NHS workers urged to be alert for sepsis and treat within an hour

The NHS is being urged to be alert for the warning signs of sepsis, potentially fatal blood poisoning, and to treat adults or children within an hour.

New draft guidance to all health professionals, from GPs and practice nurses to hospital doctors, warns that patients can become very sick very rapidly and urges speedy review and treatment.

Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) which has produced the guidance, said: “Severe symptoms can develop in sepsis very quickly. If high-risk patients are not identified and treated promptly, people can be left with debilitating problems. In the worst cases, they may die.

“This quality standard highlights priorities in the continued fight to improve sepsis care. We know from recent case reviews that there are inconsistencies in how people’s symptoms are assessed in different settings. More can be done to provide rapid treatment.”

GPs, paramedics, A&E staff and other health professionals should know the symptoms to look for. They can include a mottled or ashen appearance, blueness about the skin, lips and tongue and a rash that does not go away when the skin is pressed.

Those at risk need to be seen by senior hospital staff and given antibiotics and fluids within an hour, says the guidance. If it will take longer than an hour to get to hospital, GPs, practice nurses and ambulance staff can give the life-saving treatment.

There are concerns that cases of sepsis, which can be caused by an infection in various parts of the body, are being missed. In 2015, an inquiry found that 40% of patients with sepsis who arrived in A&E had not been reviewed by senior doctors quickly enough. There were also avoidable delays in giving patients intravenous antibiotics in nearly a third of cases (29%).

“Every death from sepsis is a tragedy, yet too often the warning signs are missed – we need to get far better at spotting sepsis across the NHS and this advice shows how vital it is for clinicians to treat life-threatening symptoms as soon as possible,” said health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

“Our relentless drive to raise awareness of this deadly condition, as well as the tireless efforts of campaigners and families who have lost loved ones, has seen a million leaflets and posters already distributed to GP clinics, hospitals and other public places – helping raise awareness to fight against this devastating condition.”

Julie Mellor, the Parliamentary and Health Service ombudsman, said: “We are pleased Nice has produced this guidance following our recommendation to ensure faster diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, ultimately saving thousands of lives. We have seen too many cases of families who have lost their loved ones to this condition due to delays and missed warning signs.”

NHS workers urged to be alert for sepsis and treat within an hour

End UK tax incentives for diesel vehicles, ministers are urged

Ministers are coming under growing pressure to remove tax incentives for diesel cars and offer compensation to motorists so they can swap to more environmentally friendly vehicles.

A group of medical professionals, environmental campaigners and lawyers has written to the chancellor ahead of the budget to demand a change to the vehicle excise duty that they say subsidises diesel cars.

Separately, senior Labour and Tory politicians have called for a comprehensive vehicle scrappage scheme to help people with diesel cars change to greener alternatives.

The letter from campaigners, including the British Lung Foundation, Greenpeace and doctors’ groups, says toxic air poses a daily risk to people’s health – particularly the young and those suffering from lung problems.

“Air pollution has … been shown to stunt children’s lung growth, which could leave them with health problems in later life,” it states. “We all deserve to breathe clean air.”

On Saturday the Guardian revealed that thousands of children and young people at more than 800 nurseries, schools and colleges in London faced dangerous and illegal levels of toxic air, much of it from diesel cars.

The transport secretary, Chris Grayling, indicated the government may bow to pressure, saying motorists should be wary of buying diesel cars, adding: “We’re going to have to really migrate our car fleet, and our vehicle fleet more generally, to cleaner technology.” However, he said that diesel “was not going to disappear”.

Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths in the UK and costs the country £27.5bn a year, according to a government estimate. MPs have called it a public health emergency.

The letter adds: “We know diesel vehicles, in particular diesel cars, are a major source of pollution in towns and cities … yet vehicle excise duty (VED) not only fails to recognise this, but is still incentivising them. We are therefore asking for a revision of the VED first-year rate in your upcoming budget statement.”

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has added his voice to calls for a change in vehicle excise duty for diesel cars. He also said the government should introduce a comprehensive clean air act and a diesel scrappage scheme to compensate those motorists who bought diesel cars after being told they were more environmentally friendly.

“A number of years ago Londoners and others around the country were encouraged to buy diesel cars, businessmen and women, charities, families were all encouraged to buy diesel.

“We are saying to the government you need to choose a national diesel scrappage fund to help people move away from diesel … and we would target this to the poorest families.”

Judges told ministers last November they must cut the illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in dozens of towns and cities in the shortest possible time after ruling that their plans to improve air quality were so poor they were unlawful.

The government has until April to come up with proposals to bring before the court.

Last year the environment, food and rural affairs select committee described the situation as a public health emergency and recommended the government introduce a diesel scrappage scheme.

Its chair, Neil Parish, told the Guardian he was disappointed that the advice had been ignored and called on the government to change course.

Parish said: “Defra has lost again in the courts on its failure to tackle air pollution. The option of a scrappage scheme should be back on the table to help get the dirtiest diesels off our roads quickly.”

He said it was vital any scrappage scheme was “focused and does not merely become a subsidy for the middle classes. Cash from the scheme should either promote ULEVs [ultra-low-emission vehicle] or incentivise public transport use.”

Legal NGO ClientEarth brought the case against the government and was one of the groups to sign Sunday’s letter to the chancellor.

Its chief executive, James Thornton, said: “The high court has ordered the government to take immediate action now to deal with illegal levels of pollution and prevent tens of thousands of additional early deaths in the UK.

“The government needs to recognise that diesel is the primary cause of the problem, and to promote a shift to alternatives. It’s perverse that our tax system encourages people to buy dirty vehicles.”

End UK tax incentives for diesel vehicles, ministers are urged

Theresa May urged to get a grip on NHS as winter crisis spirals

Theresa May is under intense pressure to announce an emergency NHS rescue plan to parliament – amid a chorus of warnings that hospitals and GP services across England have finally reached breaking point.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats are demanding the prime minister, or Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, appear before MPs on Monday – when parliament returns from the Christmas break – as doctors and medical organisations said the winter crisis was reminiscent of the chaos that engulfed the service in the dark days of the 1990s. Former Tory health minister and practising NHS doctor Dan Poulter said it was essential that ministers disclosed the extent of the problems, because there was an urgent need to focus minds and build momentum behind the search for a cross-party solution.

In a further sign of spiralling pressures on health and social care services, the president of the Society for Acute Medicine, Dr Mark Holland, called on May to convene a special version of Cobra, the committee that is summoned only in national emergencies.

While Department of Health sources said that they understood the concerns, they said ministers had addressed the problems by announcing more funding for social care and the NHS. They also said the NHS was equipped to deal with winter pressures that they said were no more serious than last year. The demands for a plan of action and statement to parliament came after the British Red Cross, which has been providing help to dozens of overstretched hospitals, said the situation affecting the NHS in England was a “humanitarian crisis”.

Jeremy Corbyn has called on the PM to address the Commons. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

NHS England figures have shown cancelled routine operations at record levels and acute services under intolerable strain. Evidence has come to light of patients dying because of long waits for care, chronic shortages of beds and lack of staff. Jeremy Corbyn said May must go before the Commons to “set out to the British people how she plans to fix her failure on the NHS”.

Whitehall officials said that May, who is planning a major speech on Monday that will address mental health, had no plan to go to the Commons. Former Lib Dem health minister Norman Lamb said that was unacceptable. “The situation is deteriorating. It is not sustainable. The government has a responsibility to be held to account.”

Leading figures working in the NHS and social care, together with the Conservative-controlled Local Government Association, have been warning for months that the failure to provide sufficient services at home and in the community for those requiring social care has added to pressure on hospital beds with disastrous knock-on affects for other patients requiring acute or routine treatment. GPs have also reported unprecedented levels of demand.

Poulter welcomed the recent announcements of extra funding for social care and the NHS, and May’s focus on mental heath, but said it was time for honesty about the size of the problems. “Despite the welcome increases, the extra money has barely scratched the surface of the problems facing the NHS. It is sometimes difficult for those in charge to admit that there are problems but it is vital that we are now honest about the difficulties that the NHS and social care are facing, because only by being honest will we create the pressure we need for cross-party action and a solution.”

Holland, a consultant in acute medicine in Manchester, said: “The way things are going we’re heading back to the bad old days of the 1990s … The consistent message from so many professional bodies must be heard by the secretary of state for health and the prime minister. The rhetoric that we have a plan and that more money has been pumped into the system holds no water because it is patently clear to everybody that pockets of hospitals are now struggling to cope.”

Labour’s health spokesman, Jonathan Ashworth, said: “Theresa May must commit to bring forward an extra £700m of social care money now to help hospitals cope this winter and pledge a new funding settlement for health and social care at the next budget so this year’s crisis never happens again.”

Keith Willett, director of acute care for NHS England, rejected the Red Cross claims. “On the international scale of a humanitarian crisis, I don’t think the NHS is at that point. Clearly, demand is at the highest level ever. But also our planning is probably more comprehensive than it has ever been. In many ways, this is a level of pressure we have not seen before and the workload that the NHS is being asked to shoulder in terms of medical treatment and personal care is very high.

“There are several reasons for that. There is winter and many more people have breathing and heart problems, but we know it is also very difficult at the moment and social care and community services are not able to react fast enough to free up beds to keep up the flow through hospitals.”

The chairman of the BMA council, Mark Porter, said: “The intervention from the Red Cross highlights the enormous pressure the NHS is facing as conditions in hospitals across the country are reaching a dangerous level. The government should be ashamed that it has got the point where volunteers have been necessary to ease the burden.”

A DoH spokeswoman said it had given the NHS an extra £400m to help the service cope with additional demand.

Theresa May urged to get a grip on NHS as winter crisis spirals

Prince Charles urged to cut sugar levels in Duchy Organic ice cream

Prince Charles should follow the lead of other food manufacturers by cutting the sugar in his Duchy Organic ice cream to a healthier level, health campaigners have said.

A new analysis by the Action on Sugar campaign group reveals that Duchy Organic ice cream – sold in Waitrose supermarkets – contains almost twice as much sugar as some other brands.

It was singled out by researchers as an example of the differing levels of sugar in exactly the same kinds of foods which appeal to children.

Action on Sugar is urging companies to support Public Health England’s voluntary reformulation programme to help tackle the childhood obesity epidemic, which it claims is the biggest public health crisis facing the UK.

The survey of foods commonly consumed by children including breakfast cereals, yoghurts, biscuits, cakes, confectionery, pastries, ice creams and chocolate spreads shows that products containing less sugar are in plentiful supply.

For example, Duchy Organic vanilla ice cream, with 14.5g of sugar per 100g, was found to have 84% more sugar than Asda’s “smart price” vanilla ice cream, with 7.9g sugar.

Data was collected by visiting Aldi, Asda, Co-operative, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose using the FoodSwitch app to collect data on nutritional information. The survey was carried out during August and products were checked again during September.

Tam Fry, spokesman for the National Obesity Forum and an expert advisory team member of Action on Sugar, said: “George Osborne’s sugar levy announcement in March must be regarded as his swansong as chancellor.

“At a stroke, he concentrated the mind of sugar-happy soft drink manufacturers seriously to consider reformulating their products to an acceptable level.

“As Action on Sugar’s research shows, many food manufacturers got the message, too. All, and Prince Charles in particular, should now follow their lead. The added bonus is that they will have dramatically aided the health of millions of people, let alone the NHS.”

A spokesperson for Waitrose said the Duchy Organic vanilla ice cream was an “indulgent” treat not aimed at children, adding: “The sugar content is clearly labelled and we sell a range of vanilla ice creams with a significantly lower sugar content, which our customers can choose if they want a healthier option.

“Reducing sugar is a top priority and we have an extensive reformulation programme to achieve this, which has already included significantly reducing sugar in chilled juices, cereals, yoghurts, soups, cordials and fizzy drinks.”

Kawther Hashem, a nutritionist and researcher at Action on Sugar, said:“Unhealthy foods are the biggest cause of death and disability in the UK and it is time the food industry took their responsibility for this seriously.

“They now need to make this a priority and ensure children are not eating three times their daily maximum intake of sugar.”

Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London and chair of Action on Sugar, said reformulation was one of the most effective ways of reducing sugar and, if done properly, meant the UK could lead the world in this area.

“We therefore urge the prime minister, Theresa May, to fully support it and commit the government to both fat reformulation, as it’s the biggest source of calories than sugar, and to start restrictions of marketing, advertising and promotion of unhealthy foods.”

In August, leading retailers criticised the government’s watered-down childhood obesity strategy just days after its publication, arguing it would be better if ministers imposed mandatory cuts to sugar levels in food rather than leaving it up to voluntary initiatives by manufacturers.

Prince Charles urged to cut sugar levels in Duchy Organic ice cream

Pauline Cafferkey hearing urged to drop Ebola dishonesty charge

The British nurse who twice came close to death after contracting Ebola while working as a volunteer in Sierra Leone in 2014 should not face charges of dishonesty, a misconduct hearing has heard.

Pauline Cafferkey, 40, could be struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council if the remaining charges against her are proved. Those charges are that she allowed an incorrect temperature to be recorded on her return to the UK, and that she failed to report her elevated temperature to screening staff or tell them she had recently taken paracetamol.

On Tuesday morning the panel at an NMC misconduct hearing in Edinburgh was urged by the case presenter for the council to strike out a charge that she had acted dishonestly.

Anu Thompson, for the NMC, told the panel that expert evidence suggested Cafferkey’s “ability to make decisions and reason properly were affected at the relevant time”. She referred to one medical expert, Dr Thomson, who submitted that: “I have no doubt that a combination of early Ebola virus infection and fatigue resulting from a busy night shift followed by a lengthy journey [from Sierra Leone] would have impaired Pauline’s judgement at the time of entering the screening process at Heathrow airport.”

The hearing was told that on 28 December 2014 Public Health England’s Ebola screening facility at Heathrow airport had not been prepared for such a large influx of passengers, and that the screening area was “busy, disorganised and even chaotic”.

An agreed statement of fact described how each person was given a port of entry Ebola health assessment form, on which their temperature and other relevant information was to be recorded by medical staff. As the delays continued and frustrations grew, one member of Cafferkey’s group suggested they take their own temperatures.

The hearing was told that a member of that group, Doctor 1, took Cafferkey’s temperature and found it to be 38.2C, then 38.3C when she took it again a few minutes later.

Doctor 1 stated that she read out both numbers in the presence of Cafferkey and Registrant A, another group member, who said that she would record the nurse’s temperature as 37.2C then they would “get out of here and sort it out”.

Cafferkey, who sat quietly with her representative throughout the hearing, has stated that she remembers somebody using the words “let’s get out of here” but cannot remember who said them or who entered the temperature of 37.2C on her screening form.

Any temperature above 37.5C was considered to be elevated and should have been reported to a consultant for further assessment.

Cafferkey left the screening area, the hearing was told, but later returned after Doctor 1 raised further concerns about her elevated temperature. Her temperature was taken three more times, by Doctor 2, but only one reading was above 37.5C, and that by 0.1C. Cafferkey did not volunteer to Doctor 2 the information that she had recently taken paracetamol, nor was she asked directly about it, and she was cleared to travel home to Glasgow.

The following day she was diagnosed with Ebola, suffering one of the highest viral loads ever recorded.

Earlier on Tuesday, Cafferkey’s representative, Joyce Cullen, applied for the hearing to be held in private, arguing that the “intrusive nature of press and media has already had a significant psychological impact on Miss Cafferkey”.

Cullen added that an error by the NMC in publishing draft charges on their website last month had had an additional adverse effect, after which Cafferkey had required medical treatment and been forced to move out of her home for a period. Cullen argued that Cafferkey had a right to privacy regarding medical records that would be referred to during the hearing.

The assembled media objected to the application for the hearing to be heard in private. A decision was due later on Tuesday after hearing submissions from the media’s legal representatives.

Pauline Cafferkey hearing urged to drop Ebola dishonesty charge

Young people urged to get vaccinated against aggressive meningitis W

Students and other young people are being urged to get vaccinated against an aggressive strain of meningitis that killed 24 people in the last year for which there are figures.

Public Health England (PHE) said cases of meningitis W, which can cause life-changing disabilities and kills one in 10 who contract it, were on the rise. It is one of the most aggressive and dangerous forms of the disease. In 2009 there were 22 cases in England, but in the last year there have been more than 200.

Young people going to university are at particular risk because they mix with so many new people, some of whom may be carrying the meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis W and septicaemia or blood poisoning.

PHE urged them to be immunised with a new vaccine, introduced last year, which protects against four strains of the bacterial infection – A, C, Y and W.

Related: New meningitis vaccine to be offered to UK teenagers and students

Between 2009 and 2012, there were just four deaths from meningitis W, but in 2013-14, the last year for which figures are available, the figure rose to 24. For the first time in a decade, babies and toddlers were among those who died. As other strains have become less of a problem, meningitis W now accounts for a quarter of all meningitis infections.

“Since 2009, there has been a rapid increase in cases of Men W across England, with students particularly at risk,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, the head of immunisation at PHE. “Protecting young people from this potentially deadly disease as they embark upon one of the most important periods of their lives is vitally important. The vaccination will save lives and prevent lifelong devastating disability.

“We are encouraging all eligible 17 and 18-year-olds who have just left school to get vaccinated, particularly those heading to college or university. Young people and those around them should be alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get vaccinated as soon as possible, remain vigilant and seek urgent medical help if you have concerns for yourself or friends.”

Meningococcal bacteria live in the back of the nose and throat in about one in 10 of the population without causing any illness. The bacteria is spread from person to person by close contact with a person carrying the bacteria, such as coughing, kissing and sneezing.

All meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia, but meningitis W can also cause other illnesses such as pneumonia and joint infections. The early symptoms are headache, vomiting, muscle pain, fever and cold hands and feet.

GPs have been asked to call in young people up to the age of 25 for vaccination. Universities have also been asked to urge students who have not been vaccinated at home to get the jab locally.

Related: Meningitis B petition now most signed in parliamentary history

Meningitis charities are also sounding the alarm. “Up to a quarter of students carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis compared to one in ten of the general population. In the UK every university could experience at least one case of meningitis amongst its students within the first term,” said Liz Brown, the chief executive of Meningitis Now.

“It’s vital that those going to Uni this autumn are not complacent about the threat of meningitis. We urge them to take up this lifesaving vaccine before they go.”

Vinny Smith, the chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “We’re encouraging students going to uni for the first time to do something great today. By getting this free meningitis vaccine from your GP you’re not only protecting yourself from a potentially deadly disease, but also protecting others by stopping the spread.

“It’s also vital to watch out for your friends if they’re unwell. If people do have meningitis it can be like a very bad hangover that quickly gets worse. It can be deadly, so act fast and get medical help.”

Young people urged to get vaccinated against aggressive meningitis W

British smokers urged to start vaping by well being officials

Britain’s eight million smokers have been urged to start off ‘vaping’ soon after a government-backed report identified that the electronic gadgets are 20 times much less dangerous than traditional cigarettes.

So far no electronic cigarette has been licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare merchandise Regulatory Company (MHRA) or the National Institute for Overall health and Care Excellence (Nice).

But a new report launched these days by Public Well being England, Kings College London and Queen Mary London, discovered e-cigarettes carry just 5 per cent of the risk of tobacco and must be broadly adopted by smokers.

If each smoker in Britain switched to vaping, all around 75,000 lives a year could be saved, they estimate. The authorities known as for e-cigarettes to be prescribed on the NHS as soon as regulated.

Nagy Memes Szabolcz and Georgia Samuels at Vapefest, Shrewsbury

Nevertheless several scientific studies have identified that the flavours employed in e-cigarettes may result in respiratory issues and damage the immune technique while analysis published on Tuesday by the University of Southern California advised they could encourage youngsters to take up smoking.

“E-cigarettes are not completely threat totally free but when compared to smoking , evidence displays they carry just a fraction of the harm,” mentioned Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Well being and Well-getting, at PHE.

“We’re encouraging smokers to look at e-cigarettes as a way to help them to lessen publicity to harm from smoking.

“At the moment there are no licensed goods that can be utilized for medicinal purposes and that’s why we are extremely supportive of the MRHA seeking at the pathway for making certain that there are safe and regulated e-cigarettes that can be promoted for health care purposes.

“Smoking continues to result in the biggest numbers of preventable deaths every single 12 months. Our ambition remains to see the 1st smoke free of charge generation by 2025.”

“Concerns do remain as to the prolonged-phrase well being impact of e-cigarettes…”

Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Basis

British smokers urged to start vaping by well being officials

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of Uk climate overall health warnings

“This outstanding weather can genuinely take folks by shock,” stated Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal College of GPs.

“The individuals who are most at risk in sizzling climate tend to be the elderly, notably the very elderly, folks who have lots of other wellness circumstances.

“Avoid conditions where you are going to get overheated. Don’t go for a jog if you are feeling sizzling currently. Feel about it, prepare ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard additional that doctors expertise a surge in contact-outs for the duration of heatwaves, especially from quite elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then usually get the brunt of it since individuals are frequently so dehydrated that the only way to support them is a journey to hospital, which clearly nobody would like,” she stated.

Hospitals and care homes have been place on alert for an enhance in admissions with health and social providers staff on standby to speak to the sick and vulnerable.

Public wellness officials explained they have been especially concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of Uk climate overall health warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of Uk weather overall health warnings

“This outstanding climate can really consider men and women by shock,” said Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal University of GPs.

“The individuals who are most at threat in scorching climate have a tendency to be the elderly, particularly the quite elderly, people who have plenty of other well being problems.

“Avoid conditions in which you are going to get overheated. Do not go for a jog if you are feeling hot presently. Think about it, plan ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard extra that medical professionals expertise a surge in phone-outs in the course of heatwaves, notably from quite elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then often get the brunt of it due to the fact folks are often so dehydrated that the only way to assist them is a journey to hospital, which clearly no person would like,” she said.

Hospitals and care homes have been put on alert for an increase in admissions with well being and social providers employees on standby to get in touch with the sick and vulnerable.

Public health officials stated they have been notably concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of Uk weather overall health warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to get heed of United kingdom climate wellness warnings

“This exceptional weather can actually consider folks by surprise,” said Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal College of GPs.

“The people who are most at threat in sizzling climate tend to be the elderly, specifically the quite elderly, folks who have tons of other wellness situations.

“Avoid circumstances the place you are going to get overheated. Don’t go for a jog if you are feeling scorching previously. Believe about it, strategy ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard added that medical professionals knowledge a surge in get in touch with-outs for the duration of heatwaves, particularly from extremely elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then usually get the brunt of it since individuals are typically so dehydrated that the only way to aid them is a journey to hospital, which obviously no person would like,” she said.

Hospitals and care homes have been place on alert for an improve in admissions with well being and social services employees on standby to speak to the sick and vulnerable.

Public wellness officials mentioned they have been notably concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to get heed of United kingdom climate wellness warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of Uk weather wellness warnings

“This outstanding climate can genuinely take people by surprise,” mentioned Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal College of GPs.

“The people who are most at threat in sizzling weather tend to be the elderly, specifically the really elderly, people who have lots of other wellness circumstances.

“Avoid scenarios in which you are going to get overheated. Really do not go for a jog if you are feeling scorching currently. Feel about it, prepare ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard extra that medical professionals knowledge a surge in phone-outs during heatwaves, notably from extremely elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then frequently get the brunt of it simply because people are frequently so dehydrated that the only way to aid them is a journey to hospital, which obviously no one needs,” she said.

Hospitals and care homes have been place on alert for an boost in admissions with well being and social services workers on standby to get in touch with the sick and vulnerable.

Public wellness officials mentioned they have been specifically concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of Uk weather wellness warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to take heed of United kingdom climate well being warnings

“This exceptional climate can really take folks by shock,” explained Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal School of GPs.

“The folks who are most at risk in scorching climate tend to be the elderly, particularly the very elderly, individuals who have tons of other overall health conditions.

“Avoid scenarios in which you are going to get overheated. Really do not go for a jog if you are feeling scorching already. Believe about it, plan ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard added that medical doctors encounter a surge in contact-outs throughout heatwaves, notably from very elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then often get the brunt of it because individuals are frequently so dehydrated that the only way to support them is a trip to hospital, which naturally no person needs,” she stated.

Hospitals and care properties have been place on alert for an boost in admissions with well being and social services staff on standby to get in touch with the sick and vulnerable.

Public overall health officials said they were especially concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to take heed of United kingdom climate well being warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to take heed of UK weather health warnings

“This exceptional weather can truly consider people by shock,” explained Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal University of GPs.

“The individuals who are most at risk in scorching climate have a tendency to be the elderly, especially the extremely elderly, people who have tons of other well being situations.

“Avoid circumstances the place you are going to get overheated. Really don’t go for a jog if you are feeling scorching presently. Think about it, strategy ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard extra that medical doctors knowledge a surge in call-outs throughout heatwaves, notably from quite elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then typically get the brunt of it due to the fact men and women are usually so dehydrated that the only way to support them is a trip to hospital, which obviously no person desires,” she stated.

Hospitals and care houses have been put on alert for an enhance in admissions with overall health and social providers workers on standby to speak to the ill and vulnerable.

Public wellness officials explained they had been specifically concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to take heed of UK weather health warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of United kingdom weather health warnings

“This outstanding climate can really take people by shock,” mentioned Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal School of GPs.

“The folks who are most at danger in hot weather tend to be the elderly, especially the really elderly, individuals who have tons of other health conditions.

“Avoid situations in which you are going to get overheated. Don’t go for a jog if you are feeling sizzling presently. Feel about it, strategy ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard extra that physicians experience a surge in get in touch with-outs in the course of heatwaves, particularly from quite elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then typically get the brunt of it since men and women are usually so dehydrated that the only way to support them is a journey to hospital, which certainly no one desires,” she said.

Hospitals and care residences have been put on alert for an increase in admissions with wellness and social solutions employees on standby to make contact with the sick and vulnerable.

Public wellness officials mentioned they were specifically concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of United kingdom weather health warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of Uk weather overall health warnings

“This outstanding weather can truly get people by shock,” mentioned Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal College of GPs.

“The individuals who are most at risk in scorching weather have a tendency to be the elderly, notably the very elderly, men and women who have plenty of other health conditions.

“Avoid circumstances the place you are going to get overheated. Do not go for a jog if you are feeling sizzling currently. Feel about it, plan ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard extra that physicians experience a surge in call-outs throughout heatwaves, specifically from extremely elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then usually get the brunt of it due to the fact men and women are often so dehydrated that the only way to support them is a trip to hospital, which naturally no person desires,” she stated.

Hospitals and care houses have been put on alert for an improve in admissions with wellness and social providers staff on standby to make contact with the unwell and vulnerable.

Public wellness officials mentioned they had been notably concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to consider heed of Uk weather overall health warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to get heed of United kingdom weather health warnings

“This outstanding climate can actually consider folks by surprise,” said Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal University of GPs.

“The people who are most at danger in hot weather tend to be the elderly, particularly the extremely elderly, people who have tons of other wellness circumstances.

“Avoid scenarios the place you are going to get overheated. Really do not go for a jog if you are feeling sizzling presently. Consider about it, prepare ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard added that medical doctors knowledge a surge in contact-outs in the course of heatwaves, notably from really elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then often get the brunt of it since individuals are often so dehydrated that the only way to assist them is a trip to hospital, which certainly nobody would like,” she explained.

Hospitals and care residences have been place on alert for an enhance in admissions with wellness and social companies personnel on standby to make contact with the sick and vulnerable.

Public wellness officials stated they had been specifically concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to get heed of United kingdom weather health warnings

Heatwave: Britons urged to take heed of United kingdom climate well being warnings

“This excellent climate can truly consider men and women by shock,” mentioned Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal University of GPs.

“The men and women who are most at danger in scorching weather tend to be the elderly, especially the extremely elderly, folks who have lots of other well being problems.

“Avoid circumstances the place you are going to get overheated. Really do not go for a jog if you are feeling scorching currently. Think about it, prepare ahead.”

Ms Stokes-Lampard extra that medical doctors encounter a surge in contact-outs in the course of heatwaves, particularly from quite elderly and frail.

“Hospitals then typically get the brunt of it simply because folks are frequently so dehydrated that the only way to help them is a trip to hospital, which clearly nobody desires,” she explained.

Hospitals and care houses have been put on alert for an increase in admissions with health and social providers employees on standby to get in touch with the ill and vulnerable.

Public wellness officials said they were especially concerned about Muslims fasting for Ramadan.

Heatwave: Britons urged to take heed of United kingdom climate well being warnings

Government urged to introduce plain cigarette packaging by overall health charities

Illustration of mandatory packaging for cigarettes in Australia. Photograph: Tim Wimborne / Reuters

Overall health charities have urged ministers to ensure that plain packaging for cigarettes turns into law before the general election right after a delay they stated raised fears about the influence of tobacco firms.

Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Study United kingdom, welcomed the government’s publication of draft rules to strip packets of their logos, colours and other marketing and advertising imagery. But he criticised the “11th hour” timing of the move on Thursday, two months soon after ministers originally promised the laws would appear.

No progress will be made until finally a more consultation on the strategy, announced by Jane Ellison the public overall health minister, has closed on seven August.

The very first consultation on forcing cigarettes to be sold in standardised packs ran from April to August 2012, “and each and every day since then hundreds more youngsters have began smoking,” Kumar said.

Soon after the latest consultation ministers will even now have to seek EU approval, which is expected to consider 6 months, just before it can introduce the measure. The prepare is strongly opposed by tobacco firms.

Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, stated plain packaging could show to be 1 of most powerful measures the coalition has taken to enhance public health.

“Nevertheless, with the draft laws getting published two months later on than originally planned, consulting and getting EU approval prior to the next election is going to be extremely tight. For the wellness of Uk children we hope this deadline is met. If it is not, I concern queries will be asked as to regardless of whether this late publication was just a delaying tactic by a government under strain from the tobacco sector,” stated Woods.

In December 2012 Australia became the very first country to implement plain packaging, although numerous nations, like Ireland, strategy to stick to suit. Cigarette cartons in Australia now carry pictures of the possible health care consequences of smoking, this kind of as people dying of cancer.

The move is credited with foremost to a 5% fall in cigarette income. Tobacco makers fear the move will be adopted internationally and drive down their product sales and revenue.

The coalition committed itself to plain packaging, but final yr suddenly abandoned the strategy amid claims about the role of Lynton Crosby, the Australian lobbyist who is in charge of the Conservatives’ approach for up coming year’s election. But lobbying by doctors alarmed at the U-flip prompted ministers to revive it.

Luciana Berger, the shadow public wellness minister, said the latest consultation was but one more delay and that almost 50,000 young children had taken up smoking given that the coalition very first explained it would introduce plain packaging.

Simon Clark, director of the professional-smoking group Forest, mentioned plain packaging would be “one more phase in direction of the infantilisation of Britain” and urged ministers to stay open-minded.

“The affect of plain packaging on retailers and shoppers could be extremely damaging. Proof suggests that standardised packaging could lead to the United kingdom getting flooded with fake cigarettes,” Clark stated.

Government urged to introduce plain cigarette packaging by overall health charities

NHS hospitals urged to show security videos to sufferers ahead of admission

Individuals will be encouraged to ask to be turned in their beds when they are unpleasant. Photograph: Alamy

Hospitals are to be encouraged to give airline security-type movies to individuals before they are admitted for remedy in an energy to cut down on avoidable suffering from bed sores, lack of hygiene and failure to take medicine.

Patients will be recommended on troubles such as taking medication in accordance to prescriptions and suitable hygiene measures, and encouraged to examine whether personnel have washed their hands.

They will also be urged to ask regardless of whether they can be turned in their beds when they truly feel unpleasant, below a new security campaign developed to change the culture inside of parts of the NHS.

Jeremy Hunt, the well being secretary, has published data on every single hospital in the nation, rating their security on 7 counts like inspection specifications, staffing levels and infection management. It is portion of a campaign to inspire a lot more openness and transparency in the NHS in the wake of the Mid Staffordshire scandal.

A evaluation of whistleblowing procedures has also been confirmed. Hunt presented figures suggesting that 29 of the 141 acute trusts in England are not open and truthful about their security performance and 87 are just “Okay”.

Hunt said there are twelve,000 avoidable deaths in the NHS every single 12 months and this have to be minimize by half inside of three many years. Unsafe care is triggering “immeasurable” harm to sufferers and families and costing hospitals millions of pounds in litigation and in placing issues correct.

Sir David Dalton, chief executive of Salford Royal Hospital Foundation Believe in, who is foremost the transparency campaign, explained the NHS should learn from airlines who have to demonstrate a safety video prior to every takeoff.

“Airlines do this on every single single event to engage their passengers in what they think to be really important.”

The trust running Guy’s and St Thomas’s hospitals in London is currently creating such a video. Other people will be anticipated to comply with suit.

Sir Robert Francis, the lawyer who led the official inquiry into the disastrous care at Mid Staffs, is to perform an independent review into the treatment of whistleblowers inside of the NHS. It is due to report in November.

He warned that every single time workers heard a whistleblower say they had been handled badly, other people would be deterred from speaking up. “I consider this demands to be modified fairly rapidly,” he explained. “We require a culture in which ‘I want to report this’ is the imagined foremost in the mind of any NHS worker who has issues – a culture the place concerns are listened to and acted upon.”

Mid Staffs had shown the “appalling consequences for sufferers in which there is a ‘closed ranks’ culture”, mentioned Francis.

Hunt said the NHS had come a prolonged way since Mid Staffs but there have been nevertheless also numerous cases exactly where staff concerns have been ignored. New measures would tackle this head on, he mentioned.

NHS hospitals urged to show security videos to sufferers ahead of admission

Parents urged not to give youngsters alcohol at publish-examination celebrations

On average, young children aged 14 to 17 will be given 9 units of alcohol to celebrate the end of the college term. Photograph: Image Supply/Corbis

Dad and mom are becoming urged not to give their youngsters alcohol as a reward for finishing their exams following it emerged that far more than 15,000 intoxicated younger men and women had been admitted to hospital in just three many years.

The charity Drinkaware says a single in four mother and father will give their children alcohol this summertime to assist celebrate the end of the college phrase.

Its report found that on regular, children aged 14 to 17 will be provided nine units of alcohol, the equivalent of 4 cans of beer, a bottle of wine or a third of a bottle of vodka at publish-exam parties, holidays or festivals.

The review also discovered that far more than half (54%) of mothers and fathers had given their child a drink outdoors of the examination celebration time period, with 86% admitting they had carried out so simply because their child asked for it.

Drinkaware stated that 15,000 children had been taken to hospital in between 2010 and 2013 since of excessive alcohol consumption, however 20% of mother and father have no understanding of health-related guidance on kids consuming alcohol.

Elaine Hindal, the Drinkaware chief executive, mentioned: “The typical amount some parents are delivering is equivalent to a complete bottle of wine, and that is far more than adequate to get a 15-yr-outdated drunk. No parent desires to think of their child out on their personal getting drunk and vulnerable, but properly that is what we could be facilitating by offering alcohol as a reward.

“It is unlawful for parents to purchase alcohol on behalf of a person below 18. Worse even now, it normalises a culture of extreme drinking among youthful people. We want to reassure mother and father that not all younger men and women drink alcohol, and that it is important to help kids to celebrate without it, no matter whether they are going on vacation for the initial time with their buddies or attending a school prom celebration.”

Parents urged not to give youngsters alcohol at publish-examination celebrations