Public health burden of alcohol and the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alcohol control policies: a review
This review examines the health, social and economic impact of alcohol and the effectiveness of actions in reducing its harms. It finds that the economic burden of alcohol is substantial with estimates ranging between 1.3 per cent and 2.7 per cent of the annual GDP. Alcohol related deaths affect predominately young and middle-aged people and as a result alcohol is the leading cause of years of working life lost in England. The review provides evidence to help policy makers identify the policies that will best prevent an reduce alcohol-related harm.
Monday, 5 December 2016
First monthly report published on out of area placements for mental health patients
First monthly report published on out of area placements for mental health patients
2 December 2016: NHS Digital has today published initial provisional figures from a new interim data collection which captures details on mental health patients being admitted to a unit that does not form part of their usual local network of services.
2 December 2016: NHS Digital has today published initial provisional figures from a new interim data collection which captures details on mental health patients being admitted to a unit that does not form part of their usual local network of services.
IC QOF
HIV 'game-changer' now on NHS
HIV 'game-changer' now on NHS
A drug that dramatically reduces the risk of being infected with HIV will now be given to patients by the NHS in England. BBC News
A drug that dramatically reduces the risk of being infected with HIV will now be given to patients by the NHS in England. BBC News
Why would doctors and nurses put themselves through the ordeal of NHS management?
Why would doctors and nurses put themselves through the ordeal of NHS management?
Jeremy Hunt wants to encourage more clinicians to take leadership roles, but his proposals won’t fix the problem
Jeremy Hunt’s attempt to distract attention from the growing problems across the health and care system betray a poor understanding of NHS management.
In his speech to the NHS Providers’ conference this week, Hunt asked whether the NHS “made a historic mistake in the 1980s by deliberately creating a manager class who were not clinicians”.
At its worst, NHS management is a reputational meat grinder. Guardian
Continue reading...
Jeremy Hunt wants to encourage more clinicians to take leadership roles, but his proposals won’t fix the problem
Jeremy Hunt’s attempt to distract attention from the growing problems across the health and care system betray a poor understanding of NHS management.
In his speech to the NHS Providers’ conference this week, Hunt asked whether the NHS “made a historic mistake in the 1980s by deliberately creating a manager class who were not clinicians”.
At its worst, NHS management is a reputational meat grinder. Guardian
Continue reading...
Friday, 2 December 2016
Wisdom, vision and courage are needed to develop people and improve care
Wisdom, vision and courage are needed to develop people and improve care The new national framework for improvement and leadership development in NHS-funded services is a ray of light onto the landscape of the beleaguered NHS. It is inspiring, optimistic and practical in describing the actions that local, regional and national NHS bodies can take to improve local health and care systems in order to meet the needs of their communities. The King's Fund
Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2015/16
Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2015/16 This annual report on the use of the Mental Health Act looks at how providers are caring for patients, and whether patient’s rights are being protected. The report found many examples of good practice but also discovered that good care is not consistent across the country. Care Quality Commission
NHS financial temperature check
NHS financial temperature check This briefing sets out finance directors’ views on the financial issues facing the NHS in England and shows that the financial performance of the NHS in England continues to be a significant concern. Finance directors are broadly positive about the sustainability and transformation planning process, but warn of over-ambitious savings expectations and the scale of financial risk involved. They are also concerned about unclear governance and accountability. Many say they will prioritise their own organisation rather than the STP. Please note that you need to login to access this report. Healthcare Financial Management Association
Managing doctors, doctors managing
Managing doctors, doctors managing This survey finds signs that hospital managers and senior doctors are working together better than in the past, but warns relations have been damaged by reorganisation and financial pressures. It finds that 60 per cent now believe local doctor-manager relationships are positive, up from 47 per cent in a 2002 study, and respondents are now more confident that managers put patient care first. However, a higher proportion of respondents (37 per cent) now believe relations are likely to deteriorate over the coming year, compared to only 13 per cent in 2002. Nuffield Trust
Realising the value: ten actions to put people and communities at the heart of health and wellbeing
Realising the value: ten actions to put people and communities at the heart of health and wellbeing This is the final report of the Realising the value programme, an 18-month programme funded by NHS England in support of the NHS Five Year Forward View vision to develop a new relationship with people and communities. The report sets out ten key actions on what should be done and how people need to work differently to put people and communities at the heart of health and wellbeing. NESTA
How a Digital Health Advisor Could Help High-Need, High-Cost Patients and Their Caregivers
How a Digital Health Advisor Could Help High-Need, High-Cost Patients and Their Caregivers Last May, The Commonwealth Fund outlined a vision for a digital health advisor (DHA)—an integrated suite of digital services designed to help consumers deal with a broad range of health-related questions, decisions, or tasks. Such a tool would provide answers, connect with care providers, and empower people to achieve their personal health goals. In a new To the Point, the team discusses their findings.
Ambulance pressure: Life on the frontline
Ambulance pressure: Life on the frontline Rising demand has left ambulance services struggling to reach seriously ill and injured patients quickly enough, a BBC investigation has found. But what is it like for a paramedic on the frontline? BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Five ways services are innovating BBC News
GPs should offer HIV tests in routine appointments
GPs should offer HIV tests in routine appointments GPs and hospital doctors in areas where HIV infection is relatively common should offer millions of patients HIV testing when they attend for unrelated or routine appointments, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended this morning. In new guidance that focuses on strategies to reduce barriers to HIV testing to increase uptake, NICE said that, in areas of high HIV prevalence, people should be recommended to have an HIV test when they register with a GP practice or when they have a blood test for a different reason, unless they have already been diagnosed with HIV – but GPs are concerned about lack of resources and funding, as well as the difficulty of raising the subject of HIV testing in an unrelated consultation. OnMedica
See also:
See also:
- HIV services: collaboration in a time of fragmentation The King's Fund
- Health matters: increasing the uptake of HIV testing Public Health England
- Research and analysis: HIV in the United Kingdom Public Health England
- 13,500 people living with an undiagnosed HIV infection in the UK Public Health England
- NICE says 11 million people should be HIV tested but it'll cost £77m The Daily Mail
- 1 in 6 Britons should be tested for HIV as they live in 'high risk areas', new guidelines say The Daily Mail
- GPs should offer HIV tests to all new patients in high prevalence areas, NICE says GP Online
English outpatient cancellations at record high of 7.68m in 2015
English outpatient cancellations at record high of 7.68m in 2015 Appointments lost due to rising demand and funding shortage show strain on NHS, says Royal College of Physicians
Hospitals are cancelling record numbers of outpatient appointments, which doctors say illustrates the unprecedented strain on the NHS. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Hospitals are cancelling record numbers of outpatient appointments, which doctors say illustrates the unprecedented strain on the NHS. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Hospital Outpatient Activity data published NHS Digital
Sending fat smokers to the back of the queue is a betrayal of NHS values| Polly Toynbee
Sending fat smokers to the back of the queue is a betrayal of NHS values| Polly Toynbee Who will feel the weight of opprobrium next: boy racers, climbers, potholers, or perhaps middle-aged wine drinkers? At this rate, we’ll all be fair game soon
The Vale of York has been granted permission this week by NHS England to put fat people and smokers to the back of the queue for operations. Starting in January, their treatments will be delayed a year; the obese must lose 10% of their body weight, and smokers give up for at least two months.
The Royal College of Surgeons says it is “very disappointed that NHS England and No 10 seem to be backing this arbitrary policy”. Continue reading... The Guardian
The Vale of York has been granted permission this week by NHS England to put fat people and smokers to the back of the queue for operations. Starting in January, their treatments will be delayed a year; the obese must lose 10% of their body weight, and smokers give up for at least two months.
The Royal College of Surgeons says it is “very disappointed that NHS England and No 10 seem to be backing this arbitrary policy”. Continue reading... The Guardian
Why more and more over 45s are getting sexually transmitted infections
Why more and more over 45s are getting sexually transmitted infections A new study shows a high rate of older adults divorcing and changing partners has created a conducive environment for STIs among those in middle age and beyond. The Daily Mail
NHS crisis fears as winter vomiting bug cases up by 45 per cent
NHS crisis fears as winter vomiting bug cases up by 45 per cent Cases of the winter vomiting bug are soaring amid fears the NHS could become overloaded in the run-up to Christmas, official data shows.
Figures from Public Health England (PHE) show 45 percent more cases at this point in the season, compared with this time last year.
Senior doctors raised fears that outbreaks of norovirus could become “the straw that breaks the camel’s back” for services which are under heavy strain. The Daily Telegraph
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Figures from Public Health England (PHE) show 45 percent more cases at this point in the season, compared with this time last year.
Senior doctors raised fears that outbreaks of norovirus could become “the straw that breaks the camel’s back” for services which are under heavy strain. The Daily Telegraph
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Thursday, 1 December 2016
What if the NHS had to balance its books like local government?
What if the NHS had to balance its books like local government? The NHS if is a collection of essays that explores hypothetical scenarios and their impact on the future of health and care. Our aim is to encourage new thinking and debate about possible future scenarios that could fundamentally change health and care. This essay by Lord Kerslake, Chair of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and President of the Local Government Association, argues that there would be benefits if the NHS had to balance its books in the same way as local government.The King's Fund
Heavy workloads threaten training for doctors
Heavy workloads threaten training for doctors Increasingly heavy workloads are eroding the time doctors have for training, according to the General Medical Council’s (GMC) annual survey of medical education and training in the UK.
The 2016 national training survey, which canvassed opinions from around 55,000 doctors in training, showed that while most doctors continue to rate their training experience positively, there were areas of concern.
See also:
The 2016 national training survey, which canvassed opinions from around 55,000 doctors in training, showed that while most doctors continue to rate their training experience positively, there were areas of concern.
See also:
Latest figures on detentions under the Mental Health Act
Latest figures on detentions under the Mental Health Act New statistics have been published by NHS Digital1 today on the number of detentions under the Mental Health Act2 in England throughout 2015/16.
Inpatients Formally Detained in Hospitals Under the Mental Health Act 1983 and patients subject to Supervised Community Treatment is a detailed study based on information from organisations in England which provide Mental Health Services and make use of the Mental Health Act 1983 legislation, as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007.
These include high security psychiatric hospitals as well other NHS service providers and independent hospitals. NHS Digital
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Inpatients Formally Detained in Hospitals Under the Mental Health Act 1983 and patients subject to Supervised Community Treatment is a detailed study based on information from organisations in England which provide Mental Health Services and make use of the Mental Health Act 1983 legislation, as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007.
These include high security psychiatric hospitals as well other NHS service providers and independent hospitals. NHS Digital
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Councils urged to redesign speed bumps to cut pollution
Councils urged to redesign speed bumps to cut pollution Local authorities should consider lower speed limits, clean air zones and even redesign speed bumps in a bid to reduce air pollution, health experts say.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said "smooth" driving would cut air pollution, linked to 25,000 deaths a year in England.
But pollution experts said the measures will only make small improvements.
Prof Ian Colbeck, of the University of Essex, said the plans pressured local government at a time of budget cuts. BBC News
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said "smooth" driving would cut air pollution, linked to 25,000 deaths a year in England.
But pollution experts said the measures will only make small improvements.
Prof Ian Colbeck, of the University of Essex, said the plans pressured local government at a time of budget cuts. BBC News
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UK has 'first sexually transmitted Zika'
UK has 'first sexually transmitted Zika' The first likely case of sexual transmission of Zika virus in the UK is reported by the authorities. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Zika virus: data update Public Health England
Growing crisis in children and young people's mental health demands action
Growing crisis in children and young people's mental health demands action Young people face unprecedented social pressures, leading to serious psychological distress. Society’s response has been inadequate
Self-harm among young people, particularly girls, has rocketed in the last decade. The number of girls admitted to hospital after cutting themselves has quadrupled, incidents of poisoning have risen by more than 40%, and demand for university counselling services has mushroomed. Behind these figures are young people and families struggling to cope with toxic levels of mental distress.
In part these numbers reflect a greater awareness of mental health and willingness to seek help but more is going on than that. These figures are also evidence that the today’s generation of young people are facing unprecedented levels of social pressure leading to serious psychological distress. Our response, as a society, has not, as yet, been anywhere near sufficient to answer this cry for help. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Self-harm among young people, particularly girls, has rocketed in the last decade. The number of girls admitted to hospital after cutting themselves has quadrupled, incidents of poisoning have risen by more than 40%, and demand for university counselling services has mushroomed. Behind these figures are young people and families struggling to cope with toxic levels of mental distress.
In part these numbers reflect a greater awareness of mental health and willingness to seek help but more is going on than that. These figures are also evidence that the today’s generation of young people are facing unprecedented levels of social pressure leading to serious psychological distress. Our response, as a society, has not, as yet, been anywhere near sufficient to answer this cry for help. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Jeremy Hunt says calls for more NHS money are a 'misjudgment'
Jeremy Hunt says calls for more NHS money are a 'misjudgment' Health secretary criticises NHS Providers for seeking additional funds less than a year after receiving a ‘good settlement’
Jeremy Hunt has said calls for more money for the NHS are a “misjudgment” less than a year after the health service received a “good settlement” from the government.
The health secretary was responding to comments from Chris Hopson, the head of NHS Providers, the body that represents hospitals across England, who said on Tuesday that NHS trusts “simply cannot deliver all that they are being asked to deliver on the funding available”. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt has said calls for more money for the NHS are a “misjudgment” less than a year after the health service received a “good settlement” from the government.
The health secretary was responding to comments from Chris Hopson, the head of NHS Providers, the body that represents hospitals across England, who said on Tuesday that NHS trusts “simply cannot deliver all that they are being asked to deliver on the funding available”. Continue reading... The Guardian
Government inaction on social care funding needs a radical response
Government inaction on social care funding needs a radical response Re-stating the case for better funding is not enough, the sector needs a grassroots social movement to press for reform
The sense of disappointment bordering on despair about the autumn statement’s silence on social care is palpable throughout local government and the social care sector. The chorus of support for action was impressive and unprecedented, unifying many politicians of all parties, NHS leaders, royal medical colleges, the health select committee, independent thinktanks and the Care Quality Commission, as well as those who might be regarded as the “usual suspects”.
Calm and careful reflection is now needed as to why such a formidable and authoritative range of opinion was so comprehensively disregarded. Simply re-stating the case for better funding is not enough. What would it take for the government to act? Where do we go from here? What do we need to do differently?
It is unlikely more or better evidence alone will generate the necessary public support and political will for change
The case for a social movement that generates bottom-up pressure for action looks set to gather momentum Continue reading... The Guardian
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The sense of disappointment bordering on despair about the autumn statement’s silence on social care is palpable throughout local government and the social care sector. The chorus of support for action was impressive and unprecedented, unifying many politicians of all parties, NHS leaders, royal medical colleges, the health select committee, independent thinktanks and the Care Quality Commission, as well as those who might be regarded as the “usual suspects”.
Calm and careful reflection is now needed as to why such a formidable and authoritative range of opinion was so comprehensively disregarded. Simply re-stating the case for better funding is not enough. What would it take for the government to act? Where do we go from here? What do we need to do differently?
It is unlikely more or better evidence alone will generate the necessary public support and political will for change
The case for a social movement that generates bottom-up pressure for action looks set to gather momentum Continue reading... The Guardian
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A&E and maternity wards could close if spending on agency doctors is not slashed
A&E and maternity wards could close if spending on agency doctors is not slashed Hospital departments such as Accident & Emergency departments and maternity could be forced to close if they do not slash spending on agency doctors, the head of the NHS has suggested.
Simon Stevens said the NHS needed to take drastic action to tackle “rip-off” spending on locus doctors.
The chief executive said any service spending rates of more than £150,000 a year per agency medic could face closure because it was “unsustainable” to keep such services open. The Daily Telegraph
Simon Stevens said the NHS needed to take drastic action to tackle “rip-off” spending on locus doctors.
The chief executive said any service spending rates of more than £150,000 a year per agency medic could face closure because it was “unsustainable” to keep such services open. The Daily Telegraph
Jeremy Hunt: Doctors and nurses should be put in charge of hospitals
Jeremy Hunt: Doctors and nurses should be put in charge of hospitals Doctors and nurses should be put in charge of hospitals, the Health Secretary has said, as he announced new plans to put more clinicians in charge.
Jeremy Hunt suggested the creation of an NHS management class in the 1980s was a “mistake” which should now be reversed, with frontline staff trained up to run hospitals.
Just one in three NHS hospital chief executives are currently former practising doctors and nurses. The Daily Telegraph
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Jeremy Hunt suggested the creation of an NHS management class in the 1980s was a “mistake” which should now be reversed, with frontline staff trained up to run hospitals.
Just one in three NHS hospital chief executives are currently former practising doctors and nurses. The Daily Telegraph
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Wednesday, 30 November 2016
Market structure, patient choice and hospital quality for elective patients
Market structure, patient choice and hospital quality for elective patients This paper examines the change in the effect of market structure on hospital quality for elective procedures following changes in 2006 to encourage greater patient choice of hospital in England. The study finds that post-2006, hospital quality was reduced as the probability of emergency readmission was increased for hip and knee replacement patients. Centre for Health Economics
Ambulance crews 'struggle to reach 999 calls'
Ambulance crews 'struggle to reach 999 calls' Ambulance services are struggling to reach seriously ill and injured patients quickly enough after rising demand has left the system at breaking point, a BBC investigation has found.
Patients with life-threatening conditions - like cardiac arrests - are meant to be reached in eight minutes.
But only one of the UK's 13 ambulance services is currently meeting its target.
Ambulance bosses are blaming rising demand and pressure in the system. BBC News
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Patients with life-threatening conditions - like cardiac arrests - are meant to be reached in eight minutes.
But only one of the UK's 13 ambulance services is currently meeting its target.
Ambulance bosses are blaming rising demand and pressure in the system. BBC News
See also:
- Specialist paramedic: 'It could be anything, anywhere' BBC News
- Only 1 of the UK's 13 ambulance services is meeting the eight minute target The Daily Mail
- Ambulances failing to reach dying patients quickly enough as only one trust meets eight-minute target The Daily Telegraph
- Ambulances too slow to reach seriously ill patients, says report The Guardian
New nursing apprentice role announced
New nursing apprentice role announced Aspiring nurses can soon enrol on a new on-the-job apprenticeship role, the government says.
From September 2017, up to 1,000 NHS staff will be able to take up the training without having to go down the conventional university route to get a nursing degree.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says it complements the nursing associate role announced a year ago.
Both initiatives aim to offer flexible routes into nursing in England.
They might also give students an affordable way to train, since ministers plan to scrap student bursaries for nurses in September 2017. BBC News
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From September 2017, up to 1,000 NHS staff will be able to take up the training without having to go down the conventional university route to get a nursing degree.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says it complements the nursing associate role announced a year ago.
Both initiatives aim to offer flexible routes into nursing in England.
They might also give students an affordable way to train, since ministers plan to scrap student bursaries for nurses in September 2017. BBC News
See also:
- New nursing degree apprenticeship Department of Health
- 'Earn as you learn' plan for nurses with new part-time degrees The Daily Telegraph
- Apprentice nurses could treat hospital patients in bid to tackle shortages The Guardian
Give pharmacists more prescribing rights to ease GP burden
Give pharmacists more prescribing rights to ease GP burden Community pharmacists should routinely be allowed to prescribe for long-term conditions (LTCs) as well as to refer people with LTCs directly to other health care professionals, to “ease the overwhelming burden on the NHS”, pharmacy leaders said this morning. They said they have spare capacity in their workforce, and they pointed to new evidence that non-medical prescribers are just as effective as doctors – yet very few pharmacists currently prescribe.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society will launch Frontline pharmacists: Making a difference for people with long term conditions at the House of Commons, in which it argues that “pharmacists have a crucial role to play in the support of people with LTCs”. OnMedica
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society will launch Frontline pharmacists: Making a difference for people with long term conditions at the House of Commons, in which it argues that “pharmacists have a crucial role to play in the support of people with LTCs”. OnMedica
Women with PMS 'should be offered psychological therapy', say Royal College experts
Women with PMS 'should be offered psychological therapy', say Royal College experts Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) should be offered therapy, experts have said.
New guidelines for healthcare workers suggest that women who have a diagnosed case of PMS should be offered cognitive behavioural therapy.
Experts from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have devised the guidance to help those caring for women with the condition. The Independent
New guidelines for healthcare workers suggest that women who have a diagnosed case of PMS should be offered cognitive behavioural therapy.
Experts from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have devised the guidance to help those caring for women with the condition. The Independent
Life expectancy in UK rises but years spent in good health fall
Life expectancy in UK rises but years spent in good health fall ONS says people living longer but increase in proportion of time they experience bad health will put pressure on services
Life expectancy in the UK continues to rise, but the number of years spent in bad health is increasing, official statistics show.
Life expectancy for a newborn boy increased to 79.2 in 2013-15, compared with 78.5 in 2009-11, while for newborn girls it rose from 82.5 to 82.9. Continue reading... The Guardian
Life expectancy in the UK continues to rise, but the number of years spent in bad health is increasing, official statistics show.
Life expectancy for a newborn boy increased to 79.2 in 2013-15, compared with 78.5 in 2009-11, while for newborn girls it rose from 82.5 to 82.9. Continue reading... The Guardian
The squeezed NHS is responding to difficult times by innovating
The squeezed NHS is responding to difficult times by innovating Our report on the state of the health service paints a gloomy picture — but also highlights providers’ resilience and ingenuity
Times are hard for the health service: performance is on the decline, the money doesn’t add up, morale is low, there are finite resources and increasing demand. Is it a perfect storm? Or a very long winter of discontent?
NHS Providers has published its new report, The State of the Provider Sector, which gives a clear appraisal — and the picture is, in places, quite gloomy. But we also show how hospitals, mental health, community and ambulance services are responding with ingenuity in such challenging times. Continue reading... The Guardian
Times are hard for the health service: performance is on the decline, the money doesn’t add up, morale is low, there are finite resources and increasing demand. Is it a perfect storm? Or a very long winter of discontent?
NHS Providers has published its new report, The State of the Provider Sector, which gives a clear appraisal — and the picture is, in places, quite gloomy. But we also show how hospitals, mental health, community and ambulance services are responding with ingenuity in such challenging times. Continue reading... The Guardian
Why too many people are still scared of seeking help for their mental health
Why too many people are still scared of seeking help for their mental health We are living through an era of profound change in our attitudes and behaviours towards mental health. For too long, mental health problems have been associated with weakness, with failure, and as a result too many sufferers have kept their conditions hidden, bottling up problems that can eventually be catastrophic for them, their families, their colleagues and the public.
Now this is changing. But there is still a long way to go. And the further we are able to normalise the diagnosis, and treatment, of mental health issues, the better off we will all be. The Daily Telegraph
Now this is changing. But there is still a long way to go. And the further we are able to normalise the diagnosis, and treatment, of mental health issues, the better off we will all be. The Daily Telegraph
NHS workers 'are quitting to stack shelves because it pays more'
NHS workers 'are quitting to stack shelves because it pays more' Low-paid NHS workers are quitting to stack shelves in supermarkets because they can earn more money for less stress, the leader of NHS hospitals has said.
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, said workers were leaving because pay in the health service had not kept up with rises in some parts of the private sector.
Mr Hopson said the health service was struggling to hire and retain staff because pay restraint in the NHS meant pay was “starting to become uncompetitive in certain areas”. The Daily Telegraph
Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, said workers were leaving because pay in the health service had not kept up with rises in some parts of the private sector.
Mr Hopson said the health service was struggling to hire and retain staff because pay restraint in the NHS meant pay was “starting to become uncompetitive in certain areas”. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Northampton General Hospital aims to defuse A&E timebomb and reduce the number of beds it needs by more than 100
Northampton General Hospital aims to defuse A&E timebomb and reduce the number of beds it needs by more than 100 Significant reductions in NGH admissions will be seen by March, its chief has said, in what would be the first slackening of pressure on Northampton's ailing A&E services in five years.
Dr Sonia Swart has warned for some time that staff are in danger of being unable to cope with relentlessly increasing numbers of urgent cases and patients who are more acutely ill.
But she has now offered a light at the end of the tunnel for staff, saying that a new NHS programme will see a reduction in the time people spend in hospital - freeing up 113 beds -, reducing admissions by 10 people per day and slashing delayed discharges by 60 per cent. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Dr Sonia Swart has warned for some time that staff are in danger of being unable to cope with relentlessly increasing numbers of urgent cases and patients who are more acutely ill.
But she has now offered a light at the end of the tunnel for staff, saying that a new NHS programme will see a reduction in the time people spend in hospital - freeing up 113 beds -, reducing admissions by 10 people per day and slashing delayed discharges by 60 per cent. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NHS trust leaders warn staff shortages now outweigh fears over funding
NHS trust leaders warn staff shortages now outweigh fears over funding The largest ever survey of NHS trust chairs and chief executives has revealed rising concern over the growing NHS “workforce gap”.
Only one in four trust leaders (27%) are confident they have the right staff numbers, quality and skill mix to deliver high quality healthcare for patients and service users. Fewer still (22%) are confident about having the right staffing levels in six months’ time. These findings show that, for many trust leaders, worries over staffing are becoming even greater and more urgent than those over funding. NHS Providers
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Only one in four trust leaders (27%) are confident they have the right staff numbers, quality and skill mix to deliver high quality healthcare for patients and service users. Fewer still (22%) are confident about having the right staffing levels in six months’ time. These findings show that, for many trust leaders, worries over staffing are becoming even greater and more urgent than those over funding. NHS Providers
See also:
- The state of the NHS provider sector NHS Providers
- State of the NHS provider sector briefing NHS Providers
- NHS risks following the prison service into crisis, health chief warns The Daily Telegraph
- Stop asking us to deliver the impossible, NHS trusts urge ministers The Guardian
Levelling Up: tackling variation in diabetes care
Levelling Up: tackling variation in diabetes care This report is the result of a year-long inquiry into the causes and solutions to the variation in diabetes care. The report sums up the evidence collected from healthcare professionals, academics, commissioners and people with diabetes, making recommendations for how we can secure a better diabetes care for everyone. All Party Parliamentary Group on Diabetes Care
See also:
See also:
Carers
Carers This briefing paper provides information about the number of carers in the UK and the issues they face. It also explains the rights, benefits and support available to carers and government policy on caring. House of Commons Library
Thousands 'miss out on stroke treatment'
Thousands 'miss out on stroke treatment' About 9,000 stroke patients a year are missing out on a treatment that can prevent disability following a stroke, say UK experts.
Clot retrieval can restore blood flow to the brain, preventing some lasting damage, but currently only 600 patients a year get this therapy, they estimate.
A national stroke audit reveals part of the problem is a lack of skilled staff to do the procedure.
NHS England says stroke patients are receiving high quality care. BBC News
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Clot retrieval can restore blood flow to the brain, preventing some lasting damage, but currently only 600 patients a year get this therapy, they estimate.
A national stroke audit reveals part of the problem is a lack of skilled staff to do the procedure.
NHS England says stroke patients are receiving high quality care. BBC News
See also:
- Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) Royal College of Physicians
- Stroke patients 'at risk in the NHS' as staffing levels need improvement The Daily Mail
- Stroke patients in UK 'missing out on treatment for brain clots' The Guardian
Will NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plans work?
Will NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plans work? Will the NHS's savings plan work? Mark Lobel reports. BBC News
Operating theatre fraudsters ordered to repay £650,000
Operating theatre fraudsters ordered to repay £650,000 Four operating theatre technicians who defrauded the NHS have been ordered to repay £650,000 or face extended jail sentences.
The four worked at Basildon Hospital’s Cardio Thoracic Centre as perfusionists – specialist operating theatre technicians. They worked the machinery to keep patients’ hearts and lungs functioning while they underwent major surgery such as heart bypasses.
They were also the directors of a private company, London Perfusion Science Ltd (LPS), a vehicle they used to work privately and profitably at numerous other NHS hospitals at times they were already being paid to work at Basildon Hospital. They only worked 55% of their contracted hours at Basildon and the court determined that they had failed to work 14,000 hours they had been paid for. OnMedica
The four worked at Basildon Hospital’s Cardio Thoracic Centre as perfusionists – specialist operating theatre technicians. They worked the machinery to keep patients’ hearts and lungs functioning while they underwent major surgery such as heart bypasses.
They were also the directors of a private company, London Perfusion Science Ltd (LPS), a vehicle they used to work privately and profitably at numerous other NHS hospitals at times they were already being paid to work at Basildon Hospital. They only worked 55% of their contracted hours at Basildon and the court determined that they had failed to work 14,000 hours they had been paid for. OnMedica
End 'patronising and insulting' consultations for morning after pill, campaigners say
End 'patronising and insulting' consultations for morning after pill, campaigners say The morning after pill should be available to buy straight off the shelf without the need for an “unnecessary and embarrassing” consultation, a leading reproductive rights charity has said.
The current requirement for women to speak with their pharmacist before they can buy emergency contraception is “patronising and insulting,” according to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Bpas).
Bpas also demanded a drop in the price of the morning after pill, which usually costs around £25 to £30 at chemists, to bring the UK in line with other European countries where it is cheaper. The Independent
The current requirement for women to speak with their pharmacist before they can buy emergency contraception is “patronising and insulting,” according to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Bpas).
Bpas also demanded a drop in the price of the morning after pill, which usually costs around £25 to £30 at chemists, to bring the UK in line with other European countries where it is cheaper. The Independent
NHS patients told to lose weight and quit smoking or face operation delays
NHS patients told to lose weight and quit smoking or face operation delays NHS England approves plans from a Yorkshire health authority to restrict access to routine procedures
Obese people and smokers will be asked to lose weight and give up cigarettes or face delays to routine operations after a health authority’s proposals were approved by NHS England.
Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 will be asked to lose weight or face a 12-month delay for elective surgery while smokers will be asked to quit for two months or face a six-month postponement, the Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Obese people and smokers will be asked to lose weight and give up cigarettes or face delays to routine operations after a health authority’s proposals were approved by NHS England.
Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 will be asked to lose weight or face a 12-month delay for elective surgery while smokers will be asked to quit for two months or face a six-month postponement, the Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Hammond facing growing Tory rebellion over social care crisis
Hammond facing growing Tory rebellion over social care crisis MPs dismayed issue was not addressed in autumn statement amid warnings there could be a tax credit-style rebellion
Philip Hammond, the chancellor, is coming under mounting pressure from Tory MPs to bring forward help for the NHS and social care services, amid dire warnings that council budget cuts are causing unsustainable problems.
A string of Conservatives have begun to express dismay that Hammond did not address the issue in his autumn statement. Their voices add to the senior doctors, council leaders from all parties, two Tory former health secretaries and the Labour frontbench, who are warning that increasingly hospitals are unable to discharge elderly patients as struggling social care services are not able to make appropriate arrangements. Continue reading... The Guardian
Philip Hammond, the chancellor, is coming under mounting pressure from Tory MPs to bring forward help for the NHS and social care services, amid dire warnings that council budget cuts are causing unsustainable problems.
A string of Conservatives have begun to express dismay that Hammond did not address the issue in his autumn statement. Their voices add to the senior doctors, council leaders from all parties, two Tory former health secretaries and the Labour frontbench, who are warning that increasingly hospitals are unable to discharge elderly patients as struggling social care services are not able to make appropriate arrangements. Continue reading... The Guardian
Breast cancer drug that costs just 4p could save lives of women at high risk of the disease
Breast cancer drug that costs just 4p could save lives of women at high risk of the disease A pill that halves the risk of breast cancer among high risk women and costs just 4p per day should be offered on the NHS, the drugs watchdog will announce.
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) will mean around 600,000 healthy women should be given the chance to take anastrozole.
The drug has been shown to halve the chances of developing breast cancer for high-risk post-menopausal women. The Daily Telegraph
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Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) will mean around 600,000 healthy women should be given the chance to take anastrozole.
The drug has been shown to halve the chances of developing breast cancer for high-risk post-menopausal women. The Daily Telegraph
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Monday, 28 November 2016
Unmet need for health and social care: a growing problem?
Unmet need for health and social care: a growing problem? There is a great deal of focus in the health and care system on measuring the quality of care being provided. But what about care that isn’t provided at all?
We have published several reports this year highlighting pressures in community-based services, including social care and district nursing. These pieces of research raised concerns about changes to the availability and quality of services as a result of rising demand and insufficient funding and staff numbers. The reports also raised concerns that these pressures might be leading to rising levels of unmet need. The King's Fund
We have published several reports this year highlighting pressures in community-based services, including social care and district nursing. These pieces of research raised concerns about changes to the availability and quality of services as a result of rising demand and insufficient funding and staff numbers. The reports also raised concerns that these pressures might be leading to rising levels of unmet need. The King's Fund
Multimorbidity – the biggest clinical challenge facing the NHS? – Dawn Moody and David Bramley
Multimorbidity – the biggest clinical challenge facing the NHS? – Dawn Moody and David Bramley Around one in four of us have two or more long-term conditions (LTCs), often known as ‘multimorbidity’ and this rises to two thirds of people aged 65 years or over. In this joint blog, Dawn Moody and David Bramley argue multimorbidity is therefore becoming the norm. NHS England
NHS safety - Warnings from all sides
NHS safety - Warnings from all sides This report seeks to summarise the warnings about safety and declining performance in the NHS and explore the link with the financial crisis. It is crucial that the government listens and responds to the powerful evidence and testimony from the frontline of our healthcare system. TUC
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- NHS cuts putting patient safety at risk, TUC warns The Guardian
2016 becomes worst year ever recorded for suicides in prisons
2016 becomes worst year ever recorded for suicides in prisons More than 100 people have lost their lives through suicide in prisons in England and Wales so far this year, an all-time record, it can be revealed today (Monday 28 November) as two charities publish new research on how to make jails safer.
The Howard League for Penal Reform has been notified of 102 people dying by suicide behind bars since the beginning of 2016 – one every three days.
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The Howard League for Penal Reform has been notified of 102 people dying by suicide behind bars since the beginning of 2016 – one every three days.
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- Preventing prision suicide Centre for Mental Health and The Howard League for Penal Reform
- Prison suicides in England and Wales 'reach record levels' BBC News
- Prisoner dies by suicide every three days as toll hits 'epidemic' level The Daily Telegraph
'No solid evidence' for IVF add-on success
'No solid evidence' for IVF add-on success Nearly all costly add-on treatments offered by UK fertility clinics to increase the chance of a birth through IVF are not supported by high-quality evidence proving that they work, a study has revealed.
The findings are the result of research commissioned by BBC Panorama and conducted by Oxford University's Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, world experts in assessing medical studies. BBC News
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The findings are the result of research commissioned by BBC Panorama and conducted by Oxford University's Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, world experts in assessing medical studies. BBC News
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'We've travelled 8,000 miles to see our anorexic daughter'
'We've travelled 8,000 miles to see our anorexic daughter' Bed shortages mean a young patient with anorexia has to be treated hundreds of miles from her family. BBC News
Pregnant women and new mums in mental health funding boost
Pregnant women and new mums in mental health funding boost Twenty areas across England are to receive funding to help pregnant women and new mums with severe mental health problems. BBC News
Patient safety at risk because of GPs' 'unmanageable' workloads, BMA survey finds
Patient safety at risk because of GPs' 'unmanageable' workloads, BMA survey finds GPs say patient safety is at risk due to “unmanageable” workloads.
A survey of 5,025 family doctors for the British Medical Association (BMA) found 57 per cent felt their workload was unmanageable, with a further 27 per cent saying it was excessive. This prevented GPs from delivering high-quality and safe care to patients at times, the survey found. The Independent
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A survey of 5,025 family doctors for the British Medical Association (BMA) found 57 per cent felt their workload was unmanageable, with a further 27 per cent saying it was excessive. This prevented GPs from delivering high-quality and safe care to patients at times, the survey found. The Independent
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- Workload strain compromises patient safety, finds survey British Medical Association
- Survey of GPs in England British Medical Association
- Relentless GP workload is a threat to our patients' safety, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- GPs say workload affects quality of care and one in ten say they offer 'safe' care The Daily Mail
- Nine out of ten GPs cannot offer safe care, new survey indicates The Daily Telegraph
- Eight out of 10 GPs in England say their workload is unmanageable GP Online
Care for elderly ‘close to collapse’ across UK as council funding runs out
Care for elderly ‘close to collapse’ across UK as council funding runs out Theresa May under pressure as doctors urge funding U-turn and cross-party alliance warns millions of people are at risk
Theresa May is under intense pressure from senior doctors and a powerful cross-party alliance of politicians to avert a collapse in care for the elderly, as shocking new figures show the system close to meltdown. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Theresa May is under intense pressure from senior doctors and a powerful cross-party alliance of politicians to avert a collapse in care for the elderly, as shocking new figures show the system close to meltdown. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Huge rise in hospital beds in England taken up by people with malnutrition
Huge rise in hospital beds in England taken up by people with malnutrition Critics blame three-fold rise on poverty, cutbacks to meals on wheels services for the elderly and inadequate social care
The number of hospital beds in England taken up by patients being treated for malnutrition has almost trebled over the last 10 years, in what charities say shows the “genuinely shocking” extent of hunger and poor diet.
Official figures reveal that people with malnutrition accounted for 184,528 hospital bed days last year, a huge rise on 65,048 in 2006-07. The sharp increase is adding to the pressures on hospitals, which are already struggling with record levels of overcrowding. Continue reading... The Guardian
The number of hospital beds in England taken up by patients being treated for malnutrition has almost trebled over the last 10 years, in what charities say shows the “genuinely shocking” extent of hunger and poor diet.
Official figures reveal that people with malnutrition accounted for 184,528 hospital bed days last year, a huge rise on 65,048 in 2006-07. The sharp increase is adding to the pressures on hospitals, which are already struggling with record levels of overcrowding. Continue reading... The Guardian
Brexit means 'only major crisis will focus ministers on to NHS'
Brexit means 'only major crisis will focus ministers on to NHS' Former health boss Nigel Crisp says government will be distracted by leaving EU and there is no sign of mitigating action
The NHS and social care are at risk of being downgraded as a priority by a government distracted by Brexit unless there is a major public health crisis, the former chief executive of the NHS has warned.
Nigel Crisp, who ran the NHS and Department of Health for six years, said the government’s need to concentrate on the economics of leaving the EU would be one of the three biggest risks to health and social care posed by the referendum vote, along with loss of staff who are EU citizens and a brain drain from medical research. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS and social care are at risk of being downgraded as a priority by a government distracted by Brexit unless there is a major public health crisis, the former chief executive of the NHS has warned.
Nigel Crisp, who ran the NHS and Department of Health for six years, said the government’s need to concentrate on the economics of leaving the EU would be one of the three biggest risks to health and social care posed by the referendum vote, along with loss of staff who are EU citizens and a brain drain from medical research. Continue reading... The Guardian
Doctors are assessing patients in phone calls before granting face-to-face appointments
Doctors are assessing patients in phone calls before granting face-to-face appointments The approach is being rolled out across 180 UK surgeries, covering 1.7 million people. Campaigners worry GPs will miss symptoms they would have spotted at close hand. The Daily Mail
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NHS to use private firms to beat the winter crisis
NHS to use private firms to beat the winter crisis NHS hospitals have been ordered to hand over swathes of operations to the private sector to ease a looming winter crisis, according to leaked memos.
Health officials have also instructed hospitals to discharge thousands of patients in a bid to reduce record levels of crowding, while managers have been banned from declaring “black alerts”.
NHS trusts have been told to take a series of measures to dramatically reduce bed occupancy levels in an attempt to ensure that wards can cope as pressures mount.
Patients groups said the situation was “frightening”, while charities described the measures as an “extremely worrying” reflection of a system under “extraordinary pressure”. The Daily Telegraph
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Health officials have also instructed hospitals to discharge thousands of patients in a bid to reduce record levels of crowding, while managers have been banned from declaring “black alerts”.
NHS trusts have been told to take a series of measures to dramatically reduce bed occupancy levels in an attempt to ensure that wards can cope as pressures mount.
Patients groups said the situation was “frightening”, while charities described the measures as an “extremely worrying” reflection of a system under “extraordinary pressure”. The Daily Telegraph
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GP urgent home visits to ease A&E crisis
GP urgent home visits to ease A&E crisis GPs are under pressure to provide emergency home visits to ease the crisis in overstretched A&E departments, NHS documents reveal.
Local doctors groups are being asked to establish “A&E Delivery Boards” and to draw up rotas of medics able to respond to 111 requests for urgent care at home.
The boards are ostensibly responsible for easing winter pressures, but the new NHS England best practice guidelines state the measures should remain in place all year round because of the unprecedented demand on hospitals. The Daily Telegraph
Local doctors groups are being asked to establish “A&E Delivery Boards” and to draw up rotas of medics able to respond to 111 requests for urgent care at home.
The boards are ostensibly responsible for easing winter pressures, but the new NHS England best practice guidelines state the measures should remain in place all year round because of the unprecedented demand on hospitals. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 25 November 2016
Involving patients and the public in developing STPs
Involving patients and the public in developing STPs In my work life I am a senior leadership consultant at The King’s Fund; however like all of us I am also a citizen in my community, and I am writing here from both perspectives.
In my local area over the past few weeks, I have heard quite a few people talking about the same thing – that is a recent article in the local paper stating that three major departments in our hospital are to be moved to the regional hospitals 50 to 60 miles away. As it turned out, the source of this story was proposals in our local sustainability and transformation plan (STP) which had been leaked to the press. This has caused a good deal of concern locally, with many people feeling fearful, confused and angry.
In my local area over the past few weeks, I have heard quite a few people talking about the same thing – that is a recent article in the local paper stating that three major departments in our hospital are to be moved to the regional hospitals 50 to 60 miles away. As it turned out, the source of this story was proposals in our local sustainability and transformation plan (STP) which had been leaked to the press. This has caused a good deal of concern locally, with many people feeling fearful, confused and angry.
Joining up care for older people with frailty
Joining up care for older people with frailty Advancements in medicine are a great success story, and as a result our patients are living longer, but they are also increasingly living with multiple, long term conditions and that brings a number of challenges for general practice and the wider NHS.
Older patients make up the majority of those attending GP surgeries and acute hospitals so getting the right combinations of care in the right place and at the right time is crucial to avert avoidable admissions and delayed discharge from hospital.
Integrated care for older people with frailty: innovative approaches in practice is being launched today at the British Geriatrics Society’s national scientific meeting where over 700 geriatricians, and other healthcare professionals engaged in the specialist care of older people are gathering to share best practice and the latest scientific research. Royal College of General Practitioners and British Geriatrics Society
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Older patients make up the majority of those attending GP surgeries and acute hospitals so getting the right combinations of care in the right place and at the right time is crucial to avert avoidable admissions and delayed discharge from hospital.
Integrated care for older people with frailty: innovative approaches in practice is being launched today at the British Geriatrics Society’s national scientific meeting where over 700 geriatricians, and other healthcare professionals engaged in the specialist care of older people are gathering to share best practice and the latest scientific research. Royal College of General Practitioners and British Geriatrics Society
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Meeting the need: what makes a 'good' JSNA for mental health or dementia?
Meeting the need: what makes a 'good' JSNA for mental health or dementia? This research outlines how mental health needs assessments can prompt concerted action to improve wellbeing and life chances in local communities. It explores how five local councils across England went about understanding the mental health needs of their communities and taking action to meet them more effectively. It finds that joint strategic needs assessments (JSNAs) for mental health and dementia can help to direct investment, to improve services and to help local agencies work together more effectively. Centre for Mental Health
NHS efficiency map
NHS efficiency map This map aims to promote best practice in identifying, delivering and monitoring cost improvement programmes in the NHS. It contains links to a range of tools and guidance to help NHS bodies improve their efficiency. The map is split into three sections: enablers for efficiency, provider efficiency and system efficiency. It highlights the successes some NHS providers have had in delivering specific efficiency schemes and provides sign-posts to existing tools and reference materials. It also includes updated definitions for different types of efficiency. Healthcare Financial Management Association
Lansley: 'Incredibly difficult' for NHS
Lansley: 'Incredibly difficult' for NHS A former health secretary says an "incredibly difficult" two years await the NHS and social care in England.
Lord Lansley, health secretary from 2010-12, said he was "disappointed" that more funding was not announced in the Autumn Statement.
Tory council leader Izzi Seccombe said funding was needed now and councils had been "cut to the bone".
But Prime Minister Theresa May said ministers were already working to ease the situation.
Funding cuts to council-run social care in England have been blamed for a big increase in patients stuck in hospital beds because care cannot be arranged elsewhere. BBC News
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Lord Lansley, health secretary from 2010-12, said he was "disappointed" that more funding was not announced in the Autumn Statement.
Tory council leader Izzi Seccombe said funding was needed now and councils had been "cut to the bone".
But Prime Minister Theresa May said ministers were already working to ease the situation.
Funding cuts to council-run social care in England have been blamed for a big increase in patients stuck in hospital beds because care cannot be arranged elsewhere. BBC News
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Born addicts
Born addicts Three babies are born addicted to drugs every day because of their mother's dependency, but some experts believe it is better to allow mother and baby to detox together. BBC News
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- The rehab centre for mums and babies BBC News
Thatcher pushed for breakup of welfare state despite NHS pledge
Thatcher pushed for breakup of welfare state despite NHS pledge PM declared the health service was ‘safe with us’ but secretly pressed on with radical proposals, archives reveal
Margaret Thatcher secretly tried to press ahead with a politically toxic plan to dismantle the welfare state even after a “cabinet riot” and her famous declaration that the “NHS is safe with us”, newly released Treasury documents show.
The plan commissioned by Thatcher and her chancellor Sir Geoffrey Howe included proposals to charge for state schooling, introduce compulsory private health insurance and a system of private medical facilities that “would, of course, mean the end of the National Health Service”. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Margaret Thatcher secretly tried to press ahead with a politically toxic plan to dismantle the welfare state even after a “cabinet riot” and her famous declaration that the “NHS is safe with us”, newly released Treasury documents show.
The plan commissioned by Thatcher and her chancellor Sir Geoffrey Howe included proposals to charge for state schooling, introduce compulsory private health insurance and a system of private medical facilities that “would, of course, mean the end of the National Health Service”. Continue reading... The Guardian
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NHS hospitals suffer from chronic bed shortage, surgeons say
NHS hospitals suffer from chronic bed shortage, surgeons say Royal College of Surgeons calls for rethink after figures show 89% of beds are full overnight for fourth quarter in a row
The Royal College of Surgeons said there was a chronic shortage of NHS hospital beds in England, after occupancy rates for overnight stays topped 89% for a fourth successive quarter.
The maximum occupancy rate for ensuring patients are well looked after and not exposed to health risks, is considered to be 85%, a figure that has not been achieved since NHS England began publishing statistics in 2010. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The Royal College of Surgeons said there was a chronic shortage of NHS hospital beds in England, after occupancy rates for overnight stays topped 89% for a fourth successive quarter.
The maximum occupancy rate for ensuring patients are well looked after and not exposed to health risks, is considered to be 85%, a figure that has not been achieved since NHS England began publishing statistics in 2010. Continue reading... The Guardian
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- New statistics show chronic shortage of beds, as increasing numbers of older patients stay in hospital Royal College of Surgeons
Lancet study on statins was 'fundamentally flawed' critics say
Lancet study on statins was 'fundamentally flawed' critics say A major Lancet study which backed the safety of statins was “fundamentally flawed” and underestimated the side-effects of the heart drugs, a group of medics have said.
The research published in September concluded that the drugs help prevent around 80,000 major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, every year.
Scientists said the drugs did far more harm than good, with too many patients had been put off taking them because of needless fears about side-effects. The Daily Telegraph
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The research published in September concluded that the drugs help prevent around 80,000 major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, every year.
Scientists said the drugs did far more harm than good, with too many patients had been put off taking them because of needless fears about side-effects. The Daily Telegraph
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Thursday, 24 November 2016
Three GP practices in Northampton trial scheme to create more same-day appointments
Three GP practices in Northampton trial scheme to create more same-day appointments Three GP Practices in Northampton are teaming up to provide their 33,000 patients with a new way to access emergency, same-day appointments. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Health at a Glance: Europe 2016
Health at a Glance: Europe 2016 This fourth edition of Health at a Glance: Europe presents key indicators of health and health systems in the 28 EU countries, 5 candidate countries to the EU and 3 EFTA countries. This 2016 edition contains two main new features: two thematic chapters analyse the links between population health and labour market outcomes, and the important challenge of strengthening primary care systems in European countries; and a new chapter on the resilience, efficiency and sustainability of health systems in Europe, in order to align the content of this publication more closely with the 2014 European Commission Communication on effective, accessible and resilient health systems. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
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- Britain has the shortest maternity stays and the fewest hospital beds in the EU The Daily Mail
- Warnings that NHS 'teetering on precipice' amid bed shortages The Daily Telegraph
- The UK is a hotspot for gonorrhoea and cocaine, researchers say The Daily Telegraph
Changing risk behaviours and promoting cognitive health in older adults
Changing risk behaviours and promoting cognitive health in older adults This resource is intended for local authority and clinical commissioning groups to identify what types of interventions they should focus on to help the uptake and maintenance of healthy behaviours and promote cognitive health among older adults living in the community.
It is also intended for providers of lifestyle behaviour change programmes to support the development of evidence-informed prevention packages for older adults.
It is produced in a way that makes it accessible to public health managers and practitioners working in the public, private and third sector. Public Health England
It is also intended for providers of lifestyle behaviour change programmes to support the development of evidence-informed prevention packages for older adults.
It is produced in a way that makes it accessible to public health managers and practitioners working in the public, private and third sector. Public Health England
Testing times to come? an evaluation of pathology capacity across the UK
Testing times to come? an evaluation of pathology capacity across the UK This report finds that pathology services in the UK are struggling to cope with the increasing number of patient samples that need to be tested. A growing and ageing UK population means that more people than ever before are being referred for cancer tests including biopsies and blood tests. However, pathology staff numbers are not growing to meet the rising demand for tests, resulting in a lack of capacity for pathology services. Cancer Research UK
'Concern' as study highlights aneurysm death rate
'Concern' as study highlights aneurysm death rate The death rate from abdominal aortic aneurysms is more than three times higher in England than in the US, analysis of official data shows.
The weakening and swelling of the main blood vessel from the heart is normally fatal if it bursts.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, raised "concern" that English surgeons may be performing preventative operations less often.
Experts say the issue should be investigated further. BBC News
The weakening and swelling of the main blood vessel from the heart is normally fatal if it bursts.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, raised "concern" that English surgeons may be performing preventative operations less often.
Experts say the issue should be investigated further. BBC News
Air pollution 'causes 467,000 premature deaths a year in Europe'
Air pollution 'causes 467,000 premature deaths a year in Europe' Toxic air is causing almost half a million premature deaths in Europe every year, a new report says. BBC News
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- Stronger measures needed to tackle harm from air pollution European Environment Agency
- Air quality in Europe — 2016 report European Environment Agency
Winter deaths 'halve to 24,000'
Winter deaths 'halve to 24,000' There were 24,300 extra deaths in England and Wales last winter - about half the number of 2014-15. BBC News
Autumn statement 'missed opportunity' for health and social care
Autumn statement 'missed opportunity' for health and social care Health and care leaders have criticised the government's autumn statement as a missed opportunity after it failed to announce any new funding for health or social care. GP Online
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- The King's Fund responds to the Autumn Statement The King's Fund
- Autumn Statement 2016 - the impact on employers NHS Employers
- Autumn Statement: Row as care funding omitted from measures BBC News
- Autumn Statement: Missed opportunity for NHS? BBC News
- Labour pours scorn over autumn statement for ignoring sick and old The Guardian
- NHS completely absent from 72-page Autumn Statement document The Independent
Official guidance may be delaying mouth cancer diagnosis
Official guidance may be delaying mouth cancer diagnosis Oral facial surgeons have raised concerns that new NICE guidance may be introducing delays for GP referrals of patients with suspected oral cancer for treatment.
A study has been published today in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS), which suggests that updated guidance for oral cancer is causing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Since the introduction of the two-week wait referral pathway for suspected cancer in 2000, diagnosis of lesions in the head and neck has been below 10%. OnMedica
A study has been published today in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS), which suggests that updated guidance for oral cancer is causing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Since the introduction of the two-week wait referral pathway for suspected cancer in 2000, diagnosis of lesions in the head and neck has been below 10%. OnMedica
With Men Less Likely To Seek Help With Their Mental Health, Access Must Be Made Easier
With Men Less Likely To Seek Help With Their Mental Health, Access Must Be Made Easier It is a stark and tragic fact that the biggest cause of death among young men in the UK is now suicide. And in the majority of cases, people who lose their life through suicide have not been in contact with mental health services prior to their death.
The mental health of men and boys is the subject of growing concern as a result of the realisation that poor mental health is now a leading cause of ill health and dramatically poorer prospects throughout life. And with evidence that men are less likely to seek help for their mental health, and that only a third of people with a mental health problem get any treatment, the need to improve access to support has become clear. Huffington Post UK
The mental health of men and boys is the subject of growing concern as a result of the realisation that poor mental health is now a leading cause of ill health and dramatically poorer prospects throughout life. And with evidence that men are less likely to seek help for their mental health, and that only a third of people with a mental health problem get any treatment, the need to improve access to support has become clear. Huffington Post UK
'Poor decisions and lack of compassion' reported at NHS trust
'Poor decisions and lack of compassion' reported at NHS trust Incidents found in secret review of Pennine Acute trust include a premature baby left to die alone in a sluice room
A secret medical review showed mothers and babies died at an NHS trust plagued by clinical errors, bad staff attitudes and chronic shortages.
The review, carried out by new maternity director Deborah Carter at Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust which operates North Manchester General and the Royal Oldham hospitals, outlines a string of avoidable deaths and long-term injuries caused by failures over many years. Continue reading... The Guardian
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A secret medical review showed mothers and babies died at an NHS trust plagued by clinical errors, bad staff attitudes and chronic shortages.
The review, carried out by new maternity director Deborah Carter at Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust which operates North Manchester General and the Royal Oldham hospitals, outlines a string of avoidable deaths and long-term injuries caused by failures over many years. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Promising drug expected to become the first to slow down dementia found to not work
Promising drug expected to become the first to slow down dementia found to not work US pharma giant Eli Lilly announced a trial of 2,000 people had shown solanezumab showed no benefit for people with mild Alzheimer's, causing their share prices to take a tumble. The Daily Mail
Just 1 in 5 of adults really mean it when they tell other people that they are 'fine'
Just 1 in 5 of adults really mean it when they tell other people that they are 'fine' Almost a third of 2,000 Britons polled said they often lie about how they are feeling to other people. While one in ten said they always lie about how they are feeling emotionally, a survey found. The Daily Mail
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- I'm fine The Mental Health Foundation
Premature baby dies after an outbreak of superbug MRSA at a neonatal intensive care unit
Premature baby dies after an outbreak of superbug MRSA at a neonatal intensive care unit Nine newborns were found to be carrying the deadly superbug at the Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, during an outbreak of MRSA in August. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Northampton knitters called on to help keep dementia patients' hands warm with 'twiddlemuffs'
Northampton knitters called on to help keep dementia patients' hands warm with 'twiddlemuffs' Northampton General Hospital is calling on local knitters and knitting groups to support its latest dementia initiative. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Self care nation: self care attitudes and behaviours in the UK
Self care nation: self care attitudes and behaviours in the UK This research explores how people use GP and A&E services and finds that if they understood their own NHS ‘footprint’, 80 per cent would be more likely to seek advice from pharmacists and use over-the-counter remedies for coughs, colds and other self-treatable conditions. It reveals that the majority of people in the UK (92 per cent) acknowledge the importance of taking responsibility for their own health in order to ease the financial burden on the NHS. However, every year there are an estimated 57 million GP consultations and 3.7 million visits to A&E for self-treatable conditions, costing the NHS an estimated £2.3 billion. Proprietary Association of Great Britain
Sorting the plans
Sorting the plans Despite sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) emerging as a good means of addressing the need for financial stability, some strategies drawn up do not include enough substance to prove they are tackling the problems realistically, according to this report. In the report, CIPFA has analysed nine published STPs out of the 44 that are being developed in England to improve services while reducing costs. It found that although the plans set out proposals to close the widening financial gap, which the NHS estimates to be £30bn by 2020, some fail to set out a credible case for the deliverability of their savings plans. Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy
The financial sustainability of the NHS in England
The financial sustainability of the NHS in England This briefing provides background on the current funding settlement for the NHS in England, the financial and operational performance of the health service, and measures being taken to ensure its future sustainability, including Sustainability of Transformation Plans. The briefing also provides background on the Department of Health’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2015/16 and ongoing Select Committee scrutiny of NHS funding. House of Commons Library
STP checklist for governance and engagement
STP checklist for governance and engagement This resource aims to support those delivering change within their Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) footprints to work through key governance and accountability challenges. The document sets out a series of questions that can be asked locally and within boards to support effective discussion and decision-making across a place. The questions cover: governance, scrutiny and accountability; system-wide control totals; public engagement; and partnerships and collaborative working. NHS Clinical Comissioners
NHS cancer testing service 'at breaking point'
NHS cancer testing service 'at breaking point' NHS pathology departments are struggling to meet requests for cancer tests, Cancer Research UK warns. BBC News
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- UK’s pathology services at tipping point Cancer Research UK
- Early cancer diagnosis tests are at risk as the NHS are at 'tipping point' due to a lack of staff and an ageing population The Daily Mail
- Cancer diagnosis drive has pushed NHS testing services to the brink The Daily Telegraph
- NHS 'struggling to cope' with increase in people undergoing cancer tests The Guardian
NHS using Google technology to treat patients
NHS using Google technology to treat patients A London NHS hospital trust has teamed up with tech giant Google to share patient data in the hope of saving lives. BBC News
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Hospital drug costs up 18 times faster than primary care since 2010/11
Hospital drug costs up 18 times faster than primary care since 2010/11 Hospital spending on medicines has almost doubled since 2010/11 while primary care prescribing costs have remained flat, official data show. GP Online
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- Prescribing costs in hospitals and the community NHS Digital
Government scolded by watchdog over NHS funding claims
Government scolded by watchdog over NHS funding claims Watchdog investigating Theresa May’s claim of £10bn for NHS tells government to be clearer when presenting statistics
The watchdog overseeing how ministers use official statistics has told the government to be clearer and more exact in its claims about NHS funding after it investigated Theresa May’s contentious claim that she was giving the health service a £10bn boost.
The UK Statistics Authority looked into the prime minister’s repeated use of the £10bn claim after Labour and the British Medical Association complained that the figure was misleading and wrong. It has asked the Treasury to overhaul how government spending on both the NHS and health more widely is presented in order to minimise the risk of further “confusion” about the size of budget rises Continue reading... The Guardian
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The watchdog overseeing how ministers use official statistics has told the government to be clearer and more exact in its claims about NHS funding after it investigated Theresa May’s contentious claim that she was giving the health service a £10bn boost.
The UK Statistics Authority looked into the prime minister’s repeated use of the £10bn claim after Labour and the British Medical Association complained that the figure was misleading and wrong. It has asked the Treasury to overhaul how government spending on both the NHS and health more widely is presented in order to minimise the risk of further “confusion” about the size of budget rises Continue reading... The Guardian
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- NHS Funding UK Statistics Authority
The social care system needs a rescue package – to help the NHS survive
The social care system needs a rescue package – to help the NHS survive The chancellor has given no hint that his autumn statement will provide urgent funding to save tottering social care
It speaks volumes about government priorities that the Treasury briefed journalists ahead of Wednesday’s autumn statement that an extra £1.3bn would be spent on roads. Yet we have been kept in the dark over any rescue package for the tottering social care system, on which the chances of the NHS getting through the winter so critically depend.
As it happens, £1.3bn is also the price of a basic rescue for social care. It is the calculation by the Local Government Association (LGA) of the gap between what care providers in England say they need now to sustain threadbare state-funded services for older and disabled people and what councils say they can afford. To meet rising demand, inflation and the costs of the “national living wage” next year would require the same sum again.
Even the Care Quality Commission has stood up and bravely warned of a system almost at tipping point Continue reading... The Guardian
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It speaks volumes about government priorities that the Treasury briefed journalists ahead of Wednesday’s autumn statement that an extra £1.3bn would be spent on roads. Yet we have been kept in the dark over any rescue package for the tottering social care system, on which the chances of the NHS getting through the winter so critically depend.
As it happens, £1.3bn is also the price of a basic rescue for social care. It is the calculation by the Local Government Association (LGA) of the gap between what care providers in England say they need now to sustain threadbare state-funded services for older and disabled people and what councils say they can afford. To meet rising demand, inflation and the costs of the “national living wage” next year would require the same sum again.
Even the Care Quality Commission has stood up and bravely warned of a system almost at tipping point Continue reading... The Guardian
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Hospitals will be docked NHS funding if they do not try to tackle sepsis
Hospitals will be docked NHS funding if they do not try to tackle sepsis Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, national medical director of NHS England, said 0.25 per cent of each hospital trust’s turnover would be withheld each year unless they made progress. The Daily Mail
Target Ovarian Cancer finds that GPs miss nearly half of ovarian cancer cases
Target Ovarian Cancer finds that GPs miss nearly half of ovarian cancer cases Almost half of women with ovarian cancer were initially misdiagnosed, a charity has found.
And four in ten patients with the cancer said their symptoms were not taken seriously by dismissive GPs.
Research found that women were ‘dying needlessly’ because they were fobbed off by doctors who attributed symptoms to other issues such as digestion problems, the menopause or stress. The Daily Mail
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And four in ten patients with the cancer said their symptoms were not taken seriously by dismissive GPs.
Research found that women were ‘dying needlessly’ because they were fobbed off by doctors who attributed symptoms to other issues such as digestion problems, the menopause or stress. The Daily Mail
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- Calls for the government to launch a national campaign for ovarian cancer awareness Target Ovarian Cancer
- Pathfinder 2016 Target Ovarian Cancer
Teenage girls with cancer routinely 'not offered' chance to freeze eggs on NHS
Teenage girls with cancer routinely 'not offered' chance to freeze eggs on NHS Teenage girls suffering from cancer are not being offered the same chance to preserve their ability to have children as male patients, a leading fertility expert has said.
While NHS hospitals regularly offer young men facing chemotherapy the chance to freeze their sperm, many routinely fail to remind female patients that they can cryopreserve their eggs. The Daily Telegraph
While NHS hospitals regularly offer young men facing chemotherapy the chance to freeze their sperm, many routinely fail to remind female patients that they can cryopreserve their eggs. The Daily Telegraph
NHS passport checks have tripled income recouped in first scheme
NHS passport checks have tripled income recouped in first scheme Passport checks on patients before treatment can almost triple the amount of money the NHS can recoup from health tourists, new figures suggest.
The Health Secretary last night said the findings, from the first such scheme, were “very encouraging” amid furious debate about proposals to extend such measures.
Yesterday Theresa May threw her support behind the plans, saying it was fair that overseas patients should provide “credible evidence” of their eligibility for free healthcare.
But doctors’ unions attacked the idea, saying that the money lost to health tourism was a “pinprick” of a problem for the NHS, while Labour said medics must not be treated as “border guards.” The Daily Telegraph
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The Health Secretary last night said the findings, from the first such scheme, were “very encouraging” amid furious debate about proposals to extend such measures.
Yesterday Theresa May threw her support behind the plans, saying it was fair that overseas patients should provide “credible evidence” of their eligibility for free healthcare.
But doctors’ unions attacked the idea, saying that the money lost to health tourism was a “pinprick” of a problem for the NHS, while Labour said medics must not be treated as “border guards.” The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Should NHS patients have to show their passport? BBC News
- Passports for NHS access plan: what are the implications? The Guardian
- NHS staff and managers condemn 'passport before treatment' plan The Guardian
- Doctors threaten to boycott plan for patients to show ID at hospitals The Guardian
- I’m a doctor, not a gatekeeper turning ‘health tourists’ away | Rachel Clarke The Guardian
- NHS passport-checking might save a few pence – at the cost of our humanity | Diane Taylor The Guardian
- Proposals to help NHS charge overseas patients ‘go much too far’ OnMedica
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