Joan Pons Laplana is a senior digital charge nurse working on the frontline in an intensive care unit treating coronavirus patients at Sheffield Teaching Hospital in the north of England.
Like many of his colleagues in the NHS, the 45-year-old medic is not British.
The Spanish national works alongside people from Germany, Italy, Portugal, Philippines and India, as well as those from the UK.
"Sometimes the most difficult accents to understand are the British ones," said Laplana, who has lived in the UK for 20 years.
The international mix of staff at Sheffield is far from untypical in British hospitals.
Parliamentary figures published last July show that some 153,000 workers out of 1.2 million NHS staff are non-British.
"This is 13.1 per cent of all staff for whom a nationality is known, or just over one in eight," it reported.
"Between them, these staff hold 200 different non-British nationalities.
Around 65,000 are nationals of other European Union countries -- 5.5 percent of NHS staff in England. Around 52,000 staff are Asian nationals, according tot the parliamentary figures.
Among the most common 16 nationalities of people working for the NHS were Indian (21,207), Nigerians (6,770) and Zimbabweans (4,049).
In addition, the health service think tank the King's Fund, calculates that beyond the NHS, around one in six of the 1.5 million people working in adult social care, in the private sector, are from overseas.
"The NHS depends on the important contribution that they (overseas workers) make," said Alex Baylis, assistant director of policy at King's.
"This has come into sharp focus in recent weeks, as all NHS staff have gone above and beyond the call of duty to look after patients who are ill with coronavirus."
- Foreign staff -
The contribution of the NHS, like health workers globally elsewhere, has been lauded during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, in the UK the role of non-British workers, and particularly those from the European Union, has been brought into sharp focus because of Brexit, where immigration was a key issue.
Britain is reliant on such workers at a time when the future of many of those people to remain in the country is uncertain after the country left the EU in January.
"Nobody has asked me where I come from in the last few weeks," said Laplana who spoke out publicly against Brexit following the 2016 referendum.
The government said on Wednesday that 69 NHS workers have died during the outbreak, including those from overseas.
They include Alice Sarupinda, a nurse from Zimbabwe, and Jenelyn Carter a healthcare assistant from the Philippines.
Since the 2016 referendum set Britain on a turbulent path to leaving the EU, there have been doubts about how the NHS will cope with any potential exodus of staff as a result.
Freedom of Information figures published in November revealed that in three years since the referendum, more than 11,600 NHS staff from the EU had left the UK, including 4,783 nurses.
Coupled with an election pledge by Boris Johnson's government to spend an extra almost £34 billion (38 billion euros, $42 billion) a year on the NHS, questions have been raised about how workforce gaps could be plugged.
"Regardless of Brexit, the NHS will continue to need staff from overseas," adds Baylis.
"With almost 100,000 vacancies, ethical international recruitment is the only realistic option for addressing the NHS's staffing shortfall for at least the next five years."
- Policy shift -
Already the urgency of coronavirus has seen a shift in government policy.
Last month, the Home Office announced that 2,800 frontline NHS workers, whose visas are due to expire this year, would be extended for 12 months free of charge so they could "focus on fighting coronavirus".
But political opponents say that is not enough.
The Liberal Democrats this week called on ministers "to give all foreign nationals working in the NHS and social care indefinite leave to remain in the UK".
The King's Fund has also called on the government to waive an annual surcharge, set to increase to £625 this year, payable by overseas NHS workers so they can access the healthcare services they help deliver.
Post coronavirus, it is clear that the treatment of international NHS workers will become a major political topic in the UK.
In a country where a weekly round of applause is held for NHS and other frontline workers, it would take a brave government to deny healthcare staff improved living and working rights and conditions.
But Laplana is unconvinced.
He said that for his two decades in the UK he did not consider himself a foreigner but "Brexit put an end to that".
"I am a sceptic," he says. "It will last for a while but then we will go back to blaming migrants for anything."
Top discounts on tech, beauty, home and essentials
Must-have offers include deals on Dyson, Nespresso, Oral-B, and more
Exclusive to Amazon Prime members (free trial available)
Amazon Prime Day 2025 is well underway, with this year’s event extended to a full 96 hours running from Tuesday 8 July to Friday 11 July. With thousands of products on offer across nearly every category, shoppers in the UK can enjoy steep discounts on everyday essentials, big-ticket tech, and top-rated beauty favourites.
We’ve sifted through the extensive listings to highlight 15 of the best value-for-money deals currently live, with savings of up to 60%. All prices are correct at the time of writing and exclusive to Prime members.
Save £81 Cordless, lightweight, and powerful, the Dyson V8 is one of the most sought-after vacuum models — and rarely goes on sale. Ideal for daily cleaning without the fuss of cords.
Save £20 The latest Kindle is Amazon’s lightest and most compact yet. With a high-resolution display and up to six weeks of battery life, it's a great entry point into e-readers.
Save £100 Includes a Vertuo Pop machine, milk frother, mugs, spoons and coffee pods. Excellent value for anyone looking to elevate their morning routine.
4. Samsung 50" Q60D QLED 4K TV – £325 (was £600)
Save £275 This 50-inch 4K QLED TV from Samsung is a solid choice for anyone seeking vivid visuals and reliable performance at nearly half the usual price.
5. Tefal Easy Fry Dual Zone digital air fryer – £131 (was £180)
Save £49 Featuring two drawers, multiple pre-set cooking options and a sync mode, this air fryer is well-reviewed for ease of use and excellent results.
6. Oral-B Pro 3 electric toothbrush – £62 (was £100)
Save £38 Recommended by hygienists and rated by shoppers, the Pro 3 offers up to 100% more plaque removal versus a manual toothbrush.
7. Olay Total Effects face cream set – £11.38 (was £24)
Save £12.62 Includes day and night creams suitable for all skin types. This tried-and-tested set is one of the best beauty buys under £15.
8. Shark FlexBreeze tableMate cordless fan – £89.99 (was £149.99)
Save £60 Perfect for summer, this quiet, portable fan comes with a 20-metre reach, five-speed settings, and a remote. Works indoors or outdoors.
9. Sony wireless noise cancelling headphones – £71 (was £99)
Save £28 Comfortable and feature-rich, these over-ear headphones deliver solid performance without breaking the bank.
Save £80 A high-capacity air fryer with two drawers, ideal for families or batch cooking. Philips’ Rapid Air Technology ensures even frying with less oil.
11. Narwey underseat cabin bag – £9.99 (was £15.99)
Save £6 A travel essential designed to fit under most airline seats. Comes in 14 colours and helps avoid costly baggage fees.
Save £27.68 A household staple — now better value than ever. The bulk pack should last months and saves over 50%.
15. Apple AirPods Pro 2 – £179 (was £229)
Save £50 If you’ve been eyeing Apple’s high-end earbuds, now’s a rare chance to get them discounted. Includes noise cancellation and spatial audio.
Tips to make the most of Prime Day:
Prime membership is essential – If you’re not yet a member, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial. After that, it’s £8.99/month.
Compare prices before checkout – Not all “deals” are as generous as they seem. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to check historical prices.
Act fast – Some items, especially big tech or beauty discounts, may sell out quickly or go out of stock before Friday.
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen appliances, refreshing your skincare shelf or just looking for practical home savings, Prime Day 2025 has something for nearly every shopper. But act quickly – the best offers won’t stick around long.
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Discover hidden UK beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands
Ideal for summer staycations without the cost of long-haul travel
Includes lesser-known spots in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and more
Perfect for quiet escapes, coastal walks, and Instagram-worthy views
Escape to paradise – no passport required
Think you need to fly halfway across the world for clear blue water and white sand? Think again. The UK is home to a surprising number of secluded beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean – without the crowds or jet lag. From hidden coves in Cornwall to windswept bays in the Scottish Highlands, here are some of the most tropical-looking beaches on British soil.
1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Often dubbed the UK’s answer to the Caribbean, this National Trust-owned gem boasts golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Accessed by a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, it remains blissfully untouched by development.
Best for: Picnics, photography, and a peaceful swim Nearest parking: Stackpole Quay car park
2. Achmelvich Bay, Sutherland, Scotland
Many of these beaches are tidal and best enjoyed at low tideiStock
With white sands and dazzling turquoise water, this beach in the remote northwest Highlands rivals beaches anywhere in the world. The journey is long, but the views – and near-solitude – make it worth every mile.
Tucked beneath rugged cliffs near Porthcurno, this tidal beach is often reached via a steep cliff path – but rewards visitors with stunning sandbars and glassy water at low tide. It’s also unofficially clothing-optional.
Best for: Adventurous walkers, secluded sunbathing Access: Steep footpath from Treen
4. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides
Framed by the turquoise seaiStock
Arguably one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches, Luskentyre’s vast white sands stretch for miles, framed by the turquoise sea and Harris’s dramatic hills. When the sun shines, it’s hard to believe you’re still in Scotland.
Best for: Landscape lovers, long coastal walks How to get there: Ferry from Skye to Tarbert, then a 25-minute drive
5. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
It’s best visited early or late in the dayiStock
With its striking serpentine rock formations, teal-coloured waters, and hidden caves, Kynance is a postcard-perfect Cornish cove. Its popularity means it’s best visited early or late in the day.
Best for: Exploring caves, paddling Nearby: Kynance Cove Café (seasonal)
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The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches
Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
The chain made the announcement via social media
Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments
All branches are permanently closed
Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.
Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.
Social media announcement thanks customers and staff
In a post shared on Instagram, the company wrote: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul.
“To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you.
“You shared your moments with us, passed around little parcels of deliciousness, and helped make Ping Pong what it was.
“To our collaborators, suppliers, and the incredible team who kept the steam going, thank you. It’s been sum-thing truly special.”
Customers express sadness over sudden closure
Regular customers responded to the announcement with disappointment and nostalgia. Many expressed shock over the sudden news and the lack of notice.
One Instagram user commented: “Noooo, we’ve made some amazing memories there, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. The food was always so amazing.”
Another said: “WHAT?? WE HAD NO CHANCE TO SAY GOODBYE! NO WARNING.”
Others fondly recalled the restaurant’s atmosphere and signature dishes, with one writing: “The food and the lychee cocktails will be sorely missed.”
Ping Pong had multiple locations across London and was known for its contemporary take on traditional Chinese dim sum. The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches, casual dining experience, and cocktail offerings.
No further information has been shared regarding the reason behind the closure or whether the brand will return in a new format.
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Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain
A new Covid strain known as Stratus is spreading across the UK
The variant is marked by a distinctive symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice
Sub-variants XFG and XFG.3 now account for 30% of cases in England
Experts say there is no evidence of more severe disease
Lower immunity levels may make more people vulnerable to infection
Covid variant Stratus on the rise in the UK
A new strain of Covid-19, known as Stratus, is spreading across the UK and drawing attention for its unusual symptom — a hoarse or raspy voice. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus and its two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, are responsible for around 30 per cent of Covid cases in England.
Of the two, XFG.3 is currently the more dominant. The UKHSA confirmed that monitoring of all circulating Covid-19 variants is ongoing as part of regular surveillance.
Mutations help Stratus spread despite immunity
Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, noted that certain mutations in the spike protein could help the virus bypass antibodies generated by previous infection or vaccination.
“Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” said Dr Khan. However, the symptoms tend to remain mild to moderate, with hoarseness being one of the most noticeable.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, “It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time,” adding that there is currently no evidence that the XFG or XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous strains.
Waning immunity raises infection risk
According to Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, the reduction in Covid-19 infections in recent months, along with lower booster jab uptake, could increase the risk of infection.
“Given that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in uptake of the spring booster jab and the reduction of Covid infections in recent months, more people will be susceptible to infection with XFG and XFG.3,” he told MailOnline.
He warned that this could lead to a new wave of infections, though the scale remains uncertain.
Global monitoring of the strain
Globally, Stratus accounted for 22.7 per cent of Covid cases as of 22 June, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The strain has been designated as a “variant under monitoring”, with WHO currently assessing its public health impact as low risk.
The emergence of Stratus follows the spread of another recent variant called Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), first detected in China and Hong Kong in January and now present in parts of the US and Australia. Nimbus has been associated with more severe sore throat symptoms.
Reduced testing levels since the pandemic’s peak make it difficult to track the true spread of these new variants, health officials have noted.
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Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain
New neurons continue forming in the brain’s hippocampus into old age
Study confirms presence of neural progenitor cells in adults
DNA carbon dating and single-nucleus RNA sequencing were used
Research shows variation in neuron production between individuals
Findings could aid treatments for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders
Human brain shows ongoing neuron formation into older age
A new study has confirmed that the human brain continues to produce new nerve cells well into late adulthood, challenging previous assumptions about age-related decline in neurogenesis. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide fresh insight into how adaptable the brain remains over a lifetime.
Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons form in the brain, is known to occur in the hippocampus — a region involved in memory. While previous research has suggested that this process continues throughout life, there has been limited concrete evidence of the presence of neural progenitor cells in the adult brain.
Research confirms presence of progenitor cells
The study, conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, confirms the existence of these progenitor cells — cells that develop into neurons — in the adult hippocampus. The team used DNA carbon dating to determine when the cells were formed. Brain tissue samples from people aged 0 to 78 were analysed, sourced from international biobanks.
“We have now been able to identify these cells of origin, which confirms that there is an ongoing formation of neurons in the hippocampus of the adult brain,” said Jonas Frisén, professor of stem cell research at the Karolinska Institutet, who led the study.
Advanced techniques reveal cell activity
To conduct the study, the researchers applied a method known as single-nucleus RNA sequencing, which allows scientists to analyse gene activity in individual cell nuclei. This was combined with machine learning to identify the different stages of neuron development, from stem cells to immature neurons.
The team identified all neural progenitor cell stages in early childhood samples. In adult samples, they located dividing progenitor cells using antibodies against the proliferation marker Ki67, alongside machine learning algorithms.
The results not only confirmed that adult neurogenesis takes place but also revealed that many of the dividing cells were in active developmental stages.
Significant variation between individuals
A notable finding from the study was the large variation in the presence of progenitor cells between individuals. While some adults had many such cells, others had very few. The researchers said this variability could have implications for understanding individual differences in brain ageing and cognitive resilience.
They also found that although the progenitor cells in humans were similar to those in animals such as mice, pigs, and monkeys, the active genes involved differed, suggesting some species-specific distinctions in brain development.
Implications for brain health and disease treatment
The findings provide valuable insight into how the human brain changes over time and could have medical implications. As many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, involve the loss of neurons in regions like the hippocampus, understanding how new neurons form could contribute to the development of regenerative therapies.
“This is an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how the human brain works and changes during life,” said Frisén. “It may also guide future treatment strategies for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.”