NHS England delivered 358 million general practice (GP) appointments, including Covid-19 vaccinations, in the 12 months to October 2023, an increase
of 50.9 million compared to October 2019.
This equals to 44 more appointments per practice per working day, with over 70 per cent of these taking place within two weeks of booking, data published by
NHSE on Thursday (30 November) showed.
Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, thanked GPs and primary care teams across the country for making it possible to deliver around 32,500 more appointments
every day, which clearly demonstrate that "more people are getting the care they need, when they need it."
"While this is positive news, we know that there is more to do to make it easier and quicker for patients to contact their general practice and continue to
focus on delivering the Primary Care Recovery Plan," she added.
The Primary Care Recovery Plan published earlier this year is focused on improving access to primary care. It provided GPs in England with £240 million to
support them to embrace the latest technology to tackle the 8am rush, and handle more appointments.
As of August 2023, more than 1,000 general practices had signed up to digital upgrades to make booking GP appointments easier.
Seven NHS trusts in England are set to begin trials of new wireless technologies to help improve patient care and strengthen connectivity in A&Es and
ambulance bays.
They have been awarded around £1 million as part of NHS England's Wireless Trials programme, which aims to leverage advanced wireless technologies to enhance
patient care and experiences while freeing up more staff time.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust will introduce an innovative approach of combining satellite and cloud-based wireless solutions to enhance connectivity
across its 10 hospital sites and wider community services.
At Mid Cheshire and Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS trusts, wireless trackers will be installed on medical equipment and hospital beds. This will allow real-time
monitoring and location tracking, enabling easy accessibility for staff to locate necessary items promptly.
NICE has recommended use of tucatinib as an option to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread in people who have already tried 2 or more anti-HER2
treatments.
The move is set to benefit around 400 people with advanced breast cancer.
Tucatinib works by blocking a specific area of the HER2 gene in cancer cells, which stops the cells from growing and spreading. The medicine is taken as two 150 mg
tablets twice daily along with anti-cancer medicines trastuzumab and capecitabine.
Helen Knight, programme director in the NICE Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, said: "Unfortunately there is no cure for breast cancer that has spread to
other parts of the body. There is also a lack of additional anti‑HER2 treatments which can postpone the need for chemotherapy, especially for people whose cancer has spread to their brain because their treatment options are even more limited.
Following centuries of stigma, the importance of mental wellness is finally matching that of physical healthcare.
Conditions such as depression have become common topics in the media, particularly in the last few years as celebrities and experts warned against the pressures of
social media. The bouts of isolation connected with the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, with the British Medical Association declaring a UK mental health
crisis at the end of 2022.
This media attention has led to acknowledgement of the realities of mental health problems from the government and medical sector, and a recognition that these
need to be approached differently to physical ailments when it comes to providing treatment.
If you are motivated to be involved in this rapidly changing industry, consider these rewarding business ideas for developing a career in mental health.
Become a counsellor
Counselling is a broad term, but essentially it is the practice of having impartial conversation with patients about their life experiences with a view to overcoming
emotional obstacles and trauma. Training can take three to five years depending on whether you are getting a degree or diploma, and there are many opportunities to
specialise both during and after your education.
Psychotherapy is a similar field, but this is a more academically focused course that tends to be concerned with long-term or particularly complex mental health
issues. You will need a post-graduate qualification and several years of training to become certified.
The healthcare landscape has dramatically changed over the years, due to a number of factors, firstly having to navigate Covid-19 and now the advancement of
artificial intelligence (AI) and machine technology, to name a few. As a result, training the next generation of healthcare leaders is more important now than ever.
Let's look at three ways to effectively train the next generation of pharmacists:
Robust Induction Programme
Induction programs are an effective way of training the next generation of pharmacists as they have the ability to provide knowledge, skills and practical
experience to deal with and manage common challenges they're likely to experience in their careers. These programs usually include training in pharmacokinetics,
drug dosages, medication administration, and pharmacotherapy.
The National Health Service (NHS) is embracing new technology and innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the number of missed hospital
appointments and improve waiting times for elective care.
Following a successful pilot in Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, the health service is set to roll out AI software to 10 more trusts across England in
the coming months.
The software, developed by Deep Medical in collaboration with a frontline worker and NHS clinical fellow, helps reduce the number of missed appointments by
offering patients convenient time slots and backup booking options.
Since the AI programme was piloted six months ago, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust has seen a 30 per cent fall in non-attendances.
During the pilot period, a total of 377 did not attends (DNAs) were prevented and an additional 1,910 patients were attended.
Covid-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna that use mRNA technology provide the biggest boost to antibody levels when given 10-12 weeks after the second dose, a new study has found.
The "COV-Boost" study was cited by UK officials when they announced that Pfizer and Moderna were preferred for use in the country's booster campaign, but the data has only been made publicly available now.
The study found that six out of the seven boosters examined enhanced immunity after initial vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine, while all seven increased immunity when given after two doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine.
"A third dose will be effective for many of the vaccines we've tested and in many different combinations," Professor Saul Faust, an immunologist at the University of Southampton and the trial's lead, told the media.
Your body is made up of about 60% water. Without water, it would be impossible to maintain a stable body temperature, get rid of the waste in your body, and
lubricate your joints. When you don't get adequate water, you risk becoming dehydrated, which brings many issues for your body.
Therefore, water is necessary to live; most people can barely last a week without water and not experience an assortment of health issues. Despite this obvious
importance, many people don't put much thought into the kind of water they drink.
Maybe you open your faucet into a glass or buy yourself bottled water without scrutinizing where this is coming from. However, do you know how safe the water you
get from your tap or bottles is?
Why should you drink purified water?
Drinking contaminated water can cause many health issues for your body which is why purifying water is vital. There are many ways to purify your water, ranging
from simple solutions to solutions using advanced technology such as water filters.
It is not uncommon to find related searches online because people are increasingly interested in choosing the most effective water-purifying solutions. Before
exploring different purification techniques, read about the benefits of keeping hydrated as you play poker on Uptown Pokies.
Type 1 diabetes patients can monitor their glucose with the newly introduced flash glucose monitors by the NHS.
The wearable gadgets with the size of a £2 coin, have a sensor that easily sits on the arm, allowing patients to check their glucose levels with a one-second scan.
Eligible patients are currently able to access the monitors on prescription from their local GP or diabetes team, helping them to better manage their blood sugar levels.
Everyone living with type 1 diabetes will be eligible for lifechanging flash glucose monitors on the NHS. The NHS Long Term Plan has already helped almost three in
five people with Type 1 diabetes to access the monitors that allow people to check their glucose levels more easily and regularly.
The change, confirmed today by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), means that everyone in England with the condition will be able to benefit from the convenient technology.
Living with diabetes can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world are living with diabetes
every day. This article will discuss some tips on how to better handle your diabetes. It will also provide information on the latest treatments and technologies
available to help make managing your diabetes easier than ever before!
1) METHOD OF INSULIN DELIVERY
There are a variety of methods for insulin delivery, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. One of the most common methods is injections. Insulin injections are
quick and easy, and they allow you to have more control over your blood sugar levels. However, some people find them to be painful or inconvenient. As seen at
DiaBettr, there are also insulin pens available that can make injections less painful and more convenient. Another method of insulin delivery is through an
insulin pump. Insulin pumps are small, wearable devices that deliver insulin to your body constantly throughout the day. They are very effective at keeping your
blood sugar levels in control, but they can be expensive and require a lot of maintenance.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) made a recent announcement that the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (i.AI) and NHS England (NHSE) have
joined forces in a groundbreaking move by signing a Collaboration Charter on AI.
This pivotal partnership aims to equip the NHS workforce with the tools and resources to leverage AI technology for enhancing patient care, improving staff
experience, and driving operational efficiency.
The Charter, endorsed by Minister Burghart, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, and Lord Markham, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DHSC,
signifies an important step towards integrating AI into the fabric of the NHS.
Under this collaboration, the i.AI team, comprising elite technical experts within the government, will identify opportunities where AI technology can be deployed
responsibly to support the NHS.
This initiative is expected to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
In our quest for perfect skin, the landscape of dermatology and skin care has evolved dramatically, offering breakthrough treatments and solutions.
The pursuit of a blemish-free, radiant complexion is no longer a distant dream, thanks to advancements in medical aesthetics and skincare technology. From
non-invasive procedures to tailor-made skincare regimens, individuals now have access to a plethora of options designed to target specific skin concerns.
This article explores the cutting-edge treatments that promise to diminish imperfections and reveal flawless skin, transforming not just how we look but also
how we feel about ourselves.
Botox Injections
Botox, or Botulinum toxin, has gained immense popularity for its ability to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. It works by temporarily paralyzing the facial
muscles responsible for creating these imperfections. The procedure involves injecting small amounts of the neurotoxin into targeted areas, such as the
forehead, crow's feet, and frown lines between the brows.
The effects of Botox typically last for three to four months, making it a popular choice for those seeking quick and noticeable results. The people at sdbotox.com
note that it is also a popular preventative treatment for those looking to delay the formation of wrinkles. With consistent use, Botox can actually prevent fine
lines and wrinkles from appearing in the first place, making it an attractive option for individuals in their late 20s and early 30s.
Patients want to be active partners in their healthcare decisions - and eye care is no exception. Patient education is vital for understanding diagnoses,
treatment options, and the importance of preventative care. When patients understand what's happening with their health, they're far more likely to follow their
treatment plan and see good results. Here's a deeper look at why patient education matters.
Patient-Centered Care: The Key to Success
The Institute of Medicine emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care. This means involving patients in decision-making and providing them with the
necessary education for informed choices. This approach is even more crucial in eye care, where conditions can lead to irreversible blindness.
The Need for Patient Education
Research shows that many patients crave educational materials from their eye care providers, but many don't receive them. This leaves patients searching for
information on their own, potentially turning to unreliable sources. Clear, accessible patient education is vital in ensuring understanding and treatment
adherence.For instance, patient education is crucial in preventing diseases like glaucoma. The more informed patients are, the more chances they will
discover early signs of disease by taking OCT test for glaucoma.
NHS England is rolling out a range of tech and data solutions, including an artificial intelligence (AI) system, across the health service to tackle winter
pressures.
The AI system will be used to identify patients at risk of hospital admission so community NHS teams can get to them first and reduce pressures on A&E departments.
On a trial basis, four GP practices in Somerset have started using the innovative technology which can highlight registered patients with complex health needs.
Health coaches, nurses, or GPs will then reach out to the people most at risk, and provide them with a range of preventive care such as monitoring, food parcels,
cleaning, shopping, as well as escalating care to specialist doctors.
Bristol-based Invatech Health has announced that it is fully funding the development of a new medical centre for families displaced by war and disaster in
Northern Syria.
The company has donated £54,000 to Action for Humanity for the medical centre, which would be part of a new village being constructed by the NGO, which provides
clean water food, shelter, healthcare and education for millions of Syrians.
According to the technology company, their donation is one of the charity's largest ever single donor contributions.
The new village is set to accommodate 750 families, offering newly constructed homes, each featuring two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
The multiple is working in partnership with the UK's other retailers and the Home Office to tackle 'retail crime' at 10 Downing Street on 23 October.
The initiative is known as "Operation Pegasus", chaired by Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp MP and led by Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne.
Boots with other retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, John Lewis, and Waitrose plans to fund a "team of specialist police officers and intelligence analysts".7
Bourne, the national lead for business and retail crime claimed that the action plan will be a "game-changer" for policing as it is "the first national partnership
of its kind".
She told The Times: "It'll be a game-changer for policing because for the first time ever, policing will get a complete picture across the country of where these
gangs are hitting different areas and they'll have that data and intelligence to be able to put that out to local police forces to go after those gangs."