On 18 March, the Times reported that NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) had opened a consultation on an updated version of their general guidance document in which it proposed that millions should have an annual weigh-in to fight obesity. These weigh-ins would take place at doctor’s surgeries and will be aimed at those who have certain conditions including diabetes, arthritis and heart failure. The consultation runs until 15 April 2025. [Ref 1, 2, 3]
Continue reading “NHS to Fight Obesity”Tag: NHS
Should the NHS do more to encourage patients to use metric?
Sometimes, the NHS needs to measure patients’ weight and height. The NHS records their weight and height internally in metric units but often tells the patients their weight and height in imperial units, which is preferred by the vast majority of Britons. This requires conversions. During the pandemic, the Government used metres exclusively for social distancing information. We use grams and kilograms for recipes, food purchases and the gym. We are all familiar with these units. So why does the NHS convert from metres to feet and inches and from kilograms to stones and pounds for its patients?
Continue reading “Should the NHS do more to encourage patients to use metric?”Two-metre social distancing is well understood
We are now several weeks into the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). Ronnie Cohen, one of our frequent contributors, looks at a particular aspect of government advice – social distancing.
Continue reading “Two-metre social distancing is well understood”
Ignorance is bliss, or perhaps not
One of our regular contributors, Jake, has drawn our attention to a story that recently appeared on the BBC web site.
‘Cultural metrication’ and the NHS
A reader of Metric Views from the USA raises the issue of measurement units in medical practice generally, or ‘cultural metrication’ as he terms it.
Minister agrees it is time to clear up “very British mess”
In response to UKMA’s patron, Lord Howe, the junior Health Minister, Baroness Thornton said she “absolutely agreed” that it is “time for all of us, in all parties,…. to work together to clear up this long-standing and very British mess.” She added “This is a matter that will solve itself over time but it is our job in government to move as fast as we can towards people recognising and feeling comfortable using metric calculations.”
Continue reading “Minister agrees it is time to clear up “very British mess””
Metric Views 