A Labour Party analysis of NHS trust figures has revealed that around 148,000 people died last year while waiting for treatment in England.
This is more than double the figure recorded in 2017/18, which stood at around 60,000 deaths. It even surpasses the mortality rate observed in 2021, during
the peak of the Covid pandemic.
The Labour Party obtained the data through a freedom of information request sent to every NHS trust in England. Out of the 169 acute and community trusts
contacted, 80 responded.
The total number of deaths reported by the respondents was 61,396. Extrapolating this figure to all trusts would suggest a total of 148,227 deaths.
The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has welcomed the Chancellor's announcement of a 5.5 percent pay increase for NHS pharmacists.
Following the acceptance of the NHS Pay Review Body's (PRB) recommendations, Chancellor Rachel Reeves shared the announcement in a speech to Parliament on 29 July.
She confirmed that the pay review bodies' recommendations for health and education for 2024-25 would be fully implemented.
Reeves' speech came alongside the release of her audit into public finances, a commitment she made shortly after the recent election.
The audit confirms that the recommendations from various PRBs, including those for NHS staff, doctors, dentists, teachers, and other public servants, have been
approved and will be acted upon.
"That is the right decision for the people who work in and most importantly the people who use our public services…giving hardworking staff the pay rise they
deserve while ensuring we can recruit and retain the people we need," Reeves announced.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, visited St Margaret's Hospital in Epping, West Essex, on Thursday (1 August) as part of an ongoing series
of planned engagements with NHS trusts across England.
Accompanied by NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, Streeting observed how NHS staff are using innovative technology to monitor patients at home and prevent
unnecessary hospital admissions.
He met with staff from the hospital's Care Coordination Centre and the 'hospital at home' hub, which work to reduce unnecessary A&E admissions and facilitate
quick and safe discharges home.
Before the hospital tour, the health secretary met the trust's falls response team, which uses a specially equipped 'falls car' to assist patients who have
fallen at home, preventing A&E visits.
Later, Streeting visited the Ross Practice GP surgery in Harlow before holding a town hall event with health leaders in the region.
The government has accepted the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's (JCVI) advice for the autumn 2024 COVID-19 vaccination programme.
According to the JCVI, the following groups will be eligible for vaccination this autumn:
Individuals aged 65 and over
Residents of care homes for older adults
Those aged 6 months and older in clinical risk groups
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from COVID-19 and reducing pressure on
the NHS.
He said: "We are committed to protecting those most vulnerable from COVID and have accepted the independent advice from the JCVI for the autumn 2024 vaccination
programme."
"I encourage anyone invited for a vaccine to get one as soon as possible to protect yourself and reduce pressure on the NHS during winter, helping to cut waiting
times and get the health service back on its feet."
The British Medical Association (BMA) has urged non-GP partners and contractors, including pharmacists, nurses, and physiotherapists, to support their
"Protect Your Patients, Protect Your GP Practice" campaign, which was launched to protest changes to the 2024/25 GP contract.
GP contractors and partners across England have strongly opposed the modifications to the GMS contract, leading to an ongoing dispute with the NHS.
The BMA highlights that general practice in England currently receives just 6 pence of every NHS pound and an average GMS 'global sum' of £107.57 per registered
patient annually.
Since 2018/19, CPI erosion to the GMS contract has resulted in a loss of £659 million, or 6.6%. This financial strain has contributed to the closure or merger
of over 1,300 practices over the past decade.
To address these issues, the BMA is urging all GP contractors and partner members to vote YES in the GPC England non-statutory ballot, which will be open
until July 29.
People are advised to be mindful of medications that may cause sun reactions, and to watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments and fake weight loss pens.
For those traveling abroad, the MHRA advises considering the suitability of medicines available to reduce the risk of contracting tropical diseases.
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: "The summer is an exciting time for many of us, as we take time off to travel and enjoy the warmer weather.
"But it is important to understand what this time of year means for our medicines and medical devices, and take the precautions necessary to use products safely
and protect ourselves."
Watch out for dodgy hay fever treatments
Millions of Britons suffer from hay fever symptoms in the summer. The MHRA advises consulting a healthcare professional to find the best treatment for your symptoms.
People are also warned to be cautious of medicines advertised as hay fever treatments but not approved for use in the UK, such as Kenalog. This is a
prescription-only steroid injection licensed as a medicine for other conditions, but not for the treatment of hay fever.
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Thursday regarding falsified semaglutide medications used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity
in select countries.
This WHO Medical Product Alert addresses three falsified batches of the specific brand Ozempic that were detected in Brazil (October 2023), the United Kingdom
and Northern Ireland (October 2023), and the United States (December 2023). These falsified semaglutide products were distributed through the regulated supply chain.
Novo Nordisk, the genuine manufacturer of Ozempic, confirmed that the three products mentioned in the alert are falsified and were not produced by the company.
Healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public are advised to remain vigilant regarding these falsified batches of medicines.
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, urged stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and
report them to relevant authorities.
On June 3, Synnovis, a pathology laboratory serving several NHS organisations in South East London, was targeted by a ransomware attack.
This cyber incident has disrupted vital blood testing services, crucial for a range of medical treatments, and raised significant concerns over data security.
NHS England confirmed that a cybercriminal group, Qilin, published data online, claiming it was stolen from Synnovis.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are currently working to authenticate the data and understand its contents.
A helpline has been established to address patient concerns, and NHS England urges patients to attend their appointments unless otherwise directed.
The attack has rendered some of the NHS's blood testing systems inoperable, causing substantial disruption to medical services in South East London.
As the general election campaign continues, Labour is set to introduce a series of policies aimed at supporting small businesses.
On Saturday, Sir Keir Starmer, alongside shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves and other shadow cabinet ministers, is expected to unveil the party's plans for the sector.
Key proposals include an overhaul of the business rates system to enable high street shops to compete with online giants and ensure access to high street
banking services by accelerating the establishment of banking hubs.
Labour will also commit to addressing the issue of late payment of invoices by requiring large businesses to disclose their payment practices and "revitalise" high
streets by tackling antisocial behaviour.
Sir Keir described small businesses as "the beating heart of driving growth and creating jobs for local people."
The number of people in England identified as at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased by over half a million within a year, according to
NHS figures.
Data released by the National Diabetes Audit on June 12 showed that 3.6 million people registered with a GP were found to have non-diabetic hyperglycaemia
(also known as pre-diabetes) in 2023, compared with 3.1 million people in 2022 - a notable 18 per cent increase or nearly 550,000 people.
Among those under 40 years old, the figures showed an increase of almost 25 per cent from 173,166 in 2022 to 216,440 in 2023.
People with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, and they are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes and
cardiovascular diseases. Typically, this condition is detected through routine blood tests at GP surgeries.
Healthcare reform emerged as a cornerstone of the Labour Party's manifesto leading up to the recent general election. A standout pledge was the establishment
of a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, aimed at granting pharmacists independent prescribing rights where clinically suitable. This initiative is seen as a
positive step in addressing critical challenges within the National Health Service (NHS).
Numark Chairman Harry McQuillan praised Labour's recognition of pharmacists' role in patient care through expanded prescribing rights.
"Let's be honest, pharmacists are an underutilised resource within the healthcare system. We possess extensive training and expertise, yet our full potential
hasn't always been acknowledged.
"By harnessing pharmacists expanded prescribing rights, Labour is acknowledging our significant role in patient care. This initiative aims to recognise our skills
and enhance patient care, ensuring quicker access to necessary treatments," he said.
However, he pointed out that the concept requires further exploration, as the rights to prescribe are already granted through the recent change to undergraduate
training that incorporates prescribing.
With the Labour Party now in power, there is keen interest in the healthcare initiatives they pledged during their election campaign and how these proposals
will shape the future of NHS.
One of the key pledges in their healthcare reform is the introduction of the Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, which aims to empower pharmacists with
independent prescribing rights where clinically suitable.
While pharmacists appreciated Labour's acknowledgment of their role in patient care through expanded prescribing rights, they foresee some challenges in
implementing the service.
"Budgets will be a key issue," said Pharmacist Thorrun Govind, also a Healthcare Lawyer (Brabners LLP).
However, she noted that, given the success of pharmacist prescribing services in the devolved nations, there is "a road map in place."
The Green Party has previewed its upcoming manifesto with a bold proposal for the National Health Service (NHS) and social care system, promising an
unprecedented level of investment to restore and enhance these critical services.
By 2030, the Greens aim to inject over £50 billion annually into health and social care, accompanied by an additional £20 billion capital investment to modernise
healthcare infrastructure.
Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay emphasised the urgency of these reforms, stating, "Our NHS is at breaking point following 14 years of underfunding."
"Patients are stuck in hospital corridors, people can't see their GP or NHS dentist when they need to, and staff are severely overstretched."
The manifesto highlights a comprehensive approach to revitalising the NHS, including:
Holland & Barrett, the UK's leading wellness retailer, has become the latest retailer regulatory member of PAGB, the consumer healthcare association.
PAGB represents the manufacturers of branded over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements in the UK.
Holland & Barrett's decision to PAGB follows its recent introduction of a selected range of OTC and healthcare products in its stores across the UK. These
include painkillers, cough and cold medicines, children's health essentials, hay fever relief, as well as skin and gastrointestinal products.
With this expansion, the retailer aims to not only help customers to stay well, but also provide relief when needed.
Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, delivered a compelling speech at the NHS ConfedExpo 2024, emphasising the critical need for
investment in community-based care and the revitalisation of primary care services.
In his address, Taylor also criticised the current health policy as "not fit for purpose," calling for radical changes to shift the NHS from a reactive to a
proactive health model.
Addressing delegates at the Manchester event, Taylor highlighted the importance of shifting resources towards prevention and community services.
Underscoring a strategic pivot from reactive to proactive health models, he said:
"We must see action to fulfil the long-held vision of a health service that invests better upstream in prevention, in primary and in community-based care."
A man has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for illegally importing and distributing unlicensed medicines from India, the Middle East,
and the Far East.
Antoine Christopher Kolias, 31, received his sentence at Southwark Crown Court on 28 June after being found guilty of criminal activities in May.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) led the investigation, dubbed Operation Bentley.
Kolias was discovered to be acting both as a distributor for an established unlicensed medicines dealer and running his own illicit business.
He was involved in the sale of sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, as well as Class C drugs including tramadol, zopiclone, and pregabalin between
2018 and 2019, and again between 2020 and 2021.
The National Health Service(NHS) has reported a record number of attendances at Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments and emergency admissions for any
June, reflecting significant pressure on healthcare services amidst hot weather and recent strikes by junior doctors.
Last month, hospitals across the UK handled over 2.29 million A&E attendances and more than 536,884 emergency admissions, marking increases of 3.1 per cent
and 7.2 per cent respectively compared to the previous year.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, acknowledged the strain on frontline teams:
"Frontline teams are continuing to work exceptionally hard under significant pressure to provide the best care they can for patients."
The #AskAboutAsthma annual campaign, led by NHS England - London's Babies, Children and Young People programme, is returning for its eighth year with a
focus on promoting simple changes that can make a big difference to people living with asthma.
Scheduled to take place from 9-15 September, this year' campaign aims to address broader factors such as vaping, air quality, housing conditions, and mould to
ensure every child and young person in London with asthma receives the support and tools necessary to manage their condition effectively.
Pharmacists are encouraged to support the 2024 #AskAboutAsthma campaign, themed "helping children and young people with asthma to live their best lives." They
can contribute to the campaign in various ways, including:
Offering inhaler technique checks to all children and young people with asthma.
Identifying children and young people who are not regularly collecting their preventer medication and communicating this to their GP practice.
Identifying children and young people who are collecting large amounts of reliever medication and communicating this to their GP practice.
"Barcodes are becoming obsolete, so we needed a unique selling point," comments Business Development Manager at Huxley Europe, Richard Wertheimer,
celebrating the relaunch of its HuxQ10 capsules.
Now boasting a rare triple certification, HuxQ10 capsules are Halal approved by Halal Trust, Kosher approval by Rabbi Adler, and certification as vegan.
This milestone marks a significant step for the company, making HuxQ10 accessible to a wider audience.
Coenzyme Q10, or Q10, is a naturally occurring vitamin-like substance in the body, playing a crucial role in mitochondrial biogenetics and ATP production, which
is vital for cellular energy.
It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, capable of regenerating alpha-tocopherol, the active form of vitamin E.
In significant development, the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has advised its Boots members to challenge the "trustees' decision to end the
ability to take an unreduced pension from age 60 by submitting complaints through the scheme's two-stage internal disputes procedure".
The issue centers around the alterations made to pension scheme rules without the adequate disclosure to scheme members or their representatives.
The PDA has drafted template letters to assist scheme members in response to undisclosed changes during a buyout process, sparking legal challenges and demands
for transparency from Boots and scheme trustees.
Paul Moloney, National Officer of the PDA Union leading the campaign, expressed concern over the sudden withdrawal of the right to an unreduced pension from age 60.
"We have always maintained that members had a right under the rules to draw an unreduced pension from age 60," Moloney stated.
