Deaths fuel calls for more scrutiny of tranquillisers

Article Abstract:

Anti-psychotic drugs are often given to severely disturbed patients detained under the Mental Health Act in larger doses than recommended in the British National Formulary, a reference work containing manufacturers' prescribing information. Mrs Gina Ditchman died at the Horton Hospital, Epsom, Surrey, England on Jul 19 1990, Mr Orville Blackwood, 31, died at Broadmoor Hospital in Oct 1991, Mr Lynden Robertson, 25, died within three weeks of leaving the Derby Unit, Horton Hospital, Epsom in Jun 1991 and Mr Ian Turnbull died at the Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, Kent on Dec 23 1991. There is no scientific evidence that megadoses are effective. More than one tranquiliser at a time is often prescribed, increasing the side-effects. Present safeguards are inadequate.

Care and treatment, Mental illness, Mental disorders, Dosage and administration, Tranquilizing drugs, Tranquilizing agents, Antipsychotic drugs, Antipsychotic agents

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Insuring against a parent's greatest fear

Article Abstract:

Lloyd's of London has underwitten an insurance policy called Babycover to cover the possibility of giving birth to a baby with certain handicaps. Premiums start at 85 pounds sterling for 25,000 pounds sterling worth of cover. Although the insurance company, LRG Services plan to donate to relevant charities, some are unwilling to accept the money as they feel the insurance policy denigrates the value of disabled children. Some cases would not be diagnosed before the policy's cut-off date. The Royal College of Physicians report 'Prenatal Diagnosis and Genetic Screening' 1989 shows that 20,000 out of 700,000 births a year in the UK are of disabled babies.

Social aspects, Insurance, Disabled children, Childbirth, Delivery (Childbirth)

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Found: a new world that begins at your nose

Article Abstract:

An endoscope 4mm in diameter with a light source at one end and a camera at the other is used to examine and operate on areas impossible to see in the nose and sinuses.These endoscopes cost 1,600 pounds sterling each. Surgery for sinusitis removessmall pieces of tissue from narrow drainage passages called clefts. Normal surgery involves a cut on the face. A CT scanner can give precise image of the skull bones.

Methods, Usage, Surgery, Sinusitis, Endoscopes, Endoscopic surgery

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