No extra NHS funding without reform, says PM

No extra NHS funding without reform, says PM

PA Media There will be no extra NHS funding without reform, Sir Keir Starmer says, as he promised to draw up a new 10-year plan for the health service. The pledge came after a damning report warned the NHS in England was in a “critical condition”. The prime minister said the new plan, expected to … Read more

How many of us will end up being diagnosed?

How many of us will end up being diagnosed?

BBC The number of people taking ADHD medication is at a record high – and the NHS is feeling the strain as it tries to diagnose and treat the condition. Since 2015, the number of patients in England prescribed drugs to treat ADHD has nearly trebled, and BBC research suggests that it would take eight … Read more

Nurses bore the brunt of Covid, former chief nurse says

Nurses bore the brunt of Covid, former chief nurse says

BBC Dame Ruth May was England’s chief nurse from 2019 until she retired in July 2024 Nurses bore the brunt of the pandemic, with low staffing levels and difficulties accessing protective equipment, according to England’s former chief nurse. Dame Ruth May told the Covid inquiry the NHS had been understaffed in 2020, in part because … Read more

Harm at risk of being normalised in maternity care

Harm at risk of being normalised in maternity care

Getty Images Many of the maternity failings at scandal-hit hospitals are being seen elsewhere, England’s NHS regulator says. Investigations into units in Shrewsbury and Telford and East Kent found poor care may have contributed to babies dying or having life-changing injuries. But the Care Quality Commission said many of the problems were more widespread. Its … Read more

Many pharmacists to vote on cuts to opening hours

Many pharmacists to vote on cuts to opening hours

Getty Images Many pharmacies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could cut their opening hours in protest over government funding, if a “work-to-rule” ballot passes. The National Pharmacy Association says its unprecedented ballot of members could mean chemists keeping strictly to the 40 hours a week they are required to open in the government contract. … Read more