Latest news with #HilaryJones
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'I've worked with Lorraine for three decades this is what she's like off-screen'
Dr Hilary Jones has worked with Lorraine Kelly on ITV for over 35 years, and has shared what the Scottish presenter is really like behind the scenes after they both released books ITV's Dr Hilary Jones has opened up about his long-standing colleague Lorraine Kelly, sharing insights into their 35-year working relationship and the Scottish presenter's character. The health expert, who is celebrating the release of his third novel Under Darkening Skies, spoke candidly about their mutual appreciation for each other's written work and gave a glimpse into what it's like to work with Lorraine off-air. In an exclusive conversation with he disclosed: "Oh, she's lovely. Lorraine - people often say, 'What is Lorraine really like?' and I say she's exactly as she comes across. "She's engaging, she's interested in people, she's genuine, and she's great fun. I've worked with her for over 35 years, and she's written her books as well, so we've read each other's books." It's not just Lorraine who Dr Hilary has praised as he commented: "Of course, people like Shaun Wallace-I've come across on The Chase-a lovely guy-very well read. I read his book as well." Under Darkening Skies will hit the shelves on July 31st, as reported by the Express. These revelations from Dr Hilary emerge amidst ITV's announcement of significant scheduling changes, including alterations to the broadcast frequency of Lorraine's show. Starting from 2026, Lorraine will air for only 30 weeks per year, a change that will also affect Loose Women. Lorraine's airtime is set to be halved, with Good Morning Britain extending by an extra half-hour ending at 9:30am. In the new schedule, on days without Lorraine, GMB will broadcast from 6am until 10am. Kevin Lygo, director of ITV's media and entertainment division, shared his thoughts on the changes: "Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust as well generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres. "These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations and expand our national, international and regional news output and to build upon our proud history of trusted journalism at a time when our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever. "I recognise that our plans will have an impact on staff off-screen in our Daytime production teams, and we will work with ITV Studios and ITN as they manage these changes to produce the shows differently from next year, and support them through this transition. "Daytime has been a core element of ITV's schedule for over 40 years and these changes will set ITV up to continue to bring viewers award-winning news, views and discussion as we enter our eighth decade."
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
'I used Manuka Honey for my hay fever and my eyes and throat thanked me'
A blocked nose, headache and itchy eyes that swell in the morning - like millions of Brits - I grapple with these hay fever symptoms during spring and summer. To see if I could alleviate my symptoms, I decided to put the Manuka honey theory to the test. Touted as a solution to 'help combat allergies and hay fever', Manuka honey is being investigated as a potential remedy for symptoms. While it's not a direct cure, this natural product is packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are believed to assist sufferers with their symptoms. But how much relief does it truly provide? Intrigued by the increasing interest, I decided to give it a go myself. I took a teaspoon of Manuka Doctor MGO honey every morning for 11 days - and I've been taken aback by some of the relief I've experienced. Currently offering a discount in its 'summer wellness sale', Manuka Doctor has slashed its honey price by up to 65 percent. For those like me seeking to alleviate their symptoms, this is an opportunity to get it at a reduced price, reports the Mirror. I sampled three different strengths of honey - a simple multifloral of 70 MGO, a premium quality 540 MGO honey and a 1000 MGO Max Strength honey. Currently on offer, the 55 MGO honey has been marked down from £34 to £11.60. For maximum strength and an enhanced chance to alleviate symptoms, the higher 640 MGO Manuka honey is now available for £40.60, down from its usual price of £116. Manuka Doctor also offers Allergy Relief Supplements at a much more affordable price - £6.30 for 30 capsules. While I haven't personally tried these, they could serve as an alternative for those who aren't fond of honey but still wish to reap its benefits. The honey brand I used: Manuka Doctor Sourced in New Zealand, their bee hives undergo lab testing to ensure they meet standards and are certified for hive-to-home use. The brand reportedly has the backing of experts, including health professionals and doctors, such as ITV's Dr Hilary Jones MBE. A crucial component of this is MGO -- or methylglyoxal. Without delving too deeply into scientific jargon, this molecule plays a key role in aiding the body's natural healing process and regulating its immune response. Of course, it's not the only brand on the market. Holland and Barrett offer 70 MGO honey for £22.49, while LookFantastic also provides a 'Manuka Honey Blend' with 30+ MGO for £9.50. Four ways I incorporated Manuka Honey into my daily diet Each morning, I consumed a teaspoon of the strongest 1000 MGO honey, ensuring consistency and maintaining the same strength each day. However, I did incorporate additional doses with my meals. My next favourite method of consumption was at breakfast, either drizzled over a yoghurt bowl or blended into a smoothie. The latter proved an easy way to disguise the taste for those less keen on the flavour. Incorporating it into my meals was a breeze. I simply added a teaspoon of honey to homemade salad dressings three or four times. For those who enjoy cooking, it could also be used in a meat marinade. One dish I particularly enjoyed was halloumi hot honey, to which I just added some chilli flakes. How long did it take for the hay fever relief to begin? At the time of writing, I've been consuming Manuka honey for 11 consecutive days. I began on July 13 and have consistently taken a spoonful of honey each morning (sometimes straight, other times mixed into my breakfast or morning brew). By the eighth day, I could confidently say that I'd experienced some alleviation in my hay fever symptoms, with less itching in my eyes and fewer sneezes. The most noticeable improvement, which began around day three, was with my throat. Hay fever often leaves me with a dry and inflamed throat, but trialling the manuka honey has certainly helped. In addition to its high MGO content, I believe this is likely due to the simple fact that honey is soothing, and even shop-bought honey is a popular remedy for colds - like hot honey and lemon tea. Is Manuka Honey enough to help ease Hay fever symptoms? After 11 days, I've noticed a significant reduction in my symptoms. Primarily, the absence of a blocked nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat. All of which have nearly vanished. However, it hasn't alleviated the skin symptoms I experience with hay fever - namely, puffiness around the eyes and rashes. I also found that the taste of stronger MGO honey is quite different from the overly sweet supermarket honey I'm accustomed to - it took some getting used to. I hasten to add that Manuka honey shouldn't be viewed as a straight cure, but rather as something to try in order to alleviate symptoms. In the future, I plan to take an antihistamine daily for relief - such as Allevia, which can be purchased on Amazon for £7.59 (please consult your doctor first).
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I had a spoon of Manuka Honey every day to help with hayfever - the results shocked me'
There are claims that Manuka honey and its antimicrobial MGO can help ease the symptoms of hayfever, but does it work? Editor Harriet Morphy-Morris tested it for 11 days A blocked nose, headache and itchy eyes that swell in the morning - like millions of people in the UK - I struggle with these hayfever symptoms in the spring and summer. To see if it was possible to ease my symptoms, I tested out the Manuka honey theory. Dubbed a solution to 'help fight allergies and hay fever', Manuka honey is being explored as a potential relief for symptoms. Although not a straight cure, the natural product is filled with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are said to help sufferers with their symptoms. But how much relief does it give? Intrigued by the growing attention, I tried it out for myself. Taking a teaspoon of Manuka Doctor MGO honey every morning for 11 days - and I've been left shocked by some of the relief I've felt. Currently offering a discount in its 'summer wellness sale', Manuka Doctor has cut its honey price by as much as 65%. For those like me looking to try and relieve their symptoms this is a chance to get it for less. I tried three different strengths of honey - a simple multifloral of 70 MGO, a premium quality 540 MGO one and a 1000 MGO Max Strength one. On sale as we speak, the 55 MGO honey is reduced from £34 to £11.60. For a max strength and boosted chance to help with symptoms, the higher 640 MGO manuka honey is now £40.60 instead of its usual £116 price. It's not only honey, Manuka Doctor also offers Allergy Relief Supplements for a much cheaper price - £6.30 for 30 capsules. Now, I haven't tried these out for myself, but they could be an alternative for those who don't like the taste of honey but still want the benefits. The honey brand I used: Manuka Doctor Harvested in New Zealand, their bee hives are lab-checked to meet standards and certified for hive-to-home use. The brand is reportedly backed by experts, including health professionals and doctors, including ITV 's Dr Hilary Jones MBE. The key part of this is MGO—or methylglyoxal. Without going into too much scientific waffle, the molecule is vital in helping the body's natural healing process and regulating its immune response. Of course, it's not the only brand around. Holland & Barrett offers 70 MGO honey for £22.49. LookFantastic also offers a 'Manuka Honey Blend' with 30+ MGO for £9.50. Four ways I added Manuka Honey to my daily diet I took a teaspoon of the strongest 1000 MGO honey each morning, this way I kept it consistent and made sure I was having the same strength each day. But I did add in other doses with my meals. My next favourite way of having it was for breakfast, drizzled over a yoghurt bowl or blitzed up in a smoothie. The latter was a simple way to mask the taste for those not keen on the flavour. It was also simple to do during my lunches and dinners. Three or four times, I added a teaspoon of honey to homemade salad dressings. Keen cooks out there could also use it in a meat marinade. One of my favourite dishes was halloumi hot honey, to which I just added some chilli flakes. How long did it take to feel hayfever relief? At time of writing I've been having helpings of Manuka honey for 11 days straight. I started on July 13 and have consistently taken a spoonful of honey each morning (some neat, others added into my breakfast or morning cuppa). By day eight, I could confidently say that I'd felt some relief in my hayfever symptoms, my itchy eyes had reduced, and I was sneezing less. The most improvement, which I started to feel on day three, was with my throat. Dry and inflamed, hay fever has always given me a sore throat, but trialling the manuka honey has definitely helped. As well as the high MGO contents - I think that this is likely down to the simple fact that honey is soothing, and even shop-bought honey is a popular remedy for colds - like hot honey and lemon tea. Is Manuka Honey enough to help ease Hayfever symptoms? After 11 days, I have felt a huge lift in my symptoms. Mainly, the lack of blocked nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat. All of which have nearly disappeared. However, it has not helped the skin symptoms I get with hayfever at all - which is puffiness around the eyes and rash. Another thing I noticed is the taste of stronger MGO honey is so different to the sickly sweet supermarket honey I am used to - the taste took getting used to. This is where I agree that Manuka honey shouldn't be seen as a cure but rather something to try to help ease the symtoms. And going forward I will start taking an antihistamine daily to help - like Allevia which is available at Amazon for £7.59 (please consult with your doctor first).
Western Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
GMB's Dr Hilary Jones travels 360 miles to bypass NHS lists
The well-known television GP from Kent made a 180-mile trip from his home in order to undertake a second hip replacement at a hospital in Birmingham. Now, he is speaking out about his own surgery to show others awaiting treatment that they can also bypass long waiting lists. To do this, he took advantage of NHS Patient Choice after discovering a hospital that had almost no waiting list. Patient choice in the NHS provides patients with a legal right to choose where they receive their NHS healthcare services. GMB star Dr Hilary Jones travels 360 miles to bypass NHS waiting list Speaking after his procedure at Practice Plus Group's new hospital in Birmingham, Doctor Hilary Jones said: 'It was 180 miles from my home to Birmingham - but as it's a new hospital and it's a private hospital that treats NHS patients, they could get me in very quickly just with a referral from my GP. 'I'd do it again in a heartbeat for faster, quality care and highly recommend it. "Patient Choice gives people real power - they just need to know it's there." The GMB and Lorraine star added: "The NHS App is going to be developed further to make this easier, and you can speak to your GP about your choices. 'You can choose to be referred to a private hospital at the outset, or you can switch hospitals like I did if you're facing delays locally. "It's free for the patient and costs the NHS no more than if that same patient had their op at an NHS hospital. "For people like me, who are lucky enough to be mobile despite needing an operation, it makes complete sense to find a hospital that can do your operation sooner so you can get on the road to recovery sooner. 'People don't want to be on a waiting list. They want to get on with their lives. 'Every single person who looked after me was amazing and couldn't have done any more. I am delighted with the result so far.' This comes after a poll of some 1000 adults showed that people awaiting NHS treatment would be willing to travel if it meant they could get what they need sooner. On average, respondents were happy to travel 60 miles if it meant they'd be seen within three to four weeks, or 49 miles for a six-to-eight-week timeframe. Around one in 10 said they would even travel over 200 miles if they could get the NHS surgery they need within a month. Data also found that 55% of Brits had no idea that under NHS Patient Choice, they can choose to travel to a hospital outside of their area. The research, which was commissioned by Practice Plus Group hospitals, which treat NHS patients as well as those who choose their Wellsoon private healthcare option, revealed that 35% would consider travelling more than 90 minutes if it meant saving £200 or more on the cost of paying for a hip or knee replacement. Jim Easton, chief executive, said: 'It's fantastic for patients that in the NHS 10-year plan, the government has renewed its commitment to using capacity in the private sector and to creating a new patient choice charter to ensure the NHS is receptive and reactive to patient preferences. 'To achieve the ambitious waiting time targets, we also need more people to know that they can travel outside of their immediate area if they find a hospital that can see them sooner. Recommended Reading: 'It is important people realise they have the power to be proactive and get their treatment sooner, get back to work and back on track as soon as possible. 'Dr Hilary found this at our Birmingham hospital, which currently can see people in a few short weeks. 'We're proud to have been able to help him and wish him a speedy and healthy recovery.'
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
TV doctor Hilary Jones skips the NHS waiting list for surgery – and you can too with little-known trick
'I'd do it again in a heartbeat for faster, quality care,' the TV doc said PATIENT CHOICE TV doctor Hilary Jones skips the NHS waiting list for surgery – and you can too with little-known trick TV DOCTOR Hilary Jones travelled 180 miles for surgery to bypass his local NHS wait list, which would have left him in limbo for over a year. The popular GP, 72, from Kent, underwent a second hip replacement in a hospital in Birmingham, using an NHS referral service to fast-track the op. Advertisement 3 Dr Hilary Jones takes his first steps after his hip replacement surgery at the Practice Plus Group Hospital in Birmingham Credit: SWNS 3 The TV doctor went on a 360-mile round trip for surgery to bypass his local NHS waiting list Credit: SWNS Now, he is speaking out about his own surgery to show others waiting for treatment that they can also fast-track themselves - as long as they're happy to travel. Hilary was told he had moderately severe osteoarthritis in 2018, after suffering from hip pain. He had his right hip replaced weeks later on the NHS. But in October last year, the GP found out his left hip would also need surgery, after struggling with mobility. Advertisement When he was told he'd have to wait over a year for hip replacement in Kent, he took advantage of an NHS loophole few people know exist. It's called NHS Patient Choice and it provides patients with a legal right to choose where they receive their NHS healthcare services, including hospitals and other providers. This includes many private hospitals, as long as they provide services to the NHS and it does not cost the health service any more than a referral to a standard NHS hospital. Hilary discovered a hospital in the middle of the country that had almost no waiting list and decided to make the 360-mile round trip for surgery. Advertisement At his local hospital he would have waited more than a year but this took half that time. Speaking after his procedure at Practice Plus Group's new hospital in Birmingham, Hilary said: 'It was 180 miles from my home to Birmingham - but as it's a new hospital and it's a private hospital that treats NHS patients, they could get me in very quickly just with a referral from my GP. Junior Doctors Announce Five-Day Strike in July Amid Ongoing Pay Dispute 'I'd do it again in a heartbeat for faster, quality care and highly recommend it. "Patient Choice gives people real power - they just need to know it's there. Advertisement "The NHS App is going to be developed further to make this easier, and you can speak to your GP about your choices. 'You can choose to be referred to a private hospital at the outset, or you can switch hospitals like I did if you're facing delays locally. 3 He called on patients stuck on waiting lists to take advantage of Patient Choice Credit: SWNS "It's free for the patient and costs the NHS no more than if that same patient had their op at an NHS hospital. Advertisement "For people like me, who are lucky enough to be mobile despite needing an operation, it makes complete sense to find a hospital that can do your operation sooner so you can get on the road to recovery sooner. 'People don't want to be on a waiting list. They want to get on with their lives. 'Every single person that looked after me was amazing and couldn't have done any more. I am delighted with the result so far.' The news follows a poll of 1,000 adults suffering from chronic aches and pains - including those in need of hip and knee replacements - which revealed people in need of NHS operations would be willing to travel if it meant they could get the surgery they're desperate for, sooner. Advertisement On average, respondents were happy to travel 60 miles if it meant they'd be seen within three-to-four weeks, or 49 miles for a six-to-eight-week timeframe. TIMELINE OF THE NHS WAITING LIST THE NHS waiting list in England has become a political flashpoint as it has ballooned in recent years, more than doubling in a decade. The statistics for England count the number of procedures, such as operations and non-surgical treatments, that are due to patients. The procedures are known as elective treatment because they are planned and not emergencies. Many are routine ops such as for hip or knee replacements, cataracts or kidney stones, but the numbers also include some cancer treatments. This is how the wait list has changed over time: August 2007: 4.19million – The first entry in current records. December 2009: 2.32million – The smallest waiting list on modern record. April 2013: 2.75million – The Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition restructures the NHS. Current chancellor Jeremy Hunt was Health Secretary. April 2016: 3.79million – Junior doctors go on strike for the first time in 40 years. Theresa May is elected Prime Minister. February 2020: 4.57million – The final month before the UK's first Covid lockdown in March 2020. July 2021: 5.61million – The end of all legal Covid restrictions in the UK. January 2023: 7.21million – New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledges to reduce waiting lists within a year, effectively April 2024. September 2023: 7.77million – The highest figure on record comes during a year hit with strikes by junior doctors, consultants, nurses and ambulance workers. February 2024: 7.54million – Ministers admit the pledge to cut the backlog has failed. August 2024: 7.64million – List continues to rise under Keir Starmer's new Labour Government. September 2024: 7.57million – A one per cent decline is the first fall since February and a glimmer of hope. December 2024: 7.46million – The list has fallen for four consecutive months. January 2025: 7.43m – still falling but slowly, likely due to added strain on emergency services and more cancellations due to illness over winter. And one in 10 would even travel over 200 miles if they could get the NHS surgery they need within a month. Of those polled, 36 per cent are currently on a waiting list, and 17 per cent have been in a queue for more than a year. But 55 per cent had no idea that under NHS Patient Choice, you can choose to travel to a hospital outside of your area that has a shorter waiting list - often a private hospital that treats NHS patients. Advertisement Those surveyed had similar motivations to Dr Hilary, with 55 per cent simply wanting to resume normal activities sooner, and 68 per cent wanting to avoid prolonged discomfort and pain. For 63 per cent, avoiding the stress of waiting was also key. However, 88 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, believed the option to choose your hospital needed to be promoted more widely. Commissioned by Practice Plus Group hospitals, which treat NHS patients as well as those who choose their Wellsoon private healthcare option, the survey also revealed 35 per cent of those who would consider going private to beat the waiting lists would travel for more than 90 minutes if it meant saving £2,000 or more on the cost of paying for a hip or knee replacement. Advertisement Jim Easton, chief executive, added: 'It's fantastic for patients that in the NHS 10 year plan, the government has renewed its commitment to using capacity in the private sector and to creating a new patient choice charter to ensure the NHS is receptive and reactive to patient preferences. 'To achieve the ambitious waiting time targets, we also need more people to know that they can travel outside of their immediate area if they find a hospital that can see them sooner. 'It is important people realise they have the power to be proactive and get their treatment sooner, get back to work and back on track as soon as possible. 'Dr Hilary found this at our Birmingham hospital which currently can see people in a few short weeks. Advertisement 'We're proud to have been able to help him and wish him a speedy and healthy recovery.'
