Nurse leaders blame government for drop in nursing degree applicants Nurse leaders have blamed the government for the sharp fall in applications to nursing, midwifery, and allied health degrees, revealed by The Times.
On Saturday, the newspaper reported that applications for these degrees had fallen by a fifth compared with this time last year. And the drop in the number of these applicants was twice that of other courses, it said.
The figures, which draw on survey data from higher education body Universities UK, show that the shortfalls in applications are worst in London and the south east, and among mature candidates. OnMedica
Wednesday, 21 December 2016
A council tax rise alone will not solve the social care funding crisis
A council tax rise alone will not solve the social care funding crisis Collaboration between the public, private and voluntary sectors is essential to address funding and workforce challenges
The planned council tax rise and government pledge to fund social care have done little to abate the growing frustration at the crisis breaking in the sector. If the prime minister is serious about making social care fit for purpose, her government needs to take a broader, more comprehensive look at the care industry. A rise in council tax alone is unlikely to be the silver bullet that solves the social care funding conundrum.
Social care is at a tipping point, according to the Care Quality Commission. Recent figures show that 77 of the 152 local authorities responsible for providing care for older people have seen at least one residential and nursing care provider close due to insufficient funds, and far more face severe financial pressures. Every time a local authority cannot deliver the social care its residents need, it puts further strain on the NHS. Continue reading... The Guardian
The planned council tax rise and government pledge to fund social care have done little to abate the growing frustration at the crisis breaking in the sector. If the prime minister is serious about making social care fit for purpose, her government needs to take a broader, more comprehensive look at the care industry. A rise in council tax alone is unlikely to be the silver bullet that solves the social care funding conundrum.
Social care is at a tipping point, according to the Care Quality Commission. Recent figures show that 77 of the 152 local authorities responsible for providing care for older people have seen at least one residential and nursing care provider close due to insufficient funds, and far more face severe financial pressures. Every time a local authority cannot deliver the social care its residents need, it puts further strain on the NHS. Continue reading... The Guardian
Cash to boost children's mental health not getting through, says charity
Cash to boost children's mental health not getting through, says charity YoungMinds data shows half of England’s clinical commissioning groups used their share of new £1.4bn allocation for other purposes
Money to improve struggling children’s mental health services is often not reaching the NHS frontline despite soaring rates of self-harm among young people, new figures reveal.
Half of England’s clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are using their share of the £1.4bn ministers allocated to improve NHS care of troubled young people for other purposes, it has emerged. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Money to improve struggling children’s mental health services is often not reaching the NHS frontline despite soaring rates of self-harm among young people, new figures reveal.
Half of England’s clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are using their share of the £1.4bn ministers allocated to improve NHS care of troubled young people for other purposes, it has emerged. Continue reading... The Guardian
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GP and senior manager spared jail after stealing £153,000 from the NHS winter budget to train doctors
GP and senior manager spared jail after stealing £153,000 from the NHS winter budget to train doctors A leading mental health GP and senior clinical commissioning manager have been spared jail after fraudulently taking £153,000 from the NHS winter budget to train doctors.
Dr Ian Walton and Lisa Hill admitted raising a false invoice for GP training from a charity, on whose board they both sat, before diverting the cash into the bank account of a private company they controlled.
Walton, a highly-regarded GP of more than 30 years, and Hill abused what a judge called their "considerable positions of trust" by having money to which they were never entitled. The Daily Telegraph
Dr Ian Walton and Lisa Hill admitted raising a false invoice for GP training from a charity, on whose board they both sat, before diverting the cash into the bank account of a private company they controlled.
Walton, a highly-regarded GP of more than 30 years, and Hill abused what a judge called their "considerable positions of trust" by having money to which they were never entitled. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 20 December 2016
Demand for hospital services outstripping NHS funding
Demand for hospital services outstripping NHS funding The number of admissions to hospital are rising steeply and are outstripping increases in the NHS budget, according to new analysis published today by The King’s Fund.
The analysis finds that admissions to hospital have increased by 3.6 per cent a year since 2003/4. In contrast, real terms increases in NHS funding have shrunk to an average of just 1.2 per cent a year since 2010/11, compared to average increases of 4.8 per cent a year between 2003/4 and 2010/11. The King's Fund
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The analysis finds that admissions to hospital have increased by 3.6 per cent a year since 2003/4. In contrast, real terms increases in NHS funding have shrunk to an average of just 1.2 per cent a year since 2010/11, compared to average increases of 4.8 per cent a year between 2003/4 and 2010/11. The King's Fund
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Prostate cancer laser treatment 'truly transformative'
Prostate cancer laser treatment 'truly transformative' Surgeons have described a new treatment for early stage prostate cancer as "truly transformative".
The approach, tested across Europe, uses lasers and a drug made from deep sea bacteria to eliminate tumours, but without causing severe side effects.
Trials on 413 men - published in The Lancet Oncology - showed nearly half of them had no remaining trace of cancer.
Lifelong impotence and incontinence are often the price of treating prostate cancer with surgery or radiotherapy. BBC News
The approach, tested across Europe, uses lasers and a drug made from deep sea bacteria to eliminate tumours, but without causing severe side effects.
Trials on 413 men - published in The Lancet Oncology - showed nearly half of them had no remaining trace of cancer.
Lifelong impotence and incontinence are often the price of treating prostate cancer with surgery or radiotherapy. BBC News
Send heavy drinkers for liver scan, GPs told
Send heavy drinkers for liver scan, GPs told Women who drink more than three-and-a-half bottles of wine a week should get their livers checked, say guidelines. BBC News
Brexit could make NHS shortage of nurses worse, says report
Brexit could make NHS shortage of nurses worse, says report Institute for Employment Studies says however UK leaves, uncertainty around status of workers could deter hospital staff
Brexit is set to cause a severe shortage of nurses in the NHS, which is already facing a chronic lack of them in many hospitals, research suggests.
Britain’s decision to leave the EU could deprive the health service of nurses from countries such as Spain, Portugal and Ireland, from which it has recruited heavily in recent years, analysis by the Institute for Employment Studies found. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Brexit is set to cause a severe shortage of nurses in the NHS, which is already facing a chronic lack of them in many hospitals, research suggests.
Britain’s decision to leave the EU could deprive the health service of nurses from countries such as Spain, Portugal and Ireland, from which it has recruited heavily in recent years, analysis by the Institute for Employment Studies found. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Brexit and population growth to leave the NHS short of nurses Institute for Employment Studies
- Beyond Brexit: Assessing key risks to the nursing workforce in England Institute for Employment Studies
- Could Brexit prove terminal for the NHS? The Guardian
- NHS nurses are being cast into a perfect Brexit storm | Polly Toynbee The Guardian
Distressed patients left on doorsteps in the early hours to free-up hospital beds
Distressed patients left on doorsteps in the early hours to free-up hospital beds Ambulances are increasingly being used at the dead of night to decant sick and distressed people, not into the care of doctors and nurses but out of hospital and back to their homes. The Daily Mail
NHS left with unpaid bill of £30m from overseas patients in just one year, figures reveal
NHS left with unpaid bill of £30m from overseas patients in just one year, figures reveal Overseas patients have left the NHS with unpaid bill of almost £30 million in just one year, an investigation has found.
Patients who were not entitled to free treatment on the health service owed £29,530,378 in 2015/16, according to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
More than 120 NHS trusts were asked to provide details on overseas patients who were billed for NHS care and who were exempt from reciprocal arrangements with the UK. The Daily Telegraph
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Patients who were not entitled to free treatment on the health service owed £29,530,378 in 2015/16, according to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
More than 120 NHS trusts were asked to provide details on overseas patients who were billed for NHS care and who were exempt from reciprocal arrangements with the UK. The Daily Telegraph
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- Overseas patients are continuing to rack up debts for the NHS The Daily Mail
- Overseas patients leave NHS bill of almost £30 million in one year The Independent
Three quarters to survive cancer within 20 years - Cancer Research UK
Three quarters to survive cancer within 20 years - Cancer Research UK Within 20 years three quarters of people will survive a diagnosis of cancer if clinical improvements continue at their current rate, Cancer Research UK has said.
The next two decades will see a 15% drop in the overall death rate from the disease, equating to 400,000 fewer deaths, the charity predicts.
For every 100,000 people in the UK, 331 died from cancer in 2014. The Daily Telegraph
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The next two decades will see a 15% drop in the overall death rate from the disease, equating to 400,000 fewer deaths, the charity predicts.
For every 100,000 people in the UK, 331 died from cancer in 2014. The Daily Telegraph
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Monday, 19 December 2016
Scale of avoidable loss of life by suicide is unacceptable
Scale of avoidable loss of life by suicide is unacceptable The Government must prioritise a clear implementation strategy and increase support for public mental health and early intervention services if it is to bring down the unacceptable suicide rate, says the Health Select Committee in its interim report into suicide prevention.
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Doing justice to mental health in STPs
Doing justice to mental health in STPs Claire Murdoch, the national director for mental health in England, recently argued that some sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) are failing to do ‘justice’ to mental health. Following on from this, we might ask what justice would look like if we had it. For me, the answer would have to include making mental health central to work on new models of care and also part of the approach taken in STPs towards improving population health.
Ignoring the psychological aspects of health and wellbeing leads to some of the grossest inefficiencies in the health and care system. For example, we have estimated that in England, poor mental health drives up the annual cost of long-term physical health conditions by between £8 billion and £13 billion. The fact is – and it should hardly surprise us – that when people are struggling to deal with the social and emotional pressures in their lives, their physical health often deteriorates – and the impact of that is felt strongly in general practice, A&E and elsewhere. And yet all too often we act as if these issues should be of concern only to mental health professionals. The King's Fund
Ignoring the psychological aspects of health and wellbeing leads to some of the grossest inefficiencies in the health and care system. For example, we have estimated that in England, poor mental health drives up the annual cost of long-term physical health conditions by between £8 billion and £13 billion. The fact is – and it should hardly surprise us – that when people are struggling to deal with the social and emotional pressures in their lives, their physical health often deteriorates – and the impact of that is felt strongly in general practice, A&E and elsewhere. And yet all too often we act as if these issues should be of concern only to mental health professionals. The King's Fund
Policy paper: Impact of the spending review on health and social care: government response
Policy paper: Impact of the spending review on health and social care: government response This document sets out the government’s response to the 29 conclusions and recommendations made in the House of Commons Health Select Committee report. Department of Health
Policy paper: Public health post-2013 report: government response
Policy paper: Public health post-2013 report: government response The government’s response to the House of Commons Health Committee Report on public health post-2013 responds to each of its recommendations on subjects such as funding, improving public health, politics and evidence, boundary issues and fragmentation and leadership.
This response was prepared by the Department of Health in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England.
This response was prepared by the Department of Health in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England.
Improving care for people with long-term conditions
Improving care for people with long-term conditions This report, published by the RPS in Scotland, argues that pharmacist led care of people with long term conditions could deliver better results and be more cost effective. It focuses on the role of the pharmacist as part of a multidisciplinary approach to tackling the challenges facing the NHS in providing the highest quality care and support for people with long term conditions. Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Is air pollution really a public health crisis?
Is air pollution really a public health crisis? It could lead to a ban on diesel cars, prevent the building of a third runway at Heathrow and will certainly make it more expensive to drive in towns and cities.
Air pollution has been called the "public health crisis of a generation" - but just how serious is the problem? BBC News
Air pollution has been called the "public health crisis of a generation" - but just how serious is the problem? BBC News
Locums claim up to £155 an hour to fill NHS gaps
Locums claim up to £155 an hour to fill NHS gaps Staff shortages leave cash-strapped hospitals reliant on costly cover
Locum doctors are holding the NHS to ransom by demanding “excessive” rates of pay from cash-strapped hospitals, the service’s financial regulator has warned.
Some stand-in doctors are earning as much as £155 an hour for covering shifts in hospitals that are facing serious staff shortages, or in medical specialties in which rota gaps are common, such as A&E and radiology. The soaring pay rates have emerged through an analysis undertaken by NHS Improvement (NHSI), the health service’s financial regulator. Continue reading... The Guardian
Locum doctors are holding the NHS to ransom by demanding “excessive” rates of pay from cash-strapped hospitals, the service’s financial regulator has warned.
Some stand-in doctors are earning as much as £155 an hour for covering shifts in hospitals that are facing serious staff shortages, or in medical specialties in which rota gaps are common, such as A&E and radiology. The soaring pay rates have emerged through an analysis undertaken by NHS Improvement (NHSI), the health service’s financial regulator. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS cashes in on private payers as waiting lists soar
NHS cashes in on private payers as waiting lists soar Hospitals’ income from ‘queue jumpers’ rises while 360,000 non-payers face delays beyond 18 weeks
Income received by NHS hospital trusts from private patients has risen by 23% in the last four years, as waiting lists for non-paying patients have soared.
Under the government’s reforms, hospitals have been given the right to raise 49% of their funds through non-NHS work, often from patients seeking to avoid waiting for surgery. Prior to this, there had been a 2% cap on income that could be raised from private patients. Continue reading... The Guardian
Income received by NHS hospital trusts from private patients has risen by 23% in the last four years, as waiting lists for non-paying patients have soared.
Under the government’s reforms, hospitals have been given the right to raise 49% of their funds through non-NHS work, often from patients seeking to avoid waiting for surgery. Prior to this, there had been a 2% cap on income that could be raised from private patients. Continue reading... The Guardian
The social care crisis is pulling NHS trusts further underwater
The social care crisis is pulling NHS trusts further underwater Managers tell of the equivalent of several wards of patients stuck in hospitals for want of social services
The government’s refusal to find any new money for social care will inflict significant and lasting damage on the NHS and the lives of its patients.
The local government finance settlement announced by the communities secretary, Sajid Javid, this week did virtually nothing to alleviate the growing social care crisis. He simply allowed local authorities to bring forward council tax increases and shifted £240m from housing.
Safe occupancy levels are now breached routinely, increasing the risk of hospital-acquired infections Continue reading... The Guardian
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The government’s refusal to find any new money for social care will inflict significant and lasting damage on the NHS and the lives of its patients.
The local government finance settlement announced by the communities secretary, Sajid Javid, this week did virtually nothing to alleviate the growing social care crisis. He simply allowed local authorities to bring forward council tax increases and shifted £240m from housing.
Safe occupancy levels are now breached routinely, increasing the risk of hospital-acquired infections Continue reading... The Guardian
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Out of puff: UK becomes of the most successful nationals in Europe for cutting down on smoking
Out of puff: UK becomes of the most successful nationals in Europe for cutting down on smoking Men and women in the UK are both down overall in smoking with Sweden being the only country in Europe to have a lower proportion of smokers, according to a recent survey bu Eurostat. The Daily Mail
Social care needs force 50,000 pensioners to sell their homes
Social care needs force 50,000 pensioners to sell their homes Fifty thousand pensioners have been forced to sell their homes to pay for social care in the last year, despite a Government pledge that nobody would have to use their house to pay.
House of Commons library figures show that tens of thousands of older people have put their properties on the market to cover care costs, amid fears that the trend may continue because councils do not have enough money for social care. The Daily Telegraph
House of Commons library figures show that tens of thousands of older people have put their properties on the market to cover care costs, amid fears that the trend may continue because councils do not have enough money for social care. The Daily Telegraph
Hospitals ordered to stop vast majority of operations in crisis move
Hospitals ordered to stop vast majority of operations in crisis move Hospitals have been ordered to stop carrying out the vast majority of operations in a desperate bid to attempt to fend off a growing NHS crisis.
Health regulators have stepped in to order the extreme measures amid rising panic about how services will cope with mounting strain.
In an average month, the health service carries out about 600,000 planned operations, as well as urgent procedures.
Now hospitals have been told to stop carrying out most planned surgery, to focus on treating emergency cases. The Daily Telegraph
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Health regulators have stepped in to order the extreme measures amid rising panic about how services will cope with mounting strain.
In an average month, the health service carries out about 600,000 planned operations, as well as urgent procedures.
Now hospitals have been told to stop carrying out most planned surgery, to focus on treating emergency cases. The Daily Telegraph
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Friday, 16 December 2016
'We just don't know how we will cope' says relative of patient at Northampton day care centre after council axes its contract
'We just don't know how we will cope' says relative of patient at Northampton day care centre after council axes its contract Northamptonshire County Council is to press ahead with plans to end its contract with a popular day care centre in Northampton, despite "hundreds" signing a petition against it and heartfelt pleas from the relatives of patients. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The Winter Insight: beds pressures
The Winter Insight: beds pressures Chief Economist Prof John Appleby presents the findings of a new analysis of bed occupancy levels from NHS England situation reports for last winter. The analysis suggests that the NHS could be on track for a very difficult winter this year.
The 25th of January this year – a Monday – was a particularly difficult day for the NHS in England. One in seven trusts reported that all their acute beds were full, and for nearly four out of 10, 98 per cent of their beds were occupied. And this was after opening nearly 4,200 more beds to accommodate extra patients.
On the following day, the number of extra beds trusts had to make available reached its highest level for the whole of last winter, when 4,390 extra beds were opened. That’s equivalent to opening up at least seven entire extra hospitals that day.
There was no respite during the rest of the week. University Hospitals Birmingham, Bolton, Northampton General, the North Middlesex, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, the Great Western in Swindon, Basildon & Thurrock, Epsom & St Helier and Kettering were all full every day that week with 100 per cent of their acute beds – including extra beds brought in temporarily – occupied. Nuffield Trust
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The 25th of January this year – a Monday – was a particularly difficult day for the NHS in England. One in seven trusts reported that all their acute beds were full, and for nearly four out of 10, 98 per cent of their beds were occupied. And this was after opening nearly 4,200 more beds to accommodate extra patients.
On the following day, the number of extra beds trusts had to make available reached its highest level for the whole of last winter, when 4,390 extra beds were opened. That’s equivalent to opening up at least seven entire extra hospitals that day.
There was no respite during the rest of the week. University Hospitals Birmingham, Bolton, Northampton General, the North Middlesex, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, the Great Western in Swindon, Basildon & Thurrock, Epsom & St Helier and Kettering were all full every day that week with 100 per cent of their acute beds – including extra beds brought in temporarily – occupied. Nuffield Trust
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Policy paper: NHS bursary reform
Policy paper: NHS bursary reform From 1 August 2017, new nursing, midwifery and allied health students will no longer receive NHS bursaries. Instead, they will have access to the same student loans system as other students. This guidance explains the reforms. The Department of Health
NHS England announces £101 million of new funding for new care model vanguards
NHS England announces £101 million of new funding for new care model vanguards NHS England has today (15 December) announced £101 million of new funding to support and spread the work of the new care model vanguards. The vanguards are partnerships of NHS, local government, voluntary, community and other organisations that are implementing plans to improve the healthcare people receive, prevent ill health and save funds.
Shaping healthy cities and economies: the role of clinical commissioning
Shaping healthy cities and economies: the role of clinical commissioning This report showcases how clinical leaders in England’s core cities - the eight largest cities outside of London - are looking at how the services they commission can improve not only the health but social and economic wellbeing of their populations. The report finds that in these areas, clinical commissioners are working with a wide range of partners to go beyond traditional boundaries to combat health inequalities and social exclusion, increase skills and employment and to attract inward investment to help realise the potential of their local economies. NHS Clinical Commissioners
GPs face backlog of over 100,000 patient letters after data warehouse error
GPs face backlog of over 100,000 patient letters after data warehouse error GP practices across England will be forced to process potentially hundreds of thousands of patient letters and documents kept by mistake in a warehouse by a former provider of primary care support services, the BMA has said. GP Online
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Sugar tax on soft drinks could prevent tens of thousands from becoming obese, says new study
Sugar tax on soft drinks could prevent tens of thousands from becoming obese, says new study A sugar tax on soft drinks could result in thousands fewer British adults and children becoming obese, research suggests.
Experts said the proposed levy, due to be introduced in April 2018, was likely to have a “significant” impact on health and obesity rates. The Independent
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Experts said the proposed levy, due to be introduced in April 2018, was likely to have a “significant” impact on health and obesity rates. The Independent
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- Sugary drinks tax 'will benefit children most' BBC News
- Sugar levy is set to slash child obesity rates by 10% The Daily Mail
- 'Health by stealth' sugar tax could slash rates of childhood obesity by 10 per cent The Daily Telegraph
Watchdog accuses Actavis of hiking price of lifesaving drug by 12,000%
Watchdog accuses Actavis of hiking price of lifesaving drug by 12,000% Pharmaceutical firm challenged over price rise for hydrocortisone tablets from 70p to £88 per tablet, costing NHS tens of millions of pounds extra each year
Pharmaceutical company Actavis is facing accusations from the competition watchdog that it hiked the price of life-saving hydrocortisone tablets by over 12,000%, sending the annual cost to the NHS spiralling from £522,000 before 2008 to £70m by 2015.
The Competition and Markets Authority said the price rises took place after the patent lapsed on the drug. About 943,000 packets of the tablets – prescribed to people whose adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones, such as those suffering from Addison’s disease – were distributed over the last year. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Pharmaceutical company Actavis is facing accusations from the competition watchdog that it hiked the price of life-saving hydrocortisone tablets by over 12,000%, sending the annual cost to the NHS spiralling from £522,000 before 2008 to £70m by 2015.
The Competition and Markets Authority said the price rises took place after the patent lapsed on the drug. About 943,000 packets of the tablets – prescribed to people whose adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones, such as those suffering from Addison’s disease – were distributed over the last year. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Sedentary lifestyles: the hidden factor in the social care crisis
Sedentary lifestyles: the hidden factor in the social care crisis Taking exercise is a ‘miracle pill’ that can save us from physical and mental ill health in old age. So why are politicians so reluctant to promote it?
The current debate about the ever-growing pressure on social care services is by no means the first, and certainly won’t be the last. But it is always predicated around the same central assumption: with increasing numbers of older people, the costs can only go up. This is to miss an important point, one well known to public health experts but strangely ignored by most politicians. The problem isn’t just about an ageing population, it’s also about an increasingly sedentary one.
That far too many Britons are not physically active is well documented, even if the sheer extent can sometimes be surprising. For example, a fifth of Scottish people say they have not walked for more than 20 minutes even once over the past year. Not once. Also well known, if less discussed, is the toll this takes on the public health. The usual estimate is that about 85,000 people die early each year in England and Wales due to illnesses caused by sedentary living, mainly heart disease, type 2 diabetes and various cancers. Continue reading... The Guardian
The current debate about the ever-growing pressure on social care services is by no means the first, and certainly won’t be the last. But it is always predicated around the same central assumption: with increasing numbers of older people, the costs can only go up. This is to miss an important point, one well known to public health experts but strangely ignored by most politicians. The problem isn’t just about an ageing population, it’s also about an increasingly sedentary one.
That far too many Britons are not physically active is well documented, even if the sheer extent can sometimes be surprising. For example, a fifth of Scottish people say they have not walked for more than 20 minutes even once over the past year. Not once. Also well known, if less discussed, is the toll this takes on the public health. The usual estimate is that about 85,000 people die early each year in England and Wales due to illnesses caused by sedentary living, mainly heart disease, type 2 diabetes and various cancers. Continue reading... The Guardian
You STILL can't see your GP out of hours: After all those promises to patients fewer than a fifth of surgeries offer appointments at the weekend
You STILL can't see your GP out of hours: After all those promises to patients fewer than a fifth of surgeries offer appointments at the weekend Tens of millions of patients still cannot see a GP out of hours despite a major drive for longer opening times, with fewer than a fifth of UK surgeries offering evening and weekend appointments. The Daily Mail
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- Only one in five GP surgeries offer out of hours service seven days a week The Daily Telegraph
Extra £900m will be made available for adult social care over next two years, says Sajid Javid
Extra £900m will be made available for adult social care over next two years, says Sajid Javid An extra £900m will be made available for social care over the next two years to help plug the social care gap, Sajid Javid has announced.
Critics have warned the Government's response to the crisis is comparable to putting a "sticking plaster" on "a patient that needs a triple by pass".
The Communities Secretary confirmed that local authorities will be allowed to bring forward a 6 per cent increase in council tax over the next two years. The Daily Telegraph
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Critics have warned the Government's response to the crisis is comparable to putting a "sticking plaster" on "a patient that needs a triple by pass".
The Communities Secretary confirmed that local authorities will be allowed to bring forward a 6 per cent increase in council tax over the next two years. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Our response to the local government finance settlement The King's Fund
- Our response to local government funding settlement 2017-18 Nuffield Trust
- New homes funding diverted to pay for social care The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 15 December 2016
Trapped in Northampton General Hospital for up to a year: three wards of recovered patients are marooned in NGH
Trapped in Northampton General Hospital for up to a year: three wards of recovered patients are marooned in NGH Elderly patients are living at Northampton General Hospital for up to a year because the NHS cannot set up adequate home care, the Chronicle & Echo has learned.
The crisis is being caused by chronic delays in finding home care, with waits for a standard package - two carers four times a day - of “at least six weeks to eight weeks”. One man arrived with a minor physical condition and stayed on a geriatric ward for 12 months even though, aside from his dementia, he was well. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The crisis is being caused by chronic delays in finding home care, with waits for a standard package - two carers four times a day - of “at least six weeks to eight weeks”. One man arrived with a minor physical condition and stayed on a geriatric ward for 12 months even though, aside from his dementia, he was well. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The general management 'mistake'
The general management 'mistake' Reflecting on the small proportion (less than a third) of NHS chief executives from a clinical background, Jeremy Hunt questioned ‘whether the NHS made a historic mistake in the 1980s by deliberately creating a manager class who were not clinicians, rather than making more effort to nurture and develop the management skills of those who are’.
The development of general managers in the 1980s followed the Griffiths Report, which argued that business-like principles were required in the NHS to oversee ‘planning, implementation and the control of performance’. Griffiths’ vision was that significant and lasting change in the NHS was possible only with management techniques found in industry. Although Jeremy Hunt suggested that this policy distanced clinicians from management responsibility, the report was actually quite clear that doctors would need to take on these roles if they were to keep the freedom to choose how to investigate and treat patients. The King's Fund
The development of general managers in the 1980s followed the Griffiths Report, which argued that business-like principles were required in the NHS to oversee ‘planning, implementation and the control of performance’. Griffiths’ vision was that significant and lasting change in the NHS was possible only with management techniques found in industry. Although Jeremy Hunt suggested that this policy distanced clinicians from management responsibility, the report was actually quite clear that doctors would need to take on these roles if they were to keep the freedom to choose how to investigate and treat patients. The King's Fund
Universal healthcare without the NHS: towards a patient-centred health system
Universal healthcare without the NHS: towards a patient-centred health system This report recommends that the NHS emulates the best elements of various European health care systems, whilst retaining universal health care access, in order to improve the quality of care and performance. Proposals include opening the market to both non-profit and for-profit insurers, and the introduction of tax rebates for patients wishing to opt out of NHS care. Institute of Economic Affairs
Household survey shows decline in numbers of children and young people smoking and drinking
Household survey shows decline in numbers of children and young people smoking and drinking Household survey shows decline in numbers of children and young people smoking and drinking.
The 2015 Health Survey for England (HSE) found that 16 per cent of children aged 8 to 15 reported ever having an alcoholic drink. This is the lowest level ever reported since the HSE began, down from the highest point of 45 per cent in 2003.
The figures, published today by NHS Digital, also show that the proportion of 8 to 15 year olds who reported that they had ever smoked a cigarette has decreased from 19 per cent in 2003 to 4 per cent in 2015.
The Health Survey for England (HSE) gathers information from adults and children to monitor trends in the nation's health. The 2015 survey includes information on adult health and social care and, for this survey, the number of 2 to 15 year olds included in the survey was increased to enable a specific focus on child health issues.
The 2015 Health Survey for England (HSE) found that 16 per cent of children aged 8 to 15 reported ever having an alcoholic drink. This is the lowest level ever reported since the HSE began, down from the highest point of 45 per cent in 2003.
The figures, published today by NHS Digital, also show that the proportion of 8 to 15 year olds who reported that they had ever smoked a cigarette has decreased from 19 per cent in 2003 to 4 per cent in 2015.
The Health Survey for England (HSE) gathers information from adults and children to monitor trends in the nation's health. The 2015 survey includes information on adult health and social care and, for this survey, the number of 2 to 15 year olds included in the survey was increased to enable a specific focus on child health issues.
See also:
- Encouraging to see children making better decisions around smoking and alcohol, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- 90% of women with overweight children don't think they are too fat The Daily Mail
- Nine in ten mothers of overweight children do not see the problem The Daily Telegraph
- 'Clean cut' generation is least likely to have ever had an alcoholic drink The Daily Telegraph
- Parents do not recognise that their children are overweight, survey finds The Guardian
Fall in hospital beds contributing to patient deaths
Fall in hospital beds contributing to patient deaths A decline in the number of hospital beds is putting the NHS in England under increasing pressure and has become an important contributory factor in the number of patient deaths, according to one of the country's leading health statisticians.
An investigation by Professor Sir Brian Jarman shows that average occupancy levels for hospitals in England have climbed to more than 89 per cent and have not gone below the government's recommended average of 85 per cent since 2002.
Meanwhile, the number of beds has more than halved over the last three decades. BBC News
An investigation by Professor Sir Brian Jarman shows that average occupancy levels for hospitals in England have climbed to more than 89 per cent and have not gone below the government's recommended average of 85 per cent since 2002.
Meanwhile, the number of beds has more than halved over the last three decades. BBC News
Top GP and Sandwell CCG boss admit £153k fraud
Top GP and Sandwell CCG boss admit £153k fraud A leading GP and senior NHS manager funnelled £153,600 meant for patients over winter into the bank account of a company they controlled.
Dr Ian Walton and Lisa Hill admitted defrauding the NHS by raising a false invoice from a charity, on whose board they both sat.
The judge at Birmingham Crown Court heard that although they dishonestly sourced the cash, they spent £57,000 of it training 69 GPs.
They will be sentenced next week. BBC News
Dr Ian Walton and Lisa Hill admitted defrauding the NHS by raising a false invoice from a charity, on whose board they both sat.
The judge at Birmingham Crown Court heard that although they dishonestly sourced the cash, they spent £57,000 of it training 69 GPs.
They will be sentenced next week. BBC News
Bridging the divide: how can the NHS get collaboration right?
Bridging the divide: how can the NHS get collaboration right? The funding crisis facing the NHS and social care is unprecedented. Now, more than ever, services need to join forces
In a time of austerity and strained budgets, it has never been more essential for the NHS to get partnerships and collaboration right. Every day, clinical teams save lives – and if the NHS is to survive and thrive, it must draw on this collective strength. Yet collaboration can be patchy among the higher echelons of the NHS, with many potential partners complaining of the health service’s seeming inability to work effectively and courteously with others.
Would the NHS be in a different place if health leaders had, over the past 20 years, facilitated collaboration in the same way they had done for competition? That was one of the questions from the floor at a seminar hosted by the Guardian and supported by business solutions and technology company Brother. Continue reading... The Guardian
In a time of austerity and strained budgets, it has never been more essential for the NHS to get partnerships and collaboration right. Every day, clinical teams save lives – and if the NHS is to survive and thrive, it must draw on this collective strength. Yet collaboration can be patchy among the higher echelons of the NHS, with many potential partners complaining of the health service’s seeming inability to work effectively and courteously with others.
Would the NHS be in a different place if health leaders had, over the past 20 years, facilitated collaboration in the same way they had done for competition? That was one of the questions from the floor at a seminar hosted by the Guardian and supported by business solutions and technology company Brother. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS winter crisis: hospitals across England report they are full
NHS winter crisis: hospitals across England report they are full Fifteen hospitals across England were left without any spare beds on at least one day this month as the National Health Service braces itself for a winter crisis. The strain facing hospitals – which could escalate if temperatures fall in coming weeks – were highlighted in figures from NHS England on daily winter pressures. The lack of beds could lead to ambulances being diverted to other hospitals, patients forced to wait longer on trolleys and mothballed wards being brought back into service. iNews
Jeremy Hunt launches nationwide sepsis campaign to help parents spot the signs in children
Jeremy Hunt launches nationwide sepsis campaign to help parents spot the signs in children Jeremy Hunt has launched a nationwide campaign to help parents spot the signs of sepsis.
The Health Secretary is hoping to raise awareness of the “devastating” condition which causes around 37,000 deaths each year in England.
Mr Hunt said “we need to get far better at spotting it across the NHS”, adding: “By raising awareness and improving clinical practice we will save lives in the fight against this horrible illness.”
The campaign, delivered by Public Health England and the UK Sepsis Trust, is part of a series of measures by the NHS to tackle the condition which arises as a complication of an infection. The Independent
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The Health Secretary is hoping to raise awareness of the “devastating” condition which causes around 37,000 deaths each year in England.
Mr Hunt said “we need to get far better at spotting it across the NHS”, adding: “By raising awareness and improving clinical practice we will save lives in the fight against this horrible illness.”
The campaign, delivered by Public Health England and the UK Sepsis Trust, is part of a series of measures by the NHS to tackle the condition which arises as a complication of an infection. The Independent
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Maternity ward chaos left mothers at risk of going home with wrong baby, report finds
Maternity ward chaos left mothers at risk of going home with wrong baby, report finds New mothers risk going home with the wrong baby due to chaotic maternity practices at the UK's biggest hospital, inspectors have warned, after a report found some newborns were not given name tags.
Some babies born at The Royal London Hospital had no name tags - which could lead to them going home with the wrong families or even being given medication meant for another baby, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said.
Inspectors said there was "lax" practice of checking babies' name bands, saying that this could create a "risk that a baby might receive medication intended for another baby, and mother might leave the unit with the wrong baby". The Daily Telegraph
Some babies born at The Royal London Hospital had no name tags - which could lead to them going home with the wrong families or even being given medication meant for another baby, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said.
Inspectors said there was "lax" practice of checking babies' name bands, saying that this could create a "risk that a baby might receive medication intended for another baby, and mother might leave the unit with the wrong baby". The Daily Telegraph
NHS chief: bus passes and pensions must be up for discussion to tackle social care crisis
NHS chief: bus passes and pensions must be up for discussion to tackle social care crisis Free bus passes and pension protections for older people should be reconsidered if Britain has any hope of solving the crisis facing social care, the head of the NHS has suggested.
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, told MPs that there is “no point” giving people free bus transport if there is no one to provide the basic care they need to enable them to leave their home in the first place.
He signalled that far more radical action may be needed to help older people than plans, expected to be unveiled by Theresa May, to channel extra council tax money into funding care. The Daily Telegraph
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Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, told MPs that there is “no point” giving people free bus transport if there is no one to provide the basic care they need to enable them to leave their home in the first place.
He signalled that far more radical action may be needed to help older people than plans, expected to be unveiled by Theresa May, to channel extra council tax money into funding care. The Daily Telegraph
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Wednesday, 14 December 2016
Older people in Northamptonshire urged to get eye test to help prevent falls
Older people in Northamptonshire urged to get eye test to help prevent falls Eye health professionals in Northamptonshire are calling for older people to have regular sight tests to help prevent falls. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Getting the midwifery workforce right
Getting the midwifery workforce right This report outlines how maternity services should be organised, funded and staffed. It discusses the role of the midwife and approaches for services to enable them to make safe and effective staffing decisions. Royal College of Midwifery
See also:
See also:
- RCM guidance on implementing the NICE safe staffing guideline on midwifery staffing in maternity settings Royal College of Midwifery
Private lives, public health: the changing shape of contraceptive services in England post-2013
Private lives, public health: the changing shape of contraceptive services in England post-2013 This report is the result of an audit of the impact of funding cuts and commissioning reforms on contraceptive services in England by analysing the results of an FOI request sent to all 152 upper tier and unitary councils. The findings show a mixed picture with some areas managing to sustain current service provision but there are signs that full, open access contraceptive care and services are under increasing strain in many places. Advisory Group on Contraception
'Gender-biased infections' may exist
'Gender-biased infections' may exist Viruses can evolve to become more aggressive in men than in women - at least in theory, a study suggests.
The report, published in Nature Communications, argues there is a benefit to a virus "going easy" in women as it helps it spread.
Some infections are known to be less deadly in women, but this is largely put down to differences in the immune system.
Experts said the findings were intriguing. BBC News
The report, published in Nature Communications, argues there is a benefit to a virus "going easy" in women as it helps it spread.
Some infections are known to be less deadly in women, but this is largely put down to differences in the immune system.
Experts said the findings were intriguing. BBC News
GPs are not 'crying wolf' about pressures, says NHS chief executive
GPs are not 'crying wolf' about pressures, says NHS chief executive GPs are willing to consider 'radical' changes to their model of practise because they have been 'systematically under-invested in', NHS England's chief executive has said.
Simon Stevens said that general practice in England will change, away from the 'cottage industry', with new models including hospital takeovers and GP super-practices.
And he said these changes were made possible because GPs were 'willing to contemplate some quite radical changes', but he admitted that this was a direct response to under-investment and NHS leaders placing 'rising workload and demands' on GPs. Pulse
Simon Stevens said that general practice in England will change, away from the 'cottage industry', with new models including hospital takeovers and GP super-practices.
And he said these changes were made possible because GPs were 'willing to contemplate some quite radical changes', but he admitted that this was a direct response to under-investment and NHS leaders placing 'rising workload and demands' on GPs. Pulse
£300,000 NHS dialysis unit fraudsters jailed
£300,000 NHS dialysis unit fraudsters jailed An NHS manager, his partner and three contractors, who all helped defraud Epsom and St Helier Hospital NHS Trust of hundreds of thousands of pounds for work that was unnecessary or was never carried out, have been sentenced following a fraud investigation led by NHS Protect.
NHS Protect says the thefts, from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, were "too extensive and complex to ever be precisely added up", but the total is estimated at around £300,000. The exact figure will be determined at a future confiscation hearing to get the money back. OnMedica
NHS Protect says the thefts, from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, were "too extensive and complex to ever be precisely added up", but the total is estimated at around £300,000. The exact figure will be determined at a future confiscation hearing to get the money back. OnMedica
Working with the NHS: 'doors are opening for innovative small firms'
Working with the NHS: 'doors are opening for innovative small firms' The health service is increasingly relying on small businesses to meet its needs. But how can entrepreneurs find a way in?
As the fifth largest organisation in the world, the NHS can provide lucrative opportunities for small business. But from the outside, it’s often seen as an unwieldy, unnecessarily bureaucratic body that’s difficult to break into.
For Jason Williams, business development director at seeDATA, a partnership came about through an agreement with the local academic health science network (AHSN), which the company had worked with previously to build a bespoke customer relationship management platform. Continue reading... The Guardian
As the fifth largest organisation in the world, the NHS can provide lucrative opportunities for small business. But from the outside, it’s often seen as an unwieldy, unnecessarily bureaucratic body that’s difficult to break into.
For Jason Williams, business development director at seeDATA, a partnership came about through an agreement with the local academic health science network (AHSN), which the company had worked with previously to build a bespoke customer relationship management platform. Continue reading... The Guardian
Dementia will soon be controlled just like HIV, says research institute
Dementia will soon be controlled just like HIV, says research institute Alzheimer's may in some cases be as manageable as HIV/Aids by 2025, the head of Britain's new Dementia Research Institute (DRI) predicts.
Professor Bart De Strooper said he hoped to see a time in the near future when the condition could be stabilised even if it proved impossible to cure.
There is even a chance that the brain could re-wire itself and restore lost mental ability once progress of the disease has been halted, he believes. The Independent
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Professor Bart De Strooper said he hoped to see a time in the near future when the condition could be stabilised even if it proved impossible to cure.
There is even a chance that the brain could re-wire itself and restore lost mental ability once progress of the disease has been halted, he believes. The Independent
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'Unarguable' case that care for elderly needs more money says NHS chief
'Unarguable' case that care for elderly needs more money says NHS chief There is an "unarguable" case for an urgent cash injection into social care to fend off an immediate crisis in care of the elderly, the head of the NHS has said.
Simon Stevens made the plea as he mooted long-term moves towards a system of compulsory insurance to cover the cost of care home fees, or care in the home.
The chief executive said social care should be “first in the queue” for any extra funding available, agreeing with peers that the situation had reached crisis point. The Daily Telegraph
Simon Stevens made the plea as he mooted long-term moves towards a system of compulsory insurance to cover the cost of care home fees, or care in the home.
The chief executive said social care should be “first in the queue” for any extra funding available, agreeing with peers that the situation had reached crisis point. The Daily Telegraph
Doctors warned: don't tell girls with anorexia to come back when thinner
Doctors warned: don't tell girls with anorexia to come back when thinner Doctors have been warned not to tell patients with anorexia to come back for help when they are thinner, following new advice from watchdogs.
The NHS guidance also tells GPs to look out for the condition in patients working in “high risk” professions like fashion, dance, modelling, where eating disorders are rife.
The draft advice from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) warns GPs not to delay referring patients with eating disorders for treatment, amid fears that too many doctors wait to see if symptoms worsen before treatment is given. The Daily Telegraph
The NHS guidance also tells GPs to look out for the condition in patients working in “high risk” professions like fashion, dance, modelling, where eating disorders are rife.
The draft advice from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) warns GPs not to delay referring patients with eating disorders for treatment, amid fears that too many doctors wait to see if symptoms worsen before treatment is given. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
Safe Sleeping campaign for babies relaunched by Northamptonshire health experts
Safe Sleeping campaign for babies relaunched by Northamptonshire health experts Share a room, not a bed – that’s the advice to parents of newborn babies from the organisation responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in Northamptonshire. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Learning, candour and accountability: A review of the way NHS trusts review and investigate the deaths of patients in England
Learning, candour and accountability: A review of the way NHS trusts review and investigate the deaths of patients in England The Secretary of State for Health asked us to look at how acute, community and mental health NHS trusts across the country investigate and learn from deaths to find out whether opportunities for prevention of death have been missed, and identify any improvements that are needed.
We looked at the processes and systems trusts use to identify, investigate and learn from the death of a person using their services. We looked particularly closely at how trusts investigate the deaths of people with a mental health problem or learning disability. Care Quality Commission
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We looked at the processes and systems trusts use to identify, investigate and learn from the death of a person using their services. We looked particularly closely at how trusts investigate the deaths of people with a mental health problem or learning disability. Care Quality Commission
See also:
- Bereaved families 'let down by NHS' BBC News
- NHS accused of spending 'more time on cover ups than saving lives' The Daily Telegraph
- Hospitals fail too often to investigate deaths, NHS watchdog finds The Guardian
Medical professionalism matters report
Medical professionalism matters report The report is the culmination of 18 months of events and conversations with the medical profession, from GPs, consultants and trainees who work on the ground, to royal colleges, training providers and employers.
As is widely acknowledged many doctors feel the current environment is the most challenging of their careers, as the pressures of day-to-day practice rise with the often conflicting demands of doctors’ employers and the patients they care for. General Medical Council
As is widely acknowledged many doctors feel the current environment is the most challenging of their careers, as the pressures of day-to-day practice rise with the often conflicting demands of doctors’ employers and the patients they care for. General Medical Council
A Cry for Health: Why we must invest in domestic abuse services in hospitals
A Cry for Health: Why we must invest in domestic abuse services in hospitals SafeLives calls on every hospital in England and Wales to have specialist domestic abuse support onsite. Health providers must be part of the long-term solution to tackle domestic abuse.
The findings of SafeLives' research, which provides evidence from over 4,000 victims supported in hospital and community settings, show that we are missing opportunities to identify victims of domestic abuse – particularly the most vulnerable – and that locating a team of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (Idvas) within a hospital is a key way to address this.
The findings of SafeLives' research, which provides evidence from over 4,000 victims supported in hospital and community settings, show that we are missing opportunities to identify victims of domestic abuse – particularly the most vulnerable – and that locating a team of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (Idvas) within a hospital is a key way to address this.
Charity warns of FGM 'parties' taking place in England
Charity warns of FGM 'parties' taking place in England Girls are being taken to female genital mutilation (FGM) "parties" in cities across England, a charity has warned.
The Black Health Initiative in Leeds says midwives from Africa are being flown into the country to carry out the illegal practice.
West Yorkshire Police said they were aware girls were being subjected to FGM locally.
Latest NHS figures show more than 8,000 women across England have recently been identified as being victims of FGM. BBC News
The Black Health Initiative in Leeds says midwives from Africa are being flown into the country to carry out the illegal practice.
West Yorkshire Police said they were aware girls were being subjected to FGM locally.
Latest NHS figures show more than 8,000 women across England have recently been identified as being victims of FGM. BBC News
Social care funding shortfall 'urgent' says Lib Dem Norman Lamb
Social care funding shortfall 'urgent' says Lib Dem Norman Lamb Liberal Democrat Health spokesman, Norman Lamb, urges government action on the crisis in social care funding. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Reality Check: Is the care budget growing? BBC News
- Social care: why are we 'beyond the crisis point'? The Guardian
The doctor on your Xbox? The NHS needs more digital ambition
The doctor on your Xbox? The NHS needs more digital ambition Patients and staff use a wide range of new technologies, from smart watches to virtual gaming. Let’s see how the NHS can use it
Imagine a world where doctors and nurses glance at their watch to see patient updates, where virtual reality headsets are used to consult on medical procedures, or where patients could interact with their doctor through their television or media console.
All of this, and a great deal more, is achievable with the technology we have today, but both the NHS and its technology suppliers are yet to embrace what’s possible and make these scenarios happen.
Chat apps could be used to book an appointment at the doctors’ surgery or the hospital Continue reading... The Guardian
Imagine a world where doctors and nurses glance at their watch to see patient updates, where virtual reality headsets are used to consult on medical procedures, or where patients could interact with their doctor through their television or media console.
All of this, and a great deal more, is achievable with the technology we have today, but both the NHS and its technology suppliers are yet to embrace what’s possible and make these scenarios happen.
Chat apps could be used to book an appointment at the doctors’ surgery or the hospital Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS England sending anorexic patients to Scotland for treatment
NHS England sending anorexic patients to Scotland for treatment Mental health experts voice concern over growing trend and say it could increase vulnerable patients’ chances of dying
The NHS in England is sending patients who are seriously ill with eating disorders to Scotland for treatment because chronic bed shortages mean they cannot be cared for in England.
Vulnerable patients, mainly teenagers and young adults, are being taken hundreds of miles from their homes in order to receive residential care in Glasgow and near Edinburgh. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The NHS in England is sending patients who are seriously ill with eating disorders to Scotland for treatment because chronic bed shortages mean they cannot be cared for in England.
Vulnerable patients, mainly teenagers and young adults, are being taken hundreds of miles from their homes in order to receive residential care in Glasgow and near Edinburgh. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The chemists running out of lifesaving drugs because they have all been sold abroad
The chemists running out of lifesaving drugs because they have all been sold abroad As a result of drug shortages in the UK patients are being harmed and even hospitalised, according to a survey of GPs and pharmacists for the parliamentary All-Party Pharmacy Group (APPG). The Daily Mail
Syphilis could become impossible to treat after a common strain of the STI has become resistant to antibiotics
Syphilis could become impossible to treat after a common strain of the STI has become resistant to antibiotics Researchers from the University of Zurch, Switzerland, have found 90 per cent of a new strain of syphilis samples they analysed were resistant to antibiotics. The Daily Mail
Retired carer left to die after hospital replaced 'old-fashioned' whiteboard with computer system
Retired carer left to die after hospital replaced 'old-fashioned' whiteboard with computer system A grandmother who was admitted to hospital with a broken arm died after an email mix-up meant she was not seen for three days because doctors did not know she was there.
Patricia Fowler, 75, was left lying in pain in a cardiac ward for three days before she was seen by a consultant because she had the same first name as another patient.
By then, Mrs Fowler had developed pneumonia and sepsis, which led to her death.
An inquest heard the mix-up occurred after the hospital switched from using old fashioned white boards to an email system. The Daily Telegraph
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Patricia Fowler, 75, was left lying in pain in a cardiac ward for three days before she was seen by a consultant because she had the same first name as another patient.
By then, Mrs Fowler had developed pneumonia and sepsis, which led to her death.
An inquest heard the mix-up occurred after the hospital switched from using old fashioned white boards to an email system. The Daily Telegraph
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Monday, 12 December 2016
New NGH role to support the one in six pregnant women attacked by their partner
New NGH role to support the one in six pregnant women attacked by their partner Northampton General Hospital is strengthening the support it gives to patients at risk of domestic abuse thanks to the creation of a new role. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Health experts urge people in Northamptonshire to order repeat medicines
Health experts urge people in Northamptonshire to order repeat medicines Nearly 350 people left themselves without their repeat medicine over Christmas in Northamptonshire last year, according to health experts. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northamptonshire charity lobby Government over mental health support for pregnant women
Northamptonshire charity lobby Government over mental health support for pregnant women Mental health checks should be carried out for every woman during their pregnancy, according to a leading Northamptonshire charity. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
English language requirements for public sector workers
English language requirements for public sector workers The government has published a preliminary draft of the Code of practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. NHS Employers
Attitudes to obesity: findings from the 2015 British Social Attitudes survey
Attitudes to obesity: findings from the 2015 British Social Attitudes survey Public Health England commissioned a set of questions on obesity as part of the British Social Attitudes survey to inform its future work, this paper presents the analysis of the survey findings. The primary findings show that people underestimate their weight and struggle to identify the point when someone becomes obese. The survey also found that there is widespread understanding of some, but not all, of the health risks of obesity and that people who are obese are often the object of stigmatising attitudes. NatCen Social Research
Ministers consider council tax rise to cover social care funding
Ministers consider council tax rise to cover social care funding The prime minister is understood to be considering plans to allow councils in England to increase council tax to fund the social care system.
It follows warnings that the system could "topple at any moment" leading to pressure on the NHS if patients cannot be released from hospital.
Local councils have suffered more than a 40% reduction in government grants since 2010.
The government has refused to comment on the reports. BBC News
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It follows warnings that the system could "topple at any moment" leading to pressure on the NHS if patients cannot be released from hospital.
Local councils have suffered more than a 40% reduction in government grants since 2010.
The government has refused to comment on the reports. BBC News
See also:
- What now for social care? The King's Fund
- Theresa May 'considers raising council tax' to tackle social care crisis The Daily Telegraph
- Shock figures show Tory plans are ‘making social care worse’ The Guardian
- The Observer view on social care The Observer
Learning disabilities study uses GP data to highlight health gap
Learning disabilities study uses GP data to highlight health gap The largest-ever study into the health of people with learning disabilities in England has highlighted the extent to which this group face higher rates of chronic illness and shorter life expectancy than the general population. GP Online
See also:
See also:
- Largest English study into health and care of people with learning disabilities published NHS Digital
- Health and Care of People with Learning Disabilities: Experimental Statistics: 2014 to 2015 NHS Digital
Acutely ill children waiting nine hours for beds in intensive care
Acutely ill children waiting nine hours for beds in intensive care Some paediatric units now at 115% capacity, warns doctors’ body
Seriously ill children are waiting up to nine hours for an intensive care bed to become available, while others are being transported up to 120 miles from their homes to receive the medical treatment they urgently need, senior paediatricians have revealed.
In the last two weeks, at least 17 children with acute illnesses requiring intensive care have had to be transported out of their regions because of a lack of beds. Some paediatric intensive care units, treating the most seriously ill children, are working at 115% of their capacity, such is the level of demand and lack of resources, according to the Paediatric Intensive Care Society. As of Friday night, there were just four beds available in England and one in Belfast. Continue reading... The Guardian
Seriously ill children are waiting up to nine hours for an intensive care bed to become available, while others are being transported up to 120 miles from their homes to receive the medical treatment they urgently need, senior paediatricians have revealed.
In the last two weeks, at least 17 children with acute illnesses requiring intensive care have had to be transported out of their regions because of a lack of beds. Some paediatric intensive care units, treating the most seriously ill children, are working at 115% of their capacity, such is the level of demand and lack of resources, according to the Paediatric Intensive Care Society. As of Friday night, there were just four beds available in England and one in Belfast. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS paramedics to get pay rises of at least £4,400
NHS paramedics to get pay rises of at least £4,400 About 12,000 workers, including ambulance crews, will move up pay scale with starting salary increasing to £26,302
Paramedics are set for pay rises worth at least £4,400 from the Department of Health and NHS Employers amid trade unions’ concerns that their members were not being paid properly for their life-saving work.
About 12,000 of the health workers – who are trained in emergency medical care and first aid, but not to the level of a qualified doctor – will be affected by the agreement, which will increase starting salaries from £21,909 to £26,302. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Paramedics are set for pay rises worth at least £4,400 from the Department of Health and NHS Employers amid trade unions’ concerns that their members were not being paid properly for their life-saving work.
About 12,000 of the health workers – who are trained in emergency medical care and first aid, but not to the level of a qualified doctor – will be affected by the agreement, which will increase starting salaries from £21,909 to £26,302. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Agreement on paramedic re-banding reached NHS Employers
Council cuts hitting women's contraceptive services, data shows
Council cuts hitting women's contraceptive services, data shows Advisory Group on Contraception warns that reducing sexual health services could lead to a rise in unintended pregnancies and abortions
Clinics offering women contraception are closing or reducing their opening hours in the wake of heavy Whitehall cuts to local councils’ public health budgets, new research has revealed.
One and a half million women of reproductive age live in parts of England where councils have restricted contraception services or are considering doing so, according to data obtained under freedom of information by the Advisory Group on Contraception. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Clinics offering women contraception are closing or reducing their opening hours in the wake of heavy Whitehall cuts to local councils’ public health budgets, new research has revealed.
One and a half million women of reproductive age live in parts of England where councils have restricted contraception services or are considering doing so, according to data obtained under freedom of information by the Advisory Group on Contraception. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Terminally-ill patients being taken to special places of their choice under NHS initiative
Terminally-ill patients being taken to special places of their choice under NHS initiative The End of Life Transport scheme in the north east, gives patients the option to be transported by ambulance, along with a specially-trained crew, to their preferred place to die. The Daily Mail
Superbugs killing more people than breast cancer, trust warns
Superbugs killing more people than breast cancer, trust warns The superbug crisis is killing more patients than breast cancer as the Government is relying on flawed figures which mask the true scale of the problem, health experts have warned.
The Department of Health estimates that 5,000 people die each year due to drug resistance, but Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, claims the true figure is around 12,000.
The number of deaths is rising each year as more bugs that lead to blood poisoning are becoming resistant to antibiotics. The Daily Telegraph
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The Department of Health estimates that 5,000 people die each year due to drug resistance, but Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, claims the true figure is around 12,000.
The number of deaths is rising each year as more bugs that lead to blood poisoning are becoming resistant to antibiotics. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- The UKST Observer The UK Sepsis Trust
- Superbug crisis is killing more people than breast cancer The Daily Mail
'400 kill themselves' after being released from police custody
'400 kill themselves' after being released from police custody The human rights watchdog has found that 400 people killed themselves shortly after being released from police custody in England and Wales in the last seven years, it has been reported.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it had unearthed "serious gaps" in the care of people who had been in custody, with its chairman describing it as "fractured", according to the BBC.
Almost all the deaths happened within 48 hours of release from custody and around a third involved people who had been arrested over allegations of sexual abuse.
The EHRC is said to have urged the Government to consider transferring responsibility for healthcare in police stations to the NHS. The Daily Telegraph
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it had unearthed "serious gaps" in the care of people who had been in custody, with its chairman describing it as "fractured", according to the BBC.
Almost all the deaths happened within 48 hours of release from custody and around a third involved people who had been arrested over allegations of sexual abuse.
The EHRC is said to have urged the Government to consider transferring responsibility for healthcare in police stations to the NHS. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 9 December 2016
Northamptonshire's Sustainability and Transformation Plan published
Northamptonshire's Sustainability and Transformation Plan published Northamptonshire’s health and social care organisations have today published their five year plan to reshape and improve the way that care is delivered within the region.
‘Northamptonshire’s Sustainability And Transformation Plan 2016-2021: How We Will Support Local People To Flourish’ has been produced by Northamptonshire’s NHS and Northamptonshire County Council (NCC). Healthwatch Northamptonshire, Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, the new GP Federations, and other local organisations involved in providing care in the region have all inputted into the development of the proposed plan.
John Wardell, Senior Responsible Officer, Northamptonshire STP Programme and Accountable Officer for Nene Clinical Commissioning Group, explains why this review of the whole health and social care system is necessary.
“We need to work together to ensure that all health and social care services are financially sustainable so that in the future we can continue to deliver high-quality care for the people of Northamptonshire. Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
‘Northamptonshire’s Sustainability And Transformation Plan 2016-2021: How We Will Support Local People To Flourish’ has been produced by Northamptonshire’s NHS and Northamptonshire County Council (NCC). Healthwatch Northamptonshire, Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, the new GP Federations, and other local organisations involved in providing care in the region have all inputted into the development of the proposed plan.
John Wardell, Senior Responsible Officer, Northamptonshire STP Programme and Accountable Officer for Nene Clinical Commissioning Group, explains why this review of the whole health and social care system is necessary.
“We need to work together to ensure that all health and social care services are financially sustainable so that in the future we can continue to deliver high-quality care for the people of Northamptonshire. Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Plea to stay away from A&E this weekend
Plea to stay away from A&E this weekend Huge pressure on Kettering General Hospital’s A&E department has prompted bosses to issue a plea to local people to stay away unless it’s a serious injury or absolute emergency. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The challenge and potential of whole system flow
The challenge and potential of whole system flow Improving the flow of patients, service users, information and resources within and between health and social care organisations can have a crucial role to play in coordinating care around the needs of patients and service users, and driving up service quality and productivity. This report outlines an organising framework and tested methods that local health and social care leaders can use to improve whole system flow. It draws on case studies and other examples of work in this area from across the UK and internationally. Health Foundation
Quality at a cost: QualityWatch annual statement 2016
Quality at a cost: QualityWatch annual statement 2016 This report warns that ongoing pressures on the NHS risk making the health service more vulnerable to serious lapses in care in future, despite achievements in maintaining and improving care quality in important areas. Nuffield Trust
Public Health spending cuts stop health visitors protecting and supporting mothers and babies
Public Health spending cuts stop health visitors protecting and supporting mothers and babies The State of Health Visiting Survey 2016 shows the drastic impact the cuts to the local authority public health budgets are already having on the universal public health services delivered by health visitors. In response, the Institute is calling upon the government to reinvest in public health to protect and support mothers and babies by stopping cuts to the health visiting service by cash-strapped local authorities.
According to the State of Health Visiting survey 2016, 85% of health visitors (HVs) of the 1224 surveyed say their workload has increased over the past two years – with 40% of the increase in workload due to a reduction in the number of health visitors, this is despite the huge investment which went into the service between 2012-15. 16% of HVs reported they now have caseloads of between 500 and 1000 children – the optimum average caseload for safe and effective practice is 250. Most worryingly, this is at a time when 80% of the respondents also report seeing an increase in domestic violence and abuse and perinatal depression in the families they visit. Institute of Health Visiting
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According to the State of Health Visiting survey 2016, 85% of health visitors (HVs) of the 1224 surveyed say their workload has increased over the past two years – with 40% of the increase in workload due to a reduction in the number of health visitors, this is despite the huge investment which went into the service between 2012-15. 16% of HVs reported they now have caseloads of between 500 and 1000 children – the optimum average caseload for safe and effective practice is 250. Most worryingly, this is at a time when 80% of the respondents also report seeing an increase in domestic violence and abuse and perinatal depression in the families they visit. Institute of Health Visiting
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Vomiting bug 'at high level this winter'
Vomiting bug 'at high level this winter' The number of people falling ill with the vomiting bug norovirus in England this winter is at higher than average levels, figures suggest.
Lab testing has revealed there have been 1,704 cases so far - 9% higher than the average seen at this stage in the previous five winters.
This will be a fraction of the total number because it only captures people seeking NHS help.
In hospitals, there have been 100 outbreaks of the bug.
These outbreaks cause hospitals to close down beds and whole wards at what is the busiest time of the year.
According to latest figures, over 850 beds are closed because of norovirus out of a total of 100,000. BBC News
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Lab testing has revealed there have been 1,704 cases so far - 9% higher than the average seen at this stage in the previous five winters.
This will be a fraction of the total number because it only captures people seeking NHS help.
In hospitals, there have been 100 outbreaks of the bug.
These outbreaks cause hospitals to close down beds and whole wards at what is the busiest time of the year.
According to latest figures, over 850 beds are closed because of norovirus out of a total of 100,000. BBC News
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Self-harm hospital admissions of children show 'frightening rise'
Self-harm hospital admissions of children show 'frightening rise' Self-harming was a massive release for Sophie at a difficult time in her life, but she ended up in hospital aged 15 - like thousands of other children in England and Wales.
The children's charity NSPCC says nearly 19,000 children were admitted to hospital after harming themselves last year - a 14% rise over three years.
It called the figures "frightening".
And it said they should be a "wake-up call" to all those who care about the wellbeing of young people. BBC News
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The children's charity NSPCC says nearly 19,000 children were admitted to hospital after harming themselves last year - a 14% rise over three years.
It called the figures "frightening".
And it said they should be a "wake-up call" to all those who care about the wellbeing of young people. BBC News
See also:
- Rise in children hospitalised for self-harm as thousands contact Childline NSPCC
- Childline annual review 2015-16: It turned out someone did careWhat children are contacting Childline about NSPCC
- Self-harm by children rises steeply in England and Wales The Guardian
- I hate that a child has to be at high risk of suicide before we can help The Guardian
- Children's mental health services are struggling. Can teachers help? The Guardian
UK public health experts move to quash e-cigarette fears in wake of US report
UK public health experts move to quash e-cigarette fears in wake of US report UK public health experts have moved to quash fears about the potential dangers of e-cigarettes in the wake of the US Surgeon General’s report setting out the urgent need to curb the rising popularity of vaping among young people in the US.
Clinicians should not be put off from helping smokers to quit or cut their risk of harm by switching to vaping, they insist. OnMedica
Clinicians should not be put off from helping smokers to quit or cut their risk of harm by switching to vaping, they insist. OnMedica
Why the big secret over plans to transform NHS services?
Why the big secret over plans to transform NHS services? Proposed consolidation of neonatal services could be the reason sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) were drawn up without GPs like me
Nine out of 10 GPs have not been consulted about sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) in their area by their CCGs. STPs aim to sustain and transform all NHS services for each of the 44 regions in England and implement the the vision of the five-year forward view with its emphasis on self-care, prevention and collaborative working in large multi-disciplinary organisations. The GPs who have been involved in drawing up these five-year plans have roles on clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and do not necessarily represent the views of their peers. This has generated criticism, particularly from the public and frontline staff who have been kept in the dark, despite many of them trying (and failing) to view the draft plans through several freedom of information requests.
The greatest danger of STPs is that they become the focus not of improvement or innovation but of cost-cutting Continue reading... The Guardian
Nine out of 10 GPs have not been consulted about sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) in their area by their CCGs. STPs aim to sustain and transform all NHS services for each of the 44 regions in England and implement the the vision of the five-year forward view with its emphasis on self-care, prevention and collaborative working in large multi-disciplinary organisations. The GPs who have been involved in drawing up these five-year plans have roles on clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and do not necessarily represent the views of their peers. This has generated criticism, particularly from the public and frontline staff who have been kept in the dark, despite many of them trying (and failing) to view the draft plans through several freedom of information requests.
The greatest danger of STPs is that they become the focus not of improvement or innovation but of cost-cutting Continue reading... The Guardian
One in 14 people now waiting for operations as demand on NHS soars
One in 14 people now waiting for operations as demand on NHS soars NHS England figures show number of people awaiting non-urgent surgery is at highest level since December 2007
Demand for medical care is rising so fast and hospitals are so busy that one in 14 people in England are now waiting to have a non-urgent operation.
NHS England figures released on Thursday show the number of people awaiting hospital treatment reached 3,754,961 in October – the highest level recorded since December 2007. Continue reading... The Guardian
Demand for medical care is rising so fast and hospitals are so busy that one in 14 people in England are now waiting to have a non-urgent operation.
NHS England figures released on Thursday show the number of people awaiting hospital treatment reached 3,754,961 in October – the highest level recorded since December 2007. Continue reading... The Guardian
Number of cancer patients waiting longer than two months for life-saving treatment has DOUBLED in five years
Number of cancer patients waiting longer than two months for life-saving treatment has DOUBLED in five years The number of cancer patients waiting longer than two months for life saving treatment has almost doubled in the last five years.
Patients are meant to be seen within 62 days for treatment once they are diagnosed with cancer.
But the government’s target of treating 85 per cent of cancer patients within two months has been missed every quarter for nearly three years.
Since 2010/11, the number of people waiting longer than two months for cancer treatment has nearly doubled. The Daily Mail
Patients are meant to be seen within 62 days for treatment once they are diagnosed with cancer.
But the government’s target of treating 85 per cent of cancer patients within two months has been missed every quarter for nearly three years.
Since 2010/11, the number of people waiting longer than two months for cancer treatment has nearly doubled. The Daily Mail
Refusing to give IVF to couples who are struggling to conceive is 'unacceptable'
Refusing to give IVF to couples who are struggling to conceive is 'unacceptable' Nicola Blackwood, minister for public health, said she was 'very disappointed' to learn that access to IVF treatment on the NHS has been reduced in some places. The Daily Mail
Swinging sixty-somethings see swell in sexually transmitted diseases
Swinging sixty-somethings see swell in sexually transmitted diseases Sexually transmitted infections are soaring among baby boomers, the country’s most senior doctor has warned, with rising divorce rates and unsafe sex fuelling the surge.
Prof Dame Sally Davies said older women without fear of pregnancy and men who had undergone vasectomies were increasingly putting themselves at risk of infections.
Official figures show a 38 per cent rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in just four years among those aged 50 to 70. The Daily Telegraph
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Prof Dame Sally Davies said older women without fear of pregnancy and men who had undergone vasectomies were increasingly putting themselves at risk of infections.
Official figures show a 38 per cent rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in just four years among those aged 50 to 70. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- News story: Health of the ‘baby boomer’ generation Department of Health
- Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2015 On the State of the Public’s Health Baby Boomers: Fit for the Future Department of Health
- Baby boomers should 'stay in work to keep healthy' BBC News
- STDs have soared 38% in baby boomer according to new study The Daily Mail
- Baby boomers at risk of heart disease and diabetes as 9 in 10 women have too much fat The Daily Mail
- More elderly people being diagnosed with STIs such as chlamydia and genital warts The Independent
Thursday, 8 December 2016
Specialist dementia care village in Northampton will offer residents a cinema, gym and bar if given green-light
Specialist dementia care village in Northampton will offer residents a cinema, gym and bar if given green-light A specialist dementia care village playing host to around 300 flats in Northampton is set to go ahead on the Wootton Hall site in 2018. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
What have we learnt about keeping people safer?
What have we learnt about keeping people safer? Despite the availability of well-evidenced guidance and the best intentions of health and social care staff, there is still an ‘implementation gap’ between what we want to do to keep patients and service users safe and what actually happens in practice. We need to have a better understanding of what sustains this gap and what we can do to narrow it. The King's Fund
Guidance: Improving the mental health of children and young people
Guidance: Improving the mental health of children and young people These reports describe the importance of mental health and wellbeing among children and young people and the case for investment in mental health. They also summarise the evidence of what works to improve mental health among children and young people in order to inform local transformation of services. Public Health England
The frontline battle: an inquiry into the impact of alcohol on emergency services
The frontline battle: an inquiry into the impact of alcohol on emergency services The report reveals the full extent of the pressures and dangers that alcohol related problems place on emergency services. It discusses the impact on staff, the impact on service provisions and the effect on time and resources. It makes recommendations to reduce the demand on emergency services including greater partnership working, price limits on alcohol and greater public education on alcohol harm. All-Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm
Latest experimental statistics about female genital mutilation published
Latest experimental statistics about female genital mutilation published New official figures published today provide experimental statistics on female genital mutilation (FGM) in England, from July 2016 to September 2016. NHS Digital
Midwife units see one in four mums transferred by ambulance to hospital
Midwife units see one in four mums transferred by ambulance to hospital One in four women are transferred from midwife-led units to traditional labour wards after facing complications when giving birth, a BBC investigation finds. BBC News
Some psychosis cases an 'immune disorder'
Some psychosis cases an 'immune disorder' Some patients sectioned with psychotic conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, may actually have a treatable immune disorder, say Oxford University scientists.
A study in the Lancet Psychiatry suggests up to one in 11 cases of psychosis may involve antibodies attacking parts of the brain.
Blood samples were taken from 228 people in a UK-wide trial.
The finding is controversial, but opens up a new way of treating patients. BBC News
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A study in the Lancet Psychiatry suggests up to one in 11 cases of psychosis may involve antibodies attacking parts of the brain.
Blood samples were taken from 228 people in a UK-wide trial.
The finding is controversial, but opens up a new way of treating patients. BBC News
See also:
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