Medical Centre

1. Covid-19 Case Numbers.  Some signs that case Covid-19 numbers and hospitalisations are increasing. Continue to promote take-up of Covid-19 vaccination (and flu vaccination) in eligible people. 2. NHS COVID Pass. The NHS COVID pass service closed on 4 December 2023 as vaccination status no longer needs to be shown for UK or international travel and the pass is no generally needed. Patients who still need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination can do so via the NHS App. 3. Structured Medication Reviews. Resources to support patients having a Structured Medication Review. https://thehealthinnovationnetwork.co.uk/programmes/medicines/polypharmacy/patient-information/ 4. NHS England Vaccination Strategy. NHS England’s new vaccination strategy is likely to see the end of the current GP practice enhanced services and QOF targets, with ICBs set to take over population-level management. Under the new strategy, infants and pre-school children vaccinations will probably continue to be deli...

The balance between free speech and its limitations is a challenging aspect of modern society, including academic environments like universities. In the context of universities, the promotion of free speech is vital to academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge. Universities are traditionally places where diverse ideas and perspectives can be explored and debated. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility to ensure that speech does not incite violence, promote hate, or harm others. The legal limits on freedom of speech in societies like the UK are in place to protect individuals and groups from harm, such as laws against hate speech, incitement to violence, and defamation. These laws acknowledge that while the free exchange of ideas is fundamental, there are boundaries necessary for the protection of public order and individual rights. In  addition to these legal limits on freedom of expression, there are also social constraints on what can be said which vary from soci...

At this time of year, I am often asked by patients about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) . This is a is a type of low mood or depression that is related to changes in the seasons. It typically begins and ends at about the same times every year. Most people with SAD experience symptoms starting in the Autumn that continue into the winter months. Symptoms of SAD may include: - Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day - Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed - Low energy and fatigue - Sleep disturbances (oversleeping or insomnia) - Changes in appetite or weight (often craving for foods high in carbohydrates) - Feeling sluggish or agitated - Difficulty concentrating - Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt In more severe cases there can also be thoughts of self-harm, death or suicide. The causes of SAD are not fully understood but are believed to be related to the reduction in sunlight in Autumn and Winter. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt the bod...