Journal of public health
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Journal of public health · Dec 2012
'McDonalds and KFC, it's never going to happen': the challenges of working with food outlets to tackle the obesogenic environment.
Food outlets may make an important contribution to an obesogenic environment. This study investigated barriers and facilitators to public health work with food outlets in disadvantaged areas. ⋯ Encouraging food outlets to contribute to tackling the obesogenic environment is a major challenge for local public health teams that requires supportive national policies. Commitment to engage with the local public health service should be part of any national voluntary agreements with industry.
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Journal of public health · Dec 2012
Characteristics of general practices associated with numbers of elective admissions.
In England both emergency (unplanned) and non-emergency (elective) hospital admissions have been increasing. Some elective admissions are potentially avoidable. ⋯ As for unplanned admissions, elective admissions increase as being able to consult a particular GP declines. Interventions to improve continuity should be investigated. Practices face major problems in managing the increased need for planned care as the population ages.
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Journal of public health · Dec 2012
The effects of a community-based partnership, Project Access Dallas (PAD), on emergency department utilization and costs among the uninsured.
Approximately 19% of non-elderly adults are without health insurance. The uninsured frequently lack a source of primary care and are more likely to use the emergency department (ED) for routine care. Improving access to primary care for the uninsured is one strategy to reduce ED overutilization and related costs. ⋯ A broad-based community partnership program can significantly reduce ED utilization and related costs among the uninsured.
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Journal of public health · Dec 2012
Trends in hospital admissions for sickle cell disease in England, 2001/02-2009/10.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a rising cause of mortality and morbidity in England and consequently an important policy issue for the National Health Service. There has been no previous study that has examined SCD admission rates in England. ⋯ Our data show that SCD admissions are rising in England, particularly in London. Over half of patients admitted with SCD were discharged within 24 h, suggesting that some of these admissions could be prevented through better ambulatory care of patients.
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Journal of public health · Dec 2012
Carbon monoxide from neighbouring restaurants: the need for an integrated multi-agency response.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Most CO incidents reported to the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) are due to faulty gas appliances, and legislation exists to ensure gas appliances are properly installed. ⋯ The novel nature of these CO incidents led to delays in recognition and subsequent remedial action. Although previously undescribed, it is likely that due to the number of residences built above restaurants and the rising popularity of traditional cooking methods, similar incidents may be occurring and could increase in frequency. Multi-agency response and reporting mechanisms could be strengthened. Awareness raising in professional groups and the public on the importance of correct ventilation of such appliances is vital.