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European AffairsEuropean Affairs Archive

European Affairs Updates – 14 January

British Manufacturers issue warning over spiralling costs due to Brexit changes in 2022 UK manufacturing firms are sounding the alarm over the effect of Brexit changes in 2022 leading to soaring costs. Companies are expecting further customs delays and red tape (including rule-of-origin forms and customs declarations) as a result of Brexit to be among the biggest challenges facing their…
Ben Kemp
January 13, 2022
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Blood test could diagnose cancer in people with nonspecific symptoms

Scientists have created a blood test which is highly effective in detecting cancer in those with worrying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss and fatigue. If the test is validated, it could significantly improve survival rates by diagnosing cancer much earlier and thus allowing patients to receive more effective treatment. The test can also show whether the cancer has spread.…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022
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UKHSA Chief Executive Dr Jenny Harries honoured with Damehood

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, has been made a Dame in the Queen’s New Year honours list for her outstanding contribution to public health. Some of her colleagues have also been honoured by Her Majesty, including Jonathan Turner, Head of Scientific and Technical Services, who has been awarded an MBE and Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director of…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022
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Confirmatory PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow test results

UKHSA has announced that from 11 January in England, people who receive positive lateral flow device test results for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate immediately and won’t be required to take a confirmatory PCR test. This is a temporary measure while COVID-19 rates remain high across the UK. Whilst levels of COVID-19 are high, most people with positive lateral…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022
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Portable prostate cancer test could revolutionise early detection

A new portable and rapid prostate cancer test could give populations most at risk of prostate cancer, such as African-American men, a fast, convenient route to diagnosis. The inexpensive test, which mirrors the now-familiar two-strip lateral flow test device, can give results in around 15 minutes following the application of a drop of blood. The cube-shaped 1.6 inch reader measures…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022
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Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes guilty of fraud

Infamous Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has been found guilty of defrauding investors after a months-long trial. Prosecutors successfully argued that Holmes knowingly lied about her diagnostic equipment which she claimed could diagnose a myriad of diseases from a few drops of blood. Holmes claimed to be innocent of all 11 charges and was subsequently found not guilty of just four,…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022
Membership NewsMembership News Archive

DASA Market Exploration – Seeking Novel Drug-Driving Test Methods/Point of Contact Testing

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) are running on behalf of the Home Office, seeking information on innovative methods to support more efficient handling of drug drive cases. Ideas could be at any stage of development. Currently, the evidence required for drug driving court proceedings involves a blood sample, which must be sent to a Forensic Service Provider (FSP) for…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022
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IFU Reminder

There have been some recent postings and discussions on various social media platforms and other online forums about the use of lateral flow tests. Some people have been encouraging users to use throat swabs, regardless of what the instructions for use of the product stipulates should be used. As those involved in the supply chain of these products, I am…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022
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NHS England announces 10 priorities for 2022/23

In a recent document, NHS England has detailed their 10 key priorities for 2022/23. Chief among them is the need to focus on restoring services, meet new demands and clear the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The full list is as follows: Invest in the workforce Respond to COVID-19 more effectively Tackle the elective care backlog Improve the responsiveness…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022
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ICS statutory rollout to be delayed until July 2022

This week Heath Minister Edward Argar announced that the Government’s target date for rolling out Integrated Care Systems on a statutory basis would now be put back to July 2022. Before the announced delay, ICSs were due to be created in April 2022, with CCGs abolished at the same time. Mr Argar noted the importance of the work of ICSs…
Ben Kemp
January 7, 2022