MILLIONS of people are set to receive the coronavirus vaccine to curb the spread of a mutant strain that is overwhelming the NHS. Two vaccines have been approved in the UK so far, with the first, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, approved in December. Four weeks later, the Oxford-AstraZeneca was also given the green light and roll-out started on January 4. Now, the NHS is beginning the biggest mass vaccination campaign in its history at sites across Sussex, in an attempt to vaccinate 2 million people a week. Those sites include three hospital hubs and 15 GP services, including the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.
Meanwhile the new Oxford-Astra Zeneca vaccines have reached our hospital sites today, and the first doses will be given on Monday. It was reported that as many as a million doses of the cheaper vaccine could be made available every week. The Royal Sussex County Hospital s chief nurse Carolyn Morrice previously said the introduction of the vaccination centre was an incredible morale boost . She said it was important for the hospital to seek ways to better protect its patients, as well as treat them. And actually it s taking a toll on us personally, where we are always, at the back of our minds, a little bit worried, she said. Could we cause harm to our loved ones because we work in such a high-risk environment?
MILLIONS of pounds in damages were paid out last year following serious mistakes in care at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust, figures reveal. A person can make a claim against an NHS trust if it is believed they, or a family member, suffered harm due to negligent treatment. Data from NHS Resolution, which handles such cases on behalf of the NHS, reveals 76 clinical negligence claims against Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust were successful in 2019-20. The trust runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. A total damages bill of £14.8 million was paid out in relation to these claims over the year, while further legal costs totalled £1.4 million.
Written by Chris Ricketts on December 23, 2020
I had just turned 55. I was fit and healthy and happily married. My two fantastic kids were both at university, we’d paid off the mortgage on our house and sold our previous house (with money in the bank to spare), and I’d left my job at eBay and set up my own consultancy.
Design by Medical News Today; photograph courtesy of Chris Ricketts
2019 should have been about fun times, weekend breaks, and holidays in the sun with my lovely wife Paula.
Just a regular ride
Just 4 days after my 55th birthday, I’d booked a demo on a new mountain bike called the Yeti SB150. I’d been riding mountain bikes for close to 10 years and rode an average of 75–100 kilometers (km) a week, so I was competent but, if I’m honest, nothing special.