One of the major hurdles that has scuppered the sector’s awareness and management of Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is the long-entrenched perception that it’s male-specific. In fact, the role of gender in this chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease might just surprise you. NIHR investigates why the disease’s impact has been discounted in the female population, and highlights [...]
Vulvodynia can be challenging to treat effectively; partly because it may require a multidisciplinary approach, but also due to the fact that taboos on discussion have led to a lack of research and awareness of the problem, meaning that in the past, appropriate treatment has not been easy to access. In this edition of NIHR, [...]
It’s estimated that up to one-in-five babies in the UK suffer from infant colic, generating fear and confusion in their exhausted carers. GP and Endoscopist, Dr Sophie Nelson, surveys the signs, causative factors and impact, and how we can support the parents of babies with colic. When a newborn baby has been crying for more [...]
An estimated 7,000 people in Northern Ireland live with myalgic encephalomyelitis, a neurological condition at least as disabling as cancer or multiple sclerosis. Despite this, there are no specialist services, and no guideline other than that produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England and Wales – which is undergoing essential [...]
Flickering fires and cosy knitwear – they’re just a couple of the themes which spring to mind as we enjoy this season. However, for a large number of healthcare professionals dealing with infected patients, this time of year is also synonymous with the norovirus. Help individuals ward off the risk, and find out more about [...]
Dr Gary Benson, Director of the Haemophilia Centre at Belfast City Hospital, examines the reversal of anticoagulation in uncontrolled bleeding – drawing on the general principles of practice and the importance of patient safety throughout. Approximately 1.4 million people in the UK are at risk of stroke due to non-valvular atrial fibrillation, necessitating long-term anticoagulation [...]
With an ageing population, the burden of urinary tract infection in older adults is likely to grow, making the need for improved diagnosis and appropriate management essential to managing the health of older adults. (4) Ased Ali B.Sc.(Hons), MB.ChB, PhD, FRCS(Urol), Consultant Urological Surgeon at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals, explains further – providing a comprehensive overview [...]
Around 220,000 people of working age in the UK identify epilepsy as their ‘main’ health condition, making it one of the most common serious neurological conditions in the world. Yet despite its encompassing nature – spanning any age and background – a glaring employment gap shockingly persists. NIHR takes a look at this demoralising deterrent [...]
A new programme to improve patient safety and reduce suicide rates has been introduced to Northern Ireland. Recently launched in Northern Ireland, the Towards Zero Suicide Patient Safety Collaborative involves all five trusts and the prisons, and aims to research and adopt best practice in suicide prevention work across mental health services and the prison [...]
The ballot boxes may have been packed away but for our newly-elected politicians a big job of work lies ahead. Fearghal McKinney, Head of the British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland, explains why ensuring better cardiovascular health for everyone needs to be a priority for our representatives, along with the radical measures necessary to minimise the [...]
