Emergency Services Day: Saying Thank You to the People Behind 999

Every year on 9th September, Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, gives us an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution made by the people who respond when the rest of us are facing some of the worst moments of our lives.

The choice of date is particularly appropriate: the ninth day of the ninth month, 9/9, representing 999, the telephone number that has connected people in Britain with emergency help since 1937.

For most of us, dialling 999 is something we hope we will never need to do. But when illness, injury, fire, crime or another emergency strikes, knowing somebody will answer that call is enormously reassuring.

Emergency Services Day celebrates the work of the NHS ambulance service, police, fire and rescue services, coastguard and other emergency responders, including the many volunteers and charities working alongside them.

It is also a chance to remember that behind every uniform is a human being.

Paramedics and ambulance crews regularly encounter people who are frightened, seriously ill or badly injured. Police officers can find themselves dealing with dangerous and distressing situations with very little warning. Firefighters enter environments the rest of us are desperately trying to escape from, while coastguard and rescue teams may head out in dreadful conditions because somebody needs their help.

Then there are the people we don't necessarily see.

Emergency call handlers have the demanding job of remaining calm while speaking to people who may be panicking, injured or witnessing something traumatic. Dispatchers and control-room staff must make rapid decisions about where limited resources are needed most.

These jobs can take a considerable physical and emotional toll.

For That's Health, 999 Day is therefore not only an opportunity to thank emergency workers for looking after our health and safety. It is also a reminder that their own health and wellbeing matter, too.

Long shifts, interrupted sleep, traumatic incidents and the pressure of making potentially life-changing decisions can all have consequences. Emergency workers deserve access to good physical and mental health support without stigma or embarrassment.

There is another way we can show our appreciation: use the emergency services responsibly.

999 should always be available for genuine emergencies. Using NHS 111 and other appropriate services for urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns helps ensure ambulances and emergency departments can concentrate resources where they are most urgently required.

So, this Emergency Services Day on 9 September, That's Health would simply like to say:

Thank you.

Thank you to the people answering the phones, driving the ambulances, treating patients, fighting fires, keeping people safe, carrying out rescues and responding to emergencies at every hour of the day and night.

We hope we never need you.

But we're extremely grateful that you're there when we do.

Incidentally my sister spent several years working as a 999 operator. 

International Overdose Awareness Day: Behind Every Overdose Is a Human Being

31 August is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember those whose lives have been lost to overdose, acknowledge the grief of families and friends, and remind ourselves that people experiencing an overdose need compassion, urgent medical help and support, not judgement.

Overdose is sometimes associated solely with illegal drugs, but the reality is much broader. Prescription medicines and everyday medicines available from pharmacies and supermarkets can also cause serious and potentially fatal poisoning when taken in excessive quantities.

My wife and I were reminded of this in particularly stark circumstances when we came across a man in a park who had taken a large overdose of paracetamol.

He was conscious, and one of the most disturbing aspects of the encounter was his surprise that the tablets hadn't killed him instantly.

My wife is a retired nurse, and while an ambulance was being called she was able to check him over and establish, as accurately as possible, how many tablets he had taken. That information was important for the medical professionals who would subsequently care for him.

Thankfully, the ambulance crew arrived quickly and took him to hospital for urgent treatment.

The incident has stayed with us, not least because it illustrates something dangerously deceptive about paracetamol overdose. Someone who has taken too much paracetamol may initially feel relatively well. Serious liver damage can develop later, however, which is why a suspected overdose requires urgent medical assessment even when the person appears perfectly conscious and says they feel all right.

It is also why nobody should wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help.

But International Overdose Awareness Day is about more than understanding the medical facts. It is also about recognising the person behind the emergency.

We didn't know what circumstances had brought that man to the park or what had happened in his life beforehand. At that moment, none of that mattered. What mattered was that there was a human being who needed help.

That principle applies to every overdose.

Whether an overdose is accidental or intentional, involves an illegal substance, prescribed medication or something bought over the counter, the appropriate response is compassion and urgent medical assistance.

If you believe someone has taken an overdose in the UK, call 999 or 112 immediately. Don't assume that because somebody is awake, talking or apparently feeling well that they are safe. Tell the emergency services what you believe has been taken, approximately how much, and when, if that information is available. Keep any packaging or remaining medication for the ambulance crew.

And if someone tells you that they have deliberately taken an overdose, believe them and get help.

International Overdose Awareness Day also asks us to remember those who didn't survive, the people who continue to live with the consequences of overdose, and the families, friends, paramedics, nurses, doctors and others whose lives are touched by these emergencies.

Sometimes saving a life begins with something remarkably simple: noticing another human being in trouble, staying with them and making that call.

There should be no shame in needing help, and no hesitation in giving it.

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Restoring Confidence: Growing Interest in Hair Transplant Treatments

Hair loss is extremely common, but that does not mean it is always easy to accept. 

For some people, thinning hair or a receding hairline is simply part of getting older. 

For others, it can have a profound effect on confidence, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

Chase Lodge Hospital, a private hospital in North London, says it is seeing increasing interest in hair transplant procedures as more people explore the treatments available to them.

Modern hair restoration techniques are designed to achieve subtle, natural-looking results tailored to each patient. Chase Lodge Hospital offers procedures including Follicular Unit Extraction, commonly known as FUE, and Direct Hair Implantation, or DHI.

Both techniques involve transferring healthy hair follicles from a donor area, usually at the back or sides of the head, to places where the hair has become thin or has been lost. The most suitable approach will depend on the individual’s pattern of hair loss, the condition of the donor area and their expectations.

The hospital believes growing awareness, advances in technology and improvements in results are helping more people feel comfortable discussing hair restoration.

Having carried out more than 1,500 hair transplant procedures, Chase Lodge Hospital provides personalised treatment plans as well as support before and after treatment.

A hospital spokesperson said: “We understand that hair loss can affect much more than appearance. It can also have an impact on confidence and wellbeing. Our aim is to provide patients with clear information, professional advice and personalised treatment in a safe and supportive environment.”

It is important to remember a hair transplant is a medical procedure and should never be entered into lightly. Results can vary, and treatment will not be suitable for everyone. Anyone considering surgery should first have a proper consultation with a suitably qualified medical professional.

During this consultation, the practitioner should examine the cause and extent of the hair loss, assess the available donor hair, discuss realistic outcomes and explain possible risks, recovery and aftercare. Patients should also be given enough time to consider their decision without feeling pressured.

At Chase Lodge Hospital, treatment is priced from £3,000 for one session, which the hospital says is usually sufficient. Pricing is calculated at £1 per follicle, meaning the starting price would cover approximately 3,000 transplanted follicles.

For further information, contact Chase Lodge Hospital on 020 8358 7100 or email info@chaselodgehospital.com.

https://chaselodgehospital.com

Manchester Conference to Spotlight the Hidden Health Risks of Skin Exposure

Chemical exposure in the workplace is often associated with breathing in hazardous fumes or accidentally ingesting harmful substances. 

However, an important international conference taking place in Manchester this September will focus on another significant route into the body: the skin.

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, will host the Occupational and Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals Conference from 14 to 16 September 2026.

Known as OEESC 2026, the three-day event will bring together specialists in occupational health, dermatology, toxicology and exposure science. Researchers, regulators and workplace health professionals will share the latest evidence and discuss more effective ways of identifying, assessing and controlling exposure through the skin.

“Skin is the largest human organ and it is our major defence against substances in the environment that can cause us harm,” explained BOHS President Sarah Leeson. She said that health discussions have traditionally concentrated on what people breathe or eat, while the potential consequences of dermal exposure have sometimes received less attention.

The conference will examine health concerns including chemical sensitisation and contact dermatitis. Delegates will also hear about exposure to potentially harmful substances such as PFAS, nanoparticles, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, commonly known as PAHs.

Practical workplace risks will feature prominently. Research and case studies will consider the experiences of firefighters, petrol station attendants, asphalt workers and people involved in recycling electronic waste.

Protective clothing and gloves will be discussed, but BOHS believes effective prevention must go further than simply supplying personal protective equipment.

Professor Kevin Bampton, chief executive of BOHS, said new technologies can help specialists model and predict dermal risks and better understand how substances pass through the skin. Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature in discussions about future methods of risk assessment and prevention.

Other sessions will examine workplace training, exposure controls and developments in international standards and regulatory approaches.

Helen Taylor, a BOHS board member and specialist in skin exposure, described OEESC as an important opportunity to discover the science that will shape future workplace practices.

By bringing together experts from several disciplines, BOHS hopes the conference will turn scientific knowledge into practical measures that prevent ill health. The event should be particularly valuable for occupational hygienists, dermatologists, researchers, regulators and anyone responsible for protecting employees who regularly handle or work near hazardous substances.

Further information, booking details and the full conference programme are available through BOHS and the OEESC 2026 event information.

https://www.bohs.org/app/uploads/2026/07/OEESC-2026-Programme-070726.pdf?

That's Food and Drink: Chicken and Eggs Under Scrutiny as Salmonella Outb...

That's Food and Drink: Chicken and Eggs Under Scrutiny as Salmonella Outb...: Health authorities are investigating an ongoing salmonella outbreak involving 341 confirmed cases across seven European countries, including...

New London Clinic Puts Prevention at the Heart of Healthcare

A London-based private GP clinic has launched a new range of longevity and preventative medicine services designed to help patients understand their health risks before serious problems develop.

DrStavy.com, founded by experienced GP Dr Stavroula Nikitopoulou, combines conventional family medicine with advanced health screening, functional medicine and personalised internal medicine.

The clinic’s approach reflects a growing interest in “healthspan,” the number of years people live in good health, rather than simply concentrating on lifespan.

Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, the clinic aims to identify potential risk factors at an earlier stage. Its assessments can include tailored blood tests, cardiovascular risk evaluations and targeted screening for possible nutritional deficiencies.

The results are used to create an individual preventative health plan, taking account of factors such as lifestyle, medical history, metabolism and the patient’s personal health goals.

“True healthcare should not begin at the point of disease diagnosis,” Dr Nikitopoulou told That's Health.

She went on to say: “By combining rigorous medical science with a functional approach, we can unlock how an individual’s genetics, environment and lifestyle interact.

“Our mission is to empower patients with the precise data and preventative strategies they need to optimise their healthspan, ensuring they live not just longer, but healthier, more vibrant lives.”

Alongside its longevity assessments, DrStavy.com offers a wider range of private healthcare services, including virtual consultations and access to private GP support around the clock.

Complementary services such as acupuncture are also available. These can be used alongside appropriate conventional care, although complementary treatments should never be regarded as a substitute for necessary medical diagnosis or evidence-based treatment.

The clinic says its combination of face-to-face and virtual care will enable people in London and elsewhere in the UK to receive continuing support as they work towards their health and wellbeing goals.

The concept of preventative medicine is not new, of course. NHS screening programmes, vaccinations, routine health checks and lifestyle advice already play an important part in reducing the risk of disease. However, private longevity services may appeal to people seeking more extensive testing, additional time with a doctor or a highly personalised plan.

Patients considering advanced screening should discuss the benefits and limitations of each test. More testing is not always better, and results need to be interpreted carefully by an appropriately qualified medical professional.

DrStavy.com is now accepting bookings for comprehensive longevity assessments and private GP consultations through its website.

For people interested in taking a more proactive approach to their wellbeing, the service offers an opportunity to examine current health risks and make informed, sustainable changes for the future.

UK Salmonella outbreak: How can you protect yourself and your family?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a national outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis after 207 confirmed cases were identified.

According to an official update published on 18 August 2026, the cases occurred between August 2025 and 1 August 2026, with all but one reported during 2026.

Most cases have been in England, including 47 in London and 38 in Yorkshire and the Humber. Six cases were recorded in Scotland, with one each in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Most patients experienced a relatively short-lived gastrointestinal illness. However, 38% of those for whom clinical information was available were admitted to hospital, two developed bloodstream infections and one death has been associated with the outbreak.

What is causing the outbreak?

The investigation is continuing and no particular food, brand or supplier has yet been confirmed as the source.

Of the 114 patients interviewed, 95 said they had eaten food prepared outside their homes during the week before becoming ill. Investigators identified five food businesses visited by two or more unrelated patients. Eleven people connected with those businesses reported eating dishes containing eggs.

Egg consumption is currently the strongest lead, and investigators are examining possible risks associated with imported eggs. Crucially, UKHSA says that, at present, there is no identified link to UK-produced eggs or poultry.

This does not mean that people should stop eating eggs. It does mean that households and food businesses should take sensible food-safety precautions.

Symptoms to watch for

Salmonella can cause:

Diarrhoea, which may occasionally contain blood or mucus

Stomach pain and cramps

Nausea or vomiting

Fever

Headache

Loss of appetite

A general feeling of being unwell

Most people recover without specific treatment, but babies, young children, older people and those with weakened immune systems can become more seriously ill.

How to reduce your risk

Follow the Food Standards Agency’s four Cs: cooking, chilling, cleaning and avoiding cross-contamination.

Cook food properly. Poultry, minced meat, sausages and burgers should be steaming hot throughout, with no pink meat remaining. Follow the cooking instructions on the packaging.

Take care with eggs. For raw or lightly cooked dishes, choose UK eggs carrying the British Lion mark or another recognised food-safety assurance mark. Imported eggs, non-hen eggs and eggs without an approved mark should be cooked thoroughly, particularly when serving vulnerable people.

Avoid cross-contamination. Keep raw meat away from cooked and ready-to-eat foods. Use separate chopping boards and utensils, and wash them thoroughly after use.

Wash your hands. Use soap and warm water before preparing food and after handling raw meat, eggs, animals or pet food, and after using the toilet.

Keep food properly chilled. Refrigerators should be kept at 5°C or below. Do not leave perishable foods sitting out, especially during warm weather.

Respect use-by dates. Harmful bacteria cannot necessarily be seen, smelled or tasted.

Check food hygiene ratings. Before eating out or ordering a takeaway, look up the business through the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

Follow official recalls. Check the Food Standards Agency’s food alerts and follow any instructions to return or dispose of affected products.

What should you do if you become ill?

Rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Do not prepare food for anyone else while suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting.

Stay away from work, school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have completely stopped. Wash soiled clothing and bedding separately on a hot wash and regularly clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and door handles.

Contact NHS 111 if you cannot keep fluids down, have bloody diarrhoea, show signs of dehydration, or if diarrhoea lasts for more than seven days. Babies, older people and anyone with a weakened immune system may need advice sooner.

The current outbreak is understandably concerning, but careful food handling, proper cooking and good hand hygiene can substantially reduce the risk while the authorities continue their investigation.

Information correct as of 18 August 2026. For current medical guidance, visit the NHS food poisoning page. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning