Timelines
How the main stories unfold, day after day: each timeline gathers the articles about one event, with a summary.
- Government-commissioned review warns of ADHD and autism misdiagnosis risk and calls for a needs-led system
A government-commissioned review of mental health care in England, the Fonagy review, has highlighted the risk of misdiagnosis of ADHD and autism as cases rise, saying there is a mismatch between the true rates of the conditions and the numbers seeking help for them. It finds that not everyone with ADHD and autism traits needs a diagnosis and calls for an overhaul of a system failing those who need it most, with a shift to a 'needs-led' system, warning that the NHS is at risk of 'system failures' as demand soars, according to The Independent and The Guardian. The Financial Times reports that the review says diagnosis can cause harm, calls for more opportunities to work and socialise for young people and rejects claims of a 'snowflake' generation. According to the Manchester Evening News, the review also finds that anxiety and depression are surging.
- Andy Burnham announces a £48m partnership to find a dementia cure, making it a 'national priority'
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a £48m partnership in a bid to find a cure for dementia, which he made a 'national priority', saying he wanted Britain 'to be the country that makes the breakthrough'. His father Roy died last month after suffering from Alzheimer's. Burnham also said he does not accept that the condition cannot be beaten, Wales Online reported.
- Rise in XFG Covid variant cases and hospitalisations in the UK
Covid cases are rising in the UK, with hospitalisations up more than 400% in a month, and more than half of positive tests are a variant of XFG, nicknamed 'Stratus' and more recently 'American Covid'. The UKHSA has shared advice as the rate of positive results has increased, and the Evening Standard reports that cases and hospitalisations have increased sharply in London in recent weeks. Outlets have described the symptoms of the variant, which tests show is the dominant strain in the UK.
- NHS waiting list continues to rise despite record levels of care over the summer
The NHS waiting list continues to rise despite record levels of care over the summer. An NHS chief has warned of 'ominous' signs of winter pressure building on the health service.
- Researchers find prostate cancer treatment that is 'as effective as' surgery
A trial at the Royal Marsden found that, for some patients with prostate cancer, a highly targeted form of radiotherapy is as effective as removing the whole prostate, with fewer side effects, according to data published on 28 September.