RECENT NEWS

IFS analysis: NHS waiting lists unlikely to fall significantly in 2023

New analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has examined progress against the elective recovery plan to date and has set out new scenarios for what might happen to waiting lists in England in the months and years to come.

New NICE quality standard identifies improvements in UTI diagnosis for women

Health professionals should diagnose women under 65 with a urinary tract infection (UTI) if they have two or more key urinary symptoms according to a new quality standard published by NICE.

New president for the Royal College of Surgeons of England

The Royal College of Surgeons has appointed Tim Mitchell as its next president. Tim will take office in July 2023, while the College’s current president, Professor Neil Mortensen, will step down in July following a successful three-year term.

First baby receives life-saving gene therapy on NHS

A 19-month-old baby girl called Teddi has become the first child in the UK to receive a life-saving gene therapy treatment for the fatal disorder, metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).

One-stop-shops for testing deliver over three million lifesaving tests and scans

Tens of thousands of patients across the country will benefit from quicker access to tests, with 19 new community diagnostic centres (which will perform 1.1 million tests, checks and scans every year) set to open later this year.

21,273 operations cancelled before the start of ‘winter pressures’

New NHS figures show 21,273 operations were cancelled at the last minute in the three months to the end of December 2022, with hospitals feeling ‘winter pressures’ well before the winter had officially started. The data also shows 4,593 patients were not treated within 28 days of their cancellation, in a breach of the standard.

Single dose of common antibiotic reduces mothers’ risk of death during childbirth, study finds

A single dose of the antibiotic azithromycin can help protect mothers from dangerous sepsis infections and death during vaginal childbirth, a new international study has found.

Funding for global first National Centre for Child Health Technology announced

South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard has announced the final £6m funding for the new National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, a global first centre which will develop the world’s most advanced and integrated healthcare system for children and young people.

New MMC-built surgical hub leads drive to cut NHS waiting lists

The first phase of a new elective surgical hub built by MTX using fast-track modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has opened at the Clatterbridge Hospital on the Wirral.

Eakin Healthcare Surgical Team returns to BACO International 2023

Cardiff-based Eakin Healthcare Surgical division (part of the Eakin Healthcare Group) are returning to BACO International 2023 to showcase their range of specialist surgical solutions for ENT procedures.

Webinar highlights importance of air decontamination in healthcare environments

A free CPD-accredited webinar for IPC professionals, Facilities and Estates will be hosted by PDI International to highlight why effective air decontamination is crucial to protect the health of both healthcare workers and patients in hospitals and support staff in implementing best practices.

AI diagnostic test accurately identifies known respiratory viruses in minutes

Nicolas Shiaelis and Dr Nicole Robb, Oxford University scientists and co-founders of health tech company Pictura Bio, have developed a world-first diagnostic, test powered by artificial intelligence, that can identify known respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 within five minutes from just one nasal or throat swab.

Medilink North of England Healthcare Business Awards shortlists announced

The first round of judging in the 2023 Medilink NOE Healthcare Business Awards has been completed and the Medtech companies that submitted entries have now learned if they have made the shortlist for their category.

Patients to benefit from major NHS surgical capacity boost

Hundreds of thousands more patients will benefit from NHS treatment by next year thanks to dozens of new surgical spaces, the Government has announced.

Health and Social Care Secretary meets MND researchers to accelerate search for cure

People with motor neurone disease (MND) are set to benefit from improved collaboration between the government, researchers and charities, on top of accelerated access to funding, to speed up progress into developing treatments and finding a cure.

CSC unveils speaker programme for Annual Scientific Meeting

The Central Sterilising Club has unveiled its speaker programme for its Annual Scientific Meeting, taking place at the Crowne Plaza, Newcastle Upon Tyne, 3-4 April 2023.

New research starts on quality and safety in NHS and independent hospitals

Academic experts from the University of Manchester and the University of York have joined forces to launch new research into the quality and safety of patient care in NHS and independent hospitals.

No new COVID-19 variants emerged during China's outbreak

No new COVID-19 variants have emerged in China during the recent surge in infections since the country ended its zero-COVID policy, according to an analysis of cases in Beijing.

New strategy to boost NHS access to innovative medical technology

Patients across the UK are set to benefit from access to safe, effective and innovative equipment and medical devices as part of the Government's new medical technology (MedTech) strategy.

New study affirms link between sickle cell disease and risk of increased mortality in pregnant people

Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have further documented an association between a substantially higher risk of maternal morbidity and mortality among those with the inherited blood disorder sickle cell disease (SCD) compared to those without it.

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AfPP Regional Conference – Nottingham

Business School, University of Nottingham
20th September 2025

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Stansted Radisson Blu
23rd September 2025

Infection Prevention 2025

Brighton Centre, UK
29th - 30th September 2025

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Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford
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Blackpool
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Ramada Plaza, Wrexham
13th October 2025