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** 21 October 2024
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** UK
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** Wes Streeting set to introduce digital records to modernise NHS (#1)
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** NHS England set for significant restructuring amid leadership change (#2)
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** Conservative MP urges support for stronger anti-smoking legislation (#3)
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** Calls grow for proper disposal of disposable vapes (#4)
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** International
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** Cigarette companies near settlement to resolve tobacco health risks litigation in Canada (#5)
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** UK
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** Wes Streeting set to introduce digital records to modernise NHS

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is set to introduce "patient passports," which will digitally consolidate medical records for NHS patients, aiming to transition the NHS from its current paper-based systems to a fully digital framework over the next decade. The proposed digital transformation is part of a government consultation that seeks to improve efficiency by making patient information easily accessible across all NHS trusts, reducing repetitive testing and medication errors. New legislation will be required to facilitate the sharing of these electronic health records nationwide.

Despite the potential benefits, there are significant concerns about privacy and data security, with critics arguing that centralising patient records creates vulnerabilities for misuse and unauthorised access. The initiative will involve collaboration with technology and pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative treatments, though there are fears this could erode the confidentiality traditionally upheld in the doctor-patient relationship.

The public consultation will explore measures to ensure patient data remains protected and to build trust, especially as previous surveys indicate widespread scepticism about the NHS's data security. Alongside digitisation, the government envisions shifting more healthcare services from hospitals to community settings and promoting preventive care. Wearable health technology is also set to play a role, allowing patients to monitor conditions like diabetes from home. The 10-year plan will be finalised in spring 2025, following input from the public and healthcare professionals.

Source: The Guardian, 21 October 2024

See also: DHSC - Government issues rallying cry to the nation to help fix NHS ([link removed]) | DHSC – Consultation: Help build a health service fit for the future ([link removed])
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** NHS England set for significant restructuring amid leadership change

This article discusses NHS England's upcoming leadership change, with a new chair set to be appointed and the redefining of NHS England as a "delivery machine" mandated to execute government priorities.

Source: HSJ, 21 October 2024

See also: DHSC - Government issues rallying cry to the nation to help fix NHS ([link removed]) | DHSC – Consultation: Help build a health service fit for the future ([link removed])
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** Conservative MP urges support for stronger anti-smoking legislation

Writing in Conservative Home, Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, advocates for the reintroduction and strengthening of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to build on previous Conservative efforts to reduce smoking rates. Blackman supports Labour’s reported plans to extend smoking restrictions to outdoor areas, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach to creating a smokefree society. Blackman draws on personal experience, noting the devastating impact of smoking on his family, and highlights the substantial economic and health benefits of reducing smoking prevalence.

Addressing arguments against stricter regulations, Blackman rejects concerns about freedom of choice, citing the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and the high addiction rates among those who try smoking. Blackman also refutes claims that tighter laws fuel the illicit tobacco market, explaining that increased enforcement has reduced illegal sales. Blackman calls for a public consultation on extending smokefree laws to outdoor spaces and encourages his party to seize this opportunity to cement a lasting public health legacy by making England smokefree by 2030.

Source: Conservative Home, 21 October 2024
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** Calls grow for proper disposal of disposable vapes

With the number of vapers rising in the UK, there is growing concern about the environmental and safety risks of discarding disposable vapes. The London Fire Brigade has responded to hundreds of fires over the past two years, many caused by the lithium batteries found in these devices. Due to the enclosed design of disposable vapes, recycling them is difficult, and improperly discarded batteries can ignite fires in waste facilities. Campaigners and councils are urging people to use designated recycling points rather than tossing vapes into household bins.

Recycling options include retailer take-back schemes and local council facilities, although availability varies by area. While the previous government proposed banning disposable vapes from April 2025, the current administration is still reviewing regulatory options. In the meantime, safety experts stress the importance of proper disposal to prevent fires and reduce environmental harm, highlighting the need for more accessible and consistent recycling solutions.

Source: BBC News, 19 October 2024
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** International
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** Cigarette companies near settlement to resolve tobacco health risks litigation in Canada

Three of the largest tobacco companies, Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco, are nearing a significant settlement to conclude long-running legal disputes in Canada. The proposed agreement, valued at C$32.5bn (£18bn), aims to compensate both smokers and government health departments for the companies' failure to warn consumers about the dangers of smoking. A portion of the settlement will provide direct compensation to individuals suffering from tobacco-related illnesses, while the rest will be directed to health authorities. This follows a 2015 Quebec court ruling, later upheld in 2019, which found the firms liable for concealing the health risks associated with cigarettes.

While the deal marks a milestone for victims, some advocacy groups have expressed concern that it does not adequately address future corporate behaviour or public health protections. Critics argue that the settlement lacks measures to prevent the addicting of new “victims” through emerging nicotine products. Despite these reservations, voting on the settlement will occur in December, with final approval expected in the first part of 2025 if the claimants accept the plan.

Source: BBC News, 21 October 2024
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

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