National Vascular Registry: 2019 annual report This is the seventh annual report since the National Vascular Registry was launched in 2013. It contains comparative information on five major interventions for vascular disease: lower limb bypass; lower limb angioplasty/stenting; major lower limb amputation; carotid endarterectomy; and repair of aortic aneurysms, including elective infra-renal, ruptured infra-renal, and more complex aneurysms. Royal College of Surgeons of England
Friday, 20 December 2019
Stafford Hospital scandal: The real story behind Channel 4's The Cure
Stafford Hospital scandal: The real story behind Channel 4's The Cure It was one of the biggest scandals in the history of the NHS and saw hundreds of patients die. Now the story of Stafford Hospital, told through the eyes of campaigner Julie Bailey, is being brought to screens in new Channel 4 drama The Cure. BBC News takes a look at the Stafford Hospital scandal. BBC News
NHS bed occupancy beyond safe levels ahead of Christmas
NHS bed occupancy beyond safe levels ahead of Christmas Hospital wards across the country are having to look after an unsafe number of patients, with hundreds of beds closed due to an outbreak of norovirus.
NHS England has said that on average almost 900 beds were closed each day during the week to Sunday 15 December.
Hospitals have reported fewer empty beds with bed-occupancy rates reaching as high as 95 per cent, 10 per cent higher than the recommended safe level. The Independent
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NHS England has said that on average almost 900 beds were closed each day during the week to Sunday 15 December.
Hospitals have reported fewer empty beds with bed-occupancy rates reaching as high as 95 per cent, 10 per cent higher than the recommended safe level. The Independent
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- The King's Fund responds to the latest winter operational update The King's Fund
Queen's speech: NHS at heart of Johnson's plans, says minister
Queen's speech: NHS at heart of Johnson's plans, says minister Rishi Sunak highlights £34bn health spending, but appears to water down social care pledge
Boris Johnson will try to use the Queen’s speech to refocus attention away from Brexit and on to the NHS, the government has confirmed.
The prime minister intends to put the health service at the centre of the legislative programme, according to the chief secretary to the Treasury, Rishi Sunak. The Guardian
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Boris Johnson will try to use the Queen’s speech to refocus attention away from Brexit and on to the NHS, the government has confirmed.
The prime minister intends to put the health service at the centre of the legislative programme, according to the chief secretary to the Treasury, Rishi Sunak. The Guardian
See also:
- Government must now 'grasp the nettle' and reform social care The Health Foundation
- The King's Fund responds to the Queen’s Speech The King's Fund
- Brexit and NHS dominate government agenda BBC News
- Why NHS is front and centre of Queen's Speech? BBC News
- Government confirms pledge to deliver 6,000 more GPs following Queen's speech GPonline
- The Tories’ NHS pledges only scratch the surface of a deep crisis | John Appleby The Guardian
- Tory plans for the NHS mean more dither and delay on social-care reform The Independent
- As someone who works closely with the NHS, it’s clear Boris Johnson is setting us up to fail The Independent
- Ministers plan to fast-track new drugs after Brexit The Independent
Hancock says it is "wrong" for healthcare staff to refuse flu jabs, as virus continues to spread
Hancock says it is "wrong" for healthcare staff to refuse flu jabs, as virus continues to spread Matt Hancock has hinted that healthcare workers could be forced to have flu jabs, saying it is “wrong” for doctors and nurses to refuse them.
He made the comments as official figures showed the number of patients hospitalised this winter is now eight time last year’s total, with cases jumping by a third in a week.
The Health Secretary said he was determined to ensure “universal uptake” of vaccinations among healthcare workers next winter. The Daily Telegraph
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He made the comments as official figures showed the number of patients hospitalised this winter is now eight time last year’s total, with cases jumping by a third in a week.
The Health Secretary said he was determined to ensure “universal uptake” of vaccinations among healthcare workers next winter. The Daily Telegraph
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- Official Statistics: Seasonal flu vaccine uptake in healthcare workers: monthly data, 2019 to 2020 Public Health England
- UK flu levels according to PHE statistics: 2019 to 2020 Public Health England
- Flu cases are now EIGHT TIMES higher than they were at the same point in the UK last winter The Daily Mail
Half of heart patients in the UK miss out on vital recovery care
Half of heart patients in the UK miss out on vital recovery care Tens of thousands of patients with heart conditions miss out on vital care that could prevent an early death, a report has warned.
British Heart Foundation has today revealed 68,000 people eligible for 'heart rehab' classes were not enrolled on the programme.
It is recommended for heart attack and heart surgery patients, and involves exercise, psychological support and educational classes. The Daily Mail
British Heart Foundation has today revealed 68,000 people eligible for 'heart rehab' classes were not enrolled on the programme.
It is recommended for heart attack and heart surgery patients, and involves exercise, psychological support and educational classes. The Daily Mail
NHS winter crisis sees 7,000 more patients wait outside busy A&E units than last year
NHS winter crisis sees 7,000 more patients wait outside busy A&E units than last year Thousands more ambulance patients are facing long waits at busy A&E departments compared to the same time last year, NHS statistics have revealed.
Last week 16,254 people arriving by ambulance had to wait more than half an hour to be seen by A&E staff after arriving at a hospital in England.
This compared to 9,357 in the same week last winter – a 75 per cent jump. Hour-long waits were three times as high as last year. The Daily Mail
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Last week 16,254 people arriving by ambulance had to wait more than half an hour to be seen by A&E staff after arriving at a hospital in England.
This compared to 9,357 in the same week last winter – a 75 per cent jump. Hour-long waits were three times as high as last year. The Daily Mail
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- Number of patients enduring long ambulance delays triples in a year The Daily Telegraph
- Mother died of cardiac arrest after waiting for ambulance for 6 hours in the street, say family The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 19 December 2019
Research and analysis: Shooting Up: infections among people who inject drugs in the UK
Research and analysis: Shooting Up: infections among people who inject drugs in the UK This Public Health England report describes the extent of infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the United Kingdom.
National Neonatal Audit Programme Annual Report 2019 - on 2018 data
National Neonatal Audit Programme Annual Report 2019 - on 2018 data This report highlights the key findings and recommendations from the analysis of the data provided by neonatal units on the admissions of babies for neonatal care in England, Scotland and Wales in 2018. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
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New analysis finds our over 80s save Government £23 billion a year through the unpaid care they give loved ones
New analysis finds our over 80s save Government £23 billion a year through the unpaid care they give loved ones New figures by Age UK show that an army of carers amongst the oldest old in our society (80 years old and over) provide 23 million hours of unpaid care a week which adds up to 1.2 billion hours of care a year, saving the health and care system a massive £23 billion a year.
Almost 1 in 3 (30 per cent) older people aged 80 and over are carers and since 2010 the number of carers in this age group has rocketed by nearly a quarter (23 per cent) to 970,000
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Almost 1 in 3 (30 per cent) older people aged 80 and over are carers and since 2010 the number of carers in this age group has rocketed by nearly a quarter (23 per cent) to 970,000
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- Number of unpaid carers aged 80 and over has risen by one quarter The Daily Telegraph
Dementia care: ‘It’s not dementia killing me, it’s exhaustion’
Dementia care: ‘It’s not dementia killing me, it’s exhaustion’ The head of the Alzheimer’s Society says that the UK is facing a humanitarian crisis, because the care system is failing those with dementia and their families.
The number of us who will provide care at home for a loved one with dementia is set to rise by almost one million by 2035.
Here are the stories of Anne and Julia – who both care full time for their husbands. BBC News
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The number of us who will provide care at home for a loved one with dementia is set to rise by almost one million by 2035.
Here are the stories of Anne and Julia – who both care full time for their husbands. BBC News
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Vegans 'need to be aware of B12 deficiency risk'
Vegans 'need to be aware of B12 deficiency risk' Experts are warning that people eating a vegan diet need to make sure they get enough B12 - because the risk of deficiency is "not a myth".
They were speaking ahead of 'Veganuary', when increasing numbers turn to a vegan diet each January.
The diet is generally high in fibre and low in cholesterol, but some nutrients are harder to get enough of - including B12. BBC News
They were speaking ahead of 'Veganuary', when increasing numbers turn to a vegan diet each January.
The diet is generally high in fibre and low in cholesterol, but some nutrients are harder to get enough of - including B12. BBC News
Royal Derby Hospital: Disposable sterile hijabs introduced
Royal Derby Hospital: Disposable sterile hijabs introduced A hospital trust believes it is the first in the UK to introduce disposable sterile headscarves for staff to use in operating theatres.
Junior doctor Farah Roslan, who is Muslim, had the idea during her training at the Royal Derby Hospital.
She said it came following infection concerns related to her hijab that she had been wearing throughout the day.
It is hoped the items can be introduced nationally but NHS England said it would be up to individual trusts. BBC News
Junior doctor Farah Roslan, who is Muslim, had the idea during her training at the Royal Derby Hospital.
She said it came following infection concerns related to her hijab that she had been wearing throughout the day.
It is hoped the items can be introduced nationally but NHS England said it would be up to individual trusts. BBC News
Call for end to sick and disabled people being medically assessed by private firms they have never met
Call for end to sick and disabled people being medically assessed by private firms they have never met Lawyers and campaigners have called for an end to state medical assessments of sick and disabled people being carried out by a private firm that never even meets them.
The practice – used by the Home Office as well as local authorities across the country – was highlighted by a joint investigation by The Independent and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, which revealed the firm, NowMedical, had been paid millions of pounds in public money.
The practice – used by the Home Office as well as local authorities across the country – was highlighted by a joint investigation by The Independent and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, which revealed the firm, NowMedical, had been paid millions of pounds in public money.
Ministers told to scrap ‘deeply flawed’ NHS charging policy
Ministers told to scrap ‘deeply flawed’ NHS charging policy The government’s “deeply flawed” policy of charging migrant women for maternity care is putting lives at risk, a national charity has warned.
Maternity Action has called on the government to scrap charges for maternity care, which can land vulnerable women with bills of at least £7,000.
The charity, which launched a judicial review of the policy in October claiming it was discriminatory, spoke out after The Independent revealed three women died from complications after delaying treatment because of fears they might be charged.
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Maternity Action has called on the government to scrap charges for maternity care, which can land vulnerable women with bills of at least £7,000.
The charity, which launched a judicial review of the policy in October claiming it was discriminatory, spoke out after The Independent revealed three women died from complications after delaying treatment because of fears they might be charged.
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Why is Matt Hancock bringing bursaries back for student nurses?
Why is Matt Hancock bringing bursaries back for student nurses? The Conservatives abolished nursing grants in 2015 – so is this a U-turn?
Until 2016-17 students doing a first degree in nursing received a bursary from the government worth up to £16,454 a year to help boost the NHS’s supply of “homegrown” nurses. The Guardian
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Until 2016-17 students doing a first degree in nursing received a bursary from the government worth up to £16,454 a year to help boost the NHS’s supply of “homegrown” nurses. The Guardian
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Doctor falsley diagnosed children with cancer to scare parents into buying private treatment
Doctor falsley diagnosed children with cancer to scare parents into buying private treatment An NHS doctor falsely diagnosed children with cancer to try and scare parents into paying for private treatment, a watchdog has ruled.
Dr Mina Chowdhury, 44, was found to have created “an unwarranted sense of concern” before recommending treatment linked to his private medical company in Glasgow. The Daily Telegraph
Dr Mina Chowdhury, 44, was found to have created “an unwarranted sense of concern” before recommending treatment linked to his private medical company in Glasgow. The Daily Telegraph
Six in 10 teenage girls say they are 'completely unhappy' with poor self-image fuelling despair
Six in 10 teenage girls say they are 'completely unhappy' with poor self-image fuelling despair Six in 10 teenage girls say they are "completely unhappy" - with poor self-image and a “toxic” social media culture fuelling despair, research suggests.
The study of more than 11,000 teenagers found that misery levels among girls were twice those among boys the same age.
Researchers said young girls were suffering from “toxic social comparisons” in a culture based on unrealistic beauty images, airbrushing and “likes” on social media. The Daily Telegraph
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The study of more than 11,000 teenagers found that misery levels among girls were twice those among boys the same age.
Researchers said young girls were suffering from “toxic social comparisons” in a culture based on unrealistic beauty images, airbrushing and “likes” on social media. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- The social context of adolescent mental health and wellbeing: parents, friends and social media (open access) Research Papers in Education
- Poverty and social media drive mental health problems that make ‘teenage girls significantly more likely to self-harm than boys’ The Independent
- Nearly three in four 14-year-olds who admitted self-harming were girls – study ITV News
Want to live for longer? A theatre trip once a month cuts the risk of death by 30%'
Want to live for longer? A theatre trip once a month cuts the risk of death by 30%' Going to the theatre once every month may slash your risk of a premature death, a study claims.
University College London researchers tracked nearly 7,000 adults over the age of 50 for 12 years.
Volunteers who engaged with the arts every few months were 14 per cent less likely to die by the end of the study.
Visiting museums, theatres, art galleries more frequently – once a month – cut the risk by 31 per cent, results showed. The Daily Mail
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University College London researchers tracked nearly 7,000 adults over the age of 50 for 12 years.
Volunteers who engaged with the arts every few months were 14 per cent less likely to die by the end of the study.
Visiting museums, theatres, art galleries more frequently – once a month – cut the risk by 31 per cent, results showed. The Daily Mail
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Living in polluted cities may make you more likely to be depressed or attempt suicide
Living in polluted cities may make you more likely to be depressed or attempt suicide People living in polluted areas are more likely to die by suicide or be depressed, research shows.
Scientists reviewed studies from 16 countries looking into the long-term impact of breathing in toxic airborne particles on mental health.
They found that as the level of pollution increased, so too did the rate of number of suicides and depression diagnoses. The Daily Mail
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Scientists reviewed studies from 16 countries looking into the long-term impact of breathing in toxic airborne particles on mental health.
They found that as the level of pollution increased, so too did the rate of number of suicides and depression diagnoses. The Daily Mail
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- Air Pollution (Particulate Matter) Exposure and Associations with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Psychosis and Suicide Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (open access) Environmental Health Perspectives
Wednesday, 18 December 2019
Northamptonshire NHS provider rated outstanding for a second time
Northamptonshire NHS provider rated outstanding for a second time Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) has been rated outstanding overall for the second time, following its recent watchdog routine inspection.
During September-October this year the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected NHFT services and found they were well-led and caring, giving the highest rating possible of outstanding overall.
The trust provides a variety of mental health and community health services across Northamptonshire for adults of working age and older adults at 25 locations. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
During September-October this year the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected NHFT services and found they were well-led and caring, giving the highest rating possible of outstanding overall.
The trust provides a variety of mental health and community health services across Northamptonshire for adults of working age and older adults at 25 locations. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Raft of recommendations made for health services after review of woman's death at Northampton General Hospital
Raft of recommendations made for health services after review of woman's death at Northampton General Hospital A raft of recommendations have been made for health services to review their processes after a woman died at Northampton General Hospital.
A safeguarding adults review (SAR) heard concerns were raised by 'Andrea's'estranged husband and doctor about her health deteriorating in 2017, according to a report published yesterday (Tuesday, December 17). Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A safeguarding adults review (SAR) heard concerns were raised by 'Andrea's'estranged husband and doctor about her health deteriorating in 2017, according to a report published yesterday (Tuesday, December 17). Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Kettering hospital 'sorry' over failure to spot broken neck
Kettering hospital 'sorry' over failure to spot broken neck A hospital failed to spot an 86-year-old woman had a broken neck following a fall at a nursing home, a review has revealed.
The woman, referred to as Mrs Webster in the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Review, was admitted to Kettering General Hospital in 2017.
She was transferred to another hospital but the correct CT scans were not passed on so the break was missed.
She was later re-admitted to Kettering hospital where she died.
Kettering General Hospital has apologised. BBC Northampton
The woman, referred to as Mrs Webster in the Northamptonshire Safeguarding Adults Review, was admitted to Kettering General Hospital in 2017.
She was transferred to another hospital but the correct CT scans were not passed on so the break was missed.
She was later re-admitted to Kettering hospital where she died.
Kettering General Hospital has apologised. BBC Northampton
After the election
After the election In his victory speech on the steps of Downing Street the Prime Minister declared the NHS to be his government’s ‘top priority’. But what might this mean in practical terms for the NHS? And does a focus on the NHS come at the expense of the wider health and care agenda? The King's Fund
The state of medical education and practice in the UK
The state of medical education and practice in the UK The 2019 report includes new research and data on the wellbeing of the profession, clinical leadership and trends in medical training.
The UK is increasingly reliant on the world market for doctors at a time when peoples’ aspirations for work-life balance are changing. If the UK is to attract and retain a high-quality medical workforce, we must have more flexible working and training arrangements in place.
We now have two years of evidence that shows that doctors are still working in pressurised environments. GPs are at particular risk of burnout due to these pressures and two thirds (65%) of GPs reported working beyond their rostered hours every day.
Over a quarter (28%) of doctors reported feeling unable to cope with their workload at least once a week. There’s also evidence of how these pressures have had an impact on patient care and safety. General Medical Council
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The UK is increasingly reliant on the world market for doctors at a time when peoples’ aspirations for work-life balance are changing. If the UK is to attract and retain a high-quality medical workforce, we must have more flexible working and training arrangements in place.
We now have two years of evidence that shows that doctors are still working in pressurised environments. GPs are at particular risk of burnout due to these pressures and two thirds (65%) of GPs reported working beyond their rostered hours every day.
Over a quarter (28%) of doctors reported feeling unable to cope with their workload at least once a week. There’s also evidence of how these pressures have had an impact on patient care and safety. General Medical Council
See also:
- Flexible working hours helps keep GPs and patients safe, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- GPs 'shun full-time work as pressures take toll' BBC News
- One third of GPs have cut their hours in last year, and two thirds plan to The Daily Telegraph
- One in six GPs could quit medicine within a year, GMC report finds GPonline
Nursing students to receive £5,000 payment a year
Nursing students to receive £5,000 payment a year All nursing students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year which they will not need to pay back. Department of Health and Social Care
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- £5k nursing student grants welcome, but tuition fees must be scrapped too Royal College of Nursing
- Don't doubt my commitment to NHS says Boris, as he sets out plans for free bursaries for all nursing students The Daily Telegraph
- Nurses say training grants are only ‘first step’ in fixing NHS shortage The Independent
Complaints about the NHS in England: Quarter 1 2019-20
Complaints about the NHS in England: Quarter 1 2019-20 In this quarterly report we have published more information about our casework than in previous reports, as part of progress towards our strategic commitment to publish the majority of our casework online.
For the first time, we have published data and information from the first quarter of this year on the complaints we received, assessed and investigated about health organisations, and recommendations we have made to the organisations we investigate. Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
For the first time, we have published data and information from the first quarter of this year on the complaints we received, assessed and investigated about health organisations, and recommendations we have made to the organisations we investigate. Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Detection of retained vaginal swabs and tampons following childbirth
Detection of retained vaginal swabs and tampons following childbirth The report highlights the potential for physical and psychological harm to women if swabs and tampons used after childbirth are accidentally left in the vagina.
The report comes after we looked at the case of a 30-year old woman who had a surgical tampon inserted after the birth of her first child. It was left in and not discovered until five days after leaving hospital.
We’ve made one safety recommendation to NHS England/Improvement as a result of this investigation. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch
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The report comes after we looked at the case of a 30-year old woman who had a surgical tampon inserted after the birth of her first child. It was left in and not discovered until five days after leaving hospital.
We’ve made one safety recommendation to NHS England/Improvement as a result of this investigation. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch
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Motor neurone disease 'linked to cholesterol'
Motor neurone disease 'linked to cholesterol' Scientists say they have discovered a possible underlying cause of the neurological disorder, motor neurone disease (MND).
The University of Exeter team says it has found evidence that MND is linked to an imbalance of cholesterol and other fats in cells.
It says the research could lead to more accurate diagnosis and new treatments.
MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK and causes more than 2,000 deaths a year. BBC News
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The University of Exeter team says it has found evidence that MND is linked to an imbalance of cholesterol and other fats in cells.
It says the research could lead to more accurate diagnosis and new treatments.
MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK and causes more than 2,000 deaths a year. BBC News
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- Lipid metabolic pathways converge in motor neuron degenerative diseases (open access) Brain: A Journal of Neurology
At least 280,000 people homeless in England with tens of thousands more at risk, Shelter report reveals
At least 280,000 people homeless in England with tens of thousands more at risk, Shelter report reveals At least 280,000 people are currently homeless in England, with tens of thousands more at risk of losing their accommodation, Shelter’s annual report reveals.
This marks an increase of several thousand since last year and 23,000 since the charity’s first report in 2016, with the analysis suggesting one in 200 people are now sleeping rough, or living in hostels and temporary accommodation. The Independent
This marks an increase of several thousand since last year and 23,000 since the charity’s first report in 2016, with the analysis suggesting one in 200 people are now sleeping rough, or living in hostels and temporary accommodation. The Independent
Safety fears for hundreds of ‘hidden’ children on ventilators
Safety fears for hundreds of ‘hidden’ children on ventilators Experts have warned hundreds of “hidden” children who rely on machines to help them breathe at home are at significant risk of harm due to staff shortages, poor equipment and a lack of training.
The number of children who rely on long-term ventilation is rising but new research has shown the dangers they face with more than 220 safety incidents reported to the NHS between 2013 and 2017.
In more than 40 per cent of incidents the child came to harm, with two needing CPR after their hearts stopped. Other children had to have emergency treatment or were rushed back to hospital. The Independent
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The number of children who rely on long-term ventilation is rising but new research has shown the dangers they face with more than 220 safety incidents reported to the NHS between 2013 and 2017.
In more than 40 per cent of incidents the child came to harm, with two needing CPR after their hearts stopped. Other children had to have emergency treatment or were rushed back to hospital. The Independent
See also:
- Analysis of paediatric long-term ventilation incidents in the community (open access) Archives of Disease in Childhood
Catalogue of errors by Norfolk hospital led to death of baby
Catalogue of errors by Norfolk hospital led to death of baby Harris James died in 2015 after doctors at James Paget hospital misdiagnosed a heart complaint
A “sweet and affectionate” six-month-old boy died when doctors misdiagnosed his heart complaint as pneumonia, a highly critical report by the NHS ombudsman has revealed.
Harris James died in 2015 after a catalogue of errors by staff at James Paget hospital in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. The hospital then compounded his parents’ anguish by mishandling his mother’s complaint and failing to apologise for its failings. The Guardian
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A “sweet and affectionate” six-month-old boy died when doctors misdiagnosed his heart complaint as pneumonia, a highly critical report by the NHS ombudsman has revealed.
Harris James died in 2015 after a catalogue of errors by staff at James Paget hospital in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. The hospital then compounded his parents’ anguish by mishandling his mother’s complaint and failing to apologise for its failings. The Guardian
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Poorest die most often from emergency surgery, research finds
Poorest die most often from emergency surgery, research finds Patients from most deprived areas in England have 29% greater risk of dying than those from wealthiest parts
Poor people are much more likely than wealthy people to die after undergoing emergency surgery, according to new research.
Patients from the most deprived areas have a 29% greater risk of dying than those from the wealthiest districts, the study from University College London found. The Guardian
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Poor people are much more likely than wealthy people to die after undergoing emergency surgery, according to new research.
Patients from the most deprived areas have a 29% greater risk of dying than those from the wealthiest districts, the study from University College London found. The Guardian
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- Socioeconomic deprivation and mortality after emergency laparotomy: an observational epidemiological study (abstract) British Journal of Anaesthesia
Women over 50 should lose weight to cut breast cancer risk: study
Women over 50 should lose weight to cut breast cancer risk: study Most women over 50 should lose weight to cut their breast cancer risk, a major study suggests.
The Harvard research on more than 180,000 participants found those who lost the most weight cut their risk by up to a quarter.
One in eight women in the UK will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. The Daily Telegraph
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The Harvard research on more than 180,000 participants found those who lost the most weight cut their risk by up to a quarter.
One in eight women in the UK will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. The Daily Telegraph
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- Sustained weight loss and risk of breast cancer in women ≥50 years: a pooled analysis of prospective data (abstract) Journal of the National Cancer Institute
- Overweight women in their 50s who lose 20lbs are 26% less likely to get breast cancer The Daily Mail
Air pollution is making the NHS winter crisis worse, 175 doctors warn
Air pollution is making the NHS winter crisis worse, 175 doctors warn Air pollution is leading to a spike in cases of asthma and bronchitis and heaping pressure on the struggling NHS, leading doctors have warned.
A group of 175 doctors and health professionals have warned the Prime Minister there is a 'public health crisis' on hospital wards and GP surgeries as thousands of people arrive with respiratory conditions. The Daily Mail
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A group of 175 doctors and health professionals have warned the Prime Minister there is a 'public health crisis' on hospital wards and GP surgeries as thousands of people arrive with respiratory conditions. The Daily Mail
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Tuesday, 17 December 2019
People performance management toolkit: communications pack
People performance management toolkit: communications pack The pack contains key messages for HR and internal comms teams to help promote the toolkit with managers in their organisations. The pack includes tips on where to start with line management, how to work with both underperforming and exceptional staff and advice on how to give constructive feedback. It also features a number of different management scenarios and can help identify solutions to the challenges most relevant to staff. NHS Employers
What's the best colour lighting for sleep?
What's the best colour lighting for sleep? The idea artificial light from screens is keeping people awake at night is flawed, say scientists who have been studying the best type of lighting to nod off to.
According to the researchers, from Manchester University, this blue light from devices is not the main problem.
They exposed mice to different light settings to study the impact.
The controversial findings, in Current Biology journal, suggest the answer lies in how warm and bright a light is. BBC News
According to the researchers, from Manchester University, this blue light from devices is not the main problem.
They exposed mice to different light settings to study the impact.
The controversial findings, in Current Biology journal, suggest the answer lies in how warm and bright a light is. BBC News
Coroner criticises NHS after death of patient with broken neck who was shunted between hospitals three times
Coroner criticises NHS after death of patient with broken neck who was shunted between hospitals three times An 88-year-old woman with a broken neck died after being transferred three times between two hospitals in the space of just 48 hours, The Independent can reveal.
The death of Jean Waghorn, who died after contracting pneumonia in hospital, sparked criticism from a coroner who said the NHS trust had ignored earlier warnings over moving patients between hospitals.
The death of Jean Waghorn, who died after contracting pneumonia in hospital, sparked criticism from a coroner who said the NHS trust had ignored earlier warnings over moving patients between hospitals.
NHS 'should not pay' for US surrogacy after cancer misdiagnosis
NHS 'should not pay' for US surrogacy after cancer misdiagnosis UK supreme court hears case of woman left infertile after cervical cancer treatment
The NHS should not have to pay for patients to have surrogate children through commercial agreements in the US, the supreme court has been told in a controversial medical compensation case.
Whittington hospital NHS trust in north London has admitted negligently failing to detect signs of cervical cancer for more than four years. That oversight led to the woman, identified only as XX, developing highly invasive malignancy, which required chemo-radiotherapy treatment and left her infertile at the age of 29. The Guardian
The NHS should not have to pay for patients to have surrogate children through commercial agreements in the US, the supreme court has been told in a controversial medical compensation case.
Whittington hospital NHS trust in north London has admitted negligently failing to detect signs of cervical cancer for more than four years. That oversight led to the woman, identified only as XX, developing highly invasive malignancy, which required chemo-radiotherapy treatment and left her infertile at the age of 29. The Guardian
Doctors reveal the bittersweet stories of working over Christmas
Doctors reveal the bittersweet stories of working over Christmas Being in hospital over Christmas or New Year isn’t something most of us would welcome. But for NHS doctors and nurses on call over the festive season, going to work is just another day . . . or is it? Here, medics share their yuletide memories, from the hilarious to the profoundly sad. The Daily Mail
Scientists develop a test for sepsis in premature babies
Scientists develop a test for sepsis in premature babies Scientists have developed a rapid and reliable test for sepsis in premature babies that scours for harmful bugs in their nappies.
Children delivered before 37 weeks are at high risk of the deadly condition because of their underdeveloped immune systems.
The test works by analysing bacteria in a newborn's stool and takes just four hours to tell if they are at risk of infection. The Daily Mail
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Children delivered before 37 weeks are at high risk of the deadly condition because of their underdeveloped immune systems.
The test works by analysing bacteria in a newborn's stool and takes just four hours to tell if they are at risk of infection. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Rapid MinION profiling of preterm microbiota and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens (open access) Nature Microbiology
Monday, 16 December 2019
Suspected heart attack victim slams ambulance service after being left waiting for hours in Northamptonshire
Suspected heart attack victim slams ambulance service after being left waiting for hours in Northamptonshire A Northamptonshire man has complained about being stranded with a suspected heart attack after an ambulance failed to turn up.
Rob Johnson, who has a cardiac condition, woke in the night with serious chest pains on Sunday, December 1.
He and his partner Trudy Thornton - both are experienced first aiders - realised the emergency and called 999. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Rob Johnson, who has a cardiac condition, woke in the night with serious chest pains on Sunday, December 1.
He and his partner Trudy Thornton - both are experienced first aiders - realised the emergency and called 999. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Quality improvement in general practice: what do GPs and practice managers think?
Quality improvement in general practice: what do GPs and practice managers think? There is growing recognition of the importance of quality improvement in general practice. But what is the extent of knowledge and usage of quality improvement tools and approaches across the UK, and how can we embed a culture of improvement? The Health Foundation
Why can't this doctor work in the UK?
Why can't this doctor work in the UK? The NHS in North-East England is making an effort to exploit the skills of doctors who arrived in the UK as refugees. But well-trained doctors from one country, who would love to practise here, are still having to spend their days working in factories or delivering pizzas, reports the BBC's Emma Jane Kirby. BBC News
Pregnant women died after fears Tory crackdown on ‘health tourism’ would bankrupt them, report delayed until after election reveals
Pregnant women died after fears Tory crackdown on ‘health tourism’ would bankrupt them, report delayed until after election reveals Tory measures to stop “health tourism” on the NHS have been linked to the deaths of three pregnant women in a major report that was delayed until after the election.
The women all died after delays in seeking help because they mistakenly believed that they would have to pay for care under the government’s strict charging regime. They sought help in hospitals too late and died as a result of complications.
It is the first time researchers have identified the impact of the government’s controversial charging regime among maternity deaths, and they warned other mothers could be at risk. The Independent
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The women all died after delays in seeking help because they mistakenly believed that they would have to pay for care under the government’s strict charging regime. They sought help in hospitals too late and died as a result of complications.
It is the first time researchers have identified the impact of the government’s controversial charging regime among maternity deaths, and they warned other mothers could be at risk. The Independent
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Call to vaccinate children against flu amid 'super spreaders' warning
Call to vaccinate children against flu amid 'super spreaders' warning Public Health England data shows 24% rise in doctor’s appointments for flu
Senior doctors have urged parents to vaccinate their children, who are “super-spreaders” of flu, as vital NHS services are being flooded with patients this winter.
Medical professionals have said jabs are the best defence against the highly infectious disease which has hit the UK earlier than usual this year. The Guardian
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Senior doctors have urged parents to vaccinate their children, who are “super-spreaders” of flu, as vital NHS services are being flooded with patients this winter.
Medical professionals have said jabs are the best defence against the highly infectious disease which has hit the UK earlier than usual this year. The Guardian
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A&E waiting times worst ever, with quadrupling in 12 hour delays
A&E waiting times worst ever, with quadrupling in 12 hour delays Accident & Emergency waiting times are the worst ever, with a quadrupling in the numbers waiting at least 12 hours on a trolley, in just one year, official figures show.
The statistics show that for the first time, not one trust hit the target to see 95 per cent of patients in four hours.
In total, 81.4 per cent of A&E patients were seen within four hours in November, a fall from 87.6 per cent the previous year. The Daily Telegraph
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The statistics show that for the first time, not one trust hit the target to see 95 per cent of patients in four hours.
In total, 81.4 per cent of A&E patients were seen within four hours in November, a fall from 87.6 per cent the previous year. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- The King's Fund responds to the latest NHS England hospital performance figures The King's Fund
- Today's figures show safety net of NHS at risk of breaking down: Health Foundation response to NHS England monthly performance statistics The Health Foundation
- Combined Performance Summary: October-November 2019 The Nuffield Trust
- New Government faces a grim NHS winter - Nuffield Trust comment on NHS performance figures The Nuffield Trust
- Hospital waiting times worsen again BBC News
- NHS winter crisis: Worst EVER delays in A&E delays The Daily Mail
- NHS England 'on its knees' as performance figures hit new lows The Guardian
- All major trusts miss four-hour target as performance plunges across NHS Health Service Journal
- Waiting times for A&E and hospital operations worst on record, NHS figures show The Independent
- 'Record number' of non-urgent operations cancelled at last minute in English hospitals, figures show iNews
- NHS 'on its knees' as cancer and A&E treatments see record delays Sky News
Eating two apples daily for eight weeks can lower 'bad' cholesterol, study finds
Eating two apples daily for eight weeks can lower 'bad' cholesterol, study finds An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but two might be better, a study suggests.
Eating two apples a day may reduce people's risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, experts found.
When 40 people with slightly high cholesterol ate two large apples a day for eight weeks, it lowered their levels of 'bad' cholesterol by almost four per cent. The Daily Mail
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Eating two apples a day may reduce people's risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, experts found.
When 40 people with slightly high cholesterol ate two large apples a day for eight weeks, it lowered their levels of 'bad' cholesterol by almost four per cent. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Two apples a day lower serum cholesterol and improve cardiometabolic biomarkers in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial (open access) The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Friday, 13 December 2019
Latest data on safeguarding adults in England
Latest data on safeguarding adults in England This publication provides the findings from the Safeguarding Adults Collection (SAC) for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. Safeguarding Adults is a statutory duty for Councils with Adult Social Services Responsibilities in England under the Care Act 2014, in order to safeguard adults from abuse or neglect. The data is collected directly from these councils, also known as ‘local authorities’ in this publication. NHS Digital
Drug that prevents half of breast cancers carries on working
Drug that prevents half of breast cancers carries on working A drug that halves a woman's risk of breast cancer continues to work long after they stop taking it, say researchers.
Anastrozole blocks the production of the hormone oestrogen, which fuels the growth of many breast cancers.
It is already available on the NHS, but researchers at Queen Mary University of London said only a tenth of eligible women were receiving it. BBC News
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Anastrozole blocks the production of the hormone oestrogen, which fuels the growth of many breast cancers.
It is already available on the NHS, but researchers at Queen Mary University of London said only a tenth of eligible women were receiving it. BBC News
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Revealed: NHS England bosses meet with tech and pharmaceutical giants to discuss price list of millions of Brits' medical data
Revealed: NHS England bosses meet with tech and pharmaceutical giants to discuss price list of millions of Brits' medical data Talks to package millions of British medical records into a vast, commercially valuable database that may then be sold on are already underway between NHS England bosses and global giants, documents exclusively obtained by The Register show.
Last month, a cache of leaked files emerged into public view, detailing post-Brexit trade negotiations between Britain and the United States in which access to the UK's national health service was said to be on the table.
Last month, a cache of leaked files emerged into public view, detailing post-Brexit trade negotiations between Britain and the United States in which access to the UK's national health service was said to be on the table.
Children's transgender clinic hit by 35 resignations in three years as psychologists warn of gender dysphoria 'over-diagnoses'
Children's transgender clinic hit by 35 resignations in three years as psychologists warn of gender dysphoria 'over-diagnoses' A transgender clinic has been hit by 35 resignations in three years, as psychologists warn of “overdiagnoses” of gender dysphoria among children.
The whistleblowers said too many children were being put on puberty-blocking drugs when they should not have been given the diagnosis.
Former staff said they were unable to properly assess patients over fears they will be branded "transphobic". The Daily Telegraph
The whistleblowers said too many children were being put on puberty-blocking drugs when they should not have been given the diagnosis.
Former staff said they were unable to properly assess patients over fears they will be branded "transphobic". The Daily Telegraph
Pharmacists warning over safety of cannabis oil products, amid concern some contain illegal high inducing chemical
Pharmacists warning over safety of cannabis oil products, amid concern some contain illegal high inducing chemical Pharmacists have been told to check the safety of their cannabis oil products, amid concerns that some may contain illegal high-inducing chemicals.
As the market for cannabis derived products has grown rapidly in recent years, fears have been raised that some are being mislabelled and that users may unknowingly be ingesting illegal drugs. The Daily Telegraph
As the market for cannabis derived products has grown rapidly in recent years, fears have been raised that some are being mislabelled and that users may unknowingly be ingesting illegal drugs. The Daily Telegraph
Flu cases have jumped by 25% in a WEEK
Flu cases have jumped by 25% in a WEEK Flu cases in England have risen by a quarter in the past week, official figures show following an early start to the season.
Almost 8,000 patients went to their GP with flu-like symptoms, up by 1,500 from the week before and nearly twice as high as last year.
Government data shows the flu virus is now circulating at low levels across England, while it is less of a problem in Scotland and Wales. The Daily Mail
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Almost 8,000 patients went to their GP with flu-like symptoms, up by 1,500 from the week before and nearly twice as high as last year.
Government data shows the flu virus is now circulating at low levels across England, while it is less of a problem in Scotland and Wales. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Official Statistics: Weekly national flu reports: 2019 to 2020 season Public Health England
- 'Not too late to get a flu jab,' says RCGP Chair Royal College of General Practitioners
- Rise in flu deaths and patients admitted to hospital triggers government alert to GPs The Independent
Thursday, 12 December 2019
A place to work: system approaches to workforce challenges in the NHS
A place to work: system approaches to workforce challenges in the NHS This briefing examines how trusts are working with their staff and local partners to enable the workforce to adapt to new ways of collaborative working. NHS Providers
Adult social care and wellbeing policy in the four nations of the UK
Adult social care and wellbeing policy in the four nations of the UK This review summarises main policy developments on wellbeing in the field of adult social care since 2000 in the four nations of the UK. It is the first paper from the Sustainable Care: Connecting People and Systems programme from the Centre for International Research on Care, Labour & Equalities (CIRCLE) at the University of Sheffield. The programme’s overarching objective is to advance understanding of sources of economic and social sustainability in care, especially how wellbeing outcomes can be achieved for care users, their families and carers and paid care workers. University of Sheffield
'Four hours to walk off pizza calories' warning works, experts say
'Four hours to walk off pizza calories' warning works, experts say Food packs should display how much exercise a person would need to take to burn off the calories contained in the product, UK researchers say.
Appreciating it would take four hours to walk off the calories in a pizza or 22 minutes to run off a chocolate bar creates an awareness of the energy cost of food, they say.
The labels would help people indulge less, exploratory studies suggest.
The aim is to encourage healthier eating habits to fight obesity. BBC News
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Appreciating it would take four hours to walk off the calories in a pizza or 22 minutes to run off a chocolate bar creates an awareness of the energy cost of food, they say.
The labels would help people indulge less, exploratory studies suggest.
The aim is to encourage healthier eating habits to fight obesity. BBC News
See also:
- Effects of physical activity calorie equivalent food labelling to reduce food selection and consumption: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies (open access) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
- Exercise advice on food labels could 'change eating habits' NHS UK
- RSPH welcomes research on activity equivalent calorie labelling Royal Society for Public Health
- Labelling junk food with exercise needed to burn off calories inside shames people into eating less The Daily Mail
- Replacing calories with exercise required on food labelling it would ease obesity, Royal Society for Public Health says The Daily Telegraph
A third of hospitals 'increased parking charges'
A third of hospitals 'increased parking charges' A third of hospitals in England put up car parking charges last year, with total income rising by a 10th, an investigation shows.
The Press Association used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain data from more than 140 NHS trusts.
The responses showed £254m had been raised during 2018-19 - up from £232m the year before, with hourly charges varying between £4 and £1 for an hour. BBC News
The Press Association used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain data from more than 140 NHS trusts.
The responses showed £254m had been raised during 2018-19 - up from £232m the year before, with hourly charges varying between £4 and £1 for an hour. BBC News
GP Manish Shah guilty of sexually assaulting female patients
GP Manish Shah guilty of sexually assaulting female patients A GP who cited Angelina Jolie and Jade Goody to instil fear in his patients about their health has been found guilty of sexually assaulting 23 women.
Manish Shah preyed on cancer concerns to carry out invasive intimate examinations for his own sexual gratification, the Old Bailey heard.
He convinced his victims to have unnecessary checks between May 2009 and June 2013.
He was convicted of 25 counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration. BBC News
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Manish Shah preyed on cancer concerns to carry out invasive intimate examinations for his own sexual gratification, the Old Bailey heard.
He convinced his victims to have unnecessary checks between May 2009 and June 2013.
He was convicted of 25 counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration. BBC News
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The NHS robots performing major surgery
The NHS robots performing major surgery How would you feel about a robot performing major surgery on you?
2019 has seen a boom in the use of cutting edge robotic technology and there is more to come.
Evidence suggests robotic surgery can be less invasive and improve recovery time for patients.
That could be good news with ever growing demand on health services. BBC News
2019 has seen a boom in the use of cutting edge robotic technology and there is more to come.
Evidence suggests robotic surgery can be less invasive and improve recovery time for patients.
That could be good news with ever growing demand on health services. BBC News
Hospitals at ‘breaking point’ as winter NHS crisis deepens
Hospitals at ‘breaking point’ as winter NHS crisis deepens Hospitals across the country are at “breaking point” as a winter surge threatens to overwhelm the NHS.
NHS trusts have been forced to cancel operations, divert ambulances and leave patients on trolleys as thousands wait for treatment.
In one hospital, four patients were left for at least an entire day before a space on a ward became available. The Independent
NHS trusts have been forced to cancel operations, divert ambulances and leave patients on trolleys as thousands wait for treatment.
In one hospital, four patients were left for at least an entire day before a space on a ward became available. The Independent
Using temporary nurses can increase risk of patients dying, warns new study
Using temporary nurses can increase risk of patients dying, warns new study Patients are more likely to die on wards staffed by a high number of temporary nurses, a study has found.
Researchers say the findings, published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, are a warning sign that the common practice by many hospitals of relying on agency nurses is not a risk-free option for patients.
The University of Southampton study found that risk of death increased by 12 per cent for every day a patient experienced a high level of temporary staffing – defined as 1.5 hours of agency nursing a day per patient. The Independent
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Researchers say the findings, published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, are a warning sign that the common practice by many hospitals of relying on agency nurses is not a risk-free option for patients.
The University of Southampton study found that risk of death increased by 12 per cent for every day a patient experienced a high level of temporary staffing – defined as 1.5 hours of agency nursing a day per patient. The Independent
See also:
- Temporary Staffing and Patient Death in Acute Care Hospitals: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study (abstract / OpenAthens) Journal of Nursing Scholarship
Doctors at West Suffolk hospital 'too scared' to report safety issues
Doctors at West Suffolk hospital 'too scared' to report safety issues Senior staff, at health secretary Matt Hancock’s local hospital, express concern to CQC
Doctors at a hospital accused of bullying its staff have told the NHS care regulator that they are too scared to report lapses in patient safety in case they end up facing disciplinary action.
The Guardian revealed on Wednesday that West Suffolk hospital stands accused by its own medics of secrecy, bullying and intimidation after it demanded they take fingerprint tests in its effort to identify a whistleblower. The Guardian
Doctors at a hospital accused of bullying its staff have told the NHS care regulator that they are too scared to report lapses in patient safety in case they end up facing disciplinary action.
The Guardian revealed on Wednesday that West Suffolk hospital stands accused by its own medics of secrecy, bullying and intimidation after it demanded they take fingerprint tests in its effort to identify a whistleblower. The Guardian
Yeovil hospital admits liability for operating on conscious woman
Yeovil hospital admits liability for operating on conscious woman Woman says she was left with PTSD and nightmares after procedure at Yeovil hospital
A hospital has admitted liability after a woman reported being operated on while conscious, leaving her with post-traumatic stress disorder, lawyers have said.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she screamed in agony when a surgeon cut into her belly button during an operation at Yeovil hospital. The Guardian
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A hospital has admitted liability after a woman reported being operated on while conscious, leaving her with post-traumatic stress disorder, lawyers have said.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she screamed in agony when a surgeon cut into her belly button during an operation at Yeovil hospital. The Guardian
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Patients who plan their death end up living longer, study finds
Patients who plan their death end up living longer, study finds People who plan their death end up living longer, research suggests.
The study of terminally ill patients found that those who discussed their preferences for end-of-life care with doctors actually lived for longer than other patients. The Daily Telegraph
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The study of terminally ill patients found that those who discussed their preferences for end-of-life care with doctors actually lived for longer than other patients. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Advance care planning and longer survival in the terminally ill: a randomised controlled trial unexpected finding (open access) BMJ Supportive and Palliative care
Mumps outbreak hits hundreds of students across UK after a fall in children having MMR vaccine
Mumps outbreak hits hundreds of students across UK after a fall in children having MMR vaccine Hundreds of students have been struck down by a severe outbreak of mumps that is spreading across British universities.
Public Health England figures show that more than 7,200 suspected mumps cases have been reported in the UK since July, almost triple the same period last year.
Health officials said students were driving the surge and urged any who missed out on the MMR jab to get vaccinated. The Daily Mail
Public Health England figures show that more than 7,200 suspected mumps cases have been reported in the UK since July, almost triple the same period last year.
Health officials said students were driving the surge and urged any who missed out on the MMR jab to get vaccinated. The Daily Mail
Eight hundred more people dying each week in England and Wales this winter on average
Eight hundred more people dying each week in England and Wales this winter on average The number of people dying each week this winter is far higher than average levels, official data revealed today.
Figures show 10,958 deaths were recorded in England and Wales during the last full week of November.
In contrast, this is almost eight per cent higher than the average for the same time period in the previous five years (10,164).
The Office for National Statistics data shows deaths between November 16 and 22 were also considerably higher - 758 more than the average since 2014. The Daily Mail
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Figures show 10,958 deaths were recorded in England and Wales during the last full week of November.
In contrast, this is almost eight per cent higher than the average for the same time period in the previous five years (10,164).
The Office for National Statistics data shows deaths between November 16 and 22 were also considerably higher - 758 more than the average since 2014. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Excess winter mortality in England and Wales: 2018 to 2019 (provisional) and 2017 to 2018 (final) Office for National Statistics
Tuesday, 10 December 2019
Tree of Light shines at Northampton hospital to remember those who are no longer with us
Tree of Light shines at Northampton hospital to remember those who are no longer with us Dozens turned out to remember their loved ones who won't be here this Christmas at the 'Light Up a Life' event last week. The Tree of Light, at the Billing road entrance of Northampton General Hospital, has been dedicated to over 140 loved ones who have passed away or who have been gifted a light by a loved one. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton Saints spread Christmas cheer at Northampton General Hospital
Northampton Saints spread Christmas cheer at Northampton General Hospital Northampton Saints players took a break away from the rugby pitch to spread some Christmas cheer to patients, visitors and staff at Northampton General Hospital. More than 25 players visited wards and departments including the A&E department, Esther White and Walter Tull wards, the oncology department, Haematology, Chemotherapy, Talbot Butler ward and the children’s wards, Disney and Paddington. Here they spent a few hours chatting with patients and handing out Christmas presents, as part of the Travis Perkins Big Christmas Toy Appeal. Northampton Chronicle and Echo.
Online prescribing 'must get safer'
Online prescribing 'must get safer' More deaths could occur unless action is taken to keep people safe when obtaining medications from online health providers, says a UK coroner.
Nigel Parsley has written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock highlighting the case of a woman who died after obtaining opiate painkillers online.
Debbie Headspeath, 41, got the medication, dispensed by UK pharmacies, after website consultations.
Her own GP was unaware of what she had requested from doctors on the internet.
The Suffolk coroner has now written to the Department of Health asking for urgent action to be taken. BBC News
Nigel Parsley has written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock highlighting the case of a woman who died after obtaining opiate painkillers online.
Debbie Headspeath, 41, got the medication, dispensed by UK pharmacies, after website consultations.
Her own GP was unaware of what she had requested from doctors on the internet.
The Suffolk coroner has now written to the Department of Health asking for urgent action to be taken. BBC News
Surgeons withdraw support for heart disease advice
Surgeons withdraw support for heart disease advice European clinical guidelines on how to treat a major form of heart disease are under review following a BBC Newsnight investigation.
Europe's professional body for heart surgeons has withdrawn support for the guidelines, saying it was "a matter of serious concern" that some patients may have had the wrong advice. BBC News
Europe's professional body for heart surgeons has withdrawn support for the guidelines, saying it was "a matter of serious concern" that some patients may have had the wrong advice. BBC News
BMA backs stop-gap plan to end pension tax trap but demands GP guarantees
BMA backs stop-gap plan to end pension tax trap but demands GP guarantees The BMA has formally backed short-term plans to tackle punitive pension tax rules that have forced thousands of doctors to reduce their working hours - but has demanded further assurances for GPs. GP Online
Anorexia deaths not being properly recorded by NHS, inquest hears
Anorexia deaths not being properly recorded by NHS, inquest hears Anorexia deaths are not being properly recorded by the NHS, an inquest into the death of a young woman with the condition has heard.
Maria Jakes, 24, who died in September 2018 after battling with the eating disorder for more than 10 years, was one of five anorexia fatalities to occur within the Cambridge and Peterborough Foundation Trust (CPFT). The Telegraph
Maria Jakes, 24, who died in September 2018 after battling with the eating disorder for more than 10 years, was one of five anorexia fatalities to occur within the Cambridge and Peterborough Foundation Trust (CPFT). The Telegraph
GPhC survey paints a picture of the pharmacy workforce
GPhC survey paints a picture of the pharmacy workforce
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published the findings of its second major survey, which asked pharmacists and pharmacy technicians about their roles and responsibilities, work settings, employment and practice and future work plans.
The GPhC commissioned Enventure Research, an independent research organisation, to carry out the survey over summer 2019. Over 18,000 registered pharmacy professionals (23% of professionals on the register) responded to the online survey. General Pharmaceutical Council
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published the findings of its second major survey, which asked pharmacists and pharmacy technicians about their roles and responsibilities, work settings, employment and practice and future work plans.
The GPhC commissioned Enventure Research, an independent research organisation, to carry out the survey over summer 2019. Over 18,000 registered pharmacy professionals (23% of professionals on the register) responded to the online survey. General Pharmaceutical Council
More than 200000 NHS devices still running Windows 7
More than 200000 NHS devices still running Windows 7 NHS Trusts are still using more than 200,000 devices running the 10-year-old Window 7 operating system, which is due to reach End of Life next year.
That's according cloud computing firm Citrix, which recently obtained the information through a Freedom of Information (FoI) request. Computing.co.uk
That's according cloud computing firm Citrix, which recently obtained the information through a Freedom of Information (FoI) request. Computing.co.uk
'Rip-off' hospital parking charges top £250m a year with relatives charged £100 a visit
'Rip-off' hospital parking charges top £250m a year with relatives charged £100 a visit Hospitals are charging relatives more than £100 to visit the sick amid record charges of more than £250 million a year, an investigation reveals.
One in three NHS trusts increased their prices in the last year, with overall charges rising by 10 per cent, the findings show. The Telegraph
One in three NHS trusts increased their prices in the last year, with overall charges rising by 10 per cent, the findings show. The Telegraph
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Next NHS staff shortages will include radiographers, as courses close
Next NHS staff shortages will include radiographers, as courses close Radiography and nursing degree courses may be at risk of closure, academics are warning – at a time when the NHS is wrestling with a recruitment crisis.
The Council of Deans of Health has now drawn up an “at risk” list of university courses struggling to attract and retain enough students following the removal of the student bursary in 2017. The courses include: radiography, mental health nursing, learning disability nursing, podiatry and prosthetics. The list also includes orthoptics, which is the provision of devices such as splints, braces and helmets, which help people recover from injury. The Guardian
The Council of Deans of Health has now drawn up an “at risk” list of university courses struggling to attract and retain enough students following the removal of the student bursary in 2017. The courses include: radiography, mental health nursing, learning disability nursing, podiatry and prosthetics. The list also includes orthoptics, which is the provision of devices such as splints, braces and helmets, which help people recover from injury. The Guardian
Thousands of patients die waiting for beds in hospitals – study
Thousands of patients die waiting for beds in hospitals – study Almost 5,500 patients have died over the past three years because they have spent so long on a trolley in an A&E unit waiting for a bed in overcrowded hospitals, a study by leading NHS doctors has found. The Guardian
Monday, 9 December 2019
Unit where police take people detained under the Mental Health Act not up to national standards say inspectors
Unit where police take people detained under the Mental Health Act not up to national standards say inspectors The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found during a one day well-led inspection in October that Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust’s (NHFT) 136 suite at the Berrywood Hospital in Duston was not up to national guidelines.
A 136 suite is where people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act by the police on concerns they are suffering from a mental disorder are taken. Once in the suite, the person is assessed to establish whether they need treatment. Northamptonshire Telegraph
A 136 suite is where people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act by the police on concerns they are suffering from a mental disorder are taken. Once in the suite, the person is assessed to establish whether they need treatment. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Group B Strep: ‘A common bug could have killed my baby’
Group B Strep: ‘A common bug could have killed my baby’ The mother of a child who developed meningitis and sepsis because of a bacterial infection called Group B Strep is calling for all pregnant women to be tested for it. Currently the test is only available privately - and some women are still not being told about the potential threat the bug poses to their baby.
Bethany Rashley had a straightforward pregnancy until 33 weeks, when she experienced possible labour pains and noticed her baby was moving less than it had before. She went into Kettering General Hospital, was kept in for a few days, and then sent home. BBC News
Bethany Rashley had a straightforward pregnancy until 33 weeks, when she experienced possible labour pains and noticed her baby was moving less than it had before. She went into Kettering General Hospital, was kept in for a few days, and then sent home. BBC News
Public perceptions of the NHS and social care
Public perceptions of the NHS and social care This report presents the findings of a research project commissioned by the Health Foundation and conducted by Ipsos MORI.
The polling suggests there is an increasing willingness among the public to pay more tax for health and social care.
A majority of people – 62% – said it was completely or somewhat unacceptable to have to sell your own home to pay for social care.
An increasing proportion want to see NHS-funded care delivered exclusively through the NHS (as opposed to via private providers).
The polling also indicates very strong support for EU workers in the NHS and social care being allowed to stay in the UK after Brexit.
The polling suggests there is an increasing willingness among the public to pay more tax for health and social care.
A majority of people – 62% – said it was completely or somewhat unacceptable to have to sell your own home to pay for social care.
An increasing proportion want to see NHS-funded care delivered exclusively through the NHS (as opposed to via private providers).
The polling also indicates very strong support for EU workers in the NHS and social care being allowed to stay in the UK after Brexit.
Health and social care funding: what’s in, what’s out and who offers the most?
Health and social care funding: what’s in, what’s out and who offers the most? If you think that comparing the funding commitments of the different political parties is a job for statisticians, think again. Admittedly, to make sense of the different offers does require the skills of a Gertrude Cox (the First Lady of Statistics, in case you didn’t know), but they must be leavened with a healthy dose of Miss Marple. As we are often asked which manifesto is the most generous to health and social care, I am channeling both to help answer the question. The King's Fund
Latest RCEM data shows true scale of the number of patients waiting longer than 12 hours in A&E
Latest RCEM data shows true scale of the number of patients waiting longer than 12 hours in A&E The first publication of data from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s 2019-20 Winter Flow Project shows that existing data does not reflect the true scale of the problem of 12 hour stays in A&E.
RCEM data shows that in the first week of December over 5,000 patients waited for longer than 12 hours in the Emergency Departments of 50 Trusts and Boards across the UK.
The sample of trusts and boards from across the UK is the equivalent to a third of the acute bed base in England.
From the beginning of October 2019 over 38,000 patients have waited longer than 12 hours for a bed at the sampled sites across the UK – yet data from NHS England reports that in England alone a total of only 13,025 patients experienced waits over 12 hours since 2011-12. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine
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RCEM data shows that in the first week of December over 5,000 patients waited for longer than 12 hours in the Emergency Departments of 50 Trusts and Boards across the UK.
The sample of trusts and boards from across the UK is the equivalent to a third of the acute bed base in England.
From the beginning of October 2019 over 38,000 patients have waited longer than 12 hours for a bed at the sampled sites across the UK – yet data from NHS England reports that in England alone a total of only 13,025 patients experienced waits over 12 hours since 2011-12. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine
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General Election 2019: NHS boss - Parties 'ducked' big issues
General Election 2019: NHS boss - Parties 'ducked' big issues Politicians have "ducked" the big issues in health and social care during the election, a leading NHS boss says.
At the start of the campaign, NHS Providers chief Chris Hopson urged parties not to make "empty promises" or create "unrealistic expectations".
There have since been manifesto pledges of millions more in NHS funding and extra staff from both main parties.
But Mr Hopson says they have not offered "credible answers" to the NHS's biggest challenges. BBC News
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At the start of the campaign, NHS Providers chief Chris Hopson urged parties not to make "empty promises" or create "unrealistic expectations".
There have since been manifesto pledges of millions more in NHS funding and extra staff from both main parties.
But Mr Hopson says they have not offered "credible answers" to the NHS's biggest challenges. BBC News
See also:
- Politicians and the NHS – they’ve ducked the big tackles NHS Providers
- Party manifestos offer 'too little too late' on NHS pension tax crisis GPonline
- The NHS is set for a post-election windfall – but staffing must be the priority The Guardian
- Hospital patients will see their doctors less without action, warns UK top doctor The Independent
- NHS promises from all major parties are 'not physically possible' Metro
Patient data from GP surgeries sold to US companies
Patient data from GP surgeries sold to US companies Dealings with international pharma raise new fears about American ambitions to access NHS
Data about millions of NHS patients has been sold to US and other international pharmaceutical companies for research, the Observer has learnt, raising new fears about America’s growing ambitions to access lucrative parts of the health service after Brexit.
US drugs giants, including Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly, have paid the Department of Health and Social Care, which holds data derived from GPs’ surgeries, for licences costing up to £330,000 each in return for anonymised data to be used for research. The Guardian
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Data about millions of NHS patients has been sold to US and other international pharmaceutical companies for research, the Observer has learnt, raising new fears about America’s growing ambitions to access lucrative parts of the health service after Brexit.
US drugs giants, including Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly, have paid the Department of Health and Social Care, which holds data derived from GPs’ surgeries, for licences costing up to £330,000 each in return for anonymised data to be used for research. The Guardian
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NHS appoints 'head of flexible working' in bid to push part-time jobs
NHS appoints 'head of flexible working' in bid to push part-time jobs The NHS has appointed a “Head of Flexible Working” in a bid to encourage more part-time work in the health service.
The appointment - reporting to a “Head of Improving People Practices” - follows warnings from health chiefs that the NHS needs to recruit significantly more staff, because millennial workers do not expect to work the hours their predecessors put in. The Daily Telegraph
The appointment - reporting to a “Head of Improving People Practices” - follows warnings from health chiefs that the NHS needs to recruit significantly more staff, because millennial workers do not expect to work the hours their predecessors put in. The Daily Telegraph
Patients should no longer consider cancer diagnosis a death sentence, experts insist
Patients should no longer consider cancer diagnosis a death sentence, experts insist Cancer should increasingly be seen as a manageable condition like diabetes rather than thought a death sentence, experts said last night.
The Institute of Cancer Research says huge progress that allows patients to live longer is being overshadowed by a focus on the ‘Holy Grail’ of finding a cure.
Survival time from cancer has roughly doubled in a decade, and the average patient now lives more than ten years after diagnosis. The Daily Mail
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The Institute of Cancer Research says huge progress that allows patients to live longer is being overshadowed by a focus on the ‘Holy Grail’ of finding a cure.
Survival time from cancer has roughly doubled in a decade, and the average patient now lives more than ten years after diagnosis. The Daily Mail
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- Cancer research offers more hope than people think Institute of Cancer Research
- Cancer cure search is overshadowing progress of sufferers living longer with the disease, experts warn The Daily Telegraph
NHS has paid almost £600million in compensation to patients it had failed to diagnose correctly
NHS has paid almost £600million in compensation to patients it had failed to diagnose correctly NHS hospitals have paid out almost £600million in compensation to patients in the last three years for failing to diagnose them correctly.
There have been 4,097 payouts, totalling £583million, to patients who didn't receive a crucial diagnosis.
It means that the NHS is settling claims at the rate of 26 every week at a cost to the health service of £3.7million every week. The Daily Mail
There have been 4,097 payouts, totalling £583million, to patients who didn't receive a crucial diagnosis.
It means that the NHS is settling claims at the rate of 26 every week at a cost to the health service of £3.7million every week. The Daily Mail
Friday, 6 December 2019
Christmas fundraiser sees Northampton hospital on its way to raising £20,000 for two sensory rooms
Christmas fundraiser sees Northampton hospital on its way to raising £20,000 for two sensory rooms Nurses at Berrywood Hospital want to turn two rarely used rooms into sensory rooms for children to use on both the Burrows and Sett wards.The rooms will be used in different ways to suit each patient’s needs and will allow the children to self-manage stress and anxiety, in the company of their families.
Wednesday saw staff, patients and their family and friends take part in a raffle, tombola and charity cake sale, in the company of the Rock Choir, to raise funds to pay for the two facilities. So far, £600 has been raised and one of the activity coordinators, Katie Trevor, said she's happy with the progress they have made so far. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Wednesday saw staff, patients and their family and friends take part in a raffle, tombola and charity cake sale, in the company of the Rock Choir, to raise funds to pay for the two facilities. So far, £600 has been raised and one of the activity coordinators, Katie Trevor, said she's happy with the progress they have made so far. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Unconventional health and care: five organisations delivering care differently
Unconventional health and care: five organisations delivering care differently How can we make sure that people always receive the compassionate care they need? This long read looks at five organisations that are thinking differently about how they support patients and service users, and considers what we can learn from their unconventional approach. The King's Fund
Measles deaths 'staggering and tragic'
Measles deaths 'staggering and tragic' More than 140,000 people died from measles last year as the number of cases around the world surged once again, official estimates suggest.
Most of the lives cut short were children aged under five.
The situation has been described by health experts as staggering, an outrage, a tragedy and easily preventable with vaccines.
Huge progress has been made since the year 2000, but there is concern that incidence of measles is now edging up.
In 2018, the UK - along with Albania, the Czech Republic and Greece, lost their measles elimination status. BBC News
Most of the lives cut short were children aged under five.
The situation has been described by health experts as staggering, an outrage, a tragedy and easily preventable with vaccines.
Huge progress has been made since the year 2000, but there is concern that incidence of measles is now edging up.
In 2018, the UK - along with Albania, the Czech Republic and Greece, lost their measles elimination status. BBC News
Briton Audrey Schoeman revived after six-hour cardiac arrest
Briton Audrey Schoeman revived after six-hour cardiac arrest A British woman whose heart stopped beating for six hours has been brought back to life in what doctors have described as an "exceptional case".
Audrey Schoeman developed severe hypothermia when she was caught in a snowstorm while hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees with her husband in November.
Doctors say it is the longest cardiac arrest ever recorded in Spain.
Mrs Schoeman, who has made a near-full recovery after the ordeal, says she hopes to be hiking again by spring. BBC News
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Audrey Schoeman developed severe hypothermia when she was caught in a snowstorm while hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees with her husband in November.
Doctors say it is the longest cardiac arrest ever recorded in Spain.
Mrs Schoeman, who has made a near-full recovery after the ordeal, says she hopes to be hiking again by spring. BBC News
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Major reforms needed to healthcare education to tackle workforce shortages, unions warn
Major reforms needed to healthcare education to tackle workforce shortages, unions warn A radical overhaul of the healthcare education system in England is needed to tackle significant workforce shortages facing the sector, an alliance of unions has warned.
An open letter, shared exclusively with The Independent, calls for nursing, midwifery and allied health students to receive greater financial support to help solve the recruitment crisis in the NHS.
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An open letter, shared exclusively with The Independent, calls for nursing, midwifery and allied health students to receive greater financial support to help solve the recruitment crisis in the NHS.
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Shrewsbury maternity scandal: Inspectors warn of unsafe staffing amid signs of improvement
Shrewsbury maternity scandal: Inspectors warn of unsafe staffing amid signs of improvement Maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust were 50 midwives short of what was safe, hospital inspectors have said.
A new report by the Care Quality Commission, published today, revealed the trust, which is at the centre of the largest maternity scandal in the history of the NHS, had a 26 per cent vacancy of midwives in April this year. The Independent
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A new report by the Care Quality Commission, published today, revealed the trust, which is at the centre of the largest maternity scandal in the history of the NHS, had a 26 per cent vacancy of midwives in April this year. The Independent
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- Royal Shrewsbury Hopsital inspection report Care Quality Commission
- Women giving birth at scandal-hit trust are still at risk, watchdog finds The Daily Telegraph
As a junior doctor I can reach breaking point. A patient's note keeps me going
As a junior doctor I can reach breaking point. A patient's note keeps me going To have someone recognise the difficulty of my job meant so much, and reminded me why I became a doctor
As a junior doctor who has experienced depression, I often wake up feeling like there’s a weight on top of me. During shifts we’re split in so many different directions that eating or even going to the toilet are out of the question. I’m painfully aware patients wait hours for care or even just to be discharged, and I can’t stand not being able to prevent delays.
It’s rare that I’d ever get a chance to voice these concerns to patients. That’s why Mr Jones, an elderly patient I got to know from his recurring visits to the ward I was working on, sticks out in my mind. The Guardian
As a junior doctor who has experienced depression, I often wake up feeling like there’s a weight on top of me. During shifts we’re split in so many different directions that eating or even going to the toilet are out of the question. I’m painfully aware patients wait hours for care or even just to be discharged, and I can’t stand not being able to prevent delays.
It’s rare that I’d ever get a chance to voice these concerns to patients. That’s why Mr Jones, an elderly patient I got to know from his recurring visits to the ward I was working on, sticks out in my mind. The Guardian
Winter vomiting bug sees twice as many hospital beds closed as last year
Winter vomiting bug sees twice as many hospital beds closed as last year Health officials have warned that winter vomiting bug is on the rise, with twice as many hospital beds closed as this time last year.
Hospitals in England have been forced to close more than 1,100 hospital beds over the last week due to norovirus.
NHS England urged people to stay at home if they get the bug - which causes vomiting and diarrhoea - to avoid passing it on. The Daily Telegraph
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Hospitals in England have been forced to close more than 1,100 hospital beds over the last week due to norovirus.
NHS England urged people to stay at home if they get the bug - which causes vomiting and diarrhoea - to avoid passing it on. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- NHS warning as winter vomiting bug closes 1,000 hospital beds NHS England
- Official Statistics: Norovirus and rotavirus: summary of surveillance 2019 to 2020 Public Health England
- Norovirus closes 1,100 hospital beds in England BBC News
- Norovirus forces NHS England to close more than 1,100 hospital beds The Guardian
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