A UK doctor was suspended for five months after scheduling fake appointments to leave work early and pick up her children, sparking debate about the pressures faced by working parents and the need for reforms in the healthcare system.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has approved a clinical trial for puberty blockers in children with gender dysphoria, despite personal discomfort and opposition from some politicians, following recommendations from the Cass Review to better research the drugs' effects.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the ongoing five-day strike by NHS resident doctors in England, calling it 'dangerous' and urging doctors to prioritize patient care. The strike, driven by demands for better pay and training opportunities, has led to significant disruptions in NHS services amid a surge in winter illnesses. The government and union remain at an impasse, with concerns about the impact on patient safety and NHS operations during the holiday season.
The MHRA in the UK is planning major reforms to accelerate the development, testing, and approval of rare disease therapies, aiming to overcome current barriers and make treatments more accessible, supported by a new framework and collaborative efforts to position the UK as a global leader in rare disease innovation.
In a UK first, patients with sleep apnoea have been fitted with a new app-controlled implant that stimulates tongue nerves to aid breathing during sleep. The Genio implant, developed by Nyxoah, was successfully implanted in two patients at University College London Hospitals. This device offers an alternative to CPAP machines, which can be uncomfortable for some users. The implant is controlled by an external chip and can be adjusted via a smartphone app. This development marks a significant advancement in treatment options for sleep apnoea patients in the UK.
Four years into the Covid pandemic, long Covid continues to disproportionately affect poorer communities, frontline workers, and those with pre-existing health conditions, exacerbating existing inequalities. Despite the Labour government's promises to address these issues, their plans lack clarity and sufficient funding, particularly for long Covid services and workplace protections. The NHS remains under strain, and advocacy groups are stepping in to fill gaps left by government inaction. The situation highlights the urgent need for bold, decisive action to address the systemic inequalities worsened by long Covid.
A cancer charity is advocating for prostate cancer screening for high-risk men aged 45 and over, citing economic benefits despite the lack of a national screening program in the UK. The current PSA test is criticized for its inaccuracy, as it can lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment of slow-growing cancers. While some experts argue for targeted screening, especially for black men and those with a family history, others highlight the psychological and physical harms of over-treatment. Ongoing research aims to improve screening methods, but results are years away.
A shortage of nuclear isotopes in the UK is causing delays in cancer diagnoses, potentially leading to increased cancer deaths. Experts are urging the UK to develop its own isotope production facility, such as the proposed Project Arthur in Wales, to reduce reliance on imports. The shortage follows a halt in production at a Dutch reactor, highlighting the urgent need for a domestic supply to prevent future shortages and save lives.