Joint statement about unexplained death of Esme Blore

Joint statement about unexplained death of Esme Blore Northamptonshire and Thames Valley police and the Royal Berkshire and Northampton General Hospital are working together to establish the circumstances of the death of 17-year-old Esme Blore, from Bedfordshire, who died in Northampton General Hospital on Monday (26/8), after attending Reading Festival at the weekend. Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust

Child death cases publishing pledge

Child death cases publishing pledge The board that investigates the deaths of children in Northamptonshire pledges to complete outstanding cases by March next year. BBC Northamptonshire

Hospital bosses apologise over mental health unit failings - This is Leicestershire

Hospital bosses apologise over mental health unit failings Health bosses have publicly apologised for failings in care standards at the Bradgate Mental Health Unit. Around 30 people - including top health officials, campaigners, staff and patients - heard the apology at a meeting of the Leicestershire ... This is Leicestershire

Hospital prosecuted for coma death

Hospital prosecuted for coma death Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust is to be prosecuted over the death of a diabetic patient. BBC News

See also

• Mid Staffs trust to be prosecuted over death of diabetic patient The Guardian

BMA offers guidance on treating vulnerable patients

BMA offers guidance on treating vulnerable patients The association has produced recommendations to help health professionals in England and Wales treat adults who are being abused and do not want confidential information disclosed, even if it will help protect them from harm.

It seeks to address some of the dilemmas for doctors caring for vulnerable patients who retain capacity under the terms of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, such as whether patients are making a free and informed choice about confidentiality or whether they are acting under pressure from their abusers.

Finance managers recommend changes to NHS payments system

Finance managers recommend changes to NHS payments system The findings are explained in a joint briefing by the Healthcare Finance Managers’ Association and the King’s Fund.

50,000 clinicians to learn to code

50,000 clinicians to learn to code NHS England's director of patients and information expects 50,000 clinicians to learn to code over the next few years. E-Health Insider

Personal health budgets: challenges for commissioners and policy-makers

Personal health budgets: challenges for commissioners and policy-makers From 2014, personal health budgets will be offered to people in receipt of continuing care. This report looks at what they are, how they will work in practice, and the issues they raise.

• Report
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• The Nuffield Trust - publications

Substance abuse and mental disorders are now killing more people globally than HIV, diabetes and TB

Substance abuse and mental disorders are now killing more people globally than HIV, diabetes and TB The Global Burden of Disease Study found depressive disorders account for the largest proportion, leading to 40 per cent of the worldwide death and disease burden. The Daily Telegraph

How much money do hospitals spend on their patient's meals?

How much money do hospitals spend on their patient's meals? New data shows how much hospitals are spending on their patient's meals, but high cost doesn't necessarily mean good grub.

Councils must face difficult decisions on NHS with leadership, not hyperbole

Councils must face difficult decisions on NHS with leadership, not hyperbole There a whiff of hypocrisy in local authorities aggressive opposition to changes to hospital services.

Doctors 'offered bribes for referrals to private firms'

Doctors 'offered bribes for referrals to private firms' Private healthcare firms have been accused of bribing GPs to send patients for expensive treatment at their clinics, sometimes involving procedures they do not even need.The Daily Telegraph

NHS receives 3,000 complaints every week - with nearly half against medical professionals

NHS receives 3,000 complaints every week - with nearly half against medical professionals

The NHS in England received 162,000 written complaints over the past year, the equivalent of more than 3,000 letters and emails per week. The Independent

See also:

• NHS hospital complaints rise by 1.9% The Guardian
• More complaints about GPs than hospital doctors OnMedica News
• NHS Confederation comments on the national written complaints figures NHS Confederation
• NHS written complaints data released Health & Social Care Information Centre