Five HIV patients left 'virus-free' with no need for daily drugs in early vaccine trials A new vaccine-based treatment for HIV has succeeded in suppressing the virus in five patients, raising hopes further research could help prevent Aids without the need for daily drugs.
Researchers combined two innovative HIV vaccines with a drug usually used to treat cancer in the trial, conducted over three years at the IrsiCaixa Aids Research Institute in Barcelona.
After receiving the treatment, the virus was undetectable in five out of 24 participants and its spread was stopped by their immune systems, reported the New Scientist. One of them has been drug-free for seven months. The Independent
Friday, 24 February 2017
The suicidal patient who taught me the value of time
The suicidal patient who taught me the value of time She arrived at A&E in a desperate state. I held her for ages while she sobbed. What happened later made it all worthwhile
The ambulance pulled in but unusually the crew came into the hospital alone. They informed us that a high risk mental health patient was on their way to the department, and was being accompanied by the police. This set alarm bells in my head.
I qualified as a staff nurse a few years previously. We received no mental health training, but we do look after people in real crisis. In my experience patients with severe mental health problems do not usually want to be in A&E. Continue reading... The Guardian
The ambulance pulled in but unusually the crew came into the hospital alone. They informed us that a high risk mental health patient was on their way to the department, and was being accompanied by the police. This set alarm bells in my head.
I qualified as a staff nurse a few years previously. We received no mental health training, but we do look after people in real crisis. In my experience patients with severe mental health problems do not usually want to be in A&E. Continue reading... The Guardian
Kids eat 20 chocolate chip cookies worth of sugar a DAY
Kids eat 20 chocolate chip cookies worth of sugar a DAY Experts say the vast majority of the sugar children eat is hidden in common foods such as cereals and soft drinks, making it hard for parents to control what they consume. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 23 February 2017
‘Teflon’ Jeremy Hunt and the de-politicisation of the NHS
‘Teflon’ Jeremy Hunt and the de-politicisation of the NHS Is Andrew Lansley’s grand reform of the NHS – otherwise known as the 2012 Health and Social Care Act – actually working? Or at least one part of it?
That might seem a truly daft question when the health service is clearly under enormous pressure, with plenty of normally sober people bandying about the word ‘crisis’.
But consider this. The NHS has had its fair share of financial crises before. This time round, however, everyone knows how far and how fast things are deteriorating because these days a plethora of data – about waiting times, delayed discharges, cancelled operations and the like – is published that simply did not exist before. The King's Fund
That might seem a truly daft question when the health service is clearly under enormous pressure, with plenty of normally sober people bandying about the word ‘crisis’.
But consider this. The NHS has had its fair share of financial crises before. This time round, however, everyone knows how far and how fast things are deteriorating because these days a plethora of data – about waiting times, delayed discharges, cancelled operations and the like – is published that simply did not exist before. The King's Fund
Maternal mental health - women’s voices
Maternal mental health - women’s voices The results of a survey of over 2300 women about their experiences of mental health problems during and after pregnancy.
Women have spoken out frankly about their experiences of perinatal mental health problems, engagement with healthcare professionals and the quality of NHS and social care received. The results present a stark picture of how services are letting down some of the most vulnerable women in our society, and provides key recommendations for healthcare professionals, managers, providers, commissioners and policy-makers. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
See also:
Women have spoken out frankly about their experiences of perinatal mental health problems, engagement with healthcare professionals and the quality of NHS and social care received. The results present a stark picture of how services are letting down some of the most vulnerable women in our society, and provides key recommendations for healthcare professionals, managers, providers, commissioners and policy-makers. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
See also:
- Only 7% of women with mental health problems during or after pregnancy referred to specialist care Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- GPs refer 7% of postnatal depression mothers to specialist The Daily Mail
- Large shortfall in mental health care for new mothers, UK survey reveals OnMedica
Reducing admission of full term babies to neonatal units
Reducing admission of full term babies to neonatal units We want to reduce harm leading to avoidable admissions to neonatal units for babies born at or after 37 weeks.
We've identified that over 20% of admissions of full term babies to neonatal units could be avoided. By providing services and staffing models that keep mother and baby together we can reduce the harm caused by separation.
We want all maternity and neonatal services to work together to identify babies whose admission to a neonatal unit could be avoided and to promote understanding of the importance of keeping mother and baby together when safe to do so. NHS Improvement
See also:
We've identified that over 20% of admissions of full term babies to neonatal units could be avoided. By providing services and staffing models that keep mother and baby together we can reduce the harm caused by separation.
We want all maternity and neonatal services to work together to identify babies whose admission to a neonatal unit could be avoided and to promote understanding of the importance of keeping mother and baby together when safe to do so. NHS Improvement
See also:
- Sick newborns should be sent home, NHS report says The Daily Mail
NHS 'rapped' over leaks of A&E data
NHS 'rapped' over leaks of A&E data NHS leaders in England have been asked by the statistics watchdog to rethink current policies that delay publishing official data on accident and emergency waiting times.
This follows two separate leaks to BBC News of A&E data for January, which suggested the worst performance by hospitals since records began.
NHS England and the regulator NHS Improvement have been told by the UK Statistics Authority to review the practice of publishing the data six weeks after collecting it.
Their leaders have been asked to "to determine how you could reduce the time lag in publication". BBC News
This follows two separate leaks to BBC News of A&E data for January, which suggested the worst performance by hospitals since records began.
NHS England and the regulator NHS Improvement have been told by the UK Statistics Authority to review the practice of publishing the data six weeks after collecting it.
Their leaders have been asked to "to determine how you could reduce the time lag in publication". BBC News
Global alliance now needed to drive down obesity, argue experts
Global alliance now needed to drive down obesity, argue experts The UK action plan to curb the rise in childhood obesity is “severely limited,” and a global alliance of health bodies is now needed to get results, argue experts in an analysis* published in The BMJ today. OnMedica
Five-a-day becomes 10-a-day as scientists urge people to eat more fruit and vegetables
Five-a-day becomes 10-a-day as scientists urge people to eat more fruit and vegetables Increasing the portions of fruit and vegetables consumed each day from five to 10 could significantly reduce a person's risk of heart disease and cancer, a new study has found.
While eating the recommended five a day still helps reduce disease risk, the highest benefits are seen when people consume double that, researchers found.
The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, also identified which fruit and vegetables provided the greatest protection against disease. The Independent
While eating the recommended five a day still helps reduce disease risk, the highest benefits are seen when people consume double that, researchers found.
The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, also identified which fruit and vegetables provided the greatest protection against disease. The Independent
Thousands of doctors trained in Europe 'may quit UK after Brexit'
Thousands of doctors trained in Europe 'may quit UK after Brexit' BMA warns of impending ‘disaster’ as its research shows 40% of doctors who qualified in EEA may leave because they feel less welcome
About 12,000 doctors trained in European countries could quit the UK because they feel less welcome following the Brexit vote, according to a survey of overseas medics.
About two in five doctors who qualified in European Economic Area countries are considering leaving the UK in light of the referendum result, research by the British Medical Association reveals. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
About 12,000 doctors trained in European countries could quit the UK because they feel less welcome following the Brexit vote, according to a survey of overseas medics.
About two in five doctors who qualified in European Economic Area countries are considering leaving the UK in light of the referendum result, research by the British Medical Association reveals. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
GPs miss chances to save the life of victims of domestic abuse
GPs miss chances to save the life of victims of domestic abuse More than 400 people were murdered by partners or ex-partners in three years in England and Wales. Report says doctors fail to spot those at risk
GPs are missing vital opportunities to intervene and potentially save the lives of people experiencing domestic abuse, a leading charity has warned.
Two women are murdered every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. The latest crime statistics show that 332 women and 78 men were killed by their partners or ex-partners between March 2012 and March 2015. An analysis of 24 domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) from murders committed over the same period show that in more than half of the cases examined, doctors missed vital opportunities to identify risks and seek help for the victim.
In one case the offender rang the surgery requesting a home visit for an injection to 'put [the victim] to sleep' Continue reading... The Guardian
GPs are missing vital opportunities to intervene and potentially save the lives of people experiencing domestic abuse, a leading charity has warned.
Two women are murdered every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. The latest crime statistics show that 332 women and 78 men were killed by their partners or ex-partners between March 2012 and March 2015. An analysis of 24 domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) from murders committed over the same period show that in more than half of the cases examined, doctors missed vital opportunities to identify risks and seek help for the victim.
In one case the offender rang the surgery requesting a home visit for an injection to 'put [the victim] to sleep' Continue reading... The Guardian
Rising numbers turn to alcohol to get a good night's rest
Rising numbers turn to alcohol to get a good night's rest A quarter of adults say they drink alcohol before nodding off, up from 16 per cent four years ago, according to a survey of 5,002 British men and women. The Daily Mail
Obese patients denied surgery and told to exercise instead
Obese patients denied surgery and told to exercise instead A cost-cutting scheme being imposed by two health trusts in Cheshire will refuse the operations to anyone with a body mass index above 35. The Daily Mail
Warn gym users about steroid risks, says watchdog
Warn gym users about steroid risks, says watchdog Gym owners should warn their customers not to use dangerous steroids in a bid to stem the rise of body-enhancing drug abuse fuelled by “selfie” culture, health experts have said.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence wants gyms to actively “target people who are taking, or considering taking, image and performance-enhancing drugs”.
The newly published guidance is part of an effort to crack down on the spiralling abuse of anabolic steroids, which crime analysts believe are taken by more than 60,000 people a year. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence wants gyms to actively “target people who are taking, or considering taking, image and performance-enhancing drugs”.
The newly published guidance is part of an effort to crack down on the spiralling abuse of anabolic steroids, which crime analysts believe are taken by more than 60,000 people a year. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Local authorities need to work together with nightclubs and gyms to prevent drug misuse National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
C4 picks up “Confessions of a Junior Doctor”
C4 picks up “Confessions of a Junior Doctor” UK network Channel 4 has picked up the docuseries Confessions of a Junior Doctor—a show that follows a group of young doctors trying to cope with the pressures of their profession in the National Health Service.
Filmed over four months in Northampton General Hospital, the series follows the staff that serve the local population that is increasing, but has little additional support for beds or more doctors.
The staff of 210 junior doctors ranges from first-year recruits, straight out of medical school, to senior registrars on the verge of becoming consultants trying to manage their work-life balance. Realscreen
Filmed over four months in Northampton General Hospital, the series follows the staff that serve the local population that is increasing, but has little additional support for beds or more doctors.
The staff of 210 junior doctors ranges from first-year recruits, straight out of medical school, to senior registrars on the verge of becoming consultants trying to manage their work-life balance. Realscreen
Winter Insight: NHS 111 An analysis of how NHS 111 has fared, especially over the winter period
Winter Insight: NHS 111 An analysis of how NHS 111 has fared, especially over the winter period The proportion of callers being dispatched from NHS 111 to emergency services over the last three years has risen. There has been a particular rise in the share of people who are passed to ambulances.
There is great variability between different areas in how likely NHS 111 is to send people to A&E or the ambulance service. This might suggest that some areas are too likely, or not likely enough, to send people to emergency services. NHS 111 is also more likely to dispatch an ambulance than to simply send people to A&E – which is the reverse of the usual pattern of NHS use. This lends credence to claims that the service is too risk-averse in some cases. The Nuffield Trust
See also:
There is great variability between different areas in how likely NHS 111 is to send people to A&E or the ambulance service. This might suggest that some areas are too likely, or not likely enough, to send people to emergency services. NHS 111 is also more likely to dispatch an ambulance than to simply send people to A&E – which is the reverse of the usual pattern of NHS use. This lends credence to claims that the service is too risk-averse in some cases. The Nuffield Trust
See also:
- 111 phoneline sends extra 50,000 patients a month to hospital The Daily Telegraph
- 'Risk-averse' NHS 111 sends more callers to A&E than previous service The Guardian
Social care funding (England)
Social care funding (England) This paper examines the key funding pressures facing adult social care services in England and evidence of the impacts of these pressures on social care and health services. The paper explains the additional funding for adult social care that the government has made available through the social care precept, improved Better Care Fund and adult social care support grant. The paper also discusses stakeholder concerns about a growing social care ‘funding gap’, and calls for a comprehensive review of the long-term sustainability of social care. House of Commons Library
How far into the red will the NHS sink?
How far into the red will the NHS sink? Call it overspending, underfunding or deficits, the latest news from NHS Improvement involves plenty of red ink on the books of hospitals and other trusts.
And the picture is worse than it looked last November, which will lead to speculation that NHS finances in England are close to being out of control.
As recently as November, Jim Mackey, head of the regulator NHS Improvement, was saying that trusts in England would run up a total deficit of £580m for the full financial year.
Now that has been revised up to a range of £750m to £850m. That will hardly win him many friends at the Department of Health where ministers are anxious to demonstrate that a tighter grip has been applied to the NHS purse strings.
So what's changed? BBC News
And the picture is worse than it looked last November, which will lead to speculation that NHS finances in England are close to being out of control.
As recently as November, Jim Mackey, head of the regulator NHS Improvement, was saying that trusts in England would run up a total deficit of £580m for the full financial year.
Now that has been revised up to a range of £750m to £850m. That will hardly win him many friends at the Department of Health where ministers are anxious to demonstrate that a tighter grip has been applied to the NHS purse strings.
So what's changed? BBC News
Our entire country is in denial about the NHS, including Philip Hammond
Our entire country is in denial about the NHS, including Philip Hammond As a society we’re in denial about this necessary trade-off between the rising demand for healthcare and the rates of tax we’re prepared to bear. The Independent
Tens of thousands of British pensioners in EU countries 'face healthcare limbo after Brexit'
Tens of thousands of British pensioners in EU countries 'face healthcare limbo after Brexit' Hundreds of thousands of elderly British people living in EU countries could find themselves in a “very difficult situation” if they fall ill after Brexit.
The lack of reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and EU countries such as Spain, which is home to more than 100,000 British pensioners, risks leaving patients who cannot afford private treatment in limbo, heard the Health Select Committee.
UK citizens who have lived abroad for many years are not eligible for NHS care, so they would not be able to return temporarily to Britain for treatment, said Jean McHale, professor of health law at the University of Birmingham. The Independent
The lack of reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and EU countries such as Spain, which is home to more than 100,000 British pensioners, risks leaving patients who cannot afford private treatment in limbo, heard the Health Select Committee.
UK citizens who have lived abroad for many years are not eligible for NHS care, so they would not be able to return temporarily to Britain for treatment, said Jean McHale, professor of health law at the University of Birmingham. The Independent
Britons 'bumped off' EU medical research grant applications, MPs told
Britons 'bumped off' EU medical research grant applications, MPs told Committee hears Brexit prompting move by European colleagues, while UK position would be threatened by no access to ERC
British medical researchers are being removed from applications for EU research grants by European colleagues because of Brexit, a MPs have been told.
Prof David Lomas, representing UK university hospitals, told MPs that Britain’s position at the forefront of medial advancement was threatened were it no longer able to access the European Research Council, one of the world’s leading funders of scientific research. Continue reading... The Guardian
British medical researchers are being removed from applications for EU research grants by European colleagues because of Brexit, a MPs have been told.
Prof David Lomas, representing UK university hospitals, told MPs that Britain’s position at the forefront of medial advancement was threatened were it no longer able to access the European Research Council, one of the world’s leading funders of scientific research. Continue reading... The Guardian
Don’t blame GPs for NHS crisis. Blame chronic cuts to social care
Don’t blame GPs for NHS crisis. Blame chronic cuts to social care Increasing our working hours will not stop hospital trolley queues. Only the proper funding of care for older people will do that
The ongoing A&E crisis has shifted attention on to GPs. We are being blamed for being less accessible (with appointments hard to get or surgeries not being open for long enough), while A&E is open 24/7 and therefore faces unchecked demand. Continue reading... The Guardian
The ongoing A&E crisis has shifted attention on to GPs. We are being blamed for being less accessible (with appointments hard to get or surgeries not being open for long enough), while A&E is open 24/7 and therefore faces unchecked demand. Continue reading... The Guardian
Men close the life expectancy gap on women by ditching drink and cigarettes and embracing a healthier lifestyle
Men close the life expectancy gap on women by ditching drink and cigarettes and embracing a healthier lifestyle British men are closing the life expectancy gap on women by living healthier lifestyles, a study by Imperial College London and the World Health Organisation has found.
Researchers found that men born in 2030 are expected to live until they are 82.5 years old, and women until 85.3 - a gap of 2.8 years.
This is down from a gap of four years for Britons born in 2010 - men born at the start of the decade are expected to live until 78.3 and women until 82.3.
The change is thought to be a result of the growing similarity in men's and women's lifestyles, with men no longer fulfilling the stereotype of heavy drinking and smoking. The Daily Telegraph
Researchers found that men born in 2030 are expected to live until they are 82.5 years old, and women until 85.3 - a gap of 2.8 years.
This is down from a gap of four years for Britons born in 2010 - men born at the start of the decade are expected to live until 78.3 and women until 82.3.
The change is thought to be a result of the growing similarity in men's and women's lifestyles, with men no longer fulfilling the stereotype of heavy drinking and smoking. The Daily Telegraph
Top NHS doctor 'investigated by police' and forbidden from contacting patients
Top NHS doctor 'investigated by police' and forbidden from contacting patients One of the most powerful figures in the NHS is reportedly being investigated by police and has been told not to have any contact with patients.
Dr Jonathan Fielden, who is the national deputy medical director and director of specialised commissioning, has not been at work since January, according to the Health Service Journal. The Daily Telegraph
Dr Jonathan Fielden, who is the national deputy medical director and director of specialised commissioning, has not been at work since January, according to the Health Service Journal. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 21 February 2017
NHS IN CRISIS: ‘Stroke patients will have to travel further to fewer hospitals in future’
NHS IN CRISIS: ‘Stroke patients will have to travel further to fewer hospitals in future’ Many of the plans to shake up services in the NHS and change the way of working talk about having specialised services - but campaigners fear this may mean patients travelling further to fewer hospitals. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Delivering sustainability and transformation plans From ambitious proposals to credible plans
Delivering sustainability and transformation plans From ambitious proposals to credible plans This report examines the content of the 44 sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) that were submitted in October 2016. STPs are the main vehicle for transforming health and care services in England in line with the NHS five year forward view. The report discusses the main challenges that lie ahead in implementing STPs and realising the opportunities they identify. The King's Fund
See also:
See also:
- Politicians must be prepared to back NHS plans The King's Fund
- What next for sustainability and transformation plans? The King's Fund
- Close A&E and maternity units to save NHS, says think-tank The Daily Mail
- Politicians must not 'collude' to stop closures of unsafe hospital services The Daily Telegraph
State of the health system: beds in the NHS
State of the health system: beds in the NHS This paper presents NHS bed data from across the UK and it examines the causes and consequences of bed pressures within the health system. The report finds that in England, average bed availability has decreased over the past thirty years, with mental health beds seeing a large decline. It also finds that over the past five years, average bed occupancy rates have increased, even in areas such as day beds where the number of beds has increased but the demand has also increased as well. British Medical Association
Hospital cuts planned in most of England
Hospital cuts planned in most of England Hospital services in nearly two-thirds of England could be cut or scaled back, BBC analysis of local plans shows.
The proposals have been made by NHS bosses as part of a national programme to transform the health service and save money across 44 different areas.
The BBC found 28 affect hospital care, from full closures to centralising services such as accident and emergency and stroke care on fewer sites.
Ministers argue patients will receive better care in the community. BBC News
The proposals have been made by NHS bosses as part of a national programme to transform the health service and save money across 44 different areas.
The BBC found 28 affect hospital care, from full closures to centralising services such as accident and emergency and stroke care on fewer sites.
Ministers argue patients will receive better care in the community. BBC News
Speeding up the search for life-saving medicines
Speeding up the search for life-saving medicines Developing a drug from a promising molecule to a potential life-saver can take more than a decade and cost billions of dollars.
Speeding this process up - without compromising on safety or efficacy - would seem to be in everyone's interests.
And cloud computing is helping to do just that. BBC News
Speeding this process up - without compromising on safety or efficacy - would seem to be in everyone's interests.
And cloud computing is helping to do just that. BBC News
NHS crisis continues as fifth of hospitals on high alert for half of 2017 to date
NHS crisis continues as fifth of hospitals on high alert for half of 2017 to date A fifth of hospital trusts in England have reported a high-level alert - warning of extreme pressure affecting patient care - on 50% of days in 2017 to date or more, GPonline analysis of NHS data reveals.
Smoking cessation services face cuts
Smoking cessation services face cuts Smoking cessation services are being hit as cash-strapped local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) look to save money. Evidence obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by The Observer reveals that an increasing number of CCGs have been instructing GPs to stop providing the services with many CCGs arguing it is no longer their responsibility as local authorities are now responsible for public health. OnMedica
NHS trusts post 'unsustainable' £886m third-quarter deficit
NHS trusts post 'unsustainable' £886m third-quarter deficit Shortfall in England, attributed to extra pressure on NHS over winter, is £300m over target for end of financial year
NHS trusts in England posted a deficit of £886m at the end of the third quarter, £300m more than the target for the end of this financial year.
NHS Improvement (NHSI), which published the figures on Monday, predicts a year-end deficit of £750m-£850m, much higher than the £580m previously described as the highest figure the health service could afford without risking major financial problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
NHS trusts in England posted a deficit of £886m at the end of the third quarter, £300m more than the target for the end of this financial year.
NHS Improvement (NHSI), which published the figures on Monday, predicts a year-end deficit of £750m-£850m, much higher than the £580m previously described as the highest figure the health service could afford without risking major financial problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Worrying figures highlight how serious NHS financial position is The King's Fund
- NHS trusts overspent by nearly £900m BBC News
- NHS hospitals overspend by nearly £300m The Daily Mail
- NHS blames 'winter pressures' as trusts report deficit of £886m in nine months The Independent
- NHS set to miss target deficit cuts by over £300m OnMedica
NHS admin staff keep services running - but we're being hit by cuts
NHS admin staff keep services running - but we're being hit by cuts Computers take 20 minutes to boot up and we run stationery orders by executive level staff; things are getting worse
Secretaries, waiting list and medical records clerks, clinical audit facilitators, business analysts and IT technicians and other support staff pull together to keep essential lifesaving NHS services running smoothly. To a staff nurse, the help of a ward clerk to retrieve a patient’s medical history can be just as crucial as that of a senior consultant. Data quality officers ensuring patients are properly admitted and discharged on computer systems can have an immeasurable impact on the management of bed capacity.
Yet those of us in NHS support services work in less-than-ideal circumstances. I work in an office that is a converted ward. Save for wheeling out most of the medical equipment, it remains an abandoned clinical area. I’m always wary when manoeuvring around our cramped kitchenette – imagine the embarrassment of accidentally leaning on one of the emergency call buttons and having the rapid response CPR team come crashing in. Continue reading... The Guardian
Secretaries, waiting list and medical records clerks, clinical audit facilitators, business analysts and IT technicians and other support staff pull together to keep essential lifesaving NHS services running smoothly. To a staff nurse, the help of a ward clerk to retrieve a patient’s medical history can be just as crucial as that of a senior consultant. Data quality officers ensuring patients are properly admitted and discharged on computer systems can have an immeasurable impact on the management of bed capacity.
Yet those of us in NHS support services work in less-than-ideal circumstances. I work in an office that is a converted ward. Save for wheeling out most of the medical equipment, it remains an abandoned clinical area. I’m always wary when manoeuvring around our cramped kitchenette – imagine the embarrassment of accidentally leaning on one of the emergency call buttons and having the rapid response CPR team come crashing in. Continue reading... The Guardian
Paramedics 'tampered with trackers' to avoid 999 calls at a scandal-hit NHS trust
Paramedics 'tampered with trackers' to avoid 999 calls at a scandal-hit NHS trust Paramedics at a scandal-hit NHS trust are accused of switching off ambulance tracking devices so they could avoid responding to 999 calls.
At least ten ambulance workers are under investigation for deliberate tampering with the trackers, so they could disappear for up to three hours at a time, putting patients at risk.
The revelations came as the current head of South East Coast Ambulance Service trust stood down in the wake of allegations that he was among those found responsible for bullying. The Daily Telegraph
At least ten ambulance workers are under investigation for deliberate tampering with the trackers, so they could disappear for up to three hours at a time, putting patients at risk.
The revelations came as the current head of South East Coast Ambulance Service trust stood down in the wake of allegations that he was among those found responsible for bullying. The Daily Telegraph
Does a Biomedical Research Centre Affect Patient Care in Local Hospitals?
Does a Biomedical Research Centre Affect Patient Care in Local Hospitals? Biomedical research can have impacts on patient care at research-active hospitals. We qualitatively evaluated the impact of the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (Oxford BRC), a university-hospital partnership, on the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare in local hospitals.
The study was based around 17 interviews with leaders of the Oxford BRC’s research, and 19 interviews with senior clinicians responsible for patient care at Oxford’s acute hospitals to discover what impacts they observed from research generally and from Oxford BRC’s research work specifically.
We compared and contrasted the results from the two sets of interviews, and identified themes emerging from the senior clinicians’ responses. We also compared them with an existing taxonomy of mechanisms through which quality of healthcare may be affected in research-active settings.
The research leaders identified a wide range of beneficial impacts that they expected might be felt at local hospitals as a result of their research activity. They expected the impact of their research activity on patient care to be generally positive. Office for Health Economics
The study was based around 17 interviews with leaders of the Oxford BRC’s research, and 19 interviews with senior clinicians responsible for patient care at Oxford’s acute hospitals to discover what impacts they observed from research generally and from Oxford BRC’s research work specifically.
We compared and contrasted the results from the two sets of interviews, and identified themes emerging from the senior clinicians’ responses. We also compared them with an existing taxonomy of mechanisms through which quality of healthcare may be affected in research-active settings.
The research leaders identified a wide range of beneficial impacts that they expected might be felt at local hospitals as a result of their research activity. They expected the impact of their research activity on patient care to be generally positive. Office for Health Economics
Monday, 20 February 2017
MP to raise NHS funding with Northants health bosses
MP to raise NHS funding with Northants health bosses A Northamptonshire MP says he will be talking to health bosses about the concerns raised by our series of NHS reports. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS IN CRISIS: Health service must not rely on ‘nursing on the cheap’
NHS IN CRISIS: Health service must not rely on ‘nursing on the cheap’ The NHS must not be forced to rely on ‘nursing on the cheap’ as vacancies of fully-qualified staff mount and trainees on cheaper and quicker courses are brought in, the Royal College of Nursing has warned. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Great NHS Gamble: Northampton trial scheme cannot become excuse for ‘nursing on the cheap’ Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS finances on the brink
NHS finances on the brink Is the spectre of an NHS – and Department of Health – overspend once again haunting the corridors of power?
It was not supposed to. Back in December 2015, NHS Planning Guidance established two firewalls to prevent this. The first was the £1.8 billion Sustainability and Transformation Fund (STF), which aimed to reduce the net NHS provider deficit to zero. The second was a 1 per cent topslice of NHS commissioner budgets, which created an £800 million contingency to be used to mop up any remaining overspends. Concern back then was less about 2016/17 and more about the years to follow when the growth in NHS spending was (and still is) expected to flatline.
However, both firewalls are looking shaky. On the provider side, the target net deficit has drifted up over the year, from £250 million at the time of the NHS financial reset to £580 million. We will find out the position at the end of Quarter 3 when NHS Improvement publishes its latest update next week, but their chief executive, Jim Mackey, has already confirmed that the £580 million target will not be met. The King's Fund
It was not supposed to. Back in December 2015, NHS Planning Guidance established two firewalls to prevent this. The first was the £1.8 billion Sustainability and Transformation Fund (STF), which aimed to reduce the net NHS provider deficit to zero. The second was a 1 per cent topslice of NHS commissioner budgets, which created an £800 million contingency to be used to mop up any remaining overspends. Concern back then was less about 2016/17 and more about the years to follow when the growth in NHS spending was (and still is) expected to flatline.
However, both firewalls are looking shaky. On the provider side, the target net deficit has drifted up over the year, from £250 million at the time of the NHS financial reset to £580 million. We will find out the position at the end of Quarter 3 when NHS Improvement publishes its latest update next week, but their chief executive, Jim Mackey, has already confirmed that the £580 million target will not be met. The King's Fund
Reducing hospital admissions by improving continuity of care in general practice
Reducing hospital admissions by improving continuity of care in general practice Continuity of care is an aspect of general practice valued by patients and GPs alike. However, it seems to be in decline in England.
Our analysis, published in The BMJ and summarised in this briefing, looks at the link between continuity of care and hospital admissions for older patients in England. We looked specifically at admissions for conditions that could potentially be prevented through effective treatment in primary care.
We found there to be fewer hospital admissions – both elective and emergency – for these conditions for patients who experience higher continuity of care (ie those who see the same GP a greater proportion of the time). Controlling for patient characteristics, we estimate that if patients saw their most frequently seen GP two more times out of every 10 consultations, this would be associated with a 6% decrease in admissions. The Health Foundation
Our analysis, published in The BMJ and summarised in this briefing, looks at the link between continuity of care and hospital admissions for older patients in England. We looked specifically at admissions for conditions that could potentially be prevented through effective treatment in primary care.
We found there to be fewer hospital admissions – both elective and emergency – for these conditions for patients who experience higher continuity of care (ie those who see the same GP a greater proportion of the time). Controlling for patient characteristics, we estimate that if patients saw their most frequently seen GP two more times out of every 10 consultations, this would be associated with a 6% decrease in admissions. The Health Foundation
Trade Union Act 2016 becomes law
Trade Union Act 2016 becomes law Regulations setting out the details of the types of occupations and services deemed 'important' for strike balloting. NHS Employers
Council tax to rise while services cut, says LGA
Council tax to rise while services cut, says LGA Council leaders are warning of deep cuts to services despite nearly every local authority in England planning to raise council tax in 2017.
Increases of up to 4.99% are expected across the country, but libraries, bin collections and other services will still face funding gaps.
The Local Government Association says the cost of care for increasing numbers of elderly people is forcing up bills. BBC News
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Increases of up to 4.99% are expected across the country, but libraries, bin collections and other services will still face funding gaps.
The Local Government Association says the cost of care for increasing numbers of elderly people is forcing up bills. BBC News
See also:
- Nearly every council in the country to hike council tax to fund social care The Daily Telegraph
Should you pay to see a GP to ease financial pressure?
Should you pay to see a GP to ease financial pressure? Brits in one place do just that - but critics say it can deter people from seeking help. BBC News
More than 10m GP appointments lost to DNAs each year, warns GPC
More than 10m GP appointments lost to DNAs each year, warns GPC GP leaders estimate that over 10m appointments are lost each year across England because patients do not attend (DNA). GP Online
NHS royal commission should assess long-term future, says Lord Saatchi
NHS royal commission should assess long-term future, says Lord Saatchi Tory peer says inquiry could ‘detoxify reforms that otherwise may be too politically dangerous to pursue’
A royal commission should be set up to examine the long-term future of the National Health Service, a senior Tory peer has said.
Former Conservative chairman Lord Saatchi said a commission could take the issue out of politics and “detoxify” any changes that needed to be made. Continue reading... The Guardian
A royal commission should be set up to examine the long-term future of the National Health Service, a senior Tory peer has said.
Former Conservative chairman Lord Saatchi said a commission could take the issue out of politics and “detoxify” any changes that needed to be made. Continue reading... The Guardian
Charities call for NHS to stop rationing critical care
Charities call for NHS to stop rationing critical care PM urged to find more money in budget for patients with rare and complex conditions
Theresa May has been urged by charity chiefs to stop the NHS rationing treatment for seriously ill patients and to find more money for their care in the budget next month.
About 30 health charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, National AIDS Trust and Motor Neurone Disease Association, have raised the alarm about NHS England “restricting and rationing treatment” because of underfunding, especially for patients with rare and complex conditions. The groups from the Specialised Healthcare Alliance said this rationing is taking place without sufficient public scrutiny. Continue reading... The Guardian
Theresa May has been urged by charity chiefs to stop the NHS rationing treatment for seriously ill patients and to find more money for their care in the budget next month.
About 30 health charities, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, National AIDS Trust and Motor Neurone Disease Association, have raised the alarm about NHS England “restricting and rationing treatment” because of underfunding, especially for patients with rare and complex conditions. The groups from the Specialised Healthcare Alliance said this rationing is taking place without sufficient public scrutiny. Continue reading... The Guardian
The £2billion epidemic of waste in the NHS
The £2billion epidemic of waste in the NHS The Royal Berkshire in Reading almost paid £855 for a simple blackout blind. Some hospitals have been paying twice as much for loo roll as others. Several had to ditch pricey drugs because of faulty fridges. The Daily Mail
NHS pays bonus for staff standing up
NHS pays bonus for staff standing up Managers at Bedford Hospital NHS Trust are urging workers to stand up after an hour has passed to promote healthier lifestyles. The trust will be paid an extra £900k a year for promoting wellbeing. BBC News
NHS Breaking point now 'the norm', says BMA, as bed reductions revealed
NHS Breaking point now 'the norm', says BMA, as bed reductions revealed Breaking point is becoming “the norm” for the NHS, with 15,000 beds cut from hospitals in the space of six years.
The fall amounts to one in ten beds being lost, and has prompted warnings about patient safety amid rising pressure on the health service.
The British Medical Association yesterday said that the decrease in beds was directly contributing to long waits in crowded A&E departments.
The warning comes after three quarters of hospitals last month reported dangerously high occupancy rates of 95 per cent, even though managers are told to aim for a rate of 85 per cent to leave a safe margin of beds to cope with surges of patient demand. The Daily Telegraph
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The fall amounts to one in ten beds being lost, and has prompted warnings about patient safety amid rising pressure on the health service.
The British Medical Association yesterday said that the decrease in beds was directly contributing to long waits in crowded A&E departments.
The warning comes after three quarters of hospitals last month reported dangerously high occupancy rates of 95 per cent, even though managers are told to aim for a rate of 85 per cent to leave a safe margin of beds to cope with surges of patient demand. The Daily Telegraph
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Friday, 17 February 2017
Digital monitoring equipment for the long-term ill and elderly to be increased in Northamptonshire
Digital monitoring equipment for the long-term ill and elderly to be increased in Northamptonshire Plans to extend the use of home monitoring technology for Northamptonshire’s adults in care will help prevent hundreds of hospital visits - a council chief claims - though opponents of “telecare” fear the new technology is a savings driver. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- NHS IN CRISIS: Don’t get ill or head online to save NHS millions say health bosses Northamptonshire Telegraph
Read all about it: media coverage of NHS rationing
Read all about it: media coverage of NHS rationing ‘NHS spending… back to the 50s’
‘Hip operations banned if you can sleep: NHS bids to save millions with a new pain threshold test as it rules out surgeries on those deemed too fat’
‘Referral centres cause 'dangerous' NHS delays’
This is just a tiny sample of the NHS-related headlines in newspapers this winter. The health service is a source of public interest and media scrutiny regardless of the economic and political context, but the spotlight has intensified over recent weeks as pressures have deepened. As part of the work for our forthcoming report on NHS financial pressures, we examined how the media have reported on NHS pressures in recent years by looking at coverage of the controversial and sometimes highly emotive term ‘rationing’. The King's Fund
‘Hip operations banned if you can sleep: NHS bids to save millions with a new pain threshold test as it rules out surgeries on those deemed too fat’
‘Referral centres cause 'dangerous' NHS delays’
This is just a tiny sample of the NHS-related headlines in newspapers this winter. The health service is a source of public interest and media scrutiny regardless of the economic and political context, but the spotlight has intensified over recent weeks as pressures have deepened. As part of the work for our forthcoming report on NHS financial pressures, we examined how the media have reported on NHS pressures in recent years by looking at coverage of the controversial and sometimes highly emotive term ‘rationing’. The King's Fund
Pioneering venture launched to help solve ‘capital finance conundrum’
Pioneering venture launched to help solve ‘capital finance conundrum’ A pioneering new initiative is set to radically transform NHS organisations’ ability to tap into local economic opportunities.
The Local Growth Academy, an exciting cross-sectoral venture, has been launched to help NHS organisations understand how to access the new and emerging finance mechanisms determining local infrastructure planning.
With capital finance severely constrained yet critical to realising the ambitions of local plans, the Local Growth Academy aims to build NHS organisations’ capacity to maximise their contribution and involvement in local developments. NHS Confederation
The Local Growth Academy, an exciting cross-sectoral venture, has been launched to help NHS organisations understand how to access the new and emerging finance mechanisms determining local infrastructure planning.
With capital finance severely constrained yet critical to realising the ambitions of local plans, the Local Growth Academy aims to build NHS organisations’ capacity to maximise their contribution and involvement in local developments. NHS Confederation
Retirement on hold: supporting older carers
Retirement on hold: supporting older carers This report gives an insight into the experiences of older carers and highlights the need for greater support for these unpaid carers. Some of the key issues that are highlighted include the health of older carers and the use of personal finances to support care needs. Carers Trust
Saving STPs: achieving meaningful health and social care reform
Saving STPs: achieving meaningful health and social care reform This report identifies three key barriers to STPs being successfully implemented and outlines a series of changes to overcome these barriers. It argues that engagement with the plans are dominated by CCGs and NHS providers with input from other parties limited. It also finds that mixed messages regarding the focus of STPs from national bodies and a lack of leadership have left STPs struggling with the challenges of reform and implementation.Reform
NHS Wi-Fi launched in GP surgeries
NHS Wi-Fi launched in GP surgeries More than five million patients will be able to access free to use Wi-Fi in early adopter GP practices, enabling them to link in with local health clinics and services and paving the way for future developments in digital patient care. NHS Digital
Doctors use virtual reality to prepare children for scans
Doctors use virtual reality to prepare children for scans Doctors have started using virtual reality to help children overcome their fear of MRI scanners in hospitals.
Although not dangerous, the scanners are very loud and some people don't like being in very small spaces.
Doctors at King's College Hospital in London have been using VR to reassure patients facing MRI scans before they experience the real thing. BBC News
Although not dangerous, the scanners are very loud and some people don't like being in very small spaces.
Doctors at King's College Hospital in London have been using VR to reassure patients facing MRI scans before they experience the real thing. BBC News
Over 1,000 GPs registered with mental health support service
Over 1,000 GPs registered with mental health support service More than 1,000 patients have registered with an app for the GP Health Service, launched earlier this year to help GPs facing depression, burnout, addiction and other mental health issues. GP Online
Approaches to integrated care ‘too top down’, says health alliance
Approaches to integrated care ‘too top down’, says health alliance Approaches to integrating health and social care have been “too top down”, while insufficient emphasis has been placed on rebuilding shattered community trust, contends the New NHS Alliance.
The recent report on health and social care integration, published by spending watchdog the National Audit Office, has bought into sharp focus just how important it is for organisations across health and social care to work more closely and cohesively together for the benefit of local communities and patients, it says. OnMedica
The recent report on health and social care integration, published by spending watchdog the National Audit Office, has bought into sharp focus just how important it is for organisations across health and social care to work more closely and cohesively together for the benefit of local communities and patients, it says. OnMedica
Revealed: the NHS plan to close, consolidate or ‘reshape’ 11 maternity units
Revealed: the NHS plan to close, consolidate or ‘reshape’ 11 maternity units Eleven maternity and neonatal units across England face closure, consolidation or ‘reshaping’ under plans to transform obstetrics care in the NHS. i’s investigation into proposals to remodel the health service in order to plug a £22 billion hole by 2021 reveals major changes across England. iNews
Web chemists fuel superbugs crisis by selling antibiotics
Web chemists fuel superbugs crisis by selling antibiotics Scientists at Imperial College London found that antibiotics were illegally available without prescription on 45 per cent of the first 20 online pharmacy websites they looked at. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- Online access to antibiotics undermines GPs' hard work to tackle AMR, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
Care cuts may have fuelled largest rise in death rates for 50 years
Care cuts may have fuelled largest rise in death rates for 50 years Cuts to social care budgets and the “widespread failure” of NHS services may have fuelled the biggest rise in death rates for 50 years, research by Oxford University suggests.
The study said an “unprecedented” spike in mortality - with 30,000 excess deaths in 2015 - could be linked to budget reductions for councils, and a rapid deterioration in performance by health services.
Researchers said increases in death rates were likely to continue, with recent levels the highest they have been for three years, without “urgent intervention” to boost funding for health and social care.
But the Department of Health last night disputed the findings, accusing report authors of “personal bias” and ignoring regular fluctuations. The Daily Telegraph
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The study said an “unprecedented” spike in mortality - with 30,000 excess deaths in 2015 - could be linked to budget reductions for councils, and a rapid deterioration in performance by health services.
Researchers said increases in death rates were likely to continue, with recent levels the highest they have been for three years, without “urgent intervention” to boost funding for health and social care.
But the Department of Health last night disputed the findings, accusing report authors of “personal bias” and ignoring regular fluctuations. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Why has mortality in England and Wales been increasing? An iterative demographic analysis (open access) Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
- What caused the spike in mortality in England and Wales in January 2015? (open access) Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
- Health cuts most likely cause of major rise in mortality, study claims The Guardian
Thursday, 16 February 2017
Experiences of pregnancy, birth and onwards: The views of parents about services and support in Northamptonshire
Experiences of pregnancy, birth and onwards: The views of parents about services and support in Northamptonshire In March 2016 77 parents with infants or young children were asked their views on the help and support they received during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. The survey was designed to give a ‘snapshot’ of what parents thought of the available services, their overall experience during this period and their mental health and wellbeing. This work helps ensure the voices of parents are heard throughout the development and implementation of changes to services.
We found that whilst the majority of parents felt they had received good care and support during pregnancy, labour and after birth, there was variability in their experiences, a number of perceived gaps in services and points where they would have liked more support. Healthwatch Northamptonshire
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We found that whilst the majority of parents felt they had received good care and support during pregnancy, labour and after birth, there was variability in their experiences, a number of perceived gaps in services and points where they would have liked more support. Healthwatch Northamptonshire
See also:
- Woman had umbilical cord ‘torn’ off Northamptonshire childbirth survey finds Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Great NHS Gamble: Consultants handed £720,000 to draw up Northamptonshire’s jargon-riddled NHS plans
Great NHS Gamble: Consultants handed £720,000 to draw up Northamptonshire’s jargon-riddled NHS plans Private consultancy firms were given £720,000 to draw up vague cost-cutting plans for the NHS in Northamptonshire, an investigation has revealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
KGH predicting deficit of £25m by end of financial year
KGH predicting deficit of £25m by end of financial year Kettering General Hospital says it expects to be £25.1m in debt by the end of March.
The hospital, like many NHS organisations, is currently in a financially challenging position.
In July chief executive David Sissling told the Northants Telegraph the predicted deficit for 2016/17 was £6.4m.
But the debt now looks set to be four times the original estimate. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The hospital, like many NHS organisations, is currently in a financially challenging position.
In July chief executive David Sissling told the Northants Telegraph the predicted deficit for 2016/17 was £6.4m.
But the debt now looks set to be four times the original estimate. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS IN CRISIS: The changing face of maternity
NHS IN CRISIS: The changing face of maternity Greater numbers of women giving birth later in life, an ageing midwife profile and a nationwide shortage of the profession is putting unprecedented pressure on maternity services. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Compassionate leadership – more important than ever in today’s NHS
Compassionate leadership – more important than ever in today’s NHS Compassion has always been important in health and social care, but arguably never more so than now. Financial and operational pressures in the health and care system have resulted in performance targets becoming more difficult to achieve, constrained resources, and staff working longer and longer hours under increasing stress.
Consequently, alongside providing compassionate care for patients, it’s becoming more critical for staff to demonstrate real compassion towards each other in the workplace. This is borne out by NHS Improvement’s strategy, Developing people – improving care, which puts leadership and compassion top of its list of conditions needed to shape cultures that enable sustainable, high-quality care. The King's Fund
Consequently, alongside providing compassionate care for patients, it’s becoming more critical for staff to demonstrate real compassion towards each other in the workplace. This is borne out by NHS Improvement’s strategy, Developing people – improving care, which puts leadership and compassion top of its list of conditions needed to shape cultures that enable sustainable, high-quality care. The King's Fund
'Public increasingly concerned about NHS'
'Public increasingly concerned about NHS' Commenting on research by Ipsos MORI suggesting public concern about the NHS has jumped to its highest level since 2003, Chris Ham, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, said: ‘These results show the public is increasingly concerned about the pressures facing the NHS and should be a wake-up call for ministers. The King's Fund
'Borrowed time' to save social care system from collapse
'Borrowed time' to save social care system from collapse A new report from Age UK has concluded that we are living on borrowed time to save the social care system for older people.
Statistics in the report highlight the immense challenges facing older people needing support, with 1 in 8 over 65s now living with unmet care needs
Failing care system has created a major burden for hospitals and family members
Age UK demands that the Government commits funds in the Spring Budget to avoid ‘imminent danger’
See also:
Statistics in the report highlight the immense challenges facing older people needing support, with 1 in 8 over 65s now living with unmet care needs
Failing care system has created a major burden for hospitals and family members
Age UK demands that the Government commits funds in the Spring Budget to avoid ‘imminent danger’
See also:
- The Health and Care of Older People in England 2017 Age UK
- Frail, elderly people 'left to struggle alone' BBC News
- 140,000 elderly patients left bedbound due to lack of help The Daily Mail
- Elderly left 'trapped in beds' amid fears care sector will collapse The Daily Telegraph
- English social care system for elderly facing 'complete collapse' The Guardian
- 2017 State of Local Government Finance survey Local Government Information Unit
- Adult social care is the biggest pressure on councils Unison
Outlook for extremely premature babies 'improving'
Outlook for extremely premature babies 'improving' More babies born extremely prematurely are surviving without neurological problems, according to a new study.
The study by Duke Health in the US and published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at 4,274 babies born between 22 and 24 weeks.
Compared with those born a decade earlier, a larger percentage were now toddlers without signs of moderate or severe cognitive and motor delay.
Changes to care are being credited with the improvement.
About 30% of children included in the study who were born between the years 2000 and 2003 survived, but that rate increased to 36% for babies born in 2008 to 2011.
The proportion of survivors who did not have a neurological impairment rose from 16% to 20%. BBC News
The study by Duke Health in the US and published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at 4,274 babies born between 22 and 24 weeks.
Compared with those born a decade earlier, a larger percentage were now toddlers without signs of moderate or severe cognitive and motor delay.
Changes to care are being credited with the improvement.
About 30% of children included in the study who were born between the years 2000 and 2003 survived, but that rate increased to 36% for babies born in 2008 to 2011.
The proportion of survivors who did not have a neurological impairment rose from 16% to 20%. BBC News
Increasing number of doctors upset by ‘Trip Advisor’ style online ratings
Increasing number of doctors upset by ‘Trip Advisor’ style online ratings Increasing numbers of doctors are becoming distressed by ‘Trip Advisor’ style ratings posted online by their patients, says medical defence body, the MDU. OnMedica
Government urged to stop property tax hikes for 1,249 NHS hospitals
Government urged to stop property tax hikes for 1,249 NHS hospitals Changes to business rates system mean NHS hospitals liable for property tax will see bills increase by £322m over five years
The government is under growing pressure to stop a sharp increase in business rates for hospitals that threatens to increase the strain on the NHS.
Changes to the business rates system mean that the 1,249 NHS hospitals liable for the property tax will see their bills increasing by £322m, or 21%, over the next five years from April. Continue reading... The Guardian
The government is under growing pressure to stop a sharp increase in business rates for hospitals that threatens to increase the strain on the NHS.
Changes to the business rates system mean that the 1,249 NHS hospitals liable for the property tax will see their bills increasing by £322m, or 21%, over the next five years from April. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS needs a rethink. Its priorities no longer make sense
The NHS needs a rethink. Its priorities no longer make sense Early intervention on mental health and proper social care are vital if the health service is to stop merely lurching from one crisis to the next
Theresa May is busy enacting the “will of the people”, seemingly unaware that she’s not actually in her own elevated position due to the “will of the people” at all. And the nation is looking on, mesmerised. We may look back on this period in British politics and marvel at how the country was so busy leaving Europe that it failed to see the disasters waiting to happen at home. Continue reading. The Guardian
Theresa May is busy enacting the “will of the people”, seemingly unaware that she’s not actually in her own elevated position due to the “will of the people” at all. And the nation is looking on, mesmerised. We may look back on this period in British politics and marvel at how the country was so busy leaving Europe that it failed to see the disasters waiting to happen at home. Continue reading. The Guardian
'Creativity improves wellbeing': art transforms mental health ward
'Creativity improves wellbeing': art transforms mental health ward A psychiatric ward in London has been given a makeover, with work donated by artists and workshops for patients
When most people think of a secure mental health unit, they don’t tend to picture it decorated with artwork by award-winning artists and patients.
A psychiatric ward housing patients with schizophrenia in Springfield University hospital in Tooting, London, however, has undergone an artistic renovation. The once blank, colourless walls now house a variety of pieces from artists such as the Turner Prize-winning Assemble and photographer Nick Knight as well as by the patients themselves. Continue reading... The Guardian
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When most people think of a secure mental health unit, they don’t tend to picture it decorated with artwork by award-winning artists and patients.
A psychiatric ward housing patients with schizophrenia in Springfield University hospital in Tooting, London, however, has undergone an artistic renovation. The once blank, colourless walls now house a variety of pieces from artists such as the Turner Prize-winning Assemble and photographer Nick Knight as well as by the patients themselves. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Artists give hospital ward a makeover – in pictures The Guardian
NHS spending thousands on drunks and malingerers
NHS spending thousands on drunks and malingerers The tragedy of the modern NHS is that the wartime generation, the one that defeated Hitler, never complained and never called an ambulance, is dying out.
They are being replaced by the ‘Me’ generation — products of a cradle-to-grave welfare state who would happily call an ambulance because they have scratched a finger opening their dole cheque. And as an ambulance driver, I see both types, and the entire spectrum in between.
The patients who call us out most often are known in the business as ‘frequent flyers’. Each area has its regulars, who might call every day. One elderly lady, well known to all the call-handlers at our NHS Trust, has racked up £400,000 of ambulance visits in just a few years. The Daily Mail
They are being replaced by the ‘Me’ generation — products of a cradle-to-grave welfare state who would happily call an ambulance because they have scratched a finger opening their dole cheque. And as an ambulance driver, I see both types, and the entire spectrum in between.
The patients who call us out most often are known in the business as ‘frequent flyers’. Each area has its regulars, who might call every day. One elderly lady, well known to all the call-handlers at our NHS Trust, has racked up £400,000 of ambulance visits in just a few years. The Daily Mail
Mother needing surgery died after being turned away from three hospitals over bed shortages
Mother needing surgery died after being turned away from three hospitals over bed shortages A woman died from a brain haemorrhage after at least three hospitals refused to admit her for surgery because they had no intensive care beds.
A coroner ruled that 57-year-old Mary Muldowney would probably have survived if she had been given immediate life-saving surgery to stem the bleeding.
Ms Muldowney was admitted to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill on July 20 last year where doctors immediately suspected a bleed on the brain. The Daily Telegraph
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A coroner ruled that 57-year-old Mary Muldowney would probably have survived if she had been given immediate life-saving surgery to stem the bleeding.
Ms Muldowney was admitted to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill on July 20 last year where doctors immediately suspected a bleed on the brain. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- 3 NHS hospitals turned away London woman who died The Daily Mail
- Woman died after three hospitals refused to admit her for surgery The Guardian
Wednesday, 15 February 2017
Great NHS gamble: Do Northamptonshire's jargon-laden plans mask GP practice mergers?
Great NHS gamble: Do Northamptonshire's jargon-laden plans mask GP practice mergers? Plans to find £230 million worth of cuts in Northamptonshire's NHS services over the next five years could be "hiding" job losses and mergers with management jargon - fears a political group. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
BUDGET CUTS: Dementia sufferer's vital lifelines will be axed as part of Northamptonshire cuts
BUDGET CUTS: Dementia sufferer's vital lifelines will be axed as part of Northamptonshire cuts The daughter of a dementia sufferer whose vital memory cafe and day centre are set to be scrapped has labelled the county council cut as "disgusting." Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Management changes at KGH as interim chief executive appointed
Management changes at KGH as interim chief executive appointed Kettering General Hospital has announced two interim management appointments. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Two days of roadworks to change entrance to KGH
Two days of roadworks to change entrance to KGH The main road entrance to Kettering General Hospital is permanently changing from Monday, February 20, as part of plans to improve car parking and traffic flow. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Seizing opportunities for digital development in the NHS
Seizing opportunities for digital development in the NHS‘It’s not about gadgets, it’s about service redesign.’
I’m paraphrasing a little, but this was the message from NHS Improvement Programmes’ Director Bernard Quinn at a recent digital health conference. Bernard’s team is already hard at work making that transformation happen: NHS Improvement’s Digital Outpatients programme is hoping to bring £3 billion of benefit from digitising the process of booking and receiving an outpatient service where possible.
If you’re interested in the use of digital technology within the NHS in England, you’ll know that it can be a case of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. Some regions are beginning their digital plans at pace, others are already enjoying the benefits of integrated care records or real-time analytics, while some still struggle on with Windows XP. The King's Fund
I’m paraphrasing a little, but this was the message from NHS Improvement Programmes’ Director Bernard Quinn at a recent digital health conference. Bernard’s team is already hard at work making that transformation happen: NHS Improvement’s Digital Outpatients programme is hoping to bring £3 billion of benefit from digitising the process of booking and receiving an outpatient service where possible.
If you’re interested in the use of digital technology within the NHS in England, you’ll know that it can be a case of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. Some regions are beginning their digital plans at pace, others are already enjoying the benefits of integrated care records or real-time analytics, while some still struggle on with Windows XP. The King's Fund
The sustainability and transformation plans: a critical assessment
The sustainability and transformation plans: a critical assessment This report assesses the published drafts for STP plans and it raises concerns around the credibility of the implementation measures outlined in the plans. It argues that the scale of the planned reduction in hospital services implies rationing and risks the collapse of some services. Centre for Health and the Public Interest
Financial analysis of STPs
Financial analysis of STPs This analysis of the 44 STPs in England estimates that £9.5bn of capital funding is required to create the infrastructure to deliver the plans. The BMA sent out a series of FOI requests and have compiled information for each STP area on the financial needs required to implement the plans in each area. British Medical Association
Healthcare social media toolkit
Healthcare social media toolkit This toolkit aims to support the health care sector in utilising social media effectively and efficiently. It includes guidance on strategy and content creation, downloadable templates and resources and advice on how to encourage team members in using social media. Skills for Health
Early deaths among care leavers revealed
Early deaths among care leavers revealed Young people who have grown up in care are far more likely to die in early adulthood than other young people, Freedom of Information figures reveal.
They show 90 people who left care in the UK between 2012 and 2016 died in the years when they would have turned 19, 20 or 21.
Care leavers make up 1% of the population at these ages, but make up around 7% of the deaths. BBC News
They show 90 people who left care in the UK between 2012 and 2016 died in the years when they would have turned 19, 20 or 21.
Care leavers make up 1% of the population at these ages, but make up around 7% of the deaths. BBC News
Abortion pill online sales 'increasing in Britain'
Abortion pill online sales 'increasing in Britain' The number of abortion pills being bought online in Britain is increasing, data shown to the Victoria Derbyshire programme suggests.
Government figures show 375 doses, sent to addresses in England, Wales, and Scotland, were seized in 2016, compared with just five in 2013.
Taking the pills while pregnant without medical approval is illegal in the UK.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service said as awareness of the online pills increased, more women were using them. BBC News
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Government figures show 375 doses, sent to addresses in England, Wales, and Scotland, were seized in 2016, compared with just five in 2013.
Taking the pills while pregnant without medical approval is illegal in the UK.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service said as awareness of the online pills increased, more women were using them. BBC News
See also:
- Warning over surge in illegal abortion pills The Daily Mail
Work needed to boost GPs’ knowledge of cancer drug
Work needed to boost GPs’ knowledge of cancer drug Better coordination is needed between GPs and hospital specialists to improve the former’s knowledge of breast cancer drug tamoxifen, according to a study* published today in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP).
The Cancer Research UK funded study found poor knowledge amongst GPs of the drug and its preventive benefits for women.
In the UK, more than 53,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and 11,000 die of the disease. Women with a family history of the disease have a higher risk and this accounts for 5–10% of all breast cancer cases, so prevention is important. OnMedica
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The Cancer Research UK funded study found poor knowledge amongst GPs of the drug and its preventive benefits for women.
In the UK, more than 53,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and 11,000 die of the disease. Women with a family history of the disease have a higher risk and this accounts for 5–10% of all breast cancer cases, so prevention is important. OnMedica
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Scarlet fever: Doctors warn parents to look out for symptoms amid increase in outbreaks
Scarlet fever: Doctors warn parents to look out for symptoms amid increase in outbreaks Doctors are warning parents to check their children for rashes and swollen tongues following an increase in outbreaks of scarlet fever.
The bacterial illness, which mainly affects children under 10, is easily treated by antibiotics but is extremely contagious, even after treatment has begun. The Independent
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The bacterial illness, which mainly affects children under 10, is easily treated by antibiotics but is extremely contagious, even after treatment has begun. The Independent
See also:
- Research and analysis: Notifiable diseases: weekly reports for 2017 Public Health England
NHS crisis revealed: 24 A&E units marked for closure or downgrading
NHS crisis revealed: 24 A&E units marked for closure or downgrading Dozens of accident and emergency units are facing closure or being downgraded in a far-reaching overhaul of urgent care which senior doctors warn would have “disastrous” consequences for the NHS. An analysis of documents drawn up to remodel the health service in England shows that 24 casualty units from Durham to Somerset have been marked for potential closure despite record demand for A&Es and serious overcrowding across the country as the NHS goes through its most severe winter crisis since records began. Last month produced the worst performance for A&E waits in 13 years. iNews
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See also:
‘Bedblocking’ is stifling our hospitals. But there are ways to ease the burden
‘Bedblocking’ is stifling our hospitals. But there are ways to ease the burden A lack of at-home social care is delaying discharges at a cost to the NHS of £800m a year. But Nottingham is bucking the trend
Lilian Hemsley, 86, was admitted to Queen’s Medical Centre on the outskirts of Nottingham on 30 December following a fall. Seven days later she was able to return home to Chilwell, south Nottinghamshire with a package of help in place. “The social workers were fantastic,” she says. “I had to have my bed moved downstairs and a commode – I wasn’t allowed home until they were sorted out. But they did it really quickly.” Following some interim homecare, Hemsley is getting help washing and dressing in the morning for four weeks through Nottinghamshire county council’s reablement service. She will soon be assessed for ongoing care needs.
As soon as a patient is admitted, social workers establish potential care needs – and sort them out quickly Continue reading... The Guardian
Lilian Hemsley, 86, was admitted to Queen’s Medical Centre on the outskirts of Nottingham on 30 December following a fall. Seven days later she was able to return home to Chilwell, south Nottinghamshire with a package of help in place. “The social workers were fantastic,” she says. “I had to have my bed moved downstairs and a commode – I wasn’t allowed home until they were sorted out. But they did it really quickly.” Following some interim homecare, Hemsley is getting help washing and dressing in the morning for four weeks through Nottinghamshire county council’s reablement service. She will soon be assessed for ongoing care needs.
As soon as a patient is admitted, social workers establish potential care needs – and sort them out quickly Continue reading... The Guardian
Tens of thousands of new mothers can't reach a midwife, study finds
Tens of thousands of new mothers can't reach a midwife, study finds Women are visiting already stretched A&E units and GP surgeries instead, according to charity NCT
Tens of thousands of new mothers a year are seeking help at an A&E unit or GP surgery because they cannot reach a midwife to ask them for advice, a new study has found.
Mothers worried about a problem with their own or their baby’s health are adding to the strain on family doctors, emergency departments and walk-in centres because of midwife shortages and because they have “nowhere else to go”, says the parenting charity the NCT – which undertook the research. Continue reading... The Guardian
Tens of thousands of new mothers a year are seeking help at an A&E unit or GP surgery because they cannot reach a midwife to ask them for advice, a new study has found.
Mothers worried about a problem with their own or their baby’s health are adding to the strain on family doctors, emergency departments and walk-in centres because of midwife shortages and because they have “nowhere else to go”, says the parenting charity the NCT – which undertook the research. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS to be hit by crippling business rates rise, analysis finds
NHS to be hit by crippling business rates rise, analysis finds NHS hospitals and GP surgeries in England and Wales face a £635 million hike in their business rates over the next five years, it emerged as health authorities threatened legal action.
A new analysis found that health authorities, many of which are already struggling to cope with huge financial pressure, will see their business rates will rise by an average of a third by 2021.
Some of the country's biggest hospitals will see their business rates double amid warnings that they will have to find further savings to fill black holes in their budgets. The Daily Telegraph
A new analysis found that health authorities, many of which are already struggling to cope with huge financial pressure, will see their business rates will rise by an average of a third by 2021.
Some of the country's biggest hospitals will see their business rates double amid warnings that they will have to find further savings to fill black holes in their budgets. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 14 February 2017
The Great NHS Gamble: Northamptonshire will see funding drop by £328 per head over next five years
The Great NHS Gamble: Northamptonshire will see funding drop by £328 per head over next five years People in Northamptonshire will see their healthcare spending drop by £328 per head in the next five years as part of the biggest NHS shake up in a generation. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northamptonshire’s five-year NHS ‘vision’ was ‘drawn up by stealth’, claims campaign group
Northamptonshire’s five-year NHS ‘vision’ was ‘drawn up by stealth’, claims campaign group Plans to shake up the NHS in Northamptonshire and cut funding by £328 per person were put in place “by stealth” according to a national campaign group - and could face a legal challenge.
The National Health Action Party - which claims it is fighting to save the NHS from being turned into a US-style health service - believes the Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) proposals appear to run contrary to the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act. It says the STPs are contrary to the stated objective of the Act, a locally driven commissioning service provided by GPs who have an intimate knowledge of their local community needs. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The National Health Action Party - which claims it is fighting to save the NHS from being turned into a US-style health service - believes the Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) proposals appear to run contrary to the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act. It says the STPs are contrary to the stated objective of the Act, a locally driven commissioning service provided by GPs who have an intimate knowledge of their local community needs. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Improved outcomes for LGBT staff at Morecambe Bay
Improved outcomes for LGBT staff at Morecambe Bay In this new case study University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay discuss its Towards Inclusion Programme and share how it has improved engagement and led to positive outcomes for their LGBT workforce.
Read about the actions taken, the challenges met and the outcomes achieved. NHS Employers
Read about the actions taken, the challenges met and the outcomes achieved. NHS Employers
Ebola 'super-spreaders' cause most cases
Ebola 'super-spreaders' cause most cases The majority of cases in the world's largest outbreak of Ebola were caused by a tiny handful of patients, research suggests.
The analysis, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows nearly two thirds of cases (61%) were caused by 3% of infected people.
The young and old were more likely to have been "super-spreaders".
It is hoped understanding their role in spreading the infection will help contain the next outbreak. BBC News
The analysis, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows nearly two thirds of cases (61%) were caused by 3% of infected people.
The young and old were more likely to have been "super-spreaders".
It is hoped understanding their role in spreading the infection will help contain the next outbreak. BBC News
NHS crisis: 19 hospitals face axe as doctors accuse Government of deliberate underfunding
NHS crisis: 19 hospitals face axe as doctors accuse Government of deliberate underfunding The NHS is facing its biggest shake up in a generation with nearly 20 hospitals marked for closure and care from cradle to grave put through a wholesale overhaul to plug a £22bn black hole in health service funding, an investigation by i can reveal. An analysis of the 44 regional blueprints drawn up by health service leaders to remodel the NHS in England – in a process which critics complain has largely bypassed patients – has revealed for the first time the extent of the cuts and drastic changes in the delivery of care that the Government wants to achieve by March 2021. iNews
NHS needs £9.5bn upfront to secure its future, says BMA
NHS needs £9.5bn upfront to secure its future, says BMA ‘Nowhere near the funding required’ despite huge crisis unfolding in service that already can’t cope, say doctors
Modernising and securing the future of the health service in England would cost at least £9.5bn in upfront spending, money that the NHS does not have, the British Medical Association has said.
Health managers in 44 areas have been charged with creating sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) to help the NHS repair its crumbling finances and meet clinical and organisation challenges. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Modernising and securing the future of the health service in England would cost at least £9.5bn in upfront spending, money that the NHS does not have, the British Medical Association has said.
Health managers in 44 areas have been charged with creating sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) to help the NHS repair its crumbling finances and meet clinical and organisation challenges. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
NHS 'pays out £7.5m annually for 20 most expensive agency doctors'
NHS 'pays out £7.5m annually for 20 most expensive agency doctors' Watchdog says health service could save £300m a year if locums were charged within set price cap, after data found some are paid £375,000 a year
The NHS is paying agency doctors millions of pounds every year – with one having charged £363 an hour, according to a health watchdog.
Data from NHS Improvement shows that 20 of the most expensive locums cost the NHS £7.5m a year – an average of £375,000 each. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS is paying agency doctors millions of pounds every year – with one having charged £363 an hour, according to a health watchdog.
Data from NHS Improvement shows that 20 of the most expensive locums cost the NHS £7.5m a year – an average of £375,000 each. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS services clampdowns in your area
NHS services clampdowns in your area Cash-strapped clinical commissioning groups across England are announcing a range of controversial plans to try and tackle their growing deficits. The Daily Mail
Tell twentysomethings their 'cancer risk' to spur lifestyle changes
Tell twentysomethings their 'cancer risk' to spur lifestyle changes People in their 20s should be told their cancer risk to shock them into changing their lifestyle, a study by Cambridge University suggests.
Up to 40 per cent of cancers are linked to factors such as diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol, resulting in around 600,000 cases of avoidable disease in the UK in the past five years.
The study of GPs and practice nurses found that most believed that the best way to encourage lifestyle changes was to tackle patients at a younger age. The Daily Telegraph
Up to 40 per cent of cancers are linked to factors such as diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol, resulting in around 600,000 cases of avoidable disease in the UK in the past five years.
The study of GPs and practice nurses found that most believed that the best way to encourage lifestyle changes was to tackle patients at a younger age. The Daily Telegraph
Bullying of desperate 999 call handlers 'led to suicide attempts’ at scandal-hit ambulance service
Bullying of desperate 999 call handlers 'led to suicide attempts’ at scandal-hit ambulance service Desperate 999 call handlers attempted suicide amid an “endemic culture of bullying” at a scandal-hit ambulance service intent on hitting targets, leaked reports state.
The reports describe a “culture of fear” in an NHS trust which saw employees subjected to repeated abuse and harassment.
In the documents, the then head of the trust is accused of sleeping with young female staff and running a “boys’ club” which protected staff who fiddled figures, and “trashed” the reputations of whistleblowers. The Daily Telegraph
The reports describe a “culture of fear” in an NHS trust which saw employees subjected to repeated abuse and harassment.
In the documents, the then head of the trust is accused of sleeping with young female staff and running a “boys’ club” which protected staff who fiddled figures, and “trashed” the reputations of whistleblowers. The Daily Telegraph
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