Flu cases rocket by 35%, official figures reveal The dreaded flu outbreak shows no signs of stopping as cases of the killer virus have rocketed by 35 per cent in a week, official figures reveal.
Government data shows 4,128 people were struck down across England last week - compared to the 3,044 new cases recorded the week before.
It comes as the flu death toll across the home nations is now officially 97 - with many more fatalities expected in the coming weeks.
However, the total amount of deaths is likely to be much higher as laboratory tests only capture a fraction of the true number. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 16 January 2018
Monday, 15 January 2018
One in four A&E patients at KGH in December waited for more than four hours
One in four A&E patients at KGH in December waited for more than four hours More than 25 per cent of patients who attended KGH’s A&E department in December had to wait for longer than four hours.
New NHS figures show 7,488 people visited A&E there in the last month of 2017. A total of 73.4 per cent of these were admitted, transferred or discharged within the target time of four hours – meaning 1,989 had to wait longer than expected. Northamptonshire Telegraph
New NHS figures show 7,488 people visited A&E there in the last month of 2017. A total of 73.4 per cent of these were admitted, transferred or discharged within the target time of four hours – meaning 1,989 had to wait longer than expected. Northamptonshire Telegraph
A&E performance reaches a new low
A&E performance reaches a new low We are in the middle of winter, and pressures on the NHS are rising. The media and groups of NHS staff are describing an A&E service in crisis, while the government says the NHS is more prepared for winter than ever before. What does the latest national data say about how A&E departments are coping compared with previous winters? The King's Fund
Feeling the heat the decline of stop smoking services in England findings from a survey of local authority tobacco control leads
Feeling the heat the decline of stop smoking services in England findings from a survey of local authority tobacco control leads A report by Cancer Research UK and Action on Smoking and Health showing that cuts to the public health budget nationally have led to dramatic changes in services for smokers. Only 61% of local authorities continue to offer all local smokers access to evidence-based support in line with NICE guidance.
Local areas report year-on-year budget cuts to stop smoking services. There is now at least one local authority in England where there is a zero budget for addressing smoking.
The survey of local authorities across England also found that 1 in 9 areas report that GPs are no longer prescribing nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum, to smokers. One in 10 GPs do not provide access to varenicline, an effective prescription-only medication that helps smokers to quit.
Local areas report year-on-year budget cuts to stop smoking services. There is now at least one local authority in England where there is a zero budget for addressing smoking.
The survey of local authorities across England also found that 1 in 9 areas report that GPs are no longer prescribing nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum, to smokers. One in 10 GPs do not provide access to varenicline, an effective prescription-only medication that helps smokers to quit.
What doctors, nurses and patients think about the NHS
What doctors, nurses and patients think about the NHS The NHS has been under the spotlight even more than usual over the Christmas period, with hospitals described as unsafe and overcrowded.
Doctors say patients are dying in corridors, and are asking for money for beds and staff.
Newsbeat asked for your experiences at hospitals and was inundated with responses.
They were raw - but gave positive as well as negative accounts. BBC News
Doctors say patients are dying in corridors, and are asking for money for beds and staff.
Newsbeat asked for your experiences at hospitals and was inundated with responses.
They were raw - but gave positive as well as negative accounts. BBC News
'Liver branding' surgeon Simon Bramhall fined £10,000
'Liver branding' surgeon Simon Bramhall fined £10,000 A liver surgeon who branded his initials on the livers of two patients has been fined £10,000.
Simon Bramhall, 53, used an argon beam machine to write his initials on the organs of the anaesthetised patients in 2013 while working at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Bramhall, of Tarrington, Herefordshire, admitted two counts of assault by beating at Birmingham Crown Court.
He was also sentenced to a 12-month community order. BBC News
See also:
Simon Bramhall, 53, used an argon beam machine to write his initials on the organs of the anaesthetised patients in 2013 while working at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Bramhall, of Tarrington, Herefordshire, admitted two counts of assault by beating at Birmingham Crown Court.
He was also sentenced to a 12-month community order. BBC News
See also:
Carillion: Government contractor enters compulsory liquidation 'with immediate effect'
Carillion: Government contractor enters compulsory liquidation 'with immediate effect' Company employs some 20,000 people in the UK and holds contracts for HS2, prisons, the NHS and the armed forces.
One of the Government's most important contractors has collapsed into liquidation as a result of its lenders refusing to provide any more financial support, raising fears about the future of hundreds of major projects at an already challenging time for the British economy.
Following several days of tense negotiations, the board of construction giant Carillion on Monday said that it had “no choice but to take steps to enter into compulsory liquidation with immediate effect’’. The Independent
One of the Government's most important contractors has collapsed into liquidation as a result of its lenders refusing to provide any more financial support, raising fears about the future of hundreds of major projects at an already challenging time for the British economy.
Following several days of tense negotiations, the board of construction giant Carillion on Monday said that it had “no choice but to take steps to enter into compulsory liquidation with immediate effect’’. The Independent
Sexual health services must be protected to prevent a crisis | The big issue
Sexual health services must be protected to prevent a crisis | The big issue A petition is the first step in the battle to stop the loss of ringfencing of funds
We were pleased that Nick Cohen highlighted the impact of the systematic reduction in public health funding on vital prevention and clinical services (“You don’t have to be poor to be an addict. But it helps”, Comment). Like the drug and alcohol services he referred to, there is a growing deficit between need and the availability of sexual health services. In London, a number of sexual health clinics have closed recently and patients are reportedly being turned away.
We are on the verge of a crisis in sexual health services, but the stigma and blame attached to public health issues such as drug and alcohol use can also be a critical barrier to convincing hearts and minds (and voters) to fight against this predicament in sexual health. Despite this, the fight is on. Already, 5,000 people have signed a petition to protect sexual health services. Continue reading... The Guardian
We were pleased that Nick Cohen highlighted the impact of the systematic reduction in public health funding on vital prevention and clinical services (“You don’t have to be poor to be an addict. But it helps”, Comment). Like the drug and alcohol services he referred to, there is a growing deficit between need and the availability of sexual health services. In London, a number of sexual health clinics have closed recently and patients are reportedly being turned away.
We are on the verge of a crisis in sexual health services, but the stigma and blame attached to public health issues such as drug and alcohol use can also be a critical barrier to convincing hearts and minds (and voters) to fight against this predicament in sexual health. Despite this, the fight is on. Already, 5,000 people have signed a petition to protect sexual health services. Continue reading... The Guardian
Dentists warn of child tooth decay crisis as extractions hit new high
Dentists warn of child tooth decay crisis as extractions hit new high NHS surgeons removed multiple teeth from under-18s in England a record 42,911 times in 2016-17, figures show
NHS surgeons are performing record numbers of operations to pull out rotten teeth in children. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
NHS surgeons are performing record numbers of operations to pull out rotten teeth in children. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Medical students urged to volunteer as NHS winter crisis worsens
Medical students urged to volunteer as NHS winter crisis worsens Exclusive: Emails seen by the Guardian reveal inexperienced undergraduates are being asked to help in A&E units and wards
Medical students are being urged to help relieve the NHS winter crisis because hospitals are so short-staffed they are struggling to cope with the surge in patients, the Guardian can reveal.
Despite their lack of experience, undergraduates are being asked to volunteer in A&E units and on wards reeling under the weight of extra demand caused by the cold weather, an outbreak of flu and people suffering serious breathing problems.
A combination of factors are at play. Hospitals have fewer beds than last year, so they are less able to deal with the recent, ongoing surge in illness. Last week, for example, the bed occupancy rate at 17 of England’s 153 acute hospital trusts was 98% or more, with the fullest – Walsall healthcare trust – 99.9% occupied. Continue reading... The Guardian
Medical students are being urged to help relieve the NHS winter crisis because hospitals are so short-staffed they are struggling to cope with the surge in patients, the Guardian can reveal.
Despite their lack of experience, undergraduates are being asked to volunteer in A&E units and on wards reeling under the weight of extra demand caused by the cold weather, an outbreak of flu and people suffering serious breathing problems.
A combination of factors are at play. Hospitals have fewer beds than last year, so they are less able to deal with the recent, ongoing surge in illness. Last week, for example, the bed occupancy rate at 17 of England’s 153 acute hospital trusts was 98% or more, with the fullest – Walsall healthcare trust – 99.9% occupied. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS crisis fuelled by closure of 1000 care homes housing more than 30000 pensioners - Telegraph.co.uk
NHS crisis fuelled by closure of 1000 care homes housing more than 30000 pensioners The growing NHS crisis has been fuelled by the closure of almost 1,000 care homes housing more than 30,000 pensioners, research suggests. It comes as NHS figures show the worst Accident & Emergency crisis on record. The Daily Telegraph
NHS boss diagnosed with Alzheimer's tells of the disease
NHS boss diagnosed with Alzheimer's tells of the disease Three years ago, Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Though devastated, the NHS manager, from Yorkshire, was determined to remain upbeat. The Daily Mail
Friday, 12 January 2018
NHS winter pressures: going home from hospital
NHS winter pressures: going home from hospital The spotlight on NHS performance during winter – and this series of blogs so far –lingers on problems getting to and (where necessary) into hospital quickly in an emergency. Problems at the hospital front door may seem more immediate, but the less visible delays at the back door are no less important.
Delays leaving hospital primarily affect older people (those aged 65 plus). In March 2017 the NHS Benchmarking Network suggested that 83% of delayed discharges involved people aged 65 plus and 39% involved people aged 85 plus (based on data from 47 NHS organisations from England, Wales and Northern Ireland). The Health Foundation
Delays leaving hospital primarily affect older people (those aged 65 plus). In March 2017 the NHS Benchmarking Network suggested that 83% of delayed discharges involved people aged 65 plus and 39% involved people aged 85 plus (based on data from 47 NHS organisations from England, Wales and Northern Ireland). The Health Foundation
Black alerts: for emergencies only?
Black alerts: for emergencies only? The Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care have said that the NHS is delivering more and has planned better for this winter than ever before, but news of long waits and over-crowded A&E departments is still making the headlines. The King's Fund
Fatigue and sleep deprivation – the impact of different working patterns on doctors
Fatigue and sleep deprivation – the impact of different working patterns on doctors This briefing highlights why doctors are at risk of fatigue and the acute and long-term impacts this can have. It also presents a framework for how Government, organisations and doctors themselves can manage this risk. British Medical Association
Thinking on its own: AI in the NHS
Thinking on its own: AI in the NHS This report illustrates the areas where artificial intelligence (AI) could help the NHS become more efficient and deliver better outcomes for patients. It also highlights the main barriers to the implementation of this technology and suggests some potential solutions. Reform
Sharp rise in flu cases
Sharp rise in flu cases Hospitals in England are now seeing very high rates of patients with flu, according to Public Health England figures.
A sharp rise in cases seen by GPs in the past week - up 78% on the week before - suggests it could be the worst flu season for seven years.
But PHE said the current levels of flu were "not unprecedented".
Deaths from flu remained static with 27 in the past seven days.
Around 5,000 people were admitted to hospital with flu in the first week of January, based on PHE figures for 22 out of 137 trusts.
Prof Paul Cosford, medical director from Public Health England, said: "The levels of flu being seen are high and of course that is contributing to the pressures in the NHS, but they are not unprecedented levels." BBC News
See also:
A sharp rise in cases seen by GPs in the past week - up 78% on the week before - suggests it could be the worst flu season for seven years.
But PHE said the current levels of flu were "not unprecedented".
Deaths from flu remained static with 27 in the past seven days.
Around 5,000 people were admitted to hospital with flu in the first week of January, based on PHE figures for 22 out of 137 trusts.
Prof Paul Cosford, medical director from Public Health England, said: "The levels of flu being seen are high and of course that is contributing to the pressures in the NHS, but they are not unprecedented levels." BBC News
See also:
- UK flu levels continue to increase according to PHE statistics Public Health England
- Syndromic surveillance: weekly summaries for 2018 Public Health England
- Flu rises again in England putting increasing pressure on general practice services Royal College of General Practitioners
- Why do the majority of NHS staff not get the flu vaccine? BBC News
- Flu deaths soar by 77% in a week, figures show The Daily Mail
- Flu levels soaring with one in five hospital cases suffering 'Aussie flu' The Daily Telegraph
- Flu epidemic will hit within a month if trends continue, new figures show The Daily Telegraph
- Flu cases double as UK faces medium-level epidemic GPonline
- Rate of flu patients placed in intensive care shoots up 65% in a week as 18-year-old dies from disease The Independent
Carillion share price collapse sparks fears Government could be left with cost of NHS contracts
Carillion share price collapse sparks fears Government could be left with cost of NHS contracts A dramatic fall in the share price of one of Britain’s biggest outsourcing companies has sparked fears that the taxpayer could be left to pick up the cost of contracts that provide crucial maintenance work in NHS hospitals.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said today that the Government was monitoring Carillion closely amid fears that it could collapse as the health service struggles to cope with the worst winter crisis on record. The Independent
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said today that the Government was monitoring Carillion closely amid fears that it could collapse as the health service struggles to cope with the worst winter crisis on record. The Independent
Six patients die amid 400 errors as NHS staff accidentally switch off oxygen supply
Six patients die amid 400 errors as NHS staff accidentally switch off oxygen supply An NHS investigation has been launched following the deaths of six patients when hospital staff accidentally switched off their oxygen cylinders.
A safety alert has been issued after watchdogs uncovered more than 400 incidents in which cylinder controls were wrongly operated - including 24 cases where patients came to “moderate or severe harm”.
The blunders saw six patients die, while five suffered cardiac arrest or stopped breathing and five were left unconscious.
Incidents involved newborns, patients on resuscitation trolleys and those on cardiac units, a safety alert discloses. The Daily Telegraph
A safety alert has been issued after watchdogs uncovered more than 400 incidents in which cylinder controls were wrongly operated - including 24 cases where patients came to “moderate or severe harm”.
The blunders saw six patients die, while five suffered cardiac arrest or stopped breathing and five were left unconscious.
Incidents involved newborns, patients on resuscitation trolleys and those on cardiac units, a safety alert discloses. The Daily Telegraph
A&E waiting times hit their worst on record, figures show
A&E waiting times hit their worst on record, figures show The NHS is struggling with its worst winter ever as A&E waiting times hit their highest on record, damning figures released today reveal.
New data from NHS England shows the health service is operating at a poorer level than at the same point in 2016, which was branded a 'humanitarian crisis' and saw the British Red Cross drafted in to help.
The alarming statistics show:
See also:
New data from NHS England shows the health service is operating at a poorer level than at the same point in 2016, which was branded a 'humanitarian crisis' and saw the British Red Cross drafted in to help.
The alarming statistics show:
- One in five patients at major casualty units waited longer than four hours - the safe limit set by the Government - to be seen in December
- The statistics showed that for all A&E units, 85.1 per cent of patients were seen within the four-hour period - equaling last January's record low.
- More than 300,000 patients were forced to wait for at least four hours in all A&E units - the highest amount since figures began in 2010.
- Ambulance delays have also risen to record proportions, with more than 5,000 patients left stuck in the back of the vehicles waiting to be transferred to A&E.
- While bed occupancy levels have hit their worst point yet this winter, with 24 trusts declaring they had no free beds at some point last week, the figures show.
See also:
- Response to the latest NHS waiting time figures The King's Fund
- A&E chiefs warn PM that patients are dying in corridors The Daily Mail
- Hospital crowding soars amid rising cases of norovirus and 'Aussie' flu The Daily Telegraph
- Number of A&E patients treated within four hours at lowest ever level The Guardian
- How the NHS winter beds crisis is hitting patient care The Guardian
- The Guardian view on the NHS crisis: it’s not just the flu | Editorial The Guardian
Thursday, 11 January 2018
Northampton General Hospital to buy care home places as winter pressures hit
Northampton General Hospital to buy care home places as winter pressures hit A hospital is to start paying for care home places for people waiting to leave the site in a bid to ease what it calls "severe" pressure on beds.
Northampton General Hospital said it needed to double the number of patients with complex needs who left the hospital each day.
Many patients are fit enough to leave hospital but are awaiting social care assessments from the county council.
The hospital said it would spend about £1m on the care home places. BBC Northampton
Northampton General Hospital said it needed to double the number of patients with complex needs who left the hospital each day.
Many patients are fit enough to leave hospital but are awaiting social care assessments from the county council.
The hospital said it would spend about £1m on the care home places. BBC Northampton
Northampton hospital let patient's children stay overnight to spend last Christmas with their mum
Northampton hospital let patient's children stay overnight to spend last Christmas with their mum A family were able to spend one last Christmas together, enjoy bacon sandwiches and unwrap gifts, thanks to the efforts of their care team at Northampton General Hospital.
Ward sister, Sarah Dainty, and her team on Spencer Ward brought Christmas forward to make sure her patient, who was receiving end-of-life care, could spend one last Christmas Day with her family. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Ward sister, Sarah Dainty, and her team on Spencer Ward brought Christmas forward to make sure her patient, who was receiving end-of-life care, could spend one last Christmas Day with her family. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Residents withdrawn from Burton Latimer care home over management concerns
Residents withdrawn from Burton Latimer care home over management concerns A Burton Latimer care home at the centre of a police investigation into neglect allegations will be temporarily taken over by Northamptonshire County Council.
Two people were arrested last year after allegations were made over treatment at Latimer Grange Care Home in Station Road.
That investigation is ongoing but the county council has ended its contract with the home and is withdrawing residents who live there because of a number of concerns. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
Two people were arrested last year after allegations were made over treatment at Latimer Grange Care Home in Station Road.
That investigation is ongoing but the county council has ended its contract with the home and is withdrawing residents who live there because of a number of concerns. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
- Latimer Grange care home residents removed by council BBC Northampton
NHS at watershed moment: NHS Providers letter to the secretary of state for health and social care
NHS at watershed moment: NHS Providers letter to the secretary of state for health and social care NHS Providers has written to the secretary of state for health and social care, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, today (11 January 2018), to outline concerns over the pressures being experienced by frontline health and care services this winter. The organisation, which represents 98% of hospital, mental health, community and ambulance service trusts in England, says this is a watershed moment for the NHS, and the government must accept that the service can no longer deliver what is required of it within current funding.
See also:
See also:
- We've run out of beds, warn hospital bosses BBC News
- Time for an answer on the NHS? BBC News
- Jeremy Hunt urged to boost NHS budget as flu crisis marks 'watershed moment' for health service The Daily Telegraph
- The winter crisis has left the NHS running on empty – it needs a fix, now | Chris Hopson The Guardian
- Hospital bosses urge Jeremy Hunt: spend now to rescue NHS The Guardian
- NHS crisis: ‘I live in fear I’ll miss a seriously ill patient and they will die’ The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt: NHS needs 'significantly more funding in years ahead ' – video The Guardian
- The NHS is in crisis. But it's not up to volunteers to rescue it | Dan Corry The Guardian
- NHS 'no longer able to meet standards in its constitution', health bosses tell Jeremy Hunt The Independent
Leading Large Scale Change: a practical guide: A guide to leading large scale change through complex health and social care environments
Leading Large Scale Change: a practical guide: A guide to leading large scale change through complex health and social care environments Leading Large Scale Change: a practical guide has been produced by the NHS England Sustainable Improvement Team and the Horizons Team, NHS England, to help all those involved in seeking to achieve transformational change in complex health and care environments. This guide has been fully revised from the original 2011 publication to reflect latest policy and practice. This guide has a number of different resources which can be used according to local needs and circumstances and has been designed to be interactive, offering many links to useful, external sources.
How your organisation can prepare for changes to data regulations under GDPR
How your organisation can prepare for changes to data regulations under GDPR Our Changes to data protection under GDPR factsheet, developed in conjunction with Capsticks, national specialists in healthcare employment law, outlines the key changes in the regulations. NHS Employers
Taking the temperature of nursing in the 21st century
Taking the temperature of nursing in the 21st century Nursing is no longer just a calling – it’s a profession. From running surgeries, to working in multi-disciplinary teams in the community, to carrying out medical procedures, nurses are at the forefront of care, says Kim Thomas
Nicole Broadbent, 28, is a neonatal staff nurse at the Royal Free London hospital, so her patients – premature babies who require intensive care – are tiny and vulnerable. “It’s a hugely responsible job, but also a satisfying one,” she says. “It’s amazing how a 24-week-old baby can be so sick, but then, three, four months down the line, you can see them going home. They fascinate you on a daily basis.”
Neonatal nursing is no ordinary job, requiring a high degree of both skill and commitment. Broadbent was a ballet teacher until a serious ankle injury led her into nursing, via a degree course at Bucks New University. She now finds herself in a professional role that requires familiarity with technology, decision-making abilities and the warmth and empathy to support worried parents. Continue reading... The Guardian
Nicole Broadbent, 28, is a neonatal staff nurse at the Royal Free London hospital, so her patients – premature babies who require intensive care – are tiny and vulnerable. “It’s a hugely responsible job, but also a satisfying one,” she says. “It’s amazing how a 24-week-old baby can be so sick, but then, three, four months down the line, you can see them going home. They fascinate you on a daily basis.”
Neonatal nursing is no ordinary job, requiring a high degree of both skill and commitment. Broadbent was a ballet teacher until a serious ankle injury led her into nursing, via a degree course at Bucks New University. She now finds herself in a professional role that requires familiarity with technology, decision-making abilities and the warmth and empathy to support worried parents. Continue reading... The Guardian
Shifting care closer to home will ease pressure on hospitals
Shifting care closer to home will ease pressure on hospitals | Ewan King There is growing evidence that a greater focus on prevention and self-care reduces demands on the NHS. We need to build on what works.
New year is associated with hope and optimism. But for the NHS, the headlines tell a different story: hospitals at full capacity. As you might expect, these articles focus on what is going wrong: headlines such as “NHS in crisis”, stories of beds in corridors and stressed-out nurses. Clearly these problems are real, but focusing only on hospitals won’t solve the problem. We need to think more broadly if we are to find lasting solutions; we must think about prevention, and how far it is embedded in local systems.
For some time, health and care reforms have been about shifting care closer to home. The programme of vanguards and sustainability and transformation plans was intended to herald a greater focus on prevention and self-care to reduce pressure on hospitals. There is some evidence that these reforms are working: Hertfordshire’s prevention-focused Better Care for Care Home Residents Vanguard, for instance, led to a 45% reduction in hospital admissions and A&E attendances between April 2015 and May last year. Continue reading... The Guardian
New year is associated with hope and optimism. But for the NHS, the headlines tell a different story: hospitals at full capacity. As you might expect, these articles focus on what is going wrong: headlines such as “NHS in crisis”, stories of beds in corridors and stressed-out nurses. Clearly these problems are real, but focusing only on hospitals won’t solve the problem. We need to think more broadly if we are to find lasting solutions; we must think about prevention, and how far it is embedded in local systems.
For some time, health and care reforms have been about shifting care closer to home. The programme of vanguards and sustainability and transformation plans was intended to herald a greater focus on prevention and self-care to reduce pressure on hospitals. There is some evidence that these reforms are working: Hertfordshire’s prevention-focused Better Care for Care Home Residents Vanguard, for instance, led to a 45% reduction in hospital admissions and A&E attendances between April 2015 and May last year. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS cancer hospital may have to delay or reduce treatment
NHS cancer hospital may have to delay or reduce treatment Leaked memo says nursing shortage means patients could have to wait longer for chemotherapy, or be given less treatment
An NHS cancer hospital may have to make patients wait to undergo chemotherapy, or reduce the amount of treatment that dying patients receive, because it has so few nurses, a leaked memo has revealed.
Macmillan Cancer Support said the prospect of the Churchill hospital in Oxford in effect rationing life-extending and potentially life-saving chemotherapy was “deeply worrying”, especially for people dying of the disease.
The UK has fewer doctors and nurses than many other comparable countries both in Europe and worldwide. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Britain comes 24th in a league table of 34 member countries in terms of the number of doctors they have relative to their populations. Greece, Austria and Norway have the most; the three countries with proportionately the fewest medics are Turkey, Chile and Mexico. Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, regularly points out that the NHS in England has more doctors and nurses than when the Conservatives came to power in 2010. That is true, although there are now fewer district nurses, mental health nurses and other types of health professionals. Continue reading... The Guardian
An NHS cancer hospital may have to make patients wait to undergo chemotherapy, or reduce the amount of treatment that dying patients receive, because it has so few nurses, a leaked memo has revealed.
Macmillan Cancer Support said the prospect of the Churchill hospital in Oxford in effect rationing life-extending and potentially life-saving chemotherapy was “deeply worrying”, especially for people dying of the disease.
The UK has fewer doctors and nurses than many other comparable countries both in Europe and worldwide. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Britain comes 24th in a league table of 34 member countries in terms of the number of doctors they have relative to their populations. Greece, Austria and Norway have the most; the three countries with proportionately the fewest medics are Turkey, Chile and Mexico. Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, regularly points out that the NHS in England has more doctors and nurses than when the Conservatives came to power in 2010. That is true, although there are now fewer district nurses, mental health nurses and other types of health professionals. Continue reading... The Guardian
Aussie flu is more severe than the Swine flu, expert warns
Aussie flu is more severe than the Swine flu, expert warns The dreaded 'Aussie flu' is more severe than the Swine flu pandemic of 2009 which killed nearly 300,000 people across the world, an expert has warned.
Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health at Oxford University, believes this winter 'may well be worse than others'.
His fears come amid the emergence of H3N2, an aggressive strain of influenza A that rocked Australia during its winter and triggered triple the usual number of cases. The Daily Mail
Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health at Oxford University, believes this winter 'may well be worse than others'.
His fears come amid the emergence of H3N2, an aggressive strain of influenza A that rocked Australia during its winter and triggered triple the usual number of cases. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 10 January 2018
New short breaks services for Northamptonshire children with special needs to be discussed by cabinet
New short breaks services for Northamptonshire children with special needs to be discussed by cabinet A proposed new model for short breaks services for children with disabilities and special educational needs will be discussed by Northamptonshire County Council’s Cabinet next Tuesday (January 16).
The council says the new model has been designed to better suit the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/ or disabilities and reflects feedback received from families as part of the recent public consultation.
The short breaks contracts, which provide day, evening, overnight and weekend respite breaks for children with complex needs, is jointly funded by Northamptonshire County Council and both Nene and Corby Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and delivered by Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The council says the new model has been designed to better suit the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/ or disabilities and reflects feedback received from families as part of the recent public consultation.
The short breaks contracts, which provide day, evening, overnight and weekend respite breaks for children with complex needs, is jointly funded by Northamptonshire County Council and both Nene and Corby Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and delivered by Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS winter pressures
NHS winter pressures The NHS is once again hitting the headlines, with many hospitals on ‘black alert’ and a large number of elective operations being postponed to reduce the extreme pressure on services over this winter period - referred to in the media as a ‘winter crisis’. Here The King's Fund brings together a range of our content examining the reasons for this.
Official Statistics: End of life care profiles: January 2018 update
Official Statistics: End of life care profiles: January 2018 update The end of life care profiles data update for January 2018 has been published by Public Health England (PHE).
This update contains new data for the financial year ending 31 March 2017 for:
The profiles are designed to improve the availability and accessibility of information around end of life care. The data are presented in an interactive tool that allow users to view and analyse them in a user-friendly format.
The profiles provide a snapshot overview of end of life care at various geographies. They are intended to help local government and health services to improve care at the end of life. Public Health England
This update contains new data for the financial year ending 31 March 2017 for:
- care home bed rate
- nursing home bed rate
The profiles are designed to improve the availability and accessibility of information around end of life care. The data are presented in an interactive tool that allow users to view and analyse them in a user-friendly format.
The profiles provide a snapshot overview of end of life care at various geographies. They are intended to help local government and health services to improve care at the end of life. Public Health England
Accountable care organisations
Accountable care organisations This briefing paper looks at the introduction of Accountable Care Organisations (ACO) in the NHS in England, the development of the ACO policy, and comment on its potential impact. House of Commons Library
NHS efficiency map
NHS efficiency map The Healthcare Financial Management Association and NHS Improvement have worked in partnership to update and revise the NHS efficiency map. The map is a tool that promotes best practice in identifying, delivering and monitoring cost improvement programmes in the NHS. It contains links to a range of tools and guidance to help NHS bodies improve their efficiency.
Once-a-week pill for HIV 'ready for testing in people'
Once-a-week pill for HIV 'ready for testing in people' Human trials of a once-a-week oral pill for HIV could start, after successful tests in pigs, claim US scientists.
The slow-release tablet could free patients from having to take daily medication, they say.
It looks like a normal capsule, but on reaching the stomach its coating dissolves and a special structure packed inside unfolds.
This 4cm (1.5in) star-shaped scaffold stays in the stomach for seven days, steadily releasing its cargo of drugs.
More tests in other mammals, including monkeys, are recommended but the researchers say trails in people could begin within two years. BBC News
The slow-release tablet could free patients from having to take daily medication, they say.
It looks like a normal capsule, but on reaching the stomach its coating dissolves and a special structure packed inside unfolds.
This 4cm (1.5in) star-shaped scaffold stays in the stomach for seven days, steadily releasing its cargo of drugs.
More tests in other mammals, including monkeys, are recommended but the researchers say trails in people could begin within two years. BBC News
Jeremy Hunt has raised the stakes in how history will judge him
Jeremy Hunt has raised the stakes in how history will judge him | David Brindle As well as overseeing the NHS’s 70th birthday celebrations, the health and social care secretary will take charge of long-awaited reform.
So now it is the Department of Health and Social Care. There is no doubt that the new name is a much-needed symbolic boost for the battered cause of adult social care in England, but it is less clear how else Theresa May’s reshuffle – and Jeremy Hunt’s reported refusal to move from the department he continues to lead – will change things. Although we await further detail on how Hunt plans to address the social care challenge with new vigour, and what, if any, new powers he may have to do so, the early judgment must be: not a lot.
The much-anticipated green paper on social care for older people is set to be published by summer 2018 – although, having been promised before last year’s general election, there were hopes the paper would appear much sooner. Continue reading... The Guardian
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So now it is the Department of Health and Social Care. There is no doubt that the new name is a much-needed symbolic boost for the battered cause of adult social care in England, but it is less clear how else Theresa May’s reshuffle – and Jeremy Hunt’s reported refusal to move from the department he continues to lead – will change things. Although we await further detail on how Hunt plans to address the social care challenge with new vigour, and what, if any, new powers he may have to do so, the early judgment must be: not a lot.
The much-anticipated green paper on social care for older people is set to be published by summer 2018 – although, having been promised before last year’s general election, there were hopes the paper would appear much sooner. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Pfizer ends research for new Alzheimer's Parkinson's drugs
Pfizer ends research for new Alzheimer's Parkinson's drugs Despite investing heavily in trying to cure both diseases, the US drugs giant has now decided to redistribute funding to other areas it deems more likely to produce results. The Daily Mail
Britain faces an 'exceptional' outbreak of 'Aussie flu'
Britain faces an 'exceptional' outbreak of 'Aussie flu' UK faces a 'double-whammy' of 'Aussie flu' cases as kids head back to school and experts warn of an 'EXCEPTIONAL' outbreak as travellers return from flu-hit France.
The European country has been rocked by an 'exceptional' outbreak, with nearly 12,000 people having been left hospitalised and more than 30 dead.
Figures show the UK is heading the same way, with scientists concerned the flu causing havoc on the over-stretched NHS is 'unpredictable'.
And flocks of children heading back to school this week after enjoying the festive break could lead to a 'danger period', virologists fear. The Daily Mail
The European country has been rocked by an 'exceptional' outbreak, with nearly 12,000 people having been left hospitalised and more than 30 dead.
Figures show the UK is heading the same way, with scientists concerned the flu causing havoc on the over-stretched NHS is 'unpredictable'.
And flocks of children heading back to school this week after enjoying the festive break could lead to a 'danger period', virologists fear. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
NGH arranging temporary care placements in care homes for patients fit for discharge
NGH arranging temporary care placements in care homes for patients fit for discharge Northampton General Hospital is working to arrange temporary placements in care homes for patients who are medically fit for discharge, but who are waiting for care in their own home or placement in a residential or nursing home. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Chilly Willy Ride does it again - raising nearly £3,000 for Northamptonshire's air ambulance
Chilly Willy Ride does it again - raising nearly £3,000 for Northamptonshire's air ambulance An amazing £2,783.87 was raised for Warwickshire Northamptonshire Air Ambulance by Bikers and Scooters at the 5th Annual Chilly Willy Ride out 2018. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Northamptonshire care village gets the go ahead
Northamptonshire care village gets the go ahead
Plans for a Northamptonshire care village which will create at least 300 jobs have been unveiled.
Developer Crown Care hope its Middlemore project in Daventry will become a blueprint for similar future developments, providing housing for elderly people through a variety of care options in a £60m scheme. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Plans for a Northamptonshire care village which will create at least 300 jobs have been unveiled.
Developer Crown Care hope its Middlemore project in Daventry will become a blueprint for similar future developments, providing housing for elderly people through a variety of care options in a £60m scheme. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
What is 'Aussie' flu and should we be worried?
What is 'Aussie' flu and should we be worried?
The NHS is preparing itself for a bad flu season.
One of the strains circulating this year - H3N2 - has been dubbed Aussie flu because it is the same strain that recently caused big problems for Australia.
Australia's 2017 flu season was the worst the country had experienced in nearly a decade.
Experts are waiting to see if similar will happen in the UK, after a recent rise in cases. BBC News
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The NHS is preparing itself for a bad flu season.
One of the strains circulating this year - H3N2 - has been dubbed Aussie flu because it is the same strain that recently caused big problems for Australia.
Australia's 2017 flu season was the worst the country had experienced in nearly a decade.
Experts are waiting to see if similar will happen in the UK, after a recent rise in cases. BBC News
See also:
- Vaccine warning as Australian ‘flu threat grows Northamptonshire Telegraph
Using rotational posts
Using rotational posts NHS Employers -
This briefing explores how rotational posts can be an effective response to the challenges faced by employers in attracting and retaining staff. It provides examples from NHS organisations and outlines advice on how to implement rotational posts. King's Fund
This briefing explores how rotational posts can be an effective response to the challenges faced by employers in attracting and retaining staff. It provides examples from NHS organisations and outlines advice on how to implement rotational posts. King's Fund
Reform, ration, or return to first principles: the choices for the NHS - The Guardian
Reform, ration, or return to first principles: the choices for the NHS - The Guardian
As one of Sir Bruce Keogh’s predecessors, I have every sympathy with his desire to defend government policy, however dubious (Chief doctor denies NHS privatisation by stealth, 1 January). But solemn assurances that accountable care organisations (ACOs) are “simply about improving the quality of care the NHS offers” are a little limp, however eminent their source, given that similar claims are routinely made to justify every NHS reorganisation. The Guardian
As one of Sir Bruce Keogh’s predecessors, I have every sympathy with his desire to defend government policy, however dubious (Chief doctor denies NHS privatisation by stealth, 1 January). But solemn assurances that accountable care organisations (ACOs) are “simply about improving the quality of care the NHS offers” are a little limp, however eminent their source, given that similar claims are routinely made to justify every NHS reorganisation. The Guardian
Funding the NHS: Is it finally time for a new approach? - BBC News
Funding the NHS: Is it finally time for a new approach? - BBC News
Even by the usual standards of New Year pressures, it has been a traumatic week for much of the NHS.
In England, an unprecedented call has gone out from NHS leaders that a month's worth of non-urgent operations and appointments should be postponed. That's been echoed in other parts of the UK. BBC News
In England, an unprecedented call has gone out from NHS leaders that a month's worth of non-urgent operations and appointments should be postponed. That's been echoed in other parts of the UK. BBC News
Jeremy Hunt keeps Heath Secretary with added social care brief despite overseeing NHS 'winter crisis' - The Independent
Jeremy Hunt keeps Heath Secretary with added social care brief despite overseeing NHS 'winter crisis' - The Independent Jeremy Hunt has kept his job as Health Secretary, despite overseeing what is widely viewed as a winter crisis in the NHS.
However, Theresa May has added social care to his responsibilities, to signal her determination to sort out one of the biggest issues facing the country.Independent
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However, Theresa May has added social care to his responsibilities, to signal her determination to sort out one of the biggest issues facing the country.Independent
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BMA demands QOF suspension in England to ease winter pressure
BMA demands QOF suspension in England to ease winter pressure GP leaders in England have called for the suspension of QOF targets to ease winter pressure, as ministers in Wales agreed to freeze most of the framework for the second year running. GP Online
Digital lifelines: Why employees are turning to tech to improve their mental wellbeing - Information Age
Digital lifelines: Why employees are turning to tech to improve their mental wellbeing - Information Age How can employers tap into mental health technology to create a better, more happy working environment for their employees Information Age
NHS hospital bans sugar from its meals to tackle staff obesity
NHS hospital bans sugar from its meals to tackle staff obesity
A hospital in Manchester has become the first in Britain to ban sugar from its restaurant in an attempt to tackle growing concerns about obesity among NHSstaff. The Guardian
See also:
- Hospital becomes first to ban all sugary food and drink The Telegraph
- Sugary drinks face NHS ban if action is not taken NHS Networks
Mental health support in schools: 'Families don’t have to spend years on waiting lists'
Mental health support in schools: 'Families don’t have to spend years on waiting lists'
When Grace Hartill was 11, she began to show the first signs of anxiety. Within a few years, the Barnsley schoolgirl had become withdrawn and had stopped wanting to see her friends.
“It was awful,” she says. “I didn’t want to leave my bedroom because I felt like if I did, something would happen to me or somebody I loved. Home was where I felt safest, so I just isolated myself. I barely went to school.” The Guardian
When Grace Hartill was 11, she began to show the first signs of anxiety. Within a few years, the Barnsley schoolgirl had become withdrawn and had stopped wanting to see her friends.
“It was awful,” she says. “I didn’t want to leave my bedroom because I felt like if I did, something would happen to me or somebody I loved. Home was where I felt safest, so I just isolated myself. I barely went to school.” The Guardian
NHS's real problem is underfunding not Australian flu, says virologist
NHS's real problem is underfunding not Australian flu, says virologist
A leading virologist has said there has been no major outbreak of Australian flu in the UK and its threat is obscuring the real problem facing the NHS, which is underfunding.
Concerns have been raised that an epidemic that hit New Zealand and Australiaduring the southern hemisphere’s winter could now be affecting the UK, after a sharp rise in flu-related hospitalisations and deaths. The Guardian
A leading virologist has said there has been no major outbreak of Australian flu in the UK and its threat is obscuring the real problem facing the NHS, which is underfunding.
Concerns have been raised that an epidemic that hit New Zealand and Australiaduring the southern hemisphere’s winter could now be affecting the UK, after a sharp rise in flu-related hospitalisations and deaths. The Guardian
NHS beds crisis: sick patients can sit in A & E
NHS beds crisis: sick patients can sit in A & E
The NHS minister, Philip Dunne, has been accused of “belittling” the beds crisisby telling MPs that patients who need to be admitted can sit on seats in A&E units while they wait for a bed. The Guardian
Monday, 8 January 2018
Merger will see Corby-based health provider serve more patients with ‘super-practice’
Merger will see Corby-based health provider serve more patients with ‘super-practice’ Corby-based Lakeside Healthcare has announced it is merging with three GP practices in Cambridgeshire, creating a ‘super-practice’ serving more than 150,000 patients.
Eaton Socon Health Centre and Cedar House Surgery in St Neots and Yaxley Group Practice are to merge with Lakeside Healthcare, which operates surgeries in Corby, Kettering, Brigstock, Rushden and Oundle as well as Stamford in South Lincolnshire. The merger will further expand the biggest single GP partnership in the NHS. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Eaton Socon Health Centre and Cedar House Surgery in St Neots and Yaxley Group Practice are to merge with Lakeside Healthcare, which operates surgeries in Corby, Kettering, Brigstock, Rushden and Oundle as well as Stamford in South Lincolnshire. The merger will further expand the biggest single GP partnership in the NHS. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northampton GP 'stroked 16-year-old's nipples'
Northampton GP 'stroked 16-year-old's nipples' A GP stroked a 16-year-old patient's nipples during an unnecessary examination, a tribunal has found.
Dr Jonathan Raphael - a former England and Northampton Saints rugby player - pulled down her bra without asking for her consent at his surgery in Northampton.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) rejected his claim he was attempting to diagnose pregnancy.
It found his actions were sexually motivated.
The panel heard the patient went to see Dr Raphael at Mounts Medical Centre in 2014 because she had not had a period for a few months. BBC Northampton
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Dr Jonathan Raphael - a former England and Northampton Saints rugby player - pulled down her bra without asking for her consent at his surgery in Northampton.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) rejected his claim he was attempting to diagnose pregnancy.
It found his actions were sexually motivated.
The panel heard the patient went to see Dr Raphael at Mounts Medical Centre in 2014 because she had not had a period for a few months. BBC Northampton
See also:
- Former Saints captain did stroke 17-year-old's nipples during GP consultation, tribunal finds Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Did funding cuts in health and social care budgets lead to excess mortality in England? The devil is in the detail
Did funding cuts in health and social care budgets lead to excess mortality in England? The devil is in the detail Research into the impact of austerity in health and social care on mortality has been the subject of much attention and discussion. While it’s instinctive to link austerity with poorer health outcomes, especially for more vulnerable people, does the latest research establish a clear causal relationship? The Health Foundation
Using rotational posts
Using rotational posts A new briefing document exploring how rotational posts can be an effective response to the challenges faced by employers in attracting and retaining staff.
The briefing looks at the need to be innovative with workforce supply strategies to attract, develop and retain staff, and how this can be done through rotating substantive staff into different departments, organisations, or across a range of organisations. NHS Employers
The briefing looks at the need to be innovative with workforce supply strategies to attract, develop and retain staff, and how this can be done through rotating substantive staff into different departments, organisations, or across a range of organisations. NHS Employers
Programme launched to support AHPs and healthcare scientists to return to practice
Programme launched to support AHPs and healthcare scientists to return to practice The Department of Health, in collaboration with Health Education England (HEE), has launched a new initiative to support allied health professionals (AHP) and healthcare scientists (HCS) return to practice.
Piloted in the East Midlands by HEE, the programme is now being expanded across the whole of England. NHS Employers
See also:
Piloted in the East Midlands by HEE, the programme is now being expanded across the whole of England. NHS Employers
See also:
- Helping allied health professionals and healthcare scientists return to practice Health Education England
Newspaper leaders back CPS call for NHS Royal Commission following surgery cancellations
Newspaper leaders back CPS call for NHS Royal Commission following surgery cancellations Amid yet another winter crisis for the NHS, which this year has led to the cancellation of all non-urgent surgeries for a month, several newspapers have come out in support of an NHS Royal Commission. Centre for Policy Studies
Heart attack care dangerously unequal for women, study finds
Heart attack care dangerously unequal for women, study finds Fewer women who suffer a heart attack would die if they were given the same treatments as men, a new study found.
Researchers analysed the outcomes of 180,368 Swedish patients who suffered a heart attack over a 10-year period.
They found women were three times more likely to die from their heart attack than men in the year after having one.
The British Heart Foundation said: "Heart attacks are often seen as a male health issue, but more women die from heart disease than breast cancer."
Researchers at the University of Leeds and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analysed data from Sweden's online cardiac registry.
They found women were on average less likely than men to receive the recommended treatments after a heart attack. BBC News
Researchers analysed the outcomes of 180,368 Swedish patients who suffered a heart attack over a 10-year period.
They found women were three times more likely to die from their heart attack than men in the year after having one.
The British Heart Foundation said: "Heart attacks are often seen as a male health issue, but more women die from heart disease than breast cancer."
Researchers at the University of Leeds and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analysed data from Sweden's online cardiac registry.
They found women were on average less likely than men to receive the recommended treatments after a heart attack. BBC News
Boots pharmacists raise staffing concerns
Boots pharmacists raise staffing concerns One whistleblower, a former manager, said he resigned in 2015 after he took his concerns to the independent industry regulator.
Several current Boots pharmacists told BBC Inside Out that understaffing could pose a risk to patients.
But the chain said its pharmacies were not understaffed and it had an industry-leading patient safety record. BBC News
Several current Boots pharmacists told BBC Inside Out that understaffing could pose a risk to patients.
But the chain said its pharmacies were not understaffed and it had an industry-leading patient safety record. BBC News
Theresa May: The NHS is better prepared than ever before
Theresa May: The NHS is better prepared than ever before Theresa May has said the NHS had never been better prepared for winter than it was this year, despite 16,900 people having to wait more than 30 minutes to be seen by staff at emergency departments over the Christmas week.
Thousand of operations have been delayed for up to a month to help cope with the crisis.
The prime minister told the BBC's The Andrew Marr show the postponement of operations was "part of the plan".
"The NHS has actually been better prepared for this winter pressures than it has been before.
"It's about making sure that those who most urgently need care are able to get that treatment when they need it," she said.
Mrs May praised the "fantastic job" NHS staff were doing. ITV News
Thousand of operations have been delayed for up to a month to help cope with the crisis.
The prime minister told the BBC's The Andrew Marr show the postponement of operations was "part of the plan".
"The NHS has actually been better prepared for this winter pressures than it has been before.
"It's about making sure that those who most urgently need care are able to get that treatment when they need it," she said.
Mrs May praised the "fantastic job" NHS staff were doing. ITV News
Mass closure of NHS walk-in centres is fuelling winter crisis, claim campaigners
Mass closure of NHS walk-in centres is fuelling winter crisis, claim campaigners Easy access to medical help for many denied after 40% of services shut
Dozens of NHS walk-in centres have shut since 2010, depriving patients of easy access to medical help for minor ailments without having to wait days for an appointment, and adding to the pressure on A&E units.
A total of 95 walk-in centres – 40% of the overall original number – have closed since the Conservatives came to power, or are due to shut soon, says the campaigning organisation 38 Degrees.
A combination of factors are at play. Hospitals have fewer beds than last year, so they are less able to deal with the recent, ongoing surge in illness. Last week, for example, the bed occupancy rate at 17 of England’s 153 acute hospital trusts was 98% or more, with the fullest – Walsall healthcare trust – 99.9% occupied.
We will be monitoring the situation in hospitals over the next few months and want to hear your experiences of the NHS this winter. We are keen to hear from healthcare professionals as well as patients about the situation. Have operations been cancelled? Has pressure led to certain wards being closed? Continue reading... The Guardian
Dozens of NHS walk-in centres have shut since 2010, depriving patients of easy access to medical help for minor ailments without having to wait days for an appointment, and adding to the pressure on A&E units.
A total of 95 walk-in centres – 40% of the overall original number – have closed since the Conservatives came to power, or are due to shut soon, says the campaigning organisation 38 Degrees.
A combination of factors are at play. Hospitals have fewer beds than last year, so they are less able to deal with the recent, ongoing surge in illness. Last week, for example, the bed occupancy rate at 17 of England’s 153 acute hospital trusts was 98% or more, with the fullest – Walsall healthcare trust – 99.9% occupied.
We will be monitoring the situation in hospitals over the next few months and want to hear your experiences of the NHS this winter. We are keen to hear from healthcare professionals as well as patients about the situation. Have operations been cancelled? Has pressure led to certain wards being closed? Continue reading... The Guardian
The Observer view on NHS funding | editorial
The Observer view on NHS funding | editorial The NHS is still one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Mrs May’s apologies to patients are not enough – she must allocate them more money
Five years ago, Britain’s best-loved institutions were at the centre of Danny Boyle’s Olympic opening ceremony. The NHS took pride of place alongside James Bond, the Queen and EastEnders: as the rest of the world watched with bemusement, the stadium in Stratford was transformed into a 1950s-style hospital in a celebration of the state-funded health service the nation holds so dear.
We have to go back 70 years to the pre-NHS world to understand why the public regards the health service not just as an everyday medical reality but as a cherished national institution. Before 1948, getting sick for many meant not just the pain and worry of illness but the knowledge that their lack of means meant treatable conditions could prove terminal.
Two-thirds of the public are willing to pay more taxes to maintain the level of spending needed on the health service Continue reading... The Observer
See also:
Five years ago, Britain’s best-loved institutions were at the centre of Danny Boyle’s Olympic opening ceremony. The NHS took pride of place alongside James Bond, the Queen and EastEnders: as the rest of the world watched with bemusement, the stadium in Stratford was transformed into a 1950s-style hospital in a celebration of the state-funded health service the nation holds so dear.
We have to go back 70 years to the pre-NHS world to understand why the public regards the health service not just as an everyday medical reality but as a cherished national institution. Before 1948, getting sick for many meant not just the pain and worry of illness but the knowledge that their lack of means meant treatable conditions could prove terminal.
Two-thirds of the public are willing to pay more taxes to maintain the level of spending needed on the health service Continue reading... The Observer
See also:
- Funding the NHS: Is it finally time for a new approach? BBC News
- The big issue: healthcare is too important to be left to the politicians The Guardian
- How to save the NHS: experts offer their big ideas The Guardian
- What will it take for the government to confront pressures on the NHS? | Richard Vize The Guardian
Doctors and nurses urged to get flu jab amid warnings that a French epidemic could spread to Britain
Doctors and nurses urged to get flu jab amid warnings that a French epidemic could spread to Britain NHS trusts are failing to get medical workers to have flu jabs amid warnings that a French epidemic could spread to Britain, a Sunday Telegraph analysis has found.
Health officials are pleading with NHS staff to have the jab as figures show as few as one in three workers have been vaccinated at some hospitals.
Public health officials urged staff to protect themselves and their patients amid warnings that flu has reached epidemic levels across the channel. The Daily Telegraph
Health officials are pleading with NHS staff to have the jab as figures show as few as one in three workers have been vaccinated at some hospitals.
Public health officials urged staff to protect themselves and their patients amid warnings that flu has reached epidemic levels across the channel. The Daily Telegraph
Ambulance service apologises after pensioner with chest pains dies after hours-long wait
Ambulance service apologises after pensioner with chest pains dies after hours-long wait An ambulance service has apologised to the family of a pensioner who died after waiting nearly four hours for paramedics to arrive. It took three hours 45 minutes for a crew to reach the home of an 81-year-old woman who rang 999 complaining of chest pains.
The emergency call was made at around 8pm on Tuesday and the woman was still alive when she spoke to the control room again at 9.47pm.
It took another two hours for an ambulance to arrive at her property in Clacton, Essex.
Paramedics then had to break into the home and by the time they reached the woman she had stopped breathing and could not be saved. The Daily Telegraph
The emergency call was made at around 8pm on Tuesday and the woman was still alive when she spoke to the control room again at 9.47pm.
It took another two hours for an ambulance to arrive at her property in Clacton, Essex.
Paramedics then had to break into the home and by the time they reached the woman she had stopped breathing and could not be saved. The Daily Telegraph
Could THIS be why you have to wait weeks to see your GP?
Could THIS be why you have to wait weeks to see your GP? Doctors spend almost 400,000 days each year on keeping a portfolio of evidence that shows they are meeting standards, a damning new analysis shows.
The estimate comes as GPs warn they are overwhelmed and flocks of patients are being forced to wait two weeks for an appointment.
Overstretched doctors have been forced to cancel their holidays and work late into the night following a surge in cases of flu this winter.
New research, made by Pulse, suggests the 'collating of information' to prove they are fit to practice to the General Medical Council is only adding to their workload. The Daily Mail
The estimate comes as GPs warn they are overwhelmed and flocks of patients are being forced to wait two weeks for an appointment.
Overstretched doctors have been forced to cancel their holidays and work late into the night following a surge in cases of flu this winter.
New research, made by Pulse, suggests the 'collating of information' to prove they are fit to practice to the General Medical Council is only adding to their workload. The Daily Mail
Friday, 5 January 2018
Top boss at Northampton charity hospital resigns from £328k a year post
Top boss at Northampton charity hospital resigns from £328k a year post The chief executive of St Andrew's Hospital has resigned from his £328,000-a-year job at the charity.
In addition to his yearly salary as CEO at the Northampton-based charity, Mr Baldwin claimed £7,000 in expenses according to the charity's published annual report for 2016/17.
Mr Baldwin, who took on the role in 2014, also made £43,000 as an annual performance-related bonus in 2017 (down from £99,000 in 2016) and received £62,000 in other benefits, including pension payments. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
In addition to his yearly salary as CEO at the Northampton-based charity, Mr Baldwin claimed £7,000 in expenses according to the charity's published annual report for 2016/17.
Mr Baldwin, who took on the role in 2014, also made £43,000 as an annual performance-related bonus in 2017 (down from £99,000 in 2016) and received £62,000 in other benefits, including pension payments. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton General Hospital not reaching waiting time targets in two of three key areas
Northampton General Hospital not reaching waiting time targets in two of three key areas Northampton General Hospital is failing to reach its waiting time target in A&E treatment and cancer care but has found success in planned operations, a study has found.
This is according to research done by the BBC amid a time of unprecedented pressure on the National Health Service, in which there has been a rise in the number of patients needing care in A&E, for cancer treatment, and operations like knee and hip replacements. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
This is according to research done by the BBC amid a time of unprecedented pressure on the National Health Service, in which there has been a rise in the number of patients needing care in A&E, for cancer treatment, and operations like knee and hip replacements. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Delayed transfers of care: a target that misses the mark?
Delayed transfers of care: a target that misses the mark? Reducing delayed transfers of care continues to be a priority for the NHS and social care. But since March 2017, the already significant national focus on delayed transfers has increased substantially, as national bodies attempted to arrest the spiralling growth in these delays. The King's Fund
NHS winter pressures: being in hospital
NHS winter pressures: being in hospital This is the third blog in a series looking at winter pressures in the health and social care system in 2017/18. In the first blog, Dr Becks Fisher looked at how the NHS is aiming to help us stay well and reduce pressure on hospitals. In the second blog, Tim Gardner explored what is happening at the front door of hospitals. In this blog, Anna Starling writes about what’s happening inside hospitals in England.
During winter, the media often focuses on patients waiting in an ambulance or inside the emergency department. The first few days of 2018 also brought news of winter pressures affecting routine operations. So what does winter mean for those who need a hospital bed for planned or emergency care? The Health Foundation
During winter, the media often focuses on patients waiting in an ambulance or inside the emergency department. The first few days of 2018 also brought news of winter pressures affecting routine operations. So what does winter mean for those who need a hospital bed for planned or emergency care? The Health Foundation
Ambulance A&E delays hit one in eight
Ambulance A&E delays hit one in eight More than one in eight patients rushed to hospital in an ambulance this winter has faced a delay of more than 30 minutes on arrival, BBC analysis shows.
Patients are meant to be handed over to staff within 15 minutes, but more than 75,000 have waited at least twice as long as that in England.
Some of the worst waits had lasted up to five hours, ambulance crews said.
Doctors warned the delays put patients at risk, as the prime minister apologised for problems in the NHS. BBC News
See also:
Patients are meant to be handed over to staff within 15 minutes, but more than 75,000 have waited at least twice as long as that in England.
Some of the worst waits had lasted up to five hours, ambulance crews said.
Doctors warned the delays put patients at risk, as the prime minister apologised for problems in the NHS. BBC News
See also:
- NHS ambulance A&E delays: Stroke patient's hospital wait filmed BBC News
- Record numbers call NHS 111 over festive period BBC News
- Theresa May sorry for NHS difficulties BBC News
- Twelve NHS hospital trusts report 100% bed occupancy rates The Daily Mail
- Long ambulance waits double in a week as NHS winter crisis bites The Daily Telegraph
- 16,900 people in a week kept in NHS ambulances waiting for hospital care The Guardian
- Q&A: Why is the NHS under the most intense pressure in decades? The Guardian
- Theresa May changes tack to apologise for postponed operations The Guardian
- Hospital on Theresa May's doorstep used St John Ambulance volunteers in emergency department The Independent
- I'm an NHS consultant and I can tell you exactly what caused this winter crisis The Independent
Sharp rise in flu hospital admissions in England
Sharp rise in flu hospital admissions in England There was a sharp rise in hospital admissions in England for confirmed flu cases in the last week of December, Public Health England figures show.
There were 114 admissions to intensive care with confirmed flu and a further 421 people admitted to general wards - up from 61 and 66 the week before.
Prof Paul Cosford, medical director at PHE, said the rises were "significant" but not unexpected.
And he said it was still not too late to be vaccinated.
Adults aged over 65, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are advised to get a free flu jab. BBC News
See also:
There were 114 admissions to intensive care with confirmed flu and a further 421 people admitted to general wards - up from 61 and 66 the week before.
Prof Paul Cosford, medical director at PHE, said the rises were "significant" but not unexpected.
And he said it was still not too late to be vaccinated.
Adults aged over 65, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are advised to get a free flu jab. BBC News
See also:
- NHS struggles to cope as flu takes over Britain The Daily Mail
- 'Aussie flu' deaths DOUBLE in a week The Daily Mail
- Hospital admissions for flu triple and 111 phoneline overwhelmed by deepening NHS crisis The Daily Telegraph
Offer transgender patients egg freezing, experts say
Offer transgender patients egg freezing, experts say Women and girls in the UK transitioning to become men should be able to have their eggs frozen by the NHS, the British Fertility Society has said.
Current guidance says cancer patients should be given the chance to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatment that can make them infertile.
But the BFS said transgender patients and women whose medicines can make them infertile should also be included.
The provision of fertility preservation treatment was "patchy", it said. BBC News
See also:
Current guidance says cancer patients should be given the chance to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatment that can make them infertile.
But the BFS said transgender patients and women whose medicines can make them infertile should also be included.
The provision of fertility preservation treatment was "patchy", it said. BBC News
See also:
- Fertility preservation: Now is the moment to take action British Fertility Society
- Fertility preservation for medical reasons in girls and women: British fertility society policy and practice guideline Journal of Human Fertility
The NHS is under threat. Only a new model of care will save it | Kailash Chand
The NHS is under threat. Only a new model of care will save it | Kailash Chand The government’s refusal to embrace prevention rather than treatment as the way forward is putting Britain’s greatest post-war achievement in jeopardy
The NHS will celebrate its 70th birthday this year. Last month, Jeremy Hunt credited the Tory party for its formation. History tells a different story. The National Health Service was introduced in 1948 by Clement Attlee’s Labour government. The Conservatives consistently voted against it.
Before 1948, the have-nots feared ill health. Not for the reasons you or I fear it, but because they had no means to pay for treatment. Harry Leslie Smith has educated us all on how the fear of ill health gripped the poor before the creation of the NHS. The creation of a universal healthcare system, free at the point of use, was Britain’s greatest post-war achievement.
A shortage of doctors, nurses, beds and care packages for elderly patients means that black alerts, trolleys in corridors and dangerous safety levels are at a peak Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS will celebrate its 70th birthday this year. Last month, Jeremy Hunt credited the Tory party for its formation. History tells a different story. The National Health Service was introduced in 1948 by Clement Attlee’s Labour government. The Conservatives consistently voted against it.
Before 1948, the have-nots feared ill health. Not for the reasons you or I fear it, but because they had no means to pay for treatment. Harry Leslie Smith has educated us all on how the fear of ill health gripped the poor before the creation of the NHS. The creation of a universal healthcare system, free at the point of use, was Britain’s greatest post-war achievement.
A shortage of doctors, nurses, beds and care packages for elderly patients means that black alerts, trolleys in corridors and dangerous safety levels are at a peak Continue reading... The Guardian
Sugary drinks banned from sale in NHS hospitals from July
Sugary drinks banned from sale in NHS hospitals from July Sugary drinks will be banned from sale in NHS hospitals across England from July, the health service has announced.
This week NHS England released an updated contract for hospitals, which for the first time included a clause prohibiting the sale of sugar sweetened beverages. The Daily Telegraph
This week NHS England released an updated contract for hospitals, which for the first time included a clause prohibiting the sale of sugar sweetened beverages. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 4 January 2018
Northampton General Hospital reinvests surplus money from parking charges into healthcare
Northampton General Hospital reinvests surplus money from parking charges into healthcare Northampton General Hospital retains all the money it makes in pay and display parking charges, reinvesting it into its car park facilities and health provision.
Last week, a series of Freedom of Information requests made by Mail Online revealed Northampton's main hospital to have the second most expensive car park (£3.20/hour) in the country behind Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford (£4/hour).
The hospital made £1.67 million in charges during the 2016/17 financial year, which is used to pay for things like the car park's security, administrative costs, and its maintenance. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Last week, a series of Freedom of Information requests made by Mail Online revealed Northampton's main hospital to have the second most expensive car park (£3.20/hour) in the country behind Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford (£4/hour).
The hospital made £1.67 million in charges during the 2016/17 financial year, which is used to pay for things like the car park's security, administrative costs, and its maintenance. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Volunteers lent four-wheel drives to take Northamptonshire medics to poorly patients in the snow
Volunteers lent four-wheel drives to take Northamptonshire medics to poorly patients in the snow Over 70 volunteers for a Northamptonshire charity worked around the clock in December to help transport nurses and doctors to see their patients during the bitter weather. Many people rely on services that normally get taken for granted such as carer or district nurse visits, but when the roads become treacherous through ice, snow or flooding these services become a lot harder to provide. Volunteers from the charity Northants 4x4 Response covered hundreds of miles in Northamptonshire over the festive period, providing specialist transport for the emergency and essential services who needed to carry out their work regardless of the conditions. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Local government spending on public health: death by a thousand cuts
Local government spending on public health: death by a thousand cuts On health the November budget, as ever, was dominated by the numbers on NHS funding and whether the chancellor would find up to £4 billion more to maintain the standard of services. In the end he did find more, though not as much as is needed. There was no mention of social care funding or public health funding. However, as in every budget, there were policy changes that will impact on health including on housing and homelessness, and changes in excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol. The King's Fund
Independent doctors to be rated by the Care Quality Commission
Independent doctors to be rated by the Care Quality Commission New changes mean that, for the first time, all healthcare organisations in England that offer regulated care will be rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Organisations will have to display their inspection ratings so patients can clearly see safety standards.
The CQC’s current ratings programme – which covers hospital care, social care and GPs – will be extended to include more than 800 additional providers. This includes independent doctors that offer primary care online. Department of Health
The CQC’s current ratings programme – which covers hospital care, social care and GPs – will be extended to include more than 800 additional providers. This includes independent doctors that offer primary care online. Department of Health
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt sorry as A&Es struggle to cope
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt sorry as A&Es struggle to cope Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has apologised to patients in England who have had their operations postponed.
Non-urgent treatments had already been cancelled until mid-January, but NHS England said on Tuesday that would now be extended to the end of the month.
It came after hospitals reported they were struggling to cope with the surge in patients being seen since Christmas.
At least 17 hospital trusts - one in 10 - have declared a major incident in the last 24 hours, the BBC understands.
Bosses said they had been forced into the move as patients were experiencing long waits in A&E and being left on trolleys in corridors because there were no beds available. BBC News
See also:
Non-urgent treatments had already been cancelled until mid-January, but NHS England said on Tuesday that would now be extended to the end of the month.
It came after hospitals reported they were struggling to cope with the surge in patients being seen since Christmas.
At least 17 hospital trusts - one in 10 - have declared a major incident in the last 24 hours, the BBC understands.
Bosses said they had been forced into the move as patients were experiencing long waits in A&E and being left on trolleys in corridors because there were no beds available. BBC News
See also:
- NHS 'better prepared for winter than ever' BBC News
- Sarah Wollaston urges government to get a grip on NHS 'crisis' BBC News
- Jeremy Hunt's 10-year-old plan to revamp NHS The Daily Mail
- NHS chief DENIES crisis despite 55,000 delayed operations The Daily Mail
- Patients dismiss claims hospitals are like 'third world' The Daily Mail
- NHS chiefs urge relatives to help them ease crisis The Daily Mail
- Jeremy Hunt apologises to patients over cancellation of thousands of NHS operations The Daily Telegraph
- Here's the real reason the NHS is on its knees – and it has little to do with A&E The Daily Telegraph
- There is no winter NHS 'crisis', just a series of challenges that won't be solved without deep reform The Daily Telegraph
- Come and collect your elderly, hospital trusts say, amid soaring numbers of 'black alerts' The Daily Telegraph
- PM hails NHS readiness for winter as operations are cancelled GPonline
- Patients' charity attacks ministers over NHS winter crisis The Guardian
- Doctors and patients accuse government of failing to stop NHS crisis The Guardian
- The Tories knew there would be an NHS winter crisis but did nothing | Polly Toynbee The Guardian
- The Guardian view on the NHS winter crisis: not such a happy birthday | Editorial The Guardian
- 'My mum was treated with dignity': NHS care amid the winter crisis The Guardian
- GPs under growing pressure as well as A&Es OnMedica
One in four pregnant women has mental health problem
One in four pregnant women has mental health problem A quarter of all pregnant women suffer from mental health problems, a UK study has revealed.
For the first time in the UK, researchers at King’s College in London looked at the prevalence of mental health problems or mental health disorders in pregnant women when visiting their midwives for ante-natal care.
They found that when interviewed, one in four women had a mental illness ranging from depression (11 per cent) and anxiety (15 per cent) to eating disorders (two per cent) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (two per cent). iNews
See also:
For the first time in the UK, researchers at King’s College in London looked at the prevalence of mental health problems or mental health disorders in pregnant women when visiting their midwives for ante-natal care.
They found that when interviewed, one in four women had a mental illness ranging from depression (11 per cent) and anxiety (15 per cent) to eating disorders (two per cent) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (two per cent). iNews
See also:
NHS bosses have failed to declare nearly £4 million
NHS bosses have failed to declare nearly £4 million Regional health trusts accepted £5,027,818 from firms between 2015 and 2017, according to freedom of information data from all 207 clinical commissioning groups in England. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
Wednesday, 3 January 2018
NGH cancels planned operations after admitting 770 poorly patients to beds over festive period
NGH cancels planned operations after admitting 770 poorly patients to beds over festive period Bosses at Northampton General Hospital have said they are currently under considerable emergency pressure and have apologised to those who had their operations cancelled today.
A large number of patients requiring emergency care have built up pressure on wards and A&E departments over the Christmas and New Year period - which means both hospitals are concentrating their efforts on emergency care.
As a result, NGH has had to cancel many planned operations and routine outpatient clinics to ensure there are enough beds for emergency patients.
The hospital is contacting all of the affected patients and sincerely apologised for the inconvenience. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A large number of patients requiring emergency care have built up pressure on wards and A&E departments over the Christmas and New Year period - which means both hospitals are concentrating their efforts on emergency care.
As a result, NGH has had to cancel many planned operations and routine outpatient clinics to ensure there are enough beds for emergency patients.
The hospital is contacting all of the affected patients and sincerely apologised for the inconvenience. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
KGH under extreme pressure as operations cancelled
KGH under extreme pressure as operations cancelled A number of planned operations and outpatient clinics at Kettering General Hospital have been cancelled as the hospital struggles to cope with emergency pressures.
An average of 253 people have attended A&E each day since Christmas Eve, building pressure on wards and departments. As a result the hospital has had to cancel operations to ensure there are enough beds for emergency patients.
KGH’s chief operating officer Rebecca Brown said: “We are under extreme pressure at the moment and are caring for a large number of older people who need urgent treatment.
“The average age of inpatients at the moment is 74, many with multiple medical conditions, and these poorly patients have to be our priority at present." Northamptonshire Telegraph
An average of 253 people have attended A&E each day since Christmas Eve, building pressure on wards and departments. As a result the hospital has had to cancel operations to ensure there are enough beds for emergency patients.
KGH’s chief operating officer Rebecca Brown said: “We are under extreme pressure at the moment and are caring for a large number of older people who need urgent treatment.
“The average age of inpatients at the moment is 74, many with multiple medical conditions, and these poorly patients have to be our priority at present." Northamptonshire Telegraph
Admissions of inequality: emergency hospital use for children and young people
Admissions of inequality: emergency hospital use for children and young people This briefing looks at the relationship between deprivation and the use of emergency hospital care by children and young people in England. It aims to describe and highlight areas of inequality and to explore how they have changed over time. As well as looking at the overall patterns of emergency hospital use, it focuses in particular on three common conditions – asthma, diabetes and epilepsy – where more timely and effective primary, community or outpatient care could prevent admissions. Nuffield Trust
Hospitals to delay non-urgent operations
Hospitals to delay non-urgent operations Tens of thousands of non-urgent NHS operations and procedures in England may be deferred until 31 January, due to winter pressures.
Officials also told hospitals to delay routine outpatient appointments to concentrate on emergency care.
Separately, a doctor apologised on Twitter for "third world conditions" in the hospital where he works in Stoke.
NHS England's acute care director said hospitals were being given the "time and space" to manage January pressures.
Officials reiterated that cancer operations and time-critical procedures should go ahead as planned. BBC News
See also:
Officials also told hospitals to delay routine outpatient appointments to concentrate on emergency care.
Separately, a doctor apologised on Twitter for "third world conditions" in the hospital where he works in Stoke.
NHS England's acute care director said hospitals were being given the "time and space" to manage January pressures.
Officials reiterated that cancer operations and time-critical procedures should go ahead as planned. BBC News
See also:
- Operational update from the NHS National Emergency Pressures Panel NHS England
- Struggling hospitals facing 'huge tragedy' BBC News
- NHS operations could be cancelled over winter The Daily Mail
- NHS patients warned to keep away from 'Third World' A&E The Daily Mail
- A&E consultant apologises for the 'third world conditions' The Daily Mail
- 'Aussie flu' continues rampage as NHS struggles to cope The Daily Mail
- NHS hospitals ordered to cancel all routine operations in January as flu spike and bed shortages lead to A&E crisis The Daily Telegraph
- Winter pressure forces NHS to halt elective care until end of January GPonline
- NHS hospitals told to take drastic measures amid winter crisis The Guardian
- A&E doctor sorry for 'third world conditions' as NHS winter crisis bites The Guardian
- NHS extends suspension of all non-urgent care as doctors warn of winter crisis The Independent
AI early diagnosis could save heart and cancer patients
AI early diagnosis could save heart and cancer patients Researchers at an Oxford hospital have developed artificial intelligence (AI) that can diagnose scans for heart disease and lung cancer.
The systems will save billions of pounds by enabling the diseases to be picked up much earlier.
The heart disease technology will start to be available to NHS hospitals for free this summer.
The government's healthcare tsar, Sir John Bell, has told BBC News that AI could "save the NHS".
"There is about £2.2bn spent on pathology services in the NHS. You may be able to reduce that by 50%. AI may be the thing that saves the NHS," he said.
The systems will save billions of pounds by enabling the diseases to be picked up much earlier.
The heart disease technology will start to be available to NHS hospitals for free this summer.
The government's healthcare tsar, Sir John Bell, has told BBC News that AI could "save the NHS".
"There is about £2.2bn spent on pathology services in the NHS. You may be able to reduce that by 50%. AI may be the thing that saves the NHS," he said.
‘I just want to cut it off’: the weight-loss patients who no longer fit their skin
‘I just want to cut it off’: the weight-loss patients who no longer fit their skin Bariatric surgery is a highly cost-effective way to lose life-changing amounts of weight – but the NHS rarely removes the excess skin that is left behind. Desperate patients are now crowdfunding their operations while struggling with anxiety, depression and identity issues
When Haze Atkin passed the 32kg (5st) mark on her weight-loss programme, something strange began happening to her skin. First it grew softer. Then it grew emptier. By the time she had shed her 64th kilo, her body had shrunk so much that her loose skin needed to be folded into her clothes. Now, when Haze sits, a “hovercraft” of skin skirts her seat. When she takes a bath, her spare skin floats. In bed, her husband Chris accidentally rests an elbow on it; he can’t always be sure where Haze ends. The edges of her have become mistakable.
To her children’s delight, Haze can wobble her skin and make it talk like a puppet. Sometimes her daughter holds out her hands like a set of scales and Haze places her stomach skin on them. She thinks it weighs a stone. It has become oddly plastic, so that Haze can gather it in her hands and stretch and shake it, fold and mould it. But the one thing she can never do with her skin is forget it. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
When Haze Atkin passed the 32kg (5st) mark on her weight-loss programme, something strange began happening to her skin. First it grew softer. Then it grew emptier. By the time she had shed her 64th kilo, her body had shrunk so much that her loose skin needed to be folded into her clothes. Now, when Haze sits, a “hovercraft” of skin skirts her seat. When she takes a bath, her spare skin floats. In bed, her husband Chris accidentally rests an elbow on it; he can’t always be sure where Haze ends. The edges of her have become mistakable.
To her children’s delight, Haze can wobble her skin and make it talk like a puppet. Sometimes her daughter holds out her hands like a set of scales and Haze places her stomach skin on them. She thinks it weighs a stone. It has become oddly plastic, so that Haze can gather it in her hands and stretch and shake it, fold and mould it. But the one thing she can never do with her skin is forget it. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Life after extreme weight loss The Guardian
Britain's dental crisis is forcing charities to step in
Britain's dental crisis is forcing charities to step in Britain's dental crisis is forcing charities that assist third world countries to step in.
Dentists in the UK are so inundated with targets and admin, they lack the time and resources to properly focus on dental health, resulting in a 'national disaster' that is making patient treatment a low priority, according to a letter signed by more than 400 dentists.
Described as 'an international disgrace', Dentaid, a charity which works across parts of Africa, Asia and Central America, set up its first UK scheme in West Yorkshire two years ago and provides free care to low-income patients.
The charity has since expanded its reach, with mobile services being set up in Hampshire, Cornwall and Buckinghamshire. The Daily Mail
Previous research reveals one in six areas in the UK have no dentists left taking NHS patients.
Dentists in the UK are so inundated with targets and admin, they lack the time and resources to properly focus on dental health, resulting in a 'national disaster' that is making patient treatment a low priority, according to a letter signed by more than 400 dentists.
Described as 'an international disgrace', Dentaid, a charity which works across parts of Africa, Asia and Central America, set up its first UK scheme in West Yorkshire two years ago and provides free care to low-income patients.
The charity has since expanded its reach, with mobile services being set up in Hampshire, Cornwall and Buckinghamshire. The Daily Mail
Previous research reveals one in six areas in the UK have no dentists left taking NHS patients.
Nearly 100,000 NHS staff take a month off with stress
Nearly 100,000 NHS staff take a month off with stress More than 91,000 NHS employees have taken at least a month off work to deal with stress in the last three years.
Nurses were the most stressed group, with at least 46,341 taking time off in the three years.
Out of the 96 trusts that provided staff breakdowns, nurses made up 37 per cent of those who took time off. The Daily Mail
The number of staff taking long-term stress leave increased by 19 per cent between 2014 and 2016.
Figures released by 170 trusts across Britain showed a total of 204,573 employees took time off to deal with stress, anxiety, or another mental health-related issue, while 91,364 were off for a month or more.
Nurses were the most stressed group, with at least 46,341 taking time off in the three years.
It comes at a time when the NHS is facing a staffing crisis, as an estimated 40,000 nursing posts are currently vacant.
Out of the 96 trusts that provided staff breakdowns, nurses made up 37 per cent of those who took time off. The Daily Mail
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