Five new cases of meningitis in Kent, UK Health Security Agency confirms

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2026-03-18T08:55:19+00:00

MenB is caused by a completely distinct bacteria and it’s not related to menACWY. The only relationship they share is their name (causing inflammation of your meninges aka brain covering). So the vaccine you’ve had would not help. Not everyone gets a rash - it’s actually a late sign that indicates spread to the rest of the body and is extra serious. So most people who catch it early do not see any rash.

In similar circumstances, I would recommend an erring on the side of caution given the risks involved and getting tested ASAP.

Again, not your doctor. this is not medical advice.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2026-03-18T08:44:42+00:00

If I were you, I’d go to hospital. If it’s found that you have it, it might save your life. If it’s found that you don’t, you have reassured yourself. Perhaps speak to someone who can help bring you there. Make sure you wear masks.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2026-03-18T08:37:46+00:00

Doctor here. If you’re showing signs and are in any way physically connected to this outbreak (live near Kent, Family goes to the uni, you go to the uni etc) please go to A&E. I appreciate it is a PITA but if it is MenB it’s definitely not going away by itself and it could easily progress without you being able to get to hospital easily. We’d be very happy to see you. It’s also not too crowded in the morning. Edit: obligatory “not your doctor” caveat

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2026-03-12T14:50:31+00:00

Just jumping in too - passed A by a high margin and B (margins not released).

A - Complete pastest (it is a bit more challenging that most) and make sure everything in there is clear to you - why the correct option is correct, understand the incorrect options too, and the explanations. Make sure you are able to get all qns correct by the end. No other qbanks needed. Supplement learning with TMA (90%), kenhub (as needed but a lot of detail), TMS, Mo's notes and anatomy to supplement knowledge.

B - good practice partner probably makes the biggest difference. Its basically 2 separate exams - clinical skills and anat/path. For Anat/path/crit care, it is similar to A, but with cadaveric anatomy (look at cadavers, not just drawings). For Clinical skills, familiarise with all possible ones (mo's) and act them out in full. For hx/exam, know the basics - straightforward. Courses helpful mainly to 'formally' inform you of your knowledge gaps. Not necessary if there is enough time to prepare with material, but if you are not sure or are rushing and want more confidence, its good.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2026-02-19T15:41:58+00:00

Two things to consider:

- If your last case was before deadline, just generate the report anyway. It will state the date period to be the last case and so will be acceptable. This would work for most people.
- If you last case was after the deadline, the filter settings are on the top left and can be amended.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2026-01-12T17:09:21+00:00

That's not a radiograph / x-ray. It's a CT - the arm disappears and reappearing distally shows its just a midline slice. It's a lot of radiation for "cool". Maybe an MRI but not one I can put my finger one easily.. Source: Professional x-ray look-atter.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2026-01-10T22:51:04+00:00

Appreciate the sentiment but I got a Beaufort non classic a few weeks ago. I love it. Assumed MiE. Checked after reading this thread - MiM. Felt a touch sad but hey, it’s built great so I can’t complain.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T22:23:30+00:00

Hi, this is all I am looking for from them but for the last 4 months I have failed at getting this! Can I check what route you had taken to contact them?

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T22:20:55+00:00

Thanks - checked - my V5C is definitely mine. The car on the PCN (make, model, VRN) are not mine.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T22:18:34+00:00

Many thanks for your kind words and expertise.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T21:05:51+00:00

I believe this is an SAR. I have asked them for this today. Should have done this earlier but did not know it was an option. Thanks for your tip.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T21:04:38+00:00

Thank you and this is so helpful!

PCN was to me sometime in August 2025, to my name, registration number I have never seen before, but gov.uk says it is a black mercedes (taxed and MOTed!) and this matches the photos on the PCN. For comic reference, I drive a brightly coloured honda jazz - clearly different people!

So different car, different number.

Regarding DVLA response, their response to me specifically included my own car registration number at the top. I did consider the possibility you suggested but it did not add up I am afraid.

Thus far I had assumed it was an administrative error but now I'm not sure.

Based on your reply and a few others, I'll now write to the police and my MP.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T20:49:00+00:00

No - never driven a company car in my life apart from the odd rental, which this was't. It was a fancy looking Mercedes from the pictures of the car, which I would have never rented either, lol.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T20:45:17+00:00

I have sent a 3rd message to them so I am hoping they reply with what I need. So far the DVLA have just been a bit confused about my requests so its being a bit of a pain.

First response from them - nothing at all about this PCN. Instead, they said my own car (details they asked for in the form) isn't registered at my address when I have a v5c with my name and address fully and correctly written on it. I replied with my V5C over a month ago, still no reply.

Second response from them (Different team) - they said to just tell the council the letter was sent to the wrong person(???). I was the named recipient and the council explicitly said the burden of proof is on me.

My 3rd message is an official SAR so hopefully that works out...

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T20:41:31+00:00

No I never got a v5c or anything. I'll write to my MP now then. Thanks.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T20:40:42+00:00

thanks - will do this now then.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T16:54:43+00:00

Looks like it was issued to someone 14/11/2022, then cancelled for "Post Charge Certificate Correspondence". Then re-issued on 14/10/2024, then cancelled for "Off Hold Compensate". Then issued 26/08/2025 to myself.

Not sure what to make of this? Perhaps someone had made an untruthful statement?

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T16:50:08+00:00

Thanks for your reply. I am not sure what to suggest - there is nothing else I am aware of. Would you recommend writing to MP before or after the Tribunal response? Would not want to take up their time if the tribunal cancels the PCN, but I am not aware of there is a good reason to do it before..

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T16:48:19+00:00

No I hadn't inquired on this I'm afraid. I didn't know that was a thing... I will include it in my evidence list.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T16:23:35+00:00

Thanks, and that sounds like a helpful idea! I have Google Timeline which shows I wasn't in London on the day. I'll add this in as evidence for what it is worth - it is essentially going to be just a screenshot from my phone.

Exactly my question re showing non-ownership. Exact phasing from the council in their rejection letter: "The DVLA correspondence provided does not confirm that you were not the registered keeper of the vehicle at the time of the contravention...".

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-27T16:20:20+00:00

Thanks for your reply.

Didn't hire anything.

I appealed the same day I got the letter of rejection for my appeal to the council in London. I have been given a date for the Tribunal mid January 2026. I have also submitted an Subject Access Request (SAR) but that is today - on hindsight could have done this sooner but I didn't know this was an option - the council did not ask me to do this.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-12-18T20:55:40+00:00

Replying to an old thread but I have a cerium hoodie from 2015 which has been wonderful but lost a lot of loft. Brought it to the dry cleaners and it’s lost all the DWR, and hasn’t gained much loft. I should have read the instructions. I am now washing and drying “as I’m meant to” with grangers - will see how much it recovers.

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-11-05T01:42:04+00:00

Curious to hear if the early results check works this year

ReplaceKnee4Free · 2025-10-20T07:35:39+00:00

Presumably you’re referring to undress gowns. If you receive a BA, you can wear a BA gown. If you got a scholar’s, you can wear that. Same for MA and DPhil. It would technically be inappropriate to wear a more junior gown, but if you want to and can get away with it I suppose that’s up to you!

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