Wednesday, 14 January 2015
GPs are failing to properly treat obesity, study finds
GPs are failing to properly treat obesity, study finds Records reveal lack of intervention and follow-up. OnMedica
Ambulances held back from terminally ill patients to save money
Ambulances held back from terminally ill patients to save money Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said thousands of 999 calls had been downgraded by ambulance bosses – meaning they turned up late to 57 patients who died. The Daily Mail
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How cancer death rates have dropped since 1991
How cancer death rates have dropped since 1991 Cancer death rates are dropping, but what are the reasons? The Daily Telegraph
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- Under-80s cancer deaths 'eradicated within 30 years': Death rates from most common cancers will continue to drop, report claims The Daily Mail
- By 2050 no one under 80 will be dying from cancer, study says The Daily Telegraph
- Cancer deaths will be eliminated for all except the over-80s by 2050, new research predicts The Independent
NHS bed blocking doubles, costing public purse £640m
NHS bed blocking doubles, costing public purse £640m The number of healthy hospital patients who have concluded treatment but cannot be discharged has almost doubled with an expected cost to the public of £640 million. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 13 January 2015
Students working for free at Northampton General Hospital face court action after refusing to pay £10 a day for parking
Students working for free at Northampton General Hospital face court action after refusing to pay £10 a day for parking Students who work in Northampton General Hospital (NGH) without pay are facing court action after failing to pay parking charges which were raised from £1 to £10 per day. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NHS increases budget for cancer drugs fund from £280 million in 2015/15 to an expected £340 million in 2015/16
NHS increases budget for cancer drugs fund from £280 million in 2015/15 to an expected £340 million in 2015/16 The NHS Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) published the outcome of its review of drugs included in the Fund.
The budget for the CDF will grow from £200 million in 2013/14, to £280 million in 2014/15, and an estimated £340 million from April 2015. This represents a total increase of 70 per cent since August 2014.
The CDF review announced today also will create projected savings of approximately £80 million through a combination of negotiated price reductions and improved clinical effectiveness. If action had not been taken to review the CDF drugs list, the Fund is projected to have grown to around £420 million next year, necessitating offsetting cuts in other aspects of cancer treatment such as radiotherapy, cancer diagnoses, cancer surgery, and other important NHS services for other patient groups.
The budget for the CDF will grow from £200 million in 2013/14, to £280 million in 2014/15, and an estimated £340 million from April 2015. This represents a total increase of 70 per cent since August 2014.
The CDF review announced today also will create projected savings of approximately £80 million through a combination of negotiated price reductions and improved clinical effectiveness. If action had not been taken to review the CDF drugs list, the Fund is projected to have grown to around £420 million next year, necessitating offsetting cuts in other aspects of cancer treatment such as radiotherapy, cancer diagnoses, cancer surgery, and other important NHS services for other patient groups.
Dozens died during 999 downgrade
Dozens died during 999 downgrade Dozens of patients whose 999 calls were downgraded by an ambulance emergency centre later died, a report reveals. BBC News
Ebola nurse no longer critically ill
Ebola nurse no longer critically ill UK nurse Pauline Cafferkey is no longer critically ill with Ebola, London's Royal Free Hospital says. BBC News
Circle's withdrawal from Hinchingbrooke hospital is no cause for celebration
Circle's withdrawal from Hinchingbrooke hospital is no cause for celebration The failing privately-run NHS hospital is back in public hands, but those celebrating another outsourcing fiasco are missing a larger problem
The announcement that Circle has withdrawn from its contract to run Hinchingbrooke hospital after the Care Quality Commission put it into “special measures” has predictably delighted those who are against outsourcing NHS services to the private sector.
But patients and the public should not rejoice at Circle’s decision. The hospital was in a financial mess and faced with closure when Circle took it over three years ago. Its debts were £39m on a turnover of £73m and Circle agreed to eliminate the debt and leave the NHS with several million pounds to spare. It planned to achieve this by reducing running costs by 5% a year, a total saving of £311m over the 10-year contract. Continue reading... The Guardian
The announcement that Circle has withdrawn from its contract to run Hinchingbrooke hospital after the Care Quality Commission put it into “special measures” has predictably delighted those who are against outsourcing NHS services to the private sector.
But patients and the public should not rejoice at Circle’s decision. The hospital was in a financial mess and faced with closure when Circle took it over three years ago. Its debts were £39m on a turnover of £73m and Circle agreed to eliminate the debt and leave the NHS with several million pounds to spare. It planned to achieve this by reducing running costs by 5% a year, a total saving of £311m over the 10-year contract. Continue reading... The Guardian
Charities offer to help out in A&E to relieve pressure on staff
Charities offer to help out in A&E to relieve pressure on staff Some of Britain’s leading charities will urge the Government to let them make a “radical intervention” at accident and emergency (A&E) departments in a bid to relieve crippling pressure on medical staff. The Independent
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Fall in life expectancy raises alarm amid fears that cuts and pressure on NHS may be to blame for earlier deaths
Fall in life expectancy raises alarm amid fears that cuts and pressure on NHS may be to blame for earlier deaths Health officials are investigating a “statistically significant, sustained” decline in life expectancy among elderly people in some parts of England, amid warnings that cuts to social care and pressures on the NHS may be contributing to earlier deaths. The Independent
Monday, 12 January 2015
Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital will share services
Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital will share services Health bosses have named four hospital departments which currently exist at both NGH and KGH, that may in future be provided from only one county hospital. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NHS launches new bid to beat cancer and save thousands of lives
NHS launches new bid to beat cancer and save thousands of lives NHS England has announced a new independent taskforce to develop a five-year action plan for cancer services that will improve survival rates and save thousands of lives.
It also launched a major new programme to test innovative ways of diagnosing cancer more quickly at more than 60 sites across the country, and committed a further £15m over three years to evaluate and treat patients with a type of modern radiotherapy.
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It also launched a major new programme to test innovative ways of diagnosing cancer more quickly at more than 60 sites across the country, and committed a further £15m over three years to evaluate and treat patients with a type of modern radiotherapy.
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- NHS aims for earlier cancer diagnosis BBC News
- VIDEO: 'We must plan ahead on cancer' BBC News
- VIDEO: Cancer task force looks at diagnosis BBC News
- VIDEO: Chemotherapy on your doorstep BBC News
- Cancer worries? Forget the GP, go straight to the specialist The Independent
Case study on recruiting band 5 nurses from overseas
Case study on recruiting band 5 nurses from overseas In this case study read about Kent Community Health NHS Trust’s overseas recruitment campaign for band 5 nurses. NHS Employers
A&E waits in England 'getting worse'
A&E waits in England 'getting worse' Waiting times in A&E units in England have got even worse in the New Year, figures show. BBC News
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E-Referrals set for 'extended testing'
E-Referrals set for 'extended testing' The Health and Social Care Information Centre will start extended testing of the new NHS e-Referral Service at the end of the month, after its go-live was delayed due to technical defects. E-Health Insider
Cancer Drugs Fund faces renewed barrage of criticism
Cancer Drugs Fund faces renewed barrage of criticism Comments come ahead of next week’s NHS England review of the Fund’s assessment priorities. OnMedica
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- How do we pay for innovative drugs? BBC News
- 'Last hope' drug for prostate cancer patients is axed from the NHS, in a move doctors call a 'travesty' The Daily Mail
- The cancer drugs patients are to be denied on NHS The Daily Telegraph
- David Cameron’s flagship Cancer Drugs Fund ‘is a waste of NHS cash’ The Guardian
- Cancer drugs fund 'has done more harm than good' The Independent
Government says health workers should not be paid extra for weekend shifts
Government says health workers should not be paid extra for weekend shifts Hospital consultants and other NHS staff must no longer be paid overtime payments for working at weekends, ministers have warned, putting the Government on a collision course with medical unions. The Independent
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- NHS staff ‘unsocial hours’ payments under threat The Guardian
Circle Holdings pulls out of NHS contract hours before hospital it ran was rated 'inadequate'
Circle Holdings pulls out of NHS contract hours before hospital it ran was rated 'inadequate' The first private company to be put in charge of an NHS hospital has announced plans to withdraw from its contract, hours before inspectors recommended the hospital be placed in special measures because of “inadequate” care. The Independent
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- First ever private firm to run NHS hospital pulls out ahead of inspection report - blaming soaring costs, funding cuts and A&E chaos The Daily Mail
- Battle with GPs led to Circle’s retreat from Hinchingbrooke hospital The Guardian
- Our health system has too little market; but while Circle walks away the NHS can’t The Guardian
- Private healthcare provider bows out of running Hinchingbrooke Hospital OnMedica
Friday, 9 January 2015
Corby healthcare is ‘most under-funded in England’
Corby healthcare is ‘most under-funded in England’ Corby has the worst-funded health group in the country, an influential House of Commons committee has said. Northamptonshire Telegraph
We shouldn’t just blame sheer weight of traffic for NHS queues this winter
We shouldn’t just blame sheer weight of traffic for NHS queues this winter Conference calls and escalation meetings don't solve flow problems across hospitals, including A&E - we need to look ahead to solve the problems downstream, says Glen Burley. The Health Foundation
Funding healthcare: making allocations to local areas report
Funding healthcare: making allocations to local areas report The slow progress towards target funding allocations means the Government has not fulfilled its policy objective of equal access for equal need.
In 2014-15, nearly two-fifths of clinical commissioning groups and over three-quarters of local authorities remain more than 5 percentage points above or below their target funding allocations. Funding for clinical commissioning groups varies from £137 per person below target to £361 per person above target. This has important implications for the financial sustainability of the health service as underfunded clinical commissioning groups are more likely to be in financial deficit: 19 of the 20 groups with the tightest financial positions at 31 March 2014 had received less than their target funding allocation.
The Department and NHS England explained that there are trade-offs between moving commissioners more quickly towards their target funding allocations and safeguarding the stability of local health economies, and that making quicker progress would involve real-terms reductions in funding for some areas. However, the National Audit Office calculated that, if the slow pace of change were to continue, it would take around 80 years for all local commissioners to get close to their target funding allocations. NHS England said that it wanted to make faster progress and that it aimed to move all clinical commissioning groups to within 5 percentage points of their target allocations within around two years. For public health allocations to local authorities, the Department said that decisions, including the pace of change, were a matter for the government of the day. Public Accounts Select Committee
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In 2014-15, nearly two-fifths of clinical commissioning groups and over three-quarters of local authorities remain more than 5 percentage points above or below their target funding allocations. Funding for clinical commissioning groups varies from £137 per person below target to £361 per person above target. This has important implications for the financial sustainability of the health service as underfunded clinical commissioning groups are more likely to be in financial deficit: 19 of the 20 groups with the tightest financial positions at 31 March 2014 had received less than their target funding allocation.
The Department and NHS England explained that there are trade-offs between moving commissioners more quickly towards their target funding allocations and safeguarding the stability of local health economies, and that making quicker progress would involve real-terms reductions in funding for some areas. However, the National Audit Office calculated that, if the slow pace of change were to continue, it would take around 80 years for all local commissioners to get close to their target funding allocations. NHS England said that it wanted to make faster progress and that it aimed to move all clinical commissioning groups to within 5 percentage points of their target allocations within around two years. For public health allocations to local authorities, the Department said that decisions, including the pace of change, were a matter for the government of the day. Public Accounts Select Committee
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Research and analysis: Winter health watch summary: 8 January 2015
Research and analysis: Winter health watch summary: 8 January 2015 Syndromic surveillance indicators for respiratory infections, including influenza-like illness, decreased in children during week 1, however there were further increases in adults, particularly in the elderly.
GP consultations for severe asthma and lower respiratory tract infection continued to increase in adults, and are currently at levels higher than compared to recent years.
In week 1 2015 (ending 4 January), influenza levels are now higher than the peak of flu activity observed in the last 3 seasons, but have not reached the levels seen in the last notable seasons of 2010 to 2011 and 2008 to 2009. The Department of Health has issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs.
The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in the season to date is similar to the five year seasonal average (from season 2009 and 2010 to season 2013 and 2014). Public Health England
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GP consultations for severe asthma and lower respiratory tract infection continued to increase in adults, and are currently at levels higher than compared to recent years.
In week 1 2015 (ending 4 January), influenza levels are now higher than the peak of flu activity observed in the last 3 seasons, but have not reached the levels seen in the last notable seasons of 2010 to 2011 and 2008 to 2009. The Department of Health has issued an alert on the prescription of antiviral medicines by GPs.
The number of laboratory reports of norovirus in the season to date is similar to the five year seasonal average (from season 2009 and 2010 to season 2013 and 2014). Public Health England
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- Flu cases 'highest for three years' BBC News
- The mutant strain of flu that's making the winter jab useless: Doctors fear type is contributing to significant rise in admissions to A&E The Daily Mail
- NHS crisis: Mutating flu virus means more cases will join queues at already stretched A&Es The Independent
A rapid synthesis of the evidence on interventions supporting self-management for people with long-term conditions
A rapid synthesis of the evidence on interventions supporting self-management for people with long-term conditions The aim of this research was to undertake a rapid, systematic overview of the evidence on self-management support for long-term conditions to inform health-care commissioners and providers about what works, for whom, and in what contexts. NHS National Institute for Health Research
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- Reducing Care Utilisation through Self-management Interventions (RECURSIVE): a systematic review and meta-analysis NHS National Institute for Health Research
Private firm pulls out of hospital
Private firm pulls out of hospital The company which became the first private firm to manage an NHS hospital says it is looking to "withdraw from its current contract". BBC News
Ebola: A day with the burial team
Ebola: A day with the burial team The teams burying the Ebola victims in Sierra Leone. BBC News
New 'game-changing' antibiotic discovered
New 'game-changing' antibiotic discovered “New class of antibiotic could turn the tables,” on antibiotic resistance, The Guardian reports and is just one of many headlines proclaiming the discovery of a “super-antibiotic”. For once, such enthusiastic headlines might be largely justified.
The study in the spotlight shows the discovery of a new antibiotic, teixobactin, and is exciting for two main reasons.
Firstly, teixobactin proved effective against certain types of drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSAand tuberculosis (TB) in mice models. The way it works, by attacking cell walls rather than proteins, also suggested that bacteria would have a hard time evolving around its effects to develop resistance. This is the first potentially new antibiotic in over 20 years.
Secondly, the mechanism of discovery is potentially revolutionary. The research team used a device known as an iChip to make bacteria in soil “lab-ready” for use. Previously, only 1% of the organisms in soil could be grown and studied in the laboratory. This leaves 99% of bacteria as an untapped source of new antibiotics useful to people. Unlocking this natural reservoir of antibiotic production could potentially lead to the discovery of many more antibiotics in the future.
We now need to wait for tests on humans to make sure that teixobactin works and is safe. Also, teixobactin only appears to be effective against a subset of bacteria (Gram-positive bacteria), so is not a cure-all for Gram-negative bacterial infections, which include E.coli.
This is genuinely exciting news, but only time will tell whether this is a historical moment of similar magnitude to that of Alexander Fleming’s original discovery of penicillin in 1928.
The study in the spotlight shows the discovery of a new antibiotic, teixobactin, and is exciting for two main reasons.
Firstly, teixobactin proved effective against certain types of drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSAand tuberculosis (TB) in mice models. The way it works, by attacking cell walls rather than proteins, also suggested that bacteria would have a hard time evolving around its effects to develop resistance. This is the first potentially new antibiotic in over 20 years.
Secondly, the mechanism of discovery is potentially revolutionary. The research team used a device known as an iChip to make bacteria in soil “lab-ready” for use. Previously, only 1% of the organisms in soil could be grown and studied in the laboratory. This leaves 99% of bacteria as an untapped source of new antibiotics useful to people. Unlocking this natural reservoir of antibiotic production could potentially lead to the discovery of many more antibiotics in the future.
We now need to wait for tests on humans to make sure that teixobactin works and is safe. Also, teixobactin only appears to be effective against a subset of bacteria (Gram-positive bacteria), so is not a cure-all for Gram-negative bacterial infections, which include E.coli.
This is genuinely exciting news, but only time will tell whether this is a historical moment of similar magnitude to that of Alexander Fleming’s original discovery of penicillin in 1928.
Vast majority of practices 'good' as CQC publishes latest ratings
Vast majority of practices 'good' as CQC publishes latest ratings The CQC has published its biggest batch of GP inspections ratings yet, as inspection reports for just over 50 GP providers were released on Thursday. GP Online
NHS trusts will have to make tough choices about their future
NHS trusts will have to make tough choices about their future Unviable finances could see the strongest providers being pushed to support struggling organisations
Kailash Chand: 2014 was the year the cracks began to show in the NHS
Many trusts have already failed in their first aim for 2015 – to keep out of the election campaign headlines. But the sheer number of trusts taking emergency measures such as opening extra beds is now so large that it has become more of a badge of honour than a reason for regulators to begin investigations.
Nonetheless, the brutality already evident in the tone of the political debate in the run-up to polling day means trust leaders are more sensitive than ever to incidents that could put them at the centre of a national controversy. That thinking will dominate the next four months. Continue reading... The Guardian
Kailash Chand: 2014 was the year the cracks began to show in the NHS
Many trusts have already failed in their first aim for 2015 – to keep out of the election campaign headlines. But the sheer number of trusts taking emergency measures such as opening extra beds is now so large that it has become more of a badge of honour than a reason for regulators to begin investigations.
Nonetheless, the brutality already evident in the tone of the political debate in the run-up to polling day means trust leaders are more sensitive than ever to incidents that could put them at the centre of a national controversy. That thinking will dominate the next four months. Continue reading... The Guardian
Thursday, 8 January 2015
Healthwatch Northamptonshire say winter pressure on county hospitals is intense
Healthwatch Northamptonshire say winter pressure on county hospitals is intense Healthwatch Northamptonshire has been informed of the current pressures at both Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital.
Both hospitals are currently experiencing very high demand for services following an increase in patients with respiratory conditions and complex conditions requiring urgent hospital admission. Northampton Herald and Post
Both hospitals are currently experiencing very high demand for services following an increase in patients with respiratory conditions and complex conditions requiring urgent hospital admission. Northampton Herald and Post
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- Trolleys carrying waiting A&E patients lined corridors at Northampton General Hospital Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- Sixty Dutch nurses taken on by Northampton General Hospital Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- HOSPITAL CRISIS: Northampton General Hospital forced into 'red alert' as it struggles to cope with patient numbers Northampton Herald and Post Northampton General Hospital cancels operations due to 'busiest winter ever recorded' in county Northampton Herald and Post
- KGH on black alert during busiest winter on record Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS England’s Medical Director launches search for pioneering healthcare innovators
NHS England’s Medical Director launches search for pioneering healthcare innovators Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS England’s Medical Director, today launched the NHS Innovation Accelerator programme.
Together with hosts UCLPartners and The Health Foundation, NHS England is inviting healthcare pioneers from around the world to apply to develop and scale their tried and tested innovations across parts of the NHS.
The programme will focus on the conditions and cultural change needed to enable the NHS to adopt innovations at scale and pace, aiming to improve outcomes and give patients more equitable access to the latest products, services and technology.
Together with hosts UCLPartners and The Health Foundation, NHS England is inviting healthcare pioneers from around the world to apply to develop and scale their tried and tested innovations across parts of the NHS.
The programme will focus on the conditions and cultural change needed to enable the NHS to adopt innovations at scale and pace, aiming to improve outcomes and give patients more equitable access to the latest products, services and technology.
'Game-changing' antibiotic find
'Game-changing' antibiotic find The decades-long drought in the search for new antibiotics to tackle drug-resistant infections could be over, after a breakthrough by US scientists. BBC News
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'Outrage' at NHS cancer drugs move
'Outrage' at NHS cancer drugs move Two drug companies have attacked a decision to remove their treatments from a special fund designed to give access to new therapies in England. BBC News
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- Anger as fund cuts six breast cancer drugs The Daily Mail
Patients 'getting stuck in hospital'
Patients 'getting stuck in hospital' Hospitals are reporting they are facing problems discharging patients as they struggle to cope with A&E pressures. BBC News
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- AUDIO: A&E doctor: We can't turn people away BBC News
- VIDEO: Addenbrooke's declares 'major incident' BBC News
- 'Just busy and performing well? Crisis, more like': Outraged A&E consultant blasts David Cameron's 'lies' about the state of the NHS and challenges him to a debate about the escalating crisis The Daily Mail
- A&E crisis: foreign nurses and untrained volunteers drafted in to plug dangerous shortfall The Daily Telegraph
- ‘Bedblockers’: the fit-to-leave patients deepening hospital crisis The Guardian
- The Secret Doctor: A&E is run on pure fear: how much more can we take? The Guardian
- Cameron accuses Miliband of seeking to ‘weaponise’ the NHS during election The Guardian
- Corporate feasting will devour the NHS The Guardian
- Why is the NHS in trouble? Seven reasons why A&Es are struggling The Guardian
- NHS crisis: Extra cash is not reaching critical areas effectively The Independent
- Health secretary summoned to Commons to explain A&E crisis OnMedica
GPs to be audited for performance on sepsis care
GPs to be audited for performance on sepsis care Part of package of measures to step up efforts to curb human and financial costs of ‘hidden killer’. OnMedica
Litigation reform could save NHS billions, argues medical defence body
Litigation reform could save NHS billions, argues medical defence body Spiralling costs of settling legal claims can no longer be ignored, says MDU. OnMedica
Is the new CQC rating system consistent across health and social care?
Is the new CQC rating system consistent across health and social care? Three adult social care providers have been rated ‘outstanding’, but two in three hospitals are seen as falling short. The Guardian
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
Kettering Hospital misses waiting time target in A&E
Kettering Hospital misses waiting time target in A&E Kettering Hospital is missing national waiting time targets in A&E, because of huge pressure on its services over the winter. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS England publishes Health Visiting Service Specification 2015-16
NHS England publishes Health Visiting Service Specification 2015-16 NHS England has published the new health visiting (HV) service specification for 2015-16. NHS Employers
The rich picture: people with cancer
The rich picture: people with cancer This document is a collation of the key available evidence about the numbers, needs and experiences of people affected by cancer. It finds that 2.5 million people today are living with cancer in the UK, an increase of over half a million over the past five years. It argues that this increase puts huge pressure on the NHS, which will have difficulty coping unless urgent action is taken by all political parties. Macmillan Cancer Support
Cameron defends NHS as A&E units record worst-ever performance
Cameron defends NHS as A&E units record worst-ever performance PM criticises scaremongering as eight more hospitals declare they underwent a major or significant incident this winter
David Cameron has been forced to defend the performance of the embattled health service as official figures showed accident and emergency units in England recording their worst-ever performance.
The prime minister’s intervention coincided with eight more hospitals declaring they had undergone a major or significant incident, taking the total reported so far this winter to 15, as the early stages of the election campaign headed into territory traditionally favourable to Labour. Continue reading... The Guardian
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David Cameron has been forced to defend the performance of the embattled health service as official figures showed accident and emergency units in England recording their worst-ever performance.
The prime minister’s intervention coincided with eight more hospitals declaring they had undergone a major or significant incident, taking the total reported so far this winter to 15, as the early stages of the election campaign headed into territory traditionally favourable to Labour. Continue reading... The Guardian
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- Government response: NHS accident and emergency figures Department of Health
- Winter NHS services – where the extra funding is going NHS England
- RCN responds to winter A&E figures Royal College of Nursing
- Labour urges summit to find A&E 'fix' BBC News
- VIDEO: Why are hospital A&Es struggling? BBC News
- VIDEO: Emergency care system 'confusing' BBC News
- A&E: Does missing the target matter? BBC News
- VIDEO: Hunt responds to patients' A&E woes BBC News
- 9th hospital declares 'major incident' in NHS A&E crisis as another issues plea to off-duty nurses The Daily Mail
- Political point-scoring will not help the NHS The Daily Telegraph
- NHS waiting times: Which of the 15 promises have been broken under the Coalition? The Daily Telegraph
- A&E crisis: hospitals tweet pleas for off-duty staff to report for duty The Daily Telegraph
- GPs under pressure as A&E waits worst for a decade GP Online
- Hospitals crisis: what the experts think The Guardian
- Hospital A&E waiting times hit worst level on record The Guardian
- NHS four-hour wait time target in A&E met in 90% of cases Jeremy Hunt The Guardian
- A&E consultant: 'The system is at its limit' video The Guardian
- How did your NHS trust perform over the worst week for waiting times? The Guardian
- NHS in critical condition as A&E waiting times are worst in a decade The Independent
- System changes needed as A&E pressures hit new high OnMedica
Ebola drug trial starts in Liberia
Ebola drug trial starts in Liberia A trial of a potential drug to treat Ebola has started at a Medecins Sans Frontieres centre in Liberia. BBC News
Stevens calls for digital NHS front door
Stevens calls for digital NHS front door NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens has called for the creation of a digital urgent care 'front door' for the health service, as the performance of A&E has become an early general election issue. E-Health Insider
Why common cold may thrive at low temperatures
Why common cold may thrive at low temperatures The “common cold 'prefers cold noses',” reports BBC News today, while The Independent recommends that you “heed your mother’s warning: cover up or you’ll catch a cold”.
While these headlines might make you think this study is proof of a link between colder temperatures outside and catching a cold, this isn’t quite what the researchers looked at.
Our nasal passages are naturally a few degrees colder than the core of our body. It has long been known that rhinovirus – the most common cause of the human cold – grows much better at these lower temperatures.
The current study has looked at why this might be. It found that mouse airway cells were less able to mount immune defences against the cold virus at the lower temperature seen in the human nose than at the higher temperature seen at the core of the body.
While this study may suggest a possible explanation for the known effect of temperature on cold viruses, it is very early stage research, testing just one strain of rhinovirus in mouse cells. The experiments will need to be repeated with different strains and ideally with human airway cells.
Also, while the authors speculate about whether this could explain beliefs around the impact of cold environmental temperatures on catching a cold, and wrapping up warm to prevent a cold, this study didn't actually assess this.
While these headlines might make you think this study is proof of a link between colder temperatures outside and catching a cold, this isn’t quite what the researchers looked at.
Our nasal passages are naturally a few degrees colder than the core of our body. It has long been known that rhinovirus – the most common cause of the human cold – grows much better at these lower temperatures.
The current study has looked at why this might be. It found that mouse airway cells were less able to mount immune defences against the cold virus at the lower temperature seen in the human nose than at the higher temperature seen at the core of the body.
While this study may suggest a possible explanation for the known effect of temperature on cold viruses, it is very early stage research, testing just one strain of rhinovirus in mouse cells. The experiments will need to be repeated with different strains and ideally with human airway cells.
Also, while the authors speculate about whether this could explain beliefs around the impact of cold environmental temperatures on catching a cold, and wrapping up warm to prevent a cold, this study didn't actually assess this.
Exclusive: NHS to increase PR spend in 2014/15 by up to 38%
Exclusive: NHS to increase PR spend in 2014/15 by up to 38% NHS organisations are on course to increase spending on public relations and communications staff by up to 38% in 2014/15, according to analysis by GP. GP Online
31% GP trainee pay cut could deepen recruitment crisis
31% GP trainee pay cut could deepen recruitment crisis The government's plans to significantly cut GP trainee pay could 'exacerbate existing workforce shortages' and make general practice an impossible career option for some trainees, the BMA has warned. GP Online
Teaching unions warn of self-harm epidemic among students
Teaching unions warn of self-harm epidemic among students An epidemic of self-harm is blighting the lives of students across the country, with schools unable to offer assistance due to a shortage of support services, teaching unions have warned. The Independent
Tuesday, 6 January 2015
'Worst winter' postpones operations
'Worst winter' postpones operations Two hospitals in Northamptonshire are having to re-arrange routine operations and outpatient appointments because of the "busiest winter ever". BBC Northamptonshire
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- Northampton General Hospital cancels operations and calls in community medics to cope with winter demands Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- People asked to avoid Kettering Hospital A&E after unprecedented demand for services Northamptonshire Telegraph
Integration: put people first
Integration: put people first Any push toward integration should begin with the experience of the person who needs support and the promotion of their wellbeing, says Patrick Hall. The Health Foundation
Mental health treatment requirement: a guide to integrated delivery
Mental health treatment requirement: a guide to integrated delivery This non-statutory guidance seeks to provide support to service commissioning and provider agencies so that appropriate mental health service provision and inter-agency partnerships enable mental health treatment requirements delivery locally. Department of Health
The first year: the Independent Information Governance Oversight Panel’s report to the Secretary of State for Health
The first year: the Independent Information Governance Oversight Panel’s report to the Secretary of State for Health This report looks at whether health and social care organisations are sharing information wisely and preventing improper disclosure of personal data. It shows evidence of pockets of exemplary practice but the overall picture is of a need for improvement. It concludes that a basic condition for building public trust is a commitment to more transparency about how data is collected, stored and used. It argues that individuals must also be able to opt out of data sharing arrangements and be confident that their wishes are being respected consistently across the system. Department of Health
Making local health economies work better for patients
Making local health economies work better for patients This report summarises the findings of NHS England, Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority’s joint project to support 11 local health economies to develop clinically and financially sustainable 5-year strategic plans. Monitor
A&E performance 'to hit new low'
A&E performance 'to hit new low' A&E waiting times in England have fallen to their worst level for a decade, figures out later are expected to show. BBC News
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Are most cancers down to 'bad luck'?
Are most cancers down to 'bad luck'? "Most types of cancer can be put down to bad luck rather than risk factors such as smoking," BBC News reports. A US study estimates around two-thirds of cancer cases are caused by random genetic mutations.
The researchers who carried out the study wanted to see why cancer risk varies so much between different body tissues.
For example, the average lifetime risk of lung cancer is around 1 in 14, whereas brain cancer risk is significantly lower at around 1 in 166.
The study estimates around two-thirds (65%) of cancer risk is a result of chance, based on the number of times stem cells divide in the different tissues.
However, this figure could be anywhere between 39% and 81%. This is quite a large margin of error, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the 65% estimate.
Overall, this gives us a clearer idea of the possible relative effects of chance versus lifestyle, versus genetics on our risk of developing cancer over our lifetimes.
But none of this can predict whether individuals will or will not develop cancer.
Even if the majority of cancers are the result of a bad roll of the dice, there are still proven methods of reducing the risk: namely, eating a healthy balanced diet and leading an active lifestyle free of smoking and excess alcohol.
The researchers who carried out the study wanted to see why cancer risk varies so much between different body tissues.
For example, the average lifetime risk of lung cancer is around 1 in 14, whereas brain cancer risk is significantly lower at around 1 in 166.
The study estimates around two-thirds (65%) of cancer risk is a result of chance, based on the number of times stem cells divide in the different tissues.
However, this figure could be anywhere between 39% and 81%. This is quite a large margin of error, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the 65% estimate.
Overall, this gives us a clearer idea of the possible relative effects of chance versus lifestyle, versus genetics on our risk of developing cancer over our lifetimes.
But none of this can predict whether individuals will or will not develop cancer.
Even if the majority of cancers are the result of a bad roll of the dice, there are still proven methods of reducing the risk: namely, eating a healthy balanced diet and leading an active lifestyle free of smoking and excess alcohol.
Pharmacists do not want to verify prescription exemptions
Pharmacists do not want to verify prescription exemptions The government wants pharmacists to check patients’ benefit status to cut prescription fraud. OnMedica
Secret scandal of faulty NHS equipment that kills hundreds of patients a year
Secret scandal of faulty NHS equipment that kills hundreds of patients a year In 2013, there were 13,600 reports of failed devices to the watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) — these were linked to 309 deaths and 5,000 serious injuries. The Daily Mail
A new year’s resolution for the NHS: let’s deliver a new leadership approach
A new year’s resolution for the NHS: let’s deliver a new leadership approach Sir Stuart Rose’s upcoming report on NHS leadership may be uncomfortable reading but it could be the impetus to affect change in the health service.
Sir Stuart Rose’s delayed report into leadership in the NHS is expected soon. The mirror he holds up to the NHS will feel uncomfortable in places. As we gaze into it, it is human nature that we will be drawn to any blemishes but must not lose sight of the finer points of NHS Leadership – the sheer guts, resilience, inspiration and ingenuity we see from home to hospital and board to ward every single day. It’s these points that will see us through but only if we redefine and embrace a new set of relationships between government, national bodies and local leaders.
Back in May, alongside national organisations representing patients, doctors, local government and NHS leaders, the NHS Confederation published the 2015 Challenge Declaration. The declaration, designed to kickstart a proper debate on the NHS, was an evidence based statement of the seven big challenges we face. At the heart of the seven were a triumvirate of defining a new leadership style; delivering an open and engaged culture; and creating a 21st century workforce. Continue reading... The Guardian
Sir Stuart Rose’s delayed report into leadership in the NHS is expected soon. The mirror he holds up to the NHS will feel uncomfortable in places. As we gaze into it, it is human nature that we will be drawn to any blemishes but must not lose sight of the finer points of NHS Leadership – the sheer guts, resilience, inspiration and ingenuity we see from home to hospital and board to ward every single day. It’s these points that will see us through but only if we redefine and embrace a new set of relationships between government, national bodies and local leaders.
Back in May, alongside national organisations representing patients, doctors, local government and NHS leaders, the NHS Confederation published the 2015 Challenge Declaration. The declaration, designed to kickstart a proper debate on the NHS, was an evidence based statement of the seven big challenges we face. At the heart of the seven were a triumvirate of defining a new leadership style; delivering an open and engaged culture; and creating a 21st century workforce. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS chief: New cities will have 'virtual' NHS where visiting GPs is an 'alien concept'
NHS chief: New cities will have 'virtual' NHS where visiting GPs is an 'alien concept' Simon Stevens, the head of the NHS, says new towns will build 'digital health services' with most contact with GPs done by Skype and iPhone. The Daily Telegraph
Cancer survivors can cause ‘unmanageable crisis’ for NHS
Cancer survivors can cause ‘unmanageable crisis’ for NHS A record 2.5 million people are now living with cancer or the after-effects of it, threatening “a crisis of unmanageable proportions” for the NHS, a leading charity has warned. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- 2.5 million people now living with cancer in UK Macmillan Cancer Support
- Cancer cases to reach 'record high' BBC News
- VIDEO: Record number 'living with cancer' BBC News
- Cancer 'becoming a crisis of unimaginable proportions' The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 5 January 2015
Northamptonshire medics laid-off through redundancy were replaced within weeks
Northamptonshire medics laid-off through redundancy were replaced within weeks The two full-time Band Six podiatrists lost their jobs last April as part of a shake-up of the service by bosses at NHS Northamptonshire Healthcare (NHFT).
Unknown to the two staff members, NHS was bidding for funding to keep them in post.
And it has now emerged that weeks after they were given their notice, the funding was granted and their roles were re-advertised.
The news came as a Freedom of Information request showed that in 2011/12, redundancy costs totalled £2.8m followed by £5.5 million the following year. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Unknown to the two staff members, NHS was bidding for funding to keep them in post.
And it has now emerged that weeks after they were given their notice, the funding was granted and their roles were re-advertised.
The news came as a Freedom of Information request showed that in 2011/12, redundancy costs totalled £2.8m followed by £5.5 million the following year. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Life-saving baby screening expanded
Life-saving baby screening expanded Newborn babies across England will be screened for more rare, debilitating genetic diseases from today. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Babies to be screened for more gene disorders The Independent
Hospitals declare major incident
Hospitals declare major incident Two hospitals in Gloucestershire declare a major incident, due to the high number of people using their A&E departments. BBC News
Proper checks in place for Ebola - PM
Proper checks in place for Ebola - PM Britain has "proper arrangements" in place to screen people who may have contracted Ebola, the PM insists, as questions are raised about the screening of a nurse with the virus. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- UK Ebola nurse critical - hospital BBC News
- Charity to probe UK Ebola nurse case BBC News
- Ebola in Britain: No quarantine for health workers The Daily Telegraph
- Ebola outbreak: Congo showed transfusion therapy can work, but scientists don’t know why The Independent
HSCIC data lab to launch in March
HSCIC data lab to launch in March The Health and Social Care Information Centre will launch a secure data lab for viewing sensitive patient data in March, allowing it to support the pathfinder stage of NHS England's controversial care.data programme. E-Health Insider
Put more money in or face public backlash, says NHS chief
Put more money in or face public backlash, says NHS chief Simon Stevens calls for end to ‘boom-bust’ approach and predicts a reaction if government does not increase funding.
The head of the NHS in England has predicted a “public backlash” if funding for health services is not increased during the next parliament.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, told the Financial Times he hoped for more annual funding on top of the £2bn lifeline the chancellor, George Osborne, promised should the Tories succeed at the general election. Continue reading... The Guardian
The head of the NHS in England has predicted a “public backlash” if funding for health services is not increased during the next parliament.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, told the Financial Times he hoped for more annual funding on top of the £2bn lifeline the chancellor, George Osborne, promised should the Tories succeed at the general election. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS accused of ‘cruel’ rationing of hearing aids
NHS accused of ‘cruel’ rationing of hearing aids Some 10 million people in the UK suffer hearing loss and cuts may raise risk of dementia and depression, charity warns.
Campaigners are accusing the NHS of imposing “cruel” cuts on people who are going deaf by denying them the hearing aids they need.
Growing numbers of NHS organisations are planning to ration access to the devices, even though they help to combat dementia, depression and social isolation among the hard of hearing. Continue reading... The Guardian
Campaigners are accusing the NHS of imposing “cruel” cuts on people who are going deaf by denying them the hearing aids they need.
Growing numbers of NHS organisations are planning to ration access to the devices, even though they help to combat dementia, depression and social isolation among the hard of hearing. Continue reading... The Guardian
Give unpaid carers professional qualifications to avert crisis, call
Give unpaid carers professional qualifications to avert crisis, call Britain must recruit an additional care workforce the size of the Chinese army to cope with the ageing population, new forecast predicts. The Daily Telegraph
NHS is missing key targets, says Labour
NHS is missing key targets, says Labour Labour has kicked off its general election campaign with a damning dossier showing that the NHS has missed half of its patient waiting time pledges in the past year. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- VIDEO: Cameron: 'NHS is not unaffordable' BBC News
- Labour in new NHS attack on Tories BBC News
- Labour to warn that NHS would not survive five more years of Tories The Guardian
- Labour pledges £2.5bn to employ 32,000 more NHS core workers The Guardian
- Farage: NHS should not hire doctors who ‘don’t speak very good English’ The Guardian
- Nigel Farage says Ukip would get rid of foreign NHS workers who 'can't speak English properly' The Independent
Friday, 2 January 2015
Three challenges and a big uncertainty for the NHS in 2015
Three challenges and a big uncertainty for the NHS in 2015 The NHS faces three major challenges in 2015.
The first is to prepare for the spending review that will be initiated after the election. National bodies, led by NHS England, have set out their views on future spending requirements in the NHS five year forward view, and the major parties have all acknowledged the need for additional funding. While this is welcome, it is not yet clear whether any of the parties will commit to finding an additional £8 billion a year by 2020/21.
The first is to prepare for the spending review that will be initiated after the election. National bodies, led by NHS England, have set out their views on future spending requirements in the NHS five year forward view, and the major parties have all acknowledged the need for additional funding. While this is welcome, it is not yet clear whether any of the parties will commit to finding an additional £8 billion a year by 2020/21.
News story: New Year’s Honours for health and social care
News story: New Year’s Honours for health and social care People from the health and care community make up 7% of all honours, including 8 nurses who received MBEs. Department of Health
See also:
See also:
- Frontline NHS staff given honours BBC News
Mental heath patients can put services to the test
Mental heath patients can put services to the test Patients using mental health and community health services are able to give feedback on their experiences of care and treatment from today.
This comes as the Friends and Family Test (FFT), a real time patient feedback tool that is already operating for some hospital services such as maternity and A&E, continues to be rolled out across the NHS.
Mental Health and Community Health are the latest two areas to start gathering information from thousands of patients across the country – a move that comes a month after FFT went live across all 8,000 GP practices in England where up to one million people see their doctor every day.
From today, patients receiving treatment on mental health wards, or receiving medication, counselling or therapy for conditions such as depression, dementia, stress, drug or alcohol addiction, will all be able to give feedback on the services they receive. It will also include services for children receiving care for conditions like autism or support for things like eating disorders or the effects of bullying.
This comes as the Friends and Family Test (FFT), a real time patient feedback tool that is already operating for some hospital services such as maternity and A&E, continues to be rolled out across the NHS.
Mental Health and Community Health are the latest two areas to start gathering information from thousands of patients across the country – a move that comes a month after FFT went live across all 8,000 GP practices in England where up to one million people see their doctor every day.
From today, patients receiving treatment on mental health wards, or receiving medication, counselling or therapy for conditions such as depression, dementia, stress, drug or alcohol addiction, will all be able to give feedback on the services they receive. It will also include services for children receiving care for conditions like autism or support for things like eating disorders or the effects of bullying.
Experimental drug for UK Ebola nurse
Experimental drug for UK Ebola nurse Pauline Cafferkey, the UK nurse being treated for Ebola, is receiving an experimental anti-viral drug and blood from survivors of the disease, doctors say. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Covering Ebola from the frontline BBC News
Coming up, in 2015
Coming up, in 2015 A clear direction for NHS IT was set in 2014; but could be disrupted by the general election due on 7 May. E-Health Insider
Gagging of NHS whistleblowers just means more patients will die
Gagging of NHS whistleblowers just means more patients will die Politicians and NHS bosses are fond of proclaiming that patient safety is their highest concern. But so often that is just empty rhetoric, says GARY WALKER, a former NHS boss. The Daily Mail
Sexual violence soars in UK hospitals
Sexual violence soars in UK hospitals Records show 50% rise in reports of sexual attacks, with more than 1,600 in past three years.
A hidden outbreak of sexual abuse in British hospitals has been disclosed in new figures revealing that more than 1,600 attacks were reported to police in the last three years. Continue reading... The Guardian
A hidden outbreak of sexual abuse in British hospitals has been disclosed in new figures revealing that more than 1,600 attacks were reported to police in the last three years. Continue reading... The Guardian
Making NHS seven-day service could threaten patients’ safety, say doctors
Making NHS seven-day service could threaten patients’ safety, say doctors Plans are unfunded, undefined, unrealistic and would see routine operations cancelled on weekdays, says BMA.
Doctors have warned that plans to transform the NHS into a seven-day service are a waste of vital resources that could threaten the quality of care during the week and prove a danger to patient safety.
In a strongly worded attack, the British Medical Association accuses NHS England of pushing ahead with an “unfunded, undefined” strategy that is “wholly unrealistic” given the health service’s chronic staffing and financial problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Doctors have warned that plans to transform the NHS into a seven-day service are a waste of vital resources that could threaten the quality of care during the week and prove a danger to patient safety.
In a strongly worded attack, the British Medical Association accuses NHS England of pushing ahead with an “unfunded, undefined” strategy that is “wholly unrealistic” given the health service’s chronic staffing and financial problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Mental health ‘emergencies’ expected to reach highest figures this winter
Mental health ‘emergencies’ expected to reach highest figures this winter Former health minister Paul Burstow says if trend continues, numbers treated for mental health issues in A&E could soar to over a million for the first time
The number of people with a mental health condition admitted to hospital as an emergency is likely to reach its highest level ever this winter, a former health minister has warned. Continue reading... The Guardian
The number of people with a mental health condition admitted to hospital as an emergency is likely to reach its highest level ever this winter, a former health minister has warned. Continue reading... The Guardian
Cancer is the best way to die and we should stop trying to cure it, says doctor
Cancer is the best way to die and we should stop trying to cure it, says doctor Dr Richard Smith said cancer gave sufferers time to say goodbye and pain could be endured through 'love, morphine, and whisky'. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
A&E departments under 'intense pressure' on New Year's Eve
A&E departments under 'intense pressure' on New Year's Eve A&E departments around the country reported intense pressures today ahead of one of the busiest nights for ambulance call outs. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- A&E departments pushed to breaking point by New Year's Eve The Daily Mail
- A&E's worst week in history with record number of emergencies admitted The Daily Telegraph
- Ambulance services close to breaking point as year’s busiest night approaches The Guardian
- NHS emergency care on wobbly legs The Guardian
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Northamptonshire folk urged to dial 999 in ‘emergencies only’ - after rise in ambulance calls
Northamptonshire folk urged to dial 999 in ‘emergencies only’ - after rise in ambulance calls
People in Northamptonshire are being urged to dial 999 only in ‘genuine emergencies’ because freezing conditions are putting a strain on the ambulance service. Northampton Chronicle
People in Northamptonshire are being urged to dial 999 only in ‘genuine emergencies’ because freezing conditions are putting a strain on the ambulance service. Northampton Chronicle
Admissions to Kettering General Hospital up by a fifth during Christmas period
Admissions to Kettering General Hospital up by a fifth during Christmas period
Kettering General Hospital has faced a 20 per cent rise in the number of people being admitted to accident and emergency since Christmas. Northampton Telegraph
Kettering General Hospital has faced a 20 per cent rise in the number of people being admitted to accident and emergency since Christmas. Northampton Telegraph
Frontline NHS staff given honours
Frontline NHS staff given honours
A host of frontline NHS staff are among those recognised in the New Year Honour's list. BBC News
A host of frontline NHS staff are among those recognised in the New Year Honour's list. BBC News
Ebola screening tests under scrutiny
Ebola screening tests under scrutiny
Checks for medics returning to the UK after treating Ebola patients are to be reviewed after they cleared a nurse later diagnosed with the virus. BBC News
Checks for medics returning to the UK after treating Ebola patients are to be reviewed after they cleared a nurse later diagnosed with the virus. BBC News
News story: Ebola contact tracing underway
News story: Ebola contact tracing underway
Public Health England (PHE) is undertaking contact tracing following the confirmed case of Ebola in a healthcare worker returning from Sierra Leone, and as of 6pm on 30 December 2014, has spoken to 63 passengers.
The person had left Sierra Leone on 28 December and had been a passenger on flight AT596 from Freetown to Casablanca, flight AT0800 from Casablanca to London, and transferred at Heathrow to flight BA1478 for onward travel to Glasgow.
Although the risk of infection to other passengers on the flights is considered extremely low, PHE is contacting 132 passengers, and the crew on the flight from Casablanca to Heathrow. Health Protection Scotland is carrying out a similar exercise for the 71 passengers on the Heathrow to Glasgow flight, speaking with 56 to date.
People contacted by Public Health England will be made aware that a person on their flight was confirmed with Ebola after they returned to the UK, although the person would have been in the very early stages of disease and extremely unlikely to be infectious.
Public Health England (PHE) is undertaking contact tracing following the confirmed case of Ebola in a healthcare worker returning from Sierra Leone, and as of 6pm on 30 December 2014, has spoken to 63 passengers.
The person had left Sierra Leone on 28 December and had been a passenger on flight AT596 from Freetown to Casablanca, flight AT0800 from Casablanca to London, and transferred at Heathrow to flight BA1478 for onward travel to Glasgow.
Although the risk of infection to other passengers on the flights is considered extremely low, PHE is contacting 132 passengers, and the crew on the flight from Casablanca to Heathrow. Health Protection Scotland is carrying out a similar exercise for the 71 passengers on the Heathrow to Glasgow flight, speaking with 56 to date.
People contacted by Public Health England will be made aware that a person on their flight was confirmed with Ebola after they returned to the UK, although the person would have been in the very early stages of disease and extremely unlikely to be infectious.
First Ebola case linked to bat play
First Ebola case linked to bat play
The Ebola victim who triggered the current outbreak - a two year old boy from a small village in Guinea - may have been infected by playing in a hollow tree housing a colony of bats, say scientists. BBC News
The Ebola victim who triggered the current outbreak - a two year old boy from a small village in Guinea - may have been infected by playing in a hollow tree housing a colony of bats, say scientists. BBC News
Skin implant replaces the Pill: New chip lasts for 16 years and can be turned off by remote control when you want to conceive
Skin implant replaces the Pill: New chip lasts for 16 years and can be turned off by remote control when you want to conceive
Scientists have invented an electronic chip that when slipped under the skin releases daily doses of contraceptive, freeing a woman from the need to remember to take the pill. Mail
Scientists have invented an electronic chip that when slipped under the skin releases daily doses of contraceptive, freeing a woman from the need to remember to take the pill. Mail
David Cameron still more trusted on NHS than Ed Miliband, survey shows
David Cameron still more trusted on NHS than Ed Miliband, survey shows
Labour’s lead as most trusted party on issue falls to three points, while two-thirds of voters willing to pay more tax for NHS
Voters still trust David Cameron more than Ed Miliband on the NHS, despite Labour having made the health service the main focus of its campaigning since the summer, a survey shows.
The ComRes poll shows that 22% say the prime minister is the party leader they most trust to manage the NHS, while 20% name the Labour leader. Guardian
Continue reading...
Labour’s lead as most trusted party on issue falls to three points, while two-thirds of voters willing to pay more tax for NHS
Voters still trust David Cameron more than Ed Miliband on the NHS, despite Labour having made the health service the main focus of its campaigning since the summer, a survey shows.
The ComRes poll shows that 22% say the prime minister is the party leader they most trust to manage the NHS, while 20% name the Labour leader. Guardian
Continue reading...
Guidance: Mental Health Treatment - Supporting Integrated Delivery guidance
Guidance: Mental Health Treatment - Supporting Integrated Delivery guidance
The guidance reflects the changes to responsibility for probation services in England and Wales from 2014 resulting from the Government’s Transforming Rehabilitation reforms and the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014. Information on who to contact for further information is also included. Public Health England
The guidance reflects the changes to responsibility for probation services in England and Wales from 2014 resulting from the Government’s Transforming Rehabilitation reforms and the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014. Information on who to contact for further information is also included. Public Health England
Poulter announces DWP prescription check
Poulter announces DWP prescription check
The government is planning to give High Street pharmacists access to Department of Work and Pensions IT systems to check whether patients in England are entitled to free prescriptions. EHI News
The government is planning to give High Street pharmacists access to Department of Work and Pensions IT systems to check whether patients in England are entitled to free prescriptions. EHI News
Care & Support Public Information Campaign Materials
Care & Support Public Information Campaign Materials
The Department of Health and Public Health England are working to help raise public awareness of the Care and Support reforms being introduced in April 2015 and into 2016.
A public information campaign is underway to help ensure those who are affected by the reforms (existing care and support service users, people approaching the point of need and carers) are aware of the changes, and know where to go for further information.
This page has been developed to host a range of campaign materials for trusted partners to download and cascade through their individual networks.
The Department of Health and Public Health England are working to help raise public awareness of the Care and Support reforms being introduced in April 2015 and into 2016.
A public information campaign is underway to help ensure those who are affected by the reforms (existing care and support service users, people approaching the point of need and carers) are aware of the changes, and know where to go for further information.
This page has been developed to host a range of campaign materials for trusted partners to download and cascade through their individual networks.
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Significant rise in call-outs for Northamptonshire’s ambulance service
Significant rise in call-outs for Northamptonshire’s ambulance service
The number of call-outs for the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) in December rose by more than 5,000 since the same month last year. Evening Telegraph
The number of call-outs for the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) in December rose by more than 5,000 since the same month last year. Evening Telegraph
News story: Ebola case confirmed in Scotland
News story: Ebola case confirmed in Scotland
The Scottish government has confirmed a case of Ebola in an individual in Scotland, who travelled to Glasgow from Sierra Leone.
The patient will be transferred for treatment in isolation at the Royal Free hospital in London.
The UK has well established and practised infection control procedures for dealing with cases of imported infectious disease. These procedures will be strictly followed while the patient is in transit and when receiving treatment at the Royal Free hospital.
The UK government is working closely with the Scottish government to ensure the patient receives the best possible treatment.
The confirmed case of Ebola in Scotland was a healthcare worker returning from Sierra Leone. They had left Sierra Leone on 28 December and had been a passenger on flight AT596 from Freetown to Casablanca, flight AT0800 from Casablanca to London, and transferred at Heathrow to flight BA1478 for onward travel to Glasgow.
The Scottish government has confirmed a case of Ebola in an individual in Scotland, who travelled to Glasgow from Sierra Leone.
The patient will be transferred for treatment in isolation at the Royal Free hospital in London.
The UK has well established and practised infection control procedures for dealing with cases of imported infectious disease. These procedures will be strictly followed while the patient is in transit and when receiving treatment at the Royal Free hospital.
The UK government is working closely with the Scottish government to ensure the patient receives the best possible treatment.
The confirmed case of Ebola in Scotland was a healthcare worker returning from Sierra Leone. They had left Sierra Leone on 28 December and had been a passenger on flight AT596 from Freetown to Casablanca, flight AT0800 from Casablanca to London, and transferred at Heathrow to flight BA1478 for onward travel to Glasgow.
Tiny microscope can take agonising wait out of cancer tests
Tiny microscope can take agonising wait out of cancer tests
Scientists have developed the world's smallest microscope which is inserted into the body, allowing doctors to 'see' cancer and make an instant, precise diagnosis. Mail
Scientists have developed the world's smallest microscope which is inserted into the body, allowing doctors to 'see' cancer and make an instant, precise diagnosis. Mail
Red meat triggers toxic immune reaction which causes cancer, scientists find
Red meat triggers toxic immune reaction which causes cancer, scientists find
Scientists at the University of California discovered that the human body views red meat as a foreign invader and launches an immune response. Telegraph
Scientists at the University of California discovered that the human body views red meat as a foreign invader and launches an immune response. Telegraph
Prescription fraud plan criticised
Prescription fraud plan criticised
Pharmacists strongly criticised plans to strengthen checks at the counter for entitlement to free prescriptions in England. BBC News
Pharmacists strongly criticised plans to strengthen checks at the counter for entitlement to free prescriptions in England. BBC News
Many breast cancer patients struggle with aftermath of disease, finds charity
Many breast cancer patients struggle with aftermath of disease, finds charity
Debilitating side-effects and depression among most common issues raised by those calling helpline two years after diagnosis
One in six breast cancer patients are still struggling with the aftermath of the disease and its treatment more than two years on from diagnosis, a charity has found.
Breast Cancer Care said the results of a survey of 1,228 people, who had been diagnosed two or more years previously and had called its helpline, illustrate the importance of the phone line and the need for the public to help keep it going. Guardian
Continue reading...
Debilitating side-effects and depression among most common issues raised by those calling helpline two years after diagnosis
One in six breast cancer patients are still struggling with the aftermath of the disease and its treatment more than two years on from diagnosis, a charity has found.
Breast Cancer Care said the results of a survey of 1,228 people, who had been diagnosed two or more years previously and had called its helpline, illustrate the importance of the phone line and the need for the public to help keep it going. Guardian
Continue reading...
Lying on Facebook causes paranoia and memory problems
Lying on Facebook causes paranoia and memory problems
Lying on Facebook is common — but doing so could cause paranoia and memory problems. Independent
Lying on Facebook is common — but doing so could cause paranoia and memory problems. Independent
Jab that can banish allergies in two months: Substance is injected directly into a lymph node in the groin rather than under the skin
Jab that can banish allergies in two months: Substance is injected directly into a lymph node in the groin rather than under the skin
The treatment involves injecting small amounts of an allergen - such as a protein from pet fur - into the patient's body over a period of time, so that the body slowly becomes accustomed. Mail
The treatment involves injecting small amounts of an allergen - such as a protein from pet fur - into the patient's body over a period of time, so that the body slowly becomes accustomed. Mail
Diet advice from overweight GPs more likely to be ignored, finds survey
Diet advice from overweight GPs more likely to be ignored, finds survey
Poll suggests need for NHS staff to be role models to help convince public of importance of losing weight, says health body
Britons are much less likely to follow advice from health professionals such as GPs and nurses if the health professionals are overweight or obese, a new survey shows.
Polling commissioned by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that 41% of people would be less likely to take advice about adopting a healthy diet from an NHS member of staff who was carrying extra pounds, while just 17% said they would heed it. Guardian
Continue reading...
Poll suggests need for NHS staff to be role models to help convince public of importance of losing weight, says health body
Britons are much less likely to follow advice from health professionals such as GPs and nurses if the health professionals are overweight or obese, a new survey shows.
Polling commissioned by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that 41% of people would be less likely to take advice about adopting a healthy diet from an NHS member of staff who was carrying extra pounds, while just 17% said they would heed it. Guardian
Continue reading...
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