Thursday 11 October 2018

New interactive online data tool provides easier access to mental health statistics

New interactive online data tool provides easier access to mental health statistics National mental health statistics that shed new light on care and treatment for patients are now available at the click of a mouse thanks to the latest interactive data hub created by NHS Digital.

NHS England staff must explain if they refuse to have flu jab

NHS England staff must explain if they refuse to have flu jab Health workers in England who refuse to take up the offer of a free flu jab will be asked to explain why they do not want to be vaccinated.

The measures have been introduced in an effort to cut sickness rates and protect patients over winter.

Members of staff who decline the jab could be moved away from critical areas if they work with vulnerable patients.

Last year saw the worst flu season in a decade but only 64% of staff received the flu vaccine. BBC News

NHS watchdog warns good healthcare is becoming more of a postcode lottery

NHS watchdog warns good healthcare is becoming more of a postcode lottery CQC chief blames ‘geographical disparities’ in England for lack of access to quality care

Patients in England are increasingly being subjected to “care injustice” in which they can access either no or poor quality hospital, mental health and social care services, the NHS watchdog has warned.

Access to good care is more and more of a lottery depending on where people live, with some areas providing only services that have been deemed substandard, according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Guardian

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Mental health services under-resourced, says Matt Hancock

Mental health services under-resourced, says Matt Hancock Health secretary says services are ‘way off ’ what is needed, as suicide prevention minister appointed

The health secretary, Matt Hancock, has conceded that mental health services have been under-resourced and undervalued as he announced the appointment of a minister for suicide prevention.

Jackie Doyle-Price, a health minister, will be given the new brief and tasked with ensuring that every local area has effective plans in place to stop unnecessary deaths, and investigating how technology can help identify those most at risk. The Guardian

More than 300 leading academics warn Public Health England it will risk its reputation

More than 300 leading academics warn Public Health England it will risk its reputation More than 300 academics and experts from Britain have warned the body they will begin to withdraw their help and advice if the body goes ahead with plans to work with the charity Drinkaware. The Daily Mail

District nurses ‘spend 88 days a year on admin’

District nurses ‘spend 88 days a year on admin’ District nurses spend more time on administrative work than with patients, the head of the NHS said yesterday.

The average community health worker now spends just 87 days a year in direct contact with patients compared to 88 days on paperwork, a report found.

Simon Stevens told the NHS Providers conference in Manchester that the ‘hugely frustrating’ situation was one of many issues that needed dealing with in the long-term plan for the health service. He warned that the £20billion-a-year boost for the NHS must not be squandered, saying that it would be ‘looked on with some jealousy’ by teachers or the police. The Daily Mail