Shaping the future: A strategic framework for a successful NHS

Shaping the future: A strategic framework for a successful NHS Shaping the future: a strategic framework for a successful NHS argues that a successful NHS strategy cannot be lifted from another country or calculated using a special formula – that no ‘silver bullet’ exists which will solve the complex challenges.

The report provides a strategic framework for national leaders working to create a sustainable NHS over the current parliament and beyond. The framework consists of five interlinked layers:

• Active cost management
• Process improvement for quality and efficiency
• New ways of delivering care and support
• Scientific discovery, technology and skills
• Focus on population health

Implementing a strategy will need a relentless focus on the priority areas that can provide biggest quality and efficiency gains, constant assessment of progress and course correction. The Health Foundation

Improving the fiscal and political sustainability of health systems through integrated population needs-based planning

Improving the fiscal and political sustainability of health systems through integrated population needs-based planning It is often argued that the demands for increased healthcare expenditure arising from an ageing population, advancing technologies, and increasing expectations, warrant higher healthcare budgets. The author of this briefing argues that this reactive approach is not sustainable, and that the perceived mismatch between resources and demand is due to poor health service planning. This briefing presents a framework to re-focus planning models on population needs.Please note that free registration is required to access this report. Office of Health Economics

National report sheds light on health and wellbeing of young people

National report sheds light on health and wellbeing of young people Statistics on the health, care and wellbeing of young people in England - from birth to young adulthood - are published today in a report from the Health and Social Care Information Centre. It brings together in one place for the first time a range of information, including use of hospital services, talking therapies, prescribing, immunisations and lifestyle trends. The report aims to provide a more joined-up picture of key areas of health and care among younger age groups.

High performing hospitals: a qualitative systematic review of associated factors and practical strategies for improvement

High performing hospitals: a qualitative systematic review of associated factors and practical strategies for improvement This review provides insights into methods used to identify high performing hospitals, and yields ideas about the factors important for success. It highlights the need to advance approaches for understanding what constitutes high performance and how to harness factors associated with high performance. Health Services Research

No evidence 'cocktail of everyday chemicals' causes cancer

No evidence 'cocktail of everyday chemicals' causes cancer “Fifty everyday chemicals…could be combining to increase our risk of cancer,” is the alarmist headline in the Mail Online.

A major review into chemicals commonly found in the environment, such as those found in suncream and handwash, found no conclusive proof that they were definitely increasing cancer risk.

Researchers identified 85 chemicals that have the potential to cause cells to switch into “cancer mode” – that is, replicate at a dangerous rate inside the body. 50 of them could have this effect at the low-dose level that we are exposed to in the environment. However, the researchers also found that over half of them also had protective effects against the development of cancer.

Currently, the safety of a chemical is looked at on its own. The researchers are calling for chemicals such as those in this list to be looked at in combination when assessing their safety. This is because they think exposure to a combination of chemicals acting on different characteristics could be important in the development of cancer.

The risk associated with these “everyday chemicals” should be put into context. There is little point in worrying about handcream if you are smoking 20 cigarettes a day, or avoiding suncream so you get exposed to high levels of cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation.

Obesity – the ticking time bomb which starts young

Obesity – the ticking time bomb which starts young Figures on obesity levels of children in England underline again the scale of the challenge facing policymakers. BBC News

Tom's digital health disruptors: mental health apps

Tom's digital health disruptors: mental health apps The rise of tablet computers and smartphones is leading to an influx of tools to improve all aspects of mental health, from sleeping problems to anxiety. E-Health Insider

GPs outsource full practice management control to foundation hospital

GPs outsource full practice management control to foundation hospital GP practices in the north east of England have handed complete management control over to a new service owned by a foundation trust hospital. GP Online

Community pharmacies to gain access to summary care record

Community pharmacies to gain access to summary care record Pilots allowed pharmacists to reduce extra work for GPs. OnMedica

Black and minority ethnic people are shortchanged by mental health services

Black and minority ethnic people are shortchanged by mental health services For many, long term care is denied in favour of sectioning and medication, and there is no support after they are released

Ramone is in his mid-20s and with his family emigrated to the UK around 10 years ago from eastern Europe. He developed a severe mental illness that requires long-term care, but is not eligible for treatment. This means that when he becomes extremely ill, he is sectioned (usually by the police) and admitted to a mental health unit where he is medicated to a point where he can be released, with no care afterwards. This pattern has repeated itself for six years. Continue reading... The Guardian

How the billion pound formula industry hijacked breastfeeding

How the billion pound formula industry hijacked breastfeeding National Breastfeeding Week: The past few days have been dedicated to raising awareness around the benefits of breastfeeding. But, for some, it was also a cynical and ill-advised marketing opportunity. Milli Hill reports. The Daily Telegraph