Friday, 29 April 2016
Mum praises NGH consultant’s quick thinking that saved the lives of her and her baby boy
Mum praises NGH consultant’s quick thinking that saved the lives of her and her baby boy A mum who lost five litres of blood while pregnant has thanked the quick-thinking Northampton General Hospital staff who saved the lives of both her and her premature baby. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
What type of manager are you?
What type of manager are you? Have you ever wondered what type of manager you are or how those around you rate your engagement skills?
In his latest podcast Steven Weeks, policy manager at NHS Employers discovers what type of manager he is by answering a series of questions in a research based tool created by Dilys Robinson, principal research fellow from the Institute for Employment Studies. NHS Employers
In his latest podcast Steven Weeks, policy manager at NHS Employers discovers what type of manager he is by answering a series of questions in a research based tool created by Dilys Robinson, principal research fellow from the Institute for Employment Studies. NHS Employers
Key principles of effective prevention education
Key principles of effective prevention education This report summarises research into effective pedagogical principles in the field of school-based preventative education (across a range of behaviours including drug and alcohol use, healthy eating, physical activity and sexual activity) as well as school-based programmes to build skills and attributes associated with reduced risk-taking behaviour (including social and emotional skills, and resilience). Personal, Social, Health and Economic Association
Scandal-hit trust patients 'at risk'
Scandal-hit trust patients 'at risk' The NHS mental health trust which ran a care unit where a teenager drowned in a bath is "continuing to put patients at risk", inspectors say. BBC News
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Juniors’ contract concerns about far more than pay
Juniors’ contract concerns about far more than pay BMA again calls on Hunt to withdraw threat of imposition and return to negotiation. OnMedica
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Use of total hip replacement inconsistent and unfair
Use of total hip replacement inconsistent and unfair Older, poorer, less mobile patients less likely to have THA even when eligible under NICE guidance. OnMedica
Self-harm rates rising in men as economic downturn threatens their 'breadwinner' status
Self-harm rates rising in men as economic downturn threatens their 'breadwinner' status Men are suffering as they 'fail' to performed traditional gender roles following the economic crash, research has suggested. The Independent
Girl, 14, died in torchlit ward surgery after theatre access delay
Girl, 14, died in torchlit ward surgery after theatre access delay Inquest hears Bristol hospital had no theatres free on night Emma Welch had internal bleeding after spinal procedure
A 14-year-old girl died after an emergency night-time operation during which medics were forced to use a torch to make sure there was enough light to work by.
Emma Welch underwent surgery on a ward because the two available operating theatres at Bristol children’s hospital were in use on the night she suffered complications. Continue reading... The Guardian
A 14-year-old girl died after an emergency night-time operation during which medics were forced to use a torch to make sure there was enough light to work by.
Emma Welch underwent surgery on a ward because the two available operating theatres at Bristol children’s hospital were in use on the night she suffered complications. Continue reading... The Guardian
Fat Britain: Alarming report reveals 1 in 3 children are obese by the age of 11 and women account for 75% of weight loss surgery
Fat Britain: Alarming report reveals 1 in 3 children are obese by the age of 11 and women account for 75% of weight loss surgery Health and Social Care Information Centre data shows bariatric surgery patients have tripled in 20 years and 58 per cent of women and 65 per cent of men are now overweight. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 28 April 2016
Mistakes see Northampton General Hospital staff not paid for overtime
Mistakes see Northampton General Hospital staff not paid for overtime Pay packets of some Northampton General Hospital staff were short by as much as £1,500 after a payroll error.
The Chron understands the issue was due to several managers making the same mistake while using the computerised roster.
As a result, a large number of staff did not have monthly enhancements – mostly overtime – officially signed off. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The Chron understands the issue was due to several managers making the same mistake while using the computerised roster.
As a result, a large number of staff did not have monthly enhancements – mostly overtime – officially signed off. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Children’s services in Northamptonshire are no longer rated ‘inadequate’
Children’s services in Northamptonshire are no longer rated ‘inadequate’ Council services for Northamptonshire children have improved across all areas, a new report from Ofsted inspectors says. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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- Northamptonshire’s children’s services will move over to a new trust within a year after Ofsted result Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Promote e-cigarettes widely as substitute for smoking says new RCP report
Promote e-cigarettes widely as substitute for smoking says new RCP report A new report, ‘Nicotine without smoke: tobacco harm reduction’ concludes that e-cigarettes are likely to be beneficial to UK public health. Smokers can therefore be reassured and encouraged to use them, and the public can be reassured that e-cigarettes are much safer than smoking. Royal College of Physicians
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See also:
- RCGP response to RCP report on e-cigarettes Royal College of General Practitioners
- Give e-cigs to smokers, say doctors BBC News
- GPs advised to 'promote e-cigarettes widely' as smoking substitute GP Online
- E-cigarettes 'much less harmful than smoking and should be encouraged' major report concludes The Independent
Vulnerable children turned away from mental health treatment report finds
Vulnerable children turned away from mental health treatment report finds A report on the mental health and well-being of looked-after children notes that a significant number of local authorities and health services are failing to identify mental health issues when children enter care.
Almost half of children in care have a diagnosable mental health disorder, with looked-after children four times more likely than their non-looked after peers to have a mental health condition. House of Commons Education Select Committee
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Almost half of children in care have a diagnosable mental health disorder, with looked-after children four times more likely than their non-looked after peers to have a mental health condition. House of Commons Education Select Committee
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Doctor row: Both sides ready to fight on
Doctor row: Both sides ready to fight on Ministers and doctors have both vowed to fight on as the first all-out doctor strikes in the history of the NHS ended in England without any major problems. BBC News
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- Junior doctors walk out for the second day running The Daily Mail
- BMA hails overwhelming turnout as thousands join junior doctor strikes GP Online
- Equality watchdog warns junior doctors' contract is potentially illegal The Guardian
- Junior doctors' strike has become the mother of all deadlocks The Guardian
End-of-life care heading for ‘meltdown’ without cash boost, warns cancer charity chief
End-of-life care heading for ‘meltdown’ without cash boost, warns cancer charity chief End-of-life care is heading for a “meltdown” amid growing demand for services, warns the chief of a cancer charity, following a new analysis of projected deaths from the disease published today.
Nearly 144,000 people are expected to die of cancer in 2020, says Macmillan Cancer Support—equivalent to one person dying of the disease every four minutes, with potentially 15,000 more cancer deaths in 2020 in England than in 2010. OnMedica
Nearly 144,000 people are expected to die of cancer in 2020, says Macmillan Cancer Support—equivalent to one person dying of the disease every four minutes, with potentially 15,000 more cancer deaths in 2020 in England than in 2010. OnMedica
GMB to ballot ambulance staff on possible industrial action
GMB to ballot ambulance staff on possible industrial action Union claims health secretary has broken promises to improve pay and conditions. OnMedica
NHS technology: saving the health service one byte at a time
NHS technology: saving the health service one byte at a time The NHS has to make £22bn of efficiency savings by 2020 and intelligent use of IT is key in making that happen
Can technology save the NHS? That was the question addressed by a recent Guardian roundtable, supported by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), which brought together clinicians, policymakers and healthcare IT experts.
It’s a question that has some urgency. The NHS has been told to make £22bn of efficiency savings by 2020, and at least part of those savings will have to come from the intelligent use of IT. But the failure of the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) – a centralised patient record system abandoned by the government in 2013 – has resulted in a decidedly patchy landscape in the NHS, where, as Jeremy Taylor, chief executive of National Voices, a patient organisation, put it: “We’ve got email, Skype, text and people having access to their own health records electronically, side-by-side with getting letters by snail mail and fax”.
It’s not all right for patients to be walking into health organisations that feel like the 1980s
Patients still prefer being visited by a nurse to plugging themselves into a machine Continue reading... The Guardian
Can technology save the NHS? That was the question addressed by a recent Guardian roundtable, supported by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), which brought together clinicians, policymakers and healthcare IT experts.
It’s a question that has some urgency. The NHS has been told to make £22bn of efficiency savings by 2020, and at least part of those savings will have to come from the intelligent use of IT. But the failure of the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) – a centralised patient record system abandoned by the government in 2013 – has resulted in a decidedly patchy landscape in the NHS, where, as Jeremy Taylor, chief executive of National Voices, a patient organisation, put it: “We’ve got email, Skype, text and people having access to their own health records electronically, side-by-side with getting letters by snail mail and fax”.
It’s not all right for patients to be walking into health organisations that feel like the 1980s
Patients still prefer being visited by a nurse to plugging themselves into a machine Continue reading... The Guardian
Dramas and soaps 'aid public understanding of mental health issues'
Dramas and soaps 'aid public understanding of mental health issues' Mind survey finds TV plays and reports have valuable role in encouraging people to seek help for anxiety and schizophrenia
Soap operas and news reports about mental health can play a valuable role in increasing understanding of depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, and in encouraging people with problems to seek help, research has suggested.
The mental health charity Mind organised a survey of more than 2,000 people, which found that half of the respondents who had seen a storyline involving a character with mental health problems said it had helped their understanding of the issues. Continue reading... The Guardian
Soap operas and news reports about mental health can play a valuable role in increasing understanding of depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, and in encouraging people with problems to seek help, research has suggested.
The mental health charity Mind organised a survey of more than 2,000 people, which found that half of the respondents who had seen a storyline involving a character with mental health problems said it had helped their understanding of the issues. Continue reading... The Guardian
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Almost 400 appointments cancelled at Northampton General Hospital on day of doctors’ strike
Almost 400 appointments cancelled at Northampton General Hospital on day of doctors’ strike Almost 400 appointments have been cancelled at Northampton General Hospital today as a result of the junior doctors’ strike. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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- Consultants cover striking doctors' jobs at Northampton General Hospital (Video) Northants Herald and Post
- Northampton General Hospital release statement as 400 appointments are cancelled due to strike Northants Herald and Post
PHE urges parents to vaccinate against measles, mumps and rubella
PHE urges parents to vaccinate against measles, mumps and rubella Experts are calling for all parents to get their children vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) when the vaccine is offered, or for them to take it up now if they didn’t have it at the scheduled time.
MMR vaccine is offered routinely to infants in England, as part of the NHS Childhood Immunisation Programme, from 12 months of age with a second dose offered at 3 years and 4 months of age. Those who missed out will remain susceptible to the diseases, but are still recommended to get the vaccine. Public Health England
MMR vaccine is offered routinely to infants in England, as part of the NHS Childhood Immunisation Programme, from 12 months of age with a second dose offered at 3 years and 4 months of age. Those who missed out will remain susceptible to the diseases, but are still recommended to get the vaccine. Public Health England
The commissioning of specialised services in the NHS
The commissioning of specialised services in the NHS NHS England’s spending on specialised services has increased at a much greater rate than other parts of the NHS, according to today’s report from the National Audit Office. Although NHS England took responsibility for commissioning these services three years ago, it still does not have an agreed overarching service strategy, consistent information from all providers on costs, access to services and outcomes or how efficiently services are being delivered.
Specialised services are provided to patients who have rare conditions or who need a specialised team working together at a centre. There are currently 146 specialised services covering a diverse range of conditions including renal (kidney), specific mental health problems and rare cancers. National Audit Office
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Specialised services are provided to patients who have rare conditions or who need a specialised team working together at a centre. There are currently 146 specialised services covering a diverse range of conditions including renal (kidney), specific mental health problems and rare cancers. National Audit Office
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Pushing the call button on unsafe staffing: who will come to our aid?
Pushing the call button on unsafe staffing: who will come to our aid? This report presents the results of a UK-wide annual survey of nursing professionals and it finds that almost 63 per cent of respondents said that they felt there were inadequate numbers of staff on the wards to ensure safe, dignified and compassionate care. 67 per cent of those surveyed believed that staffing levels had deteriorated since last year's survey and 68 per cent had considered leaving their role in the previous year. Unison
Shaping the future of medical revalidation: interim report
Shaping the future of medical revalidation: interim report This report presents emerging findings from a study into the regulatory impacts of revalidation. It finds that the majority of GMC licensed doctors are engaged in an annual appraisal process but scepticism was expressed about whether revalidation has led to improved patient safety. The majority of responsible officers surveyed felt that the numbers of concerns about doctors had not increased since the introduction of revalidation. The report also highlights the lack of awareness on the part of patients and the public on revalidation and the purposes of the process. General Medical Council
A paperless NHS: electronic health records
A paperless NHS: electronic health records This briefing outlines the current use of electronic health records in the NHS in England in relation to the pledge that the NHS will be paper-free by 2020. House of Commons Library
New report sheds light on GP practice workforce
New report sheds light on GP practice workforce New official figures published today detail all staff who provide health and care services within the GP practice workforce. Health and Social Care Information Centre
Junior doctors' strike: Second all-out stoppage begins
Junior doctors' strike: Second all-out stoppage begins Junior doctors have started their second all-out strike in England, walking out of both routine and emergency care in protest at the imposition of a new contract.
The stoppage lasts from 08:00 BST until 17:00 BST with consultants and nurses staffing A&E and intensive care. BBC News
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The stoppage lasts from 08:00 BST until 17:00 BST with consultants and nurses staffing A&E and intensive care. BBC News
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- NHS Employers responds to junior doctors full walk out NHS Employers
- NHS England update on industrial action by junior doctors NHS England
- Hospitals 'coping with all-out strike' BBC News
- VIDEO: Doctors' strike 'disproportionate' BBC News
- NHS 'hopes patients stay away' BBC News
- Devastated, disappointed and in pain - would you support the strike? BBC News
- Former BMA chief explains why his fellow NHS doctors make him despair The Daily Mail
- Jeremy Hunt admits junior doctors strike has killed his career The Daily Mail
- Comment: Junior doctors beware: this reckless strike could be your last The Daily Telegraph
- Who is to blame for the junior doctors' strike – Jeremy Hunt, or the BMA? What readers said The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors across England strike for second day The Guardian
- Almost 80% of junior doctors took part in all-out strike, NHS says The Guardian
- A&Es across England quiet as striking junior doctors picket hospitals The Guardian
- Seven-day deceptions at the heart of the junior doctors’ strike The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt doesn’t understand junior doctors. He co-wrote a book on how to dismantle the NHS The Guardian
- Hunt asks GPs to work harder during juniors’ strike OnMedica
Urgent action needed to improve air quality following diesel emissions scandal, MPs say
Urgent action needed to improve air quality following diesel emissions scandal, MPs say 'The Government must act now to tackle this public health emergency,' Commons' environment committee says. The Independent
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- Clean Air Zones urged for pollution hotspots, says Committee report House of Commons Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Committee
- More clean air zones needed, say MPs BBC News
Should yoga be part of NHS care?
Should yoga be part of NHS care? A Manchester GP practice is prescribing yoga for patients – and even plans to create its own on-site studio to host classes
Some patients at The Docs city-centre surgery in Manchester emerge from the consulting room, minus a prescription, but clutching a voucher for a free yoga class courtesy of staff at the practice who are convinced that yoga deserves a more prominent part in NHS care.
The tickets entitling the bearers to a 45-minute class at the nearby Studio 25 were initiated by one of the partners, Dr Matthew Joslin. He developed them following powerful Facebook support for an open letter he wrote to the NHS in January appealing for greater incorporation of the Indian exercise and mindfulness techniques into day-to-day healthcare. The letter received 17,000 Facebook shares. Continue reading... The Guardian
Some patients at The Docs city-centre surgery in Manchester emerge from the consulting room, minus a prescription, but clutching a voucher for a free yoga class courtesy of staff at the practice who are convinced that yoga deserves a more prominent part in NHS care.
The tickets entitling the bearers to a 45-minute class at the nearby Studio 25 were initiated by one of the partners, Dr Matthew Joslin. He developed them following powerful Facebook support for an open letter he wrote to the NHS in January appealing for greater incorporation of the Indian exercise and mindfulness techniques into day-to-day healthcare. The letter received 17,000 Facebook shares. Continue reading... The Guardian
Mental health laws would diminish stigma and improve the lives of millions
Mental health laws would diminish stigma and improve the lives of millions We have a chance to help those with mental illness, but need legislation to frame policy, professionalise treatment and fight prejudice
I have seen the negative impact of the UN’s failure to incorporate mental health within the millennium development goals (MDGs). Working on various mental health projects in several African countries, I saw how the health budgets of resource-strapped countries were diverted towards MDG projects. Many NGOs providing essential community psychiatric support were near collapse, or forced to alter their objectives to secure sufficient funds.
For mental health legislation to have any real effect, there must be the political will to support it. Continue reading... The Guardian
I have seen the negative impact of the UN’s failure to incorporate mental health within the millennium development goals (MDGs). Working on various mental health projects in several African countries, I saw how the health budgets of resource-strapped countries were diverted towards MDG projects. Many NGOs providing essential community psychiatric support were near collapse, or forced to alter their objectives to secure sufficient funds.
For mental health legislation to have any real effect, there must be the political will to support it. Continue reading... The Guardian
Delays in MMR immunisation raise the risk of a measles outbreak
Delays in MMR immunisation raise the risk of a measles outbreak In March, doctors expressed concern they were seeing the start of a measles outbreak in London and the South East. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Northampton paramedic sacked by ambulance service after obtaining medication by fraud
Northampton paramedic sacked by ambulance service after obtaining medication by fraud A paramedic working for East Midlands Ambulance Service has admitted getting medicines by fraud. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
How do the health care systems in the United Kingdom compare with others internationally?
How do the health care systems in the United Kingdom compare with others internationally? Two years ago I wrote about how health systems in other countries were grappling with the problems of how to support an ageing population with high rates of co-morbidities. I was interested in the fact that the same policy problem can generate different solutions depending on the context in which it sits – so while it may appear that there is a sort of ‘free will’ in decisions about policy, in reality decisions will always depend on the limitations of funding and political structures. The King's Fund
The Buurtzorg Nederland (home care provider) model: observations for the UK
The Buurtzorg Nederland (home care provider) model: observations for the UK The Buurtzorg model is a cost-effective and nurse-led district nursing system founded in the Netherlands. This briefing looks at the successes of the Buurtzorg model, while also identifying some of the challenges which would need to be addressed if the UK were ever to adopt a similar system approach. The content and analysis have been updated to reflect developments taking place across the UK with regards to piloting Buurtzorg. Royal College of Nursing
Junior doctors stage first all-out strike
Junior doctors stage first all-out strike The first all-out doctors' strike in the NHS's history has begun in England.
Thousands of junior doctors walked out of both routine and emergency care at 08:00 BST in protest at the imposition of a new contract from the summer.
It is the first time services such as A&E, maternity and intensive care have been hit in the long-running dispute.
NHS bosses believe plans are in place to ensure safety, but say the situation will be monitored closely during the stoppage which ends at 17:00 BST. BBC News
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Thousands of junior doctors walked out of both routine and emergency care at 08:00 BST in protest at the imposition of a new contract from the summer.
It is the first time services such as A&E, maternity and intensive care have been hit in the long-running dispute.
NHS bosses believe plans are in place to ensure safety, but say the situation will be monitored closely during the stoppage which ends at 17:00 BST. BBC News
See also:
- Statement to Parliament: NHS 7 day services and the junior doctors' strike Department of Health
- Junior doctors' leaders 'trying to topple the government' BBC News
- VIDEO: Why are junior doctors on strike? BBC News
- Are all-out strike days actually going to be safer? BBC News
- Patients face summer of chaos: As 45,000 junior doctors launch an all-out strike today and threaten indefinite action, ambulance staff also plan a walkout The Daily Mail
- Junior doctors begin first all-out strike in NHS history The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors' strike: the BMA cares about pay – not patients The Daily Telegraph
- As junior doctors strike, BMA tells them it's not their fault if people die The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors cannot dictate health policy The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors strike: Top surgeon would 'not countenance' walking out on emergency patients The Daily Telegraph
- BMA rejects Jeremy Hunt bid for talks to avert all-out junior doctor strike GP Online
- Where the newspapers stand on the junior doctors' strike The Guardian
- Medical chiefs urge David Cameron to avert junior doctor strikes The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt could have stopped this doctors’ strike. But he wanted it | Polly Toynbee The Guardian
- Hospitals braced for walkout as Hunt says doctors' strike must be defeated The Guardian
- NHS doctor: why I won’t be withholding emergency care The Guardian
- Consultants and locums called into A&E for junior doctors' strike The Guardian
- Junior doctor resigns live on ITV ahead of strike over Jeremy Hunt's contract video The Guardian
- Junior doctors: 'over half could quit NHS England over Hunt's contract' The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt: history will judge me on delivering seven-day NHS The Guardian
- Junior doctors' strike: Hospitals braced for first A&E walkout in NHS's 68-year history The Independent
- Junior doctors accused of trying to use all-out strike to topple the Government and Jeremy Hunt The Independent
- Junior doctors' strike: Patients deserve better, from doctors and Government The Independent
- Doctors set to for all-out strike as accusations fly OnMedica
Doctors look after our mental health but who looks after theirs?
Doctors look after our mental health but who looks after theirs? A new study from Cardiff University has revealed that nearly 60% of doctors have experienced mental illness and psychological problems at various stages in their career. That is bad enough in itself, but what is much worse is that very few of the 2,000 surveyed said that they had sought help.
A number of health and professionals from other industries have been studied in recent years and many, not unsurprisingly, also show high levels of stress. Sadly, however, it seems that this failure to seek help is not a phenomenon that is confined purely to the medical profession. The Conversation
A number of health and professionals from other industries have been studied in recent years and many, not unsurprisingly, also show high levels of stress. Sadly, however, it seems that this failure to seek help is not a phenomenon that is confined purely to the medical profession. The Conversation
Revealed: NHS hospitals investigate one in seven deaths of vulnerable patients
Revealed: NHS hospitals investigate one in seven deaths of vulnerable patients Jeremy Hunt urged to investigate after trusts examine just 222 of 1,638 deaths of patients with learning disabilities
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, is facing calls for a nationwide inquiry into the deaths of highly vulnerable patients in NHS care after it emerged that just one in seven such fatalities in hospitals in England have been investigated.
Data released to the Guardian under freedom of information (FOI) laws show that hospitals in England have investigated just 222 out of 1,638 deaths of patients with learning disabilities since 2011. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, is facing calls for a nationwide inquiry into the deaths of highly vulnerable patients in NHS care after it emerged that just one in seven such fatalities in hospitals in England have been investigated.
Data released to the Guardian under freedom of information (FOI) laws show that hospitals in England have investigated just 222 out of 1,638 deaths of patients with learning disabilities since 2011. Continue reading... The Guardian
Zika virus 'could be on its way to Europe', warns UN health agency
Zika virus 'could be on its way to Europe', warns UN health agency Europe should brace itself for the arrival of the Zika virus, the UN’s health agency warned on Monday, as warmer temperatures bring an increase in mosquito numbers.
Zika cases are on the decline in Brazil, the country hardest hit by the outbreak, as the southern hemisphere enters autumn. But the European summer will usher in a "marked increase" in Zika infections, said Marie-Paule Kieny, assistant director general of the World Health Organisation. The Daily Telegraph
Zika cases are on the decline in Brazil, the country hardest hit by the outbreak, as the southern hemisphere enters autumn. But the European summer will usher in a "marked increase" in Zika infections, said Marie-Paule Kieny, assistant director general of the World Health Organisation. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 25 April 2016
National Survey of Bereaved People (VOICES): England, 2015
National Survey of Bereaved People (VOICES): England, 2015 Results from the national survey which looked at quality of care in the last 3 months of life. Office for National Statistics
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See also:
- Patients STILL being denied food and drink before they die The Daily Mail
General Practice Nursing in the 21st Century: A Time of Opportunity
General Practice Nursing in the 21st Century: A Time of Opportunity A survey from the Queen's Nursing Institute giving a snapshot of the role of the general practice nurse in 2015. It looks at workforce figures, education and professional development, employment practices and more.
Among the findings are:
Among the findings are:
- Over 33% of practice nurses are due to retire by 2020
- 43% said there were not enough staff in the nursing team
- 53% said their employer always supported professional development activities
- Nearly 23% of practice nurses has two jobs
Smokers and overweight patients: soft targets for NHS savings?
Smokers and overweight patients: soft targets for NHS savings? This report explores how widespread the practice of restricting surgery on the basis of weight or smoking status has become by examining the commissioning policies of CCGs in England. The report compares these against guidance produced by NICE, RCS and surgical specialty associations. It found that over one in three CCGs in England are denying or delaying routine surgery to patients – such as hip and knee replacements – until they stop smoking or lose weight, in contravention of national clinical guidance. Royal College of Surgeons
NHS strike risks patient safety - Hunt
NHS strike risks patient safety - Hunt Planned all-out strikes by junior doctors in England this week could threaten the safety of patients, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt warns. BBC News
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See also:
- Letter to the Secretary of State for Health The British Medical Association
- Letter to the British Medical Association The Secretary of State for Health
- VIDEO: Pressure on Hunt to halt doctors' strike BBC News
- Call for junior doctors' contract pilot BBC News
- NHS strike delays 'to exceed 100,000' BBC News
- Junior doctors' total strike is a first in NHS history with operations cancelled The Daily Mail
- Junior doctors strike: Pregnant women and cancer patients among 125,000 people hit by protest chaos The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors strike: 48-hour full walkout will cause 'unacceptable' risk of patient deaths, warns Jeremy Hunt The Daily Telegraph
- NHS hospitals finalise plans to cope with unprecedented strikes The Guardian
- Junior doctors strike will not put patients at risk, say senior medics The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt: MPs' plan to avert junior doctors' strike is opportunism The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt’s impromptu meeting with us about doctors’ contracts was just spin The Guardian
- Contract debacle prompts medical students to consider careers overseas OnMedica
Final piece of diabetes puzzle solved
Final piece of diabetes puzzle solved A complete picture of what the immune system attacks to cause type 1 diabetes is revealed by scientists. BBC News
AstraZeneca to sequence 2 million genomes in hunt for new drugs
AstraZeneca to sequence 2 million genomes in hunt for new drugs The UK company will work with genomics company Human Longevity. OnMedica
The NHS must treat smokers and the obese fairly
The NHS must treat smokers and the obese fairly As doctors, we should not discriminate against groups of patients to save money.
One in three areas in England is denying or delaying surgery to patients who are obese or who smoke. That’s the stark finding of a new report by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Some may think it appropriate to deny treatment to people who overeat or smoke in a cash-strapped NHS, but as surgeons we think it wrong to have a blanket ban on surgery based on such criteria. Targeting patient groups risks unfairly isolating them and undermining the fundamental NHS principle to treat all patients freely at the point of need regardless of their background or lifestyle. Continue reading... The Guardian
One in three areas in England is denying or delaying surgery to patients who are obese or who smoke. That’s the stark finding of a new report by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Some may think it appropriate to deny treatment to people who overeat or smoke in a cash-strapped NHS, but as surgeons we think it wrong to have a blanket ban on surgery based on such criteria. Targeting patient groups risks unfairly isolating them and undermining the fundamental NHS principle to treat all patients freely at the point of need regardless of their background or lifestyle. Continue reading... The Guardian
More over-90s get new hips to keep on being active
More over-90s get new hips to keep on being active There were 156 hip replacements for patients aged over 100 last year alone, while knee-replacement operations for the over-90s have also risen according to NHS figures. The Daily Mail
Friday, 22 April 2016
NGH becomes first UK hospital on international standards programme
NGH becomes first UK hospital on international standards programme Northampton General Hospital has become the first NHS hospital in the UK to sign up to an internationally-recognised programme for nursing and midwifery standards. The Pathway to Excellence programme recognises hospitals for the quality of patient care and professional satisfaction of the nurses and midwives who work in them. The programme is delivered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Specialist nurse from Northamptonshire shortlisted for award to recognise work with multiple sclerosis
Specialist nurse from Northamptonshire shortlisted for award to recognise work with multiple sclerosis A specialist nurse from Northamptonshire has been selected as a finalist in the 2016 MS Society Awards for her commitment to excellence in providing and improving services for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Northampton Chronicle and Echo
University of Northampton wins £130,000 grant to study dementia in young people
University of Northampton wins £130,000 grant to study dementia in young people Research into diagnosing and supporting young people who develop dementia is being supported by the University of Northampton. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
No ‘weekend effect’ on mortality in psychiatric hospitals
No ‘weekend effect’ on mortality in psychiatric hospitals Interim findings from a NIHR HS&DR study, published in The Lancet, have found that there is no significant difference in risk of mortality for patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital at the weekend versus during the week.
Whilst previous studies have indicated that risk of mortality is higher for patients admitted to acute hospitals at the weekend less is known about variations in clinical outcomes among patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals. National Institute for Health Research
Whilst previous studies have indicated that risk of mortality is higher for patients admitted to acute hospitals at the weekend less is known about variations in clinical outcomes among patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals. National Institute for Health Research
Primary care
Primary care This report analyses the challenges facing primary care and examines the long-term solutions which can improve access to services and patient care. It warns that primary care is under unprecedented strain and struggling to keep pace with relentlessly rising demand. House of Commons Health Select Committee
Mental health and criminal justice: views from consultations across England & Wales
Mental health and criminal justice: views from consultations across England & Wales With extremely high rates of mental ill-health among the prison population, this report draws on experiences from across England and Wales to determine the way forward for improvement. It finds that few of the prisons represented at the events were able to offer psychological therapies, and that primary mental health care remains the weakest element of mental health support in prisons. Centre for Mental Health
Report shows revalidation is starting to have a positive impact but improvements can be made
Report shows revalidation is starting to have a positive impact but improvements can be made Independent research commissioned by the General Medical Council (GMC) has found that four out of 10 doctors are changing their practice as a result of their last appraisal. General Medical Council
2.2 billion in 'at risk' Zika areas
2.2 billion in 'at risk' Zika areas More than two billion people live in parts of the world where the Zika virus can spread, detailed maps show. BBC News
Falling suicide rate linked to improving NHS mental health care
Falling suicide rate linked to improving NHS mental health care Changes to how mental health care is being provided in the NHS in England in recent years may be linked to a 20-30% decrease in the nation’s suicide rate, according to new research published today in The Lancet Psychiatry.
However, researchers also found that suicide rates were higher in mental health trusts with higher levels of staff turnover.. OnMedica
However, researchers also found that suicide rates were higher in mental health trusts with higher levels of staff turnover.. OnMedica
Prostate cancer awareness: Most people have no idea what the gland does and many don't know they have one
Prostate cancer awareness: Most people have no idea what the gland does and many don't know they have one Experts fear that people's lack of awareness of the gland will lead to people dying, and that the cancer is on track to become the most common in the UK. The Independent
See also:
See also:
UK junior doctors may follow April strikes with indefinite walkout
UK junior doctors may follow April strikes with indefinite walkout Open-ended walkout one option if next week’s strikes do not force health secretary to reopen talks over imposed contract, emails show
Junior doctors are considering an indefinite walkout in protest at the new contract Jeremy Hunt is forcing on them if next week’s all-out strikes do not force him to reopen talks, leaked emails reveal.
Emails sent last week by the chair of the British Medical Association’s junior doctors committee (JDC) show that an open-ended withdrawal of labour is among the options it will consider to further its campaign. That could start on 8 June. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Junior doctors are considering an indefinite walkout in protest at the new contract Jeremy Hunt is forcing on them if next week’s all-out strikes do not force him to reopen talks, leaked emails reveal.
Emails sent last week by the chair of the British Medical Association’s junior doctors committee (JDC) show that an open-ended withdrawal of labour is among the options it will consider to further its campaign. That could start on 8 June. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
One in three NHS trusts restrict surgery for smokers and overweight patients
One in three NHS trusts restrict surgery for smokers and overweight patients Overweight people are being used as "soft targets" by NHS trusts who deny them treatment to save money, surgeons have claimed.
Although hip and knee replacements can help people stay mobile and keep active, more than one third clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) now refuse surgery until patients have lost weight or stopped smoking.
The Royal College of Surgeons is calling on ministers to make it clear to trusts that they are breaching health watchdog guidelines in discriminating on grounds of weight or smoking status. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Although hip and knee replacements can help people stay mobile and keep active, more than one third clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) now refuse surgery until patients have lost weight or stopped smoking.
The Royal College of Surgeons is calling on ministers to make it clear to trusts that they are breaching health watchdog guidelines in discriminating on grounds of weight or smoking status. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Thursday, 21 April 2016
Northampton hospital to invest £600k a year in paying nurses’ training costs
Northampton hospital to invest £600k a year in paying nurses’ training costs
Hospital bosses in Northampton are offering to pay the university fees of students in an attempt to increase the paltry number of nurses available in the town. Northampton Chronicle
Hospital bosses in Northampton are offering to pay the university fees of students in an attempt to increase the paltry number of nurses available in the town. Northampton Chronicle
GP services get £2.4bn funding boost
GP services get £2.4bn funding boost
A major five-year investment in general practice in England is announced, with NHS bosses promising to "pull out all the stops" to help GP surgeries "get back on their feet". BBC News
A major five-year investment in general practice in England is announced, with NHS bosses promising to "pull out all the stops" to help GP surgeries "get back on their feet". BBC News
Role of specialist health visitors in perinatal and infant mental health
Role of specialist health visitors in perinatal and infant mental health
All women and their partners should have access within their local health visiting service to a specialist health visitor in perinatal and infant mental health (PIMH). NHS Networks
All women and their partners should have access within their local health visiting service to a specialist health visitor in perinatal and infant mental health (PIMH). NHS Networks
Mental health services: preparations for improving access
Mental health services: preparations for improving access
The Department of Health and NHS England are starting to make progress with the actions needed to implement access and waiting time standards for people with mental health conditions, but much remains to be done, according to the National Audit Office. Today’s report from the spending watchdog is the first in a planned programme of work on mental health.
The Department and NHS England have made a clear commitment to improve mental health services for people who need them. In 2011, the government set an ambition that mental health would be valued as much as physical health. In October 2014, the Department and NHS England set a first set of standards for the access to mental health services that people should expect and how long they should have to wait for treatment.
Improving care for people with mental health problems depends on action by many local organisations working together. However, the full cost of implementing the new access and waiting time standards and meeting longer term ambitions for better services is not well understood. The Department estimated that achieving the commitments made in the first three areas – improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT), early intervention in psychosis and liaison psychiatry services – could be £160 million a year more than the estimated £663 million that clinical commissioning groups spent on these services in 2014-15. Subsequent indicative analysis suggests that the cost of improving access further could be substantially higher, although there is considerable uncertainty around these estimates.
The Department and NHS England have made available £120 million of additional funding over the two years 2014-15 and 2015-16. However, most of the cost of implementing the new access and waiting time standards will be met from clinical commissioning groups’ existing budgets, at a time when the NHS is under increasing financial pressure.
Today’s report finds that full information does not exist to measure how far the NHS is from meeting the access and waiting time standards, but it is clear that meeting the standards will be a very significant challenge. Nationally, the access and waiting times for IAPT are already being met but performance varies substantially across different areas. A survey of acute hospitals in July 2015 indicated that 7% had the level of service NHS England considers will be beneficial to patients – at least a core liaison psychiatry service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Complete information is not yet available to measure performance for early intervention in psychosis.
The Department and NHS England are making progress, particularly in setting priorities and national leadership, but significant risks to implementing the access and waiting times programme remain. The strongest areas are the clear objectives and strong leadership, and a governance framework is being developed. The greatest challenges for the future are collecting data to show whether the standards are being met, building the mental health workforce and reinforcing incentives for providers.
National Audit Office
The Department of Health and NHS England are starting to make progress with the actions needed to implement access and waiting time standards for people with mental health conditions, but much remains to be done, according to the National Audit Office. Today’s report from the spending watchdog is the first in a planned programme of work on mental health.
The Department and NHS England have made a clear commitment to improve mental health services for people who need them. In 2011, the government set an ambition that mental health would be valued as much as physical health. In October 2014, the Department and NHS England set a first set of standards for the access to mental health services that people should expect and how long they should have to wait for treatment.
Improving care for people with mental health problems depends on action by many local organisations working together. However, the full cost of implementing the new access and waiting time standards and meeting longer term ambitions for better services is not well understood. The Department estimated that achieving the commitments made in the first three areas – improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT), early intervention in psychosis and liaison psychiatry services – could be £160 million a year more than the estimated £663 million that clinical commissioning groups spent on these services in 2014-15. Subsequent indicative analysis suggests that the cost of improving access further could be substantially higher, although there is considerable uncertainty around these estimates.
The Department and NHS England have made available £120 million of additional funding over the two years 2014-15 and 2015-16. However, most of the cost of implementing the new access and waiting time standards will be met from clinical commissioning groups’ existing budgets, at a time when the NHS is under increasing financial pressure.
Today’s report finds that full information does not exist to measure how far the NHS is from meeting the access and waiting time standards, but it is clear that meeting the standards will be a very significant challenge. Nationally, the access and waiting times for IAPT are already being met but performance varies substantially across different areas. A survey of acute hospitals in July 2015 indicated that 7% had the level of service NHS England considers will be beneficial to patients – at least a core liaison psychiatry service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Complete information is not yet available to measure performance for early intervention in psychosis.
The Department and NHS England are making progress, particularly in setting priorities and national leadership, but significant risks to implementing the access and waiting times programme remain. The strongest areas are the clear objectives and strong leadership, and a governance framework is being developed. The greatest challenges for the future are collecting data to show whether the standards are being met, building the mental health workforce and reinforcing incentives for providers.
National Audit Office
Integrated care to address the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness: a rapid review
Integrated care to address the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness: a rapid review
People with mental health conditions have a lower life expectancy and poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. Evidence suggests that this discrepancy is driven by a combination of clinical risk factors, socioeconomic factors and health system factors. The objective of this research was to explore current service provision and map the recent evidence on models of integrated care addressing the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness primarily within the mental health service setting.
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
Full report
Summary report
NIHR - publications
People with mental health conditions have a lower life expectancy and poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. Evidence suggests that this discrepancy is driven by a combination of clinical risk factors, socioeconomic factors and health system factors. The objective of this research was to explore current service provision and map the recent evidence on models of integrated care addressing the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness primarily within the mental health service setting.
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
Full report
Summary report
NIHR - publications
News story: HSCIC changing its name to NHS Digital
News story: HSCIC changing its name to NHS Digital
From July 2016, the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) will change its name to NHS Digital, building on the role it plays in directly supporting the NHS and social care services. Noel Gordon has been appointed as the new Chair for NHS Digital by the Secretary of State.
HSCIC, now NHS Digital, is the national provider of information, data and IT systems for commissioners, analysts and clinicians in health and social care.
Its work includes:
publishing more than 260 statistical publications per year
providing a range of specialist data services
managing informatics projects and programmes, and developing and assuring national systems against appropriate contractual, clinical safety and information standards
The new name of ‘NHS Digital: Information and technology for better health and care’ should help to build public recognition, confidence and trust. Speaking at the National Information Board’s Leadership Summit, George Freeman, Minister for Life Sciences, explained that NHS Digital will continue to produce high quality information, IT systems and services for health and social care. As well as showing how technological development and effective use of information can transform the quality of care a patient receives.
George Freeman said:
Healthcare in the 21st century is going digital with improved treatment and care, and with huge benefits for patient safety. The newly named NHS Digital will provide important information and IT services to ensure better care for patients.
This is an exciting time for NHS leadership in medical technology and NHS Digital will help to develop the NHS’s ability to deliver modern services. I’m pleased that Noel Gordon has agreed to lead NHS Digital as the organisation’s new chairman.
Noel Gordon is currently the Non-executive Director and Chair of the Specialised Services Commissioning Committee at NHS England. Formerly an economist, Mr Gordon has spent most of his career in consultancy, including 16 years at Accenture where he was global managing director of the Banking Industry Practice.
He has experience of innovating and transforming industries, and of using big data, analytics, mobile and digital technologies.
From July 2016, the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) will change its name to NHS Digital, building on the role it plays in directly supporting the NHS and social care services. Noel Gordon has been appointed as the new Chair for NHS Digital by the Secretary of State.
HSCIC, now NHS Digital, is the national provider of information, data and IT systems for commissioners, analysts and clinicians in health and social care.
Its work includes:
publishing more than 260 statistical publications per year
providing a range of specialist data services
managing informatics projects and programmes, and developing and assuring national systems against appropriate contractual, clinical safety and information standards
The new name of ‘NHS Digital: Information and technology for better health and care’ should help to build public recognition, confidence and trust. Speaking at the National Information Board’s Leadership Summit, George Freeman, Minister for Life Sciences, explained that NHS Digital will continue to produce high quality information, IT systems and services for health and social care. As well as showing how technological development and effective use of information can transform the quality of care a patient receives.
George Freeman said:
Healthcare in the 21st century is going digital with improved treatment and care, and with huge benefits for patient safety. The newly named NHS Digital will provide important information and IT services to ensure better care for patients.
This is an exciting time for NHS leadership in medical technology and NHS Digital will help to develop the NHS’s ability to deliver modern services. I’m pleased that Noel Gordon has agreed to lead NHS Digital as the organisation’s new chairman.
Noel Gordon is currently the Non-executive Director and Chair of the Specialised Services Commissioning Committee at NHS England. Formerly an economist, Mr Gordon has spent most of his career in consultancy, including 16 years at Accenture where he was global managing director of the Banking Industry Practice.
He has experience of innovating and transforming industries, and of using big data, analytics, mobile and digital technologies.
Department o fHealth
Chief Executive of largest integrated community and mental health trust appointed as new NHS England National Mental Health Director
Chief Executive of largest integrated community and mental health trust appointed as new NHS England National Mental Health Director
The Chief Executive of Central and North West London NHS FT (CNWL), Claire Murdoch, has been appointed by Simon Stevens as the new NHS National Mental Health Director. NHS Commissioning
The Chief Executive of Central and North West London NHS FT (CNWL), Claire Murdoch, has been appointed by Simon Stevens as the new NHS National Mental Health Director. NHS Commissioning
UK dementia cases fell 20% between 1989 and 2011
UK dementia cases fell 20% between 1989 and 2011
But decline almost entirely among men; women still seem to be at higher risk, study shows. OnMedica
But decline almost entirely among men; women still seem to be at higher risk, study shows. OnMedica
Mental health goals may not be met, audit office warns
Mental health goals may not be met, audit office warns
Waiting-time targets were scheduled to start in April, but NAO report says officials do not yet have a grip on how much the policy will cost
A government pledge to bring mental health services up to the standards of those for physical ailments will struggle to be met, the government’s official spending watchdog has concluded.
The National Audit Office has examined the Department of Health’s strategy for bringing a “parity of esteem” to ensure that patients do not have to wait longer for mental health therapies. New waiting time targets for those seeking help with mental illnesses were supposed to be introduced at the start of this month.
Guardian
Continue reading...
Waiting-time targets were scheduled to start in April, but NAO report says officials do not yet have a grip on how much the policy will cost
A government pledge to bring mental health services up to the standards of those for physical ailments will struggle to be met, the government’s official spending watchdog has concluded.
The National Audit Office has examined the Department of Health’s strategy for bringing a “parity of esteem” to ensure that patients do not have to wait longer for mental health therapies. New waiting time targets for those seeking help with mental illnesses were supposed to be introduced at the start of this month.
Guardian
Continue reading...
Commissioning better cancer services
Commissioning better cancer services
NHS England has published guidance to support commissioners and strategic clinical networks to ensure every person affected by cancer will have access to a recovery package and follow-up pathways by 2020, as set out in the cancer strategy. NHS Networks
NHS England has published guidance to support commissioners and strategic clinical networks to ensure every person affected by cancer will have access to a recovery package and follow-up pathways by 2020, as set out in the cancer strategy. NHS Networks
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
NHS gave me hepatitis for 34 years, says Northamptonshire man... but I can’t praise them enough
NHS gave me hepatitis for 34 years, says Northamptonshire man... but I can’t praise them enough A pensioner from Northampton has finally been cured of hepatitis, 34 years after a faulty batch of NHS blood gave him the deadly disease. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Catalyst or distraction? The evolution of devolution in the English NHS
Catalyst or distraction? The evolution of devolution in the English NHS This report considers the potential implications of devolution on health and care outcomes in England and how policy could best evolve. It draws on analysis of the devolution deals agreed to date, relevant literature, and international experience with a focus on four European decentralised health systems. The Health Foundation
New guidance on recruiting and retaining volunteers
New guidance on recruiting and retaining volunteers New guidance for NHS employers looks at how employing volunteers can add value to your workforce, how to attract volunteers and how to effectively manage and support them. NHS Employers
See also:
See also:
- New guidance on supporting staff who volunteer NHS England
Infant death rate 'lowest ever'
Infant death rate 'lowest ever' The number of babies dying before their first birthday in England and Wales is at its lowest ever, new figures have revealed. BBC News
NHS reconsiders HIV Prep drug decision
NHS reconsiders HIV Prep drug decision The NHS in England says it will reconsider whether or not to provide a drug treatment that can prevent HIV. BBC News
GP funding cut by £250m since 2010, new figures reveal
GP funding cut by £250m since 2010, new figures reveal Real terms spending on general practice has fallen £250m since the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition took power in 2010, House of Commons Library research has revealed. GP Online
New evidence confirms Zika virus transmissible by sex
New evidence confirms Zika virus transmissible by sex Genetically identical virus in man’s semen and infected woman who had never been to Zika area. OnMedica
The Guardian view on Boots: sick staff, a healthcare business and the public purse | Editorial
The Guardian view on Boots: sick staff, a healthcare business and the public purse | Editorial A recent Guardian report into Boots shed light on what happened after private equity invaded the high street. The reaction from medical professionals attests to the human toll, and the costs to the taxpayer
A week ago, the Guardian published a Long Read on Boots, a piece which has provoked an extraordinary reaction. A flood of letters from pharmacists that shows no sign of stopping. Strong concern voiced by medical professionals, from GPs to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. And the watchdog compelled to step in, so that, remarkably, Britain’s biggest pharmacy now faces the prospect of a regulatory investigation.
Our investigation reported a series of allegations from Boots’ own staff, as well as independent experts. We uncovered evidence that a senior manager at the chain was pressuring employees to milk NHS schemes for cash. Pharmacists suggested that professional ethics were being sacrificed for the sake of profit, and spoke of working conditions that threatened patient safety. All this appeared to stem from the business model adopted by Boots after its £11bn private-equity buyout in 2007. To pay back billions in loans, and to make their required returns, the investors pursued a model of “stretch and extract”: stretching finances and staff to the limit – then extracting profits. Continue reading... The Guardian
A week ago, the Guardian published a Long Read on Boots, a piece which has provoked an extraordinary reaction. A flood of letters from pharmacists that shows no sign of stopping. Strong concern voiced by medical professionals, from GPs to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. And the watchdog compelled to step in, so that, remarkably, Britain’s biggest pharmacy now faces the prospect of a regulatory investigation.
Our investigation reported a series of allegations from Boots’ own staff, as well as independent experts. We uncovered evidence that a senior manager at the chain was pressuring employees to milk NHS schemes for cash. Pharmacists suggested that professional ethics were being sacrificed for the sake of profit, and spoke of working conditions that threatened patient safety. All this appeared to stem from the business model adopted by Boots after its £11bn private-equity buyout in 2007. To pay back billions in loans, and to make their required returns, the investors pursued a model of “stretch and extract”: stretching finances and staff to the limit – then extracting profits. Continue reading... The Guardian
‘Burnout and depression’: the doctors struggling with their mental health
‘Burnout and depression’: the doctors struggling with their mental health Research suggests eight out of 10 doctors in England have experienced mental health issues. Here, some of those who are suffering tell their story
On his way to work one day as a first-year junior doctor, Craig felt so desperate that he considered jumping in front of a bus.
He had never experienced suicidal thoughts before. He felt helpless, as though there was too much to do and not enough time to do it. He was, it transpired, suffering from depression, partly triggered by the huge pressure he was under at work. It had become routine to put in an extra two or three hours after a 12-hour shift, because it was just too busy for him to leave. Continue reading... The Guardian
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On his way to work one day as a first-year junior doctor, Craig felt so desperate that he considered jumping in front of a bus.
He had never experienced suicidal thoughts before. He felt helpless, as though there was too much to do and not enough time to do it. He was, it transpired, suffering from depression, partly triggered by the huge pressure he was under at work. It had become routine to put in an extra two or three hours after a 12-hour shift, because it was just too busy for him to leave. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- My nervous breakdown as a doctor made me doubt my patients' depression The Guardian
- Why doctors hide their own illnesses The Guardian
Junior doctors' strike 'unjustifiable in struggling hospitals'
Junior doctors' strike 'unjustifiable in struggling hospitals' General Medical Council updates guidance for trainee medics before two-day withdrawal of cover from all services
Junior doctors in hospitals that will be hit hard by next week’s all-out strikes should not take part in case patients end up suffering harm, the medical profession’s regulator has said.
In updated guidance for trainee medics before the total withdrawal of junior doctor cover in all areas of medical treatment, the General Medical Council said that doing so was unjustified in hospitals that would struggle to ensure safe care. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Junior doctors in hospitals that will be hit hard by next week’s all-out strikes should not take part in case patients end up suffering harm, the medical profession’s regulator has said.
In updated guidance for trainee medics before the total withdrawal of junior doctor cover in all areas of medical treatment, the General Medical Council said that doing so was unjustified in hospitals that would struggle to ensure safe care. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- GMC advice for doctors in the event of full industrial action General Medical Council
- GMC statement: refusing unsafe rotas General Medical Council
- Hospitals 'may struggle' in all-out strikes BBC News
- Junior doctors will call off next week's strike if Jeremy Hunt agrees to drop threat to impose a new pay deal The Daily Mail
- Junior doctors should listen to the GMC and abandon their strike The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt tells MPs he 'can and will' impose junior doctor contract GP Online
- Harm patients? Junior doctors are striking to protect them The Guardian
- Withdrawing emergency cover crosses a line – it will damage trust in doctors The Guardian
- Junior doctors' strike: Jeremy Hunt rejects BMA offer to cancel walk-out if he halts contract imposition The Independent
- Hunt ‘never planned to insist on changes to existing contracts’ OnMedica
Mental health crisis: 'I've nearly died four times - but no one has helped me'
Mental health crisis: 'I've nearly died four times - but no one has helped me' “I’ve nearly died three or four times,” says Cristina, 23. “From overdosing to trying to commit suicide to self-harm. No one's helped me. I’ve been on a waiting list for therapy for eight months. All the GP can do is prescribe medication but it makes me worse – I don’t want to take it.
“I’ve tried to call my care worker a number of times but they tell me I have to wait. The only support I can access is from the crisis helpline, but by then I’m already thinking about killing myself. I've realised you have to help yourself because no one else will help you. It’s a waiting game.” The Daily Telegraph
“I’ve tried to call my care worker a number of times but they tell me I have to wait. The only support I can access is from the crisis helpline, but by then I’m already thinking about killing myself. I've realised you have to help yourself because no one else will help you. It’s a waiting game.” The Daily Telegraph
Pre-drinking amongst middle-aged adults causes serious health risk
Pre-drinking amongst middle-aged adults causes serious health risk Many adults are routinely downing 14 units of alcohol - their maximum limit for the entire week - in a single evening by drinking in multiple locations, a study found. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- Middle-aged drinkers 'pre-load' just like their children The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
"Only use A&E if it is a real emergency": KGH and NGH issue warning ahead of biggest junior doctors strike so far
"Only use A&E if it is a real emergency": KGH and NGH issue warning ahead of biggest junior doctors strike so far People using A&E at Northamptonshire’s two general hospitals have been told to only attend if it is a real emergency during next week’s two-day junior doctors strike. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- County's health leaders issue advice ahead of junior doctors' strike Northampton General Hospital
Why does winter in A&E get worse every year?
Why does winter in A&E get worse every year? England’s A&E system will not survive without significantly more investment in the form of funding, capacity and staffing in the coming years, according to a report by The Royal College of Emergency Medicine.
The report, Why does winter in A&E get worse every year? highlights the current pressures being faced by emergency departments throughout the year and shows how winter unmasks the pressures and constraints within the emergency care system.
See also:
The report, Why does winter in A&E get worse every year? highlights the current pressures being faced by emergency departments throughout the year and shows how winter unmasks the pressures and constraints within the emergency care system.
See also:
Privatisation and independent sector provision of NHS healthcare
Privatisation and independent sector provision of NHS healthcare The NHS is facing unprecedented financial pressures. Every area where spending is increasing needs to be rigorously evaluated.
Every year for the past five years, the amount of money spent by the NHS England on healthcare that is provided by the independent sector has increased, with the current yearly total at nearly £7bn, totalling 6.3% of the total NHS budget.
In response to the British Medical Association has released a report examining the increasing extent of privatisation within the NHS, including:
Every year for the past five years, the amount of money spent by the NHS England on healthcare that is provided by the independent sector has increased, with the current yearly total at nearly £7bn, totalling 6.3% of the total NHS budget.
In response to the British Medical Association has released a report examining the increasing extent of privatisation within the NHS, including:
- examining the amount of NHS England budget that is spent on independent providers
- looking at case studies of where independent providers have taken over NHS services and the effect it has had on healthcare provision
- undertaking a survey of doctors asking for their opinions of independent sector provision of NHS healthcare
- using the survey results, as well as data from a number of privatisation indicators, to make eight recommendations for independent sector provision of NHS healthcare
Untapped potential: bringing the voluntary sector's strengths to health and care transformation
Untapped potential: bringing the voluntary sector's strengths to health and care transformation This research was commissioned by the Richard Group of Charities and it assessed the findings of 175 evaluations into how the voluntary sector's offer can integrated into the health and care system of the future. The project also aimed to design a framework for a shared language to help charities describe their work and its value to give commissioners and policymakers a way to identify aspects of charities' work that most clearly matches their needs. New Philanthropy Capital
NHS bullying made me want to kill myself and forced me to quit
NHS bullying made me want to kill myself and forced me to quit I will never forget what happened to me and four years on I still suffer trauma whenever I go near the hospital where I once worked
Waking up on a gloomy Monday morning, I was filled instantly with nausea and severe panic. It wasn’t the usual blues one gets at the beginning of a new working week – it was something more sinister and surprising for a woman in her mid 30s. It was the result of 18 months’ worth of workplace bullying in the NHS.
I had worked nearly all my adult life in a hospital setting. I loved all aspects of my job, but patient contact and customer care were the two areas I enjoyed the most. I had good relationships with the people I worked with and the patients I saw on a regular basis. My job was my life and I often worked over my contracted hours for no extra pay because I was dedicated to patient care. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also
Waking up on a gloomy Monday morning, I was filled instantly with nausea and severe panic. It wasn’t the usual blues one gets at the beginning of a new working week – it was something more sinister and surprising for a woman in her mid 30s. It was the result of 18 months’ worth of workplace bullying in the NHS.
I had worked nearly all my adult life in a hospital setting. I loved all aspects of my job, but patient contact and customer care were the two areas I enjoyed the most. I had good relationships with the people I worked with and the patients I saw on a regular basis. My job was my life and I often worked over my contracted hours for no extra pay because I was dedicated to patient care. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also
Jeremy Hunt ramps up rhetoric over imposing contract on doctors
Jeremy Hunt ramps up rhetoric over imposing contract on doctors Health secretary’s response to question in Commons raises uncertainty about his legal right to impose terms
Jeremy Hunt has revived his threat to “impose” a new contract on junior doctors, despite government lawyers and his own ministry having said that he was merely “introducing” it.
His stance deepened the confusion over the government’s tactics towards NHS trainee medics and the uncertainty surrounding his legal right to impose updated terms and conditions on them. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Jeremy Hunt has revived his threat to “impose” a new contract on junior doctors, despite government lawyers and his own ministry having said that he was merely “introducing” it.
His stance deepened the confusion over the government’s tactics towards NHS trainee medics and the uncertainty surrounding his legal right to impose updated terms and conditions on them. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Statesmanship among medical leaders could help resolve the junior doctors’ dispute The King's Fund
- BMA doctors union split over all-out strike over junior doctors pay The Daily Mail
- Hunt pleads with junior doctors to break strike if A&Es can't cope The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt 'backtracking' over contract imposition, say junior doctors GP Online
NHS snubs new lung drug that could transform the lives of cystic fibrosis suffers
NHS snubs new lung drug that could transform the lives of cystic fibrosis suffers UK MPs and charities have hit out at a decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to reject a new drugs for cystic fibrosis sufferers because it is 'too costly'. The Daily Mail
Monday, 18 April 2016
Health bosses linking norovirus cases to Northamptonshire pub after 60 become unwell
Health bosses linking norovirus cases to Northamptonshire pub after 60 become unwell Public Health England are linking a number of norovirus cases to a pub in Northamptonshire after 60 customers and staff reported being unwell. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Corby GP takes top role in health organisation
Corby GP takes top role in health organisation The organisation responsible for commissioning health services in the Corby area has appointed a new clinical chairman following an election. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Case study on enhancing staff engagement and patient care
Case study on enhancing staff engagement and patient care A case study from NHS Employers examines the experience of Wrightlington, Wigan and Leigh NHS foundation trust, which commissioned the development of a staff engagement tool.
Dementia and comorbidities: ensuring parity of care
Dementia and comorbidities: ensuring parity of care This report, supported by Pfizer, argues that a failure to prevent, diagnose and treat depression, diabetes and urinary tract infections in people with dementia could cost the UK's health and care system up to nearly £1 billion per year. It highlights a lack of parity in the diagnosis of these conditions in people with dementia and outlines some recommendations including revision of NICE clinical guidelines; greater patient involvement in care plans; and commissioning of a wider range of psychological therapies. International Longevity Centre - UK
Evaluation of the UCLH-Macmillan Partnership to deliver improvements in the care, treatment, support, and information to patients with cancer throughout their individual journeys
Evaluation of the UCLH-Macmillan Partnership to deliver improvements in the care, treatment, support, and information to patients with cancer throughout their individual journeys The University College London Hospitals NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support partnership is intended to improve the experiences of carers and patients with cancer by improving the whole journey from diagnosis through to palliation, and to embed this in a system that actively engages patients and carers in decision-making at each step.
The evaluation aimed to assess the working of the partnership and its capacity to support the partners' plans to move forward through both quantitative and qualitative methods. The evaluation team aimed to approach the question of how the partnership was working from the perspectives of staff, volunteers, and senior strategic and operational managers. The evaluation also aimed to understand if, even at this early stage, there were perceptible changes in patient experience compared with comparable changes elsewhere in the NHS. Rand Corporation
The evaluation aimed to assess the working of the partnership and its capacity to support the partners' plans to move forward through both quantitative and qualitative methods. The evaluation team aimed to approach the question of how the partnership was working from the perspectives of staff, volunteers, and senior strategic and operational managers. The evaluation also aimed to understand if, even at this early stage, there were perceptible changes in patient experience compared with comparable changes elsewhere in the NHS. Rand Corporation
Vaccine switched in push to end polio
Vaccine switched in push to end polio More than 150 countries begin switching to a different polio vaccine - an important milestone towards polio eradication, health campaigners say. BBC News
Action call on 'hospitals seen as homes'
Action call on 'hospitals seen as homes' Families of people with learning disabilities say they are planning to take legal action against local authorities and NHS providers over lack of provision in the community. BBC News
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Fears strain of 'super gonorrhoea' could spread across UK - and may become untreatable
Fears strain of 'super gonorrhoea' could spread across UK - and may become untreatable A strain of "super-gonorrhoea" could spread across the UK and there is an increasing risk the disease could become untreatable.
Doctors have expressed "huge concerns" over recent outbreaks of drug-resistant versions of the superbug across the UK. The Independent
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Doctors have expressed "huge concerns" over recent outbreaks of drug-resistant versions of the superbug across the UK. The Independent
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- Research and analysis: High level azithromycin resistant gonorrhoea in England Public Health England
- Safe sex reminder as antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea investigations continue Public Health England
- Spread of super-gonorrhoea 'big concern' BBC News
- 'Super-gonorrhoea' is spreading across Britain and will become untreatable, doctors fear The Daily Telegraph
Pressure mounts on Jeremy Hunt over handling of junior doctors' dispute
Pressure mounts on Jeremy Hunt over handling of junior doctors' dispute Health secretary rows back from claim he has right to impose contract; use of threat may mean he has misled parliament
Jeremy Hunt is under mounting pressure over his handling of the junior doctors’ dispute after he unexpectedly abandoned his repeated threat to impose a new contract – a move that has led to four strikes by doctors so far.
Hunt’s change of tack, prompted by a high court challenge which starts on Monday, may mean the health secretary has misled parliament over the contract imposition because he has spoken of the threat repeatedly in front of MPs in the House of Commons. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Jeremy Hunt is under mounting pressure over his handling of the junior doctors’ dispute after he unexpectedly abandoned his repeated threat to impose a new contract – a move that has led to four strikes by doctors so far.
Hunt’s change of tack, prompted by a high court challenge which starts on Monday, may mean the health secretary has misled parliament over the contract imposition because he has spoken of the threat repeatedly in front of MPs in the House of Commons. Continue reading... The Guardian
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- Junior doctors divided as some warn of 'nightmare' strike dilemma The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors reject call to maintain paediatrics during strike The Guardian
Will mobile health apps make GPs redundant?
Will mobile health apps make GPs redundant? Most of the 165,000 mobile health apps available offer advice on diet and fitness but new ones are diagnosing illness and recommending treatment.
You have a fever, can’t eat and you’re barely strong enough to get out of bed. So you phone your GP surgery for an appointment, only to be told that the first one is two weeks away.
It probably sounds familiar. But could technology offer an alternative? A mobile app, Your.MD, is promising something radically different. Billed as a personal health assistant, it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic, as far as possible, your consultation with a GP. If you tell Your.MD your symptoms, it will tell you what it thinks your problem might be.
Only an automated, computer-driven solution can help with the surging number of people needing help with their health Continue reading... The Guardian
You have a fever, can’t eat and you’re barely strong enough to get out of bed. So you phone your GP surgery for an appointment, only to be told that the first one is two weeks away.
It probably sounds familiar. But could technology offer an alternative? A mobile app, Your.MD, is promising something radically different. Billed as a personal health assistant, it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic, as far as possible, your consultation with a GP. If you tell Your.MD your symptoms, it will tell you what it thinks your problem might be.
Only an automated, computer-driven solution can help with the surging number of people needing help with their health Continue reading... The Guardian
Parkinson's disease sufferers try to hide symptoms or lie about condition, survey finds
Parkinson's disease sufferers try to hide symptoms or lie about condition, survey finds Almost two-fifths of people in the UK with Parkinson's diseasehave felt the need to hide their symptoms or lie about having the condition, a survey has shown.
The findings, from the charity Parkinson's UK, are said to reveal an "alarming" level of fear surrounding the disorder.
A total of 127,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson's, a progressive brain disease that causes uncontrollable tremors, slow movement, and impaired speech.
Parkinson's UK estimates that 42,000 affected people in the UK have delayed sharing their diagnosis with someone close to them. The Daily Telegraph
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The findings, from the charity Parkinson's UK, are said to reveal an "alarming" level of fear surrounding the disorder.
A total of 127,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson's, a progressive brain disease that causes uncontrollable tremors, slow movement, and impaired speech.
Parkinson's UK estimates that 42,000 affected people in the UK have delayed sharing their diagnosis with someone close to them. The Daily Telegraph
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