Junior doctors, consultants, and facilities staff in the NHS are gearing up for strikes in mid-September as part of an ongoing pay dispute with the UK government. The strikes will primarily impact hospitals and health services in East London, affecting over two million residents across seven boroughs.

Key points:

• Junior doctors and consultants plan to strike on September 19th and 20th, providing only “Christmas Day” levels of cover. On September 21st and 22nd, they will escalate the strike to full walkouts. From October 2nd to 4th, both consultants and junior doctors will strike with “Christmas Day” levels of cover.
• NHS facilities staff represented by Unite the Union will strike on various dates including September 13th-14th at Barts Health and Barking, Havering, Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT). On September 13th they will also strike at East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), while between September 16th and 22nd Unite members will strike at Barts Health.
• Barts Health runs several hospitals including Whipps Cross Hospital, The Royal London Hospital, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Newham Hospital, and Mile End Hospital. Barking, Havering, Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT) operates Queen’s Hospital and King George Hospital.
• The British Medical Association (BMA) demands a pay increase of 35% for doctors to restore their pay to pre-2008 levels. Unite the Union highlights that the government’s proposed 5% pay increase for 2022/23 is insufficient compared to inflation rates.
• BHRUT has reported that strikes have led to the cancellation of 10,000 appointments and 721 non-urgent surgeries, equating to an estimated cost of £4 million by the end of July. Barts Health stated that industrial action is diverting attention from their waiting lists for cancer, diagnostics, and elective surgery.

The strikes are expected to have a significant impact on routine care across all affected hospitals. Chris Streather, regional medical director for NHS London, acknowledges the immense strain on staff but assures that urgent and emergency care will remain prioritized.

Government officials expressed disappointment with the strikes and urged unions to end the disruption. Health Secretary Steve Barclay emphasized that new junior doctors would receive pay increases but stood firm on the finality of the current pay award.

East London residents are advised to contact emergency services for life-threatening situations or use online resources for other health concerns. GP services and pharmacies will operate as usual unless patients are notified otherwise.

As negotiations continue between representatives of NHS staff and the government, patients may experience longer waiting times for non-urgent matters due to reduced staffing levels during strike days.

The Met Office has forecasted scorching temperatures for Wednesday and Thursday, with some parts of the UK expecting highs of 32C. This heatwave is expected to persist into the weekend for England and Wales, but what can Londoners expect during this hot spell?

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong explains that a high-pressure system southeast of the UK is responsible for the settled weather conditions and above-average temperatures. He also attributes the warm air being drawn north to an active tropical cyclone season in the North Atlantic.

Wednesday, September 6

On Wednesday, Londoners will experience sizzling temperatures of around 31C at 4pm, with the heat lingering throughout the day. Expect clear skies and less than a 5% chance of rain.

Thursday, September 7

The hot weather continues on Thursday, with temperatures reaching approximately 29C by late afternoon in London.

Friday, September 8

Similar conditions are predicted for Friday, as thermometers are set to hit a maximum of 29C at around 4pm. Anticipate sunny intervals and minimal chances of rain.

Saturday, September 9

Saturday in the capital will see maximum temperatures around a balmy 29C. While it will be predominantly sunny, there’s a slightly higher up to a10% chance of precipitation.

Sunday, September 10

Sunday’s forecast indicates more warmth with temperatures peaking at around29C at4pm. Expect sunny intervals and a slightly increased up to 10% chance of rain.

Monday, September 11

Monday will bring a mix of sun and clouds in London, with the possibility of increasing cloud coverage by late morning. Nevertheless, temperatures are expected to reach 26C at1pm, ensuring a reasonably warm day.

When Will the Heatwave Subside in London?

While Londoners can anticipate scorching temperatures for the next several days according to the extended forecast, relief is on its way. Starting next Monday, parts of the country are predicted to cool down, signaling an end to this heatwave. So hang tight—autumn weather might just be around the corner!

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed for acid reflux, may raise the risk of developing dementia, according to a recent study published in the journal Neurology.

The study, which analyzed over 5,700 participants aged 45 and above, found that individuals who took PPIs daily for at least four-and-a-half years had a 33% higher chance of developing dementia compared to those who did not use these medications.

Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, with over 6.7 million individuals aged 65 and above living with the condition in the U.S. alone.

Proton pump inhibitors are medications used to treat conditions such as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers by reducing stomach acid production. Common examples include omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, dexlansoprazole, and Zegerid.

The study highlights an association between long-term PPI use and a higher risk of dementia but does not establish causation. Further research is needed to validate these findings in larger study groups and understand the potential link between PPIs and dementia.

Researchers suggest that excessive use of PPIs may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and impair amyloid metabolism—both factors associated with dementia. However, this particular study did not assess the participants’ vitamin B12 levels.

If you experience acid reflux symptoms or want to avoid potential risks associated with long-term PPI usage:

• Consider lifestyle changes such as weight loss for obese individuals and quitting smoking to alleviate acid reflux issues.
• Sleeping on your left side may reduce acid reflux at night, and elevating your head with a pillow can also help.
• Avoid heavy meals at night and eat dinner a few hours before sleeping to reduce nocturnal reflux symptoms. Additionally, limit consumption of high-fat, high-carb foods and carbonated beverages to improve digestion and alleviate heartburn.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake, as they can exacerbate heartburn severity.

While experts emphasize the need for further research in this area, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals regarding the appropriate use of PPIs or alternative strategies for managing acid reflux symptoms.