Social media and employee voice: the current landscape: This report looks at the nature of employee voice and the impact of social media. It also considers some of the barriers to using social media to improving employee voice within organisations.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
New coronavirus 'likely' to spread person to person
New coronavirus 'likely' to spread person to person: ‘WHO warns that a deadly novel coronavirus could be passed from person to person’, The Independent reports.
The news – featured in much of the media – is based on the latest ‘state of play’ advice from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the novel coronavirus (nCV).
Private hospital blunders: How the NHS picks up the bill
Private hospital blunders: How the NHS picks up the bill: Gail Buchanan has been in constant agony since she underwent a comparatively minor spinal operation at a private hospital. The Daily Mail
From god to guide: can patient-centred care become a reality in the NHS?
From god to guide: can patient-centred care become a reality in the NHS?: Most parts of the NHS are only paying lip service to patient engagement, recently hailed as the 'next blockbuster drug'
As healthcare systems the world over continue to groan under the weight of rising expectations, ageing populations and squeezed finances, the search for viable long-term solutions shows no sign of slowing.
For many, the focus remains on system reform – finding new ways to make the money go further by redesigning services to be more efficient. But, increasingly, attention is turning to the people who use healthcare services as the potential saviour of them.
As healthcare systems the world over continue to groan under the weight of rising expectations, ageing populations and squeezed finances, the search for viable long-term solutions shows no sign of slowing.
For many, the focus remains on system reform – finding new ways to make the money go further by redesigning services to be more efficient. But, increasingly, attention is turning to the people who use healthcare services as the potential saviour of them.
Abandoned 111 calls triple in a month
Abandoned 111 calls triple in a month: The rate of people abandoning calls to the maligned NHS 111 non-emergency number nearly tripled in the space of a month, new figures show.
The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The Daily TelegraphSee also:
Doctors being offered £1,350 per shift for out-of-hours cover
Doctors being offered £1,350 per shift for out-of-hours cover: Doctors are being offered £1,350 per shift to provide cover for GPs during evenings and weekends by Britain's biggest out-of-hours care provider.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Elderly patients face longer hospital waits for care home transfer
Elderly patients face longer hospital waits for care home transfer: Elderly patients are waiting more than a month in an NHS hospital before being transferred into a care home, campaigners warn today.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 13 May 2013
New online health guides available for Northamptonshire
New online health guides available for Northamptonshire: New online health guides have been developed to help patients across Northamptonshire understand their own health and that of their families. NHFT News
Fears grow over deadly new virus
Fears grow over deadly new virus: The World Health Organization warns that it appears "increasingly" likely that the new coronavirus can be passed between people in close contact. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Nurse leaders warn on staff ratios
Nurse leaders warn on staff ratios: Senior nurses have issued what they say is an unprecedented warning about staffing levels on hospital wards in England. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Hospital staffing levels unsafe, senior nurses warn The Daily Telegraph
- Hospital staffing levels in England unsafe, say nurses The Guardian
Fat fixation 'fails thin children'
Fat fixation 'fails thin children': The issue of underweight schoolchildren is being missed because of an "obsession" with tackling obesity, a group of researchers has claimed. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Underweight children face health problems too, warn experts The Independent
Right-to-die cases at Appeal Court
Right-to-die cases at Appeal Court: Two severely disabled men are going to the Court of Appeal later in an attempt to change laws governing the right to die. BBC News
Student nurse HCA pilot scheme launches
Student nurse HCA pilot scheme launches: The pilot scheme for student nurses to work as healthcare assistants before their degree, as suggested in the Government's response to the Francis report, has now been launched. NHS Employers
Mind the cost and feel the quality, says Tony Whitfield
Mind the cost and feel the quality, says Tony Whitfield: Costing has a key role to play in the drive for higher quality services for patients. Costing is not – or at least should not be confined to the finance department. It is not an activity done solely to meet central demands for information about productivity and costs. Nor is it just to inform tariff … Continue reading »
NHS Voices
NHS Voices
The NHS mandate and its implications for mental health
The NHS mandate and its implications for mental health: This briefing examines what the NHS Mandate means for mental health services and the people who use them. It identifies areas for improvements in mental health services and argues that a stronger focus on mental health support can improve people's physical health. It also
outlines key actions for NHS England and CCGs, including expanding IAPT services, addressing access and waiting times for mental health care and commissioning integrated support for people with co-existing physical
and mental health conditions.
outlines key actions for NHS England and CCGs, including expanding IAPT services, addressing access and waiting times for mental health care and commissioning integrated support for people with co-existing physical
and mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists under fire in mental health battle - The Guardian
Psychiatrists under fire in mental health battle - The Guardian:
The Guardian |
Psychiatrists under fire in mental health battle
The Guardian There is no scientific evidence that psychiatric diagnoses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are valid or useful, according to the leading body representing Britain's clinical psychologists. In a groundbreaking move that has ... But Professor ... Psychiatry framework seeks to reform diagnostic doctrineNature.com Shortcomings of a Psychiatric BibleNew York Times A Top Psychiatry Expert Says Psychiatry's Guidebook Has Science ProblemsMotherboard (blog) Huffington Post -Discovery Institute -Discover Magazine (blog) all 42 news articles » |
One nurse for 250,000 patients: New out-of-hours crisis as whistleblower reveals nurses are replacing GPs to cover entire counties
One nurse for 250,000 patients: New out-of-hours crisis as whistleblower reveals nurses are replacing GPs to cover entire counties: Harmoni, Britain's biggest out-of-hours care provider, regularly employs advanced nurse practitioners to work eight-hour overnight shifts covering districts of up to 150 square miles. The Daily Mail
NHS 'cover-up culture' to be tackled with fines
NHS 'cover-up culture' to be tackled with fines: Hospitals that give misleading data on mortality rates face punishment in bid to prevent repeat of Mid-Staffordshire scandal
Hospitals that give false information about death rates will face unlimited fines under new powers aimed at preventing another Mid-Staffordshire-style health scandal.
Hospitals that give false information about death rates will face unlimited fines under new powers aimed at preventing another Mid-Staffordshire-style health scandal.
Half of families suffer in hospital, study finds
Half of families suffer in hospital, study finds: Almost half of Britons say they or their families have experienced poor care and neglect at the hands of the NHS, a new study has found.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Ambulances prevented from answering emergency calls due to jam-packed A&E wards
Ambulances prevented from answering emergency calls due to jam-packed A&E wards: Ambulances are being held up at hospitals for hours at a time because they cannot offload sick patients to jam-packed A&E departments.
The Daily Telegraph
See also
The Daily TelegraphSee also
Pregnant mothers to be tested to see if they are smoking, under new NHS guidance
Pregnant mothers to be tested to see if they are smoking, under new NHS guidance:
Pregnant women should be tested to see if they are smoking, and if they are they should be helped to quit, according to the body which issues guidance to the NHS. The Independent
See also
Pregnant women should be tested to see if they are smoking, and if they are they should be helped to quit, according to the body which issues guidance to the NHS. The Independent
See also
- Smoking test for mothers The Daily Telegraph
- Breath tests targeting smoking in pregnancy backed by midwives The Guardian
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt goes on the wards to make a hands-on diagnosis of the NHS
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt goes on the wards to make a hands-on diagnosis of the NHS:
Cynics will dismiss it as a stunt. But for the past few months and with little publicity Jeremy Hunt has been out on the wards. One day each week the Health Secretary has left Whitehall to spend time “working” on the front line of his sprawling NHS empire. The Independent
Cynics will dismiss it as a stunt. But for the past few months and with little publicity Jeremy Hunt has been out on the wards. One day each week the Health Secretary has left Whitehall to spend time “working” on the front line of his sprawling NHS empire. The Independent
Elderly patients will get personal NHS worker to coordinate health care, pledges Jeremy Hunt
Elderly patients will get personal NHS worker to coordinate health care, pledges Jeremy Hunt:
Every vulnerable elderly person in England will have a personal NHS worker who will be responsible for co-ordinating all their heath and care needs, the Heath Secretary Jeremy Hunt promises today. The Independent
See also:
Every vulnerable elderly person in England will have a personal NHS worker who will be responsible for co-ordinating all their heath and care needs, the Heath Secretary Jeremy Hunt promises today. The Independent
See also:
- Elderly to have one-on-one care, says Jeremy Hunt The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 10 May 2013
Sharp increase in people living with HIV in Corby
Sharp increase in people living with HIV in Corby: Figures released by a charity reveal that Corby has the 26th highest incidence of people living with HIV in the country. Evening Telegraph
Consultation on two NHS services will ‘improve quality and efficiency’
Consultation on two NHS services will ‘improve quality and efficiency’: The future of NHS services for patients with nervous system and brain conditions will be decided by a consultation launched today. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Consultations aimed at better patient care Evening Telegraph
Hospital toll of preventable errors
Hospital toll of preventable errors: At least 762 patients have suffered after preventable mistakes known as "never events" in English hospitals over the past four years, the BBC learns. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Poor NHS care 'like a cancer'
Poor NHS care 'like a cancer': A culture of poor care is like a cancer: it will keep on spreading if it is not stopped, Robert Francis, the barrister who chaired the public inquiry into the Stafford Hospital scandal, has warned. BBC News
Poor data 'difference between life and death'
Poor data 'difference between life and death': Unacceptable failures in NHS customer service are being caused by inadequate data and a failure to put the patient first. Public Service
Private healthcare ''is now unsustainable''
Private healthcare ''is now unsustainable'': A leading private healthcare figure has warned that the sector risks piling further pressure on struggling NHS services. Public Service
Revalidation update - May
Revalidation update - May: The latest revalidation news from our partner organisations including NHS England, the NHS Revalidation Support Team (RST) and the General Medical Council (GMC). NHS Employers
Protecting healthcare workers from sharps injuries
Protecting healthcare workers from sharps injuries: This briefing outlines information regarding new regulations
implementing EU law (the Sharps Directive) which comes into force across the UK on 11th May 2013. Key changes and implications for the NHS are discussed.
implementing EU law (the Sharps Directive) which comes into force across the UK on 11th May 2013. Key changes and implications for the NHS are discussed.
Acute trust quality dashboard
Acute trust quality dashboard: This tool brings together indicators focusing on an acute provider from a variety of sources providing an indication of quality across the five domains of the NHS Outcomes Framework and a sixth domain: organisational context. It aims to allow NHS analysts to explore the data within their own organisation in more detail.
The foggy future of the NHS primary care estate
The foggy future of the NHS primary care estate: NHS Property Services is predicted to be packaged up for a private sale – where does that leave public sector land?
Why healthcare professionals can't afford to ignore the potential of apps
Why healthcare professionals can't afford to ignore the potential of apps: Mobile phones won't take on the role of doctors but they will become more widely used in diagnosis and treatment, so those in the sector should look to develop their own apps.
NHS sets out new plan to save A&E as email leak reveals funding chaos
NHS sets out new plan to save A&E as email leak reveals funding chaos:
The launch of a new plan to address the crisis in accident and emergency (A&E) units was marred by leaked emails revealing panic among health officials about how much money could be made available to help struggling hospitals. The Independent
See also:
The launch of a new plan to address the crisis in accident and emergency (A&E) units was marred by leaked emails revealing panic among health officials about how much money could be made available to help struggling hospitals. The Independent
See also:
- A&E units have become like warzones, top doctor warns The Daily Telegraph
- We doctors worry about NHS failings, too The Daily Telegraph
- Accident and emergency services have 'deteriorated significantly', NHS officials have conceded as they set out plans to improve the service The Daily Mail
- GPs handed urgent care role in bid to tackle A&E crisis GP Online
- VIDEO: 'No easy solutions on A&E' BBC News
- Improving A&E performance NHS England
Thursday, 9 May 2013
County service that helps people after a fall is in line for national award
County service that helps people after a fall is in line for national award: A Northamptonshire service which treats people who have suffered a fall and helps them to avoid another accident has been shortlisted for a national award. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton General Hospital offers pioneering Botox treatment for severe ... - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Northampton Chronicle & Echo |
Northampton General Hospital offers pioneering Botox treatment for severe ...
Northampton Chronicle & Echo A new treatment offer Botox injections to treat migraines is being offered by Northampton General Hospital. The treatment was approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence last year and NGH is one of only a few headache centres ... and more » |
Hospital-wide mortality rates and measuring quality: smoke alarm not smoke screen
Hospital-wide mortality rates and measuring quality: smoke alarm not smoke screen: Following the Francis inquiry, we need to look at the roles of Hospital Standardised Mortality Rates (HSMR) and Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicators (SHMI), says Simon Mackenzie. The Health Foundation
Government response: Department of Health’s response to the Avazz campaign about NHS reform
Government response: Department of Health’s response to the Avazz campaign about NHS reform: The government is committed to the founding principle of the NHS, that treatment is free at the point of delivery and available according to clinical need rather than ability to pay.
Money 'needed to make care cap work'
Money 'needed to make care cap work': The government's commitment to reform old age care must be twinned with greater investment in the system, ministers have been told. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Adult social care budget cut by £2.68bn over three years OnMedica News
GMC says new rules will speed up hearings
GMC says new rules will speed up hearings: The GMC has introduced a new set of rules that it claims will speed up fitness to practise hearings. GP Online
GPs cannot be NHS 'border agency', warns RCGP
GPs cannot be NHS 'border agency', warns RCGP: The RCGP has warned the government against making GPs a new 'border agency' after a clampdown on immigration was announced in the Queen's Speech. GP Online
New Choose and Book by end of year
New Choose and Book by end of year: NHS England plans to have a redeveloped Choose and Book service operating by the end of this year. E-Health Insider
Self-directed support: a voyage of discovery: evidence explorers project report
Self-directed support: a voyage of discovery: evidence explorers project report: This report summarises the learning from a project which aimed to strengthen the evidence base for self-directed support and how gaps might be addressed through co-production. The gaps identified centred around choice; systems and infrastructure; barriers; equality; roles; drivers and principles.
CCG assurance framework 2013/14 (outline proposal and interim arrangements)
CCG assurance framework 2013/14 (outline proposal and interim arrangements): This framework aims to help patients and the public to identify how well CCGs are performing in their role as commissioners of local services. It will also support CCGs to deliver comprehensive and high-quality care and help them transform local services and improve outcomes for all patients.
Minimum pricing for alcohol: the red-faced ranters have won | Katherine Brown
Minimum pricing for alcohol: the red-faced ranters have won | Katherine Brown: Intense lobbying from alcohol producers would appear to have killed-off this ground-breaking policy.
The absence of minimum pricing for alcohol in today's Queen's Speech is a chilling reminder of the influence big business still has on public health in the UK.
The absence of minimum pricing for alcohol in today's Queen's Speech is a chilling reminder of the influence big business still has on public health in the UK.
Demand on A&E departments is 'out of control', warns health regulator
Demand on A&E departments is 'out of control', warns health regulator:
Demand on NHS accident and emergency departments is “out of control” and “totally unsustainable”, the head of the health and social care regulator has warned. The Independent
See also:
Demand on NHS accident and emergency departments is “out of control” and “totally unsustainable”, the head of the health and social care regulator has warned. The Independent
See also:
- Emergency care in crisis admits NHS regulator The Daily Telegraph
- A&E demand unsustainable - watchdog BBC News
First year's findings about harm-free patient care published
First year's findings about harm-free patient care published: May 8, 2013: The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) today releases its first publication based on the NHS Safety Thermometer tool, which reports an increase in the percentage of assessed patients who received harm-free care.
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Healthy lives, healthy people: towards a workforce strategy for the public health system: a consultation - summary of responses
Healthy lives, healthy people: towards a workforce strategy for the public health system: a consultation - summary of responses:
This document provides a summary of the responses received to a consultation on ways to support and develop the public health workforce.
The original consultation sought views on recruitment and retention; the role of local education and training boards; and ways to strengthen academic public health and the public health information and intelligence function.
This document provides a summary of the responses received to a consultation on ways to support and develop the public health workforce.
The original consultation sought views on recruitment and retention; the role of local education and training boards; and ways to strengthen academic public health and the public health information and intelligence function.
Kings Fund
NHS 111 'shows signs of improvement'
NHS 111 'shows signs of improvement': There are signs the 111 non-emergency helpline is getting better after the bank holiday weekend passed by without major problems, NHS England says.
BBC News
BBC News
New measures unveiled to protect people if care providers fail
New measures unveiled to protect people if care providers fail:
Care and support minister Norman Lamb announced legislation to give the Care Quality Commission (CQC) powers to oversee the financial stability of the largest and most difficult to replace care providers.
The role of local authorities is also being clarified so that, if a care provider fails, local authorities will have ultimate responsibility for ensuring continuity of care for all people receiving care regardless of who is funding the services.
NHS Networks
Care and support minister Norman Lamb announced legislation to give the Care Quality Commission (CQC) powers to oversee the financial stability of the largest and most difficult to replace care providers.
The role of local authorities is also being clarified so that, if a care provider fails, local authorities will have ultimate responsibility for ensuring continuity of care for all people receiving care regardless of who is funding the services.
NHS Networks
Guide to the healthcare system in England
Guide to the healthcare system in England:
The Guide to the Healthcare System in England covers:
NHS Networks
The Guide to the Healthcare System in England covers:
- Providing care
- Commissioning care
- Safeguarding patients
- Empowering patients and local communities
- Education and training
- Supporting providers of care
- The role of the secretary of state for health
NHS Networks
Final 2012/13 staff flu vaccination figures released by the Department of Health
Final 2012/13 staff flu vaccination figures released by the Department of Health: Figures reveal that a greater proportion of NHS staff than ever before are now vaccinated against flu. NHS Employers News
'The stuff of Nobel prizes': The backache breakthrough? Half a million sufferers 'could be cured with antibiotics'
'The stuff of Nobel prizes': The backache breakthrough? Half a million sufferers 'could be cured with antibiotics':
Up to half a million patients with chronic low back pain may be suffering from an infection that can be treated with antibiotics.
Independent
Up to half a million patients with chronic low back pain may be suffering from an infection that can be treated with antibiotics.
Independent
Dedicated web pages launched for 74 specialised services Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs)
Dedicated web pages launched for 74 specialised services Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs):
NHS England has today launched a series of web pages dedicated to each of the 74 specialised services Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs).
CRGs cover the full range of specialised services and are responsible for providing NHS England with clinical advice regarding these directly commissioned services. The CRGs are made up of clinicians, commissioners, Public Health experts and patients and carers, and are responsible for the delivery of key ‘products’ such as service specifications and commissioning policies, which enable NHS England to commission services from specialist providers through the contracting arrangements overseen by its Area Teams.
National Programmes of Care and Clinical Reference Groups web pages
NHS Commissioning
NHS England has today launched a series of web pages dedicated to each of the 74 specialised services Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs).
CRGs cover the full range of specialised services and are responsible for providing NHS England with clinical advice regarding these directly commissioned services. The CRGs are made up of clinicians, commissioners, Public Health experts and patients and carers, and are responsible for the delivery of key ‘products’ such as service specifications and commissioning policies, which enable NHS England to commission services from specialist providers through the contracting arrangements overseen by its Area Teams.
National Programmes of Care and Clinical Reference Groups web pages
NHS Commissioning
Mentally-ill patients were 'Tasered' more than 50 times
Mentally-ill patients were 'Tasered' more than 50 times:
Police have resorted to firing Tasers to subdue mentally-ill patients in hospital and care homes more than 50 times in three years, Freedom of Information requests have disclosed.
Independent
Police have resorted to firing Tasers to subdue mentally-ill patients in hospital and care homes more than 50 times in three years, Freedom of Information requests have disclosed.
Independent
New Choose & Book by end of year
New Choose & Book by end of year: NHS England plans to have a redeveloped Choose and Book service operating by the end of this year. EHI News
Is the NHS really that bad – what does the evidence show?
Is the NHS really that bad – what does the evidence show?:
The Care Quality Commission's annual inpatient survey suggests that the negative press is by no means all justified
Judging by recent media coverage, you might be forgiven for thinking that the NHS has become a patient's nightmare, with doctors and nurses routinely mistreating or ignoring those in their care, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths in hospitals across the country.
What does the evidence say? The Care Quality Commission's annual inpatient survey – looking at the experiences of more than 64,500 people admitted to NHS hospitals in England in 2012 – got precious little media coverage. But it paints a very different picture.
Most of its survey questions give patients the choice of answering "yes, always", "yes, sometimes or to some extent" or "not at all".
In 2012, 80% of patients said they were always treated with dignity and respect in hospital, with only 3% saying they weren't. 80% said they always had confidence in the doctors treating them and 76% always had confidence in the nurses treating them, with only 3% not having confidence in either case. Ninety percent of the patients surveyed said they were always given enough privacy when being examined or treated; only 1% said they weren't.
When asked the key summary question – to rate their overall experience on a scale of 0 to 10 – 93% rated the experience at or above the average score of 5 and only 7% rated the experience below 5.
The 2012 survey shows a range of small year on year changes (usually 1 or 2% up or down) but it's more instructive to look at the 10-year sweep. The period 2002-12 shows substantial and demonstrable improvements across a range of areas that we know are important to patients.
Hospitals are now a lot cleaner: 68% of patients stated that their ward was very clean in 2012, up from 57% in 2002 (and another 33% in 2012 thought they were fairly clean). 92% of patients didn't have to share a ward with the opposite sex, up from 75% in 2002. The proportion of patients who felt that doctors often talked in front of them as if they weren't there decreased from 23% to 5% in 2012.
We all recognise how crucial it is to integrate our health and social care systems for good health outcomes. The survey shows that trusts are forging these important links within their local communities. Since 2002 there has been a marked decrease in the proportion of patients who felt there was a need to discuss further health or social care arrangements after leaving hospital and who would have liked to discuss this with staff but were unable to. The percentage went down from 33% in 2002 to 16% in 2012. Delayed discharges are also on a downward trend with the percentage of patients whose discharge was delayed falling from 48% in 2002 to 41% in 2012.
It's not a uniformly positive picture; there are a number of areas where the NHS needs to do better. No one can be satisfied that 20% of patients didn't feel they were given enough information about their treatment or that 48% of patients felt that they had to wait three minutes or longer for their call button to be answered.
But, overall, this evidence confirms the view that poor pockets of care are exactly that – pockets – and that poor care is not widespread, universal or endemic. We should, therefore, celebrate the successes of the NHS with the same enthusiasm and regularity as we, rightly, criticise the places where care has failed.
Guardian
Judging by recent media coverage, you might be forgiven for thinking that the NHS has become a patient's nightmare, with doctors and nurses routinely mistreating or ignoring those in their care, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths in hospitals across the country.
What does the evidence say? The Care Quality Commission's annual inpatient survey – looking at the experiences of more than 64,500 people admitted to NHS hospitals in England in 2012 – got precious little media coverage. But it paints a very different picture.
Most of its survey questions give patients the choice of answering "yes, always", "yes, sometimes or to some extent" or "not at all".
In 2012, 80% of patients said they were always treated with dignity and respect in hospital, with only 3% saying they weren't. 80% said they always had confidence in the doctors treating them and 76% always had confidence in the nurses treating them, with only 3% not having confidence in either case. Ninety percent of the patients surveyed said they were always given enough privacy when being examined or treated; only 1% said they weren't.
When asked the key summary question – to rate their overall experience on a scale of 0 to 10 – 93% rated the experience at or above the average score of 5 and only 7% rated the experience below 5.
The 2012 survey shows a range of small year on year changes (usually 1 or 2% up or down) but it's more instructive to look at the 10-year sweep. The period 2002-12 shows substantial and demonstrable improvements across a range of areas that we know are important to patients.
Hospitals are now a lot cleaner: 68% of patients stated that their ward was very clean in 2012, up from 57% in 2002 (and another 33% in 2012 thought they were fairly clean). 92% of patients didn't have to share a ward with the opposite sex, up from 75% in 2002. The proportion of patients who felt that doctors often talked in front of them as if they weren't there decreased from 23% to 5% in 2012.
We all recognise how crucial it is to integrate our health and social care systems for good health outcomes. The survey shows that trusts are forging these important links within their local communities. Since 2002 there has been a marked decrease in the proportion of patients who felt there was a need to discuss further health or social care arrangements after leaving hospital and who would have liked to discuss this with staff but were unable to. The percentage went down from 33% in 2002 to 16% in 2012. Delayed discharges are also on a downward trend with the percentage of patients whose discharge was delayed falling from 48% in 2002 to 41% in 2012.
It's not a uniformly positive picture; there are a number of areas where the NHS needs to do better. No one can be satisfied that 20% of patients didn't feel they were given enough information about their treatment or that 48% of patients felt that they had to wait three minutes or longer for their call button to be answered.
But, overall, this evidence confirms the view that poor pockets of care are exactly that – pockets – and that poor care is not widespread, universal or endemic. We should, therefore, celebrate the successes of the NHS with the same enthusiasm and regularity as we, rightly, criticise the places where care has failed.
Guardian
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Heart device can call NGH docs if patient falls ill - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Heart device can call NGH docs if patient falls ill A life-saving heart shock device can now tell Northampton General Hospital doctors if patients fall ill...over the phone. More than 200 Northamptonshire patients use implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD), similar to the one the ex-footballer Fabrice ... Northampton Chronicle & Echo |
NHS aims to beat MRSA in Northamptonshire - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
NHS aims to beat MRSA in Northamptonshire The pledge came as board papers revealed action was taken on Northampton General Hospital's Creaton ward during March, after the superbug was found on the skin of one patient in February and another during March. Checks highlighted high dust levels ... Northampton Chronicle & Echo |
Cuts see NHS services and jobs 'at risk' - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Cuts see NHS services and jobs 'at risk' Northamptonshire Healthcare (NHFT) is being forced to 're-design' four services after funding was cut, including respite for adults with learning disabilities, such as The Martins facility in Rushden, a crisis phone line for mentally ill patients who ... Northampton Chronicle & Echo |
NHS stops referring patients to private hospital after damning report
NHS stops referring patients to private hospital after damning report:
Care failures at Mount Alvernia in Surrey included surgeon who operated without gloves in blood-stained shirt sleeves.
The NHS has said it will not refer patients to a private hospital following a scathing assessment of the chaotic and dangerous conditions that led it to suspend children's surgery.
The NHS has said it will not refer patients to a private hospital following a scathing assessment of the chaotic and dangerous conditions that led it to suspend children's surgery.
Fears patients may have suffered harm or died due to NHS helpline failings
Fears patients may have suffered harm or died due to NHS helpline failings: NHS investigates claims that 'serious untoward incidents' have resulted from failings with NHS Direct replacement service
The NHS is investigating claims that some patients have suffered harm, and even died, as a result of problems with its new telephone advice service, 111.
The NHS is investigating claims that some patients have suffered harm, and even died, as a result of problems with its new telephone advice service, 111.
News story: New measures unveiled to protect people if care providers fail
News story: New measures unveiled to protect people if care providers fail:
Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb, today announced legislation would be introduced to give the Care Quality Commission (CQC) powers to oversee the financial stability of the largest and most difficult to replace care providers.
The role of local authorities is also being clarified so that, if a care provider fails, local authorities will have ultimate responsibility for ensuring continuity of care for all people receiving care regardless of who is funding the services.
The CQC’s oversight of finances, and the clarity of the local authority role, will give people who depend on care providers, along with their families and carers, an added level of assurance that their care needs will continue to be met.
Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb said:
This is part of wider work to improve standards and quality across the care sector and was first announced in the Care and Support white paper in July 2012. The department has progressed other initiatives in the sector to improve quality of care, including a website bringing together comparative information about care in local areas, and a Code of Conduct and Minimum Training Standards of care for adult social care.
Department of Health
The role of local authorities is also being clarified so that, if a care provider fails, local authorities will have ultimate responsibility for ensuring continuity of care for all people receiving care regardless of who is funding the services.
The CQC’s oversight of finances, and the clarity of the local authority role, will give people who depend on care providers, along with their families and carers, an added level of assurance that their care needs will continue to be met.
Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb said:
Everyone who receives care and support wants to know they will be protected if the company in charge of their care goes bust.
The fear and upset that the Southern Cross collapse caused to care home residents and families was unacceptable. This early warning system will bring reassurance to people in care and will allow action to be taken to ensure care continues if a provider fails.The new powers are subject to Parliamentary approval. They were consulted on earlier in the year and the department has today published the formal consultation response.
This is part of wider work to improve standards and quality across the care sector and was first announced in the Care and Support white paper in July 2012. The department has progressed other initiatives in the sector to improve quality of care, including a website bringing together comparative information about care in local areas, and a Code of Conduct and Minimum Training Standards of care for adult social care.
Department of Health
Magnetic pulses may help treat depression
Magnetic pulses may help treat depression: A treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to activate key areas of the brain is being offered in Britain for the first time.
Telegraph
TelegraphThree deaths investigated involving NHS non-emergency 111 hotline
Three deaths investigated involving NHS non-emergency 111 hotline:
Three deaths and another 19 “potentially serious" incidents are being investigated in relation to the NHS's 111 non-emergency helpline, which was rolled out nationally last month. Independent
Three deaths and another 19 “potentially serious" incidents are being investigated in relation to the NHS's 111 non-emergency helpline, which was rolled out nationally last month. Independent
One manual shouldn't dictate US mental health research - New Scientist
One manual shouldn't dictate US mental health research The controversies swirling around the imminent update of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, produced by the American Psychiatric Association, have badly hurt confidence in psychiatric diagnosis. The problem ... And now we have ... New Scientist |
Junior doctor 'wrongly gives cancer all-clear to hundreds of women'
Junior doctor 'wrongly gives cancer all-clear to hundreds of women': Around 250 patients who attended a breast cancer clinic at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset between January 2011 and July last year have been asked back to have reassessments. Health - Mail online
Hospital 'not reporting hundreds of blundering doctors'
Hospitals 'not reporting hundreds of blundering doctors': Almost 200 doctors have not been reported to the General Medical Council for potentially fatal errors despite new legislation following the Harold Shipman case.
Telegraph
TelegraphNew NHS helpline is putting people's lives at risk, say doctors
New NHS helpline is putting people's lives at risk, say doctors:
The new NHS 111 system is putting lives at risk because operators are making "inappropriate" decisions, GPs have warned in a damning report obtained by The Independent.
The new NHS 111 system is putting lives at risk because operators are making "inappropriate" decisions, GPs have warned in a damning report obtained by The Independent.
Quarter of adults 'walk hour a week'
Quarter of adults 'walk hour a week': A Ramblers poll suggests a quarter of adults walk for no more than one hour each week. BBC News - Health
NHS England to publish IT strategy
NHS England to publish IT strategy: NHS England is developing an NHS Technology Strategy and Roadmap, setting a national direction for NHS IT. EHI News
'Health Online' to push records access
'Health Online' to push records access: NHS England is running a 'Health Online Programme' working towards 100% electronic referrals and patient access to their records online by 2015. EHI News
Friday, 3 May 2013
Health chiefs at a Northamptonshire hospital told to make “urgent” improvements
Health chiefs at a Northamptonshire hospital told to make “urgent” improvements: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has today told Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust it must make urgent improvements to comply with the national standards of quality and safety. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- KGH criticised over lack of cleanliness and delays Evening Telegraph
- Hospital told to improve urgently BBC Northamptonshire
Three die from new C. diff strain
Three die from new C. diff strain: Three patients in Scotland die after catching a new strain of the Clostridium difficile bug - the first reported cases worldwide. BBC News
See also
See also
Why does the NHS keep making the same mistakes?
Why does the NHS keep making the same mistakes? The NHS non-emergency 111 telephone line may be a new feature - but the chaos surrounding its roll out is as old as the health service itself. BBC News
Under-50s' breast cancers top 10,000
Under-50s' breast cancers top 10,000: The number of British women under 50 having breast cancer diagnosed has reached 10,000 annually for the first time. BBC News
See also:
See also:
'Manipulation' of vaccination fears
'Manipulation' of vaccination fears: MMR scare 'could have international consequences' BBC News
Insight Dashboard goes public
Insight Dashboard goes public: An Insight Dashboard being developed by NHS England to display patient experience data will be made available to the public. E-Health Insider
Patients need more help with medicine, say experts
Patients need more help with medicine, say experts:
| Up to 50% of patients don’t take medicine as prescribed Related items from OnMedica Talk to teens more about medicines they take, pharmacists urged Texts can help patients take their meds Online access to meds without prescription on rise, warn pharmacists New symbol denoting meds under extra scrutiny adopted across Europe |
The state of caring 2013
The state of caring 2013: This report details the results of a survey of over 3,000 carers across the UK and shows that many are struggling alone without advice or support and are seeing caring taking a toll on their health, family finances and careers as a result. It also highlights five challenges to improve carers’ lives.
Supporting structures: a soft intelligence report on commissioning support units (CSUs)
Supporting structures: a soft intelligence report on commissioning support units (CSUs): This report gathers together data from inteviews from 18 CSU managing directors and includes budgets and lists of core CCG customers along with structures and strategies of the CSUs which together employ more than 7,000 staff. It provides an insight into the challenges faced by CSUs and views on private sector involvement.
Primary concerns: a survey of healthcare professionals
Primary concerns: a survey of healthcare professionals: This survey of GPs, practice managers and nurses reveals a lack of support for the recent NHS reforms. As well as polling participants on attitudes towards the changes and the impact of these changes, the survey also asked NHS staff about their opinions on the quality of care and alternative therapies.
New bird flu strain requires vigilance researchers warn
New bird flu strain requires vigilance researchers warn: Most of the UK media are reporting on a worrying new strain of bird flu in China – the H7N9 strain of the bird flu virus.
According to the media, virology experts at a recent press conference warned that the virus "should not be taken lightly". This warning was prompted by new genetic research into the disease and by news that the virus is thought to have killed 24 people and infected at least 126 in China.
NHS data: 'People have become over-concerned about protecting confidentiality'
NHS data: 'People have become over-concerned about protecting confidentiality': Dame Fiona Caldicott's report emphasises that patients are at risk if clinicians base decisions on inadequate data.
Plans to share patient information electronically date back to the Blair government's over-ambitious and now defunct NHS national programme for IT. And despite the coalition's aim that all 6,000-plus GP practices in England must offer patients online access to their records by 2015, so far only 61 are doing so.
Plans to share patient information electronically date back to the Blair government's over-ambitious and now defunct NHS national programme for IT. And despite the coalition's aim that all 6,000-plus GP practices in England must offer patients online access to their records by 2015, so far only 61 are doing so.
Nurses warned that children at private hospital were being put at risk
Nurses warned that children at private hospital were being put at risk: A private hospital put lives at risk after ignoring whistleblowers who warned operations were being carried out unsafely, an investigation has found.
The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The Daily TelegraphSee also:
- Child surgery halt over failings BBC News
GPs pressured to sign sick notes
GPs pressured to sign sick notes: Doctors are routinely issuing sick notes to patients who have no medical reason to be off work, Government research has suggested.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Doctors condemn Government's decision to hold plans for plain cigarette packaging
Doctors condemn Government's decision to hold plans for plain cigarette packaging:
Senior doctors will tomorrow condemn the Government's decision to delay its plans to force cigarettes to be sold in plain packets. The Independent
Senior doctors will tomorrow condemn the Government's decision to delay its plans to force cigarettes to be sold in plain packets. The Independent
The MAGIC programme: evaluation
The MAGIC programme: evaluation The evaluation follows up on the MAGIC (Making Good Decisions in Collaboration) programme that aims to support clinical teams in primary and secondary care to embed shared decision making with patients in their everyday practice. It shows that a positive change within health systems and individual patients can be made. The Health Foundation
Thursday, 2 May 2013
Is the NHS really over-managed?
Is the NHS really over-managed?: Research suggests the NHS may actually be under-managed BBC News
Should we worry about H7N9?
Should we worry about H7N9?: What is the threat posed by H7N9? BBC News
See also:
See also:
- VIDEO: 'Nastiest' virus in humans in years BBC News
- Doctors warned to look out for new H7N9 bird flu virus The Daily Telegraph
NHS England orders 111 review
NHS England orders 111 review: NHS England has ordered an urgent review of the roll-out of NHS 111 and the sustainability of the current service model. E-Health Insider
See also:
See also:
- NHS 111 helpline 'failing to meet targets' The Guardian
- Future of NHS 111 comes under scrutiny OnMedica News
- NHS England to review sustainability of 111 service GP Online
- NHS 111 advice line 'still fragile' BBC News
Collaborative healthcare 'groups' can work better than mergers
Collaborative healthcare 'groups' can work better than mergers: The NHS Confederation's Hospitals Forum asks if healthcare 'groups' are a better alternative than 'merger mania'.
Veterans to be trained to spot mental health problems
Veterans to be trained to spot mental health problems:
| Up to 6,400 ex-military to be helped by scheme Related items from OnMedica Improved care announced for war veterans New help for traumatised combat veterans GPs offered help to support veterans Guidance issued on mental health Mental and physical healthcare should be integrated |
Policy+ 39: does NHS staff wellbeing affect patient experience of care? (National Nursing Research Unit)
Policy+ 39: does NHS staff wellbeing affect patient experience of care? (National Nursing Research Unit): It may be reasonable to presume that patients receive better care from staff who feel happier in their work. However little is known about the strength or possible impact of associations between staff wellbeing and patient outcomes including their experiences of the care provided. Previous research has tended to focus on single aspects or one staff group, or have looked at associations at the whole hospital level (for example using the national staff and patient surveys, and hospital level outcomes. Researchers in the NNRU have completed a study within the English NHS exploring the links between patients' experiences of health care and staff experiences at work such as staff motivation and wellbeing at work. Staff and patient views were captured at the
team/unit level – where possible matching staff to the individual patients they cared for to test associations between staff and patient experience.
team/unit level – where possible matching staff to the individual patients they cared for to test associations between staff and patient experience.
Danger! NHS at risk from cuts and political inertia
Danger! NHS at risk from cuts and political inertia: Despite myths that health budgets are growing, NHS spending will be cut as funds are redirected towards social care
The NHS is in danger of being crushed between a funding cut and political inertia over the need to reconfigure services.
The NHS is in danger of being crushed between a funding cut and political inertia over the need to reconfigure services.
Hospitals 'are ignoring advice on caesarean sections'
Hospitals 'are ignoring advice on caesarean sections': Some C-sections are being carried out too early, and babies face risk of serious breathing problems, say experts
The health of thousands of babies born every year by planned caesarean section is being put at risk because hospitals carry out the operations earlier than is wise, childbirth experts are warning.
The health of thousands of babies born every year by planned caesarean section is being put at risk because hospitals carry out the operations earlier than is wise, childbirth experts are warning.
Health watchdog sacks senior managers amid baby deaths scandal
Health watchdog sacks senior managers amid baby deaths scandal: The health watchdog, the CQC, which has been criticised for repeated failures to protect vulnerable patients has cleared out its senior executive team.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Campaigners brand police plan to fit dementia patients with GPS tracking devices to reduce costly call-outs as 'inhumane'
Campaigners brand police plan to fit dementia patients with GPS tracking devices to reduce costly call-outs as 'inhumane': A police force plans to fit dementia patients with GPS tracking devices in a bid to reduce the number of costly call-outs to search for patients who regularly go missing. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Concern over GPS tracking of dementia sufferers The Daily Telegraph
- Tagging dementia patients is putting a 'plaster' over social care problems The Daily Telegraph
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