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The National Health Service said that over 425,000 patients have utilised its new national online service to complete GP registration within its inaugural year. The GP surgery registration service, managed by NHS England, has granted NHS patients efficient and user-friendly access to GP registration since its inception in August 2022. According to the NHS, more than 1,400 GP surgeries, a fifth of the national count, have joined the NHS online registration service as part of a new plan to improve access to primary care. "This aligns with a new strategy to enhance primary care access, with a target of enrolling 2,000 practices in the Register with a GP surgery service by December 2023." Many GP surgeries still use paper forms, requiring patients to visit surgeries to collect paperwork. However, the new online service has been shown to save GP surgery staff up to 15 minutes per registration by helping to reduce paperwork and admin time, the NHS said. The NHS said that this service enables patients to register with a local GP online at any time, eliminating the need for in-person visits and simplifying the process for both patients and GP surgeries.

The NHS has made major improvements across long waits, urgent and emergency services, and cancer care, latest performance figures published on Thursday (11) have shown. The number of patients waiting more than 18 months fell to 10,737 by April - down by more than 90 per cent from 124,911 in September 2021 and by more than four-fifths since the start of January when there were 54,882. Around half of NHS trusts in England have no patients on their elective care waiting lists apart from those who have chosen to wait longer. More than one in five (21%) trusts had completely eliminated 18-month waits. However, the overall waiting list has risen to over 7.3 million entries in England. "I promised I would cut NHS waiting lists and we are delivering," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. "Reducing 18-month waits by over 90 per cent is huge progress, and it is testament to the hard work of NHS staff who have achieved this despite one of the busiest winters on record. "We still have work to do, but backed by record government investment and the ongoing efforts of the NHS, I am confident we will get patients the care they need more quickly." Ambulance response rates have improved to their fastest in two years, with average category two response times now at 28.5 minutes and category one at 8 mins. The 62-day cancer backlog has fallen for the first time since before the pandemic, with those waiting two months or more down from 21,823 at the end of the last financial year (March 2022) to 19,248 at the end of this March (2023). This is down almost 15,000 from a peak of 34,000 in July 2022.

NHS England has launched a prescription savings campaign, particularly for those living with long-term conditions. The campaign is specifically for individuals residing in deprived areas as they receive more prescriptions than people in affluent areas. It is also known that people with low income could be entitled to help with costs or free prescriptions depending on their circumstances. The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA), an active member of the Prescription Charges Coalition, is actively striving to eliminate prescription charges in England as well. They are focussing on "NHS England's current efforts to minimise charges so that members practising in England can alert patients to this possibility".

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

Wales launched the new electronic prescribing service (EPS) last week, with the country's first electronic prescription sent and dispensed on 17 November. The new service allows prescriptions to be sent digitally to a patient's nominated pharmacy, thus eliminating the need for paper forms. It is part of a wider plan to introduce digital medicines and e-prescribing in all hospitals and primary care in the country. Wellington Road Pharmacy and Lakeside Medical Centre in Rhyl became the first community pharmacy and GP practice to use the EPS, which is expected to be rolled out across Wales in January 2024.

NHS England has urged women to accept cervical screening invites to make it possible to eliminate the disease within the next two decades. Screening using a highly effective test helps detect human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for over 99 per cent of all cervical cancers. Sadly, three in ten of those eligible for screening do not take up the potentially life-saving offer, as shown by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, England 2022-2023 annual report. The report, published by NHSE on Thursday, showed that a total of 4.62 million women aged 25 to 64 for cervical screening was invited to book an appointment in 2022-23, and 3.43 million attended the screening.

Acknowledging the ongoing challenges in delivering the required IT systems for the scheduled launch of the Pharmacy First service on January 31, NHS England reported progress in fulfilling 'many' commitments outlined in its plan to enhance primary care access during a board meeting on Thursday. However, it noted that the digital infrastructure supporting Pharmacy First, included in the £645 million fresh funding for community pharmacy, will require additional time for implementation. "Delivery remains challenging due to changes needed in digital infrastructure, and we are working with suppliers to support January implementation," NHSE said. "A public campaign is planned for 2024." The Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines for seven common health conditions (sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women), eliminating the need for a GP visit. Meanwhile, NHSE is leveraging the widespread accessibility of pharmacies by expanding blood pressure monitoring and introducing direct prescribing of clinically safe oral contraceptives-an initiative that has been well-received.

Patient safety should remain a top priority in any healthcare setting. People should always receive the right advice, and pharmacists aren't 'GPs on the cheap.' Staff should be fully trained, and medical equipment should be correctly maintained at all times. In turn, this helps create a safer environment for patients and professionals alike. In this article, we'll discuss some of the factors that can enhance patient safety in healthcare settings. AUTOMATION AND MONITORING Automating processes within a facility can help streamline operations. This has the potential to reduce or eliminate human error that could result in serious injury or death. In addition, automated systems often provide instant alerts when something goes wrong - allowing medical staff to react quickly and appropriately. Automated solutions can help facilities achieve hand hygiene monitoring standards, and it's possible to schedule a demo and see their outcomes. They can reduce staff sick time and HAIs, as well as Joint Commission citations and associated costs. Monitoring helps ensure compliance with safety protocols. It's essential for improving patient safety and gaining data on all aspects of a facility's operations. It also helps organizations track the effectiveness of their protocols and procedures over time. This helps them constantly evaluate and refine their policies, to maximize patient safety benefits. ADEQUATE STAFFING In order to provide quality care, it's essential to have enough staff on hand to meet patient needs and ensure all protocols are being followed. Without this, healthcare providers may struggle to provide prompt, efficient care - which can put patient safety at risk. Adequate staffing levels should be determined by a variety of factors. They include patient numbers, the complexity of care required, and the size and layout of the facility.

Benefits of Echinacea for Health and Wellness The Echinacea plant is still in benefit today as a dietary supplement. It has nine species, but only two of them, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia are generally used in supplements. Other supplements are in pill form, teas, juices, and creams. It possesses many compounds that may benefit your health. 1/10_ It treat infections and wounds Echinacea has been used for centuries to treat infections and wounds. In fact, the Native Americans used echinacea to treat their cuts, burns, bruises, and insect bites. They'd apply the fresh plant directly onto their skin to heal those wounds faster than they would have otherwise. It has also been shown in multiple studies to be effective in treating colds and other infections. This benefit is believed to be due to its immune-boosting properties that help strengthen your body's defenses against bacteria. ECZEMA People with eczema suffer from an inflammation of the skin; a cream including echinacea extract may benefit. Early research suggests that daily topical application of echinacea cream helped alleviate eczema-related irritation. It also helped create the protective outer layer of skin. Be aware of probable allergic reactions, as people with eczema generally have allergies and asthma. 2/10_Antioxidant powerhouse Antioxidants are substances that protect you from disease by neutralizing or eliminating the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms, molecules, or ions in your body that have an unpaired electron and can cause oxidative stress in your cells. Echinacea is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight the free radicals that cause damage to cells and tissues. Free radicals may contribute to cancer development, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and many other chronic diseases. Echinacea has been shown in studies to positively impact the immune system by boosting its response against infection-causing

Some herbs have diuretic effects and may help with sodium and water retention. Instances include: Dandelion "Ginger" Parsley Hawthorn Juniper Natural diuretics could help lessen fluid retention by making you urinate more. But more scientific evidence can prove that these herbs have diuretic impacts, so you may not find them compelling. Ginger is a spice that has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. It's been used to treat everything from colds to diarrhea, but one of the most common uses for ginger is that it acts as a diuretic to get rid of water retention (swelling) in the body. While there's no single cause for swelling or bloating, it can happen because of a variety of factors, including being overweight or gaining weight rapidly due to muscle building or pregnancy. However, ginger isn't just used as an herbal remedy: its active ingredient, shogaol, also exists naturally in other foods like broccoli and carrots! What is ginger? The ginger plant is the underground, fleshy part of the plant that forms a rhizome. It's a perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family. It looks like a small palm tree with reddish-brown stems. Its flowers are white and fragrant with five petals and look like gingerbread cookies! The plant originated in Southern China but now grows in tropical regions all over the world, including India, Japan, and Jamaica. Ginger is used for cooking, medicine, and perfume making because of its intense flavor (which comes from an oil called gingerol). How are diuretic herbs good for you? A diuretic is a substance that promotes the production of urine. Diuretics can treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney problems. They are also sometimes prescribed as a weight-loss aid to help the body eliminate excess water weight associated with bloating or edema (swelling). As you can see from its many uses and benefits, having a diuretic handy when you're feeling bloated is always a good idea. How can you make

As the weather gets colder, we're all looking for ways to get through the winter months. One of the most popular natural remedies is ginger. It's been used for thousands of years and has been shown to relieve symptoms like sore throat and coughing as well as boost overall health. People often use ginger as a home remedy for treating colds and sore throats due to its antibacterial markers that can help handle pain and inflammation. The Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root is a perennial plant. Our forefathers have consumed ginger as a herbal therapy for decades after decades to cure many health conditions, from arthritis to abdominal pain. Today, we often use ginger when we have a cough or cold. The scientific database reveals that ginger has medicinal effects that could ease the symptoms of a cold or sore throat. This article will examine how ginger may help colds and how you can use it in teas, juices, and other home remedies. How is ginger good for treating Colds? There is no definitive proof that ginger can cure or eliminate colds from roots, but research indicates that it may help control them. Ginger can also aid in improving cold symptoms. One study review shows that there is evidence that ginger can help: prevent colds control or relieve a sore throat ease congestion decrease inflammation However, researchers need to examine ginger's additional benefits to support this evidence. Medicinal properties Ginger has blends called gingerols and shogaols. Experimenters consider that these compounds give ginger its therapeutic properties. It is a potent anti-inflammatory. It's also a natural expectorant and decongestant, which helps to clear up congestion. Ginger is high in vitamin C and manganese, both essential nutrients for boosting your immune system during the cold season. While ginger may not be a cure-all for the common cold or flu (it's always best to consult your doctor if you're sick), it can help keep you feeling better while you recover. Stu

At the European Conference of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) this year in Copenhagen, Denmark, data on a test that may detect HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C from a single drop of blood are being presented. Hepatitis B or C claim the lives of over a million people each year. Every year, 1.5 million individuals contract HIV, and 650,000 people pass away from HIV-related causes. The World Health Organisation has made the elimination of all three viruses by 2030 one of its global health strategies but new tests are necessary if case numbers are to be reduced. The most common test for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV involves taking a blood sample from a vein using a needle. While this method works extremely well, there is a potentially large reservoir of the three conditions in places where this method is not suitable. This could be prisons, drug rehabilitation centres and homeless shelters, where the taking of venous blood samples isn't always suitable or countries in which the shipping and refrigerated storage of blood samples can be challenging. Alternatives include dried blood spot tests, in which a single spot of blood is tested for nucleic acid from the three viruses.

Reacting to recommendations from a UK-first independent review, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has outlined action to tackle potential bias in the design and use of medical devices. Professor Dame Margaret Whitehead, professor of public health at the University of Liverpool, was appointed to lead the review, which focused on three areas - optical devices such as pulse oximeters, AI-enabled devices, and polygenic risk scores (PRS) in genomics. The DHSC commissioned the medical devices review after concerns were raised that pulse oximeters - widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor blood oxygen levels - were not as accurate for patients with darker skin tones. There were worries that this could cause delays in treatment if dangerously low oxygen levels in such patients were missed. However, no evidence was found from NHS studies indicating that this differing performance had an impact on patient care. Accepting the report's conclusions, the DHSC has committed to several actions, such as ensuring the safe use of pulse oximeter devices across a range of skin tones within the NHS and eliminating racial bias from data sets employed in clinical studies.

Surgery is a common treatment for vision problems, aiming to correct refractive errors. The purpose of refractive eye surgery is to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Precise vision relies on how effectively your cornea and lens focus light rays on the retina.

The National Health Services England (NHSE) is poised to revolutionise diabetes management with the introduction of the 'artificial pancreas', also known as the Hybrid Closed Loop system, to treat type 1 diabetes. This pioneering initiative, endorsed by the National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE), represents a global first in healthcare innovation. With 269,095 individuals grappling with type 1 diabetes in England, the Hybrid Closed Loop system is set to cater to tens of thousands of children and adults across the nation. This cutting-edge device operates by seamlessly monitoring blood glucose levels and autonomously adjusting insulin dosage through a pump, by eliminating the need for regular insulin injections. Furthermore, it holds the promise of averting life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia episodes, mitigating significant risks associated with the condition. To facilitate the identification of beneficiaries, NHSE has allocated a substantial sum of £2.5 million, ensuring that those who could benefit from this innovative solution receive the necessary support.

Surgery is a common treatment for vision problems, particularly in correcting refractive errors. Refractive eye surgery aims to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. The quality of vision depends on how effectively the cornea and lens focus light rays onto the retina.

Surgery is a common treatment for vision problems, aiming to correct refractive errors. The goal of refractive eye surgery is to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Chitosan is used to treat obesity, high cholesterol, and Crohn's disease. It is also used to treat complications that kidney failure patients on dialysis often face, including high cholesterol, "tired blood" (anemia), loss of strength and appetite, and trouble sleeping (insomnia).