Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Policy change means Northamptonshire firefighters will not respond to automatic fire alarms unless fire is confirmed
Policy change means Northamptonshire firefighters will not respond to automatic fire alarms unless fire is confirmed Firefighters in Northamptonshire will no longer respond to automatic fire alarms in offices, shops, churches or schools unless a confirmed fire is reported by a person near the premises from April 1. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Mental health help 'needed in schools'
Mental health help 'needed in schools' A new website is being launched to help adults spot the warning signs of mental health problems in children.
In Scrubbing Up this week, child psychiatrist Dr Raphael Kelvin - who led the project - says if we're to really support children with mental health problems, we need to more aid - including in the classroom. BBC News
See also:
In Scrubbing Up this week, child psychiatrist Dr Raphael Kelvin - who led the project - says if we're to really support children with mental health problems, we need to more aid - including in the classroom. BBC News
See also:
- Child mental health issues 'missed' BBC News
Warning over burning aborted foetuses
Warning over burning aborted foetuses Hospitals should cremate or bury aborted foetuses rather than incinerating them, the medical director of the NHS in England says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Amanda Holden wins victory for grieving mothers The Daily Telegraph
- Thousands of unborn foetuses incinerated to heat UK hospitals The Independent
NIB informatics strategy outlined
NIB informatics strategy outlined The National Information Board will release a new informatics strategy for consultation in May, to be used to inform commissioning decisions from September this year. E-Health Insider
Study fails to prove effects of stress on fertility
Study fails to prove effects of stress on fertility “Stress can double the risk of infertility for women,” The Daily Mail reports. However, the evidence provided by the latest study is not as clear cut as the reporting implies.
Resources Launched to improve support for people with learning disabilities as they grow older
Resources Launched to improve support for people with learning disabilities as they grow older The Association for Real Change and the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities launch the Real Change Challenge and an accompanying Evaluation Toolkit.
Evaluation of the choice of GP practice pilot, 2012-13: final report
Evaluation of the choice of GP practice pilot, 2012-13: final report This report found that the Department of Health's Choice of GP pilot scheme saw modest demand overall, but that participants were generally positive about the scheme and there was little sign of major increased cost to primary care trusts.Policy Innovation Research Unit
NAVCA publishes health survey findings
NAVCA publishes health survey findings These briefings detail the results of research which explored local charities and voluntary organisations' attitudes and experiences of local health organisations. The research looked at the extent to which these local charities and voluntary organisations felt that they were able to influence JSNAs and the nature of their relationship with local CCGs and local Healthwatch. National Association for Voluntary and Community Action
Financial mechanisms for integrating funds for health and social care: an evidence review
Financial mechanisms for integrating funds for health and social care: an evidence review This evidence review aruges that pooling funds across health and social care services should not be considered a panacea that will lead to the successful delivery of integrated care. Centre for Health Economics
Local Healthwatch outcomes and impact development tool version 2
Local Healthwatch outcomes and impact development tool version 2 This outcome and impact development tool has been designed to promote the development of local Healthwatch as an independent organisation that can effectively and efficiently deliver its functions. It is intended to assist local Healthwatch identify what outcomes and impacts a ‘Good' local Healthwatch could achieve through the delivery of its functions. Local Government Association
General Practice creaking under strain of workload
General Practice creaking under strain of workload Six out of ten GPs considering retiring early as workload crisis hits general practice. OnMedica
Delivering affordable world-class health care
Delivering affordable world-class health care
India, a nation that once looked to the west for guidance is fast becoming a innovative leader in the future of healthcare.
As healthcare systems in Europe and the US appear stagnated, inspiration can be found in the ways some Indian Hospitals are operating. Healthcare Today
Monday, 24 March 2014
Unions criticise Northampton General Hospital for parking rates rise
Unions criticise Northampton General Hospital for parking rates rise
Student nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants may be put off from studying at the University of Northampton if they are forced to pay £10 a day to park at the town’s hospital site, according to a union leader. Chronicle and Echo
Student nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants may be put off from studying at the University of Northampton if they are forced to pay £10 a day to park at the town’s hospital site, according to a union leader. Chronicle and Echo
Delays talking to Northamptonshire GPs top survey complaint list
Delays talking to Northamptonshire GPs top survey complaint list
Long delays waiting to talk to GPs in Northamptonshire topped a list of complaints discovered in a recent survey by a health watchdog. Chronicle and Echo
Long delays waiting to talk to GPs in Northamptonshire topped a list of complaints discovered in a recent survey by a health watchdog. Chronicle and Echo
Managing medicines in care homes
Managing medicines in care homes
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) -
This guideline considers all aspects of managing medicines in care homes and recommends that all care home providers have a care home medicines policy. It considers prescribing, handling and administering medicines to residents living in care homes and the provision of care or services relating to medicines in care homes. NHS Evidence
Guideline
NICE - guidance
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) -
This guideline considers all aspects of managing medicines in care homes and recommends that all care home providers have a care home medicines policy. It considers prescribing, handling and administering medicines to residents living in care homes and the provision of care or services relating to medicines in care homes. NHS Evidence
Guideline
NICE - guidance
Britain could be the first country in the world to vaccinate every baby against meningitis B
Britain could be the first country in the world to vaccinate every baby against meningitis B
Every baby in Britain could be protected against meningitis B by the end of the summer, the company behind a new vaccine have said, after the Government announced the UK would become the first country in the world to provide universal vaccine coverage against the killer disease. Independent
Every baby in Britain could be protected against meningitis B by the end of the summer, the company behind a new vaccine have said, after the Government announced the UK would become the first country in the world to provide universal vaccine coverage against the killer disease. Independent
Fraud 'costing NHS £5bn a year'
Fraud 'costing NHS £5bn a year'
Fraud is costing the NHS £5bn a year, with a further £2bn lost to financial errors, the former head of its anti-fraud section tells BBC Panorama. BBC News
Fraud is costing the NHS £5bn a year, with a further £2bn lost to financial errors, the former head of its anti-fraud section tells BBC Panorama. BBC News
Child Protection – Information sharing project
Child Protection – Information sharing project
NHS England and the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) have launched a series of short films to promote the benefits of the Child Protection – Information Sharing project (CP-IS). The CP-IS will help the NHS give a higher level of protection to children who present in unscheduled care settings by enabling local authorities to share child protection information with the NHS for the first time, at a national level.
Using animations and interviews with NHS staff, social workers and the staff of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the films demonstrate the very real difference effective information sharing makes in the lives of children at risk of cruelty. NHS Commissioning Board
The films can be seen below and are available to view now on NHS England’s YouTube channel.
Contact cpis@hscic.gov.uk to find out more
NHS England and the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) have launched a series of short films to promote the benefits of the Child Protection – Information Sharing project (CP-IS). The CP-IS will help the NHS give a higher level of protection to children who present in unscheduled care settings by enabling local authorities to share child protection information with the NHS for the first time, at a national level.
Using animations and interviews with NHS staff, social workers and the staff of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the films demonstrate the very real difference effective information sharing makes in the lives of children at risk of cruelty. NHS Commissioning Board
The films can be seen below and are available to view now on NHS England’s YouTube channel.
Contact cpis@hscic.gov.uk to find out more
Better reporting of medical incidents
Better reporting of medical incidents
The alerts instruct providers on steps to improve data report quality and the need for national networks to share learning and develop guidance. NHS Networks
The alerts instruct providers on steps to improve data report quality and the need for national networks to share learning and develop guidance. NHS Networks
Progress report on health and wellbeing boards
Progress report on health and wellbeing boards
The resources come ahead of the anniversary of HWBs’ first full year of operation and formal establishment as system leaders. NHS Networks
The resources come ahead of the anniversary of HWBs’ first full year of operation and formal establishment as system leaders. NHS Networks
Friday, 21 March 2014
Hospices can support the needs of the UK's ageing population
Hospices can support the needs of the UK's ageing population
With the number of people aged 85 and over doubling in the next 20 years, demand for palliative and end-of-life care will surge
Demand for high-quality palliative and end-of-life care is expected to surge in the next few decades, driven by the UK's fast-ageing population. More people are living well into their 80s and beyond, many with multiple, complex health conditions.
The number of people aged 85 and over is expected to double in the next 20 years. In addition, more young people with life-shortening conditions are living for longer. These demographic changes present huge challenges for all involved in planning and delivering end-of-life care.
The view of a national commission into the future of hospice care is that hospices have an important part to play in both shaping and delivering appropriate services to meet these needs.
With the number of people aged 85 and over doubling in the next 20 years, demand for palliative and end-of-life care will surge
Demand for high-quality palliative and end-of-life care is expected to surge in the next few decades, driven by the UK's fast-ageing population. More people are living well into their 80s and beyond, many with multiple, complex health conditions.
The number of people aged 85 and over is expected to double in the next 20 years. In addition, more young people with life-shortening conditions are living for longer. These demographic changes present huge challenges for all involved in planning and delivering end-of-life care.
The view of a national commission into the future of hospice care is that hospices have an important part to play in both shaping and delivering appropriate services to meet these needs.
Care.data advisory group announced
Care.data advisory group announced
NHS England has set up an independent advisory group to improve governance around the care.data programme. EHI News
NHS England has set up an independent advisory group to improve governance around the care.data programme. EHI News
A Locala service for local people
A Locala service for local people
District nurse Julie Maguire works in a world where all of her patients' information is held electronically. EHI Insight
District nurse Julie Maguire works in a world where all of her patients' information is held electronically. EHI Insight
Cochrane review finds that acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy and electrostimulation show little benefit for smoking cessation
Cochrane review finds that acupuncture, acupressure, laser therapy and electrostimulation show little benefit for smoking cessation
Despite being on the decline, smoking is still one of the largest causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the world. According to recent World Health Organisation data, smoking directly kills around 5 million people every year. The NHS spends almost £90 million on cessation efforts to combat the £5 billion treatment cost. Recent research [read the full story...]
Despite being on the decline, smoking is still one of the largest causes of preventable morbidity and mortality in the world. According to recent World Health Organisation data, smoking directly kills around 5 million people every year. The NHS spends almost £90 million on cessation efforts to combat the £5 billion treatment cost. Recent research [read the full story...]
Quitting Smoking: Therapeutic in Mental Health Treatment - Psychiatric Times
Quitting Smoking: Therapeutic in Mental Health Treatment - Psychiatric Times
A recent study aimed to investigate the impact of smoking cessation on mental health in general and psychiatric populations.10 The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies and found 26 studies which examined ...
A recent study aimed to investigate the impact of smoking cessation on mental health in general and psychiatric populations.10 The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies and found 26 studies which examined ...
Exclusive: New meningitis vaccine for every child will ease 'parent’s greatest fear'
Exclusive: New meningitis vaccine for every child will ease 'parent’s greatest fear'
A new vaccine against meningitis B – one of the most feared diseases, which can quickly kill children or leave them needing limb amputations – is to be made available free on the NHS. Independent
A new vaccine against meningitis B – one of the most feared diseases, which can quickly kill children or leave them needing limb amputations – is to be made available free on the NHS. Independent
Thousands of dementia patients not referred to specialists
Thousands of dementia patients not referred to specialists
Hospitals failing thousands of patients with suspected dementia, new figures show. Telegraph
Hospitals failing thousands of patients with suspected dementia, new figures show. Telegraph
Values mapping tool
Values mapping tool
This tool aims to help organisations to map their values to the those in the NHS Constitution. It has been developed as part of Health Education England’s Values Based Recruitment programme which will ensure that selection into all new NHS funded training posts incorporates testing of values based recruitment by March 2015. NHS Employers
Mapping tool
NHS Employers - recruitment and retention
This tool aims to help organisations to map their values to the those in the NHS Constitution. It has been developed as part of Health Education England’s Values Based Recruitment programme which will ensure that selection into all new NHS funded training posts incorporates testing of values based recruitment by March 2015. NHS Employers
Mapping tool
NHS Employers - recruitment and retention
Consultation skills for pharmacy practice: practice standards for England
Consultation skills for pharmacy practice: practice standards for England
This framework aims to help pharmacy professionals to improve their skills in carrying out consultations with patients and in delivering public health messages. It represents a national programme of change in pharmacy and will apply to more than 60,000 pharmacy professionals across England. Health Education England
Practice standards
Standards of ethics, conduct and performance
Consultations skills for pharmacy practice - website
HEE - news
This framework aims to help pharmacy professionals to improve their skills in carrying out consultations with patients and in delivering public health messages. It represents a national programme of change in pharmacy and will apply to more than 60,000 pharmacy professionals across England. Health Education England
Practice standards
Standards of ethics, conduct and performance
Consultations skills for pharmacy practice - website
HEE - news
Patient safety alert: improving incident reporting and learning
Patient safety alert: improving incident reporting and learning
NHS England and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have jointly issued two patient safety alerts to help healthcare providers increase incident reporting for medication errors and medical devices. The alerts instruct providers to take specific steps that will improve data report quality; and will see the establishment of national networks to maximise learning and provide guidance on minimising harm relating to these two incident types.
Medical device safety alert
Medication error safety alert
NHS England - news
NHS England and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have jointly issued two patient safety alerts to help healthcare providers increase incident reporting for medication errors and medical devices. The alerts instruct providers to take specific steps that will improve data report quality; and will see the establishment of national networks to maximise learning and provide guidance on minimising harm relating to these two incident types.
Medical device safety alert
Medication error safety alert
NHS England - news
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Threatened refuges handed reprieve
Threatened refuges handed reprieve The planned closure of refuges that protect domestic abuse victims in Northamptonshire is halted until operators can find other funds. BBC Northamptonshire
Police helicopters searching for missing Northampton General Hospital patient
Police helicopters searching for missing Northampton General Hospital patient Officers from Northamptonshire Police are searching for a 64-year-old man who has gone missing from Northampton General Hospital. Graham Lane was last seen at about 1pm at the hospital. He is slim, white, about 5ft 7in with a pale complexion. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Budget 2014 - the headlines
Budget 2014 - the headlines There were a number of announcements in the budget with a NHS or workforce angle. Read our summary for more details. NHS Employers
FAQs on the NHS pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 published
FAQs on the NHS pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 published Following the Government’s announcement last week on the NHS pay award for the next two years, we have now published a set of frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) to help explain more of the detail. NHS Employers
Lung cancer rates up among UK women
Lung cancer rates up among UK women Lung cancer rates among women in the UK have increased by 73% since 1975 while declining by 47% in men, new figures have revealed. BBC News
NHS complaints system 'too complex'
NHS complaints system 'too complex' Healthwatch England says more than 70 organisations are involved in the process for dealing with complaints about the NHS and social care. BBC News
Health and wellbeing peer challenges
Health and wellbeing peer challenges This publication contains a number of case studies outlining how peer challenge is playing a strong role supporting and improving public health. Local Government Association
Kelsey admits care.data use unclear
Kelsey admits care.data use unclear NHS England delayed the care.data programme because it could not give guarantees on how the data would be used, NHS England's director of patients and information has said. E-Health Insider
NHS hospitals suffer annual loss for first time in eight years
NHS hospitals suffer annual loss for first time in eight years Combined deficit of £456.8m reported by 26 of 102 trusts, renewing fears about long-term financing of the NHS.
NHS hospitals will end the financial year in the red for the first time in eight years, according to official figures, with 26 loss-making trusts reporting a combined deficit of £456.8m.
The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust has run up the largest deficit: £39.8m. The figures published on Thursday will renew fears that the NHS's finances have been deteriorating sharply in recent months, especially as a result of many trusts having to hire extra staff, notably nurses, in order to ensure safe and high-quality care in the wake of the Mid Staffordshire scandal.
NHS hospitals will end the financial year in the red for the first time in eight years, according to official figures, with 26 loss-making trusts reporting a combined deficit of £456.8m.
The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust has run up the largest deficit: £39.8m. The figures published on Thursday will renew fears that the NHS's finances have been deteriorating sharply in recent months, especially as a result of many trusts having to hire extra staff, notably nurses, in order to ensure safe and high-quality care in the wake of the Mid Staffordshire scandal.
Dutch idea of health checks via the web show NHS a cost-cutting future
Dutch idea of health checks via the web show NHS a cost-cutting future
Imagine if your doctor was as easy to contact as your Facebook friends - and you could Skype them whenever you liked to talk about your health concerns. The Independent
Imagine if your doctor was as easy to contact as your Facebook friends - and you could Skype them whenever you liked to talk about your health concerns. The Independent
Outgoing NHS boss Sir David Nicholson wants to work with press regulator to stop health service being undermined by ‘sensational’ newspaper...
Outgoing NHS boss Sir David Nicholson wants to work with press regulator to stop health service being undermined by ‘sensational’ newspaper...
The outgoing boss of the NHS in England has revealed he plans to spend the next stage of his career defending the health service from newspapers which “hate the NHS”. The Independent
The outgoing boss of the NHS in England has revealed he plans to spend the next stage of his career defending the health service from newspapers which “hate the NHS”. The Independent
Disabled people in care facilities 'deprived of liberty', says judge
Disabled people in care facilities 'deprived of liberty', says judge 'A gilded cage is still a cage', according to judge who says disabled people have the same human right to physical liberty as the rest of the human race. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Disabled in care ‘denied human rights,’ Supreme Court rules The Independent
Dementia is 'the new normal' charity says
Dementia is 'the new normal' charity says Society needs to treat dementia as "the new normal" and involve Alzheimer's sufferers far more closely in local communities, charities have said. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Staff car parking charges to rise 50pc at Northampton General Hospital
Staff car parking charges to rise 50pc at Northampton General Hospital Staff car parking charges at Northampton General Hospital are set to rise by 50 per cent from the start of next month, the NHS hospital trust has announced. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Diabetes no longer leading cause of blindness thanks to screening
Diabetes no longer leading cause of blindness thanks to screening A report on the causes of adult blindness found a widening gap between prevalence of diabetes and the number of people with related eye problems. It says that better screening is one of the main factors in the change. Public Health England
Whole-system solutions for urgent and emergency care
Whole-system solutions for urgent and emergency care “This follow-up report acts as a roadmap to the fundamental changes required to create a sustainable and high-quality urgent and emergency care system that can meet the needs of patients now and in the future.” NHS Confederation
Hospitals treat 4,000 FGM patients
Hospitals treat 4,000 FGM patients Nearly 4,000 women and girls have been treated for genital mutilation in London hospitals since 2009, new figures show. BBC News
Patient feedback posts open to abuse
Patient feedback posts open to abuse The NHS removes all but one of 653 patient reviews of a healthcare trust from its website, after Newsnight finds the system is open to abuse. BBC News
Telehealth and telecare
Telehealth and telecare The UK’s elderly population is growing and with it the number of people with long-term health problems. This is putting pressure on the health and social care systems. Increased use of technology such as telehealth and telecare may help to improve quality of care and reduce costs. This note describes current UK telehealth and telecare initiatives and the role they may play in delivering future care. House of Commons
Jr docs need IG training - ICO
Jr docs need IG training - ICO NHS organisations are confused about how to ensure junior doctors get data protection training, a report from the Information Commissioner's Office has found. E-Health Insider
Saturated fats and heart disease link 'unproven'
Saturated fats and heart disease link 'unproven' “No link found between saturated fat and heart disease,” The Daily Telegraph reports. Researchers have looked at large amounts of data and say they have found no significant link between saturated fat and heart disease.
Nutritional guidelines generally encourage low consumption of saturated fats, found in butter, cream, cheese and fatty cuts of meat, as these were thought to be linked to increased cholesterol in the blood and an increased risk of heart disease.
In contrast, unsaturated fats, found in fish and plant sources, have been encouraged (to a certain extent) as these are thought to have a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels.
This latest study finds that the evidence for these guidelines may not be definitive.
Nutritional guidelines generally encourage low consumption of saturated fats, found in butter, cream, cheese and fatty cuts of meat, as these were thought to be linked to increased cholesterol in the blood and an increased risk of heart disease.
In contrast, unsaturated fats, found in fish and plant sources, have been encouraged (to a certain extent) as these are thought to have a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels.
This latest study finds that the evidence for these guidelines may not be definitive.
From structure to function: the impact of change
From structure to function: the impact of change “The original overarching aim of this five year project was to investigate how three hospitals redesigned their services to meet the changing health needs of the people they serve.” Birmingham University
Half of public health doctors might leave profession
Half of public health doctors might leave profession Reforms have increased bureaucracy but not public health, reports the BMA. OnMedica
Diabetic people 'having unnecessary amputations'
Diabetic people 'having unnecessary amputations' Parliamentary group and charity Diabetes UK call attention to wide disparity in treatment of condition across UK
People with diabetes are having their legs and feet amputated unnecessarily, according to a group of MPs and peers who have highlighted stark differences in treatment of the condition across the NHS in England.
People with diabetes are having their legs and feet amputated unnecessarily, according to a group of MPs and peers who have highlighted stark differences in treatment of the condition across the NHS in England.
Little change in NHS culture, whistleblowers warn
Little change in NHS culture, whistleblowers warn There has been “very little change” to ensure NHS staff speak up about their concerns, despite pledges by ministers, the nurse who blew the whistle on the Mid Staffs scandal has told MPs. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Free support available – health visitor workforce retention
Free support available – health visitor workforce retention If you’re a provider of heath visiting services and would value some help and advice to support recruitment and retention within your health visiting teams, read on. NHS Employers
Contracting out public services to the private sector
Contracting out public services to the private sector This report brings together evidence from two hearings on contracting out government services, which were held on the basis of reports by the National Audit Office. The report states that it is vital for Parliament and the public to be able to follow the taxpayers’ pound to ensure value for money. It calls for three basic transparency measures to ensure this: the extension of Freedom of Information to public contracts with private providers; access rights for the National Audit Office; and a requirement for contractors to open their books up to scrutiny by officials. House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts
Baby organ donor rules 'deadly'
Baby organ donor rules 'deadly' UK doctors have attacked a "crazy double standard" in organ donation that they say leads to the deaths of babies. BBC News
Thousands of NHS staff rehired
Thousands of NHS staff rehired New figures indicate that almost 4,000 staff made redundant from the NHS in England, before last year's major restructuring, have since been re-employed. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Sick and disabled made to wait for more than six months to know if they will get benefit
Sick and disabled made to wait for more than six months to know if they will get benefit
People with disabilities and severe illnesses are being made to wait for more than six months to find out if they are eligible for financial support from the Government under a controversial new benefits system. The Independent
People with disabilities and severe illnesses are being made to wait for more than six months to find out if they are eligible for financial support from the Government under a controversial new benefits system. The Independent
Thousands of hospital patients being moved at night
Thousands of hospital patients being moved at night Campaigners have branded the practice of moving patients in hospital beds at night "dehumanising" as it emerged the practice increased by almost 20 per cent in the last five years. The Daily Telegraph
Teenage model's cancer death prompts petition plea
Teenage model's cancer death prompts petition plea The family of an aspiring model who died of cervical cancer want MPs to consider lowering the age limit for smear tests to prevent further deaths. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 17 March 2014
Hospital Discharge Scheme Is A Success
Hospital Discharge Scheme Is A Success A scheme which aims to move patients who might need continuing support out of hospital quicker is proving successful in Northamptonshire.
The discharge to assess scheme is helping those who might need continuing support leave hospitals earlier by arranging a care package to support them at home so that the Continuing Health Care assessment takes place in the patient's own environment, providing a much clearer picture of the patient's needs. About My Area
The discharge to assess scheme is helping those who might need continuing support leave hospitals earlier by arranging a care package to support them at home so that the Continuing Health Care assessment takes place in the patient's own environment, providing a much clearer picture of the patient's needs. About My Area
Woman wins right to keep husband’s sperm stored at Northampton clinic
Woman wins right to keep husband’s sperm stored at Northampton clinic A woman whose late husband’s sperm is stored at a Northampton clinic and who won a High Court case to prevent it being destroyed, has learned the ruling could be appealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Medical revalidation: from compliance to commitment
Medical revalidation: from compliance to commitment This paper, commissioned by the NHS Revalidation Support Team, presents the findings from focus group discussions with doctors and interviews with wider staff. It provides analysis from interviewees’ perspectives and offers commentary on how leaders at all levels can use revalidation to help create a culture of excellence in patient care. The King's Fund
See also:
- The Early Benefits and Impact NHS Revalidation Support Team
Report of the working group into joined up clinical pathways for obesity
Report of the working group into joined up clinical pathways for obesity This report recommends greater clarity around how obesity care in England is commissioned. It aims to support more equitable access to obesity and weight management services, including obesity surgery, across the country. NHS England
Pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 announced
Pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 announced The Government has today responded to the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB) and Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) and set out their plans for a two year pay award for NHS staff. NHS Employers
Patients sent to doctor's hospital
Patients sent to doctor's hospital A mental health trust planning to close beds spends £1.2m sending patients to a senior consultant's private hospital. BBC News
Poor 'face many years of bad health'
Poor 'face many years of bad health' People living in the most affluent areas of England can expect almost 20 years' more "good health" than those in the poorest, data suggests. BBC News
New fast track drug scheme to help severely ill
New fast track drug scheme to help severely ill "'Early access' drugs scheme launched for severely ill," BBC News reports. The government has launched the Early Access to Medicines Scheme designed to help patients with life threatening or debilitating conditions get access to unlicensed medications that could potentially be of benefit.
2030 vision: The best - and worst - futures for older people in the UK
2030 vision: The best - and worst - futures for older people in the UK This report provides a futures perspective on how we make the UK the best country to grow old in. It examines both the best and worst case scenarios and the rising costs associated with an ageing population. International Longevity Centre UK
NHS spends £100m a year on patients who should be discharged
NHS spends £100m a year on patients who should be discharged NHS spends £100m a year caring for patients who do not need to be there. The Daily Telegraph
Call for foreign private firms to take over NHS hospitals comes under fire
Call for foreign private firms to take over NHS hospitals comes under fire Care Quality Commission boss suggests up to 30 failing NHS trusts could be run by European or American chains.
The ex-Conservative MP who chairs the health service care regulator is under fire after calling for foreign private health firms to be allowed to take over failing NHS hospitals.
David Prior, the boss of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said European or American "hospital chains" should be given the chance to turn around what he said could be as many as 30 NHS hospital trusts in England that have run into trouble by the end of 2014.
The ex-Conservative MP who chairs the health service care regulator is under fire after calling for foreign private health firms to be allowed to take over failing NHS hospitals.
David Prior, the boss of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said European or American "hospital chains" should be given the chance to turn around what he said could be as many as 30 NHS hospital trusts in England that have run into trouble by the end of 2014.
Resurgence of TB poses grave threat worldwide
Resurgence of TB poses grave threat worldwide
The rise of new strains of tuberculosis resistant to drug treatment represents “one of the gravest public health threats facing the world today”, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières has warned. The Independent
The rise of new strains of tuberculosis resistant to drug treatment represents “one of the gravest public health threats facing the world today”, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières has warned. The Independent
Revealed: the 'conveyor belt care' of those with dementia
Revealed: the 'conveyor belt care' of those with dementia 'Conveyor belt care' of those with dementia means some receive care from more than 40 different workers. The Daily Telegraph
New claims of patients 'locked up' at NHS hospital
New claims of patients 'locked up' at NHS hospital Claims that patients at Dudley hospitals are being restrained against their will resurface after second manager forced out. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 14 March 2014
Bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS
Bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS NHS England has developed some bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS. These guides are linked to the Transforming participation in Health and Social Care guidance (published September 2013). The guides have been developed with partners and by reviewing good practice in each area. They aim to support Clinical Commissioning Groups and others to plan and deliver good patient and public participation. You can access the guides via the following links:
These four Bite-size guides form the first batch of a suite of bite-size resources, and more will follow throughout the year.
These four Bite-size guides form the first batch of a suite of bite-size resources, and more will follow throughout the year.
Employers guide to NHS Pension Scheme changes 2014/15
Employers guide to NHS Pension Scheme changes 2014/15 Our handy new guide gives an overview of the most recent changes to the NHS Pension Scheme, as well as outlining actions for your trust until April 2015. NHS Employers
2014/15 Quality and outcomes framework guidance published
2014/15 Quality and outcomes framework guidance published NHS Employers, NHS England and the General Practitioners Committee of the BMA jointly published the 2014/15 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) guidance.
Fresh squeeze on NHS pay sparks union strike warning
Fresh squeeze on NHS pay sparks union strike warning Unions have reacted with anger to news of a fresh round of below-inflation pay rises for NHS staff in England. Ministers have announced a basic 1% pay rise, but the 600,000 nurses and other staff receiving automatic "progression-in-job" increases, "typically worth over 3%", will not get the 1% as well. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 announced NHS Employers
- Independent report: NHS Pay Review Body 28th report: 2014 Department of Health
- Independent report: Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration 42nd report: 2014 Department of Health
- Anger at NHS pay decision The Royal College of Nursing
- 600,000 NHS workers threaten strike after 'insult' of no pay rise The Independent
- Ministers accused of contempt for NHS with fresh squeeze on public sector pay The Guardian
- Hunt's decision to cancel the NHS pay rise shows just how tight money is The Guardian
- NHS funding: hard times | Editorial The Guardian
CQC new approach to hospitals inspection: initial findings from wave 1 inspections
CQC new approach to hospitals inspection: initial findings from wave 1 inspections The report concludes that compassionate care is alive and well, as well as a strong commitment to the NHS. However, inspectors found significant variations in quality between trusts and even between services within trusts. It also found that apart from critical care and maternity, most services cannot demonstrate whether they are delivering effective care or not. Care Quality Commission
'You've got cancer' email warning
'You've got cancer' email warning A health watchdog is warning that thousands of people have been sent hoax emails suggesting they have cancer. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Spam email sent out NICE
Statins side effects are minimal, study argues
Statins side effects are minimal, study argues “Cholesterol-lowering statins have almost no side effects,” The Guardian reports. A new UK study argues that the majority of reported side effects are actually due to the nocebo effect – symptoms that are “all in the mind”.
NHS diabetes care at ‘breaking point’ warns report
NHS diabetes care at ‘breaking point’ warns report End recruitment freezes on diabetes nurses, say experts. OnMedica
General practice plays a role in improving health services
General practice plays a role in improving health services Providers and commissioners need to work together to co-produce contracts that deliver the right outcomes for patients.
A combination of an unprecedented financial challenge, an ageing population and a desire by patients to be treated in the community whenever possible, creates a challenge and an opportunity for general practice.
A combination of an unprecedented financial challenge, an ageing population and a desire by patients to be treated in the community whenever possible, creates a challenge and an opportunity for general practice.
Thursday, 13 March 2014
NHS: Reports of Northampton General Hospital administration threat are untrue
NHS: Reports of Northampton General Hospital administration threat are untrue The NHS has moved to quash reports that it has considered whether Northampton General Hospital could be put into administration because of financial concerns. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A&E performance: a winter’s tale
A&E performance: a winter’s tale With many of us just having enjoyed the warmest weekend in 2014, this may be a good point to take stock on how A&E performed over the winter and what, if anything, it tells us about the state of the NHS and its prospects. The King's Fund
Research and analysis: Unit costs of health and social care
Research and analysis: Unit costs of health and social care This report brings together information about the costs of health and social care staff and services in as transparent and consistent a way as possible. The report is based in economic theory (long run marginal opportunity cost) and includes detailed references, relevant short articles and commentaries. Department of Health
Public sector pay decisions due
Public sector pay decisions due The government is due to announce later whether NHS staff, civil servants and forces personnel will get a pay rise in the next financial year. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Jeremy Hunt to veto 1 per cent pay rise for NHS workers The Daily Telegraph
Patients 'imprisoned' in care homes
Patients 'imprisoned' in care homes Vulnerable adults are being kept virtual prisoners in care homes because of misuse of mental health laws, a House of Lords committee says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Mental health cuts 'risk lives'
Mental health cuts 'risk lives' Cuts to mental health services in England will put lives at risk, as funds are reduced for schemes aimed at reducing suicides, ministers are warned. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Cuts to mental health funding will put lives at risk, charities say OnMedica
- Thousands of people with mental health needs denied social care amid cuts Community Care
- Mental health funding changes in NHS will put lives at risk, say charities The Guardian
- Mentally ill young people's lives at risk because of Coalition cuts, says charity The Independent
Adult social care 'under pressure'
Adult social care 'under pressure' Adult social care in England is under increasing pressure and the government has "no idea" how long the system can cope, an inquiry finds. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Adult social care in England: overview The National Audit Office
- NAO raises social care alarm E-Health Insider
Challenges and improvements in diagnostic services across seven days
Challenges and improvements in diagnostic services across seven days NHS IQ has published a report on the potential improvements in diagnostics and scientific services.
Obese 11-year-old girls 'get lower school grades'
Obese 11-year-old girls 'get lower school grades' "Study links obesity in teenage girls with lower academic results," BBC News reports. Previous studies have reported that child and adolescent obesity has a wide variety of adverse consequences in both the short and long term.
A large study of UK secondary school pupils has now looked at whether being overweight or obese at the age of 11 influences educational attainment on SAT tests at 11 and 13 years of age and GCSE grades achieved at 16 years of age.
The researchers found an association between obesity at 11 years of age and poorer academic achievement in GCSE exams five years later in girls, even after adjustment for a wide range of factors that could have influenced the results (confounders).
A large study of UK secondary school pupils has now looked at whether being overweight or obese at the age of 11 influences educational attainment on SAT tests at 11 and 13 years of age and GCSE grades achieved at 16 years of age.
The researchers found an association between obesity at 11 years of age and poorer academic achievement in GCSE exams five years later in girls, even after adjustment for a wide range of factors that could have influenced the results (confounders).
GP concerns ignored in 'disappointing' NHS England plan
GP concerns ignored in 'disappointing' NHS England plan GP concerns over funding and workload have not been listened to, GP leaders have said, after NHS England published a major general practice strategy document. GP Online
GPs to be given more notice of CQC inspections
GPs to be given more notice of CQC inspections Practices will now have two weeks rather than two days’ notice. OnMedica
NHS faces ‘managed decline’ unless it is properly funded, says health chief
NHS faces ‘managed decline’ unless it is properly funded, says health chief
The NHS cannot survive in its current form and problems could escalate to the point where anyone who can afford it will choose to go private, the chief executive of NHS England has warned. The Independent
See also:
The NHS cannot survive in its current form and problems could escalate to the point where anyone who can afford it will choose to go private, the chief executive of NHS England has warned. The Independent
See also:
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt gains powers to shut good hospitals without consultation
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt gains powers to shut good hospitals without consultation
Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, is to acquire sweeping powers to shut down local hospitals at short notice even if they are performing strongly. The Independent
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Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, is to acquire sweeping powers to shut down local hospitals at short notice even if they are performing strongly. The Independent
See also:
Fury over deal for NHS HR chief
Fury over deal for NHS HR chief Outrage from patients' groups over deal paid to NHS human resources chief. The Daily Telegraph
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