Prof Charlotte Wilson Jones

On #WorldDownSyndromeDay, we must recommit to building a more inclusive, compassionate world where no one faces inequities or barriers to accessing quality, affordable healthcare, nor struggles with isolation and loneliness. I encourage all countries to take concrete steps to expand access to health promotion and care services, ensure equal opportunities to thrive through learning, sports and inclusive workplaces, promote meaningful inclusion in decision-making, and address the discrimination and stigma that far too many people living with Down syndrome still face.

The World Psychiatric Association represents 250,000 psychiatrists across 120 countries. This year, its section for evolutionary psychiatry is hosting a free webinar series with international luminaries. All welcome. buff.ly/k4mrDOx

The latest updates on the meningitis outbreak in Kent can be found here: 📰🔗 gov.uk/government/new…

@BBCNewsnight Every relevant UK medical organisation has directly opposed or warned us about this bill.

Noticeably absent from last nights @BBCPanorama was exploration of the biggest risk of assisted death legislation: wrongful deaths. That vulnerable people in our society would be pushed or nudged, or feel they had no option except AD. It’s no surprise - and I’m not talking about bias. It’s hard to find people to tell this story. Because the very people who are most at risk from AD are least able to tell us about it. They are invisible, hidden, in the margins. So instead, BBC ‘balance’ consists of some people who say they want AD and some (one, actually) who say they don’t.

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent. Sadly, 2 people are known to have died. It's important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Get more info from @NHSuk. 🔗 nhs.uk/conditions/men…

More than a quarter of consultant psychiatry posts in Northern Ireland are "effectively empty", according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. bbc.in/4cKRJMv

@VoteAshRegan I’m a Scottish nurse who has felt sick to my stomach since the removal of Section 18 giving me & my colleagues the right to conscientiously object. This alone makes the bill unfit for purpose & I thank you for recognising this as as an important reason to vote to oppose.

Psychiatrists are supporting people in need every day but who supports them? We’re urgently seeking SAS PSS Peer Support Psychiatrists to stand beside colleagues facing personal or professional difficulties. Your experience could be someones lifeline rcpsych.ac.uk/members/posts-…

I know there will be lots of scared young people and parents around us in Kent right now. The medical teams at the hospitals and GP are here for you. I know letters have gone out for contacts - and prophylactic antibiotics are available in the Senate. Please get them. If you are feeling unwell, seek help.

Psychiatrists warn of ‘workforce crisis’ facing NI mental health services belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-…

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. The NHS website has all the information you need, including what to look out for and when to get medical help. ➡️ nhs.uk/conditions/men…

The tragic death of two university students in Kent shows the seriousness of meningitis. All young people should ensure they are up to date with their vaccines including MenACWY. Awareness of the symptoms of meningitis and prompt treatment are also essential to improve outcomes.

'He is the best physician who is the most ingenious inspirer of hope.' Samuel Taylor Coleridge So important in our work as healthcare professionals. It feels very relevant at the moment.

Pretty painful to be reminded of these speeches from Nov 24 and June 25. We are months down the line, and almost nothing has changed.

Our new census shows 1 in 7 consultant psychiatrist posts are vacant in England meaning there’s only 1 consultant for every 2,500 people expected to have a mental illness each year. “We need Government to address this situation as a matter of urgency by including long-term measures to recruit and retain more psychiatrists in the upcoming workforce plan” said President @DrLadeSmith Read more: rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-featu…

Sickle cell disease - @lancet- #Sicklecell disease is one of the most prevalent and fastest-growing genetic disorders, affecting nearly 8 million people worldwide thelancet.com/journals/lance…

Psychiatrists in Scotland oppose Assisted Dying Bill after safeguards removed rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-featu…

@RightToLifeUK @JeremyRBalfour Thank you @JeremyRBalfour for speaking about coercion and the risks to the most vulnerable.

💯 Spot on from @JeremyRBalfour, who points out that coercion is "the single biggest danger" associated with the Scottish assisted suicide Bill. He says it cannot be eliminated completely, and he is right. This Bill is far too dangerous!