THE BIG 5 THE S&O 7 M U C O R M YC O S I S
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India warns of ‘black fungus’ in Covid patients THE SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE
PAY D E A L
Scotland pay rise agreed as unions accept offer The Scottish government has confirmed the pay increase for NHS Scotland staff will be implemented ‘as soon as possible’ after the offer was unanimously accepted by unions. In an online survey, College of Podiatry members in Scotland voted:
87.5% to accept 12.5% to reject the offer
E L E C T I V E S U R G E RY
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College solution ut n for surgery waits
Podiatric surgery is an ‘essential service’, the College has asserted in a document outlining its solution for reducing elective foot surgery waits in England. The statement proposes that: Podiatric surgery keeps the ageing population mobile and active, addressing physical and mental health priorities. Non-medical independent prescribing improves continuity of care, facilitates quicker consultations and access to services and medicines. Podiatric surgeons are integrated with multidisciplinary diabetic foot services and apply their knowledge and surgical skills to reduce amputations. To read the position statement in full, go to bit.ly/statement-elective-surgery
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In a letter responding to the C College’s ollege leg acceptance of the deal, thee Scottish S tish ish government said: ‘Ministerss are clear that staff should feel the benefit off this h pay uplift as soon as possible.’ Just two of the nine unions represented among Agenda for Change staff did not vote to accept ‘the biggest pay deal since devolution’, the government letter noted. To read the letter in full, go to bit.ly/Scot-gov-pay-letter
Doctors in India treating Covid-19 patients have been urged to look for signs of mucormycosis, as cases rise. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said those vulnerable to the potentially fatal infection, known as ‘black fungus’, included people with diabetes and compromised immune systems. Early symptoms include sinus pain and one-sided headaches, and it can lead to blackening of the nose and coughing up blood. Ivan Bristow, a podiatrist who has published research into Covid toes, said: ‘This has been identified in a number of countries, including a case in the UK. ‘The condition most often occurs in patients given systemic steroids. These are administered to patients with Covid-related breathing difficulties. The side effect of this is the potential for mucormycosis.’ He added: ‘Around half the patients who develop this have diabetes.’ Find the ICMR’s advice on screening, diagnosing and managing this condition at bit.ly/ICMR-mucormycosis
C O L L E G E O F P O D I AT RY
In-person conference returns Attendees of this year’s annual College conference and exhibition will be able to meet face to face in Liverpool. When and where? It will be held at the ACC Liverpool on 18 to 20 November. Who? Speaker highlights include 7/7 survivor and Paralympian Martine Wright, former deputy leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson, and Paul Nowak, TUC deputy general secretary. How? The College assured members the event would adhere to Covid-19 safety guidance that’s in place at the time in a series of FAQs.
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Find out more: to see the latest programme, book tickets and read the FAQs, go to cop.org.uk/copc21
COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
We need you!
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Elections are to take place for the College’s employment support committee (ESC) and health, safety and wellbeing panel (HS&WP). What they do: The ESC deals with employment matters, while the HS&WP looks after all matters relating to the health and safety issues that affect members in their workplaces. Who they need: Both groups comprise a mix of trade union representatives and members from private practices. When? The elections will take place in September and October; for private practices, they’ll be in early 2022. How to stand: If you’re interested in putting yourself forward for either committee, as a trade union or private practice rep, contact your employment support officer, or email employmentsupport@cop.org.uk J U LY/AU G U ST 2 0 2 1 T H E P O D I AT R I ST
7 SandO the big 4_THE PODIATRIST JULY AUG_Podiatry Now.indd 7
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