NHS England leaders welcome £6bn budget boost but say much more is needed
NHS England leaders have responded positively to the £6bn budget increase from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, aimed at addressing rising demands, tackling the care backlog, and upgrading outdated IT systems. The budget for 2024/25 will see a £2.5bn increase for day-to-day operations, raising the total to £164.9bn, slightly higher than this year's £163.2bn. Julian Hartley, CEO of NHS Providers, viewed the funding as a temporary relief from financial strains, while Matthew Taylor, chief of the NHS Confederation, felt the amount was insufficient to significantly improve the service. Additionally, £3.4bn over three years is allocated to enhance NHS productivity, with £2bn targeted at modernising inefficient IT systems. This investment is expected to save time and resources, potentially leading to £4bn savings over five years. The budget also includes £430m to improve patient access to care and reduce waiting lists, partially through enhanced use of the NHS App. However, adult social care remains underfunded, causing concern among organisations like the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and Age UK. The budget also acknowledged the need for reform in children's residential care, setting aside £165m to curb profiteering. Yet, it falls short in addressing the housing crisis, with no substantial investment for new social homes and a capital gains tax cut that could negatively impact renters.
German ambassador refuses to apologise for leaked call 'revealing British troops in Ukraine'
Germany's ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, has declined to apologise for a leaked call that inadvertently exposed details about British troops in Ukraine. The leak, attributed to Russia, revealed a conversation between Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, head of the German air force, and other officers, discussing sensitive military information. This incident has raised significant security concerns among UK military sources and NATO allies. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labelled the security breach as "very serious," prompting an investigation in Berlin. Berger, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, indicated that the breach likely resulted from one officer using an unsecured line, describing it as an "individual mistake." Berger criticised former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace's comments about Germany's vulnerability to Russian intelligence, calling them "extremely unhelpful" and a potential trap set by Russia to sow discord among NATO allies. The call, publicised in Russian media, was deemed a "hybrid attack" by Moscow by Berger. He stated that the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius had communicated with allies to clarify Berlin's stance on the incident. Russia has used the leak to claim direct Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Russia attacks Ukraine’s Odesa as Greek PM visits war-stricken city
During a visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Odesa, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine's port city, resulting in at least five deaths. The strike, confirmed by a Ukrainian navy spokesperson, targeted a hangar reportedly housing Ukrainian naval drones. This assault coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's guided tour for Mitsotakis, showcasing the war-induced devastation. On March 2, a drone attack in the same city had killed 12 people, including five children. The latest strike, as described by the Russian Defence Ministry, successfully hit its intended target. President Zelenskyy, in response to the attack, highlighted the indiscriminate nature of Russian strikes. Mitsotakis experienced the immediacy of war, noting the stark difference between hearing about the conflict and witnessing it firsthand. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attack, calling it a "vile" act and a new form of terror by Russia. This attack marks a continuation of Russia's intensified strikes on Ukrainian ports, particularly following their withdrawal from a UN-brokered agreement that facilitated the safe passage of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.
36 million people across the European Region may have developed long COVID over the first 3 years of the pandemic
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 36 million people in the European region may have developed long COVID during the first three years of the pandemic. This condition, characterised by lingering symptoms post-COVID-19 infection, presents a significant public health challenge. The WHO's statement highlights the need for comprehensive care and support for those affected. Long COVID symptoms can vary widely, from fatigue and cognitive dysfunction to more severe physical issues, impacting daily life and work capacity. The organisation stresses that these long-term effects require serious attention and response from healthcare systems. The WHO's Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, emphasises the critical need to understand and address long COVID. He calls for sustained research efforts, investment in rehabilitation services, and public health strategies to manage and mitigate its impact. This situation reflects the pandemic's ongoing and evolving challenges, with long COVID affecting millions across the European region. It underscores the importance of continued vigilance, research, and healthcare system adaptation to meet the needs of those living with the long-term effects of COVID-19.
