‘Life saving’ rapid test not available at most CDCs
- Patients are facing “unnecessary and worrying” waits because a rapid heart failure test is not available at most of the NHS’s 169 community diagnostic centres, experts have told HSJ.
First MHRA Board meeting held in Scotland
- The Board of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has met in Scotland for the first time ever, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to delivering its health and innovation priorities across the UK.
- The meeting took place at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, which is the oldest surgical college in the world.
- The discussions centred on the MHRA’s commitment to delivering the agency’s priorities in Scotland and served as an opportunity for the MHRA to listen to the experiences and ideas of those in attendance.
Blood test developed that could speed up diagnosis of rare diseases in babies
- A new blood-based test that could help speed up diagnoses for children born with rare genetic disorders has been developed by researchers in an effort to provide answers – and treatments – sooner.
- Rare genetic disorders include a host of conditions, from cystic fibrosis to diseases relating to the mitochondria – the powerhouses of our cells. However, getting a diagnosis can be arduous.
NHS Supply Chain confirms new Chair of Procurement and Supply Advisory Board
- NHS Supply Chain has officially announced the appointment of Joe Harrison CBE as the new Chair of the NHS Customer Board for Procurement and Supply, effective immediately.
- This strategic leadership change comes as Sir James Mackey steps into his new role as Chief Executive Officer of NHS England.
- The NHS Customer Board for Procurement and Supply, often referred to as the National Advisory Board, plays a pivotal role in shaping the national procurement strategy.
Gonorrhoea: rising cases and antimicrobial resistance
- Annually, there are more than 82 million cases of gonorrhoea worldwide.
- In 2023, England recorded more than 85 000 gonorrhoea diagnoses—the highest annual incidence since records began in 1918 and a threefold increase since 2012.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in gonorrhoea poses a significant global threat,7 with resistance shown to all antimicrobial classes.
NHS initiative helps thousands more tackle their diabetes risk
- A record 166,360 more adults in England began receiving support last year from a world-leading NHS public health initiative, which helps people lose weight and make lifestyles changes to stop or delay them developing Type 2 diabetes, according to new data.
- The analysis also shows that more than 900,000 adults at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes have started using the NHS’s Healthier You Programme to improve their health, since it was launched in 2016.
- People can self-register onto the Healthier You Programme if they have been identified as being at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes from their blood sugars – or request a direct referral from their GP.
