NHS Business Services Authority has published official statistics on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as part of wider work to address supply chain shortages and taboos around the subject.
Millions of women go through the menopause every year, many women experience some symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, hot flushes and difficulty sleeping. Some of these symptoms can be severe and have a negative impact on everyday life.
This official statistics publication has been released to support work being undertaken by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and HRT suppliers.
The report aims to provide a national view of HRT for use by policy makers, the public and others to answer any high-level questions in this area.
Key findings of the publication showed that:
- In 2021/22, there were 7.80 million items for HRT prescribed in England, a 35.0% increase from 2020/21.
- There were an estimated 1.93 million identified patients that were prescribed HRT in England in 2021/22. This was a 30.5% increase from an estimated 1.48 million identified patients in 2020/21.
- Areas of greater deprivation had the lowest number of estimated identified patients who were being prescribed HRT in 2021/22, almost twice as many patients receiving prescribing in the least deprived areas of the country compared to the most deprived.
- A greater proportion of the estimated identified patients from the most deprived areas of the country who received HRT prescribing in 2021/22 were under the age of 60. A total of 76.6% of the estimated identified patients in the most deprived areas were under 60, 64.6% of the estimated identified patients from the least deprived areas were under 60.
To read the full official statistical publication visit https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/hormone-replacement-therapy-england.
Local charity seeks potential volunteers to support families of prisoners
By JasonA north east charity, supporting over 124,000 visitors to north east prisons each year, is seeking new volunteers to help support families and children impacted by the criminal justice system in the Teesside area.
Nepacs has worked across the north east region for over 140 years to help support a positive future for prisoners, their friends and families and has a fantastic team of volunteers working in all seven prisons and courts in the north east and in the community.
The charity is giving anyone interested in volunteering the chance to come along to their volunteer open days at HMP Kirklevington Grange near Yarm.
Anyone interested can come along to The Grange coffee shop (outside HMP Kirklevington Grange) from 10am to 12noon on 13, 18 or 20 October 2022.
There are a wide range of opportunities available at Nepacs, including court support volunteers who offer advice and information to friends/families of defendants at Teesside Combined Courts. Within HMP Kirklevington Grange and HMP Holme House volunteers are needed to help in the visit tea bars, visitors’ centres, youth zones and play areas. The charity also need volunteers to support their family support programme which helps the family throughout the time their partner/relative is in prison, and their Heading Home programme which works with the family and the person in prison to plan for their release.
Those that attend will hear about the different volunteering opportunities available at HMP Kirklevington, be able to chat to existing volunteers and if interested in volunteering they will be able to sign up for volunteering on the day.
Taylor Matthews, Nepacs’ volunteer coordinator, said: “The impact of imprisonment on children and families can be devastating which is why we feel it is important to support them every step of their journey – from the courts, during the time their loved one is in prison and prior to release. Our team of volunteers are dedicated to helping prisoners’ families and children across the north east, but we are looking for more volunteers to join our team and help us to offer the best support possible during what is an extremely difficult time for families.
“Nepacs volunteers come from all walks of life. If you think you could get involved and would like to be part of a team who helps to make a difference to the lives of prisoners’ families please come along to our open days or find out more through our website.”
Please contact visitors centre manager Hilary Askin This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or our volunteer coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.
Details of all volunteer opportunities with Nepacs are on their website www.nepacs.co.uk
Seven out of 10 Brits feel their immune system isn't up to scratch
By JasonHealth and wellness habits slip during the summer (18%) with diet (19%) and forgetting to take health supplements (20%) some of the top factors disregarded.