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17:15 For the full story on safety reviews into NHS England’s plans for A&E GP streaming services, read our latest news article here.
It tells the tragic tale of David Birtwistle, who died from a pulmonary embolism after seeking help at a Bristol A&E department.
15:20 The RCGP has elected two joint honorary secretaries, it announced today – the first time the role has been held as a job share.
Dr Jonathan Leach and Dr Victoria Tzortiou Brown will begin the job share from November, when current honorary secretary Professor Nigel Mathers steps down, and will serve for four years until November 2021.
The role, which oversees College governance and leads College consultations, was contested by two other candidates: Dr Sunil Bhanot and Dr Imran Rafi.
Dr Leach is currently chair of the RCGP’s Midland Faculty and Dr Tzortiou Brown is chair of London Faculties.
RCGP acting chief wxecutive and returning officer Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick said: ‘This is a hugely important role for the College. Jonathan and Victoria both have an excellent knowledge of the RCGP, and both encapsulate the visions and values of the College, recently set out in our strategic plan for 2017-2020.
‘I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel for his years of service to the College, not just as Honorary Secretary, but in his many roles beforehand, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement. I’d also like to thank all nominees for standing and making this a fair, democratic election.’
12:00 NHS England did not commission the review into the GP streaming programme, it has confirmed to Pulse. More to follow on that in a bit.
11:30 There has been an increase in men being referred for eating disorder treatment, according to an investigation by BBC Panorama.
In 2016, compared with 2014, there was a 43% increase, based on data supplied by mental health trusts and boards from around the UK.
There was also a 42% rise in referrals for under-18s of both genders.
But the research went onto reveal that 470 referrals for men, women and children were turned down by overwhelmed trusts.
BBC Wales sport presenter Steve James, who developed anorexia in his 40s due to anxiety, said: ‘It really wasn’t about body image because I know I looked dreadful.
‘When I was at my lowest weight I did look like I shouldn’t almost be alive, I looked like a picture out of a horror film, but I was so hooked on setting a target, setting a weight that was the only thing that gave me back that control of my life.’
09:30 NHS England has commissioned a £1m review into its plans to place GP ‘streaming’ services in all A&E departments.
According to the Telegraph, the review comes after a man died having been diverted from the emergency unit in a Bristol pilot scheme.
However, despite the research brief admitting evidence for the scheme is ‘weak’ and ‘unclear’, the report will not conclude until next summer – six months after the scheme is due to go live in all A&E departments in England.
