Friday 28 October 2016

Rate of mesothelioma deaths in Corby continues to rise

Rate of mesothelioma deaths in Corby continues to rise

New figures show that six people die of asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma every day in England and Wales, with Corby having one of the highest mortality rates for the disease. 
Northampton Chronicle

Recovering the cost of NHS treatment for overseas patients

Recovering the cost of NHS treatment for overseas patients

The National Audit Office has found that the Department of Health and the NHS, working with other parts of government, have made progress to recover more of the cost of treating overseas visitors who are not entitled to free hospital treatment but, if current trends continue and the charging rules remain the same, will not achieve the government’s ambition of recovering up to £500 million a year by 2017-18.

In light of concern that the NHS was “overly generous” to overseas visitors, in 2014 the Department launched a programme intended to extend the scope of charging and implement the existing regulations more effectively. Increasing overseas visitor income is one of several measures intended to help improve the financial position of the NHS. The ambition to recover up to £500 million a year represents a substantial increase on the estimated £73 million recovered in 2012-13. Current trends and data indicate that, within the existing cost recovery rules, the amount charged is forecast to be £346 million in 2017-18.

Trust vaccinates 75 per cent of frontline staff against flu

Trust vaccinates 75 per cent of frontline staff against flu

In record time, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has vaccinated 75 per cent of its frontline healthcare workers against flu. They have put together a strong campaign, which has helped them to achieve a high uptake at such an early stage.
What have they done?
Here is a quick overview of what the flu team have done to increase uptake so they can protect staff, their loved ones and patients from flu:
set-up a very accurate reporting system that allows managers to view who has or hasn't had their jab
during the first six weeks of the flu vaccinating season, nurses in visible flu vaccinating tabards walked the wards to encourage people to get their jab
increased accessibility by holding flu clinics one hour every morning and afternoon. They also ensured that staff on evening and nightshifts had the opportunity to get their vaccination
created a strong communications campaign that was based around the ghostbusters theme.
support from the medical director and the head of nursing helped to spread the flu vaccination message far and wide.
used league table among the directorates to create some friendly competition. Latest NHS Employers

Need more information?
For more information on Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals staff facing flu campaign email Helen Houghton, health and wellbeing lead.

New data collection on out of area placements

New data collection on out of area placements

NHS Digital has launched a new data collection to enable national level reporting on out of area placements (OAPs) for adults requiring acute inpatient mental health care. 
NHS Networks

Efficiency opportunities through health and social care integration: delivering more sustainable health and care

Efficiency opportunities through health and social care integration: delivering more sustainable health and care 

This report finds that 45 per cent of decisions about patients' care could be improved which could lead to efficiency savings for health and social care services. It finds that up to one in four people are admitted to hospital unnecessarily and could be looked after elsewhere if better use was made of services available to treat people closer to home. The report examined areas where integration of health and social care was working and found that fewer people needed to be looked after in residential care.
Local Government Association (LGA)
Report
Press release

Towards improved decision support in the assessment and management of pain for people with dementia in hospital: a systematic meta-review and observational study

Towards improved decision support in the assessment and management of pain for people with dementia in hospital: a systematic meta-review and observational study

Pain and dementia are common in older people, and impaired cognitive abilities make it difficult for them to communicate their pain. Accurate pain assessment in this vulnerable group is challenging for hospital staff, but essential for appropriate management. This study reviews the literature and explores staff and carer views to identify robust methods for identifying, assessing and managing pain. 
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
Report
Summary
Abstract

UNISON evidence to NHS Pay Review Body 2017-18

UNISON evidence to NHS Pay Review Body 2017-18

This submission of evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body outlines the findings of UNISON's annual pay survey which seeks the views, experiences and strength of feeling on pay across NHS staff in the UK. This year's survey received over 21,000 responses and the results highlighted the increased pressures on personal finances with 67 per cent of respondents reporting that they have had to seek financial help from friends and family or make substantial changes to their living standards within the past year.
UNISON
Report
Press release

We have to do more to protect vulnerable adults caught up in the criminal justice system – Peter McCabe

We have to do more to protect vulnerable adults caught up in the criminal justice system – Peter McCabe

Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, a UK-wide charity that supports individuals and families affected by acquired brain injury. Some months ago, I received a call from a very distressed mother. Her adult son, who is living with the long-term effects of an acquired brain injury (ABI), had been arrested and accused of committing a […] 
NHS Commissioning

Report shows prevalence of conditions across England

Report shows prevalence of conditions across England

27 October 2016: Figures released today by NHS Digital provide information on the prevalence of 21 conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, dementia, diabetes, and depression. 
IC QOF