A leading health testing expert forecasts that NHS hospitals and ambulance services will face disruption far into the new year. He says: “Government intransigence over pay and conditions means nurses and ambulance staff will stage further strikes.” Midwives and physiotherapists will join the NHS industrial action wave in some regions.
Dr Quinton Fivelman, PhD, chief scientific officer at London Medical Laboratory, says: ‘There’s little sign that the Government is going to back down over NHS staff pay rises in England and Wales, even though even the former head of the NHS Pay Review Body, Jerry Cope, last week told the BBC that the average 4% rise recommended for England, Wales and Northern Ireland is flawed.
He claimed: “The world was a rather different place in February”, and the review body’s evidence is “probably out of date”.
“Unions such as Unison and the Royal College of Nurses are planning a fresh wave of strikes in the new year. In addition, midwives in Wales have voted to take action, as have physiotherapists in 112 organisations in England and every health board in Wales. While everything is being done to limit the impact on patients, inevitably, there will be some disruption to services, including the postponement of planned operations and appointments.”
“With this in mind, it’s only sensible we don’t go mad this Christmas regarding eating and drinking. Strong evidence suggests that rich foods, alcohol and restricted access to hospitals result in a higher frequency of heart attacks during the festive season.”
“Conditions from strokes to diabetes are also linked to overeating fatty foods, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise. That may sound like a typical Christmas, but knowing there will be further disruption to the NHS, we can best support health services by ensuring we remain in reasonable shape this winter.”
“The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says: “December and January are the most common months of death in the UK. That’s irrespective of any NHS workers’ action. What preventative actions can we take to get us through Christmas and the winter months? Going easy on fatty foods and alcohol is the most significant step.”
“Additionally, if people have concerns about their heart health, they may want to consider access to GPs and hospitals before deciding to travel. They may feel it’s a sensible precaution to take a heart health blood test. London Medical Laboratory’s Heart Health Profile test can be done either at home or in selected pharmacies across London and nationwide.”
“A general health test might be useful for anyone concerned to ensure they are in good health to fight infections and reduce the likelihood of needing access to health services this winter. London Medical Laboratory’s General Health Profile Test provides people with a comprehensive check-up of their general health, including vitamin D levels, diabetes (HbA1c), gout, liver and kidney function, bone health, iron levels and a full cholesterol profile.”
“It can be taken at home through the post or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer this test across London and nationwide in over 85 selected pharmacies and health stores. A full blood test can be added in-store to indicate various issues such as infection, anaemia, and leukaemia.”
