Almost 400 ambulances waited outside Kettering hospital for more than one hour last month Kettering General Hospital says it is bringing in new measures to try and admit patients more quickly but 'it is not an easy problem to solve'. Almost 400 ambulances were kept waiting for more than an hour last month (December) to drop off their patients at Kettering General Hospital. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Friday, 31 January 2020
Rise in demand to blame for East Midlands ambulances experiencing long delays for serious incidents
Rise in demand to blame for East Midlands ambulances experiencing long delays for serious incidents East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) blamed a rise in demand after having the biggest percentage of long delays for serious incidents in the country. From the start of 2018 to September 2019, 12.8 per cent of calls deemed 'category two' emergencies in the East Midlands took more than an hour to get to, according to a Freedom of Information request by BBC News. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Mental health placements to St Andrew's Healthcare suspended
Mental health placements to St Andrew's Healthcare suspended Placements for some Welsh mental health patients at a specialist care provider in England have been suspended.
St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton looks after patients for Welsh health boards but the Welsh Government said it was "under enhanced monitoring".
The charity said it was "confident" it could resolve any concerns quickly. It comes as the family of a patient from Carmarthenshire said they had sought legal advice over concerns about her care. BBC News
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St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton looks after patients for Welsh health boards but the Welsh Government said it was "under enhanced monitoring".
The charity said it was "confident" it could resolve any concerns quickly. It comes as the family of a patient from Carmarthenshire said they had sought legal advice over concerns about her care. BBC News
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- NHS Wales stops mental health referrals to Northampton's St Andrew's Healthcare over concerns Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop wellness products condemned by NHS chief
Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop wellness products condemned by NHS chief Simon Stevens says people are wasting money and taking risks because of misleading claims. Gwyneth Paltrow’s range of wellness products has been criticised by the head of NHS England who warns that one of the recommended procedures poses a considerable health risk.
At an event in Oxford, Sir Simon Stevens said people were wasting their money or taking risks with their health by falling for the lure of “too good to be true” wellness products and cures and singled out the actor’s brand Goop for specific criticism. He said: “Myths and misinformation have been put on steroids by the availability of misleading claims online.” The Guardian
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At an event in Oxford, Sir Simon Stevens said people were wasting their money or taking risks with their health by falling for the lure of “too good to be true” wellness products and cures and singled out the actor’s brand Goop for specific criticism. He said: “Myths and misinformation have been put on steroids by the availability of misleading claims online.” The Guardian
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Detailed guide: Coronavirus: latest information and advice
Detailed guide: Coronavirus: latest information and advice Information for the public on the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan, including the current situation in the UK and information about the virus and its symptoms. Gov.UK - Public Health England
See Also:
See Also:
- Statement on Wuhan Novel Coronavirus Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)
- Coronavirus: Why are we catching more diseases from animals? BBC News - Health
- Coronavirus declared global health emergency by WHO BBC News
- First coronavirus cases confirmed in UK BBC News
- WHO declares deadly coronavirus outbreak a 'global emergency' as Britons head home from Wuhan The Telegraph
- Coronavirus hits the UK: Two English patients have been diagnosed Mail Online
- Scientists develop a vaccine for the Chinese coronavirus Mail Online
Late diagnosis of lung cancer hitting survival rate, study says
Late diagnosis of lung cancer hitting survival rate, study says As many as 56% of people in some parts of England are only diagnosed when they visit A&E. People with lung cancer are dying after being diagnosed late in A&E because their GP missed signs of the disease despite often repeated visits, experts have revealed.
As many as 56% of people in some parts of England who get lung cancer are only diagnosed when they visit A&E, according to a report by the UK Lung Cancer Coalition. The Guardian
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As many as 56% of people in some parts of England who get lung cancer are only diagnosed when they visit A&E, according to a report by the UK Lung Cancer Coalition. The Guardian
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- Early diagnosis matters report UK Lung Cancer Coalition
West Suffolk Hospital staff 'feared raising concerns', says CQC
West Suffolk Hospital staff 'feared raising concerns', says CQC Staff at a hospital accused of conducting a "witch-hunt" to identify a whistleblower felt a lack of "freedom to speak up", a report has said.
The husband of Susan Warby, who died at West Suffolk Hospital in 2018, received an anonymous letter about her care.
Bosses asked doctors for fingerprints and handwriting samples to discover the author. The trust has since apologised.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the leadership "did not demonstrate an open and empowering culture". BBC News
The husband of Susan Warby, who died at West Suffolk Hospital in 2018, received an anonymous letter about her care.
Bosses asked doctors for fingerprints and handwriting samples to discover the author. The trust has since apologised.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found the leadership "did not demonstrate an open and empowering culture". BBC News
Artificial intelligence-created medicine to be used on humans for first time
Artificial intelligence-created medicine to be used on humans for first time A drug molecule "invented" by artificial intelligence (AI) will be used in human trials in a world first for machine learning in medicine.
It was created by British start-up Exscientia and Japanese pharmaceutical firm Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. The drug will be used to treat patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Typically, drug development takes about five years to get to trial, but the AI drug took just 12 months. BBC News - Technology
It was created by British start-up Exscientia and Japanese pharmaceutical firm Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. The drug will be used to treat patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Typically, drug development takes about five years to get to trial, but the AI drug took just 12 months. BBC News - Technology
NHS England will 'significantly rework' draft PCN plans, officials confirm
NHS England will 'significantly rework' draft PCN plans, officials confirm NHS England is drawing up ‘a significantly reworked set of service specifications’ for primary care networks (PCNs), officials have confirmed, just weeks after controversial draft plans left the future of networks in doubt.GP Online
How-to guide: non face-to-face clinics
How-to guide: non face-to-face clinics UCL Partners - This guide, developed in collaboration with NHS clinicians, managers and patients, provides a comprehensive guide to setting up non-face-to-face clinics (also known as virtual clinics). These can help reduce unnecessary outpatient visits, saving time and money for patients and the health service. The NHS aims to avoid up to a third of the number of face-to-face outpatient visits over five years, removing the need for up to 30 million outpatient appointments each year. The guide is free to use, delivered through both text and videos and includes how to develop a project plan and business case. King's Fund - Health Management And Policy Alert
What people want from the next ten years of the NHS
What people want from the next ten years of the NHS When the NHS Long Term Plan was published in January 2019 Healthwatch England was asked to engage people across the country about how people wanted the priorities to be implemented locally. NHS Networks
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Thursday, 30 January 2020
Boy locked in room 'endured neglect for years'
Boy locked in room 'endured neglect for years' A boy who was beaten and had to defecate on the floor "was left to endure continuing neglect and serious abuse for years" after referrals were not acted upon, a report has found.
The boy's stepfather and mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were jailed last year for child cruelty.
A school nurse's concerns did not spark child protection procedures, a serious case review in Northamptonshire said. BBC Northampton
The boy's stepfather and mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were jailed last year for child cruelty.
A school nurse's concerns did not spark child protection procedures, a serious case review in Northamptonshire said. BBC Northampton
Getting to grips with climate change
Getting to grips with climate change There’s never been a shortage of people in the NHS who care about climate change. There are countless examples of people working locally to reduce the environmental impact of the services they provide. What has been missing until recently is a clear message from national leaders that sustainability is mission critical rather than something to put on the ‘and also’ list. Thankfully this now looks like it may be set to change. The King's Fund
Research and analysis: People with learning disabilities in England
Research and analysis: People with learning disabilities in England Updates of national statistics about people with learning disabilities in England and the services and support available to them and their families. Public Health England
See also:
See also:
- Guidance: Bowel cancer screening: helping people with learning disabilities Public Health England
- Guidance: Eye care and people with learning disabilities Public Health England
Many women have a positive experience of maternity services, but for some care continues to fall short
Many women have a positive experience of maternity services, but for some care continues to fall short The majority of women who gave birth in February last year had confidence and trust in staff, felt they were ‘always’ listened to by midwives and received appropriate advice at the start of labour, according to a national survey by the Care Quality Commission.
UK health research analysis 2018
UK health research analysis 2018 This analysis consists of more than 22,500 health and biomedical research active awards from 146 organisations accounting for an estimated expenditure of almost £4.8 billion in the calendar year 2018. This report summarises the main findings from the analysis, including estimations of total UK health R&D expenditure and an assessment of international funding. Health Research Classification System
Health secretary launches £140m competition for NHS artificial intelligence projects
Health secretary launches £140m competition for NHS artificial intelligence projects The health secretary has launched a competition for companies to receive a share of £140 million to 'fast-track’ artificial intelligence (AI) to NHS staff and patients.
The new investment scheme, known as th AI Award, will see companies selected on the basis of their potential to ‘transform patient care, support staff and save lives,' according to the Department of Health and Social Care. Pulse
The new investment scheme, known as th AI Award, will see companies selected on the basis of their potential to ‘transform patient care, support staff and save lives,' according to the Department of Health and Social Care. Pulse
Coronavirus: Death toll rises as virus spreads to every Chinese region
Coronavirus: Death toll rises as virus spreads to every Chinese region The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has risen to 170, and a confirmed case in Tibet means it has reached every region in mainland China.
Chinese health authorities said there were 7,711 confirmed cases in the country as of 29 January.
Infections have also spread to at least 15 other countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) will meet on Thursday to again consider whether the virus constitutes a global health emergency. BBC News
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Chinese health authorities said there were 7,711 confirmed cases in the country as of 29 January.
Infections have also spread to at least 15 other countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) will meet on Thursday to again consider whether the virus constitutes a global health emergency. BBC News
See also:
- Coronavirus: latest information and advice Department of Health and Social Care
- Coronavirus: Scientists race to develop a vaccine BBC News
- Coronavirus: The US laboratory developing a vaccine BBC News
- Coronavirus: returning Britons could be kept in quarantine for 14 days The Guardian
- Coronavirus: UK will no longer fly Britons out of virus-hit Wuhan on Thursday The Independent
Lungs 'magically' heal damage from smoking
Lungs 'magically' heal damage from smoking Your lungs have an almost "magical" ability to repair the cancerous mutations caused by smoking - but only if you stop, say scientists.
The mutations that lead to lung cancer had been considered to be permanent, and to persist even after quitting. BBC News
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The mutations that lead to lung cancer had been considered to be permanent, and to persist even after quitting. BBC News
See also:
Hospital hired fingerprint experts to unmask whistleblower, report finds
Hospital hired fingerprint experts to unmask whistleblower, report finds West Suffolk hospital downgraded after catalogue of failings and staff bullying
“Threatening” and “intimidating” tactics used against doctors at health secretary Matt Hancock’s local hospital has contributed to the biggest rating downgrade by the NHS regulator.
West Suffolk Hospital’s demand for fingerprints to track down a whistleblower – as revealed by the Guardian last month – was “unprecedented and concerning”, according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
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“Threatening” and “intimidating” tactics used against doctors at health secretary Matt Hancock’s local hospital has contributed to the biggest rating downgrade by the NHS regulator.
West Suffolk Hospital’s demand for fingerprints to track down a whistleblower – as revealed by the Guardian last month – was “unprecedented and concerning”, according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
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England ‘decade away’ from decent children mental health services
England ‘decade away’ from decent children mental health services Children commissioner’s report warns of postcode lottery families still face
England is “a decade away” from decent mental health services for all children despite years of government announcements, the children’s commissioner has warned.
In her third annual children’s mental health report, Anne Longfield has acknowledged there has been tangible progress, but has said there remaine “a chasm” between the services currently available and what children actually need. The Guardian
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England is “a decade away” from decent mental health services for all children despite years of government announcements, the children’s commissioner has warned.
In her third annual children’s mental health report, Anne Longfield has acknowledged there has been tangible progress, but has said there remaine “a chasm” between the services currently available and what children actually need. The Guardian
See also:
- Children’s mental health report warns ‘chasm’ remains between what services are available and what children need Children's Commissioner
- The state of children’s mental health services Children's Commissioner
- 'Decent' mental health service for children is a decade away, warns children’s commissioner The Independent
Improving home insulation and encouraging cycling and walking could save the NHS £3.7billion a year
Improving home insulation and encouraging cycling and walking could save the NHS £3.7billion a year Improving house insulation and encouraging cycling and walking would save the NHS £3.7billion a year, campaigners claim.
Reducing energy demand in transport, buildings and industry - by insulating homes and getting people out of their cars - would reduce early deaths through pollution and pneumonia, they say.
A report by the Green Alliance group accused ministers of a 'short sighted approach to energy' which is damaging people's health. The Daily Mail
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Reducing energy demand in transport, buildings and industry - by insulating homes and getting people out of their cars - would reduce early deaths through pollution and pneumonia, they say.
A report by the Green Alliance group accused ministers of a 'short sighted approach to energy' which is damaging people's health. The Daily Mail
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Cancer treatment with new drugs is lagging because NHS taked too long to approve them
Cancer treatment with new drugs is lagging because NHS taked too long to approve them Cancer treatment is lagging in Britain because NHS watchdogs take too long to approve some of the best new drugs, experts have warned.
An increasing numbers of medicines have been licensed since 2000 to target new mutations in cancer.
But some are taking more than 20 years to reach NHS patients because regulators are 'too risk adverse', The Institute of Cancer Research said. The Daily Mail
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An increasing numbers of medicines have been licensed since 2000 to target new mutations in cancer.
But some are taking more than 20 years to reach NHS patients because regulators are 'too risk adverse', The Institute of Cancer Research said. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Most innovative cancer drugs facing delays in reaching patients The Institute of Cancer Research
- Breakthrough cancer drugs take 22 years to reach the NHS The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 29 January 2020
NHS staff shortages mean patients miss out on early bowel cancer diagnosis
NHS staff shortages mean patients miss out on early bowel cancer diagnosis Around 1,100 people in England could miss out on the chance of an early stage bowel cancer diagnosis through screening each year because of NHS staff shortages, according to new calculations released by Cancer Research UK.
See also:
See also:
Improving behavioral health care in the emergency department and upstream
Improving behavioral health care in the emergency department and upstream This paper provides actionable guidance for hospital emergency departments and their community partners to create a compassionate, seamless, and effective system of care that is respectful of and works with patients with mental health conditions and substance use disorders who present to the emergency department. The paper includes: a framework for a better system of care that comprises four key components: processes, provider culture, patients, and partnerships; high-leverage changes and specific change ideas; suggested measures; practical tips and examples; and resources and tools. Free registration is required to access the document. Institute for Healthcare Improvement
NHS pension rules may prompt 'mass exodus' of leaders in next two years, report suggests
NHS pension rules may prompt 'mass exodus' of leaders in next two years, report suggests More than two in five senior NHS leaders either plan to or are considering leaving the health service because of recent pension changes, a report has suggested, warning of an “exodus” of leaders and managers in the next two years.
A survey of trust executive directors by NHS Providers, which received responses from 188 of the 223 trusts in England, found 44 per cent of NHS leaders planned to leave the health service because of the pensions crisis. People Management
A survey of trust executive directors by NHS Providers, which received responses from 188 of the 223 trusts in England, found 44 per cent of NHS leaders planned to leave the health service because of the pensions crisis. People Management
Long ambulance delays 'affect thousands each week'
Long ambulance delays 'affect thousands each week' Heart attack, stroke and burns victims are among the seriously ill and injured patients waiting over an hour for an ambulance to arrive in England and Wales, a BBC investigation shows.
The delays for these 999 calls - meant to be reached in 18 minutes on average - put lives at risk, experts say.
The problems affect one in 16 "emergency" cases in England - with significant delays reported in Wales.
NHS bosses blamed rising demand and delays handing over patients at A&E. BBC News
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The delays for these 999 calls - meant to be reached in 18 minutes on average - put lives at risk, experts say.
The problems affect one in 16 "emergency" cases in England - with significant delays reported in Wales.
NHS bosses blamed rising demand and delays handing over patients at A&E. BBC News
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Diabetes patients hit by glucose monitor shortage
Diabetes patients hit by glucose monitor shortage The company behind a blood sugar monitor that has changed the lives of thousands of diabetics has been forced to apologise after supplies ran short.
Pharmacies have been turning patients away as deliveries of healthcare firm Abbott's Freestyle Libre Sensor are delayed by two or three weeks.
Abbott has said it is working hard to fulfil all the orders, but gave no further explanation.
Diabetes.co.uk says almost 30,000 people in the UK use the device. BBC News
Pharmacies have been turning patients away as deliveries of healthcare firm Abbott's Freestyle Libre Sensor are delayed by two or three weeks.
Abbott has said it is working hard to fulfil all the orders, but gave no further explanation.
Diabetes.co.uk says almost 30,000 people in the UK use the device. BBC News
Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Coronavirus: How worried should we be? A virus - previously unknown to science - is causing severe lung disease in China and has also been detected in other countries.
More than 100 people are known to have died from the virus, which appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December.
There are already more than 4,500 confirmed cases, and experts expect the number will keep rising.
A new virus arriving on the scene, leaving patients with pneumonia, is always a worry and health officials around the world are on high alert.
Can this outbreak be contained or is this something far more dangerous? BBC News
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More than 100 people are known to have died from the virus, which appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December.
There are already more than 4,500 confirmed cases, and experts expect the number will keep rising.
A new virus arriving on the scene, leaving patients with pneumonia, is always a worry and health officials around the world are on high alert.
Can this outbreak be contained or is this something far more dangerous? BBC News
See also:
- Wuhan novel coronavirus and avian flu: advice for travel to China Department of Health and Social Care
- Coronavirus: Australia plans island quarantine as foreigners leave Wuhan BBC News
- Coronavirus: Hong Kong to slash border travel as virus spreads BBC News
- Britons on coronavirus airlift from Wuhan WILL be quarantined The Daily Mail
- Coronavirus: Scientists hail 'game changer' as version of deadly virus grown in laboratory The Daily Telegraph
- Coronavirus: British Airways suspends all flights to mainland China as outbreak spreads The Daily Telegraph
- Coronavirus: Australian scientists first to recreate deadly virus outside China The Independent
- Coronavirus: Hundreds could be quarantined in UK military base after being evacuated from Wuhan The Independent
Urgent inquiry ordered into 'witch-hunt' at West Suffolk hospital
Urgent inquiry ordered into 'witch-hunt' at West Suffolk hospital Hospital bosses under fire for trying to find whistleblower who wrote to patient’s family
The government has ordered an urgent inquiry into the local hospital of the health secretary, Matt Hancock, after the Guardian revealed its unprecedented “witch-hunt” for a whistleblower.
The government has ordered an urgent inquiry into the local hospital of the health secretary, Matt Hancock, after the Guardian revealed its unprecedented “witch-hunt” for a whistleblower.
Third of UK doctors report burnout and compassion fatigue
Third of UK doctors report burnout and compassion fatigue BMA says medics’ wellbeing is suffering as a result of strain on NHS
Almost a third of UK doctors may be suffering from burnout, stress and “compassion fatigue”, according to a survey that has raised concern about excessive workloads in the NHS.
A&E doctors and GPs are the most likely to feel burnt out. They have the highest levels of exhaustion and stress, the survey, published in the BMJ Open journal, found. The Guardian
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Almost a third of UK doctors may be suffering from burnout, stress and “compassion fatigue”, according to a survey that has raised concern about excessive workloads in the NHS.
A&E doctors and GPs are the most likely to feel burnt out. They have the highest levels of exhaustion and stress, the survey, published in the BMJ Open journal, found. The Guardian
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Tuesday, 28 January 2020
Here are all the ideas competing to win KGH's Dragons' Den
Here are all the ideas competing to win KGH's Dragons' Den This year's Dragons' Den at Kettering General Hospital will see nine bids try and impress the judges with their ideas to improve patient care and win a share of £100,000.
The competition will take place on Thursday, February 6, and the bids will be hoping to impress a panel of six Dragons, including rugby star Ben Cohen. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The competition will take place on Thursday, February 6, and the bids will be hoping to impress a panel of six Dragons, including rugby star Ben Cohen. Northamptonshire Telegraph
International Year of the Nurse and Midwife
International Year of the Nurse and Midwife The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated 2020 as the first global Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
Organisations across the world will be celebrating the work of nurses and midwives, highlighting the challenging conditions they often face.
Various activities will be taking place throughout the year and it is a fantastic opportunity to further promote nursing and midwifery as rewarding and exciting careers. NHS Employers
Organisations across the world will be celebrating the work of nurses and midwives, highlighting the challenging conditions they often face.
Various activities will be taking place throughout the year and it is a fantastic opportunity to further promote nursing and midwifery as rewarding and exciting careers. NHS Employers
Increasing uptake for vaccinations: maximising the role of councils
Increasing uptake for vaccinations: maximising the role of councils Councils are not directly responsible for commissioning or delivering vaccine programmes but they are in a unique position to understand the health needs of their local population, and support vaccination services to reach them. This may be through helping immunisation teams work with frontline services such as health visitors or children’s centres, or supporting pop-up vaccination clinics in under-vaccinated areas. Local Government Association
Concerns over new 'menopause delay' procedure
Concerns over new 'menopause delay' procedure Experts have raised concern over a new medical procedure that claims to allow women to delay the onset of the menopause by over a decade.
Its long-term safety and success remains untested - but some women have already paid at least £6,000 for the procedure. BBC News
Its long-term safety and success remains untested - but some women have already paid at least £6,000 for the procedure. BBC News
Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to 106 as China tightens measures
Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to 106 as China tightens measures The death toll from the new coronavirus now stands at 106, with the number of infections almost doubling in a day.
The number of total cases confirmed by China rose to 4,515 as of 27 January, up from 2,835 a day earlier.
Japan is sending a plane to Wuhan to evacuate its citizens, as efforts to repatriate foreign nationals from the city at the epicentre of the outbreak gather pace.
The virus has spread across China and to at least 16 countries globally. BBC News
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The number of total cases confirmed by China rose to 4,515 as of 27 January, up from 2,835 a day earlier.
Japan is sending a plane to Wuhan to evacuate its citizens, as efforts to repatriate foreign nationals from the city at the epicentre of the outbreak gather pace.
The virus has spread across China and to at least 16 countries globally. BBC News
See also:
- Wuhan coronavirus: Health Secretary's statement to Parliament Department of Health and Social Care
- Wuhan novel coronavirus and avian flu: advice for travel to China Department of Health and Social Care
- Wuhan novel coronavirus: information for the public Department of Health and Social Care
- Wuhan novel coronavirus: initial investigation of possible cases Public Health England
- Coronavirus: Foreign Office advises against travel to virus province BBC News
- China coronavirus spread is accelerating, Xi Jinping warns BBC News
- Deadly coronavirus outbreak DID start at the animal market in Wuhan, tests confirm The Daily Mail
- Coronavirus: China death toll passes 100 as Beijing records its first fatality The Daily Telegraph
- Coronavirus is becoming more contagious and can infect during incubation, Chinese authorities warn The Daily Telegraph
- Coronavirus: Foreign Office preparing to extract British nationals from Wuhan The Daily Telegraph
- 'I felt like ET': UK man describes surreal coronavirus quarantine The Guardian
- Britons in Wuhan will be offered help to leave, Hancock tells MPs The Guardian
- Coronavirus: Britons in Wuhan say they have been ‘abandoned’ as death toll reaches 100 The Independent
NHS staff urged to help service tackle climate change
NHS staff urged to help service tackle climate change NHS staff are being encouraged to drive to work less and bring in reusable cups and bottles to help the health service tackle climate change.
The suggestions are part of an NHS plan to cut carbon emissions to net zero and reduce air pollution.
Hospitals will also be told to switch to less-polluting anaesthetic gases and reduce emissions from buildings.
The plan follows the launch of Climate Assembly UK this week, which is looking at how the UK can best get to net zero. BBC News
The suggestions are part of an NHS plan to cut carbon emissions to net zero and reduce air pollution.
Hospitals will also be told to switch to less-polluting anaesthetic gases and reduce emissions from buildings.
The plan follows the launch of Climate Assembly UK this week, which is looking at how the UK can best get to net zero. BBC News
Mental health care postcode lottery ‘is risking lives’
Mental health care postcode lottery ‘is risking lives’ Data from NHS talking therapies programme shows patients waiting more than three months for treatment
People with mental health problems are being forced to wait 112 days for treatment through the NHS’s talking therapies programme – despite a supposed six-week maximum wait.
Delays in care facing those with anxiety and depression are so long in some parts of England that they could lead to people taking their own life, a leading expert in mental health has warned. The Guardian
People with mental health problems are being forced to wait 112 days for treatment through the NHS’s talking therapies programme – despite a supposed six-week maximum wait.
Delays in care facing those with anxiety and depression are so long in some parts of England that they could lead to people taking their own life, a leading expert in mental health has warned. The Guardian
Funding crisis stops referrals to veterans' mental health charity
Funding crisis stops referrals to veterans' mental health charity Combat Stress says decision to turn down new cases was taken ‘with great sadness’
A mental health charity for military veterans is no longer able to take new cases in England or Wales because of a funding crisis.
Combat Stress said its income has fallen from £16m to £10m in this financial year partly because of a cut in its NHS funding support, and said the decision to turn down new cases had been taken “with great sadness”. The Guardian
A mental health charity for military veterans is no longer able to take new cases in England or Wales because of a funding crisis.
Combat Stress said its income has fallen from £16m to £10m in this financial year partly because of a cut in its NHS funding support, and said the decision to turn down new cases had been taken “with great sadness”. The Guardian
Whistleblower tipped off second family over West Suffolk hospital death
Whistleblower tipped off second family over West Suffolk hospital death Pressure builds on hospital as it emerges staff member alerted patient’s relatives to suspected mistakes
An under-fire hospital came under fresh pressure on Friday after it emerged that a second family received a whistleblower tipoff about serious failings in the care of a patient who died, the Guardian can reveal.
West Suffolk hospital (WSH), used by Matt Hancock’s constituents, is already facing criticism over its unprecedented demand for doctors to provide fingerprint samples in an attempt to track down an anonymous letter writer who alerted widower Jon Warby to surgical mistakes made before his wife died in August 2018. The Guardian
An under-fire hospital came under fresh pressure on Friday after it emerged that a second family received a whistleblower tipoff about serious failings in the care of a patient who died, the Guardian can reveal.
West Suffolk hospital (WSH), used by Matt Hancock’s constituents, is already facing criticism over its unprecedented demand for doctors to provide fingerprint samples in an attempt to track down an anonymous letter writer who alerted widower Jon Warby to surgical mistakes made before his wife died in August 2018. The Guardian
Prostate cancer now the most commonly diagnosed form thanks to 'Turnbull and Fry' effect
Prostate cancer now the most commonly diagnosed form thanks to 'Turnbull and Fry' effect Prostate cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease for the first time, thanks to the “Turnbull and Fry effect”.
Increased awareness of the benefit of getting tested has caused the number of identified cases to surge past those of breast cancer, NHS figures show.
It follows the candid publicity surrounding the illnesses of celebrities such as Bill Turnbull, Stephen Fry and Rod Stewart over the last few years. The Daily Telegraph
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Increased awareness of the benefit of getting tested has caused the number of identified cases to surge past those of breast cancer, NHS figures show.
It follows the candid publicity surrounding the illnesses of celebrities such as Bill Turnbull, Stephen Fry and Rod Stewart over the last few years. The Daily Telegraph
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NHS watchdog rejects use of party drug ketamine as antidepressant despite hype over treatment
NHS watchdog rejects use of party drug ketamine as antidepressant despite hype over treatment A radical depression treatment derived from party drug ketamine is set to be rejected for use on the NHS.
There has been months of hype over the treatment - the first antidepressant with a new mechanism of action to be licensed in 30 years.
But NICE say there is not enough evidence it works long-term, and the price - which exceeds £10,000 for the average course - is too high for the NHS to fund. The Daily Mail
There has been months of hype over the treatment - the first antidepressant with a new mechanism of action to be licensed in 30 years.
But NICE say there is not enough evidence it works long-term, and the price - which exceeds £10,000 for the average course - is too high for the NHS to fund. The Daily Mail
NHS could free hospital beds using AI which tells doctors when patients are stable to go home
NHS could free hospital beds using AI which tells doctors when patients are stable to go home Researchers tried the system on 790 patients in an NHS hospital in Wales, and say it could 'easily be rolled out' nationwide. AI by a patients' bedside collects data on their vitals. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
Friday, 24 January 2020
Thief who stole pain relief from Northampton General Hospital and shoplifted Frosty Jack's faces court while intoxicated
Thief who stole pain relief from Northampton General Hospital and shoplifted Frosty Jack's faces court while intoxicated A thief who stole a canister of pain relief from A&E and shoplifted alcohol in the space of 10 days faced the court while intoxicated.
Samuel Johnson, who is currently living in temporary accommodation in Wellingborough Road, Northampton, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a shop and one count of theft by finding. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Samuel Johnson, who is currently living in temporary accommodation in Wellingborough Road, Northampton, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a shop and one count of theft by finding. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Case study: Active Hospitals
Case study: Active Hospitals The Active Hospital feasibility and acceptability pilot explores integrating physical activity interventions in a secondary care setting. Public Health England
International recruitment toolkit: an interactive guide to encourage and enable good practice in the NHS
International recruitment toolkit: an interactive guide to encourage and enable good practice in the NHS This toolkit is for those involved in leading and delivering international recruitment in the NHS. It aims to encourage and enable good practices and processes for the recruitment of international staff across a wide range of professions. This resource can be used to plan approaches to overseas recruitment activity for the first time, or to review the quality and efficiency of existing practices and processes. NHS Employers
China coronavirus: 14 people in UK tested for new strain
China coronavirus: 14 people in UK tested for new strain More than a dozen people in the UK have been tested for the new strain of coronavirus, Public Health England has said.
Five people have tested negative while nine others are waiting for results.
In Scotland, where five people were tested, an incident team has been set up to deal with the health threat.
Globally, there are more than 800 confirmed cases of the virus, which has killed 26 people in China. Authorities there are battling to contain it. BBC News
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Five people have tested negative while nine others are waiting for results.
In Scotland, where five people were tested, an incident team has been set up to deal with the health threat.
Globally, there are more than 800 confirmed cases of the virus, which has killed 26 people in China. Authorities there are battling to contain it. BBC News
See also:
- What's the difference between pandemic and epidemic? BBC News
- Coronavirus: 'Increased likelihood' of cases in the UK BBC News
- Coronavirus: British passenger 'wasn't sure' he could get out of Wuhan BBC News
- Chinese coronavirus Q&A: What do we know about the virus so far? The Daily Mail
- WHO says coronavirus outbreak is NOT an international emergency The Daily Mail
- China's lab for studying SARS and Ebola is in Wuhan, the outbreak's center The Daily Mail
- China locks down eight cities and pledges new hospital within six days as Wuhan virus spreads The Daily Telegraph
- Britain braced for killer coronavirus, says Health Secretary, as infection now in 7 countries The Daily Telegraph
- University cities in Britain on high alert as six Chinese patients admitted with suspected coronavirus The Daily Telegraph
- Matt Hancock insists NHS is 'well prepared' for coronavirus amid 'increased likelihood' of cases in the UK The Evening Standard
- Coronavirus outbreak: How did the virus get its name and where has it spread? The Independent
- Coronavirus: First UK patients treated for suspected deadly virus after travelling from China The Independent
- China coronavirus: Swat teams guard Wuhan’s train station as city on lockdown amid fears thousands of people infected The Independent
- China coronavirus: Arrivals to UK from Wuhan ‘received minimal screening’ despite outbreak fears The Independent
- Coronavirus: First UK patients treated for suspected deadly virus after travelling from China The Independent
East Kent hospitals: Criminal investigation into baby deaths at maternity unit
East Kent hospitals: Criminal investigation into baby deaths at maternity unit The hospital at the centre of a series of baby deaths is under criminal investigation after an unearthed report identified many of the safety issues in the maternity unit as early as 2015.
The Independent has learned of dozens of deaths at east Kent hospitals with more than 130 babies suffering brain damage as a result of being starved of oxygen during their birth over a four-year period.
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The Independent has learned of dozens of deaths at east Kent hospitals with more than 130 babies suffering brain damage as a result of being starved of oxygen during their birth over a four-year period.
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Frail elderly promised care at home in two hours under new NHS target
Frail elderly promised care at home in two hours under new NHS target Elderly people who need urgent medical care will be promised a response at home within two hours, under new NHS targets.
Teams of nurses, physiotherapists and care workers will be sent to give on-the-spot help in a bid to prevent thousands of frail pensioners being dumped in hospital.
Health officials say far too many vulnerable people are ending up in Accident and Emergency departments, then enduring long hospital stays, for want of speedy responses to medical crisis. The Daily Telegraph
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Teams of nurses, physiotherapists and care workers will be sent to give on-the-spot help in a bid to prevent thousands of frail pensioners being dumped in hospital.
Health officials say far too many vulnerable people are ending up in Accident and Emergency departments, then enduring long hospital stays, for want of speedy responses to medical crisis. The Daily Telegraph
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Royal Wolverhampton hospital signs deal to 'conduct half of all appointments online'
Royal Wolverhampton hospital signs deal to 'conduct half of all appointments online' Half of all appointments at three NHS hospitals could be conducted online after bosses purchased a 'GP by Skype' service.
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has penned a deal with technology company Babylon Health to adapt its GP At Hand app to use in its three hospitals.
The app would share information between GPs and specialists as well as allow patients to have hospital consultations online and see test results from afar.
Royal Wolverhampton then plans to sell the technology to the rest of the NHS if the partnership is successful. The Daily Mail
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has penned a deal with technology company Babylon Health to adapt its GP At Hand app to use in its three hospitals.
The app would share information between GPs and specialists as well as allow patients to have hospital consultations online and see test results from afar.
Royal Wolverhampton then plans to sell the technology to the rest of the NHS if the partnership is successful. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 23 January 2020
Poorest get worse quality of NHS care in England, new research finds
Poorest get worse quality of NHS care in England, new research finds New QualityWatch analysis finds people living in the most deprived areas of England experience a worse quality of NHS care and poorer health outcomes than people living in the least deprived areas. Nuffield Trust
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Babylon signs 10-year 'integrated digital health' deal with NHS trust that runs 10 GP practices
Babylon signs 10-year 'integrated digital health' deal with NHS trust that runs 10 GP practices The company behind controversial video service GP at Hand has partnered with an NHS hospital trust that runs 10 GP practices - and plans to deliver the 'world's first integrated digital health system' to 300,000 patients across the region. GPonline
DHSC and PHE statement on coronavirus
DHSC and PHE statement on coronavirus Statement from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England on the coronavirus situation in Wuhan, China.
See also:
See also:
- Wuhan novel coronavirus and avian flu: advice for travel to China Public Health England
- Guidance: Wuhan novel coronavirus: background information Public Health England
- Coronavirus: Anxiety rises as Chinese city goes into lockdown BBC News
- Can wearing masks stop the spread of viruses? BBC News
- Washington coronavirus patient 'had contact with at least 16 people in the US' The Daily Mail
- Scientists are already working on a coronavirus vaccine The Daily Mail
- Wuhan on lockdown: Police guard train stations while cars queue to leave amid China's coronavirus crisis The Daily Telegraph
- Public health officials issue coronavirus guidance for primary care GPonline
- China coronavirus: Wuhan on lockdown as death toll doubles and disease continues to spread The Independent
East Kent Trust: Hospital baby deaths 'could have been prevented'
East Kent Trust: Hospital baby deaths 'could have been prevented' At least seven preventable baby deaths may have occurred at one of the largest groups of hospitals in England since 2016, a BBC investigation has found.
Significant concerns have been raised about maternity services at the trust.
The heartbroken father of one baby who was stillborn said "we have to live with it, for the rest of our lives... they've probably forgotten who we are".
East Kent NHS Foundation Trust has apologised, saying it has "not always provided the right standard of care". BBC News
Significant concerns have been raised about maternity services at the trust.
The heartbroken father of one baby who was stillborn said "we have to live with it, for the rest of our lives... they've probably forgotten who we are".
East Kent NHS Foundation Trust has apologised, saying it has "not always provided the right standard of care". BBC News
Woman denied cancer drug on NHS which could extend her life because of where she lives
Woman denied cancer drug on NHS which could extend her life because of where she lives When Ann Kelk was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer last year, she was optimistic that doctors would be able to treat it.
A mother of three and grandmother of two, she was determined to be around to watch her granddaughter and grandson grow up, so tried to remain positive. But when the chemotherapy Ann was given proved ineffective, her cancer spread to her ovary and drastic surgery was needed. iNews
A mother of three and grandmother of two, she was determined to be around to watch her granddaughter and grandson grow up, so tried to remain positive. But when the chemotherapy Ann was given proved ineffective, her cancer spread to her ovary and drastic surgery was needed. iNews
Whorlton Hall: Care regulator ‘was wrong’ to bury whistleblower’s report into failings at hospital where patients were abused
Whorlton Hall: Care regulator ‘was wrong’ to bury whistleblower’s report into failings at hospital where patients were abused The care watchdog missed multiple opportunities to identify abuse of patients at a privately run hospital and did not act on the concerns of its own members, an independent review has found.
Bosses at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have been criticised in an independent report by David Noble into why the regulator buried a critical report into Whorlton Hall hospital, in County Durham, in 2015.
His report published today said the CQC was wrong not to make public concerns from one of its inspection teams in 2015. The Independent
Bosses at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have been criticised in an independent report by David Noble into why the regulator buried a critical report into Whorlton Hall hospital, in County Durham, in 2015.
His report published today said the CQC was wrong not to make public concerns from one of its inspection teams in 2015. The Independent
As a junior doctor in A&E I’m calling on all my colleagues in Britain to go on strike
As a junior doctor in A&E I’m calling on all my colleagues in Britain to go on strike | Andrew Meyerson We need to shine a light on the slow starvation of the NHS: the lack of beds, staff and social care is putting services at risk
At NHS hospitals across the country, when a patient has a cardiac arrest or other major medical emergency, we dial “2222” to summon the emergency team. Today we find the NHS itself is in a state of emergency – and my call here for an A&E general strike is the “2222” alert our health system desperately needs. The Guardian
At NHS hospitals across the country, when a patient has a cardiac arrest or other major medical emergency, we dial “2222” to summon the emergency team. Today we find the NHS itself is in a state of emergency – and my call here for an A&E general strike is the “2222” alert our health system desperately needs. The Guardian
NHS experiment in AI will see whole city offered virtual hospital appointments and diagnosis by chatbot
NHS experiment in AI will see whole city offered virtual hospital appointments and diagnosis by chatbot An entire city is to take part in NHS experiment in Artificial Intelligence to ease pressure on GPs and hospitals, under new plans.
Patients will be able to Skype medics via smartphones, or receive a diagnosis by chatbots, under the deal agreed by one of the largest hospital trusts in the West Midlands. The Daily Telegraph
Patients will be able to Skype medics via smartphones, or receive a diagnosis by chatbots, under the deal agreed by one of the largest hospital trusts in the West Midlands. The Daily Telegraph
One in three people with facial disfigurement have suffered abuse in the street, survey reveals
One in three people with facial disfigurement have suffered abuse in the street, survey reveals One in three people who have a facial disfigurement have suffered abuse in the street, a new survey has revealed.
Some 28 per cent of those with a visible difference have been shouted at and insulted while out in public and more than 70 per cent of those incidents went unreported.
A further 10 per cent report being repeatedly harassed on social media. The Daily Telegraph
Some 28 per cent of those with a visible difference have been shouted at and insulted while out in public and more than 70 per cent of those incidents went unreported.
A further 10 per cent report being repeatedly harassed on social media. The Daily Telegraph
Scientist at UK's largest health trust told female colleague he only hired her 'because of her looks', tribunal hears
Scientist at UK's largest health trust told female colleague he only hired her 'because of her looks', tribunal hears A senior biomedical scientist at the UK's largest health trust “sexually bullied” a female colleague who he said was only hired because of “her looks”, a tribunal has heard.
Paul Grist is accused of making a series of lewd comments to the woman, referred to as Colleague A, while working in the blood transfusions and haematology department of Barts Health Trust in Whitechapel, East London. The Daily Telegraph
Paul Grist is accused of making a series of lewd comments to the woman, referred to as Colleague A, while working in the blood transfusions and haematology department of Barts Health Trust in Whitechapel, East London. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 22 January 2020
2019: The health policy year in 12 charts
2019: The health policy year in 12 charts To paraphrase a wise man: health policy moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. So, as we start 2020 let’s take a quick look back at some of the key events that shaped national policy in 2019. The King's Fund
HPV vaccine drives cancer causing infections down to very low levels
HPV vaccine drives cancer causing infections down to very low levels The latest PHE data confirms that HPV16 and 18 infections are now at a very low level in young sexually active women with high vaccination coverage. Public Health England
Deaths in prison: A national scandal
Deaths in prison: A national scandal A report exposing dangerous, longstanding failures across the prison estate and historically high levels of deaths in custody. Deaths in prison: A national scandal offers unique insight and analysis into findings from 61 prison inquests in England and Wales in 2018 and 2019.
The report details repeated safety failures including mental and physical healthcare, communication systems, emergency responses, and drugs and medication. It also looks at the wider statistics and historic context, showing the repetitive and persistent nature of such failings.
Every four days a person takes their life in prison, and rising numbers of ‘natural’ and unclassified deaths are too often found to relate to serious failures in healthcare. INQUEST
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The report details repeated safety failures including mental and physical healthcare, communication systems, emergency responses, and drugs and medication. It also looks at the wider statistics and historic context, showing the repetitive and persistent nature of such failings.
Every four days a person takes their life in prison, and rising numbers of ‘natural’ and unclassified deaths are too often found to relate to serious failures in healthcare. INQUEST
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Determinants of mental health
Determinants of mental health This first briefing from the Centre’s Commission for Equality in Mental Health finds that mental health inequalities are closely linked to wider injustices in society. Inequalities in wealth, power and voice are linked to poorer mental health. Exclusion, discrimination, violence and insecurity all increase our risk of poor mental health and explain why some groups of people face markedly higher rates of mental ill health than others. The briefing explores actions that can be taken, from communities and local services to national policies, to reduce mental health inequalities. Centre for Mental Health
One in six GP practices have closed or merged under NHS England
One in six GP practices have closed or merged under NHS England One in six GP practices covering 5.4m patients have closed or merged since NHS England became operational in April 2013, analysis by GPonline shows.
Dementia patients being 'dumped in hospital'
Dementia patients being 'dumped in hospital' Dementia patients are being dumped in hospitals in England because of a lack of community care, a charity says.
The Alzheimer's Society called for action, highlighting data showing one in 10 dementia patients spends over a month in hospital after being admitted.
The figures also suggested the overall number of emergency admissions among people with dementia is rising - with some patients yo-yoing back and forth.
Ministers said they were "determined" to tackle the problems. BBC News
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The Alzheimer's Society called for action, highlighting data showing one in 10 dementia patients spends over a month in hospital after being admitted.
The figures also suggested the overall number of emergency admissions among people with dementia is rising - with some patients yo-yoing back and forth.
Ministers said they were "determined" to tackle the problems. BBC News
See also:
- Alzheimer’s Society analysis of NHS England’s Hospital Episode Statistics dataset 2012/13 to 2017/18 Alzheimer's Society
- Soaring numbers of dementia patients admitted to hospital as emergencies, then stuck there for months The Daily Telegraph
- Emergency dementia admissions to hospitals up 35% in five years The Guardian
- Emergency dementia admissions up by one third OnMedica
Family told brain-damaged girl no longer qualifies for NHS-funded care
Family told brain-damaged girl no longer qualifies for NHS-funded care The family of a nine-year-old girl with severe brain damage have been told her NHS-funded home care could end because she no longer qualifies for help.
Tehyah Solan-Clarke, from Saddleworth, suffered damage to 90% of her brain after a series of strokes in 2014.
Her care was due to end in January, before Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams' intervention led NHS bosses to agree to meet her family.
An NHS spokesman said the meeting would determine "safe and appropriate" care. BBC News
Tehyah Solan-Clarke, from Saddleworth, suffered damage to 90% of her brain after a series of strokes in 2014.
Her care was due to end in January, before Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams' intervention led NHS bosses to agree to meet her family.
An NHS spokesman said the meeting would determine "safe and appropriate" care. BBC News
Coronavirus: UK 'to monitor flights from China' as precaution
Coronavirus: UK 'to monitor flights from China' as precaution The UK is to begin monitoring flights arriving from China, as part of a series of precautionary measures after the spread of a new coronavirus.
The measures, to be announced by the health secretary later, will apply to flights from Wuhan to London Heathrow.
Public Health England have upgraded the risk to the UK population from very low to low, the transport secretary said.
Chinese authorities have advised people to stop travel into and out of Wuhan, the city at the heart of the outbreak. BBC News
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The measures, to be announced by the health secretary later, will apply to flights from Wuhan to London Heathrow.
Public Health England have upgraded the risk to the UK population from very low to low, the transport secretary said.
Chinese authorities have advised people to stop travel into and out of Wuhan, the city at the heart of the outbreak. BBC News
See also:
- Guidance: Wuhan novel coronavirus: background information Public Health England
- China coronavirus: What we know so far BBC News
- New China virus: US announces first case BBC News
- New China virus: Fourth person dies as human-to-human transfer confirmed BBC News
- New China virus: 'Wash your hands, be honest with your doctors' BBC News
- People around China queue to buy face masks amid fears of an outbreak of deadly virus The Daily Mail
- China's virus may have been lurking in animals for DECADES before adapting to infect humans The Daily Mail
- Passengers from virus-hit region of China to be separated at Heathrow The Daily Telegraph
- Coronavirus outbreak in China rises to 440 cases with 9 deaths The Daily Telegraph
- Chinese health officials say virus could mutate and spread further as they warn: ‘Don’t go to Wuhan, don’t leave Wuhan’ The Independent
- 'Nobody wants to be first in the nation with this': US town attempts to contain deadly coronavirus The Independent
- China coronavirus: What are the symptoms, where has it spread and is there treatment? The Independent
- As a virologist, I can tell you all you need to know about the coronavirus – and why you can stop panicking The Independent
How a hypothetical design has the potential to change how we view euthanasia
How a hypothetical design has the potential to change how we view euthanasia In order to die with dignity, more people are planning their own death. But what happens when that person has dementia? Such a moral dilemma must be approached with creative thinking, says Marije de Haas. The Independent
GPs in revolt over NHS England's plan to increase their workload
GPs in revolt over NHS England's plan to increase their workload Leaders say move to force overstretched surgeries to take on five new duties unworkable
GPs are warning that overstretched surgeries could close and waiting times get even longer if NHS bosses force them to take on extra work, including regular visits to care homes.
Family doctors in England claim that NHS bosses’ plans for them to assume five new duties of care from April are “unacceptable and completely unworkable” given the widespread acute shortage of GPs. The Guardian
GPs are warning that overstretched surgeries could close and waiting times get even longer if NHS bosses force them to take on extra work, including regular visits to care homes.
Family doctors in England claim that NHS bosses’ plans for them to assume five new duties of care from April are “unacceptable and completely unworkable” given the widespread acute shortage of GPs. The Guardian
Workforce crisis leaves the NHS teetering on the brink - but there is a way forward
Workforce crisis leaves the NHS teetering on the brink - but there is a way forward | Kailash Chand Ministers must act where others have failed and put prevention rather than treatment at the heart of the healthcare system
The NHS workforce shortage is forcing staff to work long hours with no breaks, and go lengthy spells without eating, drinking, sitting down or using the toilet. And when they are that hungry, exhausted and overstretched, they make mistakes.
This crisis comes after a year that, judged by any standards, was one of the worst in the history of the NHS. During a decade of decline, all the key indicators in the health service worsened, with more than 4.5 million patients now on waiting lists for treatment – more than ever before. The Guardian
The NHS workforce shortage is forcing staff to work long hours with no breaks, and go lengthy spells without eating, drinking, sitting down or using the toilet. And when they are that hungry, exhausted and overstretched, they make mistakes.
This crisis comes after a year that, judged by any standards, was one of the worst in the history of the NHS. During a decade of decline, all the key indicators in the health service worsened, with more than 4.5 million patients now on waiting lists for treatment – more than ever before. The Guardian
NHS must admit its errors quicker of face £4.3bn payouts to laywers
NHS must admit its errors quicker of face £4.3bn payouts to laywers The NHS must admit its failings quicker or face paying out legal fees of up to £4.3 billion, a former Tory health secretary has said.
Stephen Dorrell spoke out after an investigation revealed NHS estimates of how much services would pay to lawyers if all the current claims they are facing go ahead.
Last year the NHS paid out £2.4 billion for negligence claims. The Daily Telegraph
Stephen Dorrell spoke out after an investigation revealed NHS estimates of how much services would pay to lawyers if all the current claims they are facing go ahead.
Last year the NHS paid out £2.4 billion for negligence claims. The Daily Telegraph
Cervical cancer rates show a 'steep rise' among women in their late 20s, charity warns
Cervical cancer rates show a 'steep rise' among women in their late 20s, charity warns Cervical cancer rates among young women have surged as screening uptake has hit a record low, experts have warned.
Incidence of the disease among 25- to 29-year-olds increased 54 per cent in the last decade, according to Cancer Research UK analysis.
The figures - compiled from official registries in England, Scotland and Wales - comes after years of 'stalling and stagnating' progress on cervical cancer, the charity warned. The Daily Mail
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Incidence of the disease among 25- to 29-year-olds increased 54 per cent in the last decade, according to Cancer Research UK analysis.
The figures - compiled from official registries in England, Scotland and Wales - comes after years of 'stalling and stagnating' progress on cervical cancer, the charity warned. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Cervical cancer progress falters as screening uptake hits record lows Cancer Research UK
- Cervical cancer cases soaring among women in their late 20s The Daily Telegraph
- Cervical cancer rises among young women as progress on deadly disease ‘stalls’ The Independent
Tuesday, 21 January 2020
Mental health: needs of gang-affiliated young people
Mental health: needs of gang-affiliated young people A briefing on the burden of mental illness faced by young people involved with gangs, part of the 'Ending Gang and Youth Violence' programme. Public Health England
How will we know if integrated care systems reduce demand for urgent care? Establishing fair benchmark levels for the blended payment system
How will we know if integrated care systems reduce demand for urgent care? Establishing fair benchmark levels for the blended payment system For the 2019/20 financial year the National Tariff Payment System (NTPS) for emergency care moved from a fee-for service arrangement to a blended payment system. The blended system encourages the provider to moderate activity growth by providing financial incentives for effective demand management. However there is currently scant detail surrounding crucial aspects of the NTPS scheme. Failure to address this issue may not only lead to the inappropriate distribution of resources across the health system; it could result in tens of millions of pounds being diverted away from urgent care. The Strategy Unit
Mental health funding and investment: a digest of issues
Mental health funding and investment: a digest of issues This briefing looks at the financial and investment challenges facing mental health providers. It warns that the provision of mental health services is not being prioritised across the whole of the NHS. This is despite the significant progress that has been made by the sector to innovate and transform services, and improve people’s access to care and the quality of care they receive. NHS Providers
Shifting the mindset: a closer look at hospital complaints
Shifting the mindset: a closer look at hospital complaints There has been some positive change in the years following the Mid Staffordshire Inquiry to improve openness and transparency in the NHS. Yet when it comes to complaints, many hospitals are too focused on process rather than demonstrating how they’ve listened.
This new report investigates how hospitals report on complaints and whether current efforts are sufficient to build public trust. Healthwatch England
This new report investigates how hospitals report on complaints and whether current efforts are sufficient to build public trust. Healthwatch England
NHS bosses to rethink 'what can realistically be delivered by PCNs'
NHS bosses to rethink 'what can realistically be delivered by PCNs' NHS England has promised to consider 'what can realistically be delivered' by primary care networks (PCNs) after 'large numbers of GPs' submitted feedback on draft network DES specifications in the first-ever public consultation on a part of the GP contract. GPonline
NHS faces huge clinical negligence legal fees bill
NHS faces huge clinical negligence legal fees bill The NHS in England faces paying out £4.3bn in legal fees to settle outstanding claims of clinical negligence, the BBC has learned through a Freedom of Information request.
Each year the NHS receives more than 10,000 new claims for compensation.
This figure includes all current unsettled claims and projected estimates of ones in the future.
The Department of Health has pledged to tackle "the unsustainable rise in the cost of clinical negligence". BBC News
Each year the NHS receives more than 10,000 new claims for compensation.
This figure includes all current unsettled claims and projected estimates of ones in the future.
The Department of Health has pledged to tackle "the unsustainable rise in the cost of clinical negligence". BBC News
Cambuslang mum suing NHS after attempted murder accusation
Cambuslang mum suing NHS after attempted murder accusation A mother who was wrongly accused of trying to kill her disabled daughter by medical staff is to sue the hospital where the claims were made.
Kirsteen Cooper was accused of causing infections and cutting a feeding tube attached to her daughter Baillie.
This led to police charging her with attempted murder and access to her daughter being restricted for two years.
After accusations were disproved by medics, the charges were dropped. BBC News
Kirsteen Cooper was accused of causing infections and cutting a feeding tube attached to her daughter Baillie.
This led to police charging her with attempted murder and access to her daughter being restricted for two years.
After accusations were disproved by medics, the charges were dropped. BBC News
Blue Monday: Why it's a 'load of rubbish'
Blue Monday: Why it's a 'load of rubbish' Christmas is over, it's cold and dark outside and that summer holiday seems like a world away.
Blue Monday - also known as the most depressing day of the year - has been trending on Twitter all day.
Coined by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2004, it falls on the third Monday in January every year.
He came up with it after a holiday company asked him for a "scientific formula" for the January blues.
Unsurprisingly, there was nothing scientific about it. BBC News
Blue Monday - also known as the most depressing day of the year - has been trending on Twitter all day.
Coined by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2004, it falls on the third Monday in January every year.
He came up with it after a holiday company asked him for a "scientific formula" for the January blues.
Unsurprisingly, there was nothing scientific about it. BBC News
Breakthrough discovery could lead to ‘one-size-fits-all’ cancer treatment
Breakthrough discovery could lead to ‘one-size-fits-all’ cancer treatment A newly discovered type of killer immune cell has raised the prospect of a “universal” cancer therapy, scientists say.
Researchers at Cardiff University suggest the new T-cell offers hope of a “one-size-fits-all” cancer therapy.
T-cell therapies for cancer — where immune cells are removed, modified and returned to the patient's blood to seek and destroy cancer cells — are the latest paradigm in cancer treatments. The Independent
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Researchers at Cardiff University suggest the new T-cell offers hope of a “one-size-fits-all” cancer therapy.
T-cell therapies for cancer — where immune cells are removed, modified and returned to the patient's blood to seek and destroy cancer cells — are the latest paradigm in cancer treatments. The Independent
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Philip Hammond blocked 10-year plan for social care as chancellor, says former health secretary
Philip Hammond blocked 10-year plan for social care as chancellor, says former health secretary A bid to draw up a 10-year-plan for social care by former health secretary Jeremy Hunt was blocked by the then chancellor Philip Hammond, Mr Hunt has said.
In an interview with the Health Service Journal, Mr Hunt, the country’s longest-serving health secretary, said the task of solving the UK’s social care crisis was “unfinished business” from his time as health minister. The Independent
In an interview with the Health Service Journal, Mr Hunt, the country’s longest-serving health secretary, said the task of solving the UK’s social care crisis was “unfinished business” from his time as health minister. The Independent
Health of poor British adults is now WORSE than it was for those born 100 years ago
Health of poor British adults is now WORSE than it was for those born 100 years ago Poor British people in 2020 are unhealthier than those born into poverty 100 years ago, a study has found.
Adults on low incomes who were born in 1920 enjoyed better health between the ages of 30 and 60, compared to those born in 1970.
The study considered how many people are living with long-term illnesses which are considered 'life-limiting' – such as heart failure, as well as self-reported health. The Daily Mail
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Adults on low incomes who were born in 1920 enjoyed better health between the ages of 30 and 60, compared to those born in 1970.
The study considered how many people are living with long-term illnesses which are considered 'life-limiting' – such as heart failure, as well as self-reported health. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Are self-reported health inequalities widening by income? An analysis of British pseudo birth cohorts born, 1920–1970 (open access) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
- Poorest adults in worse health now than older generation – study The Guardian
Will Brexit end the shortcut of NHS operations done by EU doctors?
Will Brexit end the shortcut of NHS operations done by EU doctors? Faced with the prospect of waiting for up to three years for a hip replacement on the NHS, Brian Ashworth took matters into his own hands.
He found a way to have the operation within 30 days — in Lithuania, 1,700 miles from his home in Northern Ireland. And, incredibly, it was paid for by the NHS.
Brian, 56, from Bangor, is among thousands of patients who have used a little-known EU scheme that allowed them to bypass NHS waiting lists by visiting hospitals across Europe.
Yet, with Brexit looming, its future could hang in the balance. The Daily Mail
He found a way to have the operation within 30 days — in Lithuania, 1,700 miles from his home in Northern Ireland. And, incredibly, it was paid for by the NHS.
Brian, 56, from Bangor, is among thousands of patients who have used a little-known EU scheme that allowed them to bypass NHS waiting lists by visiting hospitals across Europe.
Yet, with Brexit looming, its future could hang in the balance. The Daily Mail
Monday, 20 January 2020
Two new wellbeing cafes to open in Northamptonshire for mental health support
Two new wellbeing cafes to open in Northamptonshire for mental health support Two similar drop-in cafes are opening in Northamptonshire this week to further support people battling mental health.
The first cafe, Crisis Cafe For Young People, has been launched by The Lowdown, for those aged 12 to 18 years old, which has been set up in partnership with St Andrews Healthcare and funded by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The first cafe, Crisis Cafe For Young People, has been launched by The Lowdown, for those aged 12 to 18 years old, which has been set up in partnership with St Andrews Healthcare and funded by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The four-hour NHS waiting time target saves lives - government should think carefully about changes
The four-hour NHS waiting time target saves lives - government should think carefully about changes The national Accident and Emergency (A&E) four-hour waiting time target is once again in the news headlines. Performance against this recently fell to the lowest since records began, with only 79.8% of patients in December 2019 admitted, discharged or transferred to another hospital within 4 hours as opposed to the 95% standard.
Recent comments from the Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggest that the existing target is likely to be scrapped, echoing the interim recommendations of an ongoing review into NHS clinical targets that would replace the target with new goals that focus on reducing initial treatment times for severe cases and introducing an average waiting time target for all patients.
But what does the target – and any potential changes to it – actually mean for patients? Institute for Fiscal Studies
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Recent comments from the Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggest that the existing target is likely to be scrapped, echoing the interim recommendations of an ongoing review into NHS clinical targets that would replace the target with new goals that focus on reducing initial treatment times for severe cases and introducing an average waiting time target for all patients.
But what does the target – and any potential changes to it – actually mean for patients? Institute for Fiscal Studies
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Research and analysis: Global Burden of Disease for England: international comparisons
Research and analysis: Global Burden of Disease for England: international comparisons Report that compares data from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease study for England with 22 countries. Findings informed the NHS England 10-year strategy. Public Health England
Paramedic students will get £5,000 support payment each year
Paramedic students will get £5,000 support payment each year Students studying to become paramedics, radiographers and physiotherapists will be among those receiving the new financial support from September. Department of Health and Social Care
NHS statistics on people with learning disabilities having shorter life expectancy make 'grim reading'
NHS statistics on people with learning disabilities having shorter life expectancy make 'grim reading' The NHS has released its latest set of statistics showing people with learning disabilities still have a shorter life expectancy than the general population, despite some of the causes of death being premature and preventable. Homecare.co.uk
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Racial disparities in dementia prescribing
Racial disparities in dementia prescribing Disparities in drug prescribing suggest that black and Asian people with dementia are not receiving the same quality of care as their white peers.
This is the findings according to a new University College London (UCL)-led study. OnMedica
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This is the findings according to a new University College London (UCL)-led study. OnMedica
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- Differences in Psychotropic Drug Prescribing Between Ethnic Groups of People with Dementia in the United Kingdom (open access) Clinical Epidemiology
China coronavirus: Number of cases jumps as virus spreads to new cities
China coronavirus: Number of cases jumps as virus spreads to new cities China has reported 139 new cases of a mysterious virus in two days, with the outbreak spreading from Wuhan to other major Chinese cities.
Beijing, the capital, reported two cases, while the southern tech hub of Shenzhen reported one case.
The total number of confirmed cases now exceeds 200, and three have died from the respiratory illness.
The sharp uptick in those infected comes as millions of Chinese prepare to travel for the Lunar New Year holidays. BBC News
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Beijing, the capital, reported two cases, while the southern tech hub of Shenzhen reported one case.
The total number of confirmed cases now exceeds 200, and three have died from the respiratory illness.
The sharp uptick in those infected comes as millions of Chinese prepare to travel for the Lunar New Year holidays. BBC News
See also:
- Wuhan novel coronavirus and avian flu: advice for travel to China Public Health England
- Scientists fear up to 4,500 Chinese patients may have caught the new coronavirus The Daily Mail
- China says mysterious SARS-like virus is 'controllable' as 17 new cases emerge ahead of Lunar New Year The Daily Telegraph
- Mysterious SARS-like virus spreading across China amid sharp rise in new cases and a third death The Daily Telegraph
- No screening for new Sars-like virus at UK airports – yet The Guardian
- China virus: 17 new infections discovered in Wuhan The Independent
Health secretary suffers blow after court rules suspending doctors’ pensions is illegal
Health secretary suffers blow after court rules suspending doctors’ pensions is illegal Matt Hancock has suffered an embarrassing court defeat after his controversial policy on suspending doctors’ pensions was deemed illegal.
The health secretary was granted more power last year to suspend pension benefits to NHS staff charged with a crime, which the High Court has ruled breaches human rights.
The court said the measure was “wrong in principle and inherently unfair”. The Independent
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The health secretary was granted more power last year to suspend pension benefits to NHS staff charged with a crime, which the High Court has ruled breaches human rights.
The court said the measure was “wrong in principle and inherently unfair”. The Independent
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Cervical cancer could be eliminated in England, experts say
Cervical cancer could be eliminated in England, experts say Vaccination and HPV screening could potentially end the disease, NHS England says.
Experts say cervical cancer could be eliminated in England through a combination of the vaccine and NHS screening, which will now test every woman for HPV, the virus that causes most cases of the disease.
NHS England’s experts say there is potential to end the disease, which kills 850 women a year in the UK. The vaccine given to girls from the age of 12 is known to be very effective against HPV infection. From the beginning of December, routine screening has been reoriented to test primarily for the virus. Only women who have HPV will have their smear sample checked for abnormal cells that are the precursor of cervical cancer. The Guardian
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Experts say cervical cancer could be eliminated in England through a combination of the vaccine and NHS screening, which will now test every woman for HPV, the virus that causes most cases of the disease.
NHS England’s experts say there is potential to end the disease, which kills 850 women a year in the UK. The vaccine given to girls from the age of 12 is known to be very effective against HPV infection. From the beginning of December, routine screening has been reoriented to test primarily for the virus. Only women who have HPV will have their smear sample checked for abnormal cells that are the precursor of cervical cancer. The Guardian
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