Thursday, 29 March 2018
New boss named at 'inadequate'-rated Northampton mental health charity
New boss named at 'inadequate'-rated Northampton mental health charity A new chief executive has been named at a Northampton mental health charity - that paid its previous boss £328,000-a-year. Former chief executive of West Hertfordshire Hospitals, Katie Fisher, is set to become the new boss of the largely NHS-funded St Andrews healthcare from June 28. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Prime Minister’s promise of extra funding for NHS raises questions about how much, when and how?
Prime Minister’s promise of extra funding for NHS raises questions about how much, when and how? The Prime Minister’s announcement that the government is committed to a new funding settlement over several years is welcome recognition of the growing pressures facing the NHS and the need to find a sustainable solution. Eight years of austerity have taken their toll on patient care and have led Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, and Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, among many others, to argue publicly for additional resources. King's Fund
NHS England and NHS Improvement get closer
NHS England and NHS Improvement get closer NHS England and NHS Improvement are today announcing some key steps that we are taking to bring our organisations closer together.
We have one NHS: commissioners and providers in each part of the country are serving the same people, and we need to use the resources that Parliament gives the NHS to greater benefit for local patients. This requires a much stronger focus on collaboration and joint working nationally as well as in local health systems.
Subject to our boards’ approval of more detailed proposals, we will begin to establish the following working arrangements from September 2018:
We have one NHS: commissioners and providers in each part of the country are serving the same people, and we need to use the resources that Parliament gives the NHS to greater benefit for local patients. This requires a much stronger focus on collaboration and joint working nationally as well as in local health systems.
Subject to our boards’ approval of more detailed proposals, we will begin to establish the following working arrangements from September 2018:
- increased integration and alignment of national programmes and activities – one team where possible
- integration of NHS England and NHS Improvement regional teams, to be led in each case by one regional director working for both organisations, and a move to seven regional teams to underpin this new approach. NHS England
Brexit: reciprocal healthcare
Brexit: reciprocal healthcare This report says that in the absence of an agreement on reciprocal healthcare, the rights of UK citizens to hold an EHIC card for treatment in the EU will cease after Brexit. King's Fund
Report
House of Lords EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee - news
Report
House of Lords EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee - news
NHS Cervical Screening Programme: the role of the cervical screening provider lead
NHS Cervical Screening Programme: the role of the cervical screening provider lead This guidance includes information for cervical screening provider leads on requirements of the role, accountability, working relationships, and roles and responsibilities. King's Fund
Guidance
Public Health England - publications
Guidance
Public Health England - publications
We've not got enough beds or staff - NHS bosses
We've not got enough beds or staff - NHS bosses The NHS in England does not have enough beds or staff, health bosses say, ahead of the new financial year next week. NHS Providers, which represents chief executives, warned the service was facing an impossible task in 2018-19.
The group said it meant hospital waiting lists would grow and long A&E waits continue. But the government said it was taking steps to support the NHS, including pay rises for staff and the promise of a long-term funding settlement. BBC News
The group said it meant hospital waiting lists would grow and long A&E waits continue. But the government said it was taking steps to support the NHS, including pay rises for staff and the promise of a long-term funding settlement. BBC News
Man has 'world's worst' super-gonorrhoea
Man has 'world's worst' super-gonorrhoea A man in the UK has caught the world's "worst-ever" case of super-gonorrhoea. He had a regular partner in the UK, but picked up the superbug after a sexual encounter with a woman in South East Asia. Public Health England says it is the first time the infection cannot be cured with first choice antibiotics. BBC News
Out-of-hours GP workforce faces collapse as winter indemnity scheme ends
Out-of-hours GP workforce faces collapse as winter indemnity scheme ends BMA leaders have called for an extension of the winter indemnity scheme after a poll found 80% of GPs planned to reduce sessions or stop working out-of-hours altogether if financial support ends from April. GP Online
Jeremy Corbyn accuses May of breaking mental health promise
Jeremy Corbyn accuses May of breaking mental health promise Jeremy Corbyn has challenged the prime minister over failings in mental health services, saying: “Too many of our fellow citizens suffer alone because there are not enough staff to help them at a moment of crisis.”
At the final session of prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, before parliament takes a two-week Easter break, the Labour leader used all of his questions to accuse Theresa May of failing to live up to the government’s promise to treat mental health as seriously as physical health. The Guardian
At the final session of prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, before parliament takes a two-week Easter break, the Labour leader used all of his questions to accuse Theresa May of failing to live up to the government’s promise to treat mental health as seriously as physical health. The Guardian
Health trusts say next year's A&E targets will be impossible to meet
Health trusts say next year's A&E targets will be impossible to meet Only 5% of trusts are confident their emergency departments will reach required levels. NHS plans for the coming year will be impossible to deliver despite Theresa May’s promise to accelerate long-term funding, trusts have said.
Amid mounting pressure, the prime minister pledged on Tuesday to provide details of a multiyear funding settlement imminently but the trade association NHS Providers says it offers no instant relief to its members. The Guardian
Amid mounting pressure, the prime minister pledged on Tuesday to provide details of a multiyear funding settlement imminently but the trade association NHS Providers says it offers no instant relief to its members. The Guardian
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Concerns remain about providers of online GP services
Concerns remain about providers of online GP services The quality of online primary care services, such as those that provide GP consultations and prescriptions through independent websites and apps, has improved over the last 12 months but further action from providers and the wider system is needed to ensure they are as safe as general practice in physical premises. NHS Networks
See also:
See also:
- The state of care in independent online primary health services report Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Teenagers urged to take part in meningitis B vaccine trial
Teenagers urged to take part in meningitis B vaccine trial Teenagers in Great Britain are being asked to take part in a study to learn if immunising them against meningitis B could protect them and other people.
The NHS wants 24,000 to take part in the Oxford Vaccine Group's Be On The Team trial, which is helped by National Institute for Health Research funding.
Bacteria at the back of the throat can cause meningitis and the study will see if vaccination can stop this happening. The trial will take place in four waves of recruitment over the next two years. BBC News - Health
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The NHS wants 24,000 to take part in the Oxford Vaccine Group's Be On The Team trial, which is helped by National Institute for Health Research funding.
Bacteria at the back of the throat can cause meningitis and the study will see if vaccination can stop this happening. The trial will take place in four waves of recruitment over the next two years. BBC News - Health
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- Pupil overcomes needle fear to take part in meningitis vaccine trial BBC News - Health
NHS public health functions agreement 2018-19: public health functions to be exercised by NHS England
NHS public health functions agreement 2018-19: public health functions to be exercised by NHS England Department of Health and Social Care -This agreement sets out the arrangements under which the Secretary of State delegates responsibility to NHS England for certain public health services. The services currently commissioned in this way are: national immunisation programmes; national cancer and non-cancer screening programmes; Child Health Information Services; public health services for adults and children in secure and detained settings in England; and sexual assault services. King's fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
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NHS and councils face up to gender pay gap as reporting deadline looms - The Guardian
NHS and councils face up to gender pay gap as reporting deadline looms - The Guardian Two-thirds of councils and 90% of NHS trusts have a gender pay gap. That’s the stark finding, based on submissions from 196 town halls and 74 English NHS trusts. This year, for the first time, all organisations in Great Britain with more than 250 employees will have to publish gender pay gap data. By the end of this week, all public sector bodies in England should have submitted their gender pay gap data (Scotland and Wales already publish their figures), while the deadline for private and voluntary organisations is 4 April. The Guardian
Nearly 14m in patients in England now use online GP services
Nearly 14m in patients in England now use online GP services Latest figures from NHS Digital show that nearly 14m patients are now using online services to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view their records. This represents 24% of all patients, NHS England said. GP Online
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NHS: PM to look at 'multi-year' funding plan for health service
NHS: PM to look at 'multi-year' funding plan for health service Theresa May has promised a "multi-year" funding plan for the NHS in England to address its long-terms financial needs.
The PM said she wanted to get away from annual "cash top-ups" and would come up with a blueprint later this year to allow the NHS "to plan for the future".
She said she hoped to build a political consensus on improving productivity and efficiency and reducing cost pressures.
Labour said it welcomed any promise of extra funding from a government which had "starved" the NHS of resources. BBC News - Politics
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The PM said she wanted to get away from annual "cash top-ups" and would come up with a blueprint later this year to allow the NHS "to plan for the future".
She said she hoped to build a political consensus on improving productivity and efficiency and reducing cost pressures.
Labour said it welcomed any promise of extra funding from a government which had "starved" the NHS of resources. BBC News - Politics
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Young people with mental health problems facing 'unacceptable barriers' - iNews
Young people with mental health problems facing 'unacceptable barriers' - iNews Teenagers and young people are facing “unacceptable barriers” in getting mental health support, a charity has warned. A survey of 2,700 people up to the age of 25 who had struggled with mental health issues found that less than 1 in 10 (9 per cent) felt it was easy to get the support they needed. The YoungMinds poll also found that two-thirds felt it was “difficult” to get help. Only 6 per cent said they believe there is enough support for children and young people with mental health problems. iNews
Carers 'need mandatory LGBT training'
Carers 'need mandatory LGBT training' Carers looking after older people should be given statutory LGBT training to help tackle homophobia in the sector, the charity Stonewall has said.
Discrimination is "alive and kicking," with many older people fearing abuse from care workers, one man told the Victoria Derbyshire programme.
Currently, there is a code of conduct but all training is voluntary. The government said making training mandatory was not possible as care providers were private employers. BBC News
Discrimination is "alive and kicking," with many older people fearing abuse from care workers, one man told the Victoria Derbyshire programme.
Currently, there is a code of conduct but all training is voluntary. The government said making training mandatory was not possible as care providers were private employers. BBC News
NHS England and NHS Improvement: working closer together
NHS England and NHS Improvement: working closer together NHS England and NHS Improvement are today announcing some key steps that we are taking to bring our organisations closer together. We have one NHS: commissioners and providers in each part of the country are serving the same people, and we need to use the resources that Parliament gives the NHS to greater benefit for benefit for local patients. This requires a much stronger focus on collaboration and joint working nationally as well as in local health systems. NHS England
Integrating mental health and social care: does it work in practice?
Integrating mental health and social care: does it work in practice? This briefing looks at the integration of mental health services and social care, the benefits behind this and the challenges faced on the ground. NHS Networks
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
New report on apprenticeship levy strategies in NHS Trusts
New report on apprenticeship levy strategies in NHS Trusts A new report published by BPP University has surveyed 175 trusts on their apprenticeship levy strategies. The key findings from the report include:
- 95 per cent of the 175 trusts in England surveyed plan to use their apprenticeship levy fund
- more than half surveyed expect to spend the majority, if not all of their levy funds for 2017-18
- trusts plan to spend most of their levy funds on existing employees, rather than recruiting new employees into apprenticeship roles
- nine out of ten employers said they would use the levy to support workforce planning
- an appetite for nursing degree apprenticeships with 85 per cent of the 175 trusts surveyed looking to offer them. NHS Employers
- 95 per cent of the 175 trusts in England surveyed plan to use their apprenticeship levy fund
- more than half surveyed expect to spend the majority, if not all of their levy funds for 2017-18
- trusts plan to spend most of their levy funds on existing employees, rather than recruiting new employees into apprenticeship roles
- nine out of ten employers said they would use the levy to support workforce planning
- an appetite for nursing degree apprenticeships with 85 per cent of the 175 trusts surveyed looking to offer them. NHS Employers
Community-wide approach needed to tackle growing challenge of loneliness and social isolation
Community-wide approach needed to tackle growing challenge of loneliness and social isolation Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, has responded to a study published in the BMJ about the links between loneliness and social isolation and cardiovascular conditions.
She said: "Loneliness and social isolation can have a devastating impact on our patients' long term health and wellbeing - this is something the College has been highlighting for some time, and is backed up by this research.
"The reality is that loneliness and social isolation, particularly for older people, can be on a par in terms of its impact on health with suffering from a chronic long-term condition, and, as this study shows, increase the likelihood of developing serious conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes. Royal College of General Practitioners
She said: "Loneliness and social isolation can have a devastating impact on our patients' long term health and wellbeing - this is something the College has been highlighting for some time, and is backed up by this research.
"The reality is that loneliness and social isolation, particularly for older people, can be on a par in terms of its impact on health with suffering from a chronic long-term condition, and, as this study shows, increase the likelihood of developing serious conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes. Royal College of General Practitioners
Extended NHS 111 direct booking pilot subject to local pay decisions - Pulse
Extended NHS 111 direct booking pilot subject to local pay decisions - Pulse Local commissioners will decide how much, if at all, GP practices will be paid to take part in extended piloting of NHS 111 direct booking of appointments.
A pilot running in the North East of England since 2016 has offered practices 70p per patient, however NHS England told Pulse this was not national policy.
NHS England also confirmed that it will require CCGs to ensure 30% of all GP appointments are open to direct booking by NHS 111 from April 2019. Pulse
A pilot running in the North East of England since 2016 has offered practices 70p per patient, however NHS England told Pulse this was not national policy.
NHS England also confirmed that it will require CCGs to ensure 30% of all GP appointments are open to direct booking by NHS 111 from April 2019. Pulse
NHS 'is hiding care cash' as families blow life savings - The Times
NHS 'is hiding care cash' as families blow life savings - The Times Thousands of vulnerable elderly people may be missing out on state funding for their care because they and their families have no idea it exists, according to an exclusive survey.
Almost nine in ten people (87%) in a poll of more than 1,000 aged 45-60 — the group most likely to be taking care funding decisions for their parents — did not know about NHS continuing healthcare. This covers the care fees of those with complex medical needs. Crucially, it is available regardless of wealth. The Times
Almost nine in ten people (87%) in a poll of more than 1,000 aged 45-60 — the group most likely to be taking care funding decisions for their parents — did not know about NHS continuing healthcare. This covers the care fees of those with complex medical needs. Crucially, it is available regardless of wealth. The Times
May must consider tax rises to fund NHS and social care, say MPs - The Guardian
May must consider tax rises to fund NHS and social care, say MPs - The Guardian Theresa May is under mounting pressure to consider tax rises to fund Britain’s creaking health and social care system, as a group of high-powered MPs on Monday call for a new commission to recommend money-raising measures.
Among the signatories to a letter to the prime minister are 21 select committee chairs who are urging May to set up a year-long “parliamentary commission”, echoing the approach taken after the banking bailouts.
Sarah Wollaston, MP for Totnes and chair of the health and social care committee, said: “We call on the government to act with urgency and to take a whole system approach to the funding of the NHS, social care and public health. On behalf of all those who rely on services, we need to break down the political barriers and to agree a way forward.” The Guardian
Among the signatories to a letter to the prime minister are 21 select committee chairs who are urging May to set up a year-long “parliamentary commission”, echoing the approach taken after the banking bailouts.
Sarah Wollaston, MP for Totnes and chair of the health and social care committee, said: “We call on the government to act with urgency and to take a whole system approach to the funding of the NHS, social care and public health. On behalf of all those who rely on services, we need to break down the political barriers and to agree a way forward.” The Guardian
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Southern Health fined £2 million over deaths of two patients - BBC News
Southern Health fined £2 million over deaths of two patients - BBC News An NHS trust that admitted failing two patients who died in its care, one in a bath, has been fined £2m.
Connor Sparrowhawk, 18, drowned in Oxford in 2013. Teresa Colvin, 45, died in Hampshire in 2012.
Southern Health admitted to "systemic failures" and pleaded guilty in 2017 to breaching health and safety laws. BBC News
Connor Sparrowhawk, 18, drowned in Oxford in 2013. Teresa Colvin, 45, died in Hampshire in 2012.
Southern Health admitted to "systemic failures" and pleaded guilty in 2017 to breaching health and safety laws. BBC News
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Exclusive: GPs deliver services worth millions of pounds for free
Exclusive: GPs deliver services worth millions of pounds for free GP practices are continuing to provide services worth many millions of pounds per year for which they receive no funding, a GPonline poll reveals.Seven out of 10 GP partners say their practice delivers at least one non-core service for no extra money, the poll of 255 partners found - suggesting that more than 5,000 practices in England may be carrying out unfunded work. GP Online
Global antibiotic consumption soars feeding spread of UK 'super-bugs'
Global antibiotic consumption soars feeding spread of UK 'super-bugs'
Drug-resistant superbugs are rising in the UK because of lack of regulation of antibiotics in developing countries, experts have warned.
One of the biggest studies of antibiotic use around the world has established that while antibiotic use in Britain has slowed, global consumption jumped by 65 percent, to 34.8 billion daily doses between 2000 and 2015. The Telegraph
Drug-resistant superbugs are rising in the UK because of lack of regulation of antibiotics in developing countries, experts have warned.
One of the biggest studies of antibiotic use around the world has established that while antibiotic use in Britain has slowed, global consumption jumped by 65 percent, to 34.8 billion daily doses between 2000 and 2015. The Telegraph
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Patients not told about doctors' big pharma conflicts of interest - new study
Patients not told about doctors' big pharma conflicts of interest - new study
Hospitals are failing to inform patients when doctors responsible for choosing their drugs have received thousands of pounds from pharmaceutical companies, a new study reveals.
A survey in the British Medical Journal shows just six per cent of NHS trusts publish their register of gifts and hospitality online and that the majority make it practically impossible for patients to determine if there is a conflict of interest. The Telegraph
Hospitals are failing to inform patients when doctors responsible for choosing their drugs have received thousands of pounds from pharmaceutical companies, a new study reveals.
A survey in the British Medical Journal shows just six per cent of NHS trusts publish their register of gifts and hospitality online and that the majority make it practically impossible for patients to determine if there is a conflict of interest. The Telegraph
Thousands of bowel cancer patients at risk as hospitals ignore genetic test
Thousands of bowel cancer patients at risk as hospitals ignore genetic test The lives of thousands of bowel cancer patients are being put at needless risk because hospitals are failing to perform a simple genetic test, an investigation has found.
More than eight out of 10 hospitals are ignoring official guidelines by not carrying out screening for Lynch syndrome when patients are diagnosed with the cancer.
Carried by an estimated 175,000 people, the faulty gene makes a person 80 per cent more likely to develop bowel cancer and means chemotherapy is less likely to work. The Telegraph
More than eight out of 10 hospitals are ignoring official guidelines by not carrying out screening for Lynch syndrome when patients are diagnosed with the cancer.
Carried by an estimated 175,000 people, the faulty gene makes a person 80 per cent more likely to develop bowel cancer and means chemotherapy is less likely to work. The Telegraph
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Monday, 26 March 2018
NHS: Over 3,000 more midwifery training places offered
NHS: Over 3,000 more midwifery training places offered More than 3,000 places on midwifery training courses are to be created over the next four years in England as part of plans to meet NHS staffing demands.
The government has announced a 25% boost in training places, which it said amounted to the "largest ever" increase in NHS midwives and maternity staff. It follows a similar plan for nurses which was announced last year. The Royal College of Midwives welcomed the move but said training more midwives was only half of the problem. The plan needs investment and time to make it work, the RCM added. BBC News - Health
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The government has announced a 25% boost in training places, which it said amounted to the "largest ever" increase in NHS midwives and maternity staff. It follows a similar plan for nurses which was announced last year. The Royal College of Midwives welcomed the move but said training more midwives was only half of the problem. The plan needs investment and time to make it work, the RCM added. BBC News - Health
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Hospital doctors will find new NHS order on checkups 'impossible'
Hospital doctors will find new NHS order on checkups 'impossible' Hospital bosses have ridiculed a new edict from the NHS which insists every inpatient should be medically assessed each morning and evening by a senior doctor.
They claim the order is “impossible” to fulfil because so many hospitals are struggling to fill medical rotas because of widespread shortages of doctors, which are as high as 25% in some places.
The instruction came earlier this month in a letter to the chief executives and medical directors of hospitals in England from the regulators NHS England and NHS Improvement. It made clear that in a bid to cut the number of patients using beds unnecessarily, hospitals must “ensure every patient has a review at the start and end of the day by a senior clinician to facilitate discharge”. The Guardian
They claim the order is “impossible” to fulfil because so many hospitals are struggling to fill medical rotas because of widespread shortages of doctors, which are as high as 25% in some places.
The instruction came earlier this month in a letter to the chief executives and medical directors of hospitals in England from the regulators NHS England and NHS Improvement. It made clear that in a bid to cut the number of patients using beds unnecessarily, hospitals must “ensure every patient has a review at the start and end of the day by a senior clinician to facilitate discharge”. The Guardian
Home ‘MOTs’ to improve housing health
Home ‘MOTs’ to improve housing health The NHS is teaming up with councils to improve health through better housing through home ‘MOTs’, quick homes grants, falls help lines, stair lifts and heating systems among others.
A King’s Fund and National Housing Federation report out now on housing and health says the cost of poor housing to the NHS is £1.4 billion per year. NHS Networks
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A King’s Fund and National Housing Federation report out now on housing and health says the cost of poor housing to the NHS is £1.4 billion per year. NHS Networks
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- Health and Housing report The King's Fund
New draft regulations to prevent discrimination against applicants who speak up
New draft regulations to prevent discrimination against applicants who speak up Staff who speak up about patient safety issues and seek new jobs in the NHS will be protected under new draft regulations proposed by the government.
The new regulations seek to prohibit an employer from treating an applicant less favourably than another based on their previous history of raising concerns. Under existing legislation, ‘workers’ are protected against detrimental treatment, while the new amendments to the Employment Rights Act 1996 will extend this to include applicants. NHS Employers
The new regulations seek to prohibit an employer from treating an applicant less favourably than another based on their previous history of raising concerns. Under existing legislation, ‘workers’ are protected against detrimental treatment, while the new amendments to the Employment Rights Act 1996 will extend this to include applicants. NHS Employers
Jeremy Hunt backs 10-year funding deals for NHS – video
Jeremy Hunt backs 10-year funding deals for NHS – video The health secretary has conceded he believes taxes may have to rise to pay for a boost in NHS spending. Appearing on ITV’s Peston on Sunday, Hunt said speculation in the Sunday Times about a £4bn-a-year funding boost to coincide with the NHS’s 70th birthday was premature.
However, Hunt, who resisted Theresa May’s plan to move him into another post in January, argued that it was time to scrap what he said had been a 'feast or famine' approach to funding the health service The Guardian
However, Hunt, who resisted Theresa May’s plan to move him into another post in January, argued that it was time to scrap what he said had been a 'feast or famine' approach to funding the health service The Guardian
Friday, 23 March 2018
Northampton General Hospital working to improve patient safety with orthopaedic data audit
Northampton General Hospital working to improve patient safety with orthopaedic data audit Northampton General Hospital has successfully completed the national programme of local data audits to improve patient safety. The registry collects orthopaedic data to provide evidence to support patient safety, standards in quality of care, and overall cost effectiveness in joint replacement surgery. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
News story: Tuberculosis (TB) cases fall by over a third in last 6 years
Tuberculosis (TB) cases fall by over a third in last 6 years New Public Health England (PHE) data released for World TB day show a 9.3% decline in cases of TB in 2017. This represents the lowest rate of TB in 35 years. This contributes to the 38% decline in the number of people with TB in England over the last 6 years.
However, there is still more work to do. TB is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and England has one of the highest rates in Western Europe with just under 5,200 people affected by TB in 2017. Public Health England
However, there is still more work to do. TB is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and England has one of the highest rates in Western Europe with just under 5,200 people affected by TB in 2017. Public Health England
IAPT pathway for people with long-term physical conditions and medically unexplained symptoms
IAPT pathway for people with long-term physical conditions and medically unexplained symptoms From April 2018 all CCGs are expected to expand Improving Access to Psychological Therapies by commissioning (IAPT) services integrated into physical healthcare pathways. This document supports this expansion by setting out the treatment pathway that underpins the access and waiting time standards, which all services should seek to measure themselves against. NHS England
NHS boss demands maximum punishment for every violent offence against paramedics
NHS boss demands maximum punishment for every violent offence against paramedics The head of NHS England, Simon Stevens, told a gathering of ambulance service top brass that he wanted to see the authorities take the toughest possible action against members of the public who subject frontline ambulance crews and control room staff to violent acts or abuse while on duty. NHS England
Supporting employees' mid-life career needs
Supporting employees' mid-life career needs As part of the Department for Work and Pensions' Fuller Working Lives strategy (2017), the National Careers Service has teamed up with local enterprise partnerships to trial supporting local employers with their employees’ mid-life career needs. NHS Employers
Housing and health: opportunities for sustainability and transformation partnerships
Housing and health: opportunities for sustainability and transformation partnerships This King's Fund report sets out areas where sustainability and transformation partnerships and emerging integrated care systems can make more of the contribution of the housing sector to improving health. King's Fund
Report
Blog
Report
Blog
Theresa May refuses to intervene over man's £54000 NHS cancer bill
Theresa May refuses to intervene over man's £54000 NHS cancer bill Theresa May has refused to intervene in the case of Albert Thompson, the London cancer patient asked to pay £54,000 for treatment despite having lived in the UK for 44 years, as it emerged that there could be tens of thousands of people in a similarly uncertain immigration position.
Thompson, 63, is not receiving the radiotherapy treatment he needs for prostate cancer because he has been unable to provide officials with sufficient documentary evidence showing that he has lived in the UK continuously since arriving from Jamaica as a teenager in 1973. He is unable to pay the £54,000 fee. The Guardian
Thompson, 63, is not receiving the radiotherapy treatment he needs for prostate cancer because he has been unable to provide officials with sufficient documentary evidence showing that he has lived in the UK continuously since arriving from Jamaica as a teenager in 1973. He is unable to pay the £54,000 fee. The Guardian
NHS Trust facing backlash over staff transfers
NHS Trust facing backlash over staff transfers An NHS trust is facing a backlash against plans to transfer more than 2,000 staff to a private company set up to run some of its services. Fears have been raised that the plan by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust would lead to a “two-tier workforce” with some staff employed on worse terms and conditions than others. Yorkshire Post
Almost half of online GP providers unsafe, warns CQC report
Almost half of online GP providers unsafe, warns CQC report Standards of care at 43% of non-NHS online GP services in England are below required safety levels, according to the CQC. Findings published on Friday reveal a sharp improvement since August 2017, when GPonline reported that more than four out of five online services were considered unsafe by the regulator.
But the quality of online GP services remains far below the standard set by NHS GP practices - of which 89% are rated good or outstanding on safety by the CQC, with just 2% inadequate on this measure. GP Online
But the quality of online GP services remains far below the standard set by NHS GP practices - of which 89% are rated good or outstanding on safety by the CQC, with just 2% inadequate on this measure. GP Online
Thursday, 22 March 2018
Dementia guidance goes online
Dementia guidance goes online The Faculty of General Dental Practice UK (FGDP(UK)) has made its guidance on the practice of dentistry for patients with dementia available free of charge online. NHS Networks
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See also:
- Dementia-Friendly Dentistry : good practice guidelines Faculty of General Dental Practice UK
The Government’s mandate to NHS England for 2018-19
The Government’s mandate to NHS England for 2018-19 Department of Health and Social Care -The government’s mandate to NHS England sets its objectives and budget, and helps to ensure that the NHS is accountable to Parliament and the public. Building on the multi-year approach taken to setting the mandate since 2016, it continues to set objectives and goals to 2020, as well as some specific things that NHS England should be seeking to deliver in the financial year 2018 to 2019. King's Fund
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- NHS mandate for 2018 to 2019 Gov.uk
Adult social care funding: a local or national responsibility?
Adult social care funding: a local or national responsibility? Institute for Fiscal Studies -This report discusses government plans to abolish general grant funding for councils from 2020. It argues that ongoing reforms to local government finance risk a growing funding gap for adult social care and conflict with efforts to provide consistent and high-quality care services across the country. King's Fund
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- Adult social care funding: a local or national responsibility? report Institute for Fiscal Studies
Emergency admissions at end of life set to sky rocket
Emergency admissions at end of life set to sky rocket Marie Curie says that the NHS is struggling to cope with A&E admissions of people who are in the last year of their lives. The terminal illness charity says the situation will hit crisis point if care provided in the community is not significantly improved. NHS Networks
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NHS England announces agreement on 2018/19 GP contract
NHS England announces agreement on 2018/19 GP contract A new GP contract, agreed by NHS England, the government and the British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee, will take effect from 1 April 2018. NHS Networks
Research and analysis: Water fluoridation: health monitoring report for England 2018
Research and analysis: Water fluoridation: health monitoring report for England 2018 This 2018 monitoring report compares data on the health of people living in areas of England with enhanced levels of fluoride in their drinking water supply.
Public Health England (PHE) has a legal duty to monitor the effects of water fluoridation schemes on dental health and report on it every 4 years. Gov.uk
Public Health England (PHE) has a legal duty to monitor the effects of water fluoridation schemes on dental health and report on it every 4 years. Gov.uk
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
A progress report on integrated care systems
A progress report on integrated care systems It is almost a year since NHS England’s update on the NHS five year forward view announced that some sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs) would evolve into what are now referred to as integrated care systems (ICSs). These systems bring together NHS organisations and their partners to plan and oversee the implementation of improvements in health and care to deliver the aims of the Forward View. ICSs are not statutory bodies and depend on the willingness of the organisations involved to work together to meet the needs of their populations. Kings Fund Blog
NHS pay: Increase for 1.3 million staff expected
NHS pay: Increase for 1.3 million staff expected More than a million NHS staff, including nurses, porters and paramedics, could expect pay increases of over 6% over three years, the BBC understands.
The deal, expected to be formally agreed by unions and ministers later, could cost as much as £4bn. If approved, workers in England could see their pay increase almost immediately.The deal is tiered - with the lowest paid getting the biggest annual rises. BBC News - Health
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The deal, expected to be formally agreed by unions and ministers later, could cost as much as £4bn. If approved, workers in England could see their pay increase almost immediately.The deal is tiered - with the lowest paid getting the biggest annual rises. BBC News - Health
See also:
Damning report finds 'serious failings' in NHS mental health services - The Guardian
Damning report finds 'serious failings' in NHS mental health services Vulnerable mental health patients are suffering serious harm, and in some cases dying, because of “serious failings” in their treatment, the NHS ombudsman has warned.
Mistakes such as failing to diagnose or treat patients properly and discharging them from hospital too soon can have “catastrophic consequences”, said Rob Behrens.
In a report analysing more than 200 complaints about NHS mental health care Behrens highlighted “failings that have occurred, and continue to occur, in specialist mental health services in England, and the devastating toll this takes on patients and their families”. The Guardian
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Mistakes such as failing to diagnose or treat patients properly and discharging them from hospital too soon can have “catastrophic consequences”, said Rob Behrens.
In a report analysing more than 200 complaints about NHS mental health care Behrens highlighted “failings that have occurred, and continue to occur, in specialist mental health services in England, and the devastating toll this takes on patients and their families”. The Guardian
See also:
- Maintaining Momentum: driving improvements in mental health care report Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
- Patients abused and dying in mental health care The Times
Robotic dog in Dorset care home helps elderly residents
Robotic dog in Dorset care home helps elderly residents Biscuit the robotic dog responds to touch and speech to help people with dementia. BBC News - Health
LISTEN: Self-help hypnosis podcast published by Northampton hospital for patients with pre-operation anxiety
LISTEN: Self-help hypnosis podcast published by Northampton hospital for patients with pre-operation anxiety Northampton General Hospital has published a self-help hypnosis programme for people feeling anxious before medical procedures.
A four-part series of meditation sessions featuring the voice of one of the hospital's anaesthetists can now be downloaded for free. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A four-part series of meditation sessions featuring the voice of one of the hospital's anaesthetists can now be downloaded for free. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
National award for Northampton teen who fought to save grandfather
National award for Northampton teen who fought to save grandfather A Northampton teenager who tried to resuscitate his grandfather after finding him dead in his home has been awarded a national honour for his actions.
Lewys Boon, aged 16, also won the praise of a paramedic for the high-quality CPR he administered which, under different circumstances, would have given his grandfather Malcolm Billingham "every fighting chance of survival". Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Lewys Boon, aged 16, also won the praise of a paramedic for the high-quality CPR he administered which, under different circumstances, would have given his grandfather Malcolm Billingham "every fighting chance of survival". Northampton Chronicle and Echo
New day centre to open in Northampton for 15 people with learning disabilities
New day centre to open in Northampton for 15 people with learning disabilities
Building work is underway to transform a derelict block of stables in Northampton into a day care services for adults with learning disabilities.
Renovation work has started at The Stables daycare centre in Kingsthorpe, which upon completion, will be converted into a bespoke facility for 15 people with learning disabilities, and associated conditions, who are 18 years old and over.
The wheelchair friendly building has a small training kitchen where, bosses say, centre users will learn how to do basic cooking. As well as this, clients can also learn how to garden and care for small animals on site. The building will officially open on Friday, April 23 - with an open week scheduled the week before. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Building work is underway to transform a derelict block of stables in Northampton into a day care services for adults with learning disabilities.
Renovation work has started at The Stables daycare centre in Kingsthorpe, which upon completion, will be converted into a bespoke facility for 15 people with learning disabilities, and associated conditions, who are 18 years old and over.
The wheelchair friendly building has a small training kitchen where, bosses say, centre users will learn how to do basic cooking. As well as this, clients can also learn how to garden and care for small animals on site. The building will officially open on Friday, April 23 - with an open week scheduled the week before. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Tuesday, 20 March 2018
NHS England looks to do more to tackle health inequalities - Local Government Chronicle
NHS England looks to do more to tackle health inequalities - Local Government Chronicle
NHS England is considering what more it and the NHS should be doing about health inequalities, partly in response to “disturbing” figures showing life expectancy falling in some areas, Health Service Journal reports.
Chief executive Simon Stevens has asked officials to look at whether NHS England, the commissioning system and the wider health service should be doing more about the issue, several sources with knowledge of the situation have said. Local Government Chronicle
Chief executive Simon Stevens has asked officials to look at whether NHS England, the commissioning system and the wider health service should be doing more about the issue, several sources with knowledge of the situation have said. Local Government Chronicle
Alopecia patients should be given 'one human hair NHS wig a year' - BBC News
Alopecia patients should be given 'one human hair NHS wig a year' - BBC News People who have alopecia should be allowed one human hair wig per year on the NHS in England, a charity says.
At the moment, local health bosses decide how many wigs patients are entitled to in their area.
Alopecia UK says its data suggests in some areas patients are offered two wigs a year, while in others they aren't offered any.
NHS England said there is no nationally set limit and "all patients' needs and circumstances are different". BBC News
At the moment, local health bosses decide how many wigs patients are entitled to in their area.
Alopecia UK says its data suggests in some areas patients are offered two wigs a year, while in others they aren't offered any.
NHS England said there is no nationally set limit and "all patients' needs and circumstances are different". BBC News
Strong leadership essential to delivering improvement in mental health hospital care
Strong leadership essential to delivering improvement in mental health hospital care The Care Quality Commission has published a report that explores how seven NHS mental health trusts have been able to make significant improvements in the quality of care and improve their CQC rating. Care Quality Commission
Responsibility for prescribing between primary and secondary/tertiary care
Responsibility for prescribing between primary and secondary/tertiary care
This guidance aims to provide clarity on the responsibilities of all professionals involved in commissioning and prescribing across primary, secondary and tertiary care, and to provide support in developing shared care agreements and in the transfer of care. NHS England
Medicines optimisation in care homes: programme overview
Medicines optimisation in care homes: programme overview
NHS England - This guidance outlines details of a programme which aims to recruit pharmacists into care homes to help reduce overmedication and cut unncessary hospital stays. King's Fund
The health, safety and wellbeing of shift workers in health and social care environments
The health, safety and wellbeing of shift workers in health and social care environments
NHS Employers - This guidance sets out how shift work can impact on staff health and safety and how organisations and individuals should manage any risks on staff wellbeing. King's Fund
Counter-terrorism in the NHS: evaluating Prevent Duty safeguarding in the NHS
Counter-terrorism in the NHS: evaluating Prevent Duty safeguarding in the NHS
University of Warwick - The Prevent Duty is a component of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 which requires health care providers to train their staff about the signs of radicalisation and how to report patients or staff to safeguarding teams. This report looks at how Midlands health care providers undertook their safeguarding responsibilities under the Prevent Duty. King's Fund
Class A drugs 'brought in for patients' at Essex mental health trust
Class A drugs 'brought in for patients' at Essex mental health trust A BBC investigation has uncovered allegations of staff at a mental health trust in Essex bringing in drugs for vulnerable patients.
The BBC was told Class A drugs had been brought on to secure, locked wards - and that the trust had been alerted.
The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has launched an inquiry into the allegations.
It said it was unaware of them and that it worked with Essex police liaison officers to monitor issues.
Relatives and patients claimed drugs were rife at some of the mental health units run by EPUT. BBC News
The BBC was told Class A drugs had been brought on to secure, locked wards - and that the trust had been alerted.
The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has launched an inquiry into the allegations.
It said it was unaware of them and that it worked with Essex police liaison officers to monitor issues.
Relatives and patients claimed drugs were rife at some of the mental health units run by EPUT. BBC News
Under-doctored areas to get new medical schools
Under-doctored areas to get new medical schools Five new medical schools are to be created in England as part of the government's expansion of training places.
The schools will open in Sunderland, Lancashire, Lincoln, Canterbury and Chelmsford over the next three years.
Places at existing schools are also being increased as part of the government's commitment to increase student places by 25%.
It will mean by 2020 there will be 1,500 more students each year.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the new schools were being targeted at parts of the country where it "can be hard to recruit and attract new doctors". BBC News
See also:
The schools will open in Sunderland, Lancashire, Lincoln, Canterbury and Chelmsford over the next three years.
Places at existing schools are also being increased as part of the government's commitment to increase student places by 25%.
It will mean by 2020 there will be 1,500 more students each year.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the new schools were being targeted at parts of the country where it "can be hard to recruit and attract new doctors". BBC News
See also:
- More medical schools to fill NHS gaps The Times
'I've been given my sight back'
'I've been given my sight back' Doctors have taken a major step towards curing the most common form of blindness in the UK - age-related macular degeneration.
Douglas Waters, 86, could not see out of his right eye, but "I can now read the newspaper" with it, he says.
He was one of two patients given pioneering stem cell therapy at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
Cells from a human embryo were grown into a patch that was delicately inserted into the back of the eye. BBC News
Douglas Waters, 86, could not see out of his right eye, but "I can now read the newspaper" with it, he says.
He was one of two patients given pioneering stem cell therapy at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
Cells from a human embryo were grown into a patch that was delicately inserted into the back of the eye. BBC News
Protections for NHS whistleblowers will stop blacklisting - The Times
Protections for NHS whistleblowers will stop blacklisting - The Times NHS whistleblowers will be able to take employers to a tribunal if they are not offered a job because they have spoken up in the past, under draft legislation being introduced today.
The changes were recommended in 2015 in Sir Robert Francis’s Freedom to Speak Up review which found that many people struggled to find new employment in the NHS after raising safety concerns. The Times
See also:
The changes were recommended in 2015 in Sir Robert Francis’s Freedom to Speak Up review which found that many people struggled to find new employment in the NHS after raising safety concerns. The Times
See also:
- Consultation outcome: Protecting whistleblowers seeking jobs in the NHS Department of Health
How exercise prescriptions could change the NHS
How exercise prescriptions could change the NHS Sports medicine graduates will be in high demand to combat inactivity epidemic
We know exercise is good for us, yet human beings may now be on the verge of dangerous levels of inactivity. Historically we’ve always been active, from our hunter gatherer past to manual labour in the industrial age - until cars, computers and labour-saving devices took much of the physicality out of work. Now, according to analysis of national health statistics by the British Heart Foundation, 39% of adults in the UK fail to achieve recommended levels of physical activity or exercise. But recent research shows how crucial activity is to our health. The Guardian
We know exercise is good for us, yet human beings may now be on the verge of dangerous levels of inactivity. Historically we’ve always been active, from our hunter gatherer past to manual labour in the industrial age - until cars, computers and labour-saving devices took much of the physicality out of work. Now, according to analysis of national health statistics by the British Heart Foundation, 39% of adults in the UK fail to achieve recommended levels of physical activity or exercise. But recent research shows how crucial activity is to our health. The Guardian
Monday, 19 March 2018
Prevalence and economic burden of medication errors in the NHS in England: Rapid evidence synthesis and economic analysis of the prevalence and burden of medication error in the UK
Prevalence and economic burden of medication errors in the NHS in England: Rapid evidence synthesis and economic analysis of the prevalence and burden of medication error in the UK
University of Sheffield Policy Research Unit in Economic Evaluation of Health & Care Interventions, March 2018.
Report that estimates approximately 66 million potentially clinically significant errors occur per year, 71.0% of these in primary care. This is where most medicines in the NHS are prescribed and dispensed. Prescribing in primary care accounts for 33.9% of all potentially clinically significant errors. It estimates NHS costs of definitely avoidable Adverse Drug Reactions as £98.5 million per year, consuming 181,626 beddays, causing 712 deaths, and contributing to 1,708 deaths. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service
University of Sheffield Policy Research Unit in Economic Evaluation of Health & Care Interventions, March 2018.
Report that estimates approximately 66 million potentially clinically significant errors occur per year, 71.0% of these in primary care. This is where most medicines in the NHS are prescribed and dispensed. Prescribing in primary care accounts for 33.9% of all potentially clinically significant errors. It estimates NHS costs of definitely avoidable Adverse Drug Reactions as £98.5 million per year, consuming 181,626 beddays, causing 712 deaths, and contributing to 1,708 deaths. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service
Tackling malnutrition in England
Tackling malnutrition in England A report from the British Specialist Nutrition Association reflects on the increasing number of cases of malnutrition in hospital and associated deaths.
It draws on malnutrition data for 2015/16 broken down by NHS trust and finds that more than half the hospital trusts in England are under-reporting malnutrition rates compared to accepted national estimates. NHS Networks
It draws on malnutrition data for 2015/16 broken down by NHS trust and finds that more than half the hospital trusts in England are under-reporting malnutrition rates compared to accepted national estimates. NHS Networks
'Game changer' treatment for Multiple Sclerosis patients
'Game changer' treatment for Multiple Sclerosis patients MS sufferer Louise Willetts says she is completely well, two year on from treatment that was originally used on cancer patients.
Doctors say a stem cell transplant could be a "game changer" for many patients with multiple sclerosis.
Results from an international trial show that it was able to stop the disease and improve symptoms. BBC News
Doctors say a stem cell transplant could be a "game changer" for many patients with multiple sclerosis.
Results from an international trial show that it was able to stop the disease and improve symptoms. BBC News
NHS homeopathy ending in London - BBC News
NHS homeopathy ending in London - BBC News A major centre of homeopathy will no longer be able to spend NHS money on the controversial practice.
The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine - formerly the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital - will stop providing NHS-funded homeopathic remedies in April.
Homeopathy is based on the idea that "like cures like", but scientists says patients are getting nothing but sugar.
Campaigners said the move was "hugely significant and long overdue". BBC News
The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine - formerly the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital - will stop providing NHS-funded homeopathic remedies in April.
Homeopathy is based on the idea that "like cures like", but scientists says patients are getting nothing but sugar.
Campaigners said the move was "hugely significant and long overdue". BBC News
See also:
Patient safety hit by lack of staff, warn 80% of NHS workers - The Guardian
Patient safety hit by lack of staff, warn 80% of NHS workers - The Guardian A huge majority of NHS workers say they are worried about staffing levels, according to new survey findings that suggest a dangerous level of under-resourcing in the health service.
Four-fifths (80%) of respondents – which included nurses, doctors and managers – have raised concerns about there not being enough staff on duty to give patients safe and high-quality care. More than half of those (59%) said no action was taken, despite their unease being voiced.
More than 1,000 NHS staff who belong to the Observer and Guardian’s healthcare network were surveyed. Almost half of respondents (48%) said care had been compromised on their last shift, while only 2% felt there were always enough people to provide safe care. More than half (53%) say they cannot provide the level of care they want to. The Guardian
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Four-fifths (80%) of respondents – which included nurses, doctors and managers – have raised concerns about there not being enough staff on duty to give patients safe and high-quality care. More than half of those (59%) said no action was taken, despite their unease being voiced.
More than 1,000 NHS staff who belong to the Observer and Guardian’s healthcare network were surveyed. Almost half of respondents (48%) said care had been compromised on their last shift, while only 2% felt there were always enough people to provide safe care. More than half (53%) say they cannot provide the level of care they want to. The Guardian
See also:
Sport England grants funds for mental health scheme - Bike Biz
Sport England grants funds for mental health scheme - Bike Biz Up to 2.8 million people with mental health problems could potentially benefit from the expansion of a pilot scheme by Mind and Sport England to help more people with mental health problems access and benefit from physical activity such as cycling.
Sport England has awarded Mind £1.5 million in National Lottery funding to extend Get Set to Go, a scheme that has provided over 3,500 people with physical activities, combined with group and one on one peer support, and Mind’s safe and supportive online social network Elefriends. BikeBiz
Sport England has awarded Mind £1.5 million in National Lottery funding to extend Get Set to Go, a scheme that has provided over 3,500 people with physical activities, combined with group and one on one peer support, and Mind’s safe and supportive online social network Elefriends. BikeBiz
See also:
Sleep apnoea: surge in number of children admitted to hospital
Sleep apnoea: surge in number of children admitted to hospital Growing number of young people in UK with disorder may be linked to rising obesity levels
The number of admissions to hospital of children and teenagers with sleep apnoea has risen sharply over the past four years, with experts suggesting childhood obesity is to blame.
Data from NHS Digital, the national information and technology partner to the health and social care system, shows that admissions with a primary diagnosis of sleep apnoea, a serious disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted at night, reached a peak of 7,557 in 2016-17, up from 5,675 in 2012-13. The Guardian
The number of admissions to hospital of children and teenagers with sleep apnoea has risen sharply over the past four years, with experts suggesting childhood obesity is to blame.
Data from NHS Digital, the national information and technology partner to the health and social care system, shows that admissions with a primary diagnosis of sleep apnoea, a serious disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted at night, reached a peak of 7,557 in 2016-17, up from 5,675 in 2012-13. The Guardian
Mental health must promote itself in 'different way' to attract more staff, says trust chief - Nursing Times
Mental health must promote itself in 'different way' to attract more staff, says trust chief - Nursing Times Efforts to attract 19,000 extra people into the mental health workforce by 2021 must involve promoting the personal difference staff can make to service users while ensuring the reality of the job is not “disappointing”, a leader of a mental health NHS trust has urged healthcare bosses.
The “fundamentally stressful and traumatic” nature of clinical mental health work must also be talked about more to ensure time for staff supervision and reflection can be factored into decisions about how services are run, the chief executive added. Nursing Times
The “fundamentally stressful and traumatic” nature of clinical mental health work must also be talked about more to ensure time for staff supervision and reflection can be factored into decisions about how services are run, the chief executive added. Nursing Times
Male contraceptive pill is safe to use and does not harm sex drive, first clinical trial finds
Male contraceptive pill is safe to use and does not harm sex drive, first clinical trial finds
A male contraceptive pill has been developed which is effective, safe and does not harm sex drive, scientists have announced.
In what has been described as a “major step forward”, the drug was successfully tested on 83 men for a month for the first time.
So far efforts to create a once-daily pill to mimic the mainstream female contraceptive have stalled because men metabolise and clear out the hormones it delivers too quickly. The Telegraph
A male contraceptive pill has been developed which is effective, safe and does not harm sex drive, scientists have announced.
In what has been described as a “major step forward”, the drug was successfully tested on 83 men for a month for the first time.
So far efforts to create a once-daily pill to mimic the mainstream female contraceptive have stalled because men metabolise and clear out the hormones it delivers too quickly. The Telegraph
See also:
Million patients a year needlessly enduring major surgery as NHS hospitals are not adopting modern practices, research finds
Million patients a year needlessly enduring major surgery as NHS hospitals are not adopting modern practices, research finds
A million patients a year could be needlessly enduring major surgery because NHS hospitals are not adopting modern practices, research has found.
Up to three quarters of patients who could have keyhole procedures are forced to undergo open surgery, putting them at higher risk of blood loss, pain and infection. The Telegraph
A million patients a year could be needlessly enduring major surgery because NHS hospitals are not adopting modern practices, research has found.
Up to three quarters of patients who could have keyhole procedures are forced to undergo open surgery, putting them at higher risk of blood loss, pain and infection. The Telegraph
UK anti-obesity drive at risk from new US trade deal, doctors warn
UK anti-obesity drive at risk from new US trade deal, doctors warn Post-Brexit pact could result in Britain importing foods high in fat and sugar, paediatricians say
Britain’s post-Brexit trade deal with the United States could lead to even higher rates of obesity through the import of American foods high in fat and sugar, children’s doctors have warned. The Guardian
Britain’s post-Brexit trade deal with the United States could lead to even higher rates of obesity through the import of American foods high in fat and sugar, children’s doctors have warned. The Guardian
Report finds some NHS mental health trusts screen all patients for radicalisation
Report finds some NHS mental health trusts screen all patients for radicalisation Study by Warwick University also found patients referred to Prevent programme for watching Arabic TV or going to Mecca
Four NHS mental health trusts are subjecting patients to blanket screening for radicalisation, with some referred to the Prevent programme for watching Arabic TV or going on pilgrimage to Mecca, a new report has revealed. The Guardian
Four NHS mental health trusts are subjecting patients to blanket screening for radicalisation, with some referred to the Prevent programme for watching Arabic TV or going on pilgrimage to Mecca, a new report has revealed. The Guardian
Friday, 16 March 2018
Corby urgent care centre group seeks legal challenge
Corby urgent care centre group seeks legal challenge Campaigners trying to save the existing service at Corby’s Urgent Care Centre have launched a fundraising bid to gain a judicial review into the decision to alter the service.
The Urgent Care Centre in Cottingham Road has been under intense scrutiny since the health body Corby CCG, which plans and pays for the borough’s health services, said the current service provision was not right for the town.
Bosses want to keep the facility open, but make it a pre-booked appointment-only service to ease pressure on local GPs and create extra slots for people who find it difficult to get an appointment at their own surgery. There will continue to be x-ray services but observation bays will be scrapped. The geographical base at Cottingham Road is also currently up for negotiation. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The Urgent Care Centre in Cottingham Road has been under intense scrutiny since the health body Corby CCG, which plans and pays for the borough’s health services, said the current service provision was not right for the town.
Bosses want to keep the facility open, but make it a pre-booked appointment-only service to ease pressure on local GPs and create extra slots for people who find it difficult to get an appointment at their own surgery. There will continue to be x-ray services but observation bays will be scrapped. The geographical base at Cottingham Road is also currently up for negotiation. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northamptonshire County Council 'should be scrapped'
Northamptonshire County Council 'should be scrapped' Cash-strapped Northamptonshire County Council should be scrapped, according to a government report.
The report, ordered by Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid, recommends "a new start" which is "best achieved by the creation of two new unitary councils".
Council leader Heather Smith resigned following the report's publication.
Northampton North MP Michael Ellis called the management of the authority a "national scandal".
He said he was "appalled" by the report, which "makes for chilling reading". BBC Northampton
The report, ordered by Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid, recommends "a new start" which is "best achieved by the creation of two new unitary councils".
Council leader Heather Smith resigned following the report's publication.
Northampton North MP Michael Ellis called the management of the authority a "national scandal".
He said he was "appalled" by the report, which "makes for chilling reading". BBC Northampton
See also:
- Northamptonshire County Council best value inspection Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
- Council response to inspection report Northamptonshire County Council
- BREAKING: Northants County Council leader Heather Smith has resigned Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- Two new councils should be created in Northamptonshire by 2020... all others should be abolished Northamptonshire Telegraph
- Report findings are 'very serious' for Northamptonshire, warns communities secretary Northamptonshire Telegraph
- Northamptonshire County Council says it is working to become a unitary authority Northamptonshire Telegraph
Closing the gap on BME representation in NHS leadership: not rocket science
Closing the gap on BME representation in NHS leadership: not rocket science The Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) was introduced in 2015 and aims to address the inequality experienced by staff from a black and minority ethnic (BME) background in the NHS, to ensure they have access to career opportunities and receive fair treatment at work. The King's Fund
Let’s be frank about the NHS
Let’s be frank about the NHS In a guest blog for our NHS and the public project, Laura Fulcher explains how her poor experience as an NHS patient has prompted her to question whether our affection for the NHS as a national institution is blinding us to how it needs to change and improve. The King's Fund
Official Statistics: Children living with parents in emotional distress: 2010 to 2016
Official Statistics: Children living with parents in emotional distress: 2010 to 2016 Public Health England has published an update to four indicators reporting on the ‘proportion of children living with’:
- at least one parent reporting symptoms of emotional distress
- a mother reporting symptoms of emotional distress
- a father reporting symptoms of emotional distress
- both parents reporting symptoms of emotional distress
Pharmacists funded to work in care homes in England
Pharmacists funded to work in care homes in England NHS England is planning to fund the recruitment of 240 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to work in care homes to try to cut down on unnecessary medicines taken by the residents.
Care home residents often have one or more long-term health conditions, with some prescribed 10 or more medicines.
Trials have shown that pharmacists reviewing medicines reduced their use and improved patients' quality of life.
In one trial, an annual drug cost saving of £249 per patient was seen. BBC News
See also:
Care home residents often have one or more long-term health conditions, with some prescribed 10 or more medicines.
Trials have shown that pharmacists reviewing medicines reduced their use and improved patients' quality of life.
In one trial, an annual drug cost saving of £249 per patient was seen. BBC News
See also:
NHS accused of fuelling rise in opioid addiction
NHS accused of fuelling rise in opioid addiction Doctors warn the NHS is fuelling an addiction crisis because of an increase in the prescribing of powerful painkillers.
Nearly 24 million opioids, such as morphine, were prescribed in 2017 - equivalent to 2,700 packs an hour.
A drugs counsellor and former user told the BBC the NHS was "creating drug addicts".
The Royal College of GPs said doctors would not prescribe opioid painkillers as a "quick fix".
Opioids such as morphine, tramadol and fentanyl are super-strength painkillers, which can be highly addictive and can kill if misused. BBC News
See also:
Nearly 24 million opioids, such as morphine, were prescribed in 2017 - equivalent to 2,700 packs an hour.
A drugs counsellor and former user told the BBC the NHS was "creating drug addicts".
The Royal College of GPs said doctors would not prescribe opioid painkillers as a "quick fix".
Opioids such as morphine, tramadol and fentanyl are super-strength painkillers, which can be highly addictive and can kill if misused. BBC News
See also:
- Practice Level Prescribing in England: a summary NHS Digital
- GPs will not prescribe opioids as a 'quick fix' solution, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Prescription rises inevitable as patients live longer, says College Royal College of General Practitioners
- NHS figures reveal the 20 drugs dished out most The Daily Mail
- NHS 'creating drug addicts' as figures show surge in prescriptions for powerful opioid painkillers The Daily Telegraph
The GMC pursued Hadiza Bawa-Garba – and is losing doctors' respect
The GMC pursued Hadiza Bawa-Garba – and is losing doctors' respect Loss of confidence in the General Medical Council will diminish its ability to protect patients and support medics
The issues around the case of junior paediatrician Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba and the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock have dominated headlines recently, and will continue to do so for some time. Seven years after Jack’s death as a result of negligence while in the care of specialists at Leicester Royal Infirmary, the case remains controversial.
It’s truly a sad event, catastrophic on all sides: for the parents, the continued media attention ensures that their grief continues; for the trainee who had always aspired to be a doctor, her dream is in tatters.In the eyes of many doctors, it is catastrophic, too, for regulator the General Medical Council (GMC), which has taken a trainee to court to remove her right to practise as a doctor. Continue reading... The Guardian
The issues around the case of junior paediatrician Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba and the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock have dominated headlines recently, and will continue to do so for some time. Seven years after Jack’s death as a result of negligence while in the care of specialists at Leicester Royal Infirmary, the case remains controversial.
It’s truly a sad event, catastrophic on all sides: for the parents, the continued media attention ensures that their grief continues; for the trainee who had always aspired to be a doctor, her dream is in tatters.In the eyes of many doctors, it is catastrophic, too, for regulator the General Medical Council (GMC), which has taken a trainee to court to remove her right to practise as a doctor. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS needs a reliable source of income. Here’s where to find it | Norman Warner and John Oldham
The NHS needs a reliable source of income. Here’s where to find it | Norman Warner and John Oldham From properly taxing tech giants to levies on property owned by overseas firms – there are ways to fund our health service
Our NHS is nearly 70 years old. Like many older people it has developed some chronic conditions. It hasn’t changed its model for delivering services sufficiently since Nye Bevan’s day to meet the massive changes in demography, complex disease profiles and the expectations of those it serves.
But even if it became much more efficient and worked more effectively with its sister service, adult social care, this would not resolve a fundamental problem. This is that in today’s world a tax-funded, pooled-risk healthcare system such as the NHS that is free at the point of clinical need requires a more generous funding system than we currently provide or are contemplating. The inconvenient truth for politicians and public alike is that if, as a country, we want an NHS of the kind we like, we have to agree collectively on a more generous and reliable funding system.
The health and care system needs to work more effectively with patients to co-produce better health and wellbeing Continue reading... The Guardian
Our NHS is nearly 70 years old. Like many older people it has developed some chronic conditions. It hasn’t changed its model for delivering services sufficiently since Nye Bevan’s day to meet the massive changes in demography, complex disease profiles and the expectations of those it serves.
But even if it became much more efficient and worked more effectively with its sister service, adult social care, this would not resolve a fundamental problem. This is that in today’s world a tax-funded, pooled-risk healthcare system such as the NHS that is free at the point of clinical need requires a more generous funding system than we currently provide or are contemplating. The inconvenient truth for politicians and public alike is that if, as a country, we want an NHS of the kind we like, we have to agree collectively on a more generous and reliable funding system.
The health and care system needs to work more effectively with patients to co-produce better health and wellbeing Continue reading... The Guardian
New thinking is required to create desperately needed new antibiotics. We must act now
New thinking is required to create desperately needed new antibiotics. We must act now Put yourself, for a moment, in the shoes of a pharmaceutical company boss.
You face a big decision about where to direct your R&D budget. Both options require multi-billion pound investment over 10 to 15 years in cutting-edge but high-risk research.
You could focus on cancer drugs where competition is fierce but prices predictably high and market size easy to forecast.
Or, you could choose to develop new antibiotics; drugs essential to modern medicine, but with a peculiarly unpredictable market, often low prices and breakthrough products likely to be reserved for only a handful of hardest-to-treat patients.
The dilemma cuts to the heart of the tricky yet crucial question of how to fix the dysfunctional antibiotics market. The Daily Telegraph
You face a big decision about where to direct your R&D budget. Both options require multi-billion pound investment over 10 to 15 years in cutting-edge but high-risk research.
You could focus on cancer drugs where competition is fierce but prices predictably high and market size easy to forecast.
Or, you could choose to develop new antibiotics; drugs essential to modern medicine, but with a peculiarly unpredictable market, often low prices and breakthrough products likely to be reserved for only a handful of hardest-to-treat patients.
The dilemma cuts to the heart of the tricky yet crucial question of how to fix the dysfunctional antibiotics market. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 15 March 2018
Concerns after catering staff duties are handed over to care assistants at Northampton mental health hospitals
Concerns after catering staff duties are handed over to care assistants at Northampton mental health hospitals Workers at a mental health charity feel too much responsibility is being handed to ward staff in Northampton after 11 catering staff were made redundant.
St Andrew’s Healthcare’s catering team prepares about 900 meals for its patients every day.
But late last year the charity, which runs the large mental health hospital off Billing Road, put the jobs of 46 people in the team at risk as part of plans to hand some duties over to healthcare assistants.
The largely taxpayer-funded charity has now confirmed 11 staff have been made redundant in the restructure. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
St Andrew’s Healthcare’s catering team prepares about 900 meals for its patients every day.
But late last year the charity, which runs the large mental health hospital off Billing Road, put the jobs of 46 people in the team at risk as part of plans to hand some duties over to healthcare assistants.
The largely taxpayer-funded charity has now confirmed 11 staff have been made redundant in the restructure. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
International comparisons of health and wellbeing in early childhood
International comparisons of health and wellbeing in early childhood This report presents data on health and wellbeing for early childhood in the UK and 14 comparable countries, recognising the particular influence that a child’s development in this period can have on his or her future health and quality of life. We consider the benefits and challenges of comparing child health indicators between countries, to inform local and national policy and practice that improves the health of children and families in this country. Nuffield Trust
See also:
See also:
- Lagging behind: why we must do better on child health Nuffield Trust
- UK tops league of shame for unhealthy children The Daily Mail
MPs warn of 'poisonous air' emergency costing £20bn a year
MPs warn of 'poisonous air' emergency costing £20bn a year MPs have demanded an end to the UK's "poisonous air" in an unprecedented report from four Commons committees.
The Environment, Health, Transport and Environmental Audit committees want a new Clean Air Act, and a clean air fund financed by the motor industry.
They are also demanding a faster phase-out of petrol and diesel cars - currently set for 2040.
The government said air pollution had improved significantly since 2010 but there was "more to do".
MPs have been frustrated by the response from ministers, who have promised to publish a comprehensive clean air strategy later this year. BBC News
See also:
The Environment, Health, Transport and Environmental Audit committees want a new Clean Air Act, and a clean air fund financed by the motor industry.
They are also demanding a faster phase-out of petrol and diesel cars - currently set for 2040.
The government said air pollution had improved significantly since 2010 but there was "more to do".
MPs have been frustrated by the response from ministers, who have promised to publish a comprehensive clean air strategy later this year. BBC News
See also:
- Committees call for a new Clean Air Act Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
'I was a suicidal teen - the NHS didn’t know what to do with me'
'I was a suicidal teen - the NHS didn’t know what to do with me' It was the ninth time in the space of 10 days that Sherry Denness had tried to kill herself. "It felt like checkmate - there were no open doors or other ways for my life to turn, I just wanted to die," she says.
Only just 18, Sherry has been diagnosed with a number of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). BBC News
Only just 18, Sherry has been diagnosed with a number of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). BBC News
Hawking: Did he change views on disability?
Hawking: Did he change views on disability? Stephen Hawking was both one of the world's most famous scientists and most famous disabled people.
His life was a juxtaposition of sparkling intellect and failing body.
Prof Hawking was diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease when he was 22.
The nerves that controlled his muscles were failing and he became trapped in his body, but his mind was still free.
He reached the height of his field while being wheelchair-bound and communicating through a synthetic voice.
So did he change society's perceptions of disability? BBC News
See also:
His life was a juxtaposition of sparkling intellect and failing body.
Prof Hawking was diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease when he was 22.
The nerves that controlled his muscles were failing and he became trapped in his body, but his mind was still free.
He reached the height of his field while being wheelchair-bound and communicating through a synthetic voice.
So did he change society's perceptions of disability? BBC News
See also:
Thousands more women with heavy periods to be offered test
Thousands more women with heavy periods to be offered test Women with heavy periods should be offered a hysteroscopy to find out the cause, says new guidance from health officials.
This could lead to 10,000 more women in England having the test, which examines the inside of the womb, each year, they said.
Around one in 20 women aged 30-49 sees a GP due to heavy menstrual bleeding.
The issue can seriously affect quality of life, both physically and emotionally. BBC News
This could lead to 10,000 more women in England having the test, which examines the inside of the womb, each year, they said.
Around one in 20 women aged 30-49 sees a GP due to heavy menstrual bleeding.
The issue can seriously affect quality of life, both physically and emotionally. BBC News
NHS spending watchdog spends £500k asking management consultants to clarify its 'purpose'
NHS spending watchdog spends £500k asking management consultants to clarify its 'purpose' The health service’s financial watchdog will spend £500k on private management consultants to help define its “purpose”, just two years after spending £630k on a similar consultancy project when it was set up.
NHS Improvement is responsible for managing NHS hospitals spending, including taking action against those trusts that fail to hit increasingly tough spending targets.
It also monitors hospital spending on areas like consultancy services, with any deals over £50,000 needing its prior approval.
But in a message to its employees, sent last week, NHS Improvement said it has struck a deal with consultancy McKinsey for a sum 10 times this amount. The Independent
NHS Improvement is responsible for managing NHS hospitals spending, including taking action against those trusts that fail to hit increasingly tough spending targets.
It also monitors hospital spending on areas like consultancy services, with any deals over £50,000 needing its prior approval.
But in a message to its employees, sent last week, NHS Improvement said it has struck a deal with consultancy McKinsey for a sum 10 times this amount. The Independent
Theresa May promises to look into man's £54,000 NHS cancer bill
Theresa May promises to look into man's £54,000 NHS cancer bill Jeremy Corbyn raises case of Albert Thompson, denied treatment because he lacked proof of residency
Theresa May has promised to look into into the case of a Londoner asked to pay £54,000 for cancer treatment despite having lived in the UK for 44 years, after Jeremy Corbyn raised it at prime minister’s questions.
The difficulties faced by Albert Thompson, the 63-year-old man whose case was uncovered by the Guardian, were highlighted during a heated exchange on the state of the NHS. Thompson is not receiving the radiotherapy treatment he needs for prostate cancer after he was unable to provide the hospital with sufficient evidence of residency. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Theresa May has promised to look into into the case of a Londoner asked to pay £54,000 for cancer treatment despite having lived in the UK for 44 years, after Jeremy Corbyn raised it at prime minister’s questions.
The difficulties faced by Albert Thompson, the 63-year-old man whose case was uncovered by the Guardian, were highlighted during a heated exchange on the state of the NHS. Thompson is not receiving the radiotherapy treatment he needs for prostate cancer after he was unable to provide the hospital with sufficient evidence of residency. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Life expectancy to fall one year, with middle classes among hardest hit
Life expectancy to fall one year, with middle classes among hardest hit Life expectancy is falling, Oxford University experts have warned, saying the trends could hit the middle class the hardest.
Writing in the BMJ, they revealed a 13 per cent rise in death rates in the first months of this year in England as Wales, as the NHS came under strain.
And they said “awful” increases in death rates in recent years had forced the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to revise its forecasts, reducing UK predicted life span by almost a full year.
Writing in the BMJ, they revealed an extra 10,000 deaths in the first seven weeks of this year, compared with average figures in the last five years. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Writing in the BMJ, they revealed a 13 per cent rise in death rates in the first months of this year in England as Wales, as the NHS came under strain.
And they said “awful” increases in death rates in recent years had forced the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to revise its forecasts, reducing UK predicted life span by almost a full year.
Writing in the BMJ, they revealed an extra 10,000 deaths in the first seven weeks of this year, compared with average figures in the last five years. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Hacker alert for hospitals as report warns devices could be hit
Hacker alert for hospitals as report warns devices could be hit HACKERS could turn off life-saving medical devices in hospital connected to the internet, a report warns.
Internet enabled devices in hospitals and the home are vulnerable to being hacked and could put people’s lives at risk, the report warns.
Now a report by the Royal Academy of Engineering warns that not enough is being done to protect the UK from a hostile cyber-strike. The Daily Mail
See also:
Internet enabled devices in hospitals and the home are vulnerable to being hacked and could put people’s lives at risk, the report warns.
Now a report by the Royal Academy of Engineering warns that not enough is being done to protect the UK from a hostile cyber-strike. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Cyber safety and resilience: strengthening the digital systems that support the modern economy Royal Academy of Engineering
Wednesday, 14 March 2018
Northamptonshire County Council votes to scrap First for Wellbeing company just two years after setting it up
Northamptonshire County Council votes to scrap First for Wellbeing company just two years after setting it up The mutual company that looks after a range of health services for Northamptonshire County Council has been brought back in house just two years after its launch.
First for Wellbeing was set up as in April 2016, offering a range of clinical services such as smoking cessation, weight loss help, adult learning and support of isolated people.
The company, a partnership with the University of Northampton and the NHS, was intended to generate its own money on behalf of the council, which it would reinvest in services. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
First for Wellbeing was set up as in April 2016, offering a range of clinical services such as smoking cessation, weight loss help, adult learning and support of isolated people.
The company, a partnership with the University of Northampton and the NHS, was intended to generate its own money on behalf of the council, which it would reinvest in services. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
‘Do no harm’: protecting the public’s health as we leave the EU
‘Do no harm’: protecting the public’s health as we leave the EU How might Brexit affect our health? John Middleton, President of the Faculty
of Public Health, explains how the cross-party ‘do no harm’ amendment to the EU
(Withdrawal) Bill could help protect public health. The Health Foundation
NHS treatment of private patients: the impact on NHS finances and NHS patient care
NHS treatment of private patients: the impact on NHS finances and NHS patient care The Health and Social Care Act 2012 allowed NHS hospitals in England to generate up to 49 per cent of their income from private patients. This report looks at the impact of this change. It examines two questions: whether the treatment of private patients generates additional income for NHS hospital trusts, and whether the treatment of private patients risks disadvantaging NHS patients. Centre for Health and the Public Interest
Forward thinking: NIHR research on support for people with severe mental illness
Forward thinking: NIHR research on support for people with severe mental illness This review highlights a selection of NIHR-funded research on aspects of severe mental illness such as supporting early detection and intervention, crisis care, supporting recovery and managing physical and mental health. National Institute for Health Research
Instant messaging in the NHS: an exploration of the relationship between consumer messaging applications and modern healthcare delivery
Instant messaging in the NHS: an exploration of the relationship between consumer messaging applications and modern healthcare delivery This report reveals that 43 per cent of NHS staff rely on consumer instant messaging at work. It finds that WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and other unauthorised instant messaging apps are being used by 500,000 NHS staff at work, as a growing number turn to consumer tools to communicate with colleagues and sometimes patients. Common Time
Forgotten not fixed: a blueprint to tackle the increasing burden of malnutrition in England
Forgotten not fixed: a blueprint to tackle the increasing burden of malnutrition in England This report reflects on the increasing number of cases of malnutrition in hospital and associated deaths. It draws upon malnutrition data broken down by NHS Trust for 2015/16 and finds that more than half the hospital Trusts in England are significantly under-reporting malnutrition rates compared to accepted national estimates. British Specialist Nutrition Association
Frontline online: smarter blue light services
Frontline online: smarter blue light services This paper finds that police, ambulance and fire services can respond more swiftly and accurately to emergency calls with access to better information on callers and situations. It concludes that better collaboration over sharing data is essential to exploit new technology. Reform
Women missing from breast implant register
Women missing from breast implant register About one in three NHS clinics and one in four private ones offering breast implant surgery in England have not submitted any patient data to a national safety registry.
NHS Digital set up the service in 2016 after the PIP (Poly Implant Prothese) breast implants scandal.
Poor record-keeping at the time of the scandal meant many of the thousands of women affected were unable to find out if they had been given faulty implants.
The register is non-compulsory. BBC News
See also:
NHS Digital set up the service in 2016 after the PIP (Poly Implant Prothese) breast implants scandal.
Poor record-keeping at the time of the scandal meant many of the thousands of women affected were unable to find out if they had been given faulty implants.
The register is non-compulsory. BBC News
See also:
Philip Hammond hints at 'headroom' for more NHS spending
Philip Hammond hints at 'headroom' for more NHS spending Philip Hammond has given his clearest hint yet that he is prepared to increase spending further on the NHS.
The chancellor told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg he recognised the pressures for more spending on health, local government "and other areas".
He said he would like to use any "headroom" ahead of the autumn Budget to find more cash for public services.
The NHS, he said, had got an extra £9bn since 2016 but an ageing society was creating "continuous upward pressures". BBC News
The chancellor told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg he recognised the pressures for more spending on health, local government "and other areas".
He said he would like to use any "headroom" ahead of the autumn Budget to find more cash for public services.
The NHS, he said, had got an extra £9bn since 2016 but an ageing society was creating "continuous upward pressures". BBC News
Discrimination against migrants in the NHS will make staffing problems worse | Amitava Banerjee
Discrimination against migrants in the NHS will make staffing problems worse | Amitava Banerjee The health service needs the best staff, regardless of where they were born or where they trained
“Can I see a doctor qualified in Britain?” inquired the woman.
“I qualified from Oxford,” I assured her. Continue reading... The Guardian
“Can I see a doctor qualified in Britain?” inquired the woman.
“I qualified from Oxford,” I assured her. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS diet works: plump Britons see average weight loss of half a stone
NHS diet works: plump Britons see average weight loss of half a stone Overweight Britons given diet coaching by the NHS are losing an average of more than half a stone each, the head of the health service has said.
Simon Stevens said the flagship programme, soon to be offered in every part of the country, had already exceeded expectations.
Results from the first schemes show overweight patients who completed most of the sessions lost an average of eight pounds each - equivalent to the weight of 15 Big Macs.
Forecasts had predicted average weight loss of around five pounds. The Daily Telegraph
Simon Stevens said the flagship programme, soon to be offered in every part of the country, had already exceeded expectations.
Results from the first schemes show overweight patients who completed most of the sessions lost an average of eight pounds each - equivalent to the weight of 15 Big Macs.
Forecasts had predicted average weight loss of around five pounds. The Daily Telegraph
Antibiotic resistance is killing thousands in Britain today. My dad was one of them
Antibiotic resistance is killing thousands in Britain today. My dad was one of them There are moments in life that can shake you to the core, when you know that life will never be the same again, but the one consolation is that you learn and form a new perspective.
My moment was the 11th November 2011. The day my wonderful dad died. Dad had always been my hero, he was a positive force of energy in my life, and at that moment, it was gone. The Daily Telegraph
My moment was the 11th November 2011. The day my wonderful dad died. Dad had always been my hero, he was a positive force of energy in my life, and at that moment, it was gone. The Daily Telegraph
Interactive map reveals how many weeks patients have to wait
Interactive map reveals how many weeks patients have to wait An interactive map today reveals how many weeks patients can expect to wait for routine operations at their local hospital.
NHS guidelines state that patients have a right to undergo a procedure within 18 weeks of being referred by their consultant.
However, the new tool, which uses data from each trust in England, shows a huge disparity in waiting times across the country.
Campaigners have today blasted the figures, which show thousands of patients in the South West and South East are facing waits of up to six months.
In comparison, those in the North East can expect to be seen by the NHS within 18 weeks, on average, according to the new maps. The Daily Mail
See also:
NHS guidelines state that patients have a right to undergo a procedure within 18 weeks of being referred by their consultant.
However, the new tool, which uses data from each trust in England, shows a huge disparity in waiting times across the country.
Campaigners have today blasted the figures, which show thousands of patients in the South West and South East are facing waits of up to six months.
In comparison, those in the North East can expect to be seen by the NHS within 18 weeks, on average, according to the new maps. The Daily Mail
See also:
- RTT waiting times in England Tableau Public
Tuesday, 13 March 2018
Northampton General Hospital worker claims all wards are 'under immense pressure'
Northampton General Hospital worker claims all wards are 'under immense pressure' Following the death of an 85-year-old man who died at Northampton General Hospital on Friday, Chron readers have been speaking out about their time on the wards.
On Friday (March 9) news emerged about a pensioner passing away at NGH after waiting for nine hours in the accident and emergency department.
In a leaked email sent to staff - which the hospital has since said was speculation rather than fact - medical director Dr Matthew Metcalfe said the elderly man's death was a direct result of emergency department pressures. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
On Friday (March 9) news emerged about a pensioner passing away at NGH after waiting for nine hours in the accident and emergency department.
In a leaked email sent to staff - which the hospital has since said was speculation rather than fact - medical director Dr Matthew Metcalfe said the elderly man's death was a direct result of emergency department pressures. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
- Identity of man who died after waiting nine hours at Northampton General Hospital is revealed Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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