NHS
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Warning over growing opioid use
An “inexorable” rise in the use of opioids for pain relief may be linked to rising death rates from the drugs, researchers warn today. Read more
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Controversy over campaign to switch patients to pharmacists
A national campaign to take pressure off GPs was being launched today – amid concern that it could cause delays in diagnosis of sepsis. Read more
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NHS backs vaping
Hospitals should sell e-cigarettes while removing smoking shelters, according to new English guidance published today. Read more
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College calls for full funding of IVF treatment
Full state funding for IVF would reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, which would be safer for women and their babies, and be cheaper for the NHS, according to a paper published today. Read more
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Benefits of extended palliative care measured
Cancer patients who receive extended palliative care spend less time in hospital in their last weeks than others, according to an analysis published today. Read more
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GPs urged to refuse sore throat antibiotics
Clinicians have been ordered to get tough with patients demanding antibiotics for sore throats. Read more
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MPs condemn “cruel, unfair” home nursing funds system
Some terminally ill patients have faced waits of more than three months in parts of England to discover if they qualify for NHS-funded nursing care, MPs warn today. Read more
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Web before GP, college says
People who think they need to see a GP should check on the internet first, the Royal College of GPs says. Read more
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Anger as MS drugs withdrawn
Just one beta interferon drug is to be available for the care of NHS patients with multiple sclerosis in England, it was announced today. Read more
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Children should write information leaflets – BMJ
Children could be recruited to help write patient information leaflets, doctors say today. Read more