Thursday, 11 December 2014
2015/16 vaccination and immunisation programmes
2015/16 vaccination and immunisation programmes National arrangements for the delivery of vaccination and immunisation (V&I) programmes by general practices in England. NHS Employers
Now more than ever: why pharmacy needs to act
Now more than ever: why pharmacy needs to act This report argues that leadership divisions and fragmented funding arrangements mean that pharmacists could miss out on new plans giving them the chance to treat patients more directly unless the profession can make a coherent case for change. The Nuffield Trust
Mental health job scheme 'damaging'
Mental health job scheme 'damaging' Unemployed people with mental health problems should be moved from welfare-to-work schemes to specialist programmes, according to the charity Mind. BBC News
NHS 'in trouble' without migrants
NHS 'in trouble' without migrants The NHS would be "in dire straits" without migrant workers, one of the UK's senior economists Stephen Nickell tells MPs. BBC News
GMC to raise doctors' fees 8% from April 2015
GMC to raise doctors' fees 8% from April 2015 The annual GMC fee paid by doctors with a license to practise will rise by £30 from April next year, the regulator has announced. GP Online
GPs blamed unfairly for delays in cancer diagnosis
GPs blamed unfairly for delays in cancer diagnosis Delays are more likely to be due to non-specific presenting symptoms rather than poor GP care, an analysis suggests. OnMedica
Nick Clegg: £3bn extra NHS funds will prevent treatment 'rationing' - video
Nick Clegg: £3bn extra NHS funds will prevent treatment 'rationing' - video Labour's Ben Bradshaw challenges the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, over NHS cuts during PMQs on Wednesday. Bradshaw says government cutbacks mean the NHS in Devon would not operate on Eric Pickles as he is too big, nor Nick Clegg as he is a former smoker. Clegg responds by saying that more funds will be made available. Continue reading... The Guardian
How Britain compares with the rest of the world in terms of breastfeeding
How Britain compares with the rest of the world in terms of breastfeeding If breastfeeding can cut cancer, why don't more British women do it. The Daily Telegraph
Creating Connections: An Early Look at the Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care in Accountable Care Organizations
Creating Connections: An Early Look at the Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care in Accountable Care Organizations Individuals with mental illness are among the highest need, costliest patients in the U.S. health care system, yet they receive inadequate behavioral health care. Researchers have proposed various models that integrate behavioral health with primary care in order to improve care and outcomes. This report showcases integration approaches at two accountable care organizations. The Commonwealth Fund
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
Budget cuts of £148 million will result in Northamptonshire County Council ‘outsourcing’ 95 per cent of staff
Budget cuts of £148 million will result in Northamptonshire County Council ‘outsourcing’ 95 per cent of staff
The most dramatic changes to public services for 125 years will see Northamptonshire County Council reduce its workforce from 4,000 to 150 people in a bid to carve £148 million out of its budget within the next five years. Northampton Chronicle
The most dramatic changes to public services for 125 years will see Northamptonshire County Council reduce its workforce from 4,000 to 150 people in a bid to carve £148 million out of its budget within the next five years. Northampton Chronicle
New complaints over NHS ombudsman
New complaints over NHS ombudsman
More than 140 families voice fresh concerns about how the NHS ombudsman in England handles patients' complaints, week after a report raised the alarm. BBC News
More than 140 families voice fresh concerns about how the NHS ombudsman in England handles patients' complaints, week after a report raised the alarm. BBC News
Firms awarded third of NHS contracts
Firms awarded third of NHS contracts
A third of NHS contracts in England have been awarded to private sector providers since the Health and Social Care Act came into force, an investigation has found. BBC News
A third of NHS contracts in England have been awarded to private sector providers since the Health and Social Care Act came into force, an investigation has found. BBC News
NHS bill for management advisers doubles to £640m
NHS bill for management advisers doubles to £640m
Labour claims management consultants have had ‘a field day’ due to the coalition’s radical restructuring of the NHS
NHS spending on management consultants who charge up to £4,000 a day has soared to £640m a year under the coalition, despite ministerial pledges to reduce the pay out, official figures reveal.
The amount hospitals and other NHS organisations spend on external advice has more than doubled, from £313m in 2010, the Department of Health said. Guardian
Continue reading...
Labour claims management consultants have had ‘a field day’ due to the coalition’s radical restructuring of the NHS
NHS spending on management consultants who charge up to £4,000 a day has soared to £640m a year under the coalition, despite ministerial pledges to reduce the pay out, official figures reveal.
The amount hospitals and other NHS organisations spend on external advice has more than doubled, from £313m in 2010, the Department of Health said. Guardian
Continue reading...
WHO: Ebola 'running ahead of us'
WHO: Ebola 'running ahead of us'
The Ebola virus that has killed thousands in West Africa is still “running ahead” of efforts to contain it, says the World Health Organization head. BBC News
The Ebola virus that has killed thousands in West Africa is still “running ahead” of efforts to contain it, says the World Health Organization head. BBC News
Locum doctors prop up A&E services
Locum doctors prop up A&E services
Almost one in four A&E departments in hospitals in England fill more than 25% of their senior staff vacancies with agency doctors or locums. BBC News
Almost one in four A&E departments in hospitals in England fill more than 25% of their senior staff vacancies with agency doctors or locums. BBC News
21% of patients in England can now access their medical record online
21% of patients in England can now access their medical record online
The number of patients able to book their appointments and request repeat prescriptions has also jumped to 91% and 88% respectively.
NHS England’s Patient Online programme team has been working closely with practices across England to ensure they have the support they need to confidently offer these online services.
As well as a national network of implementation and clinical support services, practices continue to use the recently published the Patient Online Support and Resources Guide. This guide includes guidance and practice tools developed by the Royal College of GPs, as well as materials for patients, frequently asked questions, regional and local support arrangements and much more. NHS Networks
The number of patients able to book their appointments and request repeat prescriptions has also jumped to 91% and 88% respectively.
NHS England’s Patient Online programme team has been working closely with practices across England to ensure they have the support they need to confidently offer these online services.
As well as a national network of implementation and clinical support services, practices continue to use the recently published the Patient Online Support and Resources Guide. This guide includes guidance and practice tools developed by the Royal College of GPs, as well as materials for patients, frequently asked questions, regional and local support arrangements and much more. NHS Networks
Smokefree January 2015
Smokefree January 2015
Smokers will be able to pick up the new and improved NHS “quit cards” from their local pharmacy to help them find the right support tool for them.
Pharmacies across England are once more invited to work in partnership with PHE to distribute the quit cards to smokers. More .....
NHS Networks
Smokers will be able to pick up the new and improved NHS “quit cards” from their local pharmacy to help them find the right support tool for them.
Pharmacies across England are once more invited to work in partnership with PHE to distribute the quit cards to smokers. More .....
NHS Networks
Meeting the dementia challenge of an ageing population – Dr Richard Sweeney
Meeting the dementia challenge of an ageing population – Dr Richard Sweeney
Harrogate and Rural District CCG is small, with a population of just under 160,000, but it is challenged by a relatively elderly population and has twice the national average of Elderly Care Home beds.
The result is an estimated prevalence of dementia of 1.7 per cent of the population compared with a national average of 1.3 per cent. Our estimated dementia diagnosis rate in September 2014 was 63.6 per cent and steadily increasing, though this figure has been reduced to 57.5 per cent after a reweighting of estimated prevalence based on our Care Home beds.
Projects have been completed over the last three years to improve the detection, diagnosis and aftercare of people with dementia through a Dementia Collaborative between the CCG, our mental health provider Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, our local hospital Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust and North Yorkshire County Council, working with the third Sector, patients and carers and using lean management Rapid Improvement Process Workshops focussed on different parts of the pathway.
Harrogate and Rural District CCG is small, with a population of just under 160,000, but it is challenged by a relatively elderly population and has twice the national average of Elderly Care Home beds.
The result is an estimated prevalence of dementia of 1.7 per cent of the population compared with a national average of 1.3 per cent. Our estimated dementia diagnosis rate in September 2014 was 63.6 per cent and steadily increasing, though this figure has been reduced to 57.5 per cent after a reweighting of estimated prevalence based on our Care Home beds.
Projects have been completed over the last three years to improve the detection, diagnosis and aftercare of people with dementia through a Dementia Collaborative between the CCG, our mental health provider Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, our local hospital Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust and North Yorkshire County Council, working with the third Sector, patients and carers and using lean management Rapid Improvement Process Workshops focussed on different parts of the pathway.
Simple blood test could detect breast cancer long before symptoms appear - and spell the end of the mammogram
Simple blood test could detect breast cancer long before symptoms appear - and spell the end of the mammogram
Oxford University scientists have developed a test which detects high levels of 'heavy' zinc in the blood. This is a marker for cancer as this type of metal is expelled by cancerous cells in the breast. Daily Mail
Oxford University scientists have developed a test which detects high levels of 'heavy' zinc in the blood. This is a marker for cancer as this type of metal is expelled by cancerous cells in the breast. Daily Mail
'Significant' reduction in maternal death rates
'Significant' reduction in maternal death rates
“Nearly one in ten pregnant deaths caused by flu,” The Daily Telegraph reports. A review into maternal deaths, which thankfully remain rare, found that conditions such as the flu and sepsis account for many of the deaths. Maternal deaths are deaths in women that occur during their pregnancy or within six weeks after the end of their pregnancy.
Other headlines prompted by the review included the Mail Online’s “Half of deaths in pregnancy are 'avoidable'”, pointing out that mental health and heart problems take a “heavy toll”.
BBC News took a more positive approach, pointing out that “Maternal death rates 'are falling'”. Maternal death rates dropped from 11 per every 100,000 women giving birth during the 2006-08 period to 10 per every 100,000 women during the 2010-12 period.
“Nearly one in ten pregnant deaths caused by flu,” The Daily Telegraph reports. A review into maternal deaths, which thankfully remain rare, found that conditions such as the flu and sepsis account for many of the deaths. Maternal deaths are deaths in women that occur during their pregnancy or within six weeks after the end of their pregnancy.
Other headlines prompted by the review included the Mail Online’s “Half of deaths in pregnancy are 'avoidable'”, pointing out that mental health and heart problems take a “heavy toll”.
BBC News took a more positive approach, pointing out that “Maternal death rates 'are falling'”. Maternal death rates dropped from 11 per every 100,000 women giving birth during the 2006-08 period to 10 per every 100,000 women during the 2010-12 period.
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
Bed-block hospital funds private care
Bed-block hospital funds private care A hospital funds beds in private residential care homes to relieve pressure on its surgical wards. BBC Northamptonshire
Care home boss sentenced for neglect
Care home boss sentenced for neglect A care home manager who neglected an 87-year-old who was virtually confined to bed for months by staff shortages is given a suspended sentence. BBC Northamptonshire
Watchdog finds low staffing levels at St Andrew’s in Northampton ‘putting patient safety at risk’
Watchdog finds low staffing levels at St Andrew’s in Northampton ‘putting patient safety at risk’ Patients at a mental health care facility in Northampton have told representatives from Healthwatch Northamptonshire that low staffing levels are putting their safety at risk. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- St Andrews Healthcare Northampton Full Report Healthwatch Northamptonshire
Health Bus comes to Northampton to give advice on winter illnesses
Health Bus comes to Northampton to give advice on winter illnesses An NHS ‘Health Bus’ will be coming to Northampton to help people tackle winter ailments as the weather turns colder and wetter. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
On the brink of SoMething special?
On the brink of SoMething special? This report is the result of a nine-month analysis which examined a range of NHS organisations, including foundation trusts, trusts, community healthcare trusts, ambulance trusts and clinical commissioning groups to understand the patterns of social media use by different levels in the organisations. NHS Providers
Maternal death rates 'are falling'
Maternal death rates 'are falling' The proportion of women who die during pregnancy, and in the weeks afterwards, has fallen in the UK, figures show. BBC News
Interesting NHS data no-one is looking at
Interesting NHS data no-one is looking at Chris Cooks reflects on the NHS data no-one appears to be viewing. BBC News
GPs in UK Ebola team hail 'first-class training'
GPs in UK Ebola team hail 'first-class training' Two GPs treating Ebola victims in west Africa have backed the high quality of training they received and spoken of their determination to help bring the epidemic under control. GP Online
Scheme to get people with mental health problems into work extended across East Midlands
Scheme to get people with mental health problems into work extended across East Midlands A scheme to get people with mental health problems into paid employment is being extended across the whole of the East Midlands. ITV News
Let’s leave NHS-speak in the boardroom
Let’s leave NHS-speak in the boardroom If we seek more patient and public engagement, we need a conversation free from jargon and opaque abbreviations . Continue reading... The Guardian
Nearly one in ten pregnant deaths caused by flu
Nearly one in ten pregnant deaths caused by flu Less than half of pregnant women eligible for a free flu vaccine have taken it up so far this year, according to new figures. The Daily Telegraph
See also
See also
- Half of deaths in pregnancy are 'avoidable' The Daily Mail
Monday, 8 December 2014
Northampton family sue hospitals for £500,000 after surgery death
Northampton family sue hospitals for £500,000 after surgery death The family of a Northampton mum who died when a
surgeon drilled into her brain are suing two hospitals for £500,000 in damages. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Complaints matter
Complaints matter Complaints matter in health and social care. For too long they have not been taken seriously enough. And too often complaints are met with a defensive culture instead of a willingness to listen and learn. This report describes how complaints and concerns fit into our new regulatory model and presents early findings on the state of complaints handling. Care Quality Comission
See also:
See also:
- 'Take care complaints seriously' BBC News
Hospital complaints handling
Hospital complaints handling This chart contains data from Freedom of Information requests into hospital complaints handling procedures. It shows that more than a third of hospitals across England are turning away concerned citizens wishing to report incidents of poor care that they have witnessed. Of 123 respondants, only 30 trusts reported having investigated patient complaints and were able to provide details of how many cases they have had over the last three years. Healthwatch England
See also:
- One in three hospitals do nothing when visitors complain The Daily Telegraph
Examining new options and opportunities for providers of NHS care: the Dalton review
Examining new options and opportunities for providers of NHS care: the Dalton review This report is the result of an independent review which looked at the challenges faced by providers of NHS care by examining organisational models to identify key markers and characteristics in order to improve quality of hospital care. It highlights five important themes which include the need for quicker transactional and transformational change; the need for sustainability within the provider sector; and that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Department of Health
Life-saving lone worker protection
Life-saving lone worker protection The National Health Executive talked to Tony Gray, head of safety and patient experience and LSMS at the trust to get his views on lone-worker protection.
Staff working for specialist mental health and learning disability trusts are among those facing the highest risks of violence or aggression within the NHS, and trusts must plan carefully to reduce these risks and keep staff safe. More ....
Staff working for specialist mental health and learning disability trusts are among those facing the highest risks of violence or aggression within the NHS, and trusts must plan carefully to reduce these risks and keep staff safe. More ....
Disabled man 'put up for auction'
Disabled man 'put up for auction' The family of a man with a learning disability say they are horrified that their local council put him "up for auction" on a care website. BBC News
CQC U-turn on practice risk scores after GP fury
CQC U-turn on practice risk scores after GP fury The CQC has performed a dramatic U-turn on its practice risk rating system that led to 1,200 GP practices in England being labelled as 'failing' in national media. GP Online
See also:
See also:
MPs angry over delay in law on plain packs for cigarettes
MPs angry over delay in law on plain packs for cigarettes Failure to push through law in time for general election would be seen as ‘victory’ for big tobacco and lobbyists
The government is under fire from politicians on all sides amid fears that legislation forcing tobacco companies to sell cigarettes in plain packs will not be introduced before the general election.
MPs from all three main parties, including the Tory chair of the health select committee, have warned time is running out to introduce a law that would see cigarettes sold in unbranded packs, a measure experts claim would deter young people from smoking. Continue reading... The Guardian
The government is under fire from politicians on all sides amid fears that legislation forcing tobacco companies to sell cigarettes in plain packs will not be introduced before the general election.
MPs from all three main parties, including the Tory chair of the health select committee, have warned time is running out to introduce a law that would see cigarettes sold in unbranded packs, a measure experts claim would deter young people from smoking. Continue reading... The Guardian
Soaring NHS legal costs will eat up George Osborne's £2bn cash injection
Soaring NHS legal costs will eat up George Osborne's £2bn cash injection A £3 billion rise in litigation costs could wipe out extra money promised to NHS in Autumn Statement. The Daily Telegraph
Age bias means elderly less than half as likely as young to have cancer surgery
Age bias means elderly less than half as likely as young to have cancer surgery A damning report warns of 'worrying' discrimination against the elderly, with young cancer sufferers more than twice as likely to end up having surgery. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Older cancer patients missing out on surgery Cancer Research UK
- Major resections by cancer site, in England; 2006 to 2010 National Cancer Intelligence Network
Labour warns of skills gap after exodus of senior nurses from NHS
Labour warns of skills gap after exodus of senior nurses from NHS The NHS in England has lost more than a thousand matrons and 3,400 other senior nurses over the past four years, new figures have shown, leading to warnings that hospitals may be lacking “vital experience and knowledge” needed to cope with unprecedented levels of demand. The Independent
See also:
See also:
Claims of bullying culture among staff at Britain's biggest NHS mental health trust
Claims of bullying culture among staff at Britain's biggest NHS mental health trust The UK's biggest mental health NHS trust, which covers Broadmoor Hospital and units looking after the most vulnerable female patients, is in turmoil following widespread allegations of bullying, a critical Care Quality Commission inspection report and the sudden resignation of its chairman. The Independent
Friday, 5 December 2014
Watchdog says patients at Northamptonshire hospital ‘deserve better’
Watchdog says patients at Northamptonshire hospital ‘deserve better’
Some patients surveyed at Kettering General Hospital were let “distressed” by their care, Northamptonshire’s health watchdog has said. Northampton Chronicle
Some patients surveyed at Kettering General Hospital were let “distressed” by their care, Northamptonshire’s health watchdog has said. Northampton Chronicle
News story: New models of out-of-hours GP care could reduce A&E attendances in England
News story: New models of out-of-hours GP care could reduce A&E attendances in England
The regulator believes the NHS may be able to reduce attendances at A&E and provide better services for patients if it was able to adapt aspects of the model of out-of-hours emergency care used successfully by the public health service in Holland.
This is one of the suggestions from an investigation into how other comparable health systems overseas are meeting the challenge of delivering higher quality care at lower cost.
After studying aspects of healthcare in 7 other countries, Monitor concluded that no other single comparable system offered a way to deliver consistently higher quality care at lower cost than the NHS across the board. The NHS was the least expensive with spending per head per year at $3,659, significantly lower than the average of $6,087 for the countries Monitor studied.
However, the report identified that there are 3 specific service models in use abroad that might be able to offer benefits if used more widely by the NHS:
patients who need urgent treatment at night or weekends first contacting an out-of-hours GP, based in a specialist clinic that is often co-located with an A&E department. Fewer than half the number of patients per thousand (around 120 per year) in the Netherlands attendA&E compared with England (around 278 per year). This already happens, for example, in Cambridgeshire where patients undergo a triage from a qualified nurse and can access out-of-hours GP services, some of which are co-located in A&E.
a 3-tier network of maternity care with more structured links between maternity and paediatric services and agreed protocols for transfers. Under this approach the lowest-risk mothers-to-be give birth close to home, while higher-risk patients are treated at more specialist units, for example with neonatal intensive care beds or facilities for premature babies. The NHS already uses this sort of “risk-tiering” approach in services like stroke andA&E, but the report says the NHS could learn from the experience of Stockholm in Sweden, and Ontario in Canada.
patients who have complex care needs, but live in rural areas, using technology such as video links to access highly specialist care from the kind of expert doctors that might not be available at their local hospital. This is happening in areas such as Surrey, where a telestroke service currently operates.
David Bennett, Chief Executive of Monitor, said:
The NHS is already delivering care in innovative ways but we need continually to be looking for examples of good care at home and abroad, and adopting them as fast as possible.
Implementing new models of care is central to the Five Year Forward View and this report sets out some practical examples of how other health systems are addressing similar challenges.
Professor Terence Stephenson, Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said today:
The NHS is not alone in facing the challenges of delivering higher quality patient care at lower cost. The NHS is already delivering innovation, but Monitor’s report provides a welcome insight into how other comparable health systems abroad are meeting this challenge.
This is a useful contribution to the wider debate about how the NHS needs to change.
Read the full report: ‘Exploring international acute care models’
The regulator believes the NHS may be able to reduce attendances at A&E and provide better services for patients if it was able to adapt aspects of the model of out-of-hours emergency care used successfully by the public health service in Holland.
This is one of the suggestions from an investigation into how other comparable health systems overseas are meeting the challenge of delivering higher quality care at lower cost.
After studying aspects of healthcare in 7 other countries, Monitor concluded that no other single comparable system offered a way to deliver consistently higher quality care at lower cost than the NHS across the board. The NHS was the least expensive with spending per head per year at $3,659, significantly lower than the average of $6,087 for the countries Monitor studied.
However, the report identified that there are 3 specific service models in use abroad that might be able to offer benefits if used more widely by the NHS:
patients who need urgent treatment at night or weekends first contacting an out-of-hours GP, based in a specialist clinic that is often co-located with an A&E department. Fewer than half the number of patients per thousand (around 120 per year) in the Netherlands attendA&E compared with England (around 278 per year). This already happens, for example, in Cambridgeshire where patients undergo a triage from a qualified nurse and can access out-of-hours GP services, some of which are co-located in A&E.
a 3-tier network of maternity care with more structured links between maternity and paediatric services and agreed protocols for transfers. Under this approach the lowest-risk mothers-to-be give birth close to home, while higher-risk patients are treated at more specialist units, for example with neonatal intensive care beds or facilities for premature babies. The NHS already uses this sort of “risk-tiering” approach in services like stroke andA&E, but the report says the NHS could learn from the experience of Stockholm in Sweden, and Ontario in Canada.
patients who have complex care needs, but live in rural areas, using technology such as video links to access highly specialist care from the kind of expert doctors that might not be available at their local hospital. This is happening in areas such as Surrey, where a telestroke service currently operates.
David Bennett, Chief Executive of Monitor, said:
The NHS is already delivering care in innovative ways but we need continually to be looking for examples of good care at home and abroad, and adopting them as fast as possible.
Implementing new models of care is central to the Five Year Forward View and this report sets out some practical examples of how other health systems are addressing similar challenges.
Professor Terence Stephenson, Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said today:
The NHS is not alone in facing the challenges of delivering higher quality patient care at lower cost. The NHS is already delivering innovation, but Monitor’s report provides a welcome insight into how other comparable health systems abroad are meeting this challenge.
This is a useful contribution to the wider debate about how the NHS needs to change.
Read the full report: ‘Exploring international acute care models’
NHS should welcome 'citizen whistleblowers'
NHS should welcome 'citizen whistleblowers'
Why the NHS should listen to 'citizen whistleblowers'. BBC News
Why the NHS should listen to 'citizen whistleblowers'. BBC News
Managing quality in community health care services
Managing quality in community health care services
Community health care services provide vital care out of hospital for millions of people. From children’s services to care for older people and end-of-life support, the community sector plays a key part in meeting the challenges facing our health and care system. This report presents findings from a small-scale study into how quality is managed in community services. It explores how community care providers define and measure quality and recommends important next steps to support better measurement and management of quality. The King's Fund
Report
Blog
The King's Fund - publications
Community health care services provide vital care out of hospital for millions of people. From children’s services to care for older people and end-of-life support, the community sector plays a key part in meeting the challenges facing our health and care system. This report presents findings from a small-scale study into how quality is managed in community services. It explores how community care providers define and measure quality and recommends important next steps to support better measurement and management of quality. The King's Fund
Report
Blog
The King's Fund - publications
Obesity will take eight years off your life, study says
Obesity will take eight years off your life, study says
Being obese can cut your life expectancy by eight years, and deprive you of 19 years of good health, according to new estimates based on sophisticated computer modelling. Independent
Being obese can cut your life expectancy by eight years, and deprive you of 19 years of good health, according to new estimates based on sophisticated computer modelling. Independent
Aspirin for women under 65 does more harm than good
Aspirin for women under 65 does more harm than good
Experts say healthy women should start taking aspirin at the age of 65, but that doing so before then has too great a risk of stomach bleeding. Telegraph
Experts say healthy women should start taking aspirin at the age of 65, but that doing so before then has too great a risk of stomach bleeding. Telegraph
More mothers should breastfeed for 18 months to save NHS money, say researchers
More mothers should breastfeed for 18 months to save NHS money, say researchers
Breastfeeding saves the NHS money by preventing illness, claim economists, and women should consider doing it for longer. Telegraph
Breastfeeding saves the NHS money by preventing illness, claim economists, and women should consider doing it for longer. Telegraph
Health care assistants call for regulation
Health care assistants call for regulation
A new RCN survey of health care assistants has shown that 85% of health care assistants feel they should be regulated, and that 89% are prepared to pay towards professional regulation. RCN
A new RCN survey of health care assistants has shown that 85% of health care assistants feel they should be regulated, and that 89% are prepared to pay towards professional regulation. RCN
Inquest clears doctors of blame for deaths of transplant patients
Inquest clears doctors of blame for deaths of transplant patients
Death of Darren Hughes and Robert Stuart given worm-infected kidneys ‘unintended [outcome] of necessary intervention’
Doctors were not to blame for the deaths of two transplant patients who died after being given kidneys infected with parasitic worms, a coroner has ruled.
Robert Stuart, 67, from Cardiff, and Darren Hughes, 42, from Bridgend, each had an organ swap operation at the University hospital of Wales, Cardiff, last year. Guardian
Continue reading...
Death of Darren Hughes and Robert Stuart given worm-infected kidneys ‘unintended [outcome] of necessary intervention’
Doctors were not to blame for the deaths of two transplant patients who died after being given kidneys infected with parasitic worms, a coroner has ruled.
Robert Stuart, 67, from Cardiff, and Darren Hughes, 42, from Bridgend, each had an organ swap operation at the University hospital of Wales, Cardiff, last year. Guardian
Continue reading...
Drug found to help repair spinal cord injuries
Drug found to help repair spinal cord injuries
“Renewed hope for patients paralysed by spine injuries,” The Independent reports.
This hope is due to the possibility of developing a new drug based on a molecule called intracellular sigma peptide. The drug helped restore varying degrees of nerve functions in rats that had spinal cord injuries.
The spinal cord is a cable of nerve cells that transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis; the higher up the injury occurs, the greater the degree of paralysis.
In this study, researchers identified some of the processes that create a barrier to nerves being able to sprout out through the nerve scar tissue. This sprouting could potentially repair the injury. They then developed a drug that could cause a disruption to this barrier.
Rats with a spinal cord injury were given a daily injection of the drug for seven weeks, 11 weeks after the injury, 21 out of 26 rats had regained some function in their bladder and/or hind legs.
Further tests will be conducted to see if the drug can be made more effective. Longer-term tests will be required to look for any side effects before any human studies can be performed.
“Renewed hope for patients paralysed by spine injuries,” The Independent reports.
This hope is due to the possibility of developing a new drug based on a molecule called intracellular sigma peptide. The drug helped restore varying degrees of nerve functions in rats that had spinal cord injuries.
The spinal cord is a cable of nerve cells that transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis; the higher up the injury occurs, the greater the degree of paralysis.
In this study, researchers identified some of the processes that create a barrier to nerves being able to sprout out through the nerve scar tissue. This sprouting could potentially repair the injury. They then developed a drug that could cause a disruption to this barrier.
Rats with a spinal cord injury were given a daily injection of the drug for seven weeks, 11 weeks after the injury, 21 out of 26 rats had regained some function in their bladder and/or hind legs.
Further tests will be conducted to see if the drug can be made more effective. Longer-term tests will be required to look for any side effects before any human studies can be performed.
Thursday, 4 December 2014
Supporting community providers to manage and improve quality
Supporting community providers to manage and improve quality If you look at how the NHS is represented in the media, health care dramas tends to equal hospital dramas: ‘Casualty’, ‘Holby City’, even the marvellous ‘Getting on’. Community services often feature as slightly misty-eyed nostalgia of district nurses and midwives on bicycles – a bit of a blast from the past.
Hospitals can sometimes be busy, confusing places, to be avoided unless absolutely necessary, especially by people who are already vulnerable, frightened or confused. Care provided closer to (or in) people’s own homes is often preferable in many circumstances.
Today’s mantra is that co-ordinated care is better for people using health services, and will be better for the public purse too. Though no-one would argue with the former, the jury is still out on the latter. Community services are a vital part of delivering co-ordinated care, and could be the answer to many of the health service’s woes in the future.
Hospitals can sometimes be busy, confusing places, to be avoided unless absolutely necessary, especially by people who are already vulnerable, frightened or confused. Care provided closer to (or in) people’s own homes is often preferable in many circumstances.
Today’s mantra is that co-ordinated care is better for people using health services, and will be better for the public purse too. Though no-one would argue with the former, the jury is still out on the latter. Community services are a vital part of delivering co-ordinated care, and could be the answer to many of the health service’s woes in the future.
Some Christmas cheer for the NHS?
Some Christmas cheer for the NHS? George Osborne’s Autumn Statement injection of short-term cash should stave off a pre-election NHS crisis but next summer whoever wins the general election faces a much bigger challenge: how on earth to find the money the NHS needs, says Anita Charlesworth. The Health Foundation
Briefing on the fit and proper person requirements
Briefing on the fit and proper person requirements NHS Employers, the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers has produced a briefing for employers to update them on the new fit and proper person requirements.
Access to services: the Immigration Act 2014 and key equality impacts
Access to services: the Immigration Act 2014 and key equality impacts As the Immigration Act (2014) is implemented, a new charging regime for primary care is scheduled come into force next year - which may impact voluntary sector providers and on the health of BME groups. The charge is targeted at migrants who are in the UK for less than six months and who have not paid a new health surcharge. The charging regime is set to apply to primary care such as minor surgeries, A&E, and services outside of hospital. Race Equality Foundation
Highest rates of childhood obesity in those living in deprived areas
Highest rates of childhood obesity in those living in deprived areas Latest figures show that rates of obesity among children are highest for those living in the most deprived areas of England. Health and Social Care Information Centre
See also:
See also:
- One in ten children are obese when they start primary school The Daily Mail
- Children living in deprived areas are twice as likely to be obese, health experts warn The Daily Mail
- Warning over rising child obesity The Daily Telegraph
Lessons for social policy and practice from NICE
Lessons for social policy and practice from NICE What can be learned from NICE that might work for other institutions? There is a lot of misunderstanding about the NICE approach outside of health expert circles. This paper aims to bust some of those myths. Alliance for Useful Evidence
Monitor to launch inquiry into trust
Monitor to launch inquiry into trust Monitor launches an inquiry into the mental health trust for Norfolk and Suffolk over its £1.72m deficit. BBC News
91% of doctors want more guidance on patient’s recording consultations, survey reveals
91% of doctors want more guidance on patient’s recording consultations, survey reveals An MPS survey of over 500 members has revealed that one in five (19%) doctors have experience of patients recording their consultations. Of those, 40% were not made aware at the time that the patient was recording the consultation.
The survey also revealed that 97% of respondents are not aware of any practice or trust policy on having consultations recorded, however almost three quarters (73%) believe they have a right to decline a patient’s request to record a consultation. In addition, 91% would like more guidance on what to do should a patient ask to record a consultation. The Medical Protection Society
The survey also revealed that 97% of respondents are not aware of any practice or trust policy on having consultations recorded, however almost three quarters (73%) believe they have a right to decline a patient’s request to record a consultation. In addition, 91% would like more guidance on what to do should a patient ask to record a consultation. The Medical Protection Society
See also:
- Digital dilemmas - Patients recording consultations The Medical Protection Society
- Nearly one in 10 doctors say patients have covertly recorded consultations GP Online
People still dismiss cancer alarm symptoms
People still dismiss cancer alarm symptoms Public awareness campaigns aren’t encouraging people to seek medical advice. OnMedica
Political Attitudes Towards Mental Health: Damaging Or Changing?
Political Attitudes Towards Mental Health: Damaging Or Changing? So is Westminster out of touch with the issue of mental health, well the government has promised equality in our NHS but still not delivering it... Huffington Post UK
UK has fewer doctors than almost every EU country
UK has fewer doctors than almost every EU country New OECD figures show only Romania, Poland, Slovenia and Ireland have fewer doctors per head than the UK. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
Smokers and the obese in Devon will be barred from operations as part of NHS cost cutting
Smokers and the obese in Devon will be barred from operations as part of NHS cost cutting Smokers and the morbidly obese in Devon will be denied routine operations unless they make lifestyle changes, as NHS hospitals in the county attempt to cut costs. The Independent
See also:
See also:
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
More mental health teams to be based at police stations and courts
More mental health teams to be based at police stations and courts Another thirteen trial schemes are to launch in April 2015 to place mental health professionals in police stations and courts. These schemes aim to ensure people who come into the criminal justice system with mental health conditions, learning disabilities and other vulnerabilities are recognised and are promptly referred into health and other services to get the treatment or support they need.
These new schemes, called Liaison and Diversion (L&D) will join the existing ten areas that have been taking part in a two year trial that began in April 2014, to join up police and courts with mental health services. This will mean half of the English population will be covered by such schemes from April 2015. The model will be independently evaluated to inform a business case for services to cover all of the English population by 2017/18.
By identifying someone brought into a police station or involved in court proceedings who may have a mental health problem or other vulnerabilities, L&D schemes can ensure an individual is supported through the criminal justice system and into the right mental health or social care service. It can also help the police and courts to do their jobs by providing up-to-date information on a person’s state of mind; as well as benefit the individual’s health, contribute to a reduction in re-offending, and reduce the likelihood that the individual will reach crisis-point.
For many offenders who have a mental health issue or vulnerability, prison can make their situation worse. Nearly half of all prisoners have anxiety or depression, and nearly a third of all 13-18 year old who offend have a mental health issue.
The new model has already seen over 8,400 children, young people and adults come through the service while going through the justice process.
The new L&D schemes are now delivering a service to everyone who needs it regardless of their age. Services are available 24/7 and ensure that across the trial areas they will be provided with the same level of care and service.
The thirteen additional schemes will be:
These new schemes, called Liaison and Diversion (L&D) will join the existing ten areas that have been taking part in a two year trial that began in April 2014, to join up police and courts with mental health services. This will mean half of the English population will be covered by such schemes from April 2015. The model will be independently evaluated to inform a business case for services to cover all of the English population by 2017/18.
By identifying someone brought into a police station or involved in court proceedings who may have a mental health problem or other vulnerabilities, L&D schemes can ensure an individual is supported through the criminal justice system and into the right mental health or social care service. It can also help the police and courts to do their jobs by providing up-to-date information on a person’s state of mind; as well as benefit the individual’s health, contribute to a reduction in re-offending, and reduce the likelihood that the individual will reach crisis-point.
For many offenders who have a mental health issue or vulnerability, prison can make their situation worse. Nearly half of all prisoners have anxiety or depression, and nearly a third of all 13-18 year old who offend have a mental health issue.
The new model has already seen over 8,400 children, young people and adults come through the service while going through the justice process.
The new L&D schemes are now delivering a service to everyone who needs it regardless of their age. Services are available 24/7 and ensure that across the trial areas they will be provided with the same level of care and service.
The thirteen additional schemes will be:
- Northamptonshire Criminal Justice Team whole of Northamptonshire
Midwife-led units safest for straightforward births
Midwife-led units safest for straightforward births More women should be encouraged to give birth at midwife-led units rather than traditional labour wards, says NICE.
See also:
- Intrapartum care: care of healthy women and their babies during childbirth (guideline) NICE
- Guidance says home births can be best BBC News
- VIDEO: Home birth 'could be best option' BBC News
- New rules say half of women who give birth don't need to visit labour ward The Daily Mail
- Doctors are not needed at births, says NHS The Daily Telegraph
- Low-risk pregnant women urged to avoid hospital births The Guardian
- New NHS guidance could mean thousands more home births The Independent
Accident and emergency survey 2014
Accident and emergency survey 2014 Read the results of our latest survey which asked people about their experiences of accident and emergency (A&E) departments in 2014. Care Quality Commission
See also:
See also:
- National A&E patient survey says services are largely caring Care Quality Commission
- Patients reporting better experience of A&E NHS England
- Top 10 'worse than expected' A&E departments The Daily Telegraph
- Report suggests 600,000 face waits of 24 hours in A&E The Daily Telegraph
Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) reports
Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) reports These two reports from SSNAP show that despite steady progress in the care of stroke patients in the UK, there are still major shortages of both nurses and doctors. The organisational audit measures the staffing levels, resources and facilities available in every hospital that cares for stroke patients acutely whilst the annual patient care audit provides answers to questions about the type of patient having a stroke, whether or not they are being treated quickly enough, receive enough therapy, where patients go for treatment including after their hospital stay, and whether they get the clot-busting drugs they require. Royal College of Physicians
See also:
- Nurse staffing levels are key to safe stroke care Royal College of Nursing
- Stroke victims in danger because of major nurse shortage The Daily Telegraph
VIDEO: Is TTIP really a threat to the NHS?
VIDEO: Is TTIP really a threat to the NHS? There are fears the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership could open health services to privatisation. BBC News
One fifth of young adults reported taking illicit drugs last year
One fifth of young adults reported taking illicit drugs last year A report published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows one in five 16-24 year olds in England and Wales (18.9 per cent) reported they had taken illicit drugs in 2013-14, an increase on 2012-13 (16.2 per cent).
HIV evolving into less deadly form
HIV evolving into less deadly form “HIV is evolving to become less deadly and less infectious,” BBC News reports.
A new study showed that HIV adapts to a person’s immune system, and that some of these adaptations may reduce the virulence of the virus.
The research team looked specifically at HIV in Botswana and South Africa. It found that over time, human immune system proteins, in addition to the use of HIV drugs, may have forced the virus to change into less virulent forms.
This is consistent with the theory that viruses get less virulent over time. The optimal evolutionary strategy for a virus is to be infectious (so it creates more copies of itself) but non-lethal (so its host population doesn’t die out). The "poster boy" for successful long-living viruses is, arguably, the family of viruses that cause the common cold, which has existed for thousands of years.
The authors warn that HIV, even at the reduced virulence, can still trigger the onset of AIDS.
Similarly, this study does not show that HIV virulence in the UK is decreasing, and that the virus remains life-threatening.
A new study showed that HIV adapts to a person’s immune system, and that some of these adaptations may reduce the virulence of the virus.
The research team looked specifically at HIV in Botswana and South Africa. It found that over time, human immune system proteins, in addition to the use of HIV drugs, may have forced the virus to change into less virulent forms.
This is consistent with the theory that viruses get less virulent over time. The optimal evolutionary strategy for a virus is to be infectious (so it creates more copies of itself) but non-lethal (so its host population doesn’t die out). The "poster boy" for successful long-living viruses is, arguably, the family of viruses that cause the common cold, which has existed for thousands of years.
The authors warn that HIV, even at the reduced virulence, can still trigger the onset of AIDS.
Similarly, this study does not show that HIV virulence in the UK is decreasing, and that the virus remains life-threatening.
Women with mental illness miss out on breast cancer screening
Women with mental illness miss out on breast cancer screening More must be done to support vulnerable women called for mammography. OnMedica
Judge rules NHS must consult patients on primary care changes
Judge rules NHS must consult patients on primary care changes Patient of surgery threatened by funding changes wins High Court challenge against NHS. OnMedica
Autumn Statement: Cameron WILL have to cut NHS spending, warns senior Tory
Autumn Statement: Cameron WILL have to cut NHS spending, warns senior Tory A rising star of the Conservative right has been secretly recorded suggesting David Cameron may have to renege on his pledge to protect NHS spending if the Tories win next May’s general election. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Statement to Parliament: NHS funding Department of Health
- Hunt says £2 billion is for 'change' E-Health Insider
- George Osborne won’t wave a magic wand on NHS but £2bn is welcome The Guardian
- Autumn statement: why the NHS needs more than Christmas cheer The Guardian
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Northamptonshire health experts campaign for earlier HIV diagnoses
Northamptonshire health experts campaign for earlier HIV diagnoses Health experts at Northamptonshire County Council are calling for earlier diagnoses of HIV cases after it was revealed that the county is 17 per cent above the national average for late diagnoses. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Call for quicker diagnosis of HIV Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS England, Monitor and the TDA issue joint guidance to the NHS
NHS England, Monitor and the TDA issue joint guidance to the NHS NHS England, Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority will work together to co-produce one set of guidance for NHS commissioners, NHS trusts and foundation trusts. All three will collectively build on the recently published Five Year Forward View; galvanising the need for a joined-up approach to secure sustainable high quality care across the health and care system.
The 2015/16 planning round provides an important opportunity to establish a foundation for longer term transformation, based on the Five Year Forward View, and to refresh and ensure sustained progress on last year’s two-year operational plans.
The 2015/16 planning round provides an important opportunity to establish a foundation for longer term transformation, based on the Five Year Forward View, and to refresh and ensure sustained progress on last year’s two-year operational plans.
New plans on paying for a better and more responsive NHS
New plans on paying for a better and more responsive NHS NHS England and Monitor have today published plans describing radical changes to how healthcare is paid for, which will enable the NHS to introduce new models of care.
This would enable the NHS to put into practice its long-standing commitment to better integrate hospital, community and mental health care, and provide a payment system to help introduce the examples of care models outlined in the Five Year Forward View launched in October 2014.
The use of so-called ‘capitation’ payments to NHS providers- bringing hospitals, community and mental health into line with the way GPs are funded – would particularly benefit the frail elderly and those with multiple care needs, such as the 17 million people with long-term conditions.
Monitor and NHS England are encouraging commissioners and providers to adopt this new payment model when negotiating the local price-setting arrangements. The organisations propose such arrangements should increasingly become the norm under reforms to the national tariff, which would see it become a framework of rules, rather than just a list of prices.
Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England said: “NHS payment systems are a means, not an end. Much of the current tariff system was designed to help the NHS achieve a set of goals in the 2000s, such as slashing long waiting lists for routine surgery, which have been achieved. The new challenge is to support the triple integration of care the Forward View highlights: between primary and specialist care, physical and mental health services and health and social care. Today we signal a new, locally flexible direction of travel to advance these goals”.
This would enable the NHS to put into practice its long-standing commitment to better integrate hospital, community and mental health care, and provide a payment system to help introduce the examples of care models outlined in the Five Year Forward View launched in October 2014.
The use of so-called ‘capitation’ payments to NHS providers- bringing hospitals, community and mental health into line with the way GPs are funded – would particularly benefit the frail elderly and those with multiple care needs, such as the 17 million people with long-term conditions.
Monitor and NHS England are encouraging commissioners and providers to adopt this new payment model when negotiating the local price-setting arrangements. The organisations propose such arrangements should increasingly become the norm under reforms to the national tariff, which would see it become a framework of rules, rather than just a list of prices.
Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England said: “NHS payment systems are a means, not an end. Much of the current tariff system was designed to help the NHS achieve a set of goals in the 2000s, such as slashing long waiting lists for routine surgery, which have been achieved. The new challenge is to support the triple integration of care the Forward View highlights: between primary and specialist care, physical and mental health services and health and social care. Today we signal a new, locally flexible direction of travel to advance these goals”.
I’m still me: a narrative for coordinated support for older people
I’m still me: a narrative for coordinated support for older people This document, produced in collaboration with UCLPartners and Age UK, sets out how integrated care and support looks and feels to older people and is written from their point of view. It outlines five themes that older people say are key to coordinated support: independence, community interactions, decision making, care and support and terminology. National Voices
Mother challenges NHS ombudsman
Mother challenges NHS ombudsman The mother of a young woman who died in hospital challenges the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman in the High Court. BBC News
Home care services 'close to crisis'
Home care services 'close to crisis' The home care system in England is close to crisis because of the way workers are exploited, a report says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Key to Care: Report of the Burstow Commission on the Future of the Home Care Workforce Local Government Information Unit
Can a pill cure binge drinking and dementia?
Can a pill cure binge drinking and dementia? "Wonder' drug could cure binge drinking, Alzheimer's and dementia," the Mail Online reports. But before you raise a glass or two, these are premature claims based on research in rats that has not yet been proven, or even tested, in people.
Researchers gave rats alcohol to mimic the habits of human binge drinking. After three weeks of binging, the rats had signs of damage to their brain and performed worse at tasks that involved running through mazes.
When the scientists gave some of the mice a compound called ethane-β-sultam, it significantly reduced the alcohol-associated brain damage and inflammation, and resulted in improved performance in the maze tests.
This research suggests there may be a way to reduce the effects of excessive alcohol consumption on brain cells. But this is not a "cure" for binge drinking. Researchers only looked at short-term effects in rats, so the effects in humans remain unknown.
Also, the study only focused on the potential protective effects of the drug on the brain. Excessive alcohol consumption can also damage the liver. But the drug was not designed to work in this way and this was not looked at as part of the study.
Claims the compound could also be used to treat dementia are also pure speculation at the moment, as this was not tested.
Researchers gave rats alcohol to mimic the habits of human binge drinking. After three weeks of binging, the rats had signs of damage to their brain and performed worse at tasks that involved running through mazes.
When the scientists gave some of the mice a compound called ethane-β-sultam, it significantly reduced the alcohol-associated brain damage and inflammation, and resulted in improved performance in the maze tests.
This research suggests there may be a way to reduce the effects of excessive alcohol consumption on brain cells. But this is not a "cure" for binge drinking. Researchers only looked at short-term effects in rats, so the effects in humans remain unknown.
Also, the study only focused on the potential protective effects of the drug on the brain. Excessive alcohol consumption can also damage the liver. But the drug was not designed to work in this way and this was not looked at as part of the study.
Claims the compound could also be used to treat dementia are also pure speculation at the moment, as this was not tested.
Doubts over Osborne's £2bn NHS pledge
Doubts over Osborne's £2bn NHS pledge Department of Health admits £750m of total comes from internal savings. OnMedica
See also:
See also:
Doctors and patients demand more cash for mental health
Doctors and patients demand more cash for mental health They say mental health funding has been eroded while demand has rocketed. OnMedica
Autumn Statement: David Cameron announces new fund to tackle dementia
Autumn Statement: David Cameron announces new fund to tackle dementia The Prime Minister says that the Autumn Statement will contain a pledge to provide £15 million for the fight against dementia. The Daily Telegraph
Google’s £125 cancer test arrives in Britain – but with a health warning
Google’s £125 cancer test arrives in Britain – but with a health warning A Google-backed company that offers a personal genetic screening to test for diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s will be available in the UK from today despite deep public health concerns in the US. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Controversial DNA test comes to UK BBC News
- £125 DNA test that checks for 100 conditions The Daily Mail
- £125 test for conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's The Daily Telegraph
- Google-backed genetic testing service 23andMe launches in UK The Guardian
Monday, 1 December 2014
Care home in Northampton closed
Care home in Northampton closed A care home in Northampton is closed to new residents for the second time in a month after an outbreak of norovirus. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northamptonshire NHS trust saw 736 assaults by patients in a year
Northamptonshire NHS trust saw 736 assaults by patients in a year An NHS trust in Northamptonshire has among the largest proportions of assaults by patients per staff member in the country. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
New publication explores primary and community care integration
New publication explores primary and community care integration Produced with the National Association of Primary Care, the pack considers new models of integrated working, discusses the challenges to their implementation, and outlines potential solutions.
It also includes case studies illustrating members' approaches to integration, such as new approaches to winter pressure wards and community services' role in supporting named GPs. More ..... The NHS Confederation
It also includes case studies illustrating members' approaches to integration, such as new approaches to winter pressure wards and community services' role in supporting named GPs. More ..... The NHS Confederation
Going home alone: counting the cost to older people and the NHS
Going home alone: counting the cost to older people and the NHS This report, written in association with The King's Fund, argues that older people returning home from hospital without enough support are more than twice as likely to be readmitted within three months. It argues that older people and their families, doctors, nurses, other charities, the general public and commissioners working together we can challenge the rising readmission rates for older people, to the benefit of everyone. Royal Voluntary Service
Dementia patients 'lack proper care'
Dementia patients 'lack proper care' Dementia sufferers are not getting the care they need because the condition is not recognised as a terminal illness, two leading charities claim. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Dementia patients denied care towards end of life The Daily Telegraph
Huge risk of Ebola spread, warns UN
Huge risk of Ebola spread, warns UN The UN's Ebola mission chief in West Africa tells the BBC that there is still a "huge risk" that the deadly virus could spread to other countries. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Ebola patient excercise carried out at Northampton General Hospital Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- News story: Chief Medical Officer Sally Davies describes NHS preparedness should Ebola reach the UK Department of Health
- West Africa Ebola toll nears 7,000 BBC News
Osborne 'finds £2 billion for NHS'
Osborne 'finds £2 billion for NHS' Chancellor George Osborne is due to back the 'Five Year Forward View' to reform the NHS in his autumn statement this week. E-Health Insider
See also:
See also:
- Simon Stevens’ response to the HM Treasury’s announcement of additional funding for the NHS NHS England
- Osborne to pledge extra £2bn for NHS BBC News George Osborne tackles Labour lead on NHS - with surprise £2bn boost The Daily Mail
- Autumn Statement: George Osborne accused of ‘fiddling the figures’ over extra NHS cash The Independent
- Autumn Statement: George Osborne announces £2bn to save NHS The Daily Telegraph
- George Osborne announces billions in extra NHS funding The Guardian
Majority of supermarket chickens carry food bug
Majority of supermarket chickens carry food bug “More than 70% of fresh chickens being sold in the UK are contaminated,” BBC News reports.
A Food Standards Agency (FSA) investigation found worryingly high levels of contamination with the campylobacter bug, which can cause food poisoning, on chickens being sold across the country. The Guardian reported a food scientist, Professor Tim Lang, calling for a “boycott of supermarket chicken because of “scandalous” levels of contamination”.
Campylobacter is a type of bacteria thought to be the leading cause of food poisoning in the UK. Eating food contaminated with campylobacter can trigger symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
A Food Standards Agency (FSA) investigation found worryingly high levels of contamination with the campylobacter bug, which can cause food poisoning, on chickens being sold across the country. The Guardian reported a food scientist, Professor Tim Lang, calling for a “boycott of supermarket chicken because of “scandalous” levels of contamination”.
Campylobacter is a type of bacteria thought to be the leading cause of food poisoning in the UK. Eating food contaminated with campylobacter can trigger symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Concerns raised over incorrect ethnicity data in NHS hospital records
Concerns raised over incorrect ethnicity data in NHS hospital records Research suggests faults in NHS records may impact the identification of disease prevalence in different ethnic groups.
Up to 40% of people belonging to minorities could have their ethnicity wrongly recorded in their NHS hospital records with potentially profound implications for the analysis of inequalities in care quality or disease prevalence in different ethnic groups, research suggests.
Minority ethnic groups have been found to have different probabilities of developing different diseases and of surviving them but a paper published in the Royal Statistics Society’s (RSS) magazine Significance on Monday indicates that some analysis could have been based on flawed data. Continue reading... The Guardian
Up to 40% of people belonging to minorities could have their ethnicity wrongly recorded in their NHS hospital records with potentially profound implications for the analysis of inequalities in care quality or disease prevalence in different ethnic groups, research suggests.
Minority ethnic groups have been found to have different probabilities of developing different diseases and of surviving them but a paper published in the Royal Statistics Society’s (RSS) magazine Significance on Monday indicates that some analysis could have been based on flawed data. Continue reading... The Guardian
A&E overhaul shelved after warning over political backlash
A&E overhaul shelved after warning over political backlash NHS England plans delayed amid claims that concentrating specialist services into 40-70 hospitals would be ‘political suicide’.
Controversial plans to overhaul emergency medical care have been put on hold after NHS bosses were warned that downsizing A&E units would create a huge backlash.
NHS England has delayed its plans following claims by insiders that concentrating specialist services into just 40-70 hospitals would represent “political suicide” so close to the general election. Continue reading... The Guardian
Controversial plans to overhaul emergency medical care have been put on hold after NHS bosses were warned that downsizing A&E units would create a huge backlash.
NHS England has delayed its plans following claims by insiders that concentrating specialist services into just 40-70 hospitals would represent “political suicide” so close to the general election. Continue reading... The Guardian
Girl, 16, with mental health issues held in police custody due to bed shortage
Girl, 16, with mental health issues held in police custody due to bed shortage Devon assistant chief constable says lack of beds is ‘unacceptable’ as NHS says teenager will be moved to local care
A senior police officer has claimed that a teenage girl with mental health issues was being held in police custody because there were “no beds available in the UK”.
Paul Netherton, assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, tweeted about the “unacceptable” scenario. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
A senior police officer has claimed that a teenage girl with mental health issues was being held in police custody because there were “no beds available in the UK”.
Paul Netherton, assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, tweeted about the “unacceptable” scenario. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
One in four organ transplants from 'high risk' donors
One in four organ transplants from 'high risk' donors Quarter of organs used in transplants come from the elderly and those with history of drug abuse and cancer. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
NHS 'U-turn' after saying funds for drug trials would be cut
NHS 'U-turn' after saying funds for drug trials would be cut Health officials have withdrawn letters which said the NHS would not longer pay for care of patients taking part in drug trials. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- NHS 'U-turn' over drug trial money BBC News
Friday, 28 November 2014
£180,000 children’s assessment centre opened by Saints stars at Northampton General Hospital
£180,000 children’s assessment centre opened by Saints stars at Northampton General Hospital
A £180,000 new children’s assessment centre at Northampton General Hospital which has treated more than 400 youngsters in its first six weeks - was officially opened by a handful of Saints players yesterday. Northampton Chronicle
A £180,000 new children’s assessment centre at Northampton General Hospital which has treated more than 400 youngsters in its first six weeks - was officially opened by a handful of Saints players yesterday. Northampton Chronicle
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