Hackers attempt to access Northampton General Hospital computers 240 times a day Northampton General Hospital has warned its staff about opening suspicious emails after it revealed its software is fighting off hundreds of cyber attacks every day.
The hospital, along with the wider NHS, says it is continuing to see an increase in daily activity attempting to cause disruption and gain access to IT systems. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Friday, 29 March 2019
The state of care in independent doctor and clinic services providing primary medical care: findings from CQC’s programme of comprehensive inspections in England
The state of care in independent doctor and clinic services providing primary medical care: findings from CQC’s programme of comprehensive inspections in England This report gives an overview of care from inspection findings for doctors and clinics that provide primary medical services in the independent or private sector – that is those not provided by NHS organisations. It found that many services were responding to the needs of their patients, delivering caring services tailored to people’s requirements and needs. However, a number were not meeting the necessary regulations and not delivering safe and effective care. Care Quality Commission
Prevention before cure: prioritising population health
Prevention before cure: prioritising population health This policy paper contains a suggested framework for a cross-government approach to prioritising population health. The framework outlines four areas to consider: addressing the social determinants that influence health; increased and sustained funding for public health; prioritising prevention through the health service; and effective regulation to tackle key drivers of ill-health. British Medical Association
Implementing handovers and huddles: a framework for practice in maternity units
Implementing handovers and huddles: a framework for practice in maternity units This framework aims to provide a structure for maternity units to create and develop their own approach to effectively communicating clinical data and transferring key safety information. It describes the difference between handovers and huddles, the benefits of effective clinical handovers and the role of huddles in promoting safety. It is intended as a good practice guide for healthcare professionals involved in the care of pregnant women and their infants, regardless of the nature of the unit they work in or whether it is in the community or a hospital. NHS Improvement
Wide array of NHS figures named as the new NHS Assembly announced
Wide array of NHS figures named as the new NHS Assembly announced A diverse group of leading NHS figures, disability advocates and charity bosses have been named in the new NHS Assembly including trust chief executives, ex-government advisors, patient representatives and a Guardian columnist.
The NHS has announced that the NHS Assembly, a team of health and social care experts, is to be established by April 2019 and will be tasked with supporting the delivery of the NHS Long-Term Plan. National Health Executive
The NHS has announced that the NHS Assembly, a team of health and social care experts, is to be established by April 2019 and will be tasked with supporting the delivery of the NHS Long-Term Plan. National Health Executive
Jump in antidepressant prescriptions in England
Jump in antidepressant prescriptions in England A total of 70.9 million prescriptions for antidepressants were dispensed in England in 2018.
NHS Digital figures show that the number of drugs issued - for conditions like depression and anxiety - went up from 67.5 million in 2017.
The total is almost double the number dispensed in 2008.
The figure includes all items issued by the NHS in England, except those given out in hospitals or on private prescriptions. BBC News
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NHS Digital figures show that the number of drugs issued - for conditions like depression and anxiety - went up from 67.5 million in 2017.
The total is almost double the number dispensed in 2008.
The figure includes all items issued by the NHS in England, except those given out in hospitals or on private prescriptions. BBC News
See also:
- Prescription Cost Analysis - England, 2018 NHS Digital
- Rising prescription numbers not 'automatically a bad thing', says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- A nation of pill poppers: NHS dishes out more prescriptions than EVER before The Daily Mail
- Doubling in number of antidepressants doled out in a decade, NHS figures show The Daily Telegraph
- Antidepressant prescriptions in England double in a decade The Guardian
- Antidepressant prescriptions nearly double in a decade The Independent
Brexit: NHS no-deal fears prompt call for drugs export ban
Brexit: NHS no-deal fears prompt call for drugs export ban Pharmaceutical industry leaders want a temporary ban on drugs exports to prevent the NHS being hit by shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The call came from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
It told the BBC a drop in the value of the pound would create an incentive for wholesalers to sell medicines overseas instead of to the NHS.
The Department of Health says it is working closely with the industry to ensure continuity of supply. BBC News
The call came from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
It told the BBC a drop in the value of the pound would create an incentive for wholesalers to sell medicines overseas instead of to the NHS.
The Department of Health says it is working closely with the industry to ensure continuity of supply. BBC News
Newborn hip checks 'have failed to prevent late diagnosis'
Newborn hip checks 'have failed to prevent late diagnosis' The current system of checking newborns for hip problems is failing, resulting in too many late diagnoses and corrective surgery, a study suggests.
All newborns in England have their hips examined but only those at risk or with problems receive a scan.
Surgeons from Southampton Children's Hospital said the rate of late diagnoses had not improved since screening started, over 30 years ago. BBC News
All newborns in England have their hips examined but only those at risk or with problems receive a scan.
Surgeons from Southampton Children's Hospital said the rate of late diagnoses had not improved since screening started, over 30 years ago. BBC News
Easter eggs sold in January are fuelling obesity epidemic, doctors say
Easter eggs sold in January are fuelling obesity epidemic, doctors say Doctors and the public are calling for an end to creeping holiday seasons that mean supermarkets start selling Easter eggs in January, fuelling the UK’s obesity epidemic.
Polling by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) shows 77 per cent of people think supermarkets are pushing chocolatey Easter treats too early. The Independent
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Polling by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) shows 77 per cent of people think supermarkets are pushing chocolatey Easter treats too early. The Independent
See also:
- Retailers urged to crack down on early Easter egg sales to tackle obesity Royal Society for Public Health
Dossier reveals 'petty tortures' of NHS trainee doctors denied leave
Dossier reveals 'petty tortures' of NHS trainee doctors denied leave Accounts include medic who was forced to work despite his wife having had a miscarriage.
Trainee doctors have been denied leave despite experiencing stillbirth or having a child or partner in intensive care, a dossier of young medics’ “brutal” treatment by the NHS reveals.
Hospitals have refused to let trainees take time off for their weddings and told them to use holiday entitlement rather than compassionate leave to attend funerals of relatives. The Guardian
Trainee doctors have been denied leave despite experiencing stillbirth or having a child or partner in intensive care, a dossier of young medics’ “brutal” treatment by the NHS reveals.
Hospitals have refused to let trainees take time off for their weddings and told them to use holiday entitlement rather than compassionate leave to attend funerals of relatives. The Guardian
GPs worst for NHS gender pay gap, with men paid 33 per cent more
GPs worst for NHS gender pay gap, with men paid 33 per cent more Male GPs are paid on average 33 per cent more than their female counterparts, a Government-ordered review has found.
The new figures reveal family doctors have the biggest gap among NHS clinicians, despite more than half the profession being women.
The difference in average earnings is nearly double the 17 per cent gender pay gap currently existing across the NHS doctor workforce as a whole. The Daily Telegraph
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The new figures reveal family doctors have the biggest gap among NHS clinicians, despite more than half the profession being women.
The difference in average earnings is nearly double the 17 per cent gender pay gap currently existing across the NHS doctor workforce as a whole. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- New data on gender pay gap in medicine Department of Health and Social Care
- Male NHS doctors earn 17% more than their female peers The Guardian
- NHS gender pay gap: Male doctors earn 17% more than female peers, review reveals The Independent
Care homes applying for hundreds more court orders to prevent elderly from going outside, figures reveal
Care homes applying for hundreds more court orders to prevent elderly from going outside, figures reveal Care homes and hospitals are applying for hundreds more elderly people to be locked inside, new data shows.
The figures, published today by the Ministry of Justice, reveal that there were 4,557 applications made by care homes and hospitals relating to Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) orders in 2018. This marked a 14 per cent increase on the previous year where there were 3,995 applications as charities warn that the increasing trend in applications are “deeply worrying”. The Daily Telegraph
The figures, published today by the Ministry of Justice, reveal that there were 4,557 applications made by care homes and hospitals relating to Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) orders in 2018. This marked a 14 per cent increase on the previous year where there were 3,995 applications as charities warn that the increasing trend in applications are “deeply worrying”. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 28 March 2019
Health provider terminates contract to run Northampton surgery
Health provider terminates contract to run Northampton surgery The alliance in charge of a Northampton surgery has announced it is terminating its contract, leaving the NHS to find a new provider.
Nene Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England are seeking another party to run Kings Heath Practice after the Northampton-based GP Alliance decided to pull out. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Nene Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England are seeking another party to run Kings Heath Practice after the Northampton-based GP Alliance decided to pull out. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The tipping point: considering the impact of the proposed changes to treatment waiting time targets
The tipping point: considering the impact of the proposed changes to treatment waiting time targets The totemic 18 week target for planned care is facing a radical overhaul. Jessica Morris breaks down what a change would mean for hospitals and patients. Nuffield Trust
50 years of NHS inquiries: Why they matter and what we can learn from them
50 years of NHS inquiries: Why they matter and what we can learn from them It is fifty years since what most people think of as the first NHS inquiry – into failures in care at Ely Hospital in Cardiff. The inquiry was set up in 1967 to investigate allegations of ill-treatment, the abuse of patients and theft by staff at the long-stay psychiatric hospital. The Health Foundation
1 million Brits at risk after missing vital inhaler check
1 million Brits at risk after missing vital inhaler check More than a million people with asthma in the UK could be at risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack because they did not get their inhaler technique checked by their GP or asthma nurse, according to new estimates by Asthma UK.
Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) people aren’t getting their inhaler technique checked, according to Asthma UK’s report, which included a survey of more than 10,000 people with asthma. This is an essential part of basic asthma care that everyone with asthma should be getting.
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Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) people aren’t getting their inhaler technique checked, according to Asthma UK’s report, which included a survey of more than 10,000 people with asthma. This is an essential part of basic asthma care that everyone with asthma should be getting.
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NHS joint working with industry is out of public sight
NHS joint working with industry is out of public sight NHS organisations are entering into working partnerships with drug companies, but the details, and even existence, of many of these deals are not being made available to the public, a BMJ investigation has found.
With government encouragement, the number of “joint working arrangements” is growing in England, and they brought more than £7.5m (€8.7m; $9.9m) into the health service in 2016 and 2017. Examples include several projects to review the medications of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and more than 20 that focus on patients with age-related macular degeneration. But many of these agreements ignore official guidance that urges openness and transparency. The BMJ
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With government encouragement, the number of “joint working arrangements” is growing in England, and they brought more than £7.5m (€8.7m; $9.9m) into the health service in 2016 and 2017. Examples include several projects to review the medications of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and more than 20 that focus on patients with age-related macular degeneration. But many of these agreements ignore official guidance that urges openness and transparency. The BMJ
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Life expectancy drops among poorer women in England
Life expectancy drops among poorer women in England The life expectancy of women living in the poorest areas of England fell by 100 days in recent years, Office for National Statistics data suggests.
Between 2012-2014 and 2015-2017, female life expectancy in the richest areas increased by 84 days, widening the gap between rich and poor by half a year.
In men, the gap also widened - but less markedly.
Life expectancy in the UK as a whole has stopped improving at the rate expected, the ONS said. BBC News
See also:
Between 2012-2014 and 2015-2017, female life expectancy in the richest areas increased by 84 days, widening the gap between rich and poor by half a year.
In men, the gap also widened - but less markedly.
Life expectancy in the UK as a whole has stopped improving at the rate expected, the ONS said. BBC News
See also:
- Staggering level of variation in healthy life expectancy The Health Foundation
- Life expectancy of girls living in England's poorest areas falls by almost 100 days in five years The Daily Telegraph
Take over pharma to create new medicines, says top adviser
Take over pharma to create new medicines, says top adviser Part of the drugs industry should be taken over to make new antibiotics, an influential economist has argued.
Lord Jim O'Neill, who advised the government on antibiotic resistance, said he was shocked by pharmaceutical companies failing to tackle drug-resistant infections.
He said the solution may be to "just take it away from them and take it over".
The pharmaceutical industry said it was not standing still on the issue. BBC News
Lord Jim O'Neill, who advised the government on antibiotic resistance, said he was shocked by pharmaceutical companies failing to tackle drug-resistant infections.
He said the solution may be to "just take it away from them and take it over".
The pharmaceutical industry said it was not standing still on the issue. BBC News
600 years’ supply of cystic fibrosis drug destroyed in price row
600 years’ supply of cystic fibrosis drug destroyed in price row 8,000 packs of Orkambi go out of date during standoff between maker and NHS
Nearly 8,000 packs of Orkambi, the breakthrough medicine for cystic fibrosis, have been destroyed by the manufacturer while it has been in a stand-off with the NHS over the high price it wants to charge for the drug.
The US company Vertex has distributed 80,000 packs of Orkambi around Europe from its base in the UK since the drug was licensed in 2015. Other European countries with smaller numbers of people affected by the genetic disease have agreed to a high price, sometimes in order to give access to patients before negotiating downwards. The Guardian
Nearly 8,000 packs of Orkambi, the breakthrough medicine for cystic fibrosis, have been destroyed by the manufacturer while it has been in a stand-off with the NHS over the high price it wants to charge for the drug.
The US company Vertex has distributed 80,000 packs of Orkambi around Europe from its base in the UK since the drug was licensed in 2015. Other European countries with smaller numbers of people affected by the genetic disease have agreed to a high price, sometimes in order to give access to patients before negotiating downwards. The Guardian
U-turn over plans to privatise cancer scanning services
U-turn over plans to privatise cancer scanning services PET-CT scanners to remain at Churchill hospital, Oxford, and be operated by NHS staff
NHS bosses have made a significant U-turn over plans to privatise cancer scanning services after outcry from MPs, doctors and patients.
The rethink means the two scanners used for the tests at the cancer centre at the Churchill hospital in Oxford will remain there, after the new private contractor was forced to drop plans to move them elsewhere. The Guardian
NHS bosses have made a significant U-turn over plans to privatise cancer scanning services after outcry from MPs, doctors and patients.
The rethink means the two scanners used for the tests at the cancer centre at the Churchill hospital in Oxford will remain there, after the new private contractor was forced to drop plans to move them elsewhere. The Guardian
More than 50 bowel surgery patients should not have been operated on by well-known doctor, hospital admits
More than 50 bowel surgery patients should not have been operated on by well-known doctor, hospital admits More than 50 patients who were given a controversial form of bowel surgery by a well-known surgeon should not have been operated on, a hospital trust has admitted.
Dozens of women say they were left in severe pain after pelvic floor surgery using artificial mesh at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Tony Dixon, one of Britain's best known surgeons in the area, was suspended in 2017 after concerns were first raised and an inquiry examined 143 cases. The Daily Telegraph
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Dozens of women say they were left in severe pain after pelvic floor surgery using artificial mesh at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Tony Dixon, one of Britain's best known surgeons in the area, was suspended in 2017 after concerns were first raised and an inquiry examined 143 cases. The Daily Telegraph
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Psychosis more common in 'people living in areas plagued by pollution'
Psychosis more common in 'people living in areas plagued by pollution' Living in a polluted city could raise the risk of psychosis, according to a study.
Scientists have for the first time linked toxic air to intense paranoia and hearing voices in young people.
The researchers warned this could develop into psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar, mental health problems and suicide attempts. The Daily Mail
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Scientists have for the first time linked toxic air to intense paranoia and hearing voices in young people.
The researchers warned this could develop into psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar, mental health problems and suicide attempts. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Association of Air Pollution Exposure With Psychotic Experiences During Adolescence (open access) JAMA Psychiatry
- City air pollution 'link to teenage psychotic experiences' explored BBC News
- Psychotic episodes including hallucinations and paranoia linked to air pollution in groundbreaking UK study The Independent
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
Empathy and understanding in mental health
Empathy and understanding in mental health Emily, a senior peer support worker at Haven, explains the vital role peer support workers play in supporting people through mental health crisis. The King's Fund
Learning from invited reviews: 2019 full report
Learning from invited reviews: 2019 full report This report finds that where rare problems occur in surgical practice, poor team working between surgeons is often a major factor. Analysis of one hundred surgical reviews over ten years conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) identifies poor teamwork as an issue leading to problems in surgical practice in over three quarters (76 per cent) of the reviews. In more than two thirds (68 per cent) of the RCS reviews, timely recognition and resolution of concerns was an issue. Alongside the report, the RCS has developed an interactive web resource to help hospital teams improve the quality of discussions about surgical practice and the action that takes place in response to it.
Effects of market structure and patient choice on hospital quality for planned patients
Effects of market structure and patient choice on hospital quality for planned patients In 2006, patients were given the right to be offered a choice of at least four hospitals and this was later extended to the right to choose any qualified provider. The study used a quasi difference in differences strategy to investigate whether the relaxation of constraints on patient choice, led to larger changes in quality for hospitals with more rivals. Hospital quality is measured by whether a patient has an emergency hospital readmission within 28 days of discharge after their index treatment. Centre for Health Economics
Minister targets anti-vaccination websites
Minister targets anti-vaccination websites Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock wants new legislation to force social media companies to remove content promoting false information about vaccines.
He said the government is working with internet companies to identify misleading material on jabs, including Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
Artificial intelligence programmes could root out bad science.
MMR vaccine uptake rates are declining in many countries. BBC News
He said the government is working with internet companies to identify misleading material on jabs, including Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
Artificial intelligence programmes could root out bad science.
MMR vaccine uptake rates are declining in many countries. BBC News
Good nurse leadership linked to safer outcomes
Good nurse leadership linked to safer outcomes Correct staffing levels and strong ward leadership is key to creating safer healthcare.
This is the conclusion from a major new review of ward staffing published this week by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). OnMedica
This is the conclusion from a major new review of ward staffing published this week by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). OnMedica
NHS crisis: 200,000 nurses have quit since Tories entered government
NHS crisis: 200,000 nurses have quit since Tories entered government More than 200,000 nurses have quit the NHS since the Conservatives entered government, with three-quarters of these prior to retirement age, new analysis shows.
Across the NHS voluntary resignations have risen 55 per cent since 2011 and 163,094 nurses left the NHS early, figures compiled by the Labour party show.
Labour said the analysis, which has been verified by the impartial House of Commons Library, shows “staggering” numbers quitting because of Tory austerity policies and their failure to address soaring retirements. The Independent
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Across the NHS voluntary resignations have risen 55 per cent since 2011 and 163,094 nurses left the NHS early, figures compiled by the Labour party show.
Labour said the analysis, which has been verified by the impartial House of Commons Library, shows “staggering” numbers quitting because of Tory austerity policies and their failure to address soaring retirements. The Independent
See also:
- NHS staffing crisis: More than 200,000 nurses have resigned since 2010 The Daily Mail
- Number of NHS staff leaving for a better work/life balance triples The Daily Telegraph
- NHS England losing staff in record numbers over long hours – study The Guardian
- More than 160,000 nurses have quit NHS since 2010/11, data shows ITV News
More than one in ten primary school boys is labelled with mental disorder
More than one in ten primary school boys is labelled with mental disorder More than one in ten boys at primary school are being labelled as suffering from a mental disorder, amid growing concerns about their classroom behaviour, research suggests.
The NHS report, which examines the factors which may increase the risk of mental illness, found young boys were twice as likely as girls the same age to suffer such problems. The Daily Telegraph
The NHS report, which examines the factors which may increase the risk of mental illness, found young boys were twice as likely as girls the same age to suffer such problems. The Daily Telegraph
Ethical investments could help in fight against superbugs, says chief medical officer
Ethical investments could help in fight against superbugs, says chief medical officer Investors are being urged to put their money into companies that are developing new antibiotics and vaccines as a way of curbing the rise of superbugs.
Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England and a key figure in the global fight against superbugs, told a conference on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that ethical investment was one way of tackling the problem. The Daily Telegraph
Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England and a key figure in the global fight against superbugs, told a conference on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that ethical investment was one way of tackling the problem. The Daily Telegraph
What your GP receptionist really thinks of you: Doctor's assistant on the vile abuse she puts gets
What your GP receptionist really thinks of you: Doctor's assistant on the vile abuse she puts gets The average adult patient has to wait a month for a GP appointment, new research reveals. And this week one woman in Wales revealed she rang her surgery 250 times before getting through. No wonder many patients are furious and GPs’ receptionists often feel their wrath. But what is it like for them? Here, in an eye-opening weekly diary, one receptionist, Nicola Thomas*, 35, reveals the real reasons you are being kept on hold... The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 26 March 2019
Hard work of Northamptonshire's healthcare apprentices pays off at awards night
Hard work of Northamptonshire's healthcare apprentices pays off at awards night Young apprentices working in healthcare in Northamptonshire had their day last week at an awards ceremony this month.
The 26 winners of the Northamptonshire Trust and NHS Partners Apprenticeship Awards 2019 were announced at an awards ceremony on March 1. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The 26 winners of the Northamptonshire Trust and NHS Partners Apprenticeship Awards 2019 were announced at an awards ceremony on March 1. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NGH nurse Rebecca wins award after caring for colleague who collapsed on dut
NGH nurse Rebecca wins award after caring for colleague who collapsed on duty A staff nurse on the Collingtree Ward at Northampton General Hospital has won an award for going above and beyond for her patients.
Rebecca qualified as a nurse in 2011 and has worked most of her career so far on a Gastroenterology ward where she treats people with digestive system disorders. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Rebecca qualified as a nurse in 2011 and has worked most of her career so far on a Gastroenterology ward where she treats people with digestive system disorders. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NHS moved Royal Navy veteran, 94, 13 times between five hospitals in the final weeks of his life
NHS moved Royal Navy veteran, 94, 13 times between five hospitals in the final weeks of his life A 94-year-old Second World War veteran was made to move between hospitals 13 times in the final 10 weeks of his life, his family have revealed as they criticised his care.
Reg Thompson was first admitted to the Leicester Royal Infirmary after he fell at home on December 21 last year. He died at Kettering General Hospital on March 2.
During the 10 weeks between those dates, he spent time at five different hospitals on 11 different wards - some for just a matter of hours. The Daily Telegraph
Reg Thompson was first admitted to the Leicester Royal Infirmary after he fell at home on December 21 last year. He died at Kettering General Hospital on March 2.
During the 10 weeks between those dates, he spent time at five different hospitals on 11 different wards - some for just a matter of hours. The Daily Telegraph
PHE publish investigative report on increasing crack use
PHE publish investigative report on increasing crack use Public Health England and the Home Office have published a summary of findings from the Increase in crack cocaine use inquiry, an investigative report on crack cocaine use in 6 areas of England.
This publication follows evidence reported in the 2018 Serious Violence Strategy, that drugs have been an important driver of the increase in serious violence in England and Wales since 2014.
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This publication follows evidence reported in the 2018 Serious Violence Strategy, that drugs have been an important driver of the increase in serious violence in England and Wales since 2014.
See also:
- Research and analysis: Crack cocaine increase: inquiry findings Public Health England
- Crack use up in England after 'aggressive marketing' BBC News
- Buy one, get one free offers and free samples fuelling boom in crack cocaine consumption, report warns The Independent
Contracting arrangements for integrated care providers: response to consultation
Contracting arrangements for integrated care providers: response to consultation NHS England has published its response following a consultation held about a new contract which can help local health and care communities provide better care for patients. Around 3,800 written responses and feedback from stakeholder events across the country were received about plans for an Integrated Care Provider (ICP) Contract, which will be an option to help local systems integrate care. The feedback will be used to further develop the ICP Contract, which will be available in its updated form as an option for use in local health and care systems from spring 2019.
World Happiness Report 2019
World Happiness Report 2019 The World Happiness Report is a survey of the state of global happiness that ranks 156 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. This year’s report focuses on happiness and the community - how happiness has evolved over the past dozen years, with a focus on the technologies, social norms, conflicts and government policies that have driven those changes. Finland was ranked highest for the second year in a row, while South Sudan ranked lowest. The UK was placed fifteenth. United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network
NICEimpact mental health
NICEimpact mental health One in 4 adults experiences a mental health condition in any given year, and mental health conditions are the largest single cause of disability in the UK. This report considers how NICE’s evidence-based guidance can contribute to improvements in the care of people with mental health conditions.
Male pill - why are we still waiting?
Male pill - why are we still waiting? A birth control pill for men has passed initial human safety tests, experts at a leading medical conference have heard.
The once-daily pill contains hormones designed to stop sperm production.
It would be a welcome addition to condoms or vasectomy - the only options currently available to men.
But doctors at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting were told it could still take a decade to bring it to market. BBC News
The once-daily pill contains hormones designed to stop sperm production.
It would be a welcome addition to condoms or vasectomy - the only options currently available to men.
But doctors at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting were told it could still take a decade to bring it to market. BBC News
Coroners could investigate stillbirths, say ministers
Coroners could investigate stillbirths, say ministers Coroners in England and Wales may be given new powers to investigate stillbirths, so that each baby death is independently assessed.
The government is consulting on the move to help bereaved parents gain answers on what went wrong and why and to help prevent more baby deaths.
Nine babies are stillborn every day in the UK. That's one in every 225 births, although rates have been going down.
In many cases, doctors are unable to tell parents why their baby died. BBC News
The government is consulting on the move to help bereaved parents gain answers on what went wrong and why and to help prevent more baby deaths.
Nine babies are stillborn every day in the UK. That's one in every 225 births, although rates have been going down.
In many cases, doctors are unable to tell parents why their baby died. BBC News
GPs fuelling Britain's poor cancer survival rates by failing to refer patients to specialists, Imperial study finds
GPs fuelling Britain's poor cancer survival rates by failing to refer patients to specialists, Imperial study finds GPs are fuelling Britain's poor cancer survival rates, with significantly better results seen in countries which allow patients to access hospitals directly, a study suggests.
Researchers said the NHS system of “gatekeeping” - meaning that patients have to see a family doctor before being allowed to undergo tests or get a specialist assessment - was also linked with lower satisfaction among patients. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Researchers said the NHS system of “gatekeeping” - meaning that patients have to see a family doctor before being allowed to undergo tests or get a specialist assessment - was also linked with lower satisfaction among patients. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- GPs will always put the needs of the patient first, says RCGP in response to research study on the 'gatekeeping' role of general practice in the NHS Royal College of General Practitioners
Spending too much time sitting down kills 50,000 Brits each year
Spending too much time sitting down kills 50,000 Brits each year Inactivity is killing nearly 70,000 people in the UK every year, a study has found.
Experts warn Britain runs on a 'sitting-based economy' in which the vast majority of working adults spend their days bound to a desk.
Some 30 per cent of us spend at least six hours a day seated during the week.
But tellingly, at the weekend this figure goes up to 37 per cent, suggesting we are even lazier in our leisure time. The Daily Mail
See also:
Experts warn Britain runs on a 'sitting-based economy' in which the vast majority of working adults spend their days bound to a desk.
Some 30 per cent of us spend at least six hours a day seated during the week.
But tellingly, at the weekend this figure goes up to 37 per cent, suggesting we are even lazier in our leisure time. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Direct healthcare costs of sedentary behaviour in the UK (open access) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
- Sitting down for too long may be causing 70,000 UK deaths a year The Guardian
- Too much sitting time linked to thousands of deaths OnMedica
Social media companies must stamp out 'damaging' anti-vaxxer myths, Health Secretary warns
Social media companies must stamp out 'damaging' anti-vaxxer myths, Health Secretary warns Social media giants must do more to crack down on 'damaging' anti-vaccination myths, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
He said social networking sites, of which the biggest include Facebook and Twitter, must police the spread of anti-vaxxers' propaganda.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the cabinet minister even suggested spreading lies about vaccines online could become illegal. The Daily Mail
He said social networking sites, of which the biggest include Facebook and Twitter, must police the spread of anti-vaxxers' propaganda.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the cabinet minister even suggested spreading lies about vaccines online could become illegal. The Daily Mail
Man is circumcised by MISTAKE after NHS surgeons mixed up his paperwork
Man is circumcised by MISTAKE after NHS surgeons mixed up his paperwork An NHS report reveals the man - who has not been named - was scheduled to have a cystoscopy procedure at University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust last September. The Daily Mail
Monday, 25 March 2019
Northampton nursing partnership shortlisted for prestigious Student Nursing Times Award
Northampton nursing partnership shortlisted for prestigious Student Nursing Times Award
A partnership to get student nurses into training at a Northampton mental health hospital has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
The Student Nursing Times Awards 2019 has shortlisted St Andrew’s Healthcare and the University of Northampton in the ‘Partnership of the Year’ category. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A partnership to get student nurses into training at a Northampton mental health hospital has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
The Student Nursing Times Awards 2019 has shortlisted St Andrew’s Healthcare and the University of Northampton in the ‘Partnership of the Year’ category. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Tuberculosis cases in England hit lowest ever levels
Tuberculosis cases in England hit lowest ever levels New cases of tuberculosis (TB) in England have fallen to the lowest levels since records began in 1960.
Following action by PHE, the NHS and others, there was a 44% drop in new diagnoses from the peak in 2011 to 2018 (from 8,280 to 4,672), with an 8.4% fall in diagnoses between 2017 and 2018 alone. Public Health England
Following action by PHE, the NHS and others, there was a 44% drop in new diagnoses from the peak in 2011 to 2018 (from 8,280 to 4,672), with an 8.4% fall in diagnoses between 2017 and 2018 alone. Public Health England
Transplant service at 'breaking point'
Transplant service at 'breaking point' A leading transplant surgeon says that services are struggling to keep up with demand. BBC News
Advertising watchdog rules fake autism 'cure' adverts must stop
Advertising watchdog rules fake autism 'cure' adverts must stop Advertising watchdog the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ordered 150 homeopaths operating in the UK to stop claiming they can cure autism.
Five of them face prosecution for advertising a treatment called Cease therapy, which has no scientific basis and is potentially harmful.
The National Autistic Society says autism is part of who people are and it is wrong to claim that it can be cured.
The Society of Homeopaths said the therapy may now be renamed. BBC News
Five of them face prosecution for advertising a treatment called Cease therapy, which has no scientific basis and is potentially harmful.
The National Autistic Society says autism is part of who people are and it is wrong to claim that it can be cured.
The Society of Homeopaths said the therapy may now be renamed. BBC News
The drugs don’t work: what happens after antibiotics?
The drugs don’t work: what happens after antibiotics? Antibiotic resistance is growing so fast that routine surgery could soon become impossible. But scientists are fighting back in the battle against infection. The Guardian
NHS trusts call in the bailiffs to chase ineligible patients’ debts
NHS trusts call in the bailiffs to chase ineligible patients’ debts Despite their heavy-handed methods the collection firms manage to recoup very little
Three-quarters of NHS hospital trusts in England are using private debt firms to chase treatment costs from overseas patients and refused asylum seekers in a practice branded “inhumane” by critics, the Observer can reveal.
Three-quarters of NHS hospital trusts in England are using private debt firms to chase treatment costs from overseas patients and refused asylum seekers in a practice branded “inhumane” by critics, the Observer can reveal.
No advice in place for patients in England if drug supplies dry up
No advice in place for patients in England if drug supplies dry up Concerns some may go online to get medication if supplies are hit by a no-deal Brexit
Neither the Department of Health and Social Care nor NHS England has any official advice for patients in England about what they should do if they are left unable to get hold of their normal drugs.
The Patients Association campaign group is advising people who cannot access drugs from their GP or pharmacy to contact their local clinical commissioning group (CCG). The Guardian
Neither the Department of Health and Social Care nor NHS England has any official advice for patients in England about what they should do if they are left unable to get hold of their normal drugs.
The Patients Association campaign group is advising people who cannot access drugs from their GP or pharmacy to contact their local clinical commissioning group (CCG). The Guardian
Whistleblowing NHS worker to challenge NDA in test case for gagging orders
Whistleblowing NHS worker to challenge NDA in test case for gagging orders Aradiographer who blew the whistle on NHS malpractice is to challenge the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) she was asked to sign, in a hearing which could have major implications for the future of gagging orders. The Daily Telegraph
NHS staff are turning down shifts in fear of landing massive tax bills, it's claimed
NHS staff are turning down shifts in fear of landing massive tax bills, it's claimed Patients are suffering delays to operations and cancer diagnosis because NHS staff are turning down extra shifts in fear of being landed with massive tax bills, it was claimed yesterday. The Daily Mail
NHS could pay for more than 250,000 extra patients per year to be sent to private hospitals
NHS could pay for more than 250,000 extra patients per year to be sent to private hospitals A quarter of a million more people each year could be sent to private hospitals paid for by the NHS under new plans to cut waiting times.
Health service bosses will trial an option for patients to have private treatment if they have been kept waiting more than six-and-a-half months.
Based on the number of people who waited longer than 26 weeks for non-urgent care last year, this could affect hundreds of thousands of patients. The Daily Mail
Health service bosses will trial an option for patients to have private treatment if they have been kept waiting more than six-and-a-half months.
Based on the number of people who waited longer than 26 weeks for non-urgent care last year, this could affect hundreds of thousands of patients. The Daily Mail
Friday, 22 March 2019
What will the proposed A&E waiting time targets mean for patients?
What will the proposed A&E waiting time targets mean for patients? With urgent and emergency care one of the most contentious areas in the NHS, Sarah Scobie explores how the new A&E measures will impact patients. Nuffield Trust
NHS waiting times for elective and cancer treatment
NHS waiting times for elective and cancer treatment While the NHS has increased the number of people it treats each year, the percentage of patients treated within waiting time standards continues to get worse for both elective (non-urgent care) and cancer treatment, and the waiting list for elective care continues to grow, according to today’s report by the National Audit Office.
The NAO has found that while increased demand and funding constraints affect the entire system, other factors that are linked to declining waiting time performance include NHS staff shortages for diagnostic services, a lack of available beds and pressure on trusts from emergency care.
See also:
The NAO has found that while increased demand and funding constraints affect the entire system, other factors that are linked to declining waiting time performance include NHS staff shortages for diagnostic services, a lack of available beds and pressure on trusts from emergency care.
See also:
- New report shows the extreme pressures the NHS is under The Health Foundation
- Rise in NHS waiting times could fuel increase in negligence claims The Daily Telegraph
- Expect a rise in patients suing NHS over long waits, watchdog warns The Guardian
No room at the inn: how easy is it for nomadic Gypsies and Travellers to access primary care?
No room at the inn: how easy is it for nomadic Gypsies and Travellers to access primary care? This reports the findings of a mystery shopping exercise in which the charity contacted 50 GP practices posing as a patient wishing to register who didn’t have a fixed address or proof of identity. It found that almost half of practices would not register them. Despite this, every GP practice was rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission for their work with ‘People whose circumstances may make them vulnerable’. Friends, Families and Travellers
Health visiting: giving children the best start in life
Health visiting: giving children the best start in life The health visiting service plays a crucial role in giving children the best start in life and this collection of case studies shows how councils have embraced the opportunity to make a difference in this key development stage. Local Government Association
Integrated homes, care and support measurable outcomes for healthy ageing
Integrated homes, care and support measurable outcomes for healthy ageing This report provides an overview of the research findings from the collaborative research project between Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing (ARCHA) and the ExtraCare Charitable Trust. This report extends the findings of the 2015 report, covering the period from 2012 to 2018. Throughout the report, the focus is on the benefits to residents generated through ExtraCare villages and schemes, including sustained improvements in markers of health and well-being for residents and subsequent cost implications for the NHS. The Extra Care Charitable Trust
Health apps pose 'unprecedented' privacy risks
Health apps pose 'unprecedented' privacy risks Using popular health apps could mean private information about medical conditions is not kept confidential, researchers warn.
Of 24 health apps in the BMJ study, 19 shared user data with companies, including Facebook, Google and Amazon.
It warns this could then be passed on to other organisations such as credit agencies or used to target advertising.
And data was shared despite developers often claiming they did not collect personally identifiable information. BBC News
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Of 24 health apps in the BMJ study, 19 shared user data with companies, including Facebook, Google and Amazon.
It warns this could then be passed on to other organisations such as credit agencies or used to target advertising.
And data was shared despite developers often claiming they did not collect personally identifiable information. BBC News
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Government orders hospitals not to reveal Brexit impact assessments to protect 'commercial interests'
Government orders hospitals not to reveal Brexit impact assessments to protect 'commercial interests' Hospitals have been ordered not to tell the public about any damage they expect to suffer from Brexit because it would hurt “commercial interests”.
Requests for information about the impact on the supply of goods and services, and on EU staff numbers, should be refused, the department of health and social care has said.
Releasing the information could cause trusts “premature financial harm, and so possibly put public wellbeing at risk,” hospital bosses were told. The Independent
Requests for information about the impact on the supply of goods and services, and on EU staff numbers, should be refused, the department of health and social care has said.
Releasing the information could cause trusts “premature financial harm, and so possibly put public wellbeing at risk,” hospital bosses were told. The Independent
Government spending on ‘lifeline’ children’s Sure Start centres slashed by nearly £157m in four years
Government spending on ‘lifeline’ children’s Sure Start centres slashed by nearly £157m in four years Spending on Sure Start centres across England has been slashed by nearly a quarter in four years, figures show, as thousands of vulnerable children and families are left to “fend for themselves”.
A new analysis of government data shows councils spent £480m on children’s centres in 2017-18 – almost 25 per cent less than the £637m spent in 2014-15.
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the cuts to early help services were the result of an increase in spending on children in care, with the number of looked-after children in England at its highest level since the 1980s. The Independent
A new analysis of government data shows councils spent £480m on children’s centres in 2017-18 – almost 25 per cent less than the £637m spent in 2014-15.
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the cuts to early help services were the result of an increase in spending on children in care, with the number of looked-after children in England at its highest level since the 1980s. The Independent
Home smear tests to be rolled out in England to combat low turnout
Home smear tests to be rolled out in England to combat low turnout Charities say move could reverse decline of cervical cancer screenings
Women will be able to conduct tests for the HPV virus at home as part of a pilot scheme to combat the low up-take of cervical cancer screenings in England.
Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said self-testing could help reverse the decline by allowing women to use the kits in the comfort of their own home. The Guardian
Women will be able to conduct tests for the HPV virus at home as part of a pilot scheme to combat the low up-take of cervical cancer screenings in England.
Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said self-testing could help reverse the decline by allowing women to use the kits in the comfort of their own home. The Guardian
Colleagues dismiss me as a 'demi-doc' but my role eases NHS understaffing
Colleagues dismiss me as a 'demi-doc' but my role eases NHS understaffing Advanced clinical practitioners are experienced healthcare professionals, but the role isn’t widely respected
I walk the corridors of most UK hospitals nowadays as an unknown entity. I go unnoticed as I mingle with the flocks of junior and middle-grade doctors during a ward round. I am indistinguishable due to my clinical camouflage of a stethoscope, pen torch and a (probably stolen) biro. I am neither doctor nor nurse; not a physiotherapist, operating department practitioner or paramedic. Yet my role can be all these things at once. I am an advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) and the role has been promoted as a novel solution to an age-old problem: chronic understaffing in healthcare. The Guardian
I walk the corridors of most UK hospitals nowadays as an unknown entity. I go unnoticed as I mingle with the flocks of junior and middle-grade doctors during a ward round. I am indistinguishable due to my clinical camouflage of a stethoscope, pen torch and a (probably stolen) biro. I am neither doctor nor nurse; not a physiotherapist, operating department practitioner or paramedic. Yet my role can be all these things at once. I am an advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) and the role has been promoted as a novel solution to an age-old problem: chronic understaffing in healthcare. The Guardian
Royal College of Physicians drops their opposition to assisted dying, following controversial poll
Royal College of Physicians drops their opposition to assisted dying, following controversial poll The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has dropped its opposition to assisted dying, following a controversial poll.
The college will adopt a “neutral” stance after a survey of its 36,000 members about whether the law should be changed to permit doctor-assisted dying.
The poll found 43.4 per cent of respondents were opposed to a change in the law - little different to a finding of 44.4 per cent when the poll was conducted in 2014.
The number wanting the college to support assisted dying increased to 31.6 per cent from 24.6 per cent. The Daily Telegraph
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The college will adopt a “neutral” stance after a survey of its 36,000 members about whether the law should be changed to permit doctor-assisted dying.
The poll found 43.4 per cent of respondents were opposed to a change in the law - little different to a finding of 44.4 per cent when the poll was conducted in 2014.
The number wanting the college to support assisted dying increased to 31.6 per cent from 24.6 per cent. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- No majority view on assisted dying moves RCP position to neutral Royal College of Physicians
- Assisted dying: Doctors' group adopts neutral position BBC News
- Royal College of Physicians drops opposition to assisted dying The Independent
Record numbers of patients are being readmitted to hospitals in an emergency, NHS figures show
Record numbers of patients are being readmitted to hospitals in an emergency, NHS figures show The number of people being readmitted to hospital in emergency has hit a record high, NHS figures show.
Patients are being sent home to care for themselves too soon in order to free up beds for others, experts warned.
The provisional data, published for the first time in five years, shows more burden being placed on an already-stretched health force.
Hundreds of thousands of patients were readmitted to hospital as an emergency last year within 30 days of being discharged. The Daily Mail
Patients are being sent home to care for themselves too soon in order to free up beds for others, experts warned.
The provisional data, published for the first time in five years, shows more burden being placed on an already-stretched health force.
Hundreds of thousands of patients were readmitted to hospital as an emergency last year within 30 days of being discharged. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 21 March 2019
Childcare offered for free to smear-test mums
Childcare offered for free to smear-test mums Dozens of childcare providers across the UK are offering to look after children for free to enable mothers to attend cervical screening appointments.
Public Health England is currently spearheading a campaign to increase take-up rates of tests, said to be the lowest for about 20 years.
Some providers are offering an hour's free care, saying: "A child needs their mummy." BBC Northampton
Public Health England is currently spearheading a campaign to increase take-up rates of tests, said to be the lowest for about 20 years.
Some providers are offering an hour's free care, saying: "A child needs their mummy." BBC Northampton
Closing the gap: key areas for action on the health and care workforce
Closing the gap: key areas for action on the health and care workforce The workforce challenges currently facing the health service pose a threat to the delivery and quality of care over the next 10 years. In advance of the NHS's workforce implementation plan later this year, the Nuffield Trust has joined forces with the Health Foundation and The King's Fund to outline a detailed and costed set of solutions for overhauling how the NHS recruits and keeps its staff, provided this can be backed by £900m a year in investment.
See also:
See also:
- Offer £5,200 grants to nursing students and ramp up overseas recruitment to stop NHS workforce crisis The Health Foundation
- Workforce report shows need for £900 million more invested annually to boost NHS staff numbers NHS Employers
- We must never give up on building the GP workforce says College Royal College of General Practitioners
- NHS 'no chance of training enough staff' BBC News
- NHS staff crisis can’t be fixed just by training more GPs, major report claims The Daily Mail
- Shortage of GPs will never end, health experts say The Guardian
Home to the unknown: getting hospital discharge right
Home to the unknown: getting hospital discharge right This research explored patients’ unplanned stays in hospital and what it was like for them after they had returned home. More specifically, the research sought to reveal: patients’ experiences of being discharged from hospital; hospital systems and healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions of the discharge process; and what it was like for people returning home from hospital feeling more or less prepared. As a result, it aimed to explore the impact of discharge on recovery and wellbeing and to identify opportunities to improve systems, communication and support. British Red Cross
Exploring variations in the opportunity cost cost-effectiveness threshold by clinical area: results from a feasibility study in England
Exploring variations in the opportunity cost cost-effectiveness threshold by clinical area: results from a feasibility study in England This research paper provides empirical evidence on the relationship between health outcomes and health expenditures in England. Results suggest that setting a cost-effectiveness criterion for NICE may not be capable of being synthesised using scientific methods alone, but involve political judgements. Office of Health Economics
Unprecedented drug shortage linked to Brexit, NHS bosses say
Unprecedented drug shortage linked to Brexit, NHS bosses say Hospitals across England are experiencing medicine shortages because of "stockpiling and price pressure as the Brexit deadline approaches", NHS Providers has told BBC Newsnight.
The trade association warned some trusts had seen shortages of up to 160 different drugs in the past six weeks.
This was compared with just 25 to 30 drugs in normal times, it said.
The Department of Health said there was "no evidence" the "small number of supply issues" were related to Brexit. BBC News
The trade association warned some trusts had seen shortages of up to 160 different drugs in the past six weeks.
This was compared with just 25 to 30 drugs in normal times, it said.
The Department of Health said there was "no evidence" the "small number of supply issues" were related to Brexit. BBC News
Instagram eating disorder content 'out of control'
Instagram eating disorder content 'out of control' Content on Instagram that encourages eating disorders is "spiralling out of control", psychiatrists have warned.
A BBC investigation found children swapping graphic images of weight loss and advice on how to make their illnesses more extreme.
Dr Jon Goldin, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said "vulnerable" people were finding peer groups online.
Instagram says it does not allow content encouraging or promoting eating disorders and removes it when aware. BBC News
A BBC investigation found children swapping graphic images of weight loss and advice on how to make their illnesses more extreme.
Dr Jon Goldin, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said "vulnerable" people were finding peer groups online.
Instagram says it does not allow content encouraging or promoting eating disorders and removes it when aware. BBC News
Genetic testing ‘will save NHS time & money’ - Hancock
Genetic testing ‘will save NHS time & money’ - Hancock Genetic testing will save the NHS time and money in the long-term by encouraging people to work with clinicians in taking better care of themselves, Matt Hancock has claimed, although they will need help and support to make sense of their genetic data. The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) agreed with the health and social care secretary that the information will need to be handled sensitively and ethically, and it warned that an increase in testing of "unimportant or dubious value" will lead to confusion and distress, and to an increasing number of people visiting their GP worried about their results. OnMedica
See also:
See also:
- Genetic testing should never be taken lightly, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Hancock accused of 'astonishing ignorance' after he speaks about his prostate cancer risk The Daily Telegraph
- Health secretary wants NHS to roll out genetic tests to detect diseases The Guardian
- ‘Astonishing level of ignorance’: Matt Hancock criticised for revealing results of his genetic test for diseases The Independent
Disabled woman dies after having all her teeth removed in operation 'without consent'
Disabled woman dies after having all her teeth removed in operation 'without consent' The mother of a disabled woman who died after having all of her teeth removed by a dentist at an NHS trust claims she did not consent to the operation.
Rachel Johnston, 49, collapsed shortly after being discharged from Kidderminster Hospital following the treatment in October 2018 and was readmitted but died three weeks later. The Independent
Rachel Johnston, 49, collapsed shortly after being discharged from Kidderminster Hospital following the treatment in October 2018 and was readmitted but died three weeks later. The Independent
NHS removes cervical screening contract from Capita
NHS removes cervical screening contract from Capita Outsourced service’s blunders led to nearly 50,000 women not receiving vital information
NHS chiefs are bringing the cervical screening service back in-house after expressing dissatisfaction at the way it has been performing.
The chief executive of NHS England, Simon Stevens, told the Commons public accounts committee that the changes would come into force from June. The Guardian
NHS chiefs are bringing the cervical screening service back in-house after expressing dissatisfaction at the way it has been performing.
The chief executive of NHS England, Simon Stevens, told the Commons public accounts committee that the changes would come into force from June. The Guardian
UK retirees in EU say NHS plans under no-deal Brexit are 'sick'
UK retirees in EU say NHS plans under no-deal Brexit are 'sick' Government offer to cover NHS costs for up to one year are insulting, says expat group
The government has been described as sick and uncaring by an organisation representing more than 10,000 British nationals in Europe over NHS healthcare plans for pensioners in a no-deal Brexit scenario.
British nationals who have retired to EU countries have reacted with fury to what they describe as an insulting and offensive offer by the government to cover healthcare costs for up to one year if they had applied for or are undergoing treatment before exit day. The Guardian
The government has been described as sick and uncaring by an organisation representing more than 10,000 British nationals in Europe over NHS healthcare plans for pensioners in a no-deal Brexit scenario.
British nationals who have retired to EU countries have reacted with fury to what they describe as an insulting and offensive offer by the government to cover healthcare costs for up to one year if they had applied for or are undergoing treatment before exit day. The Guardian
Dementia rates falling thanks to smoking reductions, report finds
Dementia rates falling thanks to smoking reductions, report finds The risk of developing dementia is falling, thanks to lifestyle improvements such as reductions in smoking, new research has found.
Researchers have said that while the overall number of cases is rising due to the population living longer, an individual’s chances of having the disease is going down.
A review of five studies including nearly 60,000 people across Europe and the US found that rates are declining by up to 15 per cent every 10 years. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Researchers have said that while the overall number of cases is rising due to the population living longer, an individual’s chances of having the disease is going down.
A review of five studies including nearly 60,000 people across Europe and the US found that rates are declining by up to 15 per cent every 10 years. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Dementia incidence: three decades of data (video) The Video Journal of Dementia
- Dementia rates are falling in Europe and the US and experts credit decline of smoking The Independent
Travellers are being refused GP appointments after surgeries insist patients have a fixed address
Travellers are being refused GP appointments after surgeries insist patients have a fixed address Travellers are being refused GP care due to them not having a fixed address or proof of ID, a charity has warned.
The Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) charity conducted a 'mystery shopper' experiment where prospective patients contacted 50 GP surgeries, telling them they were of Traveller origin.
Twenty-four of the clinics refused or were unable to register the patients, of which 17 claimed they required ID and/or 12 said they could not sign them up without a fixed address.
This is despite NHS guidance stating patients do not require ID, an address or immigration status. The Daily Mail
See also:
The Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) charity conducted a 'mystery shopper' experiment where prospective patients contacted 50 GP surgeries, telling them they were of Traveller origin.
Twenty-four of the clinics refused or were unable to register the patients, of which 17 claimed they required ID and/or 12 said they could not sign them up without a fixed address.
This is despite NHS guidance stating patients do not require ID, an address or immigration status. The Daily Mail
See also:
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
Learning from deaths: a review of the first year of NHS trusts implementing the national guidance
Learning from deaths: a review of the first year of NHS trusts implementing the national guidance Since September 2017, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has been assessing NHS trusts’ implementation of national guidance on learning from deaths as part of CQC's well-led inspections. This report provides a very first look at observations from CQC inspection teams, as well as an indication of the types of enablers and barriers that trusts have faced in implementing the guidance, and is not necessarily representative of all trusts’ experiences.
Official Statistics: Children living with parents in emotional distress: 2019 update
Official Statistics: Children living with parents in emotional distress: 2019 update The proportion of children living with at least one parent reporting symptoms of emotional distress, by family type and work status. Public Health England.
See also:
See also:
Potent cannabis increases risk of serious mental illness, says study
Potent cannabis increases risk of serious mental illness, says study Smoking potent 'skunk-like' cannabis increases your risk of serious mental illness, say researchers.
They estimate around one in 10 new cases of psychosis may be associated with strong cannabis, based on their study of European cities and towns. BBC News
They estimate around one in 10 new cases of psychosis may be associated with strong cannabis, based on their study of European cities and towns. BBC News
Austerity measures may have undermined cuts in child mortality rates
Austerity measures may have undermined cuts in child mortality rates Years of austerity may have undermined progress in reducing infant deaths made under previous Labour governments, according to a study.
A focus on social policies such as increased family support and access to healthcare in deprived parts of England under New Labour coincided with a drop in mortalities for babies across the country. The Independent
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A focus on social policies such as increased family support and access to healthcare in deprived parts of England under New Labour coincided with a drop in mortalities for babies across the country. The Independent
See also:
- The impact of New Labour’s English health inequalities strategy on geographical inequalities in infant mortality: a time-trend analysis (open access) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
No-deal ferry plans to protect NHS supplies to be triggered
No-deal ferry plans to protect NHS supplies to be triggered Action to safeguard imports of medicines to begin this week despite likely Brexit delay
No-deal contingency plans to safeguard medicine imports are set to be triggered on Wednesday, despite the potential delay to Brexit, with approved suppliers told to book space on the government’s emergency ferry service.
Although the prime minister is to request an extension to article 50 which would postpone Britain’s departure from the EU, Whitehall will enact plans to ensure the flow of critical supplies should Dover be gridlocked after 29 March. The Guardian
No-deal contingency plans to safeguard medicine imports are set to be triggered on Wednesday, despite the potential delay to Brexit, with approved suppliers told to book space on the government’s emergency ferry service.
Although the prime minister is to request an extension to article 50 which would postpone Britain’s departure from the EU, Whitehall will enact plans to ensure the flow of critical supplies should Dover be gridlocked after 29 March. The Guardian
NHS chiefs attack plans to scrap four hour A&E targets, warning against attempts to 'keep ministers happy'
NHS chiefs attack plans to scrap four hour A&E targets, warning against attempts to 'keep ministers happy' Hospital chief executives have attacked plans to scrap four-hour A&E targets, suggesting the moves are being politically driven because deadlines are not being met.
Last week NHS England said it would test a new system, which officials said would mean speedier care for the most urgent cases.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine expressed alarm that the plans could mean most patients have no deadline for treatment, leaving millions to wait longer. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Last week NHS England said it would test a new system, which officials said would mean speedier care for the most urgent cases.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine expressed alarm that the plans could mean most patients have no deadline for treatment, leaving millions to wait longer. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- RCEM release position statement on metrics to supplement four-hour target Royal College of Emergency Medicine
- Scrapping four-hour A&E target ‘could be detrimental’ to patients – hospital boss East Anglian Daily Times
Medicinal cannabis has opened a 'Pandora's box', Chief Medical Officer says
Medicinal cannabis has opened a 'Pandora's box', Chief Medical Officer says The introduction of medicinal cannabis has “opened a Pandora’s box”, with patients believing the drug can cure multiple conditions, the Chief Medical Officer has said.
Dame Sally Davies told MPs that despite being recently legalised for medical use, there is currently insufficient evidence to prove the products are both effective and safe. The Daily Telegraph
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Dame Sally Davies told MPs that despite being recently legalised for medical use, there is currently insufficient evidence to prove the products are both effective and safe. The Daily Telegraph
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Thousands of cataracts patients are missing out on vital surgery because of NHS rationing
Thousands of cataracts patients are missing out on vital surgery because of NHS rationing More than half of local NHS boards in England are rationing access to cataract surgery, a report has revealed.
A total of 104 out of 195 commissioning groups have the surgery on their list of 'procedures of limited clinical value', meaning they limit who can have them.
Cataract surgery is the most common operation done by the NHS, with more than 300,000 of the procedures performed each year.
Dozens of NHS groups are also rationing hip and knee replacements, hernia repair operations, and certain diabetic glucose monitors in a bid to save money. The Daily Mail
See also:
A total of 104 out of 195 commissioning groups have the surgery on their list of 'procedures of limited clinical value', meaning they limit who can have them.
Cataract surgery is the most common operation done by the NHS, with more than 300,000 of the procedures performed each year.
Dozens of NHS groups are also rationing hip and knee replacements, hernia repair operations, and certain diabetic glucose monitors in a bid to save money. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Cataract patients across England being denied NHS surgery The Medical Technology Group
- More than half of NHS authorities rationing cataract operations The Daily Telegraph
- NHS England restricts patients' access to cataract removal The Guardian
One in 20 women injured in the vaginal mesh scandal have attempted suicide
One in 20 women injured in the vaginal mesh scandal have attempted suicide One in 20 women caught up in the vaginal mesh scandal have attempted suicide, research suggests.
Campaigners surveyed around 650 women who have the controversial implant, once widely used to treat prolapse or urinary incontinence.
They found five per cent of women with vaginal mesh are in such severe pain they have tried to take their own life or self-harm regularly. The Daily Mail
Campaigners surveyed around 650 women who have the controversial implant, once widely used to treat prolapse or urinary incontinence.
They found five per cent of women with vaginal mesh are in such severe pain they have tried to take their own life or self-harm regularly. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
Northampton's best GP surgeries for making an appointment, according to their patients
Northampton's best GP surgeries for making an appointment, according to their patients Patients at GP surgeries were asked in March 2018 to rate their local practice on a range of important aspects that affect the healthcare experience.
One of these survey questions was to rate the 'experience of making an appointment'. Listed are the Northampton surgeries that scored the highest and are among the top 15 in the town. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
One of these survey questions was to rate the 'experience of making an appointment'. Listed are the Northampton surgeries that scored the highest and are among the top 15 in the town. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A 10-year story: visualising patient journeys
A 10-year story: visualising patient journeys A decade ago, we developed an approach to visualising individual patient journeys through charts which have come to be called Theographs. Theo Georghiou explains more about what they are and when they are most useful. Nuffield Trust
Workforce report highlights continuing struggle to staff UK cancer centres
Workforce report highlights continuing struggle to staff UK cancer centres Annual workforce figures released today by The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) reveal the continuing struggle to staff cancer centres.
Clinical oncology leaders have questioned how the NHS will be able to rollout cutting-edge life-saving innovations – such as immunotherapy drugs and high energy proton beam radiotherapy – without more investment.
The RCR’s Clinical Oncology UK Workforce Census Report 2018 details the current staffing crisis among clinical oncologists – the doctors who treat cancer with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
See also:
Clinical oncology leaders have questioned how the NHS will be able to rollout cutting-edge life-saving innovations – such as immunotherapy drugs and high energy proton beam radiotherapy – without more investment.
The RCR’s Clinical Oncology UK Workforce Census Report 2018 details the current staffing crisis among clinical oncologists – the doctors who treat cancer with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
See also:
- Cancer doctor shortage 'puts care at risk' BBC News
- Severe shortage of NHS cancer specialists is threatening patient care, warns report The Daily Mail
- Cancer patients may suffer because of NHS consultant shortage, report warns The Independent
National LGBT survey 2017: healthcare amongst lesbian and bisexual women - research report
National LGBT survey 2017: healthcare amongst lesbian and bisexual women - research report This report presents key findings on health care amongst different groups of lesbian and bisexual women who responded to the survey, looking in detail at disclosing sexual orientation to health care providers, accessing and using mental health services, sexual health services and gender identity services. The analysis uses multivariate models to control for socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education level, income and region. Government Equalities Office
Without regulation, hospital disinfectants threaten intensive care patients
Without regulation, hospital disinfectants threaten intensive care patients Bacterial resistance to two disinfectants used in large amounts to control the spread of hospital infections is strongly associated with resistance to several antibiotics used to treat common infections, our latest study shows.
Our analysis, published in Nature Microbiology, focused on resistance to disinfectants in Staphylococcus epidermidis. This bacteria is found on the skin of healthy people and usually causes no harm. But it can cause serious blood infections in patients in intensive care units (ICUs), especially those with immune paralysis, where the immune system cannot recover despite bacteria being cleared with antibiotics. The Independent
Our analysis, published in Nature Microbiology, focused on resistance to disinfectants in Staphylococcus epidermidis. This bacteria is found on the skin of healthy people and usually causes no harm. But it can cause serious blood infections in patients in intensive care units (ICUs), especially those with immune paralysis, where the immune system cannot recover despite bacteria being cleared with antibiotics. The Independent
Britain is now importing more doctors than it trains, figures show
Britain is now importing more doctors than it trains, figures show Britain is now importing more doctors than it trains, according to new figures showing a steep rise in the numbers recruited from overseas.
Simon Stevens, head of the NHS, said the health service must stop “denuding low income countries of health professionals they need” amid warnings of a growing moral crisis.
The figures, from the General Medical Council (GMC), show that last year, 53 per cent of those joining the medical register came from overseas to do so - a rise from 39 per cent in 2015. The Daily Telegraph
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Simon Stevens, head of the NHS, said the health service must stop “denuding low income countries of health professionals they need” amid warnings of a growing moral crisis.
The figures, from the General Medical Council (GMC), show that last year, 53 per cent of those joining the medical register came from overseas to do so - a rise from 39 per cent in 2015. The Daily Telegraph
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NHS argues that replacing words such as 'nausea' with 'feeling sick' could help to save lives
NHS argues that replacing words such as 'nausea' with 'feeling sick' could help to save lives Language used on NHS websites is being made more understandable for patients.
The word nausea has been replaced by feeling sick, while a haemorrhage is to be referred to as a very heavy bleed.
The move is part of a drive to make NHS literature more user-friendly by September 2020. The writing guide was created based on feedback from more than 10,000 people who were polled on word use. The Daily Mail
The word nausea has been replaced by feeling sick, while a haemorrhage is to be referred to as a very heavy bleed.
The move is part of a drive to make NHS literature more user-friendly by September 2020. The writing guide was created based on feedback from more than 10,000 people who were polled on word use. The Daily Mail
'Please don't put me in an old people's home... I'm only 30'
'Please don't put me in an old people's home... I'm only 30' Edith Solenne, 31, from Hitchin, Hertfordshire was left 'terrified' when social services warned her she might be placed in an old people's home as a result of her multiple sclerosis. The Daily Mail
Monday, 18 March 2019
Northampton doctor who hurt woman during 'rough' vaginal examination is banned for further year
Northampton doctor who hurt woman during 'rough' vaginal examination is banned for further year A doctor who hurt a woman patient during an intimate examination at Northampton General Hospital will remain suspended.
A tribunal panel heard that Dr Abdelkarim Mohamed was acting as a locum registrar at NGH in June 2016 when the incident happened.
On June 22, during a consultation with patient B, the panel heard that Mohamed performed an intimate examination of her with excessive force and in a rough manner. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A tribunal panel heard that Dr Abdelkarim Mohamed was acting as a locum registrar at NGH in June 2016 when the incident happened.
On June 22, during a consultation with patient B, the panel heard that Mohamed performed an intimate examination of her with excessive force and in a rough manner. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The NHS, local authorities and the long-term plan: in it together?
The NHS, local authorities and the long-term plan: in it together? The NHS long-term plan, published in January, attracted a mixed reception in some local government circles. Excoriated as ‘a mind-bogglingly complex list of unconnected solutions’, new Local Government Network boss Adam Lent slammed the ‘hierarchical, status-obsessed culture of the NHS’, earning a swift riposte from Health Service Journal editor Alastair McLellan that local government has a chip on its shoulder about the NHS and should learn from it not criticise it. The King's Fund
NHS population screening: improving access for people with severe mental illness
NHS population screening: improving access for people with severe mental illness This document provides information on how to improve access to screening, for people with severe mental illness residing in mental healthcare settings. It was designed to be used by screening providers and commissioners. Public Health England
Government appoints first National Adviser for LGBT Health
Government appoints first National Adviser for LGBT Health Minister for Women and Equalities Penny Mordaunt has today appointed the first ever National Adviser for LGBT Health in the NHS, and Advisory Panel - fulfilling the Government’s commitment to improving lives as set out in the landmark LGBT Action Plan. Department of Health and Social Care
#NewFilters to manage the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and wellbeing
#NewFilters to manage the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and wellbeing The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Social Media and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing has published its report on the Group’s Inquiry, “#NewFilters to manage the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and wellbeing”.
This is the first national Inquiry specifically examining the impact of social media on the mental health and wellbeing of young people, which ran from April 2018 to January 2019.
The report explores the positive and negative health impacts of social media, as well as putting forward recommendations to protect young social media users from potential health harms.
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This is the first national Inquiry specifically examining the impact of social media on the mental health and wellbeing of young people, which ran from April 2018 to January 2019.
The report explores the positive and negative health impacts of social media, as well as putting forward recommendations to protect young social media users from potential health harms.
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Using digital technology to design and deliver better mental health services: perspectives from Australia and the USA
Using digital technology to design and deliver better mental health services: perspectives from Australia and the USA Across the world, people experiencing mental health problems face challenges accessing care and support. The purpose of this project is to explore what we in the UK might learn from colleagues in the USA and Australia engaged in work relating to making better use of digital technology in the mental health sector. NHS Confederation
Learning disability and autism care deaths 'a national scandal'
Learning disability and autism care deaths 'a national scandal' The families of two people who died while waiting for appropriate treatment for a learning disability or autism say failings in the care system contributed to their deaths.
Amanda Briley and Clive Treacey were among 40 people who died between 2015 and 2018 while admitted to hospital under the Transforming Care programme, an NHS initiative for people with a learning disability or autism.
Sky News revealed the number of fatalities in October last year, prompting the government to promise to investigate the circumstances of every death.
Amanda Briley and Clive Treacey were among 40 people who died between 2015 and 2018 while admitted to hospital under the Transforming Care programme, an NHS initiative for people with a learning disability or autism.
Sky News revealed the number of fatalities in October last year, prompting the government to promise to investigate the circumstances of every death.
If we want NHS staff to care for us, we need to care for them
If we want NHS staff to care for us, we need to care for them | Mark Britnell Healthcare staff worldwide are quitting due to stress and burnout. But small changes can make a big difference
Healthcare staff in the NHS – and globally – are feeling undervalued, overworked and demoralised.
In a survey of 17,000 American doctors, 54% reported low morale. In China physician burnout rates of 66-87% have been reported, while doctors in India and the UK have taken strike action in the past three years. In 2016 a survey of nurses and midwives in Australia found almost a third had considered leaving the profession because of burnout. The Guardian
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Healthcare staff in the NHS – and globally – are feeling undervalued, overworked and demoralised.
In a survey of 17,000 American doctors, 54% reported low morale. In China physician burnout rates of 66-87% have been reported, while doctors in India and the UK have taken strike action in the past three years. In 2016 a survey of nurses and midwives in Australia found almost a third had considered leaving the profession because of burnout. The Guardian
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Screening service in 'meltdown' as more women attend smears
Screening service in 'meltdown' as more women attend smears Public health campaign triggers surge in numbers attending cervical screenings at ‘worst possible time’
Women could be forced to wait months for cervical cancer screening results because the planned closure of dozens of laboratories has left the service in “meltdown”, the Guardian has been told.
The crisis has been triggered by a surge in numbers of women attending smear tests following a government public awareness campaign launched earlier this month. The campaign coincides with an exodus of biomedical scientists due to a restructuring process that will reduce nearly 50 hospital screening laboratories to nine this summer. The Guardian
Women could be forced to wait months for cervical cancer screening results because the planned closure of dozens of laboratories has left the service in “meltdown”, the Guardian has been told.
The crisis has been triggered by a surge in numbers of women attending smear tests following a government public awareness campaign launched earlier this month. The campaign coincides with an exodus of biomedical scientists due to a restructuring process that will reduce nearly 50 hospital screening laboratories to nine this summer. The Guardian
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