Medical engagement should be central to hospital leadership Medical engagement should be a central element of hospital leadership, not an optional extra, concludes a new report published today by The King’s Fund. Based on case studies from four trusts with high levels of medical engagement, the report states that sustained commitment from board to ward can improve medical engagement, which is closely linked to better clinical and organisational performance.
Thursday, 10 July 2014
White Paper: The new era of thinking and practice in change and transformation
White Paper: The new era of thinking and practice in change and transformation The White Paper identifies the profound implications and opportunities for leaders of health and care, including a fundamental rethink about what organisational and system change means.
The White Paper concludes with a call to action: join the new breed of leaders across the world who are rewriting the rules of change and leading change to get different results. NHS Improving Quality
The White Paper concludes with a call to action: join the new breed of leaders across the world who are rewriting the rules of change and leading change to get different results. NHS Improving Quality
Gloucester hospital worker stabbed to death at work
Gloucester hospital worker stabbed to death at work A member of staff at a mental health hospital in Gloucester has died after being stabbed at work. The female victim, who has not been named, was attacked at the inpatient unit of Wotton Lawn Hospital. BBC News
See also:
- Woman stabbed to death while working at hospital in Gloucester The Independent
- Woman stabbed to death at Wotton Lawn hospital The Guardian
- Mental Health Hospital Worker Fatally Stabbed At Work Huffington Post UK
- Hospital worker stabbed to death on ward The Daily Telegraph
Making mental health count: the social and economic costs of neglecting mental health care
Making mental health count: the social and economic costs of neglecting mental health care This report argues that even in those OECD countries with a long history of deinstitutionalisation, there is still a long way to go to make community-based mental health care that achieves good outcomes for people with severe mental illness a reality. It addresses the high cost of mental illness, weaknesses and innovative developments in the organisation of care, changes and future directions for the mental health workforce, the need to develop better indicators for mental health care and quality, and tools for better governance of the mental health system. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
Fears raised 'free NHS' will end
Fears raised 'free NHS' will end Fears are being raised the NHS in England will no longer be free at the point of use - up to now a key principle for the health service - within 10 years. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Call to review surgery waiting times
Call to review surgery waiting times The new president of the Royal College of Surgeons says the 18-week waiting target for routine operations in England should be reviewed. BBC News
Community prescribing increases by almost 60 per cent, but costs rise by only 15 per cent since 2003
Community prescribing increases by almost 60 per cent, but costs rise by only 15 per cent since 2003 The number of prescription items dispensed in the community has increased by 58.5 per cent since 2003 new Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) analysis shows today. Over 1.03 billion items were prescribed in 2013 compared to 649.7 million in 2003.
See also:
See also:
Dengue fever cases in returning travellers increase by 60% in one year
Dengue fever cases in returning travellers increase by 60% in one year In 2013, 541 cases of dengue fever were reported in travellers returning from dengue-affected countries. OnMedica
Pensioners to prisoners: how telecare can treat hard to reach patients
Pensioners to prisoners: how telecare can treat hard to reach patients Airedale foundation NHS trust conducts videoconferencing consultations with prisoners at Full Sutton maximum security jail
Last winter, 93-year-old Ernest Towers had access to arguably one of the most transformational tools in healthcare, when his North Yorkshire care home, Sutton Lodge, was linked to Airedale NHS foundation trust's telemedicine service.
For many older people, unplanned admissions to emergency departments or even routine hospital appointments can be hugely disruptive. The link to Airedale's telehealth hub, staffed by nurses experienced in acute assessment, provides Towers with on call specialised medical care around the clock, albeit via video link. Continue reading... The Guardian
Last winter, 93-year-old Ernest Towers had access to arguably one of the most transformational tools in healthcare, when his North Yorkshire care home, Sutton Lodge, was linked to Airedale NHS foundation trust's telemedicine service.
For many older people, unplanned admissions to emergency departments or even routine hospital appointments can be hugely disruptive. The link to Airedale's telehealth hub, staffed by nurses experienced in acute assessment, provides Towers with on call specialised medical care around the clock, albeit via video link. Continue reading... The Guardian
One in 10 NHS watchdog staff should not have got the jobs
One in 10 NHS watchdog staff should not have got the jobs Documents reveal one in 10 inspectors working for Care Quality Commission failed competency tests but will not be fired. The Daily Telegraph
Charities warn of 'alarming' rise in cancer test waits
Charities warn of 'alarming' rise in cancer test waits Official statistics show number of patients waiting at least six weeks for some NHS scans has doubled in just one month. The Daily Telegraph
Head of NHS England announces a radical new patient care plan in move to save money
Head of NHS England announces a radical new patient care plan in move to save money The head of NHS England has unveiled a radical plan for the reorganisation of how care is delivered in the community by giving vulnerable patients control of their own combined health and social care budgets. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- NHS England Chief offers local government leaders radical new health and social care integration option NHS England
- Patients to control their own integrated care funding from 2015 GP Online
- Individuals to be allowed to control their own NHS and community care OnMedica
- Frail 'need joint NHS and care fund' BBC News
Exclusive: Government launches inquiry over 100 suspicious deaths at a Hampshire hospital
Exclusive: Government launches inquiry over 100 suspicious deaths at a Hampshire hospital
A Hillsborough-style inquiry to investigate up to 100 suspicious deaths at a Hampshire hospital during the 1990s is set to be announced by the Government today. The Independent
A Hillsborough-style inquiry to investigate up to 100 suspicious deaths at a Hampshire hospital during the 1990s is set to be announced by the Government today. The Independent
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
Pay dispute at NGH steps up as full strike called by locked out blood scientists
Pay dispute at NGH steps up as full strike called by locked out blood scientists The lockout of blood test scientists by Northampton General Hospital has turned into full strike Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Better Care Fund, better read the small print?
Better Care Fund, better read the small print? Although earlier rumours of the demise of the Better Care Fund – the government’s flagship £3.8 billion pooled fund to promote integrated care – have turned out to be greatly exaggerated, the significance of the government’s latest announcement about the fund should not be. Although this has been fed by mounting political anxieties about the state of hospital finances ahead of next year’s general election, the writing has always been on the wall.
Staff engagement case studies
Staff engagement case studies These focus on the journey, the challenges and the outcomes of three NHS trusts. Some of the key outcomes include major improvements in national staff survey results, reductions in sickness absence and staff feeling more valued. NHS Employers
The pursuit of happiness: a new ambition for our mental health
The pursuit of happiness: a new ambition for our mental health This is the final report of the CentreForum Mental Health Commission, chaired by Paul Burstow MP, which looked at the state of mental wellbeing in England. It calls for parity of funding for mental health which currently receives 13% of NHS spend in England but accounts for 23% of demand. It also identifies five key priorities for policy makers to improve the investment in mental health services; improve access to mental health services; and promote self-care, support and recovery in mental health. Centre Forum
New ways of working in mental health services: a qualitative, comparative case study assessing and informing the emergence of new peer worker roles in mental health services in England
New ways of working in mental health services: a qualitative, comparative case study assessing and informing the emergence of new peer... A variety of peer worker roles are being introduced into the mental health workforce in England, in a range of organisational contexts and service delivery settings. The evidence base demonstrating the effectiveness of peer worker-based interventions is inconclusive and largely from outside England. This study aimed to test the international evidence base, and what is known generally about role adoption in public services, in a range of mental health services in England. It also aimed to develop organisational learning supporting the introduction of peer worker roles, identifying learning that was generic across mental health services and that which was specific to organisational contexts or service delivery settings. National Institute for Health Research
Organ transplants 'on the rise'
Organ transplants 'on the rise' The number of organ transplants is continuing to rise, but the UK still lags behind other countries, official figures show. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- VIDEO: How organ transplant changed my life BBC News
- Organ transplants at record level The Daily Telegraph
GPs keen to play bigger role in responding to cases of child maltreatment
GPs keen to play bigger role in responding to cases of child maltreatment The report, The GP’s Role in Responding to Child Maltreatment, claims that giving family doctors the time, support and autonomy to work with vulnerable families in the community – as well as referring cases to social care services – could benefit children and families in the short and long term. Royal College of General Practitioners
Improving dementia long-term care: a policy blueprint
Improving dementia long-term care: a policy blueprint The authors identified 25 high-impact policy options covering five broad objectives to improve dementia long-term services and support the delivery system, workforce and financing. Rand Corporation
Monday deadline for tech fund two bids
Monday deadline for tech fund two bids NHS trusts in England are at varying stages of readiness for the £240m second round of NHS England's technology fund, with the deadline for applications closing in less than a week. E-Health Insider
Blood test for Alzheimer’s 'no better than coin toss'
Blood test for Alzheimer’s 'no better than coin toss' “Research in more than 1,000 people has identified a set of proteins in the blood which can predict the start of the dementia with 87% accuracy,” BBC News reports.
The primary goal of the test was to predict whether people with mild cognitive impairments (usually age-related memory problems) would go on to develop “full-blown” Alzheimer’s disease over approximately a year.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, so people may question whether an early warning system for the disease is of any practical use.
However, having a relatively reliable method of identifying high-risk people who will develop Alzheimer’s could be useful in recruiting suitable candidates for clinical trials investigating future treatments.
An important point is that, while the test accuracy rate of 87% sounds impressive, it may be a large overestimate of what would happen in reality.
Given real world assumptions on the proportion of people who have mild cognitive impairment that progress to Alzheimer’s disease (10-15%), the predictive ability of the test falls to around 50% – no better than a coin toss.
Furthermore, the test only made predictions from around a year earlier.
Consequently, on its own, this test is unlikely to be much good. However, refining this test and combining it with other methods (such as a lipid test we discussed in March) might improve accuracy rates, making it a viable predictive tool in the future.
The primary goal of the test was to predict whether people with mild cognitive impairments (usually age-related memory problems) would go on to develop “full-blown” Alzheimer’s disease over approximately a year.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, so people may question whether an early warning system for the disease is of any practical use.
However, having a relatively reliable method of identifying high-risk people who will develop Alzheimer’s could be useful in recruiting suitable candidates for clinical trials investigating future treatments.
An important point is that, while the test accuracy rate of 87% sounds impressive, it may be a large overestimate of what would happen in reality.
Given real world assumptions on the proportion of people who have mild cognitive impairment that progress to Alzheimer’s disease (10-15%), the predictive ability of the test falls to around 50% – no better than a coin toss.
Furthermore, the test only made predictions from around a year earlier.
Consequently, on its own, this test is unlikely to be much good. However, refining this test and combining it with other methods (such as a lipid test we discussed in March) might improve accuracy rates, making it a viable predictive tool in the future.
GP leaders to meet Lord Howe in bid to break premises funding deadlock
GP leaders to meet Lord Howe in bid to break premises funding deadlock GP leaders will bid to break the deadlock over investment in primary care premises at a high level summit with health minister Lord Howe this week. GP Online
NHS chief announces plan to give patients cash to fund their own care
NHS chief announces plan to give patients cash to fund their own care Simon Stevens says giving patients financial control will force health and social care systems to provide better services
Billions of pounds of health service and town hall budgets are to be handed over to the most vulnerable patients to purchase health and social care services in the community, in a dramatic change of policy being unveiled by the NHS's new boss.
Frail elderly people, disabled children and those with serious mental illness or learning disabilities will from next April be offered individual pots of money to spend as they see fit on health and social care services such as carers, physiotherapists and psychotherapy sessions, in an attempt, in part, to keep them out of hospital. Continue reading... The Guardian
Billions of pounds of health service and town hall budgets are to be handed over to the most vulnerable patients to purchase health and social care services in the community, in a dramatic change of policy being unveiled by the NHS's new boss.
Frail elderly people, disabled children and those with serious mental illness or learning disabilities will from next April be offered individual pots of money to spend as they see fit on health and social care services such as carers, physiotherapists and psychotherapy sessions, in an attempt, in part, to keep them out of hospital. Continue reading... The Guardian
Number of vulnerable adults receiving state-provided care has plummeted, official figures show
Number of vulnerable adults receiving state-provided care has plummeted, official figures show The number of adults receiving state-provided care has plummeted by almost a third following Government cuts to council budgets, official figures show. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Economic downturn wipes out 30pc of care for elderly and disabled The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Northampton General Hospital says 94 per cent of pathology staff have signed new contracts with the trust
Northampton General Hospital says 94 per cent of pathology staff have signed new contracts with the trust Chief Executive of Northampton General Hospital, Dr Sonia Swart has stated 94 per cent of pathology staff have signed new contracts.
Industrial action at the hospital has continued for nearly two weeks and staff who not been prepared to sign new contracts have been asked to go home and leave the premises. Northampton Herald and Post
See also:
Industrial action at the hospital has continued for nearly two weeks and staff who not been prepared to sign new contracts have been asked to go home and leave the premises. Northampton Herald and Post
See also:
- Pathology Services - Update 7 July 2014 Northampton General Hospital
- Labour leader and postal union offer support to Northampton pathologists on strike Northampton Chronicle and Echo
News story: Fundamental standards: improving quality and transparency in care
News story: Fundamental standards: improving quality and transparency in care The government has announced legislation which introduces fundamental standards for health and social care providers. Subject to parliamentary approval, they will become law in April 2015.
The new measures are being introduced as part of the government’s response to the Francis Inquiry’s recommendations and are intended to help improve the quality of care and transparency of providers by insuring that those responsible for poor care can be held to account.
The new measures are being introduced as part of the government’s response to the Francis Inquiry’s recommendations and are intended to help improve the quality of care and transparency of providers by insuring that those responsible for poor care can be held to account.
NHS 'falling short on complaints'
NHS 'falling short on complaints' The NHS still has a long way to go to improve the way it handles complaints, although there are signs of improvement, a survey suggests. BBC News
Intelligence network for mental health
Intelligence network for mental health NHS England and Public Health England have launched a new mental health intelligence network to improve access to mental health data and help providers to work more collaboratively. E-Health Insider
GPs warned to 'get tough' on antibiotic prescribing
GPs warned to 'get tough' on antibiotic prescribing GPs must 'get tough' and refuse antibiotics to patients who don't urgently need them to avert a crisis in antimicrobial resistance, the leaders of several royal colleges have warned. GP Online
See also:
See also:
- Ensuring access to working antimicrobials House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee
- Health workers urged to get tough on antibiotics Royal College of General Practitioners
- Health professions work together on meeting the challenge of antimicrobial resistance Royal College of Nursing
- GPs hand out antibiotics as placebo to patients, claim MPs OnMedica
- Health bodies join forces in clampdown on antibiotic misuse OnMedica
NHS could lose £25bn of funding a year by 2020 warning
NHS could lose £25bn of funding a year by 2020 warning TUC says services will be hurt as well as staff pay OnMedica
NHS to have protected slice of the joint health/social care fund
NHS to have protected slice of the joint health/social care fund Better Care Fund will compensate hospitals if A&E admissions stall OnMedica
How rip off hospital car parks are making millions
How rip off hospital car parks are making millions There is one source of revenue the NHS tend to keep quiet about - and one from which many of them are actually making money: parking. The Daily Mail
Cancer scandal hospital failed to act on warnings
Cancer scandal hospital failed to act on warnings Senior managers at West Hertfordshire Hospitals were warned that patients could be dying because of the hospitals blunders but did nothing for a year. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 7 July 2014
Unions and Northampton General Hospital outline arguments for and against pathology department changes
Unions and Northampton General Hospital outline arguments for and against pathology department changes The battle lines have been drawn in the on-going dispute between Northampton General Hospital and staff in the pathology department. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Making our communities ready for ageing: a call to action
Making our communities ready for ageing: a call to action This report takes a futures perspective on understanding the evidence about how communities need to adapt to an ageing society. It argues that policy makers must work to ensure that communities do more than cater for our basic needs. The report highlights the importance of supporting walking and cycling in old age as well as the need to ensure housing is adaptable to an ageing society. International Longevity Centre
Experts in NHS funding debate call
Experts in NHS funding debate call Leading figures from the health world call for a national debate on how the NHS in England is funded, saying it cannot continue as it is. BBC News
See also:
See also:
PM's antibiotics plan 'not enough'
PM's antibiotics plan 'not enough' The prime minister needs to act more quickly to tackle antibiotic resistance and the plans he recently set out are not enough, a parliamentary report says. BBC News
Children’s TV contains unhealthy 'food cues'
Children’s TV contains unhealthy 'food cues' “Children are being bombarded with scenes of unhealthy eating on TV,” The Independent reports. Researchers looking at public broadcasting in the UK and Ireland have found that children’s TV contains a high number of visual and verbal references to unhealthy foods.
In the UK, direct TV advertising of unhealthy food to children has been banned since 2008.
However, the researchers were still interested in whether children’s TV broadcast by state-funded organisations still promotes unhealthy food choices to young children.
Researchers assessed five weekdays of children programmes from the BBC and its Irish equivalent, RTE. They were interested in what they describe as “cues” – visual, verbal and plot-driven references to specific foods and drinks.
Unhealthy foods accounted for just under a half of specified food cues, and sugar-sweetened beverages for a quarter. The context of the food and drink cue was mostly positive or neutral, with celebratory/social motivations the most common.
In the UK, direct TV advertising of unhealthy food to children has been banned since 2008.
However, the researchers were still interested in whether children’s TV broadcast by state-funded organisations still promotes unhealthy food choices to young children.
Researchers assessed five weekdays of children programmes from the BBC and its Irish equivalent, RTE. They were interested in what they describe as “cues” – visual, verbal and plot-driven references to specific foods and drinks.
Unhealthy foods accounted for just under a half of specified food cues, and sugar-sweetened beverages for a quarter. The context of the food and drink cue was mostly positive or neutral, with celebratory/social motivations the most common.
Mothers at risk as NHS 'fails on mental health postnatal care'
Mothers at risk as NHS 'fails on mental health postnatal care' NCT condemns the 'disgraceful' shortfall in specialist help for postnatal mental health
The NHS has been criticised for failing women who suffer from postnatal depression by denying many of them potentially life-saving services to help them cope. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
The NHS has been criticised for failing women who suffer from postnatal depression by denying many of them potentially life-saving services to help them cope. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- 'Gaps' in mental care for new mums BBC News
Diabetes becoming ‘national health emergency’
Diabetes becoming ‘national health emergency’ Diabetes is becoming a “national health emergency” with thousands of new cases diagnosed every week, says a leading charity which warns it could lead to a rise in amputations and kidney failure. The Independent
NHS crisis: Tory health expert warns we have 'the wrong workforce' for the future due to 'huge bias' towards training specialists - and...
NHS crisis: Tory health expert warns we have 'the wrong workforce' for the future due to 'huge bias' towards training specialists The NHS has "the wrong workforce" to cope with the future health needs of the country, with medical schools training too many hospital specialists and not enough GPs to cope with overwhelming patient demand, the new chair of the influential Health Select Committee, Dr Sarah Wollaston, has said. Dr Wollaston also warned that the health service faces a crisis in the GP sector and that more should be done to encourage those who have left the profession, particularly women, to return to help relieve the pressure. The Independent
Friday, 4 July 2014
Why are we still waiting? Annual report on hospital waiting times
Why are we still waiting? Annual report on hospital waiting times The Patients Association has released its fourth annual report on hospital waiting times for surgical procedures in England, revealing inconsistent reporting by hospital trusts, unacceptable waiting times and poor patient experiences.
The report highlights poor performance in the NHS and negative patient experiences and, once again, shows significant variations in waiting times across England, suggesting a ’postcode lottery’ when it comes to accessing healthcare. Long waiting times and cancelled operations continue to be an issue.
See also:
The report highlights poor performance in the NHS and negative patient experiences and, once again, shows significant variations in waiting times across England, suggesting a ’postcode lottery’ when it comes to accessing healthcare. Long waiting times and cancelled operations continue to be an issue.
See also:
Lock-out for striking pathology staff at Northampton General Hospital ‘could last for weeks’
Lock-out for striking pathology staff at Northampton General Hospital ‘could last for weeks’ Temporary staff are set to continue filling in for blood scientists at Northampton General Hospital after talks failed to resolve the deadlock between the hospital and the pathology department.
The ACAS conciliatory body hosted ‘exploratory’ talks yesterday between the Unite union and a hospital HR manager.
The ACAS conciliatory body hosted ‘exploratory’ talks yesterday between the Unite union and a hospital HR manager.
Navigating the gap between volume and value
Navigating the gap between volume and value This guide provides step-by-step information on the financial planning process and how it can help an organisation evaluate the impact of repositioning initiatives as it moves towards value-based care and payment. Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence
VIDEO: Health regulator 'fails to get' NHS
VIDEO: Health regulator 'fails to get' NHS Monitor, the body that regulates health services in England, needs to get better at identifying NHS trusts which are at risk of failure, a group of MPs has said. BBC News
African states agree Ebola strategy
African states agree Ebola strategy Health ministers from 11 West African states agree a common strategy to fight an Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 400 people. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Decline in trials for Alzheimer's
Decline in trials for Alzheimer's More than 99% of drug trials for Alzheimer's disease in the past decade have failed, according to a study. BBC News
Can the Japanese car factory methods that transformed a Seattle hospital work on the NHS?
Can the Japanese car factory methods that transformed a Seattle hospital work on the NHS? Ten years ago, Virginia Mason Hospital adopted adopted a revolutionary approach that encouraged staff to report problems without fear of repercussions. The Daily Telegraph
David Cameron accused of misrepresenting A&E waiting times to Parliament
David Cameron accused of misrepresenting A&E waiting times to Parliament David Cameron has been accused of misleading MPs over A&E waiting times, after a claim he made three times was challenged by the politically neutral House of Commons Library. The Independent
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Further talks scheduled at ACAS next week between Northampton General Hospital and pathology staff
Further talks scheduled at ACAS next week between Northampton General Hospital and pathology staff Further roundtable talks between Northampton General Hospital and biomedical staff who have been locked out of the hospital will be held next week. Northampton Herald and Post
Accountable care organisations in the US and England
Accountable care organisations in the US and England Accountable care organisations in the United States and Englanddescribes the different types of ACOs emerging in the United States; presents some early evidence on their performance; assesses the future for ACOs; and discusses the implication of these developments for integrated care initiatives in England. The King's Fund
Flu fighter resources ordering system now live
Flu fighter resources ordering system now live Free printed campaign materials for your local staff flu vaccination campaign can now be ordered from our online system. NHS Employers
In the red? The state of the NHS finances
In the red? The state of the NHS finances This briefing focuses on the breakdown of commissioner spending on NHS and non-NHS providers in the acute, community and mental health sectors. It updates previous analysis published by the Nuffield Trust and IFS in May 2013 on the private/ public provider mix in the NHS and is extracted from a forthcoming report. Nuffield Trust
NHS plan 'a recipe for disaster'
NHS plan 'a recipe for disaster' Cutting back on hospital services in England before community services are geared up to provide care is a "recipe for disaster", MPs say. BBC News
See also:
See also:
NHS surgery 'age discrimination'
NHS surgery 'age discrimination' Age discrimination may be preventing older people from having access to vital surgery, a report suggests. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Access all ages 2: Exploring variations in access to surgery among older people Age UK & Royal College of Surgeons
VIDEO: UK FGM failure 'a national scandal'
VIDEO: UK FGM failure 'a national scandal' A report by MPs claims the failure to tackle female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK is a "national scandal" that has affected as many as 170,000 women. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Female genital mutilation: the case for a national action plan Home Affairs Select Committee
Caldicott to oversee care.data pilot
Caldicott to oversee care.data pilot The pilot phase of the controversial care.data programme will be subject to scrutiny from an independent panel led by Dame Fiona Caldicott, NHS England has revealed. E-Health Insider
NHS England rules out further local QOF schemes this year
NHS England rules out further local QOF schemes this year NHS England has ruled out the possibility of supporting additional local QOF schemes this financial year, a decision welcomed by the GPC. GP Online
NHS cancer care: planned switch to private contracts in £700m plans
NHS cancer care: planned switch to private contracts in £700m plans Private health firms ready to bid for £1.2bn worth of outsourced services at Staffordshire clinical commissioning group areas
Cancer care in the NHS could be privatised for the first time in the health service's biggest ever outsourcing of services worth over £1.2bn.
A host of private healthcare firms have already expressed interest in securing a £689m, 10-year contract to provide cancer care at four NHS GP-led clinical commissioning group areas in Staffordshire. Continue reading... The Guardian
Cancer care in the NHS could be privatised for the first time in the health service's biggest ever outsourcing of services worth over £1.2bn.
A host of private healthcare firms have already expressed interest in securing a £689m, 10-year contract to provide cancer care at four NHS GP-led clinical commissioning group areas in Staffordshire. Continue reading... The Guardian
PM must exclude NHS from EU-US trade deal or it could be sued, union warns
PM must exclude NHS from EU-US trade deal or it could be sued, union warns Healthcare workers, patients’ groups and the country’s biggest union are urging the Prime Minister to exclude the NHS from a “monster” new EU-US free trade deal they claim could make it impossible for botched privatisations ever to be renationalised. The Independent
Doctors forced to act as a surrogate social service, says British Medical Journal
Doctors forced to act as a surrogate social service, says British Medical Journal
Hundreds of thousands of victims of government cuts to welfare are becoming ill as a result, with doctors becoming a “surrogate social service,” according to the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The Independent
Hundreds of thousands of victims of government cuts to welfare are becoming ill as a result, with doctors becoming a “surrogate social service,” according to the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The Independent
Wednesday, 2 July 2014
Future organisation models for the NHS: perspectives for the Dalton Review
Future organisation models for the NHS: perspectives for the Dalton Review Sir David Dalton’s forthcoming review provides a timely opportunity to explore the range of organisational models that providers could use to meet their current strategic and financial challenges. This publication explores some of the organisational options available, including how high-performing NHS organisations might support providers in difficulty. It provides an evidence review and a range of individual perspectives on some of those new organisational arrangements, in health and other sectors, nationally and internationally – in a bid to inform the work of the Dalton review. The individual contributions highlight the benefits and challenges of different organisational models. The King's Fund
Developing a model of mental health self-care support for children and young people
Developing a model of mental health self-care support for children and young people This study looks at the options of self-care support available to children and young people in order to help prevent mental ill-health or speed recovery from it. The study consists of a systematic review of the literature as well as case studies of existing self-care services for mental health in England and Wales. It found that self-care could aid in recovery and that patients and families welcomed the choice and flexibility in self-care services. National Institute for Health Research
PM warns of antibiotic resistance
PM warns of antibiotic resistance Medicine could soon be "cast back into the dark ages" unless action is taken to tackle the growing resistance to antibiotics, David Cameron says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Council-run care 'unsustainable'
Council-run care 'unsustainable' The council-run care system for the elderly and younger adults with disabilities is becoming "unsustainable", social services chiefs are warning. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Safety of elderly and disabled no longer guaranteed, care chiefs warn The Daily Telegraph
- 'Unsustainable' care services put elderly and disabled at risk The Independent
WHO calls emergency Ebola meeting
WHO calls emergency Ebola meeting Health ministers from 11 African countries are meeting in Accra, Ghana, in an attempt to "get a grip" on the deadly and worsening Ebola outbreak. BBC News
SCR reaches 40m patients
SCR reaches 40m patients The NHS Summary Care Record has hit the 40m patient mark, just over a year after low usage rates led to calls for it to be scrapped. E-Health Insider
Emotions manipulated in Facebook study
Emotions manipulated in Facebook study "Facebook made users depressed in secret research," the Mail Online reports. The news comes from a controversial experiment where researchers used the social networking site Facebook to explore the effects of "emotional contagion".
Emotional contagion is when emotional states are transferred between people. For example, if everyone in your office is in a good mood, chances are your own mood will be lifted.
To study its effects, researchers reduced the amount of negative or positive content that appeared in users' newsfeeds to see if this changed their emotional posting behaviour.
The study found when positive emotional content was reduced, people subsequently produced fewer posts containing positive words and more posts containing negative words. The opposite pattern occurred when negative emotional content was reduced.
But the effect sizes in the study were very small – just a few percentage points in terms of changes in the positive or negative terms used by individual users.
Emotional contagion is when emotional states are transferred between people. For example, if everyone in your office is in a good mood, chances are your own mood will be lifted.
To study its effects, researchers reduced the amount of negative or positive content that appeared in users' newsfeeds to see if this changed their emotional posting behaviour.
The study found when positive emotional content was reduced, people subsequently produced fewer posts containing positive words and more posts containing negative words. The opposite pattern occurred when negative emotional content was reduced.
But the effect sizes in the study were very small – just a few percentage points in terms of changes in the positive or negative terms used by individual users.
More patients surviving major trauma
More patients surviving major trauma New system of care ‘an NHS success story’ OnMedica
See also:
See also:
- NHS saves more trauma victims NHS England
Mental illness treatment needs massive investment. The case is overwhelming
Mental illness treatment needs massive investment. The case is overwhelming Giving greater access to therapies such as CBT is not only the right thing to do it would save the NHS huge sums.
What is the greatest source of misery in our society poverty, unemployment or mental illness? As surveys show, the answer is mental illness. Yet under a third of people with these problems are in treatment. If you break a bone, you receive care automatically, but if your spirit is broken, you do not.
Nearly 40% of all illness in this country is mental illness, but most of it is untreated. It is the greatest injustice in our society and every party's manifesto needs a plan to redress it. The good news is that both depression and chronic anxiety conditions are highly treatable by modern evidence-based psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Half of the people treated recover fully, and many others improve substantially. After recovery, the chances of relapse are much reduced; many patients say they feel reborn. Continue reading... The Guardian
What is the greatest source of misery in our society poverty, unemployment or mental illness? As surveys show, the answer is mental illness. Yet under a third of people with these problems are in treatment. If you break a bone, you receive care automatically, but if your spirit is broken, you do not.
Nearly 40% of all illness in this country is mental illness, but most of it is untreated. It is the greatest injustice in our society and every party's manifesto needs a plan to redress it. The good news is that both depression and chronic anxiety conditions are highly treatable by modern evidence-based psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Half of the people treated recover fully, and many others improve substantially. After recovery, the chances of relapse are much reduced; many patients say they feel reborn. Continue reading... The Guardian
Third baby death linked to contaminated hospital drip
Third baby death linked to contaminated hospital drip Health officials say 23 infants have now suffered infections after receiving liquid nutrition feed supplied by a private company to NHS hospitals. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Third baby in feed probe dies BBC News
- Third baby dies after receiving contaminated IV feed The Guardian
- Third baby dies from contaminated 'Total Parenteral Nutrition' drip feed The Independent
Dementia sufferers are ‘cut adrift’ after diagnosis warning
Dementia sufferers are ‘cut adrift’ after diagnosis warning Dementia patients are being “cut adrift” after diagnosis, a charity has warned, with one patient claiming they received no more support than if they had been suffering tonsillitis. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- One in five dementia sufferers given no support The Daily Telegraph
Britain prepared to pay more tax to support the NHS, poll finds
Britain prepared to pay more tax to support the NHS, poll finds A majority of people are ready to pay more tax to safeguard the NHS and head off a looming financial crisis, according to a ComRes survey for The Independent.
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Pathology industrial action will not jeopardise patient safety
Pathology industrial action will not jeopardise patient safety We were informed by Unite on 23rd June that a small number of our employees within the pathology service intended to undertake partial duties as part of their planned industrial action. This means they would be unlikely to undertake out-of-hours' work, be unable to meet current turnaround times for tests and potentially refuse to complete the required duties in their expected job role. Northampton General Hospital
See also:
See also:
- Union claims extra delays of four hours for blood results as Northampton General Hospital dispute continues Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- Biomedical staff at Northampton General Hospital locked out of work for a fifth day Northampton Herald and Post
New flexible working request regime
New flexible working request regime A new flexible working request regime came into force on 30 June 2014. Read what this means for employers. NHS Employers
Meeting need or fuelling unnecessary demand?
Meeting need or fuelling unnecessary demand? This briefing studies the effects of demand for services of improved access to primary care. NHS England commissioned this briefing by the Nuffield Trust to ensure that the successful pilots from the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund were in a position to learn from past experience and research. It examines how far increased access to general practice and other primary care services will deal with unmet need, or whether these efforts may only serve to stimulate additional use of services that would not have otherwise occurred.
Local authority health scrutiny
Local authority health scrutiny Local authorities are responsible for scrutinising local health organisations to ensure they are providing effective, efficient services and encourage improvement. The guidance explains the health scrutiny regulations and provides local authorities with advice about how to implement them to ensure that existing health services are providing effectively for local communities. Department of Health
Midwives support strike action
Midwives support strike action Midwives in England say they are prepared to take industrial action over pay. BBC News
Enter the CCG on stats use and abuse
Enter the CCG on stats use and abuse Just as everybody thinks they are a better-than-average driver, so everbody seems to think that they too can 'do statistics'. So I'm going to be blunt. Statistics isn't for the amateur: it's potentially dangerous - like surgery. E-Health Insider
Blood test for breast cancer 'has potential'
Blood test for breast cancer 'has potential' "Blood test could give early warning of breast cancer," The Guardian reports. Researchers have identified a genetic signature that may be useful in predicting whether a woman is likely to develop non-inherited breast cancer.
Reliable blood tests for inherited (genetic) cases of breast cancer already exist. These tests look for mutations in the BRCA gene and may be used in women with a strong family history of breast cancer.
They can predict whether a woman is at risk of developing breast cancer with a high degree of accuracy. Such tests provide women with the opportunity to take preventative treatment, as was the case recently with the actress Angelina Jolie.
But only a very small proportion of all breast cancers are in people with BRCA mutations, described as being fewer than 1 in 10.
Reliable blood tests for inherited (genetic) cases of breast cancer already exist. These tests look for mutations in the BRCA gene and may be used in women with a strong family history of breast cancer.
They can predict whether a woman is at risk of developing breast cancer with a high degree of accuracy. Such tests provide women with the opportunity to take preventative treatment, as was the case recently with the actress Angelina Jolie.
But only a very small proportion of all breast cancers are in people with BRCA mutations, described as being fewer than 1 in 10.
GPs criticise 'misguided' DH plan to name practices with low cancer referral rates
GPs criticise 'misguided' DH plan to name practices with low cancer referral rates GP leaders have criticised a 'simplistic and misguided' plan by the DH to 'name and shame' GP practices with low cancer referral rates, warning it could increase unnecessary referrals. GP Online
The NHS is probably the best system in the world, despite being given a kicking
The NHS is probably the best system in the world, despite being given a kicking Politicians, doctors and patients who rubbish the NHS should temper their remarks. Which country does healthcare better?
The NHS may be "palpably fraying at the edges" according to Dr Mark Porter, chairman of the British Medical Association, but as a jobbing GP, I'd say it's not unravelled yet.
Undoubtedly, too many people pitch up at A&E. And when asked to account for their actions, a quarter say it's because they can't get access to their GP. Often that's true. Sometimes it's not. Unpublished data from a local study of A&E attendances that I worked on three years ago showed no correlation between GP opening times, type of appointments (booked as opposed to walk-in surgeries), and size of practice. Access to GPs is a problem in some areas but some patients don't even try to get an appointment. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS may be "palpably fraying at the edges" according to Dr Mark Porter, chairman of the British Medical Association, but as a jobbing GP, I'd say it's not unravelled yet.
Undoubtedly, too many people pitch up at A&E. And when asked to account for their actions, a quarter say it's because they can't get access to their GP. Often that's true. Sometimes it's not. Unpublished data from a local study of A&E attendances that I worked on three years ago showed no correlation between GP opening times, type of appointments (booked as opposed to walk-in surgeries), and size of practice. Access to GPs is a problem in some areas but some patients don't even try to get an appointment. Continue reading... The Guardian
Monday, 30 June 2014
New KGH unit helps 10,000 patients
New KGH unit helps 10,000 patients
The team behind an award-winning care unit at Kettering General Hospital are celebrating a successful first year in which they have seen almost 10,000 patients. Evening Telegraph
The team behind an award-winning care unit at Kettering General Hospital are celebrating a successful first year in which they have seen almost 10,000 patients. Evening Telegraph
Northamptonshire health body to involve the public in future decision-making
Northamptonshire health body to involve the public in future decision-making
A public health body has called on the public to play a more active role in shaping local health services. Chronicle & Echo
A public health body has called on the public to play a more active role in shaping local health services. Chronicle & Echo
DH issues guidance on 'safe havens'
DH issues guidance on 'safe havens'
The Department of Health has issued guidance on the creation of patient data 'safe havens' that will govern access confidential data held by Health and Social Care Information Centre. EHI News
The Department of Health has issued guidance on the creation of patient data 'safe havens' that will govern access confidential data held by Health and Social Care Information Centre. EHI News
Protecting personal health and care data
Protecting personal health and care data
The government proposes allowing access under strong controls to information from peoples’ personal care records which could be used to identify an individual. These access procedures known as safe havens will need to be accredited by the secretary of state for health. NHS Networks
The government proposes allowing access under strong controls to information from peoples’ personal care records which could be used to identify an individual. These access procedures known as safe havens will need to be accredited by the secretary of state for health. NHS Networks
Six million people went to A&E because they failed to get an appointment with their GP
Six million people went to A&E because they failed to get an appointment with their GP
Millions of people are turning up at accident and emergency departments asking for medical help because they face long delays to get an appointment with their family doctor, a study published today warns. The Guardian
Millions of people are turning up at accident and emergency departments asking for medical help because they face long delays to get an appointment with their family doctor, a study published today warns. The Guardian
Expert view: how should we fund the NHS of the future?
Expert view: how should we fund the NHS of the future?
A mega funding crisis is beginning to engulf the NHS that will change the service out of all recognition. It could spin the service into a residual poor law-type institution. A £2bn deficit is forecast to rise to an annual £30bn deficit within seven years a cool one-third of the current budget. The Guardian
Continue reading...
A mega funding crisis is beginning to engulf the NHS that will change the service out of all recognition. It could spin the service into a residual poor law-type institution. A £2bn deficit is forecast to rise to an annual £30bn deficit within seven years a cool one-third of the current budget. The Guardian
Continue reading...
GPs who miss cancer could be named
GPs who miss cancer could be named
GPs with a poor record in spotting signs of cancer could be named under government plans to boost NHS transparency. BBC News
GPs with a poor record in spotting signs of cancer could be named under government plans to boost NHS transparency. BBC News
Diabetes complications preventable
Diabetes complications preventable
The findings were published in the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit (NaDIA), carried out by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, in collaboration with Diabetes UK. NHS Networks
The findings were published in the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit (NaDIA), carried out by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, in collaboration with Diabetes UK. NHS Networks
Lack of anatomy training could lead to shortage of surgeons
Lack of anatomy training could lead to shortage of surgeons
Medical students are leaving university with a "worrying" lack of anatomical knowledge, top surgeons have warned, with many never having dissected a body and some qualifying as doctors without even seeing a cadaver. The Independent
Medical students are leaving university with a "worrying" lack of anatomical knowledge, top surgeons have warned, with many never having dissected a body and some qualifying as doctors without even seeing a cadaver. The Independent
National report sheds new light on the health and care of older people
National report sheds new light on the health and care of older people
The new report, Focus on the Health and Care of Older People, June 2014, aims to provide a wider picture of older people's health and lifestyle and pulls together data on hospital activity, mental health, social care, prescribing, NHS workforce, census data and life expectancy. NHS Networks
The new report, Focus on the Health and Care of Older People, June 2014, aims to provide a wider picture of older people's health and lifestyle and pulls together data on hospital activity, mental health, social care, prescribing, NHS workforce, census data and life expectancy. NHS Networks
'Supercooling' keeps organs fresh
'Supercooling' keeps organs fresh
A new technique known as "supercooling" can preserve organs for days before they are transplanted, US researchers claim. BBC News
A new technique known as "supercooling" can preserve organs for days before they are transplanted, US researchers claim. BBC News
Refer more diabetes patients to structured education, GPs told
Refer more diabetes patients to structured education, GPs told
GPs should refer more diabetes patients to structured education so they can better self-manage their condition, experts have advised. GP Online
GPs should refer more diabetes patients to structured education so they can better self-manage their condition, experts have advised. GP Online
Hospitals told to stop profiteering from parking
Hospitals told to stop profiteering from parking
Norman Lamb, the health minister, said he was prepared to insert a clause in the standard NHS contract to stop executives repeatedly hitting patients with high parking fees. Daily Telegraph
Norman Lamb, the health minister, said he was prepared to insert a clause in the standard NHS contract to stop executives repeatedly hitting patients with high parking fees. Daily Telegraph
Patients with learning disabilities still in long-stay hospitals
Patients with learning disabilities still in long-stay hospitals
Some 88% still awaiting transfer date, new data shows. Onmedica
Some 88% still awaiting transfer date, new data shows. Onmedica
Whistleblowing framework: call for evidence - government response
Whistleblowing framework: call for evidence - government response
Following a consultation on support for whistleblowers, this document outlines the government's response. Employees who blow the whistle on wrongdoing in the workplace will receive more information and support under new measures to strengthen whistleblowing legislation. Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS)
Government response
BIS news
Following a consultation on support for whistleblowers, this document outlines the government's response. Employees who blow the whistle on wrongdoing in the workplace will receive more information and support under new measures to strengthen whistleblowing legislation. Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS)
Government response
BIS news
News story: Antibiotics wins the Longitude Prize
News story: Antibiotics wins the Longitude Prize
One of the problems contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the lack of a simple test to tell doctors when an infection is caused by bacteria and should be treated by antibiotics. Incorrect use of antibiotics to treat viral infections gives bacteria the chance to develop resistance (without providing any benefit to the individual) and so later down the line, when you really do need an antibiotic, there might not be one that works. 5,000 people die each year in the UK from antibiotic resistant infections.
Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies worked with the Longitude Committee to develop the antibiotic challenge which will help conserve our antibiotics and fight antimicrobial resistance.
Over the summer, the Longitude Committee will develop the challenge criteria that will set out what people need to do to win the multi-million pound prize. Ideas can then be submitted from the autumn and competitors will have up to 5 years to put their solution forward for assessment by the Committee.
Chief Medical Officer, Dame Sally Davies said:
I am delighted that Antibiotics has been voted to receive the Longitude prize funds. I feel extremely passionate about the work that will be able to take place now, and I thank everyone that has taken the time to vote.
Thanks to the Longitude Prize, we will be able to start the development of a rapid diagnostic test, which will help to conserve the antibiotics we have and thus ensure they remain effective for as long as possible. Antimicrobial Resistance is one of the most important issues facing modern medicine in the world today and development of a rapid diagnostic has the potential to improve patient care on a global scale.
One of the problems contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the lack of a simple test to tell doctors when an infection is caused by bacteria and should be treated by antibiotics. Incorrect use of antibiotics to treat viral infections gives bacteria the chance to develop resistance (without providing any benefit to the individual) and so later down the line, when you really do need an antibiotic, there might not be one that works. 5,000 people die each year in the UK from antibiotic resistant infections.
Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies worked with the Longitude Committee to develop the antibiotic challenge which will help conserve our antibiotics and fight antimicrobial resistance.
Over the summer, the Longitude Committee will develop the challenge criteria that will set out what people need to do to win the multi-million pound prize. Ideas can then be submitted from the autumn and competitors will have up to 5 years to put their solution forward for assessment by the Committee.
Chief Medical Officer, Dame Sally Davies said:
I am delighted that Antibiotics has been voted to receive the Longitude prize funds. I feel extremely passionate about the work that will be able to take place now, and I thank everyone that has taken the time to vote.
Thanks to the Longitude Prize, we will be able to start the development of a rapid diagnostic test, which will help to conserve the antibiotics we have and thus ensure they remain effective for as long as possible. Antimicrobial Resistance is one of the most important issues facing modern medicine in the world today and development of a rapid diagnostic has the potential to improve patient care on a global scale.
Department of Health
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)