ARGET OVARIAN CANCER LEAD MARCH TO DOWNING STREET TO DEMAND GOVERNMENT TAKE ACTION ON THE OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS CRISIS
“Enough is enough.” These are the words etched onto paper by over 20,000 people in an open letter, published by Target Ovarian Cancer, urging the government to take action on the ovarian cancer awareness crisis –a disease which kills 11 women every day.
Target Ovarian Cancer campaigners marched to Number 10 Downing Street yesterday to amplify the voices of thousands of people who have signed the open letter demanding that the government take urgent action to save lives.
This momentous milestone – the first time thousands have come together to call on the government in this way – comes following the alarming findings of the charity’s latest research which revealed that four out of five women could not name the key symptom of ovarian cancer, persistent bloating.
This is in addition to the Ovarian Cancer Audit Feasibility Pilot which revealed 14% of women diagnosed in England between 2013 and 2018 died within two months of diagnosis, and 30% died within the first year.
The open letter has been led by Target Ovarian Cancer – the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity that improves early diagnosis, funds life-saving research and provides much-needed support to everyone affected by ovarian cancer.
As there is no current effective screening process for ovarian cancer, knowing the symptoms – persistent bloating, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and needing to wee more urgently – is essential to survival and early diagnosis.
Annwen Jones OBE, Chief Executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said:“At Target Ovarian Cancer, we know that there is a huge crisis in ovarian cancer awareness and diagnosis and are overwhelmed by the strength of support our open letter has received.
“It’s extremely sobering to see over 20,000 people come together to demand that the government take immediate action to save lives. 20,000 voices cannot be ignored.
“The reality is that too many people are dying as not enough is being done to make the symptoms of ovarian cancer known. The reality is that diagnosis is coming too late because of this. The reality is that we need the government’s support to reach anyone who could be diagnosed early with this disease in order to save lives.
The open letter tells the government what is needed to combat the crisis: dedicated ovarian cancer symptoms awareness campaigns across the UK.
One supporter who joined fellow Target Ovarian Cancer’s campaigners is Annie Griffin, who was diagnosed with stage Ia mucinous ovarian cancer – a rare type of ovarian cancer – in 2020.
Annie added:“If we don’t share our ovarian cancer experiences with our MPs how will they know what we go through? How can we expect change if we don’t speak up?
“The weeks and months that it took to get diagnosed and finally understand what was wrong with me took their toll. I genuinely thought it was middle age, perimenopause, and fibroids. Nothing rang alarm bells, and I don’t want that to happen to other women. That’s why we need more awareness around ovarian cancer, that’s why I’m on a mission to help make that happen.”
The charity was outside Westminster today on behalf of 20,000 people, demanding the government take urgent action on the ovarian cancer awareness crisis.
Della Ogunleye, 60 from London, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019, also attended the open letter hand in, added:“Target Ovarian Cancer amplifies our voices.
“Together, we can reach places and have conversations that we may not be able to achieve alone. The saying goes, if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together.
“We need greater awareness of symptoms now. By standing together our voices will be louder.”
To find out more about Target Ovarian Cancer or access its support line visit:
Is bedtime a nightmare for you and your child? You’re probably not alone, three quarters (73%) of children aged 4-12 have night-time fears, such as monsters and bad dreams.
To help combat this, Happy Beds spoke to over 100 young children across the UK to find out what children really want in a ‘good’ monster under the bed to protect them from these fears.
Educational Child Psychologist, Karen Jones, has unpicked the most common monster characteristics from the experiment and applied them practically, explaining how these tips will help children get a better night’s sleep.
Five expert tips to help children sleep
1. “A monster who plays music to fight off the baddies”
Tip: Play a lullaby
Once your child is in bed, you rely on them feeling relaxed enough to sleep, however, they’re much more likely to enter into a stressed state if they’re sitting in the dark and tuned in to every noise. Playing relaxing music can be key to keeping them calm enough to sleep.
2. “My monster smells of my favourite fruit, raspberries and strawberries”
Tip: Spray familiar scents
Try spraying a familiar scent, such as mum or dad’s perfume or aftershave in their room or on their bedtime teddy. Smell allows a child to feel calm and protected thanks to the sensory recognition it creates and it can be a great way to soothe a child.
3. “A monster with blue fur and red paws”
Tip: Utilise primary colours
Whilst we tend to feel like pastel colours are always best as they are calming, when you’re decorating your child’s bedroom, consider brighter, primary colours – such as those that their favourite superhero wears or that they would recognise from a playground.
4. “My monster has a special glitter cape when I get scared”
Tip: Make a calming glitter jar
Using an old bottle or jar, create a calming jar with glitter, glue and hot water. Watching the swirls of glitter slowly glide from one end of the jar to the other, has a relaxing soothing effect on children and is proven to help with anxiety
5. “He has a soft tummy, fluffy arms and velvet legs”
Tip: Ensure their bed is cosy
Children love to cuddle – fill their bed with different textured soft items so they can self-soothe. This will help make a secure, safe space for a child to relax in.
Happy Beds, challenged children to design a new Happy Monster mascot to win a brand-new child’s bed worth £500, as well as have their monster properly designed into a real-life soft toy.
After hundreds of imaginative and exciting entries, a winner has been chosen, with Educational Child Psychologist, Karen Jones, giving her insight into the designs.
The winner… Superhugs, designed by Logan, aged 3 from Scotland.
This hairy blue and red monster, named Superhugs, was declared the winner.
Logan’s mum, who designed him said: “Superhugs monster senses tell him when bad dreams are coming, his blue fur tingles and sends a forcefield to banish all bad dreams away from the bedroom, then a warm hugging red glow appears and comforts the little one through the night.
“He smells of raspberries and strawberries and is super soft to touch, with a bright furry red face & paws.”
Karen Jones commented: “As children’s senses are much more sensitive than those of adults, this also makes them the best way to go from stressed to calm.
“Logan has given Superhugs certain sensory cues, such as bright, primary colours and a unique smell, which can be the quickest way to soothe a child.”
For tips on helping children sleep with night terrors, click here.
LGBT+ people across Scotland are continuing to face health inequalities across every measure of wellbeing, according to a major new report by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian and Public Health Scotland.
The findings of the Health Needs Assessment, commissioned by the Boards, found that the COVID pandemic has exacerbated issues, with significant numbers experiencing loneliness and isolation, while almost a half of LGBT+ people in the survey said they had experienced discrimination in the previous year – with trans and non-binary communities experiencing higher levels of abuse.
The assessment also revealed significantly high levels of mental ill-health, with more than half of all respondents reporting issues such as depression, anxiety and stress, with the highest rates experienced by trans and non-binary individuals.
The comprehensive assessment was undertaken to better address gaps in knowledge about the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ patient groups, to better inform approaches to public health for LGBT+ people, across seven groups: lesbian and gay women, gay men, bisexual women, bisexual men, trans women, trans men (trans masculine) and non-binary people across the Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Lothian areas.
Nicky Coia, Health Improvement Manager at NHSGGC said: “This report should serve as a wake-up call for everyone involved in the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ communities.
“Too many continue to suffer from discrimination and abuse, are experiencing social isolation and loneliness and suffering the impacts of poor mental health. This, combined with the poor socio-economic situations many find themselves in, contributes to a substantial health inequalities on every measure of wellbeing.
“While there are positives to be taken in terms of how LGBT+ experience healthcare, particularly from the GPs, there is still work to be done to improve access to, and experience of, person-centred healthcare, that treats the individual, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health and Health Policy at NHS Lothian, said: “We interviewed more than 200 people and over 2,500 people took part in the online survey as part of this research. Their experience is in stark contrast to the progress that many of us may feel has been made in achieving equality in Scotland.
“I want to thank everyone who took part and express our shared desire to highlight this as a key public health issue and deliver real improvements in health and wellbeing for LGBT+ communities.”
Some of the key findings include:
· Nearly three in four (73%) survey respondents said they ever felt isolated from family and friends and nearly two in five (38%) had felt lonely all of the time or often in the previous two weeks. Trans and non-binary people showed the highest levels of isolation and loneliness.
· The survey showed that overall more than half (54%) of respondents said they had mental health problems e.g. depression/anxiety/stress, but this was higher for trans masculine (75%), non-binary people (72%) and bisexual women (61%). Only one in four (25%) survey respondents rated their general mental and emotional wellbeing positively – but this was lowest for non-binary (9%) and trans masculine (12%).
· Of those who answered the question in the survey, nearly one in three (31%) said that they had ever made an attempt to end their life. Although the prevalence of suicide attempts was high across all LGBT+ groups, it was highest among trans masculine and non-binary people, with nearly half of respondents in these groups saying they had made a suicide attempt.
· Overall, nearly half (44%) of LGBT+ people in the survey said they had been discriminated against in the last year, but this was highest for non-binary (65%), trans masculine (62%) and trans women (55%).
· The survey findings show that 37% of LGBT+ respondents had ever experienced an abusive relationship; identity groups with the highest proportion reporting abusive relationships were trans masculine (48%), non-binary (45%), bisexual women (43%) and trans women (38%).
· only 59% overall rated their general health positively. Gay men and gay/lesbian women were the most likely to rate their health positively, while trans masculine and non-binary people were the least likely. A third (33%) of LGBT+ people had a long-term condition or illness that substantially interferes with their day to day activities.
· Most (88%) survey respondent had financial worries at least some of the time. One in six (18%) had experienced food insecurity in the previous 12 months. One in eight (13%) had ever been homeless.
The report’s authors have made 41 recommendations, including an immediate request that all Scottish local authorities should provide or fund at least some, community-led groups or activities for LGBT+ people, with provision for cultural, sport and physical activity and social interest groups, as well as targeting specific identity groups.
Other recommendations call for improvements in LGBT+ education in schools, improved LGBT+ training and awareness for health and other staff, improvements in mental health and gender identity clinics and more visibility of LGBT+ inclusive services.
Professor Nicola Steedman, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Scottish Government, said: “The assessment lays bare the fact that too many LGBT+ people are subject to significant inequalities which impact every aspect of their lives. I’m grateful to everyone who took part in the research and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian for carrying out this important work.
“The Scottish Government is committed to reducing inequality – in all its forms – and we welcome the report. We will continue to work with, and across our partners, to improve the health and wellbeing of our LGBT+ communities.”
Mark Kelvin, Chief Executive of LGBT Health and Wellbeing, said: “This report highlights what many of our community members experience in their daily lives.
“Whilst many people believe that LGBTQ+ people have achieved equality, this report reminds us that there is still a lot of work to do. Scotland is celebrated as being a welcoming and inclusive country and whilst that is true, almost half of LGBTQ+ respondents experienced discrimination in the past year.
“The report also highlights the health inequalities that still exist for many of us and provides very useful and realistic recommendations that will help LGBTQ+ people to live well.
Speaking specifically on how COVID-19 has impacted the LGBTQ+ community, Mark pointed out the dependency on LGBT nightlife for socialisation. He added: “Whilst the closure of pubs and clubs can be seen by many as an inconvenience, for LGBTQ+ people queer-friendly spaces provide an important place of safety and belonging.
“This meant that during the months of closures, people were shut-off from contact with others like them. I’m hopeful that this report can restart conversations with local authorities and other interested parties to open LGBTQ+ Community Centres, where people of all ages can access a place of safety, information, support, and importantly connection.”
Mhairi Crawford, from LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “LGBT Youth Scotland notes the publication of the health needs assessment of LGBT research findings report. We know from our own recently published research that health care remains a significant issue for LGBTI young people in Scotland.
“In particular, we welcome the recommendations for healthcare providers and other public bodies to undergo training, which is a key part of our LGBT Charter, in which we also support organisations to undertake reviews of policies and practice to ensure that they are as welcoming as possible for the LGBTI community, whether they are staff, clients, pupils or wider stakeholders.
“We know that alcohol free spaces are highly valued by young people we work with in our youth spaces – so we welcome the recommendation for more LGBT spaces that don’t have alcohol.
“Finally, we also welcome the recommendation that schools should undertake the LGBT Charter as we know this can have a massive impact on daily lives of LGBTI young people.”
Fields in Trust – the independent charity that has been protecting parks and green spaces for almost 100 years – has announced that its search for the UK’s Favourite Parks is back this summer and is calling upon the residents of Edinburgh to get nominating now!
The popular campaign has returned for the first time since 2019 and covers the length and breadth of the nation to shine a light on the green spaces that hold a special place in our hearts.
Having acted as refuge to many over the past few years, Fields in Trust is bringing back the campaign to find the UK’s Favourite Parks to ensure that they continue to be celebrated in a post-pandemic world.
The charity recently commissioned a study which found that almost half of us have visited local parks more often than we used to as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Coupled with research that has shown that access to nature was one of the main ways people have supported their mental health during lockdowns, Fields in Trust is determined that this year’s campaign celebrates the spaces that gave us so much in our time of need.
This year’s UK’s Favourite Parks campaign is made all-the-more important in light of the Fields in Trust’s recently released annual Green Space Index report.
The study – which analyses the provision and distribution of parks and green spaces in the UK – found that 2.8 million people live more than ten minutes’ walk away from a green space.
With only 6% of green space legally protected in Great Britain, Fields in Trust worries that this will only worsen in coming years if we do not appreciate and advocate for our local parks.
Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, Helen Griffiths, said: “There is no doubt that the importance of green spaces has been acutely felt recently, with people increasingly turning to their local parks to find a sense of tranquillity, space, and belonging since the pandemic began.
“When restrictions were at their highest, many sought refuge in their daily walk around the park; and when restrictions lifted to allow outdoor gatherings, the same parks became the backdrop for reunions with loved ones and new memories made.
“At a time when things were so hard for so many, these places provided respite; now, through our UK’s Favourite Parks campaign, we want to give people the chance to show their appreciation for the green spaces that were there for them.”
The search for the UK’s Favourite Parks starts today, meaning you can nominate your local green space now. Nominations are open until Tuesday 5 July, before the chosen parks go head-to-head in a public vote.
Regional spots to have made the UK’s Favourite Parks list in previous years include Figgate Park, Pittencrieff Park and Wilton Lodge Park in Hawick, and this year, the Fields in Trust team hopes to unearth even more green spaces that are close to Scotland’s hearts.
“We are thrilled to be on the search once again for the UK’s Favourite Parks and we have no doubt that we’ll find some absolute gems along the way. We can’t wait to see the places that get put forward in Scotland.
“Whether it’s the park you head for when the sun is shining; your favourite place to walk the dog; the place you go to stretch your legs; or your family’s favourite spot to spend quality time together: we want you to nominate your favourite today!”
NHS Lothian has warned that increasing cases of COVID-19 are placing mounting pressure on hospital and community services.Health chiefs said community prevalence of the virus is causing serious capacity issues across the whole system.
An estimated one in 20 people currently have the virus in Scotland with two thirds of the cases identified in the 20-59 age group. This is having an impact on workforce, with one fifth of nursing staff not at work as a result of COVID-19 absence.
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian urged people not to forget all that has been learned about keeping the virus under control.
She said:“COVID-19 has not gone away and cases are continuing to rise across Lothian. Our hospital system is under extreme pressure and we need people across Lothian to do their bit to prevent the system becoming overwhelmed.
“We would urge people to take sensible precautions when they are indoors or in crowded spaces and remind them that regular hand hygiene is vital and face coverings should be considered, especially in crowded places.”
Tracey Gillies, Medical Director of NHS Lothian said:“The number of hospital inpatients who have tested positive has increased by 50% since a week ago. This presents many logistical issues as they need to be cared for within COVID-19 specific areas.
“On top of that, and in line with community transmission levels, there are increased numbers of staff testing positive with COVID-19, who must then self-isolate to protect patients.
“All of this means services are stretched right across the system, including community and social care services, resulting in high numbers of patients who are medically fit to leave hospital but who cannot be discharged because they need care in place to support them at home.”
Relatives of patients are also being urged to help where they can by providing transport home for patients who are medically fit to be discharged, rather than have their relative wait for hospital transport.
This speeds up the discharge process and in turn frees up more hospital beds sooner, allowing faster admission for patients from our Emergency Departments where admission queues can form when the hospitals are full.
Relatives are also being asked if they can consider offering support to their loved ones who have been clinically assessed as “medically fit for discharge” but might still need extra help around their home.
Dr Gillies added:“We know that it is better for people to be looked after in a homely setting once they are medically fit to leave hospital. Unfortunately, the pressure on community and social care services means many patients are waiting too long for social care support and as a result spending longer in hospital than they need to.
“When appropriate, we therefore ask families to consider if they can step in and help support their loved one once they are fit for discharge. Again, this helps with the flow of patients through our hospitals and ensures that beds are available for the most urgent of cases.”
Dr Gillies reminded people in Lothian to make sure they get the “Right Care in the Right Place” by considering going to their local pharmacy or GP or by calling 111 to get an appointment with an expert in the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), rather than automatically going to the Emergency Department.
She said:“If you think you need to visit A&E, but it’s not life threatening, call NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night.
“NHS 24 will direct you to the right care in the right place. They will direct you to an expert in our Minor Injuries Unit, GP or pharmacy and help reduce the length of time spent waiting in busy hospital departments.
“It is important too to remember that there is self-care information on NHS Inform.
“If it is an emergency always call 999 or go to your local A&E.”
Outbreak continues to grow and cases remain primarily in gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (GBMSM), within interconnected sexual networks.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its second technical briefing on the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. The briefing shares UKHSA analyses with public health investigators and academic partners.
The latest epidemiological data, findings from interviews with patients and preliminary analyses are included to understand how the outbreak is evolving and to inform timely and effective public health interventions.
Investigations and modelling continue to show that the outbreak is growing and cases remain primarily in gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (GBMSM), within interconnected sexual networks.
UKHSA continues to work with partners including the Terrence Higgins Trust, Stonewall and the GBMSM community to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of monkeypox. The LGBT Consortium and Pride organisers across the UK have been encouraged to help share public health messaging during Pride month.
79% of England cases are known to be London residents and 99% of all confirmed cases are male, with 5 confirmed female cases. The median age of confirmed cases in the UK was 37 years old.
Of the 813 cases identified in England up to 22 June, 321 (39.5%) had enhanced surveillance questionnaires. The majority (96%) of cases were GBMSM, with further data to indicate transmission is occurring in some sexual networks both internationally and domestically.
Cases frequently reported history of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last year (54.2%) and 10 or more sexual partners in the last 3 months (31.8%). Existing links between cases and sexual health services will be used to identify those at highest risk who are eligible for pre-exposure vaccination.
Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections, UKHSA said: “If you’ve recently had new or multiple sexual partners, please be vigilant to the symptoms of monkeypox. Currently the majority of cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men. However, anyone who has had close contact with an individual with symptoms is also at increased risk.
“If you are concerned that you may have monkeypox, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice. Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been reviewed by a clinician.
“To assist with our contact tracing, we encourage everyone to ensure they exchange contact details with sexual partners, to help us limit further transmission where cases occur.
“We are grateful to all those who have come forward for testing and who help us understand the outbreak through participating in studies and investigations.”
UKHSA will continue to publish regular technical briefings as the response to the outbreak continues.
LAWYERS WARN OF MORE VICTIMS IN NHS LOTHIAN AUDIOLOGY CASE
Lawyers supporting victims of the NHS Lothian hearing service scandal have warned that the number of children affected could be far greater than those identified in the independent report.
An audit of the health board’s audiology services found significant concerns in 155 of the 1007 patients treated between 2009 and 2018, which led to some children being identified with hearing loss years later than when first tested.
However, it has now emerged that THOUSANDS of children could be affected as lawyers highlight the 1,007 patients analysed in the audit was just a “sample” of those tested during the 9-year period.
Grace Smith, Associate at global law firm PGMBM, who are supporting parents affected by the scandal, said: “Whilst the audit highlighted those 155 children who were significantly affected by the failures at NHS Lothian, it is clear that the real number of families affected is much higher.
“The audit was performed on a sample of just over 1000 patients that were treated at NHS Lothian between 2009 and 2018. Within that 9-year period there were far more children through the doors of the Paediatric Audiology Service. The patient case load for this time frame was 22,900.
“The audit found concerns with 88% of the records within the sample. If that same percentage is applied to the full patient caseload across that time period, then the number of families affected by the report, delays and misdiagnosis could run into five figures. We know that there are children who were not included in the audit sample who have been affected by the failings highlighted in the audit report. ”
PGMBM are representing a parent whose child was not included in the audit sample – but experienced significant and serious delays in diagnosis.
Grace added:. “One of the families we are representing was seen by NHS Lothian’s Audiology Service several times from 2019 after their child failed a hearing test at birth.
“Despite repeatedly raising concerns about their child’s hearing, they were dismissed again and again and told that their child’s hearing was normal. However, at almost three years old, an external second opinion diagnosed their child with severe hearing loss. This significant delay in diagnoses happened at a key developmental stage for their child.
“There are clearly more people affected than were reviewed in the audit sample. We would appeal to anyone worried to get in touch with either NHS Lothian or ourselves and we can look at ways to support you.”
The British Academy of Audiology report found systemic failings which led to babies and children undiagnosed or experiencing significant delays in diagnosis and treatment.
It was found that there were a series of serious issues particularly within the under-five age group of the Paediatric Audiology service. The root causes of these failures were found to be a lack of scientific leadership, knowledge, reflection and enquiry in the presence of a lack of routine and robust quality assurance process.
The report found that staff were not following professional standards, training was almost exclusively in-house and insufficient, testing was not carried out correctly and there was no evidence of consistent management protocol or structure for children after results of tests. As such children who presented with similar test results and histories were being managed in different and contrasting ways. It also found that parents concerns were often dismissed.
NHS Lothian apologised following the report which was published last December.
Anyone who thinks they might be affected by the issues identified in the audit and would like more information can speak to PGMBM lawyers at:
A three times Olympic athlete has hit the ground running in a bid to support fellow Scottish sportswomen.
Record breaking British and European middle and long-distance runner Eilish McColgan has a string of records under her belt – and this month (June 2022) broke her mother Liz’s Scottish record to win a 10,000m race in the Netherlands with a time of 30 minutes 19.02 seconds.
And now she hopes to give others a helping hand to boost their own sporting careers.
Thirty-one-year-old Eilish and her partner, Olympian Michael Rimmer, 36, have jointly set up Giving Back To Track; a non-profit organisation that aims to inspire women from all walks of life to reach their athletic best.
Not only have they created a fund to provide financial help to female athletes in Scotland, aged between 16 and 22, but they have also launched a community scheme that supports Eilish’s local club, Dundee Hawkhill Harriers.
Giving Back to Track was formed just six weeks ago after what Eilish described as a “brainstorm” moment earlier this year. “I realised how incredibly lucky I’ve been to have support and sponsorship and now that I’m a little more comfortable I wanted to give something back,” she said.
“I know how hard it is to get started in this career, so we thought we’d put a call out to ask other female athletes in Scotland if we could help – they don’t need to be runners, they can be from any disciplines within running or track and field.
Giving Back to Track has already awarded six £1000 bursaries along with sports clothing from sponsors and career guideline advice from Eilish and Michael.
Eilish, whose mother Liz McColgan won the 10,000m world title in 1991, said initially the scheme will focus on her local club Dundee Hawkhill Harriers and will support young women and children from the community.
“No child should be priced out of a sport,” she said. “There are so many costs involved; the cost of track facilities, buying training kits, transportation and paying for club fees and this is where we are able to help”.
If the scheme runs smoothly, Eilish and Michael hope to extend the sponsorship more widely: “We’re really just at the starting point – we’d actually love to grow it to include guys as well and not just in Scotland but in England, Wales and Ireland,” she said.
Last month (May 2022) Eilish claimed the European and British 10km road race at the Great Manchester Run, shaving two seconds from Paula Radcliffe’s unbeaten 19-year record, with a time of 30 minutes and 19 seconds.
National charity and leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and Ireland, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), is urging people to get summer ready by brushing up on their water safety skills and knowledge with their national Drowning Prevention Week campaign (18 – 25 June).
With over 400 people dying each year in the UK and Ireland from accidental drowning, it’s clear that it’s a topic that needs more attention.
Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “With June, July, and August proving to be the months with the most fatalities, it is vitally important that everyone has an understanding of water safety, especially during the summer months.
“We have seen a rise in the number of drownings over the last few years, with peaks during the summer. In July 2021, there were 49 accidental drowning fatalities in the space of just two weeks in the UK, and we know that with the right water safety knowledge, accidental drownings are avoidable.
“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy their summer break and enjoy being in or around water but be safe in the knowledge that they, and their children, have the skills and understanding about water safety, which could potentially save a life. Every life is worth saving.”
Drowning is not just a topic that needs attention for those who take part in water-based activities either, in 2021 evidence from the National Water Safety Forum showed that 40% of people had no intention to enter the water.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has a range of free educational resources available on their website for children, young people and parents and are holding their annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign between 18th-25th June to equip everyone across the UK and Ireland with the skills and knowledge to make the right decisions about water safety.
Lee Heard continued: “This year for Drowning Prevention Week we are aiming to educate more young people than ever about water safety and give children the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water.
“We have a range of free educational resources available on the RLSS UK website, including lesson plans for schools and resources for parents, as well as a brand new animation to engage young people in learning about water safety.
“In a recent survey, over 55% of parents said they would not be confident their child would know what to do if they fell into open water; this is something we want to change.
“Drowning Prevention Week brings the focus of water safety to people’s minds, giving everyone the opportunity to be equipped with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be summer ready when it comes to being safe in and around water during the summer months and beyond.”
With many families opting for staycations and heading to the coastlines and waterways for holidays in recent times, having an understanding of what to do if you find yourself or someone else in trouble in the water is more important than ever.
Lee Heard added: “If you or someone else finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s vital to remember the Water Safety Code: whenever you are around water you should stop and think to assess your surroundings and look for any dangers; stay together when around water and always go with family and friends; in an emergency call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast; and finally float to live, if you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help, or if you see someone in the water, throw something that floats to them and resist temptation to go in.”
Drowning Prevention Week takes place 18th-25th June and free resources can be downloaded from www.rlss.org.uk/dpw.
UK Health Security Agency publishes new guidance on offering the Imvanex vaccine to men considered to be at higher risk of exposure.
A strategy published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommends that some gay and bisexual men at higher risk of exposure to monkeypox should be offered vaccines to help control the recent outbreak of the virus.
Although anyone can contract monkeypox, data from the latest outbreak shows higher levels of transmission within – but not exclusive to – the sexual networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
The virus is not currently defined as a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed on by close and intimate contact that occurs during sex.
In response, the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) vaccination strategy recommends offering the smallpox vaccine Imvanex, which is shown to be effective against monkeypox, to men considered to be at higher risk of exposure.
The strategy is endorsed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which was consulted on the eligibility criteria for the vaccine.
An individual’s eligibility would depend on a number of factors but would be similar to the criteria used to assess those eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – but applied regardless of HIV status.
The strategy states that a clinician may advise vaccination for someone who, for example, has multiple partners, participates in group sex or attends ‘sex on premises’ venues.
NHS England is due to set out details on how eligible people can get vaccinated shortly. People are advised not to come forward for the vaccine until contacted.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Our extensive contact tracing work has helped to limit the spread of the monkeypox virus, but we are continuing to see a notable proportion of cases in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. By expanding the vaccine offer to those at higher risk, we hope to break chains of transmission and help contain the outbreak.
“Although most cases are mild, severe illness can occur in some people, so it is important we use the available vaccine to target groups where spread is ongoing. The NHS will soon set out details on how this will be delivered – so do not come forward for the vaccine yet.
“In the meantime, everyone should continue to be alert to any new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body, particularly if they’ve had close contact with a new partner. If you think you have these symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call NHS 111 or your local sexual health centre, though please phone ahead before attending.”
Alex Sparrowhawk, Health Promotion Specialist at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “This targeted vaccination programme is a positive move forward while the data still shows monkeypox is disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual men in the UK.
“We encourage everyone, regardless of their sexuality, to be vigilant about new spots, ulcers and blisters. We are continuing to closely monitor the latest data in order to play our part in providing the latest guidance and health information on monkeypox, to empower the communities most affected to best protect their health.”
Robbie de Santos, Director of Communications and External Affairs at Stonewall, said: “While we know anyone can catch monkeypox, we welcome the vaccine being offered to those gay and bi men who are eligible and currently at a higher risk of getting the virus.
“It is important that gay and bi men get the vaccine when offered to protect themselves and others. Let’s help get the outbreak under control so we can all have a safe and happy pride season.”
UKHSA is now publishing a regular data report on monkeypox in the UK. The report will be published every Tuesday and Friday.
Dr Sophia Makki, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “We continue to see a steady increase in monkeypox cases. We’re reminding everyone to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you’ve recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to help prevent further spread and protect others.
“If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice.
“Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been reviewed by a clinician.”
