Nhs scotland

The approval of a new drug to treat ovarian in Scotland has been welcomed by campaigners. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted Niraparib (Zejula) for use by NHS Scotland for advanced ovarian cancer. It is said to be the first maintenance treatment for patients with ovarian cancer who do not have the BRCA mutation - an alteration in a particular gene that increases the chance of developing ovarian cancer. Patient groups and clinicians highlighted how patients currently undergo gruelling rounds of chemotherapy with increasingly shorter times between relapses, but Niraparib was shown to extend the period of relapse-free time until the next chemotherapy treatment. Figures show 39% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive for five years or more but campaigners say Niraparib could help patients, who have few treatment options, survive longer. Annwen Jones, chief executive of Target Ovarian Cancer, said: "Today's announcement is a game changer in ovarian cancer, and … [Read more...] about New ovarian cancer drug Niraparib approved for use by NHS Scotland

Nurses, midwives and paramedics are to be offered a minimum 9 per cent pay rise over the next three years. The Scottish Government said its proposals would benefit 147,000 staff under the health services' agenda for change pay system but would be linked to reforms to terms and conditions. This could include updating policies on sick leave and time-off for those who have worked extra hours as well as wider organisational change. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a 3 per cent pay rise this year for most NHS staff at the SNP conference earlier this month. If agreed with the unions, and following a consultation with staff, employees earning up to £80,000 will receive a minimum cumulative rise of 9 per cent, with those earning more receiving a flat rate increase of £1,600 a year. The government said the proposals would mean that by 2020/21 NHS Scotland staff would be significantly better paid than their counterparts elsewhere in the UK. Health Secretary Shona Robison … [Read more...] about NHS Scotland staff set for 9 per cent pay rise over next three years