Dogs introduced on wards at Northampton General Hospital to help provide comfort to patients A cocker spaniel and great dane have been headhunted to work on the wards at Northampton General Hospital to provide familiarity and comfort to poorly patients.
Indie the cocker spaniel and Anya the Great Dane were recruited as part of The Pets as Therapy (PAT) scheme at Northampton General Hospital, which aims to bring joy and companionship to patients through volunteer visitors and their pets. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Wednesday, 28 February 2018
Social services on the brink as backlog of vulnerable Northamptonshire adults awaiting a social worker hits 2,000
Social services on the brink as backlog of vulnerable Northamptonshire adults awaiting a social worker hits 2,000 The extent of underfunding at Northamptonshire County Council means some 2,000 vulnerable adults have not yet been assigned a social worker.
Yesterday, Northamptonshire County Council's cabinet approved a set of proposals aimed at saving £9.9 million in next year's budget. Northamptonshire Telegraph
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Yesterday, Northamptonshire County Council's cabinet approved a set of proposals aimed at saving £9.9 million in next year's budget. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
- Northamptonshire County Council cuts: Adult services 'at edge of being unsafe' BBC Northamptonshire
Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2017: Results and trends from the British Social Attitudes survey
Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2017: Results and trends from the British Social Attitudes survey Nuffield Trust and The King's Fund present results and analysis from the annual British Social Attitudes survey. This year's results show a sharp, alarming drop in public satisfaction with the NHS.
See also:
See also:
- Public satisfaction with GP services drops to lowest level in 35 years The King's Fund
- Sharp drop in public satisfaction with the NHS, new analysis shows Nuffield Trust
- Politics and satisfaction with the NHS Nuffield Trust
- Royal College of GPs respond to British Social Attitudes survey into public perception of health and social care Royal College of General Practitioners
- Government must give more money to healthcare, says professor BBC News
- Satisfaction with GP services at record low BBC News
- Satisfaction with GPs at lowest level for 30 years, survey finds The Guardian
New national data opt-out
New national data opt-out A new, national data opt-out system will be introduced in May 2018. This will give patients a clear choice on how their identifiable health and care information is used for purposes beyond their individual care. NHS Digital
Improving care for people with diabetes and a learning disability
Improving care for people with diabetes and a learning disability This set of resources and tools aims to support providers and services improve care for people with diabetes and a learning disability. The resources focus on improving the diagnosis of diabetes and learning disabilities, making reasonable adjustments to services and communicating with people with learning disabilities. Diabetes UK
Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2016/17
Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2016/17 This annual report uses data from monitoring and inspection visits undertaken during 2016/17 and finds limited or no improvement in the key concerns that have been raised in the previous years. It concludes that mental health services are not doing enough to ensure that people whose liberty has been restricted under the Mental Health Act are able to exercise their rights; and that this situation is not improving. Care Quality Commission
Most UK cannabis 'super strength skunk'
Most UK cannabis 'super strength skunk' Most cannabis being sold illegally in the UK is super-strength skunk linked to a higher risk of psychotic mental health episodes, an analysis of 995 samples seized by the police suggests.
In 2016, 94% of police seizures were high-potency marijuana, compared to 85% in 2008 and 51% in 2005.
The drug contains more of the psychoactive ingredient THC than some other types of cannabis, such as hash.
Researchers from King's College London say users should be warned of this. BBC News
In 2016, 94% of police seizures were high-potency marijuana, compared to 85% in 2008 and 51% in 2005.
The drug contains more of the psychoactive ingredient THC than some other types of cannabis, such as hash.
Researchers from King's College London say users should be warned of this. BBC News
'I prayed to die' after FGM aged six, says victim
'I prayed to die' after FGM aged six, says victim A victim of female genital mutilation (FGM) says she "prayed to die" after the procedure was carried out on her aged six.
Ahead of an international conference in Bristol aimed to promote zero tolerance of the practice, Hibo Wadere said she wouldn't wish it "on her worst enemy".
Some 137,000 girls and women are currently affected by FGM in England and Wales, the NSPCC says. BBC News
Ahead of an international conference in Bristol aimed to promote zero tolerance of the practice, Hibo Wadere said she wouldn't wish it "on her worst enemy".
Some 137,000 girls and women are currently affected by FGM in England and Wales, the NSPCC says. BBC News
GP practices given cash back for not sending patients to hospital
GP practices given cash back for not sending patients to hospital GP practices are being given “cash back” for preventing patients from going to hospital, under “profit-share” agreements, which were last night condemned by patients’ groups.
An investigation reveals that one in four NHS authorities has introduced financial incentives for GP practices which reduce the number of patients referred to hospital.
They include schemes which mean practices can keep up to half of all savings generated, if they stop any rise in the numbers going to hospital, despite an ageing population. Others receive an extra £5 for every patient kept out of hospital, if referrals are cut by 10 per cent, under a £1.4m scheme. The Daily Telegraph
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An investigation reveals that one in four NHS authorities has introduced financial incentives for GP practices which reduce the number of patients referred to hospital.
They include schemes which mean practices can keep up to half of all savings generated, if they stop any rise in the numbers going to hospital, despite an ageing population. Others receive an extra £5 for every patient kept out of hospital, if referrals are cut by 10 per cent, under a £1.4m scheme. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- No place for cash incentives to reduce referrals in the NHS, says College Royal College of General Practitioners
- GPs offered cash to refer fewer people to hospital The Guardian
- NHS GP practices offered cash rewards to not send patients to hospital The Independent
Diabetes is fastest modern health crisis as cases double
Diabetes is fastest modern health crisis as cases double The number of diabetes cases in Britain has doubled in just 20 years, making it the fastest growing modern health crisis.
Almost 3.7million people have been diagnosed with the condition, according to Diabetes UK.
Soaring obesity levels are being blamed for a spike in Type 2 diabetes patients, up by 1.9 million since 1998. The Daily Mail
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Almost 3.7million people have been diagnosed with the condition, according to Diabetes UK.
Soaring obesity levels are being blamed for a spike in Type 2 diabetes patients, up by 1.9 million since 1998. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Doubling of diabetes cases could reflect better early diagnosis, but is still 'dramatic and disappointing', says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
Tuesday, 27 February 2018
Nurse at Northampton General Hospital suspended for 12 months after binning patient notes
Nurse at Northampton General Hospital suspended for 12 months after binning patient notes A senior nurse at Northampton General Hospital has been suspended by a national watchdog after she threw her patient's notes in a bin, hearing papers say.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) received a referral from Northampton General Hospital about Victoria Susan Butcher who, between March and April 2015, is charged with destroying a patient's notes by putting them in the bin and attempting to conceal her errors in respect of the care she had given to a patient. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) received a referral from Northampton General Hospital about Victoria Susan Butcher who, between March and April 2015, is charged with destroying a patient's notes by putting them in the bin and attempting to conceal her errors in respect of the care she had given to a patient. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
KGH is improving, say health inspectors
KGH is improving, say health inspectors Kettering General Hospital is no longer inadequate, inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have said.
The hospital was placed into special measures after a highly critical inspection report last year.
It will remain in special measures for the time being to access specialist support but has now been given the higher grade of ‘requires improvment’ in a new report. Northamptonshire Telegraph
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The hospital was placed into special measures after a highly critical inspection report last year.
It will remain in special measures for the time being to access specialist support but has now been given the higher grade of ‘requires improvment’ in a new report. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
- Kettering General Hospital Care Quality Commission
- Kettering General Hospital to stay in special measures BBC Northampton
A Mixed Picture: An Inquiry into Geographical Inequalities and Breast Cancer
A Mixed Picture: An Inquiry into Geographical Inequalities and Breast Cancer Although we know that overall outcomes for breast cancer patients are good and have improved over recent years, breast cancer treatment, care and support varies across the country.
Based on where they live in England, a woman with breast cancer may be:
This year-long inquiry has shone a light on where and why these inequalities exist and what the possible solutions could be. All-Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer
See also:
Based on where they live in England, a woman with breast cancer may be:
- More than twice as likely to die from breast cancer under the age of 75 than a woman treated in a different area,
- A third less likely to have attended breast cancer screening in the last three years compared to a woman living in another part of the country.
This year-long inquiry has shone a light on where and why these inequalities exist and what the possible solutions could be. All-Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer
See also:
- 'Alarming' failings in cancer care fuel premature breast cancer deaths The Daily Telegraph
Links between NHS staff experience and patient satisfaction: analysis of surveys from 2015 and 2015
Links between NHS staff experience and patient satisfaction: analysis of surveys from 2015 and 2015 Using NHS staff and inpatient survey data, this report identifies the most important aspects of staff experience in predicting inpatient satisfaction. It also examines the experiences of staff and patients from a black and minority ethnic background, examining the extent to which treatment of these staff are linked with patient experience. NHS England
Choice in mental health care
Choice in mental health care This guidance provides advice for commissioners, GPs and providers on how to implement patients’ legal rights to choose their care provider and the team they see for their mental health care. NHS England
Results of the national audit of intermediate care
Results of the national audit of intermediate care The national audit of intermediate care 2017 is now complete and a summary report is available. The audit highlights key progress in intermediate care with more than 91% of service users maintaining or reducing their dependency across all services plus reduced average wait times. NHS Benchmarking
Government publishes key vaccine report
Government publishes key vaccine report A long-awaited report into how the government makes decisions about which vaccines to fund has been published.
It follows calls for greater transparency about why a vaccine to protect children against meningitis B was not made more widely available.
Two-year-old Faye Burdett died in 2016 - she was too old to have the vaccine.
An 820,000-signature petition calling for all children to be vaccinated was then submitted, - but the idea was rejected as "not cost effective".
One of the recommendations in the report is lowering the cost-effectiveness threshold for immunisation, potentially making it harder for new vaccines to be approved at current prices. BBC News
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It follows calls for greater transparency about why a vaccine to protect children against meningitis B was not made more widely available.
Two-year-old Faye Burdett died in 2016 - she was too old to have the vaccine.
An 820,000-signature petition calling for all children to be vaccinated was then submitted, - but the idea was rejected as "not cost effective".
One of the recommendations in the report is lowering the cost-effectiveness threshold for immunisation, potentially making it harder for new vaccines to be approved at current prices. BBC News
See also:
- Cost effectiveness methodology for vaccination programmes Department of Health and Social Care
Girl aged 5 died after GP turned her away for being late
Girl aged 5 died after GP turned her away for being late A five-year-old girl with a history of asthma was turned away from seeing her doctor because she was "late" - and died that night in hospital.
An inquest heard Ellie-May Clark was not seen by Grange Clinic in Newport despite having an emergency appointment because it operated a "10 minute rule".
A chance to "provide potentially life-saving treatment was missed" said the coroner, giving a narrative verdict.
After the hearing in Newport, Ellie-May's family said "she was let down". BBC News
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An inquest heard Ellie-May Clark was not seen by Grange Clinic in Newport despite having an emergency appointment because it operated a "10 minute rule".
A chance to "provide potentially life-saving treatment was missed" said the coroner, giving a narrative verdict.
After the hearing in Newport, Ellie-May's family said "she was let down". BBC News
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Fifth of prescribed antibiotics are unnecessary, study finds
Fifth of prescribed antibiotics are unnecessary, study finds Family doctors accused of ‘substantial inappropriate antibiotic prescribing’
GPs are fuelling the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance by wrongly giving antibiotics to one in five patients who has a cough or sore throat, a government-funded study has found.
Family doctors are displaying “substantial inappropriate antibiotic prescribing” when dealing with patients who have an infection, according to research published by Public Health England (PHE), the government’s public health advisers. Continue reading... The Guardian
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GPs are fuelling the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance by wrongly giving antibiotics to one in five patients who has a cough or sore throat, a government-funded study has found.
Family doctors are displaying “substantial inappropriate antibiotic prescribing” when dealing with patients who have an infection, according to research published by Public Health England (PHE), the government’s public health advisers. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in English primary care Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
- Dont blame GPs for high rates of antibiotic use society must play its part says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- GPs write 20,000 unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions per day, officials suggest GPonline
I'm an experienced nurse. Why do doctors treat me as their PA?
I'm an experienced nurse. Why do doctors treat me as their PA? Old-fashioned attitudes persist, but advanced nurse practitioners have been credited with improving NHS services
I’d worked as an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) for a few years when I had a routine meeting with one of the consultant supervisors. He arrived late, thrust a lunchbox into my hands and told me to heat his food in the microwave.
This wasn’t the first time I had been delegated such a task. I’d booked (and cancelled) dinner reservations, called travel agents and moved cars in hospital car parks. I’m a nurse, not a personal assistant. Frustrated, I questioned why this kept happening. Was it because it was traditional for doctors to be served by permissive and obliging nurses who stood to attention by the patient’s bed as they patrolled the ward? Was it because I worked with surgeons, known for their talent and decisiveness, but also for their arrogant and egocentric characters? Or was it simply that they didn’t understand my role? Continue reading... The Guardian
I’d worked as an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) for a few years when I had a routine meeting with one of the consultant supervisors. He arrived late, thrust a lunchbox into my hands and told me to heat his food in the microwave.
This wasn’t the first time I had been delegated such a task. I’d booked (and cancelled) dinner reservations, called travel agents and moved cars in hospital car parks. I’m a nurse, not a personal assistant. Frustrated, I questioned why this kept happening. Was it because it was traditional for doctors to be served by permissive and obliging nurses who stood to attention by the patient’s bed as they patrolled the ward? Was it because I worked with surgeons, known for their talent and decisiveness, but also for their arrogant and egocentric characters? Or was it simply that they didn’t understand my role? Continue reading... The Guardian
IVF clinics 'should pay NHS if their treatments cause complications'
IVF clinics 'should pay NHS if their treatments cause complications' Fertility expert says the public should not foot bill for problems caused by drug overprescription
A leading British fertility expert is calling for IVF clinics to foot the bill when assisted reproductive treatments result in their patients requiring care in NHS hospitals.
Geeta Nargund said the public sector should not have to shoulder the financial burden of treating women who are hospitalised with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or other complications because clinics have used excessive drugs or outdated protocols. Continue reading... The Guardian
A leading British fertility expert is calling for IVF clinics to foot the bill when assisted reproductive treatments result in their patients requiring care in NHS hospitals.
Geeta Nargund said the public sector should not have to shoulder the financial burden of treating women who are hospitalised with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or other complications because clinics have used excessive drugs or outdated protocols. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS prescription charges to rise to £8.80 from April
NHS prescription charges to rise to £8.80 from April NHS prescription charges will rise by 2.3 per cent this year, the Government has today announced.
Millions of patients will have to fork out £8.80 for their prescriptions as of April 1 - up from the £8.60 they currently pay.
Campaigners have blasted the 20p jump as 'catastrophic' and warned it will place further strain for people with long-term illnesses on 'already stretched budgets'.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) revealed the news of a price hike this morning, claiming it is in line with inflation. The Daily Mail
Millions of patients will have to fork out £8.80 for their prescriptions as of April 1 - up from the £8.60 they currently pay.
Campaigners have blasted the 20p jump as 'catastrophic' and warned it will place further strain for people with long-term illnesses on 'already stretched budgets'.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) revealed the news of a price hike this morning, claiming it is in line with inflation. The Daily Mail
Monday, 26 February 2018
BEAST FROM THE EAST: Snow warning for Northamptonshire upgraded to Amber ‘be prepared’ as Highways England advise motorists to stay home
BEAST FROM THE EAST: Snow warning for Northamptonshire upgraded to Amber ‘be prepared’ as Highways England advise motorists to stay home The Met Office has increased the weather warning for snow in Northamptonshire from yellow to amber as the country prepares for three days of snow.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow in Northamptonshire from 2pm today (Monday) but has now issued an upgraded amber warning, meaning ‘be prepared’ for Tuesday morning. Northamptonshire Chronicle and Echo
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow in Northamptonshire from 2pm today (Monday) but has now issued an upgraded amber warning, meaning ‘be prepared’ for Tuesday morning. Northamptonshire Chronicle and Echo
Fifteen serious incidents recorded at Northampton General Hospital in two years
Fifteen serious incidents recorded at Northampton General Hospital in two years Fifteen serious incidents were recorded at Northampton General Hospital over a period of two years, the lowest among hospitals of its kind in the East Midlands.
Between April 1, 2015 and 31 March, 2017 28 serious incidents were reported, 15 of which were upheld.
Serious incidents include avoidable or unexpected injury, serious harm or death; abuse; Never Events; events that prevent the hospital from providing acceptable healthcare; and anything leading to widespread public concern about the level of healthcare provided. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Between April 1, 2015 and 31 March, 2017 28 serious incidents were reported, 15 of which were upheld.
Serious incidents include avoidable or unexpected injury, serious harm or death; abuse; Never Events; events that prevent the hospital from providing acceptable healthcare; and anything leading to widespread public concern about the level of healthcare provided. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Arden and GEM CSU: Families fight for £1m in care costs
Arden and GEM CSU: Families fight for £1m in care costs More than 90 families have launched a challenge against a care assessor to claim back about £1m in care costs, a solicitor has said.
Arden and GEM Commissioning Support Group faces allegations it did not properly assess patients for NHS care and wrongly rejected funding claims.
It works for about 30 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).
Solicitor Martin Ryan said it was "not fit for purpose" but the group insisted it provided a "professional service". BBC Northamptonshire
Arden and GEM Commissioning Support Group faces allegations it did not properly assess patients for NHS care and wrongly rejected funding claims.
It works for about 30 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).
Solicitor Martin Ryan said it was "not fit for purpose" but the group insisted it provided a "professional service". BBC Northamptonshire
Grieving dad urges people to talk about mental health
Grieving dad urges people to talk about mental health The father of a woman who took her life has urged people to "reach out and talk to somebody" about their problems.
Kayley MacLeod, 21, died in 2016 and had been struggling with mental health issues since she was about 15.
Her father Andrew said he hopes her death will help others in her situation to "find a voice". BBC Northamptonshire
Kayley MacLeod, 21, died in 2016 and had been struggling with mental health issues since she was about 15.
Her father Andrew said he hopes her death will help others in her situation to "find a voice". BBC Northamptonshire
RCGP calls for an end to referral management centres that 'prioritise cost-savings over patient care'
RCGP calls for an end to referral management centres that 'prioritise cost-savings over patient care' Referral management centres, which are primarily designed to reduce GP total referral numbers to hospital should not be introduced – and where they already exist, it must be demonstrated that they are safe for patients and cost-effective to the whole NHS, recommends the Royal College of GPs in a new report published today.
The report, Quality patient referrals: Right service, right time cites a 'dearth of evidence' that referral management centres – used by around a quarter of Clinical Commissioning Groups in England – are cost-effective, stating that they are ultimately more expensive to run than other systems designed to improve and maintain the quality of GP referrals. Royal College of General Practitioners
The report, Quality patient referrals: Right service, right time cites a 'dearth of evidence' that referral management centres – used by around a quarter of Clinical Commissioning Groups in England – are cost-effective, stating that they are ultimately more expensive to run than other systems designed to improve and maintain the quality of GP referrals. Royal College of General Practitioners
Call to end 'taboo' of talking about death
Call to end 'taboo' of talking about death A charity is calling for a "national conversation" about dying, saying the topic has become "taboo" and a source of anxiety for many. The Sue Ryder charity says people should talk to their loved ones about their final wishes as well as making sure they look after themselves. BBC News
See also:
See also:
MPs debate changes to organ donations law
MPs debate changes to organ donations law Plans to change the rules on organ donation consent in England, which it is claimed could save up to 500 lives a year, have been backed by MPs.
A bill requiring people to "opt out" if they do not want their organs used passed its first parliamentary hurdle.
Labour's Julie Elliott, whose daughter is receiving dialysis for a serious kidney disease, said it would give hope to thousands of transplant patients.
The MP said her experience had made her realise how "special" donors were.
Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson's private members' bill, which would bring England into line with Wales which already has an opt-out system for consent, passed its second reading on Friday. BBC News
A bill requiring people to "opt out" if they do not want their organs used passed its first parliamentary hurdle.
Labour's Julie Elliott, whose daughter is receiving dialysis for a serious kidney disease, said it would give hope to thousands of transplant patients.
The MP said her experience had made her realise how "special" donors were.
Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson's private members' bill, which would bring England into line with Wales which already has an opt-out system for consent, passed its second reading on Friday. BBC News
NHS crisis: Patients face delays for vital treatment amid 'staggering increase' in cancelled operations
NHS crisis: Patients face delays for vital treatment amid 'staggering increase' in cancelled operations Campaigners warn that patients could be put at risk by delays, while Labour accused the Government of presiding over an 'unparalleled winter of discontent'
Patients are facing delays to life-saving treatment amid warnings over a “staggering increase” in cancellations of urgent surgery.
Nearly 1,000 urgent operations have been cut so far this winter for patients with life-threatening illnesses due to pressures on hospital resources, such as beds or staff, according to new analysis of NHS figures.
The total represents a 40 per cent increase in cancellations since 2013-14, when 707 operations were cut, and a surge of 31 per cent since 2010-11 when there were 755 cancellations. The Independent
Patients are facing delays to life-saving treatment amid warnings over a “staggering increase” in cancellations of urgent surgery.
Nearly 1,000 urgent operations have been cut so far this winter for patients with life-threatening illnesses due to pressures on hospital resources, such as beds or staff, according to new analysis of NHS figures.
The total represents a 40 per cent increase in cancellations since 2013-14, when 707 operations were cut, and a surge of 31 per cent since 2010-11 when there were 755 cancellations. The Independent
Millennials will be most overweight generation since records began, cancer experts warn
Millennials will be most overweight generation since records began, cancer experts warn Middle-aged millennials are set to be the most overweight generation since records began, with experts warning they are unwittingly and significantly increasing their risk of cancer.
Analysis by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) shows that on current trends 70 per cent of millennials, those born between the early 1980s to mid-1990s, will be overweight or obese by the age 35 to 45.
However, despite being linked to 800,000 cancer cases a year, the vast majority of people are unaware of the additional risk obesity brings. The Independent
See also:
Analysis by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) shows that on current trends 70 per cent of millennials, those born between the early 1980s to mid-1990s, will be overweight or obese by the age 35 to 45.
However, despite being linked to 800,000 cancer cases a year, the vast majority of people are unaware of the additional risk obesity brings. The Independent
See also:
- Millennials top obesity chart before reaching middle age Cancer Research UK
- Millennials 'set to be fattest generation' BBC News
- Millennials 'will be the fattest generation on record' The Daily Telegraph
Five ways to avoid becoming a victim of prescription drugs errors
Five ways to avoid becoming a victim of prescription drugs errors A study has revealed that mistakes in the writing or dispensing of medicine can cost up to 22,000 people their lives every year. Here’s how to avoid being one of them
Up to 22,000 people could be dying in England every year as a result of mistakes in the writing or dispensing of prescriptions, according to new research. In a speech last week, the health and social services secretary, Jeremy Hunt, demanded fresh measures to tackle the problem, which was identified in a government study carried out at York, Manchester and Sheffield universities. Continue reading... The Guardian
Up to 22,000 people could be dying in England every year as a result of mistakes in the writing or dispensing of prescriptions, according to new research. In a speech last week, the health and social services secretary, Jeremy Hunt, demanded fresh measures to tackle the problem, which was identified in a government study carried out at York, Manchester and Sheffield universities. Continue reading... The Guardian
Can the Bawa-Garba case result in a stronger NHS safety culture?
Can the Bawa-Garba case result in a stronger NHS safety culture? There is a frantic scramble to find a coherent response that maintains the confidence of the medical profession and the public
The manslaughter conviction and subsequent erasure from the medical register of paediatrician Hadiza Bawa-Garba has opened up a schism over healthcare safety that will harm patients if it is not resolved quickly.
On one side is the jury, which gave a 10:2 majority verdict for gross negligence manslaughter over the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock in 2011; the General Medical Council (GMC), which wanted Bawa-Garba struck off; and the high court, which backed the GMC. Continue reading... The Guardian
The manslaughter conviction and subsequent erasure from the medical register of paediatrician Hadiza Bawa-Garba has opened up a schism over healthcare safety that will harm patients if it is not resolved quickly.
On one side is the jury, which gave a 10:2 majority verdict for gross negligence manslaughter over the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock in 2011; the General Medical Council (GMC), which wanted Bawa-Garba struck off; and the high court, which backed the GMC. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS could have spent up to £500million unnecessarily by telling doctors to prescribe more expensive drug
NHS could have spent up to £500million unnecessarily by telling doctors to prescribe more expensive drug The NHS could recover up to £500 million from one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies following a lengthy legal battle over the patent for one of its drugs.
The health service took the “unprecedented” step of issuing guidance to all GPs and pharmacists stating that when prescribing the drug pregabalin for neuropathic pain they should stipulate that it must be the brand Lyrica, produced by Pfizer. The Daily Telegraph
The health service took the “unprecedented” step of issuing guidance to all GPs and pharmacists stating that when prescribing the drug pregabalin for neuropathic pain they should stipulate that it must be the brand Lyrica, produced by Pfizer. The Daily Telegraph
Nurses should call doctors by their first names to prevent patient deaths, says Jeremy Hunt
Nurses should call doctors by their first names to prevent patient deaths, says Jeremy Hunt Nurses must be allowed to address senior doctors by their first names in order to prevent fatal medical errors, Jeremy Hunt has said.
The Health Secretary said medicine’s strict hierarchy was stopping junior staff speaking up when they notice disasters unfolding and that doing away with formality in operating theatres and other settings was crucial to saving more lives.
He told an international conference on patient safety that health was one of the last professions yet to fully adopt the use of first names. The Daily Telegraph
The Health Secretary said medicine’s strict hierarchy was stopping junior staff speaking up when they notice disasters unfolding and that doing away with formality in operating theatres and other settings was crucial to saving more lives.
He told an international conference on patient safety that health was one of the last professions yet to fully adopt the use of first names. The Daily Telegraph
Almost all FGM cases in Britain are legal piercings
Almost all FGM cases in Britain are legal piercings Almost all known cases of female genital mutilation carried out in the UK are legal piercings, official figures show.
The Department of Health controversially decided all intimate piercings should be included in new statistics collected by the NHS to record cases of FGM.
But out of 5,391 newly recorded cases of FGM found by GPs and NHS trusts in the year to March 2017, only 57 were performed in the UK of which 50, or 87 per cent, were in the category for piercings, and all the women whose ages were known were over 18.
The figures suggest almost all girls who undergo the shocking FGM procedure, which has been illegal for more than 30 years, are taken abroad. The Daily Mail
The Department of Health controversially decided all intimate piercings should be included in new statistics collected by the NHS to record cases of FGM.
But out of 5,391 newly recorded cases of FGM found by GPs and NHS trusts in the year to March 2017, only 57 were performed in the UK of which 50, or 87 per cent, were in the category for piercings, and all the women whose ages were known were over 18.
The figures suggest almost all girls who undergo the shocking FGM procedure, which has been illegal for more than 30 years, are taken abroad. The Daily Mail
Major hospital trust bans women from having caesareans
Major hospital trust bans women from having caesareans A major hospital trust has banned women from having caesareans unless there is a medical reason.
Oxford University Hospitals will not offer them to those who are frightened or have had previous traumatic births.
Some women have had to travel miles to other hospitals to give birth while their families stay in local hotels.
The trust’s policy breaches guidelines from health watchdog Nice, which say women should be allowed a caesarean without a medical reason once the risks and benefits have been explained. The Daily Mail
Oxford University Hospitals will not offer them to those who are frightened or have had previous traumatic births.
Some women have had to travel miles to other hospitals to give birth while their families stay in local hotels.
The trust’s policy breaches guidelines from health watchdog Nice, which say women should be allowed a caesarean without a medical reason once the risks and benefits have been explained. The Daily Mail
Friday, 23 February 2018
Patients in Northamptonshire urged to use NHS services wisely to ease pressure on county hospitals
Patients in Northamptonshire urged to use NHS services wisely to ease pressure on county hospitals People in Northamptonshire are being urged to use NHS services wisely as the county’s hospitals continue to deal with a large number of patients seeking emergency care.
Northampton General Hospital (NGH) and Kettering General Hospital (KGH) have both been extremely busy this week and pressure has built up on wards and A&E departments, bosses at Nene CCG say.
Nursing teams have seen an increase in flu cases and winter-related illnesses, particularly among older people with multiple conditions who need more intensive care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton General Hospital (NGH) and Kettering General Hospital (KGH) have both been extremely busy this week and pressure has built up on wards and A&E departments, bosses at Nene CCG say.
Nursing teams have seen an increase in flu cases and winter-related illnesses, particularly among older people with multiple conditions who need more intensive care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Making sense of integrated care systems, integrated care partnerships and accountable care organisations in the NHS in England
Making sense of integrated care systems, integrated care partnerships and accountable care organisations in the NHS in England NHS England has recently changed the name of accountable care systems to integrated care systems, which describes more accurately the work being done in the 10 areas of England operating in this way. Our updated long read looks at work under way in these systems and at NHS England’s proposals for an accountable care organisation contract. The King's Fund
Winter pressures data: where are the blind spots?
Winter pressures data: where are the blind spots? Numbers don’t lie – but do they really tell the full story? So far, our winter pressures blog series has looked at what the available data tell us about NHS performance. NHS England publishes monthly performance reports all year round, but since the winter of 2010/11 additional winter monitoring data are also available. Between December and February, acute trusts provide daily updates, and the collated results are published every Thursday. These weekly ‘sitreps’ help provide transparency and, together with weekly flu stats from Public Health England, often drive media headlines. These statistics give us a snapshot, but not the full picture. In this blog, we consider areas where having more or different data might give us a more holistic overview of the impact of winter on health and social care. The Health Foundation
More than 200 million medication errors occur in NHS per year, say researchers
More than 200 million medication errors occur in NHS per year, say researchers A new study has revealed an estimated 237 million medication errors occur in the NHS in England every year, and avoidable adverse drug reactions (ADRs) cause hundreds of deaths.
Researchers from the Universities of Sheffield, York and Manchester report that an estimated 712 per year deaths result from avoidable ADRs.
However, researchers say that ADRs could be a contributory factor to between 1,700 and 22,303 deaths a year.
Of the total estimated 237 million medication errors that occur, researchers found that almost three in four are unlikely to result in harm to patients, but there is very little information on the harm that actually happens due to medication errors. University of Sheffield
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Researchers from the Universities of Sheffield, York and Manchester report that an estimated 712 per year deaths result from avoidable ADRs.
However, researchers say that ADRs could be a contributory factor to between 1,700 and 22,303 deaths a year.
Of the total estimated 237 million medication errors that occur, researchers found that almost three in four are unlikely to result in harm to patients, but there is very little information on the harm that actually happens due to medication errors. University of Sheffield
See also:
- Prevalence and economic burden of medicationerrors in the NHS in England Policy Research Unit in Economic Evaluation of Health and Care Interventions
- College welcomes patient safety measures on prescribing Royal College of General Practitioners
- Drug errors cause appalling harm and deaths, says Hunt BBC News
- Up to 22,000 deaths a year caused by medication mistakes The Daily Mail
- NHS drug errors may be causing up to 22,000 deaths every year The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt pledges crackdown on drug errors in NHS The Guardian
- NHS medication errors contribute to as many as 22,000 deaths a year, major report shows The Independent
One in four Emergency staff abused by patients
One in four Emergency staff abused by patients The first ever review of the experience of hospital A&E staff reveals that they have resigned themselves to patient violence and aggression.
In the UK, there were over 70,555 total reported assaults on NHS staff in 2016. Around the world, one in four hospital staff has experienced physical abuse. Lancaster University
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In the UK, there were over 70,555 total reported assaults on NHS staff in 2016. Around the world, one in four hospital staff has experienced physical abuse. Lancaster University
See also:
- A qualitative meta-synthesis of emergency department staff experiences of violence and aggression (abstract) International Emergency Nursing
- A&E abuse: Medical staff report more than 70,000 physical and verbal attacks that leave them working in fear The Daily Mail
Are sick migrants avoiding NHS doctors over deportation fears?
Are sick migrants avoiding NHS doctors over deportation fears? The NHS has agreed to look into concerns about doctors having to pass names and addresses of suspected illegal immigrants to the Home Office.
It has launched a consultation on the policy after pressure from MPs but will not immediately ban it as some want.
Health bosses have been accused of ignoring evidence migrants are being deterred from seeking medical help for fear of deportation.
England's main health watchdog said it was a "serious risk" to public health.
Doctors and patient groups warned it was damaging trust in the health service and breaching patient confidentiality, in evidence last month to the Health Select Committee. BBC News
It has launched a consultation on the policy after pressure from MPs but will not immediately ban it as some want.
Health bosses have been accused of ignoring evidence migrants are being deterred from seeking medical help for fear of deportation.
England's main health watchdog said it was a "serious risk" to public health.
Doctors and patient groups warned it was damaging trust in the health service and breaching patient confidentiality, in evidence last month to the Health Select Committee. BBC News
A new heart saved my life. Too many others don't get that chance
A new heart saved my life. Too many others don't get that chance An opt-out system for organ donation could improve the outcomes for critically ill people waiting for a heart transplant
I’m alive today because I had a heart transplant at the age of 38. I grew up in fear of what was around the corner because I knew that my heart was unreliable. Life was a rollercoaster of optimism and depression, the ups and downs of a future that ultimately relied on someone, somewhere, giving me the biggest gift possible – their heart.
A woman who died before her time, who I will never get to thank, gave me that gift. I can’t begin to tell you what this has meant to me and those I love.
If we would be willing to accept an organ, why would we not give one? Continue reading... The Guardian
I’m alive today because I had a heart transplant at the age of 38. I grew up in fear of what was around the corner because I knew that my heart was unreliable. Life was a rollercoaster of optimism and depression, the ups and downs of a future that ultimately relied on someone, somewhere, giving me the biggest gift possible – their heart.
A woman who died before her time, who I will never get to thank, gave me that gift. I can’t begin to tell you what this has meant to me and those I love.
If we would be willing to accept an organ, why would we not give one? Continue reading... The Guardian
Flu and norovirus cases are still piling pressure on A&E
Flu and norovirus cases are still piling pressure on A&E Cases of flu and norovirus are continuing to put pressure on A&E departments.
The number of bed closures due to norovirus or diarrhoea and vomiting rose to an average of 841 per day last week, up from 817 in the seven days before.
Weekly figures from NHS England also reveal 13,300 patients waited more than 30 minutes to be seen after arriving at A&E by ambulance, and of those 2,900 waited for longer than an hour.
This was an increase from the week ending February 11, when around 10,800 people waited more than half-an-hour and 2,200 more than an hour. The Daily Mail
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The number of bed closures due to norovirus or diarrhoea and vomiting rose to an average of 841 per day last week, up from 817 in the seven days before.
Weekly figures from NHS England also reveal 13,300 patients waited more than 30 minutes to be seen after arriving at A&E by ambulance, and of those 2,900 waited for longer than an hour.
This was an increase from the week ending February 11, when around 10,800 people waited more than half-an-hour and 2,200 more than an hour. The Daily Mail
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Doctor asked to tell a patient they were being DEPORTED
Doctor asked to tell a patient they were being DEPORTED Government officials controversially asked a doctor to tell a patient they were being deported, it has emerged today.
The anonymous GP was approached by a branch of the Home Office to deliver the notice to an adult with mental health problems.
Union leaders condemned the 'unprecedented' request, that occurred in Liverpool, and blasted it as 'completely unacceptable'.
Despite the doctor's refusal to comply, fears have been raised that this could open the door to a flurry of similar requests. The Daily Mail
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The anonymous GP was approached by a branch of the Home Office to deliver the notice to an adult with mental health problems.
Union leaders condemned the 'unprecedented' request, that occurred in Liverpool, and blasted it as 'completely unacceptable'.
Despite the doctor's refusal to comply, fears have been raised that this could open the door to a flurry of similar requests. The Daily Mail
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Thursday, 22 February 2018
Social care needs political support and better workforce planning
Social care needs political support and better workforce planning The workforce is sometimes cited as the biggest area of risk to the sustainability of the NHS in England. It is also a major area of concern for social care, where vacancy rates and turnover have been steadily increasingand are now double the national averages for the UK workforce as a whole. The King's Fund
Case study on staff wellbeing at mental health service
Case study on staff wellbeing at mental health service A case study looking at how Back on Track IAPT service, based in Hammersmith and Fulham, formed a wellbeing team to examine employees’ perceptions of their workplace and the challenges they face. NHS England
Mapping of specialist primary health care services in England for people who are homeless
Mapping of specialist primary health care services in England for people who are homeless This study finds significant variation in the type of service available, with some areas poorly covered. It also finds that homelessness projects in smaller towns and rural areas, and those working with young people who are homeless, were much less likely to be served by a specialist primary health care service. King's College London
Anti-depressants: Major study finds they work
Anti-depressants: Major study finds they work Scientists say they have settled one of medicine's biggest debates after a huge study found that anti-depressants work.
The study, which analysed data from 522 trials involving 116,477 people, found 21 common anti-depressants were all more effective at reducing symptoms of acute depression than dummy pills.
But it also showed big differences in how effective each drug is. BBC News
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The study, which analysed data from 522 trials involving 116,477 people, found 21 common anti-depressants were all more effective at reducing symptoms of acute depression than dummy pills.
But it also showed big differences in how effective each drug is. BBC News
See also:
- Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis (open access) The Lancet
- Antidepressants can help adults with major depression (review of the evidence) The Mental Elf
- Research should reassure patients, and GPs, that antidepressants are effective, says College Royal College of General Practitioners
- 'Anti-depressants help me function' BBC News
- Millions more of us should be taking antidepressants The Daily Mail
- Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds The Independent
Tool 'names and shames' hidden drug trials
Tool 'names and shames' hidden drug trials Institutions that fail to report the results of their drug and medical trials will be named on a new website.
Trials Tracker logs which clinical trials have missed deadlines for reporting their results in the US.
Some pharmaceutical organisations have been accused of burying unfavourable drug and medical test results.
Dr Ben Goldacre, who devised the website, told the BBC he hoped it would "nudge" institutions into properly disclosing data.
"For many years, trials transparency has been neglected," he said. BBC News
Trials Tracker logs which clinical trials have missed deadlines for reporting their results in the US.
Some pharmaceutical organisations have been accused of burying unfavourable drug and medical test results.
Dr Ben Goldacre, who devised the website, told the BBC he hoped it would "nudge" institutions into properly disclosing data.
"For many years, trials transparency has been neglected," he said. BBC News
Thousands of faulty inhalers recalled over risk to asthma patients' lives
Thousands of faulty inhalers recalled over risk to asthma patients' lives Thousands of asthma inhalers have been recalled over a potential flaw that posed a risk to patient's lives.
Around 6,000 inhalers used by asthma patients are affected, health officials say.
Asthma UK said that "faulty inhalers could put people's lives at risk" as it called on patients to check whether their inhaler needed to be returned.
The call comes after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) urged asthma patients to replace specific batches of their Ventolin Accuhaler inhalers, used for the emergency relief of asthmatic symptoms, after it was discovered that a manufacturing issue resulted in some devices not delivering the full dose required. The Independent
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Around 6,000 inhalers used by asthma patients are affected, health officials say.
Asthma UK said that "faulty inhalers could put people's lives at risk" as it called on patients to check whether their inhaler needed to be returned.
The call comes after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) urged asthma patients to replace specific batches of their Ventolin Accuhaler inhalers, used for the emergency relief of asthmatic symptoms, after it was discovered that a manufacturing issue resulted in some devices not delivering the full dose required. The Independent
See also:
- Batches of Ventolin Accuhaler and Seretide Accuhaler asthma inhalers recalled Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
- Asthma inhalers recalled in device alert BBC News
NHS deficit and staff shortage data ‘held up’ by government
NHS deficit and staff shortage data ‘held up’ by government Report showing NHS facing £900m deficit delayed after health department intervened
The NHS’s financial regulator has delayed publishing new information about the health service’s serious shortages of both money and staff after lobbying by the government, the Guardian can reveal.
The figures show that the NHS’s finances are even worse than previously thought – and include new official figures that reveal for the first time the full extent of the health service’s widespread lack of doctors and nurses. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The NHS’s financial regulator has delayed publishing new information about the health service’s serious shortages of both money and staff after lobbying by the government, the Guardian can reveal.
The figures show that the NHS’s finances are even worse than previously thought – and include new official figures that reveal for the first time the full extent of the health service’s widespread lack of doctors and nurses. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Quarterly performance of the NHS provider sector: quarter 3 2017/18 NHS Improvement
- The King's Fund response to NHS Improvement's quarterly performance report The King's Fund
- NHS 'dangerously' short of 100,000 staff BBC News
- NHS in crisis as trusts plunge £1.2billion into the red The Daily Mail
- NHS faces £1bn deficit and widespread shortages of staff The Daily Telegraph
- NHS England has one in 11 posts unfilled The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt launches review into handling of vaginal mesh scandal
Jeremy Hunt launches review into handling of vaginal mesh scandal Health secretary admits official failings over a number of medical treatment issues
Jeremy Hunt, the health and social care secretary, has launched a nine-month review into how the NHS addresses concerns about medical treatments, including vaginal mesh devices.
Speaking in the House of Commons, he admitted the government had failed to respond adequately to a series of public health scandals caused by the side-effects of medical treatments, citing the surgical mesh scandal as a key example. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Jeremy Hunt, the health and social care secretary, has launched a nine-month review into how the NHS addresses concerns about medical treatments, including vaginal mesh devices.
Speaking in the House of Commons, he admitted the government had failed to respond adequately to a series of public health scandals caused by the side-effects of medical treatments, citing the surgical mesh scandal as a key example. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Nurses say dying patients are being failed in their final days because the NHS is under too much pressure to care for them properly
Nurses say dying patients are being failed in their final days because the NHS is under too much pressure to care for them properly Dying patients are being failed in their final days because the NHS is under too much pressure to care for them properly, nurses have warned.
Patients are being left stranded in hospitals rather than being allowed to die at home or in hospices, a survey of NHS nurses claims.
Others are dying alone because staff are too stretched to spend time with them, the report found. The Daily Mail
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Patients are being left stranded in hospitals rather than being allowed to die at home or in hospices, a survey of NHS nurses claims.
Others are dying alone because staff are too stretched to spend time with them, the report found. The Daily Mail
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Wednesday, 21 February 2018
Walk-in service scrapped as GPs are asked to refer to 'overflow hub'
Walk-in service scrapped as GPs are asked to refer to 'overflow hub' An urgent care centre in Corby is replacing their walk-in service with an appointment-only GP hub service from March 2019, allowing GPs to refer there when they have no free appointments, Pulse can reveal.
NHS Corby CCG has approved plans to set up a new system, which will see patients ring their GP practice and speak to a ‘trained navigator’ who will book them into same-day appointments at their GP practice or a ‘same day access hub’ run via an APMS contract if no appointments are available elsewhere. Pulse
NHS Corby CCG has approved plans to set up a new system, which will see patients ring their GP practice and speak to a ‘trained navigator’ who will book them into same-day appointments at their GP practice or a ‘same day access hub’ run via an APMS contract if no appointments are available elsewhere. Pulse
KGH nurses help fight deadly disease among refugees in Bangladesh
KGH nurses help fight deadly disease among refugees in Bangladesh Four nurses from Kettering General Hospital have helped fight a potentially deadly outbreak of diphtheria among refugees in Bangladesh.
Head of nursing for urgent and emergency care David Anderson, advanced clinical practitioner Mandy Blackman, A&E matron Melanie Donelan and staff nurse Pippa Coe have all spent up to three weeks as part of a UK Emergency Medical Team deployed to Cox’s Bazar. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Head of nursing for urgent and emergency care David Anderson, advanced clinical practitioner Mandy Blackman, A&E matron Melanie Donelan and staff nurse Pippa Coe have all spent up to three weeks as part of a UK Emergency Medical Team deployed to Cox’s Bazar. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Mental health trusts’ income lower than in 2011-12
Mental health trusts’ income lower than in 2011-12 Mental health trusts have less money to spend on patient care in real terms than they did in 2012, official figures analysed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists show.
The College is calling for mental health trusts to be given more money and for better ways of tracking where mental health money is being spent. It fears some of that money is failing to reach the frontline.
Mental health trusts’ income is lower in England now than it was in 2011-12 once inflation is taken into account, according to the latest available figures.
This is despite the Government’s assertion that mental health spending is at “record” levels.
It comes as demand for services soars, with some trusts saying a lack of funds has forced them to cut services.
The picture across the UK is similar, with mental health spending in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all lower now than it was in recent years.
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The College is calling for mental health trusts to be given more money and for better ways of tracking where mental health money is being spent. It fears some of that money is failing to reach the frontline.
Mental health trusts’ income is lower in England now than it was in 2011-12 once inflation is taken into account, according to the latest available figures.
This is despite the Government’s assertion that mental health spending is at “record” levels.
It comes as demand for services soars, with some trusts saying a lack of funds has forced them to cut services.
The picture across the UK is similar, with mental health spending in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all lower now than it was in recent years.
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Your attention please: The social and economic impact of ADHD
The social and economic impact of ADHD This report estimates that the hidden costs of undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to the economy could amount to billions of pounds every year, and calls for urgent action to uncover the true economic costs to individuals, families and society as a whole. Demos
Derby junior doctors take break-time test case to court - BBC News
Derby junior doctors take break-time test case to court A test case could have a "dramatic" impact on the NHS and junior doctors, a court has been told.
A group of doctors claims Royal Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust did not ensure they had proper breaks.
The High Court heard the staff should get a half-hour break for every four hours they are continuously on duty or be paid double for the time.
NHS lawyers said this could cost the trust £250,000 and open up claims from junior doctors across England. BBC News
A group of doctors claims Royal Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust did not ensure they had proper breaks.
The High Court heard the staff should get a half-hour break for every four hours they are continuously on duty or be paid double for the time.
NHS lawyers said this could cost the trust £250,000 and open up claims from junior doctors across England. BBC News
WHO warns of soaring rates of measles in Europe
WHO warns of soaring rates of measles in Europe Europe has seen a big surge in measles cases in 2017, which the World Health Organization says is a tragedy after a record low of 5,273 cases in 2016.
Cases increased four-fold, with more than 20,000 people affected and 35 deaths.
Fifteen European region countries, including the UK, had large outbreaks. Measles cases were highest in Romania, Italy and Ukraine.
People shunning vaccination is part of the problem, say experts.
Although research published 20 years ago about a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism has been discredited, the scare it created damaged some people's trust of the vaccine.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be deadly. BBC News
Cases increased four-fold, with more than 20,000 people affected and 35 deaths.
Fifteen European region countries, including the UK, had large outbreaks. Measles cases were highest in Romania, Italy and Ukraine.
People shunning vaccination is part of the problem, say experts.
Although research published 20 years ago about a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism has been discredited, the scare it created damaged some people's trust of the vaccine.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be deadly. BBC News
Woman pleads guilty after Tunstall ambulance abuse note
Woman pleads guilty after Tunstall ambulance abuse note A 26-year-old woman who verbally abused paramedics and left a foul-mouthed note on their ambulance in Stoke-on-Trent has admitted a public order offence.
Kirsty Sharman, of Parsonage Street, also accepted writing the handwritten message, which said she did not care "if the whole street collasped [sic]" .
Paramedics were dealing with a 999 call in her street in Tunstall on Sunday.
At North Staffordshire Justice Centre, chairman of the magistrates said it was an "absolutely despicable incident". BBC News
Kirsty Sharman, of Parsonage Street, also accepted writing the handwritten message, which said she did not care "if the whole street collasped [sic]" .
Paramedics were dealing with a 999 call in her street in Tunstall on Sunday.
At North Staffordshire Justice Centre, chairman of the magistrates said it was an "absolutely despicable incident". BBC News
Debtors with mental health problems need 'breathing space'
Debtors with mental health problems need 'breathing space' Thousands of people with mental health issues are trapped in a spiral of escalating debts, a charity says.
The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute said that in 2017, some 23,000 people were being pursued while in hospital for mental health problems.
Thousands more were in a similar position while receiving mental health crisis support in the community.
A coalition of debt groups wants the government to allow "breathing space" for people with mental health troubles.
The government is considering whether to allow individuals in problem debt up to six weeks' grace from interest, charges and enforcement action by debt collectors if they seek help and financial advice.
Charities want the breathing space scheme extended to anyone accessing psychiatric in-patient care or the care of a Crisis Resolution Team. BBC News
The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute said that in 2017, some 23,000 people were being pursued while in hospital for mental health problems.
Thousands more were in a similar position while receiving mental health crisis support in the community.
A coalition of debt groups wants the government to allow "breathing space" for people with mental health troubles.
The government is considering whether to allow individuals in problem debt up to six weeks' grace from interest, charges and enforcement action by debt collectors if they seek help and financial advice.
Charities want the breathing space scheme extended to anyone accessing psychiatric in-patient care or the care of a Crisis Resolution Team. BBC News
General practice given just 4% of NHS winter bailout money - Pulse
General practice given just 4% of NHS winter bailout money GPs were allocated just 4% of the total amount of winter resilience funding given to NHS organisations this year, with the rest going to secondary care.
In mid-December, NHS England released a £20m fund to add extra appointments up until Easter in areas without GP Access schemes, in an effort to ease winter pressures.
However, GP leaders have said the money was 'far too little' in comparison with the amount given to hospitals this year. Pulse
In mid-December, NHS England released a £20m fund to add extra appointments up until Easter in areas without GP Access schemes, in an effort to ease winter pressures.
However, GP leaders have said the money was 'far too little' in comparison with the amount given to hospitals this year. Pulse
The town that’s found a potent cure for illness - community
The town that’s found a potent cure for illness - community Frome in Somerset has seen a dramatic fall in emergency hospital admissions since it began a collective project to combat isolation. There are lessons for the rest of the country
It could, if the results stand up, be one of the most dramatic medical breakthroughs of recent decades. It could transform treatment regimes, save lives, and save health services a fortune. Is it a drug? A device? A surgical procedure? No, it’s a newfangled intervention called community. This week the results from a trial in the Somerset town of Frome are published informally, in the magazine Resurgence & Ecologist. (A scientific paper has been submitted to a medical journal and is awaiting peer review). We should be cautious about embracing data before it is published in the academic press, and must always avoid treating correlation as causation. But this shouldn’t stop us feeling a shiver of excitement about the implications, if the figures turn out to be robust and the experiment can be replicated. Continue Reading... The Guardian
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It could, if the results stand up, be one of the most dramatic medical breakthroughs of recent decades. It could transform treatment regimes, save lives, and save health services a fortune. Is it a drug? A device? A surgical procedure? No, it’s a newfangled intervention called community. This week the results from a trial in the Somerset town of Frome are published informally, in the magazine Resurgence & Ecologist. (A scientific paper has been submitted to a medical journal and is awaiting peer review). We should be cautious about embracing data before it is published in the academic press, and must always avoid treating correlation as causation. But this shouldn’t stop us feeling a shiver of excitement about the implications, if the figures turn out to be robust and the experiment can be replicated. Continue Reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Social prescribing can help give some patients a 'sense of purpose', says College Royal College of General Practitioners
- Lonely patients are being 'prescribed' coffee mornings The Daily Mail
Health department 'ignoring UK life expectancy concerns'
Health department 'ignoring UK life expectancy concerns' Academics call for investigation into effects of NHS underfunding and austerity politics
The Department of Health and Social Care has been accused of ignoring repeated warnings about stagnating life expectancy, from academics who are demanding an urgent inquiry into whether austerity policies could be driving the trend.
The academics said that in recent years there had been “one of the greatest slowdowns [in life expectancy improvements] for both sexes since the 1890s”, with rates even declining for some groups. Continue reading... The Guardian
The Department of Health and Social Care has been accused of ignoring repeated warnings about stagnating life expectancy, from academics who are demanding an urgent inquiry into whether austerity policies could be driving the trend.
The academics said that in recent years there had been “one of the greatest slowdowns [in life expectancy improvements] for both sexes since the 1890s”, with rates even declining for some groups. Continue reading... The Guardian
A mixed-sex ward is better than a trolley in A&E
A mixed-sex ward is better than a trolley in A&E When hospitals are stuffed to the rafters, it can be hard to maintain best practice. What matters is that the care is good and respectful
Nearly 2,000 patients slept in a mixed-sex ward in hospitals in England last month. It’s the highest figure since 2010 when the government pledged to wipe out the practice. So is it a national disgrace or a sensible response to winter pressures? Would you object to being in a mixed ward? Or just be pleased to get a bed at all if you needed one? Is it a gender issue or is sharing with either sex a ghastly thought?
A combination of factors are at play. Hospitals have fewer beds than last year, so they are less able to deal with the recent, ongoing surge in illness. Last week, for example, the bed occupancy rate at 17 of England’s 153 acute hospital trusts was 98% or more, with the fullest – Walsall healthcare trust – 99.9% occupied.
For me, gender is less of an issue than whether patients scream through the night or hurl abuse at staff Continue reading... The Guardian
Nearly 2,000 patients slept in a mixed-sex ward in hospitals in England last month. It’s the highest figure since 2010 when the government pledged to wipe out the practice. So is it a national disgrace or a sensible response to winter pressures? Would you object to being in a mixed ward? Or just be pleased to get a bed at all if you needed one? Is it a gender issue or is sharing with either sex a ghastly thought?
A combination of factors are at play. Hospitals have fewer beds than last year, so they are less able to deal with the recent, ongoing surge in illness. Last week, for example, the bed occupancy rate at 17 of England’s 153 acute hospital trusts was 98% or more, with the fullest – Walsall healthcare trust – 99.9% occupied.
For me, gender is less of an issue than whether patients scream through the night or hurl abuse at staff Continue reading... The Guardian
Hospitals 'waste more money' after hiring management consultants
Hospitals 'waste more money' after hiring management consultants NHS trusts which hire management consultants in a bid to cut costs end up spending more, new research suggests.
The study led by Bristol University said health service spending on such firms doubled between 2010 and 2014.
And analysis of spending by 120 NHS trusts suggests that the more they spend on management consultants, the less efficient they became.
Every £100,000 spent on such firms was associated with extra costs of around £900, the research found - amounting to losses of around £11,000 for the average trust. The Daily Telegraph
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The study led by Bristol University said health service spending on such firms doubled between 2010 and 2014.
And analysis of spending by 120 NHS trusts suggests that the more they spend on management consultants, the less efficient they became.
Every £100,000 spent on such firms was associated with extra costs of around £900, the research found - amounting to losses of around £11,000 for the average trust. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- The impact of management consultants on public service efficiency (open access) Policy and Politics
- Hospitals are paying £1million a year to 'efficiency experts' who are actually making things WORSE The Daily Mail
Pacemakers, other devices at risk for hacking, study says
Pacemakers, other devices at risk for hacking, study says Life-saving medical devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps are incredibly vulnerable to hacking by fraudsters who could blackmail victims, a new study warns.
With the growing number of medical devices that rely on software in the past decade, there has been an increase in concern for the security of these tools and their networks.
Now, the American College of Cardiology's Electrophysiology Council has issued a report warn not enough is being done to curb this gaping flaw on a manufacturing level.
The warning comes as St Jude Medical still faces claims dating back to 2016 after a defect in a batch of pacemakers resulted in two deaths. The Daily Mail
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With the growing number of medical devices that rely on software in the past decade, there has been an increase in concern for the security of these tools and their networks.
Now, the American College of Cardiology's Electrophysiology Council has issued a report warn not enough is being done to curb this gaping flaw on a manufacturing level.
The warning comes as St Jude Medical still faces claims dating back to 2016 after a defect in a batch of pacemakers resulted in two deaths. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Cybersecurity For CIEDs: What Should You Know? American College of Cardiology
Tuesday, 20 February 2018
Inquest into death of man who died at Northampton General Hospital after choking on McDonald's begins
Inquest into death of man who died at Northampton General Hospital after choking on McDonald's begins A jury will decide whether more could have been done to save a man who choked on a McDonald's meal in Northampton and died.
David Scales, 68, died on January 11, 2017 in Northampton General Hospital after he choked on the food on January 3, while being transported from London to Leeds.
NGH is not being investigated as part of the inquest. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
David Scales, 68, died on January 11, 2017 in Northampton General Hospital after he choked on the food on January 3, while being transported from London to Leeds.
NGH is not being investigated as part of the inquest. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Five ways to improve junior doctor morale
Five ways to improve junior doctor morale Dissatisfaction among junior doctors has reached unprecedented levels: 80 per cent feel excessively stressed, and the number progressing directly to specialty training is declining.
Some of the solutions to this can only be implemented at a national level, for example, increasing the number of medical school places. However, these changes take time to create an impact. Locally implemented ‘quick wins’ could help to improve the morale of today’s workforce, thereby improving retention, productivity and patient safety. Here are a few ideas based on my experience as a junior doctor over the past two years. The King's Fund
Some of the solutions to this can only be implemented at a national level, for example, increasing the number of medical school places. However, these changes take time to create an impact. Locally implemented ‘quick wins’ could help to improve the morale of today’s workforce, thereby improving retention, productivity and patient safety. Here are a few ideas based on my experience as a junior doctor over the past two years. The King's Fund
Can the voluntary and community sector lead the change we need in health and care?
Can the voluntary and community sector lead the change we need in health and care? In the UK, nearly one in five people today are aged 65 or over. In places like Somerset, this number will be one in four within the next few years. Many older people live with chronic conditions, and, increasingly, with several of them. Our need to get to grips with the reality of our ageing population and understand how our systems best adjust has never been greater.
This is why the Health Foundation and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity have supported the Richmond Group of Charitiesand New Philanthropy Capital to take a deep look into what happened when individuals and organisations came together to improve care for people with long-term conditions in Somerset. Their work focused on moving towards more integrated person-centred models of health and care, this time with the voluntary and community sector (VCS) taking the lead.
This is why the Health Foundation and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity have supported the Richmond Group of Charitiesand New Philanthropy Capital to take a deep look into what happened when individuals and organisations came together to improve care for people with long-term conditions in Somerset. Their work focused on moving towards more integrated person-centred models of health and care, this time with the voluntary and community sector (VCS) taking the lead.
Working with policing and social care organisations to protect and prevent harm to vulnerable people
Working with policing and social care organisations to protect and prevent harm to vulnerable people NHS England has supported the launch of a joint consensus statement between policing, health and social care organisations.
It commits partners to working together to use our shared capabilities and resources more effectively to improve people’s health and wellbeing, prevent crime and protect the most vulnerable people.
It commits partners to working together to use our shared capabilities and resources more effectively to improve people’s health and wellbeing, prevent crime and protect the most vulnerable people.
A third of UK adults 'underestimate calorie intake '
A third of UK adults 'underestimate calorie intake ' A third of people in the UK underestimate how many calories they are eating, according to an analysis of Office of National Statistics data.
It suggests British men eat more than 3,000 a day while claiming to eat 2,000. And women say they eat about 1,500 while consuming nearly 2,500.
The recommended daily calorie allowance is 2,500 for men and 2,000 for women.
The study of more than 4,000 people looked at energy expenditure and self-reporting information on food eaten. BBC News
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It suggests British men eat more than 3,000 a day while claiming to eat 2,000. And women say they eat about 1,500 while consuming nearly 2,500.
The recommended daily calorie allowance is 2,500 for men and 2,000 for women.
The study of more than 4,000 people looked at energy expenditure and self-reporting information on food eaten. BBC News
See also:
- Evaluating Calorie Intake Office for National Statistics
- Britons are lying to themselves about how much they eat The Daily Mail
- So the UK’s eating more than it realises – here’s how we could get thin | Michael Hallsworth The Guardian
One in four GPs have seen patients harmed by NHS winter pressure
One in four GPs have seen patients harmed by NHS winter pressure Almost one in four GPs have seen patients at their practice come to harm this winter - with some reporting patients have died - because of extreme pressure on the health service, a GPonline poll reveals.
Incontinence affects more than 200 million people worldwide, so why isn't more being done to find a cure?
Incontinence affects more than 200 million people worldwide, so why isn't more being done to find a cure? For a chronic health condition that causes shame and misery for countless people and costs billions, urinary incontinence keeps a low profile.
Media reports about chronic health conditions appear with alarming regularity, but it is rare to read about the debilitating impact of the involuntary leakage of urine. Nevertheless, urinary incontinence is a condition which, next to Alzheimer’s or strokes, is reported as most negatively affecting “health-related quality of life”. The Independent
Media reports about chronic health conditions appear with alarming regularity, but it is rare to read about the debilitating impact of the involuntary leakage of urine. Nevertheless, urinary incontinence is a condition which, next to Alzheimer’s or strokes, is reported as most negatively affecting “health-related quality of life”. The Independent
I love my job as a nurse – but I’m not sure how much longer I can carry on | Anonymous
I love my job as a nurse – but I’m not sure how much longer I can carry on | Anonymous Despite what Jeremy Hunt may say, NHS professionals aren’t properly rewarded for what they do. Our wellbeing is at risk
I’m a nurse. While I don’t hate my current job, I no longer feel the burning desire to help people the way I used to.
Don’t get me wrong, I care greatly about my patients and I find real satisfaction in helping others get better. I don’t, however, find any real satisfaction in helping to quite literally save lives and being incredibly undervalued for it. If that makes me a bit of a brat, then so be it.
I never expected to become a millionaire as a nurse, but I would like to feel valued for the work I do Continue reading... The Guardian
I’m a nurse. While I don’t hate my current job, I no longer feel the burning desire to help people the way I used to.
Don’t get me wrong, I care greatly about my patients and I find real satisfaction in helping others get better. I don’t, however, find any real satisfaction in helping to quite literally save lives and being incredibly undervalued for it. If that makes me a bit of a brat, then so be it.
I never expected to become a millionaire as a nurse, but I would like to feel valued for the work I do Continue reading... The Guardian
Strike two years ago strikes had a 'significant impact'
Strike two years ago strikes had a 'significant impact' The junior doctors' strikes in England two years ago had a 'significant impact' on patients - with thousands of appointments cancelled, a study shows.
The worst effects were when emergency care was withdrawn during the last periods of industrial action - the first time this had ever happened in the history of the NHS.
There were over nine percent (31,651) fewer admissions and nearly seven percent (23,895) less A&E attendances compared to the weeks before and after.
The number of expected outpatient appointments also fell by six percent (173,462), according to the findings published in BMJ Open. The Daily Mail
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The worst effects were when emergency care was withdrawn during the last periods of industrial action - the first time this had ever happened in the history of the NHS.
There were over nine percent (31,651) fewer admissions and nearly seven percent (23,895) less A&E attendances compared to the weeks before and after.
The number of expected outpatient appointments also fell by six percent (173,462), according to the findings published in BMJ Open. The Daily Mail
See also:
Patients days from death to be offered 'compassion' signs
Patients days from death to be offered 'compassion' signs Hospital patients just hours or days from death are to be offered 'compassion' signs near their beds to alert staff and visitors.
The scheme to give them peace, dignity and respect has been devised by the east Kent hospitals trust and the Pilgrim's Hospice.
They say it will provide more comfort and solace to people receiving end-of-life care and their families.
It's operating in about 50 wards across the trust, including at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. The Daily Mail
The scheme to give them peace, dignity and respect has been devised by the east Kent hospitals trust and the Pilgrim's Hospice.
They say it will provide more comfort and solace to people receiving end-of-life care and their families.
It's operating in about 50 wards across the trust, including at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. The Daily Mail
Monday, 19 February 2018
Northampton registrar awarded national prize for groundbreaking research
Northampton registrar awarded national prize for groundbreaking research An ophthalmology registrar at Northampton General Hospital is the 25th recipient of the prestigious Vernon Prize Trophy, for ground-breaking research into the study of nystagmus or ‘dancing eyes’ in young children and infants. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
For a healthier nation, we must solve UK poverty
For a healthier nation, we must solve UK poverty For the first time in two decades our country is experiencing a sustained rise in the number of people struggling to make ends meet. Poverty has a harmful effect on many aspects of people’s lives, especially their physical and mental health.
In the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s latest state of the nation report, UK Poverty 2017, we found that 14 million people are living in poverty – one in five of the population. Over half of these people are living in a working household, facing impossible choices on a daily basis, despite doing all that they can to achieve a decent and secure life for themselves and their families.
This concerning rise in poverty is driven by stagnating earnings, the rising cost of housing and the freeze on working age benefits which are no longer effectively loosening the grip of poverty on people’s lives.
What’s less well known is the damage this is doing to the health of the nation. The Health Foundation
Sexual and reproductive health in England: local and national data
Sexual and reproductive health in England: local and national data Guidance to help health professionals including local government, service providers and commissioners understand the sexual health data that is available across England and how the data can be accessed. It includes data collected by Public Health England and other organisations.
This information provides an overview of the information available on sexually transmitted infection (STIs), HIV, contraception, conception and abortion and where to access it. It is divided into indicators (used for tracking progress), detailed local information (collation and interpretation of local intelligence) and national resources (tables and reports). Public Health England
This information provides an overview of the information available on sexually transmitted infection (STIs), HIV, contraception, conception and abortion and where to access it. It is divided into indicators (used for tracking progress), detailed local information (collation and interpretation of local intelligence) and national resources (tables and reports). Public Health England
Home Office denies medical cannabis pleas for boy age six
Home Office denies medical cannabis pleas for boy age six Requests for a medical cannabis licence to help a boy whose rare form of epilepsy improved after taking the drug have been denied by the Home Office.
Six-year-old Alfie Dingley, from Kenilworth in Warwickshire, suffers up to 30 violent seizures a day.
His parents want to treat him with medical cannabis oil, which is illegal in the UK.
The Home Office said the drug "cannot be practically prescribed, administered or supplied to the public".
A spokesperson added that it can only be used for research. BBC News
Six-year-old Alfie Dingley, from Kenilworth in Warwickshire, suffers up to 30 violent seizures a day.
His parents want to treat him with medical cannabis oil, which is illegal in the UK.
The Home Office said the drug "cannot be practically prescribed, administered or supplied to the public".
A spokesperson added that it can only be used for research. BBC News
'Move your van' note left on ambulance in Tunstall
'Move your van' note left on ambulance in Tunstall A woman left an abusive note on an ambulance dealing with a 999 call, ordering paramedics to "move their van".
The writer said she did not care if "the whole street collapsed" and the crew had "no right to be parked here".
The hand-written message was left on an ambulance in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, earlier.
Operational manager Mike Duggan said the paramedics also received verbal abuse.
He shared an image of the note on Twitter saying he was "very angry". BBC News
The writer said she did not care if "the whole street collapsed" and the crew had "no right to be parked here".
The hand-written message was left on an ambulance in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, earlier.
Operational manager Mike Duggan said the paramedics also received verbal abuse.
He shared an image of the note on Twitter saying he was "very angry". BBC News
'We must act before another child is killed': Warning over abuse linked to witchcraft and possession beliefs in UK
'We must act before another child is killed': Warning over abuse linked to witchcraft and possession beliefs in UK Thousands of children could be abused because relatives believe they are witches or possessed by evil spirits in Britain, it has been warned.
Experts fear another child will be murdered if efforts to prevent abuse linked to faith and belief are not urgently stepped up, following the horrific deaths of young victims including Kristy Bamu and Ayesha Ali.
The first ever Government statistics on the issue showed that witchcraft and possession were linked to almost 1,500 potential abuse cases across the UK in a single year but the figure is thought to be an underestimate. The Independent
Experts fear another child will be murdered if efforts to prevent abuse linked to faith and belief are not urgently stepped up, following the horrific deaths of young victims including Kristy Bamu and Ayesha Ali.
The first ever Government statistics on the issue showed that witchcraft and possession were linked to almost 1,500 potential abuse cases across the UK in a single year but the figure is thought to be an underestimate. The Independent
Ambulances stuck at A&E 'unable to respond quickly to 999 calls'
Ambulances stuck at A&E 'unable to respond quickly to 999 calls' Seriously ill patients having to wait for hours for paramedics to arrive, says NHS boss
Patients who have a stroke or heart attack are at risk of harm because so many ambulances are stuck at A&E units that they cannot respond quickly enough to 999 calls, an NHS boss has said.
The admission by a senior figure in the NHS ambulance service highlights the growing number of seriously ill patients who are having to wait for several hours – far beyond the target response time of eight minutes – for paramedics to arrive. Continue reading... The Guardian
Patients who have a stroke or heart attack are at risk of harm because so many ambulances are stuck at A&E units that they cannot respond quickly enough to 999 calls, an NHS boss has said.
The admission by a senior figure in the NHS ambulance service highlights the growing number of seriously ill patients who are having to wait for several hours – far beyond the target response time of eight minutes – for paramedics to arrive. Continue reading... The Guardian
Brexit deal delay could put NHS patients at risk, Tory MP warns
Brexit deal delay could put NHS patients at risk, Tory MP warns Sarah Wollaston tells health secretary medical businesses and services ‘remain in dark’
A delay in agreeing a Brexit transition deal could harm NHS patients, a senior MP has warned.
In a letter to the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, the chair of the Commons health committee, Sarah Wollaston, said that any holdups could put patient care at risk. Continue reading... The Guardian
A delay in agreeing a Brexit transition deal could harm NHS patients, a senior MP has warned.
In a letter to the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, the chair of the Commons health committee, Sarah Wollaston, said that any holdups could put patient care at risk. Continue reading... The Guardian
Calls for inquiry over financial abuse of vulnerable care home residents as figures show 13,000 have been affected
Calls for inquiry over financial abuse of vulnerable care home residents as figures show 13,000 have been affected Care home managers reported almost 13,000 concerns that vulnerable residents were experiencing financial abuse in the past four years, new figures show.
The data, collected from an FOI request to the Care Quality Commission, have prompted experts to call for a Government inquiry into the scale of the issue.
The statistics show that there were 12,968 investigations of potential financial abuse by the CQC between 2013 and June last year.
Care homes have a duty to report concerns about their residents to the regulator, which then investigates the allegation.
The data shows that the majority of alleged victims were over 65, with 85 and over the most common age group. The Daily Telegraph
The data, collected from an FOI request to the Care Quality Commission, have prompted experts to call for a Government inquiry into the scale of the issue.
The statistics show that there were 12,968 investigations of potential financial abuse by the CQC between 2013 and June last year.
Care homes have a duty to report concerns about their residents to the regulator, which then investigates the allegation.
The data shows that the majority of alleged victims were over 65, with 85 and over the most common age group. The Daily Telegraph
Patients are facing eight month wait for hip operations
Patients are facing eight month wait for hip operations Patients are having to wait more than eight months in agony for hip and knee replacements, figures reveal.
Waiting times have soared by 40 per cent in four years as the NHS struggles with growing demand.
Many needing the operations are in such severe pain they cannot walk short distances or sleep at night.
Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests show the average wait for a hip replacement is now four and a half months. The Daily Mail
See also:
Waiting times have soared by 40 per cent in four years as the NHS struggles with growing demand.
Many needing the operations are in such severe pain they cannot walk short distances or sleep at night.
Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests show the average wait for a hip replacement is now four and a half months. The Daily Mail
See also:
Is anything being done about blood-eating hospital bug?
Is anything being done about blood-eating hospital bug? A killer ‘blood-eating’ bacterial infection that may have affected thousands of British heart patients has claimed seven more lives in the past year, The Mail on Sunday has learned.
The death toll from the hospital bug mycobacterium chimaera (MC), spread by contaminated heart surgery machines, continues to rise a year after the problem was exposed by this newspaper. The Daily Mail
The death toll from the hospital bug mycobacterium chimaera (MC), spread by contaminated heart surgery machines, continues to rise a year after the problem was exposed by this newspaper. The Daily Mail
Friday, 16 February 2018
Nurse posed ‘significant risk to public’ after KGH incident
Nurse posed ‘significant risk to public’ after KGH incident A nurse who gave a patient at Kettering General Hospital prescriptions without the relevant qualifications has been struck off.
Andrew Richardson has had his name taken off the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register after a hearing in London.
A previous hearing heard how Mr Richardson, an acute oncology nurse, was working at the hospital when it was on ‘black alert’ in 2015.
Concerns were raised about Mr Richardson not having followed the correct procedures. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Andrew Richardson has had his name taken off the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register after a hearing in London.
A previous hearing heard how Mr Richardson, an acute oncology nurse, was working at the hospital when it was on ‘black alert’ in 2015.
Concerns were raised about Mr Richardson not having followed the correct procedures. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Emergency cuts could be made to services if Northamptonshire County Council fails to sell HQ, finance chief warns
Emergency cuts could be made to services if Northamptonshire County Council fails to sell HQ, finance chief warns Extra and immediate cuts to County Hall's already severe budget plan would need to be made... if its One Angel Square headquarters is not sold come April. The warning comes in chief finance officer Mark McLaughlin's no-holds-barred comment on councillors' final budget plans.
He said if a buyer for the new £52 million building were not to be found and the deal not pushed this financial year "rapid and difficult reductions in non-statutory services would be unavoidable."
Mr McLaughlin added that even if the sale took place and the price could not bridge the gap in funds "the only recourse at that point will be the elimination of non-statutory spending and this would almost certainly involve, again, a further set of difficult decisions." Northamptonshire Telegraph
He said if a buyer for the new £52 million building were not to be found and the deal not pushed this financial year "rapid and difficult reductions in non-statutory services would be unavoidable."
Mr McLaughlin added that even if the sale took place and the price could not bridge the gap in funds "the only recourse at that point will be the elimination of non-statutory spending and this would almost certainly involve, again, a further set of difficult decisions." Northamptonshire Telegraph
Nursing student numbers: should we panic yet?
Nursing student numbers: should we panic yet? Last year, the government scrapped the bursary available to new nursing students, arguing that this would create more training places by allowing universities to set their own fees and generate more income from nursing courses. However, more training places do not necessarily mean more trainees and critics suggested that scrapping the bursary would exacerbate the current shortage of nurses by deterring prospective applicants. Recently released UCAS data can help us assess the effect of withdrawing the bursary on student numbers. The King's Fund
Guidance: Falls prevention: cost-effective commissioning
Guidance: Falls prevention: cost-effective commissioning The return on investment tool pulls together evidence on the effectiveness and associated costs for interventions aimed at preventing falls in older people living in the community. The flexible Excel sheet allows for results to be tailored to the local situation based on the knowledge of the user. All interventions are aimed at those aged 65 and over.
The tool comes with an accompanying report, which details how the tool was constructed and presents the main results.
The second report summarises the findings from a literature review carried out to identify cost-effective interventions.
Local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) can use results from the tool to protect and improve the health of their local populations when making commissioning decisions. Public Health England
The tool comes with an accompanying report, which details how the tool was constructed and presents the main results.
The second report summarises the findings from a literature review carried out to identify cost-effective interventions.
Local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) can use results from the tool to protect and improve the health of their local populations when making commissioning decisions. Public Health England
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