The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued another warning about measles. Infections in Europe (including UK) are at a 25-year high, so there is concern that unvaccinated holidaymakers are especially vulnerable to catching the disease (and, of course, bringing it home after a ruined holiday).
There’s a BBC News report at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c706y4jr95lo… more >>>
Today, UKHSA and Animal and Plant Health Agency have confirmed the first detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in the UK. There is currently no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitos in the UK and the risk to the general public is very low.… more >>>
A batch of the blood pressure drug Lercanidipine is being recalled as the wrong dose has been printed on the packaging.
See the full details at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/patients-urged-to-check-packs-of-blood-pressure-medicine-lercanidipine-after-labelling-error and in a BBC report at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy7kpwn9l4o.
The BBC is reporting that the morning-after pill is to be made free at pharmacies in England.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8eprd9n5plo.
The group Open Meeting dates for 2025 are now in the Events diary.
There will be Zoom meetings on Wednesdays 22/01 and 19/11; and provisionally in person meetings at the Medical Centre on Saturdays 15/03, 17/05 (our AGM), 19/07 and 20/09.
Note that the Saturdays are subject to change depending on what weekends the Practice is required to be open.… more >>>
Barnabas, like all GP practices, is under pressure from increased demand, constrained funding, and fixed capacity. So how can we, as patients, help the Practice?
Can you free up urgently needed GP appointments? Did you know you could contact your Pharmacist in the first instance? They can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help.… more >>>
The following received from NW London NHS …
… more >>>BRCA testing for those with Jewish ancestry
We are reaching out to inform you about an important NHS initiative – the free BRCA testing programme specifically for individuals with Jewish ancestry (at least 1 Jewish grandparent). Early detection of BRCA gene mutations can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers as preventative action can be taken.
Yet again the NHS is urging eligible females to go for their cervical screening when invited. Acceptance rates are under 66% in women aged 25-49, rising to 74% among 50-64 age group. That means millions of women are missing out on a simple, free, cancer screening.
NHS article at https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/06/nhs-urges-more-women-to-take-up-cervical-screening-invitations/.
Whooping Cough is out there and case rates are (relatively) high compared with most rcenet years. So here’s an interesting critique of the UKHSA’s “keep calm” message.
Whooping cough – have UKHSA got the framing right?
Finally CQC have published the (summary of) their inspection of the Practice last January.
Find the report online at https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-559846295.
Not that it tells you a lot!
But why does this take almost 6 months?
