Nurses punched, spat at and threatened with weapons over A&E wait times

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2 hours ago
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NHS calls on students to consider nursing career after A-Level results
The NHS is asking those uncertain about their future after A-Level results day to consider a career in nursing. Following the release of A-level, T-level, and BTEC results on August 14, NHS North West is encouraging students to consider the profession. Already, 33,540 people in England have applied for a degree in nursing this year. Jean Hayles, head of nursing in NHS England North West's Workforce, Training and Education Directorate, said: "A nursing degree in mental health or learning disability is more than just a career. "It's a calling to champion equality and independence, and support people at their most challenging moments." Students choosing to study nursing at university may qualify for the NHS Learning Support Fund, providing a £5,000 yearly grant, with additional payments for specialising in mental health or learning disability nursing. Several current students gave their perspectives on nursing. Adam Howorth, a mental health student at the University of Cumbria, said: "During my 10 years in the charity sector, I realised I had a genuine interest in caring for people with mental health issues. "This passion motivated me to pursue nursing training." He added: "Despite everything, I can't see myself in a more rewarding, supportive, and truly fulfilling profession." READ MORE: Star student off to one of the best universities in the world Father criticises school admissions criteria after son denied place at chosen school Bolton barber named finalist at UK Hair and Beauty Awards Nursing students will receive world-class training, with UCAS clearing open for applications until October 20. Entry requirements vary, but applicants are advised to have at least two A-levels or equivalent. Potential applicants are urged to consider this rewarding career path, stating that nursing offers the opportunity to truly make a difference in people's lives.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
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Staunton residents urged to boil water following water main break
Residents of Staunton are being advised to use boiled or bottled water as a safety precaution following a water main break, the city said on Aug. 15. "The Virginia Department of Health in conjunction with the Lexington Office of Drinking Water, and City of Staunton are advising residents to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution," according to a notice posted on the city's website. On the evening of Aug. 14, Public Works was notified of a water main break behind Stocker Street. Crews found a large, 16-inch water main that was severely damaged, causing water to be shut off for repairs. "Initial attempts to limit the area of shut off to only a small area were unsuccessful. As a result, a larger area of shut off was required. This created low-pressure conditions across the city and resulted in the need to shut off the pressure zones in the higher elevations of the city. Crews have been working overnight to make the repair and restore water service as quickly as possible," the city said. E. coli, according to the city, is most likely in the water, meaning it could be contaminated with human or animal waste. "Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems," the city said. Residents should boil water, the city said, for drinking, food preparation and making ice. "Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Boiling is the preferred method to assure that the tap water is safe to drink. Bring all tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water," the city said. More: Augusta County case involving former Nexus executives delayed a sixth time More: Wawa opening new Fishersville store Friday with ceremonies, giveaways, hoagie competition The boil advisory is expected to be in place for 48 hours. For those with no electricity or gas, alternative methods are available. Schools were closed following the water main break. "We anticipate restoring water service in the next 12 hours and lifting the Boil Water Advisory 48 hours from the time that service is fully restored," the city said. Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@ You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter). This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton residents urged to boil water following water main break Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 hours ago
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More checks, tests and scans to be offered out of hours at local health centres
Patients in England can get checks, tests and scans done out of hours at 100 community-based diagnostic centres which are now open 12 hours a day seven days a week, it has been announced. Extending the opening hours for Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) is increasing access to health services and speeding up diagnosis for thousands of patients, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Some 7.2 million CDC tests and scans have been delivered since July 2024. Shopping centres, community hospitals and university campuses are among the venues closer to people's homes where the centres are based and open out of hours for health appointments. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the Government is 'determined to offer healthcare that fits around working people's lives and not the other way around'. He added: 'From early morning MRI scans to late evening blood tests, we're meeting patients where they need it most by extending the operating hours for community diagnostic centres and putting patients first.' The NHS delivered more than 1.6 million more tests and scans from July 2024 to June 2025 and there were 218,463 people who had cancer ruled out or diagnosed within 28 days, the DHSC said. Improved performance on the faster diagnosis standard means that nearly 97,000 more people had cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days between July 2024 and June 2025, compared to the same period last year. At Oldham CDC in Greater Manchester, extended opening hours have cut lung cancer diagnosis times from 42 days to just 18.8 days, while Queen Victoria Hospital CDC in East Grinstead, West Sussex, is recording five times more respiratory patient interactions per session, with 92% avoiding the need for hospital outpatient appointments. Patients can be referred to CDCs through their GP or hospital-based clinical teams. Mr Streeting said the Government's 10-year health plan is 'revolutionising how healthcare works' and the measures are helping to bring care closer to the community. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England national medical director, said: 'We know people are living incredibly busy lives and it's vital NHS care reflects that. 'The services provided by Community Diagnostics Centres enable people to receive the all-clear or a diagnosis at a time and location that suits them, whether before a school drop off or after a work shift, and extending their opening hours means more people are being seen more quickly.' CDCs can provide a range of tests including MRI and CT scans, echocardiography and phlebotomy services. Wayne Rowlands, who visited the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Community Diagnostic Centre for an emergency CT scan, described it as a 'pleasant experience' in a setting that was 'very bright and not at all like a hospital'. The Government's plan for change is backed by more than £6 billion of additional capital investment to improve capacity for elective, diagnostic, and urgent care services over five years, with more than £600 million capital funding committed for 2025/26 to transform diagnostic services. This includes funding up to five additional CDCs in 2025/26 and extending opening hours for all CDCs at evenings and at weekends. Laura Challinor from the Blood Cancer UK charity welcomed the move but said more must be done to tackle regional variation and speed up testing. She said: 'It's imperative that everyone affected by blood cancer can readily access the diagnostic tests and appointments they need. 'With blood cancer being the UK's third biggest cancer killer and survival lagging behind countries of similar wealth and health, doing all we can to turn that tide is critical.'