Author: Nathan McDowell

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is making waves in the healthcare industry as it is now being employed to predict the likelihood of patients requiring hospital visits. The “Brave AI” system, which utilizes a sophisticated algorithm to analyze patients’ medical records and identify patterns, is set to be implemented in 30 doctors’ practices across the south west of the UK. This innovative approach aims to assess the probability of unplanned emergency call-outs, allowing support services to intervene and provide preventative care, thereby potentially reducing the need for hospitalization. The initial phase of this implementation will focus on GP practices in Gloucestershire,…

The mental wellbeing of the Scottish population has hit a worrying low, according to the latest Scottish Health Survey. Data collected since 2008 shows that the average score on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) has dropped from 50 to 47 in 2022. The most deprived 20% of the population reported the lowest mental wellbeing, with an average score of 44.7. The survey also revealed a rise in self-harming and suicide attempts among adults, as well as an increase in feelings of loneliness, particularly among younger adults. Additionally, depression and anxiety symptoms were found to be more prevalent among adults.…

A mental health charity run by Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club has been praised for its life-saving work. The Wolves Foundation’s Head 4 Health project has helped individuals who were contemplating suicide find a new lease on life. One participant, 68-year-old John Martin, had considered taking his own life twice before joining the initiative in 2018. He credits the project with being the best thing that ever happened to him. The project offers workshops, walks, and discussions to improve the wellbeing of adults. Martin found a safe space to talk to others without fear of judgment or disclosure. Another participant, David…

Cornwall Council has secured a grant of £4.96 million from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) to establish a Health Determinant Research Collaboration. The primary objective of this project is to enhance mental health and wellbeing in Cornwall by encouraging research on local issues. The funding, which will span a five-year period starting in January 2024, will be used to create employment opportunities and facilitate career development. The collaboration will bring together organizations such as Cornwall Council, the Universities of Exeter, Falmouth, and Plymouth, and the Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum to promote closer cooperation in conducting research…

Ketamine, once known primarily as a recreational drug, is now being recognized for its therapeutic potential. Medical professionals have been using ketamine for pain management and as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression. A recent study conducted by researchers at Columbia University delved into the effects of ketamine on the brain, specifically its impact on the dopamine system. Published in the journal Cell Reports, the study focused on the structural changes that occur in the brains of mice after repeated exposure to ketamine over an extended period. The researchers discovered that prolonged use of ketamine leads to widespread alterations in the…

The West Midlands Ambulance Service has taken a proactive step towards improving mental health care by introducing dedicated vehicles staffed by paramedics with additional training in mental health practice. These vehicles will be stationed in Coventry, Hollymoor, Shrewsbury, Stoke-on-Trent, and Worcester, with the aim of providing faster and more specialized care for mental health emergencies. Richard Corrall, the head of clinical practice for mental health, recognizes the need for improved support for mental health patients and the importance of directing them to the most appropriate resources. The specialist paramedics in these dedicated vehicles will respond to a wide range of…

NHS Dorset has recently unveiled a collection of free apps that aim to support the mental health of young people. The list, carefully curated by app review firm Orcha, features apps such as Move Mood and Calm Harm, which tackle issues such as depression and self-harm prevention. The hope is that these apps can serve as a preventive measure, potentially reducing the need for other forms of treatment. However, NHS Dorset is keen to emphasize that these apps should not be seen as a substitute for traditional therapy. While digital therapies can be beneficial for some individuals, mental health charity…

An 18-year-old patient with ADHD and autism, Morgan-Rose Hart, tragically lost her life due to neglect at an NHS mental health unit, according to an inquest jury. The incident occurred at the Derwent Centre in Harlow, Essex, where Ms. Hart was found unresponsive in July 2022. The inquest revealed that staff had falsified observations and failed to carry out critical checks, leading to the fatal outcome. The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), responsible for the unit, has acknowledged the need for learning from this tragedy. On the day of the incident, Ms. Hart had informed the staff that…

A jury has found that a young woman who tragically took her own life while in a mental health facility experienced “systematic failures in health and social care.” Jessie Eastland-Seares, aged 19 at the time of her death in May 2022, was under the care of Mill View Hospital in Hove. The jury concluded that these failures resulted in dysregulations and frequent self-harm, ultimately leading to her untimely death. East Sussex County Council has accepted the jury’s findings, and the coroner will be issuing a prevention of future death report. The jury determined that Ms. Eastland-Seares’ self-harm led to death…

A soldier from Shropshire, Johnny Bradley, has taken on a remarkable challenge to raise awareness about mental health. For over three weeks, he has voluntarily handcuffed himself to a 5kg (11lb) medicine ball, symbolizing the constant weight of mental health. Through this endeavor, Bradley aims to shed light on the burden of mental health and raise £1,000 for Combat Stress and the Army Benevolent Fund. Initially planning to endure the challenge for only one week, Bradley has now surpassed three weeks and continues to persevere. The presence of the medicine ball has attracted numerous individuals who have approached him to…