Today is International Women’s Day (IWD). Why is there an IWD? Why does it matter and what about the men? There is an International Men’s Day on 19 November so to all the many wonderful men in our Arjo team, I won’t forget...

Overweight and obesity are defined as having an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.1 A crude population measure of obesity is the body mass index (BMI), a person’s weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of their height (in metres). A person with a BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese. A person with a BMI equal to or more than 25 is considered overweight.

The Music for Dementia 2020 website1 was launched in January 2019. This website provides an easily accessible library of advice, evidence-based research and expertise on why music can be beneficial for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

In 2016/17 there were 617,000 admissions in NHS hospitals where obesity was recorded as the primary or a secondary diagnosis. This is an increase of 18% on 2015/16.1 A secondary diagnosis of obesity does not necessarily indicate obesity as a contributing factor for the admission, but may instead indicate that obesity is a factor relevant to a patient’s episode of care.2 Obesity and weight management are a direct cause of many health problems.3

A complete care package is based on an individual assessment, taking into consideration factors such as weight, weight distribution, skin management, mobility and related health problems. The principles of good care are the same in the management of a plus size person as in any other patient group.

Mobilising mechanically ventilated patients in ICU by sitting and standing out of bed has been demonstrated as feasible and safe.1 There have been multiple studies demonstrating successful outcomes combined with low rates of serious adverse events.2,3

Social care initiatives are helping support the NHS by offering support to reduce delayed discharges from hospital when there is no or limited support at home.

There is significant clinical evidence to support that early patient mobility as part of an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) rehabilitation program can help to counter the effects of ICU acquired weakness, which in turn can improve the patient recovery process and long-term functional outcomes.1,2,3

The Commonwealth Fund declared that the NHS was the most impressive healthcare system in comparison with those of 10 other countries (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the US) in 2014.1 

Many of us will be enjoying some time off over the festive period, but our healthcare service is available 24 hours a day, every day. NHS staff will continue to work tirelessly, day and night, on public holidays and during national celebrations, to ensure we have the best medical care available at any time we may need it.