News
Melatonin use in children who can’t sleep prompts safety warning
Children and young people in England are being given the hormone Melatonin to help them sleep, prompting concern that there is little evidence of its long-term effectiveness or safety. Melatonin, which is produced naturally by the body, has been authorised for use by people aged over 55. It has been hailed as a less addictive alternative to insomnia drug treatments.
Marked rise in type 2 diabetes in young people
Type 2 diabetes can lead to a range of health problems such as heart disease, strokes and kidney problems. The condition occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It can be linked to obesity.
Genome sequencing promises new era in oncology
All children with cancer in England will be offered whole genome sequencing from this year in a move that will enable a more comprehensive and precise diagnosis and access to more personalised treatments.
Clinical trials for medical cannabis for children
Talks are underway about setting up clinical trials into medicinal cannabis. The move towards trials of the medication means that leading medical experts in the UK will examine a large number of plant-based medicines, so they can gather evidence to show which medicinal cannabis products react well with various types of epilepsy and seizures.
Global measles resurging, WHO warns
Measles is a highly contagious disease that in severe cases can lead to complications such as blindness, pneumonia and infection and swelling of the brain. There has been a worldwide resurgence of measles, with many countries experiencing “severe and protracted” outbreaks, last year, a report warns.
EpiPen shortage ‘worrying’
The makers of the adrenaline injection pen, which is used to treat severe and life-threatening allergic reactions, say that the continuing supply problems are due to manufacturing issues.
Children ‘failed in the first 1,000 days’ say MPs
The Health and Social Care Committee says that not enough support is provided in the early years to give children the best start in life. It warns that cuts to children’s centres, health visiting and parent support services have left children vulnerable. It urged the government to pay for extra contact with health visitors beyond the age of two and-a-half. Adverse experiences in childhood have been shown to increase the chances of poor health and development later in life. The government has said it will set out plans for early years support in a forthcoming green paper on prevention.
Shortage of medical staff, including paediatricians, causing concerns
The NHS, Europe’s largest employer, has a workforce of 1.1 million, but 100,000 jobs remain unfilled. The crisis is most acute in nursing, where there are around 40,000 vacancies. Paediatricians, oncologists and doctors are also needed, with nearly 9,000 vacancies currently unfilled.
15-year legal battle secures £4 million settlement for brain damaged teen
A 16-year-old girl who suffered severely impaired hearing and brain damage after developing pneumococcal meningitis, when just 13-months-old, has been awarded £4 million in damages.
We are joining over 10,000 lawyers in the London Legal Walk
In a bid to raise money to support free legal advice charities in London and the South East, we have entered a team of ten into the 15th London Legal Walk, taking place on the evening of Monday 17 June. We will be joining over 10,000 lawyers in the event.
