Health

Published: 15 August 2025 — The English Chronicle Desk An inquest jury has concluded that a vulnerable 14-year-old girl, Ruth Szymankiewicz, was unlawfully killed after an agency support worker failed to supervise her at a secure psychiatric unit. Ruth, who had complex mental health issues and was deemed a suicide risk, was left alone at the privately run Huntercombe Hospital near Maidenhead on 12 February 2022. She harmed herself in...

Published: 15 August 2025 — The English Chronicle Desk Older adults are being urged to use the same instincts they rely on when tending to their gardens to protect themselves against financial fraud. A new awareness campaign, “Protect Your Patch,” launched by Take Five to Stop Fraud in partnership with BBC Gardeners’ World’s Rachel de Thame and the National Allotment Society, encourages over-65s to apply the skills and habits developed...

Published: 15 August 2025 — The English Chronicle Desk A 12-year-old boy with a rare and debilitating genetic skin disorder can now enjoy playing football and riding his bike, thanks to a groundbreaking medical trial. Gabrielius Misurenkovas, who has lived with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) since infancy, has experienced a significant improvement in his condition through the experimental treatment. RDEB is an inflammatory genetic disease that leaves the skin...

Published: 13 August. The English Chronicle Desk Learner drivers in the UK will soon be required to demonstrate life-saving CPR skills as part of their driving theory tests. From early next year, new questions covering CPR techniques and the use of defibrillators will be included, ensuring that aspiring drivers are prepared to act in emergencies. To progress to a practical driving test, learners must still achieve a minimum of 43...

Published: 13 August. the English Chronicle Desk. English Chronicle Online A growing number of teenagers in the UK are experiencing abusive relationships, with domestic abuse charities reporting a disturbing rise in incidents among young people under 25. Exclusive data shared with Sky News by Refuge, a leading domestic abuse charity, indicates that between April 2024 and March 2025, psychological abuse was the most prevalent form of harm, affecting 73% of...

Published: 12 August. The English Chronicle Desk Recent analysis reveals that the number of waterways in England used for recreational activities like swimming, rowing, and paddleboarding far surpasses government records, highlighting a significant gap in monitoring and regulation. While the Environment Agency has officially identified 342 locations designated for water recreation, the new comprehensive study has mapped 3,347 such sites across rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. This extensive usage includes...

Published: 12 August. The English Chronicle Desk Community pharmacies across England are grappling with a disturbing surge in shoplifting and aggressive behaviour, raising serious concerns about staff safety and security. A recent survey by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reveals that nearly nine out of ten pharmacies have seen a rise in theft and intimidation over the past year, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by frontline healthcare...

Published: 12 August. The English Chronicle Desk Facing a sudden medical crisis is challenging enough, but when it strikes the primary earner of a household who works freelance, financial worries quickly compound the stress. A reader recently reached out with concerns about how to protect their home while their husband remains in hospital for an uncertain period. Firstly, it is crucial to remain calm. Mortgage lenders typically prefer to avoid...

Published: 12 August. The English Chronicle Desk A groundbreaking study has revealed that cats develop dementia in a way strikingly similar to humans, providing new hope for advancements in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh conducted detailed examinations of the brains of 25 cats that had exhibited symptoms commonly associated with dementia, such as confusion, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased vocalisation. The findings, published recently, showed a...

Published: 12 August | The English Chronicle Desk As the Women’s Rugby World Cup prepares to kick off in England next week, rugby officials have candidly acknowledged the sport’s ongoing safety challenges, particularly the risk of concussion. In a groundbreaking move, the tournament will introduce smart mouthguards equipped with technology designed to detect potential concussions by flashing red when a significant head impact is registered. World Rugby’s openness about the...