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Job specification published for the first Patient Safety Commissioner in England

A recruitment process for a new Patient Safety Commissioner in England is set to begin, with a job specification already published. The creation of the post follows on from recommendations made by the Baroness Cumberlege in a major medicine and medical device safety report. The ‘First do no harm’ report was a review of independent medicines and medical devices, including…
admin
January 14, 2022
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Media & Parliamentary Monitoring: 10/01 – 14/01

What’s been said in Parliament this week? In a debate on UK Productivity, Bill Esterson MP (Lab) asked why the Government were buying tests from China rather than the UK. He went on to accuse the MHRA of delaying approval to British tests, leading British companies unable to sell their tests at home but able to sell them abroad. Kwasi…
admin
January 14, 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
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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
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G7 Finance Ministers agree statement on Actions to Support Antibiotic Development

G7 Finance Ministers have this week agreed a mission statement on supporting antibiotic development to avoid the “silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance” in the future. All G7 members have committed to expedite the implementation of their existing AMR Action Plans and related strategies, and to take additional specific and appropriate steps to address antibiotic market failure and create the right…
Ben Kemp
December 17, 2021