English councils warned on 'running out' of reserve cash Some councils in England (including Northamptonshire County Council) have been warned they risk running out of cash reserves if recent spending continues.
Analysis by the BBC has identified 11 authorities the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) said would have "fully exhausted" reserves within four years unless they topped them up.
The Local Government Association said councils faced "systemic underfunding".
The government said councils were responsible for managing their funds. BBC News
Wednesday, 29 May 2019
£4.4bn funding gap projected for social care in England as spending per person falls further behind other UK countries
£4.4bn funding gap projected for social care in England as spending per person falls further behind other UK countries New analysis from the Health Foundation shows that there will be a social care funding gap of £4.4bn in England in 2023/24 to meet rising demand and address critical staffing shortages in the sector.
In the absence of an additional funding commitment, the money available for adult social care will rise at an annual average rate of 1.4% a year. This is much lower than the 3.4% a year the government has committed to the NHS and crucially, far below rising demand of 3.6% a year, with increasing numbers of elderly and younger adults needing help with day to day activities such as washing, eating and dressing.
The Health Foundation also point to poor pay and conditions in social care as a major threat to the quality of care and future sustainability of the sector. Staff turnover has been increasing since 2012/13 and there are over 110,000 vacancies in adult social care. Over 40,000 nurses work in adult social care but almost a third are estimated to have left their role within the past 12 months. Adult social care wages are low and below equivalent salaries in the NHS.
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In the absence of an additional funding commitment, the money available for adult social care will rise at an annual average rate of 1.4% a year. This is much lower than the 3.4% a year the government has committed to the NHS and crucially, far below rising demand of 3.6% a year, with increasing numbers of elderly and younger adults needing help with day to day activities such as washing, eating and dressing.
The Health Foundation also point to poor pay and conditions in social care as a major threat to the quality of care and future sustainability of the sector. Staff turnover has been increasing since 2012/13 and there are over 110,000 vacancies in adult social care. Over 40,000 nurses work in adult social care but almost a third are estimated to have left their role within the past 12 months. Adult social care wages are low and below equivalent salaries in the NHS.
See also:
- The real cost of a fair adult social care system The Health Foundation
- English 'short-changed on care funding' BBC News
Five myths of compassionate leadership
Five myths of compassionate leadership The NHS is facing a crisis in staffing with large gaps in the nursing and medical workforces in both primary and secondary care. Recruitment is proving ever more difficult, absenteeism is high and staff are leaving or retiring early. There is no magic solution in sight. Part of the reason is the sustained work overload staff face, which has been increasing over time. This leads to high levels of staff stress (50 per cent higher than in the working population as a whole), harming the physical and mental health of staff across the NHS. It is an unsustainable position which demands a wise and powerful response. The King's Fund
The impact of primary care incentive schemes on care home placements for people with dementia
The impact of primary care incentive schemes on care home placements for people with dementia The interface between primary care and long-term care is complex. In the case of dementia, this interface may be influenced by incentives offered to GPs as part of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) to provide an annual review for patients with dementia. The hypothesis is that the annual reviews reduce the likelihood of admission to a care home by supporting the patient to live independently and by addressing carers’ needs for support. Centre for Health Economics
Evaluation of Babylon GP at hand: final evaluation report
Evaluation of Babylon GP at hand: final evaluation report Ipsos MORI, working in partnership with York Health Economics Consortium, and with advisory input from Professor Chris Salisbury (University of Bristol), were commissioned by NHS Hammersmith and Fulham Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England in May 2018 to undertake an independent evaluation of the Babylon GP at Hand (BGPaH) practice. This report sets out the final results of the evaluation.
Homeless and disabled: ‘I’m at my wits’ end’
Homeless and disabled: ‘I’m at my wits’ end’ The number of physically disabled people affected by homelessness in England increased by three quarters during an almost 10-year period, according to official statistics.
Now new government figures show thousands of vulnerable people are struggling amid a shortage of suitable accommodation – with many living on the streets.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government says it's "providing councils with almost £1 billion over the next two years to adapt properties for disabled people."
The BBC 's disability news correspondent, Nikki Fox, has been to meet three homeless disabled people in Birmingham to hear their stories. BBC News
Now new government figures show thousands of vulnerable people are struggling amid a shortage of suitable accommodation – with many living on the streets.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government says it's "providing councils with almost £1 billion over the next two years to adapt properties for disabled people."
The BBC 's disability news correspondent, Nikki Fox, has been to meet three homeless disabled people in Birmingham to hear their stories. BBC News
Nurses struggling to look after dying patients due of staff shortages, survey finds
Nurses struggling to look after dying patients due of staff shortages, survey finds Nurses are struggling to look after dying patients because of staff shortages, according to a survey.
Two-thirds of nurses (65 per cent) said staffing levels are the main “barrier” to providing good care in the final stages of patients’ lives, according to an annual poll by magazine Nursing Standard and charity Marie Curie.
Last year, 38 per cent reported the same reason.
Meanwhile, more than half (57 per cent) of nurses reported time constraints as an issue, compared to 25 per cent last year. The Independent
Two-thirds of nurses (65 per cent) said staffing levels are the main “barrier” to providing good care in the final stages of patients’ lives, according to an annual poll by magazine Nursing Standard and charity Marie Curie.
Last year, 38 per cent reported the same reason.
Meanwhile, more than half (57 per cent) of nurses reported time constraints as an issue, compared to 25 per cent last year. The Independent
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Government policy makes people ill – and the NHS pays the price
Government policy makes people ill – and the NHS pays the price Poverty and pollution are political choices. Ministers should be accountable for the burden they put on our health system.
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens has been remarkably successful in prising more money for the health service out of the government, but short-term ministerial thinking about the service and its resources has resulted in an unedifying, dysfunctional scramble for cash in austerity Britain. Finally, though, ideas are emerging that could change all that. The Guardian
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens has been remarkably successful in prising more money for the health service out of the government, but short-term ministerial thinking about the service and its resources has resulted in an unedifying, dysfunctional scramble for cash in austerity Britain. Finally, though, ideas are emerging that could change all that. The Guardian
Nearly five million children and young people at risk of measles across Europe
Nearly five million children and young people at risk of measles across Europe Some 4.5million young people in Europe are at risk of catching measles because they have not been vaccinated against this highly infectious disease, research has shown.
An analysis of vaccination rates across countries in the European Union and European Economic Area shows that about four per cent of the people born in the region since 1999 are not fully protected against the disease. The Daily Telegraph
An analysis of vaccination rates across countries in the European Union and European Economic Area shows that about four per cent of the people born in the region since 1999 are not fully protected against the disease. The Daily Telegraph
Working night shifts is NOT linked to an increased risk of breast cancer
Working night shifts is NOT linked to an increased risk of breast cancer Women who work night shifts do not face a higher risk of breast cancer, according to a major scientific analysis.
For decades, it has been suggested that burning the midnight oil could raise the risk of the killer disease.
But researchers have now quashed the fears, after finding no evidence of any greater odds of breast cancer in female night shift workers. The Daily Mail
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For decades, it has been suggested that burning the midnight oil could raise the risk of the killer disease.
But researchers have now quashed the fears, after finding no evidence of any greater odds of breast cancer in female night shift workers. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Night shift work and risk of breast cancer in women: the Generations Study cohort (open access) British Journal of Cancer
- Working night shift does not increase likelihood of developing breast cancer despite previous evidence to the contrary, WHO study says The Daily Telegraph
- Night shifts do not increase breast cancer risk, study concludes The Guardian
Hospital builds a replica bus stop in A&E department to calm dementia patients
Hospital builds a replica bus stop in A&E department to calm dementia patients A hospital has built a replica bus stop inside its A&E department to help people with dementia feel at home.
Southend University Hospital has constructed the stand with its own sign, timetable and bench – but no buses will be driving through the department.
It's hoped the stop will provide a familiar sight for people suffering from the brain-damaging disease, which can leave them feeling lost, confused and anxious. The Daily Mail
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Southend University Hospital has constructed the stand with its own sign, timetable and bench – but no buses will be driving through the department.
It's hoped the stop will provide a familiar sight for people suffering from the brain-damaging disease, which can leave them feeling lost, confused and anxious. The Daily Mail
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Tuesday, 28 May 2019
The prevention Green Paper
The prevention Green Paper Prevention is one of the three pillars (alongside workforce and technology) of the Secretary of State’s stated priorities, and his Department has been working towards a Green Paper, due relatively soon as far as we can tell. What’s likely to be in it, and what should be in it? The King's Fund
NHS hands 50,000 people control of their own care
NHS hands 50,000 people control of their own care More than 50,000 people have taken charge of their own care after being handed control of how their NHS funding is spent.
Personal Health Budgets can be used to purchase personalised wheelchairs, assistance dogs and respite care to manage complex health problems, as well as tech devices that can control curtains, lighting, heating and door intercoms to help people live independent lives.
The rollout of the Budgets across the country is two years ahead of scheme and being ramped up further as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. NHS England
Personal Health Budgets can be used to purchase personalised wheelchairs, assistance dogs and respite care to manage complex health problems, as well as tech devices that can control curtains, lighting, heating and door intercoms to help people live independent lives.
The rollout of the Budgets across the country is two years ahead of scheme and being ramped up further as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. NHS England
More convenient cancer screening services must be rolled out to boost uptake, says Professor Sir Mike Richards
More convenient cancer screening services must be rolled out to boost uptake, says Professor Sir Mike Richards The NHS should roll out online booking, out of hours appointments and text reminders to boost the uptake of breast, cervical and other screening services, leading expert Professor Sir Mike Richards said.
Sir Mike, who was the first NHS cancer director and is a former CQC chief inspector of hospitals, is leading a major overhaul of national cancer screening programmes as part of a renewed drive to improve care and save lives.
Increasing early detection of cancers when they are easier to treat is at the heart of the NHS’s Long Term Plan to upgrade services and make sure patients benefit from new technologies and treatments. NHS England
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Sir Mike, who was the first NHS cancer director and is a former CQC chief inspector of hospitals, is leading a major overhaul of national cancer screening programmes as part of a renewed drive to improve care and save lives.
Increasing early detection of cancers when they are easier to treat is at the heart of the NHS’s Long Term Plan to upgrade services and make sure patients benefit from new technologies and treatments. NHS England
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NHS violence: Nurses talk of attacks by patients in hospital
NHS violence: Nurses talk of attacks by patients in hospital Urine bottles being thrown, doors broken off their hinges and threats of violence.
These are just some of the experiences nurses have faced at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset.
They have spoken to the BBC to highlight the issues that many NHS staff face in the work place. BBC News
These are just some of the experiences nurses have faced at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset.
They have spoken to the BBC to highlight the issues that many NHS staff face in the work place. BBC News
Ten arrested over Whorlton Hall 'abuse'
Ten arrested over Whorlton Hall 'abuse' Ten workers have been arrested over the alleged abuse of patients with learning difficulties at a specialist hospital.
Seven men and three women were arrested at addresses in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Stockton.
Undercover filming by BBC Panorama at Whorlton Hall in County Durham appeared to show patients being mocked, intimidated and restrained. BBC News
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Seven men and three women were arrested at addresses in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Stockton.
Undercover filming by BBC Panorama at Whorlton Hall in County Durham appeared to show patients being mocked, intimidated and restrained. BBC News
See also:
- Ten staff members are arrested over alleged abuse of patients at scandal-hit NHS-funded hospital The Daily Mail
- 10 Whorlton Hall staff arrested on suspicion of physical and psychological abuse The Daily Telegraph
- Whorlton Hall investigation: 10 arrested over care home ‘abuse’ of patients with learning disabilities The Independent
PIP breast implant scandal: Victims visited by bailiffs
PIP breast implant scandal: Victims visited by bailiffs Women given faulty breast implants fear thousands of them may have to pay back compensation after visits by bailiffs warning them of legal proceedings.
German safety body TUV Rheinland was found liable for the global PIP implant scandal in 2017 and ordered to make payouts to victims by a French court.
The firm has begun an appeal and some 13,000 victims awarded compensation have been issued legal papers. BBC News
German safety body TUV Rheinland was found liable for the global PIP implant scandal in 2017 and ordered to make payouts to victims by a French court.
The firm has begun an appeal and some 13,000 victims awarded compensation have been issued legal papers. BBC News
Wellness influencers like Belle Gibson promote dangerous pseudoscience as a cure for disease
Wellness influencers like Belle Gibson promote dangerous pseudoscience as a cure for disease Former social media influencer and “wellness guru” Belle Gibson first caught public attention after claiming she cured herself of terminal cancer by rejecting conventional medicine in favour of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Her story was documented on a blog and social media, which became the basis for a successful book and app, featuring lifestyle advice and healthy recipes.
In 2015, however, Gibson was exposed as a fraud. It was revealed that she never had cancer and failed to donate the proceeds from her app to charity, as promised. Now, she has been summoned to appear in Federal Court following her failure to pay a A$410,000 (£224,000) penalty for misleading health claims. The Independent
In 2015, however, Gibson was exposed as a fraud. It was revealed that she never had cancer and failed to donate the proceeds from her app to charity, as promised. Now, she has been summoned to appear in Federal Court following her failure to pay a A$410,000 (£224,000) penalty for misleading health claims. The Independent
Cuts may leave NHS short of 70,000 nurses, leaked report warns
Cuts may leave NHS short of 70,000 nurses, leaked report warns Abolition of bursaries for nursing students led to severe fall in number training for the profession
The NHS could be short of almost 70,000 nurses within five years, according to a leaked copy of the government’s long-awaited plan to tackle the staffing crisis.
Blaming the government’s decision to abolish bursaries for nursing students, a draft of the NHS people plan says: “Our analysis shows a 40,000 (11%) shortfall [in the number of nurses needed in England] in 2018-19 which widens to 68,500 (16%) by 2023-24 without intervention, as demand for nurses grows faster than supply.” The Guardian
The NHS could be short of almost 70,000 nurses within five years, according to a leaked copy of the government’s long-awaited plan to tackle the staffing crisis.
Blaming the government’s decision to abolish bursaries for nursing students, a draft of the NHS people plan says: “Our analysis shows a 40,000 (11%) shortfall [in the number of nurses needed in England] in 2018-19 which widens to 68,500 (16%) by 2023-24 without intervention, as demand for nurses grows faster than supply.” The Guardian
NHS bosses accused of breaking law in cancer scanning privatisation
NHS bosses accused of breaking law in cancer scanning privatisation Oxfordshire councillors tell health secretary contract for InHealth endangers patients
NHS bosses stand accused of endangering patients, “flagrant” lawbreaking and intimidating a leading hospital trust over their controversial privatisation of cancer scanning services.
Oxfordshire councillors have warned that cancer patients in Thames Valley will receive a poorer service because NHS England has decided to take a contract for PET-CT scanning away from Oxford university hospitals (OUH) trust and hand it to the private firm InHealth. The Guardian
NHS bosses stand accused of endangering patients, “flagrant” lawbreaking and intimidating a leading hospital trust over their controversial privatisation of cancer scanning services.
Oxfordshire councillors have warned that cancer patients in Thames Valley will receive a poorer service because NHS England has decided to take a contract for PET-CT scanning away from Oxford university hospitals (OUH) trust and hand it to the private firm InHealth. The Guardian
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