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Most recent news analysis items...

News Item

Swine flu vaccination: NHS prepares next step (World health - EU Monitor 19/11/2009)

The swine flu vaccination programme will be extended to offer children over six months and under five protection against the virus. Extending the vaccination programme to young children is supported by the panel of experts that provide advice on vaccination issues. Children under five years of age are more likely than other groups to be hospitalised if they become ill with swine flu. Young children also have high rates of admission to critical care and, sadly, there have been some deaths.

NHS Analysis

Swine flu latest from the NHS (NHS Choices 21/11/2009)

Last updated: 01.00 BSTA strain of swine flu which is resistant to Tamiflu appears to have spread between patients at a hospital in Wales.The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed that five patients at the unit, who all have serious underlying health problems and suppressed immune systems, are resistant to the antiviral drug.The HPA said the risk to the general healthy population was low and there was no evidence that the new strain is more virulent than ...

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News Item

Alcohol 'protects men's hearts' (BBC 19/11/2009)

Drinking alcohol every day cuts the risk of heart disease in men by more than a third, a major study suggests. The Spanish research involving more than 15,500 men and 26,000 women found large quantities of alcohol could be even more beneficial for men. Female drinkers did not benefit to the same extent, the study in Heart found. Experts are critical, warning heavy drinking can increase the risk of other diseases, with alcohol responsible for 1.8 million deaths globally per year.

NHS Analysis

Too much booze still bad (NHS Choices 19/11/2009)

Several newspapers report that drinking excessive alcohol is good for the heart. The Daily Express claimed that a bottle of wine a night can halve the risk of heart disease, while The Independent estimated that "half a dozen beers every day" could cut the risk.These reports are based on a large population study that found a link between higher alcohol intake and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The study has several limitations, including the fact that the participants w...

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News Item

Pregnant women refusing to take swine flu vaccination, say doctors (World health - EU Monitor 18/11/2009)

More than half of patients being offered a vaccine against swine flu are refusing to be immunised, a snapshot survey suggests today. A poll of 107 GPs found that some people were concerned about possible side-effects of the jab while others believed there was no need to have it because the virus typically caused mild illness. GPs are inviting those at high risk from swine flu, including pregnant women, health workers and those with asthma, heart disease or diabetes, to have vaccinations.

NHS Analysis

Swine flu vaccine uptake (NHS Choices 18/11/2009)

Several newspapers have reported that pregnant women and other vulnerable people are refusing to have the swine flu vaccine. The Times reported that a poll of GPs found that only 46% of people who were offered the vaccine have accepted it, and one doctor estimated that only 5% of pregnant women have had it.The news reports are based on a "snapshot" survey of 107 GPs. The survey asked how likely they were to hit the government's target of vaccinating at least half of their patients who a...

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News Item

Chemicals may be 'feminising' baby boys (The Scotsman 17/11/2009)

CHEMICALS used in plastics might be "feminising" the brains of baby boys, according to a study published yesterday. Research into pregnant women has shown those with a higher concentration of two phthalates in their urine produced sons less likely to play with traditionally male toys such as lorries and games like play-fighting. The study, led by the Univ. of Rochester Medical Centre in the US and published in the International Journal of Andrology, examined the play of 145 pre-school children.

NHS Analysis

Plastic 'makes boys feminine' (NHS Choices 17/11/2009)

'Chemicals used in plastics feminise the brains of little boys,' according to the Daily Mail. Along with The Daily Telegraph, the newspaper claims that boys who are exposed to high doses of phthalate chemicals in the womb are also less likely to play with male toys or join in with rough games. Phthalates are a family of chemicals found in PVC shower curtains and vinyl flooring. BBC News says that the latest work adds to concerns about hormones potentially being disrupted by pht...

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News Item

Dementia drugs 'useless for most' (BBC 12/11/2009)

Needless use of anti-psychotic drugs is widespread in dementia care and contributes to the death of many patients, an official review suggests. About 180,000 patients a year are given the drugs in care homes, hospitals and their own homes to manage aggression. But the expert review - commissioned by ministers - said the treatment was unnecessary in nearly 150,000 cases and was linked to 1,800 deaths.

NHS Analysis

Dementia care in hospitals (NHS Choices 17/11/2009)

The quality of dementia care in hospitals has featured in many newspapers. The Times reported that campaigners have said, "Patients with dementia are staying too long in hospital and receiving 'disgraceful' care that worsens their condition." The Daily Telegraph said that "one in three never go back to their own homes and are discharged to a nursing home instead."The news stories are based on a report from the Alzheimer's Society, which surveyed a large number of carers, nursin...

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News Item

Warning over 'cosmetic ops risk' (BBC 16/11/2009)

Lack of regulation and "professional greed" is putting patients undergoing cosmetic surgery at more risk than ever before, a leading doctor warns. Nigel Mercer, president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, called the cosmetic surgery industry an "unregulated mess". Tighter control is needed to clamp down on issues such as two-for-one offers and untested products, he said. His views are backed by several doctors writing in the Clinical Risk journal.

NHS Analysis

Cosmetic surgery 'needs regulation' (NHS Choices 16/11/2009)

Several newspapers have reported the dangers associated with cosmetic surgery, including a lack of regulation in some areas of the industry. The reports also feature warnings from Nigel Mercer, the president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, who voiced his views as part of a series of medical articles on cosmetic surgery. Mr Mercer called for tighter regulation and testing of drugs, procedures and implants to offer more protection to patients.The Times reported ...

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