Watchdog ‘acted irrationally’ over private gender clinic, court told

Watchdog ‘acted irrationally’ over private gender clinic, court told

The High Court has heard claims that the health regulator, the Care Quality Commission, “acted irrationally” when it registered England’s first private clinic offering gender treatment to under-18s. The case, brought by a former nurse and the mother of a 16-year-old, claims the watchdog did not consider all relevant information and should also have imposed … Read more

Exhausted hospital staff putting patients at risk, says watchdog

Exhausted hospital staff putting patients at risk, says watchdog

Getty Images Extreme tiredness and exhaustion among NHS staff poses a significant risk to patients, England’s NHS safety watchdog warns. The Health Services Safety Investigations Body said medication errors, impaired decision-making, reduced attention and rude and disrespectful behaviour were the most common problems associated with fatigued staff in hospitals. It said there was limited data … Read more

HRT does not impact life expectancy, says health watchdog

HRT does not impact life expectancy, says health watchdog

Getty Images Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does not shorten or lengthen the life expectancy of those taking it to ease menopause symptoms, says the health assessment body NICE in updated guidance. Its conclusion comes after a detailed analysis of data on links between HRT and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, some cancers and dementia. … Read more