October - 2017

Young people 'not receiving mental health care they need'

Young people are facing long waiting times and unequal access to mental health services, a review by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has said. The commissioner said this could be "putting young people's lives at risk". The review found nearly 40% of specialist child and adolescent services in England needed improvement. Alice Gibbs, who was diagnosed with anorexia at the age of 12, said a lack of access to specialised services had had a long-term effect on her recovery. She

Patients need rest, not antibiotics, say health officials

More patients should be told to go home and rest rather than be given antibiotics, according to health officials. Public Health England (PHE) says up to a fifth of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary as many illnesses get better on their own. Overusing the drugs is making infections harder to treat by creating drug-resistant superbugs. PHE says patients have "a part to play" in stopping the rise of infections. It is estimated: 5,000 people die in England each year as a r

Novelty contact lenses 'can cause sight loss'

Eye experts are warning of the risks of wearing novelty contact lenses at Halloween, saying they can cause nasty infections and scratches to the eyes. Cosmetic contact lenses are often sold in joke and fancy-dress shops and on websites, but they come without instructions on safe use. Eye-health professionals say novelty lenses should never be shared, stored in tap water or kept in overnight. In extreme cases, this can lead to impaired vision and sight loss. The Association of

Check NHS cancer, A&E and operations targets in your area

The NHS is under unprecedented pressure. Rising numbers of patients need hospital care - whether in an accident and emergency department, for cancer treatment or for planned operations and care, such as knee and hip replacements. For each there are strict targets local services are expected to meet across the UK. But what are the chances of being seen in time where you live? Use our interactive tracker to find out. Click the image to search for your local health trust How the

Children's door-crush finger injuries 'can be lifelong'

Children and toddlers whose fingers are crushed by closing doors can end up with lifelong problems, plastic surgeons are warning. The British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (Bapras) said the injuries in some cases could lead to amputation and long-term pain. They said parents should fit safety catches on all suitable doors at home. About 30,000 children trap their fingers in doors each year and more than 1,500 of them need surgery. The figures are from the

England to consider optout organ donation

A consultation on introducing an optout system for organ donation is to be held in England, ministers say. Currently anyone who wants to donate their organs after death has to "opt in" through the donor card scheme. But a new system, whereby it will be presumed an adult's body can be used in transplants in the absence of express permission, will now be considered. Wales has already introduced an optout system, while Scotland has said it will be following suit. The Welsh syste

Carrying the shopping can improve strength in over-65s, say experts

Carrying the shopping, gardening, or vacuuming, can help older people to lead healthier lives for longer, according to leading physiotherapists. They warn that millions of older people risk falls because they are failing to maintain their strength. Nearly a quarter of over-65s don't do any strength exercises, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) says. And it warns that the rise of internet shopping means fewer people carry home their groceries. Physiotherapists say no