Wednesday, 13 October 2021

St Andrew’s Healthcare CEO to step down from Northampton mental health hospital

St Andrew’s Healthcare CEO to step down from Northampton mental health hospital Katie Fisher, CEO of St Andrew’s Healthcare, who has led the charity through a “major transformation” during one of the most challenging periods in the healthcare sector has decided to step down from her position. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Northampton care home put in special measures after getting worst possible rating in scathing report by inspectors

Northampton care home put in special measures after getting worst possible rating in scathing report by inspectors A Northampton care home has been placed into special measures after being given the worst possible rating in a scathing report by inspectors.

Oakwood Nursing Home has been rated as 'inadequate' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in a report published last week following a visit in August. Northampton Chronicle and Echo 

Heroin users warned over deadly drugs '100 times stronger than morphine' still circulating in Northamptonshire

Heroin users warned over deadly drugs '100 times stronger than morphine' still circulating in Northamptonshire Police are warning drug users about a potentially deadly cutting agent still circulating in Northamptonshire.

Officers first sounded an alert over the agent isotonitazene back in July and believe it was directly linked to at least four dangerous overdoses in Kettering last month. Northamptonshire Telegraph 

Addressing the national syndemic: place-based problems and solutions to UK health inequality

Addressing the national syndemic: place-based problems and solutions to UK health inequality This report, published with the Institute of Health Equity, finds that health inequalities have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights that it is the collective responsibility for private, public, voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors to work together to create more equitable and healthy societies. Free registration is required to read this report. Public Policy Projects 

    RCR calls for sustainable investment in imaging and cancer services in Spending Review 2021

    RCR calls for sustainable investment in imaging and cancer services in Spending Review 2021 The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has submitted a spending review representation (PDF) to the Treasury, urging Government to invest in a robust and sustainable future for NHS imaging and cancer care.

    Our submission outlines the vital role played by the RCR’s two medical specialties – with radiology services providing fast patient diagnoses and minimally-invasive surgery and clinical oncology delivering highly effective non-surgical cancer treatment. Chronic underinvestment meant these services were stretched before the arrival of coronavirus, and we are asking the Treasury to prioritise three vital resourcing needs over the next three years.

    See also: 

    One in three doctors say their organisation is not prepared for winter

    One in three doctors say their organisation is not prepared for winter The twelfth survey of RCP members and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted as more of the population returns to normality and winter is on the horizon.

    With just four weeks until the end of British Summer Time, over a third of respondents to our survey (36%) say their organisation is not at all prepared for winter. 27% feel personally unprepared, and almost two thirds feeling tired or exhausted. Royal College of Physicians

    See also: 

    Research: COVID-19: reported SARS-CoV-2 deaths in England

    Research: COVID-19: reported SARS-CoV-2 deaths in England Monthly report presenting the latest data on COVID-19 mortality in England in people with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2. Public Health England 

    Covid: Misleading vaccine claims target children and parents

    Covid: Misleading vaccine claims target children and parents Campaigners have been gathering outside schools, handing out what they claim are legal documents or "notices of liability" to head teachers, warning them not to vaccinate children.

    Before the government's decision to extend the UK Covid vaccination programme to 12- to 15-year-olds was announced, debate simmered over whether the jab should be offered to healthy children, who are at a much lower risk from the virus than older age groups.

    But alongside genuine discussion, campaigners opposed to the vaccine have been spreading misinformation. BBC News

    See also: 

    Life expectancy falling in parts of England before pandemic - study

    Life expectancy falling in parts of England before pandemic - study Many areas in the north of England have seen life expectancy fall within the last decade, a new study suggests.

    Differences across England have now become stark, say researchers - such as a 27-year gap in life expectancy for a man living in Kensington and Chelsea, compared to Blackpool.

    Although Covid caused life expectancy to drop, this research suggests it was already in decline in many areas. BBC News

    See also: 

    NHS faces beds crisis as care homes stop taking patients from hospitals

    NHS faces beds crisis as care homes stop taking patients from hospitals The NHS faces a mounting beds crisis as care homes suffering unprecedented staff shortages are forced to stop taking patients from hospitals, health and care leaders have warned.

    Ministers are desperately trying to free up space in the NHS to tackle a backlog of 5.6 million people – equivalent to almost 10% of people in England – awaiting treatment. The Guardian

    See also: 

    Plunge in diabetes checks: Doctors carried out 7.4million fewer tests last year, study suggests

    Plunge in diabetes checks: Doctors carried out 7.4million fewer tests last year, study suggests Doctors conducted 7.4million fewer diabetes checks last year leaving patients at increased risk of heart attacks and amputations, a study suggests.

    Researchers warn the delays will continue, with potentially deadly consequences, if surgeries fail to improve access to face-to-face care. The Daily Mail

    See also: