Health and social care ''still not joined up''

Health and social care ''still not joined up'': A fundamental shift is needed in how the NHS views health services, says 'From Illness to Wellness' report. Public Service

Are personal budgets really the best way to personalise health care?

Are personal budgets really the best way to personalise health care?: While government ministers seem enthused by plans to allow some patients to manage their own health budgets, Angela Coulter asks if we should be exploring other options. (Blog) Kings Fund

Supporting informed NHS customers for IT

Supporting informed NHS customers for IT:

A joint initiative with eHealth Insider (EHI) will give NHS local commissioners and trusts free access to information on the systems and suppliers installed across the NHS, providing detailed insight into the systems options available to them, applicable standards, and the feedback of real users. Accessible via the EHI website the information will provide the opportunity for NHS trusts to give their feedback on suppliers in relation to provision of systems to support patient care. NHS Networks

Firm seals deal on NHS hospital

Firm seals deal on NHS hospital: A private firm is taking over the running of a struggling NHS hospital in a groundbreaking £1bn, 10-year deal, it has been confirmed. BBC News

Controversial CCG payments to go ahead

Controversial CCG payments to go ahead: Plans to financially reward commissioning groups that improve outcomes and hit efficiency targets look set to go ahead despite widespread opposition from GP leaders. GP Online

'NHS managers must make better use of IT in patient care'

'NHS managers must make better use of IT in patient care': NHS still to realise the potential of IT in healthcare and it is now up to clinical and business managers, says report. Public Service

Head teachers vote for strike action on 30 November

Head teachers vote for strike action on 30 November: Members of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) have voted in favour of taking strike action on 30 November over planned changes to pensions. NHS Employers

NPC publishes resources to support "QIPP - Key therapeutic topics"

NPC publishes resources to support "QIPP - Key therapeutic topics": Source: NPC

Area: News

The NPC has produced thirteen sets of e-learning resources to support organisations and prescribers in making best use of the NPC's document: "QIPP - Key therapeutic topics - medicines management options for local consideration".

Slide sets, notes and recorded commentaries are available for the following QIPP therapeutic topics:
. Alendronate
. Antibiotics - especially quinolones and cephalosporins
. Low dose antipsychotics in people with dementia
. Clopidogrel
. Hypnotics
. High dose inhaled corticosteroids in asthma
. Long-acting and intermediate-acting insulin analogues
. Hypoglycaemics
. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
. Orlistat
. Proton pump inhibitors
. Self monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes
. Lipid-modifying drugs - statins and ezetimibe

Click here for the e-learning resources
National Prescribing Centre

NHS Confederation says it is 'deeply and profoundly concerned' about dignity in care for older people

NHS Confederation says it is 'deeply and profoundly concerned' about dignity in care for older people: The NHS Confederation today says it is “deeply and profoundly concerned” about persistent reports of unacceptable care being given to older patients across the health and social care system. NHS Confederation

Pharmacists sound alarm on medicine shortages - Reuters UK

Pharmacists sound alarm on medicine shortages - Reuters UK:

Reuters UK

Pharmacists sound alarm on medicine shortages Reuters UK An NHS sign is seen outside a pharmacy in west London April 4, 2011. Labour leader Ed Miliband described coalition plans to reform the NHS as ''chaotic'' on Monday and warned they would make hospital closures more likely. ... and more »

Comment: standard of care in NHS would not be tolerated at a veterinary hospital

Comment: standard of care in NHS would not be tolerated at a veterinary hospital: The Patients Association has today published harrowing stories of pensioners ignored, humiliated and neglected. Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the charity says tales of poor care have become depressingly frequent. The Telegraph

UCL accused of 'institutional misconduct' over MMR claims

UCL accused of 'institutional misconduct' over MMR claims: The British Medical Journal has taken the unprecedented step of accusing University College London of "institutional misconduct" over the MMR scandal. The Telegraph

Private firm to run NHS hospital

Private firm to run NHS hospital:

A private company was today given the final go-ahead to take over the running of a debt-ridden NHS hospital. The Independent