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Opinion: Why Amanda Pritchard’s resignation is a pivotal moment for the NHS
Writing for the BBC, Health Editor, Hugh Pym discusses Amanda Pritchard's resignation as CEO of NHS England and how this has raised significant questions about the future direction of the health service. Pym argues that having led the NHS through some of its most challenging times, including the pandemic, Pritchard’s decision to step down marks a critical turning point. Pym also points out that this move comes as the Labour government takes a more hands-on approach, with plans to reassert control over NHS England, reducing its autonomy.
Pym sees the appointment of former Labour officials to key roles as a signalling shift towards a more centralised management style, aiming to streamline NHS operations and reduce bureaucracy. Pym argues that although Pritchard had anticipated changes, her early departure highlights the growing tension between NHS leadership and government expectations for more direct intervention. According to Pym, the incoming "transition" CEO, Sir Jim Mackey, will focus on improving operational delivery, with a particular emphasis on tackling the backlog of hospital waiting lists, while NHS policy will be managed by the Health Secretary’s department.
Pym concludes by noting that the impact of these changes remains uncertain, emphasising that the quality of patient care and NHS efficiency will largely depend on how effectively the restructuring is carried out and the level of funding allocated through the Treasury’s review.
Source: BBC News, 2 March 2025
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Lung cancer risk extends beyond smoking
An active mother from Berkshire was stunned to receive a diagnosis of stage-four lung cancer at the age of 46, despite having no significant history of smoking. Initially dismissing symptoms due to her age, Kerrie Mitchell later discovered she had non-small-cell lung cancer, the most common form of the disease in the UK. While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for around 70% of cases, an increasing number of diagnoses occur in people with little or no smoking history. Experts stress that anyone is at risk, and early detection significantly improves survival chances.
Source: The Sun, 2 March 2025
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Vaping industry report highlights areas with high seizures of illicit devices
A report by the Vape Club claims that the sale of illegal vapes is on the rise, with authorities seizing 1.2 million illicit devices in 2024—a significant increase from the previous year. The report claims that there has been a 44% increase in seizures since last year. The article highlights the areas with the highest number of illegal vape seizures, with Hillingdon, located next to Heathrow, recording the highest total. Essex and Liverpool followed closely behind. While vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, unregulated products can exceed legal nicotine limits and can contain harmful chemicals. As the government prepares to ban disposable vapes in June, vaping industry figures argue that stricter enforcement and licensing would be effective in tackling illicit sales and support smokers trying to quit.
Source: MailOnline, 2 March 2025
Editorial note: The methodology behind the figures presented in this report, carried out by VapeClub, remains unclear. While the article highlights regions with the highest number of illicit vape seizures, it should be emphasised that leading the list does not necessarily indicate the areas with the highest prevalence of illicit vapes. Instead, it may reflect the effectiveness of local enforcement measures, such as Operation Joseph, a dedicated initiative aimed at investigating and seizing illicit vaping products. It is possible that the increase in seizures is indicative of enhanced enforcement by trading standards teams than an escalation in the scale of the problem.
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Illegal cigarette and vape sales exposed in Welsh shops
An investigation by WalesOnline has uncovered widespread illegal tobacco and vape sales in various shops across Wales, particularly in Cardiff, Swansea, and Pontypridd. Many of these stores sold illicit cigarettes and vapes from hidden backrooms, bypassing regulations. Local authorities, including Cardiff Council, are actively addressing the issue through operations like Operation USK, which led to the seizure of £600,000 of illicit tobacco.
However, enforcement continues to face challenges, and further action is needed to prevent the illegal sales of these harmful products. Mary-Ann McKibben of Public Health Wales stressed that smuggled cigarettes, often legally manufactured before entering the illicit market, undermine taxation efforts and may increase access for children, highlighting the need for stronger laws to combat the issue.
Source: WalesOnline, 3 March 2025
See also: Tobacco Tactics – Illicit tobacco trade
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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