An article in The Lancet found that alcohol use disorders were a major risk factor for the onset of all types of dementia, and especially early-onset dementia. It continues; that screening for heavy drinking should be part of regular medical care, with intervention or treatment being offered when necessary. Additionally, other alcohol policies should be considered to reduce heavy drinking in the general population.
News Archive
A number of media outlets have covered the story regarding ‘High-strength skunk now dominates UK cannabis market’, referring to almost all cannabis seized by police now comprises high-strength varieties, with outdoor-grown herbal strains and hashish barely found. The news is based on researchers analysing samples of cannabis seized by five police forces in 2015 and 2016.
A study has found an increased risk of disability and dementia in those with hearing loss, and, in men only, an increased risk of depression. The findings also showed that these associations were not found in the participants using hearing aids.
The life expectancy of the poorest women in England has fallen for the first time on record since the 1920s, new figures from the Office of National Statistics show. Previously there has been a gradual increase in the predicted lifespan of the population over the past century, but the recent statistics found deprived females born in 2014 to 2016 were expected to die younger than those born in 2011 to 2013.
A cold weather warning was declared by Public Health England during the last week of February and guidance was published on their website with recommendations as to how to manage in the very cold climate. Especially aimed at more vulnerable people PHE and NHS England provided information and advice.
The Department of Health & Social Care have produced new guidance for Care in Surrogacy. The document is aimed at surrogates and intended parents in surrogate births in England and Wales.
Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has raised concerns at the Cynnydd and Dinas wards in the Ablett Unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire. The hospital mental health unit has been told to make improvements after an inspection found some issues put patient safety at risk. The former Tawel Fan ward, which was part of the unit, shut in 2013 after reports about patients’ care. HIW said it was also concerned to find that some issues it identified in its previous inspection in 2014 were still apparent, despite Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board developing a clear action plan to resolve them.
Around 100,000 NHS posts are vacant and hospital deficits are twice as high as planned even after a winter bailout, according to official figures. Patient numbers continue to rise, with 5.6 million A&E visits in the three months to December, a quarter of a million more than in the same period the previous year.
A new plan has been identified as a key priority in BCUHB’s recently published mental health strategy. It sets out the direction for mental health and wellbeing services across North Wales. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), Public Health Wales, local authorities, North Wales Police and third sector groups including the Samaritans have come together to develop a strategic action plan to reduce suicide and self-harm over the next three years.
UNICEF have published a report: Every child alive – the urgent need to end new born deaths. Amongst the findings it shows that British babies are more likely to die in their first month than those born in Latvia, Belarus and Cuba. Researchers suggested reasons for this could include low breastfeeding rates, obesity and women delaying childbirth. Figures from Unicef ranked the UK 30th out of 184 countries for lowest mortality rates within a month of birth.
Once the NMC start regulating nursing associates, everyone will need to pay a fee to cover the costs of regulation. A consultation has been launched on the proposed range of fees. Registrants are encouraged to have their say. The consultation closes on 26 February 2018.
The NMC have put together social media guidance to help support registrants in using social media and social networking sites. It’s based on the NMC Code and sets out broad principles for users to think about, with a focus on protecting the public.