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Young women ‘at risk' of preventable cancer after low vaccine uptake

Young women ‘at risk' of preventable cancer after low vaccine uptake

Independent20-06-2025
Low uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among children is increasing the risk of cervical cancer for young women in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports.
Significant regional disparities exist in vaccine coverage, with London showing the lowest uptake rates for both girls and boys, while areas like the South East and Northumberland have the higher rates.
The HPV vaccine, typically administered to children in Year 8 or 9, is vital for preventing cervical cancer and also offers protection against other cancers and genital warts.
Health experts, including Dr. Sharif Ismail from UKHSA, stress that the vaccine is a powerful tool for cancer prevention and urge parents to ensure their children receive it.
NHS England aims to eliminate cervical cancer in England by 2040, a goal contingent on increased HPV vaccination rates and consistent participation in cervical screening.
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‘Failings' in care of ex-cricketer Graham Thorpe in months before he died, coroner says
‘Failings' in care of ex-cricketer Graham Thorpe in months before he died, coroner says

The Independent

time12 minutes ago

  • The Independent

‘Failings' in care of ex-cricketer Graham Thorpe in months before he died, coroner says

There were 'failings' in the provision of care to former England cricketer Graham Thorpe in the months before he died, a coroner has said. Speaking at the inquest into Mr Thorpe's death, Jonathan Stevens then recorded a conclusion of suicide. Mr Thorpe was not perceived to be in a 'crisis situation' by healthcare professionals after they were told he had been asking his wife 'for help to end his life' weeks before he died, an inquest heard. The 55-year-old died on the morning of 4 August 2024 after being struck by a train at a railway station in Surrey. His widow, Amanda Thorpe, said he had taken his own life. An inquest at Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking heard he had 'spiralled into depression' after losing his job as a batting coach in 2022, and he had tried to take his own life on another occasion. After missing an appointment with the community mental health team on June 28 2024, care co-ordinator Katie Johnson spoke to Mr Thorpe's wife on the phone who told her he was 'constantly asking for help to end his life', the court heard. Ms Johnson then spoke to Mr Thorpe who told her he 'hadn't been out for a while' and 'didn't see the point of being here' but had no immediate plans to act on suicidal thoughts, the inquest heard. An investigation was carried out by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust after his death, which details a number of findings and recommendations. Dr Shriti Burgul, a consultant psychiatrist who reviewed the investigation's report before it was finalised, told the court on Friday that one of the findings was that 'it was noted that Graham's presentation at his appointment on 28 June 2024 was in keeping with previous presentations and not perceived by the team as a crisis situation'. Given the conversation was over the phone, the psychiatrist was asked if it would have been appropriate to arrange to see Mr Thorpe very quickly. She said: 'In the wisdom of hindsight, then yes, a home visit would have been clinically indicated,' adding: 'I think the team's view at that point was this was part of his chronic presentation.' Dr Burgul was asked if arranging an appointment for two weeks was an appropriate response and she said in the absence of Mr Thorpe expressing 'active intent' or an 'active plan', it would be appropriate to allow two weeks. She said Mr Thorpe was not at the level of requiring intervention from the home treatment team. The psychiatrist was asked if there was any evidence that if there had been an in-person assessment for Mr Thorpe, there would have been a different outcome, and she replied 'no'. The investigation noted that a letter from when Mr Thorpe was discharged from a private hospital in July 2022 said a neuropsychologist should be identified to provide further support, the inquest heard. This was never done by the private provider or the GP, and a risk panel advised it should be explored in June 2024, Dr Burgul said. Asked whether there was any neuropsychological impact that could have affected the cricketer's ability to engage in appointments, given he missed some, the psychiatrist said 'it's a possibility, yes'. Mr Thorpe's cause of death was recorded by a pathologist as multiple injuries, the coroner said. The inquest previously heard that while on tour in Australia, there was an 'incident involving a video that was taken that had adverse publicity'. Mr Thorpe shared a video with some friends which was leaked, and the incident was 'blown out of all proportion', leaving Mr Thorpe 'distraught', Ms Thorpe said. According to reports at the time, the video, filmed after a dismal Ashes series which England lost 4-0, showed Tasmanian police breaking up a drinking session involving both England and Australia players. Ms Thorpe described it as a 'horrible' time, and said the later termination of his employment with the England and Wales Cricket Board was a 'real shock to Graham', which was the 'start of the decline of his mental health'. Mr Thorpe was a mainstay in the England set-up for many years, first as a batter between 1993 and 2005 before spending 12 years in coaching roles. During a distinguished international career, he struck 16 Test hundreds for England, including a debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993, and represented his country 182 times in all formats. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@ or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to to find a helpline near you.

Taunton GP who put bodily fluids in coffee struck off
Taunton GP who put bodily fluids in coffee struck off

BBC News

time13 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Taunton GP who put bodily fluids in coffee struck off

A doctor who put his semen into a cup of coffee he made for a woman has been permanently struck off. Former Taunton GP Nicholas Chapman, 57, was found guilty in June 2023 of attempting to engage in sexual activity without consent. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order. Two years on, a medical tribunal panel has ruled he should be erased from the medical register. In a judgement published online, the tribunal panel said "reasonable" members of the public would find Chapman's conviction "deplorable", adding they would be "appalled" if he were not struck off. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal document detailed how Chapman had targeted a second woman – referred to only as Ms A – over a number of said he had shown her photos of naked women without her consent and suggested she should look for him on an unnamed dating app. The victim also said he had kissed her and, on a separate occasion, had pinched her bottom during a hug – allegations that Chapman denied. The tribunal panel ruled that these actions were "unwanted", constituted sexual harassment and created "a degrading environment" for the victim. During the 2023 trial at Gloucester Crown Court, the first woman, known to the tribunal as Ms B, described the coffee semen incident as "devious and cowardly". She said she hoped to move on but would "have to accept that the mental and emotional trauma I have suffered throughout this will always remain with me in some way". At the time, Chapman was made subject to a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim and was placed on the sex offenders' list for five years. 'No evidence of apology' The medical tribunal heard evidence from a doctor who worked at the same practice as Chapman. The doctor said the impact of Chapman's actions on the reputation of the practice and trust in doctors was "still huge". "There continue to be comments inside and outside of the practice on a regular basis like, 'Oh we don't talk about Dr Chapman'," they added. "Some patients are put off coming to the practice and some have a mistrust of seeking help when they need it, or whether things would remain confidential," the doctor continued. Handing down their judgement, the tribunal panel said Chapman had shown a "lack of insight" about the impact of his actions. They highlighted that they had "received no evidence of apology, reflection, insight or remediation from Dr Chapman in respect of his conviction". While Chapman told the tribunal panel he accepted his conviction, he continued to maintain his innocence."Dr Chapman had undermined and breached the trust and confidence of patients and the public in the medical profession," the tribunal report said, adding he had brought the profession into "disrepute".

Plea to pause changes at Falkirk housing with care complex as 2000 sign petition
Plea to pause changes at Falkirk housing with care complex as 2000 sign petition

Daily Record

time41 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Plea to pause changes at Falkirk housing with care complex as 2000 sign petition

Residents speak out as a Falkirk councillor asks for the changes to be put on hold to address concerns More than 2000 people have signed a petition objecting to plans to replace council care staff with an external provider in a Housing With Care complex in Falkirk. ‌ Now, Falkirk councillor Brian McCabe, who represents Denny & Dunipace, has called for the changes to be paused, saying the residents of Tygetshaugh Court and their families still have too many unanswered questions. ‌ The petition highlighted fears that residents would "lose the security of having staff to call on between 7 am and 10pm". ‌ ‌ The decision was taken by the Integration Joint Board (IJB), which oversees the work of Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), which brings together NHS and council-run care services. The HSCP insists that residents at Tygetshaugh Court will continue to receive their usual level of care following this change, and response support will continue to be provided by the Mobile Emergency Care Service. But many of those living in the supported accommodation have real concerns that the MECS service will have a longer response time than having staff on-site. ‌ They also fear that the change will mean an end to all social activities and the closure of the laundry service. Residents Anna and Robert Kilpatrick, who have lived in the complex for four years, say they are "fed up and stressed" at the prospect of the changes. Robert (84) has Parkinsons and COPD which means he needs oxygen just to walk from room to room in his flat. ‌ The couple have nothing but praise for the team who work at the complex and are worried that external providers will not provide the same level of care Robert currently gets. "I would say they give 200 per cent - they are all brilliant," said Robert. They are also concerned that the change to external provider will mean an end to all the social activities that staff help residents to attend. ‌ Robert and Anna say that the service agreement they signed when they took on their tenancy makes clear that social activities are a central part of Tygetshaugh. The agreement says: "The events and activities are an important part of life in HWC (housing with care) and help to ensure that service users are not isolated (except by choice). These events and activities ensure that service users enjoy the 'community lifestyle' offered by HWC." However, the HSCP now says that "the planning and facilitating of communal social activities is not within the formal remit of Housing with Care Staff". ‌ They say they are already working with residents to form a committee that will organise and fund social events. But while Robert and Anna's family has always been happy to help organise and fundraise for social events, they want to know who will help residents with mobility issues get from their houses to the lounge. Victoria Kirkwood says her mum, like many residents, moved to Tygetshaugh for "peace of mind". ‌ "It took my mum a full year to start socialising. That's how long it took for the staff to build up trust - but she loves it now," she said. Without the support of staff, she fears her mum and many other residents will be unable to attend events. She is also concerned at the prospect of the laundry closing, although the HSCP says that "residents who are assessed as requiring support to do their laundry will have this need met through their package of care. ‌ "Housing Services have confirmed that laundry needs of residents will continue to be met and work is ongoing to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place." The HSCP also insists that the overall level of care will not change for residents. A spokesperson said: "Falkirk already has successful links with care at home and social care providers, which deliver the majority of care within homes across the local area. ‌ "Our local care providers receive the same level of training as the Housing with Care Service, are registered with the Care Inspectorate, and are subject to our internal contract monitoring. "Urgent response support will be provided by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (MECS), which already provides this support when no housing with care staff are available." ‌ ‌ Councillor McCabe says he is backing the residents' calls for more information, although he stresses the decision was not made by Falkirk Council. "I do have extreme concerns that this is the thin end of the wedge for our Housing with Care complexes in Falkirk," he said. The IJB says the decision was made as part of this year's budget setting process and the £150,000 it will save will help to meet a budget gap of more than £20 million. ‌ Critics, however, say the change could lead to elderly residents ending up in hospital or care homes at a much higher cost. Anna says she can't understand why a place that has always been so happy has to change and she would like the chance to speak to the people who made the decision. "Come and talk to us - come and see what a lovely place this is!" she said. "Come and tell us what's happening!"

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