CORONAVIRUS NEWS
New data show the impact of Covid-19 on private healthcare
New data on private healthcare in the UK shows how the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an estimated 84% drop in privately funded care.
Antibody test now available in markets accepting the CE Mark
Beckman Coulter has shipped more than 16,000 SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassay analysers worldwide and has ramped its manufacturing to deliver more than 30 million tests a month.
Schools to take part in voluntary testing for COVID-19
A new voluntary COVID-19 study to assess and monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 among pre-school, primary and secondary school pupils and teachers has been launched by the government.
First accreditations for COVID-19 testing awarded by UKAS
UKAS is currently assessing over 30 laboratories who have requested an extension to their scope of accreditation to include COVID-19 testing.
PHE reveals disparities in outcomes of COVID-19
Public Health England has published a report on ‘Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19’, which shows that healthcare inequalities continue to exist, leading to increased mortality among certain sections of the community.
Vitamin D link to low virus death rate
A new study has found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates.
Third of doctors in high risk COVID19 settings unable to access PPE
Healthcare staff working in some of the most high-risk COVID-19 settings are still struggling to access the protective personal equipment (PPE) they need to keep them safe.
Charity calls for clearer measures to protect people with diabetes
The findings of a new Diabetes UK survey show that two thirds (67%) of people with diabetes attending work do not feel safe. More than half of respondents (54%) also say their employer is not enabling them to socially distance at work.
BAME nursing staff are more likely to be left without PPE
Amid warnings that BAME nursing staff may be disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, an RCN survey reveals that they are more likely to struggle to secure adequate PPE while at work.
UK reaches 200,000 coronavirus testing capacity target
The 200,000 testing capacity target was reached on Saturday 30 May, at 205,634. The increased testing capacity has now allowed for the rollout of the new NHS Test and Trace system, which will identify and isolate new cases of the virus.
Anaesthetists reveal concerns over PPE/anaesthetic drugs availability
A survey by the Royal College of Anaesthetists has found that access to testing has improved, but significant concerns remain around personal protective equipment and anaesthetic drugs availability.
£300 million additional funding for local authorities to support new test and trace service
Local authorities will be central to supporting the new test and trace service across England, with the Government providing a new funding package of £300 million.
New Professional Guidance to Support General Practice Nurses in the Covid-19 Pandemic Published
The Queen’s Nursing Institute has published a new document, Minimum Bridging Competencies for General Practice Nurses Transitioning to Community Nursing.
Government to offer antibody tests to health and social care staff and patients in England
New antibody testing programme to provide tens of thousands of antibody tests per day across the UK from next week.
NHS expands offer of help to people with diabetes during coronavirus outbreak
People living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with COVID-19 with a third of deaths in England associated with the condition, according to new NHS research. The health service in England has called on people with diabetes to access help available to them, including a new dedicated helpline and online tools to help manage the condition during the outbreak.
IPS provides guidance on correct use of PPE
The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) has released a questions and answer document on “Using PPE for Covid-19 in Intensive Care Settings” and an accompanying video.
High rate of blood clots in COVID-19
COVID-19 is associated with a high incidence of venous thromboembolism, blood clots in the venous circulation, according to a study conducted by researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), UK.
Support for nurses facing hardship
Single Use Surgical will donate 5p from the sale of every disposable surgical instrument sold in the UK to Cavell Nurses’ Trust to help support nurses in their time of need.
Vital laboratory link delivered to NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol
CliniSys has delivered a laboratory link for NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol (Nightingale Bristol), so clinicians can request tests for patients and receive the results electronically
Coronavirus: new website for reporting medicines side effects and equipment incidents
A new online reporting site, dedicated to reporting any suspected side effects from medicines and medical equipment, relating to COVID-19 treatment, has been launched.
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