardian
Additional Stories
Swine flu: 100,000 UK cases a day by August – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
More than 100,000 people could be diagnosed with swine flu every day by the end of August, the government said, announcing that the disease can no longer be contained in the UK.
A Commons statement by the health secretary, Andy Burnham, marks a watershed in the spread of the flu. No more schools will be closed, unless forced to by the lack of staff or if the pupils are especially vulnerable. Families and people in contact with those with flu will not be given preventative antiviral drugs.
tags: The, Guardian, Health, News, H1N1, Pandemic, Epidemiology, Influenza, UHN
Additional Stories
Legal challenge to web child abuse inquiry – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
Claim that hundreds were convicted through flawed credit card evidence
One of Britain’s biggest online paedophile inquiries is to be challenged in the court of appeal amid allegations from campaigners that hundreds of men have been wrongly convicted in a mass miscarriage of justice.
tags: Child Abuse, Internet, Jurisprudence, UHN, Health, News, The Guardian, Ethics
Not just pills and condoms – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
Messages on preventing pregnancy and disease have left better forms of contraception ignored
tags: Contraception, Sexual Health, Sexual Behaviour, Health, News, UHN, The Guardian
UK braced for dramatic end to heatwave as storms begin – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
Thunder, downpours and flooding from Scotland to Cornwall as temperatures ease
tags: Climate, Health, News, UHN, The Guardian
Additional Stories
Doctors call for alcohol ads to be banned – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
BMA conference urges a minimum unit price for all drinks to curb alcohol-related illnesses
tags: Alcohol, Advertising, Mass Media, Health, News, UHN, Legislation, The Guardian
Additional Stories
Promises of immortality – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
An English scientist is on a one-man mission to eliminate mortality – but would you like to live in a society without death?
tags: Mortality, Health, News, UHN, Ethics, The Guardian
Response: Reducing caesareans is not about saving money – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
Joanna Moorhead writes that women having an emergency caesarean section are traumatised, and often subsequently demand an elective section for other pregnancies (I felt totally out of control, June 16). She points out that these women are now NHS “frontline targets”, with primary care trusts “offering cash incentives to hospitals in a bid to reduce the number of surgical deliveries”.
tags: Caesarean, Obstetrics, Health, News, Primary Care, Surgery, UHN, Priorities, The Guardian
Doctors oppose legal protection for assisted suicide relatives – The Guardian 1st July 2009
BMA conference rejects bid to change law on prosecuting relatives who accompany patients to suicide clinics
tags: Euthanasia, Suicide, Legislation, Health, News, Ethics, UHN, The Guardian
Hospital doctors to get more control over budgets – The Guardian 1st July 2009
Health minister plans to give power to frontline medical staff and scrap more performance targets, but backs away from idea of closing district general hospitals
tags: Medical Staff, Financial Management, Health, News, UHN, The Guardian
Appeal for funds to fight curse of brain tumours – The Independent 3rd July 2009
Brain tumours have become the biggest cause of death among young cancer patients, but the disease receives only a small fraction of the funding spent on researching other forms of cancer.
Some 16,000 people in Britain are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year and more men under the age of 45 and more women under the age of 35 will die of the disease than from any other cancer, according to a report out today.
tags: Cancer, Research, Financial Management, Health Economics, Brain Tumours, Neurology, UHN, The Independent
Additional Story
A Nottingham medical student who travelled through some of the poorest parts of Kenya after contracting swine flu in the UK has sparked a state of national alarm in the East African country, The Independent can disclose
tags: Developing Countries, H1N1, Health, News, UHN, IHN, The Independent
Children binge-drink 20 units a week – The Independent 2nd July 2009
One in four underage alcohol drinkers consumes more than 20 units a week, a survey claimed today.
Researchers found alarming habits among thousands of young people aged 14 to 17 in north-west England.
One in two young people admitted drinking to get drunk, one in 20 drink alone and one in six regretted having sex after consuming alcohol.
tags: Young People, Alcohol, Accident and Emergency Departments, Health, News, UHN, The Independent
Additional Stories
Men who drink just four pints of beer a week are likely to spend more time in hospital, according to research published today.
tags: Alcohol, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph, Mens
Additional Story
Doctors: Government is wrong over cervical screening – The Times 2nd July 2009
The Government is wrong to refuse cervical cancer screening to those under 25, the British Medical Association said today.
Doctors voted three to one that women should be screened for cervical cancer from the age of 20 a week after the Department of Health refused to lower the starting age.
tags: Mass Screening, Cervical Cancer, Ethics, Rationing, NHS, Health, News, UHN, The Times
Ultrasound treatment HIFU offers new hope for prostate cancer patients – The Times 2nd July 2009
Men with early-stage prostate cancer could be treated with soundwave technology instead of surgery, leading to fewer side-effects, research suggests.
A study of 172 men whose cancer had not spread beyond their prostate found that 92 per cent were free of cancer a year after undergoing the experimental therapy.
tags: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Health, News, UHN, Mens Health, The Times
Additional Stories
Medical students ‘disciplined for high-jinks’ – The Times 2nd July 2009
Medical students are being taken to professional disciplinary hearings for parking violations, slack form-filling and nights out on the town as part of a draconian new system of sanctions.
Students are having their careers put at risk because medical schools are abusing new guidance from the General Medical Council (GMC) in an attempt to deter university high jinks and poor behaviour, a conference has heard.
tags: Health, News, Medical Education, UHN, Ethics, The Times
Additional Stories
Obese patients are to be paid to lose weight in Pound-for-Pound scheme – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
Obese patients are to be paid to lose weight in a Pound-for-Pound scheme which is the first of its kind in the UK.
tags: Obesity, Primary Care, Incentives, Ethics, Financial Management, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph
Additional Story
Boys should be given cervical cancer vaccine, says BMA – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
Boys should be given the cervical cancer vaccine as well as girls in order to protect both sexes against sexually transmitted infections, doctors said.
tags: Sexually Transmitted Infections, Immunisation, Mens Health, Health, News, UHN, Ethics, The Telegraph
A Muslim NHS dentist faces being struck off after a tribunal ruled he tried to force patients to wear traditional Islamic dress before treating them.
tags: Religion, Ethics, Dental Health, Professional Discipline, Jurisprudence, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph
Lack of sleep is more dangerous for women than men, claim scientists – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
Lack of sleep is more dangerous for women than men, claims a study that suggests it increases the risk of heart disease more among females than males.
tags: Womens Health, Heart Diseases, Sleep, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph
Additional Story
VAT cut for gyms and health clubs ‘could boost exercise’ – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
Heath clubs and gyms could benefit from reduced VAT under a Conservative-backed body’s plans to encourage more people to exercise regularly.
tags: Taxation, Economics, Financial Management, Health, News, UHN, Physical Activity, The Telegraph
Additional Story
Mental health patients to be ‘tagged’ with GPS trackers – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
Dangerous mental health patients are to be fitted with state-of-the-art GPS trackers by the NHS after a mental patient on the run murdered a pensioner.
tags: Homicide, Mental Health, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph
School skateboarding to fight obesity – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
A council is introducing a form of skateboarding to all of its schools in a bid to boost interest in PE and fight rising obesity levels.
tags: Physical Activity, Obesity, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph, CMHN
Career women are being given “false optimism” by clinics which encourage them to use potentially dangerous techniques to freeze their eggs for future use, Lord Winston, one of Britain’s leading fertility experts has said.
tags: In Vitro Fertilisation, Human Fertility, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph, Ethics
Additional Story
Sun-cream banned from primary school for safety reasons – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
Children at a primary school have been banned from taking sun-cream on to the premises for health and safety reasons.
tags: Skin Cancer, Dermatology, Ethics, Health and Safety, Schools, Health, News, Children, UHN, The Telegraph
Tragedy of sisters who will both die before they’re 12 years old – Daily Mail 3rd July 2009
Held safe in their mother’s arms, they look like any other bright and healthy little girls.
But Ashleigh Lennon, six, and her three-year-old sister Alisha will both die before the age of 12.
They are the only two sisters in Britain known to have the deadly form of the genetic disorder Batten’s disease.
tags: Genetics, Mortality, Children, Health, News, UHN, Daily Mail
Free from financial responsibilities, they are having the time of their lives travelling the world.
And while at home, their main concern is fixing up when to see friends for an evening’s socialising.
That’s the over-55s, of course. The under 25s, in contrast, are the generation most likely to be lonely and stressed by money worries, a survey claims.
tags: Stress, Mental Health, Health, News, UHN, Daily Mail
They met while visiting their respective spouses’ graves and found fresh happiness together.
But Dorothy Townend, 78, and her husband Harry, 86, have been forced apart by a decision by health chiefs which has been branded ‘inhumane’ by an MP.
tags: Older People, NHS, Ethics, Health, News, UHN, Daily Mail, Alzheimers Disease
After 12 years cleaning care homes and private houses, Tereza Tosbell has a keen eye for a dirty room.
But the last place she expected to need her skills was in hospital – where she was a patient.
tags: Hygiene, Infection Control, Hospitals, Health, News, UHN, Daily Mail
A DIY test to help women maximise their chances of motherhood has been developed by scientists.
The ‘fertility thermometer’ uses a woman’s answers to 22 questions about age, lifestyle and health to assess the state of her fertility.
tags: Human Fertility, Diagnosis, Health, News, UHN, Daily Mail
British children drink only half recommended amount of water – Daily Mail 2nd July 2009
The average British child drinks just half of the recommended amount of water, researchers said today, prompting experts to urge families to make sure youngsters stay hydrated in the heatwave.
tags: Hydration, Children, Dehydration, Water, Young People, Health, News, UHN, Daily Mail
Scots take ’sun-fry’ cancer risk – BBC Health News 2nd July 2009
Scots have an unhealthy approach to sunbathing and the highest risk of contracting skin cancer in the UK, researchers have warned.
The study by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society found some had even used baby lotion and even chip fat to get a tan.
tags: Dermatology, Health, News, UHN, Skin Cancer, BBC Health News
NHS faces ‘folly’ of short-sighted cuts – BBC Health News 1st July 2009
The NHS is facing “seven years of famine” because of the economic downturn, whoever wins the next election.
Preventive healthcare is liable to see serious budget cuts – but public health expert Dr Alan Maryon-Davis says in this week’s Scrubbing Up health column that this would be “short-sighted folly”.
tags: Economics, Health Economics, Financial Management, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
Doctors reject faith right call – BBC Health News 1st July 2009
Doctors have voted down a proposal calling for them to be given a right to pray for patients without facing disciplinary action.
The British Medical Association conference in Liverpool debated a motion saying medics should be free to discuss spiritual issues.
tags: Religion, Ethics, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News, Medical Staff
Swine flu girl pictures released – BBC Health News 1st July 2009
The family of a six-year-old girl who died after contracting swine flu have released pictures of her.
Sameerah Ahmad, who was born with a rare disorder which affected her small intestine, died at Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Friday evening.
tags: Children, Mortality, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic, Health, New, UHN, BBC Health News
Dementia is greater risk for single people in later life, study finds – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
Divorcees, widowers and middle-aged people who live alone are much more likely to develop dementia than those who are married or who live together, researchers say.
The findings, from a Swedish team and published online by the British Medical Journal, suggest that being in a steady relationship helps insulate people against mental decline, while singletons and those who lack regular social contact are at greater risk of developing a brain-wasting condition such as Alzheimer’s.
tags: Dementia, Genetics, Alzheimers Disease, Relationships, Health, News, IHN, Mental Health, The Guardian
Additional Stories
Young victims continue to receive treatment in Cuba two decades after Ukrainian nuclear disaster
tags: Environment, Radiation, Cancer, Health, News, IHN, The Guardian
Additional Stories
Full list of swine flu cases, country by country – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
Get all the cases, suspected and confirmed, in our up-to-date spreadsheet
tags: IHN, H1N1, Epidemiology, Pandemic, Health, News, UHN, The Guardian
Is the EU in the sway of Big Tobacco? – The Guardian 2nd July 2009
The EU’s timid anti-smoking legislation shows it is incapable of standing up to the lobbying might of the tobacco industry
tags: Smoking, Legislation, Smoking Cessation, EEC, IHN, Health, News, The Guardian
Discovery of fertility ‘fingerprints’ could answer IVF questions – The Guardian 1st July 2009
Simple test could help women decide whether or not it is worth undertaking expensive IVF treatment, say scientists
tags: In Vitro Fertilisation, Diagnosis, Health, News, IHN, The Guardian
Additional Stories
UK student sparks Kenya swine flu alert – The Independent 2nd July 2009
A Nottingham medical student who travelled through some of the poorest parts of Kenya after contracting swine flu in the UK has sparked a state of national alarm in the East African country, The Independent can disclose
tags: Developing Countries, H1N1, Health, News, UHN, IHN, The Independent
Lung cancer drug Iressa licenced in Europe – The Times 2nd July 2009
A targeted treatment for terminal lung cancer could help to improve the lives of thousands of patients who carry a specific gene mutation, experts say.\n\nThe drug Iressa (gefitinib), which gained its European licence yesterday is designed to treat “non-small” cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This form of the disease is very hard to treat, but accounts for 80 per cent of lung cancers in Britain – about 30,000 cases a year.
tags: The Times, Lung Cancer, Health, News, IHN, Genetics, Cancer, Drug Therapy
Obesity on the rise in half of US states – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
Obesity rates continued to climb in the past year with 23 US states reporting that their adult residents are fatter now than they were a year ago, two advocacy groups said on Wednesday.
tags: Obesity, Epidemiology, IHN, Health, News, The Telegraph
Additional Story
Schizophrenia and manic depression: new link that could help millions – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
Scientists in three studies have identified similar genetic causes behind both schizophrenia and manic depression in a discovery that could lead to new treatments for millions with the illnesses.
tags: IHN, Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Genetics, Health, News, The Telegraph
Additional Story
Purple sweet potato ‘new superfood to prevent cancer’ – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
A purple sweet potato is being developed as the new superfood, with scientists saying the vegetable may stop people from getting cancer.
tags: Diet, Nutrition, Health, News, Cancer, IHN, The Telegraph
Regenerating your own amputated arms and legs, broken spines and even damaged brains is the stuff of superheroes – but it could one day be a reality, claim scientists.
tags: Health, News, IHN, Research, Orthopaedics
Women with common womb condition at risk of having premature birth – The Telegraph 1st July 2009
Women with a common womb condition are at risk of having a premature birth, a new study shows.
tags: Obstetrics, IHN, Health, News, Endometriosis, The Telegraph
Orange juice acid ‘can wash away enamel on your teeth’ – Daily Mail 2nd July 2009
It may not just be breakfast you wash down with a morning glass of orange juice, researchers warned yesterday.
Some juice is so acidic, it can take part of your teeth with it.
Fruit beverages can cut enamel hardness by 84 per cent causing teeth to erode more than previously thought, according to one U.S. expert.
tags: Dental Health, Health, News, IHN, Children, Daily Mail
Swine flu could claim up to 6,000 lives in Liverpool – Liverpool Daily Post 2nd July 2009
SWINE flu could claim up to 6,000 lives in Liverpool if the pandemic hits the city, latest figures predict.
Undertakers are receiving crisis briefings from city leaders over how to handle a high death toll from the killer swine flu virus, while mortuary and crematoria staff will be given advice about how to deal with a fatal outbreak of the disease in the city.
tags: H1N1, Epidemiology, Influenza, Pandemic, Health, News, Strategic Planning, Mortality, CMHN, Liverpool Daily Post
Additional Story
Disabled Liverpool patient neglected by drunk carer – Liverpool Echo 1st july 2009
A CARER neglected his severely disabled patient while drunk.
Keith Gannon, 43, was supposed to be providing round-the-clock care for vulnerable Darren Cureton.
Liverpool crown court heard the 35-year-old had severe learning difficulties, autism and epilepsy and needed help getting out of bed, getting dressed, being fed and moving around.
tags: Disabilities, Carers, Alcohol, Jurisprudence, Health, News, CMHN, Ethics, Liverpool Echo
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine commercial venture expands – Liverpool Echo 2nd July 2009
THE Well Travelled Clinic, part of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, has relocated to bigger premises over the road in Anson House as part of the commercial roll-out of the venture.
It provides advice and vaccinations for travellers and recently opened a second facility in Chester
tags: Travel Health, Health, News, CMHN, Liverpool Echo
Big rise in number of Merseyside women suffering with mouth cancer – Liverpool Echo 1st july 2009
DOCTORS today reported a huge rise in the number of young women suffering with mouth cancer in Merseyside.
Experts blamed smoking and drinking for the increase in the fatal condition.
Across the region, there are now twice as many people developing mouth cancer as the national average.
tags: CMHN, Liverpool Echo, Oral Cancer, Smoking, Alcohol, Womens Health, Health, News
Ur L8! Text messages will remind Wirral patients of GP appointments – Wirral Globe 1st July 2009
Patients of GP practices in Wirral are receiving appointment reminders and health information to their mobiles phones by text message.
NHS Wirral has funded surgeries to launch and operate a patient care messaging service, which can reduce the number of people who do not turn up to their appointments.
tags: Mobile Telephony, Appointment Systems, Primary Care, NHS, CMHN, Helath, News, Wirral Globe
MORE than one in four of teenagers in the region regularly indulge in binge-drinking, a new survey reveals.
The probe shows the number of teenagers who report that they regularly drink alcohol has fallen – but experts warn of “worrying trends” among teenage tipplers.
tags: Alcohol, Sexual Behaviour, Sexual Health, Health, News, Young People, CMHN, Wirral Globe
Northwich infirmary parking plea heard in Parliament – Northwich Guardian 1st July 2009
THE Guardian’s plea to Scrap the Fees for parking at the Victoria Infirmary Northwich (VIN) has been heard in the House of Commons.
More than 7,100 residents backed our campaign against the parking charges and Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall presented the petition in Parliament yesterday, Wednesday.
tags: NHS Estates, Financial Management, Health, News, Hospitals, Northwich Guardian, CMHN
Additional Story
School skateboarding to fight obesity – The Telegraph 2nd July 2009
A council is introducing a form of skateboarding to all of its schools in a bid to boost interest in PE and fight rising obesity levels.
tags: Physical Activity, Obesity, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph, CMHN
NHS apologises to Workington family over cancelled operation – Carlisle News & Star 2nd July 2009
THE FAMILY of an elderly agoraphobic woman, who was turned away from surgery minutes before a mastectomy, have been given an apology, four months after it happened.
Rachel Owen, 79, of Richmond Croft, Workington, spent months preparing herself for the operation at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
tags: Surgery, Health, News, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Ethics, news, CLHN, Carlisle News & Star
Carlisle hotel staff refused to clean room of swine flu victim – Carlisle News & Star 2nd July 2009
Staff at a Carlisle hotel refused to clean the room of an American visitor confirmed as Cumbria’s first case of swine flu for fear of contracting the disease.
tags: H1N1, Epidemiology, Influenza, Pandemic, Health, News, CLHN, Carlisle News & Star
Additional Stories
The health of our county – Carlisle News & Star 1st July 2009
BINGE drinking in South and West cumbria is higher than the England average.
this is just one of the findings to come out of the Association of Public Health Observatories’ newly-published figures, giving a snapshot of the health of our county. EDITH BATCHELOR reports
tags: Statistical Data, Public Health, Health, News, CLHN, Carlisle News & Star
Additional Stories
Now that the fog has lifted…has the smoking ban worked? – Carlisle News & Star 1st July 2009
Exactly two years ago today pub landlords, restaurant owners and all employers had to show smokers the door.
It was on July 1 2007, at 6am, that smoking was officially outlawed in enclosed public places, including all pubs, restaurants, cafes and workplaces.
tags: Smoking Cessation, Smoking, Legislation, Health, News, CLHN, Carlisle News & Star
Dads are treated with suspicion – Carlisle News & Star 1st July 2009
FATHERS are treated with distrust and are even regarded with suspicion by ‘mumsy’ child services, it has been claimed.
A poll commissioned by the Fatherhood Institute found some fathers felt they were treated with distrust or were not properly acknowledged.
tags: Child Protection, Parenting, Health, News, CLHN, Carlisle News & Star
Holiday health tips – Carlisle News & Star 1st July 2009
NHS 24 has launched a healthy holiday guide in an online format.
It contains helpful advice and information on summer holiday health issues from sunburn and stings to travel sickness and tummy trouble.
Dr George Crooks, NHS 24’s medical director, says: “It’s always better to be prepared and our guide helps holidaymakers to do just that. Whether it’s knowing what vaccinations to have in advance, what to do when an upset tummy strikes or how to deal with insect bites, this online guide is a useful tool.
tags: Travel Health, Health, News, CLHN, Carlisle News & Star
Health service boost predicted for Ulverston – Lancashire Telegraph 2nd July 2009
A WIDER range of health services is being predicted for patients in Ulverston following the announcement of a new GP contract.
NHS Cumbria, the county’s primary care trust, has announced the former single-GP Bayside practice will be expanded after being taken over by a neighbouring practice at the Ulverston Health Centre in Stanley Street.
tags: CLHN, Lancashire Telegraph, Health, News, Primary Care
Cumbria GPs high in ’satisfaction ‘ survey – Lancashire Telegraph 2nd July 2009
FAMILY doctors in Cumbria enjoy some of the highest patient satisfaction rates in England, according to a major new health survey.
The GP Patient Survey, the biggest healthcare survey of its kind, found that overall satisfaction with surgeries in Cumbria was 95 per cent.
tags: Quality, Primary Care, Medical Staff, Health, News, CLHN, Lancashire Telegraph
American medic visits Kendal to promote ‘integrated’ healthcare – Lancashire Telegraph 2nd July 2009
A MEDIC from North Carolina has visited Westmorland General Hospital to talk about integrating complementary and traditional medicine.
Dr Bridget Bongaard addressed medical professionals and complementary therapists at the Kendal site, as part of a UK tour.
tags: Integrated Care, Complementary Therapies, Health, News, CLHN, Lancashire Telegraph
Chlamydia screening targets smashed – Chorley Citizen 1st July 2009
A drive to encourage young people to be tested for chlamydia has been hailed a massive success, with targets being surpassed in Chorley.
NHS Central Lancashire was challenged to screen 17 per cent of sexually active people between 15 and 24 between April 2008 and March 2009 – more than 10,000 tests.
tags: Sexual Health, Mass Screening, Young People, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Health, News, CLHN, Chorley Citizen
Boots could get a doctor in the city – Manchester Evening News July 3rd 2009
A NEW doctors’ surgery could open in a city centre branch of Boots to bring long-awaited medical services to the doorsteps of thousands of residents.
The High Street chemist has drawn up plans to open a practice in its Cross Street store in Manchester.
tags: Manchester Evening News, Health, News, GMHN, Primary Care, Private Sector
PUPILS from four schools in Rochdale are being treated for swine flu.
Eighteen people have been diagnosed with the virus with health chiefs confirming that a ’small number’ of these patients are children.
tags: Schools, H1N1, Epidemiology, Influenza, Pandemic, Health, News, GMHN, Manchester Evening News
Swine flu girl back in school – Bury Times 2nd July 2009
A STUDENT who was sent home from school after being diagnosed with swine flu has returned to lessons.
The 13-year-old girl, a pupil at the Derby High School, became ill after catching the virus from a male relative in Bury.
tags: H1N1, Pandemic, Influenza, Epidemiology, Health, News, GMHN, Bury Times
Health teams praised – The Bolton News 1st July 2009
TWO health teams have been singled out for praise in a region-wide review.
The ‘Find and Treat’ and ‘Lose Weight, Feel Great’ teams from NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan impressed with their work in improving the quality of care for 50 to 74 year olds.
tags: Obesity, Older People, Health, News, GMHN, Primary Care, Quality, Heart Diseases, Mass Screening, The Bolton News
Town’s second case of swine flu is confirmed – The Bolton News 1st July 2009
A SECOND case of swine flu has been confirmed in Bolton.
A young man from Little Lever, who has recently been abroad, has been diagnosed with the virus — but health chiefs are refusing to release more details.
tags: H1N1, Pandemic, Influenza, Epidemiology, Health, News, GMHN, The Bolton News
Standard Podcasts [ 36:43m]
New England Journal of Medicine 2009 (Vol 361 No 1) Contents Page
Fade Fave: Renal and Retinal Effects of Enalapril and Losartan in Type 1 Diabetes
Fade Skinny: Complications of type 1 diabetes include nephropathy and retinopathy. This article documents a trial that was conducted to find out whether these complications are slowed by the early admission of drugs that block the renin-angiotsensin system.
(Print subscription held at Fade Library)
Posted in Journals | Tags: Diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy, Kidney Diseases
Heart 2009 (Vol 95, No 14) content page
Fade Fave: Sexuality and subjective wellbeing in male patients with congenital heart disease
Fade Skinny: Considers physical and psychological concerns related to sexuality, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and their relationship to patients’ quality of life in male patients with congenital heart disease. Concludes that condideration of these matters should be integrated into the regular consultations of these patients. The strong association between sexual health and subjective wellbeing emphasises the need for diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment of these problems.
(NHS Athens is required to access this article online)
Vegetarians less likely to develop cancer than meat eaters, says study – The Guardian 1st July 2009
For years, they have boasted of the health benefits of their leafy diets, but now vegetarians have the proof that has so far eluded them: when it comes to cancer risks, they have the edge on carnivores.
Fresh evidence from the largest study to date to investigate dietary habits and cancer has concluded that vegetarians are 45% less likely to develop cancer of the blood than meat eaters and are 12% less likely to develop cancer overall.
tags: UHN, Health, News, Diet, Nutrition, Cancer, The Guardian
Additional Stories
Letter: Bringing home the problems of drink – The Guardian 1st July 2009
We agree that much more needs to be done in educating people about how to drink safely and responsibly (One in 10 European deaths due to alcohol, 26 June), and we understand the role that retailers and manufacturers can play – for example Asda has stopped selling alcohol overnight in town centre stores. However, the responsible drinker should not be penalised for those who misuse alcohol. We believe that drinks producers and retailers can play an important role in changing consumer attitudes to alcohol by working together to improve education and cultural awareness on drinking responsibly.
tags: Alcohol, Health, News, UHN, The Guardian
Psychiatric units in England are experiencing considerable difficulties implementing the smoking ban, says Clare Allan
tags: Smoking, Legislation, Mental Health, Health, News, UHN, The Guardian
Additional Story
Warning over ’swine flu parties’ plan – The Independent 1st July 2009
Parents who are considering sending their children to “swine flu parties” in the hope that they will contract a mild form of the deadly virus and become immune have been warned off the idea by the Government’s Chief Medical Officer.
Sir Liam Donaldson said allowing the H1N1 virus to spread intentionally was “seriously flawed thinking”, as not enough was known about it.
tags: H1N1, Health, News, UHN, The Independent, Epidemiology, Pandemic, Infection Control
Additional Stories
Prescribe statins to those at risk at 40, study says – The Times 1st July 2009
Statins, the cholesterol-lowering drugs, should be prescribed to millions of people over 40 even if they do not have heart disease, research suggests.
A review of data on more than 70,000 patients found that the drugs could reduce the risk of heart attacks by 30 per cent.
tags: Statins, Cholesterol, Heart, Diseases, Health, News, UHN, Preventive Medicine, The Times
Additional Stories
‘Gold stars’ to be awarded to Britain’s best hospitals – The Times 1st July 2009
The best hospitals in the country are to be awarded “gold standard” status in a system similar to the one that awards Michelin stars for restaurants.
An accreditation scheme recognising the best clinical teams within the NHS, and showing how they compare with leading hospitals in the United States and Europe, is being drawn up to improve the quality of care.
tags: Hospitals, Quality, Health, News, UHN, Clinical Governance, The Times
Additional Story
Girl who died from swine flu in Birmingham had rare disease – The Times 30th June 2009
A schoolgirl who died after contracting swine flu suffered from a rare disease that left her unable to ward off infections, an inquest heard today.
Sameerah Ahmad, 6, died at Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Friday evening. She was the third patient with the virus to die in Britain and the first child.
tags: H1N1, Children, Influenza, Pandemic, Mortality, Health, News, UHN, The Times
Additional Stories
No need for elderly to sell home to pay care bill – The Telegraph 30th June 2009
Elderly people will no longer be forced to sell their homes to pay for care under government proposals to be unveiled next week.
tags: Residential Care, Health, News, UHN, Older People, Financial Management, The Telegraph
Empty nest syndrome is a myth claim scientists – The Telegraph 30th June 2009
Parents of children who stay at home are more likely to suffer depression than those whose offspring move out, claim scientists in a study that seems to debunk “empty nest syndrome”.
tags: Mental Health, Psychology, Depression, Parenting, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph
Genetic ‘MoT’ for disease free babies – The Telegraph 30th June 2009
A “genetic MOT” which can help IVF couples screen embryos for hereditary diseases and have healthy babies could be available in the UK within a year.
tags: Embryology, Genetics, Ehtics, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph, Diagnosis
Additional Stories
Wimbledon 2009: top players on swine flu alert – The Telegraph 30th June 2009
The world’s top tennis players have been placed on high alert after four ballboys and girls at Wimbledon were sent home with suspected swine flu.
tags: Influenza, H1N1, Pandemic, Epidemiology, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph
Additional Story
Man uses nail clippers in DIY circumcision – The Telegraph 30th June 2009
A man who gave himself a DIY circumcision using nail clippers was taken to hospital for emergency treatment.
tags: Circumcision, Self Care, Health, News, Surgery, UHN, The Telegraph
Complaining patients could end up with worse treatment – The Telegraph 30th June 2009
Disgruntled patients who complain about their GPs could end up with worse treatment as a result, doctors have warned.
tags: Complaints, Primary Care, Quality, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph
Additional Story
The next generation faces an “unmitigated disaster” unless the government triples spending on dementia to bring it on a par with cancer research, claim scientists.
tags: Dementia, Alzheimers Disease, Research, Health, News, UHN, The Telegraph
Light therapy offers ‘non-invasive’ treatment for breast cancer – The Telegraph 30th June 2009
A groundbreaking treatment for breast cancer which uses light to target and kill tumours without the need for surgery is being pioneered by a British doctor.
tags: Breast Cancer, Health, News, Light Therapy, UHN, Cancer, The Telegraph
‘Chewing Robot’ could revolutionise dental research – The Telegraph 30th june 2009
A ‘Chewing Robot’ which mimics the human jaw and teeth could revolutionise dental research, it has emerged.
tags: Medical Technology, Information Technology, Health, News, Dental Health, Research, UHN, The Telegraph
Additional Story
Breast feeding protects babies from stomach damage, study finds – The Telegraph 30th june 2009
Newborn babies which are breast fed are better protected against damage to their stomachs than those given formula milk, new research suggests.
tags: UHN, Health, News, Breastfeeding, Gastroenterology, The Telegraph
Doctors are hailing a breakthrough in the fight against prostate cancer after a British patient was successfully treated for the illness by a pioneering surgical robot.
Jeremy Lineham, 48, from Chichester, West Sussex, is the first patient in Europe to be operated on for prostate cancer using the £2million ‘da Vinci Si’ gadget.
tags: Surgery, Prostate Cancer, Health, News, Medical Technology, UHN, Daily Mail
An elderly woman died after just a month in a Bupa nursing home where she was given as little as a thimbleful of water a day.
Jeanne Matthews, 80, suffered extreme dehydration and her weight dropped to just five and a half stone.
Her daughter told an inquest yesterday that she had been ’starved to death’.
tags: Dehydration, Residential Care, Health, News, UHN, Daily Mail, Private Sector, Negligence, Older People
Medical students ‘face big debt’ – BBC Health News 1st July 2009
Medical students are finishing their five-year courses with crippling levels of debt, the doctors’ union says.
A British Medical Association poll of more than 2,000 students found those now starting their studies face debts at graduation of nearly £40,000.
tags: Medical Education, Financial Management, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
Depressed ‘denied exercise help’ – BBC Health News 30th June 2009
People with depression are still being denied exercise on prescription, a report suggests
In 2004, clinical guidelines recommended exercise as a treatment for mild or moderate depression.
tags: Physical Activity, Mental Health, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News, Prescriptions
Fat stars ‘make obesity normal’ – BBC Health News 29th June 2009
Overweight celebrities such as Gavin and Stacey star James Corden are making dangerous weight gain appear normal, a medical expert is warning.
Professor Michael McMahon of Nuffield Health says fat stars are seen as role models, helping to make being overweight acceptable.
tags: Mass Media, Obesity, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
Damages claims ‘hitting’ NHS care – BBC Health News 30th June 2009
Escalating fees from no win, no fee solicitors are hitting NHS patient care, the BBC has been told.
Steve Walker, chief of the NHS Litigation Authority, said payouts for compensation claims and lawyer fees could only come from the NHS’s budget.
tags: Litigation, Jurisprudence, Health Economics, Financial Management, NHS, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
Small weight loss ‘ups fertility’ – BBC Health News 30th June 2009
Obese women who lose even a small amount of weight may boost their chances of getting pregnant, a study suggests.
Researchers carried out a three-month study of 40 obese women who were not ovulating.
tags: Obesity, Human Fertility, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
Doctor took gas and air on duty – BBC Health News 30th June 2009
A doctor, who admitted inhaling gas and air while on duty at a children’s ward, told nurses it “created a floaty sensation”, a panel has heard.
Dr Jonathan Chahal, 33, used the anaesthetic Entonox from a gas canister at Ormskirk District General Hospital.
tags: CMHN, Ethics, Professional Discipline, UHN, Anaesthetics, Drugs of Abuse, Health, News, BBC Health News
Heart tour ‘saves 13 lives’ – BBC Health News 30th June 2009
Thirteen young people have been detected with serious heart defects during a charity screening tour.
More than 2,000 young people in England have had their hearts tested for abnormalities that could lead to Sudden Death Syndrome.
tags: Mass Screening, Heart Diseases, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
Why do we succumb to hot weather? – BBC Health News 30th June 2009
A scorching summer can be idyllic – the promise of unspoilt barbecues and trips to the seaside.
But when temperatures soar, health risks rise.
In August 2003, when temperatures hit 38C (101F) during a nine-day heatwave, the highest temperature recorded in the UK, there were 2,000 to 3,000 extra deaths in England.
tags: Climate, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
Alcohol ‘kills one in 20 Scots’ – BBC Health News 30th June 2009
Alcohol may have caused the death of twice as many Scots as previously thought, an NHS study has found.
Researchers used a new method of calculating alcohol-related deaths which is said to more accurately reflect the damage done by drinking.
tags: Epidemiology, Alcohol, Mortality, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
Third child in NI gets swine flu – BBC Health News 30th June 2009
A third child in Northern Ireland has tested positive for swine flu, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has confirmed.
The child is a classmate of the six-year-old boy from Newry who tested positive for the virus after returning from holiday in Mexico last week.
tags: H1N1, Influenza, Epidemiology, Health, News, UHN, BBC Health News
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