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Health & Social Care

“Women’s rights are disability rights, and disability rights are women’s rights”

Lorna Rothery interviewed Ms Pirkko Mahlmäki, Chair of the Women’s Committee at the European Disability Forum, about the intersecting inequalities, stigma, and discrimination faced by women and girls with disabilities in the EU, and the measures needed across sectors to effectively tackle this.

AI medical scribes in emergency departments: Unlocking capacity where the NHS needs it most

The text discusses the challenges faced by EDs in the NHS, emphasising the need for efficient documentation systems that do not hinder patient care. The solution presented is Heidi, an ambient AI tool that listens to consultations and produces structured notes in real-time, enhancing workflow without compromising patient interactions.

WM5G introduces a health innovation framework to accelerate virtual care

WM5G launches an open health innovation framework designed to accelerate virtual care, diagnostics, and community health services throughout the UK.

Optical colour ultrasound: 3D imaging technique for high-resolution diagnostics

Scientists from Caltech and USC have developed RUS-PAT, a new 3D imaging technique that combines ultrasound with laser light. This hybrid system captures both anatomical structure and blood vessel function in high-resolution, "optical colour."

We need a parental leave system that works for parents today

Rachel Grocott, CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed, argues for urgent reform of the UK parental leave system, highlighting its inadequacies and outdated nature.

GMC closes NHS Basildon Anaesthetics Unit over patient safety concerns

The General Medical Council imposes conditions on Basildon University Hospital's anaesthetics training after concerns about patient safety.

NIHR funding to help health and social care adapt to climate change

NIHR has awarded nearly £700,000 to support UK health and social care projects focused on adapting to climate change and extreme weather, and on building urgent resilience.

NHS backs AI notetaking to free up more face-to-face care

NHS England urges use of AI notetaking tools to cut admin, boost clinician time with patients, and improve care, backed by evidence from trials at nine NHS sites.

NICE recommends new checks to spot hidden osteoporosis fractures earlier

NICE advises adding quick spine checks to routine bone scans to detect hidden vertebral fractures earlier and prevent pain and disability.

UK medical graduates to get priority access to NHS speciality training

Emergency legislation aims to prioritise UK medical graduates for core and higher speciality training places from 2026, addressing training bottlenecks and workforce shortages.

Purpose-built residential block – critical fire safety failures uncovered

A recent investigation into a five-storey purpose-built residential block of flats revealed two major fire safety failings that had gone undetected for years. These findings underscore the importance of qualified, independent oversight in maintaining building safety and compliance.

One in four GPs now using AI tools, frontline survey shows

New Nuffield Trust report shows 28% of UK GPs use ai tools in practice for documentation, admin, and development, but barriers like regulation, safety, and inequality remain.

Resident doctors suspend strikes after new pay and contract offer

Resident doctors in Scotland have suspended strikes after the BMA recommended a new pay-and-contract reform offer following negotiations.

1 in 10 patients first learn they have kidney disease via NHS app, report finds

The Falling through the GApp report by Kidney Care UK finds that many learn of chronic kidney disease via the NHS App, often without support, revealing a critical need for systemic reform.

Why wood burning threatens the fight for clean air

Jonathan Blades from Asthma + Lung UK discusses the rising concern and health impacts related to air pollution caused by domestic wood burning in the UK.

UK awards £2.5m contract to transform deployed military healthcare

The UK government has awarded a £2.5 million contract to develop a secure global military medical records system, enabling deployed clinicians to view and share health data even offline.

Cold weather drives £3bn in NHS spending, study finds

New Oxford University research reveals NHS England spends around 3% of its primary and secondary care budget, roughly £3 billion, on illnesses linked to extreme temperatures.

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