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15/12/2010
Other UK News In Brief
Doctors Encourage Flu Vaccination
With reports of an increase in H1N1 cases emerging in Scotland, doctors have urged patients who are eligible for the winter flu vaccination to contact their GP practice. The vaccine programme continues throughout the winter months for those people most at risk from the flu bug. By having the vaccination, patients aged over 65 and those under 65 ‘at risk’ can protect themselves from the effects of flu, and in doing so, reduce winter pressure on Scotland’s busy hospitals. The H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, will be one of the main strains of seasonal flu this winter, and doctors are already seeing reports of increasing numbers of cases. This year’s vaccination includes protection against the H1N1 strain of flu. Also, this year, it is recommended that pregnant women not in the high-risk groups who have not previously been vaccinated against H1N1 flu have the seasonal flu jab. Dr Dean Marshall, Chairman of the BMA’s Scottish General Practitioners Committee, said: “For most of us, flu makes us feel miserable, but doesn’t actually pose any serious risks to our health. Unfortunately, for the more vulnerable, it can cause serious complications and even lead to death. It is important that the flu campaign reaches as many vulnerable and ‘at-risk’ people as possible because it is inevitable that there will be more cases of flu this winter. The vaccination, however, can reduce both the likelihood of getting flu and the severity of the illness of those unfortunate enough to catch it. GPs are prepared for this winter’s battle against the flu bug. Across the country, surgeries have put in place the systems needed to reach and protect as many older and at risk people as possible. Flu can be very serious for those at risk, so take up your GP’s offer of a vaccination and be protected this winter.”
Lord Davies Responds To Women On Boards Review
Lord Davies of Abersoch has responded to the Confederation of British Industry's response to his review into the lack of women on British company boards. In a statement he said: "The CBI has today submitted a detailed response to the call for evidence as part of my review into women on boards. I welcome the hard work that has been put into this and their recommendations will help to inform the final report that I will present to Government in February. I am pleased to see that this issue has got a strong push behind it from business, but as the recently published Cranfield report highlighted there has been too little movement on diversity in the boardroom for too long. To see a step change on this we need everyone to pull together, British businesses and their shareholders, the Government and the headhunting profession, to deliver the changes that will help women to achieve these roles." Lord Davies was tasked by Vince Cable on 6th August to develop a business strategy to increase the number of women on the board of listed companies in the UK. Lord Davies is expected to report his findings to government in February 2011. The call for evidence as part of Lord Davies review of the lack of women on British boards closed on Tuesday 30th November 2010, after receiving more than 2,600 responses.
Government Focuses On Simple Financial Products
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mark Hoban MP, has announced the publication of a consultation document on Simple Financial Products. The consultation sets out proposals for financial products that will help promote personal responsibility, enable consumers to compare products and understand product features more clearly. The proposals will also help to encourage competition between providers. The Government is now seeking input from consumer groups, the financial services industry, and other interested parties, to develop simple products further. Mark Hoban said: "The Government is committed to helping consumers take responsibility for their finances. In order to do this they need to be able to make sense of the huge range of financial products in the market. Simple financial products will help them to do that, by providing a safe choice and a common benchmark against which other products can be compared. This is one of a series of reforms to ensure that consumers get a better deal from financial services".
(BMcN/GK)
With reports of an increase in H1N1 cases emerging in Scotland, doctors have urged patients who are eligible for the winter flu vaccination to contact their GP practice. The vaccine programme continues throughout the winter months for those people most at risk from the flu bug. By having the vaccination, patients aged over 65 and those under 65 ‘at risk’ can protect themselves from the effects of flu, and in doing so, reduce winter pressure on Scotland’s busy hospitals. The H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, will be one of the main strains of seasonal flu this winter, and doctors are already seeing reports of increasing numbers of cases. This year’s vaccination includes protection against the H1N1 strain of flu. Also, this year, it is recommended that pregnant women not in the high-risk groups who have not previously been vaccinated against H1N1 flu have the seasonal flu jab. Dr Dean Marshall, Chairman of the BMA’s Scottish General Practitioners Committee, said: “For most of us, flu makes us feel miserable, but doesn’t actually pose any serious risks to our health. Unfortunately, for the more vulnerable, it can cause serious complications and even lead to death. It is important that the flu campaign reaches as many vulnerable and ‘at-risk’ people as possible because it is inevitable that there will be more cases of flu this winter. The vaccination, however, can reduce both the likelihood of getting flu and the severity of the illness of those unfortunate enough to catch it. GPs are prepared for this winter’s battle against the flu bug. Across the country, surgeries have put in place the systems needed to reach and protect as many older and at risk people as possible. Flu can be very serious for those at risk, so take up your GP’s offer of a vaccination and be protected this winter.”
Lord Davies Responds To Women On Boards Review
Lord Davies of Abersoch has responded to the Confederation of British Industry's response to his review into the lack of women on British company boards. In a statement he said: "The CBI has today submitted a detailed response to the call for evidence as part of my review into women on boards. I welcome the hard work that has been put into this and their recommendations will help to inform the final report that I will present to Government in February. I am pleased to see that this issue has got a strong push behind it from business, but as the recently published Cranfield report highlighted there has been too little movement on diversity in the boardroom for too long. To see a step change on this we need everyone to pull together, British businesses and their shareholders, the Government and the headhunting profession, to deliver the changes that will help women to achieve these roles." Lord Davies was tasked by Vince Cable on 6th August to develop a business strategy to increase the number of women on the board of listed companies in the UK. Lord Davies is expected to report his findings to government in February 2011. The call for evidence as part of Lord Davies review of the lack of women on British boards closed on Tuesday 30th November 2010, after receiving more than 2,600 responses.
Government Focuses On Simple Financial Products
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mark Hoban MP, has announced the publication of a consultation document on Simple Financial Products. The consultation sets out proposals for financial products that will help promote personal responsibility, enable consumers to compare products and understand product features more clearly. The proposals will also help to encourage competition between providers. The Government is now seeking input from consumer groups, the financial services industry, and other interested parties, to develop simple products further. Mark Hoban said: "The Government is committed to helping consumers take responsibility for their finances. In order to do this they need to be able to make sense of the huge range of financial products in the market. Simple financial products will help them to do that, by providing a safe choice and a common benchmark against which other products can be compared. This is one of a series of reforms to ensure that consumers get a better deal from financial services".
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
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17 November 2011
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
Flu Vaccination Delayed For 'More Advice'
The Department of Health has said on Thursday that it needs further advice from the committee looking into the flu vaccine before it can roll out a larger programme. The announcement follows a request from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to look at whether the flu vaccination programme should be extended to healthy children.
23 July 2009
Swine Flu Line To Be Launched As 100,000 Further People Are Diagnosed
The number of those diagnosed with swine flu in the last seven days has reached 100,000 - more than double of the total the previous week in England.
Swine Flu Line To Be Launched As 100,000 Further People Are Diagnosed
The number of those diagnosed with swine flu in the last seven days has reached 100,000 - more than double of the total the previous week in England.
19 October 2005
Flu jabs planned for all Britons
The government has announced plans to vaccinate everyone in the UK in the event of a flu pandemic. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced that the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine.
Flu jabs planned for all Britons
The government has announced plans to vaccinate everyone in the UK in the event of a flu pandemic. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced that the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine.
03 October 2005
Flu jab call for most vulnerable
A campaign urging over-65s and children with health problems to get the flu vaccination has been launched by the government. The annual flu jab is available free of charge to those aged over 65, care-home residents and those who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease and asthma.
Flu jab call for most vulnerable
A campaign urging over-65s and children with health problems to get the flu vaccination has been launched by the government. The annual flu jab is available free of charge to those aged over 65, care-home residents and those who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease and asthma.
04 October 2004
Free flu jab campaign launched today
The elderly, asthmatic and diabetes sufferers, have been urged to get the free flu jab before winter arrives – so protecting themselves against an illness which kills up to 4,000 people a year. Backed by Manchester United footballer, and asthma sufferer, Paul Scholes, the health department's flu immunisation campaign was launched today.
Free flu jab campaign launched today
The elderly, asthmatic and diabetes sufferers, have been urged to get the free flu jab before winter arrives – so protecting themselves against an illness which kills up to 4,000 people a year. Backed by Manchester United footballer, and asthma sufferer, Paul Scholes, the health department's flu immunisation campaign was launched today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
