Consultants found to own shares in private hospitals have a conflict of interest
New research conducted by the CHPI has shown that around 400 NHS consultants own shares in private hospitals exposing doctors to a potential conflict of interest between patient’s welfare and their income.
Another 177 consultant’s own equipment in private hospitals,67 of whom earn a fee each time it is used.
NHS trusts have paid at least 40 million pounds to 11 private hospitals in which some NHS consultants own shares.
Read more in The Guardian.
UK mental health crisis
NHS figures have revealed that almost 400,000 children and young people aged 18 and under are in contact with the health service for mental health problems.
Despite the increase in demand, services are diminishing and two thirds of children referred for specialist mental healthcare not receiving treatment.
Last week, the charity Barnardo’s warned that ministers were ‘sleepwalking’ into a deeper crisis in children’s mental health.
Read more in the Guardian.
Cancer Research UK forms new partnership with investment fund
Cancer research UK has announced the formation of a partnership with SV Health Investors in life sciences investment fund, with the aim of accelerating the development of cancer medicines
Michelle Mitchell Cancer Research UK’s chief executive described the partnership as ‘a huge opportunity to accelerate our research and support the successful development the successful development of the much-needed treatment for cancer.
Read more in the PharmaTimes.
Survey suggests Westminster MPs at risk of poor mental health
A recent survey of parliamentarians suggest that UK MPs at Westminster are more likely to have mental health issues than either the general public or other people in comparable professions.
MPs had poorer mental health and reported higher levels of worthlessness, unhappiness and depression compared to the total population.
Read more in the ScienceDaily.
Quote of the week
Martin Dockrell the head of tobacco control at PHE said; “In San Francisco, they have just abandoned any thought that e-cigarettes might be a significant off-ramp and they are only concerned about young people starting to use nicotine,”
This was in response to San Francisco’s decision to ban the sale of e-cigarettes due to concerns over young people taking up vaping whereas health experts in the UK have promoted vaping as a way to quit smoking with vaping 95% less harmful than smoking.
Read more in The Guardian.
Credit for this week’s Friday Five goes to our wonderful work experience student Bella McGoldrick.