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Hiring freezes in NHS cancer and diagnostic units fuel patient delays
A report from the Royal College of Radiologists reveals that hiring freezes imposed by 42 NHS trusts and health boards in 2024 have hindered recruitment in cancer and diagnostic units. These freezes come amidst growing demand for diagnostic tests and cancer care driven by an ageing population. Critics argue that this decision exacerbates staff shortages, delays diagnosis and treatments and undermines government efforts to reduce NHS backlogs. Experts warn that without urgent investment in staff and resources, cancer services will remain overburdened, prolonging wait times and affecting patient outcomes.
Source: The Guardian, 10 January 2025
See also: Royal College of Radiologists – Recruitment freezes in cancer and diagnostic departments risk patient care and waste NHS resources
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North East praised for pioneering smoke-free initiatives
The North East has been recognised as a leader in efforts to eliminate smoking in England, with local campaigns and public health officials driving a comprehensive vision for a smoke-free future. City of Durham MP, Mary Kelly Foy, says that public health groups operating in the area such as Fresh have led the way. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently in committee stage, aims to create a "smoke-free generation" by progressively raising the legal smoking age. Experts, including England’s Chief Medical Officer, have lauded the bill’s potential to improve public health and tackle inequalities. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, said the Bill was world-leading but also emphasised the need for continued investment in cessation programmes to help those who smoke.
Source: Chronicle Live, 9 January 2025
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Bolton allocated government funding for smoking cessation efforts
Bolton is set to benefit from over £400,000 as part of a £70 million government initiative to support local stop smoking services. Smoking impacts the borough's economy significantly. The funding allocation, based on smoking prevalence data, aims to address the borough’s above-average smoking rate of 14.2%. Local leaders emphasised the importance of these resources in reducing health inequalities and alleviating pressure on the NHS. The support complements ongoing legislative measures like the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, designed to prevent smoking addiction in future generations.
Source: Bolton News, 10 January 2025
See also: ASH – Ready Reckoner
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Written and Oral Evidence: Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently going through committee stage in the house of commons. This week, written and oral evidence were provided to committee members regarding key details of the Bill. In one session, oral evidence was given by the Chief Medical Officers of the four nations. In the next session, evidence was provided by Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH UK, alongside Chief Executives from ASH in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This was followed by a second sitting which saw evidence from public health and trading standards experts, academic experts and representatives from Royal Colleges.
A full transcript of the first sitting is available here.
A full transcript of the second sitting is available here.
Written evidence is available here.
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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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