Latest news with #NHS
Powys County Times
28 minutes ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
Children and patients deserve to be safe in schools and hospitals
Children and patients deserve to be safe and comfortable in schools and hospitals across England, ministers have said as the Government set out funding allocations for building repairs. Around £1.2 billion – part of funding packages announced in last year's autumn budget – will be spent on repairing crumbling schools and hospitals across the country, the Government confirmed. Pupils at 656 schools and sixth forms will benefit from a share of this year's £470 million Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), used for projects like fixing crumbling roofs and removing asbestos. More than 400 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be handed £750 million to tackle problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues. Projects to deliver improvements to schools and hospital buildings will be delivered during the 2025/26 financial year, with the first upgrades to begin this summer, the Government has said. More than 100 schools, nurseries and colleges across England were forced to shut down days before the autumn term in 2023 amid concerns that classrooms and other buildings containing reinforced autoclaved concrete (Raac) were unsafe. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'The defining image of the school estate under the previous government was children sitting under steel props to stop crumbling concrete falling on their heads. It simply isn't good enough. 'Parents expect their children to learn in a safe, warm environment. It's what children deserve and it is what we are delivering. 'This investment is about more than just buildings – it's about showing children that their education matters, their futures matter, and this Government is determined to give them the best possible start in life.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'A decade and a half of underinvestment left hospitals crumbling, with burst pipes flooding emergency departments, faulty electrical systems shutting down operating theatres, and mothers giving birth in outdated facilities that lack basic dignity. 'We are on a mission to rebuild our NHS through investment and modernisation. 'Patients and staff deserve to be in buildings that are safe, comfortable and fit for purpose. Through our Plan for Change, we will make our NHS fit for the future.' A report by the National Audit Office (NAO) in January estimated it would cost around £13.8 billion to address the repairs and remedial work backlog for hospitals and other NHS properties in England, and an additional £13.8 billion to address the maintenance backlog across the school estate. The Department for Education has confirmed a £2.1 billion investment for the school estate for 2025/26, almost £300 million more than the previous year. Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, described the funding boost for school buildings as a 'welcome start'. But he added: 'It is clear that much more Government investment and a long-term plan is needed to restore the school estate to at least a satisfactory condition.' Julia Harnden, funding specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: 'The wider problem is that there is a massive £13.8 billion maintenance backlog across the school estate and we are still nowhere near the level of investment needed to address this. 'The fact that schools and sixth form colleges have to bid for funding for urgent repairs and maintenance is in itself a sign of the inadequacy of overall investment and is effectively an annual exercise in papering over the cracks.'
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Anas Sarwar is right to say Scots want treatment, not apologies when it comes to the NHS
Anas Sarwar is right to say Scots want treatment, not apologies, when it comes to the NHS. One in six people are currently stuck on a waiting list of some kind, a dire insight into the challenges that continue to plague our health service years after the Covid pandemic. Outpatient waiting times only worsen, with more than 5000 Scots left waiting more than two years for some procedures. The First Minister again apologised when pressed on the matter at Holyrood yesterday, something that is becoming a regular occurrence. But it's action, not words, that patients need. The SNP government points to the fact that a record £21billion will be spent on the NHS in Scotland this year. But it's how that money is spent that counts. Chucking money at problems will not make them go away. It won't solve staff retention issues when nurses report feeling burned out and overworked. There is also no denying Scotland, like the rest of the UK, is still living with the intolerable burden of the pandemic. Health chiefs are warning of the risks of measles after more cases were recorded in Scotland in the first five months of the year than all of 2024. Too many adults have bought in to internet conspiracies in recent years about the safety of vaccinations. Two years ago there was just one case of measles in Scotland but last year that rose to 24 laboratory-confirmed cases. It is vital every child receives every vaccination they are entitled to. We can all play our part in getting the NHS back on track. Getting vaccinated is part of that national effort. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Old bill blunders rack up huge bill Police bosses will no doubt be lobbying for greater resources the next time Scottish Government budgets are being set, with a strong case for a bigger slice of the pie. More frontline cops are certainly needed to combat Scotland's youth violence epidemic. And officers are currently engaged in a massive operation to nail the culprits responsible for the recent war between crime gangs. So it is frustrating that the force has shipped out £18million in compensation claims in the last six years. That money could have been spent on frontline officers, new equipment or community outreach programmes. Instead, it has been paid out to members of the public and former officers after a variety of blunders. If Chief Constable Jo Farrell wants more public cash, she has to make sure her force stops making so many mistakes.
Cosmopolitan
an hour ago
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Castor oil in belly button: Does this TikTok trick beat bloating?
There are few things more annoying than feeling bloated. Sometimes it can down to trapped gas, menstrual issues or particular foods being heavy on the gut (why can't pasta just love us back?), but often it can be hard to predict what's behind the uncomfortable bulge. Social media has always been full of neat hints and tips to try and make our lives that little bit easier, and while some are more effective than others, a new tried and tested trend has made its way onto our For You page. A new health hack claims that putting castor oil in your belly button really helps with debloating. Confused? Us too. It was aesthetic nurse practitioner Miranda Wilson, RN, that pioneered this new trend; she took to TikTok to share her positive experience with the alleged de-bloating hack, saying, 'POV: You started doing castor oil navel pulling to help with digestion and your stomach has never been so flat.' The video sees her putting a few drops in her navel before rubbing the castor oil generously over her stomach. People have since flooded the comments section, with some claiming this method - also known as 'navel pulling' - has also been used to help ease period cramps and other tummy troubles too. Side note: is it any wonder women the world over are desperate to try some of these more off-the-wall techniques, with one study shows around one in four of us regularly struggle with bloating? But does this debloating method actually work? Cosmopolitan UK spoke to the experts to see whether trick does what it promises to – as well as providing other solutions to help beat the bloat. And remember if you are in constant and continual pain, it's always best to seek advice from a GP. Well… yes and no. Putting castor oil in your belly button is actually an Ayurvedic practice (FYI – Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on a holistic approach to health, encompassing the body, mind, and spirit, with three main 'doshas' or 'elements' that make up certain qualities). 'Your navel is an energy centre in ayurvedic practice,' explains experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and author Geeta Vara. 'It is believed to stimulate the network of nerves and energy channels. Anointing the navel with a few drops of oil is thought to pacify certain doshas, and in doing so it indirectly supports digestive, nervous, and reproductive health.' But is there actual hard evidence that supports these claims? Well, this is where things get more complicated… 'Warm oil, usually castor, is massaged into the navel and sometimes the surrounding abdomen. That's it,' explains Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, NHS GP and women's health specialist. 'There's no known physiological pathway between the belly button and the gut that allows oil absorption in a way that would impact digestion. However—and this is important—gentle abdominal massage itself can help relax the body, ease tension, and get things moving. So while the oil might not be working miracles under the skin, the act of massaging and the ritual around it may still offer benefits.' And could this work even from a nutritional perspective? 'All evidence so far is anecdotal,' explains Reema Pillai, a weight loss nutritionist. While it may not directly help any stomach problems, the act of massage can help ease trapped wind or pain, explains Dr Hana Patel. 'Putting castor oil on can be calming and grounding, especially as part of a nightly ritual,' she says. 'Abdominal massage can ease tension and stimulate circulation, while castor oil itself has some anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects on the skin. 'However, there is no strong evidence it helps digestion directly. Castor oil isn't absorbed in a way that would impact your digestive system when applied topically. Any benefit is more likely from relaxing the gut-brain axis via touch and warmth than from the oil doing any internal magic. There is also the risk of skin sensitivity or mess, as castor oil can stain.' While castor oil does have proven benefits to help aid with digestion issues, it's not something doctors recommend. 'Taken by mouth, castor oil is a stimulant laxative,' Dr Misra-Sharp says. 'It works quickly – usually within a few hours – and can provide relief for constipation. That's one cause of bloating, so in those cases, yes, it may help. 'But it's not gentle. Castor oil stimulates the bowels by irritating the intestinal lining, which causes muscle contractions and movement. This can lead to cramping, diarrhoea, nausea and dehydration. 'It's not meant for regular use and should be avoided in pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. In short: it works, but it's old-school, harsh, and not something we recommend routinely in modern practice. There are safer, more controlled ways to support digestion.' Okay, so castor oil in your belly button may not be a failsafe way to ease digestive woes, but thankfully our medical experts have a few more suggestions that could prove to be more effective. 'Herbal tea, including peppermint tea, can help relax the gastrointestinal muscles,' Pillai explains. 'Fennel tea can reduce spasms and gas, while ginger tea can reduce bloating and nausea.' 'These can increase the range and diversity of the gut bacteria, which can support the digestion of high fibre foods, to reduce gas,' says Pillai. 'Probiotic foods include kefir, live yoghurts, kimchi and sauerkraut.' 'Soluble fibre like oats will help soften stool,' says Pillai. 'Insoluble fibre from whole grains and vegetables will add bulk to help support regular bowel movements. Be sure to add in fibre slowly to help minimise bloating. Pillai says it is important we unwind: 'There is a direct link between mental health and gut health. Stress can impact digestion, leading to bloating and gut issues. Focus on stress management such as breathing, yoga or meditation.' While most bloating is mostly harmless (just really annoying), Dr Misra-Sharp warns there are certain instances bloating can be symptomatic of something more serious. 'You should see a doctor if bloating is new, persistent or painful,' she says. 'If your bloating is also accompanied by weight loss, worsening despite lifestyle changes and associated with blood in stool or altered bowel habits, it is important you see a medical professional. 'Please don't self-treat. Bloating can be a sign of IBS, coeliac disease, endometriosis, or in rare cases, ovarian cancer. Always seek medical advice if you're unsure.' This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
The Age
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Age
Elon Musk is right about one thing – we're spiralling towards bankruptcy
Posting on his social media platform X, Musk has indicated his disappointment with the unwillingness of Republicans to carry out spending cuts, musing that the only way out of the 'bankruptcy of America' is to radically boost GDP growth. It's difficult to disagree with his assessment, or to find much reason for optimism in either Britain or America. Trump and Starmer are very different leaders leading very different countries, but they face the same core question: how do you keep the show on the road when your voters demand more spending? The demographic challenges facing both countries are well known: an older population has more voters who no longer work, who vote themselves a larger share of income, which increases fiscal pressure on the young and weighing on birth rates. Loading It's a doom-loop that the West's democracies have yet to find an escape from. Growing our way out of trouble would require a technological revolution. Older voters prioritise healthcare and pensions ahead of investment in infrastructure or education, which reduces the funds available for pro-growth policies. Worse still, redistribution requires taxation that directly weighs on economic activity. If Musk succeeds in solving AI, robotics and space exploration, then we might get the resources and growth we need to escape the spiral, just as the Industrial Revolution pulled us out of the Malthusian trap. If he doesn't, we'll need another way out of this mess. Solving demographics isn't the answer. Boosting birth rates is a necessary long-term fix, but doesn't address the more pressing present concerns. Short of drawing on Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal and rendering workers into Soylent Green at retirement age, there's no obvious policy that will. And if we're stuck with our inverted pyramid of people, that leaves us with 'democracy' as the factor most likely to give way. About 48 per cent of all UK public spending goes on welfare, health and social care and debt interest spending. These are the items of spending that are either too toxic to touch – imagine the outrage if Starmer stood up and announced an end to the triple lock, or swinging cuts to the bloated NHS – or would tip the country into a financial crisis via defaulting on our obligations. They're also some of the items with the most forecast growth, as today's young become tomorrow's old. The state pension is set to hit 8 per cent of GDP, health spending 15 per cent and adult social care somewhere about 2.5 per cent. A little over 25 pence in every pound earned in Britain will be earmarked for these line items alone. If we can't cut spending democratically, we'll be made to cut it. And cutting spending democratically is hard. Loading One implication of the median voter theorem – the observation that in a democratic system, the man in the middle tends to get his way – is that when median incomes are below the mean, the state will tend to engage in more redistribution. This is certainly true in Britain, where 53 per cent of the population lives in households that pay less in taxes than they receive in benefits, and it's likely to be true in the United States as well (where the top and bottom quintiles are net losers and net beneficiaries, respectively). In fact, 'democracies spend more' seems to be a good general rule. Match V-Dem democracy scores to IMF data and – with some caveats around matching names and entries – the general gist is that more democratic countries spend somewhere about 12-15 points of GDP more than their less democratic peers, with researchers emphasising spending on social protection and education. Combine this with the observation that it's entirely possible for older generations to burden their younger successors with debts, and you have a recipe for disaster. The incentives given to today's politicians are to spend to win today's votes. Unless voters today are altruistic about future generations – and when the population is ageing because fewer people have children, their motive to be so is greatly reduced – then you can end up in the sort of unsustainable spiral Britain and America have found themselves in. By 2055, the US national debt is expected to be 156 per cent of GDP, and deficits around 7 per cent. In Britain, it's for 130 per cent of GDP, and a deficit of 9 per cent. Project that out to 2073, and debt hits 274 per cent of GDP, with the deficit a healthy 21 per cent of national income. If politicians ignore the warning signs – or voters punish those who attempt to correct course – we could find the choice between debt and democracy made for us. These are ludicrous numbers. There is no prospect of funding that sort of deficit at that sort of debt. The question is what we'll get instead. The most likely answer seems to be some form of fiscal cliff-edge ending up with less democratic choice in government. This could take a 'soft' form, such as self-imposed restrictions on spending and debt which politicians agree to adhere to in order to restore market confidence. A souped-up form of the Office for Budget Responsibility and harsher fiscal rules would be one version of this. Government by bond market – where investors demand higher yields for risky policies, driving the state towards fiscal consolidation – would be another. Loading At the other end of the scale, a debt bailout would effectively cede a large degree of sovereignty to whichever institution sets the terms of the loan. Britain has been down this road before, in 1976, when the IMF imposed higher taxes and lower spending. This would be an extreme outcome. It is not entirely out of the range of possibilities. Cutting spending democratically is hard. Undermining institutions is relatively easy.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Elon Musk is right about one thing – we're spiralling towards bankruptcy
Posting on his social media platform X, Musk has indicated his disappointment with the unwillingness of Republicans to carry out spending cuts, musing that the only way out of the 'bankruptcy of America' is to radically boost GDP growth. It's difficult to disagree with his assessment, or to find much reason for optimism in either Britain or America. Trump and Starmer are very different leaders leading very different countries, but they face the same core question: how do you keep the show on the road when your voters demand more spending? The demographic challenges facing both countries are well known: an older population has more voters who no longer work, who vote themselves a larger share of income, which increases fiscal pressure on the young and weighing on birth rates. Loading It's a doom-loop that the West's democracies have yet to find an escape from. Growing our way out of trouble would require a technological revolution. Older voters prioritise healthcare and pensions ahead of investment in infrastructure or education, which reduces the funds available for pro-growth policies. Worse still, redistribution requires taxation that directly weighs on economic activity. If Musk succeeds in solving AI, robotics and space exploration, then we might get the resources and growth we need to escape the spiral, just as the Industrial Revolution pulled us out of the Malthusian trap. If he doesn't, we'll need another way out of this mess. Solving demographics isn't the answer. Boosting birth rates is a necessary long-term fix, but doesn't address the more pressing present concerns. Short of drawing on Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal and rendering workers into Soylent Green at retirement age, there's no obvious policy that will. And if we're stuck with our inverted pyramid of people, that leaves us with 'democracy' as the factor most likely to give way. About 48 per cent of all UK public spending goes on welfare, health and social care and debt interest spending. These are the items of spending that are either too toxic to touch – imagine the outrage if Starmer stood up and announced an end to the triple lock, or swinging cuts to the bloated NHS – or would tip the country into a financial crisis via defaulting on our obligations. They're also some of the items with the most forecast growth, as today's young become tomorrow's old. The state pension is set to hit 8 per cent of GDP, health spending 15 per cent and adult social care somewhere about 2.5 per cent. A little over 25 pence in every pound earned in Britain will be earmarked for these line items alone. If we can't cut spending democratically, we'll be made to cut it. And cutting spending democratically is hard. Loading One implication of the median voter theorem – the observation that in a democratic system, the man in the middle tends to get his way – is that when median incomes are below the mean, the state will tend to engage in more redistribution. This is certainly true in Britain, where 53 per cent of the population lives in households that pay less in taxes than they receive in benefits, and it's likely to be true in the United States as well (where the top and bottom quintiles are net losers and net beneficiaries, respectively). In fact, 'democracies spend more' seems to be a good general rule. Match V-Dem democracy scores to IMF data and – with some caveats around matching names and entries – the general gist is that more democratic countries spend somewhere about 12-15 points of GDP more than their less democratic peers, with researchers emphasising spending on social protection and education. Combine this with the observation that it's entirely possible for older generations to burden their younger successors with debts, and you have a recipe for disaster. The incentives given to today's politicians are to spend to win today's votes. Unless voters today are altruistic about future generations – and when the population is ageing because fewer people have children, their motive to be so is greatly reduced – then you can end up in the sort of unsustainable spiral Britain and America have found themselves in. By 2055, the US national debt is expected to be 156 per cent of GDP, and deficits around 7 per cent. In Britain, it's for 130 per cent of GDP, and a deficit of 9 per cent. Project that out to 2073, and debt hits 274 per cent of GDP, with the deficit a healthy 21 per cent of national income. If politicians ignore the warning signs – or voters punish those who attempt to correct course – we could find the choice between debt and democracy made for us. These are ludicrous numbers. There is no prospect of funding that sort of deficit at that sort of debt. The question is what we'll get instead. The most likely answer seems to be some form of fiscal cliff-edge ending up with less democratic choice in government. This could take a 'soft' form, such as self-imposed restrictions on spending and debt which politicians agree to adhere to in order to restore market confidence. A souped-up form of the Office for Budget Responsibility and harsher fiscal rules would be one version of this. Government by bond market – where investors demand higher yields for risky policies, driving the state towards fiscal consolidation – would be another. Loading At the other end of the scale, a debt bailout would effectively cede a large degree of sovereignty to whichever institution sets the terms of the loan. Britain has been down this road before, in 1976, when the IMF imposed higher taxes and lower spending. This would be an extreme outcome. It is not entirely out of the range of possibilities. Cutting spending democratically is hard. Undermining institutions is relatively easy.
