London GPs using ‘AI receptionist’ on WhatsApp to boost cervical screening numbers
- GP surgeries in north London have launched the first NHS pilot scheme that will allow patients to book cervical appointments on WhatsApp using an AI receptionist.
- The scheme hopes to boost uptake for cervical screening for women after figures showed a significant drop in testing rates since the Covid pandemic.
Response from Minister Andrew Gwynne on mpox disease control
- The risk to the United Kingdom’s population of being exposed to Mpox clade I is currently considered low.
- However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK.
- This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognise cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and to prevent onward transmission.
Prostate cancer rates across Europe since 1980 are ‘indicative of overdiagnosis,’ say experts
- Rates of prostate cancer across Europe since 1980 are “indicative of overdiagnosis,” say researchers in a study published by The BMJ.
- The findings show rapid increases in the number of new cases (incidence) in parallel with uptake of so far predominantly opportunistic prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing.
- Yet death rates during 1980–2020 were much lower and less variable, with steady declines in most countries and fewer differences between countries.
Paul Corrigan appointed by the government to help shape health plans
- Paul Corrigan has accepted a direct ministerial appointment to the Department of Health and Social Care.
- He will work closely with Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, to shape the government’s 10-year health plan and provide independent scrutiny of its structure and implementation.
New NHS Providers survey reveals daunting financial pressures facing the NHS
- New survey findings from NHS Providers reveal the daunting financial pressures facing the NHS ahead of a landmark review of the health service by Lord Darzi.
- The survey of NHS trust leaders found their finances had taken a series of hits – through industrial action, erosion due to inflation, eye-watering efficiency demands, and relentless operational pressure on the service.
UKRI and Government of India address global challenges
- The UK and India have announced a co-funded package of research initiatives.
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) India and the Government of India have been working together since 2023 to devise a jointly funded £19.4 million package. The package will fund research initiatives in: farmed animal diseases, understanding geohazards, innovation in sustainable materials, manufacturing and power electronics.
Streeting will ‘blame Tories for NHS failures this winter’ (paywall)
- Wes Streeting is being “realistic” about recovering NHS performance, and failures this winter will be attributable to the previous government, he has told NHS chief executives.
Breakthrough test ‘detects prostate cancer in less than 15 minutes’ (paywall)
- Scientists claim new blood test able to give a diagnosis to 90 per cent accuracy.
