Friday, 27 February 2015
Ambulances in Northamptonshire lose 645 hours in one month to time spent with patients in hospital
Ambulances in Northamptonshire lose 645 hours in one month to time spent with patients in hospital East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has revealed a total of 645 hours lost in one month by frontline staff in Northamptonshire due to time spent with patients in hospital before they can be handed over to doctors. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Constructive comfort: accelerating change in the NHS
Constructive comfort: accelerating change in the NHS This report identifies key factors needed for successful change and explores why they are not consistently present in the NHS. It sets out how national bodies can help make successful change more likely, in part by boosting the support provided to organisations and focusing on NHS staff leading change. The Health Foundation
It’s all about the people: how national policy makers can better support change in the NHS
It’s all about the people: how national policy makers can better support change in the NHS How can national policy makers support local change? How can those working in Whitehall’s Ivory Towers help, not hinder, those working on the NHS front line? Clare Allcock looks at the findings from our work on this issue. The Health Foundation
What’s important to me. A Review of Choice in End of Life Care
What’s important to me. A Review of Choice in End of Life Care This report identifies the issues people approaching the end of life are currently facing and offers a blueprint for how greater choice in end of life care can be achieved. Our advice is focused around a ‘national choice offer’ – a simple expression of what should be offered to each individual who needs end of life care. The Choice in End of Life Care Programme Board
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Themes and lessons learnt from NHS investigations into matters relating to Jimmy Savile
Themes and lessons learnt from NHS investigations into matters relating to Jimmy Savile The Secretary of State for Health asked former barrister Kate Lampard to produce a ‘lessons learned’ report, drawing on the findings from all published investigations and emerging themes.
The report includes 14 recommendations for the NHS, the Department of Health and wider government. Department of Health
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The report includes 14 recommendations for the NHS, the Department of Health and wider government. Department of Health
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- News story: Joint statement in response to the Jimmy Savile investigations Monitor & The NHS Trust Development Authority
- Savile: Why the risks are real in today's NHS BBC News
The role of prescribed persons
The role of prescribed persons The National Audit Office has today published a report on the role of prescribed persons in whistleblowing. Prescribed persons, as prescribed under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, are independent bodies or individuals that can be approached by whistleblowers where an approach to their employers would not be appropriate. Prescribed persons, which usually have an authoritative relationship with the whistleblowers’ organizations, can be regulatory or legislative bodies, central government departments, arm’s length bodies or charities and include all Members of Parliament.
One of the principle conclusions of today’s NAO investigation is that more needs to be done to reduce the gap between the actions of prescribed persons and whistleblowers’ expectations, whilst recognizing that it is unlikely that the gap will ever be fully closed. Sir Robert Francis, in publishing his recent independent review, noted the challenges in encouraging whistleblowers to speak up. Whistleblowers will on occasion continue to feel let down by the arrangements in place and this does not encourage potential whistleblowers to raise concerns with confidence.
Today’s report calls on the wider government to do more to understand the experience of whistleblowers and to act where whistleblowers suffer detriment.
This is the NAO’s third report on whistleblowing. The first reviewed whistleblowing policies from 39 bodies, including its own, against good practice. The second focused on how organizations provide the best conditions to encourage people to come forward.
One of the principle conclusions of today’s NAO investigation is that more needs to be done to reduce the gap between the actions of prescribed persons and whistleblowers’ expectations, whilst recognizing that it is unlikely that the gap will ever be fully closed. Sir Robert Francis, in publishing his recent independent review, noted the challenges in encouraging whistleblowers to speak up. Whistleblowers will on occasion continue to feel let down by the arrangements in place and this does not encourage potential whistleblowers to raise concerns with confidence.
Today’s report calls on the wider government to do more to understand the experience of whistleblowers and to act where whistleblowers suffer detriment.
This is the NAO’s third report on whistleblowing. The first reviewed whistleblowing policies from 39 bodies, including its own, against good practice. The second focused on how organizations provide the best conditions to encourage people to come forward.
ICT service launches whistleblowing tool
ICT service launches whistleblowing tool Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Luton ICT Services has launched a feedback tool that it says provides a simple, anonymous solution for NHS staff and patients to report concerns about the way services are run. E-Health Insider
Workforce supplement: The benefits of specialist nurses
Workforce supplement: The benefits of specialist nurses Six reasons why specialist nurses in advanced practice should be on your agenda. Health Service Journal
Longer sleep linked to stroke
Longer sleep linked to stroke “Too much sleep could kill you,” is the baseless and needlessly alarmist headline on the front cover of today’s Daily Express.
The study it is reporting on actually showed that people who sleep for more than eight hours a night had a 46% increased risk of stroke over the following 10 years, compared with people sleeping six to eight hours.
While these results certainly warrant further investigation, it does not show that the increased sleep caused strokes, let alone death.
The study it is reporting on actually showed that people who sleep for more than eight hours a night had a 46% increased risk of stroke over the following 10 years, compared with people sleeping six to eight hours.
While these results certainly warrant further investigation, it does not show that the increased sleep caused strokes, let alone death.
Consultation supports stronger GMC sanctions against failing doctors
Consultation supports stronger GMC sanctions against failing doctors Strong support for proposals to improve patient protection and public confidence in doctors. OnMedica
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Government rejected proposals for four-hour waits for mental health emergencies
Government rejected proposals for four-hour waits for mental health emergencies The government rejected proposals to guarantee that NHS mental health teams would respond to emergencies within four hours because it didn't know how much it would cost to make sure services could meet the target. Community Care
Maternity care should be one-to-one, says UK watchdog
Maternity care should be one-to-one, says UK watchdog Institute’s guidelines for the NHS welcomed by Royal College of Midwives as political parties urged to include them in manifestos.
Women giving birth should have one-to-one care with a midwife, a health watchdog has said.
Backed up by the Royal College of Midwives, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(Nice) has produced a guideline advising the NHS to ensure there is always one midwife to each new mother. Continue reading... The Guardian
Women giving birth should have one-to-one care with a midwife, a health watchdog has said.
Backed up by the Royal College of Midwives, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(Nice) has produced a guideline advising the NHS to ensure there is always one midwife to each new mother. Continue reading... The Guardian
George Osborne must protect the social care budget or the NHS will suffer
George Osborne must protect the social care budget or the NHS will suffer The chancellor should invest in the care and support that helps keep people out of hospital.
No one wants to see their elderly mum or dad or sick neighbour suffer but this is exactly what is happening in health and social care. While social care remains chronically underfunded, the support elderly and disabled people rely upon will continue to suffer and deteriorate. Another care crisis, like the one we saw this winter, will become an unavoidable reality all year around, the vulnerable will not get the care they deserve and the NHS will remain under pressure.
This is why it is vital that the chancellor uses next month’s budget to protect social care funding in the same way it is doing with spending on the NHS. We know there is less money in the system for everyone, but council and health leaders all recognise that it’s a false economy to only protect one part of the system – investing money and protecting funding for the NHS while forcing councils to cut already stretched social care budgets. Continue reading... The Guardian
No one wants to see their elderly mum or dad or sick neighbour suffer but this is exactly what is happening in health and social care. While social care remains chronically underfunded, the support elderly and disabled people rely upon will continue to suffer and deteriorate. Another care crisis, like the one we saw this winter, will become an unavoidable reality all year around, the vulnerable will not get the care they deserve and the NHS will remain under pressure.
This is why it is vital that the chancellor uses next month’s budget to protect social care funding in the same way it is doing with spending on the NHS. We know there is less money in the system for everyone, but council and health leaders all recognise that it’s a false economy to only protect one part of the system – investing money and protecting funding for the NHS while forcing councils to cut already stretched social care budgets. Continue reading... The Guardian
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Evidence for leadership in health care
Evidence for leadership in health care The delivery of clinical care is based on careful research to determine the most effective way of providing care for patients. At the same time the NHS spends huge amounts on leadership development without a clear understanding of what kind of leadership and leadership development has most impact on patient outcomes.
I have spent the past two years undertaking a review of the evidence on leadership and outcomes, with a particular focus on what is known about leadership in health care. The findings are published today as Leadership and leadership development in health care: the evidence base.
I have spent the past two years undertaking a review of the evidence on leadership and outcomes, with a particular focus on what is known about leadership in health care. The findings are published today as Leadership and leadership development in health care: the evidence base.
Public attitudes to the NHS
Public attitudes to the NHS This report analyses the results of a series of questions about the NHS that were included in the 2014 British Social Attitudes Survey, undertaken by NatCen Social Research. The survey took place in late summer/early autumn 2014 and 2,878 adults from across Great Britain were surveyed. The Health Foundation
Guidance: NHS Energy Efficiency Fund report
Guidance: NHS Energy Efficiency Fund report The aim of the NHS Energy Efficiency Fund is to reduce NHS estate operating costs. This is done by investing in selected energy efficiency projects and then reinvesting any savings back into frontline care. Department of Health
NHS and Department of Health investigations into Jimmy Savile
NHS and Department of Health investigations into Jimmy Savile The reports into the activities of Jimmy Savile in relation to hospitals/hospice premises have been published by the relevant hospital trusts - 44 reports have been published: 28 in June 2014 and 16 in February 2015. Department of Health
Hospital inpatient care: almost 900 more admissions per day compared to previous year
Hospital inpatient care: almost 900 more admissions per day compared to previous year HSCIC releases new detailed data on Admitted Patient Care and Maternity. Health and Social Care Information Centre
'Game changer' HIV drug cuts infection risk by 86%
'Game changer' HIV drug cuts infection risk by 86% "Scientists hail discovery of 'game-changer' that cuts the risk of infection among gay men by 86%," The Independent reports. The drug, Truvada, has proved very successful in a "real-world" trial involving 545 participants.
Truvada is currently used as part of a treatment plan for people with HIV. It stops the virus from replicating, which helps protect the immune system.
Researchers wanted to see if it could also prevent the infection taking hold in the first place and have now presented initial results at a conference.
They recruited gay men, other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who were HIV negative and at high risk of HIV infection from 13 sexual health clinics in England. They randomly assigned them to either immediately start taking Truvada each day, or to wait and start taking it 12 months later.
The researchers also wanted to see if taking the medication made people more likely to increase their sexual risk-taking behaviour because they thought they were protected.
It is reported that both groups had the same rate of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), an indication that sexual risk-taking did not change. The incidence of HIV infection in their first year of the study was much smaller in the Truvada group, at three people compared to 19 in the group who had to wait for a year before starting taking Truvada.
Truvada is currently used as part of a treatment plan for people with HIV. It stops the virus from replicating, which helps protect the immune system.
Researchers wanted to see if it could also prevent the infection taking hold in the first place and have now presented initial results at a conference.
They recruited gay men, other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who were HIV negative and at high risk of HIV infection from 13 sexual health clinics in England. They randomly assigned them to either immediately start taking Truvada each day, or to wait and start taking it 12 months later.
The researchers also wanted to see if taking the medication made people more likely to increase their sexual risk-taking behaviour because they thought they were protected.
It is reported that both groups had the same rate of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), an indication that sexual risk-taking did not change. The incidence of HIV infection in their first year of the study was much smaller in the Truvada group, at three people compared to 19 in the group who had to wait for a year before starting taking Truvada.
Exclusive: NHS England set to miss dementia diagnosis target
Exclusive: NHS England set to miss dementia diagnosis target NHS England is unlikely to meet its 67% target for diagnosing patients with dementia, analysis by GP has found. GP Online
Nearly one third of NHS staff would not feel safe whistleblowing over unsafe care
Nearly one third of NHS staff would not feel safe whistleblowing over unsafe care Meanwhile fewer staff were satisfied enough with standard of care to recommend it to a patient or friend. OnMedica
Strong support for proposals to improve patient protection and public confidence in doctors
Strong support for proposals to improve patient protection and public confidence in doctors A major consultation by the General Medical Council (GMC) has found strong support for proposals to deal with the small number of doctors who put patients at significant risk or cause them harm. General Medical Council
GP shortages don't need to be filled from outside EU, say migration experts
GP shortages don't need to be filled from outside EU, say migration experts Migration committee says medical students should get incentives to become GPs rather than consultants and denies there is shortage of nurses.
Shortages of GPs in Britain do not need to be met by further recruitment of overseas doctors from outside Europe, the government’s official migration advisers have said.
They also rejected claims there is a national shortage of nurses that needs to be met by further overseas recruitment. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Shortages of GPs in Britain do not need to be met by further recruitment of overseas doctors from outside Europe, the government’s official migration advisers have said.
They also rejected claims there is a national shortage of nurses that needs to be met by further overseas recruitment. Continue reading... The Guardian
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- RCGP anger as overseas GP recruitment ruled out despite workforce crisis GP Online
- "Nursing shortage is very real", RCN tells Migration Advisory Committee Royal College of Nursing
How an overlooked workforce is key to rescuing the NHS
How an overlooked workforce is key to rescuing the NHS Allied health professionals are well primed to address key challenges facing health and social care.
Their numbers have grown by a third since 2002 and they now make up about 6% of the NHS workforce. They already deliver the prevention, public health services and integrated out-of-hospital care that NHS England’s Five Year Forward View and the health service financial sustainability agenda are crying out for.
They are the allied health professionals (AHPs): occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics, prosthetists and others – who, according to a landmark investigation by the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation, are well primed to address the key challenges facing health and care. Yet, the same research also says, their contribution to the NHS is obscured. Continue reading... The Guardian
Their numbers have grown by a third since 2002 and they now make up about 6% of the NHS workforce. They already deliver the prevention, public health services and integrated out-of-hospital care that NHS England’s Five Year Forward View and the health service financial sustainability agenda are crying out for.
They are the allied health professionals (AHPs): occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics, prosthetists and others – who, according to a landmark investigation by the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation, are well primed to address the key challenges facing health and care. Yet, the same research also says, their contribution to the NHS is obscured. Continue reading... The Guardian
Manchester plan for 'joined-up' NHS and social care could go national
Manchester plan for 'joined-up' NHS and social care could go national A ground-breaking plan to devolve the £6bn NHS and social care budget in Greater Manchester to the region’s councils and health bodies could become the model for many parts of England. The Independent
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See also:
- Discussions in Greater Manchester around a new partnership for health and social care are underway NHS England
- Our response to the proposed new partnership for health and social care in Greater Manchester The King's Fund
- RCN responds to discussions of devolved health and social care in Greater Manchester Royal College of Nursing
- Greater Manchester: The start of something big? BBC News Can the city of Manchester save the NHS? The Daily Telegraph
- IT issues for Manchester NHS devolution E-Health Insider
- Council holding health budget for Manchester could mean further reorganisation, GPs warn GP Online
- Manchester CCGs back plans to devolve £6bn NHS budget GP Online
- Greater Manchester councils to control £6bn of health spending - report The Guardian
- Q&A: NHS budget plans for Greater Manchester The Independent
- Devolution: Now Greater Manchester gets control of its entire £6bn NHS budget Manchester Evening News
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
Ground-breaking new service empowers public in Northamptonshire to take part in vital dementia research
Ground-breaking new service empowers public in Northamptonshire to take part in vital dementia research A new nationwide online and telephone service that helps people to take part in dementia research studies launches across Northamptonshire today (24 Feb 2015). Join Dementia Research promises to accelerate the pace of dementia research by allowing people with and without dementia to register their interest in studies, helping researchers to find the right participants at the right time. Join Dementia Research is a collaboration between the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland and has been funded by the Department of Health.
Dementia affects over 850,000 people in the UK, with 25 million of the UK population having a close friend or family member affected. A new national poll has shown that almost two thirds of the general public (62%) would be willing to take part in dementia research, but more than four out of five people (81%) wouldn’t know how to volunteer. Join Dementia Research is designed to overcome these barriers and give everyone the opportunity to play a role in changing the outlook for people with dementia now and in the future.
Widower blames wife’s death on Northampton General Hospital’s failure to pick up hip fracture
Widower blames wife’s death on Northampton General Hospital’s failure to pick up hip fracture A widower believes his wife would have survived had Northampton General Hospital doctors diagnosed her fractured hip sooner in the run up to her death. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Ambulance service for Northamptonshire lost 80,000 hours of service due to staff sickness
Ambulance service for Northamptonshire lost 80,000 hours of service due to staff sickness East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) is discussing ways to cover sickness absence after losing more than 80,000 hours last year due to increased staff illness. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The battle over NHS reform: many shades of grey
The battle over NHS reform: many shades of grey When we published an audit of the coalition’s health reforms recently, we expected it to generate plenty of interest as health has become such a central and bitterly fought issue in this election – we were not disappointed.
It’s great that our analysis was read and discussed by so many people. But for an organisation that prides itself on objectivity, it was just as important to us that most who commented in public or wrote to us privately felt that the report was fair, accurate and balanced. The main political parties could all find things to complain about and things that they could draw on to support their cause.
It’s great that our analysis was read and discussed by so many people. But for an organisation that prides itself on objectivity, it was just as important to us that most who commented in public or wrote to us privately felt that the report was fair, accurate and balanced. The main political parties could all find things to complain about and things that they could draw on to support their cause.
The wisdom of the crowd: what do people think about the NHS?
The wisdom of the crowd: what do people think about the NHS? When it comes to the public’s views of the NHS, what do we know, and what’s new? Ben Gershlick investigates. The Health Foundation
Press release: Under 18 conception rate continues to fall in England
Press release: Under 18 conception rate continues to fall in England Public Health England (PHE) welcomes new figures showing the conception rate among under 18 year olds dropped by 12.3% to 24.3 per 1000 in 2013, the lowest since records began. The under 16 conception rate for 2013 is 4.8 per 1000 females aged 13 to 15, a 14.3% reduction from 2012.
Since 1998, the under 18 conception rate has decreased by 47.9% - with reductions of over 60% in some top tier local authorities in England during this period. However, there remain significant variations in the under 18 conception rate across the country with the rate in some areas significantly higher than the England average.
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Since 1998, the under 18 conception rate has decreased by 47.9% - with reductions of over 60% in some top tier local authorities in England during this period. However, there remain significant variations in the under 18 conception rate across the country with the rate in some areas significantly higher than the England average.
See also:
- Teenage pregnancies hit record low BBC News
- Pregnant at 16? Who’d want that on their CV? The Daily Telegraph
NHS Staff Survey 2014 findings published
NHS Staff Survey 2014 findings published The 2014 NHS Staff Survey findings show growing pressure on those working in the NHS, but also that the vast majority of staff remain positive about their work and the service they provide. NHS Employers
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See also:
- 2014 NHS Staff Survey Results Picker Institute
- RCN responds to 2014 NHS staff survey for England Royal College of Nursing
Promoting better integration of health information systems: best practices and challenges
Promoting better integration of health information systems: best practices and challenges This report looks at how to promote better integration of health information systems. To understand what better integration means from a pragmatic perspective, experts from 13 EU member states were interviewed and the results combined with the findings from a literature search. World Health Organisation
The future of out of hours GP care
The future of out of hours GP care This report examines out of hours services contracting and argues that the regulations for awarding contracts should be clarified, and legislative changes made if necessary, to enable practices or groups of practices to take back their out of hours service without having to go through a competitive tender. It also raises concerns that, despite efforts by GPs, patients have a low level of awareness about the availability of their local GP out of hours service. Royal College of General Practitioners
Councils 'to control £6bn NHS budget'
Councils 'to control £6bn NHS budget' The £6bn health and social care budget for Greater Manchester will be taken over by councils under devolved NHS powers, it is understood. BBC News
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NHS 'must step in' over Avastin row
NHS 'must step in' over Avastin row Doctors call on health ministers and NHS England to intervene to make a drug called Avastin routinely available to patients with a debilitating eye condition known as wet AMD. BBC News
Trusts told of cut tech fund 2 awards
Trusts told of cut tech fund 2 awards NHS England's second technology fund has been cut by nearly £200 million, with only one-fifth of bidders to receive any money, EHI News has exclusively learned. E-Health Insider
Peanut butter for non-allergic babies may reduce later allergies
Peanut butter for non-allergic babies may reduce later allergies "The cure for peanut allergy – peanuts, from the age of four months," says The Guardian.
This is dangerous headline advice, potentially leading parents to think they can simply give peanuts to an allergic child and cure them. This is irresponsible. Parents are also advised not to give peanuts – or any whole nuts – to children under the age of five, because of the risk of choking.
There are ongoing trials to assess whether medically supervised gradual introduction to peanut protein can help children with a peanut allergy – but the study on which the headline is based did not do this. It looked at whether foods containing peanuts, such as peanut butter, may play a role in helping to reduce the risk of children developing a peanut allergy.
This is dangerous headline advice, potentially leading parents to think they can simply give peanuts to an allergic child and cure them. This is irresponsible. Parents are also advised not to give peanuts – or any whole nuts – to children under the age of five, because of the risk of choking.
There are ongoing trials to assess whether medically supervised gradual introduction to peanut protein can help children with a peanut allergy – but the study on which the headline is based did not do this. It looked at whether foods containing peanuts, such as peanut butter, may play a role in helping to reduce the risk of children developing a peanut allergy.
Fewer people taking long-term sick leave
Fewer people taking long-term sick leave Mild to moderate mental health issues responsible for more sick leave since ‘fit note’. OnMedica
Future of the NHS workforce: from nail cutters to doctors' assistants
Future of the NHS workforce: from nail cutters to doctors' assistants
UK health service may be one of the world’s biggest employers, but it must adapt to keep pace with the future patient demographic
The NHS employs about 1.6 million people, which puts it on to the list of the world’s top five biggest employers, rubbing shoulders with the US Department of Defence and China’s People’s Liberation Army. In England alone the NHS has 1.3 million staff working in 300 different roles on the payroll of 1,000 different employers. That 1.3 million includes 111,000 hospital doctors, 356,000 nurses, midwives and health visitors, 37,000 managers, 40,000 GPs and a clinical support workforce of 359,000, according to the Health and Social Care Information Centre.
The figures illustrate the challenges the NHS faces in keeping the right number of people with the right skills in the right place to deliver today’s services. But they also highlight the scale of those challenges to ensure that the workforce keeps pace with the future patient demographic, such as an increasing older population, and developments in clinical practice and science, like genomics, which have the potential to revolutionise the way healthcare is delivered. Continue reading... The Guardian
UK health service may be one of the world’s biggest employers, but it must adapt to keep pace with the future patient demographic
The NHS employs about 1.6 million people, which puts it on to the list of the world’s top five biggest employers, rubbing shoulders with the US Department of Defence and China’s People’s Liberation Army. In England alone the NHS has 1.3 million staff working in 300 different roles on the payroll of 1,000 different employers. That 1.3 million includes 111,000 hospital doctors, 356,000 nurses, midwives and health visitors, 37,000 managers, 40,000 GPs and a clinical support workforce of 359,000, according to the Health and Social Care Information Centre.
The figures illustrate the challenges the NHS faces in keeping the right number of people with the right skills in the right place to deliver today’s services. But they also highlight the scale of those challenges to ensure that the workforce keeps pace with the future patient demographic, such as an increasing older population, and developments in clinical practice and science, like genomics, which have the potential to revolutionise the way healthcare is delivered. Continue reading... The Guardian
Coalition sneaking out regulations to speed up NHS privatisation, Labour says
Coalition sneaking out regulations to speed up NHS privatisation, Labour says Shadow health secretary says rules forcing NHS contracts worth over £625,000 to be put out to tender were tabled on last day before parliamentary recess
Labour has accused the government of trying to sneak out legislation to accelerate the privatisation of NHS services.
Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, said regulations tabled in parliament on 6 February without any government announcement would force all contracts worth more than £625,000 to be put out to tender. Continue reading... The Guardian
Labour has accused the government of trying to sneak out legislation to accelerate the privatisation of NHS services.
Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, said regulations tabled in parliament on 6 February without any government announcement would force all contracts worth more than £625,000 to be put out to tender. Continue reading... The Guardian
Tory MP calls for NHS to use astrology to treat patients and take pressure off doctors
Tory MP calls for NHS to use astrology to treat patients and take pressure off doctors Conservative MP David Tredinnick has called for the NHS to use astrology to help treat patients. The Independent
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Tuesday, 24 February 2015
University of Northampton and Northampton General Hospital join forces for foot pain research project
University of Northampton and Northampton General Hospital join forces for foot pain research project
A two-year research study into pain in the big toe joint is being carried out by a team from the University of Northampton and Northampton General Hospital. Northants Herald and Post
A two-year research study into pain in the big toe joint is being carried out by a team from the University of Northampton and Northampton General Hospital. Northants Herald and Post
Going home alone Counting the cost to older people and the NHS
Going home alone Counting the cost to older people and the NHS Royal Voluntary Service’s research found that over a quarter of patients who were readmitted within three months had not felt ready to go home at initial discharge, compared to only 5% of people who had not been readmitted within three months. The research also showed that the number of people saying they had support needs which were not met was higher amongst those who were readmitted.
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- Support fears 'delay' NHS discharges BBC News
Love 'em or loathe 'em, NHS targets are here to stay
Love 'em or loathe 'em, NHS targets are here to stay Targets in some form are likely to be with us for the foreseeable future and we won’t help ourselves if we don’t at least try to learn from past successes and failures in how targets have been approached, says Tim Gardner. The Health Foundation
Population health systems: going beyond integrated care
Population health systems: going beyond integrated care Integrated care has become a key focus of health service reform in England in recent years, as a response to fragmentation within the NHS and social care system. Yet efforts to integrate care services have rarely extended into a concern for the broader health of local populations and the impact of the wider determinants of health. This is a missed opportunity. This paper aims to challenge those involved in integrated care and public health to ‘join up the dots’, seeing integrated care as part of a broader shift away from fragmentation towards an approach focused on improving population health. The King's Fund
VIDEO: The smart bandage treating wounds
VIDEO: The smart bandage treating wounds Dan Simmons looks at the medical devices of the future. BBC News
Hospital 'black alerts' extended
Hospital 'black alerts' extended "Black alerts" in hospitals have been extended across south-west England showing services are overwhelmed by demand, NHS bosses say. BBC News
Many deaths of mentally ill in custody 'avoidable'
Many deaths of mentally ill in custody 'avoidable' “Hundreds of deaths in mental health units ‘were avoidable’,” says a report on the front page of today’s Independent. The Guardian highlights 662 mentally ill detainee deaths from 2010 to 2013.
Both stories follow an inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into the deaths of people with mental health conditions while detained in police custody, prisons or psychiatric hospitals.
The inquiry looked at whether people who were detained had been treated correctly according to EHRC guidelines. The inquiry focused on two basic rights: the right to life and the right to non-discrimination.
Over the period 2010 to 2013, there were 367 deaths from non-natural causes of adults with mental health conditions while detained in psychiatric wards and police custody. A further 295 adults died in prison, many of whom had mental health conditions.
The inquiry identified many areas of concern, including a lack of information sharing between professionals, insufficient involvement of family members, inappropriate use of restraint, and failure to learn from past incidents.
Both stories follow an inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into the deaths of people with mental health conditions while detained in police custody, prisons or psychiatric hospitals.
The inquiry looked at whether people who were detained had been treated correctly according to EHRC guidelines. The inquiry focused on two basic rights: the right to life and the right to non-discrimination.
Over the period 2010 to 2013, there were 367 deaths from non-natural causes of adults with mental health conditions while detained in psychiatric wards and police custody. A further 295 adults died in prison, many of whom had mental health conditions.
The inquiry identified many areas of concern, including a lack of information sharing between professionals, insufficient involvement of family members, inappropriate use of restraint, and failure to learn from past incidents.
Meet the Spanish nurses desperate for a job in the NHS
Meet the Spanish nurses desperate for a job in the NHS
Despite a creaking health system at home, lack of jobs means graduates are flocking to interviews in the UK. But for many, language skills are the highest hurdle
Résumés tightly in hand, the group of young nursing graduates nervously compared their English as they waited to be called for interview. Few had ever left Spain, and only one had been to Britain. But if all went well, they would walk out of the hotel in the centre of Madrid with an NHS nursing job in a hospital near London.
“The situation in Spain is terrible. If you want to work as a nurse, you have to leave the country,” said one candidate, José, who declined to give his surname. He had travelled six hours by train to attend the interviews. “Why not leave? Our future is now other countries.”
I wouldn’t want to work in England without perfect English. What happens when you administer dangerous medications? Continue reading... The Guardian
Despite a creaking health system at home, lack of jobs means graduates are flocking to interviews in the UK. But for many, language skills are the highest hurdle
Résumés tightly in hand, the group of young nursing graduates nervously compared their English as they waited to be called for interview. Few had ever left Spain, and only one had been to Britain. But if all went well, they would walk out of the hotel in the centre of Madrid with an NHS nursing job in a hospital near London.
“The situation in Spain is terrible. If you want to work as a nurse, you have to leave the country,” said one candidate, José, who declined to give his surname. He had travelled six hours by train to attend the interviews. “Why not leave? Our future is now other countries.”
I wouldn’t want to work in England without perfect English. What happens when you administer dangerous medications? Continue reading... The Guardian
Revealed: £15bn hidden cost of eating disorders
Revealed: £15bn hidden cost of eating disorders Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia cost the country more than £15bn a year, according to the first analysis of the financial effects of the problems. The Independent
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Monday, 23 February 2015
Practice threatened with breach notice after closing list to protect patient safety
Practice threatened with breach notice after closing list to protect patient safety A Northamptonshire practice has been told it is in breach of contract after it followed BMA guidance and informally closed its list to protect patient safety. GP Online
NHS £50 per head shortfall in south Northamptonshire
NHS £50 per head shortfall in south Northamptonshire Next year’s NHS budget in southern Northamptonshire will increase, but will still leave each person £50 worse off than health bosses need. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Why our NHS should listen and be human: this is what the public are telling us
Why our NHS should listen and be human: this is what the public are telling us This report highlights that far too many patients are still experiencing unacceptable standards of care within the health and social care system. It includes patient stories and experiences of care within the NHS to illustrate the gap between patient experience and the commitments of the NHS Constitution. The Patients Association
Deaths in detention of hundreds of people with mental health conditions could have been avoided, new Inquiry finds
Deaths in detention of hundreds of people with mental health conditions could have been avoided, new Inquiry finds Repeated basic errors, a failure to learn lessons and a lack of rigorous systems and procedures have contributed to the non-natural deaths of hundreds of people with mental health conditions detained in psychiatric hospitals, prisons and police cells in England and Wales, according to a major new Inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
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- Preventing Deaths in Detention of Adults with Mental Health Conditions: An Inquiry Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Deaths in detention 'avoidable' BBC News
- Hospital psychiatric detainees more at risk of preventable death The Guardian
Creating stronger relationships between managers and clinicians
Creating stronger relationships between managers and clinicians Tension between managers and clinicians in healthcare remains a significant area for concern and needs to be addressed in the interests of improving patient care, according to the Institute of Health Management.
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- IHM calls for action to close divide between managers and clinicians Institute of Health Management
- Action needed to reduce tensions between clinicians and managers OnMedica
VIDEO: Tackling FGM's poor prosecution rate
VIDEO: Tackling FGM's poor prosecution rate BBC Inside Out investigates why there have been no successful prosecutions for female genital mutilation even though it has been a criminal offence in Britain for 30 years.
Dementia research to receive £300m
Dementia research to receive £300m More than £300m is to be spent by the government on research into dementia, Prime Minister David Cameron announces. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Guidance: Prime Minister's challenge on dementia 2020 Department of Health
- Press release: PM launches next phase of Britain’s fight against dementia Department of Health
- David Cameron announces dementia training for all NHS staff The Guardian
- Dementia research to get over £300m as all NHS staff to be given training in the condition The Independent
A&E waits worsen across England
A&E waits worsen across England Accident and Emergency performance in England's NHS hospitals has dipped slightly in the latest weekly figures. BBC News
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- Winter health check – 20 February 2015 NHS England
Exclusive: Huge gaps in GP enhanced service income revealed
Exclusive: Huge gaps in GP enhanced service income revealed GP practices now earn less than £4.50 per patient on average from local enhanced services, according to official data that reveal for the first time the huge variation in primary care funding across England. GP Online
NHS foundation trusts in 'alarming' financial difficulties with deficit of £321 million
NHS foundation trusts in 'alarming' financial difficulties with deficit of £321 million NHS foundation trusts have an “alarming” reported deficit of £321 million – which is five times more than planned, a health regulator has said. The Independent
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See also:
- NHS foundation trusts deficit rises BBC News
- Our response to Monitor's quarterly report on the performance of NHS foundation trusts The King's Fund
- News story: NHS foundation trusts tackle rising patient demand Monitor
- Research and analysis: NHS foundation trusts: quarterly performance report (quarter 3, 2014/15) Monitor
Britain's flying doctors asked to come home
Britain's flying doctors asked to come home The NHS is embarking on a recruitment drive to bring home doctors who have left the UK to find a better work-life balance in Australia, New Zealand and other countries. The Independent
Friday, 20 February 2015
Massive changes to frontline services in Northamptonshire announced during budget
Massive changes to frontline services in Northamptonshire announced during budget Massive changes to frontline services run by Northamptonshire County Council have been agreed at a budget meeting at County Hall in Northampton. Northamptonshire Telegraph
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- Council to outsource all services BBC Northampton
- Biggest shake up of Northamptonshire County Council for 125 years is approved Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Let’s start promoting wellbeing, not just treating illness
Let’s start promoting wellbeing, not just treating illness We need to start seizing the opportunities to promote wellbeing collaboratively – between us, our communities and our health service, says Natalie Koussa. The Health Foundation
A problem shared? Essays on the integration of health and social care
A problem shared? Essays on the integration of health and social care This essay collection discusses how we can develop a system that responds to the needs of a patient in the round – whether in hospital or at home. With contributions from leading politicians, experts and those on the front line, the collection sets out views on the future role of commissioners, providers, patients and family carers, and sets out alternative perspectives on future funding for the NHS and social care. Our assistant director, Richard Humphries, contributed an essay on funding a future health and social care service. Social Market Foundation
Rationing in the NHS
Rationing in the NHS This briefing paper looks at what public attitudes to rationing and policy-setting are; how rationing decisions are currently made and how much explicit rationing there is; how NICE and the Cancer Drugs Fund are working; and how much money rationing can save. The Nuffield Trust
Staff engagement: six building blocks for harnessing the creativity and enthusiasm of NHS staff
Staff engagement: six building blocks for harnessing the creativity and enthusiasm of NHS staff There is now an overwhelming body of evidence to show that engaged staff deliver better health care. Trusts with more engaged staff tend to have lower levels of patient mortality, make better use of resources, and have stronger financial performance and higher patient satisfaction, with more patients reporting that they were treated with dignity and respect. This paper encourages boards and other leaders to focus on staff engagement and suggests a number of questions boards can ask to assess their organisation’s level of staff engagement. The King's Fund
Methods for the estimation of the NICE cost effectiveness threshold
Methods for the estimation of the NICE cost effectiveness threshold Cost-effectiveness analysis used by NICE is essentially an assessment of whether the health expected to be gained from the use of a new medical technology exceeds the health likely to be forgone as other NHS activities are displaced to accommodate the additional costs of the new technology. The cost-effectiveness threshold represents an estimate of the health forgone as services are displaced. Currently the threshold used by NICE has little empirical basis. The aim of this research project is to develop and to demonstrate methods for threshold estimation which make best use of routinely available NHS data, allowing scrutiny by a range of stakeholders, improving accountability and predictability. Centre for Health Economics, University of York
Patients face fines on free scripts
Patients face fines on free scripts Patients with life-long conditions are being fined up to £100 for taking their free prescriptions, the BBC has discovered. BBC News
Priority call on child mental health
Priority call on child mental health Child mental health services in England must be prioritised more to tackle the complex problems they face, a leaked draft taskforce report says. BBC News
Resistant-malaria 'enormous threat'
Resistant-malaria 'enormous threat' Drug-resistant malaria has spread in Myanmar and has now reached the border with India, scientists report. BBC News
'Unsafe' trust in special measures
'Unsafe' trust in special measures The mental health trust for Norfolk and Suffolk is the first in England to be put in special measures. BBC News
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'Sick-note' culture to be stamped out under radical new scheme
'Sick-note' culture to be stamped out under radical new scheme Anyone ill for more than four weeks will face a fit-for-work test in a radical new scheme aimed at stamping out the “sick-note culture” which costs the economy billions of pounds each year.
All GPs will be expected to refer patients to a company that will assess their ability to work and draw up a plan for their return. The Daily Telegraph
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All GPs will be expected to refer patients to a company that will assess their ability to work and draw up a plan for their return. The Daily Telegraph
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Barts Health chief executive and chief nurse resign
Barts Health chief executive and chief nurse resign News of departures of Peter Morris and Prof Kay Riley comes a fortnight after trust reported £93m deficit.
The chief executive and chief nurse of Barts Health NHS trust in London have announced their resignations, a fortnight after the trust reported a £93m deficit.
Peter Morris has been chief executive for six years, while Prof Kay Riley has been at Barts for eight years. Last summer Barts’ deficit was expected to be around £44m, but on 5 February it was announced that it had more than doubled. Continue reading... The Guardian
The chief executive and chief nurse of Barts Health NHS trust in London have announced their resignations, a fortnight after the trust reported a £93m deficit.
Peter Morris has been chief executive for six years, while Prof Kay Riley has been at Barts for eight years. Last summer Barts’ deficit was expected to be around £44m, but on 5 February it was announced that it had more than doubled. Continue reading... The Guardian
The learning disabled should live in the community, not under lock and key
The learning disabled should live in the community, not under lock and key Three decades after the closure of long stay hospitals began, thousands of disabled people are still waiting to move into the community.
Last week we finally got the news that many of us have been hoping for: 3,000 people living in outdated and inappropriate Assessment and Treatment (A&T) units will be discharged. They will live where they belong, surrounded by their family and friends and in the community, with appropriate support.
The NHS has the power to close the 58 NHS operated A&T units, but not the 49 operated by the private sector. Continue reading... The Guardian
Last week we finally got the news that many of us have been hoping for: 3,000 people living in outdated and inappropriate Assessment and Treatment (A&T) units will be discharged. They will live where they belong, surrounded by their family and friends and in the community, with appropriate support.
The NHS has the power to close the 58 NHS operated A&T units, but not the 49 operated by the private sector. Continue reading... The Guardian
Increasing levels of suicide among men are linked to austerity
Increasing levels of suicide among men are linked to austerity More men are taking their own life than at any time since 2001, with the highest suicide rates occurring in deprived areas amid growing evidence of the link between austerity and suicide. The Independent
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See also:
- Suicides in the United Kingdom, 2013 Registrations Office for National Statistics
- Policy paper: Suicide prevention: second annual report Department of Health
- Suicide in men 'highest since 2001' BBC News
- Rise of middle-aged suicide in men: 45 to 59 year olds most likely to take their own lives with 'heavy drinking, self-harm and a refusal to seek help often to blame The Daily Mail
- Why are so many middle-aged men committing suicide? The Daily Telegraph
- Male suicide rate worst since 2001, ONS reveals The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Patient safety fear GP 'defies NHS'
Patient safety fear GP 'defies NHS' A doctor who stopped taking new patients because of "safety" concerns is continuing to do so, despite being told he is in breach of his NHS contract.BBC Northampton
Implementing the NHS five year forward view: aligning policies with the plan
Implementing the NHS five year forward view: aligning policies with the plan This paper calls for fundamental changes to how health services are commissioned, paid for and regulated to deliver the vision of the NHS five year forward view. The Forward View, published in 2014 by NHS England and other national bodies to broad approval, outlined how NHS services must change to move towards the care models required for the future. England, it argued, is too diverse for ‘one size fits all’ solutions. However, without significant changes to policy and new approaches to NHS leadership, this paper warns that the Forward View could suffer the same fate as many other NHS policy documents – and fail to deliver on its ambitions. It makes practical recommendations on what to do now to remove barriers to developing new care models and to support their implementation. Looking ahead, it argues that national leadership of the highest order will be needed to meet the challenges inherent in delivering these changes. The King's Fund
The emotional wellbeing of older carers
The emotional wellbeing of older carers This report, the second in a two part series, focusses on the findings on the subjective wellbeing of older carers.
The research finds that:
• Long term caregiving was associated with declines in quality of life and life satisfaction for carers, and an increased risk of depression.
• Giving up caregiving was associated with increased depression amongst both male and female carers.
The report addresses the wider context of these findings, highlighting how our ageing population could potentially lead to large increases in the number of older carers, with the number of carers over 65 already having risen by 35% since 2001. It also highlights the day-to-day realities faced by many older carers, including a high risk of emotional distress; the loss of friends, either because of a lack of time to socialise or because friends were unable to properly understand the constraints and strains of caring; and potential health risks. International Longevity centre UK
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The research finds that:
• Long term caregiving was associated with declines in quality of life and life satisfaction for carers, and an increased risk of depression.
• Giving up caregiving was associated with increased depression amongst both male and female carers.
The report addresses the wider context of these findings, highlighting how our ageing population could potentially lead to large increases in the number of older carers, with the number of carers over 65 already having risen by 35% since 2001. It also highlights the day-to-day realities faced by many older carers, including a high risk of emotional distress; the loss of friends, either because of a lack of time to socialise or because friends were unable to properly understand the constraints and strains of caring; and potential health risks. International Longevity centre UK
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NHS child mental health care pledge
NHS child mental health care pledge Parents of children with mental health problems in England will get more say on their care, says the NHS after a survey suggests major problems. BBC News
NHS England and Monitor set out new tariff option for providers for 2015/16
NHS England and Monitor set out new tariff option for providers for 2015/16 Simon Stevens, CEO of NHS England and David Bennett, CEO of Monitor have today written to providers of NHS-funded services setting out a new enhanced tariff option for 2015-16. It is worth up to £500m more to providers than the original package that was consulted on last November, which was prior to extra funding being made available to the NHS in December’s Autumn statement.
Details of the approach are set out in the below letter to providers, and a parallel letter from CCG leaders and Simon Stevens to CCG commissioners, also below.
Simon Stevens said “The NHS is looking for certainty about next year, and a constructive and shared approach to helping hospitals with the genuine pressures they’re facing. This new funding option offers that, without sacrificing critical new investments in primary and mental health services. In the round, it gives the NHS collectively our best chance of sustaining high quality services today, while also getting going on major efficiency improvements and the more fundamental changes in care set out in the Five Year Forward View.”
Details of the approach are set out in the below letter to providers, and a parallel letter from CCG leaders and Simon Stevens to CCG commissioners, also below.
Simon Stevens said “The NHS is looking for certainty about next year, and a constructive and shared approach to helping hospitals with the genuine pressures they’re facing. This new funding option offers that, without sacrificing critical new investments in primary and mental health services. In the round, it gives the NHS collectively our best chance of sustaining high quality services today, while also getting going on major efficiency improvements and the more fundamental changes in care set out in the Five Year Forward View.”
NHS 'paying too much for medicines'
NHS 'paying too much for medicines' The price the NHS agrees to pay for new medicines in England could cause more harm than good by depleting funds for other services, a report argues. BBC News
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NHS misses a year of cancer targets
NHS misses a year of cancer targets The NHS in England has repeatedly missed a key target for rapidly treating cancer patients, official figures for 2014 show. BBC News
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- Provider-based Cancer Waiting Times for Q3 2014-15 NHS England
- NHS England misses urgent cancer treatment target The Guardian
- NHS missed cancer waiting times targets throughout 2014 The Independent
Private health firms pocket £18 million a day - that's £6 billion in the last year - from the NHS budget
Private health firms pocket £18 million a day - that's £6 billion in the last year - from the NHS budget New figures from the Department of Health show that last year £6.6 billion was taken from the NHS coffers to pay private health providers - a 50 per cent rise from before the coalition took power. The Daily Mail
General election 2015: who’s promising what for the NHS?
General election 2015: who’s promising what for the NHS? It’s not just what the political parties are saying on health that marks them out, but how they’re saying it.
The emerging health policies for the main political parties reveal sharp differences in content and presentation - yet all three fail to offer a convincing plan for change.
Labour’s policy is laced with anti-private sector rhetoric and makes ambitious promises on everything from cancer tests to staff recruitment. The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, have allied themselves to NHS England’s Five Year Forward View by promising to meet the £8bn funding gap it identifies, while placing its health policies in the context of wider public sector reforms and increased local control. The Guardian
The emerging health policies for the main political parties reveal sharp differences in content and presentation - yet all three fail to offer a convincing plan for change.
Labour’s policy is laced with anti-private sector rhetoric and makes ambitious promises on everything from cancer tests to staff recruitment. The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, have allied themselves to NHS England’s Five Year Forward View by promising to meet the £8bn funding gap it identifies, while placing its health policies in the context of wider public sector reforms and increased local control. The Guardian
NHS England isn’t even pretending it will pilot the ‘new models of care’
NHS England isn’t even pretending it will pilot the ‘new models of care’ It’s good to know if a policy works before it is rolled out, yet NHS England doesn’t see the need to try out new projects as part of its Five Year Forward View.
Let’s run this one up the flagpole and see who salutes. The business world has its own approaches to trying out new ideas, and its own distinctive idioms for doing so. Public services pride themselves on more considered, scientific ways of establishing what works when it comes to spending the taxpayer pound.
But as the most ambitious benefit reform of the modern era gets the go-ahead after only limited piloting, it’s worth asking if such pride is really justified.
How will these models be assessed and what route will there be from vanguard to preferred option – or failed concept?
NHS England is avoiding the term 'pilot' for its new models of care, preferring 'early adopters' and 'first cohort' Continue reading... The Guardian
Let’s run this one up the flagpole and see who salutes. The business world has its own approaches to trying out new ideas, and its own distinctive idioms for doing so. Public services pride themselves on more considered, scientific ways of establishing what works when it comes to spending the taxpayer pound.
But as the most ambitious benefit reform of the modern era gets the go-ahead after only limited piloting, it’s worth asking if such pride is really justified.
How will these models be assessed and what route will there be from vanguard to preferred option – or failed concept?
NHS England is avoiding the term 'pilot' for its new models of care, preferring 'early adopters' and 'first cohort' Continue reading... The Guardian
HIV vaccine tests showing very positive results, researchers say
HIV vaccine tests showing very positive results, researchers say A new kind of vaccine has shown “striking” results in tests against HIV, raising hopes of a therapy to protect people from AIDS. The Independent
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- Radical HIV vaccine ploy raises hope BBC News
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
No further action over FGM arrest
No further action over FGM arrest A police inquiry into a woman arrested at Heathrow on suspicion of conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation is closed. BBC Northamptonshire
Tackling variation in care of patients with COPD
Tackling variation in care of patients with COPD Improving access to specialist care and smoking cessation support are among actions that can help reduce variation in the care of patients with COPD, according to a new report. NICE
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See also:
- National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Audit Programme Royal College of Physicians
Guidance: Raising awareness of needlestick injuries in healthcare settings
Guidance: Raising awareness of needlestick injuries in healthcare settings At the 5th POINTERS conference following a series of presentations relating to occupational exposures to bloodborne viruses, a discussion group session was held to explore the topic of ‘raising awareness of needlestick injuries in healthcare settings’. This visual report highlights the points raised during the session. Public Health England
NHS indicators: February 2015
NHS indicators: February 2015 This paper provides a range of summary statistical indicators for NHS England in the following areas: accident and emergency attendance and performance; ambulance call volume and response times; waiting times for routine treatment; waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment; cancelled operations; delayed transfers of care; diagnostic waiting times and activity; waiting times for mental health treatment; workforce numbers for doctors, nurses and other staff; hospital activity, referrals and admissions; and bed availability and occupancy. In each case, trends are given over several years. House of Commons Library
Call to snoop on antibiotic scripts
Call to snoop on antibiotic scripts Doctors should snoop on their colleagues to ensure they are not prescribing too many antibiotics, the NHS in England suggests. BBC News
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VIDEO: Frustrations of an NHS brain surgeon
VIDEO: Frustrations of an NHS brain surgeon Newsnight follows a veteran neurosurgeon for a day, witnessing his frustrations about the conditions in which he and his colleagues now work. BBC News
Power to the people on: whistleblowing in the 21st century
Power to the people on: whistleblowing in the 21st century Sir Robert Francis’ report on whistleblowing is focused on corporate action; and in the age of social media, that may not be the best way forward. E-Health Insider
Exclusive: Dementia diagnoses on rise after controversial DES introduced
Exclusive: Dementia diagnoses on rise after controversial DES introduced Tens of thousands more patients have been diagnosed with dementia following the introduction of a controversial GP incentive scheme to increase diagnosis rates, official data show. GP Online
Good communication is essential to successful integration of health and social care
Good communication is essential to successful integration of health and social care Integration will only become a reality if staff, service users and the public are fully informed and engaged with the proposed reforms.
Most people involved in delivering health and social care are committed to making integration happen. They know it’s a good thing and can see the benefits for care and for the people who use services. But like any complex reform involving multiple agencies, they often struggle to see what it actually means for them and what they need to do differently to make it happen. This has to change if integration is to become a reality and not just a pipe dream.
Better training, including joint training for social care and health staff, can help us to move forward. Pooled budgets, plus clear joint delivery and governance structures, involving those who lead both health and social care will also help. However, these changes alone will not be enough: communication and engagement with staff, people who use services and the public will play an essential role in the ultimate success of integration. Continue reading... The Guardian
Most people involved in delivering health and social care are committed to making integration happen. They know it’s a good thing and can see the benefits for care and for the people who use services. But like any complex reform involving multiple agencies, they often struggle to see what it actually means for them and what they need to do differently to make it happen. This has to change if integration is to become a reality and not just a pipe dream.
Better training, including joint training for social care and health staff, can help us to move forward. Pooled budgets, plus clear joint delivery and governance structures, involving those who lead both health and social care will also help. However, these changes alone will not be enough: communication and engagement with staff, people who use services and the public will play an essential role in the ultimate success of integration. Continue reading... The Guardian
Dementia research: Drug firms despair of finding cure and withdraw funding after catalogue of failures
Dementia research: Drug firms despair of finding cure and withdraw funding after catalogue of failures Drug companies are retreating from the search for a dementia cure after “repeated and costly failures” to develop a breakthrough drug, a major report has warned. The Independent
Tories accused of hiding 'totally shocking' report into NHS management
Tories accused of hiding 'totally shocking' report into NHS management A “totally shocking” report by one of the country’s most respected businessmen into how the NHS is being run must be published before the general election, MPs have said. The Independent
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Tuesday, 17 February 2015
Watchdog praise for staff at Northampton GP practice
Watchdog praise for staff at Northampton GP practice
An unannounced inspection of Virgin Care’s Lings Brook GP practice by Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors found the service was run well, saying it was well-equipped to treat its patients.
An unannounced inspection of Virgin Care’s Lings Brook GP practice by Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors found the service was run well, saying it was well-equipped to treat its patients.
Northampton Chronicle
Guidance on new mental health standards
Guidance on new mental health standards
It explains the case for change in four areas and sets out what’s expected of commissioners working with providers and other partners.
The guidance covers implementation of the new early intervention in psychosis and liaison mental health standards, the new IAPT standard for people with depression and anxiety disorders, and funding for services for people with eating disorders.
It explains the case for change in four areas and sets out what’s expected of commissioners working with providers and other partners.
The guidance covers implementation of the new early intervention in psychosis and liaison mental health standards, the new IAPT standard for people with depression and anxiety disorders, and funding for services for people with eating disorders.
NHS Networks
News story: New rules to improve overseas visitors’ contributions to NHS care
News story: New rules to improve overseas visitors’ contributions to NHS care
Overseas visitors who need healthcare while in England will soon be charged differently for using the NHS as part of efforts to recoup £500 million a year by 2017 to 2018.
From April, the way the NHS charges these visitors is being changed so that it does not lose out on income from migrants, visitors and former residents of the UK who have left, who should all pay for their care while in the country.
Within the UK, free NHS treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK.
The changes which come into effect from April will affect visitors and former UK residents differently, depending on where they now live.
Treatment in A&E departments and at GP surgeries will remain free for all.
Overseas visitors who need healthcare while in England will soon be charged differently for using the NHS as part of efforts to recoup £500 million a year by 2017 to 2018.
From April, the way the NHS charges these visitors is being changed so that it does not lose out on income from migrants, visitors and former residents of the UK who have left, who should all pay for their care while in the country.
Within the UK, free NHS treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK.
The changes which come into effect from April will affect visitors and former UK residents differently, depending on where they now live.
Treatment in A&E departments and at GP surgeries will remain free for all.
BMA tells politicians not to 'play games' with NHS
BMA tells politicians not to 'play games' with NHS
Doctors’ association begins election campaign by taking aim at all parties and saying health is number one issue
The British Medical Association has urged politicians to stop playing games with the NHS.
The BMA launched its general election campaign on Monday, with the chair, Mark Porter, calling for an open and honest public debate about securing the future of the NHS and an end to political game-playing with the nation’s health.
Doctors’ association begins election campaign by taking aim at all parties and saying health is number one issue
The British Medical Association has urged politicians to stop playing games with the NHS.
The BMA launched its general election campaign on Monday, with the chair, Mark Porter, calling for an open and honest public debate about securing the future of the NHS and an end to political game-playing with the nation’s health.
Detailed guidance for external assurance on quality reports 2014/15
Detailed guidance for external assurance on quality reports 2014/15
Monitor requires all NHS foundation trusts to produce reports on their quality of care (as part of their annual reports). This document sets out guidance for NHS foundation trusts and their auditors on how to carry out external checks on these reports.
Monitor requires all NHS foundation trusts to produce reports on their quality of care (as part of their annual reports). This document sets out guidance for NHS foundation trusts and their auditors on how to carry out external checks on these reports.
Scientists urge action on obesity in women to cut risks to babies
Scientists urge action on obesity in women to cut risks to babies
Children of obese mothers may be more likely to develop heart disease, have a stroke or develop type 2 diabetes, according to major European study
Urgent strategies are needed to prevent girls and young women becoming obese because of the damaging long-term consequences for themselves and their babies should they become pregnant, say scientists involved in a major European research project.
The children of obese mothers may be more likely to develop heart disease, have a stroke or develop type 2 diabetes, say researchers presenting the first results from the Dorian consortium, which is funded by the European commission and has been running for three years so far. Other researchers found that children of obese mothers may suffer mood disorders in adulthood.
Children of obese mothers may be more likely to develop heart disease, have a stroke or develop type 2 diabetes, according to major European study
Urgent strategies are needed to prevent girls and young women becoming obese because of the damaging long-term consequences for themselves and their babies should they become pregnant, say scientists involved in a major European research project.
The children of obese mothers may be more likely to develop heart disease, have a stroke or develop type 2 diabetes, say researchers presenting the first results from the Dorian consortium, which is funded by the European commission and has been running for three years so far. Other researchers found that children of obese mothers may suffer mood disorders in adulthood.
Super-strength 'skunk' cannabis linked to psychosis
Super-strength 'skunk' cannabis linked to psychosis
" 'Skunk-like cannabis' increases risk of psychosis, study suggests," BBC News reports after a new study found high-potency strains of "skunk" cannabis – infamous for both its strength and its pungent smell – could be linked to one in four cases of new-onset psychosis. Psychosis is a mental health condition characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
The study compared cannabis use patterns among 410 people from south London who attended hospital with a first episode of psychosis, and 370 people from the general population without the condition.
It found the daily use of cannabis was associated with an increased risk of psychosis, and use of high-potency cannabis was associated with a greater increase in risk.
" 'Skunk-like cannabis' increases risk of psychosis, study suggests," BBC News reports after a new study found high-potency strains of "skunk" cannabis – infamous for both its strength and its pungent smell – could be linked to one in four cases of new-onset psychosis. Psychosis is a mental health condition characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
The study compared cannabis use patterns among 410 people from south London who attended hospital with a first episode of psychosis, and 370 people from the general population without the condition.
It found the daily use of cannabis was associated with an increased risk of psychosis, and use of high-potency cannabis was associated with a greater increase in risk.
Effects of librarian-provided services in healthcare settings
Effects of librarian-provided services in healthcare settings
"Two studies indicated patient length of stay was reduced when clinicians requested literature searches related to a patient's case."
Effects of librarian-provided services in healthcare settings: a systematic review
L Perrier, et al.Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 2014, 21(6):1118-1124Read more here.
"Two studies indicated patient length of stay was reduced when clinicians requested literature searches related to a patient's case."
Effects of librarian-provided services in healthcare settings: a systematic review
L Perrier, et al.Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 2014, 21(6):1118-1124Read more here.
QIPP alert
Supporting carers to stay in paid employment
Supporting carers to stay in paid employment
Carers could soon be using smart phones, email alerts and pop-up care centres to help them plan and co-ordinate formal and informal support. The ideas will be trialled as part a £1.6m programme of pilots.
The nine pilot areas will explore how technology can be combined with professional support from the local authority and the assistance of informal networks of friends, neighbours and volunteers to ease the pressure of caring.
Carers could soon be using smart phones, email alerts and pop-up care centres to help them plan and co-ordinate formal and informal support. The ideas will be trialled as part a £1.6m programme of pilots.
The nine pilot areas will explore how technology can be combined with professional support from the local authority and the assistance of informal networks of friends, neighbours and volunteers to ease the pressure of caring.
NHS Networks
New language ability checks for EU trained healthcare workers
New language ability checks for EU trained healthcare workers
New proposals which will come into effect later this year seeking assurance about the language competency of EU trained healthcare professionals.
New proposals which will come into effect later this year seeking assurance about the language competency of EU trained healthcare professionals.
NHS Employers
Aids in Cuba: New epidemic strain of HIV in Cuba is twice as aggressive as average virus
Aids in Cuba: New epidemic strain of HIV in Cuba is twice as aggressive as average virus
Researchers are worried after discovering a new strain of HIV in Cuba that progresses to Aids twice as fast as the average strain of the disease, leaving those infected with a preciously shorter window in which to seek treatment.
Researchers are worried after discovering a new strain of HIV in Cuba that progresses to Aids twice as fast as the average strain of the disease, leaving those infected with a preciously shorter window in which to seek treatment.
Independent
Pill that could stop both hearing loss and tinnitus is now being tested
Pill that could stop both hearing loss and tinnitus is now being tested
The first drug treatment for both conditions has been developed by scientists in the UK and acts on brain cells involved in the processing of sound.
The first drug treatment for both conditions has been developed by scientists in the UK and acts on brain cells involved in the processing of sound.
Daily Mail
Monday, 16 February 2015
University upgrades Northampton x-ray kit so it can research if flecks of gold help kill cancer
University upgrades Northampton x-ray kit so it can research if flecks of gold help kill cancer
A specialist x-ray machine used by Northampton General Hospital is to be upgraded by the Open University so academics can use it to see if particles of gold can kill cancer.
A specialist x-ray machine used by Northampton General Hospital is to be upgraded by the Open University so academics can use it to see if particles of gold can kill cancer.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Kettering Hospital has not declared major incident despite huge pressure on services
Kettering Hospital has not declared major incident despite huge pressure on services
Kettering Hospital says it is experiencing “significant” pressure on its services but has not declared a major incident.
Kettering Hospital says it is experiencing “significant” pressure on its services but has not declared a major incident.
Evening Telegraph
Alzheimer's £30m collaboration begins
Alzheimer's £30m collaboration begins
A new network of £30m research centres is being launched by Alzheimer's Research UK to spearhead the search for an Alzheimer's cure.
A new network of £30m research centres is being launched by Alzheimer's Research UK to spearhead the search for an Alzheimer's cure.
BBC News
People with nut allergies told to temporarily avoid supermarket curries and products containing cumin
People with nut allergies told to temporarily avoid supermarket curries and products containing cumin
People with nut allergies have been advised to avoid supermarket curries and other products containing cumin until an investigation by government food watchdogs has been completed.
People with nut allergies have been advised to avoid supermarket curries and other products containing cumin until an investigation by government food watchdogs has been completed.
Independent
Psychosis 'link' to potent cannabis
Psychosis 'link' to potent cannabis
Using potent forms of cannabis is a factor in 24% of new psychosis cases analysed by King's College London researchers.
Using potent forms of cannabis is a factor in 24% of new psychosis cases analysed by King's College London researchers.
Guidance to support the introduction of access and waiting time standards for mental health services in 2015/16
Guidance to support the introduction of access and waiting time standards for mental health services in 2015/16
This guidance is aimed at CCGs and how new access and waiting time standards for mental health services are to be introduced. It explains the case for change in four areas and sets out the expectations of local commissioners for delivery during the year ahead working with providers and other partners.
This guidance is aimed at CCGs and how new access and waiting time standards for mental health services are to be introduced. It explains the case for change in four areas and sets out the expectations of local commissioners for delivery during the year ahead working with providers and other partners.
NHS England publishes latest Assuring Transformation data
NHS England publishes latest Assuring Transformation data
NHS England has today published the latest quarterly Assuring Transformation data that tracks progress on moving people with learning disabilities and/or autism from in-patient to community settings.
The figures at 31 December 2014 show a reduction in the overall number of people with learning disabilities and /or autism in in-patient settings.
The data also shows that more people (1,561) now have a transfer date to a community setting and almost two thirds of these are within the next 12 months.
This follows the recent publication of the Next Steps report, developed jointly by the key national partners across health and social care, to do more to improve services for people with learning disabilities and/or autism over the coming months.
The work, led by NHS England, the Local Government Association (LGA), the Association of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Health Education England (HEE) and the Department of Health (DH), will substantially reduce the number of people in hospitals and ensure that care is delivered in community settings, closer to home.
NHS England has today published the latest quarterly Assuring Transformation data that tracks progress on moving people with learning disabilities and/or autism from in-patient to community settings.
The figures at 31 December 2014 show a reduction in the overall number of people with learning disabilities and /or autism in in-patient settings.
The data also shows that more people (1,561) now have a transfer date to a community setting and almost two thirds of these are within the next 12 months.
This follows the recent publication of the Next Steps report, developed jointly by the key national partners across health and social care, to do more to improve services for people with learning disabilities and/or autism over the coming months.
The work, led by NHS England, the Local Government Association (LGA), the Association of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Health Education England (HEE) and the Department of Health (DH), will substantially reduce the number of people in hospitals and ensure that care is delivered in community settings, closer to home.
NHS Commissioning
For more details on the latest data, including the detailed analysis, see Assuring Transformation data.
For more details on the latest data, including the detailed analysis, see Assuring Transformation data.
VIDEO: Lung cancer breath test trialled
VIDEO: Lung cancer breath test trialled
Scientists in Cambridge have developed a revolutionary device that could be used to detect lung cancer on a person's breath.
Scientists in Cambridge have developed a revolutionary device that could be used to detect lung cancer on a person's breath.
BBC News
Tests begin on 'traffic light pacemaker' that could revolutionise heart treatment
Tests begin on 'traffic light pacemaker' that could revolutionise heart treatment
Scientists are to begin work on a revolutionary “traffic light pacemaker” that controls the beating of damaged hearts using blue and yellow fibre optic lights inside the body.
Scientists are to begin work on a revolutionary “traffic light pacemaker” that controls the beating of damaged hearts using blue and yellow fibre optic lights inside the body.
Independent
Fastest rise in scarlet fever cases for half a century
Fastest rise in scarlet fever cases for half a century
Britain is facing an outbreak of scarlet fever, with infection rates rising rapidly and the disease spreading faster than at any time in half a century.
Britain is facing an outbreak of scarlet fever, with infection rates rising rapidly and the disease spreading faster than at any time in half a century.
Independent
20,000 winter operations cancelled at last minute, admits NHS
20,000 winter operations cancelled at last minute, admits NHS
Number of surgical procedures called off in the last three months of 2014 up by almost a quarter in the last year
Almost 20,000 patients had their operations cancelled at the last minute in the last three months of 2014 as the NHS struggled to cope with the onset of winter causing overcrowded A&Es and bed shortages.
Number of surgical procedures called off in the last three months of 2014 up by almost a quarter in the last year
Almost 20,000 patients had their operations cancelled at the last minute in the last three months of 2014 as the NHS struggled to cope with the onset of winter causing overcrowded A&Es and bed shortages.
Guardian
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Expert patients
Expert patients
It argues that greater patient engagement could both improve outcomes and reduce costs and presents four case studies of successful patient engagement.
It argues that greater patient engagement could both improve outcomes and reduce costs and presents four case studies of successful patient engagement.
NHS Networks
Friday, 13 February 2015
Northampton General Hospital aiming to attract millions of pounds worth of private patients to NHS
Northampton General Hospital aiming to attract millions of pounds worth of private patients to NHS
Millions of pounds worth of surgery performed by private hospitals is to be targeted by Northampton General Hospital bosses.
Millions of pounds worth of surgery performed by private hospitals is to be targeted by Northampton General Hospital bosses.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Doctor involved in ‘failings’ of care of Northampton toddler declared fit to practise
Doctor involved in ‘failings’ of care of Northampton toddler declared fit to practise
A medical tribunal has ruled that a doctor is ‘fit to practise’ despite finding that she was responsible for a series of failings in the care of a Northampton toddler who died of dehydration.
A medical tribunal has ruled that a doctor is ‘fit to practise’ despite finding that she was responsible for a series of failings in the care of a Northampton toddler who died of dehydration.
Northampton Chronicle & Echo
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