Hugh Pym
@BBCHughPym
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BBC News Health Editor covering all aspects of health (UK and Global). Politics and economics of the NHS. Thoughts from staff and patients always welcome.
London
Joined June 2010
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Second patient to get the COVID jab at University Hospital Coventry - would you believe it....William Shakespeare from Warwickshire
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Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance both say they would wear masks in crowded indoor spaces
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SAGE adviser Prof John Edmunds told a science media briefing 8k new infections a day (as calculated by ONS) was “a very high incidence” level - “many of us would prefer to see incidence down to lower levels before we relax measures - lifting the lockdown is a political decision”
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Since asking the question at Downing St press conf, five companies offering PPE have emailed me saying they haven’t had any luck getting responses from officials - will now pass them on as invited to by Gavin Williamson - though wondering who to....
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Prof Mark Woolhouse tells MPs there was not a single virus outbreak linked to crowded U.K. beaches last summer
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Worth noting the 122,300 total for virus tests yesterday included home test kits counted when they were dispatched
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Letter by BMA to Chris Whitty seen by BBC calls for gap between Pfizer vaccine doses to be reduced from 12 weeks to 6. BMA claims UK strategy looks isolated internationally - also concerns over whether 12 week delay might not allow second doses of the Pfizer to be guaranteed
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NHS England have said there are now more COVID patients in hospitals in England that at previous peak in April - 20,426 as of today.
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Interesting and sad to report that the 7 day rolling average for COVID 19 deaths has moved up a little.
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Inside the new Nightingale Hospital in London’s Excel centre - created from standing start a week ago
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NHS Confederation has called for immediate implementation of Plan B measures in England - including widespread mask wearing and more working from home: “to keep people well and avoid the NHS from becoming overwhelmed this winter.”
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Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England acknowledges there was a change of policy on virus testing in March partly because there was not enough capacity.
Dr Jenny Harries told the Commons Health Select Committee that “if we had unlimited capacity we would have done differently”.
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1) The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England Dr Thomas Waite has told the BBC that a recent increase in COVID hospital admissions in England is a "wake-up call" heading into autumn. There was a 47% increase over the week leading up to Sept 26th compared to the previous week.
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Professor Susan Michie, SAGE member, tells me she thinks lockdown easing in England on Saturday inc pubs opening is “highly irresponsible” - coming up on 6pm News
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Prof Chris Whitty tells MPs that vaccination programme has been very successful but there is likely to be another surge, possibly in late summer
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A new unit of measurement today. I am 2 metres tall. Advice to stay 2m apart. (My family used me as a measuring tape)
#SocialDistancing
#PhysicalDistance
A very clear example of correct
#SocialDistancing
. Hugh Pym is 2 metres tall. This is what 2m looks like.
#CoronaCrisisuk
#Covid_19
#BeLikeHughBeTwo
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For the week of 18-24 July, excluding deaths that took place more than 28 days after a positive test (the new policy) reduces the English death count by 75%: from 442 deaths to 111.
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The Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has purchased 60 tonnes of of personal protective equipment (PPE) to donate to the NHS. The first of several plane loads has arrived at Heathrow from suppliers in China this afternoon - including face masks.
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Chris Whitty asked for response to being harangued in the street said “it was a young lad showing off - I didn’t think much of it”
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Group of scientists and doctors including Sir David King, former Government chief scientific adviser, has written to the Lancet, calling on ministers to reconsider plans to drop restrictions in England and continue with public health measures until higher vaccine uptake.
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While U.K. daily reported cases fall, COVID deaths (379) up to 28 days after a positive test have sadly hit the highest level since February last year.
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NHS England say staff dealt with highest ever number of life-threatening ambulance call outs last month -82,000 category one calls - one every 33 seconds on average.
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The four chief medical officers for the UK have recommended that all children aged 12 to 15 years old should be offered one dose of the Pfizer covid vaccine.
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Devastating and tragic news. Emily was a superb television journalist and health editor. Much admired by the rest of us in the world of health journalism and always good company at press conferences and story coverage. Thoughts with her family.
We are devastated at the passing of our remarkable colleague Emily Morgan.
Emily was a hugely talented journalist and a much-loved friend and mentor to so many here. She will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts are with Emily’s family.
Statement:
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BMA says with further easing of lockdown in England face coverings in public should be mandatory: “BMA believes face masks or coverings should be worn by the public now as a matter of course, in order to keep the risk of infection as low as possible”
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Covid: Gap between Pfizer vaccine doses should be halved, say doctors
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NHS England report “Glastonbury style” rush for vaccine bookings after opening up to 25 and over this morning: “by 12pm, just five hours after eligibility widened there were 2.5 times the number of total appointments made yesterday, with 493,000 slots reserved”
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Covid: Ivermectin to be studied as possible treatment in UK - included in trials from today
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Over 1 million people in the UK had coronavirus in week ending 20 September according to latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics - a rise of about 14% from 927,900 the week before, the biggest percentage increase week-on-week since the beginning of July
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After Nicola Sturgeon spoke of very serious concerns over testing problems and called for talks with U.K. government, a Westminster source said
“It is disappointing that the First Minister has decided to play politics with the pandemic - we have been working with Scottish Govt”
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Thoughts with NHS staff right now and for weeks ahead:
21,286 patients in UK hospitals with Covid19 as of Tuesday 22 December - first wave peak was 21,683 people in hospital on 12 April.
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U.K. will now be first country to use the Pfizer Biontech vaccine after MHRA approval - jabs administered from early next week - initially in hospitals for staff and patients and possibly care home staff - 800,000 doses next week
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Public Health England says antibody test for Coronavirus produced by Roche has been evaluated and is a “very positive development.” Sources say its the first such test to offer serious potential - checks for antibodies in bloodstream and immunity. First reported in
@Telegraph
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I can confirm I have not changed my name to Hugh Pugh despite efforts by my colleagues - happy childhood memories of people saying Hugh Pugh Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble etc - if it gives people a bit of a laugh in these difficult times that’s a good way to end the week.
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Downing St says NHS pay award in England should be funded from within NHS budget and states that it won’t affect frontline services
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Chris Whitty: “some hospitals now have more COVID patients than at previous peak”
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Raises the question - is it being public spirited to politely ask why someone is not wearing a mask on the tube or is it an intrusion on their privacy?
My esteemed colleague BBC Health Editor
@BBCHughPym
has just been abused on a tube after questioning a woman for not wearing a mask.. what are people not getting?
#StaySafe
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Around 990,000 people in the UK had coronavirus last week according to the latest estimates from the ONS. This is up about 4% from around 950,000 the week before. The ONS says that these are 'early signs' of a possible rise in infections - likely down to Omicron variants.
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NHS England: Daily hospital covid admissions are now higher than on 23 March when the Prime Minister announced the first national lockdown. NHS in many areas of England – including Liverpool, Lancashire,Nottinghamshire – are now treating more Covid 19 patients than at first peak
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90 year old grandmother Margaret Keenan receives first COVID vaccine at University Hospital Coventry
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About 3.0 million people in the UK had coronavirus in the latest information from the ONS covid infection survey - week ending Dec 28 - double the 1.4 million seen in the previous release.
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Total waiting list for routine surgery now at 4.4 million - highest since records began - 672,112 waiting more than 18 weeks, highest since 2008
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Statement on COVID death from Kingston Hospital: “It is with great sadness that I confirm the death of a consultant geriatrician who was part of the team...Dr Anton Sebastianpillai died on Saturday 4 April 2020 having been cared for in the hospital’s intensive care unit”
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Fascinating slide used by Prof Van Tam at briefing on AZ vaccine - listing benefits and potential harms for each age group - explains decision on offering under 30s a different jab
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Health officials are pointing out that there is a 2 week gap between vaccine doses then 4 weeks for it to become effective so well into January
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England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam has said in a media interview he has “great concern” about a “big change” in virus case numbers over the weekend. He said there was a marked rise amongst 17-21 year olds though there were increases across all age groups
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Henry, aged 28 with no underlying health conditions is in Kings College Hospital, London with COVID - he had booked his first jab but got sick before that - he tells me how seriously ill he was, struggling to breathe and urges people to have the jab - coming up on 1pm News
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Chris Whitty says the winter will be “exceptionally difficult” for the NHS. Speaking at the Royal College of GPs conference he also said the topic of face to face appointments had “got rather more heat than it needs”
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Hooray! My favourite coffee shop next to the BBC has reopened.
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The Scottish Government has offered 160,000 NHS staff a 5% pay rise. This covers nurses, paramedics and hospital workers but not doctors and dentists. This follows a 4% award last year. The equivalent deal in England last year was 3%.
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So very sad. George was a superb broadcaster and journalist . A kind and popular colleague. Always a joy to work with and calm and considerate under pressure of deadlines. He will be so much missed and our thoughts are very much with his family.
Deeply, deeply sorry to hear about dear George Alagiah. A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find. I loved having his company in the BBC World Affairs Unit, and his progress after that was a pleasure to watch.
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NHS England says bookings for COVID jabs will open for those in their 30s tomorrow morning - online booking from 7am - 38/39 year olds to get text messages inviting them to book
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Jeremy Hunt takes over as Chancellor - might this mean more money for the NHS and a funded long term workforce plan?
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Nearly 140,000 people have waited over a year for a routine operation or procedure in England. The figure for September published by NHS England was the highest since September 2008. The total waiting list is now 4.35 million.
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Govt has confirmed 67,000 coronavirus test swabs had to be sent to US last month to be analysed but nearly 30,000 declared void because of problems with processing. People who had provided samples offered repeat tests - story broken by
@christopherhope
in
@Telegraph
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Understood that UKHSA will in due course start including COVID reinfections in daily reported case numbers - reinfections currently reported separately in weekly surveillance report - early evidence suggests increased reinfection risk with Omicron
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Was it something I said ?
The BBC News camera going rogue is the most exciting thing to happen for months!
Can you do it during every bulletin?
@sophieraworth
@BBCHughPym
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The gap of up to 12 weeks between vaccine doses will apply to both Oxford/AZ and Pfizer - priority now to give as many at risk people as possible a first dose.
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Junior doctor members of the BMA in England have voted for strike action. 98% in favour. Turnout 77.5%. 47,600 received ballot papers.
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In response to the sometimes helpful comments after the media briefing:
1) I ask questions on PPE because it’s incredibly important to more than 3 million staff in health and social care, some of whom are concerned about security of supply. I will continue to do so.....
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Medical regulator MHRA recalling up to 750,000 unused Randox coronavirus testing kits sent out to care homes and for individual home testing because of issues over safety standards/certification. Health provider Randox sent out total of 1.3 million kits
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My exclusive : Letter to PM co ordinated by Royal Coll of Physicians warning of no deal Brexit impact on health
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Record daily COVID case number - 78,610 - but always worth remembering there’s far more vaccine protection against serious illness than during the previous peak in Jan and more therapies.
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Pat Cullen of RCN after meeting with Steve Barclay:
“The government was true to its word – they would not talk to me about pay……I expressed my deep disappointment at the belligerence – they have closed their books and walked away.”
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Chris Whitty says anyone planning to pack a bag to leave South East England tonight should unpack.
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More than 70,000 excess deaths during the pandemic
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High Court has granted permission to campaigners including Professor Stephen Hawking to proceed with judicial review against Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and NHS England challenging introduction of accountable care organisations (ACOs) into NHS
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In some areas of Wales people as young as 18 are being invited to have a first COVID jab - health boards given flexibility to move down to under 30s - Wales has now given a first dose to 74% of adults - other U.K. nations 64-66%
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R number in U.K. range now 0.8-1 , down from previous estimate of 1.2-1.3
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Margaret Keenan after receiving first COVID jab : ose.
Margaret said: “I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19, it’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family
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Record number of nurses quitting the NHS
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Clinical leads of more than 60 hospital emergency depts written to PM: We feel compelled to speak out in support of our hardworking and dedicated nursing, medical and allied health professional colleagues and for the very serious concerns we have for the safety of our patients
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Very sad news indeed - Alistair Darling was always patient and helpful with the media even in the toughest months of tackling the financial crisis - a popular figure at Westminster and beyond.
Very sad news about former Chancellor Alistair Darling.. at the helm of the Treasury at a very difficult time for the country, he was the epitome of good grace and dignity under pressure, & wry humour too. A sad loss. Thoughts with his family.
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ONS weekly Covid infection survey will not be published today because of “delays getting test results back” - unfortunate given the vital need for timely information on path of epidemic
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After many virtual meetings at the Downing St pressers (but no more) it was nice to chat for real to
@SamCoatesSky
at a safe 2 metres
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A&E nurse: Most challenging I've seen in 30 years
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2) …Some of the admissions were patients with other conditions who tested positive for the virus. Dr Waite said: “The fact there are people who are getting so seriously ill that they've needed to go into hospital, is a wakeup call to us all as we go into autumn…..
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Such sad news about Dr Kate Granger, campaigner for patients and the NHS. Raised £250K+ and founded
#hellomynameis
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Understood that the AZ vaccine supply issue relates to consignment from manufacturer in India - half of order delayed 4 weeks.
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Nightingale Hospitals in England to close from April - London and Sunderland to continue as vaccination centres. A spokesperson said “existing hospitals have adapted to significantly surge critical care capacity and even in the winter wave there were beds available”
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Sources say up to 200 British citizens returning from Wuhan tomorrow will be put into quarantine in the UK for 14 days - will get best possible care and advice - following lead of US and Australia in response to Coronavirus
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Lab's Jon Ashworth: postponement of NHS stats till after polling day "a cover-up" - writing "to insist this data is released as planned"
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Chair of NHS pay review body Philippa Hird has told Commons committee that the Dept of Health still hasn’t submitted evidence ahead of the next pay round beginning in April. There was deadline of Jan 11th. Committee chair Conservative MP Steve Brine said he was “astonished”.
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Royal Colleges have written to PM: “"We are simply unable to reassure patients that their health care won’t be negatively impacted by the UK’s exit from the EU...”
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Govt confirms it’s purchased 3.5 million blood test kits to detect antibodies - allowing NHS and other key workers to know whether they have had the virus - to be available within weeks.
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3)….that Covid is still here, flu is another serious and preventable illness and that there are things we can do to protect ourselves as well as getting vaccinated to prevent against the most serious illness." Said Dr Waite, Deputy CMO England. Admissions still below July
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The Government is to begin pay talks with the Royal College of Nursing. The RCN has called off strikes planned next week.
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More than half a million people in the U.K. have now had the coronavirus vaccine
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Vaccination programme extended to 34-35 year olds in England today and 25-29 years in Northern Ireland
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Association of Directors of Public Health call for delay to the roadmap in England - they argue complete lifting of measures on June 21st risks increase in cases and hospital numbers and use of face coverings and social distancing will need to remain for "foreseeable future".
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Chris Whitty has told MPs that giving up on social distancing rules now because there’s a vaccine would be like giving up a marathon after 16 miles - though once most vulnerable all vaccinated there’s scope to relax rules
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There was a day in July last year when there were zero reported deaths but that was put in the dataset retrospectively after death data changed to within 28 days of a positive test - today is the first of the pandemic when Government has announced zero deaths in its daily update.
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Dido Harding, Chair of NHS test and Trace: "I absolutely don't accept that this is failure, it's the opposite" when questioned about the current system, critiqued by a study published in the Lancet today. She said contact tracing "is extremely effective” - coming up on 6pm News
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A “critical incident” has been declared at a Northwick Park hospital in London because it no longer has capacity to treat Covid-19 patients. An NHS source has told the BBC that there are plenty of available beds at nearly hospitals.
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Govt defeated in Commons over infected blood compensation scheme amendment - first on a 3 line whip since 2019
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Professor Kevin Fenton tells BBC of worries about Indian variant in London. “We are very concerned….. because numbers of cases of the variant first described in India are increasing across the city.....many of our boroughs are seeing cases as the variant spreads”.
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Looking forward to chatting to former BBC colleague and friend Rory Cellan-Jones about his new book Ruskin Park
@QPBookfest
next Sat Sept 2nd at 1pm. Hoping to also cover his Parkinson’s
@moversand6
podcast AND his rescue dog
#sophiefromromania
@ruskin147
#QueensParkBookFestival
Tickets now on sale for my event at the Queen's Park Book Festival where I will be talking about my memoir about my mum with
@BBCHughPym
September 2nd 1pm
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No daily reported deaths in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland in latest figures - 4 in Wales through there were none in Wales reported on three previous days
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Thanks so much for kind messages re
@TheBJReview
@UniWestminster
Charles Wheeler - nothing possible without great BBC colleagues , especially
@DominicHurst
@BradshawHarriet
true team effort in health news team
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