Objective-To compare percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and nasogastric tube feeding in patients with persisting neurological dysphagia.Design-Randomised 28 day study of inpatients requiring long term enteral nutrition.Setting-Three Glasgow teaching hospitals. Subjects-40 patients with dysphagia for at least four weeks secondary to neurological disorders: 20 patients (10 women) were randomised to nasogastric feeding and 20 (eight women) to endoscopic gastrostomy.

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Targeted case-finding in primary care demonstrated higher test uptake and diagnosis rates; however, to optimize diagnosis and referral of chronically infected individuals, alternative means of testing (e.g. dried blood spots) and retention in specialist care (e.g. outreach services) must be explored.

Chronic hepatitis C patients have significant oral health needs. More effective oral health education is required for both HCV-infected patients and their carers, including dental practitioners.

While non targeted HCV screening in the general practice setting can detect infected former IDU, the low diagnostic yield among non IDUs limited the effectiveness of the intervention. A more targeted approach for identifying former IDUs is recommended. Additionally, the low uptake of treatment among chronically infected persons four years after diagnosis demonstrates the difficulties in clinically managing such individuals. Strategies, including support for those with a history of problem alcohol use, to improve treatment uptake are required.