Latest news with #JulianRedhead
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
6 million hours of A&E time taken up by people with minor ailments such as colds
See NHS list of conditions you can now get a quick consultation for at your local pharmacy amid warnings A&Es are being overwhelmed Six million hours of time in A&E is being taken up by patients who could be treated at their local chemist. This includes patients going to A&E with blocked noses, common colds, acne and requesting routine medication. In England 325,000 people visited A&E with a sore throat or a cold, costing the NHS £44 million that year alone. Some 62,000 people visited A&E with nose bleeds, 18,000 with blocked noses, 40,000 with eczema and 1,000 attended with acne. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association said: 'Of course people with serious injuries should go to A&E but it should be a place for emergencies not the first place to go when faced with a minor ailment. 'Our analysis clearly shows a substantial number of visits to A&E could be better managed in a local pharmacy. This would be more convenient for patients, who could be treated in minutes on their doorstep and save substantial time and money in one of the busiest parts of our NHS.' NHS England is trying to pay pharmacists to do more as the Government pushes for the health service to treat people closer to their homes. Commissioning pharmacies to care for more ailments could also reduce the burden on overstretched GPs. The NHS Pharmacy First scheme means people can now be seen there for several common ailments; earache, sore throats, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, urinary tract infections and infected insect bites and stings. But new analysis shows people are still turning up in A&E for these conditions. This included 18,000 patients with infected insect bites and 196,000 urinary tract infections. The NPA is calling for much greater awareness of Pharmacy First to encourage greater usage of chemists as a first port of call for certain health conditions. It is also calling on the UK Government to include additional conditions in England, such as constipation, diarrhoea and certain bacterial skin infections, to bring it into line with the Scottish government which runs the NHS there. It comes a week before the launch of the Ten Year Health Plan. Henry Gregg added: 'The Government has a once in a generation opportunity to use the Ten Year Plan to turbo charge the role of community pharmacies who, properly funded, have a vital part to play in creating a neighbourhood health service. 'Investment in more clinical services in pharmacies will not only help to end the 8am scramble for a GP appointment but also help get patients out of hospitals and into the community. 'Pharmacies still face considerable funding pressures which need resolving and investment in them is key if the government are to shift care to people's local communities.' Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England clinical director for emergency care, said: 'The upcoming 10-Year Health Plan will see a shift of care from hospital to the community and we want the public to be aware of all the services available, so they don't always feel they have to go to A&E. 'Unless it's an emergency, your first port of call should always be calling NHS 111 or using 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place – whether that be your local pharmacy, a walk-in centre, or clinical self-help advice. 'By ensuring everyone is using the right service for them, more people will be seen faster in the most appropriate place, and importantly vital life-saving A&E services will be kept for those patients who need it the most.'
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Hospitals experience busiest week of winter so far
Hospitals in England have just had their busiest week of this winter so than 98,000 patients, on average, were in hospital beds each day last week - the highest level this winter – with 96% of adult beds comes as Norovirus cases continue to climb - with nearly 1,000 beds occupied by patients with the vomiting bug - but flu cases continue fall, after peaking in 13,800 patients were in hospital even though medically fit to be discharged – a record high this winter. NHS England emergency-care director Prof Julian Redhead said: "The twin pressures of winter viruses and problems discharging patients means hospitals are close to full – even as more beds have been opened to manage the increased demand."While pressures on hospitals remains incredibly high, it's vital people continue to use NHS services in the normal way – using 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only using 999 or attending A&E [accident and emergency] in life-threatening emergencies." 'Being sick' Amy Douglas, from the UK Health Security Agency, saidd: "Norovirus cases are way above what we would usually see at this time of year and outbreaks in hospitals continue to rise. "Just because you've had norovirus doesn't mean you won't get it again."It's really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on. "Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings."Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others in that time either. "This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick."
The Independent
30-01-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Norovirus cases in England's hospitals hit highest level this winter
The number of people suffering norovirus in England's hospitals is at its highest level this winter. New data from NHS England shows an average of 898 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 15% from 784 the previous week. The figure had previously peaked at 837 in early December. Norovirus levels are higher than at this point 12 months ago, when an average of 688 beds were filled with patients with symptoms, and also two years ago (395 patients). Meanwhile, flu levels in hospitals in England have fallen for the third week in a row. An average of 3,019 flu patients were in beds each day last week, including 148 in critical care. This is down 21% from 3,833 the previous week, when 176 were in critical care. The total is still higher than this point last winter (2,226) and also this stage two years ago (1,291). The figures have been published in the latest weekly snapshot of the performance of hospitals in England, and show that Covid continues to fall. NHS England said pressure on hospital capacity remained high last week with an average of 96% adult beds occupied and a total of 97,567 patients in hospital each day. There was also an average of 13,426 patients in hospital each day despite being medically fit for discharge, taking up more than one in seven available beds. If you haven't had your Covid jab yet and are eligible, make sure you don't miss out and get to a walk-in service today or tomorrow Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England Professor Julian Redhead, national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: 'It is welcome news that the number of patients in hospital with Covid and flu continued to fall last week, however the worrying surge in norovirus cases – now at their highest level so far this winter – means there is no let up for NHS staff. ' Hospitals remain close to capacity, with almost a fifth of beds filled due to seasonal viruses and delayed discharges to settings like social and community care. 'The public can help us out by continuing to only call 999 or visit A&E in a life-threatening emergency or using NHS 111 for other conditions. 'With the higher than usual levels of norovirus, it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms. 'If you haven't had your Covid jab yet and are eligible, make sure you don't miss out and get to a walk-in service today or tomorrow.' Today we are publishing the NHS mandate which sets out that improving A&E and ambulance waiting times should be among the top priorities for trusts as we set the direction for the health service over the coming year Health Secretary Wes Streeting Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Hospitals up and down the country are continuing to grapple with challenging conditions, and I know NHS staff are feeling significant pressure as they work hard for patients. 'The broken NHS system we inherited has meant too many people have suffered unacceptable standards of care this winter, but we are steadfast in our commitment to turn that around as we deliver the reforms required through our Plan for Change. 'Today we are publishing the NHS mandate which sets out that improving A&E and ambulance waiting times should be among the top priorities for trusts as we set the direction for the health service over the coming year.' Elsewhere, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said cases of tuberculosis (TB) in England increased by 13% in 2024, from 4,850 in 2023 to 5,480 in 2024. Some 81.5% of all TB cases in 2024 were in people born outside the UK but there was an increase in both UK born and non-UK born populations, it said. Dr Esther Robinson, UK Health Security Agency The largest increases in TB were recorded in London and the West Midlands, the UKHSA said. Dr Esther Robinson, head of the TB unit at the UKHSA, said: 'TB remains a serious public health issue in England. 'The infection is preventable and curable. 'If you have moved to England from a country where TB is more common, please be aware of the symptoms of TB so you can get promptly tested and treated through your GP surgery. 'Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or Covid-19. 'A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than three weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. 'Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk.'
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Norovirus cases in England's hospitals hit highest level this winter
The number of people suffering norovirus in England's hospitals is at its highest level this winter. New data from NHS England shows an average of 898 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 15% from 784 the previous week. The figure had previously peaked at 837 in early December. Norovirus levels are higher than at this point 12 months ago, when an average of 688 beds were filled with patients with symptoms, and also two years ago (395 patients). Meanwhile, flu levels in hospitals in England have fallen for the third week in a row. An average of 3,019 flu patients were in beds each day last week, including 148 in critical care. This is down 21% from 3,833 the previous week, when 176 were in critical care. The total is still higher than this point last winter (2,226) and also this stage two years ago (1,291). The figures have been published in the latest weekly snapshot of the performance of hospitals in England, and show that Covid continues to fall. NHS England said pressure on hospital capacity remained high last week with an average of 96% adult beds occupied and a total of 97,567 patients in hospital each day. There was also an average of 13,426 patients in hospital each day despite being medically fit for discharge, taking up more than one in seven available beds. Professor Julian Redhead, national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: 'It is welcome news that the number of patients in hospital with Covid and flu continued to fall last week, however the worrying surge in norovirus cases – now at their highest level so far this winter – means there is no let up for NHS staff. 'Hospitals remain close to capacity, with almost a fifth of beds filled due to seasonal viruses and delayed discharges to settings like social and community care. 'The public can help us out by continuing to only call 999 or visit A&E in a life-threatening emergency or using NHS 111 for other conditions. 'With the higher than usual levels of norovirus, it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms. 'If you haven't had your Covid jab yet and are eligible, make sure you don't miss out and get to a walk-in service today or tomorrow.' Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Hospitals up and down the country are continuing to grapple with challenging conditions, and I know NHS staff are feeling significant pressure as they work hard for patients. 'The broken NHS system we inherited has meant too many people have suffered unacceptable standards of care this winter, but we are steadfast in our commitment to turn that around as we deliver the reforms required through our Plan for Change. 'Today we are publishing the NHS mandate which sets out that improving A&E and ambulance waiting times should be among the top priorities for trusts as we set the direction for the health service over the coming year.' Elsewhere, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said cases of tuberculosis (TB) in England increased by 13% in 2024, from 4,850 in 2023 to 5,480 in 2024. Some 81.5% of all TB cases in 2024 were in people born outside the UK but there was an increase in both UK born and non-UK born populations, it said. TB is associated with deprivation and is more common in large urban areas. The largest increases in TB were recorded in London and the West Midlands, the UKHSA said. Dr Esther Robinson, head of the TB unit at the UKHSA, said: 'TB remains a serious public health issue in England. 'The infection is preventable and curable. 'If you have moved to England from a country where TB is more common, please be aware of the symptoms of TB so you can get promptly tested and treated through your GP surgery. 'Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or Covid-19. 'A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than three weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. 'Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk.'
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Norovirus cases in England's hospitals hit highest level this winter
The number of people suffering norovirus in England's hospitals is at its highest level this winter. New data from NHS England shows an average of 898 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 15% from 784 the previous week. The figure had previously peaked at 837 in early December. Norovirus levels are higher than at this point 12 months ago, when an average of 688 beds were filled with patients with symptoms, and also two years ago (395 patients). Meanwhile, flu levels in hospitals in England have fallen for the third week in a row. An average of 3,019 flu patients were in beds each day last week, including 148 in critical care. This is down 21% from 3,833 the previous week, when 176 were in critical care. The total is still higher than this point last winter (2,226) and also this stage two years ago (1,291). The figures have been published in the latest weekly snapshot of the performance of hospitals in England, and show that Covid continues to fall. NHS England said pressure on hospital capacity remained high last week with an average of 96% adult beds occupied and a total of 97,567 patients in hospital each day. There was also an average of 13,426 patients in hospital each day despite being medically fit for discharge, taking up more than one in seven available beds. Professor Julian Redhead, national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: 'It is welcome news that the number of patients in hospital with Covid and flu continued to fall last week, however the worrying surge in norovirus cases – now at their highest level so far this winter – means there is no let up for NHS staff. 'Hospitals remain close to capacity, with almost a fifth of beds filled due to seasonal viruses and delayed discharges to settings like social and community care. 'The public can help us out by continuing to only call 999 or visit A&E in a life-threatening emergency or using NHS 111 for other conditions. 'With the higher than usual levels of norovirus, it is important to remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms. 'If you haven't had your Covid jab yet and are eligible, make sure you don't miss out and get to a walk-in service today or tomorrow.' Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Hospitals up and down the country are continuing to grapple with challenging conditions, and I know NHS staff are feeling significant pressure as they work hard for patients. 'The broken NHS system we inherited has meant too many people have suffered unacceptable standards of care this winter, but we are steadfast in our commitment to turn that around as we deliver the reforms required through our Plan for Change. 'Today we are publishing the NHS mandate which sets out that improving A&E and ambulance waiting times should be among the top priorities for trusts as we set the direction for the health service over the coming year.'
