Episodes

  • Why are doctors at war over cholesterol lowering gene drug?

    Why are doctors at war over cholesterol lowering gene drug?
    Dec 9 2023
    A row has broken out among doctors about new cholesterol-lowering injection inclisiran. Some GPs refuse to prescribe it saying there's not enough evidence to say it's safe and effective. Others, like Birmingham-based cardiologist Professor Derek Connolly, claims those who aren't on board are Luddites, and a bit like people who were scared of microwave ovens when they were launched. Follow Medical Minefield on Twitter @MedMinefield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Physio exercises for aches and pains are a TOTAL waste of time

    Physio exercises for aches and pains are a TOTAL waste of time
    Dec 2 2023
    Physiotherapy is a total waste of time... at least, that's what some doctors are saying for many people who are offered it to help ease aches and pains. So why are millions of us prescribed it every year? Health reporter Ethan Ennals reveals his own struggles with injuries and his frustration at lengthy and repeated courses of physiotherapy treatment that didn't make any difference. And Barney speaks to top GP Dr Mike Smith about why he thinks many patients end up in similar situations. Follow Medical Minefield on Twitter @MedMinefield Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Scandal of the thousands of men living with secret bladder problems

    Scandal of the thousands of men living with secret bladder problems
    Nov 25 2023
    One in three men over-65 will experience urinary incontinence, so why is barely anything done to support them? Ethan Ennals and Pat Hagan speak to Prostate Cancer UK's Chiara de Biase about the charity's campaign to create new laws that will help men with bladder issues. Meanwhile, prostate cancer survivor Jonathan Hall explains what it's like to live with incontinence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • The truth about the new ‘miracle’ breast cancer drug

    The truth about the new ‘miracle’ breast cancer drug
    Nov 18 2023
    Nearly 300,000 women will now be offered a daily pill that cuts the risk of breast cancer in half, but top doctors worry that many patients are unaware of the debilitating side effects. Ethan Ennals speaks to GP and MoS columnist Dr Philippa Kaye about weighing up the benefits and risks of anastrozole. Meanwhile two patients recount what it is like to take the tablet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Why the NHS repeatedly fails women like Naga Munchetty

    Why the NHS repeatedly fails women like Naga Munchetty
    Nov 11 2023
    Last month, the BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty told a Parliamentary inquiry that she lived in pain for three decades and was told by GPs to ‘suck it up’ before doctors finally diagnosed her with adenomyosis. Shockingly, she is not alone. This week, Ethan Ennals explores why the NHS has such a severe sexism problem. He speaks to GP and MoS columnist Dr Philippa Kaye who explains this isn’t just a male doctor problem – female clinicians can also fail to take women’s health as seriously as men’s. Meanwhile patient Fiona Jackson recounts a painful and terrifying coil-fitting which could have been avoided had her male GP listened to her concerns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • Top surgeon: You should NEVER have a cut-price Turkey cosmetic op!

    Top surgeon: You should NEVER have a cut-price Turkey cosmetic op!
    Oct 28 2023
    More than 150,000 Britons travelled to Turkey for a cosmetic op last year, but NHS surgeons report they are increasingly seeing patients who return from a trip with horrific complications, and there have now been 25 deaths. The team speak to obesity expert Professor David Kerrigan who warns that cut price Turkish gastric bypass ops can end in catastrophe. Follow us on X.com: @MedMinefield medicalminefield.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Spinal taps done by untrained staff?! NHS doc reveals all

    Spinal taps done by untrained staff?! NHS doc reveals all
    Oct 21 2023
    NHS junior doctor Jatinder Hayre reveals the truth about physician associates, the new hospital workers who treat patients are just two years training. In his hospital, these low-skilled medics are bending the rules to write prescriptions - something only a doctor or highly qualified nurse is legally be allowed to do - and even performing spine procedures on patients. Is this really the answer to the waiting list crisis engulfing the post-pandemic health service? Follow us on X.com: @MedMinefield medicalminefield.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • I spent 30 years searching for my sperm donor father

    I spent 30 years searching for my sperm donor father
    Oct 7 2023
    From this month on, people born using a sperm bank in the UK who turn 18 will be able to find out the identity of their biological father because of a landmark change in the law back in 2005, barring anonymous donation. But what of those conceived before the change? This week Barney and award-winning health reporter Jo Macfarlane hear from Dr Joanna Rose who has spent the past 30 years searching for her 'real' dad. Now 51, she reveals that she's finally found him - but, while she is optimistic about finally unlocking the mysteries of her identity, others of her lost generation are consigned to being left in the dark about their origins. Follow us on X.com: @MedMinefield medicalminefield.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    35 mins