Cancer delays 'leave patients at risk' The lives of cancer patients are being put at risk, experts say, as the NHS struggles to see people quickly enough.
Patients are meant to start cancer treatment within 62 days of it being suspected, but nowhere in the UK has achieved this for more than two years.
It means one in six patients is now waiting longer than they should, the BBC analysis of official figures found. BBC News
Friday, 11 May 2018
App technology allows medics to view 999 patients
App technology allows medics to view 999 patients A new app which allows air ambulance services to view patients before they arrive to treat them is being trialled in two areas of England.
The GoodSam app sends a link to the 999 caller's mobile phone, which opens live streaming.
Medics can then assess how seriously ill a patient is before setting off. BBC News
The GoodSam app sends a link to the 999 caller's mobile phone, which opens live streaming.
Medics can then assess how seriously ill a patient is before setting off. BBC News
The NHS has stopped sharing data with the Home Office – now it must halt passport checks on patients
The NHS has stopped sharing data with the Home Office – now it must halt passport checks on patients While it is framed as a necessary cost saving measure, the reality is that it is a policy designed to use fear as a tool to stop people accessing care and to identify those who could face deportation. The Independent
UK universities call for joined-up mental health care for students
UK universities call for joined-up mental health care for students We must not fail a generation, says chair of group, urging better links between home and campus services
Mental health services are failing to adequately support students when they leave home and move to university, allowing them to fall through the gaps at a time of increased vulnerability and stressful new pressures, according to research.
With suicide rates among students on the rise and a sharp increase in demand for mental health support – as much as three-fold in some institutions – universities have acknowledged in a report that current services are letting students down. Continue reading... The Guardian
Mental health services are failing to adequately support students when they leave home and move to university, allowing them to fall through the gaps at a time of increased vulnerability and stressful new pressures, according to research.
With suicide rates among students on the rise and a sharp increase in demand for mental health support – as much as three-fold in some institutions – universities have acknowledged in a report that current services are letting students down. Continue reading... The Guardian
Hammond and Hunt in battle over NHS funding boost
Hammond and Hunt in battle over NHS funding boost Exclusive: Chancellor wants to knock £2bn off health secretary’s push for extra £5.2bn a year.
Jeremy Hunt and Philip Hammond are at loggerheads over how much more money the NHS should get to fulfil Theresa May’s pledge for a long-term funding deal to rescue the service.
The health and social care secretary and chancellor have been competing for the prime minister’s backing for their starkly different visions of how much extra cash the beleaguered service in England needs. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt and Philip Hammond are at loggerheads over how much more money the NHS should get to fulfil Theresa May’s pledge for a long-term funding deal to rescue the service.
The health and social care secretary and chancellor have been competing for the prime minister’s backing for their starkly different visions of how much extra cash the beleaguered service in England needs. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS staff will soon be able to sign up for extra shifts using an app
NHS staff will soon be able to sign up for extra shifts using an app Doctors and nurses will soon be able to sign up to shifts on their phones to cut reliance on expensive agency staff.
Thousands of NHS workers will be able to opt to work extra hours for extra pay using phone ‘apps’ as part of a trial.
The apps on their phones will receive notifications of when shifts become available and let staff sign up to work instantly. The Daily Mail
Thousands of NHS workers will be able to opt to work extra hours for extra pay using phone ‘apps’ as part of a trial.
The apps on their phones will receive notifications of when shifts become available and let staff sign up to work instantly. The Daily Mail
Britain may face another Mid Staffs hospital scandal, health official warns
Britain may face another Mid Staffs hospital scandal, health official warns Britain may shortly face another Mid Staffs hospital scandal, according to the leader of the Royal College of Nursing.
Janet Davies warns nursing shortages are as bad as they were during the crisis, adding the number of vacancies has reached a 'critical' stage.
Up to 1,200 patients died as a result of poor care between January 2005 and March 2009 at Stafford hospital, which is run by the Mid Staffordshire NHS hospital trust.
A report into the incident claimed it occurred due to 'a chronic shortage of staff, particularly nursing staff'. The Daily Mail
Janet Davies warns nursing shortages are as bad as they were during the crisis, adding the number of vacancies has reached a 'critical' stage.
Up to 1,200 patients died as a result of poor care between January 2005 and March 2009 at Stafford hospital, which is run by the Mid Staffordshire NHS hospital trust.
A report into the incident claimed it occurred due to 'a chronic shortage of staff, particularly nursing staff'. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 10 May 2018
The 10-year strategy for the health and care workforce
The 10-year strategy for the health and care workforce Though this may be a generalisation, until recently I am sure most people working in health and social care would have agreed that their biggest challenge was money, given the impact of sustained austerity on public services in general and on the NHS and social care in particular. However, by 2017, for many people workforce issues have caught up with – and sometimes overtaken – financial pressures as the key challenge facing both services. Most pressing are the staff shortages and high turnover now experienced in many services (nursing, general practice and much of social care to name but three) although long-term questions of self-sufficiency in workforce and skill-mix are also important, particularly as we look further into the future, post-Brexit. The King's Fund
Credible plan to sustain underfunded care sector needed this year
Credible plan to sustain underfunded care sector needed this year This report argues that the adult social care sector is underfunded, with the care workforce suffering from low pay, low esteem and high turnover of staff. Public Accounts Select Committee
Unwell, unsafe, and unfed – 4,000 people needing care reveal a shocking picture of neglect in our care system
Unwell, unsafe, and unfed – 4,000 people needing care reveal a shocking picture of neglect in our care system A survey by the Care and Support Alliance (CSA), of nearly 4,000 people who need care or look after someone who does reveals the damning reality of a care system that is visibly failing and unfit for purpose. Those relying on care revealed their experiences of poor care – in the worst cases amounting to neglect – at the hands of a care system that is meant to provide a safety net for them but which often lacks the resources to do so.
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Integrating Mental Health And Social Care: Does It Work In Practice?
Integrating Mental Health And Social Care: Does It Work In Practice? This briefing looks at the integration of mental health and social care, the benefits behind this and the challenges faced on the ground. It argues that the current pressures on both the health and care systems can conceal the day-to-day challenges of living with mental health problems, the distress of families and friends, and the struggle to stay well in their community. Centre for Mental Health
Fentanyl: preparing for a future threat
Fentanyl: preparing for a future threat Local areas are being advised to use these resources when preparing their response to incidents caused by fentanyl or other potent opioids. The plan should enable local partners to rapidly understand the scale of the threat and assess the risk, communicate the threat and take actions to mitigate the threat. The accompanying spreadsheet shows how much naloxone should be provided in local areas based on different scenarios and explains how the modelling was calculated. Public Health England
Going the distance: exercise professionals in the wider public health workforce
Going the distance: exercise professionals in the wider public health workforce This report, written with ukactive, explores how fitness professionals can play an enhanced role in supporting the public’s health. It calls for GP drop-in and smoking cessation services inside gyms and leisure centres, to help ease pressure on local health facilities and improve access to health improvement services. Royal Society for Public Health
Visa clampdown 'hits cancer patients'
Visa clampdown 'hits cancer patients' Cancer patients are being put at risk by immigration rules, say specialist doctors.
NHS hospital trusts are struggling to recruit genetic counsellors, who identify people at risk of hereditary cancer and other serious conditions.
Some hospitals rely on foreign workers, who now find it difficult to get visas as immigration rules have tightened.
The Home Office said priority was given to people working in occupations with shortages. BBC News
NHS hospital trusts are struggling to recruit genetic counsellors, who identify people at risk of hereditary cancer and other serious conditions.
Some hospitals rely on foreign workers, who now find it difficult to get visas as immigration rules have tightened.
The Home Office said priority was given to people working in occupations with shortages. BBC News
NHS trust £14m debt partly 'due to patient system failure'
NHS trust £14m debt partly 'due to patient system failure' The failure of a computerised patient record system lost an NHS trust £10m, according to its chief executive.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the system failed to keep a record of "all activity taking place".
Because of this the trust was unable to bill the NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for work, including operations.
InterSystems, which provided the TrakCare system, declined to comment. BBC News
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the system failed to keep a record of "all activity taking place".
Because of this the trust was unable to bill the NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for work, including operations.
InterSystems, which provided the TrakCare system, declined to comment. BBC News
Norman Lamb: We cannot mental health slide down the agenda because of Brexit - iNews
Norman Lamb: We cannot mental health slide down the agenda because of Brexit When Theresa May took office promising to tackle society’s burning injustices, it was heartening that she singled out the lack of support available for people experiencing mental ill health.
One in four of us will be affected by a mental health problem in any given year, costing the economy an estimated £105 billion. But rather than being treated with the urgency and compassion that society would demand for a physical condition, mental illness has been scandalously hidden and neglected. iNews
One in four of us will be affected by a mental health problem in any given year, costing the economy an estimated £105 billion. But rather than being treated with the urgency and compassion that society would demand for a physical condition, mental illness has been scandalously hidden and neglected. iNews
NHS will no longer have to share immigrants' data with Home Office
NHS will no longer have to share immigrants' data with Home Office Exclusive: minister announces U-turn over key element in ‘hostile environment’ immigration policy
Ministers have suspended controversial arrangements under which the NHS shared patients’ details with the Home Office so it could trace people breaking immigration rules.
The government’s U-turn on a key element of its “hostile environment” approach to immigration came after MPs, doctors’ groups and health charities warned that the practice was scaring some patients from seeking NHS care for medical problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Ministers have suspended controversial arrangements under which the NHS shared patients’ details with the Home Office so it could trace people breaking immigration rules.
The government’s U-turn on a key element of its “hostile environment” approach to immigration came after MPs, doctors’ groups and health charities warned that the practice was scaring some patients from seeking NHS care for medical problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Private hospitals’ business model is archaic, unsafe and indefensible
Private hospitals’ business model is archaic, unsafe and indefensible With a growing share of NHS-funded surgery being outsourced, Jeremy Hunt’s warning over risks is long overdue
Jeremy Hunt’s call for private hospital companies to improve their safety and quality standards after a damning report on the sector by the regulator marks a long overdue – though still tacit – acknowledgment that the private sector’s business model is based on an archaic and dangerous concept of medical practice. Usually in private hospitals an independent surgeon operates alone and is off-site and not available for post-operative care as soon as their patient is back on the ward. If anything goes wrong, the nearest NHS hospital is an ambulance dash away. This model poses distinct risks to patients.
This is increasingly concerning as a growing share of all NHS-funded surgery (almost 600,000 hip and knee replacements a year) is now carried out in private hospitals – NHS patients now account for roughly half of all their admissions. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt’s call for private hospital companies to improve their safety and quality standards after a damning report on the sector by the regulator marks a long overdue – though still tacit – acknowledgment that the private sector’s business model is based on an archaic and dangerous concept of medical practice. Usually in private hospitals an independent surgeon operates alone and is off-site and not available for post-operative care as soon as their patient is back on the ward. If anything goes wrong, the nearest NHS hospital is an ambulance dash away. This model poses distinct risks to patients.
This is increasingly concerning as a growing share of all NHS-funded surgery (almost 600,000 hip and knee replacements a year) is now carried out in private hospitals – NHS patients now account for roughly half of all their admissions. Continue reading... The Guardian
Younger GPs 'really don't like' working long hours, says senior medic as pressure piles on surgeries
Younger GPs 'really don't like' working long hours, says senior medic as pressure piles on surgeries An unwillingness by new GPs to work as hard as their older colleagues is threatening to overwhelm surgeries, a senior medic has suggested.
Dr Laurence Buckman, formerly the highest-ranking GP at the British Medical Association (BMA), said the appetite among young family doctors to “go beyond the extra mile has evaporated” in recent years. The Daily Telegraph
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Dr Laurence Buckman, formerly the highest-ranking GP at the British Medical Association (BMA), said the appetite among young family doctors to “go beyond the extra mile has evaporated” in recent years. The Daily Telegraph
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Chief Medical Officer issues a warning over the antibiotic-resistance crisis
Chief Medical Officer issues a warning over the antibiotic-resistance crisis In a talk, The UK's Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies described antibiotic resistance as 'biggest global health challenge we face' as she calls for better prescription regulations. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- The Chief Medical Officer on the catastrophic threat of antimicrobial resistance (video) Professor Dame Sally Davies
Wednesday, 9 May 2018
Northampton General Hospital: A&E's new unit 'on build schedule'
Northampton General Hospital: A&E's new unit 'on build schedule' A new emergency assessment unit being built at Northampton General Hospital is on schedule to open by the end of the summer, NHS bosses have said.
The 60-bed unit will help staff work out the most appropriate treatment for each patient and the hospital hopes it will ease pressure on emergency waiting times. BBC Northampton
The 60-bed unit will help staff work out the most appropriate treatment for each patient and the hospital hopes it will ease pressure on emergency waiting times. BBC Northampton
Busiest ever day for Northampton General Hospital as pressure on A&E rises
Busiest ever day for Northampton General Hospital as pressure on A&E rises More than 500 people visited Northampton General Hospital’s A&E department in January on its busiest day in history. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Spending on and availability of health care resources: how does the UK compare to other countries?
Spending on and availability of health care resources: how does the UK compare to other countries? How does health spending in the UK compares to other countries and how does the NHS measures up on some of the key resources this spending pays for? Using data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, our new briefing compares spending on staffing, beds, equipment and medicine across 21 countries. The King's Fund
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Green Paper on Child Mental Health lacks ambition
Green Paper on Child Mental Health lacks ambition The Government's proposed Green Paper on Transforming Children and Young People's Mental Health lacks ambition and will provide no help to the majority of those children who desperately need it, say the Education and Health and Social Care Committees in joint report.
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See also:
- Mental health plans 'failing a generation', say MPs BBC News
- Government plans to tackle mental health crisis 'will fail a generation' The Guardian
- Government's mental health plans to leave hundreds of thousands of children without needed support, MPs warn The Independent
Lack of therapy puts stroke survivors’ recovery at risk
Lack of therapy puts stroke survivors’ recovery at risk Stroke survivors’ recoveries are being put at risk due to a lack of rehabilitation therapy after they leave hospital, according to the Stroke Association.
Rehabilitation therapy, which includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, can help stroke survivors relearn basic skills such as how to walk, talk and even eat again so they can regain their independence.
NICE guidelines (i) recommend at least 45 minutes, five days a week of each type of rehabilitation therapy needed by stroke survivors for as long as it’s of benefit to them. However, the Stroke Association has revealed that, on average, stroke survivors only receive around a third of that.
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Rehabilitation therapy, which includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, can help stroke survivors relearn basic skills such as how to walk, talk and even eat again so they can regain their independence.
NICE guidelines (i) recommend at least 45 minutes, five days a week of each type of rehabilitation therapy needed by stroke survivors for as long as it’s of benefit to them. However, the Stroke Association has revealed that, on average, stroke survivors only receive around a third of that.
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NHS: How much does it spend on the private sector?
NHS: How much does it spend on the private sector? Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt has written to private health companies following a report by the regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It found that while most private hospitals in England provided high quality care there were still 30% requiring improvement.
The CQC made the point that the independent health sector was important not just for privately funded patients or those with insurance but also many in the NHS because of contracts held with health service commissioners and trusts. BBC News
The CQC made the point that the independent health sector was important not just for privately funded patients or those with insurance but also many in the NHS because of contracts held with health service commissioners and trusts. BBC News
Junior doctors' job offers withdrawn after computer blunder
Junior doctors' job offers withdrawn after computer blunder Up to 1,500 junior doctors offered posts as registrars have had their job offers withdrawn, following a mistake in the recruitment process.
Doctors say they have been left stressed and in limbo, and potentially out of pocket over plans to move home.
The Royal College of Physicians, which oversees recruitment, apologised for the "human error" and is working over the weekend to restart the process. BBC News
Doctors say they have been left stressed and in limbo, and potentially out of pocket over plans to move home.
The Royal College of Physicians, which oversees recruitment, apologised for the "human error" and is working over the weekend to restart the process. BBC News
NHS England pledges full coverage for perinatal mental health services
NHS England pledges full coverage for perinatal mental health services NHS England has announced plans to make community perinatal mental health services available to women in all parts of the country by April next year.
Funding for specialist community services and inpatient mother and baby units across England will allow at least 30,000 additional women to access perinatal mental health services closer to home.
NHS England has announced that £23m will be spent on rolling out services across the country to make evidence-based treatment and support available to all new and expectant mothers. Pulse
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Funding for specialist community services and inpatient mother and baby units across England will allow at least 30,000 additional women to access perinatal mental health services closer to home.
NHS England has announced that £23m will be spent on rolling out services across the country to make evidence-based treatment and support available to all new and expectant mothers. Pulse
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Private hospitals warned over failing safety and quality standards
Private hospitals warned over failing safety and quality standards Exclusive: Jeremy Hunt writes to 206 private providers across England after damning CQC report
Private hospitals have been given two weeks to come up with a plan to “get their house in order” on safety and quality or else face tough sanctions imposed by the government, the Guardian has learned.
On Tuesday, Jeremy Hunt will write to the chief executives of 206 private hospitals across England following a damning report into the sector by the safety regulator last month. Continue reading... The Guardian
Private hospitals have been given two weeks to come up with a plan to “get their house in order” on safety and quality or else face tough sanctions imposed by the government, the Guardian has learned.
On Tuesday, Jeremy Hunt will write to the chief executives of 206 private hospitals across England following a damning report into the sector by the safety regulator last month. Continue reading... The Guardian
Poor NHS care contributed to deaths of 13 people with learning disabilities
Poor NHS care contributed to deaths of 13 people with learning disabilities Treatment delays, neglect or abuse adversely affected patients, mortality review says
An NHS investigation into the deaths of 13 patients with learning disabilities has found that failures to provide adequate, safe and prompt care contributed directly to their deaths.
Detailed studies of 103 deaths in 2016-17 by the NHS Learning Disabilities Mortality Review found that in 13 instances the person’s health had been adversely affected by treatment delays, poor care, neglect or abuse. Continue reading... The Guardian
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An NHS investigation into the deaths of 13 patients with learning disabilities has found that failures to provide adequate, safe and prompt care contributed directly to their deaths.
Detailed studies of 103 deaths in 2016-17 by the NHS Learning Disabilities Mortality Review found that in 13 instances the person’s health had been adversely affected by treatment delays, poor care, neglect or abuse. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review Annual Report 2017 Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership
- Failings in learning disability deaths, report finds BBC News
Being able to see the same GP is harder than ever, despite ministers’ pledges
Being able to see the same GP is harder than ever, despite ministers’ pledges Being able to see the same GP is rarer than ever, despite Government pledges to improve continuity of care, research has found.
Five years ago, ministers pledged to bring back the “personal link” between patients and doctors, promising that all older patients should be given a named doctor. The Daily Telegraph
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Five years ago, ministers pledged to bring back the “personal link” between patients and doctors, promising that all older patients should be given a named doctor. The Daily Telegraph
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- GPs working hard to provide continuity of care to their patients despite rising pressures, says College Royal College of General Practitioners
- Report highlights sharp fall in patients able to see own GP regularly The Guardian
Campaigners warn against sale of fields and green spaces which 'save NHS more than £100 million a year'
Campaigners warn against sale of fields and green spaces which 'save NHS more than £100 million a year' Parks and green spaces save the NHS more than £100 million a year, new research has found.
They provide wellbeing benefits worth a total of £34 billion annually, according to the Fields in Trust charity, which has urged the Government to ban local councils from selling school playing fields.
Its report, the first of its kind, warned that the sale of such valuable land was “completely short sighted” and would likely cost more money than is saved. The Daily Telegraph
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They provide wellbeing benefits worth a total of £34 billion annually, according to the Fields in Trust charity, which has urged the Government to ban local councils from selling school playing fields.
Its report, the first of its kind, warned that the sale of such valuable land was “completely short sighted” and would likely cost more money than is saved. The Daily Telegraph
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Breast screening scandal deepens as IT firm says senior health officials ignored its warnings
Breast screening scandal deepens as IT firm says senior health officials ignored its warnings The scandal over the breast cancer screening deepened today after the IT company involved hit back at suggestions that their software was to blame.
Senior sources at Hitachi Consulting said that they had created an algorithm following the exact specifications provided by health officials.
They also questioned why Public Health England (PHE) failed to act after the firm flagged up concerns in March 2017 that women were being denied scans. The Daily Telegraph
Senior sources at Hitachi Consulting said that they had created an algorithm following the exact specifications provided by health officials.
They also questioned why Public Health England (PHE) failed to act after the firm flagged up concerns in March 2017 that women were being denied scans. The Daily Telegraph
Meet the unsung army of selfless volunteers on whom the NHS depends
Meet the unsung army of selfless volunteers on whom the NHS depends They are the unsung heroes — a 78,000 strong army of selfless people who volunteer in hospital wards, cafeterias and around the community to help the NHS save millions of pounds every year. The Daily Mail
Decision to not make a drug for childhood cancer on the NHS is 'devastating', say charities
Decision to not make a drug for childhood cancer on the NHS is 'devastating', say charities Children with the same childhood cancer that killed Bradley Lowery will be denied a life-extending drug on the NHS after the health watchdog ruled it too costly.
Nice stressed that it wanted to recommend patients with neuroblastoma are given dinutuximab beta – but argued it is too expensive and may not work. The Daily Mail
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Nice stressed that it wanted to recommend patients with neuroblastoma are given dinutuximab beta – but argued it is too expensive and may not work. The Daily Mail
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Friday, 4 May 2018
Body cameras improve inpatient safety and quality of care - NursingNotes
Body cameras improve inpatient safety and quality of care Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust trialled body cameras as part of their battle against violence and aggression.
The trial, which saw 12 cameras trialled by 60 staff for three months across five mental health wards at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, reduced the need for emergency restraint from 41 incidents to 18. NursingNotes
The trial, which saw 12 cameras trialled by 60 staff for three months across five mental health wards at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, reduced the need for emergency restraint from 41 incidents to 18. NursingNotes
£750,000 investment in new beds and mattresses at KGH
£750,000 investment in new beds and mattresses at KGH Kettering General Hospital has invested £750,000 replacing more than a quarter of its 610 beds with better and more modern beds and mattresses to improve patient comfort, care and safety. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Diversity within diversity: the NHS workforce from overseas
Diversity within diversity: the NHS workforce from overseas Amid news that hundreds of doctors from overseas have been refused visas to work in the UK due to a migration cap, Fiona Johnson reflects on NHS workforce planning and the changing profile of our foreign staff. The Nuffield Trust
Cross-party approach to the NHS and social care
Cross-party approach to the NHS and social care When MPs from different parties come together to argue for more funding for the NHS and social care, it is time to sit up and take notice.
Last week’s statement by Nick Boles (Conservative), Liz Kendall (Labour), and Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) could not have been clearer. Spending on the NHS and social care needs to increase by substantially more than inflation over the next 20 years and should be paid for by a dedicated tax. The King's Fund
Last week’s statement by Nick Boles (Conservative), Liz Kendall (Labour), and Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) could not have been clearer. Spending on the NHS and social care needs to increase by substantially more than inflation over the next 20 years and should be paid for by a dedicated tax. The King's Fund
Confronting Dr Robot: Creating a people-powered future for AI in health
Confronting Dr Robot: Creating a people-powered future for AI in health A new report looking at what artificial intelligence might mean for our experience of healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence could become part of the front door to healthcare. It could make the health system simpler, more accessible, more responsive, more sustainable, and put patients more in control. But there’s a risk that the public could experience it more as a barrier than an open door, blocking access to care, offering opaque advice and dehumanising healthcare in every sense. Nesta
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Artificial Intelligence could become part of the front door to healthcare. It could make the health system simpler, more accessible, more responsive, more sustainable, and put patients more in control. But there’s a risk that the public could experience it more as a barrier than an open door, blocking access to care, offering opaque advice and dehumanising healthcare in every sense. Nesta
See also:
- Report on international practice on digital apps Scottish Centre for Telehealth and Telecare
Freedom to speak up guidance for NHS trusts
Freedom to speak up guidance for NHS trusts Guidance for NHS trusts and foundation trust boards on freedom to speak up measures. NHS Improvement
Thousands of calls made to breast screen error helpline
Thousands of calls made to breast screen error helpline More than 8,000 calls have been made to a helpline since it was revealed that 450,000 women were not invited to routine breast cancer screening due to a computer error.
Public Health England says it was not aware of a national problem with the screening programme until January.
But the BBC understands that two NHS trusts in England raised concerns about IT issues as early as March 2017.
They were told the problems were a local - not national - matter. BBC News
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Public Health England says it was not aware of a national problem with the screening programme until January.
But the BBC understands that two NHS trusts in England raised concerns about IT issues as early as March 2017.
They were told the problems were a local - not national - matter. BBC News
See also:
- Breast screening: Is the NHS programme working? BBC News
- Breast cancer helplines overwhelmed amid calls for health chief to quit over screening scandal The Daily Telegraph
- Breast cancer victim tells of her anger after waiting an hour to get through to NHS helpline The Daily Telegraph
- In the NHS breast-screening scandal, first priority must be the women The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt's rhetoric over breast cancer screening looks overheated The Guardian
- The cancer screening scandal is no surprise – older women are too often ignored The Guardian
- Breast cancer screening scandal could cost £100m in compensation, lawyers warn The Independent
Xanax: Children as young as 11 taking anxiety drug
Xanax: Children as young as 11 taking anxiety drug Children as young as 11 are being treated for abusing the anxiety drug Xanax, the BBC has found.
Drugs charity Addaction said it was also aware of 13-year-olds "dealing" the tranquiliser on school premises.
The BBC has seen a number of letters from head teachers to parents raising concerns over increasing abuse of prescription medications.
One teacher said he feared pupils had made an assumption that taking Xanax was safer than using illegal drugs. BBC News
Drugs charity Addaction said it was also aware of 13-year-olds "dealing" the tranquiliser on school premises.
The BBC has seen a number of letters from head teachers to parents raising concerns over increasing abuse of prescription medications.
One teacher said he feared pupils had made an assumption that taking Xanax was safer than using illegal drugs. BBC News
'It's about celebrating life - not doom and gloom'
'It's about celebrating life - not doom and gloom' In 2016 Paul Meisak was told he had terminal cancer.
Paul, who lives with his wife Bridget just outside Glasgow, has asked BBC Radio 5 live to follow him as he meets with oncologists, chooses his hospice and organises his funeral.
Paul’s attitude is positive: "This is about celebrating life." BBC News
Paul, who lives with his wife Bridget just outside Glasgow, has asked BBC Radio 5 live to follow him as he meets with oncologists, chooses his hospice and organises his funeral.
Paul’s attitude is positive: "This is about celebrating life." BBC News
Child mortality rate 'one and a half times higher in England than in Sweden'
Child mortality rate 'one and a half times higher in England than in Sweden' More than 6,000 fewer children would have died between 2003 and 2012 if England’s rate had been the same as Sweden’s, researchers said
Deaths in children under five occur one and half times more often in England than in Sweden, a study has found.
If the child mortality rate had been the same in England as in Sweden during the 10-year period analysed, more than 600 fewer children would have died per year, researchers said. Continue reading... The Guardian
Deaths in children under five occur one and half times more often in England than in Sweden, a study has found.
If the child mortality rate had been the same in England as in Sweden during the 10-year period analysed, more than 600 fewer children would have died per year, researchers said. Continue reading... The Guardian
10-minute GP consultations are a 'DISASTER', warns royal college chair
10-minute GP consultations are a 'DISASTER', warns royal college chair The British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of General Practitioners have said that 10-minute consultations are inadequate considering the complexity of patients' needs. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 3 May 2018
Northants County Council could U-turn over adult care cuts
Northants County Council could U-turn over adult care cuts County council bosses are planning a U-turn over some cuts to adult care services.
In February a number of Northants charities and voluntary organisations which provide services for deaf and blind people were told their funding was to end as part of widescale cuts.
But now it looks like some services could have their funding reinstated as the top officer in charge of adult services Anna Earnshaw is asking Northamptonshire County Council’s cabinet to approve new short-term contracts. Northamptonshire Telegraph
In February a number of Northants charities and voluntary organisations which provide services for deaf and blind people were told their funding was to end as part of widescale cuts.
But now it looks like some services could have their funding reinstated as the top officer in charge of adult services Anna Earnshaw is asking Northamptonshire County Council’s cabinet to approve new short-term contracts. Northamptonshire Telegraph
New 24-hour service for young victims of sexual assault to launch in Northampton
New 24-hour service for young victims of sexual assault to launch in Northampton The Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire has partnered with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and other PCCs from across the East Midlands to launch a new specialist hub in the county that will support young victims of sexual violence and assault. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Former Northampton General Hospital nurse struck off after trying to straddle colleague
Former Northampton General Hospital nurse struck off after trying to straddle colleague A Northampton General Hospital nurse, who touched a colleague's bottom and attempted to straddle her, has been banned from the profession.
Simon Carl Bates was working as a senior A&E nurse for Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust at the time. Northamptonshire Chronicle and Echo
Simon Carl Bates was working as a senior A&E nurse for Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust at the time. Northamptonshire Chronicle and Echo
Data for public benefit: balancing the risks and benefits of data sharing
Data for public benefit: balancing the risks and benefits of data sharing This report is a joint initiative between Carnegie UK Trust, Involve and Understanding Patient Data. It presents new research from across six local authority areas in England and has found that there are big differences in how public services currently define and weigh up public benefits and risks of data sharing. A framework has been developed to help organisations make better decisions about when data should and shouldn’t be shared. This framework will help professionals weigh up the purpose of sharing data against the potential for harm and help public service providers have conversations with the public about data sharing. Carnegie UK Trust
Powerful patients, paperless systems: how new technology can renew the NHS
Powerful patients, paperless systems: how new technology can renew the NHS This report proposes the Department of Health and Social Care should drive a fundamental shift in behaviour by working closely with suppliers and NHS partners to achieve three key targets over the next decade: to move the NHS from paper-first to digital-first.
The aim should be to ensure that 100 per cent of all interactions within the health service are digitally driven by 2028; to build a flourishing ecosystem of apps and innovation within and around the NHS, to better serve patients and to put them in control; and to ensure that savings from automation and innovation are ploughed back into frontline services, and that R&D and technology training see their budgets rise at least in line with NHS spending. Centre for Policy Studies
The aim should be to ensure that 100 per cent of all interactions within the health service are digitally driven by 2028; to build a flourishing ecosystem of apps and innovation within and around the NHS, to better serve patients and to put them in control; and to ensure that savings from automation and innovation are ploughed back into frontline services, and that R&D and technology training see their budgets rise at least in line with NHS spending. Centre for Policy Studies
Tackling obesity: what the UK can learn from other countries
Tackling obesity: what the UK can learn from other countries 2020health’s third report on obesity since 2014 highlights that strong and mandated central policy, supporting bold, holistic local action, is still needed to impact what is arguably the greatest health challenge of the 21st century. The report examines topical obesity intervention strategies from around the world to frame the question: can the UK learn from policy abroad?
The hardest hit: addressing the crisis in alcohol treatment services
The hardest hit: addressing the crisis in alcohol treatment services This report, launched at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm, highlights how severe funding cuts, rapid re-tendering cycles, loss of qualified staff and lack of political support are impacting on some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Breast cancer screening: Grieving husband describes 'shell shock' after realising late wife may have not have been invited for tests
Breast cancer screening: Grieving husband describes 'shell shock' after realising late wife may have not have been invited for tests A grieving husband has described his shock at realising his wife may have been among those whose lives were cut short due to a breast cancer screening error.
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said a “computer algorithm failure” dating back to 2009 had meant many women aged between 68 and 71 in England were not invited to their final routine screening.
He said it was not currently known whether any delay in diagnosis resulted in avoidable death, but that it is estimated between 135 and 270 women had their lives shortened as a result. The Independent
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Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said a “computer algorithm failure” dating back to 2009 had meant many women aged between 68 and 71 in England were not invited to their final routine screening.
He said it was not currently known whether any delay in diagnosis resulted in avoidable death, but that it is estimated between 135 and 270 women had their lives shortened as a result. The Independent
See also:
- Women offered NHS breast screening after missed invitations Public Health England
- Breast screening error 'affects 450,000 women' BBC News
- Breast screening error: What went wrong? BBC News
- Breast screening error angers survivor and family of deceased BBC News
- We must find out who was truly responsible for the NHS screening blunder and hold them to account The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt to announce inquiry into breast cancer screening after hundreds of thousands were not tested due to error The Daily Telegraph
- NHS accused of breast cancer 'cover up' as nurse asks: 'I don't know if I'll survive... how did this happen?' The Daily Telegraph
- Hunt pledges advice for GPs after 450,000 women denied breast screening GPonline
- Breast cancer screening IT error: what you need to know The Guardian
- The computer glitch that led to the breast screening disaster The Guardian
- I'm not surprised that women were the victims of a life-altering NHS scandal – this should end Jeremy Hunt's career The Independent
I've been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for 20 years – it's no surprise that patients are being abused while detained under the Mental Health Act
I've been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for 20 years – it's no surprise that patients are being abused while detained under the Mental Health Act I have been coming in and out of psychiatric hospitals, first as a patient, later as a professional, for over 20 years. In this time, I have met people whose lives have been saved by compulsory detention under the Mental Health Act. But I have also met many others who have been traumatised, silenced and degraded by their experiences. It is yet to be seen whether the new government-commissioned report on the Mental Health Act, published today, will provoke the revolution in inpatient care that psychiatric survivors have been demanding for over 40 years. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- What is it like to be sectioned? BBC News
I never wanted to be a nurse but helping a suicidal patient changed my mind
I never wanted to be a nurse but helping a suicidal patient changed my mind I failed twice to get a nursing degree, but I’ve seen how my experience of mental health problems can help others
Working as a nurse was not something I ever saw myself doing while I was growing up. The possibilities seemed endless and I dreamed of being everything from an archaeologist to a vet. However, at the age of 15 I received a life-changing diagnosis and the world I knew fell apart. Overnight my life changed from that of a normal teenager to one punctuated with unrelenting rounds of in-patient psychiatric treatment and a near-fatal battle with anorexia.
My own journey, and the healthcare professionals who had influenced it – both good and not so good – had a profound effect on me and I began to consider nursing as a career. I wondered if I would be able to use my experience to help others in similar positions, and felt a strong desire to give something back. Continue reading... The Guardian
Working as a nurse was not something I ever saw myself doing while I was growing up. The possibilities seemed endless and I dreamed of being everything from an archaeologist to a vet. However, at the age of 15 I received a life-changing diagnosis and the world I knew fell apart. Overnight my life changed from that of a normal teenager to one punctuated with unrelenting rounds of in-patient psychiatric treatment and a near-fatal battle with anorexia.
My own journey, and the healthcare professionals who had influenced it – both good and not so good – had a profound effect on me and I began to consider nursing as a career. I wondered if I would be able to use my experience to help others in similar positions, and felt a strong desire to give something back. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS staff aren’t border guards. We won’t police the ‘hostile environment’
NHS staff aren’t border guards. We won’t police the ‘hostile environment’ NHS Digital is sharing confidential patient data with the Home Office. This betrays those we are committed to caring for
NHS Digital, which collects confidential patient information, is sharing this personal data with the Home Office to support its immigration enforcement work. This can result in patients being detained and potentially deported.
In the Doctors of the World (DOTW) UK London clinic, doctors, nurses and support workers provide medical care for people excluded from NHS services – including asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Here we see the impact of the fear of sharing patient data every day. We see vulnerable people who are simply too scared to approach NHS services, anxious it will lead to a knock on the door from the Home Office. Continue reading... The Guardian
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NHS Digital, which collects confidential patient information, is sharing this personal data with the Home Office to support its immigration enforcement work. This can result in patients being detained and potentially deported.
In the Doctors of the World (DOTW) UK London clinic, doctors, nurses and support workers provide medical care for people excluded from NHS services – including asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Here we see the impact of the fear of sharing patient data every day. We see vulnerable people who are simply too scared to approach NHS services, anxious it will lead to a knock on the door from the Home Office. Continue reading... The Guardian
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NHS should treat sex addiction as a medical condition, charities say
NHS should treat sex addiction as a medical condition, charities say Sex addiction should be recognised as a medical condition and treated on the NHS, charities have said.
Groups providing support for those addicted to sex say they have seen a fourfold increase in people seeking help in the last decade and that treatment should be provided free on the health service.
Currently NHS guidance states that experts disagree over whether it is possible to become addicted to sex and refers patients to voluntary organisations for help. The Daily Telegraph
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Groups providing support for those addicted to sex say they have seen a fourfold increase in people seeking help in the last decade and that treatment should be provided free on the health service.
Currently NHS guidance states that experts disagree over whether it is possible to become addicted to sex and refers patients to voluntary organisations for help. The Daily Telegraph
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NHS spends £23million a year on 'useless' eczema lotion
NHS spends £23million a year on 'useless' eczema lotion The NHS is wasting more than £23million a year on anti-eczema products that do not make any difference, a study has suggested.
Emollient bath additives are estimated to make up as much as a third of the cost of treating eczema in the UK, according to the report in the BMJ. The Daily Mail
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Emollient bath additives are estimated to make up as much as a third of the cost of treating eczema in the UK, according to the report in the BMJ. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Emollient bath additives for the treatment of childhood eczema (BATHE): multicentre pragmatic parallel group randomised controlled trial of clinical and cost effectiveness The BMJ
- Bath additives for child eczema ineffective, study finds BBC News
- NHS spends £23m a year on eczema bath treatments that researchers say don't work The Daily Telegraph
How the NHS has changed since the 1970s
How the NHS has changed since the 1970s Amateur photographer Chris Porsz has taken hundreds of pictures of doctors, nurses, patients and wards at the main hospital in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, over the past four decades. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 2 May 2018
East Midlands Ambulance Service asks for £20m to hit targets
East Midlands Ambulance Service asks for £20m to hit targets A troubled ambulance trust will meet with NHS bosses over its failure to hit targets for response times.
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) is reaching the most critically ill people in an average of nine minutes, two minutes short of its target.
It has asked local health commissioners for £20m a year, which would allow an extra 300 staff to be recruited but no agreement has yet been reached. BBC Leicester
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) is reaching the most critically ill people in an average of nine minutes, two minutes short of its target.
It has asked local health commissioners for £20m a year, which would allow an extra 300 staff to be recruited but no agreement has yet been reached. BBC Leicester
Northampton health centre with more than 30,000 patients left with just two parking spaces
Northampton health centre with more than 30,000 patients left with just two parking spaces A Northampton health centre with more than 30,000 registered patients has been left with just two parking spaces after a gym it shares its car park with has banned any non-members.
Exasperated patients at Weston Favell Health Centre, off Billing Brook Road, have been forced to risk fines on surrounding streets and the nearby shopping centre car park after Lings Forum Leisure Centre installed license plate recognition cameras on the shared lot. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Exasperated patients at Weston Favell Health Centre, off Billing Brook Road, have been forced to risk fines on surrounding streets and the nearby shopping centre car park after Lings Forum Leisure Centre installed license plate recognition cameras on the shared lot. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
East Midlands woman told to pay £2,000 after calling 999 almost 100 times on Christmas Day
East Midlands woman told to pay £2,000 after calling 999 almost 100 times on Christmas Day A woman who called 999 with no medical need 740 times in three months has been told to pay £2,000 compensation to EMAS and banned from calling the emergency services for five years other than in a genuine emergency.
The frequent caller, whose actions cost the NHS £13,276, was sentenced at court earlier this month. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The frequent caller, whose actions cost the NHS £13,276, was sentenced at court earlier this month. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Measuring national wellbeing: Quality of Life in the UK, 2018
Measuring national wellbeing: Quality of Life in the UK, 2018 The review provides an update against specific wellbeing indicators including health, mental wellbeing and job satisfaction. This year, the review focused on comparing the results between different age groups. These results may help employers target their health and wellbeing strategies towards different age grouped employees in their organisation. Office for National Statistics
Weight loss and loose skin: Patients 'forgotten' by NHS
Weight loss and loose skin: Patients 'forgotten' by NHS A senior plastic surgeon has told Newsbeat people who were obese and now have saggy skin are often "forgotten".
Mark Soldin thinks a lot of people should be able to get the treatment on the NHS - and he's been "fighting hard for patients to get better access".
The surgery can cost thousands of pounds.
The NHS says funding is not generally available for cosmetic surgery unless there is a medical need and it impacts quality of life. BBC News
Mark Soldin thinks a lot of people should be able to get the treatment on the NHS - and he's been "fighting hard for patients to get better access".
The surgery can cost thousands of pounds.
The NHS says funding is not generally available for cosmetic surgery unless there is a medical need and it impacts quality of life. BBC News
UK's most polluted towns and cities revealed
UK's most polluted towns and cities revealed Some 47 towns and cities across the UK are at or have exceeded air pollution limits set by the World Health Organization, its new report has found.
The WHO data shows 32 areas have fine particle air pollution levels above 10 micrograms per cubic metre, with the remaining 15 at that limit.
Areas that exceeded the level include London and Manchester, with the Welsh steelworks town Port Talbot the worst.
Dirty air can cause debilitating diseases and hasten death. BBC News
The WHO data shows 32 areas have fine particle air pollution levels above 10 micrograms per cubic metre, with the remaining 15 at that limit.
Areas that exceeded the level include London and Manchester, with the Welsh steelworks town Port Talbot the worst.
Dirty air can cause debilitating diseases and hasten death. BBC News
Bid to overturn homeopathy crackdown
Bid to overturn homeopathy crackdown Campaigners are seeking to overturn a decision by NHS bosses to recommend GPs no longer prescribe homeopathy.
The British Homeopathic Association has won the right to have a judicial review of the move.
It was proposed last year by NHS England after a consultation, which the BHA is arguing was flawed.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, has described homeopathy as "at best a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds". BBC News
The British Homeopathic Association has won the right to have a judicial review of the move.
It was proposed last year by NHS England after a consultation, which the BHA is arguing was flawed.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, has described homeopathy as "at best a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds". BBC News
Impact of revalidation remains unclear, finds GMC-backed review
Impact of revalidation remains unclear, finds GMC-backed review More than five years after it was launched, the impact of revalidation and the extent to which it has achieved intended outcomes remains unclear, a review backed by the GMC has found. GPonline
Theresa May 'blocking requests' to allow in more overseas doctors for NHS
Theresa May 'blocking requests' to allow in more overseas doctors for NHS Downing St defends immigration policy after May accused of refusing to allow visas for doctors to relieve NHS shortages
Downing Street has insisted it stands by the government’s strict immigration regime, after Theresa May was accused of blocking requests to allow more overseas doctors to come to Britain to fill staff shortages in the NHS.
The Evening Standard reported on Tuesday that at least three government departments – including the Home Office – had urged Downing Street to lift visa quotas temporarily. May turned down the requests.
This is where Theresa May's hostile environment leads. And will continue until the policy is scrapped. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Downing Street has insisted it stands by the government’s strict immigration regime, after Theresa May was accused of blocking requests to allow more overseas doctors to come to Britain to fill staff shortages in the NHS.
The Evening Standard reported on Tuesday that at least three government departments – including the Home Office – had urged Downing Street to lift visa quotas temporarily. May turned down the requests.
This is where Theresa May's hostile environment leads. And will continue until the policy is scrapped. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The last decade of health and social care in the UK – in 10 charts | Lord Ara Darzi
The last decade of health and social care in the UK – in 10 charts | Lord Ara Darzi Despite warnings of a crisis, the quality of care and patient outcomes have improved. But the NHS still needs a pragmatic plan to secure its future
This year is one of anniversaries. It’s 70 years since the NHS was created and 10 years since my last review of the service, which focused on the quality of healthcare. It seems, therefore, like the perfect moment to step back and reflect on where we find ourselves today.
With this in mind, I recently launched another review, commissioned by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and with analytical support from management consultancy Carnall Farrar. The review aims to assess the progress we have made and the challenges we face in the future. Telling the story of the last decade in the NHS, our interim findings are both interesting and important. Continue reading... The Guardian
This year is one of anniversaries. It’s 70 years since the NHS was created and 10 years since my last review of the service, which focused on the quality of healthcare. It seems, therefore, like the perfect moment to step back and reflect on where we find ourselves today.
With this in mind, I recently launched another review, commissioned by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and with analytical support from management consultancy Carnall Farrar. The review aims to assess the progress we have made and the challenges we face in the future. Telling the story of the last decade in the NHS, our interim findings are both interesting and important. Continue reading... The Guardian
Council cuts piling pressure on GPs as '90 per cent' reduce services
Council cuts piling pressure on GPs as '90 per cent' reduce services Councils are piling pressure on GPs by cutting services intended to prevent ill health, an investigation has found.
Ninety per cent of councils have cut funding to weight management, sexual health and addiction services in a bid to save cash, according to new research.
Some areas are scrapping the services altogether, a survey of 80 councils found, leaving GPs to try to cover the gaps. The Daily Telegraph
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Ninety per cent of councils have cut funding to weight management, sexual health and addiction services in a bid to save cash, according to new research.
Some areas are scrapping the services altogether, a survey of 80 councils found, leaving GPs to try to cover the gaps. The Daily Telegraph
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NHS makes near record £19m payout to parents of girl left brain damaged after jaundice treatment went wrong
NHS makes near record £19m payout to parents of girl left brain damaged after jaundice treatment went wrong The NHS has made a near record £19m payout to the parents of girl left brain damaged after jaundice treatment went wrong.
The nine-year-old was born at King's College Hospital with severe jaundice and her lawyers claimed there was a negligent delay in giving her a total blood transfusion.
NHS lawyers accepted that there had been "shortcomings" in her care - and agreed to what is believed to be a near record settlement of her claim. The Daily Telegraph
The nine-year-old was born at King's College Hospital with severe jaundice and her lawyers claimed there was a negligent delay in giving her a total blood transfusion.
NHS lawyers accepted that there had been "shortcomings" in her care - and agreed to what is believed to be a near record settlement of her claim. The Daily Telegraph
Number of staff turning up when they are ill has trebled since 2010
Number of staff turning up when they are ill has trebled since 2010 A sore throat and a sniffle won’t keep Britons away from work, a new survey has revealed.
The number of employees still going into work when they’re ill has more than tripled since 2010, according to a survey of hundreds of British workers.
The rise in workers suggests employees feel increasingly under pressure to work longer and harder, even when their health is at risk, the Times reported.
The survey examined 1,021 companies, who represented 4.6 million workers.
In 2016 72 per cent of employees came into work ill, up from 26 per cent in 2010. The Daily Mail
The number of employees still going into work when they’re ill has more than tripled since 2010, according to a survey of hundreds of British workers.
The rise in workers suggests employees feel increasingly under pressure to work longer and harder, even when their health is at risk, the Times reported.
The survey examined 1,021 companies, who represented 4.6 million workers.
In 2016 72 per cent of employees came into work ill, up from 26 per cent in 2010. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
Student nursing team for University of Northampton take the trophy at awards ceremony
Student nursing team for University of Northampton take the trophy at awards ceremony The University of Northampton has walked away with silverware at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2018. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Consultation outcome: Regulation of nursing associates in England
Consultation outcome: Regulation of nursing associates in England The government consulted on amendments made to the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 and subordinate legislation in order to give the Nursing and Midwifery Council the correct legal powers to effectively regulate the nursing associate profession.
This consultation response sets out the government analysis of the responses received and addresses specific questions and issues raised by respondents. Department of Health and Social Care
This consultation response sets out the government analysis of the responses received and addresses specific questions and issues raised by respondents. Department of Health and Social Care
Plans to strengthen NHS cyber security
Plans to strengthen NHS cyber security A new multi-million pound Microsoft package will ensure NHS systems have the most up-to-date software with the latest security settings. Department of Health and Social Care
Funding supported housing for all: Specialised Supported Housing for people with a learning disability
Funding supported housing for all: Specialised Supported Housing for people with a learning disability This report estimates that the Specialised Supported Housing (SHH) sector is more than double the size of previous estimates and that demand for SHH is rising. The research also finds that living independently with support in the community has a positive impact on people’s wellbeing for people with a learning disability. The provision of SHH is a housing alternative to people with complex needs who might otherwise have lived in residential care, or NHS provisions such as ‘secure’ accommodation. Mencap
Health warning for employers: supporting older workers with health conditions
Health warning for employers: supporting older workers with health conditions This report argues that employers are not properly supporting older workers experiencing long-term physical and mental health conditions. Health is the most important factor affecting older workers’ decisions to stop working before reaching state pension age. This research demonstrates that early access to support, small adjustments to the workplace and working patterns and empathetic management are crucial to enabling people to manage their health at work and remain in employment. Centre of Ageing Better
Creative and cultural activities and wellbeing in later life
Creative and cultural activities and wellbeing in later life This report outlines the importance for us all of participating in creative and cultural activities to maintain our wellbeing and feel good as we get older. The research identifies the key factors that enable participation and enjoyment of cultural activities and those which present barriers to participation. Age UK
Society's headache: the socioeconomic impact of migraine
Society's headache: the socioeconomic impact of migraine Migraine is a common and disabling primary headache disorder. It is the third most common
disease in the world (behind dental caries) in both males and females. Globally, it is the
highest cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) amongst those aged 15-49. This is
generally when people are at their most productive, furthering their careers and starting
families – it therefore has a huge impact on people’s career paths and the economy in
general. The Work Foundation
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disease in the world (behind dental caries) in both males and females. Globally, it is the
highest cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) amongst those aged 15-49. This is
generally when people are at their most productive, furthering their careers and starting
families – it therefore has a huge impact on people’s career paths and the economy in
general. The Work Foundation
See also:
- Migraines cost the UK economy £8.8 billion a year The Daily Mail
Jamie Oliver calls on Theresa May to act on childhood obesity
Jamie Oliver calls on Theresa May to act on childhood obesity Jamie Oliver has called on the prime minister "to do the right thing" to tackle childhood obesity.
Oliver and fellow celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall are due to give evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee later to offer their advice on how to tackle the problem.
"A lot of stuff that will change the goalposts is industrial, behind the scenes, reformulation," he said. BBC News
Oliver and fellow celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall are due to give evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee later to offer their advice on how to tackle the problem.
"A lot of stuff that will change the goalposts is industrial, behind the scenes, reformulation," he said. BBC News
NHS England reported to ICO following FOI failings
NHS England reported to ICO following FOI failings The BMA has reported NHS England to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) after it failed to respond to a freedom of information (FOI) request on primary care support services in England. GPonline
Mentally ill subject to 'physical violence and verbal threats' while held under Mental Health Act, finds report
Mentally ill subject to 'physical violence and verbal threats' while held under Mental Health Act, finds report ‘The inherent power imbalance means detained patients are vulnerable to potential coercive mistreatment, abuse and deprivation of human rights, leading to physical and psychological harm’
Mentally ill people are being subjected to “distressing experiences” including physical violence and verbal threats while detained under the Mental Health Act, a government-commissioned review has found.
A report on the interim findings of the review, commissioned by Theresa May last October, warns people held under the act are vulnerable to “potential coercive mistreatment”, which can lead to physical and psychological harm. The Independent
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Mentally ill people are being subjected to “distressing experiences” including physical violence and verbal threats while detained under the Mental Health Act, a government-commissioned review has found.
A report on the interim findings of the review, commissioned by Theresa May last October, warns people held under the act are vulnerable to “potential coercive mistreatment”, which can lead to physical and psychological harm. The Independent
See also:
- Independent Review of the Mental Health Act UK Government
- Report finds 'serious issues' with use of Mental Health Act The Guardian
More than 1,000 people could die if England doesn’t mirror Scotland’s alcohol pricing reforms within five years, warn campaigners
More than 1,000 people could die if England doesn’t mirror Scotland’s alcohol pricing reforms within five years, warn campaigners 'Minimum unit pricing will save lives, cut crime and benefit the public finances. At the same time, pub prices will be left untouched and moderate drinkers will barely notice the difference'
More than 1,000 lives could be lost if England fails to mirror Scotland’s sweeping reforms to alcohol pricing within five years, campaigners have warned.
Medical leaders have joined with a leading children’s organisation and a homelessness charity to call for minimum unit pricing (MUP) to be implemented south of the border. The Independent
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More than 1,000 lives could be lost if England fails to mirror Scotland’s sweeping reforms to alcohol pricing within five years, campaigners have warned.
Medical leaders have joined with a leading children’s organisation and a homelessness charity to call for minimum unit pricing (MUP) to be implemented south of the border. The Independent
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Alfie Evans: hospital may tighten security after abuse of medics
Alfie Evans: hospital may tighten security after abuse of medics Move also comes amid concerns that unauthorised doctors are examining ill children
Alder Hey hospital is to consider tightening security after the “unprecedented” abuse of medics treating Alfie Evans, amid warnings that other children’s hospitals could soon follow suit.
It is understood that senior staff at the hospital in Liverpool, where 23-month-old Alfie died on Saturday morning, will discuss introducing more rigorous procedures in the coming weeks. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Alder Hey hospital is to consider tightening security after the “unprecedented” abuse of medics treating Alfie Evans, amid warnings that other children’s hospitals could soon follow suit.
It is understood that senior staff at the hospital in Liverpool, where 23-month-old Alfie died on Saturday morning, will discuss introducing more rigorous procedures in the coming weeks. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Doctors won’t admit to mistakes after prosecution of paediatrician
Doctors won’t admit to mistakes after prosecution of paediatrician Doctors are unwilling to own up to mistakes after the prosecution of a paediatrician over the death of a young boy, polling suggests.
Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter over the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock, receiving a suspended two-year prison sentence, as well as being struck off the medical register.
The case has provoked outrage among medics with claims that the doctor’s attempts to reflect on her errors had been used as ammunition against her.
A survey of family doctors shows more than half say they have “stopped or adapted” their own reflections in their appraisals in the wake of the case. The Daily Telegraph
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Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter over the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock, receiving a suspended two-year prison sentence, as well as being struck off the medical register.
The case has provoked outrage among medics with claims that the doctor’s attempts to reflect on her errors had been used as ammunition against her.
A survey of family doctors shows more than half say they have “stopped or adapted” their own reflections in their appraisals in the wake of the case. The Daily Telegraph
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Asthma deaths shoot up by a quarter in just five years
Asthma deaths shoot up by a quarter in just five years Hundreds of asthma patients are dying unnecessarily every year because NHS treatment is trailing behind most of Europe, experts say.
The UK’s asthma death rate is 50 per cent higher than the European average, and more than three times higher than the Dutch figure.
The number of Britons who suffered a fatal attack increased by 24.6 per cent from 1,151 in 2011 to 1,434 in 2015.
Experts blame complacency among both medical staff and patients in the routine care of the condition, prevention and during attacks. The Daily Mail
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The UK’s asthma death rate is 50 per cent higher than the European average, and more than three times higher than the Dutch figure.
The number of Britons who suffered a fatal attack increased by 24.6 per cent from 1,151 in 2011 to 1,434 in 2015.
Experts blame complacency among both medical staff and patients in the routine care of the condition, prevention and during attacks. The Daily Mail
See also:
- UK asthma death rates among worst in Europe Asthma UK
- UK asthma death rates among the worst in Europe The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 30 April 2018
Northamptonshire County Council: Adult service users 'in crisis'
Northamptonshire County Council: Adult service users 'in crisis' Users of a cash-strapped council's adult social services are in "crisis" and its staff are "stressed", according to a former employee.
Nicki Slawson, a nurse and ex-care manager at Northamptonshire County Council, works for a law firm taking on cases where people are struggling to access social care funding.
In March, an inspector's report said the council "should be scrapped".
The authority said the service is "making good progress". BBC Northampton
Nicki Slawson, a nurse and ex-care manager at Northamptonshire County Council, works for a law firm taking on cases where people are struggling to access social care funding.
In March, an inspector's report said the council "should be scrapped".
The authority said the service is "making good progress". BBC Northampton
Survey launched asking Northamptonshire's teenagers if they know where to go for help with their mental health
Survey launched asking Northamptonshire's teenagers if they know where to go for help with their mental health Children and young people in Northamptonshire are being asked to shape how they can find help with their emotional health and wellbeing.
A survey asking Northamptonshire's young people about their wellbeing has been launched to find if they have the support they need in the county. Northamptonshire Telegraph
A survey asking Northamptonshire's young people about their wellbeing has been launched to find if they have the support they need in the county. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Alcohol and mental health: policy and practice in England
Alcohol and mental health: policy and practice in England This report highlights that people who have difficulties with alcohol and mental health are still not getting the help and support they need. It is based on a survey and seminar session held with professionals working in mental health and/or alcohol services across the country. It finds that co-morbidity is a barrier to treatment, and support for people with co-occurring alcohol and mental health problems is too often poor and fragmented. Centre for Mental Health
NHS medicines provision: a tricky balancing act
NHS medicines provision: a tricky balancing act Providing new medicines costs money. Indeed, the introduction of new technologies, including drugs, is one of the main causes of the growth in spending on health care. But at a time when the NHS budget is rising very slowly this creates a tension which has potentially significant implications for patients. The King's Fund
Cancer workforce in England: A census of cancer, palliative and chemotherapy speciality nurses and support workers in England in 2017
Cancer workforce in England: A census of cancer, palliative and chemotherapy speciality nurses and support workers in England in 2017 Macmillan commissioned a census in order to better understand the specialist adult cancer nursing and support workforce in England. It provides a snapshot of the workforce on a single day: 9 October 2017. NHS Trusts submitted data from their organisations. Macmillan Cancer Support
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Health bosses criticise visa rules for doctors
Health bosses criticise visa rules for doctors Immigration rules are hampering the ability of the NHS to recruit doctors, health leaders are warning.
The number of skilled non-EU workers granted UK visas is capped - with the Home Office arguing the restriction is in "the national interest".
But NHS bosses say increasing numbers of doctors are being refused permission, worsening rota gaps and the waits patients face for treatment. BBC News
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The number of skilled non-EU workers granted UK visas is capped - with the Home Office arguing the restriction is in "the national interest".
But NHS bosses say increasing numbers of doctors are being refused permission, worsening rota gaps and the waits patients face for treatment. BBC News
See also:
Body cameras deter attacks and abuse at Welsh hospitals
Body cameras deter attacks and abuse at Welsh hospitals Body cameras are being used to record attacks and abuse towards hospital staff at five of Wales' health boards in a bid to deter violent behaviour.
Aneurin Bevan is the latest to give security staff the cameras after 15,113 incidents in the last five years.
One A&E nurse said he was threatened on a weekly basis and once had a patient grab him by the throat.
He said the cameras meant "it's no longer just our word against theirs". BBC News
Aneurin Bevan is the latest to give security staff the cameras after 15,113 incidents in the last five years.
One A&E nurse said he was threatened on a weekly basis and once had a patient grab him by the throat.
He said the cameras meant "it's no longer just our word against theirs". BBC News
'The NHS treatment that caused my cancer'
'The NHS treatment that caused my cancer' A High Court judge is starting work this week as chairman of a public inquiry into the biggest treatment scandal in NHS history. Tens of thousands want answers after being infected with hepatitis C and HIV from contaminated blood products.
"It's become a life of sickness, illness, worry, anxiety," Steve Dymond tells the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme.
"It is not the life I imagined, in terms of dreams, in terms of ambitions."
In 2016, Steve had a tumour removed from his liver. BBC News
"It's become a life of sickness, illness, worry, anxiety," Steve Dymond tells the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme.
"It is not the life I imagined, in terms of dreams, in terms of ambitions."
In 2016, Steve had a tumour removed from his liver. BBC News
DJ found in contempt of court after NHS compensation bid
DJ found in contempt of court after NHS compensation bid A DJ who tried to claim £837,000 from the NHS for negligence has been found in contempt of court.
Sandip Singh Atwal, 33, from Birmingham, went to hospital for injuries to his hands and lip after being attacked in 2008.
He said the treatment he received was negligent, and had left him unemployed and dependent.
But the DJ was filmed working as a courier and dancing in a music video for a single he also released.
It is thought to be the first time an NHS trust has brought such proceedings. BBC News
Sandip Singh Atwal, 33, from Birmingham, went to hospital for injuries to his hands and lip after being attacked in 2008.
He said the treatment he received was negligent, and had left him unemployed and dependent.
But the DJ was filmed working as a courier and dancing in a music video for a single he also released.
It is thought to be the first time an NHS trust has brought such proceedings. BBC News
NHS frontline staff watch children die, but managers tell us to keep it to ourselves
NHS frontline staff watch children die, but managers tell us to keep it to ourselves I find it naive a data manager can tell me that, having kept a stiff upper lip at work during an awful shift, I cannot tell the person closest to me a bit about my day. The Independent
Supermarket breast cancer screening to be offered by NHS
Supermarket breast cancer screening to be offered by NHS Women will be offered breast cancer screening while they shop, under NHS plans to harness space technology.
Breast screening vans will be sent to supermarkets across the country in schemes to drive up detection rates, meaning women can receive results within days.
Officials hope that making checks more convenient will mean thousands of cases are picked up earlier - when the disease is more treatable. The Daily Telegraph
Breast screening vans will be sent to supermarkets across the country in schemes to drive up detection rates, meaning women can receive results within days.
Officials hope that making checks more convenient will mean thousands of cases are picked up earlier - when the disease is more treatable. The Daily Telegraph
Lots of talk but little action means we risk losing the arms race against superbugs
Lots of talk but little action means we risk losing the arms race against superbugs Next month will mark the two-year anniversary of the publication of the review into antimicrobial resistance(AMR) that I led for the then Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Leading that review was possibly the most stimulating job I have ever done, not only because of its importance, but also because of the global nature of the antimicrobial resistance threat, and the complexity and diversity of issues the challenge presented.
In our review we outlined a scenario showing that, if we lose the arms race against bacteria, 10 million lives could be lost globally by 2050. Yes, 10 million, on top of the accumulated economic cost of those deaths and lost productivity to the world economy of $100 trillion. The Daily Telegraph
Leading that review was possibly the most stimulating job I have ever done, not only because of its importance, but also because of the global nature of the antimicrobial resistance threat, and the complexity and diversity of issues the challenge presented.
In our review we outlined a scenario showing that, if we lose the arms race against bacteria, 10 million lives could be lost globally by 2050. Yes, 10 million, on top of the accumulated economic cost of those deaths and lost productivity to the world economy of $100 trillion. The Daily Telegraph
Homeopaths are offering 'fake' autism cures
Homeopaths are offering 'fake' autism cures Homeopaths across the UK are offering a ‘bogus’ therapy that claims to heal autism.
The National Autistic Society has strongly criticised CEASE therapy, which is based on the belief that vaccines contribute to autism and prescribes massive amounts of vitamin C to ‘nourish the brain’.
The Professional Standards Authority, which oversees homeopaths, has said it is concerned that CEASE - which stands for Complete Elimination of Autistic Spectrum Expression - ‘strongly implies the ability to cure autism’. The Daily Mail
The National Autistic Society has strongly criticised CEASE therapy, which is based on the belief that vaccines contribute to autism and prescribes massive amounts of vitamin C to ‘nourish the brain’.
The Professional Standards Authority, which oversees homeopaths, has said it is concerned that CEASE - which stands for Complete Elimination of Autistic Spectrum Expression - ‘strongly implies the ability to cure autism’. The Daily Mail
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