Monday, 31 December 2012
Children and young people’s health and wellbeing in changing times
Children and young people’s health and wellbeing in changing times: This report supports implementation of the health reforms to improve children and young people’s health and wellbeing. It makes recommendations and provides support and evidence to national government and bodies, and local organisations and professionals. NHS Confederation
Medical sciences news highlights of 2012
Medical sciences news highlights of 2012: What were the big health research breakthroughs of 2012? BBC News
Foreign doctors face stricter checks for work in Britain
Foreign doctors face stricter checks for work in Britain:
Foreign doctors face tougher checks before working in the UK following the revelation that three-quarters of medics struck off this year were trained abroad. Of the 39 doctors struck off in the year to September, 29 obtained their primary qualification from outside Britain, statistics from the General Medical Council showed. The Independent
See also:
Foreign doctors face tougher checks before working in the UK following the revelation that three-quarters of medics struck off this year were trained abroad. Of the 39 doctors struck off in the year to September, 29 obtained their primary qualification from outside Britain, statistics from the General Medical Council showed. The Independent
See also:
- Revealed: 3 in 4 of Britain's danger doctors are trained abroad The Daily Telegraph
- Majority of UK doctors struck off have been trained abroad The Guardian
- Training push for foreign doctors BBC News
Prescribe cheaper drugs, GPs told
Prescribe cheaper drugs, GPs told:
Doctors who unnecessarily prescribe expensive branded drugs to patients when cheaper alternatives are available are facing a crackdown as the NHS attempts to reduce its annual £8bn family medicine bill. The Independent
Doctors who unnecessarily prescribe expensive branded drugs to patients when cheaper alternatives are available are facing a crackdown as the NHS attempts to reduce its annual £8bn family medicine bill. The Independent
It's been a year of breast implants, 'gaydar' and bad eggs - NHS Choices
It's been a year of breast implants, 'gaydar' and bad eggs - NHS Choices:
 NHS Choices | It's been a year of breast implants, 'gaydar' and bad eggs NHS Choices Go to NHS Choices homepage Your health, your choices. Information navigation. Search entire site. Enter a search term: Main navigation. Health A-Z. Hundreds of conditions explained; Arthritis information; Asthma information; Back pain information ... |
More die over Christmas holidays and New Year
More die over Christmas holidays and New Year: More people die over the Christmas holidays with deaths at their highest on New Year's Day, it can be revealed, as the NHS festive shutdown is thought to be to blame.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
NHS staff 'should consider weight loss surgery to set a better example to patients'
NHS staff 'should consider weight loss surgery to set a better example to patients': Half of NHS staff are overweight or obese and should consider surgery in order to set a better example for patients, a report will say.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Cosmetic surgery firms face ban on giving free advice
Cosmetic surgery firms face ban on giving free advice:
Cosmetic surgery companies face being banned from offering free medical consultations to prospective patients and may be required to obtain a two-stage written consent in a clampdown on the industry in the wake of the PIP breast implant scandal. The Independent
Cosmetic surgery companies face being banned from offering free medical consultations to prospective patients and may be required to obtain a two-stage written consent in a clampdown on the industry in the wake of the PIP breast implant scandal. The Independent
HPA update on seasonal norovirus activity: 28 December 2012
HPA update on seasonal norovirus activity: 28 December 2012: Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show there have been 3,538 laboratory confirmed cases of norovirus this season (from week 27 to week 50 2012), up from 3,046 cases last week. The latest figures are 83 percent higher than the number of cases reported at this point last year (the same increase as was reported last week), when there were 1,934 cases.
Friday, 28 December 2012
Concerns over ambulance changes
Concerns over ambulance changes: Northamptonshire County Council raises concerns that the whole county will not be adequately served by new ambulance "hubs". BBC News
Hospital’s plea on visits to help stop winter bug
Hospital’s plea on visits to help stop winter bug:
Accident and emergency doctors and nurses at Kettering General Hospital are reminding people that A&E does not stand for “anything and everything” over the Christmas period. Evening Telegraph
Accident and emergency doctors and nurses at Kettering General Hospital are reminding people that A&E does not stand for “anything and everything” over the Christmas period. Evening Telegraph
Drugs and alcohol payment by results (PbR) pilot evaluation: scoping and feasibility report
Drugs and alcohol payment by results (PbR) pilot evaluation: scoping and feasibility report:
This report, commissioned by the Department of Health, looks at a pilot project which took a new approach to commissioning and delivering drug and alcohol misuse treatment.
This report, commissioned by the Department of Health, looks at a pilot project which took a new approach to commissioning and delivering drug and alcohol misuse treatment.
Graphic anti-smoking ad launched
Graphic anti-smoking ad launched: A series of hard-hitting government adverts featuring people smoking cigarettes with a tumour bulging from them is being launched in England. BBC News - Health
Public must accept reforms if NHS is to survive, warns hospitals chief
Public must accept reforms if NHS is to survive, warns hospitals chief:
Hospitals must provide fewer services if it is to cope with growing demand caused by ageing population, says Mike Farrar. The public need to accept the closure of many hospital units and live healthier lives if they want the health service to survive, according to an NHS executive.
Hospitals will have to provide fewer services and beds if the NHS is to cope with growing demand caused by the ageing population, warns Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents hospitals.
Health professionals must do more to keep people out of hospital and treat them in or near their homes, while politicians should back the urgent and far-reaching changes needed to keep the NHS sustainable rather than joining protest marches, he added.
Dr Paul Flynn, chairman of the British Medical Association's hospital consultants committee, said the doctors' union "agrees that the NHS cannot stand still". But he warned against the service undertaking "constant overhaul" so soon after the reorganisation of the NHS in England imposed by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and with £20bn of efficiency savings to be found by 2015.
He backed Farrar's call for patients to live more healthily to relieve the growing workload and to use medicines they have been prescribed, a move Farrar said would save £300m. Guardian
Hospitals will have to provide fewer services and beds if the NHS is to cope with growing demand caused by the ageing population, warns Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents hospitals.
Health professionals must do more to keep people out of hospital and treat them in or near their homes, while politicians should back the urgent and far-reaching changes needed to keep the NHS sustainable rather than joining protest marches, he added.
Dr Paul Flynn, chairman of the British Medical Association's hospital consultants committee, said the doctors' union "agrees that the NHS cannot stand still". But he warned against the service undertaking "constant overhaul" so soon after the reorganisation of the NHS in England imposed by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and with £20bn of efficiency savings to be found by 2015.
He backed Farrar's call for patients to live more healthily to relieve the growing workload and to use medicines they have been prescribed, a move Farrar said would save £300m. Guardian
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Children who often visit A&E to be logged on national database
Children who often visit A&E to be logged on national database: Children who often visit A&E to be logged on national database:
Plan to help doctors and nurses spot children suffering from abuse or neglect and avoid cases like that of Baby Peter. All children who visit hospital accident and emergency departments or have out-of-hours GP consultations will be logged in a national database, according to health services minister Dan Poulter.
Medical staff will be able to see if the children they treat are subject to a child protection plan or are being looked after, meaning they are already identified as being at risk. Doctors and nurses will also be able to check if a child has been a frequent visitor to A&E over a period of time – an indication of abuse or neglect.
Under the new system, when a child arrives and is logged in at an emergency department or urgent care centre, a flag will appear on the child's record if they are subject to a protection plan or are being looked after by the local authority. Guardian
Medical staff will be able to see if the children they treat are subject to a child protection plan or are being looked after, meaning they are already identified as being at risk. Doctors and nurses will also be able to check if a child has been a frequent visitor to A&E over a period of time – an indication of abuse or neglect.
Under the new system, when a child arrives and is logged in at an emergency department or urgent care centre, a flag will appear on the child's record if they are subject to a protection plan or are being looked after by the local authority. Guardian
Primary care IT services: Operating model published
Primary care IT services: Operating model published:
The NHS Commissioning Board has published a document today setting out how the management of IT systems will be organised for primary care providers (dentists, pharmacists and optometrists) from April 2013.
Securing excellence in IT Services: Operating Model for Community Pharmacies, Appliance Contractors, Dental Practices and Community Optometry explains how the accountability for the delivery of primary care information services will transfer from primary care trusts (PCTs) to the NHS Commissioning Board (NHS CB).
It follows the publication of the Operating model for GP IT services Securing Excellence in GP IT Services earlier this month which described how responsibility for operational management of GP IT services, along with associated funding, was being discharged to clinical commissioning groups to manage on behalf of the NHS CB.
Under the new system the NHS Commissioning Board will commission access for use of national IT services – such as the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) or NHSmail – for primary care contractors. As part of this it will need to provide the support and assurance linked to these services. This may be through its regional/area teams, commissioning support units (CSUs) or any other IT provider.
Primary care contractors will remain responsible for local implementation of national services and will provide the necessary support services including training, associated hardware and network services. They will be free to choose any local IT delivery organisation.
The NHS Commissioning Board has published a document today setting out how the management of IT systems will be organised for primary care providers (dentists, pharmacists and optometrists) from April 2013.
Securing excellence in IT Services: Operating Model for Community Pharmacies, Appliance Contractors, Dental Practices and Community Optometry explains how the accountability for the delivery of primary care information services will transfer from primary care trusts (PCTs) to the NHS Commissioning Board (NHS CB).
It follows the publication of the Operating model for GP IT services Securing Excellence in GP IT Services earlier this month which described how responsibility for operational management of GP IT services, along with associated funding, was being discharged to clinical commissioning groups to manage on behalf of the NHS CB.
Under the new system the NHS Commissioning Board will commission access for use of national IT services – such as the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) or NHSmail – for primary care contractors. As part of this it will need to provide the support and assurance linked to these services. This may be through its regional/area teams, commissioning support units (CSUs) or any other IT provider.
Primary care contractors will remain responsible for local implementation of national services and will provide the necessary support services including training, associated hardware and network services. They will be free to choose any local IT delivery organisation.
- Primary care IT Operating Model
- Primary care IT factsheet
- Primary care IT frequently asked questions
Brain scan can sort dementia by type
Brain scan can sort dementia by type: Scientists say they have found a way to distinguish different types of dementia without the need for invasive tests.BBC News - Health
Monday, 24 December 2012
'Arrest' follows GP notes request
'Arrest' follows GP notes request: A 67-year-old retired scientist is escorted in handcuffs from her doctor's surgery after demanding to see her amended medical notes. BBC News
Drinkers will spend Christmas in hospital after festive binge
Drinkers will spend Christmas in hospital after festive binge: Irresponsible drinkers were the main cause of a 24 per cent spike in 999 call-outs on Friday night, East Midland Ambulance Service said. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Reassurance on future of hospital care - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Reassurance on future of hospital care - Northampton Chronicle & Echo:
 Northampton Chronicle & Echo | Reassurance on future of hospital care Northampton Chronicle & Echo That is the latest estimate of NHS leaders who are examining whether some services at Northampton General Hospital and four other hospitals can be centralised. Some patients fear that specialised maternity and A&E care will be moved away from their ... and more » |
Advance care planning toolkit
Advance care planning toolkit: The toolkit enables care providers to empower individuals to discuss and plan the care that they would prefer to receive at the end of their lives, including where they would like to die. NHS National End of Life Care Programe
PiP one year on: thousands of women have turned to NHS for help
PiP one year on: thousands of women have turned to NHS for help: One year on since serious problems with PiP breast implants emerged, almost 8,000 women, who had their implants put in privately, have turned to the NHS for help.
VIDEO: Poetry unlocking dementia memories
VIDEO: Poetry unlocking dementia memories: A poetry reading project has had unexpected benefits for dementia sufferers. BBC News
Hospital apologises to 38 families for appalling care that saw a patient starve to death
Hospital apologises to 38 families for appalling care that saw a patient starve to death: An NHS hospital has apologised to 38 families after a patient starved to death and it left other dying people screaming in pain.
The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The Daily TelegraphSee also:
- Victims of neglect at the Alexandra Hospital The Daily Telegraph
- NHS hospital trust apologises for 'appalling' neglect The Guardian
- Hospital that left patient to starve to death and another unwashed for 11 weeks forced to pay £400,000 in compensation The Daily Mail
- 'Disgust' over hospital's neglect BBC News
Updated immigration 'quick guides'
Updated immigration 'quick guides': The NHS Employers organisation has published updated versions of three immigration 'quick guides', designed for use when recruiting individuals who require a sponsor to work in the UK. NHS Employers
Politicians who oppose NHS closures 'secretly support them'
Politicians who oppose NHS closures 'secretly support them': Politicians are publicly opposing hospital closures but secretly agreeing that they would benefit patients, according to a senior NHS official.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphFriday, 21 December 2012
Services may go but no change for most KGH patients
Services may go but no change for most KGH patients:
Health chiefs predict that following a review of services at Kettering General Hospital, eight out of 10 patients now receiving acute treatment there would continue to do so. Evening Telegraph
Health chiefs predict that following a review of services at Kettering General Hospital, eight out of 10 patients now receiving acute treatment there would continue to do so. Evening Telegraph
Digital strategy: Leading the culture change in health and care published
Digital strategy: Leading the culture change in health and care published:
The department has published its digital strategy, setting out its ambition to become a Digital First department of state, with digital tools and techniques embedded throughout its work.
The strategy responds to the Government Digital Strategy published on 6 November, which set out 14 specific actions for government.
All government departments are publishing departmental digital strategies in December 2012.
The Department of Health strategy includes specific commitments to:
Download a printable version of the Digital strategy Leading the culture change in health and care
Department of Health
The department has published its digital strategy, setting out its ambition to become a Digital First department of state, with digital tools and techniques embedded throughout its work.
The strategy responds to the Government Digital Strategy published on 6 November, which set out 14 specific actions for government.
All government departments are publishing departmental digital strategies in December 2012.
The Department of Health strategy includes specific commitments to:
- improve the development and impact of its open policymaking
- increase the effectiveness of its communications to, and engagement with, audiences and stakeholders
- develop the digital skills it needs across the organisation
- improve its day-to-day efficiency
- steward the health and care system towards a health information revolution
Download a printable version of the Digital strategy Leading the culture change in health and care
Department of Health
Update on use of antivirals for flu prevention and treatment published
Update on use of antivirals for flu prevention and treatment published:
The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer have written to the NHS to advise that antiviral medicines may now be used for the prevention or treatment of flu in line with NICE guidelines.
This update sent to GPs and other health professionals advises for a final push this season to offer vaccination to those in the at risk groups, so that they are protected before the level of flu increases significantly.
This action is being taken because surveillance data from the Health Protection Agency indicates increased levels of the influenza virus is circulating.
Read the letter from the CMO and CPhO on flu antiviral use
Department of Health
The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer have written to the NHS to advise that antiviral medicines may now be used for the prevention or treatment of flu in line with NICE guidelines.
This update sent to GPs and other health professionals advises for a final push this season to offer vaccination to those in the at risk groups, so that they are protected before the level of flu increases significantly.
This action is being taken because surveillance data from the Health Protection Agency indicates increased levels of the influenza virus is circulating.
Read the letter from the CMO and CPhO on flu antiviral use
Department of Health
Communications strategy agreed for potential flu pandemic
Communications strategy agreed for potential flu pandemic:
This is a companion document to the UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy, published in November, and the Health and Social Care Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Guidance for the health and social care community, published in April.
This strategy covers health-related communication in the stages leading up to a UK pandemic, during a pandemic itself, and during the recovery phase. It focuses on mainstream communications channels with targeted elements for specific audiences. NHS Networks
This is a companion document to the UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy, published in November, and the Health and Social Care Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Guidance for the health and social care community, published in April.
This strategy covers health-related communication in the stages leading up to a UK pandemic, during a pandemic itself, and during the recovery phase. It focuses on mainstream communications channels with targeted elements for specific audiences. NHS Networks
NHS Equality and Diversity Council
NHS Equality and Diversity Council:
In November 2012, the NHS Equality and Diversity Council (EDC) announced that it was to change its name to the Personal, Fair and Diverse Council in response to the Council’s new responsibilities for health inequalities and human rights as part of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Feedback is important to us and we understand that the name change has met with some concern and debate... and we look forward to inviting your views on this.
In light of these considerations, we have agreed to operate as the NHS Equality and Diversity Council whilst further engagement is carried out.
Find out more about the work of the EDC. NHS Commissioning
In November 2012, the NHS Equality and Diversity Council (EDC) announced that it was to change its name to the Personal, Fair and Diverse Council in response to the Council’s new responsibilities for health inequalities and human rights as part of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Feedback is important to us and we understand that the name change has met with some concern and debate... and we look forward to inviting your views on this.
In light of these considerations, we have agreed to operate as the NHS Equality and Diversity Council whilst further engagement is carried out.
Find out more about the work of the EDC. NHS Commissioning
NHS CB supports Blackpool Hospitals’ flu video!
NHS CB supports Blackpool Hospitals’ flu video!:
Communications assistant at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lee Rayner created a video to raise awareness about the importance of flu vaccinations and encourage all staff to get the inoculation to help protect patients and visitors and help to ensure services run smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter months.
But what he did was raise awareness worldwide!
His video, depicting porter Phil Smith becoming a hero for a day after getting the vaccine, became a massive YouTube hit, and now he is the face of the Flu Fighters campaign. When the video went viral it was seen by NHS Commissioning Board Chief Executive, Sir David Nicholson, who wanted to add his name to Phil’s growing list of fans. So Phil hopped on a train to the NHS Commissioning Board’s offices in Leeds where he was greeted with staff and national directors applauding his flu jab heroics.
Now the film has been re-launched by Blackpool Hospitals for the national Flu Fighters campaign advising all NHS staff to protect patients, family and themselves, and you can watch the film on Blackpool Hospital’s YouTube channel.
Follow @NHSFlufighter on Twitter for all the latest flu updates and developments across the service and join the conversation #flufighter. NHS Commissioning
Communications assistant at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lee Rayner created a video to raise awareness about the importance of flu vaccinations and encourage all staff to get the inoculation to help protect patients and visitors and help to ensure services run smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter months.
But what he did was raise awareness worldwide!
His video, depicting porter Phil Smith becoming a hero for a day after getting the vaccine, became a massive YouTube hit, and now he is the face of the Flu Fighters campaign. When the video went viral it was seen by NHS Commissioning Board Chief Executive, Sir David Nicholson, who wanted to add his name to Phil’s growing list of fans. So Phil hopped on a train to the NHS Commissioning Board’s offices in Leeds where he was greeted with staff and national directors applauding his flu jab heroics.
Now the film has been re-launched by Blackpool Hospitals for the national Flu Fighters campaign advising all NHS staff to protect patients, family and themselves, and you can watch the film on Blackpool Hospital’s YouTube channel.
Follow @NHSFlufighter on Twitter for all the latest flu updates and developments across the service and join the conversation #flufighter. NHS Commissioning
DH to use Facebook to fight future flu pandemic
DH to use Facebook to fight future flu pandemic: The DH has published plans for clearer communication to the public and between health officials in a future flu pandemic, including greater use of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. GP Online News
Health Survey for England - 2011, Health, social care and lifestyles
Health Survey for England - 2011, Health, social care and lifestyles: Source: NHS Information Centre
The Health Survey for England (HSE) is part of a programme of surveys commissioned by the Health and Social Care Information Centre. The surveys were designed to monitor trends in the nation's health, to estimate the proportion of people in England who have specified health conditions, and to estimate the prevalence of certain risk factors and combinations of risk factors associated with these conditions. The survey is also used to monitor progress towards selected health targets.
The Health Survey for England (HSE) is part of a programme of surveys commissioned by the Health and Social Care Information Centre. The surveys were designed to monitor trends in the nation's health, to estimate the proportion of people in England who have specified health conditions, and to estimate the prevalence of certain risk factors and combinations of risk factors associated with these conditions. The survey is also used to monitor progress towards selected health targets.
Mental illness services pilot announced
Mental illness services pilot announced: The government has unveiled plans to improve access to psychological therapies for people with severe mental illnesses.
Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said six local projects are under way.
All sites are recognised as leaders in the mental health field and have been chosen to implement the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence’s recommended psychological therapies. Healthcare Today
Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said six local projects are under way.
All sites are recognised as leaders in the mental health field and have been chosen to implement the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence’s recommended psychological therapies. Healthcare Today
Thursday, 20 December 2012
More pensioners in Northamptonshire putting themselves at risk of flu
More pensioners in Northamptonshire putting themselves at risk of flu: Almost 10,000 extra over-65s in Northamptonshire have put their health at risk this year by neglecting to get the flu jab. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Fall in number of over 65s getting flu jab Evening Telegraph
- Over 65s encouraged to get the flu jab Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Family “appalled” with NGH care following bath fall
Family “appalled” with NGH care following bath fall: The family of an elderly man, who fell into a bath of scalding hot water were “appalled” with the care he later received in hospital, an inquest has heard. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Training videos on migrant health
Training videos on migrant health: Topics include eliminating barriers to healthcare, interpreting in a health context, catching up immunisations for migrants, TB, HIV, hepatitis and parasitic infections. More …. Health Protection Agency
Department announces pilot projects to improve severe mental illness services
Department announces pilot projects to improve severe mental illness services: Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb today announced that 6 local projects have begun work to help improve access to psychological therapies for those with severe mental illnesses.
Payment by Results for acute and mental health services – road test of the 2013-14 package
Payment by Results for acute and mental health services – road test of the 2013-14 package: The Payment by Results (PbR) road test exercise provides an opportunity for the NHS to test out the new tariff, and supports the planning process. The focus of the road test is to gather comments on the draft 2013-14 acute and mental health PbR guidance documents and PbR code of conduct.
Older cancer patients rethink call
Older cancer patients rethink call: All older cancer patients should get physical and mental health tests to ensure they are not unfairly written off as too old for treatment, a report suggests. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- NHS ageism 'stopping elderly getting cancer treatment' The Daily Telegraph
- Older cancer patients are being denied the best treatments due to age discrimination The Daily Mail
Hospital Pathways programme: lessons learned
Hospital Pathways programme: lessons learned: This article tells the story of the Hospital Pathways programme, a collaborative programme in which five acute trusts worked with The King's Fund and the Health Foundation to apply techniques, not widely used in the NHS, to improve both processes of care and interactions between staff and patients. It describes the programme; the method used to evaluate it; what was learned about the approach, and how the lessons have influenced the next programme called Patient and Family-Centred Care.
Cancer risk in men to rise
Cancer risk in men to rise:
Cancer Research UK has predicted that men's risk of cancer will increase in the next 15 years.The charity said that because people were living longer, the danger of men developing cancer would rise from 44 in 100 to 50 in 100, or a one in two chance of getting the disease.Researchers from the Wolfson Institute of Preventative Medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, and Cancer Research UK made the predicti... Healthcare Today
Cancer Research UK has predicted that men's risk of cancer will increase in the next 15 years.The charity said that because people were living longer, the danger of men developing cancer would rise from 44 in 100 to 50 in 100, or a one in two chance of getting the disease.Researchers from the Wolfson Institute of Preventative Medicine at Queen Mary, University of London, and Cancer Research UK made the predicti... Healthcare Today
Paperless NHS by 2015
Paperless NHS by 2015: The NHS Commissioning Board has clarified the position on a pledge for the organisation to move towards being paperless by 2015. In October, the NHS CB national director of patients and information, Tim Kelsey, told the Healthcare Efficiency Through Technology Expo that the government’s mandate to the NHS CB would include a commitment to a paperless NHS by 2015. However, guidance issued by the organisation has ... Healthcare Today
Patient care at risk as GPs are asked to cut services
Patient care at risk as GPs are asked to cut services: While ministers say costs are being reduced via 'efficiency savings', GPs are being asked to cut services to patients
GPs are being asked to reduce or axe activities including childhood immunisation campaigns, out-of-hours care and minor surgery in emerging evidence that £20bn of NHS "efficiency savings" are leading to cuts in patient care.
GPs are being asked to reduce or axe activities including childhood immunisation campaigns, out-of-hours care and minor surgery in emerging evidence that £20bn of NHS "efficiency savings" are leading to cuts in patient care.
NHS service providers' financial positions are weak – at best
NHS service providers' financial positions are weak – at best: Ramsay Health Care, Virgin Care, Harmoni, The Practice, Circle and Care UK cannot be treated as going concerns without the financial support of their parent companies
Analysis of the accounts of a number of NHS service providers reveals some disturbing trends.
It is estimated that 37 private healthcare companies bid for almost 400 NHS service contracts worth £262m earlier in the year. The Guardian's analysis looked at six of the biggest companies with a particular emphasis on patient care: Ramsay Health Care, Virgin Care, Harmoni, The Practice, Circle and Care UK.
Without exception, these six customer-facing operating companies admitted they could not be treated as going concerns without the financial support of their parent companies.
Analysis of the accounts of a number of NHS service providers reveals some disturbing trends.
It is estimated that 37 private healthcare companies bid for almost 400 NHS service contracts worth £262m earlier in the year. The Guardian's analysis looked at six of the biggest companies with a particular emphasis on patient care: Ramsay Health Care, Virgin Care, Harmoni, The Practice, Circle and Care UK.
Without exception, these six customer-facing operating companies admitted they could not be treated as going concerns without the financial support of their parent companies.
Hospice care 'threatened by NHS reforms'
Hospice care 'threatened by NHS reforms': Hospices should be allowed to get on with caring for dying patients with kindness and compassion but face being obstructed by a new layer of burdensome regulation, it was warned today.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
GPs have skin cancer 'blackspot'
GPs have skin cancer 'blackspot': GPs are failing to spot serious skin cancer cases, leading to dozens of medical negligence claims where it has spread to other organs, the Medical Protection Society is warning.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Clinical commissioning groups – what do we know so far?
Clinical commissioning groups – what do we know so far?: In the past few days, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have come several steps closer to taking control of £65 billion of NHS spending. The NHS Commissioning Board published the results of the first wave of the CCG authorisation process last week, and today released more details about how it intends to support the development of the new approach to commissioning. The results of the authorisation process so far tell us important things about how CCGs are developing.
The abandoned illness?
The abandoned illness?: 100 years after the term ‘schizophrenia’ was coined, things are beginning to change, says Victoria Bleazard. The Schizophrenia Commission’s report ‘The Abandoned Illness’ and the National Audit of Schizophrenia have been published over recent weeks. The reality of living with the condition has been exposed – some of which makes for very uncomfortable reading. The Health Foundation
Determining arrangements for supporting research in primary and community care
Determining arrangements for supporting research in primary and community care: A discussion paper, Determining arrangements for supporting research in primary and community care, has been published.
Winter bug cases '83% up on 2011'
Winter bug cases '83% up on 2011': Latest figures show that cases of the winter vomiting bug norovirus have risen, experts say. BBC News
NHS 'blueprint' reveals GP commissioning and quality premium targets
NHS 'blueprint' reveals GP commissioning and quality premium targets: Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) will be judged on 48 targets including death rates, a blueprint for the NHS reveals, and face four key targets to earn controversial quality premium payments worth up to £30,000 per practice. GP Online
Memorandum on leprosy: 2012 report
Memorandum on leprosy: 2012 report: This report has been published to provide information to both clinicians and consultants in communicable disease control involved in notifying and managing a case of leprosy. The memorandum draws on the best available evidence together with the specialist knowledge of the Panel of Leprosy Opinion. Leprosy is an uncommon disease in England and Wales, yet it remains an important disease globally with 250,000 cases diagnosed annually. Its importance lies in the need for early diagnosis and expert treatment and support, both for those with active disease and for those who are physically, psychologically, or socially affected by it. Health Protection Agency
Making integrated out of hospital care a reality
Making integrated out of hospital care a reality: This report presents a set of principles to act as foundations for delivering integrated out-of-hospital care. NHS Confederation
Everyone counts: planning for patients 2013/14
Everyone counts: planning for patients 2013/14: This planning guidance aims to help local clinicians deliver more
responsive health services, focused on improving outcomes for patients, addressing local priorities and meeting the rights people have under the NHS Constitution. It outlines the incentives and levers that will be used to improve services from April 2013, the first year of the new NHS where improvement is driven by clinical commissioners.
responsive health services, focused on improving outcomes for patients, addressing local priorities and meeting the rights people have under the NHS Constitution. It outlines the incentives and levers that will be used to improve services from April 2013, the first year of the new NHS where improvement is driven by clinical commissioners.
21st century welfare: seventy years since the Beveridge Report
21st century welfare: seventy years since the Beveridge Report: This report examines the giant evils as conceived by Beveridge, places them in the context of today’s society and explores how they are experienced. It examines public attitudes towards the NHS and the funding of care and support in future.
New NHS planning guidance puts patient first
New NHS planning guidance puts patient first: Many newspapers are reporting new planning guidance for the NHS released by the NHS Commissioning Board, which it says will "drive a revolution for patients…giving them greater control of their health."
Hospitals specialising in community healthcare are key to future of the NHS
Hospitals specialising in community healthcare are key to future of the NHS: Prevention and rehabilitation need to be more widespread if the NHS is to cope with the costs of ageing, say healthcare leaders
NHS trusts are enmeshed in private provision – as buyers and suppliers
NHS trusts are enmeshed in private provision – as buyers and suppliers:
FOI requests reveal NHS hospitals spending millions buying beds in private hospitals or profiting from patients who pay
NHS hospitals deal with private firms to buy and sell patient care and treatment services worth more than £500m, creating a marketplace for commercial healthcare companies in the English health service, an analysis by the Guardian reveals.
NHS hospitals deal with private firms to buy and sell patient care and treatment services worth more than £500m, creating a marketplace for commercial healthcare companies in the English health service, an analysis by the Guardian reveals.
Surgeons' ranking system 'could lead to cherry picking patients'
Surgeons' ranking system 'could lead to cherry picking patients': Surgeons could be discouraged from treating "difficult" patients because of new tables that rank them according to how many people die in their operating theatres, it has been warned.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Judge overrules mother over cancer treatment for seven-year-old Neon Roberts
Judge overrules mother over cancer treatment for seven-year-old Neon Roberts: 
A seven-year-old cancer sufferer is due to have life-saving surgery today after a High Court judge intervened to order the operation against his mother’s wishes. The Independent
A seven-year-old cancer sufferer is due to have life-saving surgery today after a High Court judge intervened to order the operation against his mother’s wishes. The Independent
New detailed analysis about NHS staff pay in England released for first time today
New detailed analysis about NHS staff pay in England released for first time today: December 18, 2012: Average basic pay among NHS staff rose slightly in 2012 but by a smaller amount than in 2011, according to experimental data published for the first time today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Hospitals to reveal performance data
Hospitals to reveal performance data: Hospitals will be required to publish survival rates for operations by the surgeon who carries them out under plans to help patients to choose more effectively where they have their care. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Surgeons' death rates to be published following ten operations The Daily Telegraph
Why oh, why oh, wi-fi
Why oh, why oh, wi-fi: Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has made a technology revolution in the NHS one of his top priorities - but how well equipped is NHS infrastructure to deliver it? E-health Insider
New guide on sickness absence - musculoskeletal disorders
New guide on sickness absence - musculoskeletal disorders: NHS Employers has published a new guide to support line managers that are managing staff with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Developing and updating local formularies
Developing and updating local formularies: This guidance provides advice and guides good practice for those
involved in handling, prescribing, commissioning and decision-making about medicines. It has been designed to help organisations develop and update local formularies that reflect local needs, reduce variation in prescribing, and allow rapid uptake of innovative medicines and treatments, in accordance with statutory requirements.
involved in handling, prescribing, commissioning and decision-making about medicines. It has been designed to help organisations develop and update local formularies that reflect local needs, reduce variation in prescribing, and allow rapid uptake of innovative medicines and treatments, in accordance with statutory requirements.
Redbook to go digital
Redbook to go digital: The Redbook, a record of children's development and health, is the subject of a project by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in order to create an online version of the data.Dr David Low, Chair of the RCPCH Informatics for Quality Committee, said: "Having it (the Redbook) online with the right information and advice should encourage parents to use it in a much more interactive way and put in mo... Healthcare Today
NHS to drop poverty as yardstick for local funding
NHS to drop poverty as yardstick for local funding: NHS commissioning board will discontinue funding system using a formula involving age, poverty and regional variations
The new independent quango at the heart of the coalition's health reforms has said it will stop using income to determine health spending levels around in the country next year as part of a set of reforms designed to promote "patient choice" in the NHS.
The new independent quango at the heart of the coalition's health reforms has said it will stop using income to determine health spending levels around in the country next year as part of a set of reforms designed to promote "patient choice" in the NHS.
Hospital consultants could lose £40,000 in pay shake-up
Hospital consultants could lose £40,000 in pay shake-up: Senior hospital consultants' pay packages should undergo a radical shakeup, according to a report commissioned by ministers.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
EU directive had led to 'rigid doctors' shift patterns'
EU directive had led to 'rigid doctors' shift patterns': The junior doctors' contract is "not suitable" for today's NHS, while the European Working Time Directive has led to "rigid shift patterns" that do not benefit medics or patients, according to a report.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Bowel Cancer: Postoperative deaths fall for fourth consecutive year, says national audit
Bowel Cancer: Postoperative deaths fall for fourth consecutive year, says national audit: December 17, 2012: Call to "break taboo that locks symptoms behind bathroom door" as emergency admissions continue to cause concern NHS Information Centre
Monday, 17 December 2012
MP raises concerns over services at Kettering hospital in Commons debate
MP raises concerns over services at Kettering hospital in Commons debate: MP for Corby and East Northants Andy Sawford raised concerns over the future of services at Kettering General Hospital during a Commons debate on Wednesday, December 12. Evening Telegraph
Hospital celebrates above average A & E care results
Hospital celebrates above average A & E care results: Kettering General Hospital is celebrating after achieving above average scores in a survey on the care it provides in accident and emergency. Evening Telegraph
‘Bump book’ to help pregnant mums keep healthy
‘Bump book’ to help pregnant mums keep healthy:
Start4Life, the sister brand to Change4Life, has today launched a free booklet for all pregnant mums to help them keep healthy throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Start4Life, the sister brand to Change4Life, has today launched a free booklet for all pregnant mums to help them keep healthy throughout pregnancy and beyond.
NHS 'should operate seven days a week'
NHS 'should operate seven days a week': Hospitals and GPs' surgeries could soon be expected to provide more routine services at the weekend under proposals to accelerate the spread of seven-day working across the National Health Service. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Learn from Tesco to work seven days a week, doctors told The Daily Telegraph
- Hospitals to offer more weekend operations under NHS plans The Guardian
- NHS weekend provision considered BBC News
Football 'lessons' for healthcare
Football 'lessons' for healthcare: Medicine has a lot to learn from football about developing new approaches, says researchers in the British Medical Journal. BBC News
Services must evolve and revolve around the changing needs of patients; community services are the key, says Rob Webster
Services must evolve and revolve around the changing needs of patients; community services are the key, says Rob Webster: The 21st century NHS faces the biggest challenges of a generation. So why are we still using 20th century approaches to healthcare that ignore patients’ assets and 21st century technology? Many reasons – financial flows; disjointed IT; and professional hierarchies. But perhaps the biggest barrier is in our culture – one that we must overcome, … Continue reading »
NHS Voices
NHS Voices
A future state of mind: facing up to the dementia challenge
A future state of mind: facing up to the dementia challenge: This report draws on in-depth interviews with people with Alzheimer's and their carers and a wealth of research to identify the barriers to early diagnosis, from a patient and professional perspective. New policies are proposed to better incentivise the health system to
diagnose dementia earlier.
diagnose dementia earlier.
NHS lone worker services framework agreement
NHS lone worker services framework agreement: This letter provides information in relation to concerns which have arisen regarding early terminations of NHS lone worker services framework agreements.
Liverpool Care Pathway: watchdogs must be informed about 'inappropriate' use
Liverpool Care Pathway: watchdogs must be informed about 'inappropriate' use: Health watchdogs must be informed when doctors or loved-ones think the Liverpool Care Pathway has been used "inappropriately", the Care Quality Commission has stated.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Hospital closes wards to visitors to stop spread of winter vomiting bug
Hospital closes wards to visitors to stop spread of winter vomiting bug:
A hospital has closed its doors to visitors in a bid to stem the growing number of people infected with the winter vomiting bug. The Independent
A hospital has closed its doors to visitors in a bid to stem the growing number of people infected with the winter vomiting bug. The Independent
Friday, 14 December 2012
Steps set out for greater patient involvement and more choice
Steps set out for greater patient involvement and more choice: The Government’s response to its consultation on proposals for greater patient involvement and more choice has been published today.
For the first time, people who use mental health services will get more choice about where and how they get their condition treated by the NHS.
For the first time, people who use mental health services will get more choice about where and how they get their condition treated by the NHS.
'Monday blues' hit appointments
'Monday blues' hit appointments: Researchers identify the "Monday blues" as one of the reasons why patients miss medical appointments. BBC News
Cheap vitamin D 'would boost health'
Cheap vitamin D 'would boost health': Increasing access to cheap vitamin D supplements would improve the health of at-risk groups including children, experts say. BBC News
Liberating the NHS: no decision about me without me - Government response
Liberating the NHS: no decision about me without me - Government response: This publication outlines the government's response to a consultation on proposals for greater patient involvement and choice. It outlines
how patients will have a choice in provider when they are first referred to see a specialist in secondary care. It also outlines broader plans to increase patient involvement and patient choice.
how patients will have a choice in provider when they are first referred to see a specialist in secondary care. It also outlines broader plans to increase patient involvement and patient choice.
Exclusive: Interactive map of the new NHS commissioning system
Exclusive: Interactive map of the new NHS commissioning system: HSJ has launched the first comprehensive interactive map of the reformed NHS commissioning system, showing critical details about the new organisations, including their leaders, performance, budgets and size (no password required).
Are clinical commissioning groups ready to go?
Are clinical commissioning groups ready to go?: With less than four months before CCGs take over from primary care trusts, just eight out of 211 have now been fully authorised. The focus will be on failings unless the system improves
The authorisation of the first clinical commissioning groups provides a window onto the state of readiness of the new NHS structures.
The authorisation of the first clinical commissioning groups provides a window onto the state of readiness of the new NHS structures.
Demand £500m back for Tamiflu, urge MPs
Demand £500m back for Tamiflu, urge MPs: Ministers should demand that the pharmaceutical firm Roche returns £500 million to the NHS if it is found to have sat on trials data showing the flu drug Tamiflu to be ineffective, say MPs.
The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The Daily TelegraphSee also:
Obesity killing three times as many as malnutrition
Obesity killing three times as many as malnutrition: Obesity is now killing triple the number of people who die from malnutrition as it claims more than three million lives a year worldwide, according to a landmark study.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Up to 750,000 people could be hit by norovirus bug as UK faces biggest outbreak yet
Up to 750,000 people could be hit by norovirus bug as UK faces biggest outbreak yet:
More than 750,000 people could be affected by an outbreak of norovirus in the UK, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has claimed. The Independent
More than 750,000 people could be affected by an outbreak of norovirus in the UK, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has claimed. The Independent
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Progress in making NHS efficiency savings
Progress in making NHS efficiency savings: The NHS made a substantial amount of efficiency savings in 2011-12. These will need to be sustained and built on if savings targets are to be met. National Audit Office
See also:
See also:
- More than half of NHS trusts rationing treatments The Daily Telegraph
- NHS: spending watchdog questions claims of £5.8bn savings The Guardian
- NHS Confederation and NHS Employers comment on National Audit Office report Progress in making NHS efficiency savings
- NHS will struggle to make long-term savings, NAO warns GP Online
- NHS facing 'tough savings challenge' BBC News
- The King's Fund responds to the National Audit Office’s report on progress in making NHS efficiency savings
- NHS savings ''may be unsustainable'' Public Service
Do personal health budgets improve quality of life for patients?
Do personal health budgets improve quality of life for patients?: The personal health budgets evaluation, published recently by the Department of Health, contains encouraging news for those who believe that giving patients greater choice, flexibility and control can improve their quality of life. The scheme offers personal budgets to people with long-term conditions to cover non-medical support services such as therapy and nursing services, home care, day care and meal services, complementary therapies, mobility assistance, leisure services and equipment.
National Audit of Schizophrenia report published
National Audit of Schizophrenia report published: A NICE guideline on the treatment and management of schizophrenia in adults (NICE CG82) was published in 2009. The aim of this audit, the first of its kind, was to examine how far this guideline is being implemented and to stimulate improvements in the care and treatment of adults in the community with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
One of the aims of the audit was to measure practice in the prescribing of antipsychotic medications. Some of they key findings highlighted regarding pharmacological treatments were as follows:
One of the aims of the audit was to measure practice in the prescribing of antipsychotic medications. Some of they key findings highlighted regarding pharmacological treatments were as follows:
- Only 62% of service users reported that the information about their medication was in a form they could properly understand.
- While clinical staff reported that they thought they had involved service users in the choice of medication in 62% of cases, only 41% of service users felt their views were taken into account.
- Appropriate treatment guidelines are being followed for the majority of service users. ...
Medicines management and QIPP in community services
Medicines management and QIPP in community services:
The document has examples of reducing length of stay or avoiding admission, reducing prescribing costs and working differently with the resources available to make efficiency savings.
The document has examples of reducing length of stay or avoiding admission, reducing prescribing costs and working differently with the resources available to make efficiency savings.
Third end primary school overweight
Third end primary school overweight: One in three children in the final year of primary school in England is overweight or obese, figures show. BBC News
Many cleft palate cases 'missed'
Many cleft palate cases 'missed': Surgeons say many babies born in the UK with a cleft palate are being diagnosed late, causing unnecessary distress. BBC News
NHS must work together to pull struggling trusts back from financial cliff edge
NHS must work together to pull struggling trusts back from financial cliff edge: Regulators, commissioners and the Department of Health will need to do more to prevent NHS trusts sliding towards a financial cliff edge, the NHS Confederation has said.
A narrative for person-centred, coordinated (‘integrated’) care
A narrative for person-centred, coordinated (‘integrated’) care: The NHS Commissioning Board has commissioned National Voices, the national coalition of health and social care charities and its members, to develop a narrative for integrated care from the perspective of the patient and service user. This work is also in partnership with the Local Government Association, supported by the Department of Health and Monitor. The aim of the narrative is to help ensure a shared understanding of what good person-centred, co-ordinated or integrated care looks like for an individual, using language that everyone can identify with. Comments on the narrative are invited until the 28th February 2013.
Learning development and personal effectiveness resources
Learning development and personal effectiveness resources: These resources are designed to support doctors and dentists in all aspects of their work and work-life balance. The self review tools and e-modules have been developed in collaboration with clinicians of all career stages. They seek to address some of the challenges associated with everyday clinical and professional practice such as relationships with colleagues, stressors and conflict in the workplace.
Do we need a telehealth tsar?
Do we need a telehealth tsar?: Telehealth pilots show promising results but technology will not deliver benefits if care pathways are poorly designed
Among the numerous challenges facing the NHS in England, caring for more than 15 million patients with chronic conditions is arguably the biggest and accounts for 70% of its budget. Telehealth can offer better long-term care at lower cost, but despite its attractions and ministerial backing, implementation remains patchy.
Among the numerous challenges facing the NHS in England, caring for more than 15 million patients with chronic conditions is arguably the biggest and accounts for 70% of its budget. Telehealth can offer better long-term care at lower cost, but despite its attractions and ministerial backing, implementation remains patchy.
Mental health patients to be given new rights
Mental health patients to be given new rights: Patients to be allowed to choose consultants, a move that will give them parity with those with physical health problems
Patients with mental health problems are to be given new rights over which consultant psychiatrist they see under new plans to end institutional bias against them in the NHS.
The move, to be announced on Thursday by the Department of Health, will allow people with conditions such as depression to choose which specialist they go to for treatment from 2014.
Patients with mental health problems are to be given new rights over which consultant psychiatrist they see under new plans to end institutional bias against them in the NHS.
The move, to be announced on Thursday by the Department of Health, will allow people with conditions such as depression to choose which specialist they go to for treatment from 2014.
Imperial Tobacco, one of the world's biggest cigarette firms, loses display battle
Imperial Tobacco, one of the world's biggest cigarette firms, loses display battle:
One of the world's biggest tobacco firms lost a Supreme Court fight today against a planned cigarette display ban. Healthcare Today
One of the world's biggest tobacco firms lost a Supreme Court fight today against a planned cigarette display ban. Healthcare Today
HPA update on seasonal norovirus activity
HPA update on seasonal norovirus activity: Figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that in the two weeks ending December 2 there has been a 28 per cent reduction in the number of confirmed lab reports of norovirus.
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Speak out about rape and sexual assault
Speak out about rape and sexual assault: Serenity, Northamptonshire's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), is launching a campaign aimed at 18-30 year old victims of rape and sexual assault to encourage them to come forward and talk about... Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Northampton medical firm owed £230,000 by NHS
Northampton medical firm owed £230,000 by NHS: A Northampton medical supplies firm risks being unable to pay its staff because of a £230,000 debt owed by the NHS. Northampton Chronilce and Echo
England to be ‘among best in Europe at tackling cancer’ pledges Jeremy Hunt
England to be ‘among best in Europe at tackling cancer’ pledges Jeremy Hunt: The second annual report on ‘Improving outcomes: a strategy for cancer‘, published today, shows cancer survival rates are improving.
Get a flavour of the findings in this infographic.
Speaking today at the Britain against Cancer Conference, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt emphasised the need to reduce variation across England, so all areas reach the excellent standards of the best.
He pledged to make England among the best in Europe at tackling the top 5 killers: cancer, stroke, and heart, respiratory and liver disease.
Get a flavour of the findings in this infographic.
Speaking today at the Britain against Cancer Conference, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt emphasised the need to reduce variation across England, so all areas reach the excellent standards of the best.
He pledged to make England among the best in Europe at tackling the top 5 killers: cancer, stroke, and heart, respiratory and liver disease.
Is miscarriage care insensitive?
Is miscarriage care insensitive?: 'I could hear women having their babies while I was losing mine' BBC News
NHS trust helped on £45m deficit
NHS trust helped on £45m deficit: Experts are to be called in by an NHS watchdog to a hospital trust deemed unable to clear a £45m budget deficit. BBC News
The cost of our ageing society
The cost of our ageing society: This report, sponsored by Milliman, highlights the projected financial impact of the cost of the world’s ageing population. It particularly examines spending on healthcare, which in the UK is
projected to see the largest rise of all elements of age-related spending; rising from an annual cost of 6.8% to 9.1% of GDP between 2016/17 and 2061/62. This total rise of 2.3% of GDP is equivalent to a rise of around £36bn in today’s money. It calls on governments across the world to consider linking eligibility ages of state pension to life expectancy and do more to ensure that the labour market is accessible to older people. It also urges governments to consider how to create better conditions for health care innovation and development.
projected to see the largest rise of all elements of age-related spending; rising from an annual cost of 6.8% to 9.1% of GDP between 2016/17 and 2061/62. This total rise of 2.3% of GDP is equivalent to a rise of around £36bn in today’s money. It calls on governments across the world to consider linking eligibility ages of state pension to life expectancy and do more to ensure that the labour market is accessible to older people. It also urges governments to consider how to create better conditions for health care innovation and development.
Clinical Commissioning Groups start to take budgets
Clinical Commissioning Groups start to take budgets: This week the NHS Commissioning Board has given authorisation for 34 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to assume the management of health service budgets for their areas.Sir David Nicholson, the NHS Commissioning Board’s Chief Executive, said: "The creation of CCGs is a great opportunity for the NHS that will have real benefits for patients. In future, the vast majority of decisions about how we use the publ... Healthcare Today
How C.diff travels the world
How C.diff travels the world: Researchers in the United States say they have identified two strains of the superbug Clostridium difficile that can spread rapidly.Once they become resistant to antibiotics, the C. difficile strains quickly infected hospitals around the world.The study carried out a forensic analysis of the bacterium's genetic code, and were able to show how it had travelled.Once the bac... Healthcare Today
Winterbourne View failures lead to care system review
Winterbourne View failures lead to care system review: “Fine and ban care home abuse bosses,” the Daily Mirror demands, while the Daily Mail says that “there must be a complete culture change in treatment” for care centres.
Both headlines are in response to a Department of Health report into staff mistreatment and abuse of patients at the private Winterbourne View Hospital. These events first came to light in May 2011.
The engine behind GP-led commissioning? The private sector | Colin Leys
The engine behind GP-led commissioning? The private sector | Colin Leys: GPs taking on the commissioning role of primary care trusts will be more accountable to private shareholders than the public
The authorisation of the "first wave" of 34 GP-led clinical commissioning groups to replace primary care trusts in April is a good moment to take stock. What kind of health service are CCGs – which are the centrepiece of the controversial Health and Social Care Act 2012 – going to give us?
The authorisation of the "first wave" of 34 GP-led clinical commissioning groups to replace primary care trusts in April is a good moment to take stock. What kind of health service are CCGs – which are the centrepiece of the controversial Health and Social Care Act 2012 – going to give us?
Bowel cancer test delayed by IT glitch
Bowel cancer test delayed by IT glitch: IT problems have led to a two-year delay in rolling out a bowel cancer test that could save thousands of lives, the Department of Health has admitted.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Keep yourself protected from Norovirus this winter
Keep yourself protected from Norovirus this winter: Vomiting and diarrhoea are symptoms of the ‘winter vomiting bug' Norovirus, a group of viruses that are the most common cause of stomach bugs in England and Wales, affecting all... NHFT
Government publishes final report on Winterbourne View Hospital
Government publishes final report on Winterbourne View Hospital:
The government has today published its final report into the events at Winterbourne View Hospital and has set out a programme of action to transform services so that vulnerable people no longer live inappropriately in hospitals and are cared for in line with best practice.
The government has today published its final report into the events at Winterbourne View Hospital and has set out a programme of action to transform services so that vulnerable people no longer live inappropriately in hospitals and are cared for in line with best practice.
New bowel-cancer screening pilot
New bowel-cancer screening pilot: Pilots of a new bowel cancer screening programme which could save 3,000 lives a year are to begin, England's Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is to announce. BBC News
Plans to move care from hospitals
Plans to move care from hospitals: The government plans a "dramatic reduction" in the number of people with learning disabilities in hospitals in England in the wake of the Winterbourne View abuse scandal.
See also: VIDEO: Plans to move care from hospitals:
BBC News
See also: VIDEO: Plans to move care from hospitals:
BBC News
VIDEO: DNA mapping for cancer patients
VIDEO: DNA mapping for cancer patients: Up to 100,000 patients with cancer and rare diseases in England are to have their entire genetic code sequenced. BBC News
Getting it right for dementia patients
Getting it right for dementia patients: How colour-coded bays, soft floors and extra training is helping BBC News
All systems go: testing the new licensing system for providers of NHS-funded care
All systems go: testing the new licensing system for providers of NHS-funded care: From April 2013, a new licensing system for most providers of NHS-funded services is expected to be established. The NHS Confederation partnered with Deloitte to stage a simulation event to test the licence in a set of fictitious scenarios. NHS Confederation
Standards of care for people living with HIV 2013
Standards of care for people living with HIV 2013: This set of quality standards has been produced in conjunction with care providers, professional associations, commissioners, and people living with HIV. They cover 12 key themes, prioritised as being the most important issues for the care of people with HIV. Derived from the best available evidence, the standards focus on aspects of care that have particular relevance for delivering equitable high-quality services that secure the best possible outcomes for people with HIV.
Diabetes increases heart attack risk by 48%
Diabetes increases heart attack risk by 48%: “People with diabetes 48% more likely to suffer heart attack, researchers find”, says The Guardian. Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that people with diabetes are “65% more likely to have heart failure than the rest of the population”.
Both stories are based on the most recent report of the National Diabetes Audit, which presents data from England and Wales on the complications that arise due to diabetes.
Winterbourne View scandal prompts 'fitness' tests for hospital owners
Winterbourne View scandal prompts 'fitness' tests for hospital owners: Corporate owners of private units for NHS-funded patients with learning disabilities to face closer scrutiny after abuse revealed
The corporate owners of private hospitals dealing with NHS-funded patients are to be subject to tests to check if they are "fit and proper" persons to be involved with healthcare.
The corporate owners of private hospitals dealing with NHS-funded patients are to be subject to tests to check if they are "fit and proper" persons to be involved with healthcare.
Can innovation really be the raison d'etre of every NHS employee as David Nicholson hopes?
Can innovation really be the raison d'etre of every NHS employee as David Nicholson hopes?: The chief executive of the NHS wants to make innovation the core business of the health service, but there is still a long way to go.
This time last year, the Department of Health launched the Innovation, Health and Wealth initiative, which was to drive the NHS into the bright sunny uplands of perpetual innovation.
This time last year, the Department of Health launched the Innovation, Health and Wealth initiative, which was to drive the NHS into the bright sunny uplands of perpetual innovation.
Nurses 'too busy to care for patients'
Nurses 'too busy to care for patients': Nurses are too busy to care for patients, the head of a nursing union has claimed after an MP accused hospital staff of treating her husband "like a battery hen" before he died.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Monitor seeks long-term solution for troubled foundation trust
Monitor seeks long-term solution for troubled foundation trust: Experts are being called in to recommend a long-term solution for the financial viability of Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Although the Trust has been in significant breach of its terms of authorisation on financial grounds since October 2010, there is no evidence its financial problems have affected the quality of clinical care.
Monitor
Monitor
Monday, 10 December 2012
Unused drugs cost NHS across Northamptonshire £4.6m
Unused drugs cost NHS across Northamptonshire £4.6m: WASTED medicines could be costing the county NHS more than £4.6 million a year.Northampton Chronicle and Echo
How must we change care systems to meet the needs of the future patient?
How must we change care systems to meet the needs of the future patient?: We deliberately kicked off our Time to Think Differently debate by focusing on the future patient. What could be more important than patient needs and preferences to the discussion about the future of health and social care? We are delighted by the quality and number of contributions to the debate and grateful to everyone for helping to shape our thinking.
GP contract proposals outlined
GP contract proposals outlined: Proposed changes to the GP contract have been outlined by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
The proposed changes will see GPs rewarded for earlier diagnosis and better care of dementia patients and putting a sharper focus on improving the lives of patients with long term conditions.
The proposed changes will see GPs rewarded for earlier diagnosis and better care of dementia patients and putting a sharper focus on improving the lives of patients with long term conditions.
Funding 'cut' for cancer networks
Funding 'cut' for cancer networks: Clinical networks of doctors and nurses which oversee the care of cancer, heart and stroke patients have had their budgets and staff cut, figures show. BBC News
MPs call for drugs policy rethink
MPs call for drugs policy rethink: A committee of MPs urges ministers to closely consider a system of decriminalising drugs adopted in Portugal, saying the UK must rethink large parts of its drugs policy. BBC News
DNA mapping for cancer patients
DNA mapping for cancer patients: Up to 100,000 patients with cancer and rare diseases in England are to have their entire genetic code sequenced. BBC News
UK reaction to GMS contract changes for England
UK reaction to GMS contract changes for England: GP leaders are warning that practices could close if government proposals to change the GMS contract in 2013/14 are imposed. GP Online
GMC launches confidential helpline for doctors to raise concerns about patient safety
GMC launches confidential helpline for doctors to raise concerns about patient safety: For the first time doctors who are worried about patient safety will be able to contact the General Medical Council (GMC) through a new confidential helpline.
Care for older people: projected expenditure to 2022 on social care and continuing health care for England’s older population
Care for older people: projected expenditure to 2022 on social care and continuing health care for England’s older population: This analysis by the London School of Economics, commissioned by the Nuffield Trust, projects expenditure on social care and health care for older people in England from 2010 to 2022.
Cancer cases rise, but more people survive
Cancer cases rise, but more people survive: New cancer statistics for the UK have hit the headlines, with most papers reporting that fewer people are dying from the disease, despite a rise in the numbers being diagnosed.
These 2008-2010 figures were produced by the Office for National Statistic (ONS) and show:
- the number of people diagnosed with cancer each year (incidence) was nearly 320,000
- the number of people dying from cancer each year (mortality rates) was about 156,000
People with diabetes at much higher risk of suffering heart failure than the general population, national audit shows
People with diabetes at much higher risk of suffering heart failure than the general population, national audit shows: Data also shows 330 per cent greater risk of some complications than general population Death rate among people with Type 1 diabetes 135 per cent high... NHS Information Centre
Winterbourne View scandal prompts new care guidelines
Winterbourne View scandal prompts new care guidelines: 
Report warns that care sector risks slipping back into institutional culture typified by Victorian asylum system
Ministers will on Monday order a programme of action intended to remove up to 1,500 people with learning disabilities and autism from private hospitals such as the Winterbourne View unit where a regime of abuse and humiliation was exposed.
Report warns that care sector risks slipping back into institutional culture typified by Victorian asylum systemMinisters will on Monday order a programme of action intended to remove up to 1,500 people with learning disabilities and autism from private hospitals such as the Winterbourne View unit where a regime of abuse and humiliation was exposed.
NHS spending has been cut, Tories forced to admit
NHS spending has been cut, Tories forced to admit:
David Cameron's general election pledge not to cut spending on the NHS has been broken, the Conservative Party conceded for the first time yesterday, as new figures revealed the health service is on the brink of a winter crisis. The Independent
David Cameron's general election pledge not to cut spending on the NHS has been broken, the Conservative Party conceded for the first time yesterday, as new figures revealed the health service is on the brink of a winter crisis. The Independent
Challenges still to be met in reducing occupational exposures to bloodborne viruses
Challenges still to be met in reducing occupational exposures to bloodborne viruses: There were 541 reports of needle stick injuries that exposed healthcare workers to patients carrying bloodborne viruses in 2011, twice as many as a decade ago (2002) when 271 exposures were reported. The figures are published today in the Health Protection Agency’s fourth Eye of the Needle report, which includes occupational exposures to bloodborne viruses in healthcare workers reported by hospitals through the HPA’s enhanced surveillance system. These reports are only a fraction of needle stick injuries that would have occurred.
Friday, 7 December 2012
Encouraging results in A&E patient survey
Encouraging results in A&E patient survey: 2012 A&E patient survey Northampton General Hospital
NGH discharge times among worst in NHS
NGH discharge times among worst in NHS: Northampton General Hospital has among the most bed spaces wasted by long-staying patients in the country, a new report says. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton General Hospital scores well in patient survey - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Northampton General Hospital scores well in patient survey - Northampton Chronicle & Echo:
 Northampton Chronicle & Echo | Northampton General Hospital scores well in patient survey Northampton Chronicle & Echo When asked to rate their overall experience of being treated and cared for in the A&E patients gave Northampton General Hospital (NGH) a score of 7.7, which fell in the same range as 60 per cent of all trusts in the country. The trust did better than ... and more » |
CQC survey: Accident and Emergency (England) 2012
CQC survey: Accident and Emergency (England) 2012: The Care Quality Commission has published the results of its latest survey which asked people about their experiences of accident and emergency (A&E) departments in 2012. Nearly 46,000 participants who attended a major A&E department were surveyed between January and March 2012 and the response rate was 38%.
Work in Progress: Progress in delivering NHS efficiency savings
Work in Progress: Progress in delivering NHS efficiency savings: This study examines the progress made in delivering NHS efficiency savings in 2011-12 and how well-placed the NHS is to deliver the required efficiency savings over the next three years. National Audit Office
Malnutrition toolkit for commissioners and providers
Malnutrition toolkit for commissioners and providers: This toolkit contains guidance for commissioners and providers on defining the relevant, measurable outcomes related to nutritional care within services in order to gain value for money, a summary of national nutritional care standards, recommendations and tools for assessment, development, education and training. NHS Networks
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