2023

Noted (AI summary) NICE has made recommendations on the use of antidepressants in their guidelines on the treatment of anxiety and published guidance on safe prescribing of antidepressants, but considers that the MHRA would be best placed to address concerns regarding monitoring requirements. MHRA reviewed available evidence from the fluoxetine Summary of Product Characteristics, data from the UK Yellow Card Scheme, literature and the advice of their Expert Advisory Group and determined that routine blood level monitoring of antidepressants for all patients on treatment is not advised, although may be helpful in certain circumstances.

Noted (AI summary) NHS England is increasing access to CYPMH services, with 702,000 children and young people receiving support in the 12 months to June 2023 and a 46% increase in the CYPMH workforce since the start of the LTP. They will also ensure regional leadership are aware of the report's findings and the Regulation 28 Working Group will discuss all reports received. NELFT will implement the Oxford Centre for Suicide Research’s model of risk formulation and co-produce safety plans with clients and families, including training and system changes to support the roll out. NHS North East London is developing a business case for additional CAMHS funding, including proposals for seven-day/evening working and face-to-face initial assessments. They are also reviewing the current clinical model and participating in transformation work via their Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges concerns about CAMHS resourcing and highlights increased spending on mental health services and workforce development initiatives, including training programmes and a new suicide prevention strategy.

Noted (AI summary) JD Wetherspoon expresses condolences but states they will not change their policy of relying on emergency services for medical care, rather than providing CPR training to staff, citing advice from their Primary Authority.

Noted (AI summary) Leeds City Council, via its Licensing Committee, detailed enhancements made by Festival Republic for the 2023 Leeds Festival, including improved security and stewarding, SIA-accreditation checks on security staff, enhanced staff manuals, daily briefings, and new AIR Hubs. Arrest data analysis suggests Festival Republic's drug security strategy was effective, with increased arrests and drug-related arrests in 2023. Festival Republic implemented improvements for Leeds Festival 2023, including enhanced security at gates, search operations, presence of dogs, visible messaging, and covert operations. They addressed medical facilities concerns by improving the Forward Operating Base, triage processes, ambulance resourcing, and welfare support. They also plan to consider further improvements for the 2024 festival. Festival Republic provides updated arrest statistics from West Yorkshire Police regarding drug offenses at an event. West Yorkshire Police increased measures to combat drug supply at the 2023 Leeds Festival, including a dedicated intelligence researcher, liaison with other festivals, robust searches at ingress points, increased use of drug dogs, covert operations, and a WYP officer stationed in the Festival Republic Control Room, resulting in more arrests. They will also ensure a dedicated detective inspector attends the hospital with the ill person in future. The Home Office highlights government efforts to tackle illegal drugs through police action, reducing demand, and improving treatment. It notes that organisations wishing to deliver back-of-house drug checking facilities at festivals can apply for a license.

Noted (AI summary) North West Ambulance Service has revised its 111 policy to remove exclusions for self-conveyance to hospital, save for Category 1 incidents, and to directly confirm patient refusal of an ambulance where possible. The updated SOP went live on 5th September 2023 and staff were informed. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will pilot measures to improve enforcement of damp and mould with £10m funding and intends to introduce the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector. They will also introduce new regulations following a review of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The Department of Health and Social Care states that NHS England has confirmed with ambulance trusts that no blanket policies are in place advising patients with chest pain not to travel to A&E. NHS111 calls are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and patients are provided with interim advice.