Latest news with #GP
BBC News
18 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Coniston GP surgery patient plans to build new practice
A village at risk of losing its GP surgery may have been thrown a lifeline after a patient put forward plans to build a new current GP serving Coniston in the Lake District is due to retire this week, but issues with the building mean a new premises needs to be businessman Phil Johnston, 72, has offered to build the facility on his land to help secure the service for fellow residents and has applied to the Lake District National Park Authority for said the plans were at the "outline application" stage, meaning a more detailed project had to be drawn up, and he welcomed ideas from the community. Mr Johnston, who has lived in Coniston for 43 years, said he came up with the idea after he saw his late friend, Bill Barr, provide a surgery for his village of Hawkshead some years ago."I suppose it's following that model a little bit, that has given me the idea to want to do this for Coniston village, just like the late Bill did for Hawkshead," he said. When the current practice announced it would hand back its contract as it was unable to recruit a new partner, villagers produced a promotional video to help seek a and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said the current surgery building did not meet the requirements for "modern healthcare settings" and options included finding a new provider or asking residents to register elsewhere.A notice on Coniston's surgery website said Morecambe Bay Primary Care would act as a caretaker and manage the practice for six months, while a permanent replacement was found. There are about 850 people living in the village, according to the latest count. Mr Johnston, who is managing director of a company providing holiday accommodation, has applied to the national park authority for permission to build the new surgery on his land at Lands Field off Yewdale also plans to build two apartments above the surgery for local occupancy to make the project "financially viable"."The current surgery is in the cellar of the current doctor's house, it's been there for some time - it works very well but it's not very accessible," he said."I thought that it was perhaps time that somebody like myself with some land thought about building something for the village which would last a very long time and be accessible and sustainable." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Telegraph
18 hours ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Women unlikely to do DIY cancer tests unless told by GP
Women are unlikely to do DIY cervical cancer tests unless they are told to by a GP, a study suggests. From January next year, at-home kits will be offered to women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening. The tests look for the human papillomavirus (HPV), the infection which is linked to the majority of cases of cervical cancer. A new study examined the most effective ways women can be approached about performing the tests themselves at home. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and King's College London performed a study across 13 GP surgeries in west London. They found that under-screened women were more likely to take up the offer of a self-sample test if they were 'opportunistically' approached when they were visiting a GP for another reason. More work needed for tests to be returned Fewer tests were returned when under-screened women were sent a test in the post, or were sent a letter inviting them to get a self-sampling kit. Of 449 women opportunistically offered a self-sample kit, 333 (74 per cent) accepted the offer and 234 (52 per cent) returned a sample within six months. Meanwhile, 198 of the 1,616 women sent a kit in the post (12 per cent) and 76 of the 1,587 women sent a letter inviting them to order a kit (5 per cent) returned a self-sample within six months. 'We showed that the uptake of self-sampling was by far the highest among women who were opportunistically offered kits in primary care,' the researchers wrote in the journal eClinicalMedicine. But the researchers said that more work was needed to ensure women who took up the offer returned their sample. 'Substantial numbers accepted (an opportunistic offer) or ordered (sent a letter) a kit but did not return a sample and over a quarter of those whose self-sample was HPV positive did not follow through with a clinician sample,' the authors added. Suggestion of 'valuable' text or phone reminders They suggested that text or phone reminders 'could be valuable'. Professor Peter Sasieni, a senior researcher from Queen Mary University of London, said: 'Our study showed that offering a self-sample kit in person was the most effective method of encouraging women to complete their cervical cancer screening tests. But he said that a 'combination of approaches may be best for enabling more women to participate in cervical screening'. The NHS offers cervical screening tests, previously known as smear tests, to all women aged 25-64 every three years. But many people do not take up the offer, with a number citing a lack of time, discomfort or embarrassment.
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
DIY cervical cancer tests most likely to be used if offered by GPs
DIY cervical cancer tests are more likely to be used if they are offered by a GP during a routine appointment, a study suggests. From January next year, at-home kits will be offered to women who have rarely or have never attended their cervical screening. The tests, which can be performed at home, look for the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus which is linked to the majority of cases of cervical cancer. A new study examined the most effective ways women can be approached about performing the tests themselves at home. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and King's College London performed a study across 13 GP surgeries in west London. They found that under-screened women were more likely to take up the offer of a self-sample test if they were 'opportunistically' approached when they were visiting a GP for another reason. Fewer tests were returned when under-screened women were sent a test in the post, or were sent a letter inviting them to get a self-sampling kit. Of 449 women opportunistically offered a self-sample kit, 333 (74%) accepted the offer and 234 (52%) returned a sample within six months. Meanwhile, 198 of the 1,616 women sent a kit in the post (12%) and 76 of the 1,587 women sent a letter inviting them to order a kit (5%) returned a self-sample within six months. 'We showed that the uptake of self-sampling was by far the highest among women who were opportunistically offered kits in primary care,' the researchers wrote in the journal eClinicalMedicine. But the researchers said that more work was needed to ensure women who took up the offer returned their sample. 'Substantial numbers accepted (an opportunistic offer) or ordered (sent a letter) a kit but did not return a sample and over a quarter of those whose self-sample was HPV positive did not follow through with a clinician sample,' the authors added. They suggested that text or phone reminders 'could be valuable'. Senior researcher, Professor Peter Sasieni from Queen Mary University of London, said: 'Our study showed that offering a self-sample kit in person was the most effective method of encouraging women to complete their cervical cancer screening tests. But he said that a 'combination of approaches may be best for enabling more women to participate in cervical screening'. The NHS offers cervical screening tests – previously known as smear tests – to all women aged 25-64 every three years. But many people do not take up the offer, with a number citing a lack of time, discomfort or embarrassment. Data published by the NHS last November showed five million women are not up to date with routine check-ups.
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Piastri shines bright, as Red Bull turn the page and Mercedes lose grip
Oscar Piastri, on the top step, won his sixth GP of the season in Belgium this past weekend. Photo: EPA Oscar Piastri continues to prove that his form in the 2025 season is no fluke, cementing his status as a legitimate championship contender in only his second year with McLaren. The ex-Alpine driver clinched victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, stretching his lead in the drivers' championship to 16 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris, who followed him home in second at Spa. The battle between the two McLaren drivers has been fierce and free of team orders, with both pushing each other to the limit. So far, Piastri has landed the more decisive blows, but with such a slim margin separating them, any slip-up could become the defining moment in a season that's fast shaping into a thriller between teammates driving arguably the best car on the grid. While McLaren have surged ahead with unrivalled pace, the rest of the paddock continues to chase shadows. And with the Hungarian Grand Prix looming just a few days away, there's little time for reflection. Here are three key takeaways from a dramatic weekend in Spa.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Health officials warn of ‘serious' virus ‘twice as contagious as a cold' – good hygiene isn't enough to slow the spread
HEALTH officials in the UK have warned of a virus "nearly twice as contagious" as the common cold and "far more serious" amid ongoing outbreaks. Getting vaccinated can help people avoid catching and spreading it, they add. 2 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging Brits to catch up on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as fears grow over the spread of measles. Earlier this month, a child who was ill with measles, as well as other health problems, died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. It was the first measles death in the UK in nearly a decade, since 2006. In a statement, the hospital said it was "concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles". It added it had treated 17 children for effects and complications of measles since June. It's not known whether the child who died had received the MMR vaccine, but the jab has been found to be 97 per cent effective against measles and rubella after two doses. The UKHSA has issued a reminder to those who have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine to contact their GP to get vaccinated as soon as possible. In a post on X, it warned: "Think the common cold spreads fast? Measles is nearly twice as contagious, and far more serious. "Unlike a common cold, simple hygiene measures aren't enough to slow its spread. "The MMR vaccine is your best protection." It also posted a GIF which read: "Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world. It can be passed very easily from person to person. "The 'R number' for measles is 15. This means that one person with measles would infect 15 others. "Compared to five other key respiratory infections (R number): 1st Measles - R15; 2nd Common Cold - R8; 3rd Mumps - R7; 4th Norovirus - R4; 5th Covid-19 - R3; 6th Influenza - R1.7. "The MMR vaccine is the best and safest way to avoid catching and spreading measles. "When most people are protected by vaccination, it's harder for the disease to spread. If you or your child missed one or both doses of the MMR, contact your GP practice to arrange your free vaccination." Cases of measles have been rising in the UK and around the world, with more than 500 reported since January in England alone. The majority of cases have been reported in children aged 10 and under, but young people and adults have also been diagnosed with the virus. A rise in cases has been attribute to a fall in vaccine uptake. Measles is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. You're infectious from when you first have symptoms (around four days before the rash appears) until four days after you get the rash. 2 The main symptoms of measles MEASLES is highly contagious and can cause serious problems in some people. The infection usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. The first signs include: A high temperature A runny or blocked nose Sneezing A cough Red, sore, watery eyes Small white spots may then appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. A rash tends to come next. This usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The spots are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They are not normally itchy. The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on darker skin. Complications are rare, but measles can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and sometimes death. Source: NHS The best way to avoid spreading or catching measles, according to the NHS, is to washing your hands often with soap and warm water, use tissues when you cough or sneeze, and to throw used tissues in the bin,. You should also avoid sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding. Latest figures reveal MMR vaccination rates in England have fallen below the recommended 95 per cent threshold for both the first and second doses. The threshold needs to be met to achieve herd immunity, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). Getting the vaccine not only protect yourself against three serious infections, but helps to protect others who can't have the vaccine. This includes unborn babies, infants who are too young to have the vaccine and children or adults who can't have the vaccine because they have weakened immune systems. The UKHSA advises: "This will help to prevent large outbreaks of disease. "You should also have the vaccine if you work with young children or care for people as part of your work." Expert answers MMR questions TO help deal with parental concerns, Professor Helen Bedford, a specialist in child public health at University College London, tells you all you need to know about the MMR vaccine. When is the vaccine given? The MMR vaccine is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme. It's typically given via a single shot into the muscle of the thigh or the upper arm. The first dose is offered to children at the age of one (babies younger than this may have some protection from antibodies passed on from their mother, which start to wear off at about 12 months.) The second dose is then offered to children aged three years and four months before they start school. To check to see if you or your child have had the recommended two doses of MMR, you can look at their/your Personal Child Health Record, also known as the red book. If you can't find the red book, call your GP and ask them for your vaccine records. You are never too old to catch up with your MMR vaccine. If you see from your vaccination records that you did not receive two doses as a child, you can book a vaccination appointment. Is the vaccine safe? The MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella. In the UK, we started using the jab in 1988, so we have decades of experience using it. The jab is made from much-weakened live versions of the three viruses. This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that are protective in the face of future exposure. It takes up to three weeks after having the vaccine to be fully protected. Like any vaccine, the MMR jab can cause side-effects, which are usually mild and go away very quickly. This includes rash, high temperature, loss of appetite and a general feeling of being unwell for about two or three days. There is also a very small chance children can have a severe allergic reaction. But compared to the complications of measles, there is no contest that vaccination is by far the safest and most effective route to take. Why was it linked with autism? In 1998, Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues published a now-discredited paper in medical journal The Lancet. The paper suggested that the MMR vaccine might be associated with autism and a form of bowel disease. It led to a sharp decline in vaccination rates. Even at the time, the research was considered poor. The Lancet retracted the story in 2010 after Wakefield's article was found 'dishonest' by the General Medical Council. He was later struck off and subsequently, in 2011, the British Medical Journal declared the story fraudulent. Does it contain ingredients from pigs? There are two types of MMR jabs: One with gelatin (animal/pig collagen), and one without it. For some religious groups, the inclusion of pig products is not acceptable. Those people should ask for the vaccine without gelatin.
