Northamptonshire health bosses ask government for care worker shortages cash

Northamptonshire health bosses ask government for care worker shortages cash Council and hospital bosses in Northamptonshire have called for government help to "bridge the gap in care worker shortages".

Northamptonshire's hospital and local authority leaders said shortages were already "resulting in delays to patient discharges in our hospitals".

They said the situation will get worse as pressure builds throughout winter. BBC Northampton 

Spotlight on the early years: using national clinical audit reports to harness cross-cutting lessons

Spotlight on the early years: using national clinical audit reports to harness cross-cutting lessons This report calls for changes to audit reporting to enable better understanding of healthcare, specifically in relation to health inequalities. The report, which is based on data spanning four years, aims to improve health outcomes for all, in light of an increased focus on a variation in care as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership 

Surgical care of NHS patients in independent hospitals

Surgical care of NHS patients in independent hospitals This Report shows that successful collaborations between NHS hospitals and independent hospitals helps to protect patients when providing shared care. It is HSIB's first investigation into NHS-funded care in the independent sector and focuses on surgical care of patients. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch 

Dementia support requires greater funding from health and care levy

Dementia support requires greater funding from health and care levy The Health and Social Care Committee’s report into dementia care criticises the Government plans for the health and care levy. In the Committee’s view, the levy provides insufficient funding for social care over the next three years and fails to spell out how the sector will benefit from the levy after that.  

See also:

• New health and social care levy 'won't help dementia sufferers for years' The Daily Mail

Investigation into supply chain finance in the NHS

Investigation into supply chain finance in the NHS Two schemes offered by Greensill Capital – an early payment scheme to community pharmacies and salary advances to employees of NHS Trusts – did not receive the expected uptake and offered no material benefits to the NHS, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

See also: 

• ‘No evidence’ conflicts of interest were considered in Greensill contracts – NAO The Guardian

E-cigarettes could be prescribed on the NHS in world first

E-cigarettes could be prescribed on the NHS in world first E-cigarettes could be prescribed on the NHS in England to help people stop smoking tobacco products, as Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid welcomed the latest step forward in the licensing process for manufacturers.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is publishing updated guidance that paves the way for medicinally licensed e-cigarette products to be prescribed for tobacco smokers who wish to quit smoking. Department of Health and Social Care

See also: 

• E-cigarettes could be available on NHS to tackle smoking rates BBC News
• Sajid Javid backs controversial plan to help smokers quit by offering vaping on the NHS The Daily Mail
• Regulator paves way for NHS e-cigarette prescriptions in England The Guardian
• What are e-cigarettes and are they safe? The Guardian

Record 1.6 million people get lifesaving boosters over last seven days

Record 1.6 million people get lifesaving boosters over last seven days Nearly 1.6 million booster jabs have been delivered over the past seven days, the NHS said today as the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to protect the nation against the virus. NHS England 

Covid: Double vaccinated can easily spread virus at home

Covid: Double vaccinated can easily spread virus at home Double jabbed people are catching Covid and passing it on to those they live with, warn experts who have studied UK household cases.

Individuals who have had two vaccine doses can be just as infectious as those who have not been jabbed.

Even if they have no or few symptoms, the chance of them transmitting the virus to other unvaccinated housemates is about two in five, or 38%. BBC News

See also:

• Community transmission and viral load kinetics of the SARS-CoV-2 delta (B.1.617.2) variant in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in the UK: a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study (open access) The Lancet
• Covid: Pupils urged to test before returning to school BBC News
• Gordon Brown calls for richer countries to airlift surplus Covid vaccines BBC News
• Covid cases WERE already falling in children before half-term The Daily Mail
• Merck ready to deliver 10 million doses of its Covid antiviral pill by the end of the year The Daily Mail
• Looking for the peak: the cautious optimism over stalling UK Covid cases The Guardian
• Covid deaths up 16% as hospitalisation rate highest since February The Independent

'The menopause made me feel I was disappearing inside myself'

'The menopause made me feel I was disappearing inside myself' "I am a Wednesday and a Sunday person. Don't laugh, but I deep condition my hair, put on a face pack and change my HRT patch. It's all self-care in one go."

Fifty-one year-old Adelle Martin is sitting in the pub she runs in Rochester in Kent, showing us the HRT patches she sticks on her hip twice a week.

Now post-menopausal, she coaches other women through a life stage which can be extremely challenging. BBC News 

Health watchdog Nice publishes delayed ME guidance

Health watchdog Nice publishes delayed ME guidance A disputed therapy that encourages people with ME to gradually increase physical activity will no longer be officially recommended, a health watchdog said, marking a victory for campaigners.

The controversial treatment, called graded exercise therapy, has been removed from guidance given by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) for diagnosing and managing myalgic encephalomyelitis, which is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. The Guardian

See also: 

• ME/CFS guideline outlines steps for better diagnosis and management NICE
• Myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and management NICE
• Chronic fatigue guidelines scrap exercise therapy advice BBC News
• Graded exercise therapy ‘should not be recommended for people with ME’ The Independent

Hospitals told to stop ‘catastrophic’ ambulance delays as patients die in queues

Hospitals told to stop ‘catastrophic’ ambulance delays as patients die in queues Hospitals across England have been told to “immediately stop all delays” for ambulances stacking outside A&E units to handover patients as one ambulance trust today warned the problem had reached “catastrophic” levels.

The message from Mark Cubbon, NHS England’s chief operating officer, was sent to leaders on Tuesday night after it emerged a patient had died while waiting over an hour in the back of an ambulance outside Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge. The Independent 

GPs win ‘significant concessions’ from NHS England over in-person access

GPs win ‘significant concessions’ from NHS England over in-person access GPs have secured “significant concessions” from NHS England in an apparent climbdown over patient access and face-to-face appointments, the Guardian has been told.

Family doctors in England have threatened industrial action in protest against the government’s attempt to force them to see any patient who demands an appointment in person. The Guardian

See also:

• Consultation numbers up 2m on pre-pandemic levels, showing how extremely hard GP teams are working Royal College of General Practitioners
• Medical union bosses claim they won 'concessions' over Sajid Javid plans in doctors row The Daily Mail
• Four in 10 GP appointments in England were still NOT face-to-face last month The Daily Mail
• GP appointments hit new high as face-to-face contacts surge GPonline

Covid-19 drop-in vaccination clinics now open for boosters and third primary doses in Northamptonshire

Covid-19 drop-in vaccination clinics now open for boosters and third primary doses in Northamptonshire Selected Covid-19 drop-in vaccination clinics across Northamptonshire are now open for boosters and third primary doses for those eligible.

Drop-in clinics have opened more sessions across the county to accommodate those eligible for booster and third primary doses in a bid to vaccinate as many people as possible against Covid-19. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Northampton: Air quality warning at hospital's maternity unit

Northampton: Air quality warning at hospital's maternity unit Pollution levels near a town's maternity unit are regularly exceeding safe limits, campaigners have warned.

Dr Scott Mabbutt, an obstetrics registrar at Northampton Hospital, warned of a link between high pollution levels and miscarriage and stillbirth.

West Northamptonshire Council said roads nearest the hospital had "persistently recorded levels within legal limits". BBC Northampton

See also: 

• One baby born breathing toxic air every two minutes in the UK Asthma UK
• Clear the air: Improving air quality to protect future generations and level up our communities (report) Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation
• More than 250,000 British babies are born in toxic air hotspots every year, a study has revealed The Daily Mail
• Baby born in area with ‘dangerously polluted air’ every two minutes in UK, study finds Evening Standard

Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021

Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented his Autumn Budget and Spending Review to Parliament on Wednesday 27 October 2021. HM Treasury

See also:

• Chancellor’s pledge of £5.9bn to tackle backlog must be matched by a workforce to deliver BMA
• Health Foundation response to Spending Review 2021 The Health Foundation
• Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 Institute for Fiscal Studies
• The King's Fund responds to the Comprehensive Spending Review The King's Fund
• NHS Confederation responds to Spending Review NHS Confederation
• Welcome investment but delivery difficult without community workforce NHS Providers
• Spending Review leaves social care the poor relation and facing uncertainty Nuffield Trust
• RCN responds to latest Budget: ‘Patient care is paying a heavy price’ Royal College of Nursing
• RCP responds to Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review announcements Royal College of Physicians
• RCPsych responds to the Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Autumn Budget 2021: Key points at-a-glance BBC News
• Budget 2021: Tax rises likely to leave middle earners worse off BBC News
• Budget 2021: Eight ways Rishi Sunak's plans affect you BBC News
• Budget 2021: Sunak unleashes spending spree partly funded by higher taxes Channel 4 News
• With hands tied behind its back, Sunak tells NHS to deliver The Independent
• Budget 2021: Social care ‘left out in the cold’ this winter iNews
• Throwing money at equipment 'not enough' to fix the NHS, warn nurses Nursing Notes
• Chancellor promises NHS workers another pay rise in 2022 Nursing Notes

Economic security and long-term conditions

Economic security and long-term conditions This analysis found that at the point of diagnosis, when living with long-term conditions and in looking to the future, people living with multiple long term-term conditions experience specific challenges in maintaining economic security. It also found that compared to those with one or no long-term conditions, those with multiple long-term conditions have the lowest levels of subjective economic security. In this briefing, supported by a full data report, six recommendations are identified for national government and local systems to support people living with multiple long-term conditions. Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce 

Patient harm 'almost certain' due to ambulance handover delays

Patient harm 'almost certain' due to ambulance handover delays Patients are being put at "catastrophic risk" of harm due to ambulance handover delays, health bosses say.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has raised its risk rating for such delays to its highest level for the first time in its history.

The risk rating shows the trust believes patient harm is "almost certain" due to the handover hold-ups. BBC News 

'Patient dying in my ambulance triggered PTSD'

'Patient dying in my ambulance triggered PTSD' For paramedic Ollie Springett, seeing a patient die in the back of his ambulance of respiratory issues was too much.

It was the run-up to Christmas last year, and Ollie was on shift with the London Ambulance Service during the darkest days of the Covid pandemic.

The pressure of working on the NHS frontline led to him developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He is far from alone, NHS staff have been seeking help in record numbers. BBC News 

29p depression pill is found to slash unvaccinated patients' risk of hospitalisation

29p depression pill is found to slash unvaccinated patients' risk of hospitalisation A cheap antidepressant may cut the risk of an unvaccinated Covid patient needing hospital care by a third, a large Brazilian study suggests. 

Fluvoxamine — available on prescription in the UK under the name Faverin — is thought to calm down the immune system due to its anti-inflammatory abilities.  The Daily Mail

See also: 

• Effect of early treatment with fluvoxamine on risk of emergency care and hospitalisation among patients with COVID-19: the TOGETHER randomised, platform clinical trial (open access) The Lancet Global Health
• Wearing face coverings protected wearers from COVID-19 infection – large scale study University of Oxford 
• Covid cases were already falling in children BEFORE half-term The Daily Mail
• Give Covid booster jabs to middle-aged and young adults, No10 scientist says The Daily Mail
• Covid UK: 'Less than 20% chance' government will activate plan B, Whitehall sources say The Daily Mail
• Novavax applies for UK approval of its Covid vaccine - which Britain has bought 60 million doses of The Daily Mail
• NHS Test and Trace is still lavishing millions on nearly 2000 consultants The Daily Telegraph
• Boris Johnson wears face mask in Commons for first time in months The Guardian
• Generation Burnout: how Covid-19 pushed NHS staff to the brink The New Statesman

Double whammy of flu and Covid will overwhelm NHS this winter, modelling warns

Double whammy of flu and Covid will overwhelm NHS this winter, modelling warns The NHS will be overwhelmed this winter by a lethal combination of Covid-19 and flu, new modelling has suggested, amid warnings that Europe is on track for a “severe” influenza season.

The modelling, compiled by the health analytics firm Airfinity, explores the threat posed to the health service if coronavirus hospitalisation rates remain stable and flu prevalence mirrors the years preceding the pandemic. The Daily Telegraph 

NHS workers could strike in bid for 15% pay rise

NHS workers could strike in bid for 15% pay rise NHS union GMB plans to escalate opposition to the Government’s 3% pay rise for NHS workers.

GMB will ballot tens of thousands of NHS employees working across 22 NHS Trusts in Yorkshire and North Derbyshire between 10 November and 15 December. Any strikes would then take place early next year. Pulse 

NHS 111 callers in Northamptonshire waiting 12 times longer than five months ago as pressure on health services grows

NHS 111 callers in Northamptonshire waiting 12 times longer than five months ago as pressure on health services grows Callers to the NHS 111 helpline in Northamptonshire waited 12 TIMES longer for help than they did five months ago, according to NHS England data. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Lakeside Oundle digital GP consultation app may transform how healthcare is delivered

Lakeside Oundle digital GP consultation app may transform how healthcare is delivered A new online method for patients accessing their GP services has been given a more than 90 per cent approval rating by patients at an Oundle surgery.

Lakeside Healthcare Oundle - part of the giant GP Lakeside Healthcare Partnership - has been using an online consultation platform called Doctrin. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Tory council stands up to government over care staff funding crisis in West Northamptonshire

Tory council stands up to government over care staff funding crisis in West Northamptonshire Conservative-controlled West Northamptonshire Council is standing up to the Tory government again — this time over staff shortages in the care sector.

Cabinet member Matt Golby says the council fully supports NHS hospital chiefs' calls for more funding to urgently attract care workers. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Three things the NHS will be watching out for on Wednesday

Three things the NHS will be watching out for on Wednesday With the recent Health and Care Levy announcement raising as many questions as it answered, Mark Dayan and Sally Gainsbury look ahead to the Spending Review and highlight three vital areas for the NHS and social care. Nuffield Trust 

Have integrated care programmes reduced emergency admissions? Lessons for Integrated Care Systems (ICSs)

Have integrated care programmes reduced emergency admissions? Lessons for Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) The NHS in England is about to embark on another round of reorganisation. Under the plans, every part of England will be covered by an integrated care system (ICS) by April 2022. ICSs are partnerships between NHS, local government and other agencies, and have responsibility for planning services and managing resources to improve health and care in their area. The Health Foundation 

The power of those small acts of kindness

The power of those small acts of kindness Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. The King's Fund 

Survey reveals nurse staffing levels to be the biggest barrier to end of life care

Survey reveals nurse staffing levels to be the biggest barrier to end of life care One in three nurses (30%) said staffing levels are the main barrier to provide quality end of life care, an exclusive survey has revealed. Over half of nurses (52%) who responded to the survey also felt the quality of end of life care for dying people got worse as a result of the ongoing Covid pandemic.

The annual survey, carried out by Nursing Standard and end of life charity Marie Curie, was answered by nearly 600 nurses and other caring staff across the UK who reflected on their experiences of caring for people at the end of their lives.

See also: 

• Nurse shortages leave people dying in pain, charity warns The Independent

GP appointment availability

GP appointment availability This debate pack covers the commissioning and regulation of GP services; GP services during the coronavirus pandemic; and statistics on GP appointments in England. It has been prepared for a Westminster Hall debate on 26 October 2021. House of Commons Library 

“Muddled, overstated, eye-wateringly expensive”: PAC damning on Test & Trace that has “failed on main objectives”

“Muddled, overstated, eye-wateringly expensive”: PAC damning on Test & Trace that has “failed on main objectives” In a damning report published today the Public Accounts Committee says “NHS Test & Trace has not achieved its main objective to help break chains of COVID-19 transmission and enable people to return towards a more normal way of life” despite being handed an “eye watering” budget of £37 billion over two years – and not managing to spend £8.7 billion of the first year’s allocation. Instead,  since the end of October 2020 “the country has had two more national lockdowns and case numbers have risen dramatically”.

See also: 

• NHS's 'world beating' £37BILLION Test and Trace program was 'eyewatering' waste of taxpayer cash The Daily Mail
• How NHS Test & Trace frittered away £37bn The Daily Telegraph
• NHS Test and Trace criticised as ‘eyewatering’ waste of taxpayers' money The Daily Telegraph
• NHS test and trace ‘failed its main objective’, says spending watchdog The Guardian
• Covid: Test and Trace failed its 'main objective’ and handed equivalent of 20% of NHS budget ITV News
• Contact tracing: 'Not possible' to know how many have enabled NHS Covid-19 app Public Technology
• COVID-19: NHS Test and Trace failed in its 'main objective', highly-critical report from committee of MPs finds Sky News

Tens of thousands of 12 to 15-year-olds booked in for COVID-19 jabs as half-term drive continues

Tens of thousands of 12 to 15-year-olds booked in for COVID-19 jabs as half-term drive continues More than 80,000 young people aged 12 to 15 have booked their COVID-19 vaccination since online bookings opened just four days ago, as part of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme. NHS England 

Covid measures ‘plan C’ has been discussed, senior official tells MPs

Covid measures ‘plan C’ has been discussed, senior official tells MPs A “plan C” for tougher coronavirus restrictions has been discussed in official circles, a senior civil servant has confirmed, despite ministers denying that tougher measures are an option this Christmas should the rate of new cases continue to rise.

The indication of planning for potentially harsher restrictions comes as senior scientists and Labour push for the rollout of “plan B”, an existing package of “light-touch” measures including advice to work from home and compulsory face masks in some settings. The Guardian

See also:

• Covid vaccines: FDA panel approves Pfizer jabs for children 5 and up BBC News
• Covid-19 UK: Top Government adviser hints No10 could drop mass testing from January The Daily Mail
• Thirteen 'mostly unvaccinated' pregnant women DIED from Covid since July, study shows The Daily Mail
• Teachers call on ministers to boost uptake of Covid vaccines for schoolchildren The Daily Mail
• Antiviral COVID-19 pill gains momentum as European Union medical agency begins reviewing the drug The Daily Mail
• Company behind scandal-hit Wolverhampton testing lab still processing PCR Covid tests The Daily Mail
• Why pregnant women need clearer messaging on Covid vaccine safety The Guardian
• Pregnant women are being turned away from Covid vaccine clinics, experts warn The Guardian
• ‘Plan B’ Covid measures could cost UK economy £18bn, documents suggest The Guardian

Simply throwing money at the NHS won’t solve all its problems

Simply throwing money at the NHS won’t solve all its problems | Simon Jenkins Family doctors have been told to refuse to take on new patients as the row over face-to-face appointments escalates.

The British Medical Association wrote to GPs today claiming Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s plan to improve patient access was a ‘bully’s charter’.

The letter, from BMA GP committee chairman Dr Richard Vautrey, claimed doctors should ‘not feel pressured to return to a traditional ten-minute treadmill of face-to-face consultations’. The Guardian

See also:

• Medical union tells GPs not to take on any new patients The Daily Mail
• Extra £6bn for NHS in budget must be matched by increase in workforce, warns BMA GPonline
• Fund social care now to protect NHS, Sunak told The Independent

Firefighters on standby to plug gaps in care services left by staff shortages, warns Northampton General Hospital CEO

Firefighters on standby to plug gaps in care services left by staff shortages, warns Northampton General Hospital CEO Northampton General Hospital bosses are poised to call in firefighters on standby to visit fall victims instead of care workers to plug gaps left by staff shortages.

In a hard-hitting statement the hospital's CEO appealed for urgent government funding to improve wages and prevent a log-jam in hospital beds this winter. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Public Health Northamptonshire opens vaccination centre appointments to 12 to 15 year olds

Public Health Northamptonshire opens vaccination centre appointments to 12 to 15 year olds Those aged 12 to 15 can now book their Covid-19 vaccinations outside of school in Northamptonshire, as part of a drive to increase uptake.

The Covid-19 vaccination booking service widened its scope today (October 25th), following announcements earlier that vaccinations in secondary schools are also being accelerated. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Injustice? Towards a better understanding of health care access challenges for prisoners

Injustice? Towards a better understanding of health care access challenges for prisoners Many prisoners still struggle to access hospital services despite their significant health care needs, and early data suggests the pandemic has worsened access further. This report considers new evidence relating to pre-existing health conditions before prison, the use of remote consultation, different ethnic groups' use of health services and the early impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. An accompanying explainer describes how prison health care is delivered. Nuffield Trust 

Assessing the impact of Covid-19 on the clinically extremely vulnerable population

Assessing the impact of Covid-19 on the clinically extremely vulnerable population By February 2021 more than 4 million people across the UK had been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and advised to shield. 

Our briefing shows the scale of the challenge of ensuring that the most clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 are kept safe, and in providing high-quality health and social care during the pandemic. It also indicates that there are substantial unmet needs that should be prioritised to ensure that the mental and physical health of this group does not deteriorate further. The Health Foundation 

NHS delivers booster vaccine to half of eligible people aged 50 and over

NHS delivers booster vaccine to half of eligible people aged 50 and over Half of eligible people aged 50 and over have already received their COVID booster jab in England, as the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in NHS history continues. More than 4.5 million people aged 50 and over – 4,547,927 people – have received a top up in protection in less than six weeks. NHS England 

Covid: Are cases about to plummet without Plan B?

Covid: Are cases about to plummet without Plan B? Rising Covid cases have been putting both the NHS and ministers under huge pressure.

But could this be about to change - and change quite dramatically?

It is dangerous to read too much into a few days of data - especially given the way infection levels in the south-west of England have been skewed by the lab test failings. But the recent rise that has caused so much concern does appear to have slowed and maybe is starting to drop in England. BBC News

See also: 

• Covid: Vaccine study links virus to rare neurological illness BBC News
• WHO says up to 180,000 health care workers globally have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began The Daily Mail
• UK's daily Covid cases FALL for second day in a row to 45,113 and deaths drop 16% The Daily Mail
• Sajid Javid admits he is 'leaning towards' making Covid vaccines compulsory for all NHS staff The Daily Mail
• Compulsory Covid jab for NHS staff could ramp up vaccine uptake, says Javid – video The Guardian
• Vaccine passports could fuel spread of Covid, says leaked government report The Independent
• Top five Covid hotspots revealed as cases rise by nearly 37,000 The Independent
• Covid cases to fall this winter even without restrictions, expert says The Independent
• Covid ‘more likely’ to cause neurological issues than vaccines The Independent

Why women may wait decades for an ADHD diagnosis

Why women may wait decades for an ADHD diagnosis Gender bias is leaving many women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder undiagnosed, leading psychologists are warning.

The prevailing stereotype ADHD affects only "naughty boys" means at least tens of thousands in the UK, it is estimated, are unaware they have the condition and not receiving the help they need. BBC News 

How the number of NHS beds in England has halved

How the number of NHS beds in England has halved The total number of hospital beds has fallen from 300,000 to 141,000 over the last 30 years.

As we enter the winter months, with Covid-19 cases having already surpassed 50,000 a day and 5.7 million people waiting for NHS treatment, the impact of a bed shortage will be felt more acutely than ever. New Statesman 

Budget boost of £2bn planned for digital overhaul of NHS

Budget boost of £2bn planned for digital overhaul of NHS Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to award a fund of £2.3bn in this year’s Budget, which will go towards improving IT and technology in NHS hospitals in England. Healthcare IT News 

Covid-19: Northamptonshire health boss calls for continued safety measures

Covid-19: Northamptonshire health boss calls for continued safety measures A public health boss has called for people to continue wearing face coverings and practice social distancing where they can.

Lucy Wightman, director of public health for Northamptonshire, said the county has "got to make sure we're using all of the tools in the box".

A further 763 cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the county in the latest 24-hour period. BBC Northampton

See also: 

• University of Northampton staff and students told they must wear face masks in lectures again Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• 'Test, test, test' plea with Covid-19 cases doubling and more younger people in Northamptonshire hospitals Northamptonshire Telegraph
• Jabs in secondary schools to be speeded up after half-term as Northampton, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough lag behind most of UK Northamptonshire Telegraph

Team behind 'The Mental Health Number' in Northamptonshire wins national award

Team behind 'The Mental Health Number' in Northamptonshire wins national award The Northamptonshire Integrated Response Hub (IRH) - known as The Mental Health Number - has won a prestigious award at the Positive Practice in the Mental Health National awards. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Northamptonshire charities asked to help prisoners freed to sleep rough

Northamptonshire charities asked to help prisoners freed to sleep rough Probation officers have been writing to homelessness charities asking for tents and sleeping bags for prisoners released from jail on to the streets.

The BBC has seen emails sent from workers asking for help as people have "nowhere to go". BBC Northampton

Going green: what do the public think about the NHS and climate change?

Going green: what do the public think about the NHS and climate change? With the NHS aiming to become the world’s first ‘net zero’ emissions health care system, understanding the views of the public will support the development and implementation of policies to successfully transition to net zero.

This long read explores public perceptions of climate change, health and the NHS. It highlights key findings from a nationally representative survey of 1,858 UK adults, conducted by Ipsos MORI in July 2021.  The Health Foundation

Homecare deficit exposed

Homecare deficit exposed A new report from the Homecare Association details the findings of enquiries, made under freedom of information legislation, to 340 public organisations which purchase homecare across the United Kingdom. 

See also:

• Homecare costs outstrip funding from councils, says report BBC News

Budget 2021: Extra £5.9bn pledged for NHS backlog in England

Budget 2021: Extra £5.9bn pledged for NHS backlog in England The NHS in England is to receive an extra £5.9bn in this week's Budget, the government has announced.

The money will be used to help clear the record backlog of people waiting for tests and scans, which has been worsened by the pandemic, and also to buy equipment and improve IT.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak called the announcement "game-changing". BBC News

See also: 

• Sajid Javid says £5.9bn for NHS is 'new money' BBC News
• Rishi Sunak to announce almost £6bn to tackle England’s record NHS waiting list The Guardian
• Sajid Javid can’t say if fresh billions will clear NHS backlog in three years The Independent
• Rishi Sunak to unveil £6bn NHS Budget boost to clear Covid scan and treatment backlogs iNews
• Budget 2021: £5.9 billion boost to tackle NHS backlog and digitise service ITV News

Delta 'Plus' Covid variant may be more transmissible

Delta 'Plus' Covid variant may be more transmissible A new mutated form of coronavirus that some are calling "Delta Plus" may spread more easily than regular Delta, UK experts now say.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has moved it up into the "variant under investigation" category, to reflect this possible risk.
 
There is no evidence yet that it causes worse illness. BBC News

See also:

• Prepare to trigger Covid Plan B curbs, say scientists BBC News
• Covid: Protect schools from anti-vax protests - Starmer BBC News
• Ros Atkins on… Rising Covid cases in the UK BBC News
• Doctors accuse No10 of 'wilful negligence' for ruling out masks and WFH The Daily Mail
• UK daily Covid hospitalisations hit 1,000 for first time in six weeks The Daily Mail
• Almost one in 50 people now have Covid in England, official figures reveal The Daily Mail
• Ministers to ramp up Covid vaccine rollout as hospitalisations rise The Guardian
• ‘Darker skies and colder weather provide perfect conditions... for Covid-19 to thrive’ The Guardian
• UK government paves way to bring in tough ‘plan B’ Covid rules The Guardian
• UK facing ‘another lockdown Christmas if we don’t act soon’ The Guardian
• Only 8% of UK schools have received air monitors that were promised by government The Guardian
• Sajid Javid says NHS staff who aren't vaccinated against Covid risk 'patient safety' iNews
• COVID-19: Former vaccine chief Dr Emily Lawson returns to NHS amid concerns about pace of booster jabs rollout Sky News

Five charts that show how the NHS is under acute pressure

Five charts that show how the NHS is under acute pressure With rising Covid infections and a big backlog of patients, many in the NHS want action to prevent a winter crisis

The NHS is caring for a rising number of Covid patients at the same time as it deals with a backlog of more than 5.7 million patients in England alone.

The head of the NHS Confederation warned the government this week that it must implement “plan B” winter measures – such as mask wearing and vaccine passports – to help deal with this accumulation of demand. The Guardian

See also: 

• Breaking point: Inside the NHS's looming crisis The Independent
• Sajid Javid risks sparking exodus of NHS managers, union warns The Independent
• It's NHS shortages we need to worry about this Christmas, not turkeys Metro
• COVID-19: NHS 'already in terrible place and struggling to cope', says A&E boss Sky News

NHS maternity services near breaking point, warns top doctor

NHS maternity services near breaking point, warns top doctor The NHS could soon be unable to deliver “the care it needs to” for women giving birth if the surge in Covid cases continues, the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has said.

Dr Edward Morris, the UK’s most senior gynaecologist, became the latest high-ranking clinician to raise the alarm about the increasing pressures on the health service as Covid cases rise and it battles a huge backlog of 5.7 million patients caused by the first and second waves of the virus. The Guardian 

Rare ‘flesh eating’ STI becoming more common in the UK, says doctor

Rare ‘flesh eating’ STI becoming more common in the UK, says doctor A sexually-transmitted infection that causes angry red ‘flesh-eating’ genital ulcers is becoming more common in the UK, a doctor has warned.

Donovanosis is still extremely rare, with only 20 or 30 cases each year, and is more common in India, South America and Southeast Asia.

However, Dr Shree Datta from MyHealthCare Clinic, said that “figures suggest that Donovanosis ... is becoming more common on these shores.” The Independent 

Northamptonshire reaches 100,000 Covid-19 cases amid warning delays to plan B risks longer NHS hospital waiting lists

Northamptonshire reaches 100,000 Covid-19 cases amid warning delays to plan B risks longer NHS hospital waiting lists Northamptonshire is poised to pass 100,000 positive coronavirus tests since the pandemic began amid growing numbers of hospital patients and deaths nationally. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Northamptonshire NHS mental health helpline receives 100,000 calls in August alone as demand expected to rise

Northamptonshire NHS mental health helpline receives 100,000 calls in August alone as demand expected to rise A 24/7 mental health Helpline in Northamptonshire has seen a sharp rise in demand following the end of national lockdowns.

The number, which launched in March 2020 by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) and the mental health charity Mind, has seen calls increase from an average of 60-a-day in its first three months to as many as 500-a-day by October this year. In August alone there were over 100,000. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Five leaders, five reflections about public health and the Covid-19 pandemic

Five leaders, five reflections about public health and the Covid-19 pandemic Recently we published our report about the experiences of directors of public health (DsPH) in eight different local areas during the Covid-19 pandemic. To take a wider view of England’s emergency response to Covid-19, we also spoke to five other leaders working at either a national or regional level across the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and NHS Improvement and Public Health England (just before it was closed and replaced by the UK Health Security Agency and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities). The King's Fund 

Better together: a public health model for mentally healthier integrated care systems

Better together: a public health model for mentally healthier integrated care systems According to this briefing paper, England’s 42 integrated care systems have an opportunity to protect and promote mental health in the communities they serve. The briefing explores how integrated care systems can address the social and environmental factors that affect people’s health in their communities. Centre for Mental Health 

British Social Attitudes 38

British Social Attitudes 38 This year’s British Social Attitudes report examines how two historic events – the arrival of the pandemic and the delivery of Brexit – are shaping public attitudes in Britain. The report finds that in the wake of the pandemic more people think that society is unequal, value flexibility at work, and question the role of law and conformity. National Centre for Social Research 

Increased stability in social care and real collaboration across health and care key to mitigating risk of “tsunami of unmet need”

Increased stability in social care and real collaboration across health and care key to mitigating risk of “tsunami of unmet need” The Care Quality Commission’s annual assessment of the state of health and social care in England looks at the quality of care over the past year – the first of these reports to cover a full year of the pandemic.

This year, the success of the vaccination programme has given hope that the virus can be contained. Alongside this hope, however, is the recognition that COVID-19 will continue to cast a long shadow over all aspects of life, especially the health and care system.

See also:

• Multi-million pound fund to boost adult social care workforce Department of Health and Social Care
• CQC’s report suggests this winter is set to test the health and care system like no other The Health Foundation
• Social care ‘buckling under intense pressure’: The King’s Fund response to CQC State of Care report The King's Fund
• The ongoing workforce crisis in social care needs urgent action ahead of bleak winter Nuffield Trust
• Social care faces tsunami of unmet need - watchdog BBC News
• Tackling inequalities often not a main priority in healthcare, says CQC The Guardian
• Care watchdog warns of ‘tsunami of unmet need’ as Covid cases soar The Independent

Advertising blitz to urge public to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines

Advertising blitz to urge public to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines National advertising campaign steps up today to encourage people to protect themselves and loved ones from COVID and flu this winter. Department of Health and Social Care

See also: 

• NHS invites two million more people for booster jabs NHS England
• NHS opens online COVID-19 vaccination bookings for 12-15 year olds NHS England

Covid: UK cases top 50,000 for first time in three months

Covid: UK cases top 50,000 for first time in three months More than 50,000 Covid cases have been recorded in the UK for the first time since 17 July.

Amid calls for more restrictions, Boris Johnson urged people to come forward for booster jabs when their time comes.

The prime minister said those who become eligible for a third dose of vaccine should organise an appointment straight away. BBC News

See also: 

• Covid: Brits increasingly lax on masks and social mixing BBC News
• Should the government do more to protect the NHS? BBC News
• Covid: Vaccines '90% effective' at preventing Delta variant deaths BBC News
• Vaccination teams are bringing in flu but NOT Covid jabs to give elderly residents, bosses warn The Daily Mail
• Only two DOZEN parts of England have yet to record a case of new Delta off-shoot The Daily Mail
• Face mask use in adults in their 30s and 40s has risen consistently for eight weeks, data shows The Daily Mail
• The NHS isn't facing another Covid crisis and Sajid Javid knows it The Daily Telegraph
• Covid booster jabs could be brought forward as UK daily cases hit 52,000 The Guardian
• Cancer patients face ‘perfect storm’ as Covid piles pressure on NHS The Guardian
• Anti-vaxxers serve 'legal documents' citing 'Nuremberg Code' to NHS hospital staff The Independent
• COVID-19: Is the UK being too relaxed about coronavirus? Sky News
• COVID-19: Confusion as minister says book booster jabs but NHS says people must be invited Sky News

The NHS leads the world in green healthcare. But it faces a political roadblock

The NHS leads the world in green healthcare. But it faces a political roadblock | Polly Toynbee Staff initiatives have successfully cut emissions, but without serious infrastructure investment there’s nowhere left to go. The Guardian 

GPs ballot for strike action over seeing patients face-to-face

GPs ballot for strike action over seeing patients face-to-face GPs will be balloted about taking industrial action over a Government plan to boost the number of patients seen face-to-face.

Last week ministers announced a £250m fund for GP practices, to help them improve patient access. 

Under the NHS Plan for GPs and Patients, practices were told they must “respect preferences” for in-person appointments and should use the money to extend opening hours or offer walk-in consultations. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• BMA’s England GP committee rejects Government’s rescue package and moves towards a ballot on industrial action BMA
• GPs head for industrial action ballot as BMA backs 'support package' boycott GPonline
• GPs in England threaten industrial action over in-person appointments The Guardian
• Can GPs take industrial action and how might it affect patients? The Guardian

Health chiefs plea for patience as demand for flu jabs ramps up in Northamptonshire

Health chiefs plea for patience as demand for flu jabs ramps up in Northamptonshire Health chiefs are urgently investigating why some people are struggling to get a flu jab in Northamptonshire.

And they have begged residents to remain patient to avoid swamping the system. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also: 

• Covid: Northampton professor calls for more social restrictions BBC Northampton
• Here's where you can grab a booster jab in Northampton, Corby, Wellingborough and Towcester Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Two new Covid antiviral drugs secured to protect most at-risk this winter Northamptonshire Telegraph

Disabled doctors face disproportionate rate of bullying, finds report

 Disabled doctors face disproportionate rate of bullying, finds report Disabled doctors are more likely to experience bullying and abuse in the workplace, according to recent data published by the health service.

Twenty-six per cent of doctors and other healthcare staff with disabilities said they had faced bullying, harassment and abuse in the past 12 months, compared with 19 per cent of non-disabled during the same time period in England. BMA 

The disease of disparity: a blueprint to make progress on health inequalities in England

The disease of disparity: a blueprint to make progress on health inequalities in England This report identifies six areas where policy needs to change to tackle health inequality, and makes recommendations across the NHS and the socioeconomic drivers of poor health. Combined, these provide a constructive plan to tackle the ‘disease of disparity’ in England – and to achieve the health, social and economic gains possible from addressing health inequality. Institute for Public Policy Research 

UK government secures groundbreaking COVID-19 antivirals

UK government secures groundbreaking COVID-19 antivirals Thousands of vulnerable patients could be taking ground-breaking COVID-19 antivirals this winter after the government announced deals to secure two new treatments.

The deals made by the Antivirals Taskforce are a significant step in its ambition to secure at least two new effective treatments by the end of the year for those who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with the virus. Department of Health and Social Care 

Get Covid jab or restrictions more likely, Sajid Javid says

Get Covid jab or restrictions more likely, Sajid Javid says If not enough people get vaccinated, it is more likely restrictions will be reintroduced in England, the health secretary has said.

Sajid Javid said the government would not be bringing in its Plan B measures, which include mandatory face coverings and working from home, "at this point".

He added that he did not believe the current pressures on the NHS were unsustainable. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: Doctors criticise ministers over new rules refusal  BBC News
• Covid: WHO warns pandemic will drag on into 2022  BBC News
• 'Challenges accumulating' for NHS with Covid-19, flu season and overworked staff Channel 4 News
• Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective at preventing death from the Delta variant The Daily Mail
• UK's Covid cases spike by another 15% in a week to brink of 50,000 The Daily Mail
• A THIRD of mass Covid vaccine hubs in England have been closed amid fears sluggish booster rollout The Daily Mail
• Sajid Javid reveals No10 has bought 'game-changing' anti-viral made by pharmaceutical giant Merck The Daily Mail
• Government's SAGE scientists have met just TWICE over the last three months The Daily Mail
• Pupils told to wear face masks in school again as local health officials bring in Covid restrictions The Daily Telegraph
• Javid vows to protect NHS as he says Covid infections could hit 100,000 a day The Guardian
• What Covid measures could a ‘Plan C’ involve? The Independent
• Doctors accuse government of being ‘wilfully negligent’ over Covid The Independent

'People don't see us as humans' – NHS matron on abuse faced by staff

'People don't see us as humans' – NHS matron on abuse faced by staff The prime minister today condemned attacks on NHS staff after hearing from a Midlands MP how over 600 attacks on staff at her local hospital have prompted those working in the A&E department to resort to wearing body cameras.

But what can be done to keep staff safe? Channel 4 News

Face off: the government versus GPs

Face off: the government versus GPs The government is demanding that GPs see more patients face-to-face in return for an injection of extra funding, but many in the profession say the pandemic has left them close to breaking point. The Guardian

See also: 

• Viability of general practice this winter in doubt, warns BMA GPonline

Care homes have REJECTED 5,000 requests for help in last six weeks 'because of staff shortages'

Care homes have REJECTED 5,000 requests for help in last six weeks 'because of staff shortages' Care homes have been forced to reject requests from nearly 5,000 people due to staffing shortages over the last six weeks, industry bosses said today.

The National Care Forum (NCF), an association for care providers, surveyed 340 managers who run care services in England that employ more than 20,000 staff and support around 15,000 people. The Daily Mail 

Vaccine uptake at pop-up clinics remains strong in Northamptonshire, pharmacists say

Vaccine uptake at pop-up clinics remains strong in Northamptonshire, pharmacists say Vaccine uptake is staying strong for two pop-up clinics in Northamptonshire, amidst a local rise in Covid-19 cases.

The promising news comes after a series of clinics opened their doors on October 19, with a significant portion of patients being younger people. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Nursing and midwifery competence test centre at University of Northampton wins new contract to remain open

Nursing and midwifery competence test centre at University of Northampton wins new contract to remain open A nursery and midwifery competency testing centre at the University of Northampton will remain open after the organisation was granted a new contract. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Women driven to terminate wanted pregnancies due to hyperemesis gravidarum

Women driven to terminate wanted pregnancies due to hyperemesis gravidarum A survey of more than 5000 women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), details the harrowing illness. The survey found 4.9% of women terminated a wanted pregnancy because of suffering from HG, while 52.1% of women had considered termination. 25.5% women surveyed occasionally thought about suicide, while 6.6% of women regularly considered it. King's College London

See also: 

• Termination of wanted pregnancy and suicidal ideation in hyperemesis gravidarum: A mixed methods study (open access) Obstetric Medicine
• Severe pregnancy illness: 'I won't have another baby' BBC News

Building Frontiers

Building Frontiers A new report by the Frontiers Group at the National Association of Primary Care explores how to support system integration at a place and neighbourhood level to enable real sustainable transformation. 

Adult inpatient survey 2020

Adult inpatient survey 2020 This survey looks at the experiences of people who stayed at least one night in hospital as an inpatient.

The results show that, generally, people’s experiences of inpatient care were positive and overall differences between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients were small, suggesting that care provided was consistent. Most people said they were treated with respect and dignity, had confidence and trust in the doctors and nurses that treated them and observed high levels of cleanliness.

Survey findings were less positive, however, for areas of care including people’s experiences of receiving emotional support, information sharing and hospital discharge. Care Quality Commission

See also:

• CQC survey shows high patient trust in hospital nurses but concerns about shortages Nursing Times

Covid and beyond: confronting the unequal access to type 1 diabetes healthcare

Covid and beyond: confronting the unequal access to type 1 diabetes healthcare JDRF surveyed more than 1000 people living with type 1 diabetes, or caring for a child living with it, to reveal their experiences through the upheavals of the Covid pandemic. The findings of the report reveal the impact of the withdrawal and repurposing of many NHS diabetes services on people with type 1. The report sets out a series of recommendations, anchored in the needs of people living with type 1. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 

Enact ‘Plan B plus’ to avoid ‘stumbling into winter crisis’

Enact ‘Plan B plus’ to avoid ‘stumbling into winter crisis’ Health leaders are calling on the government to introduce measures, such as mandatory face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces, without delay to keep people well and avoid the NHS from becoming overwhelmed this winter.

The NHS is seeing worrying increases in coronavirus cases in its hospitals and the community at a time when it is preparing for a busy winter period, its staff are close to burnout, and it is being expected to recover many of its services that were disrupted by the pandemic.

The NHS Confederation is warning that the extent of this recovery could be at risk without preemptive action over winter from the government and the public.

See also:

• COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021 Department of Health and Social Care
• Covid: Bring back rules amid rising cases, urge NHS chiefs BBC News
• Plan B of mask wearing and ban on indoor gatherings must be enforced immediately, warns NHS leader The Daily Telegraph
• Implement ‘plan B’ winter measures now or risk NHS crisis, Johnson warned The Guardian
• What are the ‘Plan B’ measures NHS chiefs want to implement? The Independent
• COVID-19: Minister rules out another lockdown as PM is urged to enforce 'Plan B' to avert winter crisis Sky News

Covid-19: New mutation of Delta variant under close watch in UK

Covid-19: New mutation of Delta variant under close watch in UK Officials are keeping a close watch on a new descendant of the Delta variant of Covid that is causing a growing number of infections.

Delta is the UK's dominant variant, but latest official data suggests 6% of Covid cases that have been genetically sequenced are of a new type.

AY.4.2, which some are calling "Delta Plus", contains mutations that might give the virus survival advantages. BBC News

See also:

• Covid: No 10 'keeping a close eye' on rising Covid cases BBC News
• UK's daily Covid deaths hit SEVEN-MONTH high of 223 while cases jump 13% in a week to 43,738 The Daily Mail
• More infectious strain of Delta makes up 10% of cases in UK - but 7 cases detected in US so far The Daily Mail
• Nearly 5MILLION vulnerable over-50s have yet to have their Covid booster vaccine The Daily Mail
• Prof Lockdown' Neil Ferguson calls for return of face masks The Daily Mail
• Pfizer's Covid vaccine negotiations with developing countries called 'bullying' in new report The Daily Mail
• Without Covid-19 jab, ‘reinfection may occur every 16 months’ The Guardian
• Why is England driving the rise in UK Covid cases? The Guardian
• Vaccine centres in England to take children’s bookings within weeks, says No 10 The Guardian
• Oxford scientists working on new Covid vaccine to target Delta variant The Independent

Care staff shortage harms services for thousands, say managers

Care staff shortage harms services for thousands, say managers Managers of community care services supporting more than 15,000 people in England, say acute staff shortages are forcing them to turn down new clients.

The National Care Forum of mainly not-for-profit organisations, says care providers are having to make tough decisions about who they can help.

Last week health bosses said the care shortage meant more patients judged fit to go home were stuck in hospital. BBC News

See also: 

• The stark reality of the care workforce National Care Forum
• NCF / Outstanding Managers Network survey National Care Forum

NHS ‘in need of 5,000 more medical students’ as numbers from EU drop

NHS ‘in need of 5,000 more medical students’ as numbers from EU drop The NHS is in need of 5,000 more medical students to maintain a sustainable supply of doctors and cope with a drop in numbers coming from Europe, the Medical Schools Council said in a new report. The Independent

See also:

• The expansion of medical school numbers in the UK: Position paper Medical Schools Council
• Medical schools call for increase in doctors to support NHS recovery and sustainability Medical Schools Council
• MSC and AoMRC statement on the expansion of medical student numbers Medical Schools Council and Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

NHS services hit with delays of up to six hours as paramedic warns of lengthy waits for ambulances this winter

NHS services hit with delays of up to six hours as paramedic warns of lengthy waits for ambulances this winter The UK is facing a "bleak" winter as health services have started seeing delays of up to six hours in admitting patients, a paramedic has warned.

Richard Webber, a paramedic and spokesman for the College of Paramedics, said the delays have resulted in increasing numbers of ambulances waiting outside hospitals, along with a backlog of 999 calls. Sky News

See also: 

• 'Trolley waits' in A&E hit record high as NHS crisis deepens The Daily Telegraph

AI projects to tackle racial inequality in UK healthcare, says Javid

AI projects to tackle racial inequality in UK healthcare, says Javid Artificial intelligence is to be used to tackle racial inequalities in the NHS under government plans to “level up” healthcare.

It is hoped that millions of black, Asian and minority ethnic Britons will benefit from revolutionary computer techniques designed to transform care and speed up diagnoses of potentially deadly conditions. Sajid Javid, the health secretary, has given the green light to a series of hi-tech initiatives aimed at tackling health disparities in the UK. It comes amid mounting concern over the issue among senior ministers. The Guardian