Monday 13 July 2015

Health policy priorities for a new parliament

Health policy priorities for a new parliament This collection of essays, published jointly by the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group and The King’s Fund, maps out health priorities for the next Parliament, as seen from the perspective of a distinguished collection of authors, representing key stakeholders in the world of health.

Eating disorders and Ramadan

Eating disorders and Ramadan One teenager's experience BBC News

Breast cancer warning to older women

Breast cancer warning to older women Many older women are unaware of some of the early warning signs of breast cancer, according to a survey. BBC News

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GP leaders welcome bid to integrate NHS 111 and out-of-hours care

GP leaders welcome bid to integrate NHS 111 and out-of-hours care GPC has welcomed NHS England's move to suspend all 111 and GP out-of-hours procurements in order to develop a new integrated model. GP Online

Hospitals 'facing nationwide wave of A&E closures in move to create super units'

Hospitals 'facing nationwide wave of A&E closures in move to create super units' Accident and emergency departments at hospitals across the country are at risk of closure, according to plans published in a raft of worrying new NHS documents. The Daily Mail

First digital GP service allowing patients appointments via video link goes live

First digital GP service allowing patients appointments via video link goes live The service, called Push Doctor, already has a network of more than 7,000 doctors and operates from 6am to 10pm, covering everything from minor ailments to sports injuries. The Daily Mail

FGM: it's cutting season and NHS staff must be alert to the dangers

FGM: it's cutting season and NHS staff must be alert to the dangers There is a real need for extra vigilance in healthcare at this time of year. I urge all health professionals with suspicions about the safety of young girls to speak up

It is the “cutting season”. A time when a summer holiday visiting relatives can, for some young girls, involve being held down by a group of women while their genitals are mutilated. Sometimes, as part of the process, their wounds are even sewn back together with thorns. These young children endure unimaginable pain and suffer a lifetime of serious health problems because of this cruel practice – female genital mutilation (FGM).

I am writing to the NHS today to ask them to ensure their staff are extra vigilant as we enter the school summer holiday period. I am also asking them to ensure that staff are aware of the support and resources available to them to assist them to do all they can to stop this practice, which can truly devastate lives. Continue reading... The Guardian

Public health cuts could cost NHS extra and cause more unplanned pregnancies

Public health cuts could cost NHS extra and cause more unplanned pregnancies Experts say £200m spending reduction could saddle NHS with extra £250m on abortion and maternity services after government ignored calls to reconsider

The number of unplanned pregnancies is likely to rise and cost the NHS an extra £250m on abortions and maternity services because of proposed cuts to public health spending, leading sexual health experts have warned.

The Advisory Group on Contraception said on Friday that the government’s £200m in planned savings were a false economy as cutbacks in sexual health advice and provision would have a direct impact on unwanted pregnancies. Continue reading... The Guardian

The Government must end NHS waste

The Government must end NHS waste Telegraph View: If the Tories want to inject more cash into the health service then they have to ensure that it is well spent. The Daily Telegraph

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Medical blunders cost NHS billions

Medical blunders cost NHS billions An analysis by The Telegraph shows 20 hospital trusts have paid out £1.1 billion for medical blunders in just five years. While below we tell the tragic story of a mother left severely brain damaged after giving birth to her daughter. The Daily Telegraph

I'm no longer a wife, I'm a carer - but I need as much support as my husband

I'm no longer a wife, I'm a carer - but I need as much support as my husband The provision of decent care for those with dementia is sorely lacking - and not just for the patient. The Daily Telegraph

Exploding e-cigarettes spark national safety concerns

Exploding e-cigarettes spark national safety concerns A series of “highly disturbing” fires caused by exploding e-cigarette chargers has prompted a nationwide safety alert. The Independent