Group items matching

in title, tags, annotations or url

A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice sheds light on the detrimental effects of obesity on workplace absenteeism and economic productivity. The analysis, encompassing data from millions of workers across Europe, reveals a direct correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the likelihood of taking sick leave. According to the study, obese individuals are up to twice as likely to take time off work due to health issues compared to those of a healthy weight. The increased sick notes among obese individuals is attributed to various complications associated with obesity, including joint pain, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. In the United Kingdom, where obesity rates are among the highest in Europe, the impact of obesity on workplace absenteeism is particularly pronounced.

A new study has revealed that the risk of death from COVID-19 decreases significantly after vaccination, but this protection diminishes after six months, providing evidence for continued booster doses. Researchers from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who analysed more than 10 million cases of COVID-19 in adults in England between May 2020 and February 2022, found a clear association between vaccination and reduced mortality. But they also highlighted a crucial timeframe - within six months of the last vaccine dose - when Case Fatality Risk (CFR) - the proportion of cases that resulted in death - was consistently at its lowest across all age groups. After this, the protective benefit of the vaccine began to wane and CFR increased.

Global instant logistics leader, Zipline is partnering with UK drone delivery startup, Apian Aero to launch a drone delivery programme of critical medical supplies for the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The new service, expected to begin in the autumn of 2024, will see delivery of medical supplies to hospitals, GPs and care homes, using electric, autonomous drones. Zipline announced the partnership on Sunday, and said drone delivery service will help provide timely access to prescription medicines, wound care products, joint replacement implants, and other frequently ordered medical products, which could allow healthcare providers to reduce the number of cancelled procedures, and thus decrease wait times. Also, the expansion of the programme will help in creating local job opportunities in the region, it added.

In a new study, men who took phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), such as Viagra (sildenafil; Pfizer), for treatment of erectile dysfunction, were found to be 18 per cent less likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to those who did not take the drugs. The results of the population-based cohort study were published in Neurology on 7 February 2024. Researchers at University of Oxford examined IQVIA Medical Research Data UK records of 269,725 men, who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction between January 2000 and March 2017. None of the participants had any memory or thinking problems at the start of the study and they were followed for an average of 5.1 years. During the study, 749 out of 1,119 participants taking erectile dysfunction drugs developed Alzheimer's disease.

Louth and Horncastle's MP Victoria Atkins has taken the new role of Health Secretary today (13 November) amid the PM's cabinet reshuffle. Steve Barclay, the former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care was moved to become Environment Secretary after being assigned the role of Health Secretary. The following decision was made consequent to Steve Barclay being reassigned from the role. The news comes at a time when the NHS faces enduring challenges and industrial action, making this change particularly significant. MP Atkins is married to Paul Kenward, managing director of British Sugar, which also grows medicinal cannabis.

Two Indian pharmaceutical companies, Cipla and Glenmark, are pulling back certain products from the American market due to manufacturing concerns, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). A New Jersey-based subsidiary of Cipla is recalling 59,244 packs of Ipratropium Bromide and Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution due to "short fill", news agency PTI reported, quoting the latest Enforcement Report issued by the US health regulator. Produced at the company's Indore SEZ plant, this medication is used to manage symptoms associated with lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cipla USA decided to recall the affected lot following complaints of less fill volume in respule and few drops of liquid observed in the intact pouch, the USFDA said, adding that the drug maker initiated the Class II recall in the US market on March 26 this year.

Pharma giant, Pfizer has announced plans to cut 500 jobs at its Sandwich site in Kent, England as part of its ongoing $3.5 billion cost-cutting drive. The company is also planning to shut its Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule (PSSM) capabilities at the site, a spokesperson of the company told FiercePharma. However, the Sandwich site will remain open and other functions will continue with "a different size," the spokesperson added. Currently, around 940 people are employed at the site, which is the location where Pfizer scientists first discovered Viagra. "We are proud of our heritage of breakthrough science in the UK and we will retain a scientific presence in the U.K. including at our Discovery Park location in Sandwich," Pfizer's spokesperson confirmed in an email to FiercePharma.

The latest findings from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2022 by QualityWatch, a joint programme with the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation shed light on concerning disparities faced by ethnic minority communities in the UK healthcare system. Despite strides in cancer care, the survey highlights persistent challenges in easy and equitable access to timely diagnosis and quality communication, particularly for individuals from Mixed, Black, or Asian backgrounds. Key insights from the survey underscored that individuals from ethnic minority groups often require a higher number of interactions with healthcare professionals before receiving a cancer diagnosis. Notably, one in three people from Mixed, Black, or Asian ethnicities needed three or more visits to a GP practice, compared to the average of one in five across the population. These delays in diagnosis can have significant implications for treatment outcomes and overall patient experience. Moreover, the survey revealed concerning trends regarding the quality of communication following a cancer diagnosis among ethnic minority patients.

A groundbreaking study analysing data from nearly 600,000 cancer patients in England has shed light on the increased risk of second cancers among breast cancer survivors. The research conducted by University of Cambridge in association with the Lancet Regional Health-Europe studied data from over 580,000 female and over 3,500 male breast cancer survivors diagnosed between 1995 and 2019 using the National Cancer Registration Dataset. The findings suggest that survivors of breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in the UK, face a substantially higher risk of developing second primary cancers. According to the research, female survivors exhibited a twofold increase in the risk of contralateral breast cancer compared to the general population. The data highlighted an 87 per cent greater risk of endometrial cancer, a 58 per cent greater risk of myeloid leukemia, and a 25 per cent greater risk of ovarian cancer in female survivors.

Health leaders have said that delivering faster and more productive patient care would be difficult unless NHS capital budgets are nearly doubled to at least £14.1 billion from the current spending of £7.7 billion. The NHS Confederation has highlighted the impact that low levels of capital investment have had over the last decade in its report published today (29 November). The report, 'Investing to save: The capital requirement for a more sustainable NHS in England', revealed that the UK has lagged behind other comparable countries in terms of health capital investment for more than five decades, resulting in less productivity. It revealed that the NHS now has the sixth lowest number of CT and MRI scanners per million people of the OECD countries.

The MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU), working with other law enforcement partners, has seized more than two million "illegally traded medicines" this year, with a total value of £5 million. The products confiscated in the UK were prescription-only medicines including anti-depressants, pain medication and human growth hormones. The MHRA launched an initiative, Operation Pangea, 15 years ago to combat "illegal internet trade in medical" products. Andy Morling, the Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement of MHRA, spoke about Operation Pangea's 15-year anniversary. "Fifteen years ago, the MHRA started Operation Pangea, combining our knowledge and resources with those of international partners to disrupt and bring to justice the criminal gangs responsible for selling medicines illegally and causing harm around the world.

Travelling with medical cannabis can be a complex and often confusing experience, given the diverse legal regulations across different countries and states. Patients who rely on medical cannabis for their wellbeing need to be well-informed and prepared to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. This comprehensive guide covers essential aspects, legal considerations, and practical tips for individuals who use medical cannabis and wish to travel. Know the Laws The first and most crucial step before travelling with medical cannabis is to understand the laws and regulations of both the departure and destination locations. Laws regarding medical cannabis use vary significantly from one country, state, or even city to another. Some places have legalised medical cannabis, while others strictly prohibit its use. Researching and familiarising oneself with the specific regulations of the destination, transit countries, and the home country is essential. Travelling Within the Same Country When travelling within a country where medical cannabis is legal, patients generally need to carry their prescription information issued by a licensed healthcare provider. It's advisable to keep medical cannabis in its original packaging, clearly labelled with the patient's name, prescribing physician, and dosage instructions. Carrying a copy of the relevant laws and regulations can also be helpful in case of any inquiries from authorities. What can be easier than carrying around paperwork, which could get easily damaged or lost during your travels, is to get a medical card that has a unique QR code on it from Releaf Cannabis, which, when scanned, can present their prescription information digitally - it has revolutionised the way patients manage their healthcare. This eliminates the need for physical documents and streamlines the process but also ensures the security and confidentiality of sensitive medical information, offering patients a more efficient and organi

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest national surveillance data on antibiotic prescribing and resistance. The English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilisation and resistance (ESPAUR) report showed an increase in antibiotic use in all settings (apart from dental) in 2022. According to the report, antibiotic prescribing rose by 8.4 per cent in 2022 compared with 2021, although the number remains below 2019 pre-pandemic levels. "There are many reasons behind the increase in prescribing, one of which is likely related to decreased immunity and exposure to infections during the COVID-19 pandemic that may have underpinned the increased transmission in co-circulating infections, namely: influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and group A streptococcus (GAS)," the report stated.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has cautioned people to stop using certain eye gels, highlighting a potential risk of microbial contamination that can cause an infection. As a precaution, the agency on Friday announced recall of specific batches of carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels branded Aacarb, Aacomer and Puroptics, which are generally used to relieve the symptoms of dry eye. Burkholderia cenocepacia is suspected to have caused the microbial contamination, and the issue was raised after an ongoing investigation conducted by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) identified a small number of cases of infection. Investigations are on to determine if there is a link between these products and the infections which have been identified. Meanwhile, retailers have been told to withdraw the affected products, and users are asked to return their product to the place of purchase immediately.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised alarm over rising cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have physical relationship with men (GBMSM). There has been a 53 per cent increase in cases since the beginning of 2023, mostly driven by a cluster of antibiotic resistant strain called Shigella sonnei, with 97 cases reported this year until November, compared to just four cases last year. According to UKHSA, Shigella sonnei infections are difficult to treat as the strain does not respond to the antibiotics typically used to treat the bacteria. While it has been found across England, cases are concentrated in London (45), the North West (21) and South East (12). Shigella is an infectious gut infection that can cause symptoms like diarrhoea (sometimes mixed with blood), stomach cramps and fever, which are commonly mistaken for food poisoning.

The Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on Thursday issued a class 4 medicines defect information notice for Cozaar 100mg film-coated tablets due to an error in the Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) reported by the company. Cozaar is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) as well as to slow the progression of kidney disease in people who have type 2 diabetes mellitus. Quadrant Pharmaceuticals Ltd has informed the UK regulatory authority that the PILs that have been packed in certain batches of the products do not have the most up to date safety information. 'Grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Cozaar'- This information is missing in Section 2 'What you need to know before you take Cozaar', sub section 'Cozaar with food and drink', the company clarified.

In a remarkable turn of events, the NHS App has emerged as a financial saviour for the National Health Service, slashing costs by over £1 million in the last year alone. The revelation comes as a testament to the app's growing significance in streamlining patient communication and service delivery. Throughout the fiscal year 2023/24, a staggering 22.5 million messages traversed the NHS App, a feat previously reliant on traditional methods like text messages or letters. This monumental shift not only signifies a boon for efficiency but also heralds substantial savings, with each text message costing an average of 5p. Drastically reducing these expenses has amounted to a commendable £1.1 million in savings, marking a pivotal milestone in NHS expenditure management.

The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries has expressed concern that measles outbreak could spread to other towns and cities unless urgent action is taken to increase Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake in areas at greatest risk. The virus can spread very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools, she said on Friday (19 January) during a visit to irmingham to review the ongoing work to contain the spread of the disease. A rapid rise in cases has been seen in the West Midlands since 1 October 2023, with 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases recorded till 18 January. The majority of the cases (around 80 per cent) were reported from Birmingham, with about 10 per cent in Coventry, mostly affecting children aged under 10 years. Dame Jenny is calling on all local areas to increase MMR vaccine uptake rates in communities across the country.

The UK government has awarded a £1.7 million contract to Ensilicated Technologies Ltd (EnsiliTech), a University of Bath spinout company dedicated to making vaccines safer, to develop the world's first thermally stable mRNA vaccine. mRNA vaccines have a huge potential to prevent infectious diseases and a range of previously unpreventable conditions, but currently, these vaccines require ultracold storage, needing to be kept at -70 or even -80 °C. The company's ensilication technology allows vaccines and other biological materials to be transported and stored without the use of refrigeration. Dr Asel Sartbaeva, co-founder and CEO at EnsiliTech, believes that the technology could save tens of thousands of lives every year. She commented: "We're so proud to have won this important government grant."

Recent NHS data sheds light on the evolving landscape of fit note certification, indicating a gradual expansion of roles beyond traditional medical practitioners to pharmacists and nurses. This uptake in numbers coincides with the Department of Work and Pensions's (DWP) call for evidence in relation to fit note reform which will remain open till 8 July 2024. According to figures published by NHS Digital, during the nine-month period from April 2023 to December 2023, pharmacists certified a significant number of fit notes. Approximately 1.4 per cent of fit notes of the 8 million were issued by pharmacists while the rest were issued by the GP surgeries reflecting the impact following legislative amendments in July 2022, which extended certification authority to pharmacists, nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. In June 2022, the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) advised pharmacists not to sign fit notes where the required therapeutic, diagnostic, or examination skills lie outside their scope of competence. The association remarked that healthcare professionals needed mandatory training under the Health Education England before they are fit to issue fitness notes to the public.