Two London NHS trusts are testing artificial intelligence (AI) to determine if it can predict type 2 diabetes up to 10 years before symptoms develop. Imperial College Healthcare and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts are training an AI system, Aire-DM, to analyse ECG heart traces for early signs that are often too subtle for doctors to detect.

Clinical trials, scheduled for 2025, will involve up to 1,000 patients. Preliminary findings suggest Aire-DM can accurately identify diabetes risk in about 70% of cases. The system’s predictive accuracy improves further when additional data, such as age, sex, blood pressure, and weight, are factored in, says lead researcher Dr Fu Siong Ng. The AI analyses complex ECG changes that are undetectable to the human eye, identifying patterns that could indicate future risk.

If successful, the technology could eventually be adopted across the NHS, though widespread use may take five years or more. The British Heart Foundation, funding the research, believes this innovation could save lives by identifying those at risk and preventing complications like heart disease and strokes.

Type 2 diabetes, often linked to being overweight, is a growing health concern. Experts say early detection could transform care by allowing individuals to adopt lifestyle changes, such as healthier eating and regular exercise, to reduce their risk and improve long-term outcomes.

Over Christmas, health advice on alcohol, burns, and bites saw a significant rise in interest, according to figures released by NHS England. The NHS website recorded substantial increases in visits to pages covering these topics on Christmas Day and Boxing Day last year.

Advice on alcohol and breastfeeding saw the biggest surge, with visits soaring by 146% compared to the week before. Information on alcohol poisoning also saw a sharp rise, with nearly 60% more views over the two festive days. Guidance on rabies showed the second largest increase, with visits up by 123%, while advice on animal and human bites also rose by almost a third. Meanwhile, information on treating burns and scalds saw a 50% rise as people gathered for celebratory meals.

Norovirus topped the most viewed health conditions over Christmas and Boxing Day 2023, with an estimated 19,170 visits, equating to one view every nine seconds. Chest infections and advice on diarrhoea and vomiting were also popular, with 17,398 and 11,786 visits respectively.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s Medical Director, urged people to use the NHS website and app for reliable advice during the festive period. With over two million daily visits, the site provides guidance on hundreds of conditions, winter vaccinations, and healthcare services. He reminded the public to seek emergency help via 999 for critical issues or 111 for less urgent concerns.

Hospices across England are set to benefit from £100m in government funding over the next two years to enhance end-of-life care, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced. An additional £26m will be allocated specifically to hospices for children and young people, continuing support previously provided through grants.

The funding follows warnings from hospice leaders about increasing financial pressures, which have forced some to close beds. With only around a third of hospice funding coming from the NHS, the remainder must be raised through donations, fundraising, and charity shops. The government described this announcement as the "biggest investment in a generation" for the hospice sector, with funds aimed at improving facilities, equipment, and accommodation.

Planned improvements include refurbishing patient rooms and bathrooms, creating comfortable spaces for families to stay overnight, and enhancing hospice gardens and green spaces. Wes Streeting stated: "Hospices offer vital care and support during the most challenging times, and this funding will help ensure they continue to deliver compassionate care in the best possible environment."

Charity Hospice UK, which had called for £110m to sustain hospices through rising costs, welcomed the funding. CEO Toby Porter said it would help provide care to hundreds of thousands of people annually and ease pressure on the NHS. Further details about the funding allocation will be shared with the sector in the new year.

Patients with the greatest medical needs should have access to the same GP for every appointment, according to new government plans. Financial incentives will be offered to GPs who deliver consistent care and focus on preventing serious illnesses such as heart disease and managing high blood pressure early. These initiatives form part of a proposed overhaul of the GP contract in England, with the government allocating an additional £889 million to the existing budget.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the potential financial relief for struggling practices. With GP surgeries currently operating under work-to-rule conditions, the BMA sees the proposal as a possible lifeline. The government’s aims include reducing administrative burdens, offering more flexibility in staffing, improving electronic patient access, and ensuring continuity of care for those with complex or long-term conditions.

This initiative aligns with previous promises to ease access to named GPs and eliminate the scramble for early-morning appointments. The Royal College of GPs welcomed the funding boost and reduction of bureaucratic pressures but emphasised the need for further progress. BMA representatives echoed these sentiments, noting the financial strain caused by rising national insurance costs and urging collaboration to tackle ongoing business challenges.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting called for an end to the current industrial action and urged GPs to work with the government to restore NHS stability. While pharmacists have criticised the focus on GP contracts amid delays in their own negotiations, the government insists these measures will rebuild trust in primary care and improve patient outcomes. The final contract is expected in the spring.

Guernsey’s autumn Covid-19 booster and children’s nasal flu vaccination programmes are set to end this month, marking the close of a health initiative that began in October 2024. Delivered in partnership with local care providers, the Covid-19 booster programme has offered free vaccinations across the islands, targeting those most at risk from the virus.

The nasal flu vaccination programme for children has been aimed at younger age groups, particularly those who missed receiving their vaccine during pre-school or nursery sessions. Both initiatives will officially conclude on 21 December, with residents urged to act promptly if they still wish to participate.

The Covid-19 autumn booster has been available to specific groups, including older adults over 65, care home residents, and individuals aged six months to 64 years in clinical risk categories. Meanwhile, the flu vaccination programme continues to provide protection to groups such as older adults, pregnant women, frontline healthcare workers, and long-stay care home residents.

The States of Guernsey has encouraged any islanders eligible for either vaccine to contact their GP practice without delay. These programmes have played a critical role in safeguarding vulnerable groups as the islands prepare for the winter season, but the upcoming deadline signals a shift towards the next stage in public health planning.

Experts have raised concerns about a growing number of bowel cancer cases among people under 50, with no clear explanation for the trend. Although the disease remains much more common in older adults, researchers highlight an average annual rise of 3.6% in England, making it one of the countries most affected. Poor diets and obesity are believed to play a role, with processed meats and low fibre intake among the potential risk factors.

A global study spanning 50 countries from 2007 to 2017 found increased cases in younger adults across 27 nations, including both wealthy and developing regions. This rise, described as a "global phenomenon" by Dr Hyuna Sung from the American Cancer Society, suggests that bowel cancer is no longer confined to high-income nations. Early detection remains crucial, and public awareness of symptoms such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stools, and abdominal discomfort is vital.

Despite the uptick, bowel cancer in younger people is still relatively rare. In the UK, only about one in 20 bowel cancer diagnoses occur in under-50s, with 2,600 out of 44,100 annual cases affecting those aged 25-49. Experts suggest improved screening and earlier detection may partly explain the rise, alongside lifestyle factors such as alcohol use and smoking.

The late Dame Deborah James, known for her advocacy and openness about living with bowel cancer, encouraged people to pay attention to their bowel health. Her message remains a powerful reminder to seek medical advice if symptoms arise, helping to catch the disease early when treatment is most effective.

Adults in England with the rare genetic condition XLH (X-linked Hypophosphatemia) can now access a revolutionary treatment on the NHS. Burosumab, a targeted therapy, addresses the underlying cause of the condition by stabilising phosphate levels in the blood, which are essential for healthy bones and teeth. This breakthrough treatment reduces pain, improves bone health, and enhances overall quality of life for those affected by XLH.

Previously, treatment options were limited to phosphate supplements and activated vitamin D, which often caused significant side effects such as kidney stones and gastrointestinal issues. Burosumab offers a more effective alternative by suppressing the hormone responsible for low phosphate levels, enabling better bone healing and reducing the risk of fractures and surgeries. Patients will also be trained to administer the therapy at home, reducing the need for hospital visits.

This therapy marks a significant step forward for adults with XLH, providing relief from debilitating symptoms such as bone softening, muscle weakness, and dental complications. By improving mobility and reducing reliance on painkillers, Burosumab is set to transform the lives of many individuals living with this challenging condition.

The NHS roll-out follows approval from NICE, which deemed the treatment clinically and cost-effective. Advocacy groups have welcomed this development, emphasising its potential to significantly reduce the physical and emotional burden of XLH.

The NHS in England is facing unprecedented pressure this winter, according to the country’s top medical director. Rising cases of flu and norovirus are already straining hospitals, with 95% of beds occupied as December begins – a level typically seen at the height of winter. These challenges come as the government prioritises reducing waiting times for non-urgent hospital care, leading senior doctors to warn that immediate action is needed to address the ongoing emergency care crisis.

Recent data highlights the severity of the situation. Two-thirds of ambulance crews experienced delays handing over patients at A&E last week, with average wait times exceeding 44 minutes – far above the target of 15 minutes. Hospitals are also seeing an increase in patients with winter viruses, including nearly 1,100 hospitalised with flu, four times the number at this time last year. Covid, norovirus, and RSV are also adding to the burden, leaving little flexibility in the system to cope with further surges.

Experts have raised alarms about the knock-on effects on elective care recovery, which they say cannot be achieved without stabilising emergency services. Dr Tim Cooksley of the Society for Acute Medicine warned of "appalling conditions" for patients and called for a coordinated strategy to tackle both emergency and elective care challenges.

As winter progresses, NHS leaders are bracing for further difficulties, with predictions of a "quad-demic" as flu, Covid, RSV, and norovirus cases rise. Health officials are urging swift action to manage the increasing demand, while long-term plans to strengthen the health service remain in development.

The UK’s palliative care system is under significant strain and must become a government priority as the assisted dying bill progresses through Parliament. Senior healthcare experts warn that the limited resources available for end-of-life care could be further stretched by the costs associated with implementing assisted dying. Once a global leader in palliative care, the UK now struggles to provide sufficient support for its ageing population, leaving thousands without access to adequate services.

Around 100,000 people annually are unable to receive proper palliative care, with many families unhappy about the support provided to loved ones at the end of life. Hospitals and hospices are particularly under pressure, with only a third of hospice funding coming from the NHS, forcing reliance on charitable donations. Furthermore, four in ten hospitals lack seven-day access to specialist palliative care services, leaving gaps in crucial care provision.

While proponents of the assisted dying bill argue that legalising the practice could lead to improvements in palliative care, critics warn this is not guaranteed. They highlight concerns that NHS resources are finite, and implementing assisted dying may detract from funding and focus needed to fix the current system. Greater coordination across hospitals, community teams, and hospices, as well as enhanced training for healthcare staff, is urgently required.

Amid the debate, calls are growing for an independent commission to assess and reform the UK’s end-of-life care system. Advocates stress the importance of sustainable funding and a comprehensive strategy to address the palliative care crisis. Without immediate action, the system risks failing the most vulnerable patients, leaving many without the compassionate care they deserve.

Plans for a new men’s health strategy have been revealed by the UK government, aiming to address key issues impacting men throughout their lives. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted priorities such as tackling mental health challenges, reducing suicide rates, and improving early detection of conditions like heart disease and prostate cancer. The detailed strategy is expected to be released next year and aims to close the health gap between men and women.

At a summit organised in collaboration with the Premier League, Arsenal FC, and Movember, Streeting described the unique challenges facing men today. He noted the rising rates of mental ill health and stressed the urgent need to address preventable deaths, particularly among men under 50. He also acknowledged the role of social media in creating unrealistic body image expectations for men, compounding stress and low self-esteem. Men, on average, live shorter lives than women and are disproportionately affected by serious health conditions, yet they are less likely to seek medical or emotional support.

The government will soon invite input from organisations and individuals to help shape this strategy, ensuring it meets the needs of men across the country. Public contributions will be sought through a consultation process, with men encouraged to share ideas on how the NHS can better support them in the future. Streeting emphasised that investing in men’s health complements, rather than detracts from, the essential progress already made in women’s health initiatives.

Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember, welcomed the announcement, noting that improving men’s health has far-reaching benefits. She explained how healthier men positively influence families, workplaces, and communities, creating a ripple effect across society. This approach, she added, could not only transform individual lives but also contribute to a healthier and more connected nation.