Kent and Medway ICB told to halve running costs
The report states the current operating costs for the ICB is £73.5m, which is 1.5% of its total budget.It is used to commission GPs, children's services including those with complex needs, mental health services, maternity and neonatal services and pharmacy, optometry and dentistry services, among others.The board is also reviewing services it should no longer provide and exploring ways to improve efficiency. This includes creating a shared services list across organisations and reducing staffing by 49%.
It follows the government's decision to scrap NHS England by April 2027 and bring its operations within the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) as part of a wider cost-saving plan.In its 10-year NHS strategy, published last month, the government said ICBs should prioritise preventing illness by improving general health, which reduces the need for costly procedures later.It also called for more care to be delivered in communities rather than hospitals, and for technology to be used to streamline decision-making and processes.The Kent and Medway ICB is not among those being merged or having boundaries redrawn, the LDRS reports.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medical News Today
43 minutes ago
- Medical News Today
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) and cost
The cost of Zilbrysq can vary based on several factors, including your insurance coverage. Coupons and drug savings programs can also lower the price you'll pay for cost and savingsAs with all medications, the cost of Zilbrysq can vary. Factors that may affect the price for Zilbrysq you'll pay include:your treatment planyour insurance coveragethe pharmacy you usethe cost of the visit to your healthcare professional to receive your first doses of Zilbrysqwhether Zilbrysq has a savings program (see the 'Financial and insurance assistance' section)To find out what the cost of Zilbrysq will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance vs. genericZilbrysq is only available as a brand-name drug. It doesn't come in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name tend to cost less than brand-name ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BRAND-NAME DRUGS VS. GENERIC DRUGS?Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years. When the brand-name drug's patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create generic versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for generics. Also, because generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don't require the same costly to reduce long-term drug costsIf you take Zilbrysq long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following a 3-month supplyYou may be able to get a 90-day supply of Zilbrysq. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you're interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance and insurance assistanceIf you need financial support to pay for Zilbrysq, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:A program called ONWARD is available for Zilbrysq. For more information and to find out whether you're eligible for support, call 844-669-2731 or visit the program websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are: Medicine Assistance ToolNeedyMeds» Learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without considerationsYou may want to consider the following information if you have insurance and receive you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Zilbrysq. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Zilbrysq in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Zilbrysq requires prior Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
The Independent
43 minutes ago
- The Independent
Health warning issued as new virus detected in UK for the first time
The Oropouche virus, a tropical malaria-like disease, has been detected in Britain for the first time. The UK Health Security Agency reported three cases between January and June this year, all in individuals who had returned from Brazil. Typically found in South America, the virus can cause severe symptoms including high fever, headaches, and in rare instances, meningitis and death. It is primarily spread through bites from midges and some mosquitos, with concerns about sexual and mother-to-baby transmission. There is no cure, but preventative measures such as using insect repellent with 50 per cent DEET and protective clothing are advised for travellers to affected areas.
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Mounjaro prices double as weight loss jab popularity soars
US-based Eli Lilly says a 5mg dose will nearly double from £92 to £180 from September 1, while a 15mg pen will rise from £122 to £330. A Lilly spokesperson said: 'Following a review, Lilly will increase the UK list price for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from 1 September to address pricing inconsistencies compared to other developed countries, including in Europe. We have reached an agreement with the NHS to ensure continued supply and patient access." The statement continues: 'While Lilly does not determine the prices that private healthcare providers set, we are working with them to maintain patient access. The UK was one of the first countries where Lilly launched Mounjaro, and our priority was to bring it to patients as quickly as possible during a time of limited supply of GLP-1 RA treatments for type 2 diabetes. 'At launch, Lilly agreed to a UK list price that is significantly below the European average to prevent delays in NHS availability." More than 1.5 million people in the UK are believed to be using weight-loss medication each month, with most buying the jabs from private pharmacies. Mounjaro users report surprising side effect - pharmacists share their tips — Bucks Free Press (@bucksfreepress) August 8, 2025 This comes as the Government has joined forces with Eli Lilly in a bid to tackle obesity. The move could see patients accessing care at pharmacies or by using online platforms. The £85 million programme from Eli Lilly and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been designed to look at how obese patients can access weight management care more easily. This includes through community services, in pharmacies and online. Using these tools, eligible patients could be treated 'in a matter of months', according to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Under the agreement, the Government will contribute up to £50 million in UK-wide investment. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly will back the programme with £35 million, and NHS organisations will be able to apply for a share of the funding. Recommended reading: Mounjaro warning as pens ruined by heatwave temperatures This comes as users are risking having to throw away perfectly good Mounjaro pens as they have overheated in the recent heatwave. Improper storage of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro during a heatwave could destroy the active ingredient in these jabs, potentially wiping out their effects entirely, even if the medication looks completely normal. 'We recommend treating your weight-loss pen the same way you'd treat insulin or any critical medication,' says Danielle Brightman, Clinical Director at Numan. 'When in doubt, don't risk it. Speak to a healthcare professional and arrange a replacement.' 8 tips to protect Mounjaro and other weight-loss injections during hot weather Use a medical-grade cool bag. Transport your pen in a proper, insulated container designed for sensitive medications. Don't use improvised ice packs that might freeze the pen by accident. Never leave your pen in hot places. Even 10 minutes in a parked car or on a sunny kitchen counter could expose it to damaging heat if out of its delivery packaging or unrefrigerated. Always check the environment before setting it down. Store below 30°C once in use. Once opened and if not refrigerated, keep your pen in a shaded, ventilated area, away from heat sources, windows, and radiators. If you live in a flat or home without air conditioning, keep the pen in a bedroom or hallway that doesn't heat up from direct sun. Avoid storing near exterior walls if the property retains heat. Follow the usage timeline carefully. The storage instructions between medications. Wegovy after first use can last 6 weeks below 30 degrees then needs to be disposed of, whereas Mounjaro has a shorter time of 30 days below 30 degrees before needing to be disposed of. Stick to that timeframe, and if you're unsure whether it's still safe, consult your provider. Use a fridge thermometer at home. Fridge temperatures can fluctuate, especially in older models or over-packed shelves. A simple digital fridge thermometer can help ensure your pen is always stored between 2–8°C before first use. Planning to travel? Use airline-friendly cooling cases. If you're flying or taking long journeys, consider TSA-approved insulated medication pouches with cooling gel packs. Always store the pen in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage, as cargo holds can get hot or cold. Set storage reminders on your phone. If you're prone to forgetting where you left your pen, set daily reminders to check if it's stored properly, especially during heatwaves or while travelling. Don't store near appliances or steam sources. Keep pens away from kettles, toasters, ovens, dishwashers, and anywhere that might experience sudden heat or humidity, especially in small kitchens or shared spaces. Injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now widely used across the UK for appetite control and sustainable weight management. But despite their growing popularity and increasing availability now through the NHS, most patients don't realise the strict temperature guidelines that must be followed to keep these drugs effective. 'We speak to patients every day who are using GLP-1s for the first time,' says Danielle. 'With temperatures set to soar again this summer, it's crucial we raise awareness about safe medication storage. Heat damage isn't always obvious, but it can have a huge impact on effectiveness and safety."
