
Inquest into death of Shropshire chief nurse opened and adjourned
An inquest has been formally opened and adjourned into the death of a chief nurse.Sam Young, 58, was declared dead at a farm near her home in Baschurch, Shropshire, on 19 June after emergency services were called to reports of a woman in cardiac arrest, a coroner was told.Heath Westerman, assistant coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, heard that despite the best efforts of medics on scene Ms Young did not respond to CPR.Ms Young was the interim chief nursing officer at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), near Oswestry.
Hospital staff said they were "truly saddened" to confirm the death.The hospital's chief executive, Stacey Keegan, said the news had "come as a huge shock to colleagues across the organisation."She was an excellent and supportive colleague, and was proud of the work we do here and of the colleagues that deliver such exceptional care."She was held in extremely high regard by everyone at RJAH thanks to her excellent clinical knowledge, her absolute dedication to patient care, but most notably the quality of her character. She was a kind, fun and compassionate person. We will miss her enormously."The inquest was adjourned until 2 October.
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The Sun
26 minutes ago
- The Sun
Deadly brain-eating parasite is found in ‘contaminated' salad bags sold in UK supermarkets – 7 symptoms to watch out for
HEALTH warnings have been issued over salad bags due to potentially deadly contamination fears. The popular ready-to-eat product sold across UK supermarkets has been associated with a rise in food poisoning cases. 1 Research carried out by the journal Eurosurveillance highlighted the contamination fears reported across 10 European countries, including the UK. This came after over 4% of the leaves in salad samples, tested between October 2021 and September 2022, were found to be contaminated with toxoplasma gondii oocysts. "The parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause severe disease in humans," the research said. "People can acquire the parasite by eating raw or undercooked infected meat or unwashed fruits or vegetables contaminated with the parasite. "We wanted to investigate T. gondii in commercial ready-to eat (RTE) salads in European countries to estimate the importance of these food products as sources of T. gondii." The bacteria, which can be passed on through contact with cat faeces, has been known to contaminate food and water. This makes salad that is washed or watered with dirty water a prime place for bacteria to grow. According to research cited by Science Alert, this bacteria "can seriously disrupt the brain function of intermediate hosts, potentially including humans". The National Institute of Health previously reported that half of the UK population show signs of past infection by the age of 50. They added that once acquired, these parasites remain in human tissues for life. 'Contaminated' children's cough syrup recalled nationwide over ingredient inside that could kill – parents must act now Health risks This can cause a problem later in life for people who have a weakened immune system, often a result cancer treatments or immunosuppressant drugs. The Food Standards Agency recommended the best action to take to combat this outbreak. "[Always] wash fruit and vegetables with water before you eat them to make sure that they are clean," the experts advised. "You should wash them under a running tap, or in a bowl of fresh water, making sure to rub their skin under the water." While toxoplasmosis is not usually serious and normally gets better on its own, the NHS highlighted that it can cause serious problems in certain situations. This includes if you get it while you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system . If you have a weakened immune system toxoplasmosis may cause problems with your eyes, brain, heart, or lungs. And if you experience more severe symptoms such as confusion, blurred vision, or slurred speech, you should also seek medical help. Positive samples across Europe Samples of the leaves were collected in the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Spain as well as the UK. Majority of the positive samples were collected in winter and packaged in the UK, France, Portugal, Spain, and Denmark. Scientists have urged for better control measures to help protect prevent infection. "This is particularly relevant since ready-to-eat salads are intended to be consumed raw without any further treatment by the consumer," they pointed out. "Future work should investigate presence of [the parasite] in different steps of the ready-to-eat production to minimise infection risk for humans." Rise in food poisoning cases The warning follows alerts relating to a significant rise in serious food poisoning cases. The latest annual data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that Campylobacter infections increased by 17% between 2023 and 2014 - from 60,055 to 70,352. According to UKHSA, this represents the highest number of cases recorded in the past decade. Meanwhile, Salmonella infections also reached a decade high, according to data. They rose by with a 17% as well, from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024.


The Sun
41 minutes ago
- The Sun
I've gone from a size 20 to an 8 & lost 8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had hair loss but don't mind, I like my locks thinner
A WOMAN has revealed that thanks to Mounjaro, she has lost eight stone and has dropped from a size 20 to an 8. But Alexandra, 33, who is from the UK and is currently living in Dubai, expressed that since using weight-loss jabs, she has suffered with hair loss. 3 3 However, the content creator isn't bothered by this, as she claimed she likes her locks thinner. Posting on social media, the brunette beauty, who previously revealed the very scary impact stopping Mounjaro had on her body, shared a before and after look at how her figure has changed since using the fat jabs. In just 12 months, Alexandra confirmed that she lost eight stone, as she wrote: 'What a journey the last year has been. 8 stone lost.' Alexandra confirmed that during April 2024 to April 2025, she was able to totally transform her life, as she recognised: 'Fat and miserable in the UK to living my best life in Dubai. 'I never would have dreamed life could be this good.' When asked if she experienced hair loss, the young woman confirmed: 'I did at month four, horrible but no issues now and I like my hair a bit thinner.' Mounjaro, which is known as the King Kong of jabs, is now being prescribed on the NHS in the first anti-obesity rollout of its kind. It is said to suppress the appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. Such injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese - with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over. One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on a person's weight. The drugs can be lawfully supplied only when prescribed by a practitioner - like a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But many are buying them through online pharmacies with insufficient checks. And just earlier this month, a fat jab warning was issued after more than 100 UK deaths were linked to weight loss drugs. Not only this, but the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill". Social media users react Alexandra's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ alexandraindubai, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 67,500 views, 3,617 likes and 70 comments. Social media users were stunned by Alexandra's new figure and many raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'You look amazing.' Another added: 'Wow! That's incredible! Well done you!' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. A third commented: 'Amazing! You must feel brilliant.' In response, Alexandra wrote back and shared: 'I feel much better that's for sure!! Thank you!' Meanwhile, someone else questioned: 'Is it worth it?' To this, Alexandra confirmed: 'Best thing I've ever done!' The reality of Mounjaro But despite Alexandra's weight loss success, last year it was revealed that Scots nurse Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a fortnight. A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight loss drugs. Whilst Alexandra dealt with hair loss, the common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said she had a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic. The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its 'top priority'. Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'


Telegraph
42 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Teenager is first person in Europe to get wonder drug for rare genetic disorder
A teenager who lost her mother, aunt and uncle to a genetic condition has become the first person in Europe to receive a 'life-changing' drug after it was approved for use on the NHS. Mary Catchpole, 19, suffers from activated PI3-Kinase delta syndrome (APDS), a rare hereditary disorder that leaves people with a significantly weakened immune system. Patients with APDS are susceptible to repeated infections, causing them to face a lifetime of antibiotics and invasive procedures to try to keep them well. The maternal side of Ms Catchpole's family has been badly affected by APDS. Sarah, her mother, died aged 43 in 2018, while her aunt Helen died aged 12, her uncle Edward when he was 39 and her grandmother Mary when she was 48. Now, thanks to researchers who identified APDS, Ms Catchpole has received a new drug to treat it at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. The medicine, called leniolisib, or Joenja, is the first targeted treatment for APDS and is a tablet taken twice a day. Researchers identified a change in genes that increased activity of an enzyme called PI3-Kinase delta, meaning this enzyme is effectively 'switched on' all the time. This prevents immune cells from fighting infection and leads to an abnormal immune function. The new drug works by inhibiting the enzyme, effectively returning the immune system to its normal state. Ms Catchpole, a teaching assistant who lives in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, told the PA news agency: 'I was diagnosed with APDS aged seven and it's had a big effect on my life. 'I had lots of cannulas when I was younger and lots of hospital trips. I had a permanent line in the side of my body when I was younger which they put medicine in regularly at the hospital. 'I wasn't allowed to do very much physical activity so I had to sit out a lot in PE at school. I used to be called an attention-seeker because obviously it was hidden, so no one really believed me. It also stopped me from doing a lot of my dancing, which I've always loved to do. So it has been hard.' Ms Catchpole said taking the new drug was 'life-changing' because it meant she could leave behind huge amounts of medication. She added: 'It's really a blessing, but it's also obviously bittersweet because my late family members never got the chance to have it.' Discovering APDS APDS was identified by Cambridge researchers in 2013, with Ms Catchpole's family playing a key role in the condition's discovery. Her mother and uncle were patients at Addenbrooke's and were offered DNA sequencing to see if there was a genetic cause for their immunodeficiency. 'I've always felt different so it will be nice to feel like I belong,' she said. 'To be able to feel normal going about my day-to-day life is going to be really nice.' Until now, the only treatments for APDS patients were antibiotics for infections, immunoglobulin replacement therapy to prevent infections and organ damage, and a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Experts believe the drug will work long-term in patients as long as they keep taking the tablets. Researchers are now looking at the potential for Joenja to work on other, more common immune conditions. Patients eligible for Joenja can be referred to Addenbrooke's for a review and specialist care. Between 40 to 50 people in England are known to have APDS. The price for leniolisib is listed at £352,000 per person per year, but the company Pharming has agreed to a discount for the NHS. Changing lives Dr Anita Chandra, consultant immunologist at Addenbrooke's and affiliated assistant professor at the University of Cambridge, said: 'It is incredible to go from the discovery of a new disease in Cambridge to a treatment being approved and offered on the NHS within the space of 12 years. 'This new drug will make a huge difference to people living with APDS.' Prof Sergey Nejentsev, from the University of Cambridge who led the research, said: 'As soon as we understood the cause of APDS, we immediately realised that certain drugs could be used to inhibit the enzyme that is activated in these patients. 'Leniolisib does precisely that. I am delighted that we finally have a treatment which will change the lives of APDS patients.' Prof James Palmer, NHS England's medical director for specialised commissioning, said: 'This treatment could be life-changing for those affected by this debilitating genetic disorder, and this important step forward is another example of the NHS's commitment to offering access to innovative medicines for those living with rare conditions.' The team that discovered APDS included researchers from the University of Cambridge, Babraham Institute, the Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Biology, and Addenbrooke's, with funding from Wellcome and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.