Monday, 26 September 2016
New whistleblowing protection for doctors in training
New whistleblowing protection for doctors in training Health Education England has released details of the enhanced whistleblowing protection agreement for doctors in training. NHS Employers
Illnesses associated with lifestyle cost the NHS £11bn
Illnesses associated with lifestyle cost the NHS £11bn Health problems related to poor diet, drinking and smoking are costing the NHS in England more than £11bn each year, officials say.
Public Health England (PHE) says that unless they are tackled more effectively the NHS will become unaffordable.
It warns conditions such as diabetes and smoking-related bronchitis are a new and untreatable epidemic. BBC News
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Public Health England (PHE) says that unless they are tackled more effectively the NHS will become unaffordable.
It warns conditions such as diabetes and smoking-related bronchitis are a new and untreatable epidemic. BBC News
See also:
- Healthy obsession BBC News
Women's mental health needs 'not considered adequately'
Women's mental health needs 'not considered adequately' Women's mental health needs are "not being considered" despite rising rates of suicide, campaigners warn. BBC News
Junior doctors' strike action called off
Junior doctors' strike action called off Junior doctors in England suspend a series of five-day strikes over the next three months, the British Medical Association announces, following concerns over patient safety. BBC News
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See also:
- Junior doctors call off strike action over concerns for patient safety The Daily Mail
- BMA members say they feel abandoned by their leaders as junior doctors strikes are called off The Daily Mail
- Junior Doctors call off planned five-day NHS walkouts The Daily Telegraph
- Militant junior doctor Ellen McCourt voted chair of JDC ahead of decision on five day strikes The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors suspend strike plans due to 'patient safety' concerns The Guardian
Andrew Lansley fails to recognise that his NHS reforms just don't work
Andrew Lansley fails to recognise that his NHS reforms just don't work Each discrete part of the Health and Social Care Act may have had virtues, but it led to massive cost and disruption
One of Andrew Lansley’s failings as health secretary was his apparent belief that the only reason he was under attack from all sides for his NHS reforms was because people had not grasped what he was trying to do. The solution was not to listen to their concerns, but for him to explain it all one more time.
Four years later he is still explaining, and still not listening. Delivering the NHS Providers’ annual lecture this week Lansley failed to demonstrate any understanding that the Health and Social Care Act he drove through created huge disruption and enduring difficulties. Continue reading... The Guardian
One of Andrew Lansley’s failings as health secretary was his apparent belief that the only reason he was under attack from all sides for his NHS reforms was because people had not grasped what he was trying to do. The solution was not to listen to their concerns, but for him to explain it all one more time.
Four years later he is still explaining, and still not listening. Delivering the NHS Providers’ annual lecture this week Lansley failed to demonstrate any understanding that the Health and Social Care Act he drove through created huge disruption and enduring difficulties. Continue reading... The Guardian
I've worked as a GP receptionist under a year and I'm already burnt out
I've worked as a GP receptionist under a year and I'm already burnt out I came into the job to help patients but there are just so many. Neither I nor the NHS can keep this up
It’s only 8.15am and the appointments for the day are already fully booked despite our appointment booking line opening at 8am. Less than a year ago this was an anomaly, now it’s the norm, as are queues out the door when we open. I spend the rest of the morning bearing the brunt of patient irritation, which is mostly aimed at our lack of appointments. I share their frustration because the service is substandard and it only seems to be getting worse.
The calls keep flooding in, the phone rings all day and I often finish work with a headache from the sound. The calls can be incredibly stressful one moment – talking to someone who is struggling to breathe – to mundane the next with patients who are convinced that their three-day cough constitutes an emergency. Patient anger often unfortunately comes back on to the receptionists, I wish they could see the wider picture and direct their anger at the government that is responsible for cutting their services. Continue reading... The Guardian
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It’s only 8.15am and the appointments for the day are already fully booked despite our appointment booking line opening at 8am. Less than a year ago this was an anomaly, now it’s the norm, as are queues out the door when we open. I spend the rest of the morning bearing the brunt of patient irritation, which is mostly aimed at our lack of appointments. I share their frustration because the service is substandard and it only seems to be getting worse.
The calls keep flooding in, the phone rings all day and I often finish work with a headache from the sound. The calls can be incredibly stressful one moment – talking to someone who is struggling to breathe – to mundane the next with patients who are convinced that their three-day cough constitutes an emergency. Patient anger often unfortunately comes back on to the receptionists, I wish they could see the wider picture and direct their anger at the government that is responsible for cutting their services. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Hospitals and care homes fail food safety inspections
Hospitals and care homes fail food safety inspections Data shows more than 500 places caring for vulnerable people, including nurseries and playgroups, require improvement
More than 500 care providers in the UK, including 19 hospitals and other NHS facilities, have failed hygiene and food safety inspections, Guardian analysis reveals.
Food Standards Agency (FSA) data shows that care homes fail to meet food hygiene standards more than any other type of care provider, with more than 200 residential, nursing and care homes receiving low grades at their latest food safety inspections. Continue reading... The Guardian
More than 500 care providers in the UK, including 19 hospitals and other NHS facilities, have failed hygiene and food safety inspections, Guardian analysis reveals.
Food Standards Agency (FSA) data shows that care homes fail to meet food hygiene standards more than any other type of care provider, with more than 200 residential, nursing and care homes receiving low grades at their latest food safety inspections. Continue reading... The Guardian
Boris Johnson says NHS will get substantial extra funds after Brexit
Boris Johnson says NHS will get substantial extra funds after Brexit Foreign secretary tells Andrew Marr he agrees with former health secretary’s figure of at least £5bn being available by 2020
Boris Johnson has said the NHS will get substantial extra funding after Brexit, despite Theresa May’s refusal to endorse the leave campaign’s promise of an additional £100m a week.
The foreign secretary strayed from his brief during BBC1’s Andrew Marr show to sign up the prime minister to a cash injection for health services during this parliament. Continue reading... The Guardian
Boris Johnson has said the NHS will get substantial extra funding after Brexit, despite Theresa May’s refusal to endorse the leave campaign’s promise of an additional £100m a week.
The foreign secretary strayed from his brief during BBC1’s Andrew Marr show to sign up the prime minister to a cash injection for health services during this parliament. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS is wasting millions on drugs for the male menopause claims new research
NHS is wasting millions on drugs for the male menopause claims new research Testosterone prescriptions have shot up 20 per cent since 2012 – costing the NHS £20 million a year. Researchers claim doctors are being increasingly influenced by drug companies. The Daily Mail
Revealed: 8,000 hospital consultants paid more than the Prime Minister
Revealed: 8,000 hospital consultants paid more than the Prime Minister Eight thousand hospital consultants earn more than the Prime Minister from the National Health Service, a health minister has admitted.
The figures are thought to be the first time that the Government has estimated how many consultants earn than the Prime Minister.
They are set to ignite a row about whether consultants should be allowed to continue lucrative private practices while taking home such large sums from the NHS. The Daily Telegraph
The figures are thought to be the first time that the Government has estimated how many consultants earn than the Prime Minister.
They are set to ignite a row about whether consultants should be allowed to continue lucrative private practices while taking home such large sums from the NHS. The Daily Telegraph
Just four in ten children have seen an NHS dentist in last years
Just four in ten children have seen an NHS dentist in last years More than four in 10 children have not visited an NHS dentist in the last year, according to new figures which reveal stark differences across the country.
Experts said the official statistics were “alarming” with tooth decay now the most common reason for young children to be admitted to hospital.
The official statistics reveal for the first time the areas where children are most and least likely to be have seen an NHS dentist in the last year. The Daily Telegraph
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Experts said the official statistics were “alarming” with tooth decay now the most common reason for young children to be admitted to hospital.
The official statistics reveal for the first time the areas where children are most and least likely to be have seen an NHS dentist in the last year. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Annual NHS dental statistics published NHS Digital
- Four in 10 children not going to dentist, NHS figures show BBC News
- Nearly HALF of parents are failing to take their children to the dentist despite a 'tooth decay epidemic' The Daily Mail
- Two in five children in England failed to visit an NHS dentist in past year The Guardian
Friday, 23 September 2016
Personal well-being in the UK: 2015 to 2016
Personal well-being in the UK: 2015 to 2016 Since 2011, the Office for National Statistics has asked personal well-being questions to adults in the UK, to better understand how they feel about their lives. This report presents headline results from the fifth year of data collection, covering the financial year ending March 2016, together with how things have changed over the 5 years. It finds that:
- there has been no improvement in ratings of happiness, anxiety and feeling that things in life are worthwhile over the 1 year period between the years ending March 2015 and 2016
- reported personal well-being has improved across each of the measures over the 5 year period between the years ending March 2012 and 2016
- those living in London reported lower average ratings of life satisfaction, anxiety and feeling things in life are worthwhile compared with UK overall
- people in Northern Ireland continue to give higher average ratings of personal well-being for all measures except anxiety, when compared with the other UK countries
- although women reported higher life satisfaction and worthwhile levels when compared with men, they also reported higher levels of anxiety
Health care assistants being used as ‘nurses on the cheap’
Health care assistants being used as ‘nurses on the cheap’ Healthcare assistants (HCAs) working in the NHS are doing the jobs of nurses without the equivalent pay or education, says a new report.
Two in five (39%) say they have not received the training necessary to provide the care expected of them such as looking after dementia patients, according to the report Care on the cheap.
Less than half (45%) of HCAs feel the tasks they are asked to do – including giving patients medication, doing heart checks and inserting medical tubes – are appropriate to their level of competence.
The findings are based on a survey of nearly 2,300 HCAs across the UK working in primary and secondary care including GP practices, emergency departments and in the community. UNISON
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Two in five (39%) say they have not received the training necessary to provide the care expected of them such as looking after dementia patients, according to the report Care on the cheap.
Less than half (45%) of HCAs feel the tasks they are asked to do – including giving patients medication, doing heart checks and inserting medical tubes – are appropriate to their level of competence.
The findings are based on a survey of nearly 2,300 HCAs across the UK working in primary and secondary care including GP practices, emergency departments and in the community. UNISON
See also:
- Care on the Cheap: A survey of clinical support workers UNISON
- NHS patients 'at risk as thousands of unqualified hospital staff are standing in for nurses' The Daily Mail
- Patients are being put at risk because the NHS relies on healthcare assistants to do the job of nurses 'on the cheap' The Daily Telegraph
NHS England and NHS Improvement set out next steps to implement the NHS Five Year Forward View in 2017/18 and 2018/19
NHS England and NHS Improvement set out next steps to implement the NHS Five Year Forward View in 2017/18 and 2018/19 National NHS leaders have set out steps to strengthen collaboration across the NHS and ensure that local health and care areas are successful in delivering their blueprints for the future.
Published by NHS England and NHS Improvement, Delivering the Forward View: NHS Operational Planning Guidance for 2017/18 and 2018/19 provides NHS trusts and commissioners with tools they need to plan for the years ahead.
For the first time, the guidance covers two financial years, to provide greater stability, underpinned by a two-year tariff for NHS patients and a two-year NHS Standard Contract.
Published by NHS England and NHS Improvement, Delivering the Forward View: NHS Operational Planning Guidance for 2017/18 and 2018/19 provides NHS trusts and commissioners with tools they need to plan for the years ahead.
For the first time, the guidance covers two financial years, to provide greater stability, underpinned by a two-year tariff for NHS patients and a two-year NHS Standard Contract.
A false economy: cuts to continuing professional development funding for nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions
A false economy: cuts to continuing professional development funding for nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions This report highlights the risk posed to the NHS by the funding cuts and calls for the Department of Health to lead a discussion to address the disconnect between the funding decisions and national strategic priorities. It also warns about the potential consequences of the cuts for the Government’s push to expand student numbers as part of plans to reduce staff shortages. Council of Deans Health
Agonising wait
Agonising wait A family whose daughter spent four years in a vegetative state say it should be easier to withdraw nutrition from such patients. BBC News
Childhood vaccinations 'down again'
Childhood vaccinations 'down again' The percentage of under-twos in England receiving most routine vaccinations is down slightly for the third year in a row, NHS figures show. BBC News
IVF rates in England 'at 20-year low'
IVF rates in England 'at 20-year low' Campaigners say the provision of free IVF on the NHS in England has fallen to its lowest level since guidelines were introduced in 2004.
Figures from the charity Fertility Fairness show a steady decline in the number of providers offering the recommended three cycles of treatment.
Fourteen local health groups are currently considering whether to reduce or remove IVF provision.
The NHS says it does not have "unlimited resources". BBC News
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Figures from the charity Fertility Fairness show a steady decline in the number of providers offering the recommended three cycles of treatment.
Fourteen local health groups are currently considering whether to reduce or remove IVF provision.
The NHS says it does not have "unlimited resources". BBC News
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UK fifth in world for health-related sustainable development goals
UK fifth in world for health-related sustainable development goals Although the UK is ranked fifth overall in the world in making progress towards the United Nations’ health-related sustainable development goals (SDG), it is doing relatively poorly on some of the indicators – notably those relating to HIV, smoking, alcohol, suicide, overweight and air pollution.
The UN General Assembly established the SDGs in September 2015, to replace the millennium development goal (MDG) framework that expired last year; the SDGs specify 17 universal goals, 169 targets, and 230 indicators leading up to 2030. The authors of the latest assessment of progress, published today in The Lancet, have compared 33 health-related SDG indicators across 188 countries. OnMedica
The UN General Assembly established the SDGs in September 2015, to replace the millennium development goal (MDG) framework that expired last year; the SDGs specify 17 universal goals, 169 targets, and 230 indicators leading up to 2030. The authors of the latest assessment of progress, published today in The Lancet, have compared 33 health-related SDG indicators across 188 countries. OnMedica
We can afford the NHS. The question is whether we are willing to pay for it
We can afford the NHS. The question is whether we are willing to pay for it Rationing funds between competing claims within the health service is nothing new. It doesn’t mean the nation can’t afford good healthcare through taxation
What can the NHS afford? Every week one pressure group after another protests at rationed treatments, as the NHS suffers its greatest funding shortfall since it was founded. Continue reading... The Guardian
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What can the NHS afford? Every week one pressure group after another protests at rationed treatments, as the NHS suffers its greatest funding shortfall since it was founded. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The REAL scale of cancelled operations: 40,000 scrapped procedures but were not included in the official figures
The REAL scale of cancelled operations: 40,000 scrapped procedures but were not included in the official figures Data was obtained from 156 NHS trusts in England. They provided figures for operations cancelled one to three days before a patient was due to be admitted. The Daily Mail
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See also:
NHS out-of-hours services being run without a single doctor with some turning to refugee medics to plug GP shortage
NHS out-of-hours services being run without a single doctor with some turning to refugee medics to plug GP shortage NHS out-of-hours services are being run without a single doctor in some parts of the country, as other practices turn to refugee medics to plug desperate shortages of GPs.
Experts said patients were being put at risk by a scarcity of family doctors, which could result in up to 600 practices closing their doors by 2020.
The growing crisis means parts of Yorkshire covering up to 300,000 patients have been left without any doctor to send out at night, an investigation found. The Daily Telegraph
Experts said patients were being put at risk by a scarcity of family doctors, which could result in up to 600 practices closing their doors by 2020.
The growing crisis means parts of Yorkshire covering up to 300,000 patients have been left without any doctor to send out at night, an investigation found. The Daily Telegraph
Self-harm among armed forces jumps by a third in past five years, figures reveal
Self-harm among armed forces jumps by a third in past five years, figures reveal The number of armed forces personnel deliberately self-harming has jumped by more than a third over a five-year period.
Figures released by the Ministry of Defence revealed a 36 per cent increase in servicemen and women who self-harmed at least once between 2010/11 and 2014/15.
There were 383 recordings of deliberate self-harming (DSH) - including self-injury and self-poisoning - for Navy, Army and RAF personnel in 2014/15, up from 339 in 2010/11.
The data excludes servicemen and women who had thoughts of DSH or suicide.
Women, Army personnel and those aged under 24 were most at risk, the figures suggested. The Daily Telegraph
Figures released by the Ministry of Defence revealed a 36 per cent increase in servicemen and women who self-harmed at least once between 2010/11 and 2014/15.
There were 383 recordings of deliberate self-harming (DSH) - including self-injury and self-poisoning - for Navy, Army and RAF personnel in 2014/15, up from 339 in 2010/11.
The data excludes servicemen and women who had thoughts of DSH or suicide.
Women, Army personnel and those aged under 24 were most at risk, the figures suggested. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 22 September 2016
Clear and credible plan needed for digital health
Clear and credible plan needed for digital health Government ministers and NHS leaders should set out a definitive plan for expanding the use of digital technology in the health service, according to a new briefing.
The briefing highlights the risk of losing credibility and commitment among frontline NHS staff if the digital health agenda continues to be subject to shifting priorities, new initiatives and slipping timescales. It calls for urgent clarification of when funding already announced will be made available, warning that holding back investment until later in the parliament will inevitably slow down progress. The King's Fund
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The briefing highlights the risk of losing credibility and commitment among frontline NHS staff if the digital health agenda continues to be subject to shifting priorities, new initiatives and slipping timescales. It calls for urgent clarification of when funding already announced will be made available, warning that holding back investment until later in the parliament will inevitably slow down progress. The King's Fund
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- Saving paper, saving money or transforming care? The King's Fund
Stoptober quit smoking campaign returns
Stoptober quit smoking campaign returns Smokers across the country are being urged to take part in Stoptober (the mass quitting challenge from Public Health England (PHE) starting on 1 October) and join nearly 15 million people who have already quit.
Last year, out of the 2.5 million smokers who made a quit attempt, 500,000 people (20%) were successful; the highest recorded success rate and up from just 13.6% 6 years ago. Public Health England
Last year, out of the 2.5 million smokers who made a quit attempt, 500,000 people (20%) were successful; the highest recorded success rate and up from just 13.6% 6 years ago. Public Health England
News story: UK secures historic UN Declaration on antimicrobial resistance
News story: UK secures historic UN Declaration on antimicrobial resistance The agreement follows a worldwide campaign led by the Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to highlight the threat posed to modern medicine by antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Every signatory has agreed that drug resistant infections must be tackled as a priority. The nations have committed to:
Every signatory has agreed that drug resistant infections must be tackled as a priority. The nations have committed to:
- develop surveillance and regulatory systems on the use and sales of antimicrobial medicines for humans and animals
- encourage innovative ways to develop new antibiotics, and improve rapid diagnostics
- raise awareness among health professionals and the public on how to prevent drug resistant infections
Fiscal sustainability analytical paper: fiscal sustainability and public spending on health
Fiscal sustainability analytical paper: fiscal sustainability and public spending on health This paper reviews the latest evidence on the demographic and non-demographic determinants of health spending in the UK and its implications for the Office for Budget Responsbility's long-term health spending projection. It finds that demographic effects have explained only a small part of the increase in health spending over past decades and that they are likely to remain a relatively small, although growing, driver of spending in the future. Office for Budget Responsibility
Many cancelled operations 'unrecorded'
Many cancelled operations 'unrecorded' Tens of thousands of operations were cancelled by English hospitals last year but not officially counted, figures obtained by the BBC suggest.
About half of trusts provided details of cancellations one to three days before admission.
Hospitals must record cancellations on the day of an operation or of admission - but not those prior to that.
NHS England said official figures showed less than 1% of operations were cancelled at the last minute. BBC News
About half of trusts provided details of cancellations one to three days before admission.
Hospitals must record cancellations on the day of an operation or of admission - but not those prior to that.
NHS England said official figures showed less than 1% of operations were cancelled at the last minute. BBC News
NHS should get £5bn 'Brexit bonus' - Lansley
NHS should get £5bn 'Brexit bonus' - Lansley The NHS should get a £5bn-a-year "Brexit bonus", former Conservative Health Secretary Andrew Lansley says. BBC News
Chris Brennan inquest: Hospital neglect 'contributed to teenager's death'
Chris Brennan inquest: Hospital neglect 'contributed to teenager's death' Neglect by one of England's largest mental health trusts contributed to the death of a boy, a coroner rules. BBC News
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Breast cancer patients denied ‘life-saving’ 43p treatment ‘due to NHS funding dispute’
Breast cancer patients denied ‘life-saving’ 43p treatment ‘due to NHS funding dispute’ Thousands of patients are being denied “life-saving” breast cancer drugs which cost just 43 pence due to an NHS funding row, research has suggested.
Charity Breast Cancer Now estimates 27,000 women in the UK are being denied osteoporosis medication which can prevent breast cancer spread in the bone due to on-going uncertainty as to who is responsible for funding the medication. The Independent
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Charity Breast Cancer Now estimates 27,000 women in the UK are being denied osteoporosis medication which can prevent breast cancer spread in the bone due to on-going uncertainty as to who is responsible for funding the medication. The Independent
See also:
- Breast-cancer drug confusion 'putting lives at risk' BBC News
- Breast cancer victims are missing out on a life-saving pill that costs 34p a day The Daily Mail
- 43p drug that prevents spread of breast cancer denied to thousands The Daily Telegraph
- Thousands of breast cancer patients missing out on 43p-a-day drug The Guardian
One dying patient taught me that doing nothing can be brave
One dying patient taught me that doing nothing can be brave The patient who loved chicken wings showed me that healthcare professionals fail to hear what really matters in end-of-life care
“There is something actually, doctor.” I turned around in relief. Continue reading... The Guardian
“There is something actually, doctor.” I turned around in relief. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS will remain free to use and funded by general taxation, government says
NHS will remain free to use and funded by general taxation, government says Reaffirmation comes in response to OBR projections laying out ever larger sums service will need in coming decades
The NHS will remain funded from general taxation and free for patients to use, the government has pledged, in a statement that appears to rule out the introduction of charges to access care.
The government was responding to new projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility showing that the health service would need such large sums of money in the coming decades that it would threaten the UK’s public finances. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS will remain funded from general taxation and free for patients to use, the government has pledged, in a statement that appears to rule out the introduction of charges to access care.
The government was responding to new projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility showing that the health service would need such large sums of money in the coming decades that it would threaten the UK’s public finances. Continue reading... The Guardian
Half of skin cancer patients are failing to be referred urgently Nice warns
Half of skin cancer patients are failing to be referred urgently Nice warns Health watchdogs have called for improvements in diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer after new figures showed just half of skin cancers are being diagnosed after an urgent referral by GPs.
The warning from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) comes as figures show cases of skin cancer have risen by almost 50 per cent in a decade.
In England there were 12,246 new cases of malignant melanoma in 2013, with around 2,000 deaths a year. The Daily Telegraph
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The warning from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) comes as figures show cases of skin cancer have risen by almost 50 per cent in a decade.
In England there were 12,246 new cases of malignant melanoma in 2013, with around 2,000 deaths a year. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Skin cancer Quality standard [QS130] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- Skin cancer patients are being let down as GPs fail to refer a THIRD of deadly melanoma cases within 2 weeks The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 21 September 2016
Underfunded, underdoctored, overstretched: The NHS in 2016
Underfunded, underdoctored, overstretched: The NHS in 2016 The NHS in 2016 is under-funded, under-doctored and overstretched. Patients and communities deserve to know the true choice that we face: increase funding or cut care. The RCP believes they deserve more than that: an NHS funded and staffed to meet their needs, now and in the future. The NHS in 2016 needs a new plan – a plan designed to meet the UK’s health and care needs in the long term, and to value, support and motivate NHS staff.
This report is the first of a series in our Mission: Health campaign which will be focused on three major themes – working for health, delivering health, and creating health. Royal College of Physicians
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This report is the first of a series in our Mission: Health campaign which will be focused on three major themes – working for health, delivering health, and creating health. Royal College of Physicians
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Who knows best? Older people’s contribution to understanding and preventing avoidable hospital admissions
Who knows best? Older people’s contribution to understanding and preventing avoidable hospital admissions The authors of this report interviewed 104 older people, exploring their experiences of emergency admissions. The research focused on whether the older people felt it was appropriate to be admitted to hospital and whether they thought anything could have prevented their admission. The findings of this study confirm the belief that older people have an important role to play in helping understand the nature of emergency admissions and to devise appropriate responses to their rising numbers. The report concludes that ignoring this expertise could be detrimental to ensuring older people get the appropriate care they need. University of Birmingham
Face-down restraint continuing in NHS
Face-down restraint continuing in NHS Face-down physical restraint is still being used in mental health wards in England, despite the government and the NHS saying it should stop.
Its use, which can restrict a patient's breathing, dropped only slightly over the two years following new guidelines.
In 2013-14, 22.4% of recorded incidents of restraints were face-down, falling to 18.5% by 2015-16.
Some healthcare trainers say face-down restraint can be the only appropriate way of keeping staff and patients safe.
The total number of recorded restraints rose by 16.6% from 2013-14 to 2015-16, although NHS managers said better reporting might be part of the reason for the increase. BBC News
Its use, which can restrict a patient's breathing, dropped only slightly over the two years following new guidelines.
In 2013-14, 22.4% of recorded incidents of restraints were face-down, falling to 18.5% by 2015-16.
Some healthcare trainers say face-down restraint can be the only appropriate way of keeping staff and patients safe.
The total number of recorded restraints rose by 16.6% from 2013-14 to 2015-16, although NHS managers said better reporting might be part of the reason for the increase. BBC News
Global pledge to stamp out drug-resistant infections
Global pledge to stamp out drug-resistant infections The 193 countries of the United Nations sign a landmark declaration to rid the world of drug-resistant infections or superbugs. BBC News
First head transplant by 2017, claims surgeon
First head transplant by 2017, claims surgeon Professor Canavero says he's a year away from transplanting a head onto a totally different body and has lots of volunteers from the UK who want it done. BBC News
NHS budget pressures will leave mental health services underfunded, spending watchdog warns
NHS budget pressures will leave mental health services underfunded, spending watchdog warns The Government will struggle to properly improve mental health services with the NHS budget at current levels, an influential committee of MPs has found.
The Public Accounts Committee looked at how much funding the Government had provided to reach its goal of putting mental health on “parity of esteem” with physical health and found funding shortfalls would make the “laudable ambition” very difficult.
“We are sceptical about whether this is affordable, or achievable without compromising other services,” the report says. The Independent
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The Public Accounts Committee looked at how much funding the Government had provided to reach its goal of putting mental health on “parity of esteem” with physical health and found funding shortfalls would make the “laudable ambition” very difficult.
“We are sceptical about whether this is affordable, or achievable without compromising other services,” the report says. The Independent
See also:
- Role for whole of Government in improving mental health support Public Accounts Select Committee
- Improving access to mental health services (report) Public Accounts Select Committee
Debt, homelessness, domestic violence: the GP practice acting as a one-stop shop
Debt, homelessness, domestic violence: the GP practice acting as a one-stop shop In Oldham, specialist nurses work with GPs to help tackle poor health, social isolation and deprivation
Lisa Baxter*, a mother of three from Oldham, was trapped with a violent partner, difficulties controlling her children, threats of homelessness and frightening debt. Her only ways of coping with her desperation were by abusing drugs and alcohol, and frequent appointments with her GP for antidepressants – until she was referred to community nurse, Ruth Chorley.
I don’t know what I would have done without Ruth. Without her, I think I would have had my children taken off me Continue reading... The Guardian
Lisa Baxter*, a mother of three from Oldham, was trapped with a violent partner, difficulties controlling her children, threats of homelessness and frightening debt. Her only ways of coping with her desperation were by abusing drugs and alcohol, and frequent appointments with her GP for antidepressants – until she was referred to community nurse, Ruth Chorley.
I don’t know what I would have done without Ruth. Without her, I think I would have had my children taken off me Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt 'acted within his powers' over junior doctors' contracts, court told
Jeremy Hunt 'acted within his powers' over junior doctors' contracts, court told Lawyer for junior doctors’ campaign group says health secretary could only recommend a deal, not impose one
Jeremy Hunt did not go beyond the “scope of his powers” as health secretary when approving a new NHS contract opposed by junior doctors, a barrister has told the high court.
Clive Sheldon QC said Hunt had been “clear” about what his powers were. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt did not go beyond the “scope of his powers” as health secretary when approving a new NHS contract opposed by junior doctors, a barrister has told the high court.
Clive Sheldon QC said Hunt had been “clear” about what his powers were. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt pledges fair deal for elderly cataract patients
Jeremy Hunt pledges fair deal for elderly cataract patients EXCLUSIVE - A postcode lottery in England that deprives cataract sufferers of vital surgery is to end. The shake-up was not due before 2018 but Jeremy Hunt has brought it forward 12 months. The Daily Mail
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NHS ban on staff receiving gifts worth more than £50 in crackdown
NHS ban on staff receiving gifts worth more than £50 in crackdown NHS staff will be banned from accepting gifts over £50 and told to declare hospitality under the first national code on conflicts of interests.
Health officials said the new rules aimed to sweep away a “cloud” hanging over the health service in previous dealings with lobbyists.
Under the terms, all doctors and managers will be obliged to record any wining and dining worth more than £25, while gifts worth more than £50 will be banned.
Every NHS organisation will be ordered to run a register which lists potential conflicts of interest held by staff - such as hospitality received, involvement in sponsored events and private business interests. The Daily Telegraph
Health officials said the new rules aimed to sweep away a “cloud” hanging over the health service in previous dealings with lobbyists.
Under the terms, all doctors and managers will be obliged to record any wining and dining worth more than £25, while gifts worth more than £50 will be banned.
Every NHS organisation will be ordered to run a register which lists potential conflicts of interest held by staff - such as hospitality received, involvement in sponsored events and private business interests. The Daily Telegraph
"Chemical cosh" of powerful drugs still routinely used to knock out dementia patients in care homes
"Chemical cosh" of powerful drugs still routinely used to knock out dementia patients in care homes Hundreds of care homes are still regularly using a “chemical cosh” of powerful drugs to quieten difficult dementia patients, despite a national review into the practice, a new report suggests.
A study from five universities found no overall reduction in the prescribing of antipsychotics in UK care homes between 2009 and 2012, three years after the Government launched the National Dementia Strategy.
In 2012, 77 per cent of treatments using the drugs were described as “excessive” and lasting for longer than the recommended six weeks, the report found. The Daily Telegraph
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A study from five universities found no overall reduction in the prescribing of antipsychotics in UK care homes between 2009 and 2012, three years after the Government launched the National Dementia Strategy.
In 2012, 77 per cent of treatments using the drugs were described as “excessive” and lasting for longer than the recommended six weeks, the report found. The Daily Telegraph
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Tuesday, 20 September 2016
Housing and health: ships that pass in the night?
Housing and health: ships that pass in the night? We have known for many years that good-quality housing is critical to health. Research evidence tells us this, our common sense tells us this, the NHS and wider health and care sector knows this, and the housing sector knows this.
But, despite this knowledge, and many good intentions, the housing and health sectors are too often like ships that pass in the night. Why is that, and what needs to be done to change it? The King's Fund
But, despite this knowledge, and many good intentions, the housing and health sectors are too often like ships that pass in the night. Why is that, and what needs to be done to change it? The King's Fund
Improving Health Care Through Better Conversation
Improving Health Care Through Better Conversation Research shows that people often don’t take their medications or change their lifestyles after after visiting a doctor or a nurse, while only about 60 per cent of people feel they are sufficiently involved in decisions about their care.
A campaign is being launched to tackle this issue and improve the way in which health professionals and people talk.
‘Better Conversations’ looks at how clinicians and commissioners can introduce health coaching and will provide information, evidence and tips on how to have a more equal conversation with people and are treated as partners in their care, rather than passive recipients. Coalition for Collaborative Care
A campaign is being launched to tackle this issue and improve the way in which health professionals and people talk.
‘Better Conversations’ looks at how clinicians and commissioners can introduce health coaching and will provide information, evidence and tips on how to have a more equal conversation with people and are treated as partners in their care, rather than passive recipients. Coalition for Collaborative Care
Why is diagnosing frailty important?
Why is diagnosing frailty important? Professor Martin Vernon, National Clinical Director for Older People and Integrated Care at NHS England discusses the importance and potential in diagnosing frailty. NHS England
NHS watchdog issues sexting advice
NHS watchdog issues sexting advice Any child or teenager sending explicit images or messages on texts and emails is cause for concern and should be monitored, new guidelines for schools and health professionals in England advise. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Harmful sexual behaviour among children and young people guideline [NG55] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- Children caught sexting should be sent to social workers and psychiatrists, say health chiefs The Daily Mail
- Sexting: treating children as ‘mini sex offenders’ could make things worse The Daily Telegraph
One hospital's fight with care shortfall
One hospital's fight with care shortfall (video) New figures show a rapid rise in the numbers of people unable to leave hospital, because of problems providing them with care at home.
It is costing the NHS £820m per year and putting hospitals under huge strain.
Alison Holt visited one hospital in Liverpool to see the impact of the shortfall on front line services. BBC News
It is costing the NHS £820m per year and putting hospitals under huge strain.
Alison Holt visited one hospital in Liverpool to see the impact of the shortfall on front line services. BBC News
Zika cases in UK travellers triple in a month as 100 new cases confirmed
Zika cases in UK travellers triple in a month as 100 new cases confirmed UK GPs encountered an unprecedented number of Zika virus cases over the past few weeks, data from Public Health England (PHE) suggest, as the number of confirmed cases in travellers tripled in the past month. GP Online
Progress made in cutting antimicrobial resistance
Progress made in cutting antimicrobial resistance Progress is being made in preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the UK, according to two new government reports.
The government has published its official response report to Lord O’Neill’s review Tackling drug-resistant infections globally, which made 10 recommendations on how to best prevent the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Lord O’Neill’s review’s recommendations included raising awareness of AMR globally, reducing the use of antibiotics in animals and improving hygiene to help stop the spread of infection.
It also highlighted the consequences of not taking steps to tackle AMR, warning that there could be 10 million deaths a year by 2050 and the potential end of modern medicine as we know it. OnMedica
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The government has published its official response report to Lord O’Neill’s review Tackling drug-resistant infections globally, which made 10 recommendations on how to best prevent the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Lord O’Neill’s review’s recommendations included raising awareness of AMR globally, reducing the use of antibiotics in animals and improving hygiene to help stop the spread of infection.
It also highlighted the consequences of not taking steps to tackle AMR, warning that there could be 10 million deaths a year by 2050 and the potential end of modern medicine as we know it. OnMedica
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Number of smokers in England falls to record low
Number of smokers in England falls to record low Smoking rates across England are the lowest on record, health officials have said.
Public Health England (PHE) said that 16.9 per cent of the population in England are smokers - the lowest level since records began.
The figures were released as the health body launched its annual Stoptober campaign to encourage the nation's remaining smokers to quit for the month of October. If people give up the habit for 28 days they are five times more likely to quit for good, PHE said. The Independent
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Public Health England (PHE) said that 16.9 per cent of the population in England are smokers - the lowest level since records began.
The figures were released as the health body launched its annual Stoptober campaign to encourage the nation's remaining smokers to quit for the month of October. If people give up the habit for 28 days they are five times more likely to quit for good, PHE said. The Independent
See also:
- Quitting smoking sweeps the nation as Stoptober returns Public Health England
- Smoking rates in England fall to lowest on record BBC News
- Number of smokers in England drops to an all-time low with just one-in-six adults lighting up The Daily Mail
- Number of smokers in England drops to all-time low The Guardian
NHS plans to make senior doctors reveal outside earnings
NHS plans to make senior doctors reveal outside earnings About half of hospital consultants are believed to undertake private work, risking conflicts of interests, says NHS England
Doctors will have to reveal the amount of money they earn from private work under new plans to improve transparency. NHS England chairman Sir Malcolm Grant told the Times that the extent of private work carried out had been “under the radar” for too long. “We are looking into something that is quite a touchy subject,” he said.
A spokesman for NHS England, which is trying to increase transparency, said that every hospital is to publish a register of consultants’ outside earnings from April in a drive to unearth potential conflicts of interest. It is believed that about half of England’s 46,000 NHS consultants do private work, on top of average earnings of £112,000 a year. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Doctors will have to reveal the amount of money they earn from private work under new plans to improve transparency. NHS England chairman Sir Malcolm Grant told the Times that the extent of private work carried out had been “under the radar” for too long. “We are looking into something that is quite a touchy subject,” he said.
A spokesman for NHS England, which is trying to increase transparency, said that every hospital is to publish a register of consultants’ outside earnings from April in a drive to unearth potential conflicts of interest. It is believed that about half of England’s 46,000 NHS consultants do private work, on top of average earnings of £112,000 a year. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- NHS doctors to declare income from private work BBC News
- Consultants will have to reveal all their income from private work amid reports they can earn hundreds of thousands on top of their NHS hours The Daily Mail
- NHS plans to make senior doctors reveal earnings from private work The Independent
Jeremy Hunt acted illegally over junior doctors, court hears
Jeremy Hunt acted illegally over junior doctors, court hears Legal challenge brought by five trainees over health secretary’s decision to impose new contract begins in high court.
Jeremy Hunt acted illegally and beyond his powers by deciding to impose a new contract on NHS junior doctors, the high court has been told in a legal challenge to the health secretary’s handling of the year-long dispute.
The court on Monday began a two-day judicial review of the legal challenge to Hunt brought byfive junior doctors. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt acted illegally and beyond his powers by deciding to impose a new contract on NHS junior doctors, the high court has been told in a legal challenge to the health secretary’s handling of the year-long dispute.
The court on Monday began a two-day judicial review of the legal challenge to Hunt brought byfive junior doctors. Continue reading... The Guardian
Doctor will see you now - on his webcam: Patient safety fears as GPs pay private firms to give consultations via computer
Doctor will see you now - on his webcam: Patient safety fears as GPs pay private firms to give consultations via computer Patients will first have to download an app on their computer or mobile phone and then at an allocated time they must log on and speak to their GP using their built-in camera or webcam. The Daily Mail
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See also:
- NHS offers appointments with a doctor via webcam rather than in person The Daily Telegraph
Leaked emails reveal junior doctors secretly polled by union amid fears thousands now oppose strikes
Leaked emails reveal junior doctors secretly polled by union amid fears thousands now oppose strikes Junior doctors are being secretly polled by union representatives amid fears thousands no longer want to join in walkouts, leaked emails reveal.
A memo sent to thousands of medics suggests that the controversial strikes could be dropped if doctors do not actively express their willingness to take part.
Medics are due to take part in the biggest strikes in NHS history in just over a fortnight, with week-long walkouts repeated every month until Christmas. The Daily Telegraph
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A memo sent to thousands of medics suggests that the controversial strikes could be dropped if doctors do not actively express their willingness to take part.
Medics are due to take part in the biggest strikes in NHS history in just over a fortnight, with week-long walkouts repeated every month until Christmas. The Daily Telegraph
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Embattled mental health NHS trust chairman stands down
Embattled mental health NHS trust chairman stands down The interim chairman of a scandal-hit mental health trust that was criticised for not investigating hundreds of unexpected patient deaths has resigned after only four months.
Tim Smart, who took over the heavily criticised Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust in May, said yesterday he was standing down “for personal reasons”. The Daily Telegraph
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Tim Smart, who took over the heavily criticised Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust in May, said yesterday he was standing down “for personal reasons”. The Daily Telegraph
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Monday, 19 September 2016
Policy paper: Progress report on the UK 5 year AMR strategy: 2015
Policy paper: Progress report on the UK 5 year AMR strategy: 2015 The second annual progress report describes what was achieved in the second year of implementation, including a number of significant achievements on the international stage.
The UK 5 year antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategy 2013 to 2018 represents an ambitious programme to slow the development and spread of AMR taking a “One-Health” approach spanning people, animals, agriculture and the wider environment.
This is published on behalf of the high level steering group responsible for driving delivery of the UK AMR strategy. Department of Health
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The UK 5 year antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategy 2013 to 2018 represents an ambitious programme to slow the development and spread of AMR taking a “One-Health” approach spanning people, animals, agriculture and the wider environment.
This is published on behalf of the high level steering group responsible for driving delivery of the UK AMR strategy. Department of Health
See also:
- Government’s progress in preventing drug resistant infections Department of Health
- Policy paper: Government response the review on antimicrobial resistance Department of Health
Improving access to psychological therapies: workforce census report
Improving access to psychological therapies: workforce census report The 2015 Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Workforce Census Report offers the most comprehensive view to date of the size and shape of the IAPT workforce in England, including insight into the capacity of IAPT services to offer the full range of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended psychological therapies. NHS England
Real lives: listening to the voices of people who use social care
Real lives: listening to the voices of people who use social care In summer 2016, working in collaboration with the British Red Cross and Royal Voluntary Service, The Richmond Group of Charities commissioned The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust to undertake a series of interviews with individuals with experience of using social care services. The aim of this work was to complement and add value to a wider piece of research being undertaken by The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust to examine the future sustainability of the social care system, Social Care for Older People: Home Truths (published 15 September 2016). The personal experiences of people needing care and support and their carers outlined in Real Lives illustrate the key issues and challenges facing local authorities, policymakers and those who depend on services.
Junior doctors take contract fight to high court
Junior doctors take contract fight to high court Junior doctors in England are going to the High Court to try and stop the government imposing a new contract.
The group Justice for Health, which is mounting the legal challenge, says the contract is unsafe and unsustainable and it accuses Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt of acting outside his powers.
The Department says the case is without merit.
Ministers insist the new contract is needed to improve levels of medical cover in hospitals at weekends.
The hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London will run for two days. BBC News
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The group Justice for Health, which is mounting the legal challenge, says the contract is unsafe and unsustainable and it accuses Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt of acting outside his powers.
The Department says the case is without merit.
Ministers insist the new contract is needed to improve levels of medical cover in hospitals at weekends.
The hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London will run for two days. BBC News
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Fire service rescuing more obese people across UK
Fire service rescuing more obese people across UK The number of obese people being rescued by fire services because they are too large to move on their own rises by more than a third over the past three years in the UK. BBC News
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See also:
Ambulance staff picket GP surgeries in row over unpaid wages
Ambulance staff picket GP surgeries in row over unpaid wages Sussex GPs who hold senior CCG management posts have seen their practices picketed by ambulance staff in a row over unpaid wages, following the collapse of a private provider. GP Online
First official figures reveal how likely you are to be alive 10 years after a cancer diagnosis
First official figures reveal how likely you are to be alive 10 years after a cancer diagnosis Data experts have forecast how many people with cancer can expect to survive a decade. The new figures, from the Office for National Statistics, show the stark differences between cancers. The Daily Mail
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See also:
- Cancer Registration Statistics, England: 2014 Office for National Statistics
- Survival rates 10 years after cancer diagnosis predicted for first time The Daily Telegraph
Just 1 in 5 students has vital meningitis jab
Just 1 in 5 students has vital meningitis jab Figures showed that by the end of August, just 17 per cent of all 18-year-olds leaving school had been vaccinated – despite GPs writing to all eligible 17 and 18-year-olds at the start of the month. The Daily Mail
Doctors to be sent on NHS courses in how to talk to their patients
Doctors to be sent on NHS courses in how to talk to their patients Doctors and nurses will be sent on courses in compassion, amid growing concern that too many are failing to listen to patients.
Thousands of NHS staff will be urged to improve their communication skills, as part of a national drive to help patients improve their health.
The country’s most senior doctor said the future of the health service depended on coaching staff in how to have a more “equal conversation” with patients.
Prof Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS medical director, said the skills were needed to help patients tackle unhealthy lifestyles which have left the health service under unprecedented strain. The Daily Telegraph
Thousands of NHS staff will be urged to improve their communication skills, as part of a national drive to help patients improve their health.
The country’s most senior doctor said the future of the health service depended on coaching staff in how to have a more “equal conversation” with patients.
Prof Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS medical director, said the skills were needed to help patients tackle unhealthy lifestyles which have left the health service under unprecedented strain. The Daily Telegraph
National 'Uber-style' private GP service sparks backlash
National 'Uber-style' private GP service sparks backlash Anew ‘Uber-style' system of private GP appointments using NHS doctors is to be rolled out nationally, sparking a backlash from some medics.
The new service will match patients who are prepared to pay between £40 and £70 for an appointment, with family doctors prepared to work privately from their own practice in their spare time.
Critics said it was not fair to encourage patients to jump the queue if they could afford to avoid long waiting lists on the NHS.
But the company behind it said it would “drive down queues in surgeries” and reduce pressure on Accident & Emergency departments. The Daily Telegraph
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The new service will match patients who are prepared to pay between £40 and £70 for an appointment, with family doctors prepared to work privately from their own practice in their spare time.
Critics said it was not fair to encourage patients to jump the queue if they could afford to avoid long waiting lists on the NHS.
But the company behind it said it would “drive down queues in surgeries” and reduce pressure on Accident & Emergency departments. The Daily Telegraph
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Friday, 16 September 2016
Research and analysis: Northamptonshire: abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme
Research and analysis: Northamptonshire: abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme This document sets out observations and recommendations from the quality assurance (QA) visit to Northamptonshire General Hospital. Public Health England
Engaging local people: a guide for local areas developing Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs)
Engaging local people: a guide for local areas developing Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) This document is for teams developing STPs in each of the 44 footprint areas, and the statutory organisations which form part of them. It is intended to clarify the expectations on stakeholder involvement, in particular patient and public participation. It also covers legal duties around engagement and consultation and will be of particular interest to communication and engagement leads for STPs and footprint leaders.
Sweden’s Esther Model for Improving Care of Elderly Patients with Complex Needs
Sweden’s Esther Model for Improving Care of Elderly Patients with Complex Needs The Esther model in Jönköping County, Sweden, seeks to improve care for elderly patients with complex care needs—symbolically known as “Esthers”—by persistently focusing on what is best for them. The Commonwealth Fund
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See also:
Number of written complaints about NHS falls by 4 per cent
Number of written complaints about NHS falls by 4 per cent New figures show there were 198,739 written complaints received over the last financial year(2) - the equivalent of around 544 per day - which was 8,668 (4.2 per cent) fewer than in 2014-15. NHS Digital
Emergency contraceptive affected by other medicines - regulator issues new guidance
Emergency contraceptive affected by other medicines - regulator issues new guidance Women needing the emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel should tell their healthcare professional if they are currently taking medicines for epilepsy and certain serious infections, or herbal remedies such as St John’s Wort as these may reduce how well the emergency contraceptive works. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Sharp rise in care delays 'piles pressure on hospitals'
Sharp rise in care delays 'piles pressure on hospitals' A sharp rise in waits for care services is piling the pressure on the NHS in England, hospital bosses are warning. BBC News
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See also:
PrEP HIV drugs: court hears NHS England appeal
PrEP HIV drugs: court hears NHS England appeal NHS England is challenging high court ruling that it has power to commission ‘game-changing’ prevention strategy
A legal battle is being fought out in the court of appeal over who pays the bill for a service to block HIV infection.
The high court ruled that NHS England has the power to commission PrEP, which has been described as a “game-changer” in the fight against HIV/Aids. Continue reading... The Guardian
A legal battle is being fought out in the court of appeal over who pays the bill for a service to block HIV infection.
The high court ruled that NHS England has the power to commission PrEP, which has been described as a “game-changer” in the fight against HIV/Aids. Continue reading... The Guardian
Doctors urge inquiry into Jeremy Hunt's NHS 'weekend effect' claims
Doctors urge inquiry into Jeremy Hunt's NHS 'weekend effect' claims Letter signed by doctors and scientists including Stephen Hawking accuses health secretary of misrepresenting evidence
Stephen Hawking, Robert Winston and a number of senior doctors are urging Theresa May to hold an inquiry into Jeremy Hunt’s claim that 11,000 patient deaths a year are caused by a lack of medics on duty in hospitals at weekends.
In a letter to the Guardian they claim the health secretary has caused a “devastating breakdown of trust between government and the medical profession” by misrepresenting the evidence on the “weekend effect”. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Stephen Hawking, Robert Winston and a number of senior doctors are urging Theresa May to hold an inquiry into Jeremy Hunt’s claim that 11,000 patient deaths a year are caused by a lack of medics on duty in hospitals at weekends.
In a letter to the Guardian they claim the health secretary has caused a “devastating breakdown of trust between government and the medical profession” by misrepresenting the evidence on the “weekend effect”. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Jeremy Hunt faces High Court battle over junior doctors' contracts
Jeremy Hunt faces High Court battle over junior doctors' contracts Unprecedented walkouts by thousands of junior doctors over a new contract could be averted by a High Court case next week, medics say.
Up to 50,000 doctors have been asked by unions to take part in week-long strikes, starting next month, despite concerns that the actions could cost lives.
On Monday, the Health Secretary will face a judicial review application over the way the contract is being introduced. The Daily Telegraph
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Up to 50,000 doctors have been asked by unions to take part in week-long strikes, starting next month, despite concerns that the actions could cost lives.
On Monday, the Health Secretary will face a judicial review application over the way the contract is being introduced. The Daily Telegraph
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Hospital hid cancer operation error from dead woman's family
Hospital hid cancer operation error from dead woman's family The family of a mother-of-three who died two days after she had an operation to remove a kidney was not told about a surgical error.
Cancer patient Deborah O'Hara had undergone surgery to remove a kidney at University Hospital Coventry during which the blood supply from two arteries was cut off.
The hospital failed to report the error to her family or to the coroner's office when it reported her death last June. The Daily Telegraph
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Cancer patient Deborah O'Hara had undergone surgery to remove a kidney at University Hospital Coventry during which the blood supply from two arteries was cut off.
The hospital failed to report the error to her family or to the coroner's office when it reported her death last June. The Daily Telegraph
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Thursday, 15 September 2016
Older people are paying the price for cuts to social care
Older people are paying the price for cuts to social care The care and support older people receive increasingly depends on where they live and how much money they have rather than their needs, according to a new report by The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust.
Six consecutive years of cuts to local authority budgets, rising demand for services and shortages of staff have left the social care system increasingly unable to meet the needs of the older people who depend on it. The report finds that this is placing an unacceptable burden on unpaid carers and is leaving rising numbers of older people who have difficulty with the basic activities of daily living – such as washing, dressing and getting out of bed – without any support at all. The King's Fund
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Six consecutive years of cuts to local authority budgets, rising demand for services and shortages of staff have left the social care system increasingly unable to meet the needs of the older people who depend on it. The report finds that this is placing an unacceptable burden on unpaid carers and is leaving rising numbers of older people who have difficulty with the basic activities of daily living – such as washing, dressing and getting out of bed – without any support at all. The King's Fund
See also:
- Social care for older people: Home truths (report) The King's Fund
- Home truths: are older people paying the price for social care cuts? The King's Fund
- When social care is cut the NHS bleeds NHS Providers
- Care for elderly 'increasingly rationed' in England BBC News
- How the care system works across the UK BBC News
- Care costs BBC News
- The alternatives to traditional care BBC News
- Elderly care shortages now the ‘burning injustice’ facing Theresa May’s Britain The Daily Telegraph
- Elderly Britons bearing brunt of cuts to social care, report warns The Guardian
Exclusive: Survey finds doctors 'rationing care' as cash crisis hits NHS
Exclusive: Survey finds doctors 'rationing care' as cash crisis hits NHS More than two thirds of doctors admit they have been left with no choice but to ration care as the NHS cash crisis intensifies.
Services and treatments including mental health care for children, hip and knee replacements and cancer drugs are being restricted in order to save money.
A survey of 1,000 doctors conducted exclusively for ITV News reveals patients are being denied treatments including varicose vein removal and cataract surgery, and forced to pay for care privately or wait for their condition to worsen.
Some patients ended up in A&E because they were refused treatment, the research concluded. ITV News
Services and treatments including mental health care for children, hip and knee replacements and cancer drugs are being restricted in order to save money.
A survey of 1,000 doctors conducted exclusively for ITV News reveals patients are being denied treatments including varicose vein removal and cataract surgery, and forced to pay for care privately or wait for their condition to worsen.
Some patients ended up in A&E because they were refused treatment, the research concluded. ITV News
UK Ebola nurse Pauline Cafferkey cleared of misconduct
UK Ebola nurse Pauline Cafferkey cleared of misconduct UK nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone, cleared of misconduct by disciplinary panel. BBC News
New care models promised in Five Year Forward View may be 15 years away
New care models promised in Five Year Forward View may be 15 years away New models of care outlined in the NHS Five Year Forward View to provide care at scale could take a decade longer to set up than planned and may fail to deliver efficiency savings, NHS Providers has warned. GP Online
BMA accuses Capita of multiple failures
BMA accuses Capita of multiple failures GP leaders in England have warned that patient safety is being compromised by multiple failures in back office support services currently run by Capita.
It comes after a qualitative survey by the BMA of Local Medical Committees (LMCs), revealed serious failures in a range of areas Capita is now responsible for as part of its contract with NHS England to run Primary Care Support (PCS) services. OnMedica
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It comes after a qualitative survey by the BMA of Local Medical Committees (LMCs), revealed serious failures in a range of areas Capita is now responsible for as part of its contract with NHS England to run Primary Care Support (PCS) services. OnMedica
See also:
- Support services failure threatens patient safety British Medical Association
- Capita failing on managing patient records, says BMA BBC News
- Patient safety at risk due to Capita failings, BMA warns GP Online
DH rejects priority mental health assessments for children in care
DH rejects priority mental health assessments for children in care Recommendations for children in care to automatically receive an assessment of their mental health have been rejected by the Department of Health.
A recent report by the Education Select Committee found that children in care frequently struggle to access mental health services because of factors such as frequent relocations, as reported in NHE’s sister title, Public Sector Executive.
It therefore recommended that children in care should have priority access to specialist mental health assessments.
However, in its response to the report, the Department of Health said: “We do not accept the committee’s recommendation as it stands.” National Health Executive
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A recent report by the Education Select Committee found that children in care frequently struggle to access mental health services because of factors such as frequent relocations, as reported in NHE’s sister title, Public Sector Executive.
It therefore recommended that children in care should have priority access to specialist mental health assessments.
However, in its response to the report, the Department of Health said: “We do not accept the committee’s recommendation as it stands.” National Health Executive
See also:
- Mental health and wellbeing of looked-after children: response Department of Health
MPs slam 'national scandal' of FGM- Britain's hidden crime
MPs slam 'national scandal' of FGM- Britain's hidden crime Britain’s failure to protect girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) has been described as a “national scandal” by a committee of MPs, who said it was “beyond belief” that, 30 years since it became illegal, not a single person has been convicted of the crime. They described it as a “hidden crime” and “preventable” child abuse.
The committee warned: “FGM is not a religious or cultural rite of passage that deserves protection. When it is inflicted on a woman, it is a horrific crime. When it is inflicted on a girl, it is violent child abuse. It involves young girls’ genitalia being cut with scissors, a razor, a knife or even glass, usually with no anaesthetic or antiseptic. The Independent
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The committee warned: “FGM is not a religious or cultural rite of passage that deserves protection. When it is inflicted on a woman, it is a horrific crime. When it is inflicted on a girl, it is violent child abuse. It involves young girls’ genitalia being cut with scissors, a razor, a knife or even glass, usually with no anaesthetic or antiseptic. The Independent
See also:
- Ongoing failure to tackle "national scandal" of female genital mutilation Home Affairs Select Committee
- Female genital mutilation: abuse unchecked (report) Home Affairs Select
- FGM: Lack of convictions 'a national scandal' BBC News
- MPs report reveal nearly 500 girls are having FGM procedure every month The Daily Mail
- MPs demand hard line against clinicians who do not report FGM The Guardian
NHS boss warns of four hard years ahead after health service gets less cash than requested
NHS boss warns of four hard years ahead after health service gets less cash than requested The head of the NHS has warned of four hard years ahead for the health service – dismissing ministers’ claims that it has been given all the money it needs.
Simon Stevens warned that much of a promised extra £10bn each year has been “back-ended to 2020”, which means promised improvements would be delayed and tough choices inevitable in the interim.
Speaking to an inquiry by MPs – days after hospital bosses broke cover to argue the NHS will reach breaking point without more money – Mr Stevens admitted to the looming funding shortfall. The Independent
Simon Stevens warned that much of a promised extra £10bn each year has been “back-ended to 2020”, which means promised improvements would be delayed and tough choices inevitable in the interim.
Speaking to an inquiry by MPs – days after hospital bosses broke cover to argue the NHS will reach breaking point without more money – Mr Stevens admitted to the looming funding shortfall. The Independent
Rise in prisoners moved to mental health hospitals
Rise in prisoners moved to mental health hospitals Transfers increase by 20% in England and Wales, amid concerns over increase in prison suicides and self-harm
More prisoners are being diagnosed with mental health problems requiring hospital treatment, official figures obtained by the Guardian show.
The number of male prisoners being transferred to hospital under the 1983 Mental Health Act grew by more than 20% between 2011 and 2014 in England and Wales, said the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in response to a freedom of information request. Continue reading... The Guardian
More prisoners are being diagnosed with mental health problems requiring hospital treatment, official figures obtained by the Guardian show.
The number of male prisoners being transferred to hospital under the 1983 Mental Health Act grew by more than 20% between 2011 and 2014 in England and Wales, said the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in response to a freedom of information request. Continue reading... The Guardian
More than 15,000 GPs earning more than £100,000, official figures show
More than 15,000 GPs earning more than £100,000, official figures show More than 15,000 family doctors are earning more than £100,000 a year, official figures show, with soaring numbers receiving more than £250,000 annually.
New data shows that average pay for a GP partner is now £101,500 – a rise of 1.7 per cent during 2014/15, as the NHS plunged into deficit.
The figures for England include 15,190 GPs earning more than £100,000, of whom 660 received at least £200,000, with 180 paid more than £250,000 in total. The previous year, 14,910 family doctors received six-figure earnings, with 560 passing the £200,000 mark, and 150 on at least £250,000. The Daily Telegraph
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New data shows that average pay for a GP partner is now £101,500 – a rise of 1.7 per cent during 2014/15, as the NHS plunged into deficit.
The figures for England include 15,190 GPs earning more than £100,000, of whom 660 received at least £200,000, with 180 paid more than £250,000 in total. The previous year, 14,910 family doctors received six-figure earnings, with 560 passing the £200,000 mark, and 150 on at least £250,000. The Daily Telegraph
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Sugar tax loophole will still allow cut-price fattening drinks, warns obesity expert
Sugar tax loophole will still allow cut-price fattening drinks, warns obesity expert Retailers will still be able to sell cut-price fattening drinks because of a loophole in the new sugar levy, the Government’s obesity adviser has warned.
The flagship new measure could fail to encourage healthier shopping habits by making sugary drinks more expensive than low-sugar options, said Susan Jebb, professor of diet and population health at the University of Oxford.
Under Soft Drinks Industry Levy, manufacturers will pay a charge for the amount of sugar they introduce into the drinks market, but the policy does not stipulate how the cost should be passed onto consumers. The Daily Telegraph
The flagship new measure could fail to encourage healthier shopping habits by making sugary drinks more expensive than low-sugar options, said Susan Jebb, professor of diet and population health at the University of Oxford.
Under Soft Drinks Industry Levy, manufacturers will pay a charge for the amount of sugar they introduce into the drinks market, but the policy does not stipulate how the cost should be passed onto consumers. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
Nurse bank campaign shortlisted for national award
Nurse bank campaign shortlisted for national award
A successful campaign to recruit nurses to its staff bank has seen Northampton General Hospital shortlisted in the most sought-after awards in the British health sector. The hospital's nurse bank campaign, entitled "Join our bank and we'll invest in you" has been shortlisted in the staff engagement category of the HSJ Awards.
NGH News
A successful campaign to recruit nurses to its staff bank has seen Northampton General Hospital shortlisted in the most sought-after awards in the British health sector. The hospital's nurse bank campaign, entitled "Join our bank and we'll invest in you" has been shortlisted in the staff engagement category of the HSJ Awards.
NGH News
News story: New £816 million investment in health research
News story: New £816 million investment in health research
Leading NHS clinicians and universities will benefit from new world class facilities and support services built by the 5-year funding package totalling £816 million – the largest ever investment into health research.
Mental health research will see funding increase to nearly £70 million, dementia to over £45 million, deafness and hearing problems will receive over £15 million and antimicrobial resistance research rises to around £45 million.
Department of Health
Leading NHS clinicians and universities will benefit from new world class facilities and support services built by the 5-year funding package totalling £816 million – the largest ever investment into health research.
Mental health research will see funding increase to nearly £70 million, dementia to over £45 million, deafness and hearing problems will receive over £15 million and antimicrobial resistance research rises to around £45 million.
Department of Health
Promotional material: Health and work: infographics
Promotional material: Health and work: infographics
Public Health England (PHE) and The Work Foundation have collaborated to produce the following 12 infographics:
Spotlight on mental health
Cost of ill health
Health of the working age population
Health of UK employees
Spotlight on musculoskeletal conditions (MSK)
Managing health at work for employers
Spotlight on small medium enterprises (SME)
Unemployment and economic inactivity
Welfare
The local picture
Supporting older workers with health problems
Young people and health at work
These infographics are intended to help public health practitioners, local authorities and policy makers to make the case and inform planning on embedding health, work and worklessness within and across these issues.
Download the infographic files and references.
Public Health England (PHE) and The Work Foundation have collaborated to produce the following 12 infographics:
Spotlight on mental health
Cost of ill health
Health of the working age population
Health of UK employees
Spotlight on musculoskeletal conditions (MSK)
Managing health at work for employers
Spotlight on small medium enterprises (SME)
Unemployment and economic inactivity
Welfare
The local picture
Supporting older workers with health problems
Young people and health at work
These infographics are intended to help public health practitioners, local authorities and policy makers to make the case and inform planning on embedding health, work and worklessness within and across these issues.
Download the infographic files and references.
Guidance: Flu vaccination: easy read invitation letter template
Guidance: Flu vaccination: easy read invitation letter template
This letter is for health professionals to give to people with learning difficulties and their parents and carers/guardians, either by hand or by post, preferably with an accompanying information leaflet.
Staff can adapt the template format for GP surgeries and health professionals for patients to have their annual flu vaccination.
Download the file to add the name of the practice and other details as appropriate, or print as-is, add notes by hand and then photocopy to share.
Public Health England
This letter is for health professionals to give to people with learning difficulties and their parents and carers/guardians, either by hand or by post, preferably with an accompanying information leaflet.
Staff can adapt the template format for GP surgeries and health professionals for patients to have their annual flu vaccination.
Download the file to add the name of the practice and other details as appropriate, or print as-is, add notes by hand and then photocopy to share.
Public Health England
Supporting self-management: a guide to enabling behaviour change for health and wellbeing using person- and community-centred approaches
Supporting self-management: a guide to enabling behaviour change for health and wellbeing using person- and community-centred approaches
This guide outlines how the science of behaviour can help people to self-manage their health and wellbeing. It is written for people who support those living with long-term conditions, or those who help people avoid these conditions using person- and community-centred approaches.
NESTA
Guide
NESTA publications
This guide outlines how the science of behaviour can help people to self-manage their health and wellbeing. It is written for people who support those living with long-term conditions, or those who help people avoid these conditions using person- and community-centred approaches.
NESTA
Guide
NESTA publications
E-cigarettes 'help more smokers quit'
E-cigarettes 'help more smokers quit'
The rise in popularity of e-cigarettes in the UK appears to be helping more smokers successfully quit smoking, say researchers.
BBC News
The rise in popularity of e-cigarettes in the UK appears to be helping more smokers successfully quit smoking, say researchers.
BBC News
NHS England to make existing care models 'progressively less attractive'
NHS England to make existing care models 'progressively less attractive'
NHS England will make it 'progressively less attractive' to continue working in traditional health systems - such as standalone GP practices - in a bid to extend new care models across 50% of England's population by 2020/21.
GP Online
NHS England will make it 'progressively less attractive' to continue working in traditional health systems - such as standalone GP practices - in a bid to extend new care models across 50% of England's population by 2020/21.
GP Online
Integrated care for the physical health of people with severe mental illness: no easy answers
Integrated care for the physical health of people with severe mental illness: no easy answers
Liz Hughes summarises a recent rapid review on integrated care to address the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness.
Mental Elf
Liz Hughes summarises a recent rapid review on integrated care to address the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness.
Mental Elf
Commissioning early intervention services for mental ill health
Commissioning early intervention services for mental ill health
This report showcases projects that promote early intervention in mental health and draws out tips from commissioners and practitioners involved in their development and delivery.
NHS Networks
This report showcases projects that promote early intervention in mental health and draws out tips from commissioners and practitioners involved in their development and delivery.
NHS Networks
New video on end-of-life care training
New video on end-of-life care training
In this short video, we learn how Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and private care home, Broughton House, brought significant benefits to staff and patients by adopting a joined-up approach to training in end-of-life care.
NHS Networks
In this short video, we learn how Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and private care home, Broughton House, brought significant benefits to staff and patients by adopting a joined-up approach to training in end-of-life care.
NHS Networks
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