machines | Common News Update

Jun282020 by adminNo Comments

Washing machines’ microplastic filters ‘untested’

Science

Filters can cut the volume of ocean-bound microplastic fibres released by washing machines, a study has shown.However, until now, filters have not been tested under scientific conditions to prove their effectiveness.In the first study of its kind, scientists found that the majority of fibres were removed but up to a third were still getting though.Each year, an estimated 50 billion garments are washed in machines around the globe.Mark Browne from the University of New South Wales, and colleagues Macarena Ros and Emma Johnston, observed: "Facilities that treat sewage divert some fibres to sludge, but no current method of filtration eliminates their environmental release."One possible solution was to stop the release of the microfi...

Dec102018 by adminNo Comments

NHS told to ditch 'absurd' fax machines

Health

The NHS will be banned from buying fax machines from next month - and has been told by the government to phase out the machines entirely by 31 March 2020. In July, the Royal College of Surgeons revealed nearly 9,000 fax machines were in use across the NHS in England.The Department of Health said a change to more modern communication methods was needed to improve patient safety and cyber security.An RCS spokesman said they supported the government's decision.In place of fax machines, the Department of Health said secure email should be used.Richard Kerr, who is the chair of the RCS's commission on the future of surgery, said the continued use of the outdated technology by the NHS was "absurd".He added it was "crucial" that the health service invested in "b...

Jul122018 by adminNo Comments

NHS still reliant on 'archaic' fax machines

Health

Hospitals are still reliant on "archaic" fax machines with thousands still in use, a survey shows.Senior doctors said the continued use of the outdated technology was "ludicrous", and modern forms of communication were urgently needed. The poll, by the Royal College of Surgeons using freedom of information laws, revealed nearly 9,000 fax machines were in use across England.Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Trust topped the list, relying on 603 machines. "Alongside innovation like artificial intelligence and robot-assisted surgery, NHS hospital trusts remain stubbornly attached to using archaic fax machines for a significant proportion of their communications. This is ludicrous," said Richard Kerr, chair of the Royal College of Surgeons' Co...

Oct312017 by adminNo Comments

Restrictions on 'crack cocaine' betting machines

Business

The maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals is to be reduced from £100 to between £2 and £50, the Government has announced.Ministers have announced new restrictions on controversial betting machines, which campaigners blame for a rise in problem gambling.A widespread fixture in high street betting shops, they currently allow punters to spend £100 per 20-second spin.A long-awaited review into the industry by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, published this morning, has recommended various four options for cutting the maximum stake to £2, £20, £30 and £50.A 12-week consultation will then follow.Sports minister Tracey Crouch said in the introduction to the review: "This consultation brings forward a package of proposals which responds to strong evidence and public concerns ab...

Jun222017 by adminNo Comments

UK rail ticket machines hit by IT glitch

Technology

Rail ticket machines across the UK fell out of service this morning preventing commuters from using them to pay fares.On-screen messages said they had "no online connectivity", making them unable to send payment card details. The issue began at about 06:00 BST. A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) told the BBC the issue had been resolved shortly before 09:00 BST.He added that the fault appeared to have been with the software and systems provided by Scheidt & Bachmann.A spokeswoman for the German firm was unable to provide additional information.RDG later issued a statement saying: "We're sorry that some customers were inconvenienced by a technical fault which affected one supplier's system, which meant that some train companies' ticket machines, not all, couldn't authorise car...