Latest news with #SeanPhillips
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Here's government's plan for SA's ARV-contaminated water
ARV concentrations in certain water sources have surpassed safe limits. The Department of Water and Sanitation is investigating the health implications of a recent study that found a significant level of ARVs in South Africa's water sources. Research by the North-West University found concentrations of these chemicals in both rivers and treated water supplies. The unusual situation stems from the high number of South Africans on anti-retroviral treatment, with traces entering sewage systems and eventually water sources. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, the department said it would develop strategies to address contamination if necessary, working with researchers and the Water Research Commission. 'Most wastewater treatment works were designed some time ago and they weren't designed with this high level of antiretroviral chemicals being in sewage in mind,' the department's director-general Sean Phillips explained. Potential risk to humans The research revealed concerning impacts on aquatic ecosystems and wastewater treatment processes. 'Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs exhibited altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages – viruses critical to controlling bacteria in wastewater treatment – were significantly impacted,' the university noted. It also warned that this may contribute to bacterial overgrowth and a decline in water quality. The university's study found that ARV concentrations in certain water sources exceeded safe limits, raising concerns about potential long-term health risks to humans. 'The research team emphasised that current wastewater treatment processes are inadequate for removing these bioactive compounds, highlighting the need for technological advancements,' it stated.
eNCA
06-07-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Sourcing investment for new bulk water projects
PRETORIA - The South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Bill was signed into law in August 2024. READ: Water supply a pipe dream for some Jozi residents This paved the way for the establishment of the water infrastructure agency to enhance water infrastructure and quality. The state-owned entity will solicit investments for new bulk water projects. The water and sanitation portfolio committee says the agency should avoid repeating the failures of other state-owned-entities by putting in place mitigation procedures to ensure success and efficiency. Director General at the Department of Water and Sanitation, Dr Sean Phillips discussed this with eNCA.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Record number of NHS bosses earn more than £110,000 per year – with best paid exec on £300k
RECORD numbers of NHS bosses earn more than £110,000 a year, figures show. There are now 2,591 high-ranking managers across England's 215 NHS trusts. 1 The army of executives and directors earn at least £110,000 a year, with the best paid on £300,000. The total has more than doubled from 2014 to June 2024, when it cost more than £285million a year. But while the managerial bill balloons, waiting lists have doubled, A&E delays are soaring and patient satisfaction is in freefall. Dr Sean Phillips, of the Policy Exchange think tank, said: 'The Government should review the volume of very senior managers and look at whether NHS managers across the board have the right skills and competencies needed.' Fewer than 1,000 NHS managers earned six-figure salaries in 2014. The surge is largely down to inflation but also the need to recruit those with the skills to manage increasingly large and complex trusts. He insisted: 'We're going really hard at the layers of bureaucracy in the NHS.' But Shimeon Lee, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'It's staggering that bureaucracy is booming behind the scenes.'
CBS News
20-05-2025
- CBS News
Second fire at San Francisco elementary school prompting some concern
A second fire at an Outer Richmond elementary school has families wondering if it's foul play. The fire destroyed a playground's equipment at Lafayette Elementary School late Sunday night, after another fire earlier this month damaged a storage container. Throughout the day on Monday, many people stopped by Lafayette Elementary School to see the damage for themselves, including parent Sean Phillips. "I think we're all in disbelief," said Phillips. "I mean, why would someone do this." His son and third grader at the school, Sebastian, echoed his sentiment. "I mean, who would do that," Sebastian questioned. "There was nothing wrong with the play structure." A fence has been put up around the structure to keep every safe. Sebastian said it made him sad to come to school and see it. "Especially for the kindergartener's because they love that thing so much," Sebastian said. San Francisco Fire said initial calls came in around 10:30 Sunday night, and they were able to put the fire out quickly but not before serious damage was done. Just yards away from the playground is a burned storage shed. That fire happened in the early hours of May 1. The Lafayette Elementary School PTA said every item in the container was damaged or destroyed, from sweatshirts to handmade decorations. Fire investigators are looking into if either was set intentionally, but Phillips thinks two fires in less than three weeks looks suspicious. "It doesn't sound like it was someone trying to stay warm," said Phillips. "It sounds like someone just wanted to see something going up and see what's going on right now. Media reports, people getting upset." The school sent an email to parents notifying them about what happened and the ongoing investigation. In the email, school leaders said they are taking the situation seriously. "SFUSD has arranged for a security guard to visit our school every night through the end of the school year to complete an inspection and help ensure the safety of our campus. Lastly, the San Francisco Police Department will make regular patrols of the school overnight," the email said. Phillips said that helps but he still feels unsettled. "I think it's that feeling of intrusion," explained Phillips. "It's like when someone breaks in your house and does something. You know you're safe, the intruders gone, but you feel invaded." The PTA President, Erin Feher-Montoya, said parents will be gathering at the school yard Tuesday morning at 8 to decorate the fence around the playground with drawings and ribbons to make it look more friendly and less upsetting for the students.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Could a fee-paying model save the NHS?
NHS England, the 'world's largest quango,' is to be scrapped, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced this week, saying it must go to save money and reduce bureaucracy. 'Just because reform is difficult does not mean it should not be done,' he stated. But will this reform go far enough to save the NHS? Think tanks, MPs and experts have suggested greater change is needed if the health service is to survive. While none suggest scrapping the principle that it is 'free at the point of use,' some believe introducing charges for GP and A&E attendance, or fines for missed appointments, are vital to ensure resources are used responsibly. So what are the options being proposed for revamping the health system? And what changes do the experts think could future-proof the NHS? Policy Exchange, a conservative think tank, suggested various NHS reforms in its Portrait of Modern Britain: Health report, published earlier this year – including a 'three strikes' rule and a £50 fine for missed appointments. 'In society today, if you don't turn up to a restaurant booking, you get fined. If children repeatedly miss school, parents are fined. We do have penalties for misuse of services, and the NHS should be looking at this too,' says Sean Phillips, head of health and social care at Policy Exchange. More than 15 million GP and hospital appointments are missed in England every year, costing the NHS in excess of £215 million annually. Policy Exchange proposes patients should be fined if they clock up three 'strikes' for missed appointments within a four-year period. Strikes would be removed from their record after four years, just like points on a driving licence. But he stresses that any introduction of a penalty system must be accompanied by major improvements in NHS appointment admin and communications systems. That means ensuring patients receive appointment letters in good time, can choose times and appointment type (remote or face-to-face), are given timely reminders and are able to reschedule easily if necessary. Phillips explains a 'three strikes' rule would prevent patients being penalised for one-off mistakes and instead target 'a small cohort of repeat offenders.' 'There are some people who have a sense of entitlement – and there are no consequences for misuse of services,' he adds. While he agrees there are 'complex reasons' why people miss appointments, he says the policy is about 'fair use' of resources. It is unlikely such a penalty would raise much revenue as the number of people fined is predicted to be small – instead it is hoped to save millions by incentivising people to attend or reschedule appointments. Speaking at a pre-election debate last June, Nigel Farage applauded the French system, saying 'those who can afford it through their taxes pay into an insurance scheme,' while 'those that can't afford it don't pay in, so it's for the mutual benefit of everybody.' Is this system why France has one of the best healthcare services in the world? Experts are not convinced. 'The line between insurance-based systems [like in France] and tax-based systems [like the NHS] are increasingly blurred, because there is often also a heavy state subsidy of insurance-based systems,' explains Sarah Reed, senior fellow at the independent Nuffield Trust thinktank. French patients typically pay upfront and then reclaim costs of 70 to 100 per cent through the state's health insurance system. It is funded by employee and employer contributions, as well as state subsidies. If the system was applied to the UK, it would mean employers contributing roughly £218 per month for every employer on the national average salary of around £37,000, while employees would pay in around £287 monthly – slightly more than the roughly £250 the average worker pays under our National Insurance system. It costs around €30 (£25.22) for a GP appointment in France, for example, but patients will get €21 (£17.66) reimbursed by the state, so only end up paying €9 (£7.56) themselves or using private insurance. Hospital patients have 80 per cent of their care reimbursed and must cover the remaining 20 per cent. Those on low incomes have 100 per cent of their costs covered by the state. Although the French system outperforms the NHS on many levels, that may not be down to its funding system. In fact, research shows the only factor that appears to make a significant difference to patient outcomes is the level of state investment in healthcare systems. France invests about a tenth more than the UK into its health service, spending around 12.2 per cent of GDP annually, compared to 10.9 per cent here. Other countries like Sweden, Germany and Norway also spend more. The Lord Darzi independent investigation into the NHS in England found it has been underfunded by £37 billion over the last 15 years, while the independent think tank The Health Foundation says the NHS needs an additional £38 billion over the course of this Parliament to make vital improvements. 'You do get what you pay for,' adds Reed. 'It's often the case that countries whose health systems we admire tend to spend more on healthcare.' In Sweden, patients are charged small fees ('copayments') for accessing healthcare, which are not covered by insurance. All patients must register for state healthcare cover but make additional payments, such as 100 to 300 Swedish krona (£7.62 to £22.88) for a GP appointment. A hospital stay costs 100 krona (£7.62) per day, while prescription charges are capped at a total of 2,300 krona per year (£175.45). A similar system in France means that on top of the other costs covered by insurance, patients pay an additional €2 (£1.68) per GP or doctor appointment, €20 (£16.82) per night in hospital and €2 (£1.68) per medical test, including X-rays, up to a maximum of €50 (£42.05) per patient per year. Patients must also pay an extra €4 (£3.36) per ambulance journey and around €19.61 (£16.49) flat fee for attending A&E if they are not admitted to hospital – or €8.49 (£7.14) for exemptions, including people with certain chronic illnesses, women in the later stages of pregnancy and children under 12. A principle behind such fees is that they help ensure responsible use of services – so patients only use what they need and don't take resources for granted. So, could a similar system work here? Charlotte Wickens, a policy advisor at The King's Fund, an independent health policy charity, is sceptical. She highlights how the high cost of administrating such charges often outweighs the benefits. England's £9.65 prescription charge is a case in point. Only 40 per cent of the population are liable to pay it because of exemptions for children, the over-60s, people on certain benefits and those with some health conditions, like diabetes. And because exempt groups are the most likely to need medical care, in reality nine out of ten prescriptions are dispensed for free. 'It means the prescription charge covers just 5 per cent of the total cost of issuing prescriptions,' she adds. 'You would end up in a similar situation with GP appointment charges – they wouldn't raise as much as you would think once you factor in all the exemptions and the cost of administration.' Research also suggests charges to access GP care tend to put people off seeking treatment until they end up in A&E – which costs the health service considerably more. Reed agrees. 'There is strong evidence [patient] charges don't work well and make little economic sense,' she adds. 'There's no one model you could take and say let's use this,' says Wickens. 'They all differ – and every country is adapting its system all the time to respond to increasing pressures from ageing populations and rising rates of long-term conditions.' She believes while the NHS is undoubtedly 'not where it should be,' a new funding model would be a huge cost without necessarily solving any of its most pressing problems. No country has ever completely overhauled its healthcare funding system, Reed points out. 'These systems are baked into our cultures,' she adds. 'The cost of untangling them would be so expensive and have so many implications for how people access care, without any guarantee of solving the problems.' The latest comparable European figures from 2022 showed 27 per cent of UK men and 28 per cent of UK women were obese, compared with just 23 and 18 per cent respectively in Sweden, and 22 and 21 per cent in France. 'It's difficult to think of healthcare in isolation from how healthy a society is,' Reed adds. 'In the UK we have pretty stark inequalities and we have more and more people living with three or more long-term health conditions – these things all put extra strain on services. It's hard to say one system is working better when there are so many variables.' Both agree the Government should focus on fixing the existing system and building on the NHS's strengths, such as its relatively low administrative costs – scrapping NHS England could help lower these further. But Phillips believes any remodelling of the NHS needs to focus on incentivising people to use the system more fairly. He adds: 'On a broader level, it is important people take more personal responsibility for their health and for the way they use the health service.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
