Medicine and Science from The BMJ

This week a head to head article asks: "Does adding routine antibiotics to animal feed pose a serious risk to human health? The authors David Wallinga, a physician member of the steering committee of Keep Antibiotics Working: the Campaign to End Antibiotic Overuse in Animal Agriculture, and David Burch, a veterinarian and consultant on antibiotic use in agriculture from Octagon Services, argue their sides. Also this week, a BMJ investigation looks at changes in rationing patterns in the new NHS in England. News editor Annabel Ferriman talks Gareth Iacobucci, who carried out the investigation, about the squeeze on access to hospital care.

This week, we look at how to help patients have better deaths at home. BMJ assistant editor Sophie Cook talks to Emily Collis, a consultant in palliative medicine and the author of a recent clinical review about caring for dying patients in the community. BMJ columnist Des Spence, a GP in Glasgow, explains why the dying deserve better from GPs.

Blood transfusion is an essential part of modern healthcare and can be lifesaving when used appropriately. In this podcast, Sophie Cook, The BMJ's clinical reviews editor, talks to Michael Murphy, consultant haematologist and professor of blood transfusion medicine at NHS Blood and Transplant at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, about best practice for the safety of patients receiving blood; including ways to reduce unnecessary transfusion, and the warning signs of an adverse reaction.

Plain packaging on tobacco products is the latest strategy aimed at reducing smoking. Campaigners had hoped the UK would follow Australia’s example. But they have been disappointed as the UK government postpones the plans until “more evidence” is available. We hear from Linda Bauld, professor of public policy at the University of Stirling, about why she thinks the current evidence is convincing enough. Also this week, one of the most difficult consultations a doctor can have doesn’t involve a complex diagnosis, but rather a statement of intent: suicide. Richard Morriss, professor of psychiatry and community mental health at the University of Nottingham, explains how to have that conversation.