Things in the library 8th October...

 Things to read... 

The next Reading Group book if 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' by Muriel Spark on 3rd November via Microsoft Teams - please contact the library if you would like to join. At the staid Marcia Blaine School for Girls in Edinburgh, Scotland, teacher extraordinaire Miss Jean Brodie is unmistakably, and outspokenly, in her prime. She is passionate in the application of her unorthodox teaching methods and strives to bring out the best in each one of her students. Determined to instill in them independence, passion, and ambition, Miss Brodie advises them, "Safety does not come first. Goodness, Truth, and Beauty come first. Follow me." And they do--but one of them will betray her.

Things for children to read... 

A new book published recently aims to help children stay hopeful and positive during the COVID-19 pandemic. The story is a sequel to ‘My Hero is You: how kids can fight COVID-19!’, published in April 2020. Both books have been released by a collaboration of 60 organizations working in the humanitarian sector, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the MHPSS  Collaborative for Children & Families in Adversity.

‘My Hero is You 2021: how kids can hope with COVID-19!’ draws on the daily realities of millions of children since the beginning of the pandemic. For many, the pandemic continues to disrupt their education, recreation, and time with friends, family and teachers. 

The story – aimed primarily at children aged 6-11 years – sees the return of Ario, a fantasy creature who travels the world helping children to find hope in the future and joy in simple pleasures. Together with old and new friends, Ario addresses the fears, frustrations and concerns children are facing in the current phase of the pandemic, and explores the various coping mechanisms that they can use when faced with difficult emotions like fear, grief, anger and sadness. 

Available to download  free in a variety of languages.

Things to attend...

ScHARR short courses for October-December have been announced.

• MASTERIE ONLINE Course 19th & 26th October 2021 (4 x half days) 20th & 21st October 2021 (2x half-days); Fees £349 

• How to Critically Appraise Research ONLINE Course Wed 20th & Thur 21st October 2021 (2 x half days) Fees; £149
  
  
• Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis ONLINE Mon 1st, Tues 2nd, Mon 8th and Tues 9th November 2021 (4 days) The course comprises live online sessions, plus a series of short, self-directed exercises to be undertaken in addition to the live sessions. Fees £499

• Introduction to Social Media ONLINE Course: Tues 2nd & Wed, 3rd Nov 2021 (2 x half days). Fees: £149
• How to Quickly Synthesise Research; ONLINE Course: Wed 10th & Thur 11th Nov 2021 (2 x half days) Fees; £149
• Advanced Simulation Methods ONLINE Tues 30th November - Thur 9th December 2021 (6 x half days) Fees; £599
• Scoping Reviews, Mapping Reviews and Evidence Gap Maps ONLINE 1-day course. Date tbc.

Things to keep children active... 

Physical activity among children and adolescents is associated with lower adiposity, improved cardio‐metabolic health, and improved fitness. Worldwide, fewer than 30% of children and adolescents meet global physical activity recommendations of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. Schools may be ideal sites for interventions given that children and adolescents in most parts of the world spend a substantial amount of time in transit to and from school or attending school. 

The purpose of this Cochrane Review update is to summarise the evidence on effectiveness of school‐based interventions in increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity and improving fitness among children and adolescents 6 to 18 years of age.

Things to read and attend...

Next Journal Club:  Tues 12 October. Contact the library for a copy of the paper and joining information

Venue: Virtually/ Education and Skills Centre, F Floor, Grey Lifts.

Paper: Safety, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 Covid-19 Vaccine in Adolescents

Things spooky... 

Kelham Island Museum after dark - an event for children and an event for over-18s on October 28th. Book in advance.

Things about measuring well-being... 

While there is very good national data on the wellbeing of adults, the national statistics on children and young people’s wellbeing in the UK, is not collected regularly, or nationally.

A key role for the What Works Centre for Wellbeing is to create robust, consistent wellbeing measures that can be used with confidence for different purposes and groups in the UK. With this project, they have developed a framework to measure the subjective wellbeing of children and young people, an area with growing national interest, particularly as a result of Covid-19.

Things to take part in... 

The Commission on Young Lives, an independent commission set up to research and design a new national system to support vulnerable young people in England, has opened a call for evidence. They are looking to hear from frontline workers, system leaders and commissioners, and those with lived experience. The closing date for submissions is 30 November 2021.

Things to make... 

I love butternut squash and this risotto is easy to make and fabulous in flavour - don't stint on the sage - the fried leaves on the top may be the best bit! I may have featured it before but make no excuses to do so again.

Things nearly finished... 

Next week will be my final Blog before I retire. There  will be a few weeks before my successor takes up the post so Sarah & Kate will be stretched to cover the  library services.  So there will be a few weeks gap in the blog. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible!

Things in the library 17th Sept...

 Things watery... 

The Waterfront Festival returns on Saturday 18 September, with many stalls, events, and activities planned at both Victoria Quays and Attercliffe Don Valley Moorings.  The free event runs from 10am to 4pm at Victoria Quays, and 11am to 3pm in Attercliffe. It will see live music and street performances, boat trips, canoe and paddle boarding taster sessions, stalls and street food. There will also be guided walks, including taking in the canal’s Street Art Trail.

Things foodie... 

The Harvest Fayre is a celebration of Sheffield food and drink and takes place this weekend Sat18 and Sunday 19 in the City Centre 10am – 6pm both days.  Free admission. It features food producers and businesses from around Sheffield and further afield, bringing a range of vegetables, fruits, spices, preserves, oils, cakes, cookery books, craft beers, gins, cakes and much more for you to  enjoy.

Things about Social Care... 

If you want to read the full health and social care plan announced recently by the government - this is a link to the document.

Things about Black History... 

October is Black History month and there are resources and information available on this website. One of the events planned is 'Explore Your Nursing Family History' (Virtual Event). This session is open to everyone, but will be especially interesting to people of colour looking to find out more about the history of their families. Sign up to attend and a Zoom link will be sent to you before the event.

Things about COVID-19 vaccinations for children... 

A statement from RCPCH about this topic in response to the recommendation from the four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) regarding offering COVID-19 vaccinations to all 12-15 year olds. 

Things about transgender children...

Farrer & Co has released a two-part podcast offering guidance on the law, best practice and how to effectively safeguard transgender children and young people.

Things to make... 

If you have family members going off this weekend to be students then they may need simple recipes to cook with limited equipment and a small budget. There is a nice selection here - but of course anyone can make them not just students! Started by students at the University of Portsmouth in 2015, The Student Food Project has since grown into one of the worlds leading student recipe websites.

Student Food wanted to show students how easy it is to cook an amazing meal with fresh ingredients. Their recipes are designed to be easy to follow, quick to make and cost-effective. This Sausage and Ratatouille Casserole sounds perfect - don't forget to remind them to put the dish to soak before they try to wash it! You don't want it to still be there when you pick them up at Christmas.

Things in the library 20th Aug...

 Things about Sure Start... 

The Institute for Fiscal Studies published their research which finds that one of England’s biggest early years programmes delivered long-lasting health benefits for children through their teenage years. Taken together, ​the savings from reduced hospitalisations up to age 15 offset around 31% of spending on the programme.

Established in 1999, Sure Start Children’s Centres brought together health, parenting support, childcare and parental employment services into a one-stop shop for families with children under 5. At its peak in 2010, Sure Start received £1.8 billion a year (a third of overall early years spending), but spending has since fallen by more than two-thirds as many centres have been closed, scaled back or integrated into Family Hubs.

The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, builds on previous IFS analysis and provides the first evidence of how this major initiative affected children’s health up to age 15.

These results highlight ​the importance of integrating a range of services during the early years to improve child health ​in both the immediate and longer term. These are important lessons for existing services (such as Family Hubs) and ​should inform the government’s approach to the recommendations in the recent Leadsom Report ​on the first 1,001 days of life. While this autumn’s Spending Review will be a tight one, these results highlight the importance of considering the long-term benefits of early intervention policies, not just their up-front cost.

Things about RCPCH... 

The General Medical Council has now approved the plans for new two-level, run through specialty training programme from summer 2023, which will be "flexible, fulfilling and fit-for-purpose" called RCPCH Progress+. As a trainee or a educational supervisor these FAQ may be of interest to you to find out more.

Things about Covid-19... 

Recent article in JAMA Pediatrics looked at whether there were differences in the odds of household transmission by younger children compared with older children. The ages of children were grouped as 0 to 3, 4 to 8, 9 to 13, and 14 to 17 years. The study suggests that younger children may be more likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with older children, and the highest odds of transmission was observed for children aged 0 to 3 years. Differential infectivity of pediatric age groups has implications for infection prevention within households, as well as schools/childcare, to minimize risk of household secondary transmission. Although children do not appear to transmit infection as frequently as adults, caregivers should be aware of the risk of transmission while caring for sick children in the household setting. As it is challenging and often impossible to socially isolate from sick children, caregivers should apply other infection control measures where feasible, such as use of masks, increased hand washing, and separation from siblings.

Things in the gardens... 

Held annually in the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Art in the Gardens is an outdoor art exhibition, with artists, craft makers and visitors coming together from across the UK.

This event on 4th-5th September is an opportunity to buy a piece of art or craft direct from the artists, whilst enjoying the surroundings that the gardens have to offer. Thousands of pieces of art and craft are on show and for sale.

From premier artists in the pavilions and marquees, sculptures on the lawns to the Open Art Competition, a dedicated 'Home and Gardens' area and a host of professional artists and craft makers. Go along to explore the gardens, meet the artists, enjoy some locally sourced food and drink, beautiful artwork and enjoy your day. Online pre-sale tickets available  and it does sell out. there will be two sessions each day. This will be 10.30am-14:00pm and 14:00pm-17:30pm. 

Things to eat... 

I think aubergines are a wonderful vegetable lending themselves to many cuisines. Here is a recipe for the vegans amongst you...or anyone else who wants a meat free tasty burger.

**** No blog next week as I will be taking a day off ****

Things in the library 25th June...

 Things back in the library... 

(C) Gill Kaye 2021

Me!  After a wonderful break in Cornwall and calling in on friends and relations along the way - with frequent lateral flow tests! It was wonderful to be welcomed to Cornwall by a fly past from the Red Arrows 30 mins after we had arrived...right over head...as this view from our chalet shows! 

Things about young people with cancer...

Teenage Cancer Trust has revealed recently that more than a third of young cancer patients who felt they needed it, have had no, or reduced access to a psychologist in the six months prior to being surveyed, due to inadequate access in parts of the UK. The ‘#NotOK: Filling the gaps in mental health support for young people with cancer’ report, published today to mark the launch of the charity’s #NotOK campaign, also highlights the frustrations of psychologists who feel like they are ‘firefighting’ due to the high demand on ‘limited resource’. 87% of psychologists surveyed think current national provisions for specialist psychological support for teenagers and young adults with cancer is insufficient to meet their specific needs. Teenage Cancer Trust warns that young cancer patients could face depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions well into their adult lives unless UK Governments provide protected funding for high quality support that is available from the point of diagnosis.

Things about fathers... 

The Fatherhood Institute published a report 'Lockdown Fathers: the untold story'.

Their recommendations include:

During lockdowns fathers in the UK almost doubled the time they had been spending on childcare, grew in confidence, learned new skills and built stronger relationships with their babies and children.

All children should benefit, in learning and love, from the support that time with a confident, well-supported dad can bring. As we build back from this pandemic, we owe it to them to make this happen.

Fathers want to keep contributing, but shift patterns dictated to them at the last minute, long commutes, and long and inflexible working hours can get in the way. 

Following on from this is their campaign ‘Time with Dad’ to preserve the ‘lockdown positives’ of fathers spending more time with their children and supporting their learning, development and education. They want the UK to build back from the pandemic in ways that take account of fathers’ importance – and the limits on their time. They are looking for employers, schools, dads, mums, anyone who shares their vision, and might be interested in helping them turn it into a reality.

Things about air quality... 

Ambient air pollution is produced by sources including traffic, coal-fired power plants, hydraulic fracturing, agricultural production, and forest fires. It consists of primary pollutants generated by combustion and secondary pollutants formed in the atmosphere from precursor gases. Air pollution causes and exacerbates climate change, and climate change worsens health effects of air pollution. Infants and children are uniquely sensitive to air pollution, because their organs are developing and they have higher air per body weight intake. Health effects linked to air pollution include not only exacerbations of respiratory diseases but also reduced lung function development and increased asthma incidence. Additional outcomes of concern include preterm birth, low birth weight, neurodevelopmental disorders, IQ loss, pediatric cancers, and increased risks for adult chronic diseases.  This policy (from the American Academy of Pediatrics and available to you with an NHS Athens login) reviews both short- and long-term health consequences of ambient air pollution, especially in relation to developmental exposures. 

Things about fever... 

In the press today is news that Emergency departments across the UK are seeing very high numbers of young children for this time of the year because of a rise in infections usually seen in the winter.  RCPCH, RECM and RCGP are issuing advice for parents and carers concerned about fever in their child. One emergency paediatrician described the situation as “winter in June”. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has heard from paediatric emergency medicine doctors around the country describing pressures on their emergency department (ED) from an increase in children being brought in with mild fever by anxious parents. Many parents have not seen fever in their child – particularly if they were born during lockdown – and are taking them to A&E rather than seeking help at pharmacies, their GP, NHS 111 or online.

Things about mental health... 

Children and young people will benefit from a cash injection to mental health services which includes addressing the increasing demand for the treatment of eating disorders. An extra £40 million has been allocated to address the COVID impact on children and young people’s mental health and enhance services across the country. One way the additional money will be spent is to support ensuring the right type of beds are in the right places, or that alternatives to admission are in place, supporting parts of the country that have more challenges in their range of bed capacity. Across the country £10 million capital funding is being used to provide extra beds at units which provide care for young people with the most complex needs, including eating disorders, as well as £1.5 million to ensure there are additional facilities for children under 13. This funding is on top of £79 million made available by the government to support children and young people’s mental health in the community, including via increased access to crisis and eating disorder services, and new mental health support teams being rolled out – by April 2023, there will be around 400 teams covering 35% of the country.

Things to visit... 

It is great to be able to visit galleries again so I am looking forward to seeing Sheffield-born John Hoyland, one of Britain’s leading abstract artists, in this new exhibition opening at the Millennium Gallery. John Hoyland is renowned for his bold use of colour and inventive forms. In a career spanning over 50 years, his tireless innovation pushed the boundaries of abstract painting and cemented his reputation as one of the most inventive British artists of the 20th century. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of his passing, John Hoyland: The Last Paintings brings together large-scale canvases, some of which have never been publicly displayed before, made during the last eight years of the artist’s life. Sat 3 Jul - Sun 10 Oct 2021 Millennium Gallery. 

Things fishy...

On our one venture into St Ives (predictably they had a COVID outbreak following the G7 summit) we ate in a wonderful little restaurant recommended on one of Rick Stein's programmes. All the fish we ate in Cornwall was wonderful, of course, so today my recipe is  Hake in a Chorizo, Tomato & Olive Sauce.

 Things read...

The Reading Group this week departed from our normal fiction selection to read 'Why I am no longer talking to white people about race'. You might be interested in the summary of our discussion.

It was universally appreciated (enjoyed doesn't quite seem the correct word) and many said they would read it again, that it was an important book and would recommend it to others. Most found it easy to read and understand though a few struggled a bit with it being not their normal type of reading matter  (non-fiction). Many mentioned the history chapter as the most informative and interesting. One or two felt that bits of the book turned a bit 'lecturery'. Comments about the 'Fear of a black planet' section were that it was easy to relate to and parts made us feel uncomfortable.  It was felt that it was a sobering reminder of the history that we are not taught and an eye-opener to the way education, health services, police etc have been structured to privilege some people and discriminate others. Positive discrimination was explained well in terms of the need to re-balance an organisation - whilst we recognised that it can also be divisive. The importance of us all speaking out in situations where we are aware of discrimination and having conversations on discrimination was the take-away message. 

Things about child poverty... 

The End Child Poverty Coalition has published figures on the rates of child poverty across the UK. The figures, which cover the period from 2014/15 to 2019/20, show that: in March 2020 half a million more children in the UK were living in poverty compared to five years ago, totalling 4.3 million children; child poverty is rising significantly in the North East of England; 75% of children living in poverty in 2019/20 lived in households with at least one working adult, up from 67% in 2014/15; and the highest rates of poverty are in larger cities, particularly Birmingham and London. The level of child poverty percentage rise in Yorkshire & Humberside is 5.4% and in Sheffield 5.6%

 Things coming soon... 

14th - 18th June is a week to celebrate NHS Knowledge and Library Services and Specialists. The week focuses on the invaluable work undertaken by NHS knowledge and library specialists [that's us!]. The week is an opportunity to highlight the range of ways in which NHS knowledge and library teams support all healthcare staff and learners [yes all of you!] to deliver informed decision making and evidence-based care across all areas of clinical and operational healthcare. 

We are going to receive 10 titles chosen by NHS staff as part of the 'Uplifting Resources for the NHS from the NHS' collection and will add them to our Leisure Reading collection when we recive them - number 4 on the list we already have available as it was a previous reading group book choice.

1. "Love in colour” by Bolu Babalola

2. “The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse” by Charlie Mackesey

3. “Three things about Elsie” by Joanna Cannon

4. “Before the coffee gets cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

5. “The lido” by Libby Page

6. “Where the crawdads sing” by Delia Owens

7. “The salt path” by Raynor Winn

8. “Calypso” by David Sedaris

9. “The lost spells” by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

10. “Happiness FM” by Mary Dickins

Things about children and the pandemic ... 

Barnardo's has published findings from and commented on a survey by YouGov on the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on children and young people's mental health. Findings from the poll, conducted with more than 4,000 children and young people aged 8- to 24-years-old, include: 29% of 8- to 15-year-olds reported feeling more stressed now than before the pandemic; the two most common issues that 8- to 15-year-olds were worried about were catching or spreading the virus and being behind in their studies; and the number of 16- to 24-year-olds who reported struggling with their mental health and wellbeing has increased from last year.

The Disabled Children's Partnership has published a report on the impact of the pandemic on disabled children, their siblings and their parents. The report shows the findings from the third in a series of surveys of disabled children and their families. It found: a high proportion of disabled children and their families are still experiencing severe levels of social isolation despite the easing of restrictions; over half of families are unable to access therapies vital for their disability; 60% of families are experiencing delays and challenges accessing health service appointments; and that disabled children and their families are at risk of developing additional long-term health problems.

Things to tell your colleagues... 

If you have ever  received a service from the library that has helped you then please tell someone around you. We try to advertise our services widely but still sometimes find people coming here saying "I've worked here # years - and I never knew we had a library". The dents in the wall from library staff hitting their heads against it may soon become an issue of concern to facilities - 'Save a librarian'! Seriously though, we know that most people who use our services do so because they were told about it by a colleague so do talk about us.

Things to be reading now... 

The next Reading Group meeting will be via Microsoft Teams on 7th July at 18:30. Please contact us if you would like the joining link or to be on the mailing list if you want to read along with us. The next book is 'American Dirt' a 2020 novel by American author Jeanine Cummins, about the ordeal of a Mexican woman who had to leave behind her life and escape as an undocumented immigrant to the United States with her son. A book which has provoked some controversy so it will be interesting to find out the opinions of our Reading Group.

Things away...

I will be off on my holidays for the next 2 weeks - trying to avoid the sight of the G7 leaders in their bathers and limousines stuck in Cornish lanes!  Apologies if the blog is missing as my colleagues may not have time to write it in my absence. Stay safe everyone. Now to stock up on my holiday reading!

Things to make...

With Cornwall in mind it has to be a Rick Stein fish recipe this week -  one of my favourite combinations hake and chorizo. Enjoy.

Things in the library 5th March...

Things for children... 

If you are looking for new books for your children then you might be interested in the recently announced longlists for the 2021 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals. The Medals celebrate outstanding achievement in children’s writing and illustration respectively and are unique in being judged by children’s librarians, with the Shadowers’ Choice Award voted for by children and young people. 40 titles have been longlisted for the 2021 Medals (20 on each longlist) selected from a total of 152 nominations, read by an expert volunteer team of 15 children’s and youth librarians from across the UK.

More things about books... 

Yesterday was World Book Day and this link was suggested to us by a member of staff as there are many activities people might be interested in for their children. 

We have been fortunate to obtain some books to give away for World Book Night in April-  we will announce how they will be available as soon as we can.

Things to attend online... 

ScHARR are changing some of their courses to an online format. Please find links to their online courses below, as well as their usual face-to-face programme. Please contact them directly if you want more information or to book.

ScHARR SHORT COURSES: January - 31st July 2021

• Now ONLINE: An Introduction to using Social Media to Communicate Research : 27th – 28th April 2021 (2 x half-days) ; Fees £149

• Now ONLINE: Developing Complex Interventions to Improve Health (NEW for 2021): 17th March 2021 (one day); Fees £199 (online version) **Course full** Waiting list in operation. Date for next 2021 intake tbc. 
• Now ONLINE: Introduction to Stata : On demand between 19th April - 16th May 2021 (4 x half days) : Fees tbc
• Now ONLINE: How to Quickly Synthesise Research : 21st – 22nd April 2021 (2 x half days) ; Fees £149
• Now ONLINE: ScHARR Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis : 10th – 11th May AND 17th – 18th May (4 x half days) : Fees £499
• Introduction to 'R' : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC
• The Identification and Review of Evidence to Inform Cost Effectiveness Models : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC
• Rapid Review Methods : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC
• Cluster Randomised Trials Design and Analysis (NEW) : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC
• Utility Data for Health Technology Assessment : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC
• Mixed-methods Approaches To Evidence Research in Europe (MASTERIE) : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC
• Systematic Approaches to Searching for Evidence (NEW) : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC
• Scoping Reviews, Mapping Reviews and Evidence Gap Maps (NEW) : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC
• Introduction to Meta-analysis (NEW) : 2021 date and delivery method TBC ; Fees TBC

Things about long Covid... 

Long COVID is defined as “signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19 that continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.”

The Long Covid: Post Covid syndrome section of  the Health Education England, Knowledge and Library Services website signposts information from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, post-Covid fatigue booklets and exercise plans as well as ways to support emotional wellbeing.

Things about paediatrics... 

In February The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) published a report setting out their vision for the future of paediatrics in the UK focusing on four areas - data, innovation, models of care and working lives. The report is the result of discussions with paediatricians, other health colleagues and nearly 900 children and young people across all four nations. The report forecasts increases in mental health, substance use and the consequences of prematurity for adolescents and young adults over the next 20 years. Children and young people were asked what their top priorities and ideas for paediatrics in the next 20 years would be. Suggestions include supporting people with their mental health, improving and learning from mental health support during the Covid-19 pandemic and  working with children to find new ways to explain things, using child friendly language and helping children to learn about topics like LGBTQ+, eating disorders, drugs and alcohol.

Things about going back to school... 

NSPCC Learning has updated its content to help support children and young people in the UK who are transitioning back to school. Topics covered include: safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures; recognising and responding to concerns; the impact of coronavirus on children’s mental health; and supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Things to eat... 

This is on my list of recipes to try soon as I love Middle East flavours (and I have a bag of pomegranate seeds in the freezer bought as an experiment to see what they are like!). This Harissa cauliflower pilaf is vegan/vegetarian and cooks in the oven.

Things in the library 26 Feb...

 Things to join...

I don't know where February has gone but already it is nearly time for the next Reading Group meeting. This month we are discussing Ben Elton's 'High Society' about the pervasive nature of illegal drugs within society. If you want to join us please contact the library for the link - we meet online on the first Wednesday of every month at 18:30 for about 1 hour.  Our next book will be 'Once upon a River' by Diane Setterfield. 

Things about digital technology... 

Digital technology can support the NHS to deliver high quality specialist care more efficiently. To achieve these digital advances, the right environment for innovation, education and collaboration needs to exist. On the 24 March there is an event as part of National Health Executive's NHE365 Festival  'Achieving Digital Efficiency' - a topic in which has been a top priority during the global pandemic.

Things online...

As well as Reading Group going online we have developed more of our training to be available in this way and this could be something we continue even after the pandemic. It is useful for people based away from the Acute site of the hospital and hopefully will also reduce the number of people not turning up for booked training.

We now run our popular Critical Appraisal Course online. Please email the library if you would like to participate. There needs to be a commitment from participants to engage with all three elements of the course.

Virtual Critical Appraisal Course (SCH employees only)

The course is in 3 parts and all 3 must be completed, a certificate is awarded on completion

Part 1 Course slides and workbook

Part 2 Article appraisal

Part 3 Microsoft teams meeting to discuss workbook answers and article appraisal

Things about Girls... 

For over a decade, Girlguiding’s research has captured girls’ and young women’s lives, highlighting their views, experiences, and the challenges they face. From gender stereotypes to body image concerns, girls and young women continue to face unequal pressures and barriers to living confident and full lives. Now, as well as these, they are confronting the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has radically changed their lives and opportunities and shaped their perspectives. Through this recent publication 'Back in lockdown: Girls’ and young women’s hopes and fears for the future', girls’ and young women’s voices reveal how they’re coping with the profound changes that have occurred in their lives over the past year. They tell us about the things they’re finding hard, what they’re concerned about and their hopes for the future. This research builds on the Girlguiding's previous survey with girls and young women in May 2020. 

Things about SEN... 

This House of Commons Library briefing sets out the system of support for children and young people in England aged 0-25 with special educational needs (SEN). The briefing provides an overview of the new system introduced in 2014, the transitional arrangements, and how the new system differs from that which preceded it. It also includes a brief history of the movement towards reform that preceded the 2014 changes, and information on the impact of the new system available to date.

Things about carbs and fats... 

A recent study in Nature Medicine was highlighted recently by NIH Research Matters.  The amount and types of food available to the average person have changed over time. These changes are believed to contribute to the rise in obesity by promoting increased calorie intake. Excess weight can cause various health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. 

There has been a great deal of debate over what aspects of our food have promoted obesity. High carbohydrates are believed to result in large swings in your body’s insulin levels, which may cause increased hunger and calorie consumption. High-fat foods may promote increased calorie consumption because they contain more calories per bite and can leave you feeling less full. 

In the research when on the low-fat diet, the participants ate 550 to 700 fewer calories per day than when on the low-carb diet. Despite the large differences in calorie intake, they reported no differences in hunger, enjoyment of meals, or fullness between the two diets.

People lost weight on both diets, but only the low-fat diet led to a significant loss of body fat. The low-fat diet resulted in higher blood glucose and insulin levels compared with the low-carb diet. This is a concern because variable glucose levels can be a risk factor for coronary artery disease.

“Interestingly, our findings suggest benefits to both diets, at least in the short-term. While the low-fat, plant-based diet helps curb appetite, the animal-based, low-carb diet resulted in lower and more steady insulin and glucose levels,” Hall says. “We don’t yet know if these differences would be sustained over the long term.”

The researchers note that the study was not designed to make diet recommendations for weight loss. Results may have been different if the participants were actively trying to lose weight. Further, results may be different outside the lab, in which all meals were prepared and provided in a tightly controlled clinical environment. Factors such as food costs, food availability, and meal preparation constraints can make adherence to diets challenging.

Things about digital resilience... 

NSPCC Learning has released a podcast looking at the NSPCC's InCtrl service, designed to prevent technology-assisted child sexual abuse by supporting children and young people to build digital resilience. The podcast discusses: concerns that lead to children being referred to InCtrl; how practitioners work with young people on their online behaviour; the importance of involving parents and carers; and how children and young people’s views have been incorporated into the development and implementation of the service. Listen to the podcast or read the transcript : Building children and young people’s digital resilience

Things to make...

A beautiful spring-like day today but still cold. So a perfect meal would be this vibrant  Green pesto minestrone which is really easy to make.