Life-saving early warning system that will give millions faster cancer diagnosis is being rolled out across the NHS
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A LIFE-SAVING early warning system for cancer is being rolled out across the NHS.
Millions of patients will receive faster diagnosis thanks to Cancer 360.
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A life-saving early warning system for cancer is being rolled out across the NHS
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The technology brings vital patient information together into one system so clinicians can easily spot those in need of urgent attention.
Currently the NHS uses many different, complex systems, leaving staff to piece together patient information from spreadsheets, emails or records.
Cancer 360 has been trialled in two trusts and will be rolled out to a further ten within weeks.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said it will save lives and keep families together for longer.
He added: 'I've seen first-hand the stress and heartbreak that cancer causes in my own family.
'With archaic pen-and-paper systems, life-saving diagnostics appointments hung on whether a Post-It note lost its stickiness or a piece of paper went missing.
'That put lives at risk.'
The system has already helped Chelsea and Westminster Hospital meet the standard of 75 per cent of patients receiving a diagnosis within 28 days of referral.
Suraiya Abdi, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said: 'It has improved performance, team spirit and most importantly patient experience.'
The Department of Health said Cancer 360, which is part of a £2billion tech investment from the Autumn Budget, will benefit millions of patients in the next five to ten years.
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Around 1.5 million people in the UK use weight loss treatments 💉 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK use weight loss medications. GPs were given the green light to prescribe weight loss jabs in June. A pharmacist has revealed what you need to be aware of when starting them. A leading pharmacist has revealed exactly what to expect after starting weight loss jabs. An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK use weight-loss treatments, though that number is expected to rise after GPs were given the green light to prescribe them in June this year. 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Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK use weight loss treatments. | Pexels, MART PRODUCTION What to expect when starting weight loss injections? When you start weight loss treatment, the medications are likely to leave you feeling fuller faster, and you may have less interest in food. This is because the drugs delay your stomach from emptying, which can leave you feeling fuller for longer. Mr Thakrar said: 'You may feel nauseous or might even vomit. This is very common in the early days and will pass. One way of easing these symptoms is by eating smaller meals and avoiding fatty or spicy foods.' Other common side effects include constipation and diarrhoea, which can be managed by ensuring you are drinking water regularly. Fibre supplements or stool softeners are also helpful in easing constipation symptoms. There are also reports of indigestion or heartburn. Avoid lying down after eating, or speak to your pharmacist about antacids that can help by neutralising excess stomach acids. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Thakrar added: 'Some users report tiredness and headaches, but this is often temporary and improves with time. My most important piece of advice would be to get expert advice from a trained healthcare professional when you start weight loss treatments.' When will I start losing weight? Weight loss will start slowly, peaking between three to six months as your body adjusts. Mr Thakrar explains: 'Initially, most weight loss is water and appetite-related. Peak fat loss comes between months three and six, when results should be visible. It's after six months that things slow down, unless you've changed your habits, like being more active, and eating more healthily.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What can I do to increase my weight loss? Weight loss treatments enhance, but don't replace lifestyle changes. Mr Thakrar, explains that it's important to take diet and exercise into consideration as part of your overall weight loss plan. When should I seek medical help? Some side effects indicate you should seek medical help from your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This includes persistent vomiting, intense abdominal pain, or ongoing feelings of nausea. Mr Thakrar said: 'This could be early signs of pancreatitis, which is a serious condition where an organ called the pancreas becomes inflamed. Many people with acute pancreatitis recover within a week with treatment and rest. But severe cases can lead to complications like pancreatic necrosis (tissue death), infection, pseudocysts (fluid-filled sacs), and organ failure.' If you are having difficulty breathing, swallowing, or a rash or swelling, this could be a sign of an allergic reaction and requires urgent medical help. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Thakrar said: 'These might be signs of a serious allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) or airway swelling, both of which can become life-threatening very quickly. 'Even though these reactions are rare with weight-loss treatments, they can still happen, especially when starting a new medication, so it's important to be vigilant and act quickly if you have any concerns. If it's a serious medical emergency, call 999' Will weight loss medications work long-term? Most people lose at least 5% of their body weight when following weight loss treatment, with around half losing 15% or more. Mr Thakrar said: 'To put it into perspective, if you weigh 100 kg, a 15% loss is around 15 kg (about 2.5 stone), and if you weigh 85 kg, a 10% loss is 8.5 kg (just over a stone)'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, for the treatment to remain effective, you must combine weight loss treatment with healthy habits like eating well and exercising more to see long-term improvements.
