:: Fade - the blog ::

If you want to understand the origins of the headings go to Friday, November 29, 2002.

:: Saturday, February 15, 2003 ::

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Another 15 Minutes... Health News via Fade
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Aiding recovery with art therapy

Creative art can be used to help people who have experienced mental health problems.

BBC Health 16/02/03
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Colourful therapy targets cancer

Cancer cells can be destroyed using a colourful combination of chemical ingredients, researchers have discovered.

BBC Health 16/02/03
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Doctors urged to stop needless womb surgery

Doctors who carry out unnecessary hysterectomies or forceps births will face strict curbs in a move to give women patients more rights over their own bodies.

The Observer 16/02/03
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Early death of Dolly the sheep sparks warning on cloning

Dolly, the sheep, the first animal cloned from an adult cell, has died aged only six, after doctors discovered she had a progressive lung disease typical of older animals.

The Independent 15/02/03
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Fasting 'could hold key to Huntington's'

Starving mice could hold the key to delaying the onset of Huntington's disease, researchers have suggested.

BBC Health 16/02/03
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Fly-sized robots aimed at surgery

Robots the size of flies controlled by computers smaller than grains of salt could be with us within two years.

The Independent 15/02/03
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Milburn admits NHS crisis

Behind closed doors, the Health Secretary warns of a public backlash when higher taxes do not deliver better hospitals.

The Observer 16/02/03
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NHS 'to recruit more refugees'

The NHS is planning to recruit more refugees in an attempt to solve the staffing crisis faced by many hospitals.

BBC Health 16/02/03
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Row over prison diet research

The Prison Service has said it will not fund further research into prison food even though a recent study found that changing inmates' diets cut violent behaviour by 35%.

BBC Health 16/02/03
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Schools ration junk food

School canteens are rationing junk food to make pupils lose weight. The Scottish Executive is giving local authorities extra cash to spend on ridding school dinners of fattening foods.

BBC Health 16/02/03
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Screening will lead to end of Alzheimer's

The children of today will be the first generation who will be routinely screened and treated for Alzheimer's disease when they reach middle age, according to one of the world's leading experts in the most common degenerative brain disorder of old age.

The Independent 16/02/03
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Special pacemaker 'saves lives'

Fitting a pacemaker for heart failure could save thousands of lives in the United States alone, according to research.

BBC Health 16/02/03
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Women who work at night may raise cancer risk

Women who work at night may be exposing themselves to an increased risk of breast cancer, say scientists who believe there could be a link to underproduction of melatonin, the brain's sleep chemical.

The Independent 15/02/03
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:: Kieran 11:33 PM [+] ::
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Another 15 Minutes... Health News via Fade
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Benefits of new service

West Lancashire District Council and the Pension Service are working in partnership to offer older people the chance to get advice and information on their pensions at the council offices in Derby Street, Ormskirk. The Pension Service be holding pension surgeries there every Friday afternoon between 1pm and 4pm. No appointment is necessary.

Ormskirtk Advertiser 13/02/03
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Green tea could cut arthritis risk

Drinking green tea could help keep arthritis at bay, say scientists.

BBC Health 15/02/03
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Human tissue left to rot at waste tip

A hospital waste disposal company was fined £100,000 yesterday for offences which included leaving human tissue rotting in trailers at a public tip for more than four months.

The Guardian 15/02/03
BBC Health 14/02/03
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Leaving of Liverpool

Family doctors are deserting Merseyside as GPs nationwide move to better-paid and less stressful areas.

The Liverpool Echo 14/02/03
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Mobiles help patients keep hospital dates

An innovative scheme to use text messaging to remind patients of their hospital appointments has proved a great success.

BBC Health 15/02/03
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'New weapon' against leukaemia

British researchers are hoping to harness the body's natural killer cells to fight cancer. The immune cells produce chemicals that destroy foreign invaders and rogue leukaemia cells.

BBC Health 15/02/03
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Surgeon is jailed after cheating on his wife and friends

A surgeon was jailed for nine months yesterday after a fraud case exposed him as an adulterer, drug taker and callous liar.

The Times 15/02/03
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Taste's bitter experience

Your taste buds not only determine which foods you go for but they also affect - by definition - your chances of developing some diseases.

BBC Health 15/02/03
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U-turn on drive to close small hospitals

The Government has abandoned its plans to close small hospitals after huge public opposition.

The Times 15/02/03
The Guardian 15/02/03
The Independent 15/04/02
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Visit to the optician's saves a toddler's life

Optometrist Charles Forshaw was performing a sight test on four-year-old Shannon Williams when he spotted an abnormal swelling on her optical nerve.

Southport Visiter 14/02/03
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:: Kieran 10:53 PM [+] ::
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Une valise a ses cotés - Today's Grey Literature
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The Commission for Health Improvement have published:

'Report of a clinical governance review at Hampshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, NHS Direct Hampshire and Isle of Wight and NHS Direct Online'
'Report of a clinical governance review at Lancashire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and NHS Direct North West Coast'
'Report of a clinical governance review at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust'
'Report of a clinical governance review at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust'
'Report of a clinical governance review at Two Shires Ambulance Service NHS Trust and NHS Direct Thames Valley and Northamptonshire'
'Report of a clinical governance review at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust'
'Report of a clinical governance review at Velindre NHS Trust'

From the Department for Transport 'A Survey of Occupied Wheelchairs to Determine Their Overall Dimensions and Weight: Survey - 1999' which collects data on the overall dimensions and weight of people in their wheelchairs together with details about the wheelchair used. It is used to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities to transport and buildings. 'The Announce System: Making bus travel accessibile for all'. This report looks at the successful piloting of audible and visual 'next stop' equipment on buses. The greatest benefits of any wide scale introduction of such a system may be for improving the confidence of people who are less familiar with the service or area they travelling in, which in turn may assist in encouraging modal shift in favour of public transport.

From the Housing Corporation 'Validation of the Performance Reporting Systems of Housing Associations' which seeks views from a range of stakeholders on proposals that associations should establish consistent indicators to provide themselves with a basis for comparison benchmarking.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister are as busy as ever producing 'What Works?: Reviewing the evidence base for neighbourhood renewal' which presents an interim assessment of what works and promising approaches. It builds on a fuller initial assessment of the evidence in relation to tackling the five key NDC themes.

The Home Office have produced 'Guidance for local partnerships on alcohol-related crime and disorder data' which provides guidance to local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships on how best to gather and utilise data on alcohol-related crime and disorder. Specifically, it focuses on the collection and analysis of alcohol-related crime and disorder data within the context of conducting audits under the terms of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act. In addition 'Alcohol-related crime and disorder data: guidance for local partnerships' is intended to provide guidance for local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. It focuses on the collection and analysis of alcohol-related crime and disorder data within the context of conducting audits under the terms of the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act, and the routine profiling of data. Unrelated is 'The treatment and risk management of sexual offenders in custody and in the community' in which programmes are set out in detail by the Home office that provide the principal means to reduce risk, within a strategic framework for the management of risk posed by sex offenders.




:: Kieran 11:35 PM [+] ::
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She Dazzled Me with Basil - Random Jottings
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Yet more problems, half cut off todays list. What's that all about?
:: Kieran 3:27 AM [+] ::
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Une valise a ses cotés - Today's Grey Literature
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The Department of Health have published 'Response to Reforming NHS Financial Flows' these are comments that were invited on plans for fundamental changes in the way that funds flow through the NHS. This documents details responses to this consultation which closed in November 2002.

From the house of the Home Office, 'Joining Forces: The Black and Minority Ethnic Twinning Initiative: Evaluation and good practice' . The aim of the Initiative was to highlight good volunteering practice in black minority ethnic (BME) communities and improve the quality and quantity of volunteering opportunities for BME volunteers.


:: Kieran 2:19 AM [+] ::
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Une valise a ses cotés - Today's Grey Literature
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For those interested in community care the Department of Health have provided 'Community Care Statistics 2002 Supported Residents (Adults), England' which information on residential and nursing care placements funded by local authorities at 31 March 2002.

HM Prison Service and the Department of Health have issued 'Quality in prison healthcare: clinical governance'. This prison service order sets out requirements for Governing Governors to ensure that arrangements are being made for clinical governance in prison health care. They have alsoreleased a new edition of the 'Prison Health Handbook'.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has produced 'Delivering Adaptations – Desk Guide A Consultation Paper'. This document provides guidance to those charged with meeting the needs of disabled people and carers through adaptations to their homes. Whilst primarily intended to support the work of officers within housing and social service authorities it will provide useful information to their colleagues in related functions.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport have published 'Framework for the future: libraries, learning and information in the next decade', a new strategic framework for the public library service: 'Framework for the Future'. This document outlines the Government's long-term strategic vision for the role of public libraries with the purpose of helping local and library authorities agree on the key objectives for the public library service with central government and local communities.

The Audit Commission have produced 'Message beyond the medium: Improving local government services through e-government in England' a national report aimed at local government councillors on improving local government service through e-Government in England.


:: Kieran 4:02 AM [+] ::
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She Dazzled Me with Basil - Random Jottings
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Mic leaves FADE at the end of the week so the Salford PCT tie in kicks off that week. As I'm on the Isle of Man we hope all goes smoothly. Seem to be having a problem with mail posting. Will investigate this fully.

:: Kieran 1:27 AM [+] ::
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Another 15 Minutes... Health News via Fade
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Asylum rights evaporate

Ruud Lubbers, United Nation high commissioner for refugees, meets Tony Blair in Downing Street today to discuss much needed reforms to the international system.

The Guardian 10/02/03
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Blair's target on asylum is a 'long-term aim,' says Home Office

Labour is presiding over "complete confusion" on asylum, the Tories claimed yesterday after the Home Office appeared to water down Tony Blair's promise to halve the number of asylum-seekers arriving in Britain.

The Independent 10/02/03
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Daily life 'is good exercise'

Those feeling glum because their New Year gym memberships have already lapsed can take comfort from research suggesting people take more exercise than they think.

BBC Health 10/02/03
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Damp-proofing

Stress incontinence bars many women from a range of normal activities but now a simple surgical procedure can help them.

The Times 10/02/03
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Doctors accused of MMR jab fiddle

Doctors are not registering children whose parents do not want them to have the combined MMR vaccine so that they do not lose government funding.

The Times 10/02/03
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Error warning over separate MMR jabs

Hundreds of children may have been given ineffective vaccines against measles, mumps or rubella by private clinics offering single-shot alternatives to the combined MMR immunisation.

The Guardian 10/02/03
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Hundreds of vaccines botched

Hundreds of children may have been put at risk after two private clinics botched vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella, it has emerged.

BBC Health 10/02/03
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'I had a heart bypass at 37'

Health campaigners say women are "dangerously unaware" that heart disease is the biggest threat to their health.

BBC Health 10/02/03
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Mayor 'should have tested traffic charge'

Ken Livingstone faced criticism from MPs yesterday for introducing Britain's biggest congestion charging scheme without testing it first in a pilot study.

The Independent 10/02/03
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Money 'would eradicate rabies'

Rabies could be virtually eradicated if money was made available to fight the disease, say experts.

BBC Health 10/02/03
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New HIV barrier 'closer'

Scientists believe they could be a step closer to developing a new way of stopping the transmission of HIV without using condoms.

BBC Health 10/02/03
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Pay rules to be changed after £22,000 rise for Irvine

Gordon Brown yesterday promised to change the rules on top people's pay after it was revealed that the lord chancellor, Derry Irvine, was in line for a £22,000 a year increase at a time when public sector workers are being confined to modest settlements.

The Guardian 10/02/03
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Tories still split over Section 28

Iain Duncan Smith is facing a damaging double rebellion by Tory MPs and peers over his attempt to resolve the party's heated debate on gay rights.

The Independent 10/02/03
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Unmentionables: sweating

People have always tried to disguise unwanted bodily odours: the Egyptians used carob, incense and even balls of porridge under the armpits. The existence of websites such as www.sweating.co.uk and the poignant sweaty-palms.com only goes to confirm the importance of fighting sweat in our own age.

The Times 10/02/03
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Widow defends assisted suicide trip

The wife of Reginald Crew, who died in an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland last month, has called for voluntary euthanasia to be legalised in Britain.

BBC Health 10/02/03
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Women 'unaware of heart risk'

Women are "dangerously unaware" of the threat of heart disease, campaigners have warned.

BBC Health 10/02/03
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Young people 'encounter more mental health problems'

Youngsters have to deal with mental health problems on a scale never previously recognised, new research reveals.

The Guardian 10/02/03
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:: Kieran 1:09 AM [+] ::
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Une valise a ses cotés - Today's Grey Literature
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In a world chock full of Daily Mail readers railing against asylum seekers it's nice to have something about asylum seekers from the rational background of the Home Office 'The labour market outcomes and psychological well-being of ethnic minority migrants in Britain' which examines the quantitative significance of factors influencing ethnic minority migrants' access to employment and their participation in the labour force and in determining the psychological and psychosocial well-being of ethnic minority migrants. 'The local labour market effects of immigration in the UK' is concerned with an empirical analysis of the impact of immigration on outcomes of currently resident workers in local labour markets. 'Labour Market Performance of Immigrants in the UK Labour Market' analyses the performance of immigrants in the UK labour market. It attempts to draw a comprehensive picture of the labour market performance of immigrants, and the process of adaptation relative to the UK-born white population.

The 'Commission for Racial Equality Response to the Government's Entitlement Cards and Identity Fraud Consultation Paper' focuses on their likely impact on racial equality and race relations.

However not only have the Home Office been busy concerning themselves with migrants but substance abuuse is considered in 'Motoring Offences and Breath Test Statistics: England and Wales 2001'. The number of motoring offences dealt with by official police action or penalty charge notice in 2001 was 10.5 million, up five per cent on 2000 and the highest number recorded. 'Substance use by young offenders: the impact of the normalisation of drug use in the early years of the 21st century'. This report is one of five research reports published as part of the Vulnerable Groups Research Programme. The central focus of the programme was to investigate patterns of drug use among groups of vulnerable young people and their access to services. Each project focuses on a different group of vulnerable young people, who tend not to be included in general population surveys. 'One Problem Among Many: Drug use among care leavers in transition to independent living - Research study' the findings of this report are summarised in 4 pages by 'One Problem Among Many: Drug use among care leavers in transition to independent living - Research findings'. Following the then 'Youth homelessness and substance use: report to the drugs and alcohol research unit'. The main aim of this study is to provide a detailed account of homeless young people's substance use to inform future prevention and treatment work with this group. Aga in for a summary of its findings, chec out 'Youth homelessness and substance use: report to the drugs and alcohol research unit: research findings'.
:: Kieran 12:31 AM [+] ::
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Evil Edna's Corner - Broadcast Health for Next Week
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Health Matters Mon 10 Feb, 20:05 - 20:30
BBC World Service

Andrew Luck-Baker presents four programmes on the diseases which affect animals, which in turn have an effect on human beings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/h_matters_sci.shtml
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Health Matters Tue 11 Feb, 02:05 - 02:30
BBC World Service

Andrew Luck-Baker presents four programmes on the diseases which affect animals, which in turn have an effect on human beings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/h_matters_sci.shtml
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Health Matters Tue 11 Feb, 15:05 - 15:30
BBC World Service

Andrew Luck-Baker presents four programmes on the diseases which affect animals, which in turn have an effect on human beings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/h_matters_sci.shtml
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Health Matters Wed 12 Feb, 10:05 - 10:30

BBC World Service

Four-part series presented by Andrew Luck-Baker, looking at the impact the most prevalent animal diseases have on humans, and at what scientists, vets and farmers are doing in the battle against them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/h_matters_sci.shtml
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All In The Mind Wed 12 Feb, 16:30 - 17:00
BBC Radio 4 FM

Dr Raj Persaud explores mental-health issues. He asks whether we can really better ourselves. Is the self-improvement industry based on myth or is fundamental change possible?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/allinthemind.shtml
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All In The Mind Wed 12 Feb, 16:30 - 17:00
BBC Radio 4 LW

Dr Raj Persaud explores mental-health issues. He asks whether we can really better ourselves. Is the self-improvement industry based on myth or is fundamental change possible?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/allinthemind.shtml
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Children's Hospital Wed 12 Feb, 19:00 - 19:30
BBC One

Ceejay is rushed to hospital with suspected brain damage, Richard hopes to have surgery to repair his throat and Scott bravely copes with a rare skin disease. W/S.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/ch/
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Check Up Thu 13 Feb, 15:00 - 15:25
BBC Radio 4 FM

Barbara Myers presents the health phone-in. This edition is about travel and the precautions we should take when travelling abroad. Call 08700 100 444 [national rates] or email checkup@bbc.co.uk.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/checkup.shtml
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Horizon Thu 13 Feb, 21:00 - 21:50
BBC Two

Sexual Chemistry: Following the massive success of Viagra, Horizon reports on a new pilot study in rural Scotland that could provide an effective version for women. W/S.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/horizon/
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Campaigning For Health Fri 14 Feb, 04:30 - 04:45
BBC World Service

Dee Palmer looks at the ways health care professionals try to give us the information we need. She also discovers how health campaigns are targeted and planned.
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Body Matters Fri 14 Feb, 11:00 - 11:30
BBC Radio 4 FM

Writer and psychotherapist Susie Orbach explores the complex factors which shape our bodies, from our formative relationships and cultural influences to our biological make-up.
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Body Matters Fri 14 Feb, 11:00 - 11:30
BBC Radio 4 LW

Writer and psychotherapist Susie Orbach explores the complex factors which shape our bodies, from our formative relationships and cultural influences to our biological make-up.
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Sunday Surgery Sun 16 Feb, 21:00 - 23:00
BBC Radio 1

Emma B and Dr Mark Hamilton with help and advice on listeners' dilemmas. Call 08700 100 100 [national rates], or call free on 0800 110 100 to speak to someone off air.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/djs/sunday_surgery.shtml

:: Kieran 11:27 PM [+] ::
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Another 15 Minutes... Health News via Fade
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Actors warned to keep off the Botox

Botox injections and collagen implants have become so widespread in the British film industry that producers and directors are refusing to employ actors who have fallen under the thrall of the so-called pretty poison.

The Observer 09/02/03
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Britain's most dangerous hard drug den

Hidden behind deeply tinted windows, the Black and White Cafe in the St Paul's district of Bristol has a tiny formica counter where you can buy traditional Caribbean fare such as ackee, saltfish, curried goat and jerk chicken. But no one comes here for the food.

The Observer 09/02/03
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Britain is new battleground in Viagra wars

More than two million British men will soon be at the centre of the biggest drugs war of the decade, in a battle to sell new treatments for impotence.

The Independent 09/02/03
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Cabinet big guns to urge reform of public services

Tony Blair is sending his two revolutionary guards out this week to sell the case for reforming the public services.

The Independent 09/02/03
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Congestion charging 'should be extended'

The Government's transport adviser believes a controversial congestion charging scheme should be extended to other parts of London if it proves successful.

The Observer 09/02/03
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Drug firms search for the new pill for women

Viagra is for men – but could it be for women too? The world's pharmaceutical companies are investing millions in the search for treatments for female sexual dysfunction. If they succeed they will double an already lucrative market. But women are proving more complicated than men.

The Independent 09/02/03
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Drug warning as bullied children turn to steroids

Victims of bullying as young as 11 are using muscle-building steroid drugs to build up their bodies in a desperate attempt to scare off their tormentors.

The Observer 09/02/03
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'Exercise saved my spine'

Alison Hudson's spine was wrecked in a serious car smash at the age of just 17.

BBC Health 09/02/03
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Four new asylum sites to be named

Asylum-seekers are expected to be at the centre of yet more political controversy this week when the Government reveals the locations of up to four new accommodation centres to house up to 3,000 immigrants.

The Independent 09/02/03
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Gene link to psychosis gives hope to sufferers

A leading Oxford professor believes he could be close to identifying the causes of schizophrenia. Professor Timothy Crow's theories could offer hope to millions of sufferers.

The Independent 09/02/03
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'How can we lead a better life when we live in fear?'

Gabriel Nkwelle, a human rights activist, endured nearly a year in British prisons and detention centres before being granted asylum status.

The Independent 09/02/03
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Hundreds of vaccines botched

Hundreds of children may have been put at risk after two private clinics botched vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella, it has emerged.

BBC Health 09/02/03
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India tackles child polio

India is embarking on one of the most ambitious health programmes ever - immunising children against polio, which is a totally preventable disease.

BBC Health 09/02/03
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IVF egg donors 'risking their health'

Experts call for a ban on donations from strangers.

The Observer 09/02/03
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Laser eye surgeon is cleared

A doctor accused of failing to explain the risks of laser eye surgery to two patients who were left seeing ghost images has been cleared of serious professional misconduct.

Manchester Evening News 08/02/03
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Lord Chancellor changes mind and gives up £22,700 pay rise

Lord Irvine, the Lord Chancellor, was forced into an embarrassing retreat over his controversial £22,700 pay rise yesterday as the Government scrambled to defuse a 'fat cat' row.

The Observer 09/02/03
The Independent 09/02/03
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Our jails are full to bursting - and it's almost all down to drugs

This weekend some 71,000 people are behind bars, just 1,300 short of the maximum number possible - and yet crime rates have fallen. Why? Look to the increased use of heroin and crack cocaine and the 47,000 prisoners who need detox.

The Observer 09/02/03
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Suicide at refugee centre sparks hunger strike

An official inquiry has been launched into the death of an asylum-seeker, found hanged by his shoelaces in a detention centre. Mikhail Bodnarchuk was due to be deported back to Ukraine the day after he killed himself.

The Independent 09/02/03
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Superman's toughest battle

Actor Christopher Reeve has confounded medical opinion to fight a determined battle against paralysis - and his efforts are beginning to produce results.

BBC Health 09/02/03
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Traffic charge 'is unfair to the poor'

An influential committee of MPs has criticised the congestion charge scheme to be launched in London next week, warning against similar projects being adopted elsewhere in Britain.

The Independent 09/02/03
The Independent 09/02/03
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Vitamin 'could help prevent lung cancer'

A drug derived from vitamin A could help prevent former smokers from developing lung cancer, it has been claimed.

BBC Health 09/02/03
:: Kieran 1:28 AM [+] ::
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