Health & Wellbeing

People across the West Midlands are being invited to lace up their trainers and get walking this summer in aid of people living with a chronic, life-limiting autoimmune condition called scleroderma. 

The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is asking people to get involved with its nationwide walking challenge and raise money for vital research and support. Participants have the option of making their walk physical or virtual and as long or as short as they need.  

The fundraiser aims to raise at least £19,000 to represent the 19,000 people in the UK living with scleroderma. The money will be used to support people affected by the condition and fund research to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. 

Sue Farrington, SRUK Chief Executive, said: “Scleroderma affects thousands of people and there is currently no cure. Through our research, information and support services we’re taking steps to improve the lives of everyone affected by scleroderma. And now we’re asking the public to quite literally do the same. 

“The past year has taken a toll on many people with scleroderma who have been forced to shield and, in some cases, have their treatments put on hold. We want to make sure we can be there for everyone who needs us, which is why we’re asking people to put their best foot forward - a simple act that will help make a world of difference. We know how supportive those in the West Midlands can be, so we’re hoping as many people as possible get involved.”  

Scleroderma occurs when the body’s immune system becomes overactive and begins to attack healthy tissue, causing hardening of the skin and, in some cases, other organs. It is most common in adults over the age of 40 and can also affect teenagers and young adults, although this is much rarer. 

SRUK is the only charity solely focused on improving the lives of people with scleroderma and Raynaud’s in the UK through information, support and ground-breaking research. 

Imagine having neck pain so bad you have to take a 20-minute break every quarter of an hour of your working day. Even aside from the chronic pain, just think how frustrating that would be, how much it would limit your potential and what it might do to your mental health.
That was the reality for ‘Molly’ (not her real name), a London-based corporate health and safety consultant who was trapped by the fact her condition wouldn’t allow her to do enough work to earn the money she needed to invest in the Display Screen Equipment (DSE) that could free her up to work for longer.
Thankfully, she applied to the IOSH Benevolent Fund and was granted her request within a month, so she got the DSE she needed. This has made the world of difference to Molly.
Her story is just one example of how the Benevolent Fund has made a difference to people’s lives. Then there’s the story of ‘Sally’ (again, not her real name), a 35-year-old health and safety student who was struggling to pay her rent after leaving her Jamaican home to study in northern.
Since it was formed, nearly 20 years ago, the IOSH Benevolent Fund has invested over £32,000 in more than 60 members who have found themselves going through a particularly tough time.
There are so many ways in which the Fund can help. Someone might need support to change their career direction after a prolonged period of ill-health, for example; perhaps redundancy and extended unemployment has left an IOSH member needing a laptop and printer to help drive their job search; or the partner of a former IOSH member might welcome some help with their funeral costs. The Fund can be there to give support in all sorts of circumstances.
“Of course, the Fund wouldn’t be able to do a great deal without its donors,” says IOSH Chief Executive Bev Messinger.
“IOSH and all its members who have benefited from the Fund over the past 20 years are extremely thankful for the continued support of donors. Indeed, all our 47,000 members in over 130 countries will be grateful to them because none of us can ever be sure when we might face personal hardship and serious difficulty, through no fault of our own,” she added.
“Thank goodness for initiatives like the IOSH Benevolent Fund. As a current or former member, or past member of IOSH staff, it’s there for you. If you need to use it, make sure you do so.”

National charity Heart Research UK is to fund three new research projects to investigate how COVID-19 affects the heart and circulatory system – an investment of over half a million pounds.

Research has shown that people with cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.

COVID-19 can also cause ‘new’ damage to the heart and blood vessels in people who have no pre-existing disease.

Heart Research UK’s new grant scheme was designed to fund pioneering research to investigate these links and improve outcomes for patients suffering from COVID-19 who may have underlying cardiovascular problems.

The grants have been awarded to Newcastle University, the University of Dundee and University of Glasgow.

The University of Dundee project, led by Professor Faisel Khan, Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences, will study whether inflammation in the body caused by COVID-19 contributes to long-term damage to the blood vessels. For more on this grant, click here.

The project at the Newcastle University, which will be led by Professor Ioakim Spyridopoulos, Professor of Cardiovascular Gerontology, will investigate long-term inflammation of the heart in COVID-19 patients. It is hoped that the findings will guide immune-therapies to prevent heart inflammation and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients recovering from COVID-19. For more on this grant, click here.

The project at the University of Glasgow, led by Professor Sandosh Padmanabhan, Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics and Therapeutics, is aiming to answer whether:

High blood pressure makes COVID-19 infection worse and if so, why.
COVID-19 infection makes high blood pressure worse and if so, why.
Monitoring and management of high blood pressure needs to be a greater priority during the pandemic.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “We have known for some time that people with pre-existing heart problems are more susceptible to suffering severe consequences from COVID-19, as well as the virus being able to damage the heart itself.

“However, there is a gap in the research here, and Heart Research UK is very proud to be funding three cutting edge projects that are aiming to help us better understand the most pressing medical challenge in a generation.

“The research we fund has one aim – to benefit patients as soon as possible. We are hopeful that these projects will help to bring about tangible improvements in the way we care for those with COVID-19 and cardiovascular issues.”

The City of Wolverhampton Council is calling for volunteers to support the city’s growing vaccination offer.

To help people get access to the life-saving jab, the council is seeking volunteers to visit neighbours and community members, talk to them about the vaccine and how to get it, and break down barriers preventing uptake.

Anyone over the age of 18 who lives or works in Wolverhampton can volunteer but must be able to travel across the city, and expenses will be repaid.

Volunteers will also be able to join the Wolverhampton Community Champions project, a city-wide network of people giving up some of their free time to help friends, family, colleagues, and communities get the facts about Covid-19 and the vaccines and encourage uptake. For more information and to volunteer, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are calling for volunteers to work with us to let households, communities and businesses know that the vaccine is available to them and stress the importance of having it as soon as they can.

“By going door to door, delivering leaflets or talking to people in shops and businesses, our volunteers are letting people know how easy it is to have the vaccine, breaking down barriers around bookings and addressing myths and misinformation.

“This means more people having their vaccine and being protected from serious illness, and reduced chances for the virus to spread. If you want to help protect your local community and can spare some time, please get in touch.”

Over 232,000 Covid-19 jabs have now been given in Wolverhampton – with vaccine eligibility being extended to anyone aged 30 and over this week.

Latest figures show 232,196 life-saving vaccinations have been delivered in the city. A total of 142,360 residents have had at least one dose of the vaccine, while 89,836 people are now fully vaccinated, having had both doses.

The vaccine is currently available to anyone aged 30-plus, or who will turn 30 before July 1, the clinically extremely vulnerable, people with a learning disability, frontline health and social care workers and people in receipt of Carer's Allowance or who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person. Anyone who is eligible for the vaccine but hasn’t had it yet is urged to book theirs as soon as possible via the national booking website, www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The vaccine is the best protection we have against Covid-19 and it’s brilliant news that more than 142,000 residents have had at least one jab.

“Even better than that, nearly 90,000 residents have now had both doses of the vaccine, which gives them maximum protection against this deadly virus.

“Given that the new, potentially more transmissable variant first identified in India is now circulating in Wolverhampton, and that case rates are starting to creep up again nationally, it is imperitive that everyone gets their jab as soon as they are able to, not only to protect themselves but others, too.

"I would urge anyone aged 30 and over – and particularly those aged 50 and over who are at greater risk from serious illness from Covid-19 – to make sure they get both doses of the vaccination as soon as possible.

“Please also continue to follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance, and get a twice-weekly rapid Covid-19 test to reassure yourselves and others that you don’t have the virus.”

For more information about the vaccine, including the answers to frequently asked questions, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/vaccine or www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. People will need to register with a GP surgery in England in order to receive the vaccine. For more details, please visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps. 

For details of rapid testing, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/get-tested. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19, which include a fever, a new continuous cough or a change to the sense of taste or smell, must immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 119.

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus. Further details of the restrictions currently in place, and the answers to frequently asked questions, are available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/covidalert.

British Healthcare company Salutaris People, which provides rapid PCR testing at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, has reported a 10-fold surge in bookings for its rapid PCR tests.

The unprecedented demand has been triggered by a number of passengers who had originally booked subsidised PCR tests through airlines and package holiday operators. After using self-administered postal PCR tests, their results had been returned as ‘unclear’ from the laboratories. Other passengers had reported delays in receiving their test results, which had prompted them to take a secondary PCR test to avoid missing their scheduled flights and holidays. 

Passengers who were due to take flights and depart for holidays within days had to book secondary PCR tests through Salutaris People at the company’s test suites at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Wilmslow. Passengers received their results within 24 hours, enabling them to catch their flights. An ‘unclear’ test result is when a PCR test does not indicate either a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ test result and is returned inconclusive from the laboratory. 

Ben Paglia MD of AKEA Life, who are the clinical testing partners to Salutaris People, said: “We have experienced a surge in the last two weeks, which has been due to a number of airline passengers booking secondary PCR tests with us. Many of those have come from passengers who have booked flights with airlines and package holiday operators. They have been sent PCR postal kits, which are self-administered. These test results have come back as “unclear” from the laboratories.  This means they were not clear to fly and needed to take a second PCR test. We have been able to provide secondary PCR tests to those people with their results back in 24 hours from our test suites at Liverpool and Wilmslow. 

“Unclear test results can occur for two reasons. More often than not, this is down to the test being self-administered by the public and not carried out by a trained healthcare professional. The secondary reason is down to the way in which the tests are transported to the lab, which can also affect the test result. With the airlines and travel companies using postal PCR test kits, there is the continued risk of more incidents like this occurring. This not only creates a further cost for the passenger with secondary testing, but also creates uncertainty over whether the test result will come back unclear.”  

Salutaris People has trained healthcare professionals who administer PCR tests in person at its Liverpool and Wilmslow test suites, where test results can be processed immediately at the onsite laboratory. This means test results are done in record time and there are no delays in the postal or courier system. Most importantly as the tests are carried out by healthcare professionals, the risk of ‘unclears’ is minimised, which ultimately saves the airline passenger inconvenience and having to pay for secondary testing.
 
Paglia added: “Unfortunately, the test providers and the laboratories will not offer a refund to a customer when an “unclear” test is confirmed. In the unlikely event of that happening – where a person has attended the Salutaris test suite for a rapid PCR test and an “unclear” was produced – we would naturally refund the customer or provide a second test free of charge. 

“By having a rapid PCR test administered by a trained healthcare professional minimises the risk of “unclear” test results, guarantees your results and also ensures no delays to your flight or holiday as a result of your PCR test.”  

Salutaris People provides the rapid PCR testing service in partnership with Test Assurance Group (TAG) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The company has a purpose-built private test suite with onsite laboratory, which is located adjacent to the airport in an existing overflow car park. The Salutaris service is effectively door to door. It will allow any airline passenger to book their test online with a choice of location to take the test either at Wilmslow or the Liverpool John Lennon Airport test suite. Free car parking is provided right next to the test suites. Passengers have their test administered by trained healthcare staff in a matter of minutes, with results back in 24 hours or less, depending on whether a normal 24-hour or 3-hour express service is booked. 

Ross Tomkins MD of Salutaris People said: “We are able to offer airlines passengers a seamless and professional experience with PCR testing that is hassle-free from a trusted and reliable healthcare provider, who won’t delay your flight or holiday plans. 
‘Passengers can follow three simple steps by simply logging online and booking a test through our partners Test Assurance Group. The test can be booked for either our Liverpool airport or Wilmslow clinic. Parking is provided free right outside our test suites and the PCR test is administered in a matter of minutes by our trained healthcare professionals. Depending on the service booked, the results are returned either on a 3-hour express service or within 24-hours. As our laboratories are on site, this means testing can be done efficiently and quickly, and prevents delays in test results. The last thing that an airline passenger needs to be worrying about is, “Will my test results be delayed? Or will the test results come back unclear, which means another test and more costs?"
 
The three-stage process to booking a Salutaris People PCR test.
Stage 1: Passengers book a slot through Salutaris/TAG opting for either a 3-hour express service or 24 hours via www.salutarispeople.com

Stage 2: Passengers travel to Liverpool John Lennon Airport or Wilmslow and drive up to the Salutaris People /TAG test suite with free car parking right outside the buildings.

Stage 3: A trained healthcare staff member will administer the PCR test in minutes. Results  are then returned within 3-hours or 24-hours and a Fit To Fly certificate is emailed.

The Salutaris People service is offered to all passengers flying from either Liverpool John Lennon Airport or Manchester Airport, but is also open to airline passengers who live in Liverpool, North Wales and Cheshire and who may be flying from other UK airports to their holidays. 

The healthcare company is on the UK Government’s approved list of Covid-19 test providers. Salutaris People will have 5 clinics operating by mid-June as air travel restrictions are gradually lifted under the traffic light system.  Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Wilmslow in Cheshire are operational, while Newcastle Upon Tyne, Stockton-On-Tees and Sunderland will be launching shortly.  Both the Liverpool and Wilmslow sites will provide Covid-19 testing for airline passengers wishing to fly from Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
 

People in Birmingham and Solihull are being encouraged to know their options for getting medical help this bank holiday weekend.

With GP practices being closed on Monday 31 May, it is important to know where people can seek help and advice when they need it.

Dr Will Taylor, Clinical Chair at NHS Birmingham Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “For urgent healthcare needs, patients should think 111 first. Patients can either go online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111; it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Advisers will be able to direct patients to the most appropriate service, including walk-in or urgent care centres, or can book a timeslot at A&E if necessary.

Dr Taylor added: “A well-stocked medicine cabinet is very useful in helping people to treat common illnesses at home, but if necessary patients can visit a local pharmacy for minor issues or to get over-the-counter medications.”

Some GP practices may be offering a limited number of extended access appointments on 31 May, but these must be booked in advance by calling your practice as normal.

Options during the May bank holiday weekend:

·         Self-care – make sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, so you can deal with minor injuries and ailments at home

·         Pharmacy – your local pharmacist can give you quick, confidential advice on lots of common illnesses, as well as over-the-counter medication. Find your nearest pharmacy open on the May bank holiday.

·         NHS 111 – if you’re worried about an urgent medical concern, or not sure which NHS service you need, you can either call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk online 24 hours a day, seven days a week

·         GP practice extended access appointments – some practices will be offering limited appointments, but these must be booked in advance through your GP practice.

The Pfizer and AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines are highly effective against the variant identified in India after two doses, a study has found. Two jabs of either vaccine give a similar level of protection against symptomatic disease from the Indian variant as they do for the Kent one.

However, both vaccines were only 33% effective against the Indian variant three weeks after the first dose. This compared with 50% effectiveness against the Kent variant.

Public Health England, which ran the study, said the vaccines are likely to be even more effective at preventing hospital admission and deaths. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the findings made him increasingly confident the final stage of easing restrictions in England could take place on 21 June. The data showed getting both doses of the vaccine was absolutely vital, he added.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the data was positive but the planned stages for the easing needed to be followed. She said: "We will continue to follow the data... we all have to be conscientious... we are distancing, wearing masks, following all the rules.

“That, of course, will help us to that unlocking on 21 June." Questioned about criticism of the timing of putting India on the travel red list, the home secretary said ministers work with the data... and that information was presented... in the right way for the decisions to be made".

She also defended the controls at UK borders - highlighting the pre-arrival testing requirements and saying that a vigorous system for making sure people arriving from red list countries were quarantining was in place.

The Pfizer vaccine was found to be 88% effective at stopping symptomatic disease from the Indian variant two weeks after the second dose, compared with 93% effectiveness against the Kent variant. The AstraZeneca jab was 60% effective against the Indian variant, compared with 66% against the Kent variant.

A new report released this week by the WHO highlights achievements and gaps in the implementation of the global strategies for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. 

The report outlines the steps needed to eliminate these diseases as a public health threat by 2030.  

In Sandwell, the Council’s Public Health Team collaborates with Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWB NHS Trust) to ensure a range of accessible sexual health services are in place. One of the newest is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine which can reduce the risk of someone contracting HIV. 

PrEP is available for some people who are assessed as being at high risk of HIV infection – for example, those whose partner is HIV positive. It's available as a tablet and can be prescribed within Sandwell’s sexual health clinics. 

Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Sandwell, said “Our sexual health services are a vital part of how we keep our population safe and well. Evidence-based services, innovative treatments like PrEP, early diagnosis and good education are vital if we are to play our part in the global ambition to reduce and even eliminate HIV.” 

Group Director of Primary Care, Community & Therapies at SWB NHS Trust, Tammy Davies, added: “We are pleased to be able to offer this treatment free to those who would benefit, following its successful pilot across England. Our sexual health team can answer any queries or concerns, so I would urge anyone who is at risk of developing HIV to contact us to discuss options. 

“This service is part of a wider collaboration between Sandwell Council and the healthcare trust on public health services including everything from sexual health services through to children’s public health nursing and Covid outbreak response.” 

A clinically vulnerable patient has received the millionth COVID vaccination given in Birmingham and Solihull at her GP surgery.

Roshnan Hamakham, 40, was vaccinated at Bath Row Medical Centre on May 20. Speaking about the vaccination, she said: “I feel very happy to have had my second vaccination, and I just want to say thank you very much to the NHS.

“I’ve stayed at home a lot because of COVID, but now I’ve had both jabs, feel much safer and am looking forward to seeing friends and family more.”

Lead GP at the practice, Dr Onyi Okonkwo, said: “This is such an amazing achievement, and is a key milestone in the rollout of the vaccine here in Birmingham; we feel truly privileged to have been able to play a significant part in the programme, which is saving so many lives.

“The vaccine is a safe and key element in managing and controlling the virus. Being vaccinated protects not just you, but those around you, so I would encourage everyone to have their vaccine, when they are invited.”

Paul Jennings, Chief Executive of NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG and leader of the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System, added: “I would like to say a massive heart-felt thank you to everyone who has helped us to achieve this incredible milestone, from the vaccinators to the logistics teams, and all our amazing volunteers.

“GP practices and community partnerships have, at short-notice, been able to adapt to meet the needs of communities to ensure that everyone has fair access to the vaccine when they are eligible. It’s also important to recognise the contributions which are being made by our local hospitals and vaccination centres, who have also been working tirelessly over the last few months to deliver the vaccine to our health and social care workers, those most at risk, the clinically vulnerable, carers and the wider adult population.

“The vaccine rollout has been a real triumph for the NHS in Birmingham and Solihull and showcases exactly the kind of thing we can achieve when we work collaboratively, something we’ll be doing even more of over the coming months and years. The work doesn’t stop here; we’re now concentrating on ensuring even more people can be vaccinated, as more age groups become eligible.”

Initiatives across Birmingham and Solihull to encourage uptake include: multi-generational household vaccination; holding clinics out of hours to suit those who celebrated Ramadan; utilising mobile vaccination units to reach diverse and vulnerable communities in places of worship and other community venues; providing vaccines in people’s homes for housebound patients; and providing online discussions and information for communities to ask questions about the vaccine.

Community groups in Central England and the Midlands that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway brand.

The Heart Research UK and Subway Healthy Heart Grant is available for new and innovative projects that promote healthy hearts and reduce the risk of heart disease in the community. Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills and healthy eating and should encourage people to get more active and promote positive mental wellbeing.

The £10,000 has been raised locally in Subway stores throughout the region. Previous grantees in the region have included Ecobirmingham, who offer cycling sessions to men over 40.

In response to the pandemic, we have adapted the criteria for our Healthy Heart grants. We will accept applications for projects which can be delivered remotely or with social distancing measures in place. This year we are also accepting applications for the funding of equipment only.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “Through our partnership with Subway, we hope to encourage people all across the country to make healthier choices and give them practical help to do so. This grant is available to ensure everyone can benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life.

“We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities. We’re really grateful to the many customers and staff at Subway stores who have raised the money to make this possible.” The deadline for applying is June 14.

As pubs re-open, new research has found that one in four adults in the UK are concerned about the impact of lockdown easing on their drinking habits. An independent, representative poll of 2,000 UK adults (18+), commissioned by the drug, alcohol and mental health charity, With You, reveals widespread concern among the UK population, ranging from worries about drinking more, to falling back into old drinking behaviours or shaking off drinking habits developed during lockdown. 

As well as one in four adults having concerns about their own drinking habits, the poll also found that, as restrictions ease, 1 in 10 [5.6 million people] are worried about the drinking behaviour of a partner, friend or family member.

Despite the prevalence of people’s concern, the survey indicates that people remain reluctant to talk about drinking habits and reach out for support. One in four said that, if they had a drinking problem, they would feel embarrassed to ask for support and only a third would feel comfortable starting a conversation with a partner, family member or friend if they had concerns about that person’s drinking. 

To help address this issue and encourage more open, positive conversations about drinking behaviour, With You is today launching a new campaign to help people ‘Find the Right Moment’ to have that initial conversation with a family member, partner or friend they are concerned about and access help before problems escalate. The campaign features a video highlighting some of the challenges around finding the ‘Right Moment’ and signposts viewers to a host of online advice and further avenues for support. 

Speaking about the importance of support from her family in addressing her own drinking, Karen, who has accessed support for her drinking at With You’s service in Wigan over the past year, said: “For a long time I struggled in silence, but the truth is, it’s so hard to address the issue on your own. For me and many others I know, those initial conversations with family and friends are what spurred us on to seek longer-lasting support. They give people the foundation and the confidence to reach out for help, to know you don’t have to do it alone.” 

Jon Murray, Executive Director of Services for England at With You said: “For many, the long awaited easing of lockdown restrictions is an exciting time, allowing people to socialise and reconnect with friends and family. But this research shows that for some, it’s also a time of heightened concern, with many feeling pressure to drink more when socialising, worrying they’ll be unable to reverse drinking habits developed during lockdown or fearing they may fall back into old habits. 

“Alcohol is everywhere in our society, but often people feel ashamed and embarrassed to talk about it, compounding feelings of shame and isolation. I’ve worked in alcohol treatment services for 16 years. Behind most recovery stories is the support of family and friends.

“People are understandably worried about how and when to bring up the issue of a loved one’s drinking, fearing they could make things worse or be met with anger but a non-judgemental conversation can make a big difference and be the first step in someone making positive changes.” The survey also looked at people’s levels of drinking with results indicating that concerns are justified.

Over 8.9 million adults are currently drinking above ‘safe’ levels each week with more than one in seven saying the easing of lockdown restrictions will lead them to drink even more alcohol. With You has a host of advice on how and when to have those initial conversations on its website.

The public is being urged to take part in trials to find out whether a third dose of Covid vaccine could protect against new variants.

All seven vaccines the UK has ordered will be tested on working-age people and over-75s as part of a randomised trial. Data on side-effects and immune responses will be gathered.

The findings will help vaccine advisers decide if re-vaccinating some people in the autumn is necessary.

More than 20 million people have been fully vaccinated - with two doses of a Covid vaccine - since the UK's vaccination programme started, but it's still not clear how long protection lasts. Offering some groups a third dose to boost protection from coronavirus ahead of winter has been suggested - but not confirmed.

The Cov-Boost study, which starts in June, will recruit 3,000 people of all ages who had their first dose in December or January, to test if this is worthwhile.

Professor Saul Faust, chief investigator for the trial, from the University of Southampton, said: "It could be that some age groups may not need a booster and others do," "We are not trying to say one is better than the other.

“The aim is to find out whether there should be a booster campaign and which vaccine to use." He said he was not expecting any vaccines to be detrimental" but some could cause high fevers or very sore arms, for example, which would be useful to know.

The vaccines will be trialled at 18 sites across the UK, and half doses will also be tested including: Southampton, London (University College Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital and Northwick Park Harrow), Leicester, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Wrexham, Bradford, Oxford, Glasgow, Leeds, Cambridge, Birmingham, Brighton, Stockport, Liverpool and Exeter.

Participants will be asked to keep diaries of any side-effects after a third dose, which could be one of seven different Covid vaccines, and researchers will test participants' immune response after one, three and 12 months. This involves testing their blood for antibodies to coronavirus - high levels are a sign that the body's defences are primed to fight off the virus.

All doses would be from current vaccines, designed to protect against the original form of the virus.

In addition to doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna, some people will be given doses of vaccines from Novavax, Janssen, Valneva and CureVac, which are currently being trialled in large numbers of people, but have not yet been approved by the UK regulator. There will also be a control group, who will be given a dummy vaccine.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia are launching a new project to see whether virtual reality could help with the treatment of chronic pain.

As many as 50 per cent of the UK population are living with chronic pain, and the team will study whether new technology delivered via a VR headset could help ease their symptoms.

One very futuristic aspect to the study is that the team will use a ‘Brain-Computer Interface’ where people will be taught to control elements of the VR game using only the power of their mind.

Dr Jordan Tsigarides from UEA’s Norwich Medical School and a Rheumatology doctor at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: “Virtual Reality is an emerging technology where the user gains a completely immersive, interactive and often transformative experience with the use of a head-mounted display.

“VR seems to flood the brain with a multitude of audiovisual signals, engaging the senses and diverting the brain’s attention from processing pain signals.”

“At present, there is evidence that VR can significantly decrease people’s acute pain. What we are looking to find out is whether this kind of technology can be used to help people suffering chronic pain as well.”

The team is working alongside industry partner, Orbital Innovations, and has created an innovative new VR program for patients with chronic pain conditions, including Fibromyalgia Syndrome and chronic pain following a Total Knee Replacement. It will be tested on patients recruited from the NNUH and Addenbrookes in partnership with Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Pain Management departments.

Dr Tsigarides said: “The virtual worlds that we have created aim to transport patients to naturalistic, immersive environments whether its travelling down a cool snowy river or planting crops in a luscious warm forest. Through VR, we aim to engage patients through challenging and interactive games, with the objective of understanding more about how this technology can reboot the brain’s pain networks.

“We are working with neuroscientists at the UEA to look at the brain waves of people with chronic pain. This has the potential to allow us to see how this technology is working, as well as learn more about the brain function of people with these conditions.

"Moving things with your mind sounds like something straight from a sci-fi movie but with today’s technology, ‘Brain-Computer Interfaces’ are being used more and more in health research. We believe that this exciting new innovation when coupled with an immersive VR experience will ‘power up’ the pain relief seen with VR alone.

“Given that just under 28 million adults in the UK suffer from chronic pain, and that we are in the midst of an opioid epidemic, this treatment could be an important future intervention.”

Peter Brady, CEO of Orbital Innovations, said: “Orbital Innovations has been working towards the development of a virtual reality technology, which will offer a way of mitigating the effects of chronic pain. This innovative project collaboration with UEA, will be breaking new ground in fully exploring the exciting opportunities this technology will offer patients in the future.”

The project has been funded by the British Society of Rheumatology, Action Arthritis, and Orbital Innovations.

As further easing of restrictions comes into force, it is encouraging to see a sense of normality returning to our lives in the West Midlands region, but we need to remain cautious.

The continued easing of restrictions is down to the success of the vaccine rollout and the sacrifices made by everyone who has stayed apart from family and friends, worked from home and followed the guidance to stop the virus from spreading. For the first time this year, people are now able to socialise indoors in groups of six or two separate households, with outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people.

This big step also allows for the reopening of indoor hospitality and leisure venues including restaurants, pubs, theatres and cinemas. Indoor and outdoor sporting and business events, and live performances will also begin.

While this will no doubt be welcomed by many, we must not become complacent. COVID-secure measures will be in operation to allow larger events to take place, with capping according to venue type, and attendees having to follow measures set by venues. While individuals must take personal responsibility when meeting up with loved ones.

We know cases of the variant VOC-21APR-02, which was first detected in India, are now increasing in our communities, as well as other mutations too. In our region, surge testing for variants is currently underway in Nuneaton and Redditch; with other parts of the West Midlands encouraging wider testing among residents. The public health message remains the same for COVID-19 and all variants.

We know the best way to stop the spread of this virus is to follow the guidelines – remember Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air, socialise outdoors, work from home if you can, get vaccinated and take up the offer of regular testing by ordering free test kits to your home. As we all enjoy more freedom, it is important we recognise and respond to the changing nature of variants, which are likely to be part of how we live with COVID-19 for some time.

Everyone has a part to play in controlling COVID-19, from participating in surge testing, to following the rules, and getting their vaccines. Although this variant is proving very transmissible, there is currently no reason to believe the vaccines are any less effective against it, however we continue to monitor this closely.

Getting a vaccine is the most effective way in which you can reduce your chances of becoming infected with COVID-19 and will significantly lower your risk of dying or serious illness. Remember, both doses are vital though in order to achieve maximum protection.

We know people are at much greater risk from transmission indoors, so be cautious and stay outside where it is safer. Consider who you are meeting, are they vulnerable and have either of you had one or two doses of the vaccine?
It is also more important than ever that people come forward for PCR testing and isolate when they have symptoms, no matter how mild, in order to find cases and greatly reduce transmission.
If everyone plays their part by continuing to follow the health advice in their area, we can help to break the chain of transmission and protect our loved ones.

Leading British healthcare company Salutaris People has warned of the potential chaos which could unfold now that the Government has formally lift the ban on ‘illegal travel’. The Tyneside and Cheshire based company warned of passenger chaos and confusion over Covid testing protocols to ‘green-list’ destination countries. 

The company has also blasted Transport Minister Grant Shapps and the Government for its shambolic communication of the traffic light system for travel and its ‘green list’ of 12 designated countries.  It said that the Transport Minister and the Government had failed to communicate testing and vaccination protocols for entry into the 12 designated countries and which were open to receiving passengers from the UK.  It said this was going to leave airline passengers in complete confusion and disarray over which Covid tests they are expected to have for entry into their destination country and whether the country will even accept inbound travel and receive them.

Ross Tomkins MD of Salutaris People said: “The Government communication around the ‘green list’ and traffic light system has only dealt with the quarantine restrictions for re-entry back into the UK.

“It has not communicated clearly and effectively what the entry and testing requirements are into designated countries. This in itself has created utter confusion for the public and airline passengers wanting to book holidays to those destinations.

“Many airline passengers will be thinking they don’t need to be tested - confusing re-entry protocols to the UK - when in actual fact the destination country will have its own entry criteria for testing and vaccination. Some passengers may also confuse the existing NHS testing as a secure test result to be Fit to Fly. Many of the countries on the list are not accepting airline passengers into their country at the moment."

With the announcement of the 12-country ‘green-list’ there has been a huge surge of flight bookings with airlines in anticipation of the travel restriction and ban being lifted today. Extra flights have been put on by airlines and regional airports including Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Leeds Bradford to Portugal, despite the fact that passengers from the UK are not permitted entry into Portugal at the moment.

Ben Paglia MD of AKEA Life the clinical testing partner to Salutaris People said: “The reality is that whilst you can book a flight and fly to a country when you get there you won’t be let in. Many of the airlines have passengers booked onto flights for Portugal, but when you arrive you won’t be allowed entry into the destination country due to complex rules on entry and stringent restrictions on testing and vaccination. At the moment Portugal is closed to UK passengers in accordance with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office guidance. There is the very real danger that passengers could fly to Portugal and not be allowed to disembark from the plane and be returned to their home destination.

“We also expect to see a lot of passengers who will be frantically rushing to get last minute rapid PCR tests before flying - to the few countries that will accept airline passengers – and when they also realise the destination country test requirements. There are also going to be a lot of very disappointed passengers furious not only with the escalating costs, but with the lack of clear communication to destination countries from Grant Shapps and the Government.”  

Salutaris People is the clinical lead partner in one of the UK’s first rapid PCR test facilities at a UK airport. The healthcare company is working in partnership with the Test Assurance Group (TAG) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport to offer rapid on-site PCR tests.  The express testing suite - which has its own on-site laboratory at the airport - provides clients with a rapid PCR test and certificate in 1-3 hours under Fit to Fly. It also provides other testing services including Test to Release and is expected to announce shortly that it will also be able to offer 2-day and 8-day testing. It is one of the only airports in the UK able to do this, compared to the normal 48-hour turnaround for PCR tests.

Ross Tomkins MD of Salutaris People added: “Whilst Australia is on the list issued by the Government, the reality is that Australia has locked its doors until 2022 for tourists. The same can be said of Israel and many other countries who are not allowing airline passengers from the UK. In real terms we have had an announcement of 12 countries we can return from and a traffic light system, but no clear guidance on which countries will accept airline passengers and what their entry requirements are. It would have been far more sensible and logical  for the Transport Minister and the Government to have announced which countries will accept airline passengers and what the entry requirements to those countries are in respect of test types and vaccination.” 

Ben Paglia MD of AKEA Life also added. “There is also a great deal of complexity to the traffic light system. This is where many of the major airlines will come unstuck. Tui for example have announced their green and amber packages and associated low budget costs including PCR home testing kits to a big fanfare last week. But you simply cannot properly set the parameters of any ‘green’ or ‘amber’ travel package until you know what the destination country parameters and protocols are and have been set.  They also have the issue of potential disruption to the postal PCR test kits being sent out as both laboratories and the postal service struggle to cope with demand.

“These protocols will also change on a regular basis as new variants of the disease emerge which will impact each country and travel restrictions. The South Africa, Brazil and Indian variants have all surfaced in the UK posing a serious threat to a third wave. Despite lockdown easing and the success of the vaccination programme the virus is still very much with us in our communities.  

“We have had a number of AKEA Life and Salutaris People clients booking holidays for countries that were on the Government ‘green list’ but have since realised that the country in question is not accepting passengers and have had to re book their holidays.”

As the majority of airlines are pushing towards postal delivery of self-administered PCR test kits Salutaris People also warned that there could be more Covid testing chaos with delays on postal test kits. The stark warning comes as the pent-up demand for air travel continues and there are genuine concerns of a repeat of last December’s postal test chaos. There were huge delays in the delivery of home-based PCR test kits by the postal service, which all of the airlines are now relying on.  The delays left airline passengers with test results being delivered late, ‘Unclear” test results - meaning passengers had to take secondary testing - tests going missing and, in some cases, passengers missing flights all together. 

The healthcare company is on the UK Government’s approved list of Covid-19 test providers. Salutaris People will have 5 clinics operating by the end of this month, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Wilmslow in Cheshire, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Stockton-On-Tees and Sunderland. These sites will provide Covid-19 testing for all airline passengers in the Northeast who want to fly from Newcastle International Airport and Teesside International Airport. Both the Liverpool and Wilmslow sites will provide Covid-19 testing for airline passengers wishing to fly from Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Akea Life, the clinical partner to Salutaris People, is a CQC-registered, 5-star private GP medical business, providing the UK’s first fully private concierge medical service of private doctors, healthcare professionals and nurses. The practice also retains a Covid-19 Consultant Virologist to advise on all matters related to Covid-19. The company also contains a Consultant Virologist - Dr Brendan Payne who is an honorary consultant physician in infectious diseases at the Royal Victoria Infirmary - Newcastle Upon Tyne.  Dr Payne holds CCTs in both infectious diseases and virology and works jointly across both departments at the Newcastle Hospitals.

Salutaris People, in conjunction with its healthcare and clinical partners Akea Life, Therapy Direct and Normedica, are also offering a unique Covid-19 Concierge Service to clients by bringing private Covid PCR testing to their location. A trained healthcare professional will come to a private residence, hotel or location and administer PCR tests. The tests are then couriered back to the mobile laboratory facilities, providing express PCR results within 1-3 hours. The company also plans to offer this service across the UK in other key locations and airports.