Latest news with #RCGP
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
One of NHS's biggest AI projects is halted after fears it used health data of 57 MILLION people without proper permissions
NHS England has paused a ground-breaking AI project designed to predict an individual's risk of health conditions after concerns were raised data from 57 million people was being used without the right permissions. Foresight, which uses Meta 's open-source AI model, Llama 2, was being tested by researchers at University College London and King's College London as part of a national pilot scheme exploring how AI could be used to tailor healthcare plans for patients based on their medical history. But the brakes were applied to the pioneering scheme after experts warned even anonymised records could contain enough information to identify individuals, The Observer reported. A joint IT committee between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) also said it they had not been made aware that data collected for research into Covid was now being used to train the AI model. The bodies have also accused the research consortium, led by Health Data Research UK, of failing to consult an advisory body of doctors before feeding the health data of tens of millions of patients into Foresight. Both BMA and RGCP have asked NHS England to refer itself to the Information Commissioner over the matter. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of RGCP, said the issue was one of 'fostering patient trust' that their data was not being used 'beyond what they've given permission for.' She said: 'As data controllers, GPs take the management of their patients' medical data very seriously, and we want to be sure data isn't being used beyond its scope, in this case to train an AI programme. 'We have raised our concerns with NHS England, through the Joint GP IT Committee, and the committee has called for a pause on data processing in this way while further investigation takes place, and for NHS England to refer itself to the Information Commissioner. 'Patients need to be able to trust their personal medical data is not being used beyond what they've given permission for, and that GPs and the NHS will protect their right to data privacy. 'If we can't foster this patient trust, then any advancements made in AI – which has potential to benefit patient care and alleviate GP workload – will be undermined. 'We hope to hear more from NHS England in due course, providing definitive and transparent answers to inform our next steps.' Katie Bramall, BMA England GP committee chair, said: 'For GPs, our focus is always on maintaining our patients' trust in how their confidential data is handled. 'We were not aware that GP data, collected for Covid-19 research, was being used to train an AI model, Foresight. 'As such, we are unclear as to whether the correct processes were followed to ensure that data was shared in line with patients' expectations and established governance processes. 'We have raised our concerns with NHS England through the joint GP IT committee and appreciate their verbal commitment to improve on these processes going forward. 'The committee has asked NHS England to refer itself to the Information Commissioner so the full circumstances can be understood, and to pause ongoing processing of data in this model, as a precaution, while the facts can be established.' 'Patients shouldn't have to worry that what they tell their GP will get fed to AI models without the full range of safeguards in place to dictate how that data is shared.' An NHS spokesperson confirmed that development of the Foresight model had been paused for the time being.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Top GP warns NI rise will make waiting times worse
GP waiting times in Wales will get worse as a result of increases to businesses' National Insurance contributions, a senior doctor has warned. Dr Rowena Christmas, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Wales, said the changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget felt like an "absolute crisis" and a "crushing disappointment". The UK government said it had provided funding to support businesses with NI increases. But the Welsh government said this was based on England's costs rather than Wales' actual needs and Downing Street had left it with a "significant shortfall". Unlike other NHS services, GP practices operate as private businesses and are funded by government contracts, which means they are not exempt from the NI increases, which came into effect last month. GP partners now have to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000 instead of 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. Back of queue threat for people who miss NHS appointments Under fire GP company hands more surgeries back Monmouthshire-based Dr Christmas said funding cuts, inflation and the rise in the cost of living had made it difficult for GPs to keep going. "It's hard to be so pessimistic, but this is such a catastrophic situation we suddenly find ourselves in out of nowhere," she said. She added the new tax rate would cost her practice £20,000 a year, with larger practices facing additional costs of up to £90,000. In January the BMA's Welsh GP committee voted to accept an updated pay offer, which includes a one-off £23m payment aimed at stabilising practices. Dr Christmas said the new agreement was "a very welcome relief" but warned it would not solve the long-term challenges and called for GP practices to be exempt from the NI rise. "If we can't turn that into recurrent funding, we're back to square one or even worse off. It's a temporary breather," she added. "We all know what's best for patients. But if we're constantly trying to pick up the pieces, we can't do that quality job that we need to that will save the NHS in the long run." Dr Meleri Evans, an Anglesey GP, said her practice expected to pay between £30,000 and £50,000 more a year. She said: "This means we're going to have to change the way that we do business and the reality is that the only way that a GP partner can do that is to look at reducing the services they currently provide. "For the majority of people that comes down to reducing staffing costs. So there are certainly going to be very difficult decisions, including possible redundancies." In response to the Budget and growing worries within the profession, the British Medical Association's Welsh GP committee entered into negotiations with the Welsh government earlier this year to revise the General Medical Services contract for 2024-25. The UK government said health was a devolved matter and was an issue for the Welsh government, but added that ministers in Cardiff Bay had received additional funding on top of £21bn for changes in NI for employers. The Welsh government said: "Our initial estimate is devolved public sector employers in Wales face a £253m extra cost. The approach the UK government is taking leaves us with a significant shortfall." It added increases should be be fully funded by Westminster and it was pressing the Treasury on this issue. Top GP says doctors are united in fear about NHS GPs and Welsh NHS face collapse, doctors say
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
GP waiting times in Wales 'will get worse' due to NI increase
GP waiting times in Wales will get worse as a result of increases to businesses' National Insurance contributions, a senior doctor has Rowena Christmas, chairwoman of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Wales, said the changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Budget felt like an "absolute crisis" and a "crushing disappointment". The UK government said it had provided funding to support businesses with NI increases. But the Welsh government said this was based on England's costs rather than Wales' actual needs and Downing Street had left it with a "significant shortfall". Unlike other NHS services, GP practices operate as private businesses and are funded by government contracts, which means they are not exempt from the NI increases, which came into effect last month. GP partners now have to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000 instead of 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. Monmouthshire-based Dr Christmas said funding cuts, inflation and the rise in the cost of living had made it difficult for GPs to keep going."It's hard to be so pessimistic, but this is such a catastrophic situation we suddenly find ourselves in out of nowhere," she added the new tax rate would cost her practice £20,000 a year, with larger practices facing additional costs of up to £90,000. In January the BMA's Welsh GP committee voted to accept an updated pay offer, which includes a one-off £23m payment aimed at stabilising Christmas said the new agreement was "a very welcome relief" but warned it would not solve the long-term challenges and called for GP practices to be exempt from the NI rise."If we can't turn that into recurrent funding, we're back to square one or even worse off. It's a temporary breather," she added."We all know what's best for patients. But if we're constantly trying to pick up the pieces, we can't do that quality job that we need to that will save the NHS in the long run." Dr Meleri Evans, an Anglesey GP, said her practice expected to pay between £30,000 and £50,000 more a said: "This means we're going to have to change the way that we do business and the reality is that the only way that a GP partner can do that is to look at reducing the services they currently provide."For the majority of people that comes down to reducing staffing costs. So there are certainly going to be very difficult decisions, including possible redundancies."In response to the Budget and growing worries within the profession, the British Medical Association's Welsh GP committee entered into negotiations with the Welsh government earlier this year to revise the General Medical Services contract for 2024-25. The UK government said health was a devolved matter and was an issue for the Welsh government, but added that ministers in Cardiff Bay had received additional funding on top of £21bn for changes in NI for employers. The Welsh government said: "Our initial estimate is devolved public sector employers in Wales face a £253m extra cost. The approach the UK government is taking leaves us with a significant shortfall."It added increases should be be fully funded by Westminster and it was pressing the Treasury on this issue.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
4 health benefits of parkrun, as GPs prescribe free community events
What does your Saturday morning usually entail? Hitting the supermarket for the big shop? Taking the kids to swimming lessons? For a growing number of people it means lacing up their trainers and hitting the local park for parkrun. The free community 5k events, which you can walk, jog, run or volunteer at, have so many health benefits they're even prescribed by GPs. Some 2,000 GP surgeries have joined up to the parkrun practice initiative. Running since 2018, it's a scheme where doctors prescribe the weekly events to their patients and encourage staff to take part, too. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), which runs the scheme, says this "social prescribing" can improve health and wellbeing through increased "physical activity, skill development, friendships and socialising, mutual support and personal empowerment." And studies show participants are definitely feeling the positive effects. So what exactly is parkrun, how can you take part and why do doctors say it's so good for you? Parkruns are free 5k community events that take place in open spaces around the world. Everyone's welcome and you can walk, run, jog and take things at your own pace. Many parkruns allow you to take part pushing your child in a buggy or with your dog, and there's no time limit. The events started in London in 2004 and there are now 850 locations across the UK, so there's bound to be one near you. "Parkrun is a really relaxed, supportive way to get into running or exercise," says Jo Wilkinson, a British Athletics coach and founder of Running Jo Coaching. "I encourage a lot to people who don't see themselves as runners but would like to start getting fit to give it go. All you need is a pair of trainers and for women a sports bra, and as long as you gradually build up and don't sprint round your first one, it has loads of health benefits." Parkrun takes place on Saturday mornings, and 2k junior parkrun events, for kids aged 4-14 and their families, take place on Sundays. And while they're held every week, you don't need to commit or book to take part. After initially registering on the website, you can just turn up whenever you fancy and take part. Taking part in a parkrun can boost your physical fitness. Walking and running are both forms of cardiovascular exercise, meaning they can help strengthen your heart, improve your overall fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight. But there are plenty of other benefits, too. Feeling lonely can affect your wellbeing. And if your loneliness is severe or long-term, it could increase your chances of dementia and mental health conditions, according to the NHS, Joining a welcoming, inclusive community like parkrun is a great way to meet other people and reduce feelings of loneliness. Even if you don't talk to anyone at first, just being around others can help. "Parkrun is for people of all shapes, all sizes, from all different backgrounds," says Wilkinson who has complete 190 parkruns and runs with her son and teenage daughter. "You can go on your own or go as a family or with friends, and do something as a community. It's really friendly and welcoming." A parkrun survey conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University found that 89% of participants felt happier due to taking part. And they scored higher on the Oxford Happiness Scale – a scale used to measure wellbeing – than the general population, too. And you don't even need to run or walk to feel the benefits, you can volunteer instead. Volunteering and helping others can boost your sense of fulfilment and self confidence, And parkrun volunteers – people who marshall the event, set out the course and more – reported the most mental health benefits of those surveyed. Alongside the endorphins – mood boosting hormones released by exercise – Wilkinson says taking part can also give you a great sense of achievement. "By 10 o'clock on a Saturday morning, you feel amazing," she says. "And it's not just that sense of achievement from doing it yourself that makes you feel positive. Supporting other people to get round and the support that you personally get from other people all give you a boost." We all know the benefits of vitamin D. According to the NHS it can help keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy. And getting outdoors for something like a parkrun means you'll be getting the sunlight your body needs to make this important vitamin. Being out in nature and green spaces like a park can also boost your mental health, helping with things like stress and low mood. A study of more than 20,000 people, published in the Scientific Reports journal, found that those spending 120 minutes in natural environments were more likely to report good health and psychological wellbeing, You may worry about runners' knees but actually running, jogging and walking can help build stronger bones. The Royal Osteoporosis Society says short bursts of activity like running then jogging or jogging then walking is ideal for bone strength. "With age, you lose muscle strength and bone density, particularly if you're a woman going through the menopause," says Wilkinson. "Running helps you maintain that muscle strength and bone density so you can keep fit and healthy for longer." Research shows running can have a positive impact on self esteem and Wilkinson agrees that taking part in something like parkrun can make you feel "really strong, powerful and fabulous". "I coach a lot of women in their 50s and I feel once we age it's really easy to lose confidence in yourself," she says. "When you're running or starting out with something like parkrun you get a sense of achievement as you progress and improve. And that self-confidence can expand outside of running and into other areas of your life." Read more on running and walking: Why I recommend Couch to 5k to everyone – even though I don't run anymore (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) How to run your best 10K: Training plans, workouts and tips (Runner's World, 12-min read) Nine ways to lose weight by walking (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Telegraph
29-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Family doctors should not be made to prescribe cross-sex hormones to children, say GPs
Family doctors should not be made to prescribe cross-sex hormones to under-18s, the Royal College of GPs has said. In a 'position statement' update, the Royal College of GPs set out the limitations of the role family doctors should play in transgender healthcare, particularly when it comes to children questioning their gender. The update, which was agreed by the RCGP council earlier this month, states that the profession should not be prescribing gender-affirming hormones to anyone under 18 years old. It comes amid various legal challenges attempting to ban the use of cross-sex drugs in children. While there is a UK-wide ban on the use of puberty blockers – except for an NHS-run clinical trial – it is still possible for children to get cross-sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, which are also known as 'gender-affirming hormones'. 'Unacceptable' risk to the health of thousands One legal challenge against their continued availability to under-18s is being led by Kiera Bell, a de-transitioner who regretted trans surgery. The legal case argues that the drugs issued to 16 to 18-year-olds pose an 'irreversible' and 'unacceptable' risk to the health of thousands of vulnerable children suffering from gender dysphoria. Cross-sex hormones change the physical sexual characteristics of a person, while puberty blockers delay the onset of puberty by suppressing the release of hormones. The NHS has warned providers to be 'extremely cautious' when considering whether to issue cross-sex hormones to children, because of their harmful side effects, but under current guidance, Children and Young People Gender Services are able to give them to 16 and 17 year-olds. Often patients who have been seen by a specialist and receive a prescription will continue to receive their treatment via their GP under 'shared care agreements'. 'Following national guidance' But not all GPs feel equipped to be prescribing the drugs and taking on the responsibility for the patient's care, particularly in children with gender issues, when there are so many unknowns and potential for other health complications and conditions to arise. The profession has also found itself in the crosshairs of a controversial part of medicine that, as generalists, they are not trained for, with long waiting lists for specialist services meaning they can be the only point of care for many years. The RCGP's position update said it advised 'following national guidance and drawing on the recommendations highlighted in the Cass Review'. This means providing 'holistic care, contextualising a person's presentation of gender incongruence alongside an individual's physical, psychological and social health status within the broader environment', its statement said. But it adds that 'as expert generalists, GPs are not trained to have the specialist skills required to assess and provide care to address specific needs related to gender incongruence'. 'Many GPs will not feel confident' The RCGP said that while some GPs might have more experience in transgender healthcare and 'feel competent to initiate prescriptions for adults who are on the waiting list for specialist assessment and treatment, many GPs will not feel confident or competent to assess whether or not a prescription is appropriate'. Furthermore, the Royal College 'considers the role of the GP in relation to children and young people to include promptly referring, where appropriate, to the appropriate secondary care paediatric or mental health services'. 'The RCGP does not consider that the GP role in relation to children and young people would include prescribing gender affirming hormones to address gender incongruence in a patient aged under 18,' it said. It comes as a controversial GP clinic in Brighton is facing legal action over its decision to prescribe cross-sex drugs to teenagers. 'Social transition' The Telegraph has previously revealed that lawyers have asked the High Court to prevent Brighton's WellBN clinic from issuing gender-affirming hormones to a troubled 16-year-old and other children. He approached WellBN without his parents' knowledge after his school began facilitating a 'social transition' to help him align with his chosen female gender. The clinic said it would 'fully engage on next steps' but was 'confident that any young patients under the age of 18 are assessed in accordance with good medical practice'. In another legal case, the Telegraph revealed a mother had won an appeal to stop her 16-year-old child receiving the hormone drugs from a private clinic. The Court of Appeal has overruled a decision in December, which will mean Child Q will not be able to access the drugs until turning 18 or when the court decides otherwise.
