RECENT NEWS

The head of the NHS has announced the rollout of ‘Martha’s Rule’ in hospitals across England from April, enabling patients and families to seek an urgent review if their condition deteriorates.

Central Medical Supplies (CMS) has provided Kanmed BabyBeds to the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit (OFNU) at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham, Kent, following fundraising by the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust (OFSCBT) charity.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve with technological advancements, the field of robotic surgery and devices is expected to experience unprecedented growth in 2024.

Radiology technology company Hexarad has been able to reduce diagnostic waiting times for acute and emergency care patients at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT) with its radiology tech platform.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has opened a consultation on evidence that suggests the quadruple screening test should be added to the antenatal screening pathway for Edwards’ syndrome (trisomy 18).

A review has been published outlining how the GIRFT programme is well-placed to support the NHS in reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2045.

The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that deaths due to the hepatitis C virus are at their lowest level in 10 years.

NICE has updated its guidance for the management of sepsis, with the aim of improving antibiotic stewardship.

The NHS is offering routine preventative bowel cancer screening to thousands of people in England with a genetic condition that increases their chance of developing certain cancers.

A multi-million pound investment in potential breakthrough medical devices has been announced by the government, with the aim of saving lives.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has called on the government to introduce an ‘Emergency package of measures’, following ‘a collapse in nursing applicants’.

The NHS National Medical Director has warned that pressure on NHS hospitals this winter is “not letting up”, with thousands more patients in hospital compared to the same time last year.

Nuffield Health has announced new positive health outcomes for people using its cardiac rehabilitation programme. The healthcare programme connects hospital, fitness and emotional wellbeing support available at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the nearby Barbican Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in London.

Trials of new wireless technologies to help improve patient care and strengthen connectivity in A&Es and ambulance bays are set to launch across seven NHS Trusts, following new funding from NHS England.

The London Clinic, one of the UK’s leading private hospitals, has opened a new Rapid Diagnostics Centre in London’s world-renowned medical district, at 142-146 Harley Street.

New figures reveal that 4,000 new platelet donors are needed this year to help provide life-saving treatments for cancer patients.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), working with law enforcement partners, seized more than 15.5 million doses of illegally traded medicines with a street value of more than £30 million during 2023.

The emergence of the BA.2.86 variant, a subvariant of Omicron, has raised significant concerns due to its substantial number of mutations.

For patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), the use of robotic-assisted surgery and surgical navigation techniques is not associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), suggests a new study.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) has called for the additional beds opened in hospitals this winter to be retained year-round to help bring down NHS waiting lists for planned treatment. They have also said some of these beds should be ringfenced for surgery.