Category: News
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Wales: new safeguarding campaign – Community Practitioner
This national safeguarding week, the Welsh Government have launched their new campaign called ‘make the call’. The campaign is urging the general public to contact social services on 101 if they are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of a child or young person. It highlights common signs of distress, including: social withdrawal anxiety aggression…
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News in numbers – Community Practitioner
A breakdown of recent community health news, in numbers… Read the full article in the journal. REFERENCES Department of Health (2023) Young Persons Behaviour & Attitudes Survey 2022: Substance Use (Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs). Available at: Young Persons Behaviour & Attitudes Survey 2022: Substance Use (Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs) | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk) (Accessed:…
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Northern Ireland: patient records go digital in new ‘milestone’ – Community Practitioner
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust are launching their new electronic patient record called ‘encompass’ (early November) and will cease to use paper records. From this point onwards, health and social care records will be digital, meaning consistent processes and data. Professionals believe encompass will make service delivery safer, more efficient and effective. Numerous…
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Scotland: new centre launched to reduce health inequalities in rural communities – Community Practitioner
The introduction of the new National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care aims to improve the delivery of healthcare services in rural communities and to reduce health inequalities. It will improve the capability of remote, rural and island primary care while enhancing the delivery of community-based services, the Scottish Government said. Both local…
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Obesity – is there an app for that? – Community Practitioner
Has it really come to the point that apps are the solution to weight loss? With four due to be used by NHS England, journalist Anna Scott asks whether it’s enough. ‘Obesity levels in the UK have not improved and the deprivation gap is widening,’ says Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA)…
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Nitrous oxide possession becomes illegal under new ban – Community Practitioner
Possession of nitrous oxide (NOS) could result in a prison sentence as the gas has been made a Class C drug. ‘NOS’ is a commonly used drug among 16- to 24-year-olds. The ban, under the government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, means possession with the intent to wrongfully inhale is now an offence. Consequences start at…
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Disappointment over missing mental health reform in King’s Speech – Community Practitioner
The King’s Speech marked the official state opening of parliament on Tuesday, where 21 bills were introduced. Some groups have expressed disappointment over a lack of mental health reform. The Mental Health Bill, raised in previous sessions, was notably missing from Tuesday’s speech. The Children & Young People’s Mental Health Coalition (CYPMHC) said they are…
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Mental health: extra government funding to support young people now – Community Practitioner
The government has announced additional funding to provide early mental health support to children and young people. Around 60 early support hubs are currently available throughout the country and open to those aged 11 to 25. Run by local services, the drop-in centres offer mental health support and advice to young people without a referral…
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Alarming rise in destitution in the UK – Community Practitioner
The amount of people experiencing destitution in the UK has increased by 61% since 2019, according to a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF). Destitution is defined as being unable to meet the most basic physical needs to stay warm, dry, clean and fed. This can be due to a lack of necessities or…
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NHS England launch national pelvic health service – Community Practitioner
Perinatal women will receive better care and advice about pelvic health under the new NHS scheme, the Department of health and NHS have announced. From April 2024, NHS England will implement their new perinatal pelvic health service (PPHS). This service will aim to: ensure women are offered a self-assessment as early as possible in pregnancy,…