Latest news with #NHS-approved
ITV News
3 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
How the East Midlands is already transforming NHS care
The NHS 10-Year Plan, published by the government last month, lays out an ambitious vision - to make healthcare more accessible, efficient and centred around the needs of patients. But what does that look like in practice? Across the East Midlands, change is already happening, from quicker ways to access a GP and faster hospital discharges, to better care and support for patients at home. These innovations matter all year round but especially during the winter months when the NHS comes under its greatest pressure. Freeing up hospital beds faster Flow through hospitals, from A&E to wards to discharge, becomes even more critical in winter when beds are tight and demand surges. At King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, five daily meetings coordinate resources and discharge planning. The goal? To make sure beds are available for those who need them, when they need them. A key part of this is the hospital's Discharge Lounge, which opened just over a year ago. It provides a calm space for patients who are ready to go home but waiting on medication or transport. 'It's a much calmer experience,' said 80-year-old Jillian, waiting to be collected after a hospital stay. More than 10,500 patients have used the lounge so far, a move that's significantly reduced pressure on wards and emergency departments. 'Everything we do from the moment someone comes through the door, their whole journey, is key to making sure they can leave in a timely way,' said Janine Foxhall, Associate Director of Operations at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. GP access easier with technology Primary care is evolving and digital tools are helping ease pressure on phone lines, cutting down the rush for 'those 8am appointments' and making it easier for patients to get the care they need. At Measham Medical Unit in North West Leicestershire, nearly half of GP appointments are now booked through Rapid Health - an NHS-approved online triage system available 24/7. The practice has been using it since November 2024 and has already noticed the difference. 'It's taken approximately 500 to 600 appointments off the telephone system each week, reducing wait times significantly,' said Dr Ruth Handford. For many patients, the convenience is a game-changer. 'I didn't have to sit on the phone and wait 45 minutes for an appointment that probably never comes,' said patient James Pearson. 'I can just book the appointment online and I usually get it the same day or the next. It really helps with time.' The surgery still offers phone bookings for those less confident with tech and continues to provide appointments for children and home visits. 'It's really important that we try and find new ways to safely manage the demands on the service,' added Dr Handford. 'It's just a case of getting the right patient to the right clinician in the right place and that applies across the whole NHS.' Bringing healthcare closer to home One of the NHS Plan's key ambitions is to develop more localised, community-based care. In Derbyshire, the 'Team Up' initiative is already putting that into practice. 'Team Up' brings together GPs, pharmacists and social prescribers to support people with complex needs in their own homes - reducing hospital admissions and improving quality of life. For Rob Bell from Chaddesden, Derby, the impact has been life-changing. Three years ago, a construction site accident left him with multiple injuries, paralysis and bouts of temporary blindness. His health and hope were declining fast. 'Before, I was like a zombie,' Rob said. 'Now, I'm alive again and that's what they have done.' A GP referral a year ago connected him with the Complex Care Team, part of 'Team Up'. Since then, he's had medication reviews, help applying for benefits and support moving into an accessible home. 'If you can get better communication and better working with health and social care, then that enables strategies to be put in place,' said Dr Ruth Lenehan from the team. 'People stay at home, get the care they need and avoid unnecessary hospital visits. It's a win-win for everyone.' Since launching in 2021, the initiative has helped prevent an estimated 1,000 unnecessary hospital trips and 700 unplanned admissions every year, saving around 3,500 hours of GP time annually. Faster surgical care with same-day discharge Not all emergencies need an overnight stay and the Surgical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at King's Mill Hospital proves it. Launched in 2024, the unit sees patients with urgent surgical issues like abscesses, gallstones or wounds, offering treatment plans and often sending them home the same day. About 80% of patients are discharged within hours. 'It's been really efficient,' said James Prewett, who came in for a recurring abscess. 'I saw my GP this morning and four hours later it was dealt with. Just one day off work and the problem's gone.' With more than 2,000 patients seen in its first year, the unit is helping reduce pressure on A&E and freeing up hospital beds. 'On an almost daily basis the hospital is at or near capacity,' said Clinical Lead, Consultant Jane Patterson. 'But patients are more willing to be seen and discharged, as long as they've had a proper assessment and a clear plan. That really seems to work.' What the next 10 years could bring? The NHS 10-Year Plan is designed to reshape services around people's lives - making care more personalised, more integrated and closer to home. Across the East Midlands, these changes are already underway. Whether it's online GP triage, community care teams, faster discharges or same-day surgery, each innovation is helping the NHS run more smoothly, when every hour and every bed matters. It's already making a difference to thousands of patients across the region.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Snoring Scots and their sleep-deprived partners offered new treatment from dentists
A new scheme launched this month is allowing selected dental practices to treat noisy sleepers. Scotland's chronic snorers could soon get respite from an unlikely source - a trip to the dentist's. A new scheme launched this month is allowing selected dental practices to treat noisy sleepers. They will be able to prescribe special retainers for chronic snorers who are currently having to wait up to 18 months for hospital treatment on the NHS. Edinburgh dentist Odhran McNichol, of Craigentinny Dental Care, told how his practice is using 3D printing to mould the retainers - called Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs). He said: "We've seen a steady stream of interest. More often than not, it's the sufferer's partner who brings it up, as they're the ones losing sleep and pushing for a solution. 'Generally people are unaware their dentist can help so most don't think to ask their dentist about sleep problems, it's just not something that crosses their mind. 'There is a lot of information on the internet about treatments for snoring and sleep apnoea, but not all of it is accurate.' More than quarter of Scottish adults are snorers. And around two in three snore so loudly their partner moves to a different bed - known as a "sleep divorce." Participating dentists will be able to prescribe NHS-approved MADs thanks to a training programme run by 32Co. MADs are like a retainer which can be fitted over two sessions, with the user then able to adjust their device manually to suit their mouth. They improve night-time breathing by making your lower jaw move forward slightly, opening your airway while you sleep and reducing noisy snoring. MADs are less bulky and cumbersome than the traditional CPAP breathing masks often prescribed for chronic snorers. McNichol added: 'Of course CPAP devices are gold standard for sleep apnoea, and we would not encourage patients to stop using these. 'But MADs can have a place for heavy snorers who don't necessarily have sleep apnoea as well as patients that struggle with wearing a CPAP or are travelling.' 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. Outside of the new dentistry scheme, there are only ten 'sleep clinics' in Scotland - three of them in Glasgow - which can treat snoring and sleep-related conditions. Sleep apnoea can lead to other health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Professor Ama Johal, 32Co Clinical Lead and former Vice-President of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine, said: 'Problematic snoring continues to plague millions of people across the UK. '32Co's Aerox Sleep Centres will deliver industry-backed treatment at the convenience of local practices, marking a significant change in the way millions of patients can receive treatment.'
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Scots mum issues urgent warning after son, 13, became hooked on ‘trendy drug' that's as addictive as cigarettes
Nicotine and tobacco pouch use is rising fast, especially among young people and TikTokkers 'DEVASTATED' Scots mum issues urgent warning after son, 13, became hooked on 'trendy drug' that's as addictive as cigarettes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS mum has issued an urgent warning after her 13-year-old son has become hooked on a trendy drug, saying: "It's like living with an addict". The distraught healthcare worker, from Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, said her boy, who has autism, got on 'snus' after being forced to buy nicotine products for other teens. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The 13-year-old boy has become addicted to snus Credit: Getty She said youngsters, some of whom she claims carry knives, "coerced" and "manipulated" her boy into buying vapes for other teens, the Daily Record reports. Her son has also now been caught stealing money to buy vapes and tobacco pouches. The small rectangular bag, also known as 'snus', is usually filled with powdered tobacco. It's placed between the upper lip and gum, where nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream. The 41-year-old said: "It's like living with an addict now because that's what these things are - addictive. "His personality has changed. He used to be quite calm but now he goes into a meltdown if he can't get a vape or snus. "I'm absolutely devastated. My son is only 13. He's autistic and vulnerable and yet he's been coerced and manipulated by older kids who should know better. "It is terrifying. He stole £170 from us and that is so out of character. It is unbelievably stressful and yet nothing is being done." A survey by Action on Smoking and Health found that 43 per cent of 11-17 year olds knew of the pouches - a rise from 38 per cent in 2024. And nearly four per cent of children in the age group tried the pouches - which is around 210,00 youngsters. Sam Wardrop calls out footballers who use 'snus' Unlike cigarettes, these pouches deliver a massive nicotine hit straight into the bloodstream, keeping users hooked. Some contain up to 150mg of nicotine - which equals an entire pack of smokes in one go. Nicotine pouch use is rising fast, especially among young people and TikTokkers. Footballers are also big users - one in five pros reportedly rely on them, according to 2024 research. The former England footballer Jamie Vardy admitted to using them in his autobiography and said they helped him to 'chill out'. 'A lot more footballers use them than people realise and some lads even play with them during matches,' he wrote. Despite being billed as a smoking alternative, nicotine pouches are not NHS-approved like e-cigarettes are.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gemma Collins reveals she has pneumonia and shares concerning side effects
Gemma Collins has revealed she's been battling pneumonia for three weeks. The TOWIE star, 44, whose mother Joan had pneumonia in 2020, announced the news while sharing a selfie in bed on Instagram on Wednesday. 'Hey guys sorry been quiet I have pneumonia. I'm not as fast or on it as I usually am on the daily. I am still honoring my work commitments which is taking every bit of energy i have but will be back entertaining you all soon,' she wrote. The I'm A Celebrity! star explained that she felt 'tired' and 'out-of-breath' and had been visited by a doctor at home and put on a drip. Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection and symptoms typically include a combination of a dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Most people recover in two to four weeks, but babies, older people, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital. Collins shared a photo of her arm attached to a drip on her Story and wrote: 'I'm having to take it easy which is not like me very slow and get so out of breath and tired so quick.' Alongside a snap of a doctor prescribing her medication, she added: 'Thank you to everyone helping me I've had pneumonia for the last three weeks and honestly can't thank everyone all the docs helping me.' The ITV star also posted a photo of her dog Gucci 'giving her lots of cuddles'. Collins' mother Joan was also struck down with pneumonia back in March 2020, with the TV personality thanking the NHS for helping her despite being 'overstretched' by the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Thank you to all the nurses who helped my mum [she has] pneumonia and on the mend. NHS thank you thank you thank you so over stretched right now,' she penned at the time. The Dancing On Ice alum explained that Joan was also suffering from rheumatoid arthritis – a long term autoimmune disorder that affects the joints – and was therefore classed as being at high risk of serious illness from Covid-19. Collins' health battles comes after she lost three stone, going from a size 26 to a size 20, in three months thanks to weight loss jabs. In April, the TV star revealed she was using the NHS-approved Mounjaro injections since January. While thrilled with her slimmed down frame, Collins admitted she was concerned that the medication could be responsible for her 'looking older' as she highlighted her 'next level' crow's feet. 'I really don't know what's happened to me, I really don't, It's just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I've had any little tweakments,' she said. 'I don't know if it's since I've been losing weight. I sure haven't got 'Ozempic face' yet, but it would be the dream right now. 'I've always had a fuller face, as you know. I do like expression around my eyes. I want to look natural still. But this just isn't right. What has happened? I am 44 but this is taking it to levels that I never, ever imagined it'd get to.' 'Ozempic-face' is a term used to describe a gaunt appearance usually caused by rapid weight loss.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Warning about ‘super common' Ozempic side effect that happens ‘overnight'
NAUSEA, constipation, breathing problems, racing heart... the list of Ozempic side effects appears to be growing by the day. And now experts have revealed a new "incredibly common" issue that "nearly everyone" using weight loss injections will experience. Celebrities including Gemma Collins and Rebel Wilson have proudly confessed to using skinny jabs to shed the pounds Credit: instagram But now there's a 'super common' side effect of the weight loss medication Credit: Getty TOWIE's Gemma Collins used fat jabs to shed two stone and has admitted to noticing this unwanted, near-instant effect, which some professionals say makes you look "20 years older". The term 'Ozempic lines' refers to the deep facial wrinkles that can appear when someone loses a significant amount of weight quickly after using jabs, including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy. Reality TV icon Gemma, 44, exclusively told The Sun she's been using the NHS-approved drug Mounjaro since November in a bid to lose weight. But while the pounds have been dropping rapidly, Gemma is convinced her face is ageing at an increased rate, with deep lines appearing out of nowhere. Last week, she wrote on social media: 'I really don't know what's happened to me, I really don't. It's just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I've had any little tweakments. 'I don't know if it's since I've been losing weight. I sure haven't got 'Ozempic face' yet, but it would be the dream right now. 'I've always had a fuller face, as you know. I do have expression around my eyes. I want to look natural still. 'But this just isn't right. What has happened? I am 44 but this is taking it to levels that I never, ever imagined it'd get to.' Dr Ed Robinson, one of the UK's leading aesthetic doctors, told Fabulous that 'Ozempic lines' are an issue many of his patients are experiencing. He said: "With such rapid weight loss, we're increasingly seeing aesthetic side effects. Inside Hollywood's worrying obsession with fat jabs - and what newly slimline Christina Aguilera really thinks of Ozempic claims ''Ozempic lines' are the fine lines and deeper wrinkles that can appear when someone loses a significant amount of weight quickly - often after using weight-loss medications like Ozempic. 'It's super common because when the face loses volume, particularly fat, that once provided natural plumpness, the skin can start to sag, wrinkle, and look more hollow. 'We also see a reduction in proteins collagen and elastin which can lead to crepiness of the skin, most noticeably around the eyes and mouth. 'Without the natural support from underlying fat, both the face and neck can appear aged, saggy, and out of balance.' 'Ozempic face' is a term used to describe a change in facial appearance that some people notice after losing weight quickly, often while using Ozempic or similar medications (like Wegovy or Mounjaro). It isn't specific to Ozempic - it's more about rapid weight loss, especially in the face, which can lead to: loss of fat volume in cheeks and under the eyes, sagging or loose skin and more pronounced wrinkles. Because the face has less fat, the skin might not bounce back as quickly, leading some people to feel they look older or more tired. 'Ozempic face' is not medically dangerous, but it can be distressing for some people, especially if the change is sudden or dramatic. It is a cosmetic side effect, not a health risk. To treat 'Ozempic face', dermal fillers or skin-tightening treatments can be used. Hydration, skincare and nutrition also play a key role in keeping skin healthy. Ozempic has quickly become as famous as the stars using it. The medication, originally intended for diabetes sufferers, has now hit headlines around the world for how quickly it allows people to shed stubborn pounds. It's become the poster child for a new wave of weight loss injections that can help people drop up to a fifth of their body weight but other brands such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound have also gained traction. Gemma Collins, pictured here before using Ozempic, has lost two stone on fat jabs Credit: Instagram Gemma, pictured here after her weight loss, noticed an "overnight" change on her face Credit: Instagram The drugs, which have been called a "miracle" by some, work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone released in the body when we are full. While many celebrities, including Amy Schumer, 43, and Sharon Osbourne, 72, have lost huge amounts of weight and openly talked about using Ozempic, there's now a huge list of potentially negative side effects that we're learning more about. These weight loss medications can rapidly add 10 to 20 years to a once plump, youthful face such as Gemma's Gerard Lambe 'Ozempic neck' and 'Ozempic feet' are other conditions that aesthetic doctors have commented on. But it's 'Ozempic lines' that are the current plight of jab users. Gerard Lambe, one of the UK's leading consultant cosmetic surgeons, who heads up the Reflect Clinic, told Fabulous Gemma's "skin changes are incredibly common". He said: ''Ozempic lines' are basically the accelerated ageing and dehydration of the facial skin that appear within weeks of starting the jabs and it's unfortunately one of the prices anyone using these peptides has to pay. 'Nearly everyone who is on Ozempic and has had significant weight loss has seen a negative change in their skin. 'These weight loss medications can rapidly add 10 to 20 years to a once plump, youthful face such as Gemma's.' Gerard, who regularly carries out tummy tucks and breast lifts on people who have experienced major weight loss, claims Ozempic users have noticed an increase in facial lines after short term use. He said: 'Many women come to me panicking that they have aged overnight, or certainly in weeks, just like Gemma, following weight loss jab use. 'With Ozempic and Mounjaro, various changes are happening that create serious issues with skin elasticity and texture. 'Often, those using these injections lose their appetite so swiftly they simply don't eat enough or they eat very little and it is often low on nutrients. 'The skin, especially facial skin, needs loads of protein and healthy fats to stay plump and smooth. 'Another major risk with these peptides is dehydration. It is silently and rapidly ageing the skin. 'As appetite drops so does the natural impulse to keep drinking fluids. I see this so often and it is very worrying.' Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Practitioners have noticed a rise in 'Ozempic lines'. Dr Robinson told us: "I am seeing these complaints much more frequently," while Dr. Omar Tillo added: 'I'm seeing this more and more in the clinic lately, and it's something most people notice after a big weight drop. It's not unusual.' But can this worrying side effect be combated? Gerard explains: 'Investing in a good moisturiser and avoiding the sun is going to help but will not reverse deep wrinkles and lines.' Additionally, he suggests: 'Also make sure you commit to carrying a two litre water bottle everywhere and making a commitment to keeping her skin and body super-hydrated.' But Gemma isn't the only celebrity to have noticed a drastic change in her face after using weight loss jabs. Sharon Osbourne, who admitted to injecting herself with the drug in order to shed 42 pounds, has also discussed the implications the jabs have had on her face. Speaking to Daily Mail, the 72-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star said: 'I don't care what people say about the way I look. I'm too gaunt and I can't put any weight on Sharon Osbourne 'I know I look gaunt and I know everything that goes along with it. And I did it. 'I'm too gaunt and I can't put any weight on. I want to, because I feel I'm too skinny. I'm under 100lb and I don't want to be. Be careful what you wish for.' Reflecting further on her experience on Good Morning Britain in November 2023, Sharon claimed she "could do with putting on a few pounds" as she issued a stark warning about the injections. Speaking to hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway, Sharon warned: "I fear for teenagers, I'm scared for those aged 16 to 20 as it's so easy to take it and think, 'I can eat what I want'. "It needs to be in the hands of only people who totally understand it." Sharon Osbourne, pictured here in 2017, prior to her weight loss Credit: Getty Now, she has described herself as looking "gaunt" Credit: Rex Meanwhile, fans have been left concerned that 41-year-old reality TV star Scott Disick, who shares three children with his ex Kourtney Kardashian, is looking incredibly gaunt after his Ozempic use recently made a cameo on The Kardashians. On an episode of the Hulu reality series, Khloe Kardashian, 40, was sitting with Kendall Jenner, 29, when they called Scott to share a bit of news. During a FaceTime call with the father-of-three, Khloe asked: 'Did you see from the show? Did you see what's in your fridge?' Dr Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, says: 'Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity and work to decrease food intake.' Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is another weight loss jab that's been available on the NHS since 2020. While Mounjaro is hailed as the "King Kong" fat jabs, a new weight loss drug dubbed "Godzilla" looks set to displace it. Containing the active ingredient retatrutide, slimmers trying the drug lost up to 29 per cent of their weight in less than a year. By comparison, trial results showed semaglutide, known as Ozempic, could lead to 15 per cent weight loss and tirzepatide, aka Mounjaro, to 23 per cent. Retatrutide acts on three different receptors in the brain, 'turbocharging' calorie burning while dulling hunger pangs. Existing weight-loss jabs only suppress appetite, whereas the new treatment also speeds up metabolism. The new drug is still undergoing clinical trials so it's not yet known if it will be made available on the NHS. To this, a confused-looking Scott replied: 'No?', however it doesn't take long for him to clock on to what Khloe was subtly trying to say. 'No! It shows the Mounjaro? You're lying', he added. And now, an insider revealed all to Daily Mail about Scott's new gaunt appearance. Scott Disick, snapped here in 2022, has admitted to using Mounjaro Credit: Getty Fans previously expressed concern over his 'sunken eyes and cheeks' Credit: Instagram/letthelordbewithyou The source shared: 'Scott recognised that he needed to stop taking Ozempic after seeing the photos of himself and the public outcry over his weight loss. 'He thought he looked good because he was thinner again – not realising that this was not healthy. 'He is now working with a nutritionist to get back on track and not balloon up to the size he was. 'Scott has been incredibly attractive and fit his entire life and is not having the best time accepting that age is catching up with him.' Whoopi Goldberg has also used Mounjaro for weight loss Credit: Getty Rebel Wilson is another celeb to have used fat jabs to slim down Credit: Getty
