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UK coronavirus live: NHS to launch Covid-19 recovery service to treat long-term effects UK coronavirus live: NHS to launch Covid-19 recovery service to treat long-term effects
(32 minutes later)
The 72nd anniversary of NHS will see clap for carers at 5pm, as day two of lockdown easing measures take place in EnglandThe 72nd anniversary of NHS will see clap for carers at 5pm, as day two of lockdown easing measures take place in England
One of the largest studies into the long term health implications of coronavirus has been launched in the UK today. Surrey Police also said so-called Super Saturday had passed without incident.
Around 10,000 patients are expected to take part in the study, which has been given £8.4 million by the government. Detective Chief Inspector, Amy Buffoni, said that easing “was well respected” in Surrey.
Led by the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, a partnership between the University of Leicester and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, assess and publish findings on the impact of Covid-19 on patient health and their recovery. “I want to thank everyone who has worked hard in ensuring that businesses could start to reopen to the public while keeping business owners, employees and the wider public safe during this continuing pandemic,” he said.
This includes mental health implications, and research into the characteristics of patients which makes them more vulnerable to coronavirus, including gender and ethnicity. “No doubt many stayed at home last night balancing the risk that they are willing to personally accept but we should remember that we all have a part to play in reducing the risk of local lockdowns.
Both health secretary Matt Hancock and chief medical officer Chris Whitty praised the study as a key step in our understanding of coronavirus. “I encourage us all to maintain the government guidance on social distancing and the use of face coverings.”
Commander Bas Javid of the Metropolitan police says he is “pleased there were no significant issues or incidents in the capital” despite some areas being “notably busy”.
“The majority of the public complied with social distancing guidelines and remained vigilant. While some areas were notably busy such as Soho and Portobello Road, we are pleased there were no significant issues or incidents in the capital,” he said.
He also said a “small number” of premises closed early on advice from police officers due to overcrowding and a lack of social distancing.
“There were well-versed plans for this weekend and we worked closely with our partners and licensed premises – this was demonstrated by compliance from the large majority of venues and members of the public,” he said. “Officers were on patrol engaging with members of the public and hospitality venues to ensure a peaceful night and that will continue today.”
“It’s vital that we don’t lose track of how far we have come and all act responsibly and play our part to minimise the spread of Coronavirus,” he added.
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A&E doctors have expressed their thanks to the majority of pub-goers for drinking responsibly on Saturday night, saying that fears A&E departments could be overwhelmed “do not seem to have come to pass”.
The president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Katherine Henderson, said anecdotal reports from around the country “suggest [emergency departments] have coped well”.
“However, we will not know for certain for a few weeks, both in terms of attendance and Covid-19 cases, until figures are published,” she added.”
Henderson also criticised the “complete disregard for social distancing” seen in “small pockets” across the country, including as shown in these images from Soho in London.
“We hope those involved understand they must not visit their elderly relatives or any vulnerable people who could come to serious harm from the virus,” she said.
“As the pictures show, and as the chair of the Police Federation has said, it is crystal clear that drunk people cannot socially distance, and more work will be needed to figure out ways to enforce it.
She also reminded people the NHS was “still vulnerable” during the ongoing pandemic.
“On its 72nd birthday, we remind the public that the NHS is still vulnerable and that individuals have a part to play in protecting it by not going to extremes.”
One of the largest studies into the long-term health implications of coronavirus launched in the UK today.
Around 10,000 patients are expected to take part in the study, which has been given £8.4m by the government.
Led by the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, a partnership between the University of Leicester and the university hospitals of Leicester NHS trust, assess and publish findings on the impact of Covid-19 on patient health and their recovery.
This includes mental health implications, and research into the characteristics of patients that makes them more vulnerable to coronavirus, including gender and ethnicity.
Both the health secretary, Matt Hancock, and the chief medical officer for England, Chris Whitty, praised the study as a key step in our understanding of coronavirus.
The first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has joined other UK leaders in wishing a happy birthday to the NHS. Here’s his speech in Welsh:The first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has joined other UK leaders in wishing a happy birthday to the NHS. Here’s his speech in Welsh:
...and an English version below:...and an English version below:
A Spitfire with the message “Thank U NHS” painted on its underside will fly over NHS hospitals in the east of the country, ending over Cambridge, as the health service celebrates its 72nd anniversary.A Spitfire with the message “Thank U NHS” painted on its underside will fly over NHS hospitals in the east of the country, ending over Cambridge, as the health service celebrates its 72nd anniversary.
There will also be an NHS clap (yes, we’re bringing it back for one night only) at 5pm to commemorate the efforts of all key workers and volunteers during the pandemic. You can get more information about the tribute here.There will also be an NHS clap (yes, we’re bringing it back for one night only) at 5pm to commemorate the efforts of all key workers and volunteers during the pandemic. You can get more information about the tribute here.
Last night, monuments across the UK were lit up in blue to commemorate the birthday.Last night, monuments across the UK were lit up in blue to commemorate the birthday.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said hospital workers have only been able to pull the country through the pandemic thanks to a “national mobilisation” of all key workers, from care assistants and supermarket shelf-stackers to transport workers.NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said hospital workers have only been able to pull the country through the pandemic thanks to a “national mobilisation” of all key workers, from care assistants and supermarket shelf-stackers to transport workers.
Speaking to PA Media outside St Thomas’ hospital in London, he said the NHS’s anniversary was an opportunity to thank key workers.Speaking to PA Media outside St Thomas’ hospital in London, he said the NHS’s anniversary was an opportunity to thank key workers.
He said: “I think for NHS there will be a sense of relief, having coming through this huge first spike of coronavirus patients, but also people have been working incredibly hard.He said: “I think for NHS there will be a sense of relief, having coming through this huge first spike of coronavirus patients, but also people have been working incredibly hard.
“So there’s a need to take a moment to reflect and recharge the batteries while at the same time doing all the other brilliant things that the health service does.“So there’s a need to take a moment to reflect and recharge the batteries while at the same time doing all the other brilliant things that the health service does.
“This is a huge national effort and the NHS is hugely grateful for all the support it has received from all of the rest of the country.”“This is a huge national effort and the NHS is hugely grateful for all the support it has received from all of the rest of the country.”
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has revealed her son was born after 23 weeks of pregnancy, and spent six months in intensive care. She said his life was saved by NHS staff, describing him being alive as a “testament to them”.Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has revealed her son was born after 23 weeks of pregnancy, and spent six months in intensive care. She said his life was saved by NHS staff, describing him being alive as a “testament to them”.
Commemorating the 72nd birthday of the NHS, Rayner described her son Charlie, now 12, as an “NHS miracle” and said she was proud to be a member of the party that formed the health service.Commemorating the 72nd birthday of the NHS, Rayner described her son Charlie, now 12, as an “NHS miracle” and said she was proud to be a member of the party that formed the health service.
You can watch the video here:You can watch the video here:
The SNP have seen a surge in support during recent months, polling shows.The SNP have seen a surge in support during recent months, polling shows.
Polling has tipped in support of the SNP and Scottish independence to the highest level recorded by a Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times.Polling has tipped in support of the SNP and Scottish independence to the highest level recorded by a Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times.
The poll had support for a yes vote in an independence referendum at 54% and support for no at 46%. It also recorded strong support for Nicola Sturgeon’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, with the first minister’s approval rating on the issue at 60 points.The poll had support for a yes vote in an independence referendum at 54% and support for no at 46%. It also recorded strong support for Nicola Sturgeon’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, with the first minister’s approval rating on the issue at 60 points.
Boris Johnson’s approval rating on the crisis was at minus 39 points.Boris Johnson’s approval rating on the crisis was at minus 39 points.
According to analysis of the poll, this would translate to the SNP picking up 11 more seats in the Scottish parliament, giving the party a total of 74 MSPs out of 129.According to analysis of the poll, this would translate to the SNP picking up 11 more seats in the Scottish parliament, giving the party a total of 74 MSPs out of 129.
Polling expert Sir John Curtice said the average of the Panelbase polls over last six months, including the latest, put yes on 51% and no on 49%.Polling expert Sir John Curtice said the average of the Panelbase polls over last six months, including the latest, put yes on 51% and no on 49%.
Sturgeon has been a vocal critic of the Westminster government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, and ensured Scotland took a separate path.Sturgeon has been a vocal critic of the Westminster government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, and ensured Scotland took a separate path.
Along with other UK nations, she did not change to a “stay alert” message along with Johnson’s government, claiming the Scottish government had not been consulted on the change and did not think it was appropriate for Scotland. She has also taken the easing of restrictions at a different pace.Along with other UK nations, she did not change to a “stay alert” message along with Johnson’s government, claiming the Scottish government had not been consulted on the change and did not think it was appropriate for Scotland. She has also taken the easing of restrictions at a different pace.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that Scotland “owes a huge debt of gratitude” to health and social care workers, as she commemorates the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.First minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that Scotland “owes a huge debt of gratitude” to health and social care workers, as she commemorates the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.
You can watch her full video here:You can watch her full video here:
London’s famous Columbia Road flower market reopened for the first time since lockdown today, with social distancing measures in place.London’s famous Columbia Road flower market reopened for the first time since lockdown today, with social distancing measures in place.
Both sellers and buyers are spaced out in line with government guidance, and stalls are only in operation on one side of the road. This is a far cry from the usual scene at Columbia Road, which is renowned for its packed out crowds, and where hordes of people go to try to snap up a good deal on a cheese plant (like me) each week.Both sellers and buyers are spaced out in line with government guidance, and stalls are only in operation on one side of the road. This is a far cry from the usual scene at Columbia Road, which is renowned for its packed out crowds, and where hordes of people go to try to snap up a good deal on a cheese plant (like me) each week.
You can read more about the reopening of pubs, hair salons, and other businesses here.You can read more about the reopening of pubs, hair salons, and other businesses here.
The mayor of London issued a reminder that the pandemic “is not over” after revellers were seen breaching social distancing rules as pubs reopened in the city’s Soho area last night.The mayor of London issued a reminder that the pandemic “is not over” after revellers were seen breaching social distancing rules as pubs reopened in the city’s Soho area last night.
He reminded people that “the chief medical officer has warned there will be an uptick in Covid-19 cases if people don’t take the rules seriously”, and that “lives depend” on people following government guidance.He reminded people that “the chief medical officer has warned there will be an uptick in Covid-19 cases if people don’t take the rules seriously”, and that “lives depend” on people following government guidance.
You can read more about the city’s problems with social distancing here.You can read more about the city’s problems with social distancing here.
The chief executive of NHS England urged people to “not hold back” with concerns about cancer, and seek medical help.The chief executive of NHS England urged people to “not hold back” with concerns about cancer, and seek medical help.
However, he said the NHS was pleased to see a reduction in trips to A&E from “nights out boozing” and from car accidents as less people travel, and presumably drink and drive.However, he said the NHS was pleased to see a reduction in trips to A&E from “nights out boozing” and from car accidents as less people travel, and presumably drink and drive.
Simon Stevens said the NHS had not had the spike in A&E visits that was feared when pubs reopened yesterday.Simon Stevens said the NHS had not had the spike in A&E visits that was feared when pubs reopened yesterday.
NHS England is building a Covid recovery service, the chief executive, Sir Simon Stevens, has announced.
It will include face-to-face check-up, a personalised treatment package, and 12 weeks of online support.
Stevens warned that coronavirus would have lasting health impacts beyond the initial pandemic, with after-effects including scarring to lungs.
“This is a legacy which will be with us for years to come,” Stevens said.
According to the NHS website, the service “forms part of NHS plans to expand access to Covid-19 rehabilitation treatments for those who have survived the virus but still have problems with breathing, mental health problems or other complications.”
It follows the building of a new Seacole rehabilitation centre to help those most seriously affected by the deadly virus, with similar facilities expected to open across the country.
Stevens also said the NHS would be delivering the coronavirus vaccine when that happens, but that this would require training tens of thousands of new nurses.
When asked by Andrew Marr if the NHS was preparing for a second spike in winter, the chief executive of NHS England said “yes”, it was perfectly possible.
Simon Stevens said this would be particularly difficult if it coincided with seasonal bouts of the flu, which has similar symptoms to coronavirus. Stevens said we needed unprecedented flu vaccinations to help the NHS cope.
You can watch the clip here:
This is a good summary from Press Association about Hancock’s response to criticism of test and trace:
Earlier, the health secretary Matt Hancock said it was “completely wrong” to say the government’s NHS test-and-trace programme is not working effectively enough.
He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “We now have 127,000 – so far more people – who are isolating as a result of test and trace.”
On care homes, Hancock said: “If you compare us to other European countries, a far lower proportion of people have died in care homes – only about 30% of the total deaths in care homes, compared to about 50% from the European average.”
He added: “The number of people going from hospital to care homes reduced in that period. It didn’t go up, it reduced.”
Asked if he knew how many people who were moved back to care homes had Covid-19, he said: “No we didn’t because at that point … no, it comes back to this point about asymptomatic transmission. At that point, it was not known about the asymptomatic transmission of this disease because no other coronavirus transmits asymptomatically, as my understanding.”
He added: “The number of people who went from hospital into care homes fell during that period and so therefore we got more people, we supported more people to go home and get the support they needed at home, rather than into hospitals.”
Stevens has defended the controversial decision to move hospital patients to care homes without testing them for coronavirus, which was taken to free up beds for coronavirus patient.
Stevens says hospitals actually reduced the number of patients discharged to care homes, and they were all discharged because that was what clinicians thought was “medically the right thing to do”.
Asked why they weren’t tested beforehand, Stevens says hospitals followed PHE guidance and due to lack of testing capacity, had to prioritise tests for patients in intensive care units.
Hospital staff have said they did not knowingly discharge patients with Covid, but Stevens says less was known about asymptomatic carriers at the time.
Around 25,000 people were moved from hospitals to care homes without testing. You are 12 times more likely to be a victim of the virus if you’re over 80.
Stevens says we still do not have a “fair” adult social care system. He says that if Beverage was writing his “five social ills” again, there would be a sixth – adult social care.
Obesity doubles your likelihood of dying from coronavirus, says Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England.
Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, Stevens says as a country, we must work to tackle these issues, as collectively, “we still carry too many pounds”.
Health secretary Matt Hancock has defended the decision to impose a localised lockdown in Leicester.
Responding to suggestions the situation in Leicester does not require a lockdown, Hancock told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “It is not true to say that we shouldn’t take action unless the NHS is going to be overwhelmed. We need to take action to keep the virus under control.
“I’ve been against this sort of herd-immunity argument that is implied in that right from the start. So in Leicester, absolutely we’ve taken action in order to get the virus under control.”
He added: “There are more hospital admissions in Leicester than elsewhere in the country but they are not at a level that is creating difficulties for the trust there that is doing a great job.”
On reports that local authorities do not have enough real-time data on positive cases, Hancock said: “Where I want to get to is an open-data approach where we publish as much of this data as possible at as granular level as possible so that then it is not only my experts and local councils who are spotting problems, but then anybody can, raise them, and then we can take a look at that.”
As you can see from these photographs, social distancing was a mere memory for many revellers in Soho, London, last night.
John Apter, chair of the Police Federation, who worked in Southampton last night, said there were similar scenes there. He has warned that it is “crystal clear” that drunk people cannot social distance.
You can read more on his comments here:
Former chief scientific advisor David King says that if the UK had gone into lockdown a week earlier, we would have had a quarter of the number of deaths we have so far had.
The government’s former chief scientific adviser has warned that 27,000 “excess deaths” are likely between now and next April.
David King has been consistently critical of the government’s response to the pandemic, and even started a separate group of scientists called Independent Sage to offer alternative advice to the government’s scientific advisory group, Sage.
He says it appears government policy is to retain a policy of 3,000 infections a day, whereas Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be approaching net zero. King says both economically and health-wise, this is a better approach, as it would enable a safe, larger reopening.
“If we want to return to full economic growth as soon as possible, get rid of Covid,” he said.
You can watch the interview here:
People visiting places of worship this weekend will be asked to give their contact details.
This is the same policy as was rolled out in pubs when they reopened yesterday.
This is done to enable NHS contact tracers to locate everyone who has come into contact with someone who tests positive coronavirus, should this happen at a public place.