Spina bifida is a rare condition that occurs when a baby’s spine and spinal cord does not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.

In the BBC One episode, viewers saw a baby girl born with meningocele, a serious type of spina bifida where the protective membranes around the spinal cord push out through the spine.

The condition can cause people to experience movement problems, issues with their bladder and bowels, as well as a build up of fluid on the brain that can cause learning difficulties.

There were 18,876 hits on the spina bifida NHS webpage immediately following the airing of the programme – where the baby had a successful operation to treat the condition – with the weekly total of visits rising to 30,202 in the past week, compared to 2,280 the week before (a 1,224% increase).

While the precise causes of spina bifida are unknown, a number of factors including low folic acid levels before and in the early weeks of pregnancy and a family history of the condition are known to increase the risk of it developing.

The NHS advises pregnant women – particular those with a family history of spina bifida – to take folic acid supplements before and during the beginning of their pregnancy.

Unlike in the 1970s when the episode is set, spina bifida can now be diagnosed during a mid-pregnancy anomaly scan which happens between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.

Many people with spina bifida can live independent and fulfilling lives with the condition, managed through a combination of medication and therapies.

People suffering from the condition can also access a range of support on the NHS including physiotherapy, advice from an occupational therapist, as well as surgery to help repair the spine.

Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England National Clinical Director for Children and Young People, said: “Spina bifida is a serious condition that can have a big impact on people’s health and lives.

“The care available for children born with spina bifida has transformed massively since the 1970s, with significant advances in foetal, orthopaedic, spinal and neurosurgery helping to hugely improve children’s lives and opportunities.

“Better awareness of the factors that reduce the risk of babies developing the condition – such as taking folic acid supplement before and during pregnancy – is vital in helping pregnant women take life changing preventative action for their child.

“Storylines in programmes like Call the Midwife are powerful in spreading awareness and helping prevention – and of course the NHS website is always there to give clear, factual advice to anyone who wants to find out more about these conditions.”

Heidi Thomas, executive producer and writer of Call the Midwife said: “Everyone at Call the Midwife was very moved to hear that Baby June’s story has provoked such interest. She received her diagnosis of spina bifida in 1970, and although times change, concerns around the condition remain the same.

“We often feature challenging and emotional medical issues on the show, and are delighted when our audiences go straight to trusted sources, such as the NHS website, for further information.

“Our own postbag has been enormous this week, with fans of the show writing in to share their own experience of spina bifida, and thank us for telling June’s story.  It is an absolute privilege to be able to educate, entertain and connect with people in this way.”

Baroness Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health, said: “It is brilliant to see Call the Midwife bringing this serious and often preventable condition to people’s attention, so people can seek the advice they need to protect their baby.

“This government is taking action to protect mothers and babies, including introducing a law to require flour to be fortified with folic acid, helping prevent 200 cases of debilitating brain and spine defects in babies every year.”

Gill Yaz, Head of Health at the spina bifida and hydrocephalus charity Shine, said: ‘It is always good to see stories about people with spina bifida on popular television programmes, and this episode of Call the Midwife encouraged many of our adult members to share their reflections on their own childhoods.

“Being set in 1970, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the changes, both in society’s attitudes to disabled babies, and science, that have transformed the life chances of many babies born today.

“The role of folic acid in helping reduce the chance of babies being born with conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly when taken before conceiving, was not proven until 1991, and more recently, foetal surgery is helping reduce the impact of spina bifida for some babies.

“Shine has a wealth of information on our website, on living with spina bifida, and lowering the chances of having a baby affected by spina bifida or anencephaly.”

Find out more information about spina bifida on the NHS website.

Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/01/call-the-midwife-storyline-sees-nhs-website-searches-for-spina-bifida-spiral/

The deadline for responses to the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, which looks at the current provision of pharmacy services in the borough and whether there are any potential gaps in service delivery, has been extended from January 24 to February 14.

Survey forms have been distributed to all pharmacies in the borough and the questionnaire can also be completed online here

You can also access the online survey by scanning the QR code on the poster.

The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) looks at the current provision of pharmacy services across South Tyneside and whether there are any potential gaps in service delivery.

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 transferred the responsibility for developing and updating pharmaceutical needs assessments from Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to Health & Wellbeing Boards with a requirement to publish the first PNA by 1 April 2015 and at minimum every three subsequent years.

The pharmaceutical needs assessment is used by NHS England in its consideration of applications to join the pharmaceutical list, and by commissioners of community pharmacy enhanced and locally commissioned services to make decisions on how to best meet the needs of the local population.

South Tyneside Health and Wellbeing Board said your responses will help it understand what is needed in community pharmacies now and in the future. For more information visit: https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/8607/Pharmaceutical-Needs-Assessments

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has set up the hub – https://www.stsftmentalhealth.nhs.uk – as a one-stop page for patients living in South Tyneside, Sunderland or Gateshead.

The sites are available 24/7 and offer a starting point for anyone who feels they need help through treatment or a group and set out what services are available in each of those areas.

They cover:

• South Tyneside – Adult Talking Therapies: Lifecycle Services, Mental Health Support Service: Healthy Minds Team and Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services
• Sunderland – Mental Health Service; Healthy Heads Team for children, Community Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services
• Gateshead – Adult Talking Therapies, Adult Mental Health Peer Support Service, Children and Young People’s Primary Care Mental Health Service and Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service

All three sections detail about how to make a referral for a child or young person. They also advise health professionals, so they can help set up an appointment. The areas set up for children also signpost people to organisations and information which can help.

The adult sections also offer access to resources, information on where to get help in a crisis, details on self-help and the details of other organisations which can give support. This includes debt advice and careers help to charities to sites which can help tackle loneliness and a chance to follow online courses.

There are video clips which can offer advice on how to handle conditions, dealing with sex abuse, domestic violence or self-harm.

David Newell, is a Directorate Manager for the Trust who oversees all the mental health services across South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead as part of his role.

He said: “Lots of work has been going on behind the scenes to bring together all this information to help people in their time of need.

“Now these sites are there for people to visit around the clock, at a time when they’re ready to take that step and find the help they may need.

“They’re also really useful if you’re worried about a friend or relative, so you can help them make that move to get support.

“Anyone who supports someone aged 18 or under can find out how our teams can work alongside a child or young person if they’re struggling with their emotions or behaviour.

“The pages also signpost people to lots of information, so people can look at the detail at their own pace.

“Crucially, these sites are a front door for our services, but we have teams of experts on hand ready to help when people are referred for our support or make that call to make a change.”

Source: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/news/latest-news/mental-health-websites-get-new-look-they-help-people-and-parents-take-first-steps

New data shows that over 25,000 free saliva test kits have now been requested and delivered as part of the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme since its launch in January 2023.

Around 11,000 tests have now been processed, with 235 people (2.1%) testing positive for a BRCA gene mutation, which increases the risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, enabling them to seek early access to screening and preventive options – and thousands of others given reassurance that they do not carry the gene fault.

The programme is part of a major NHS drive to detect cancers earlier when they are easier to treat, helping to better identify people who are at increased risk to help prevent more cancers and save lives.

Under the programme, BRCA gene testing is offered for anyone living in England, aged 18 or over with at least one Jewish grandparent, regardless of faith, religious practice, or any other criteria.

Tests can be ordered online from the NHS and completed at home, by taking a sample of saliva and sending it off to a laboratory.

Those born with altered BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a greater risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer.

People with Jewish ancestry are far more likely to have inherited faulty BRCA genes than the general population. For example, one in 40 Ashkenazi Jews and around one in 140 Sephardi Jews having a faulty BRCA gene, compared to around one in 250 of the UK general population.

Research also shows, that up to 40% of ovarian cancer cases, and 10% of breast cancer cases in the Jewish community are associated with a BRCA gene fault.

People who are found to have altered BRCA genes are given early access to NHS cancer detection services such as mammograms or MRI scans; and may also be offered preventative surgery or medication, and advised to make risk-reducing lifestyle changes.

NHS England developed its programme in partnership with charities Jnetics and Chai Cancer Care, who have run highly successful engagement campaigns to raise awareness in Jewish communities, encouraging over 25,000 people to come forward for a free test in the first 2 years.

Health chiefs said the testing programme gives individuals who test positive the knowledge to make informed choices and allows them to access a range of options available on the NHS.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, and Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Southampton, said: “It’s encouraging that so many people have come forward for testing and that hundreds living with an increased risk have been identified and can now be supported to make informed choices about monitoring and risk-reducing options.

“We want as many people as possible to take advantage of this innovative testing programme, so please continue to come forward for a simple saliva test if you are eligible. If you are sitting on a testing kit at home, we encourage you to complete and return the testing kit. The majority of people won’t be variant carriers of the BRCA gene, but if you are, the NHS can provide you with appropriate screening or treatment.”

Adam, 59 years-old from London who tested positive said: “Knowing that you’re BRCA1 positive, that you have a mutation that you may have passed onto the kids, can feel very overwhelming. For me, it was guilt. But we live in a day and age that means we can actually test for this. Because of the incredible support and expertise of Jnetics, Chai and the NHS it is amazing to see the options that are available for me and my family.”

Sami Webber, a 33-year-old bookkeeper from Hertfordshire, tested positive following her mother passing away from cancer and has since had two daughters through pre-implantation genetic testing. Sami said: “I feel like my mum gifted that to me, and what is in our control has been controlled. Neither of my daughters have an altered BRCA1 gene. That now ends in my line of generations through my side of the family. I am taking all the steps I can so that I can be there for my children and their children if they choose to have them in the future. I will only forever feel grateful for this test.”

On 15 January 2025, Jnetics and Chai Cancer Care will be hosting a national reception in North West England to raise further awareness of the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme.

Jnetics CEO Nicole Gordon said: “We are proud to be part of this ground-breaking programme that has proven to be a resounding success in the first year.  We are pleased with the uptake of the programme across all sectors of the community from the religious to the unaffiliated. Our mission now is to continue to drive awareness, giving individuals the opportunity to gain knowledge that will help mitigate against the impact of hereditary cancer and ultimately save lives.”

Lisa Steele, Chief Executive at Chai added: “We know it can be daunting to test positive for the BRCA gene mutation. However, finding out means people can make informed choices and get the support they need from us at Chai Cancer Care, Jnetics and the NHS. For more than 30 years Chai Cancer Care has been supporting members of the Jewish community affected by a cancer diagnosis and this programme can have a life changing impact for generations to come.”

The testing is being carried out by the NHS Genomic Medicine Service through its network of laboratory hubs, which is helping the NHS to harness the power of genomics to revolutionise the prevention and treatment of disease and reduce health inequalities.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said: “For the 11,000 people who have tested, the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme provided reassurance and education around the risks of cancer. But for 235 of those people, it gave them vital extra time to make informed decisions around lifestyle choices and treatments.

“We’re working to catch illness on time, so I urge people to come forward and test if they’re eligible. Our Plan for Change will broaden access to community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs and make better use of tech, including the NHS App, to end the appointment backlog and fight cancer on all fronts.”

Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/01/hundreds-of-people-at-increased-cancer-risk-identified-by-new-nhs-brca-testing-programme/

Amanda Wardle worked at Sunderland Royal Hospital as a children’s physiotherapist up until her retirement.

Now the 65-year-old has been celebrated by its Renal Department for the help she has offered to a research study which encourages patients to exercise as they have their dialysis sessions.

Amanda, from East Boldon, attends three times a week and spends four hours at a time undergoing the treatment.

It is used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust signed up to a research study run by the Kidney Beam app, which helps people with kidney disease feel good through movement, education and wellbeing support.

It sets out exercises which help improve circulation, muscle strength, flexibility and co-ordination, with weights, floor pedals and other equipment used to help.

The study launched in July and has recruited 10 patients so far, with more set to join. It has seen Amanda support Research Nurse Jennifer Henderson, Consultant Nephrologist Dr Rebecca Ryan and Specialist Kidney Dietitian Aisling Barrett as they worked on the project.

To thank her for the guidance and encouragement Amanda has shown her fellow patients, the Trust’s Renal Team has presented her with a Certificate of Recognition and flowers.

Amanda said: “The presentation was totally unexpected and so kind of the team. I hope I have made a difference.

“We are very grateful for the support and help of the nursing staff in the Renal Unit, they have been so encouraging.

“The Beam app is really useful to help people with their lifestyle and live well.

“When we’re having our dialysis, we’re often sat for quite a while, so we’ve been working to gradually increase our movement. We’ve adapted things and built on it from there.

“It’s been a big help to improve circulation, build our leg strength and our flexibility and co-ordination.

“I think the benefits we’ve all seen have been positive and it’s also helped people be more confident.”

Aisling , who is the Trust’s Kidney Beam Champion, added: “We want to say a big thank you to Amanda for encouraging and supporting patients in completing their exercises and taking charge of the exercise sessions on the unit.

“She’s also taken the time to give us valuable feedback on how we could develop and promote exercise on dialysis from a patient perspective and used her knowledge of the area. We’re very grateful.

“We’ve had very positive feedback from the other patients about the benefits they have felt from Amanda’s support.

“They’ve found it’s reduced aches and pains, helped them have better mental health and they’ve gained confidence in exercising.

“Amanda has also taken the time before her dialysis session to support one of the patients who is registered blind. She helped them with the movements and gave them tips on how to do these at home.

“We have had feedback from the nursing team on the positive vibe the exercise sessions bring and how they help the patients to pass time on dialysis.

“We are now working towards getting some more exercise equipment in the units to help increase the variety of exercises the dialysis patients can do.

“One patient had moved dialysis units and was sad to be missing out on the sessions, they found them very helpful to help meet healthy lifestyle goals.

“That’s all thanks to Amanda’s efforts, we’re so grateful for her help.”

The Renal Team has launched a new hub to help patients with information and support.

It can be found here: Renal medicine

Source: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/news/latest-news/retired-physio-takes-training-task-help-fellow-kidney-patients-get-moving

Services across the country have faced extreme pressures from one of the worst winters on record with 5,408 patients a day in hospital with flu in the first week of January.

NHS staff delivered 239, 679 more vaccinations so far this winter compared to the same period last year. This is despite starting the full programme rollout in October, a month later than last year, to offer people the best chance of protection based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

The latest figures show a total of 17,996,305 flu vaccinations were delivered by NHS staff between 1 September 2024 and 5 January 2025, compared to 17,756,626 between 1 August 2023 and 7 January 2024.

In recent weeks, flu vaccinations are up more than a quarter (27%) compared to last year with an extra 85,000 jabs delivered in the last 3 weeks. [figures up to January 5, 2025].

Covid, RSV and norovirus cases also remain high with more than 1,100 patients in hospital with Covid in the first week of January, as well as 626 patients with norovirus – up almost 50% on the same week last year (424). There was also an average of 72 children in hospital with RSV every day, up 47% from last year (49).

While the national vaccination booking system has now closed, those eligible can still get protected from flu, Covid-19 or RSV by visiting a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site, or finding a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine.

England’s top doctor warned that with a deluge of flu cases, the public can play their part by getting vaccinated and continuing to use services as they usually would.

Ahead of winter, the NHS put in place measures to manage extra demand including upgraded 24 hour co-ordination centres, support for frequent users of A&E services, strengthening same day emergency care and providing more care in the community. 

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said: “As hospitals face a deluge of flu cases, NHS staff have once again stepped up the vaccination programme this year, protecting almost 18 million people against flu this season – 239,000 more people than last winter.

“The NHS is experiencing one of the busiest ever starts to the year, with hospitals full to the rafters with flu cases as well as dealing with the recent cold snap.

“The best way to fight the flu is to get vaccinated, and so I would urge those eligible to contact their GP or local pharmacy to get a flu jab as soon as possible.

“People should continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions, as well as using your GP and pharmacy in the usual way.” 

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: “Flu is a serious illness which has put significant pressure on the NHS this winter.

“Hospitals remain incredibly busy and the best way to protect yourself is by getting vaccinated, which also helps to ease pressure on the NHS.

“Thanks to all the incredible healthcare staff who have gone above and beyond to vaccinate 18 million people against flu.”

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those currently eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from reception to year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from year 7 to year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or personal health budgets, such as personal assistants

Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/01/nhs-jabs-tens-of-thousands-more-against-flu-than-last-winter/