Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Commissioning board promises CCGs a lighter planning 'ask'
Commissioning board promises CCGs a lighter planning 'ask': Clinical commissioning groups will need to report only a “minimum” set of quality, performance and finance information to the centre to support the NHS planning process, they have been told by the NHS Commissioning Board. HSJ
NMC pin cards will no longer be issued
NMC pin cards will no longer be issued: From the end of September the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) will no longer be issuing pin cards to registered nurses and midwives. Employers should use the NMC's free online service to confirm professional registration. NHS Employers News
HPA survey reveals poor flu vaccine uptake amongst London midwives
HPA survey reveals poor flu vaccine uptake amongst London midwives:
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published the findings of a survey of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake amongst London midwives (June-August 2011).
Out of 266 survey responders, 43% chose to have the vaccine compared to an uptake rate of 36% among London healthcare workers (winter season 2011/12).
The survey found that the main reasons for midwives declining the flu vaccine were doubts about the necessity of vaccination (34%); vaccine safety (25%); vaccine effectiveness (10%); and poor arrangements in the workplace for midwives to be vaccinated (11%).
Dr Ishola, lead investigator, concluded: "Our recommendations for employers would be to establish effective publicity to promote having the flu vaccine at work and making it available at more convenient times and places. There is a need for clear and appropriate information to be made available to midwives, with transparent guidelines, evidence and direction, in addition to adequate ...Health Protection Agency (HPA)
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published the findings of a survey of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake amongst London midwives (June-August 2011).
Out of 266 survey responders, 43% chose to have the vaccine compared to an uptake rate of 36% among London healthcare workers (winter season 2011/12).
The survey found that the main reasons for midwives declining the flu vaccine were doubts about the necessity of vaccination (34%); vaccine safety (25%); vaccine effectiveness (10%); and poor arrangements in the workplace for midwives to be vaccinated (11%).
Dr Ishola, lead investigator, concluded: "Our recommendations for employers would be to establish effective publicity to promote having the flu vaccine at work and making it available at more convenient times and places. There is a need for clear and appropriate information to be made available to midwives, with transparent guidelines, evidence and direction, in addition to adequate ...Health Protection Agency (HPA)
Suicide prevention strategy launched
Suicide prevention strategy launched:
The strategy builds on the successes of the 2002 suicide prevention strategy. Real progress has been made in reducing the already relatively low suicide rate to record low levels. NHS Networks
The strategy builds on the successes of the 2002 suicide prevention strategy. Real progress has been made in reducing the already relatively low suicide rate to record low levels. NHS Networks
Healthcare network member survey results: infographic
Healthcare network member survey results: infographic:
A breakdown of what members said about the reforms, outcomes to patients, and the impact of social care cuts. Guardian
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Local trust opens its doors to sufferers of rare arthritis
Local trust opens its doors to sufferers of rare arthritis: Press Release 10th September 2012
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AK), also known as stiff spine, are invited to an information...
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AK), also known as stiff spine, are invited to an information...
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Second case of anthrax confirmed in England
Second case of anthrax confirmed in England: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that a person who injected heroin has died from anthrax infection in Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This death has occurred three weeks after another person who injects drugs also died in Blackpool from confirmed anthrax infection.
Doctors can expect to start receiving revalidation dates by the end of the year
Doctors can expect to start receiving revalidation dates by the end of the year:
Revalidation should begin at the end of the year and that it remains the General Medical Council’s (GMC) top priority, MPs were told this week.
Subject to the secretary of state for Health’s decision to switch on the legislation before the end of 2012, the GMC will begin to tell each doctor the date when they can expect to revalidate and undergo regular checks on their skills and performance. More …..
NHS Networks
Revalidation should begin at the end of the year and that it remains the General Medical Council’s (GMC) top priority, MPs were told this week.
Subject to the secretary of state for Health’s decision to switch on the legislation before the end of 2012, the GMC will begin to tell each doctor the date when they can expect to revalidate and undergo regular checks on their skills and performance. More …..
NHS Networks
Advice to employers on how to handle mental health conditions
Advice to employers on how to handle mental health conditions:
At any one time, one in six adults will be experiencing a mental health condition and it’s crucial that employers support these employees. Support can include many things such as making simple workplace adjustments like taking a flexible approach to start and finish times.
The Department of Health have issued guidance notes intended to help employers think through the kinds of adjustments at work which they can make for people with mental health conditions. They include practical advice and links to other resources which might help them to support job retention and return to work.
Download Mental Health Adjustments Guidance Final (PDF, 64 MB)
At any one time, one in six adults will be experiencing a mental health condition and it’s crucial that employers support these employees. Support can include many things such as making simple workplace adjustments like taking a flexible approach to start and finish times.
The Department of Health have issued guidance notes intended to help employers think through the kinds of adjustments at work which they can make for people with mental health conditions. They include practical advice and links to other resources which might help them to support job retention and return to work.
Download Mental Health Adjustments Guidance Final (PDF, 64 MB)
The forecast for 2080: heatwaves, 11,000 deaths – and dengue fever
The forecast for 2080: heatwaves, 11,000 deaths – and dengue fever:
Climate change may increase the number of heat-related deaths in the UK by 540 per cent, health experts predict. Independent
Climate change may increase the number of heat-related deaths in the UK by 540 per cent, health experts predict. Independent
New approach to hay fever vaccine
New approach to hay fever vaccine: Researchers in London believe they have developed a new approach that could lead to a cheaper and more effective vaccine for hay fever. BBC News
Painkillers 'raise risk of early death in heart attack survivors'
Painkillers 'raise risk of early death in heart attack survivors': Common painkillers including ibuprofen can substantially raise the risk of an early death among heart attack survivors, academics are warning.
Telegraph
TelegraphMore doctors on boards improves hospital performance
More doctors on boards improves hospital performance:
New research suggests that greater clinical leadership leads to better performance
The diagnosis was clear: if we want to do all we can to improve the nation's health, doctors and other clinical professionals should be more involved in the management of the UK's health services. But while Chris Ham, chief executive of the King's Fund, remarked recently that clinical leadership had moved from the "dark side to centre stage", there is still much to do.
The UK has one of the lowest proportions of clinically qualified managers of any health system – 58% compared to 74% in the US and a startling 93% in Sweden. This is surprising given that persuading doctors to become more involved in management has been an explicit policy goal in this country since the Griffiths report came out in 1983. Nearly 20 years later, the NHS Next Stage Review commissioned by Lord Darzi said: "Leadership has been the neglected element of the reforms of recent years. That has to change."
This has led to attempts to create a mixed economy of clinical and non-clinical senior managers in the NHS, with doctors on the shortlist for all future chief executive appointments. The medical profession itself supports change, requiring that all undergraduate and postgraduate courses incorporate a new medical leadership competency framework'. Meanwhile, the Royal College of Physicians has said the time has come to acknowledge the "corporate responsibility" of doctors and foster "complementary skills of leadership and 'followership' at all levels".
Also clear is that clinical leadership can pay dividends. This is suggested by new research from Leeds University Business School. We looked at the boards of English NHS acute trusts between 2005-06 and 2008-09 and found trusts with a high proportion of doctors on their boards were also those that performed best.
The average size of trust boards was 12.45 directors in 2008-09, the largest having 17. Overall, clinicians accounted for just over 26% of director (executive and non-executive) posts in English trusts in 2008-09, and 23% of those trusts had a clinician as their chief executive.
We wanted to know what difference the presence of clinicians on these trust boards really made to their performance. Using publicly-available information, including data from the Healthcare Commission and the annual national patient survey, we tested whether there was a relationship between having more clinicians on the board and better quality outcomes.
As part of the study, we tried to rule out other factors that might influence hospital performance, such as hospital size, status, number of admissions, length of stay, percentage of bed occupancy, number of staff and the average age of patients. We also looked into whether high performance levels were explaining the presence of clinicians on boards, rather than the other way around.
Our results were startling. Trusts that achieved the highest ratings were those that on average had the highest shares of clinicians (27%) on their boards. This was especially true with regard to doctors. Indeed, we found that increasing the proportion of doctors on boards by only 10% made it 10% more likely that a hospital trust would achieve a maximum performance rating of four.
We then looked at hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR) statistics and found that lower patient mortality rates were recorded in hospital trusts that had a higher proportion of doctors on their boards. We also tested what the patients themselves thought, and once again, hospital trusts with a greater ratio of medical professionals were those that achieved higher satisfaction scores from their patients.
The focus of our research was on clinical leadership roles at the most senior levels and not on what happens lower down within organisations. Our results also don't explain why having more doctors involved in executive boards makes such a difference. One can hypothesise that this will have much to do with their expertise and credibility, helping to improve both the content of decisions and the likelihood they will be implemented – although more research is clearly needed.
But our study makes it possible for the first time to quantify the benefits for patients and taxpayers of having greater medical involvement in management. If anything, one might say that previous claims about the contribution of clinical leadership may have been understated. Even a modest increase in the number of doctors on boards can have marked consequences for performance, including patient wellbeing and satisfaction. Nearly 30 years on, the case remains as strong as ever.
Professor Ian Kirkpatrick is professor of work and organisation and Dr Gianluca Veronesi is a lecturer in accounting and finance. Both at Leeds University Business School
Guardian Professional.
The diagnosis was clear: if we want to do all we can to improve the nation's health, doctors and other clinical professionals should be more involved in the management of the UK's health services. But while Chris Ham, chief executive of the King's Fund, remarked recently that clinical leadership had moved from the "dark side to centre stage", there is still much to do.
The UK has one of the lowest proportions of clinically qualified managers of any health system – 58% compared to 74% in the US and a startling 93% in Sweden. This is surprising given that persuading doctors to become more involved in management has been an explicit policy goal in this country since the Griffiths report came out in 1983. Nearly 20 years later, the NHS Next Stage Review commissioned by Lord Darzi said: "Leadership has been the neglected element of the reforms of recent years. That has to change."
This has led to attempts to create a mixed economy of clinical and non-clinical senior managers in the NHS, with doctors on the shortlist for all future chief executive appointments. The medical profession itself supports change, requiring that all undergraduate and postgraduate courses incorporate a new medical leadership competency framework'. Meanwhile, the Royal College of Physicians has said the time has come to acknowledge the "corporate responsibility" of doctors and foster "complementary skills of leadership and 'followership' at all levels".
Also clear is that clinical leadership can pay dividends. This is suggested by new research from Leeds University Business School. We looked at the boards of English NHS acute trusts between 2005-06 and 2008-09 and found trusts with a high proportion of doctors on their boards were also those that performed best.
The average size of trust boards was 12.45 directors in 2008-09, the largest having 17. Overall, clinicians accounted for just over 26% of director (executive and non-executive) posts in English trusts in 2008-09, and 23% of those trusts had a clinician as their chief executive.
We wanted to know what difference the presence of clinicians on these trust boards really made to their performance. Using publicly-available information, including data from the Healthcare Commission and the annual national patient survey, we tested whether there was a relationship between having more clinicians on the board and better quality outcomes.
As part of the study, we tried to rule out other factors that might influence hospital performance, such as hospital size, status, number of admissions, length of stay, percentage of bed occupancy, number of staff and the average age of patients. We also looked into whether high performance levels were explaining the presence of clinicians on boards, rather than the other way around.
Our results were startling. Trusts that achieved the highest ratings were those that on average had the highest shares of clinicians (27%) on their boards. This was especially true with regard to doctors. Indeed, we found that increasing the proportion of doctors on boards by only 10% made it 10% more likely that a hospital trust would achieve a maximum performance rating of four.
We then looked at hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR) statistics and found that lower patient mortality rates were recorded in hospital trusts that had a higher proportion of doctors on their boards. We also tested what the patients themselves thought, and once again, hospital trusts with a greater ratio of medical professionals were those that achieved higher satisfaction scores from their patients.
The focus of our research was on clinical leadership roles at the most senior levels and not on what happens lower down within organisations. Our results also don't explain why having more doctors involved in executive boards makes such a difference. One can hypothesise that this will have much to do with their expertise and credibility, helping to improve both the content of decisions and the likelihood they will be implemented – although more research is clearly needed.
But our study makes it possible for the first time to quantify the benefits for patients and taxpayers of having greater medical involvement in management. If anything, one might say that previous claims about the contribution of clinical leadership may have been understated. Even a modest increase in the number of doctors on boards can have marked consequences for performance, including patient wellbeing and satisfaction. Nearly 30 years on, the case remains as strong as ever.
Professor Ian Kirkpatrick is professor of work and organisation and Dr Gianluca Veronesi is a lecturer in accounting and finance. Both at Leeds University Business School
Guardian Professional.
Monday, 10 September 2012
Figures show fall in number of complaints about hospital
Figures show fall in number of complaints about hospital:
The number of complaints made about Kettering General Hospital has fallen over the last few years, according to latest figures. Evening Telegraph
The number of complaints made about Kettering General Hospital has fallen over the last few years, according to latest figures. Evening Telegraph
'Four million could benefit from telecare'
'Four million could benefit from telecare': Four million people in England could benefit from telecare technology, but families need more help, says report. Health News
DH tenders for new electronic staff record system
DH tenders for new electronic staff record system: NHS record system to 'transform' pension and record administration services Health News
Government response to Health Select Committee inquiry into education, training and workforce planning
Government response to Health Select Committee inquiry into education, training and workforce planning:
The Government has published its response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee inquiry into education, training and workforce planning. The Committee reported on 23 May 2012.
This government response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee first report of session 2012-13: Education, training and workforce planning provides further detail and clarity on the reformed education and training system as requested by the Committee.
The Committee supports the changes being made to the education and training system, which were fully endorsed by the NHS Future Forum. Since the Department of Health presented its evidence to the Committee, a great deal of progress has been made in establishing the new system of education and training.
Department fo Health
The Government has published its response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee inquiry into education, training and workforce planning. The Committee reported on 23 May 2012.
This government response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee first report of session 2012-13: Education, training and workforce planning provides further detail and clarity on the reformed education and training system as requested by the Committee.
The Committee supports the changes being made to the education and training system, which were fully endorsed by the NHS Future Forum. Since the Department of Health presented its evidence to the Committee, a great deal of progress has been made in establishing the new system of education and training.
Department fo Health
Hip fracture hospital stays down
Hip fracture hospital stays down:
The latest report from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) has revealed that the length of hospital stay for hip fracture patients has fallen by 5% over the past year.
Although the reduction is small it is nevertheless important, says the report, as it amounts to significant annual savings with the care costs for hip fracture now topping £2 billion a year in the UK.
Healthcare Today
The latest report from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) has revealed that the length of hospital stay for hip fracture patients has fallen by 5% over the past year.
Although the reduction is small it is nevertheless important, says the report, as it amounts to significant annual savings with the care costs for hip fracture now topping £2 billion a year in the UK.
Healthcare Today
Good practice guidance
Good practice guidance: Advice to support best practice in medicines management and use in the NHS, including good practice guidance on developing local medicines formularies. NICE
How can the NHS be more innovative? Live discussion
How can the NHS be more innovative? Live discussion:
Join our panel of experts on Wednesday 19 September between noon and 2pm to discuss innovation in the future of the NHS
Patients will soon be able to see information about how local hospitals and primary care organisations are providing new treatments, according to the latest government proposals.
Every hospital and trust will be rated by an "innovation scorecard" allowing the public to compare the speed at which NHS hospitals roll out new care methods and drugs.
The scheme is intended to prevent "postcode prescribing" – where some areas and trusts provide certain treatments and others do not. A recent report found that more than 70% of NHS trusts ignored guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) to offer infertile couples three chances at IVF, and some stopped funding treatment altogether.
The Department of Health says that under the scheme, "the NHS will have no excuse not to provide the latest Nice-approved drugs and treatments". But what will this mean for the NHS and the way in which new treatments are administrated? Recent statistics published by the National institute for Health Research (NIHR) revealed that hospitals "have made a significant step-change in their research activity", however what more can be done?
Do hospitals and trusts need to up their game under the new proposals, and, if so, how? Is better exchange of best practice the way forward? And how can NHS leaders manage a culture change to push more innovative research and projects forward?
Join us from noon until 2pm on Wednesday 19 September, along with our panel of experts to discuss all this and more. You can also leave your questions below ahead of the discussion, or tweet us at @GdnHealthcare.
Guardian Professional.
Patients will soon be able to see information about how local hospitals and primary care organisations are providing new treatments, according to the latest government proposals.
Every hospital and trust will be rated by an "innovation scorecard" allowing the public to compare the speed at which NHS hospitals roll out new care methods and drugs.
The scheme is intended to prevent "postcode prescribing" – where some areas and trusts provide certain treatments and others do not. A recent report found that more than 70% of NHS trusts ignored guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) to offer infertile couples three chances at IVF, and some stopped funding treatment altogether.
The Department of Health says that under the scheme, "the NHS will have no excuse not to provide the latest Nice-approved drugs and treatments". But what will this mean for the NHS and the way in which new treatments are administrated? Recent statistics published by the National institute for Health Research (NIHR) revealed that hospitals "have made a significant step-change in their research activity", however what more can be done?
Do hospitals and trusts need to up their game under the new proposals, and, if so, how? Is better exchange of best practice the way forward? And how can NHS leaders manage a culture change to push more innovative research and projects forward?
Join us from noon until 2pm on Wednesday 19 September, along with our panel of experts to discuss all this and more. You can also leave your questions below ahead of the discussion, or tweet us at @GdnHealthcare.
Guardian Professional.
Standard Evaluation Framework (SEF) for physical activity and dietary interventions
Standard Evaluation Framework (SEF) for physical activity and dietary interventions: These SEFs aims to describe and explain the information that should
be collected in any evaluation of an intervention that aims to increase
participation in physical activity. It is aimed at interventions that
work at individual or group level, not at population level.
Kings Fund
be collected in any evaluation of an intervention that aims to increase
participation in physical activity. It is aimed at interventions that
work at individual or group level, not at population level.
Kings Fund
Quality profiles for CCGs published
Quality profiles for CCGs published: Source: Department of Health (DH)
Practice profiles enable commissioners to compare the relative quality of their providers, to enable providers to benchmark their performance against the national average, and to share with patients and the public information on the quality of the services being provided. Quality profiles have also been published for CCGs - please see the link below for details. NeLM News
Practice profiles enable commissioners to compare the relative quality of their providers, to enable providers to benchmark their performance against the national average, and to share with patients and the public information on the quality of the services being provided. Quality profiles have also been published for CCGs - please see the link below for details. NeLM News
Stoptober campaign will encourage smokers to quit for 28 days
Stoptober campaign will encourage smokers to quit for 28 days:
Smokers are being asked to give up smoking for 28 days from 1 October in the first ever mass quit attempt launched today by the Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies.
The innovative campaign, Stoptober, is backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, and is the first 28-day quit attempt of its kind to encourage the nation’s 8 million smokers to give up.
People who stop smoking for 28 days are 5 times more likely to stay smokefree, so smokers who sign up will be given support and encouragement throughout the month.
They will be able to download the Stoptober app (available free from the Smokefree website) and access the Smokefree Facebook page where they will get additional tips and advice. They will also get a daily message providing additional support and encouragement throughout the month.
Smokers interested in giving up can search for ‘Stoptober’ online, or ask their local pharmacist for a free support pack. Smoking remains the biggest cause of premature death in England and is responsible for the loss of more than 100,000 lives in the UK every year.
For more information visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober.
Department of Health
Smokers are being asked to give up smoking for 28 days from 1 October in the first ever mass quit attempt launched today by the Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies.
The innovative campaign, Stoptober, is backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, and is the first 28-day quit attempt of its kind to encourage the nation’s 8 million smokers to give up.
People who stop smoking for 28 days are 5 times more likely to stay smokefree, so smokers who sign up will be given support and encouragement throughout the month.
They will be able to download the Stoptober app (available free from the Smokefree website) and access the Smokefree Facebook page where they will get additional tips and advice. They will also get a daily message providing additional support and encouragement throughout the month.
Smokers interested in giving up can search for ‘Stoptober’ online, or ask their local pharmacist for a free support pack. Smoking remains the biggest cause of premature death in England and is responsible for the loss of more than 100,000 lives in the UK every year.
For more information visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober.
Department of Health
New rules to end secrecy over safety of medical implants
New rules to end secrecy over safety of medical implants: New rules to end the secrecy over the safety of devices such as hip replacements and breast implants are being drawn up after a series of scandals.
Telegraph
TelegraphLitigation culture draining billions from hospitals and schools
Litigation culture draining billions from hospitals and schools: The growth of the "litigation culture" is draining hospitals and schools of money, a report published on Monday warns.
Telegraph
TelegraphNew Suicide Prevention Strategy published by the Department of Health on World Suicide Prevention Day
New Suicide Prevention Strategy published by the Department of Health on World Suicide Prevention Day: The Government have launched their new strategy for reducing the suicide rate and supporting people who are bereaved by suicide. Care Services Minister Norman Lamb will highlight the existing call for research proposals when he launches the strategy today. The strategy has 6 key areas for action: A better understanding of why people take their [read the full story...]
Friday, 7 September 2012
Child sex attack cases increase
Child sex attack cases increase: The number of reported sex crimes against children in Northamptonshire has risen by nearly 150 in one year, figures show. BBC News
VIDEO: Hospital holds cycle safety campaign
VIDEO: Hospital holds cycle safety campaign: Staff at a Birmingham hospital have been so alarmed at the rise in cycling-related injuries they have launched their own safety campaign. BBC News
Suicide prevention work 'success'
Suicide prevention work 'success': The Mental Welfare Commission gives its backing to a new approach for people with serious mental health problems. BBC News
CQC to gather practice information from CCGs and NHS Commissioning Board
CQC to gather practice information from CCGs and NHS Commissioning Board: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will gather information about the quality of services provided by practices from clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and the NHS Commissioning Board (NCB) a CQC consultation has revealed. GP Online
Do people pay a price for working in caring jobs?
Do people pay a price for working in caring jobs?: Nursing assistants and childcare workers are typically paid less than those in comparable occupations, research has found. It is widely believed that certain occupations, such as care work, are relatively poorly paid because there are non-pecuniary benefits, such as job satisfaction and social esteem. However, there is little hard evidence for this.We investigated this assertion, using 17 years of data from the British Household Panel Survey, which contains information about the occupations and wages ... The Guardian
Reprocurement of ESR and pensions administration
Reprocurement of ESR and pensions administration: The current provision of the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) and the NHS pensions administration system will end in 2013. The Department of Health (DH) is looking to align the two, and is now seeking a provider to deliver them as a single system. NHS Employers
Commissioning groups overwhelmed by red tape
Commissioning groups overwhelmed by red tape:
| Raft of decisions needed to set up new system diverting attention from key issues Related items from OnMedica CCGs told to hone their business skills for managing support services contracts CCG development under threat as GPs “bullied” and “micromanaged” NHS policy hampers integrated care commissioning Draft mandate for NHS Commissioning Board published DoH stresses importance of localism in commissioning |
GPs failing to spot cancer
GPs failing to spot cancer:Figures from a Department of Health survey have revealed that a quarter of people who go on to be diagnosed with cancer have to go to their GP at least three times before being referred for a hospital test.
Results of National Cancer Patient Experience Survey for 2011-12 found nearly one in ten patients saw their GP five or more times before being referred and a further 16% saw their family doctor either three or... Healthcare Today
Results of National Cancer Patient Experience Survey for 2011-12 found nearly one in ten patients saw their GP five or more times before being referred and a further 16% saw their family doctor either three or... Healthcare Today
CQC could ditch annual inspections
CQC could ditch annual inspections:The Care Quality Commission is consulting on proposed changes to its inspection schedule.
It is looking at moving away from regular inspections of all regulated organisations and back towards a more risk-based model. The plan forms part of the regulator’s strategy for 2013-16 and comes a year after former chief executive Cynthia Bower announced the CQC would introduce annual inspections of all NHS providers and... Healthcare Today
It is looking at moving away from regular inspections of all regulated organisations and back towards a more risk-based model. The plan forms part of the regulator’s strategy for 2013-16 and comes a year after former chief executive Cynthia Bower announced the CQC would introduce annual inspections of all NHS providers and... Healthcare Today
Millions of people could benefit from telecare
Millions of people could benefit from telecare: New research maps the number of telecare users, and looks at how to maximise its potential.
NHS pay cuts will lead to exodus of health workers, say nurses
NHS pay cuts will lead to exodus of health workers, say nurses: Royal College of Nursing speaks out against local pay bargaining for hospital staff in south-west England NHS hospitals that impose pay cuts on staff will see health professionals leaving in protest and the quality of care coming under threat as a result, nurses' leaders claim.
Drug addict treated for anthrax
Drug addict treated for anthrax: A drug addict is being treated in hospital for anthrax, health officials have confirmed. The Independent
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Packed meeting hears host of objections to Spratton care home expansion plan
Packed meeting hears host of objections to Spratton care home expansion plan:
There was standing room only at a meeting where scores of villagers objected to a proposed 84-bed extension at a care home in the countryside. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
There was standing room only at a meeting where scores of villagers objected to a proposed 84-bed extension at a care home in the countryside. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton General Hospital could lose Gosset Ward
Northampton General Hospital could lose Gosset Ward:
Only three out of the five hospitals in Northamptonshire’s NHS region will have specialist emergency surgery and newborn care in future. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Only three out of the five hospitals in Northamptonshire’s NHS region will have specialist emergency surgery and newborn care in future. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Transforming health and social care: can the chrysalis become a butterfly?
Transforming health and social care: can the chrysalis become a butterfly?: Chris Ham argues that current models of care need to change fundamentally if they are to be fit for the future. (Blog, 6 Sep 2012) King's Fund
The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000
The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000:
The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000, (IR(ME)R 2000), came into force on 13 May 2000 to implement the European Directive 97/43/Euratom (The Medical Exposures Directive). The regulations replaced the Ionising Radiation (Protection of Persons Undergoing Medical Examination or Treatment) Regulations 1988 (POPUMET) which have been repealed.
The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000, (IR(ME)R 2000), came into force on 13 May 2000 to implement the European Directive 97/43/Euratom (The Medical Exposures Directive). The regulations replaced the Ionising Radiation (Protection of Persons Undergoing Medical Examination or Treatment) Regulations 1988 (POPUMET) which have been repealed.
AUDIO: Doctors 'should resuscitate for longer'
AUDIO: Doctors 'should resuscitate for longer': New research suggests doctors are not trying to resuscitate patients suffering from cardiac arrest for long enough. BBC News
Revising the Clinical Trials Directive
Revising the Clinical Trials Directive: The EU Clinical Trials Directive, which was implemented in the UK in 2004, has been highly criticised for contributing to a significant drop in the number of clinical trials conducted in the UK. NHS Confederation
Health leaders’ reaction to change of Health Secretary
Health leaders’ reaction to change of Health Secretary:
| Guarded responses lay down what are envisaged as Health Secretary’s highest priorities Related items from OnMedica Scale of NHS efficiency savings is ‘undoable’ Looking back and ahead NHS reforms are passed into law New report promises ‘painless’ NHS reform Jeremy Hunt replaces Andrew Lansley as Health Secretary |
CSC and DH agree new deal
CSC and DH agree new deal: The Department of Health and CSC have reached a new deal over the company’s local service provider contract.
The arrangement will not only remove CSC’s exclusive rights to be the only provider of clinical IT systems in the North, Midlands and East of England but the government says it will save the NHS more than £1 billion.
The agreement effectively ends negotiations about the future of CSC’s loc... Healthcare Today
The arrangement will not only remove CSC’s exclusive rights to be the only provider of clinical IT systems in the North, Midlands and East of England but the government says it will save the NHS more than £1 billion.
The agreement effectively ends negotiations about the future of CSC’s loc... Healthcare Today
The scandal of seriously ill prisoners denied basic healthcare | Eric Allison
The scandal of seriously ill prisoners denied basic healthcare | Eric Allison: Daniel Roque Hall's horror story exemplifies how inmates are seen as prisoners first and patients very much second
As those who know the prison system well will tell you, jail is the last place you want to be if you are seriously ill. My memory bank – along with the annals of Inquest, the charity that works with those bereaved by deaths in custody – is crowded with horror stories of medical negligence: sick prisoners wrongly diagnosed, mistreated, or just plain ignored.
As those who know the prison system well will tell you, jail is the last place you want to be if you are seriously ill. My memory bank – along with the annals of Inquest, the charity that works with those bereaved by deaths in custody – is crowded with horror stories of medical negligence: sick prisoners wrongly diagnosed, mistreated, or just plain ignored.
New factsheets on commissioning
New factsheets on commissioning: A series of new factsheets is being published to help RCN members understand the architecture of the new NHS commissioning system. Royal College of Nursing
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Consultation on the arrangements for consideration of proposals on the fluoridation of drinking water
Consultation on the arrangements for consideration of proposals on the fluoridation of drinking water:
The Department is consulting on the process local authorities will use to conduct consultations on fluoridation of drinking water. We are not consulting on the benefits or disadvantages of fluoridation.
This consultation is an opportunity for the Department to obtain the views of local authorities, NHS commissioners, public health professionals, service providers, equality representatives and all other interested parties on the future arrangements for consulting on proposals for fluoridation schemes.
The Department is consulting on the process local authorities will use to conduct consultations on fluoridation of drinking water. We are not consulting on the benefits or disadvantages of fluoridation.
This consultation is an opportunity for the Department to obtain the views of local authorities, NHS commissioners, public health professionals, service providers, equality representatives and all other interested parties on the future arrangements for consulting on proposals for fluoridation schemes.
Mixed reception to Hunt's new job
Mixed reception to Hunt's new job: Mixed reception over news of Jeremy Hunt taking over from Andrew Lansley as health secretary. BBC News
Religion or belief - new report published by Equality & Human Rights Commission
Religion or belief - new report published by Equality & Human Rights Commission: The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published a report on religion or belief. A range of organisations contributed to the research, including NHS Employers.
NHS Right Care publishes "Spend and Outcome Tool" aimed at identifying areas of improvement for each group
NHS Right Care publishes "Spend and Outcome Tool" aimed at identifying areas of improvement for each group: NHS Right Care has published a new "Spend and Outcome Tool" to help Clinical Commissioning Groups to identify what to improve. The Right Care CCG SPOT tool is a quadrant analysis tool that graphically illustrates where each group stands compared to other similar CCG populations. Clinical Commissioners can use the CCG SPOT tool, together with other tools, to identify priority programmes for improvement or innovation programmes.
Local pay, local growth: reforming pay setting in the public sector
Local pay, local growth: reforming pay setting in the public sector:
This report argues that rebalancing the pay and pensions of public
sector workers so that they are in line with that of equivalent workers
in the private sector would save the UK £6.3 billion a year in public
spending. It makes recommendations towards enabling local public sector
employers to choose systems of pay that reflect local living conditions
and vary pay awards by the performance of employees.
This report argues that rebalancing the pay and pensions of public
sector workers so that they are in line with that of equivalent workers
in the private sector would save the UK £6.3 billion a year in public
spending. It makes recommendations towards enabling local public sector
employers to choose systems of pay that reflect local living conditions
and vary pay awards by the performance of employees.
Nurses 'cleaning toilets'
Jeremy Hunt replaces Andrew Lansley as health secretary - BBC News
Jeremy Hunt replaces Andrew Lansley as health secretary - BBC News:
Daily Mail |
Jeremy Hunt replaces Andrew Lansley as health secretary
BBC News He is a rare example of a politician who has immersed himself for almost a decade in one policy area, as a shadow health secretary who progressed to the Whitehall department. His single-minded vision for NHS reform provoked a loud chorus of opposition ... Lansley faces axe over NHS reforms: Health Secretary likely to be shock ...Daily Mail Reshuffle sees Lansley lose health jobITV News Reshuffle: Jeremy Hunt up, Andrew Lansley downTelegraph.co.uk (blog) Channel 4 News -The Independent -Evening Standard all 202 news articles » |
Transforming culture in failing hospitals is possible
Transforming culture in failing hospitals is possible:
Salford Royal shows that though a tall order in a cash-strapped NHS, it is possible to bring a hospital back from the brink.
'We're doing medicine in a really inefficient way,' says RCPCH leader
'We're doing medicine in a really inefficient way,' says RCPCH leader: Dr Hilary Cass, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, explains her vision for the future and why she thinks 'defocusing on hospitals' would improve care.
Beware of the cat: Britain's hidden toxoplasma problem
Beware of the cat: Britain's hidden toxoplasma problem: 
A parasite spread by cats is infecting 1,000 new people every day in Britain – about 350,000 a year – according to an official assessment of the risks posed by toxoplasma, which can cause serious illness and has been tentatively linked with schizophrenia and other psychotic disturbances. The Independent
A parasite spread by cats is infecting 1,000 new people every day in Britain – about 350,000 a year – according to an official assessment of the risks posed by toxoplasma, which can cause serious illness and has been tentatively linked with schizophrenia and other psychotic disturbances. The Independent
NHS 'still not getting basics right'
NHS 'still not getting basics right':
The former head of the Care Quality Commission warned yesterday that parts of the NHS were still delivering unacceptably poor standards of care. The Independent
The former head of the Care Quality Commission warned yesterday that parts of the NHS were still delivering unacceptably poor standards of care. The Independent
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
“Frightening” rise in hospital booze admissions
“Frightening” rise in hospital booze admissions: A town MP has hit out at a “frightening” increase in the number of people being admitted to Northampton General Hospital with alcohol-related problems. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NHS team that boosts workers' health given seal of approval - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
NHS team that boosts workers' health given seal of approval - Northampton Chronicle & Echo:
Northampton Chronicle & Echo |
NHS team that boosts workers' health given seal of approval
Northampton Chronicle & Echo The occupational health team at NHS Northamptonshire Healthcare, which is made up of seven nurses and a consultant, has also become one of the first in the country to win accreditation for its exemplary standards. A spokeswoman said: “As the provider ... |
What can healthcare learn from industrial espionage?
What can healthcare learn from industrial espionage?: In the tech industry, clever innovations can spread like wildfire, with companies making extraordinary efforts to prevent their own improvements being copied by others. In healthcare, however, there can be an outright reluctance to learn from or engage with innovations developed elsewhere, says Carl Macrae. Health Foundation
Join in the conversation on how to strengthen the NHS Constitution
Join in the conversation on how to strengthen the NHS Constitution: The NHS Future Forum, which is advising the Government on how the NHS Constitution might be strengthened, is talking about what the NHS Constitution means to them and are keen to hear your views.
NHS told to prepare for elderly COPD rise
NHS told to prepare for elderly COPD rise: The NHS must plan for a 'significant burden' of lung disease in the UK's growing elderly population, according to researchers who found more than a third of a million people over 85 have a respiratory condition. GP Online
Telehealth service delivers 'significant' benefits
Telehealth service delivers 'significant' benefits: NHS Gloucestershire reports successful telehealth service following 12 month evaluation. Public Service
Pension reform – new automatic enrolment duties for employers
Pension reform – new automatic enrolment duties for employers: Our information and guidance on the implications of automatic enrolment for NHS organisations has been updated. NHS Employers
Patients first: improving access to GP practices
Patients first: improving access to GP practices:This report examines the practical arrangements regarding how patients access their GPs and whether these could be improved to encourage a provision of service more suited to patients’ needs. Itargues that patient choice could be improved by opening up general practice to a larger range of providers and also makes recommendations for a greater amount of information to be made available to the public.
BMA's claims rejected by government
BMA's claims rejected by government:
The government has not accepted the views of the British Medical Association which state that the health service is endangering the public's health by offering a reduced number of drugs and operations.The BMA's council chairman, Dr Mark Porter, told The Guardian that concerns about patient safety was now "a realistic concern".He told the paper that the health service's financial... Healthcare Today
The government has not accepted the views of the British Medical Association which state that the health service is endangering the public's health by offering a reduced number of drugs and operations.The BMA's council chairman, Dr Mark Porter, told The Guardian that concerns about patient safety was now "a realistic concern".He told the paper that the health service's financial... Healthcare Today
How can GPs meet the needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual patients?
How can GPs meet the needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual patients?: Assumptions are the biggest issue facing LGB patients in the surgery, says Dennis Baldwin of the Lesbian & Gay Foundation.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people face considerable health inequalities and are disproportionately likely to suffer from poor sexual, mental and physical health, as well as increased levels of substance misuse. Yet the lack of sexual orientation monitoring by health services means there remains a distinct lack of information relating to the health and social care needs of LGB patients.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people face considerable health inequalities and are disproportionately likely to suffer from poor sexual, mental and physical health, as well as increased levels of substance misuse. Yet the lack of sexual orientation monitoring by health services means there remains a distinct lack of information relating to the health and social care needs of LGB patients.
Hip and knee op rationing could become 'routine'
Hip and knee op rationing could become 'routine': Rationing of hip and knee operations will become "routine" and waits get longer and longer unless radical changes are made to the way NHS orthopaedic surgery is organised, claims a leading surgeon. The Daily Telegraph
New RCN initiative to shape nursing’s future
New RCN initiative to shape nursing’s future: The Royal College of Nursing has today launched a new website called This is Nursing for members as part of an initiative that will help tackle the professional issues affecting nursing staff, and highlight the skills and expertise required to be part of the profession.
Monday, 3 September 2012
Booze is sending us to early grave
Booze is sending us to early grave: Two of the county’s health experts have called for a change in Northamptonshire’s drinking culture following a new report which illustrates the county’s booze woes. Evening Telegraph
Midwife’s own baby delivered by boss
Midwife’s own baby delivered by boss: A home-birth midwife can tell expectant women exactly how good the care from Northampton General Hospital is after choosing her boss to deliver her own baby. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Yosemite virus warning to Britons
Yosemite virus warning to Britons: About 100 British tourists who visited a US park at the centre of a deadly virus outbreak are being contacted by the UK's Health Protection Agency. BBC News
Do cuts mean 'dial 999 and wait'?
Do cuts mean 'dial 999 and wait'?: Are cutbacks hitting the front line? BBC News
DH finds £99,000 for ITK fund
DH finds £99,000 for ITK fund: The Department of Health has launched an Information Sharing Challenge Fund to support information sharing projects that can be replicated across the NHS through the interoperability toolkit. E-Health Insider
See the Department of Health for more information.
See the Department of Health for more information.
Ambulance stations may close in East Midlands
Ambulance stations may close in East Midlands:
East Midlands Ambulance Service is planning to close stations across its area under plans designed to improve emergency response times.
The trust is embarking on a three-month public consultation next month on its proposed move at a time that it has seen 5% more calls year on year. The plan includes closing 66 existing ambulance stations and replacing them with 13 hubs where specialist teams will prepare ambulanc... Healthcare Today
East Midlands Ambulance Service is planning to close stations across its area under plans designed to improve emergency response times.
The trust is embarking on a three-month public consultation next month on its proposed move at a time that it has seen 5% more calls year on year. The plan includes closing 66 existing ambulance stations and replacing them with 13 hubs where specialist teams will prepare ambulanc... Healthcare Today
BMA's new leader: 'There's no evidence that a part-privatised NHS runs better'
BMA's new leader: 'There's no evidence that a part-privatised NHS runs better':
Dr Mark Porter is preparing to clash with the government on two fronts: doctors' pensions and the future direction of the NHS.
Woman killed herself after husband left her alone on NHS advice
Woman killed herself after husband left her alone on NHS advice: An NHS mental health trust has apologised and paid damages to a man whose suicidal wife killed herself after he followed its advice to give her more responsibility by leaving her at home alone.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
When the loving care stops
When the loving care stops: As some disabled youngsters live their dreams at the Paralympics, others face spending their days in homes for the elderly, reports Cherrill Hicks
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphNew rules governing organ transplants to be drawn up amid fear of organ sales on social networking websites
New rules governing organ transplants to be drawn up amid fear of organ sales on social networking websites:
New rules governing organ transplants are being drawn up amid concern about money changing hands illegally as patients make direct pleas to potential donors on social networking sites. The Independent
New rules governing organ transplants are being drawn up amid concern about money changing hands illegally as patients make direct pleas to potential donors on social networking sites. The Independent
Health warning over army of NHS 'temps'
Health warning over army of NHS 'temps': NHS trusts are increasingly employing key clinical staff on "zero-hours" contracts which threaten to turn parts of the reformed service into an army of "temps". The Independent
Whooping cough cases continue to increase
Whooping cough cases continue to increase: 1,047 cases of whooping cough in England and Wales were reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in July 2012, bringing the total number of cases so far this year to 3,523*, according to figures published today. Health Protection Agency
Friday, 31 August 2012
Active pensioners 'add six years'
Active pensioners 'add six years': Being active and living a healthy lifestyle even after the age of 75 can make a huge difference to your life expectancy, a Swedish study suggests. BBC News
NHS reform targets slipped, DH report reveals
NHS reform targets slipped, DH report reveals: A series of DH targets for implementing NHS reforms have slipped, and the NHS Commissioning Board is struggling to recruit enough staff, official reports reveal. GP Online
TB drug resistance is growing around the world
TB drug resistance is growing around the world:
| Major study shows TB resistant to both first and second-line drugs Related items from OnMedica TB risk increases in early pregnancy, study shows TB cases still on the rise across most of the UK Hopes raised by TB drug cocktail More action needed to treat TB Drug-resistant TB set to become more dominant |
Interim measures for patient experience at the interfaces between NHS services
Interim measures for patient experience at the interfaces between NHS services: This publication highlights the data sources available to help NHS
organisations assess patient experience of integrated care locally, as
no single bespoke measure is currently available. This comes in response
to the NHS Future Forum's recommendations that new patient experience
measures should be developed to evaluate patients’ experiences across
whole journeys of care.
organisations assess patient experience of integrated care locally, as
no single bespoke measure is currently available. This comes in response
to the NHS Future Forum's recommendations that new patient experience
measures should be developed to evaluate patients’ experiences across
whole journeys of care.
Delays warning over flu jabs
Delays warning over flu jabs: Patients may face a delay in getting their seasonal flu jab this winter as manufacturers struggle to meet deadlines.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
One in five patients 'harmed' in some hospitals: data
One in five patients 'harmed' in some hospitals: data: One in five patients in some NHS hospitals suffer harm due to avoidable accidents, complications and mistakes, it has emerged.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Multiple abortions 'link' to premature births
Multiple abortions 'link' to premature births:
“Repeat abortions linked to premature birth,” BBC News has reported, with the Daily Mail website adding that multiple abortions could cause “life-threatening problems in later pregnancy”.
The story is based on Finnish research that looked at the effect of induced abortions on a subsequent first birth.
“Repeat abortions linked to premature birth,” BBC News has reported, with the Daily Mail website adding that multiple abortions could cause “life-threatening problems in later pregnancy”.
The story is based on Finnish research that looked at the effect of induced abortions on a subsequent first birth.
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Rise in hate crimes towards people with disabilities
Rise in hate crimes towards people with disabilities: The number of hate crimes towards people with disabilities in Northamptonshire increased by more than 50 per cent in the last year, figures have revealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Right data, right payment
Right data, right payment: The findings of the Commission's annual audit of data used to underpin Payment by Results (PbR) payments. Audit Commission
UK life 'healthier for longer'
UK life 'healthier for longer': Healthy life expectancy increased by more than two years in the period 2008-10 compared with 2005-07, Office for National Statistics figures show. BBC News
Hundreds of GP practices yet to start CQC registration as deadline looms
Hundreds of GP practices yet to start CQC registration as deadline looms: Up to 500 GP practices in England have failed to contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to begin registration, with less than a week to go until the regulator starts assessing applications. GP Online
HPA urges back to school vaccination as measles cases continue to increase
HPA urges back to school vaccination as measles cases continue to increase: Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency(HPA) show that almost twice as many confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales have been reported in the first six months of 2012 (964) compared to the same period in 2011 (497). Overall 1,086 cases were reported in 2011, up from 380 in 2010.
The press release from the HPA states that rubella has also shown an increase with 57 cases reported between January and June this year - exceeding the annual totals for each of the previous nine years. These cases have mainly been associated with travel to other European countries. Health Protection Agency
The press release from the HPA states that rubella has also shown an increase with 57 cases reported between January and June this year - exceeding the annual totals for each of the previous nine years. These cases have mainly been associated with travel to other European countries. Health Protection Agency
Formal complaints about National Health Service rise by 8%
Formal complaints about National Health Service rise by 8%: The NHS Information Centre said there were 162,129 written complaints from patients or their families in year to March 2012
Written complaints to the NHS rose by more than 8% last year, with the health service receiving more than 3,000 a week, new data reveals. The NHS Information Centre said that there were 162,129 written complaints from patients or their families in the year ending March 2012, an increase of 12,364 from 2010-11.
More than 12,000 of the complaints related to the "attitude of the staff", while almost 50,000 in England were about "all aspects of clinical treatment". About 10,000 concerned "communication to patients".
Andrew Gwynne, the shadow health minister, said: "This is yet another worrying sign of an NHS heading in the wrong direction. It will not come as a surprise that more and more patients are writing formal complaints. This government is throwing the NHS into chaos with an unnecessary reorganisation of the back office, costing over £3bn, that has taken eyes off patient care."
However, the government said that the increase was because "for the first time, all NHS organisations have submitted information about their complaints". The minister of state for care services, Paul Burstow, admitted that "this has led to a small rise in the overall number of complaints recorded". The Guardian
Written complaints to the NHS rose by more than 8% last year, with the health service receiving more than 3,000 a week, new data reveals. The NHS Information Centre said that there were 162,129 written complaints from patients or their families in the year ending March 2012, an increase of 12,364 from 2010-11.
More than 12,000 of the complaints related to the "attitude of the staff", while almost 50,000 in England were about "all aspects of clinical treatment". About 10,000 concerned "communication to patients".
Andrew Gwynne, the shadow health minister, said: "This is yet another worrying sign of an NHS heading in the wrong direction. It will not come as a surprise that more and more patients are writing formal complaints. This government is throwing the NHS into chaos with an unnecessary reorganisation of the back office, costing over £3bn, that has taken eyes off patient care."
However, the government said that the increase was because "for the first time, all NHS organisations have submitted information about their complaints". The minister of state for care services, Paul Burstow, admitted that "this has led to a small rise in the overall number of complaints recorded". The Guardian
Methadone-related deaths soar
Methadone-related deaths soar:
The number of methadone-related deaths of men in England and Wales rose by more than a third last year to its highest rate since 1997, figures showed today. The Independent
The number of methadone-related deaths of men in England and Wales rose by more than a third last year to its highest rate since 1997, figures showed today. The Independent
Flu may spread before symptoms show
Flu may spread before symptoms show: If you are reaching for your handkerchief it might be too late to stop the spread of flu, research suggests.The Independent
More than 3,000 written complaints a week against the NHS
More than 3,000 written complaints a week against the NHS: - New report shows rise in written complaints on previous year About 3,100 written complaints a week were made against the NHS in 2011-12 – just over ... NHS Information Centre
Mental Capacity and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 - A literature review
This MH Foundation literature review was carried out to collate academic literature relating to mental capacity issues and to the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The aims were to identify mental capacity issues, problem areas and successes in the practical application of mental capacity legislation as well as identify gaps in the research. The Mental Health Foundation
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