War veterans will be able to go to the front of the queue for digital hearing aids on the NHS, say ministers. Half a million people are currently waiting for a hearing aid, with some having waited more than two years.
The chief executive of an organisation dedicated to ensuring disabled people do not have to face discrimination is to receive and CBE. Robert Niven heads the Disability Rights Commission which is about to be part of the newly created Commission for Equality and Human Rights. Mr Niven fights against any attempt to water down existing legislation.
The government will again try to push through powers to detain mentally ill people in England and Wales who have not committed crimes. The plans, to be debated in the Commons over the next two days, have faced opposition from mental health charities and opposition politicians.
Lib Dem Health Spokesperson Sandra Gidley supports motion for greater support for carers at start of carers' week. Speaking during an opposition day debate on carers, Sandra Gidley MP voiced Lib Dem support for a motion which proposes new legislation and measures to help out carers in the UK. Ms Gidley suggested at the start of the debate that society has not done enough to recognize carers' efforts.
A substance found in oven cleaner could be used to treat the eye disease glaucoma, US research suggests. Cerium oxide nanoparticles, also commonly used in window cleaner, may help in more effectively delivering an active ingredient into the eye.
A draft decision not to make drugs for a leading cause of blindness widely available on the NHS will cost many people their sight, campaigners say. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) assessed treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).