Government plans to align the free prescriptions eligibility age with the state pension age of 66 could see millions facing additional healthcare costs from as early as April 2022. The planned change to NHS rules could also be accompanied by a hike in the standard NHS prescription charge of £9.35 for those not eligible for free medication. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Sheffield Save our NHS spokesperson, Jeremy Short.
Sheffield Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed is calling on the government and Sheffield Council to do do more to help households struggling with rising energy costs. Research by the Liberal Democrats suggests that over the coming year energy bills will increase by an extra £195 per household compared to 2020, due to a rise in the “energy price cap”. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The number of positive Omicron-related Covid cases has “sky-rocketed” according to Greg Fell, director of public health for Sheffield. The number of positive cases are in the region of 2000 per 100,000, mostly among working age adults. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Tobias Weller, aged 11, has become the youngest New Year honours recipient. Tobias who has cerebral palsy and autism, is set to receive the British Empire Medal. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A new health campaign has been launched in Yorkshire to help reduce the risk of serious illness or being hospitalised with Covid-19. Better Health is working in partnership with a group of physical activity and weight management partners who are providing both free and discounted support offers. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Peter Kelly, regional director for public health Yorkshire and the North East.
Grounded Research, the research team at Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humberside NHS Trust are running a new study working with and supporting men 18 and over. The Happy Healthy Strong project team are inviting men in Sheffield and the surrounding region who are currently experiencing or struggling with their mental health to get in touch to take part starting January next year. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield’s director for public health Greg Fell told Sheffield Live! that cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant are rising rapidly with a risk of more people becoming seriously ill. He urged the public to take precautions over the festive period and to take up the booster vaccination or to get vaccinated for the first time if they have not already done so. The government has announced he quarantine period for those infected has been reduced from ten to seven days. Azz Mohammed reports.
Fraser Lamb has completed a challenge to cover 2021 miles in his wheelchair, raising more than £22,000 for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital whose staff saved his life. The Doncaster man was born with a type of spina bifida called myelomeningocele and had life-saving treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Human rights activists staged a demonstration outside Sheffield Town Hall to protest against the government’s Nationalities and Borders Bill currently progressing through Parliament. The draft legislation includes provisions to criminalise refugees and asylum seekers who enter the UK by illegal routes. It also includes powers to strip persons of British citizenship without warning. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Rafia Hussain and Ebrew Garnett.
Venue managers fear more damage to business as new Covid safety restrictions come into place to combat the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Stevie Day, managing director of Fewer Than One nightclub told Sheffield Live! the venue is already in debt and could face closure without further support. Azz Mohammed reports.