MediPAL | Emergency card | Diabetic card | Dementia card/Epilepsey card/stroke card/heart condition card

Regularly drinking beverages like tea and coffee at very hot temperatures increases the risk of cancer of the food pipe or gullet, known as oesophageal cancer, UK research suggests. Researchers say the findings, external, from a study of nearly a million people, make this the largest to date to establish the link. In the study, people who had their drinks "very hot" had around a three times higher risk of the cancer than "warm" tea or coffee drinkers - although experts stress the overall chances of developing this cancer are low.

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People will be able to go to their local chemist in England this autumn and get on-the-spot treatment for 12 common conditions without going to their GP first. Pharmacists can already prescribe medication for seven conditions - sore throat, earache, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, infected bites and urinary tract infections. Five more - migraines, acne, scabies, ear infections and badly blocked noses - are now also being added to that list. NHS England said the move was to ease pressure on busy GPs and A&E departments while making sure people could get treatment quickly and conveniently. After a very hot summer and three of the busiest months on record in A&Es in England, the NHS says it wants to make it as easy as possible…

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A kidney transplanted from a pig has worked inside a patient for 271 days – the longest on record, say US doctors. Tim Andrews said the transplant gave him "hope" and spared him months of needing to go to hospital to have his blood filtered by a dialysis machine. The team at Mass General Brigham hospital say their work shows pig organs can be used as a "bridge" until a human transplant becomes available. But the pig organ eventually failed and was removed so Andrews needed a short bout of dialysis before a donor was found. Doctors and scientists are exploring xenotransplantation – using organs from other species – due to shortages of organs for transplants.

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Women who have missed a cervical screening appointment in England are to be offered HPV self-testing kits by the NHS. Over the next year, nearly four million will receive invites on the NHS App or via text message, email or letter to order a free kit to use at home. Figures show around a third of women who are eligible cervical cancer screening have not taken up the offer recently. The self-testing kits are designed to get more women checked for high-risk HPV virus, which causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

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A new personalised vaccine given in combination with a drug has stopped skin cancer returning in patients during a trial, representing a potentially watershed moment in cancer treatment. The vaccine, developed by drug companies Merck & Co or MSD, and Moderna, was given to patients with high-risk melanoma, a type of skin cancer, after they had surgery. Early results show this new jab extended the length of time these patients were cancer free, but it's unclear for how long, according to an announcement by the two firms. Cancer experts say this is a breakthrough, but emphasise caution as the full results have not been released or peer-reviewed whereby independent experts examine and check the trial findings. And even after the trials process has finished,…

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England is on track to become one of the first countries in the world to eliminate hepatitis C, a dangerous virus that attacks the liver, figures show. The target of treating 80% of all known cases has already been met, and deaths from the virus have fallen by 36% in the last decade, just short of what is needed by 2030. Taking antiviral tablets for 8 to 12 weeks can cure more than 95% of cases. Initiatives including A&E blood tests, GP registration testing and free at-home tests have helped to find people who were previously undiagnosed, says NHS England.

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NHS criteria for screening women under 50 for breast cancer are too narrow and missing up to 95% of those at higher risk of developing the disease, researchers have warned. The current guidelines - set by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice) - focus solely on inherited genes and not other factors such as lifestyle, they found.

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Hundreds of thousands of women have used a new, free morning-after pill service at high street pharmacies in England, figures reveal. The scheme launched in October to improve access and save women from having to book a GP or sexual health clinic appointment. New NHS figures show that almost 305,000 doses were given out at pharmacies between October 2025 and March 2026. Meanwhile, the number of women asking pharmacists about going on the regular oral contraceptive pill more than doubled, from around 50,000 to more than 115,000 in the 12 months to February 2026.

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The first volunteer in the world - a 37-year-old UK man called Ed Hunt - has received an experimental vaccine against the Ebola virus.

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More than 2,700 people may have died from heat-related causes in England and Wales during the exceptionally hot weather in May and June, experts' estimates suggest.

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An experimental treatment that resets a malfunctioning immune system has put the disease lupus into remission in early UK trials. Experts say the approach could potentially treat similar disorders including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Eating very specific types of fresh food each day - not just any five portions of fruit and vegetables - could help keep your heart healthy, a study suggests. Not all five-a-days are equal, researchers claim, meaning people may not be getting enough important nutrients called flavanols in their diets. Eating blueberries, plums, blackberries, broad beans and cherries, washed down with green tea, is an ideal way to top them up, they say.

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Three new vaccines are being developed to tackle the rare species of Ebola that has already killed nearly 250 people.

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Only "a few thousand" men who have a dangerous genetic variant and a family history of cancer should be screened for prostate cancer with a blood test, according to the final recommendations of scientific advisers.

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I am pleased to announce that we are in business again!!!

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With the Christmas holidays nearly upon us (sorry !) it is important that your MediPAL Card is up to date with all your current details especially if you are travelling over the festive season. Either use the online form to update or email us at info@medipal.org.uk .

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With the Christmas holidays nearly upon us (sorry !) it is important that your MediPAL Card is up to date with all your current details. Either use the online form to update or email us at info@medipal.org.uk Happy Holidays!!

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Today is world mental health day - take time to catch up with your circle of friends and family to ensure they are ok. Add any notable mental health issues on your MediPAL card.

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Please ensure your MediPAL card is updated with all known allergies.

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Millions of people wrongly believe they are allergic to penicillin, which could mean they take longer to recover after an infection. Check with your GP, then ensure your MediPAL card is correct.

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As a new variant has been identified - please ensure that if you are entitled to a booster that you get it and add details to your MediPAL Card.

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The government has confirmed which groups will be entitled to an autumn booster: Residents in care homes for older adults All adults aged 65 years and over People aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group Frontline health and social care workers People aged 12 to 64 who are household contacts of people with weakened immune systems People aged 16 to 64 who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults. Please ensure if you receive a booster that it is added to your MediPAL card.

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Are you going away of the summer months? Make sure your MediPAL card is up to date with your current medication, emergency contact details and medical conditions. This could save time in the case of an emergency. Are you going with family or friends that have medical conditions? Get them to carry a MediPAL card so that you have a stress free and safe holiday together. Have a fun summer. Best regards, MediPAL

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With the NHS at breaking point it is vital that you have as much information about your medical conditions and medications at hand. This can help save time for those over stretched NHS staff and help get your treatment quicker. Make sure you have your MediPAL card up to date with your latest information. Spread the word about MediPAL as it could save vital time with the NHS under so much pressure. Feel free to email me with any questions: abbie@medipal.org.uk We are here to help :-)

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With the Christmas holidays nearly upon us it is important that your MediPAL Card is up to date with all your current details. Either use the online form to update or email us at info@medipal.org.uk Happy Holidays!!

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-61995463

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Today is World Diabetes Day. If you have been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes it is important that your medication is taken as your doctor prescribes. Carrying a MediPAL ID card detailing your condition and medication could save time in the case of an emergency. The simple card that fits in a wallet or purse containing all medical details in case of emergency or just to help you remember. Perfect for peace of mind Order now online at www.medipal.org.uk or email info@medipal.org.uk

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