Dear Colleagues,
Please find below a list of news items from the past fortnight that may be
of interest to those involved in public health on the afternoon of Tuesday
… 2011.
This news update service is provided to local public health teams in
collaboration with three other library services in Oxfordshire, Hampshire,
Bucks and Berks.
The following may be of particular interest:
National Horizon Scanning Centre (NHSC) launches enhanced
website
The National Horizon Scanning Centre (NHSC) has launched an enhanced
website
www.nhsc-healthhorizons.org.uk.
Alcohol misuse
What’s your poison? Alcohol special report
Is Britain beset by binge boozers? Will wine help you lose weight? Could
six cans of lager help you live longer? The media pose questions like these
on an almost daily basis, often using and abusing the findings of medical
research to back up their headlines.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/alcohol-special-
report.aspx
Doctors call for change to alcohol advice
Doctors have warned, “drinkers should have three alcohol-free days a
week if they want to avoid the risk of liver disease,” the Daily Mail
reported. It continued that the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) said that
the current guidance must be rewritten as it implies that drinking every
day is fine.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/alcohol-advice-royal-
college-physicians.aspx
Let's talk about alcohol - the new birds and the bees
Parents are being asked in a new campaign to do more to delay their
child's "first drink". But how do you start the conversation about alcohol?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15338335
SNP conference: Alcohol pricing bill back to Holyrood
A new bill on minimum pricing for alcohol will be introduced at Holyrood
within the next month, the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon has promised.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15394208
Chronic conditions
Does heart drug boost cancer survival?
Beta-blocker drugs could be a “skin cancer ‘lifesaver’,” the Daily Mail has
today reported. The newspaper said that the inexpensive heart pills “could
save the lives of thousands of patients with the deadliest form of skin
cancer”.
http://nww.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/beta-blockers-reduce-
spread-of-cancer.aspx
Uncertainty over bacteria in bowel tumours
Bowel cancer may be caused by a bacterial infection, The Independent has
reported.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/bacteria-found-in-bowel-
tumours.aspx
New way to predict cancer returning?
Researchers have developed a new breast cancer test “that predicts
whether or not their breast cancer will return after surgery”, The Daily
Telegraph has today reported. The newspaper says the test may mean
that thousands of women with a low risk of recurrence could be spared
unnecessary chemotherapy.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/new-test-for-breast-
cancer-return.aspx
Epilepsy surgery shows promising results, says study
People who cannot control their epilepsy with medication should be
referred sooner for surgery, suggests a study in The Lancet.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15299936
Mobiles 'don't increase brain cancer risk'
“A large study of mobile phone users has found no evidence that longer-
term users are at an increased risk of developing brain tumours,” The
Daily Telegraph has today reported.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/mobile-phones-brain-
cancer-risk.aspx
Royal Victoria Hospital to review immunology cases
Fifty-nine patients with conditions affecting their immune systems have
been offered review appointments at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15357954
Lung cancer vaccine shows promise
A vaccine which triggers the immune system to attack the most common
type of lung cancer has shown promise in early clinical trials, say
researchers.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15401739
Immune system defect may cause ME
Researchers in Norway believe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also
known as ME, may be caused by a wayward immune system attacking the
body.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15401746
Summary Care Record to benefit millions of patients with long
term conditions, say patient groups
A year on from a Ministerial review that confirmed the importance of
Summary Care Records in supporting urgent and emergency care, patient
groups are advocating its use to improve care for the millions of people
with long term conditions they represent.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421552&NewsAreaI
D=2
Trusts urged to follow NICE multiple sclerosis guidance
NHS Trusts are being urged to follow NICE recommendations to improve
care for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), following the results of a
national audit conducted by the Royal College of Physicians and the MS
Trust.
http://www.nice.org.uk/newsroom/news/TrustsUrgedToFollowNICEMultipl
eSclerosisGuidance.jsp
Communicable diseases
Fish pedicure risk "very low"
“Trendy fish pedicures could spread HIV and hepatitis C,” The Sun has
today reported. Its front-page story said that officials have raised an
“alert” over the treatment, popular in beauty spas, where tiny fish are
used to nibble away areas of hard foot skin.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/hpa-risk-fish-
pedicures.aspx
Malaria vaccine trialled
“Millions of children’s lives could be saved by a new vaccine shown to
halve the risk of malaria in the first large-scale trial across seven African
countries,” reported The Guardian. The newspaper goes on to say that the
long-awaited results of the largest-ever malaria vaccine study, involving
15,460 babies and small children, showed that it could massively reduce
the impact of the malaria.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/malaria-vaccine-
trialled.aspx
Malaria deaths fall over 20% worldwide in last decade
There has been a fall of just over 20% in the number of deaths from
malaria worldwide in the past decade, the World Health Organization says.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15346624
Pregnant women advised to get flu jab
“Pregnant women were urged to get their annual flu jab yesterday as
research showed they have a five times greater risk of a stillbirth if they
are admitted to hospital with swine flu,” reported The Independent.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/swine-flu-H1N1-risk-
pregnancy-still-birth.aspx
'First ever' fall in global TB
The number of people falling ill with tuberculosis has declined for the first
time, according to the World Health Organization.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15263365
Black Death genetic code 'built'
The genetic code of the germ that caused the Black Death has been
reconstructed by scientists for the first time.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15278366
Now wash your hands - and your mobile
It is the sort of news story that will have left many feeling queasy over
their breakfast cereal - a study which suggests one in six mobile phones is
contaminated with faecal matter.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15284501
Indian town battles against encephalitis
More than 460 people, mostly children, have died after a fresh outbreak of
encephalitis in northern India.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15398517
Update on Legionnaires’ cluster in UK travellers returning from
Corfu
14 October 2011
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of a further three confirmed
cases of Legionnaires’ disease in people who have travelled to Corfu since
August, bringing the total to 12. Another three possible cases with travel
history to Corfu are under investigation.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1317
131061495?p=1287147958032
Update on Legionnaires’ cluster in UK travellers returning from
Corfu
21 October 2011
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of a further confirmed case
of Legionnaires’ disease in people who have travelled to Corfu since
August, bringing the total to 13. Another possible case with travel history
to Corfu is under investigation.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1317
131146384?p=1287147958032
Diet & nutrition
Vitamin pills and risk of death studied
“Women have been told there is ‘little justification’ for taking vitamin
supplements in an academic study that found the tablets may be actually
linked to a higher risk of death,” The Daily Telegraph reported.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/dietary-supplements-
risk-death-older-women.aspx
Fruit and veg 'counter heart risk genes'
The Daily Express reports that a “wonder diet cures heart disease” and
goes on to say that “a simple diet packed with fruit and raw vegetables is
the key to beating heart disease.”
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/fruit-vegetables-
counter-heart-risk.aspx
Do sugar-free foods damage teeth?
“Sugar-free gum, sweets and soft drinks, marketed as healthy alternatives
to sugary products, can damage teeth, cause gastric problems and are
unlikely to promote weight loss,” The Guardian has today reported.
http://nww.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/acidic-sweeteners-may-
erode-teeth.aspx
When did potatoes become unpopular?
Potatoes have gone from nation-building superfoods to national pariahs.
Why?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15377913
Consumers 'don't pay attention to nutrition labels'
Nutrition labels should be placed in the centre of food packaging, rather
than in one corner, if shoppers are going to read them, says a US study.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15402403
Drug Misuse
Counterfeit drugs targeted by technology in India
Making pills that could save lives both in India and abroad, Indian
pharmaceutical companies are growing faster than ever before.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15208595
Legal highs need more controls, say drug council
The sale, supply and impact of so-called "legal highs" should be more
controlled, the government's drugs advisers have recommended.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15442117
New ‘Talk to FRANK’ campaign goes live
A new campaign to promote and signpost FRANK, the national drugs
information and advice service, to young people launched on 17 October.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2011/10/the-week-issue-219/#3pubs
Environmental health
Public consultation on a report proposing restrictions on four
phthalates
Calls for comments are requested on a restriction proposal for four
classified phthalates, DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/reach/news.htm#?eban=rss-
Emergency planning
International day for disaster reduction
Today marks the United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction;
the focus of this year’s awareness day is on the valuable contribution that
children can make in reducing the impact of natural disasters and in
making decisions that can safeguard both their lives and the lives of
people in their community.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1317
131036802?p=1287147958032
Health protection
Cosmetic surgery patients 'to take psychological test'
New assessments are being introduced at some private clinics to try to
stop people having cosmetic surgery they may later regret.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/15271979
Health services administration
National report on dignity and nutrition review published
This review was a targeted inspection programme of NHS hospitals. It
looked at whether older people are treated with respect and whether they
get food and drink that meets their needs.
http://www.cqc.org.uk/newsandevents/newsstories.cfm?widCall1=custom
Widgets.content_view_1&cit_id=37661
Adult social care excellence award will not go ahead
The Department of Health has confirmed that we will not be proceeding
with the adult social care excellence award, following the feedback
received during our recent consultation exercise.
http://www.cqc.org.uk/public/news/adult-social-care-excellence-award-
will-not-go-ahead
Epsom and St Helier NHS trust facing £38m funding gap
A Surrey hospital trust is facing a spending gap of £38m this year which is
predicted to get worse, it has emerged.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-15291791
Stepping Hill Hospital: Seventeen patients poisoned
Seventeen people were poisoned by contaminated saline at Stepping Hill
Hospital, police have said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-15335627
GPs striking off patients 'with no warning'
Some GPs are striking off patients from practice lists without warning, the
Health Service Ombudsman says.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15340914
Better hospital IT 'would save thousands of lives'
Better use of information technology in England's hospitals could help
prevent 16,000 deaths a year, a report says.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15340102
EU rules on health staff 'put patients at risk'
Patients are being put at "unacceptable risk" because of EU rules
governing the movement of health workers, peers say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15353120
Patients' taxis cost NHS millions
More than £30m has been spent on taxis for NHS patients since 2008
because of a shortage of official non-emergency transport, the BBC has
learned.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15115652
NHS Highland issue apology for patient's bed sore
A health board has issued an "unreserved apology" to a patient who
developed a large bed sore while recovering from an operation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-15375149
Hospitals not 'be all and end all of NHS', say bosses
The head of the body representing health boards has said it is time to stop
thinking about hospitals as the "be all and end all" of the NHS.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-15376246
Compensation after wrong side of heart operated on
A man who had the wrong side of his heart operated on has received a
six-figure sum in compensation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-15400439
NHS reforms: Audit areas to be extended, Lansley says
Monitoring of NHS healthcare is to be extended to 11 extra areas of
medicine, the health secretary has announced.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15416115
Greater choice for NHS patients across the country
NHS patients in England will have the freedom to choose, not only where,
but who provides their hospital care from April 2012, Health Secretary
Andrew Lansley announced today.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421546&NewsAreaI
D=2
Lansley names preferred Chair of NHS Commissioning Board
Professor Malcolm Grant has been named by Health Secretary Andrew
Lansley as the preferred choice to head up the NHS Commissioning Board,
the independent body that will drive continuous improvements in quality
in the NHS. Professor Grant now appears in front of the Health Select
Committee in a pre-appointment scrutiny hearing on Tuesday 18 October.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421605&NewsAreaI
D=2
Professor Malcolm Grant confirmed as chair of NHS Commissioning
Board
Professor Malcolm Grant has today been confirmed as the Chair of the
NHS Commissioning Board.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421670&NewsAreaI
D=2
Improving efficiency in blood and organ donation
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) must continue its work to improve
services ensuring that blood supplies are used appropriately, efficiently
and safely, a Department of Health report published today states.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421639&NewsAreaI
D=2
Changes made to NHS Constitution to enshrine whistleblowing law
Doctors, nurses and other NHS workers who blow the whistle will be
protected in the future, under changes to the NHS Constitution announced
by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421644&NewsAreaI
D=2
Record low for mixed sex accommodation
70 per cent of the NHS now free from mixed sex accommodation
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421689&NewsAreaI
D=2
PCT Cluster Governance
The National Director for Improvement and Efficiency has issued a letter
setting out conclusions of the NHS Management Board following
discussions on the governance arrangements of PCT Clusters.
http://www.nelm.nhs.uk/en/NeLM-Area/News/2011---October/13/PCT-
Cluster-Governance/
Health Service Ombudsman report on complaints handling in the
NHS
The Health Service Ombudsman has published a report on complaint
handling by the NHS in England in 2010-11 which finds that it is failing to
deal adequately with the ‘most straightforward matters’, and describes the
progress being made to improve the process as ‘patchy and slow’.
http://www.ombudsman.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-
releases/2011/nhs-is-failing-to-deal-appropriately-with-most-basic-
complaints
HIV & AIDS
HIV patients' life expectancy rises
“More Britons than ever have HIV – but their life expectancy after
diagnosis has never been higher,” The Independent has today reported.
The newspaper said new research has shown that the life expectancy of
UK HIV patients had improved by 16 years in the past decade.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/life-expectancy-uk-
people-with-hiv-improves.aspx
Infant & child health
Autism birthweight link not clear
“Babies born weighing less than 4lb (1.8kg) could be more prone to
developing autism than children born at normal weight,” BBC News has
reported.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/very-low-birthweight-
autism-link.aspx
Consultation on screening for autism
The UK NSC has begun a consultation on screening for Autism Spectrum
Disorders in Children below the age of 5 years.
http://www.screening.nhs.uk/news.php?id=11977
Parents 'should approve skin piercings for under-16s'
Under-16s would be stopped from having cosmetic piercings without their
parents' permission under a proposal from the Welsh government.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-15335707
Lack of outdoor play linked to short-sighted children
The time children spend outdoors could be linked to a reduced risk of
being short-sighted, research suggests.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15427954
Mental health
Dementia sufferers 'not treated like thinking human beings' –
report
The number of people living with dementia is expected to increase faster
in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK, according to research.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15347621
IQ 'can change in teenage years'
The mental ability of teenagers can improve or decline on a far greater
scale than previously thought, according to new research.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15369851
£20 million to knock down mental health stigma
The Government is joining forces with Comic Relief to help tackle mental
health stigma, with funding of up to £20 million for Time to Change, the
leading stigma and anti-discrimination campaign, run by Mind and Rethink
Mental Illness.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421534&NewsAreaI
D=2
Children and teenagers to benefit from successful adult mental
health therapy
The Government is investing £32 million in psychological therapies,
including talking therapies, for children and young people with mental
health problems, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow will announce today.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421729&NewsAreaI
D=2
Obesity
Public 'need to be more honest about eating habits'
People need to be more honest about how much they eat and drink if
obesity levels are to be cut, ministers say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15289625
Obesity 'worse for teen girls' blood pressure'
Obesity has a greater impact on the blood pressure of teenage girls than
on teenage boys, a US study has suggested.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15305061
Government calls time on obesity
A bid to slash five billion calories off the nation’s daily diet was set out as
part of the Government’s ambitious new plan to tackle obesity by the
Department of Health today.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421572&NewsAreaI
D=2
Older people
Regulator calls for better care for the elderly
Many newspapers today covered a new report on the standard of care that
older people receive in hospital. The report by the Care Quality
Commission (CQC), the health watchdog, found that half of all hospitals
that it looked at failed in standards of care for the elderly.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/report-on-elderly-
hospital-care-released.aspx
Sexual health
Egg donor compensation is to triple under new HFEA guidelines
The UK's fertility watchdog has agreed to triple the compensation given to
women who donate eggs to help infertile couples to have a child.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15356148
FPA Chief Executive Julie Bentley responds to comments on sex
and relationships education
Responding to comments about sex and relationships education made on
the Sunday Morning Live programme on Sunday 16 October 2011, FPA
Chief Executive Julie Bentley said…
http://www.fpa.org.uk/pressarea/pressreleases/2011/october/fpa-chief-
executive-julie-bentley-responds-to-comments-on-sex-and-relationships-
education
Smoking
Smoking linked to early menopause
“Women who smoke face going through the menopause at least a year
earlier than non-smokers,” the Daily Mail has reported.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/smoking-linked-to-early-
menopause.aspx
Social & economic issues
Relationship satisfaction linked to oral contraception
A Stirling University researcher has connected relationship satisfaction
with oral contraception.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-15262562
Money woes hit cancer patients, says charity
Financial problems affect more than two-thirds of cancer patients, with
some going without food because money is so tight, a charity has claimed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15403402
Facebook and brain changes
“Facebook users with more friends have bigger sections of brains,” the
Daily Mirror reported. The newspaper said the study that made the finding
did not reveal “if having more virtual friends makes the regions grow, or if
such people are naturally ‘hard-wired’ to make more connections with
others”.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/facebook-brain-
changes.aspx
Statistics
Statistical press notice:NHS referral to treatment (RTT) waiting
times data - August 2011
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421555&NewsAreaI
D=2
Statistical press notice - direct access audiology - referral to
treatment (RTT) waiting times data August 2011
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421566&NewsAreaI
D=2
Statistical Press Notice: Access to GUM services
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421662&NewsAreaI
D=2
Statistical press notice: Mixed-sex accommodation breach data -
September 2011
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421664&NewsAreaI
D=2
Statistical press notice: Critical care and delayed transfers of care
statistics – September 2011 data
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421687&NewsAreaI
D=2
NHS Information Centre report: Investment in General Practice in
UK 2006/07 to 2010/11
This report from the NHS Information Centre details the investment in
General Practice from 2006/07 to 2010/11.
http://tiny.cc/2vmjb
King’s Fund issues third quarterly report on NHS performance
he King’s Fund has published its third quarterly monitoring report, which
aims to provide a regular update on how the NHS is coping as it tackles
the evolving reform agenda as well as the significant challenge of making
improvements in productivity.
http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/nhs_performance_oct.html
Women’s health
Scare over miscarriage scans unjustified
Several news sources have today reported that errors during early-
pregnancy ultrasounds are leading to unnecessary abortions. The Daily
Mail said that hundreds of babies a year may die due to 'blunders' in
testing and the Metro said that unreliable tests caused a baby to die every
day.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/ultrasound-scan-
miscarriage-early-pregnancy.aspx
Researchers examine 'fertility switch'
“High levels of a protein called SGK1 can cause infertility, but when there
is not enough, women are more likely to lose a baby,” reported the Daily
Mirror. The newspaper said that scientists hope “the discovery will lead to
treatments to ensure women have the right levels of the enzyme in their
womb lining.”
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/sgk1-enzyme-linked-to-
fertility.aspx
New IVF screening tool studied
“Three-in-one test that ‘virtually guarantees IVF success’ could be
available within months,” reported the Daily Mail. It said that the test
allowed only the best eggs or embryos to be selected for IVF, and is
expected to “slash the odds of miscarriage and greatly boost the chances
of a woman having a healthy baby”.
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/10October/Pages/ivf-screening-test-of-
oocytes-and-embryo.aspx
Workplace health
Supreme Court backs asbestos compensation law
Insurance companies have failed in a legal bid to scrap the right of people
in Scotland to claim damages for an asbestos-related condition.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15264262
Asbestos checks reveal compliance picture at non-LA schools
Checks on how schools outside of local authority control are managing
asbestos have revealed that most have adequate arrangements in place -
though 17 per cent fell below acceptable standards in relation to
management procedures.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2011/hse-
asbestosinschools.htm#?eban=rss-
Asbestos management in schools outside of Local Authority
Control 2010/11
In 2010/11 HSE inspected a randomly selected sample of 164 schools
outside of local authority control in England, Scotland and Wales as part of
a coordinated inspection campaign.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/services/education/asbestos-management-
1011.htm#?eban=rss-
Amputee veterans' care gets £15m boost from government
Prosthetics services for military veterans are to receive funding of up to
£15m, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15402958
New NHS treatment centres for military heroes
Murrison’s NHS prosthetics services review recommendations supported
by Government
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421694&NewsAreaI
D=2
Chief Nuclear Inspector's report on lessons from Fukushima
An analysis of the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident reveals no fundamental
safety weaknesses in the UK’s nuclear industry but concludes that by
learning lessons it can be made even safer.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/nuclear/fukushima/final-report.htm#?eban=rss-
2011 Farmers Weekly Awards winner: Farming Champion
James Chapman, farm worker and chairman of the National Federation of
Young Farmers' Clubs, wins an award in recognition of his work in
spreading potentially life saving safety messages across the faming
community.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/articles/farmers-weekly-
awards.htm#?eban=rss-
Safety watchdog challenges construction industry to learn from
London 2012
Britain's safety watchdog is challenging the construction industry to learn
from the London 2012 construction project and improve the safety record
of one of the most dangerous occupations in Britain.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2011/hse-london2012.htm#?eban=rss-
BackCare Awareness Week October 2011
Schoolchildren and their teachers are the focus of this year's BackCare
Awareness Week.
http://www.backcare.org.uk/5011/BackCare-Awareness-Week.html
Local news:Berkshire
Thames Valley Police goes live with 101
Thames Valley Police is due to go live with 101, the new national single
non-emergency number on 14 November 2011, which will replace the
0845 8 505 505 number. Both numbers will run side by side until the end
of March, but if demand for the 0845 8 505 505 number drops it may be
discontinued earlier.
Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per
call, no matter what time of day the call is made, or the duration of the
call.
http://nww.berkshirehct.nhs.uk/_store/documents/thames_valley_police_
101_number_leaflet_blue.pdf
Guidance on the Ban of Tobacco Vending Machines
http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ts_tobacco_vending_machines.htm
Don’t ride the blind spots
Slough Borough Council’s road safety team has launched their latest
campaign aimed at raising awareness of the danger of cyclists riding in
the blind spots of motor vehicles.
http://www.slough.gov.uk/news/articles/23971.aspx
Be safe-Be seen Event- Wednesday 26 October
As the evenings are beginning to draw in and the clocks are about to
change, West Berkshire Council is holding a 'Be safe-Be seen' event to
ensure that cyclists stay as safe as possible through the winter months.
http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=23944
Council Proposals See Increase in Homeless Accommodation
20/10/2011
Press Release
Accommodation for homeless people in Reading is set to increase, under
Council proposals aimed at delivering better value for money. As a result
of the Council's review of its Homeless Pathway scheme, the number of
beds available for homeless people in the borough will go up by 24 to 224.
http://www.reading.gov.uk/latest/mediareleases/PressArticle.asp?id=SX9
452-A785F522
Partnership wins funding to provide mental health support for
young people
The Charlie Waller Institute of Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment,
the University of Reading's pioneering mental health training and research
centre, and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust have been awarded
funding by the Government to improve mental health support for young
people.
http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/newsandevents/releases/PR411410.aspx
Local news:Oxon
Two genes linked to risk of severe dengue
Two gene variants associated with increased susceptibility to severe
dengue have been identified by Oxford University researchers in South
East Asia. The findings offer clues to how the body responds to dengue
infection.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2011/111710_1.html
Google Earth maps reveal secrets of typhoid outbreaks
Oxford University scientists have used Google Earth to track the spread of
typhoid in Kathmandu, Nepal.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2011/111018.html
Radiotherapy after surgery halves breast cancer recurrence
Radiotherapy following surgery for breast cancer halves the chances of the
cancer coming back over the next 10 years, a study led by Oxford
University researchers has found.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2011/112010.html
Boost for drug discovery
A scientific consortium engaged in research relevant to the discovery of
new drugs has been given a big boost, with almost £31 million in new
funding over four years.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/science_blog/111021.html
Other South East Public Health news update services:
Title Focus areas Contact email
name
DH SE A monthly email update Anh Tran, Anh.tran@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Information containing national and Health
Update regional public health news Evidence and
and information with a Information
focus on policy.
Health Fortnightly email update Jill Rutland, jill.rutland@nhs.net
Intelligence containing public health Kent &
bulletin news, publications and Medway
information from Public Health
government and other Network
relevant websites.