People struggling to lose weight could soon be offered scar-free stomach-shrinking surgery on the NHS – as early studies suggest some patients can shed up to 5st in six months after the op and cut their risk of diabetes, heart trouble and stroke.
During the 90-minute procedure, instruments inserted via the mouth are used to stitch the walls of the stomach together, shrinking it in size by around two-thirds – about as big as a large banana.
Afterwards, appetite is reduced and patients are warned that should they eat too much, the stitches can loosen and the stomach return to its original size.
Tributes to NHS staff and care workers who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic. (PA) At least 220 NHS staff and care workers have been identified after dying with coronavirus. The figure is likely to be higher than those identified in the list as the country endures a third national lockdown amid a rapid increase in coronavirus cases across the UK. Through tributes from loved ones and confirmation through sources such as local NHS trusts and other authorities, the PA news agency has confirmed the names of health and social care workers who have died after contracting Covid-19 since March 11 2020. This chronological list contains people who were working in roles shortly before their deaths where they were likely to come into contact with patients.