RECENT NEWS

Government unveils new plans for NHS App

A 'revolutionised' NHS App is among a raft of proposals aimed at giving patients greater power over how and when they receive elective treatment.

New endoscopy unit to benefit patients in Cumbria

As part of a Managed Equipment Service (MES) contract and in collaboration with North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust (NCIC), Ergéa has supported the development of a state-of-the-art endoscopy unit at Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

Exploring the impact of probiotics on gut microbiota disruption caused by antibiotics

​In a new paper, published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, eight scientists have examined the evidence on using probiotics to restore the gut bacterial community during and after antibiotic treatment.

Coaching trainees just before a procedure could improve patient safety

Giving inexperienced clinicians “just-in-time” training with an expert just before they carry out a procedure boosts their success rate and could improve patient safety, finds a study in The BMJ.

Quantum research hub for healthcare is launched

Government advisers and university leaders recently joined the launch of a major new research hub, led by UCL and the University of Cambridge, that aims to harness quantum technology to improve early diagnosis and treatment of disease.

‘Personalised treatment way forward for MS’, say Scottish scientists

Research published in the Neuron journal could help neurologists prescribe personalised treatment to people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), in the future, after scientists studied more than half a million brain cells.

Patients, the NHS and the Life Sciences sector set to benefit from new clinical trials framework

New legislation is expected to address the research sector’s need for a more efficient, streamlined and adaptable regulatory framework for clinical trials.

New method could improve cervical cancer screening

Analyses of self-tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) can be used to divide HPV-positive women into three risk groups, according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet and Queen Mary University of London published in PLOS Medicine. This method could be important for enhancing cervical cancer screening.

Ditch TV and read a book: research highlights best moves to reduce dementia risk

Whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favourite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

£100 million boost for adult and children’s hospices

Major investment for hospices has been announced by the government with the aim of ensuring that hospices can continue to deliver high quality end of life care.

East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to partner with Sodexo

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust will partner with Sodexo to deliver its soft facilities management services across the Trust’s two acute hospitals – Colchester and Ipswich, and community services in East Suffolk and North Essex. These include Aldeburgh, Felixstowe and Harwich Hospitals, and Bluebird Lodge in Ipswich.

Nuffield Health awarded ‘Gold’ two years in a row for its commitment to patient safety

​ For the second year running all Nuffield Health hospitals performing joint replacement surgery in England and Wales have been awarded the highest ‘Gold Quality Data Award’ by the National Joint Registry (NJR) for their commitment to patient safety.

Royal Surgical College announces suite of honours and new deans

A host of the biggest names in medicine have received special recognition as the RCSEd concludes the year.

Trusts are losing millions to sicks days, unnecessarily

NHS Trusts are losing millions of pounds to staff sick days, unnecessarily. That’s the message from healthcare leaders at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust, University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and analytics firm Strasys, who have joined forces to urge health boards across the country to review their workforce management practices.

First new treatment for asthma attacks in 50 years

An injection given during some asthma and COPD attacks is more effective than the current treatment of steroid tablets, reducing the need for further treatment by 30%.

Bowel cancer rates rising in younger adults around the world

Rising rates of early-onset bowel cancer are a “global phenomenon”, and some of the steepest increases are happening in England, according to a major new paper published in The Lancet Oncology.

Martha’s Rule ‘already saving lives’ in NHS hospitals

The roll-out of Martha’s Rule in NHS hospitals in England has already begun triggering “potentially life-saving changes in care” for patients, Martha Mills’ parents and the NHS have announced.

RCP publishes new interim guidance for physician associates working in the medical specialties

The RCP has published new interim guidance on the scope, supervision and employment of physician associates (PAs) working in the medical specialties (also known as the physician specialties).

New GSK Community Health Programme announces 15 charities to receive funding and development

A total of 15 health and care charities have been selected to join the first cohort of the new GSK Community Health programme supporting very small charities tackling health inequalities, delivered in partnership with The King’s Fund. The programme will provide funding and support to community-based organisations working to improve the health of some of the most deprived communities in the UK.

RCS: clarity is needed on 18-week target

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) is urging the government to provide more detail on how the NHS in England will meet the 18-week target for waiting times within this parliament, amid growing winter pressures.

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AfPP Newcastle Regional Conference

Herschel Building, Newcastle University
26th April 2025

GS1 UK Healthcare Conference

QEII Centre, London Westminster
29th – 30th April 2025

Infection Prevention and Control 2025 Conference and Exhibition

The National Conference Centre, Birmingham
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Decontamination and Sterilisation 2025 Conference and Exhibition

The National Conference Centre, Birmingham
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Scottish Intensive Care Society Conference 2025

Crieff Hydro Hotel, Scotland
1st - 2nd May 2025

AfPP Plymouth Regional Conference

TBC, Plymouth
10th May 2025