This blog covers the latest UK health care news, publications, policy announcements, events and information focused on the NHS, as well as the latest media stories and local news coverage of the NHS Trusts in Northamptonshire.
The future of Kings Heath Practice, in North Oval, was uncertain in March this year after service provider Northants GP Alliance wrote to patients that it would no longer be responsible for the surgery. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Outpatients: a snapshot of the year The NHS Long Term Plan has set an ambitious aim of reducing the number of outpatient attendances by 30 million over the next 10 years. In part this is a reaction to the huge growth in appointments and attendances over the last decade, and partly due to possibly better ways of delivering care, reducing inefficiencies and improving patient experience and outcomes. Nuffield Trust
Primary care networks and mental health The creation of primary care networks (PCNs) is one of the most significant elements of the NHS long-term plan. Around 1,300 PCNs will become the hub (or ‘dock’ to quote Simon Stevens) around which community and mental health services will organise themselves – but are services ready for this? And are PCNs ready to take on the challenge of improving mental as well as physical health in the communities they serve? The King's Fund
NHS England annual assessment published The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has published his annual assessment of NHS England for 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019. Department of Health and Social Care
Involving patients and the public in research This learning report aims to build a better understanding of the role of patient and public involvement (PPI) in research, thereby helping ensure meaningful involvement that has tangible impacts and mitigate against undesired consequences. Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute
Health on the Shelf Obesity is a complex and multi-layered issue. It needs everyone – government, health professionals and industry – to find workable ways to solve the obesity epidemic and help the millions of people it already affects.
Retailers, and in particular supermarkets, have a hugely important role to play in tackling obesity. Supermarkets can create an environment which enables individuals and families to make healthier choices.
The report explores the public’s perception of supermarkets and the marketing strategies retailers use to boost sales. It also showcases how supermarkets can be health promoting spaces, and nudge customers to make healthier choices. Royal Society for Public Health
The new implant, by the drug company Merck, was tested in just a dozen subjects for 12 weeks. But experts were quite excited at its potential to revolutionise the long battle against HIV.
The research was described on Tuesday at an international AIDS conference in Mexico City. The Independent
Research has found 1,042,098 people in England paid the full price for more than 12 prescriptions, spending more than the cost of a prescription prepayment certificate. The Daily Mail
The Department of Health and Social Care said the move will flag which conditions people are at risk of getting before any symptoms appear.
This will then allow people to take preventative measures to stay healthier for longer, reducing the pressure on the NHS, ministers said. The Daily Mail See also:
