Most people can agree on two things: 1) that they like to stay informed where possible, and 2) that they haven’t got as much time as they’d want to actually do so. That’s where the Friday Five comes in.
We collate five of the most noteworthy news stories from across the week and put them into one easy-to-digest, concise news package. So, if you’re looking for healthcare, social care, education or criminal justice and recovery news, look no further.
1. Healthcare: Climate Crisis Could Lead to Thousands of Extra Deaths Per Year by 2050s
Heat-related health problems and deaths risk rising because of the ongoing climate crisis, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). By the 2050s, there’s predicted to be a 580% increase to a total of 10,889 per year.
The predictions, which came within a report compiled by the UKHSA, also stated that warming temperatures could lead to an increase in the prevalence of food- and water-borne diseases.
2. Education: Unauthorised Absence Fines Reach Record High
The total number of penalty notices issued for unauthorised school absences now exceeds that of the highest pre-pandemic figures; in 2018/2019, the figure stood at 333,400, whilst in 2022/2023, that figure rose to just under 400,000 (398,796).
The main reason for these absences was unauthorised absence family holidays (which accounted for just under 90% of the fines).
3. Social Care: Social Workers in Brighton and Hove Strike for Second Time
Adult social workers have again gone on strike following pay disputes with Brighton and Hove Council. The two-day strike began on 14 December, and the UNISON members on the picket line are calling for pay parity with their counterparts in children’s social work.
The market supplement that many social workers receive (or the lack thereof in this case) has been a driving factor behind the strikes. UNISON has said that “the supplements must be applied across the whole social work team to reflect the challenges of their jobs, not just to selected groups.”
4. Recovery and Criminal Justice: Nurse and Healthcare Worker Jailed for Sedating Patients
A nurse and junior healthcare worker have been jailed in Blackpool, having drugged patients to have an “easy shift”. The nurse, Catherine Hudson, and her colleague, Charlotte Wilmot, were sentenced to seven and three years, respectively.
The son of one of the victims of the pair called their actions “nothing short of wicked and pure evil.” During the trial, the ease with which staff members could access controlled drugs and medication was highlighted.
The pair’s actions were brought to light thanks to the courageous whistleblowing efforts of a student nurse who reported what she saw.
5. Healthcare: Autism Diagnosis Wait Times Reach 300 Days
Data from the NHS has shown that NHS waiting time for autism diagnoses has reached 300 days, far exceeding the target of 91 days laid out in NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines.
There was also a decrease in the number of autism diagnoses in September 2023 compared with September 2022 (754 compared to 1,058).
A spokesperson from the government stated that an additional £4.2 million has been made available this year to improve services for children and young people with autism.
Final Thoughts
Another week’s news stories are done and dusted. Check back in regularly to keep updated on the latest news items.
If you’d like to learn more about any of our roles, whether in healthcare, social care, education or recovery and criminal justice, then get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!
