Social care for vulnerable people is being squeezed as a result of NHS deficits, according to the Local Government Association. The LGA says costs are being shunted to social services departments as the NHS in England aims to balance its books. A survey of 95 councils which run social services found two thirds say NHS debts are affecting them. The Department of Health said the NHS and local authorities had to work together for patients' benefit.
The mineral zinc may play a role in the development of a common cause of blindness, research suggests. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among elderly people in the developed world. Researchers found high zinc levels in deposits in the eye which are a marker for AMD development. The study, published in Experimental Eye Research and led by London's Institute of Ophthalmology, could help the development of new treatments.
The number of young children with Type 1 diabetes has risen dramatically in the last 20 years, a study suggests. The number of under-fives with the condition increased five-fold - meaning it affected one child in every 1,000 by 2004, a study around Oxford found. Other studies have revealed similar rises, suggesting the trend is true for the whole of the UK, Diabetes UK said. The Bristol University team blame genes and environmental factors, including breastfeeding rates.
Parents of autistic children claim the youngsters have missed out on use of a school playground because there have not been enough supervision staff. They said the roll at Caithness Early Years Autism Centre (CEYAC) has increased, but staff numbers have not changed to keep pace with this. Highland Council said the situation at CEYAC was under review.
A project for people with learning disabilities has been launched in the north of Scotland.
A woman in need of 24-hour care since being knocked down while using a pedestrian crossing has been awarded £8.5m compensation. Leanne Evans, 22, of Erdington, Birmingham, was 13 when she suffered a serious brain injury as a result of being struck by the car. She now relies on a wheelchair, has severe memory trouble and needs eight carers to look after her.
