NHS underused by those who need it most
NHS Direct, the telephone healthcare service operated by nurses in England
and Wales, is used less by ethnic minorities, people aged over 65 and
other disadvantaged groups than by the rest of the general population.
Nevertheless the service is reported to be operating safely and effectively,
says the National Audit Office.
More births outside marriage
Two in five UK babies are now born outside wedlock, according to the Office
of National Statistics. This compares to one in ten children born outside
marriage 20 years ago.
Help for disabled rail passengers
The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is promising better services at stations
and on trains for disabled passengers. The SRA is demanding new lifts,
ramps, passenger information, toilets, barriers, kerbs and seating for
the disabled and says it will take legal action against train and station
operators if the proposals are not carried out. For details, see the SRA
website: www.sra.gov.uk
New vaccine search in London
London University's Imperial College and the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
have joined forces with the International Aids Vaccine Initiative to set
up a core laboratory to co-ordinate worldwide HIV vaccine trials. The
laboratory is based at the hospital's St Stephen's Centre, the largest
HIV unit in Europe. Leading the research into which vaccine could work
best is Professor Frances Gotch, Professor of
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Immunology at Imperial College.
