It was a big week for exciting new health innovations
Sepsis test could show results in minutes
A new rapid test for earlier diagnosis of sepsis is being developed by University of Strathclyde researchers. The device, which has been tested in a laboratory, may be capable of producing results in two-and-a-half minutes, the Biosensors and Bioelectronics journal study suggests.
Read more from the BBC.
Shark DNA could “help cure cancer”
The first map of great whites sharks’ DNA has revealed “mutations” that protect the animals against cancer and other illnesses.
Scientists hope more research could help apply the findings to treating age-related illnesses in humans.
Read more from the BBC.
Cervical cancer could be eliminated in most countries by 2100
Cervical cancer could be effectively eliminated in most countries around the world by the end of the 21st century, according to research.
The HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine, which protects against the virus that causes most cases, has dramatically reduced incidences of cervical cancer wherever uptake has been high. There are hopes that the jab given to young girls, together with occasional HPV screening, could end the disease that kills more than 300,000 women globally every year.
Read more from The Guardian.
Brexit bulletin
DHSC sets up “logistics hub” in Belgium
The Department of Health and Social Care has set up a “logistics hub” in Belgium and plans to manage its own dedicated shipping route from mainland Europe to the UK for vital medical products, as part of no-deal preparations.
Read more from the HSJ.
Quote of the week
“National regulators are encouraging the wrong kind of behaviour”.
This week, Baroness Dido Harding, chair of NHS Improvement, said national regulators should change current indicators to focus more on staff wellbeing rather than financial regulations.
“I think we have to shift our focus to be more people-centred and recognise that most of the organisations have got financial and quality challenges have actually got underlining people challenges”, she said, adding that she holds a “hardcore view” that chief executives who don’t see their role as protecting the wellbeing of staff should not be in the job.
Read more from the HSJ.