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The UK's Stem Cell Transplant System Under Scrutiny The UK's stem cell transplant system is potentially putting the lives of blood cancer patients at risk as a result of inadequate infrastructure and a lack of long-term planning, a parliamentary report has found. The Critical Role of Stem Cell Transplants A hematopoietic stem cell transplant, often referred to as a bone marrow transplant, is a medical procedure in which stem cells from a healthy donor are transplanted into a patient. It can be a life-saving treatment for serious diseases such as blood cancer, blood disorders and some auto-immune conditions. About 4,000 stem cell transplants are performed in the UK each year. The Report's Key Findings The report, by the all-party parliamentary group on ethnicity transplantation and transfusion, found that the UK's stem cell transplant system was not fit for purpose, with the system 'no longer resilient, sustainable nor equitable' or meeting patients' needs. In 2024-25, only 24% of stem cell transplants in the UK used a UK donor, compared to the UK Stem Cell Strategic Forum expert group's recommendation of 45%. Stem cell donations from overseas cost more than those from UK donors, while also introducing supply chain risks. People from minority backgrounds have only a 37% chance of getting a well-matched donor compared with 72% of white patients from a northern European background. Health Inequalities and Call for Action The review also found that people from minority-ethnic backgrounds who needed a stem cell transplant faced significant health inequalities. The APPG has recommended that the government launches a review into the UK's stem cell system to address the issues. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP and chair of the APPG, said: 'This report raises urgent questions about whether the UK's stem cell transplant system is truly fit for the future.' Recommendations and Future Outlook Campaigners and charities have welcomed the report's findings and recommendations, calling for action to address the inequalities in access to stem cell transplants for people from minority ethnic backgrounds.

New research commissioned by the Wildlife Trusts reveals that while 90% of UK adults cherish memories of outdoor play, nearly 50% now spend less than three hours a week in nature, with 10% getting under an hour. The findings highlight a growing gap between childhood experiences and adult reality, prompting calls for policy action and community programmes. Survey Reveals Declining Adult Time in Nature The poll surveyed 2,000 adults across the United Kingdom. Respondents were asked about current weekly time spent in gardens, parks, fields or woods and compared it with their childhood outdoor habits. Almost half of adults (≈48%) now spend <3 hours per week outdoors. One in ten (≈10%) reports less than one hour weekly. In contrast, ≈66% of adults recalled spending more than half of their free time outside as children. Key Numbers: Hours, Memories, and Health Savings Beyond the time‑use figures, the survey touches on broader health economics: Regular green‑space access can cut GP visits by 28%. Potential NHS savings from increased nature exposure are estimated at £2 bn per year. Two‑thirds of respondents said childhood memories make them more likely to reconnect with nature. Why Reduced Outdoor Time Matters for Public Health and Equality Spending time outdoors is linked to physical and mental well‑being. The decline is especially acute in deprived areas, where one in five households lack a green space within a 15‑minute walk, despite the government’s pledge to ensure universal access. Experts such as Dom Higgins, head of health and education at the Wildlife Trusts, warn that limited access could exacerbate health inequalities and erode community cohesion. What Could Reverse the Trend? Policy and Community Initiatives Several levers may help close the gap: Accelerating funding for local parks and the 30 Days Wild challenge, which already engages 3 million participants. Implementing the government’s plan for new national forests and nine regional river walks. Ensuring councils receive sustainable financing to protect discretionary services like parks, as highlighted by Julie Jones‑Evans of the Local Government Association. By combining policy commitment with community‑driven programmes, the UK can aim to restore the childhood‑level connection to nature for adults and improve public health outcomes.