Cold health alert issued for Christmas Day A cold health alert has been issued for Christmas Day, as forecasters said the prospect of a white Christmas was “highly unlikely”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold health alert from 6pm on Christmas Day to 12pm on December 27 for south-west England.
Flu hospital admissions fall as health officials warn virus ‘still with us’ Hospital admissions for flu in England are falling for the first time this winter, though health officials have warned the virus is “still with us” and that infections could “bounce back” in the new year. The rate of admissions stood at 7.8 per
Tributes paid to 13-year-old girl as police continue to investigate death The family of a 13-year-old girl have said they are “heartbroken” by her death, as police continue to investigate after arresting a teenage boy on suspicion of harassment. Madison Richardson died in hospital on November 24 after emergency services were called to reports of
Passengers face rail disruption during Christmas Eve getaway Passengers travelling home on Christmas Eve have faced travel difficulties after railway services from a major airport were disrupted because of a lack of staff. Great Western Railway (GWR) said services between Reading and Gatwick Airport would be disrupted on Christmas Eve due to a shortage of
More shoppers hit high streets and retail parks for late Christmas purchases Shoppers descended on UK high streets and retail parks to buy last-minute gifts on Christmas Eve, boosting retailers amid a challenging consumer backdrop. More shoppers visited shops and retail destinations compared with a year ago, according to early data. Figures from retail technology
More than a million expected to be working on Christmas Day More than one million people will be working on Christmas Day, often in low-paid jobs, according to new research. The TUC said official data showed that care workers, nurses and nursing auxiliaries/assistants and the clergy are usually the busiest occupations when most people have
King’s pilgrimage-themed Christmas message filmed in Westminster Abbey The King has chosen Westminster Abbey as the location for his Christmas broadcast, which will have the key theme of pilgrimage. Charles will deliver the fourth festive message of his reign on Christmas Day, and the second staged outside a royal residence. In the background of the
Pregnant women urged to get flu vaccine ‘as soon as possible’ Royal Colleges representing more than 90,000 health professionals have joined forces to urge pregnant women to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible. NHS figures show that the number of people in hospital in England with flu continues to rise and remains at
Jofra Archer ruled out of Ashes tour as England dealt fresh blow England’s demoralising Ashes tour lurched to a fresh low as their player of the series, Jofra Archer, was ruled out with the latest in a long line of injuries. Archer will play no part in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne or the New
Baby boy who has spent the majority of his life in hospital home for Christmas A baby boy who has been in hospital for the majority of his life is preparing to spend his first Christmas at home after finally being discharged. Bertie Melly weighed just 1lb 10oz when he was born prematurely at 24