What Britain Talks About This Week – Camilla Queen Consort | Samsung New S22 | Brit Awards 2022 | Paracetamol Heart Attack Risk | NHS Backlogs of Appointments & Treatments

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Queen Elizabeth confirms she wants Camilla Parker Bowles to be known as ‘Queen Consort’

In a message thanking the public and her family for support on the eve of her 70th anniversary of accession to the throne, Queen Elizabeth made her wish known that when Prince Charles becomes King, Camilla shall be known as ‘Queen Consort’.

‘Queen’ is a title used only for a female ruler who becomes a monarch through the line of succession, while ‘Queen Consort’ is a traditional title for the wife of a reigning monarch.
Queen Elizabeth’s message put an end to years of speculation about the future of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Royal Editor of The Sunday Times, Roya Nikkhah, shared a video of the Duchess where she expressed, she is ‘very, very, honoured and touched’ by the Queen’s wish.

While many expressed their disapproval on Twitter, GB News Presenter, Dan Wootton said that ‘he cannot stop thinking about the pain and anguish such a move would have brought to Princess Diana’.

However, GB News Presenter, Colin Brazier, said ‘Camilla is a class act’ and ‘nobody deserves it more.’

Ever since the Queen gave her ‘blessing’ to Camilla, her popularity has soared among the Brits. A public poll found 55% supported the decision and only 28% opposed it. Nevertheless, most believe Princess Diana would have suited the role better.

Samsung Launches Galaxy S22 Series phones with BTS Support containing parts made from Recycled Fishing Nets

The much-awaited and latest in the Samsung Galaxy series, S22 has been launched offering a sleek and simple design as well as stunning colour options.

Among the many innovative features, the launch has been accompanied with a powerful message for a sustainable future – ‘Galaxy for the Planet’.

Joining forces with popular South Korean band BTS, Samsung has kickstarted its global campaign on repurposing ocean-bound plastics.

As part of the campaign, Samsung Electronics said it has developed a ‘new material’ with repurposed ocean-bound fishing nets to be incorporated in the new Galaxy devices.

The company was lauded by many users on social media for its efforts in reaching out to global audiences for awareness. Many called the campaign ‘beautiful and cool’.

However, Greenpeace East Asia, an international NGO working for the environment, called out Samsung for ‘greenwashing’ and asked it to take real action. In a Twitter thread, the organization alleged that Samsung Electronics is the No.1 electricity consumer in South Korea.

Noteworthy Moments and Winners of the BRIT Awards 2022 with British Superstars like Adele and Ed Sheeran on Stage

From a sold-out O2 arena with buzzing crowds to best dressed artists and an all-British line-up of entertaining performances, BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard celebrated the most talented artists of the music industry.

With three breath-taking outfit changes, a standout performance of her song ‘I drink wine’, and winning three out of four main awards (Best Artist, Album, and Song of the Year), Adele was unstoppable!

Rapper Dave performed ‘In the Fire’ at the ceremony with a guitar flamethrower and took home the award for the Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime Act.

Ed Sheeran performed his famous hit ‘Bad Habits’ at the ceremony and posed with his award for Best Songwriter of the Year.

 

The ceremony was also broadcast live on ITV and streamed on YouTube for non-UK viewers. But in case you missed it, here is a full list of the 2022 BRIT Award winners.

And a huge win in the fight for change this year marked the first Brits without gender categories. The gendered categories were replaced with gender-neutral Artist of the Year and International Artist of the Year.

Increase in Heart Attack & Stroke Risk over long-term Paracetamol Use, Study Warns

The Telegraph reported a study conducted by the experts at the University of Edinburgh that placed 110 people with a history of high blood pressure on ‘1 gram of paracetamol four times a day or a placebo for two weeks, before reversing the regime so the placebo group got paracetamol’.

Within four days, blood pressure increased significantly for those taking paracetamol increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke by 20%.

 

Often assumed as a safer alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), many patients across the UK have a long-term prescription of paracetamol for chronic pain. But researchers suggest opting for the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

 

Recently many studies on every day activities increasing heart attack risks have been published, making people question the relevance. Former LBC Radio show host and British activist Majid Nawaz shared a series of such news on Twitter.

NHS General Practitioner, Dr. Renee Hoenderkamp questioned why the British people were being ‘bombarded with stories of everyday things that may now cause heart attacks.”

 

GB News Panellist and Essex representative Adam Brooks tweeted that he has stayed away from all these heart attack stories but complained that ‘it’s becoming relentless’.

Growing Backlogs across the NHS highlight the Increased Wait Times and a Huge Crisis that lies ahead

The demand for hospital NHS treatments had outpaced capacity long before the Covid pandemic, but the figures now indicate that it might take years to clear the NHS backlog.

 

According to a BMA analysis, a record 6 million+ people are waiting for NHS treatments. The backlog also includes those who haven’t yet presented to their GP to seek referral, patients who have had procedures cancelled, referrals delayed or cancelled, and referrals refused due to lack of capacity.

On the other hand, the hidden backlog is growing, and cancer targets are being missed as well.

Patients are even waiting longer (over 12 hours) for emergency care. Experts say the chronic shortage of NHS doctors, staff, and resources is at the core of this crisis, which has been ongoing for years.

The Government has time and again blamed Covid19 for the backlog, citing people not coming forward for elective care during the pandemic. But the number reveals a different story.

British Actor and Comedian David Schneider highlighted the pre-Covid numbers in a tweet, blaming the failure of the Tory Government.

 

NHS Palliative Care Dr. Rachel Clarke blamed ‘years of calculated, deliberate underfunding and understaffing’ for the backlog.

Every Doctor UK, a doctor-led campaign organization fighting for a better NHS, has begun a petition #DemandJavidsPlan demanding the Government to do more, take responsibility, and support NHS doctors and staff. Dr. Julia Grace Patterson, the founder of the organization, said ‘we need radical, transformative thinking about the future of NHS’.

 

The UK Government has revealed a plan to tackle the backlog that includes the following measures:

  • an extra £2 billion of funding for elective recovery this year, £8 billion more over the next 3 years

  • additional £6 billion for new beds, equipment, and technology

  • reforms to allow NHS to perform at least 6 million extra tests, checkups, and procedures by 2025 and 30% more elective activities each year in 3 years’ time.

  • Increasing capacity along with more healthcare support workers and clinicians on the frontline

Although ministers say, the waiting list will not decrease for the next two years.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted the biggest takeaways from the plan.

And that’s a wrap for another week of controversy, gossip and news.

Post curated by Nidaa Koreishi & Manuela Willbold