Health

NEW legislation that will see better waiting times for patients has been welcomed by NHS chiefs in the county.
The NHS Constitution has been announced by the Department for Health will see anyone referred for cancer treatment by their GP to begin that treatment within 18 weeks.
Dr Geoff Payne, GP and professional executive committee chairman for NHS Bucks, said: "These waiting time entitlements will ensure that patients can continue to get rapid access to the best possible care, which is excellent news for the people of Buckinghamshire."

EASTER Sunday pharmacy opening times have been announced in Buckinghamshire.
Vantage Pharmacy, in Bishops House, Chalfont St Peter will be open between 11am and 1pm on April 4 along with Little Chalfont Pharmacy, in Nightingale Corner, which will be open between the same times.

BUCKS Hospital NHS Trust has appointed a new chief nurse and director of patient care standards.
Lynne Swiatczak has over 30 years experience in the health service and will take up the post on June 1.
She said: "I am very pleased to have been appointed to this post and hope to add to the good reputation of the organisation.
"I am passionate about clinical practice and hope to continue to empower all staff to be the best and provide the best service to patients."

A MOTHER has hit out at Paradigm Housing after claiming a mould problem in her flat is affecting the health of her young son.
Samantha Hewett, 19, of Springfield Road, Chesham, has seen the disgusting mould repeatedly grow in her kitchen and said the housing association have not responded to a large volume of her complaints.

THE PARENTS of a man stabbed to death by a paranoid schizophrenic have spoken in a documentary of how they feel a mental health trust let them down.
Jim and Judy Cargill, of Rose Drive, Chesham, were featured in BBC 2 documentary 'Why did you kill my dad?' on Monday.
The programme was made by film-maker Julian Hendy, who visited Chesham to speak to the Cargills, after his own father, 75-year-old Philip Hendy was stabbed to death in 2007 by a mentally-ill stranger.

A CORONER has said he has seen an increase in the number of asbestos-related deaths where it is unclear how a person came into contact with the substance.
Buckinghamshire Coroner Richard Hulett made the observation at Amersham Coroner's Court after a series of inquests last week where he recorded open verdicts.

AN ALCOHOLIC who drank up to nine litres of cider a day was discovered dead at home surrounded by empty cider containers.
The body of Jason Aris, 39, of Great Hivings, Chesham, was found by police just before 6.30pm on December 4 last year after a family friend called to say he had not been seen recently.

YOUNG people are being targeted by health professionals in Bucks in a campaign to get screened for sexual health infection chlamydia.
A new postal self-test kit is set to become available soon, which people can order confidentially online. Including a prepaid envelope to return the test, the results are available by text or phone within 10 working days.
The initiative, which is part of a national clampdown, is being incorporated into NHS Buckinghamshire's 'More than a Hug' project which highlights the potential infertility that can be caused if the condition is left untreated.

AMBULANCE response times for people living in rural parts of Bucks are significantly lower than national standards, a report has shown this week.
A review into response times was set up by Health, Overview & Scrutiny Committees across Bucks, Hampshire and Oxfordshire after repeated concerns about poor service.
The report in South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), published this week, said that national targets issued to the service were having a 'perverse' impact on response times in rural communities.

CHRISTMAS pharmacy opening times have been released by Bucks Primary Care Trust (PCT).
Anyone needed an emergency chemist over the festive period should follow the list below to know where their nearest service will be: