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Swine flu: 65,000 deaths is UK’s worst case scenario – The Guardian 16th July 2009
Minimum of 3,100 deaths expected, says Britain’s chief medical officer, as official toll reaches 29
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Swine flu could kill 65,000 in UK, warns chief medical officer – The Guardian 16th July 2009
Phone and web diagnosis service launched as pandemic death toll rises to 29
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NHS braced to axe surgery and breaks as swine flu spreads – The Guardian 16th July 2009
With health services in London and the Midlands buckling under the sheer number of people affected by the H1N1 pandemic, drastic ’special measures’ are to be put into action
-
At the school gates the talk was of sore throats and Tamiflu. But for most parents today there seemed to be more questions than answers about the swine flu epidemic.
Gloria Newell, 49, a housing officer, who was picking up her nine-year-old daughter Natasha from St Mary’s Church of England School, in Islington, north London, said: “I am just astonished. The figures are quite shocking. There seems to be nothing really in place to cope with this. We have heard about a national vaccination scheme but we do not know when it might be in place.”
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Swine flu: Stark figures hide imponderables – The Guardian 16th July 2009
The figures seem stark: as many as 65,000 Britons may die over the next few months if a swine flu pandemic sweeps the country. And that may be just the toll from the first wave of the disease.
But health officials nervous of the stark headlines that will result from their statistical modelling stress this is the worst-case scenario, not a prediction.
-
How Swine Flu is Spreading (Graphic) – The Guardian 16th July 2009
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How to avoid catching swine flu – The Guardian 16th July 2009
Q: What should you do if you suspect swine flu?
A: As before – ring your GP or NHS Direct, though expect delays.
Q: Are any special measures necessary if I have a baby or children?
A: Children between five and 14 and the under-fives are the two groups worst affected by swine flu so far and the NHS has identified the very young as an “at risk” group, so ensure everyone in the home practises rigorous personal hygiene (see below). With a newborn baby, some scientists believe that it may be a good idea to avoid crowded public spaces such as commuter trains.
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Doctors may be to thank for fall in murder rate, says Home Office – The Guardian 16th July 2009
The striking decline in the number of killings in England and Wales may be due to advances in medical science saving the lives of potential victims, the Home Office suggested today.
The long-term homicide rate in England and Wales peaked in 2002-03 when the inclusion of 172 of Harold Shipman’s victims inflated the total to 1,047. The 23 Chinese cockle pickers who died in Morecambe Bay in 2004 and the 52 victims of the London bombings in 2005 also increased the toll in those years.
-
Responsible drinking campaign targets young people – The Guardian 16th July 2009
£100m campaign to be run through pubs, bars and off-licences aims to change young people’s binge drinking culture
-
NHS prepares for 65,000 deaths from swine flu – The Independent 17th July 2009
The NHS is planning for up to 65,000 deaths from swine flu, between three and 10 times the normal winter flu death rate, the Chief Medical Officer says.
The figure was a “reasonable worst case scenario”, to allow the health service to put in place “robust” plans to deal with the pandemic’s first wave, the full scale of which will not be known for months. It was not a prediction of what was expected to happen, Sir Liam Donaldson said yesterday.
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Swine flu deaths total jumps to 29 – The Independent 16th July 2009
Twenty-nine people have now died in the UK after contracting swine flu, the Government announced today.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said there had been 26 deaths in England and three in Scotland. The official total was given as 17 on Monday, up from 14 last Friday.
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Cherie Blair battles suspected swine flu – The Independent 16th July 2009
Cherie Blair has suspected swine flu, it was revealed today.
The former Prime Minister’s wife has pulled out of a series of public engagements while she battles the illness.
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Britain prepares for 65,000 deaths from swine flu – The Times 17th July 2009
The NHS has been told to plan for a worst-case scenario of 65,000 swine flu deaths this year. The news came as the number of people to die after contracting the virus rose sharply.
Health officials said that 29 people had now died — up from 17 confirmed deaths on Monday. There were unconfirmed reports that the new cases included a young boy from Kent.
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Scenario of 65,000 deaths from swine flu based on simple calculation – The Times 17th July 2009
Models are being developed and updated continuously to ensure that the NHS has the capacity to cope as best it can with the spread of swine flu.
The latest estimates, calculated for the first wave of the pandemic running to the new year, offer a “worst-case scenario” to ensure that all possibilities are catered for and that the pressure points, such as emergency care and staffing rotas, are as strong as possible.
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Cherie Blair ’suffering from swine flu’ – The Times 17th July 2009
Cherie Blair has been forced to cancel her engagements after catching swine flu.
News that the former prime minister’s wife had become Britain’s most high-profile victim of the virus came as figures emerged showing that the number of swine flu cases jumped by nearly 50 per cent in a week.
-
Daily dose of baking soda ‘can keep kidney patients off dialysis’ – The Times 17th July 2009
A daily dose of baking soda could help patients with chronic kidney disease avoid having to undergo dialysis, a study suggests.
Research by British scientists has found that sodium bicarbonate — otherwise known as baking soda — can dramatically slow the progress of the condition.
-
NHS is still failing to protect children after Baby P, says regulator – The Times 16th July 2009
A report into the death of Baby P has revealed that only half of NHS staff have the required levels of training in child protection.
A review by the health regulator, ordered by the Government after the child’s death was linked to dozens of health service failings, concludes that there are budget problems and “worryingly low” levels of training.
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British swine flu death toll reaches 29 – The Telegraph 17th July 2009
Swine flu has now claimed the lives of 29 people in Britain after the confirmed death toll more than doubled in the space of one week.
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British swine flu death toll reaches 29 – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Britain’s swine flu death toll has reached 29, health officials have disclosed as the challenge facing the NHS was laid bare.
-
Baking soda ‘could slow kidney disease’ – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Humble baking soda could ease the suffering of patients with failing kidneys, a new study suggests.
-
British swine flu death toll reaches 29 – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Twenty-nine people have now died in Britain after contracting swine flu while the Government has told the NHS to prepare for up to 65,000 deaths this winter, under a worst case scenario.
-
Cherie Blair has suspected swine flu – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Cherie Blair, the wife of the former Prime Minister Tony Blair, is suffering from a suspected case of swine flu, it has been revealed.
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Doctors criticise response to swine flu pandemic – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Doctors have criticised the Government’s response to the flu pandemic saying conflicting advice was given to both doctors and patients.
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Cherie Blair ’suffering from swine flu’ – Daily Mail 17th July 2009
Cherie Blair has become Britain’s most high-profile victim of swine flu.
The wife of the former prime minister was in bed yesterday battling the virus after being forced to cancel a series of public engagements.
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A lorry driver who blew £18,000 of his pension after being wrongly diagnosed with terminal cancer is suing the NHS.
Phil Collins, 61, quit his job when he was given six months to live two years ago.
But doctors have discovered that his ‘cancer’ of the gall bladder is actually a benign abscess – and Mr Collins says the ordeal has left him ‘an absolute wreck’.
-
Technology developed by the Russian KGB is being used to help diagnose and predict impending illnesses, a scientist said today.
Russian-born consultant Alla Cranham has used the technique to develop the Health Detector, which measures impulses from the brain to pinpoint hidden weaknesses in other parts of the body.
-
Why a firm wants staff with autism – BBC Health News 17th July 2009
A computer company in Denmark which has made huge strides in employing workers with autism is expecting to begin work in the UK soon.
Specialisterne was started by a Danish man whose own son has autism.
-
Baby P checks ’should be halted’ – BBC Health News 17th July 2009
Unannounced checks on children’s services introduced after the Baby P case should be halted because they are unfair, senior officials have said.
Ofsted, which is tasked with the inspections, has been accused by children’s services directors of using inspectors who are not well trained.
-
Military doctor shortage warning – BBC Health News 16th July 2009
The military’s medical arm is under severe strain because of a huge shortage of doctors, unions say.
A third of the 768 doctor posts in the armed forces are currently unfilled with the worst shortages in some of the most critical areas like anaesthetics.
-
Thalidomide lung cancer ‘failure’ – BBC Health News 16th July 2009
Controversial drug thalidomide does not improve survival for lung cancer patients, UK scientists say.
The drug, banned after its use 50 years ago for morning sickness led to major birth defects, is being investigated as a cancer treatment.
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Teenagers ‘desperate’ for a baby – BBC Health News 16th July 2009
With the UK’s teenage pregnancy rate the highest in Europe, and one in 10 UK babies born to a teenage mother, a BBC documentary crew followed two girls who badly wanted to get pregnant as they were forced to rethink their decision.
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UK swine flu deaths jump to 29 – BBC Health News 16t July 2009
Twenty-nine people have now died in the UK after contracting swine flu, up from 17 on Monday, the government has said.
It comes as the number of new cases hit 55,000 last week and the NHS has seen a surge in calls and consultations.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
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Grapefruit ingredient could be used for diet pill – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
The chemical compound which gives grapfefruit its bitter taste could be used to create a diet pill, a study has indicated.
-
West is accused of grabbing all the swine flu vaccines – Daily Mail 17th July 2009
A diplomatic row was brewing last night after the head of the World Health Organisation accused the West of block booking vaccines.
Britain has assured the public that it is at the ‘front of the queue’ for the jab, and says it will have enough for half the population delivered by Christmas.
-
A man who received a double hand transplant after losing his arms to a bacterial infection a decade ago, now has two simple goals – to hold his wife and cook again.
Jeff Kepner, America’s first double hand transplant recipient, is already able to wiggle the new fingers he received in May, although it may be at least a year before he actually feels anything through them.
-
When it comes to chocolate in the summertime, the end scenario of indulging is never good.
Firstly, eating it means you’ve broken your beach-body diet and have a one-way ticket back to the calorie-counting drawing board
-
HIV circumcision study ends early – BBC Health News 16th July 2009
Circumcising men who already have HIV does not protect their female partners from the virus, a study in Uganda has found.
Circumcision is known to protect men from acquiring HIV.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
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Liverpool carer charged with killing Alzheimer’s sufferer – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
A YOUNG care assistant is accused of killing an 88-year-old Alzheimer’s patient.
Tammy Knox denies the manslaughter of pensioner Sarah Warren.
It is understood the allegation centres around accusations the 23-year-old carer pushed vulnerable Mrs Warren to the floor while working at Finch Manor Nursing Home, in Finch Lea Drive, Dovecot.
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Runcorn paramedic resigns after attack on Warrington mum – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
A MERSEYSIDE paramedic resigned from his post after he assaulted a young mum at her home.
Tyrone Fitzgerald, 34, left the North West Ambulance Service voluntarily following the controversy.
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A DOCTOR who inhaled laughing gas while on duty at a Merseyside children’s A&E ward can continue to practise, a disciplinary panel ruled.
Dr Jonathan Chahal potentially put the safety of his patients at risk while indulging in “Entonox parties” with his colleagues at Ormskirk District Hospital.
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A DOCTOR who inhaled laughing gas while on duty at a children’s A&E ward can continue to practise, a disciplinary panel ruled.
Dr Jonathan Chahal potentially put the safety of his patients at risk while indulging in “Entonox parties” while on duty at Ormskirk District Hospital. The hearing was told Dr Chahal, 33, used the medical anaesthetic Entonox from a gas canister on five occasions during the summer of 2007 – four of which were while he was on duty.
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Change4Life sports day at Notre Dame Catholic College, Wavertree – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
School sports day in association with change 4 life
PUPILS of a Liverpool school had fun being active during their annual school sports day.
Notre Dame Catholic College held the event at the Wavertree Athletic track.
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Novartis Speke ‘flu factory involved in H1N1 production – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
WORK on producing a vaccine for H1N1 swine flu has started at the Novartis factory in Speke.
The Swiss-based drugs giant revealed in its first half results today that all its European sites have started producing a product using traditional egg-based manufacturing, as at Speke, and the faster cell-based product.
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£118m boost for mental health care in Liverpool – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
LIVERPOOL residents with mental health problems and learning difficulties are to benefit from a £118m funding windfall.
Up to 1,200 of the city’s most vulnerable people are expected to receive support through the scheme, which will run for an initial four years.
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Pressure mounts to reopen hospital’s children’s A&E – Liverpool Daily Post 17th July 2009
PRESSURE was mounting last night on local health services to re-instate the children’s A&E in Southport, following the death of a four-day-old baby boy this week.
Local campaigners and concerned parents are demanding children’s health services return to the town after the ambulance transporting the child who died was sent to Ormskirk hospital.
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New Liverpool Royal Hospital plans are given the go-ahead – Liverpool Daily Post 16th July 2009
THE major rebuild of Liverpool’s city centre hospital has moved a step closer.
The board of Liverpool Primary Care Trust has formally approved plans for a new Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
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Swine flu hits schools in West Lancashire – Ormskirk Advertiser 16th July 2009
FIVE teachers at Tarleton High School are the latest people to have contracted swine flu.
At least two pupils at the school on Hesketh Lane in Tarleton are also believed to have the virus.
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Pay rises are obscene – Warrington Guardian 16th July 2009
I WAS disgusted to read in the Guardian that Alan Massey, chairman of Warrington Hospitals NHS Trust, was awarded what is tantamount to a 100 per cent salary increase.
This is obscene! As chairman has he not also been involved in the decision to approve other increases that are way above inflation and are also disgusting?
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Eighteenth Disability Awareness Day is a major success – Warrington Guardian 16th July 2009
AROUND 24,000 people descended on Walton Hall Gardens on Sunday for Disability Awareness Day.
Nine days of events organised by the Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) culminated in the 18th annual show – Europe’s largest voluntary led disability exhibition.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
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Dozens of ‘swine flu’ cases being reported across Cumbria – Carlisle News & Star 16th July 2009
Dozens of cases of suspected swine flu are now being reported at schools and workplaces across the county.
Seascale Primary School in west Cumbria has closed for the summer a day early after a mother of three pupils contracted the virus.
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Four cases of swine flu confirmed in Cumbria – Carlisle News & Star 16th July 2009
In Barrow, a 23-year-old shop worker became the first confirmed case of swine flu in South Cumbria last Thursday, while a small number of workers at Sellafield are being monitored for the virus. Before the Barrow outbreak, the county’s only confirmed case was an American tourist staying in Carlisle.
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Extra help for people wanting to give up smoking – Carlisle News & Star 16th July 2009
GIVING up the dreaded weed is never easy but smokers can still benefit from the bonus of free leisure centre passes.
NHS Cumbria is extending its offer of free passes to people who quit through the county’s Stop Smoking service. Those taking part will only receive the incentive if they pass a breath test.
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Tired of excuses – Carlisle News & Star 16th July 2009
I AM writing regards NHS Trust announces governors, (Evening Mail, July 13).
Why do we have so many governors? They are split in three sections. We have board directors, also non-executive directors.
I think they are a waste of time. We live in a recession. Do we need all of them pen pushers? What is their purpose?
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Top medic says “chill out” over swine flu – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
THE entire Cumbrian population will be vaccinated against swine flu in the autumn, as health bosses battle to keep the virus at bay.
Half a million doses are bound for the county in September and residents could be given them at schools and public halls to ease pressure on surgeries.
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More cases of swine flu at East Lancashire schools – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
EIGHT children and one adult are currently being treated or have received advice about swine flu at an East Lancashire primary school.
Two cases of the H1N1 strain were reported at Helmshore Primary School last week, according to headteacher Christine Myers.
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Half a million swine flu vaccines head for Cumbria – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
THE entire Cumbrian population will be vaccinated against swine flu in the autumn, as health bosses battle to keep the virus at bay.
Half a million doses are bound for the county in September and residents could be given them at schools and public halls to ease pressure on surgeries.
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Flu sufferers urged to stay away from hospital – Chorley Citizen 16th July 2009
Hospital visitors and patients with flu symptoms are being asked to avoid visiting Chorley hospital unless absolutely necessary.
Those attending routine appointments, such as follow up clinics or an outpatients appointment, should seek advice from NHS Direct 0845 46 47 or phone their family doctor.
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Campaigners call for South Lakeland drinks promotion support – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
A LEADING health campaign group is calling for a big show of support in South Lakeland for government proposals to outlaw “irresponsible and excessive” drinks promotions.
The Home Office has launched a public consultation on a proposed new code of practice for alcohol retailers and is canvassing opinions on proposals that will ensure that those who sell and supply alcohol do so responsibly, in order to prevent alcohol-related crime, disorder and nuisance.
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MPs praise East Lancashire midwives – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
MIDWIVES from East Lancashire’s hospitals, who more than doubled the area’s home and water birth rate in just two years, have received a prestigious MPs’ award.
Representatives of the midwifery team at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust travelled to Westminster to collect their All-Party Parliamentary Group Maternity Service Award.
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Call for hospital shuttle buses to stop in Accrington – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
COUNCILLORS are calling for better transport links to hospitals after a request for a free shuttle service was turned down.
Numerous patients who live in Hyndburn have raised the problem of getting to hospital appointments with their local councillors, who in turn contacted East Lancashire Hospitals Trust.
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EAST Lancashire’s hospitals chief is leaving her post just 15 months after taking over.
Marie Burnham, the chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, has been seconded to a job with the regional health service for 12 months.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
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180 treated for swine flu in one week – The Bolton News 16th July 2009
NEARLY 180 people in Bolton were treated for swine flu between July 6 and 12, health chiefs revealed last night.
The number could be far greater, with many more believed to be suffering mild symptoms that have not required medication.
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Swine flu experts in plea for pupils to stay in school – Bury Times 16th July 2009
HEALTH officials are urging parents not to keep their children away from school as the swine flu pandemic widens.
Bury Council says it cannot confirm the number of schools in the borough where pupils have been diagnosed with swine flu, but the Guide understands five schools have so far been affected.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
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Swine flu: 65,000 deaths is UK’s worst case scenario – The Guardian 16th July 2009
Minimum of 3,100 deaths expected, says Britain’s chief medical officer, as official toll reaches 29
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Swine flu could kill 65,000 in UK, warns chief medical officer – The Guardian 16th July 2009
Phone and web diagnosis service launched as pandemic death toll rises to 29
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NHS braced to axe surgery and breaks as swine flu spreads – The Guardian 16th July 2009
With health services in London and the Midlands buckling under the sheer number of people affected by the H1N1 pandemic, drastic ’special measures’ are to be put into action
-
At the school gates the talk was of sore throats and Tamiflu. But for most parents today there seemed to be more questions than answers about the swine flu epidemic.
Gloria Newell, 49, a housing officer, who was picking up her nine-year-old daughter Natasha from St Mary’s Church of England School, in Islington, north London, said: “I am just astonished. The figures are quite shocking. There seems to be nothing really in place to cope with this. We have heard about a national vaccination scheme but we do not know when it might be in place.”
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Swine flu: Stark figures hide imponderables – The Guardian 16th July 2009
The figures seem stark: as many as 65,000 Britons may die over the next few months if a swine flu pandemic sweeps the country. And that may be just the toll from the first wave of the disease.
But health officials nervous of the stark headlines that will result from their statistical modelling stress this is the worst-case scenario, not a prediction.
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How Swine Flu is Spreading (Graphic) – The Guardian 16th July 2009
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How to avoid catching swine flu – The Guardian 16th July 2009
Q: What should you do if you suspect swine flu?
A: As before – ring your GP or NHS Direct, though expect delays.
Q: Are any special measures necessary if I have a baby or children?
A: Children between five and 14 and the under-fives are the two groups worst affected by swine flu so far and the NHS has identified the very young as an “at risk” group, so ensure everyone in the home practises rigorous personal hygiene (see below). With a newborn baby, some scientists believe that it may be a good idea to avoid crowded public spaces such as commuter trains.
-
Doctors may be to thank for fall in murder rate, says Home Office – The Guardian 16th July 2009
The striking decline in the number of killings in England and Wales may be due to advances in medical science saving the lives of potential victims, the Home Office suggested today.
The long-term homicide rate in England and Wales peaked in 2002-03 when the inclusion of 172 of Harold Shipman’s victims inflated the total to 1,047. The 23 Chinese cockle pickers who died in Morecambe Bay in 2004 and the 52 victims of the London bombings in 2005 also increased the toll in those years.
-
Responsible drinking campaign targets young people – The Guardian 16th July 2009
£100m campaign to be run through pubs, bars and off-licences aims to change young people’s binge drinking culture
-
NHS prepares for 65,000 deaths from swine flu – The Independent 17th July 2009
The NHS is planning for up to 65,000 deaths from swine flu, between three and 10 times the normal winter flu death rate, the Chief Medical Officer says.
The figure was a “reasonable worst case scenario”, to allow the health service to put in place “robust” plans to deal with the pandemic’s first wave, the full scale of which will not be known for months. It was not a prediction of what was expected to happen, Sir Liam Donaldson said yesterday.
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Swine flu deaths total jumps to 29 – The Independent 16th July 2009
Twenty-nine people have now died in the UK after contracting swine flu, the Government announced today.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said there had been 26 deaths in England and three in Scotland. The official total was given as 17 on Monday, up from 14 last Friday.
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Cherie Blair battles suspected swine flu – The Independent 16th July 2009
Cherie Blair has suspected swine flu, it was revealed today.
The former Prime Minister’s wife has pulled out of a series of public engagements while she battles the illness.
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Britain prepares for 65,000 deaths from swine flu – The Times 17th July 2009
The NHS has been told to plan for a worst-case scenario of 65,000 swine flu deaths this year. The news came as the number of people to die after contracting the virus rose sharply.
Health officials said that 29 people had now died — up from 17 confirmed deaths on Monday. There were unconfirmed reports that the new cases included a young boy from Kent.
-
Scenario of 65,000 deaths from swine flu based on simple calculation – The Times 17th July 2009
Models are being developed and updated continuously to ensure that the NHS has the capacity to cope as best it can with the spread of swine flu.
The latest estimates, calculated for the first wave of the pandemic running to the new year, offer a “worst-case scenario” to ensure that all possibilities are catered for and that the pressure points, such as emergency care and staffing rotas, are as strong as possible.
-
Cherie Blair ’suffering from swine flu’ – The Times 17th July 2009
Cherie Blair has been forced to cancel her engagements after catching swine flu.
News that the former prime minister’s wife had become Britain’s most high-profile victim of the virus came as figures emerged showing that the number of swine flu cases jumped by nearly 50 per cent in a week.
-
Daily dose of baking soda ‘can keep kidney patients off dialysis’ – The Times 17th July 2009
A daily dose of baking soda could help patients with chronic kidney disease avoid having to undergo dialysis, a study suggests.
Research by British scientists has found that sodium bicarbonate — otherwise known as baking soda — can dramatically slow the progress of the condition.
-
NHS is still failing to protect children after Baby P, says regulator – The Times 16th July 2009
A report into the death of Baby P has revealed that only half of NHS staff have the required levels of training in child protection.
A review by the health regulator, ordered by the Government after the child’s death was linked to dozens of health service failings, concludes that there are budget problems and “worryingly low” levels of training.
-
British swine flu death toll reaches 29 – The Telegraph 17th July 2009
Swine flu has now claimed the lives of 29 people in Britain after the confirmed death toll more than doubled in the space of one week.
-
British swine flu death toll reaches 29 – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Britain’s swine flu death toll has reached 29, health officials have disclosed as the challenge facing the NHS was laid bare.
-
Baking soda ‘could slow kidney disease’ – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Humble baking soda could ease the suffering of patients with failing kidneys, a new study suggests.
-
British swine flu death toll reaches 29 – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Twenty-nine people have now died in Britain after contracting swine flu while the Government has told the NHS to prepare for up to 65,000 deaths this winter, under a worst case scenario.
-
Cherie Blair has suspected swine flu – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Cherie Blair, the wife of the former Prime Minister Tony Blair, is suffering from a suspected case of swine flu, it has been revealed.
-
Doctors criticise response to swine flu pandemic – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
Doctors have criticised the Government’s response to the flu pandemic saying conflicting advice was given to both doctors and patients.
-
Cherie Blair ’suffering from swine flu’ – Daily Mail 17th July 2009
Cherie Blair has become Britain’s most high-profile victim of swine flu.
The wife of the former prime minister was in bed yesterday battling the virus after being forced to cancel a series of public engagements.
-
A lorry driver who blew £18,000 of his pension after being wrongly diagnosed with terminal cancer is suing the NHS.
Phil Collins, 61, quit his job when he was given six months to live two years ago.
But doctors have discovered that his ‘cancer’ of the gall bladder is actually a benign abscess – and Mr Collins says the ordeal has left him ‘an absolute wreck’.
-
Technology developed by the Russian KGB is being used to help diagnose and predict impending illnesses, a scientist said today.
Russian-born consultant Alla Cranham has used the technique to develop the Health Detector, which measures impulses from the brain to pinpoint hidden weaknesses in other parts of the body.
-
Why a firm wants staff with autism – BBC Health News 17th July 2009
A computer company in Denmark which has made huge strides in employing workers with autism is expecting to begin work in the UK soon.
Specialisterne was started by a Danish man whose own son has autism.
-
Baby P checks ’should be halted’ – BBC Health News 17th July 2009
Unannounced checks on children’s services introduced after the Baby P case should be halted because they are unfair, senior officials have said.
Ofsted, which is tasked with the inspections, has been accused by children’s services directors of using inspectors who are not well trained.
-
Military doctor shortage warning – BBC Health News 16th July 2009
The military’s medical arm is under severe strain because of a huge shortage of doctors, unions say.
A third of the 768 doctor posts in the armed forces are currently unfilled with the worst shortages in some of the most critical areas like anaesthetics.
-
Thalidomide lung cancer ‘failure’ – BBC Health News 16th July 2009
Controversial drug thalidomide does not improve survival for lung cancer patients, UK scientists say.
The drug, banned after its use 50 years ago for morning sickness led to major birth defects, is being investigated as a cancer treatment.
-
Teenagers ‘desperate’ for a baby – BBC Health News 16th July 2009
With the UK’s teenage pregnancy rate the highest in Europe, and one in 10 UK babies born to a teenage mother, a BBC documentary crew followed two girls who badly wanted to get pregnant as they were forced to rethink their decision.
-
UK swine flu deaths jump to 29 – BBC Health News 16t July 2009
Twenty-nine people have now died in the UK after contracting swine flu, up from 17 on Monday, the government has said.
It comes as the number of new cases hit 55,000 last week and the NHS has seen a surge in calls and consultations.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
-
Grapefruit ingredient could be used for diet pill – The Telegraph 16th July 2009
The chemical compound which gives grapfefruit its bitter taste could be used to create a diet pill, a study has indicated.
-
West is accused of grabbing all the swine flu vaccines – Daily Mail 17th July 2009
A diplomatic row was brewing last night after the head of the World Health Organisation accused the West of block booking vaccines.
Britain has assured the public that it is at the ‘front of the queue’ for the jab, and says it will have enough for half the population delivered by Christmas.
-
A man who received a double hand transplant after losing his arms to a bacterial infection a decade ago, now has two simple goals – to hold his wife and cook again.
Jeff Kepner, America’s first double hand transplant recipient, is already able to wiggle the new fingers he received in May, although it may be at least a year before he actually feels anything through them.
-
When it comes to chocolate in the summertime, the end scenario of indulging is never good.
Firstly, eating it means you’ve broken your beach-body diet and have a one-way ticket back to the calorie-counting drawing board
-
HIV circumcision study ends early – BBC Health News 16th July 2009
Circumcising men who already have HIV does not protect their female partners from the virus, a study in Uganda has found.
Circumcision is known to protect men from acquiring HIV.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
-
Liverpool carer charged with killing Alzheimer’s sufferer – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
A YOUNG care assistant is accused of killing an 88-year-old Alzheimer’s patient.
Tammy Knox denies the manslaughter of pensioner Sarah Warren.
It is understood the allegation centres around accusations the 23-year-old carer pushed vulnerable Mrs Warren to the floor while working at Finch Manor Nursing Home, in Finch Lea Drive, Dovecot.
-
Runcorn paramedic resigns after attack on Warrington mum – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
A MERSEYSIDE paramedic resigned from his post after he assaulted a young mum at her home.
Tyrone Fitzgerald, 34, left the North West Ambulance Service voluntarily following the controversy.
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A DOCTOR who inhaled laughing gas while on duty at a Merseyside children’s A&E ward can continue to practise, a disciplinary panel ruled.
Dr Jonathan Chahal potentially put the safety of his patients at risk while indulging in “Entonox parties” with his colleagues at Ormskirk District Hospital.
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A DOCTOR who inhaled laughing gas while on duty at a children’s A&E ward can continue to practise, a disciplinary panel ruled.
Dr Jonathan Chahal potentially put the safety of his patients at risk while indulging in “Entonox parties” while on duty at Ormskirk District Hospital. The hearing was told Dr Chahal, 33, used the medical anaesthetic Entonox from a gas canister on five occasions during the summer of 2007 – four of which were while he was on duty.
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Change4Life sports day at Notre Dame Catholic College, Wavertree – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
School sports day in association with change 4 life
PUPILS of a Liverpool school had fun being active during their annual school sports day.
Notre Dame Catholic College held the event at the Wavertree Athletic track.
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Novartis Speke ‘flu factory involved in H1N1 production – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
WORK on producing a vaccine for H1N1 swine flu has started at the Novartis factory in Speke.
The Swiss-based drugs giant revealed in its first half results today that all its European sites have started producing a product using traditional egg-based manufacturing, as at Speke, and the faster cell-based product.
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£118m boost for mental health care in Liverpool – Liverpool Echo 16th July 2009
LIVERPOOL residents with mental health problems and learning difficulties are to benefit from a £118m funding windfall.
Up to 1,200 of the city’s most vulnerable people are expected to receive support through the scheme, which will run for an initial four years.
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Pressure mounts to reopen hospital’s children’s A&E – Liverpool Daily Post 17th July 2009
PRESSURE was mounting last night on local health services to re-instate the children’s A&E in Southport, following the death of a four-day-old baby boy this week.
Local campaigners and concerned parents are demanding children’s health services return to the town after the ambulance transporting the child who died was sent to Ormskirk hospital.
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New Liverpool Royal Hospital plans are given the go-ahead – Liverpool Daily Post 16th July 2009
THE major rebuild of Liverpool’s city centre hospital has moved a step closer.
The board of Liverpool Primary Care Trust has formally approved plans for a new Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
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Swine flu hits schools in West Lancashire – Ormskirk Advertiser 16th July 2009
FIVE teachers at Tarleton High School are the latest people to have contracted swine flu.
At least two pupils at the school on Hesketh Lane in Tarleton are also believed to have the virus.
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Pay rises are obscene – Warrington Guardian 16th July 2009
I WAS disgusted to read in the Guardian that Alan Massey, chairman of Warrington Hospitals NHS Trust, was awarded what is tantamount to a 100 per cent salary increase.
This is obscene! As chairman has he not also been involved in the decision to approve other increases that are way above inflation and are also disgusting?
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Eighteenth Disability Awareness Day is a major success – Warrington Guardian 16th July 2009
AROUND 24,000 people descended on Walton Hall Gardens on Sunday for Disability Awareness Day.
Nine days of events organised by the Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) culminated in the 18th annual show – Europe’s largest voluntary led disability exhibition.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
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Dozens of ‘swine flu’ cases being reported across Cumbria – Carlisle News & Star 16th July 2009
Dozens of cases of suspected swine flu are now being reported at schools and workplaces across the county.
Seascale Primary School in west Cumbria has closed for the summer a day early after a mother of three pupils contracted the virus.
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Four cases of swine flu confirmed in Cumbria – Carlisle News & Star 16th July 2009
In Barrow, a 23-year-old shop worker became the first confirmed case of swine flu in South Cumbria last Thursday, while a small number of workers at Sellafield are being monitored for the virus. Before the Barrow outbreak, the county’s only confirmed case was an American tourist staying in Carlisle.
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Extra help for people wanting to give up smoking – Carlisle News & Star 16th July 2009
GIVING up the dreaded weed is never easy but smokers can still benefit from the bonus of free leisure centre passes.
NHS Cumbria is extending its offer of free passes to people who quit through the county’s Stop Smoking service. Those taking part will only receive the incentive if they pass a breath test.
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Tired of excuses – Carlisle News & Star 16th July 2009
I AM writing regards NHS Trust announces governors, (Evening Mail, July 13).
Why do we have so many governors? They are split in three sections. We have board directors, also non-executive directors.
I think they are a waste of time. We live in a recession. Do we need all of them pen pushers? What is their purpose?
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Top medic says “chill out” over swine flu – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
THE entire Cumbrian population will be vaccinated against swine flu in the autumn, as health bosses battle to keep the virus at bay.
Half a million doses are bound for the county in September and residents could be given them at schools and public halls to ease pressure on surgeries.
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More cases of swine flu at East Lancashire schools – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
EIGHT children and one adult are currently being treated or have received advice about swine flu at an East Lancashire primary school.
Two cases of the H1N1 strain were reported at Helmshore Primary School last week, according to headteacher Christine Myers.
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Half a million swine flu vaccines head for Cumbria – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
THE entire Cumbrian population will be vaccinated against swine flu in the autumn, as health bosses battle to keep the virus at bay.
Half a million doses are bound for the county in September and residents could be given them at schools and public halls to ease pressure on surgeries.
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Flu sufferers urged to stay away from hospital – Chorley Citizen 16th July 2009
Hospital visitors and patients with flu symptoms are being asked to avoid visiting Chorley hospital unless absolutely necessary.
Those attending routine appointments, such as follow up clinics or an outpatients appointment, should seek advice from NHS Direct 0845 46 47 or phone their family doctor.
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Campaigners call for South Lakeland drinks promotion support – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
A LEADING health campaign group is calling for a big show of support in South Lakeland for government proposals to outlaw “irresponsible and excessive” drinks promotions.
The Home Office has launched a public consultation on a proposed new code of practice for alcohol retailers and is canvassing opinions on proposals that will ensure that those who sell and supply alcohol do so responsibly, in order to prevent alcohol-related crime, disorder and nuisance.
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MPs praise East Lancashire midwives – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
MIDWIVES from East Lancashire’s hospitals, who more than doubled the area’s home and water birth rate in just two years, have received a prestigious MPs’ award.
Representatives of the midwifery team at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust travelled to Westminster to collect their All-Party Parliamentary Group Maternity Service Award.
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Call for hospital shuttle buses to stop in Accrington – Lancashire Telegraph 16th July 2009
COUNCILLORS are calling for better transport links to hospitals after a request for a free shuttle service was turned down.
Numerous patients who live in Hyndburn have raised the problem of getting to hospital appointments with their local councillors, who in turn contacted East Lancashire Hospitals Trust.
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EAST Lancashire’s hospitals chief is leaving her post just 15 months after taking over.
Marie Burnham, the chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, has been seconded to a job with the regional health service for 12 months.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
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180 treated for swine flu in one week – The Bolton News 16th July 2009
NEARLY 180 people in Bolton were treated for swine flu between July 6 and 12, health chiefs revealed last night.
The number could be far greater, with many more believed to be suffering mild symptoms that have not required medication.
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Swine flu experts in plea for pupils to stay in school – Bury Times 16th July 2009
HEALTH officials are urging parents not to keep their children away from school as the swine flu pandemic widens.
Bury Council says it cannot confirm the number of schools in the borough where pupils have been diagnosed with swine flu, but the Guide understands five schools have so far been affected.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
