Solving the NHS care and cash crisis

Solving the NHS care and cash crisis Lord Warner, Minister for Health Reform in Tony Blair’s government, argues in a new report that NHS funding from general taxation should rise only with inflation to avoid starving the rest of the public sector of resources. Higher “sin” taxes on alcohol, tobacco and sugary foods, means-testing of NHS “Continuing Care”, plus a £10 per month NHS membership charge and other patient contributions are needed for the NHS to survive the next five years of austerity. Reform

See also:

• Should we pay a monthly membership fee to the NHS? BBC News
• NHS patients should pay monthly fee, says former Labour minister The Independent
• NHS users should pay £10 a month, says former health minister The Guardian
• £10 each can save the NHS The Guardian
• Britons overwhelmingly against GP charges to help NHS balance books The Guardian
• Call for £10 a month fee to use NHS and £20 a night to stay in hospital The Daily Mail

Guidance: NHS: resisting cost inflation pressures

Guidance: NHS: resisting cost inflation pressures NHS providers are being advised by the Department of Health to resist blanket inflationary price increases from suppliers.

These documents provide guidance to enable the NHS to take a consistent approach to resisting inflationary pressures as part of a wider programme of initiatives to stabilise non-pay spend.

The guidance document sets out a process for NHS healthcare provider organisations to follow, in order to engage and work with suppliers to find ways of avoiding inflationary costs. Templates for letters and spreadsheets that can be used throughout the process are provided.

The guidance is supported by both Monitor and the Trust Development Authority. Department of Health 

Nursing body faces Mid-Staffs censure

Nursing body faces Mid-Staffs censure The Nursing and Midwifery Council is facing further criticism over its handling of disciplinary cases. BBC News

Dozens of A&Es 'miss winter target'

Dozens of A&Es 'miss winter target' Nearly two thirds of England's major A&Es missed the waiting time target this winter, BBC analysis shows. BBC News

See also:

• Did the NHS get lucky this winter? BBC News
• VIDEO: Mild winter eases A&E pressures BBC News
• Numbers waiting in A&E hit a record high The Independent

First cat-to-human TB infections reported

First cat-to-human TB infections reported “Cats have passed TB to humans for the first time,” the Daily Mail reports. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and the risk of further transmission has been described as “very low”.

The headline is based on the news that two people in England have developed tuberculosis (TB) after contact with a domestic cat infected with Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). This bacterium is a leading cause of TB in cattle and a less common cause, in other species.

This is newsworthy as these are the first documented cases of cat-to-human transmission anywhere in the world.

Mental health payment mechanism survey report

Mental health payment mechanism survey report This report presents the results from the 2014 survey of 43 mental health organisations in relation to the implementation of the payment mechanism for mental health and adult learning disability services. The survey sought to find out how the payment mechanism is currently working in reality; how far the supplementary guidance has been used for contracting purposes and how the payment mechanism and guidance might be developed in future years. Healthcare Financial Management Association

Common core principles to support good mental health and wellbeing in adult social care

Common core principles to support good mental health and wellbeing in adult social care These principles aim to help staff working in social care services know how to support and promote good mental health and overall wellbeing for everyone who uses those services. It also provides guidance for leaders and managers, training and education leads, and commissioners to develop a workforce that can support good mental health for people needing care and support. Skills for Care

Plain packaging: Big Tobacco prepares for ‘bare-knuckle fight’ over ban

Plain packaging: Big Tobacco prepares for ‘bare-knuckle fight’ over ban
Cigarette manufacturers are gearing up to attack a landmark report into the health benefits of plain packaging for cigarettes, due to be published this week. The review, written by the leading paediatrician Sir Cyril Chantler, will influence whether the Government presses ahead with plain packaging, which is designed to discourage the next generation from smoking. The Independent

See also:

• Tobacco firms hype smuggling fears to avoid plain packaging, finds study The Guardian

Saatchi Bill: The fight to win hope for the seriously ill

Saatchi Bill: The fight to win hope for the seriously ill As the deadline for Lord Saatchi's Bill on medical innovation draws close, thousands of patients, doctors and charity chiefs are calling for it to be made law. Dominic Nutt reports. The Daily Telegraph

Nurse appears in court charged with murder of three patients

Nurse appears in court charged with murder of three patients  Victorino Chua, 48, a nurse at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, appears in court charged with the murder of three patients who died after their hospital drips were allegedly contaminated. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Murder charge after hospital deaths BBC News

CQC publish inspection report for Northampton General Hospital

CQC publish inspection report for Northampton General Hospital The CQC have published the full inspection report for Northampton General Hospital following their visits in January. Care Quality Commission

See also:

• NGH responds to CQC inspection report Northampton General Hospital
• Hospital end-of-life care criticised BBC News
• Northampton General Hospital “caring and safe” but some units not properly staffed during inspection Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• More A&E crisis days will happen before things get better, Northampton General Hospital chief admits Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust 'requires improvement' ITV News

Man seriously injured in second robbery in two days at Kettering General Hospital

Man seriously injured in second robbery in two days at Kettering General Hospital Two robberies in as many days in the car park of Kettering General Hospital may be linked, police have said. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Accountable care organisations (ACOs) in the United States and England: testing, evaluating and learning what works

Accountable care organisations (ACOs) in the United States and England: testing, evaluating and learning what works This paper describes the different types of ACOs emerging in the United States; presents some early evidence on their performance; assesses the future for ACOs; and discusses the implication of these developments for integrated care initiatives in England. The King's Fund

NHS and social care: public perceptions 2013

NHS and social care: public perceptions 2013 The Department of Health commissions a ‘tracker’ survey to explore public attitudes towards, and perceptions of, the NHS and social care services. These reports present the findings from the spring and winter 2013 surveys. The spring 2013 wave brought in new questions on whether people are treated with compassion when they use NHS and social care services and whether it is easy to give feedback on NHS services.

• Spring 2013 survey
• Winter 2013 survey

New guidance on raising concerns at work

New guidance on raising concerns at work Raising concerns about poor practice, as part of people’s day-to-day work, should be the norm, says new guidance launched this month, providing support for health and social care staff and managers on whistleblowing. NHS Employers

Call for action over weekend doctors

Call for action over weekend doctors Hospitals in England have a fraction of the number of doctors on site at weekends as they do during the week, figures obtained by the BBC suggest. BBC News

Overweight 'being seen as the norm'

Overweight 'being seen as the norm' Being overweight is increasingly seen as the norm, England's chief medical officer says. BBC News

See also:

• Independent report: Chief Medical Officer annual report: surveillance volume 2012 Department of Health
• Overweight is becoming normal, warns CMO OnMedica
• Size 16 mannequins make being fat 'normal' The Daily Telegraph
• Obesity is becoming normal, England's Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies warns The Independent
• Chief medical officer criticises media acceptance of being overweight The Guardian
• Larger sized mannequins blamed for 'normalising' Britain's obesity crisis, according to new medical report The Daily Mail

Child protection database going live

Child protection database going live The first wave of the Child Protection Information Sharing project is due to go live next month. E-Health Insider

Rise in complaints to ministers over access to mental health services

Rise in complaints to ministers over access to mental health services Care minister Norman Lamb has unveiled some interesting data regarding the number of complaints made to ministers about mental health services. Community care

Healthcare Professionals Network survey results - interactive

Healthcare Professionals Network survey results - interactive More than 1,000 NHS staff took part in our latest member survey, which asked how healthcare workers' jobs have changed over the last year and whether there is too much political influence over the health service. The Guardian

Fears that hospitals are covering up death rates

Fears that hospitals are covering up death rates New data triggers fears that hospitals are 'fiddling the figures' on hospital deaths by increasing the number of deaths recorded as 'palliative'. Hover over the chart or table for more detail on a trust. The Daily Telegraph

Pet cats infect humans with TB for first time

Pet cats infect humans with TB for first time In the first ever recorded cat-to-human transmission, two people in England have contracted tuberculosis from pet cats thought to have ventured into badger setts. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Pet cats infect two people with TB BBC News

Fears thousands could be denied life-extending drugs

Fears thousands could be denied life-extending drugs New NHS rationing plan could mean more dying patients are denied life-extending medicines, charities fear. The Daily Telegraph

Hospital staff introduce innovative scheme to tackle hospital pressures

Hospital staff introduce innovative scheme to tackle hospital pressures Breaking the cycle emergency pathway patient care. Northampton General Hospital

Northamptonshire families ‘needlessly’ selling homes to pay for care

Northamptonshire families ‘needlessly’ selling homes to pay for care Too many families in Northamptonshire are wrongly selling off their family home to pay for care home fees, according to the authors of a new guide launched by a solicitors this week. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

A turning point for safety?

A turning point for safety? Jeremy Hunt's announcement of a grassroots safety movement in the NHS is to be welcomed, but also need leaders who actively support a safety culture if safety is to improve, says Jo Bibby. The Health Foundation

Consultation: Introducing the statutory duty of candour

Consultation: Introducing the statutory duty of candour The duty of candour will require all health and adult social care providers registered with the Care Quality Commission to be open with people when things go wrong. The regulations would impose a specific and detailed duty of candour on all providers where any harm to a service user from their care or treatment is above a certain harm-threshold. This consultation sets out what the Department of Health are proposing, includes a draft of the regulations that will introduce the duty of candour and asks about the impact of our proposals and the impact of the new regulations on providers. The consultation closes on 25th April 2014. Department of Health

• Consultation
• Impact assessment

Important upcoming changes to the Immigration Rules

Important upcoming changes to the Immigration Rules From the 6 April 2014 there are some important changes being made to the Immigration Rules and Sponsorship Arrangements for Tier 2. NHS Employers

Councils 'divert' public health cash

Councils 'divert' public health cash Councils in England are using public health budgets to fund other services, an investigation for the British Medical Journal suggests. BBC News

See also:

• John Middleton: 'Public health is about making ordinary lives richer' The Guardian

Plain cigarette packaging doesn't work, says industry funded study

Plain cigarette packaging doesn't work, says industry funded study “Unbranded cigarettes could mean people smoke more, experts warn,” The Daily Telegraph reports.

However, the evidence provided by experts and reported on by the media has not been peer reviewed, and their work has been funded by a major cigarette manufacturer.

Going the distance: national calls to action to drive neurological service improvement in England

Going the distance: national calls to action to drive neurological service improvement in England This report takes a critical look at how neurology is represented in the health and social care quality improvement system. It provides an overview of neurology’s place within the new system of incentives, accountability and quality measures introduced under the NHS reform programme. The Neurological Alliance

Liver disease: today's complacency, tomorrow's catastrophe

Liver disease: today's complacency, tomorrow's catastrophe This report reveals a consensus across the medical community on the urgent need for action on liver disease, as well as on the actions that are required. It finds that deaths from liver disease in England have risen 40% between 2001-2012. All-Party Parliamentary Hepatology Group

Doctors in training urged to share their views on medical education

Doctors in training urged to share their views on medical education The UK’s largest survey of doctors in training is now open. The General Medical Council’s National Training Survey, which provides an annual snapshot of medical education, will run until 8 May. The GMC

NHS reforms: 100 voices - interactive

NHS reforms: 100 voices - interactive The health and social care bill represents the biggest reorganisation of the NHS in England since it was created in 1948. Some argue the reforms are much needed. Critics say they will be a disaster. Here a hundred people who work in or with the NHS tell the Guardian what the changes mean for them. The Guardian

Healthcare staff reveal they have no confidence in Jeremy Hunt

Healthcare staff reveal they have no confidence in Jeremy Hunt Frontline professionals say health secretary does not understand the NHS and feel it is under too much political control NHS workers' views are 'damning indictment of Jeremy Hunt's record'

Healthcare professionals have declared they have no confidence in the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, over his handling of the NHS.

In a survey conducted by the Guardian Healthcare Professionals Network, an emphatic 77.6% of members responded "no" when asked: "Do you have confidence in Jeremy Hunt?" The Guardian

Elderly unable to move around own home 'could be denied care' under new system

Elderly unable to move around own home 'could be denied care' under new system Alliance of charities claims that thousands more elderly and disabled people could be shut out of care system because of gaps in new rules. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Focus on: social care for older people - reductions in adult social services for older people in England The Nuffield Trust 
• New care criteria may leave thousands without support OnMedica
• Cuts have left 250,000 older people without state care, report says The Guardian

Northamptonshire sees rise in scarlet fever cases

Northamptonshire sees rise in scarlet fever cases Cases of scarlet fever have risen in Northamptonshire this month. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Exclusive: Hike in car park charges could force student nurses to quit

Exclusive: Hike in car park charges could force student nurses to quit Crippling parking charges may force student nurses to quit at an east Midlands hospital.

Students, as well as bank and agency staff, will no longer be eligible for staff permits under a controversial new parking policy that comes into force at Northampton General Hospital in April.

The changes mean student and bank nurses face paying up to £10 a day to park on site instead of being able to apply for permits, which cost around £10 a month...  Nursing Times

#MHN2014: The future of mental health

#MHN2014: The future of mental health This paper discusses what these challenges might mean for the future of our nation’s mental health. NHS Confederation

New Pay Circular for medical and dental staff published

New Pay Circular for medical and dental staff published The pay scales and allowances for medical and dental staff in England, effective from 1 April 2014, are now available in Pay Circular (M&D) 2/2014. NHS Employers

NHS urged to halve serious mistakes

NHS urged to halve serious mistakes Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is asking the NHS in England to reduce the number of serious mistakes being made and save 6,000 lives over the next three years. BBC News

See also:

• Press release: Halving avoidable harm and saving up to 6,000 lives Department of Health
• Pledge to save 6,000 lives through NHS safety campaign The Daily Telegraph
• Jeremy Hunt says hospitals will be obliged to report medical errors The Independent

Mass water supply fluoridation urged

Mass water supply fluoridation urged Adding fluoride to water supplies should be considered by councils to improve dental health, the government's public health advisory body says. BBC News

See also:

• Is water fluoridation the next big thing? BBC News
• Fluoridation safe and effective, says Public Health England OnMedica
• Add fluoride to water to improve British teeth, say Government's health advisers The Independent
• Government study backs fluoride in water The Daily Telegraph
• Fluoride: Just when you thought it was safe to drink the water... The Daily Telegraph

New guidance on standards for GP specialty training released

New guidance on standards for GP specialty training released GP education programmes that meet the requirements of this guidance, an update of guidance first published in 2008 and based on the GMC's The Trainee Doctor standards - will be assumed to meet General Medical Council standards.

Could Botox be used to treat severe asthma?

Could Botox be used to treat severe asthma? “Botox is commonly used to smooth out wrinkles, but new research suggests it could be used to help asthma sufferers,” the Mail Online report.

While early results seem encouraging, the research being reported on is still at proof of concept stage.

Supporting employees who are caring for someone with dementia

Supporting employees who are caring for someone with dementia With our ageing population and workforce, dementia is becoming an increasingly significant issue in the workplace, with more and more people combining work with caring for a loved one. In recognition of this, Carers UK and Employers for Carers carried out an employer and employee survey between October 2013 and January 2014 to find out the impact of working while also caring for someone with dementia. This report sets out the key findings and emerging issues from these surveys. It concludes by making 10 recommendations for employers, health and social care services and government to take to facilitate better support for employees who are caring for loved ones with dementia. Carers UK

The NHS fraud story would be terrible, if it were true

The NHS fraud story would be terrible, if it were true The evidence of fraud is weak but the damage is done: the health service is made to look like an impossible dream.

Terrible news, isn't it, that the NHS loses £5bn a year through fraud; just awful … to think that people would steal from the public institution we all claim to be so in love with.

But like so many fables of recent history – do people really breed for the child benefit?; do foreigners really leave their homes and friends and everything they know just to come and leech off our unemployment benefits, thinking, "I hope I get cancer, that way I can really max out my EU entitlements"? – we can file this under "It would be terrible, if it were true".

The independent fact-checking organisation Full Fact took a restrained approach to this data,which was presented on Panorama earlier this week: it merely said we couldn't know from the evidence we have whether this figure is correct. We have data covering bent dentists (or "bentists" as this report tragically never calls them) and we have evidence of fraud related to patient charges, and the two figures combined amount to £229m (it sounds like a lot, but as a proportion of the NHS's annual £100bn budget, isn't). It's also a long way from £5bn.

Women GPs outnumber men for first time

Women GPs outnumber men for first time Female GPs outnumber men for the first time The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Annual census headcount figures shows increased numbers in the NHS workforce compared to last year Health & Social Care Information Centre
• Women GPs now outnumber men OnMedica

The Confidential Inquiry into premature deaths of people with intellectual disabilities in the UK: a population-based study.

The Confidential Inquiry into premature deaths of people with intellectual disabilities in the UK: a population-based study. The Confidential Inquiry into premature deaths of people with intellectual disabilities in England was commissioned to provide evidence about contributory factors to avoidable and premature deaths in this population. The Lancet

See also:

• Prepare for annual health checks for people with learning disabilities OnMedica

Kettering Hospital reveals Victoria Harrison death errors

Kettering Hospital reveals Victoria Harrison death errors A hospital where a girl bled to death reveals a catalogue of errors, weeks after withholding details for fear of "endangering" staff. BBC Northamptonshire

See also:

• VIDEO: Death hospital errors made public BBC Northamptonshire

Policy change means Northamptonshire firefighters will not respond to automatic fire alarms unless fire is confirmed

Policy change means Northamptonshire firefighters will not respond to automatic fire alarms unless fire is confirmed Firefighters in Northamptonshire will no longer respond to automatic fire alarms in offices, shops, churches or schools unless a confirmed fire is reported by a person near the premises from April 1. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Mental health help 'needed in schools'

Mental health help 'needed in schools' A new website is being launched to help adults spot the warning signs of mental health problems in children.

In Scrubbing Up this week, child psychiatrist Dr Raphael Kelvin - who led the project - says if we're to really support children with mental health problems, we need to more aid - including in the classroom. BBC News

See also:

• Child mental health issues 'missed' BBC News

Warning over burning aborted foetuses

Warning over burning aborted foetuses Hospitals should cremate or bury aborted foetuses rather than incinerating them, the medical director of the NHS in England says. BBC News

See also:

• Amanda Holden wins victory for grieving mothers The Daily Telegraph
• Thousands of unborn foetuses incinerated to heat UK hospitals The Independent

NIB informatics strategy outlined

NIB informatics strategy outlined The National Information Board will release a new informatics strategy for consultation in May, to be used to inform commissioning decisions from September this year. E-Health Insider

Study fails to prove effects of stress on fertility

Study fails to prove effects of stress on fertility “Stress can double the risk of infertility for women,” The Daily Mail reports. However, the evidence provided by the latest study is not as clear cut as the reporting implies.

Resources Launched to improve support for people with learning disabilities as they grow older

Resources Launched to improve support for people with learning disabilities as they grow older The Association for Real Change and the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities launch the Real Change Challenge and an accompanying Evaluation Toolkit.

Evaluation of the choice of GP practice pilot, 2012-13: final report

Evaluation of the choice of GP practice pilot, 2012-13: final report This report found that the Department of Health's Choice of GP pilot scheme saw modest demand overall, but that participants were generally positive about the scheme and there was little sign of major increased cost to primary care trusts.Policy Innovation Research Unit

NAVCA publishes health survey findings

NAVCA publishes health survey findings These briefings detail the results of research which explored local charities and voluntary organisations' attitudes and experiences of local health organisations. The research looked at the extent to which these local charities and voluntary organisations felt that they were able to influence JSNAs and the nature of their relationship with local CCGs and local Healthwatch. National Association for Voluntary and Community Action

• JSNA briefing
• Healthwatch briefing
• CCG briefing
• NAVCA - news

Financial mechanisms for integrating funds for health and social care: an evidence review

Financial mechanisms for integrating funds for health and social care: an evidence review This evidence review aruges that pooling funds across health and social care services should not be considered a panacea that will lead to the successful delivery of integrated care. Centre for Health Economics

Local Healthwatch outcomes and impact development tool version 2

Local Healthwatch outcomes and impact development tool version 2 This outcome and impact development tool has been designed to promote the development of local Healthwatch as an independent organisation that can effectively and efficiently deliver its functions. It is intended to assist local Healthwatch identify what outcomes and impacts a ‘Good' local Healthwatch could achieve through the delivery of its functions. Local Government Association 

General Practice creaking under strain of workload

General Practice creaking under strain of workload Six out of ten GPs considering retiring early as workload crisis hits general practice. OnMedica

Delivering affordable world-class health care

Delivering affordable world-class health care

India, a nation that once looked to the west for guidance is fast becoming a innovative leader in the future of healthcare.

 As healthcare systems in Europe and the US appear stagnated, inspiration can be found in the ways some Indian Hospitals are operating. Healthcare Today

Unions criticise Northampton General Hospital for parking rates rise

Unions criticise Northampton General Hospital for parking rates rise

Student nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants may be put off from studying at the University of Northampton if they are forced to pay £10 a day to park at the town’s hospital site, according to a union leader. Chronicle and Echo

Delays talking to Northamptonshire GPs top survey complaint list

Delays talking to Northamptonshire GPs top survey complaint list

Long delays waiting to talk to GPs in Northamptonshire topped a list of complaints discovered in a recent survey by a health watchdog. Chronicle and Echo

Managing medicines in care homes

Managing medicines in care homes

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) -
This guideline considers all aspects of managing medicines in care homes and recommends that all care home providers have a care home medicines policy. It considers prescribing, handling and administering medicines to residents living in care homes and the provision of care or services relating to medicines in care homes. NHS Evidence
Guideline
NICE - guidance

Britain could be the first country in the world to vaccinate every baby against meningitis B

Britain could be the first country in the world to vaccinate every baby against meningitis B

Every baby in Britain could be protected against meningitis B by the end of the summer, the company behind a new vaccine have said, after the Government announced the UK would become the first country in the world to provide universal vaccine coverage against the killer disease. Independent

Fraud 'costing NHS £5bn a year'

Fraud 'costing NHS £5bn a year'
Fraud is costing the NHS £5bn a year, with a further £2bn lost to financial errors, the former head of its anti-fraud section tells BBC Panorama. BBC News

• NHS fraud could be as high as £5bn a year, says former health service official  Guardian
• NHS fraud ‘equal to its entire budget for cancer treatment’  Independent

Child Protection – Information sharing project

Child Protection – Information sharing project


NHS England and the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) have launched a series of short films to promote the benefits of the Child Protection – Information Sharing project (CP-IS). The CP-IS will help the NHS give a higher level of protection to children who present in unscheduled care settings by enabling local authorities to share child protection information with the NHS for the first time, at a national level.

Using animations and interviews with NHS staff, social workers and the staff of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the films demonstrate the very real difference effective information sharing makes in the lives of children at risk of cruelty. NHS Commissioning Board

The films can be seen below and are available to view now on NHS England’s YouTube channel.

Contact cpis@hscic.gov.uk to find out more

Better reporting of medical incidents

Better reporting of medical incidents

The alerts instruct providers on steps to improve data report quality and the need for national networks to share learning and develop guidance. NHS Networks

Progress report on health and wellbeing boards

Progress report on health and wellbeing boards

The resources come ahead of the anniversary of HWBs’ first full year of operation and formal establishment as system leaders. NHS Networks

Hospitals feeling the pinch

Hospitals feeling the pinch

Many hospitals are finding money is running out. BBC News

Hospices can support the needs of the UK's ageing population

Hospices can support the needs of the UK's ageing population

With the number of people aged 85 and over doubling in the next 20 years, demand for palliative and end-of-life care will surge

Demand for high-quality palliative and end-of-life care is expected to surge in the next few decades, driven by the UK's fast-ageing population. More people are living well into their 80s and beyond, many with multiple, complex health conditions.

The number of people aged 85 and over is expected to double in the next 20 years. In addition, more young people with life-shortening conditions are living for longer. These demographic changes present huge challenges for all involved in planning and delivering end-of-life care.

The view of a national commission into the future of hospice care is that hospices have an important part to play in both shaping and delivering appropriate services to meet these needs.

Care.data advisory group announced

Care.data advisory group announced

NHS England has set up an independent advisory group to improve governance around the care.data programme. EHI News

A Locala service for local people

A Locala service for local people

District nurse Julie Maguire works in a world where all of her patients' information is held electronically. EHI Insight

Cochrane review finds that acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy and electrostimulation show little benefit for smoking cessation

Cochrane review finds that acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy and electrostimulation show little benefit for smoking cessation

Despite being on the decline, smoking is still one of the largest causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the world. According to recent World Health Organisation data, smoking directly kills around 5 million people every year. The NHS spends almost £90 million on cessation efforts to combat the £5 billion treatment cost. Recent research [read the full story...]

Quitting Smoking: Therapeutic in Mental Health Treatment - Psychiatric Times

Quitting Smoking: Therapeutic in Mental Health Treatment - Psychiatric Times

A recent study aimed to investigate the impact of smoking cessation on mental health in general and psychiatric populations.10 The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies and found 26 studies which examined ...

Exclusive: New meningitis vaccine for every child will ease 'parent’s greatest fear'

Exclusive: New meningitis vaccine for every child will ease 'parent’s greatest fear'

A new vaccine against meningitis B – one of the most feared diseases, which can quickly kill children or leave them needing limb amputations – is to be made available free on the NHS. Independent

Thousands of dementia patients not referred to specialists

Thousands of dementia patients not referred to specialists

Hospitals failing thousands of patients with suspected dementia, new figures show. Telegraph

Values mapping tool

Values mapping tool

This tool aims to help organisations to map their values to the those in the NHS Constitution. It has been developed as part of Health Education England’s Values Based Recruitment programme which will ensure that selection into all new NHS funded training posts incorporates testing of values based recruitment by March 2015. NHS Employers
Mapping tool
NHS Employers - recruitment and retention

Consultation skills for pharmacy practice: practice standards for England

Consultation skills for pharmacy practice: practice standards for England

This framework aims to help pharmacy professionals to improve their skills in carrying out consultations with patients and in delivering public health messages. It represents a national programme of change in pharmacy and will apply to more than 60,000 pharmacy professionals across England. Health Education England
Practice standards
Standards of ethics, conduct and performance
Consultations skills for pharmacy practice - website
HEE - news

Patient safety alert: improving incident reporting and learning

Patient safety alert: improving incident reporting and learning

NHS England and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have jointly issued two patient safety alerts to help healthcare providers increase incident reporting for medication errors and medical devices. The alerts instruct providers to take specific steps that will improve data report quality; and will see the establishment of national networks to maximise learning and provide guidance on minimising harm relating to these two incident types.
Medical device safety alert
Medication error safety alert
NHS England - news

Threatened refuges handed reprieve

Threatened refuges handed reprieve The planned closure of refuges that protect domestic abuse victims in Northamptonshire is halted until operators can find other funds. BBC Northamptonshire

Police helicopters searching for missing Northampton General Hospital patient

Police helicopters searching for missing Northampton General Hospital patient Officers from Northamptonshire Police are searching for a 64-year-old man who has gone missing from Northampton General Hospital. Graham Lane was last seen at about 1pm at the hospital. He is slim, white, about 5ft 7in with a pale complexion. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Budget 2014 - the headlines

Budget 2014 - the headlines  There were a number of announcements in the budget with a NHS or workforce angle. Read our summary for more details. NHS Employers

FAQs on the NHS pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 published

FAQs on the NHS pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 published Following the Government’s announcement last week on the NHS pay award for the next two years, we have now published a set of frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) to help explain more of the detail. NHS Employers

Lung cancer rates up among UK women

Lung cancer rates up among UK women Lung cancer rates among women in the UK have increased by 73% since 1975 while declining by 47% in men, new figures have revealed. BBC News

NHS complaints system 'too complex'

NHS complaints system 'too complex' Healthwatch England says more than 70 organisations are involved in the process for dealing with complaints about the NHS and social care. BBC News

Health and wellbeing peer challenges

Health and wellbeing peer challenges This publication contains a number of case studies outlining how peer challenge is playing a strong role supporting and improving public health. Local Government Association

Kelsey admits care.data use unclear

Kelsey admits care.data use unclear NHS England delayed the care.data programme because it could not give guarantees on how the data would be used, NHS England's director of patients and information has said. E-Health Insider

NHS hospitals suffer annual loss for first time in eight years

NHS hospitals suffer annual loss for first time in eight years Combined deficit of £456.8m reported by 26 of 102 trusts, renewing fears about long-term financing of the NHS.

NHS hospitals will end the financial year in the red for the first time in eight years, according to official figures, with 26 loss-making trusts reporting a combined deficit of £456.8m.

The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust has run up the largest deficit: £39.8m. The figures published on Thursday will renew fears that the NHS's finances have been deteriorating sharply in recent months, especially as a result of many trusts having to hire extra staff, notably nurses, in order to ensure safe and high-quality care in the wake of the Mid Staffordshire scandal.

Dutch idea of health checks via the web show NHS a cost-cutting future

Dutch idea of health checks via the web show NHS a cost-cutting future

Imagine if your doctor was as easy to contact as your Facebook friends - and you could Skype them whenever you liked to talk about your health concerns. The Independent

Outgoing NHS boss Sir David Nicholson wants to work with press regulator to stop health service being undermined by ‘sensational’ newspaper...

Outgoing NHS boss Sir David Nicholson wants to work with press regulator to stop health service being undermined by ‘sensational’ newspaper...

The outgoing boss of the NHS in England has revealed he plans to spend the next stage of his career defending the health service from newspapers which “hate the NHS”. The Independent

Disabled people in care facilities 'deprived of liberty', says judge

Disabled people in care facilities 'deprived of liberty', says judge 'A gilded cage is still a cage', according to judge who says disabled people have the same human right to physical liberty as the rest of the human race. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Disabled in care ‘denied human rights,’ Supreme Court rules The Independent

Dementia is 'the new normal' charity says

Dementia is 'the new normal' charity says Society needs to treat dementia as "the new normal" and involve Alzheimer's sufferers far more closely in local communities, charities have said. The Daily Telegraph

Staff car parking charges to rise 50pc at Northampton General Hospital

Staff car parking charges to rise 50pc at Northampton General Hospital Staff car parking charges at Northampton General Hospital are set to rise by 50 per cent from the start of next month, the NHS hospital trust has announced. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Diabetes no longer leading cause of blindness thanks to screening

Diabetes no longer leading cause of blindness thanks to screening A report on the causes of adult blindness found a widening gap between prevalence of diabetes and the number of people with related eye problems. It says that better screening is one of the main factors in the change. Public Health England

Whole-system solutions for urgent and emergency care

Whole-system solutions for urgent and emergency care “This follow-up report acts as a roadmap to the fundamental changes required to create a sustainable and high-quality urgent and emergency care system that can meet the needs of patients now and in the future.” NHS Confederation

Hospitals treat 4,000 FGM patients

Hospitals treat 4,000 FGM patients Nearly 4,000 women and girls have been treated for genital mutilation in London hospitals since 2009, new figures show. BBC News

Patient feedback posts open to abuse

Patient feedback posts open to abuse The NHS removes all but one of 653 patient reviews of a healthcare trust from its website, after Newsnight finds the system is open to abuse. BBC News

Telehealth and telecare

Telehealth and telecare The UK’s elderly population is growing and with it the number of people with long-term health problems. This is putting pressure on the health and social care systems. Increased use of technology such as telehealth and telecare may help to improve quality of care and reduce costs. This note describes current UK telehealth and telecare initiatives and the role they may play in delivering future care. House of Commons

Jr docs need IG training - ICO

Jr docs need IG training - ICO NHS organisations are confused about how to ensure junior doctors get data protection training, a report from the Information Commissioner's Office has found. E-Health Insider

Saturated fats and heart disease link 'unproven'

Saturated fats and heart disease link 'unproven' “No link found between saturated fat and heart disease,” The Daily Telegraph reports. Researchers have looked at large amounts of data and say they have found no significant link between saturated fat and heart disease.

Nutritional guidelines generally encourage low consumption of saturated fats, found in butter, cream, cheese and fatty cuts of meat, as these were thought to be linked to increased cholesterol in the blood and an increased risk of heart disease.

In contrast, unsaturated fats, found in fish and plant sources, have been encouraged (to a certain extent) as these are thought to have a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels.

This latest study finds that the evidence for these guidelines may not be definitive.

From structure to function: the impact of change

From structure to function: the impact of change “The original overarching aim of this five year project was to investigate how three hospitals redesigned their services to meet the changing health needs of the people they serve.”  Birmingham University

Half of public health doctors might leave profession

Half of public health doctors might leave profession Reforms have increased bureaucracy but not public health, reports the BMA. OnMedica

Diabetic people 'having unnecessary amputations'

Diabetic people 'having unnecessary amputations' Parliamentary group and charity Diabetes UK call attention to wide disparity in treatment of condition across UK

People with diabetes are having their legs and feet amputated unnecessarily, according to a group of MPs and peers who have highlighted stark differences in treatment of the condition across the NHS in England.

Little change in NHS culture, whistleblowers warn

Little change in NHS culture, whistleblowers warn There has been “very little change” to ensure NHS staff speak up about their concerns, despite pledges by ministers, the nurse who blew the whistle on the Mid Staffs scandal has told MPs. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Whistleblowers who raise concerns still at risk of losing their job The Guardian

Free support available – health visitor workforce retention

Free support available – health visitor workforce retention If you’re a provider of heath visiting services and would value some help and advice to support recruitment and retention within your health visiting teams, read on. NHS Employers

Contracting out public services to the private sector

Contracting out public services to the private sector This report brings together evidence from two hearings on contracting out government services, which were held on the basis of reports by the National Audit Office. The report states that it is vital for Parliament and the public to be able to follow the taxpayers’ pound to ensure value for money. It calls for three basic transparency measures to ensure this: the extension of Freedom of Information to public contracts with private providers; access rights for the National Audit Office; and a requirement for contractors to open their books up to scrutiny by officials. House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts

Baby organ donor rules 'deadly'

Baby organ donor rules 'deadly' UK doctors have attacked a "crazy double standard" in organ donation that they say leads to the deaths of babies. BBC News

Thousands of NHS staff rehired

Thousands of NHS staff rehired New figures indicate that almost 4,000 staff made redundant from the NHS in England, before last year's major restructuring, have since been re-employed. BBC News

See also:

• Nearly 4,000 NHS staff laid off then rehired over three and a half years The Guardian

Sick and disabled made to wait for more than six months to know if they will get benefit

Sick and disabled made to wait for more than six months to know if they will get benefit

People with disabilities and severe illnesses are being made to wait for more than six months to find out if they are eligible for financial support from the Government under a controversial new benefits system. The Independent

Thousands of hospital patients being moved at night

Thousands of hospital patients being moved at night Campaigners have branded the practice of moving patients in hospital beds at night "dehumanising" as it emerged the practice increased by almost 20 per cent in the last five years. The Daily Telegraph

Teenage model's cancer death prompts petition plea

Teenage model's cancer death prompts petition plea The family of an aspiring model who died of cervical cancer want MPs to consider lowering the age limit for smear tests to prevent further deaths. The Daily Telegraph

Hospital Discharge Scheme Is A Success

Hospital Discharge Scheme Is A Success A scheme which aims to move patients who might need continuing support out of hospital quicker is proving successful in Northamptonshire.

The discharge to assess scheme is helping those who might need continuing support leave hospitals earlier by arranging a care package to support them at home so that the Continuing Health Care assessment takes place in the patient's own environment, providing a much clearer picture of the patient's needs. About My Area

Woman wins right to keep husband’s sperm stored at Northampton clinic

Woman wins right to keep husband’s sperm stored at Northampton clinic A woman whose late husband’s sperm is stored at a Northampton clinic and who won a High Court case to prevent it being destroyed, has learned the ruling could be appealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Medical revalidation: from compliance to commitment

Medical revalidation: from compliance to commitment This paper, commissioned by the NHS Revalidation Support Team, presents the findings from focus group discussions with doctors and interviews with wider staff. It provides analysis from interviewees’ perspectives and offers commentary on how leaders at all levels can use revalidation to help create a culture of excellence in patient care. The King's Fund

• Research paper
• The King's Fund - blog

See also:

• The Early Benefits and Impact 
  of Medical Revalidation: 

  Report on research findings in year one
   NHS Revalidation Support Team

Report of the working group into joined up clinical pathways for obesity

Report of the working group into joined up clinical pathways for obesity This report recommends greater clarity around how obesity care in England is commissioned. It aims to support more equitable access to obesity and weight management services, including obesity surgery, across the country. NHS England

Pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 announced

Pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 announced The Government has today responded to the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) and Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) and set out their plans for a two year pay award for NHS staff. NHS Employers

Patients sent to doctor's hospital

Patients sent to doctor's hospital A mental health trust planning to close beds spends £1.2m sending patients to a senior consultant's private hospital. BBC News

Poor 'face many years of bad health'

Poor 'face many years of bad health' People living in the most affluent areas of England can expect almost 20 years' more "good health" than those in the poorest, data suggests. BBC News

New fast track drug scheme to help severely ill

New fast track drug scheme to help severely ill "'Early access' drugs scheme launched for severely ill," BBC News reports. The government has launched the Early Access to Medicines Scheme designed to help patients with life threatening or debilitating conditions get access to unlicensed medications that could potentially be of benefit.

2030 vision: The best - and worst - futures for older people in the UK

2030 vision: The best - and worst - futures for older people in the UK This report provides a futures perspective on how we make the UK the best country to grow old in. It examines both the best and worst case scenarios and the rising costs associated with an ageing population. International Longevity Centre UK

NHS spends £100m a year on patients who should be discharged

NHS spends £100m a year on patients who should be discharged NHS spends £100m a year caring for patients who do not need to be there. The Daily Telegraph

Call for foreign private firms to take over NHS hospitals comes under fire

Call for foreign private firms to take over NHS hospitals comes under fire Care Quality Commission boss suggests up to 30 failing NHS trusts could be run by European or American chains.

The ex-Conservative MP who chairs the health service care regulator is under fire after calling for foreign private health firms to be allowed to take over failing NHS hospitals.

David Prior, the boss of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said European or American "hospital chains" should be given the chance to turn around what he said could be as many as 30 NHS hospital trusts in England that have run into trouble by the end of 2014.

Resurgence of TB poses grave threat worldwide

Resurgence of TB poses grave threat worldwide

The rise of new strains of tuberculosis resistant to drug treatment represents “one of the gravest public health threats facing the world today”, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières has warned. The Independent

Revealed: the 'conveyor belt care' of those with dementia

Revealed: the 'conveyor belt care' of those with dementia 'Conveyor belt care' of those with dementia means some receive care from more than 40 different workers. The Daily Telegraph

New claims of patients 'locked up' at NHS hospital

New claims of patients 'locked up' at NHS hospital Claims that patients at Dudley hospitals are being restrained against their will resurface after second manager forced out. The Daily Telegraph

Bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS

Bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS NHS England has developed some bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS. These guides are linked to the Transforming participation in Health and Social Care guidance (published September 2013). The guides have been developed with partners and by reviewing good practice in each area. They aim to support Clinical Commissioning Groups and others to plan and deliver good patient and public participation. You can access the guides via the following links:

• Bite-size guide 1 – Principles for Participation in Commissioning
• Bite-size guide 2 – Governance for Participation
• Bite-size guide 3 – Planning for Participation
• Bite-size guide 4 – Budgeting for Participation

These four Bite-size guides form the first batch of a suite of bite-size resources, and more will follow throughout the year.

Employers guide to NHS Pension Scheme changes 2014/15

Employers guide to NHS Pension Scheme changes 2014/15 Our handy new guide gives an overview of the most recent changes to the NHS Pension Scheme, as well as outlining actions for your trust until April 2015. NHS Employers

2014/15 Quality and outcomes framework guidance published

2014/15 Quality and outcomes framework guidance published NHS Employers, NHS England and the General Practitioners Committee of the BMA jointly published the 2014/15 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) guidance.

Fresh squeeze on NHS pay sparks union strike warning

Fresh squeeze on NHS pay sparks union strike warning Unions have reacted with anger to news of a fresh round of below-inflation pay rises for NHS staff in England. Ministers have announced a basic 1% pay rise, but the 600,000 nurses and other staff receiving automatic "progression-in-job" increases, "typically worth over 3%", will not get the 1% as well. BBC News

See also:

• Pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 announced NHS Employers
• Independent report: NHS Pay Review Body 28th report: 2014 Department of Health
• Independent report: Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration 42nd report: 2014 Department of Health
• Anger at NHS pay decision The Royal College of Nursing
• 600,000 NHS workers threaten strike after 'insult' of no pay rise The Independent
• Ministers accused of contempt for NHS with fresh squeeze on public sector pay The Guardian
• Hunt's decision to cancel the NHS pay rise shows just how tight money is The Guardian
• NHS funding: hard times | Editorial The Guardian

CQC new approach to hospitals inspection: initial findings from wave 1 inspections

CQC new approach to hospitals inspection: initial findings from wave 1 inspections The report concludes that compassionate care is alive and well, as well as a strong commitment to the NHS. However, inspectors found significant variations in quality between trusts and even between services within trusts. It also found that apart from critical care and maternity, most services cannot demonstrate whether they are delivering effective care or not. Care Quality Commission

'You've got cancer' email warning

'You've got cancer' email warning A health watchdog is warning that thousands of people have been sent hoax emails suggesting they have cancer. BBC News

See also:

• Spam email sent out NICE

Statins side effects are minimal, study argues

Statins side effects are minimal, study argues “Cholesterol-lowering statins have almost no side effects,” The Guardian reports. A new UK study argues that the majority of reported side effects are actually due to the nocebo effect – symptoms that are “all in the mind”.

NHS diabetes care at ‘breaking point’ warns report

NHS diabetes care at ‘breaking point’ warns report End recruitment freezes on diabetes nurses, say experts. OnMedica

General practice plays a role in improving health services

General practice plays a role in improving health services Providers and commissioners need to work together to co-produce contracts that deliver the right outcomes for patients.

A combination of an unprecedented financial challenge, an ageing population and a desire by patients to be treated in the community whenever possible, creates a challenge and an opportunity for general practice.

NHS: Reports of Northampton General Hospital administration threat are untrue

NHS: Reports of Northampton General Hospital administration threat are untrue The NHS has moved to quash reports that it has considered whether Northampton General Hospital could be put into administration because of financial concerns. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

A&E performance: a winter’s tale

A&E performance: a winter’s tale With many of us just having enjoyed the warmest weekend in 2014, this may be a good point to take stock on how A&E performed over the winter and what, if anything, it tells us about the state of the NHS and its prospects. The King's Fund

Research and analysis: Unit costs of health and social care

Research and analysis: Unit costs of health and social care This report brings together information about the costs of health and social care staff and services in as transparent and consistent a way as possible. The report is based in economic theory (long run marginal opportunity cost) and includes detailed references, relevant short articles and commentaries. Department of Health

Public sector pay decisions due

Public sector pay decisions due The government is due to announce later whether NHS staff, civil servants and forces personnel will get a pay rise in the next financial year. BBC News

See also:

• Jeremy Hunt to veto 1 per cent pay rise for NHS workers The Daily Telegraph

Patients 'imprisoned' in care homes

Patients 'imprisoned' in care homes Vulnerable adults are being kept virtual prisoners in care homes because of misuse of mental health laws, a House of Lords committee says. BBC News

See also:

• The great mental health betrayal: Inquiry slams ‘appalling’ unlawful detention of tens of thousands of vulnerable people The Independent

Mental health cuts 'risk lives'

Mental health cuts 'risk lives' Cuts to mental health services in England will put lives at risk, as funds are reduced for schemes aimed at reducing suicides, ministers are warned. BBC News

See also:

• Cuts to mental health funding will put lives at risk, charities say OnMedica
• Thousands of people with mental health needs denied social care amid cuts Community Care
• Mental health funding changes in NHS will put lives at risk, say charities The Guardian
• Mentally ill young people's lives at risk because of Coalition cuts, says charity The Independent

Adult social care 'under pressure'

Adult social care 'under pressure' Adult social care in England is under increasing pressure and the government has "no idea" how long the system can cope, an inquiry finds. BBC News

See also: 

• Adult social care in England: overview The National Audit Office
• NAO raises social care alarm E-Health Insider

Challenges and improvements in diagnostic services across seven days

Challenges and improvements in diagnostic services across seven days NHS IQ has published a report on the potential improvements in diagnostics and scientific services.

Obese 11-year-old girls 'get lower school grades'

Obese 11-year-old girls 'get lower school grades' "Study links obesity in teenage girls with lower academic results," BBC News reports. Previous studies have reported that child and adolescent obesity has a wide variety of adverse consequences in both the short and long term.

A large study of UK secondary school pupils has now looked at whether being overweight or obese at the age of 11 influences educational attainment on SAT tests at 11 and 13 years of age and GCSE grades achieved at 16 years of age.

The researchers found an association between obesity at 11 years of age and poorer academic achievement in GCSE exams five years later in girls, even after adjustment for a wide range of factors that could have influenced the results (confounders).

GP concerns ignored in 'disappointing' NHS England plan

GP concerns ignored in 'disappointing' NHS England plan GP concerns over funding and workload have not been listened to, GP leaders have said, after NHS England published a major general practice strategy document. GP Online

GPs to be given more notice of CQC inspections

GPs to be given more notice of CQC inspections Practices will now have two weeks rather than two days’ notice. OnMedica

NHS faces ‘managed decline’ unless it is properly funded, says health chief

NHS faces ‘managed decline’ unless it is properly funded, says health chief
The NHS cannot survive in its current form and problems could escalate to the point where anyone who can afford it will choose to go private, the chief executive of NHS England has warned. The Independent

See also:

• NHS told to spend billions on reform or face oblivion The Guardian
• NHS chief David Nicholson offers tough medicine as he stands down The Guardian

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt gains powers to shut good hospitals without consultation

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt gains powers to shut good hospitals without consultation
Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, is to acquire sweeping powers to shut down local hospitals at short notice even if they are performing strongly. The Independent

See also:

• MPs grant powers to close local hospitals BBC News
• Concessions on hospital closures stave off Commons rebellion The Guardian
• Clauses 118 and 119 of Care Bill will allow an "aerial view" response to provider failure NHS Confederation

Fury over deal for NHS HR chief

Fury over deal for NHS HR chief Outrage from patients' groups over deal paid to NHS human resources chief. The Daily Telegraph

Labour say 32 hospitals 'at risk' of cuts and closures

Labour say 32 hospitals 'at risk' of cuts and closures Labour claim 32 hospital trusts 'at risk' of cuts and closures including Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital. The Daily Telegraph

Kettering General Hospital to spend £400,000 upgrading maternity services

Kettering General Hospital to spend £400,000 upgrading maternity services Kettering General Hospital has been granted almost £400,000 to improve its maternity services from national modernisation funds. Northamptonshire Telegraph

How to cause more hurt

How to cause more hurt This blog by Martin Bromiley looks at how complaints of poor care are managed in the NHS. The Health Foundation

Prescription charge rise in England

Prescription charge rise in England The price of NHS prescriptions is to rise by 20 pence in April and again next year. BBC News

See also:

• More children treated on adult wards BBC News