‘Imbalance' of women doctors harming NHS, retired surgeon says
Dr Thomas said that 'women have got to have children', and their subsequent part-time work arrangements negatively impact NHS services, including patient access to GPs.
He suggested that medical schools should reduce the intake of female students from the current 60-70 per cent, which is a 'huge imbalance', to a 50-50 gender split.
The comments were made amidst ongoing discussions about NHS strikes, with thousands of resident doctors set to walk out for five days.
NHS England has urged the public to continue seeking care during the strikes, advising the use of 111 online for urgent but non-life-threatening issues.
Patients struggling to get GP appointments because too many women are doctors, retired surgeon claims
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Daily Mail
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Doctors strikes will be banned under the Tories like police and prison officers, vows Kemi Badenoch
Doctors strikes will be banned under a Conservative government in the same way as police and prison officers, Kemi Badenoch has vowed. The Tory party leader today announced she would amend the law to bar the protests as she insisted the British Medical Association (BMA) is 'out of control'. It comes following 11 strikes in the past 18 months which Ms Badenoch said had resulted in patients dying. Her comments were made on GB News amid the ongoing five-day series of strikes by resident doctors in support of a pay claim. Urging Sir Keir Starmer to take similar action, Ms Badenoch said: 'The BMA has become militant, these strikes are going too far, and it is time for action. 'Doctors do incredibly important work. Medicine is a vocation – not just a job. That is why in government we offered a fair deal that supported doctors, but protected taxpayers too. 'These strikes will have a significant economic effect, but they will also mean cancelled operations, worry for families of the sick, and suffering for those who are unwell. We know that previous strike action by doctors even led to some patients losing their lives. 'That is why Conservatives are stepping in, and setting out common sense proposals to protect patients, and the public finances. And we are making an offer in the national interest – we will work with the Government to face down the BMA to help protect patients and the NHS.' Doctors hold lives in their hands. No one should lose critical healthcare because of strikes but that's what's happening now. That's why a Conservative government led by me would ban doctors' strikes, just like we do the army and police. — Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) July 27, 2025 Police, the military and prison officers are banned from taking strike action under the 1992 Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act. The Conservatives would amend this to include doctors. Action short of a strike such as working to rule and banning overtime would still be permitted - with doctors remaining able to unionise through the BMA, like the police, which has the police federation to represent members' interests. Minimum service levels have also been proposed by the Conservatives, which would aim to ensure a basic service provision in not just healthcare but other essential sectors like education and transport. The party has argued proposed changes would bring the UK in line with other nations such as Australia and Canada who have tighter restrictions on doctors strikes, as well as European nations like Greece, Italy and Portugal that have minimum service levels laws in place across their health services. Under Australia's Fair Work Act 2009, the Fair Work Commission is required to suspend or terminate strike action that endangers the safety, health or welfare of the population. Attempts to block doctors' strike action are likely to be challenged in the courts, specifically under Article 11 of the European Convention of Human Rights. Police officers have been banned from taking strike action since 1919 when the Police Act made it a criminal offence and all armed forces members are bound by the King's Regulations which make unionisation illegal. The Conservatives' proposed primary legislation would restrict the ability of for doctors at all levels to engage in strike action as regulated by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. This would be done through exempting doctors from the part of the act that gives the right to strike. The Conservatives said they will also look at introducing back-to-work orders in a similar vein to other European countries. Stuart Andrew MP, Shadow Health Secretary, said: 'The Conservative Party has always respected the important work that healthcare professionals do, but enough is enough. 'The BMA has taken our NHS hostage and used this Labour Government's weakness to demand more and more – with taxpayers and patients left to suffer the consequences. 'As our health service faces yet another round of damaging strike action, the Conservatives are calling time. If Labour were serious about cutting waiting lists and delivering the health system our country deserves, rather than just kowtowing to the unions, they would back our plans.'
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
I helped my friend through cancer - then mine came back
My appointment was late. I remember sitting in the waiting area thinking: If it's cancer, surely they wouldn't leave me hanging? Finally in the room, I expected the doctor to check my name, date of birth – but he didn't do that. Beside him were a couple of nurses, which seemed a bit overkill for my results to be nothing. That's when the doctor told me it was breast cancer. I had found a lump in my breast, close to my armpit, at the start of October half term in 2017. By December I had been scheduled for a lumpectomy. Subsequent scans and a biopsy showed the cancer hadn't spread to my lymph nodes; it was followed up with six rounds of chemotherapy, one every three weeks. I felt progressively worse as time went on. I lost my hair – it would just fall out of my head as I was walking down the hallway. I let the kids shave my head which, in the circumstances, was quite a nice way of doing it. My daughter Amelia, who was then six, plaited a piece, which she cut off and kept. I started being sick after the second session, and then the nausea started before I even got to the hospital because I knew what was coming. By session six, I ended up being admitted because I was vomiting non-stop. The next stage was radiotherapy, which I finished on August 10, 2018. It marked the end of my active treatment, and I was told I was clear of disease. The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. You should see a GP if you notice any of the following: a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples a lump or swelling in either of your armpits a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Via NHS. Afterwards, I thought: 'Right, time to move on; to start living our best lives'. I have a group of five school-mum friends, Debbie, Natalie, Sam and Steph and we would get together, eat pizza, drink Prosecco and occasionally plan some fundraising events for breast cancer charities – starting with a 1,000 mile bike ride in September 2018. 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I was about to text her but before I could, my phone pinged with a message from her, telling she had found a lump. I was floored. Obviously, it took me back to getting my diagnosis but you just don't want anyone you know to have to go through cancer. I knew how it would impact her and her children: they were older than mine when I found out, and whereas I didn't even tell my then two-year-old son, her kids would understand everything. Debbie had a lump in her neck as well as her breast and the immediate worry was that it had already spread to other organs. Waiting for her results was agony. I didn't want to be that person pestering – but I've never checked my phone quite so much as I did that day. Mercifully, Debbie's cancer hadn't spread but she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Once Debbie got a treatment plan, I wanted to support her. Childcare was at the top of the list. There were some days, in the first week after each chemo session, that were really hard to drag myself to school. It was easy for me to collect Libby when I got Matthew and bring her back to ours for tea. When she started chemo, we worked out which days she tended to feel worse, and I took Libby to school, too. Discussing the importance of being breast aware, Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, wants women to know there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts. 'It's about looking and feeling regularly so any changes can be spotted quickly,' she said. 'The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be. 'Whatever your age, being aware of all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial – it's not just a lump to look out for. Other changes could be a nipple becoming inverted or a change in texture of the skin. 'While most symptoms won't mean breast cancer, if you notice anything unusual for you get it checked out by your GP. 'Anyone with questions can call Breast Cancer Now's nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit I still do that now every Friday – it's become our little ritual – because despite having completed treatment, Debbie has been badly impacted by the side effects. People often think that once you've finished chemo, you're done and out the other side. But I found the second lump in my armpit in the May half term last year (half terms aren't good for me!) and scans revealed that not only had my cancer returned, it had spread. It was in my lungs. I found out a few hours before the school fete. Debbie was in the midst of treatment, so Libby was coming with us. I remember walking around all these stalls, paying money for anything and everything but thinking, 'Oh, God…'. 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Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: My drink was spiked – then I got a life-changing diagnosis MORE: I had high hopes for adult summer camp – then I went MORE: I escaped my ex – now our 8-year-old son is the one being abused Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with fat jabs, she swears by three very simple and straightforward things to slim down and tone up. 2 A savvy mum has shared the three healthy habits she followed which enabled her to lose seven stone Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 2 Instead of using Mounjaro, Lucy, who is from the UK, swears by eating right and exercising to tone up Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her weight loss, leaving many totally stunned. Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for weight loss surgery, this mother swears by eating right and exercising to get a body of dreams. And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her weight loss to three healthy habits - eating in a calorie deficit, walking and weight lifting. Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands on a mission to slim down and when it comes to her diet, rather than eating nothing but fruit and vegetables, she swears by a big focus on protein. She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the gym four times a week and does two glute focused sessions, one catered to full body exercises and another on her upper body. After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @lucy52915, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 844,000 views, 21,600 likes and 1,169 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's weight loss and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done TikTok user One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Mounjaro and excuses here! Well done for creating new habits and not cheating. This will set you up for life.' Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.' To this, Lucy wrote back and confirmed: 'Yep it's me.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
