Latest news – Page 2606

  • News

    GPs at the sharp end

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    Meningococcal meningitis deserves its sinister reputation. At the dawn of the 21st century , here we still are at the mercy of a bacterium able to invade the bloodstream and damage vital organs with devastating speed. Even with prompt diagnosis and expert treatment, the mortality rate is around 10 per ...

  • News

    In brief

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    Beta-carotene, promoted as protection against cancer and heart disease, has no significant role in preventing the diseases, according to US research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Results of a study of 40,000 women - half taking a placebo, half beta-carotene - found 378 cancers in the ...

  • News

    Study doubts MS drug

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    Money would be better spent on alternative ways of improving quality of life in people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis than on the drug beta interferon, according to research conducted in Scotland.

  • News

    Heart disease on the increase

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    Smoking, drinking and poor diet are driving up levels of cardiovascular disease after recent falls in episodes of stroke and ischaemic heart disease.

  • News

    New test for colon cancer in sight

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    Scientists have identified a potential new screening technique, using skin cells, to identify people with an inherited predisposition to colorectal and other types of cancer .

  • News

    The real millennium bug

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    In the first quarter of this century, recognition of the different blood groups, combined with improved venepuncture techniques, allowed blood transfusions to be performed with relative safety. The same technologies led to the spread of a variety of different infectious agents capable of causing a post transfusion hepatitis.

  • News

    Have I got news for flu

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    The National Institute for Clinical Excellences decision to reject the new flu treatment Relenza is a move the drug companies are not taking lying down.

  • News

    Growing pains

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    Life-expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis has doubled in the past 20 years, and there are now almost as many adults with the disease as children. The best results are achieved when CF patients are managed in specialised centres.

  • News

    future possibilities Born free?

    2000-01-27T00:00:00Z

    In vitrofertilisation is often held up as the prime example of healthcare rationing. Its availability has depended on the willingness of individual health authorities to fund treatment - often hedged with restrictions and eligibility criteria - or a couples ability to pay for treatment privately.

  • News

    Monitor

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    Monitor was a groovy young hipster once upon a time, oh yes. So what better way to bid hello to the soon-to-launch Health Development Agency than with a look at the wild and crazy days of it youth. The Health Education Authority - which will be replaced by the HDA ...

  • News

    Research and destroy

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    The cancer research industry is under fire, described as wasteful and driven by rivalry. Now MPs are launching a root and branch investigation. Patrick Butler reports

  • News

    Top of the shops

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    The latest push to revitalise local shopping services has been accused of focusing exclusively on commercial issues, writes Alison Forbes

  • News

    Crunch issue: the role of the NHS

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    What part will the NHS have to play in improved access to shopping?

  • News

    Out in front

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    Out in front Just 13 primary care trusts will be launched in the first wave, but guidance only increases speculation over who will control whom.

  • News

    Puff daddies

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    David Hinchliffe was in his usual forthright mood as he faced five of the tobacco industrys biggest players across committee room 15 of the Commons last week.

  • News

    Decline and Fall

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    Decline and fall Despite recruitment drives, figures show the numbers of nurses, midwives and health visitors are still falling. And they're getting older, writes Barbara Millar

  • News

    Misconduct proved: 93 axed from register

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    The UKCC'; professional conduct statistics show that 93 nurses, midwives or health visitors were removed from the register in 1998-99, and a further 34 were cautioned about their conduct.

  • News

    Blairs pledge rests soundly on funding through taxation

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    But many questions remain about when and what extra cash will appear

  • News

    Vaccine and not heard

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    Some claim the shortage of childhood vaccines is due to the drug companies monopoly. The real reason is lack of political priority

  • News

    WEB WATCH

    2000-01-20T00:00:00Z

    Ever wondered precisely what it is pathologists do with dead bodies, but couldn't bring yourself to look too closely? Let Dr Ed Friedlander fill you in with the sort of detail that could come in handy when you write that blockbuster crime novel.