General News

MoD: Professor Sir Keith Porter, Honorary Professor of Clinical Traumatology at the University of Birmingham, charts the remarkable progress of modern military care since the Cold War.
Press release & links
 
MoDSailors whose courage kept supply routes open to the strategically vital island of Malta during the Second World War have been honoured with a lasting tribute.  Emotional British veterans have spoken of their pride at seeing the memorial to their bravery unveiled on Malta 70 years after their actions helped defeat fascism in Europe.
Press release & links
 
DH: 1 in 3 people are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about poo even though having blood in poo is a key symptom of bowel cancer which can kill.  Knowing the symptoms of bowel cancer and seeing a doctor early on can save lives according to the national bowel cancer campaign supported by TV personality Sharon Osbourne.
 
The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ bowel cancer campaign encourages people who have had blood in their poo or looser poo for 3 weeks or more to see their doctor.  The adverts aim to make people aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and make it easier for them to discuss this with their GP. 
Press release ~ Bowel Cancer Awareness
 
DH:  The NHS will have to comply with NICE guidance on new drugs & treatments or explain to patients why there is a delay, under a new scheme, expected to be fully implemented by the Autumn. This will help end the unfair practice where some parts of the NHS delay offering new treatment while other areas make them available straight away.
Press release & links
 
RoSPA: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in Scotland has welcomed the release of new homes in Kirkcaldy, Fife, which feature a complete set of the charity’s home safety recommendations, which seek to reduce injuries from falls, poisoning (including carbon monoxide poisoning), burns, electrical accidents and fire.
Press release & links
 
STFC: The Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) 3 instrument, aboard the latest European weather satellite MSG-3, was successfully activated recently. The data that will now become available from GERB 3 will be vital to validate climate models in new ways and measure clear changes in climactic patterns.
Press release & links
 
LGA: New free schools and those converting to academy status should take steps to keep school uniform costs down and ensure hard-pressed parents aren't hit with an unnecessary financial burden, local government leaders are warning. The LGA is encouraging schools to follow a number of ‘common sense' principles to keep the cost of school uniforms and sports kits down.
Press release & links
 
MoDTransport for London and the Association of Train Operating Companies will continue their offer of free travel during the Games to military personnel supporting the London 2012 Paralympics within London. The offer also covers services to London and to other Paralympic venue locations. 
Press release & links
 
ScotGovFarmers in Scotland are being offered free tests for the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in animals imported from areas where the virus is circulating.  The National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS) have also announced additional support for SAC Veterinary laboratories to test free of charge up to 4 blood samples per farm from either cattle and sheep moving from areas known to be affected by SBV.  Cattle & sheep moving to Scotland from the area south of a line from Lincolnshire, to the Severn Estuary, will be eligible for the testing.
Press release & links
 
FSAAsda has recalled a batch of its Frozen Chicken Tandoori Thigh, with a 'best before' date of 30 April 2013.  The product contains wheat (gluten) that is not mentioned on the label.  If you are allergic to, or intolerant of, wheat or gluten don’t eat this product. The Food Standards Agency has issued an Allergy Alert..
Press release & links
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story