Friday, 28 February 2014
University of Northampton paramedic students to star in BBC3 documentary
University of Northampton paramedic students to star in BBC3 documentary Nine paramedic students at the University of Northampton are due to star in a series of the BBC3 show, Junior Paramedics: Your life in their hands. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Two Northampton care homes banned from admitting new elderly patients
Two Northampton care homes banned from admitting new elderly patients Two care homes in Northampton have been banned from admitting new elderly people after multiple concerns were raised by inspectors, it has emerged. Northampton Chronicle
Hospital chains: a recipe for success?
Hospital chains: a recipe for success? Jeremy Hunt has asked Sir David Dalton to advise him how to ‘make it easy for NHS super-heads to take over struggling organisations’. Sir David was an obvious choice of an NHS super-head. His trust’s most recent annual report needs a whole page for the awards it received in the last year, including Best Acute Trust nationally in the NHS Staff Survey (2012). The tireless pursuit of error-free care leaps from the page. How easy then will it be for Sir David to find ways for him and other ‘super-heads’ to inculcate a culture of success into ‘struggling’ organisations?
Minding that gap: the NHS funding challenge
Minding that gap: the NHS funding challenge We thought Monitor’s analysis in 'Closing the Funding Gap' deserved more attention, so last month invited a group of notables to mull over the findings, says Jennifer Dixon, with four main messages coming from the event. The Health Foundation
Violence and health and wellbeing boards: a practical guide for health and wellbeing boards
Violence and health and wellbeing boards: a practical guide for health and wellbeing boards As well as the personal cost, violent incidents, including gang and youth violence, violence against women and children, domestic violence, sexual violence and elder abuse, impose a considerable financial burden on local healthcare systems. NHS Confederation
Baby-boomer drug and alcohol warning
Baby-boomer drug and alcohol warning There is a growing problem of drug and alcohol misuse among older people, campaigners are warning. BBC News
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Three-person baby details announced
Three-person baby details announced How the creation of babies using sperm and eggs from three people will be regulated in the UK has been announced. BBC News
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Caesareans linked to obesity in offspring
Caesareans linked to obesity in offspring Babies born by caesarean section are more likely to be obese adults, the Daily Mail reports, after an analysis found a link between caesarean section and obesity in later life. However, a direct link between the two remains unproven.
Breast cancer: fall in proportion of women screened in England
Breast cancer: fall in proportion of women screened in England The proportion of women screened for breast cancer in England has fallen slightly, latest figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show.
Commissioning the conditions for safer surgery
Commissioning the conditions for safer surgery This report makes a series of recommendations for new standards and systems to further improve the safety of surgery in English hospitals. The main recommendations of the report cover three themes: standardise, educate and harmonise. In response, NHS England has committed to identifying practical ways to take forward the report’s recommendations to eradicate never events from surgical procedures. NHS England
Public Health England is failing as a champion of public health, MPs say
Public Health England is failing as a champion of public health, MPs say The organisation ‘has yet to strike the right tone’ on tackling alcohol misuse, smoking and obesity. OnMedica
Physical health monitoring in serious mental illness is a priority in psychiatry, but where is the evidence that it works?
Physical health monitoring in serious mental illness is a priority in psychiatry, but where is the evidence that it works? It is widely acknowledged that individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression have increased rates of mortality, due to poor physical health. As well as reducing quality of life and function and decreasing life expectancy, physical illness can worsen these mental illnesses. The reasons for this include lifestyle [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Proposed wilful neglect law may see up to 240 health prosecutions a year
Proposed wilful neglect law may see up to 240 health prosecutions a year Government wants criminal offence to be introduced in England following Mid Staffs hospital scandal.
How NHS Change Day became the biggest movement in the health service's history
How NHS Change Day became the biggest movement in the health service's history Thousands of staff and patients will take part in the second NHS Change Day, pledging to do something to improve the service.
Pledges ordinary, pledges extraordinary,
Pledges about care, whether coronary or pulmonary.Pledges by children, pledges by medics,Pledges about talking, pledges about ethics.People are pledging because they care,We love the NHS and need it there.
Pledges ordinary, pledges extraordinary,
Pledges about care, whether coronary or pulmonary.Pledges by children, pledges by medics,Pledges about talking, pledges about ethics.People are pledging because they care,We love the NHS and need it there.
Children taken into care for being too fat
Children taken into care for being too fat
Up to 74 morbidly obese children are estimated to have been taken into care over the last five years, according to figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws. The Independent
Up to 74 morbidly obese children are estimated to have been taken into care over the last five years, according to figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws. The Independent
Jeremy Hunt visits Alzheimer's centre in Paris
Jeremy Hunt visits Alzheimer's centre in Paris Health secretary unveils plans for a revolution in dementia care in the UK during international summit in Paris where he hailed scientific advances which could bring about predictive tests for such conditions within five years. The Daily Telegraph
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Thursday, 27 February 2014
Death of 19-month-old girl ‘could have been prevented’ if Army doctors had shared information on her dad, says report
Death of 19-month-old girl ‘could have been prevented’ if Army doctors had shared information on her dad, says report The death of Khloe Abrams from Northampton may have been averted if an Army psychologist and doctor had told civilian authorities of her father’s thoughts about harming a child, a Serious Case Review has concluded today. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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- Health professionals ‘failed to look into Culverhouse’s background’ Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- Ex-soldier warned 'I may harm child' BBC News
Broadening the Foundation Programme report
Broadening the Foundation Programme report Health Education England has published its Broadening the Foundation Programme report, which recommends doctors in training undertake a minimum of one community or integrated placement during their two year Foundation Programme. This is to ensure they receive a wider experience of working in community settings, such as general practice, community psychiatry or community paediatrics, palliative care and public health and obtain a broader understanding of community care and the whole patient journey.Personal Independence Payment: early progress
Personal Independence Payment: early progress The Department for Work and Pensions introduced Personal Independence Payment as planned in a small number of areas from April 2013. Since then backlogs have developed in the assessment process, leading to delays and uncertainty for claimants, according to today’s National Audit Office report.
Patients 'are safer with better-educated nurses'
Patients 'are safer with better-educated nurses' “Fewer nurses educated to degree level putting patients' lives at risk, study finds,” The Independent reports. A Europe-wide study suggests that nurse education and patient to nursing staff ratios may impact on patient outcomes.
As many European countries tighten their budgets, one obvious opportunity to save costs is to trim nursing staffing levels. But could this have a negative impact on patient safety?
As many European countries tighten their budgets, one obvious opportunity to save costs is to trim nursing staffing levels. But could this have a negative impact on patient safety?
Tough EU smoking rules approved
Tough EU smoking rules approved Flavoured cigarettes will be banned and larger health warnings will be required as part of tough new EU legislation. BBC News
Is excessive paperwork in care homes undermining care for older people?
Is excessive paperwork in care homes undermining care for older people? Are older people in care homes missing out on quality time with staff because workers are preoccupied with paperwork?
Care homes have to regularly complete more than 100 separate items of paperwork, often duplicating the same information, this study found. Researchers visited care homes and spoke to staff who felt they were judged more on their ability to produce paperwork than deliver care. Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Care homes have to regularly complete more than 100 separate items of paperwork, often duplicating the same information, this study found. Researchers visited care homes and spoke to staff who felt they were judged more on their ability to produce paperwork than deliver care. Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Almost 11,000 admissions to hospital for obesity recorded in 2012-13
Almost 11,000 admissions to hospital for obesity recorded in 2012-13 Although number of admissions is slightly down on previous 12 months it is still alarmingly high, obesity expert says.
13,000 GPs receive automatic bonuses for time served
13,000 GPs receive automatic bonuses for time served Thousands of GPs receive automatic bonuses for time served. The Daily Telegraph
Mid Staffordshire hospital trust to be dissolved
Mid Staffordshire hospital trust to be dissolved Jeremy Hunt, the Heath Secretary, announces Mid Staffordshire Hospitals Trusts should be dissolved after it was at the centre of one of the biggest medical scandals where hundreds more patients died than expected. The Daily Telegraph
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- Statement to Parliament: Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Special Administration Department of Health
- Hunt to scrap Stafford health trust BBC News
- Mid Staffs NHS trust to be dissolved, Jeremy Hunt announces The Guardian
- Scandal-hit Mid-Staffs NHS Trust to be broken up after hundreds died as a result of appalling care The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Stafford Hospital trust decision due
Stafford Hospital trust decision due Managers at scandal-hit Stafford Hospital wait to hear whether Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will dissolve the trust that runs it. BBC News
'Wake-up call' on domestic violence
'Wake-up call' on domestic violence Doctors and nurses should receive special training to recognise the signs of domestic violence and ask questions, says the health watchdog. BBC News
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Female Genital Mutilation is child abuse and should be dealt with as safeguarding issue, says GPs
Female Genital Mutilation is child abuse and should be dealt with as safeguarding issue, says GPs GPs who suspect that a child has been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation should refer the parent or guardian to social services, says the Royal College of General Practitioners.
2013 NHS staff survey in England
2013 NHS staff survey in England This briefing note provides an overview of results from the eleventh annual national survey of NHS staff. The results are primarily intended for use by NHS organisations to help them review and improve staff experience so that staff can provide better patient care. The 2013 survey was structured around four of the pledges in the staff NHS Constitution, with the additional themes “equality and diversity” and “raising concerns”. Picker Institute
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- NHS staff say care 'good enough' BBC News
- NHS Staff Feel more Enthusiastic and Engaged at Work NHS England
Public health authority formed to 'speak truth unto power' may be too close to the Government, MPs warn
Public health authority formed to 'speak truth unto power' may be too close to the Government, MPs warn England’s public health authority may be too close to the Government, preventing it from speaking out about the health impact of political policies, MPs have warned. The Independent
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- Government health agency is not up to job, say MPs The Guardian
Atos awarded contract for NHS records
Atos awarded contract for NHS records Atos has been given the contract to extract patient records, MPs are told. The Daily Telegraph
Ageing population could lead to 718,000 carer shortfall in decade
Ageing population could lead to 718,000 carer shortfall in decade Report singles out urgent need to overcome 'feminine' image of care work to recruit more men and older workers. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Guidance on restoring the balance of mental health commissioning
Guidance on restoring the balance of mental health commissioning Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2014/15 to 2018/19, published in December 2013, describes NHS England’s ambition for the years ahead and its ongoing commitment to focus on better outcomes for patients. As part of the suite of tools that accompany the planning guidance that assist commissioners with their planning considerations to maximise the best possible outcomes for their local communities Parity of Esteem: transformative ideas for commissioners, outlines how CCGs can achieve parity of esteem between physical and mental health by allocating their resources differently through the provision of an evidence base, case studies and a guide to managing, securing and evaluating services. NHS England
GPs 'complacent' over HIV risk
GPs 'complacent' over HIV risk Complacency by doctors is leading to late diagnosis of HIV, a health group worker alleges. BBC Inside Out East
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NHS death rates 'should be ignored'
NHS death rates 'should be ignored' A key measure of hospital death rates should be ignored, according to the expert who is leading the NHS review into them. BBC News
NHS medical records rules 'broken'
NHS medical records rules 'broken' Medical records appear to have been wrongly given to the insurance industry by the health service, the NHS admits. BBC News
Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) clinical audit, July - September 2013 public report
Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) clinical audit, July - September 2013 public report This report finds that huge improvements have been made in the quality of stroke care and services over the past years as measured by previous national stroke audits and it is anticipated that similar improvements will be demonstrated through future SSNAP quarterly reports. Royal College of Physicians
Gum disease may be linked to arthritis
Gum disease may be linked to arthritis "Brushing your teeth well could help prevent arthritis," the Mail Online advises after scientists found that the bacteria that causes gum disease – P. gingivalis – may also damage joints. But the Mail's advice – though well meaning – is premature. This study involved mice and did not assess whether tooth brushing reduced the risk of arthritis.
That said, this was interesting research that provided a plausible and coherent mechanism whereby the common gum bacteria P. gingivalis caused the worsening of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
That said, this was interesting research that provided a plausible and coherent mechanism whereby the common gum bacteria P. gingivalis caused the worsening of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
We can't leave mentally ill people at the mercy of unregulated therapists | Patrick Strudwick
We can't leave mentally ill people at the mercy of unregulated therapists | Patrick Strudwick MPs must vote on Friday to remedy the fact that patients are exposed to untrained, unethical mental health professionals.
NHS medical records database could help prevent disease, senior doctors say
NHS medical records database could help prevent disease, senior doctors say Lord Darzi and Lord Crisp have joined a group of health professionals to defend the NHS medical records database, days after it was put on hold following concerns about data sharing. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 24 February 2014
Public health redundancies ‘to cost £500k’
Public health redundancies ‘to cost £500k’ Staff who could controversially be made redundant from Northamptonshire County Council’s public health team would get a pay-out totalling half a million pounds. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Loddington business to help NHS nurses deliver quality care
Loddington business to help NHS nurses deliver quality care A Northamptonshire business is playing a central role in a national pilot to improve education for the next generation of nurses. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Practical guidance on care for frail older people
Practical guidance on care for frail older people Frail older people are less likely to reach crisis, require urgent care support and experience harm if they are supported in living independently and understand how to manage their long-term conditions. The document summarises the evidence of the effects of an integrated pathway of care. It suggests how a pathway can be commissioned effectively using levers and incentives across providers. NHS England
Rare 'polio-like' disease reports
Rare 'polio-like' disease reports Five children have developed an illness similar to polio in California, doctors report. BBC News
NHS trusts with deficits rise to 39
NHS trusts with deficits rise to 39 A study of NHS foundation trusts in England finds the number of those in financial trouble has nearly doubled in a year from 21 to 39. BBC News
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- Number of NHS trusts struggling financially doubles in just one year The Independent
- NHS trusts in financial difficulty double in number The Guardian
34m patients will fail to get appointment with a GP in 2014
34m patients will fail to get appointment with a GP in 2014 More than 34m patients in England will this year fail to get an appointment with their GP, when seeking treatment, because of the slump in the funding of general practice over the last decade, and rapidly growing demand.
The huge number of patients who will fail to secure a consultation with a GP or a practice nurse, this year, comes despite the fact that general practice now sees 40m more patients annually than was the case in 2008/09.
The startling prediction for the number of patients who will fail to secure an appointment is based on an analysis by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), of the latest GP Patient Survey, published in December, revealing that 10% of patients who sought a consultation with a GP or a practice nurse in 2012/13, failed to get one.
The huge number of patients who will fail to secure a consultation with a GP or a practice nurse, this year, comes despite the fact that general practice now sees 40m more patients annually than was the case in 2008/09.
The startling prediction for the number of patients who will fail to secure an appointment is based on an analysis by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), of the latest GP Patient Survey, published in December, revealing that 10% of patients who sought a consultation with a GP or a practice nurse in 2012/13, failed to get one.
Flu jab "may cut" stroke risk by a quarter
Flu jab "may cut" stroke risk by a quarter A recent report has revealed that people who have the seasonal flu jab are 24% less likely to suffer a stroke, according to The Daily Telegraph.
GP surgeries threatened by funding changes
GP surgeries threatened by funding changes BMA warns that end of practice income guarantees could see 98 surgeries close. OnMedica
The NHS plan to share our medical data can save lives – but must be done right | Ben Goldacre
The NHS plan to share our medical data can save lives – but must be done right | Ben Goldacre Care.data, the grand project to make the medical records of the UK population available for scientific and commercial use, is not inherently evil – far from it – but its execution has been badly bungled. Here's how the government can regain our trust.
Future of the health service: the era of community care has arrived
Future of the health service: the era of community care has arrived Quality for patients at home or in the community is becoming a reality, but success depends on investment in staff and services.
It is well known that there is growing pressure on the health and social care system. There is a rising and ageing population that, if our care system does not change, will require an additional 13,500 hospital beds to soak up demand.
There is already a tendency for patients to end up in hospital when they could be cared for elsewhere. The ambition to move care closer to home is not new – it has been our ultimate goal for many years – but major change is needed to achieve it.
A great deal rests on community services: they could transform chronic disease management, support reductions in the number of people admitted to hospital and how long they stay there, and help primary care meet a growing demand.
It is well known that there is growing pressure on the health and social care system. There is a rising and ageing population that, if our care system does not change, will require an additional 13,500 hospital beds to soak up demand.
There is already a tendency for patients to end up in hospital when they could be cared for elsewhere. The ambition to move care closer to home is not new – it has been our ultimate goal for many years – but major change is needed to achieve it.
A great deal rests on community services: they could transform chronic disease management, support reductions in the number of people admitted to hospital and how long they stay there, and help primary care meet a growing demand.
Worst hospitals cost NHS £300m
Worst hospitals cost NHS £300m Official figures show that scandal-hit hospitals have cost the NHS £300 million in damages over the last five years. The Daily Telegraph
'Hacking' may reveal personal health risks
'Hacking' may reveal personal health risks It is possible to work out the identities of anonymous people who participate in genetic-research studies by cross-referencing their data with publicly available information. The Daily Telegraph
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- Hospital records of 47m NHS patients obtained by insurance society The Guardian
- Hospital records of all NHS patients sold to insurers The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 21 February 2014
Council backs £126m of savings
Council backs £126m of savings A package of £126m of savings (including £18 m from adult social care) over the next five years is agreed by Northamptonshire County Council. BBC Northamptonshire
Doctor unintentionally slowed police investigation into baby death
Doctor unintentionally slowed police investigation into baby death Questions have been raised over the level of training given to some staff at Northampton General Hospital after a paediatrician unintentionally slowed down a police investigation into the death of a Northampton baby, it has been revealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Shine: Improving the value of local healthcare services
Shine: Improving the value of local healthcare services How healthcare teams took on the challenge to improve quality while reducing the cost of services. The Health Foundation
NHS data critics 'scaremongering'
NHS data critics 'scaremongering' Opponents of the plan to share medical records on a giant database are "peddling scaremongering myths", medical research organisations say. BBC News
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Mental health and crisis care
Mental health and crisis care This briefing summarises the key principles and commitments in the concordat and highlights how stronger local partnerships can deliver improved crisis care. NHS Confederation
What type of people choose assisted suicide?
What type of people choose assisted suicide? "Women, divorcees and atheists are most likely to choose assisted suicide," the Mail Online reports, "with nearly 20% saying they are 'simply weary of life'".
The Mail’s headline is misleading. The story comes from a study of assisted suicides in Switzerland, where the practice is legal.
The study found that in 16% of assisted suicides, no underlying cause of death was recorded.
This is important, but there is no evidence that these cases were “weary of life”, an expression which the Mail has taken from another study.
This study found that cancer was the most common cause given for assisted suicides. It also found that assisted suicide was more likely in women than men, those living alone than those living with others (particularly divorced older women), and those with no religious affiliation (compared with Protestants and Catholics).
The Mail’s headline is misleading. The story comes from a study of assisted suicides in Switzerland, where the practice is legal.
The study found that in 16% of assisted suicides, no underlying cause of death was recorded.
This is important, but there is no evidence that these cases were “weary of life”, an expression which the Mail has taken from another study.
This study found that cancer was the most common cause given for assisted suicides. It also found that assisted suicide was more likely in women than men, those living alone than those living with others (particularly divorced older women), and those with no religious affiliation (compared with Protestants and Catholics).
The NHS payment system: evolving policy and emerging evidence
The NHS payment system: evolving policy and emerging evidence This research report reviews different approaches to payment for health services in the English NHS. It explores the evidence on whether recent payment initiatives have met their goals.
Is integration or fragmentation the starting point to improve prevention?
Is integration or fragmentation the starting point to improve prevention? Initiatives to promote integration are being introduced at all levels of the system, with a patient experience based narrative setting the standard against which success should be judged. University of Birmingham Health Services Management Centre
Struggle to recruit managers will add to cycle of failure
Struggle to recruit managers will add to cycle of failure The pressure on chief executives and the risk of failure are so great that few candidates are coming forward.
The NHS management body count is mounting. In the year since Robert Francis QC unveiled his final report following the Mid-Staffordshire scandal, 10 chief executives have resigned over performance issues.
Is this a sign of a commitment to the highest standards of leadership, or a system where senior managers are being set up to fail?
The NHS management body count is mounting. In the year since Robert Francis QC unveiled his final report following the Mid-Staffordshire scandal, 10 chief executives have resigned over performance issues.
Is this a sign of a commitment to the highest standards of leadership, or a system where senior managers are being set up to fail?
Shambolic record-keeping by NHS wastes money and endangers patients | Jenny Rohn
Shambolic record-keeping by NHS wastes money and endangers patients | Jenny Rohn A centralised patient record system is essential to the running of a modern health service. It’s a shame the UK doesn’t have one. The Guardian
Lifesaving defibrillators should be as 'ubiquitous' as fire extinguishers, doctors say
Lifesaving defibrillators should be as 'ubiquitous' as fire extinguishers, doctors say Lifesaving defibrillators should be as “ubiquitous” as fire extinguishers, doctors have said, after research in the UK revealed that the machines were on-hand in public spaces for just four per cent of heart attacks. The Independent
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Thursday, 20 February 2014
'Rise' in children on adult wards
'Rise' in children on adult wards An increasing number of young people with mental health problems in England are being treated on adult psychiatric wards, it emerges. BBC News
20% rise in penile cancer: are STIs to blame?
20% rise in penile cancer: are STIs to blame? The rise of penis cancer: Cases soar by 20%, amidst fears that
symptoms are being misdiagnosed as STDs,” reports the Mail Online. The news follows a recently published study of long-term trends inincidence and mortality rates of penile cancer in England from 1979 to
2009, as well as survival trends from 1971 to 2010.
symptoms are being misdiagnosed as STDs,” reports the Mail Online. The news follows a recently published study of long-term trends inincidence and mortality rates of penile cancer in England from 1979 to
2009, as well as survival trends from 1971 to 2010.
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
'More resources to the frontline' slogan damages the NHS
'More resources to the frontline' slogan damages the NHS Rallying cry is attractive but reinforces beliefs about the health service that are simplistic, naive and probably incorrect.
In the often heated debate about the future of the NHS, there is one thing that politicians seem to agree on: both sides are happy to use the slogan "more resources to the frontline". The slogan is not just naive, it damages the service.
In the often heated debate about the future of the NHS, there is one thing that politicians seem to agree on: both sides are happy to use the slogan "more resources to the frontline". The slogan is not just naive, it damages the service.
Investigation finds “no major failures” by authorities before death of seven-week-old baby in Northampton
Investigation finds “no major failures” by authorities before death of seven-week-old baby in Northampton An investigation into the death of a seven-week-old baby in Northampton has concluded that no individual or agency could have predicted what happened to him. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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- Jamie’s parents’ secret troubled backgrounds “would have triggered scrutiny” Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- Jamie Kightley death: Serious case review highlights concerns BBC Northamptonshire
Patient travel distance to A&E static despite closures
Patient travel distance to A&E static despite closures Longer distances to A&E could mean more reliance on GPs OnMedica
Care.data: How did it go so wrong?
Care.data: How did it go so wrong? How did the medical records project go so wrong? BBC News
Improving Dental Care and Oral Health – A Call to Action
Improving Dental Care and Oral Health – A Call to Action NHS England is calling for a debate about the future shape of dental services in England.
It follows last summer’s “The NHS belongs to the people – a call to action”, which encouraged patients, the public, staff and partners to join the debate about the sustainability challenges facing the NHS in England.
NHS dental services are provided in primary care and community settings, as well as in hospitals for more specialised care. The NHS in England spends £3.4 billion per year on dental care, with over a million patient contacts with NHS dental services each week.
It follows last summer’s “The NHS belongs to the people – a call to action”, which encouraged patients, the public, staff and partners to join the debate about the sustainability challenges facing the NHS in England.
NHS dental services are provided in primary care and community settings, as well as in hospitals for more specialised care. The NHS in England spends £3.4 billion per year on dental care, with over a million patient contacts with NHS dental services each week.
Health research gets £28m boost
Health research gets £28m boost More than £28m is being invested in improving health research across the East Midlands. BBC Northamptonshire
Commissioner Simmonds: ‘Mental health care has to change’
Commissioner Simmonds: ‘Mental health care has to change’ Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds has said the way officers deal with people suffering a mental health crisis “dramatically needs to change”. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
'Family care networks' – the future of primary care
'Family care networks' – the future of primary care In future, ‘family care networks’ with GP surgeries at their heart should provide a wider range of services for patients outside hospitals, says a report on the future of primary care, published today by The King’s Fund.
These networks would enable GPs to strengthen their role as providers and co-ordinators of care in collaboration with other staff working in the community and some hospital-based specialties.
NHS experts have long called for a shift in the way care is provided, with more services delivered closer to people’s homes, in order to meet the needs of an ageing population and the increasing numbers of people living with multiple long-term conditions. The report argues that most GP practices are too small to do this on their own and need to work together in federations or networks to achieve the necessary scale.
These networks would enable GPs to strengthen their role as providers and co-ordinators of care in collaboration with other staff working in the community and some hospital-based specialties.
NHS experts have long called for a shift in the way care is provided, with more services delivered closer to people’s homes, in order to meet the needs of an ageing population and the increasing numbers of people living with multiple long-term conditions. The report argues that most GP practices are too small to do this on their own and need to work together in federations or networks to achieve the necessary scale.
Giant NHS database rollout delayed
Giant NHS database rollout delayed The start of a new NHS data-sharing scheme in England involving medical records is being delayed by six months. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Care.data delayed E-Health Insider
- GP leaders propose six point action plan for care.data scheme OnMedica
- NHS medical records database halted amid concerns The Daily Telegraph
- Victory for privacy as NHS database is delayed The Independent
- NHS in England delays sharing of medical records The Guardian
NICE drugs policy for the elderly is unchanged
NICE drugs policy for the elderly is unchanged "NHS ban medicine if you are 'too old' in new attack on Britain's elderly" is the headline in the Daily Express, with many other news sources echoing similar dire warnings.
The media storm is based on the news that, as part of a consultation, the Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to take "wider societal benefits" into account when approving new drugs, as well as considering the burden of illness and the impact a disease has on patients.
There are fears that vulnerable groups, including the elderly, could lose out if they are judged not to contribute as much to society as other groups, especially if societal impact is just assessed from an economic viewpoint. The concern is that NICE may not recommend drugs specifically targeted at diseases that occur in these vulnerable groups.
The media storm is based on the news that, as part of a consultation, the Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to take "wider societal benefits" into account when approving new drugs, as well as considering the burden of illness and the impact a disease has on patients.
There are fears that vulnerable groups, including the elderly, could lose out if they are judged not to contribute as much to society as other groups, especially if societal impact is just assessed from an economic viewpoint. The concern is that NICE may not recommend drugs specifically targeted at diseases that occur in these vulnerable groups.
NHS England sets out key elements of enhanced service for complex needs
NHS England sets out key elements of enhanced service for complex needs Options becomes available in April; aim is to cut avoidable unplanned admissions. OnMedica
The only thing wider than the NHS funding gap is the policy vacuum
The only thing wider than the NHS funding gap is the policy vacuum You might have thought a £30bn shortfall in NHS finances would have prompted Jeremy Hunt into action. Apparently not.
'Public health emergency' declared as one in six GPs was asked to refer a patient to food banks in the last year
'Public health emergency' declared as one in six GPs was asked to refer a patient to food banks in the last year
One in six family doctors has been asked to refer a patient to a food bank in the past year, a new survey has found, with GPs reporting that benefits delays are leaving people without money for food for weeks on end. The Independent
One in six family doctors has been asked to refer a patient to a food bank in the past year, a new survey has found, with GPs reporting that benefits delays are leaving people without money for food for weeks on end. The Independent
Check your ambulance service: postcode lottery 'costs 2,500 lives a year'
Check your ambulance service: postcode lottery 'costs 2,500 lives a year' Find out how your local service compares, as a former ambulance boss warns of the 'frightening' difference between postcodes. The Daily Telegraph
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See also:
- 'Deadly ambulance postcode lottery' BBC News
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Breast cancer campaign targets older women
Breast cancer campaign targets older women Northamptonshire NHS and the county council are supporting the new NHS breast cancer in women over 70 campaign. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northamptonshire charity to launch ‘legal high’ educational campaign
Northamptonshire charity to launch ‘legal high’ educational campaign A campaign to inform young people about the dangers of taking ‘legal highs’ is to be launched by a Northamptonshire charity. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
As NHS Sustainability Day approaches, what can we learn from the trusts who are doing it right, asks Matthew Abbott
As NHS Sustainability Day approaches, what can we learn from the trusts who are doing it right, asks Matthew Abbott An important fixture in any healthcare professional’s diary, NHS Sustainability Day falls on 27 March. In the three years the campaign has been running it has managed to increase the amount of debate on sustainable healthcare practices to new levels, inspiring hundreds of NHS Trusts and healthcare providers to examine their own practices. NHS Voices
Press release: Better care for mental health crisis
Press release: Better care for mental health crisis Emergency support for people in mental health crisis is set to see dramatic improvements across the country as part of a far-reaching new agreement between police, mental health trusts and paramedics.
The agreement – called the Crisis Care Concordat – has been signed by more than 20 national organisations in a bid to drive up standards of care for people experiencing crisis such as suicidal thoughts or significant anxiety.
The agreement – called the Crisis Care Concordat – has been signed by more than 20 national organisations in a bid to drive up standards of care for people experiencing crisis such as suicidal thoughts or significant anxiety.
The sixth year of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) Service: 2012/2013
The sixth year of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) Service: 2012/2013 This report provides an overview of the 6 years that the IMCA service has been active. It is particularly relevant to local authority commissioners, mental capacity leads and safeguarding leads. Department of Health
E-referrals to be mandatory - Nicholson
E-referrals to be mandatory - Nicholson Use of the new NHS e-referrals service could become mandatory for GPs, NHS England's chief executive Sir David Nicholson has said. E-Health Insider
Care.data: a media.disaster
Care.data: a media.disaster When EHI reported that well-known privacy campaigner Phil Booth had "slammed" the leaflet that it was sending out about care.data, NHS England was very upset. E-Health Insider
Call for help for tongue-tie babies
Call for help for tongue-tie babies Services for babies with breastfeeding problems because of tongue tie need to be improved, the NCT parenting charity says. BBC News
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Correlating hospital and mental health data
Correlating hospital and mental health data The Health and Social Care Information Centre has published its latest monthly report (October 2013) linking hospital episode statistics mental health data from the mental health minimum dataset (MHMDS). The HES-MHMDS linkage promotes understanding of mental health service users' interactions with acute secondary care.
Is there such a thing as a 'lazy gene'?
Is there such a thing as a 'lazy gene'? "A mutation in a gene with a critical role in the brain could explain why some people are 'couch potatoes'," The Independent reports, while the Mail Online claims that "there might soon be a pill to get you moving".
Both headlines are way off the mark – the underlying study did not involve humans, but mice. Researchers looked at the genetics and brain chemistry of mice to see how a specific genetic mutation (a variant of the SLC35D3 gene) influenced body weight, food intake, metabolism and physical activity levels.
Both headlines are way off the mark – the underlying study did not involve humans, but mice. Researchers looked at the genetics and brain chemistry of mice to see how a specific genetic mutation (a variant of the SLC35D3 gene) influenced body weight, food intake, metabolism and physical activity levels.
Use of police cells during mental health crises to be halved
Use of police cells during mental health crises to be halved Deal signed by 22 national organisations follows official report on detentions under section 136 of Mental Health Act.
The number of times police cells are used as a place of safety for people having a mental health crisis is intended to be halved under a far-reaching agreement between police, mental health trusts and paramedics.
The number of times police cells are used as a place of safety for people having a mental health crisis is intended to be halved under a far-reaching agreement between police, mental health trusts and paramedics.
Monday, 17 February 2014
Hospital chief executive steps down due to ‘health’
Hospital chief executive steps down due to ‘health’ The chief executive of St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northamopton has retired early for health reasons. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Transforming community services: learning from previous mistakes
Transforming community services: learning from previous mistakes Community services make up a large part of NHS activity, from chronic disease management and intensive rehabilitation to health visiting and school nursing. Yet years of initiatives, policy ideas and fads have left a legacy of highly complex, narrowly focused and often poorly co-ordinated services, making the system difficult to understand and navigate, even for professionals. So, with an ongoing ambition to shift care out of hospitals and closer to people’s homes, what is needed to transform community services?
TPP launches Mobile Working
TPP launches Mobile Working TPP has launched a new mobile version of SystmOne, which is optimised for touch screens and available on and off-line. E-Health Insider
NHS trusts ranked on clinical IT
NHS trusts ranked on clinical IT The first national table ranking NHS trusts in their use of clinical IT systems has been launched by EHI Intelligence, in partnership with NHS England. E-Health Insider
CCG allocation growth projections 2016/17 to 2018/19
CCG allocation growth projections 2016/17 to 2018/19 This guidance is intended to support commissioners who are currently developing their five years strategic plans. It sets out some high level planning assumptions that CCGs can use when considering how to project growth in allocations in years three to five of the planning period. NHS England
Adults 'unaware of NHS data plans'
Adults 'unaware of NHS data plans' Fewer than a third of adults in England recall getting an a leaflet about changes to the handling of medical records, a poll for the BBC suggests. BBC News
Community services have been neglected
Community services have been neglected The system is too complex and badly organised. Health Service Journal
Special measures update report
Special measures update report This update report finds that significant progress has been made turning around some of England’s most challenged hospitals. Monitor
Papworth hospital's future in doubt after Treasury intervention
Papworth hospital's future in doubt after Treasury intervention Heart and lung hospital's planned Cambridge move caught up in 'NHS politics' that may force partnership with loss-making trust.
The future of the world-renowned Papworth hospital is in doubt because it is being prevented by the Treasury from moving to a new centre of medical excellence in Cambridge.
Instead of consolidating its reputation as a pioneering heart and lung hospital at the forefront of medical innovation, Papworth may instead be forced into a shotgun partnership with the NHS's most loss-making foundation trust.
The future of the world-renowned Papworth hospital is in doubt because it is being prevented by the Treasury from moving to a new centre of medical excellence in Cambridge.
Instead of consolidating its reputation as a pioneering heart and lung hospital at the forefront of medical innovation, Papworth may instead be forced into a shotgun partnership with the NHS's most loss-making foundation trust.
NHS adviser Sir Stuart Rose has private health link
NHS adviser Sir Stuart Rose has private health link
The former Marks & Spencer’s boss appointed by Jeremy Hunt to advise on improving the NHS could “make a fortune” from hospital takeovers by private companies, the country’s biggest union has claimed. The Independent
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The former Marks & Spencer’s boss appointed by Jeremy Hunt to advise on improving the NHS could “make a fortune” from hospital takeovers by private companies, the country’s biggest union has claimed. The Independent
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- M&S's pastel shades won't suit the NHS The Guardian
NHS hospitals have their worst week yet this winter
NHS hospitals have their worst week yet this winter NHS hospitals have their worst week yet this winter, figures show. The Daily Telegraph
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Friday, 14 February 2014
Queuing medics at Northampton hospitals ‘lose 11,000 hours a year’
Queuing medics at Northampton hospitals ‘lose 11,000 hours a year’ Queuing ambulance drivers at Northamptonshire hospitals are wasting about 11,000 hours a year when they could be on call. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Trainee GP at Northampton surgery cleared of sexual assault
Trainee GP at Northampton surgery cleared of sexual assault Queuing ambulance drivers at Northamptonshire hospitals are wasting about 11,000 hours a year when they could be on call. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Re-allocating the money: who should lead on reforming mental health?
Re-allocating the money: who should lead on reforming mental health? The focus on delivering improvements in mental health care is currently dominated by how funding is allocated. But in the midst of the debate, little thought has been given to who should receive this money, and importantly how this could lead to reforming the system. Is it really a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, or could we all benefit by sharing a little more?
Ex-M&S boss to advise NHS managers
Ex-M&S boss to advise NHS managers Former Marks and Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose is to lead a review into how to improve management in the NHS in England. BBC News
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Government response to the review of the regulation of cosmetic interventions
Government response to the review of the regulation of cosmetic interventions The Government accepts the principles of the Keogh Review and the majority of its recommendations for protecting people who choose cosmetic procedures. Department of Health
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- New cosmetic rules 'are appalling' BBC News
- Crackdown on 'cosmetic cowboys' The Daily Telegraph
- Plastic surgeons criticise government over new rules The Independent
- Surgeons condemn 'appalling' lack of action on cosmetic surgery regulation The Guardian
Belgium approves child euthanasia
Belgium approves child euthanasia Belgium becomes the first country in the world to allow child euthanasia without any age limit, after parliament passed a bill by a wide majority. BBC News
Merger of GP and community care possible, says NHS England
Merger of GP and community care possible, says NHS England Work by NHS England to develop primary care could include new contractual arrangements for GPs and the merger of community and primary care services, its deputy medical director has suggested. GP Online
300,000 more patients on NHS waiting list under coalition
300,000 more patients on NHS waiting list under coalition HS data shows that 2.88 million people in England were waiting for consultant-led treatment in December.
The number of people waiting for NHS hospital treatment has risen by more than 300,000 under the coalition, amid concern that NHS rationing is forcing patients to wait longer for operations.
The number of people waiting for NHS hospital treatment has risen by more than 300,000 under the coalition, amid concern that NHS rationing is forcing patients to wait longer for operations.
Mobile phones 'pose no health risk'
Mobile phones 'pose no health risk' UK research group publishes its final report which shows no health risks linked to mobile phone use. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 13 February 2014
Change needed to realise the potential of community services, says new report by The King’s Fund
Change needed to realise the potential of community services, says new report by The King’s Fund Radical changes to community services are needed to realise the ambition of moving more care out of hospital and closer to people's homes, says a new report published by The King's Fund.
'Cosmetic crisis' measures expected
'Cosmetic crisis' measures expected Tougher rules on dermal fillers, Botox injections and plastic surgery are set to be announced by the government. BBC News
GPs add to fears over NHS database
GPs add to fears over NHS database There is a crisis of confidence about a new NHS data-sharing scheme involving medical records, GP leaders are warning. BBC News
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See also:
- RCGP voices concerns about care.data Royal College of General Practitioners
- Survey shows readers wary on care.data E-Health Insider
- NHS database faces 'crisis of public confidence', GP body warns The Guardian
- 'Crisis of confidence' in NHS database, warn GPs The Daily Telegraph
Raising Concerns Newsletter Launch
Raising Concerns Newsletter Launch Read the first edition of the raising concerns newsletter for latest news on raising concerns NHS Employers
Public expenditure on health and social care: seventh report of session 2013-14
Public expenditure on health and social care: seventh report of session 2013-14 This report concludes that the health and care system needs fundamental change so that services are joined up and focussed on the needs of patients. It recommends that the current level of real terms funding for social care should be ring-fenced. It also recommends that the role of Health and Wellbeing Boards should be developed to allow them to become effective commissioners of joined-up health and care services. It also considers other issues such as competition, pay restraint and trusts and foundation trusts. House of Commons Health Select Committee
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NHS financial squeeze unsustainable in face of increasing demand
NHS financial squeeze unsustainable in face of increasing demand It's time the health service admits it is unlikely to meet future demand with ongoing funding crunch.
The NHS is now at a more pivotal stage than it has ever been since I became a GP more than 30 years ago. The financial squeeze on health services will get much tighter over the next five years, with spending per person on the NHS falling by 9%. The Institute for Fiscal Studies said that even if the NHS budget remained protected from cuts, the growth in population would lead to big real terms cuts. The truth is that the NHS protection myth is over. Even if health spending continued to rise with inflation, as it has since 2010, age-adjusted spending per person would be 9% lower in 2018 than in 2010.
The NHS is now at a more pivotal stage than it has ever been since I became a GP more than 30 years ago. The financial squeeze on health services will get much tighter over the next five years, with spending per person on the NHS falling by 9%. The Institute for Fiscal Studies said that even if the NHS budget remained protected from cuts, the growth in population would lead to big real terms cuts. The truth is that the NHS protection myth is over. Even if health spending continued to rise with inflation, as it has since 2010, age-adjusted spending per person would be 9% lower in 2018 than in 2010.
£1bn could be saved by NHS over next decade if doctors diagnosed chronic lung diseases earlier
£1bn could be saved by NHS over next decade if doctors diagnosed chronic lung diseases earlier
Doctors are failing to make an early diagnosis in 85 per cent of chronic lung diseases, which kill 25,000 people in the UK every year, researchers have found. The Independent
Doctors are failing to make an early diagnosis in 85 per cent of chronic lung diseases, which kill 25,000 people in the UK every year, researchers have found. The Independent
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
'Lack of clarity' over NHS savings
'Lack of clarity' over NHS savings There is a lack of clarity about what the money saved in the NHS in England in recent years has been spent on, say MPs. BBC News
'Millions more should take statins'
'Millions more should take statins' Millions more people should be put on cholesterol-lowering statin drugs to cut their risk of heart disease, say draft guidelines for the NHS. BBC News
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Delivering integrated care and support
Delivering integrated care and support A report by the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS) highlights six factors in successful integrated care: vision, leadership, culture, local context, integrated teams and time.
What are the effects of teaching evidence-based health care?
What are the effects of teaching evidence-based health care? An evidence-based approach to health care is recognized internationally as a key competency for healthcare practitioners. This overview systematically evaluated and organized evidence from systematic reviews on teaching evidence-based health care. PLOS
The Francis Report: one year on
The Francis Report: one year on Many senior leaders of the acute trusts said that the publication of the Francis Report had prompted them to reflect in greater depth on the quality of care being delivered in their organisations. The Nuffield Trust
Transformation of care required to make NHS sustainable in future 'yet to take place,' says Health Select Committee
Transformation of care required to make NHS sustainable in future 'yet to take place,' says Health Select Committee The NHS is failing to meet its savings targets and new competition laws are standing in the way of “necessary change”, an influential committee of MPs has said. The Independent
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Shrink our hospitals to give better care, says NHS chief Sir David Nicholson
Shrink our hospitals to give better care, says NHS chief Sir David Nicholson Writing for The Telegraph, Sir David Nicholson says NHS needs to centralise services, with smaller number of larger hospitals offering most major surgery. The Daily Telegraph
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- 'NHS has to adapt to survive', says chief executive The Daily Telegraph
Half of people with dementia suffer malnutrition, new report warns
Half of people with dementia suffer malnutrition, new report warns Research found that half of care homes residents were not eating enough food, while almost as many had low fluid intake. The Daily Telegraph
Abortion scandal: Inside Britain's unregulated 'pro-life' clinics
Abortion scandal: Inside Britain's unregulated 'pro-life' clinics Undercover Telegraph reporters reveal what's really going on inside unregulated clinics that offer misleading information to women considering abortions The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Chief exec says Northampton General Hospital needs two more wards
Chief exec says Northampton General Hospital needs two more wards Two more wards are needed for use by Northampton General Hospital to ensure safer care, its chief executive has said. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
How can healthcare get it so right and so wrong? Part 2
How can healthcare get it so right and so wrong? Part 2 Like it or not, the whole system of healthcare delivery in the UK depends on leaders to inspire a better way of doing business. But at the top of the NHS there has been a loss of credible leadership – in fact it’s been decimated, says Martin Bromiley. The Health Foundation
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- How can healthcare get it so right and so wrong? Part 1 (which focuses on Kettering General Hospital)
Ministers 'will ban car smoking'
Ministers 'will ban car smoking' The UK government will make it a criminal offence to smoke in cars in England when children are passengers, a Downing Street source says. BBC News
EU rules on child drugs 'cost lives'
EU rules on child drugs 'cost lives' EU rules must be changed to allow more testing of potentially life-saving cancer drugs on children, says Institute of Cancer Research. BBC News
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- Children denied life-saving cancer drugs The Daily Telegraph
Female stroke survivors’ quality of life investigated
Female stroke survivors’ quality of life investigated “Women have a poorer quality of life after stroke than men,” reports BBC News.
This headline stemmed from a new US study that found women had a lower quality of life than men three and 12 months after experiencing a stroke or mini-stroke.
This headline stemmed from a new US study that found women had a lower quality of life than men three and 12 months after experiencing a stroke or mini-stroke.
Regulating quality and safety of health and social care: international experiences
Regulating quality and safety of health and social care: international experiences This report is concerned with standards of quality and safety within health and social care systems. Care standards are intended to support efforts in maintaining and improving the quality of care; they have been developed across countries, although the ways in which they are implemented and applied differs between nations. Taking a range of six countries, it reviews the regulatory mechanisms that have been implemented to ensure that essential standards of care are applied and are being adhered to, and consider the range of policy instruments used to encourage and ensure continuous quality improvement. It looks at on Australia, England, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. It is intended to inform policy thinking for the Department of Health and others in developing the regulation of safety and quality of health and social care in England. It was prepared as part of the project 'An "On-call" Facility for International Healthcare Comparisons' funded by the Department of Health in England through its Policy Research Programme. Rand Corporation
State of the sector 2013
State of the sector 2013 This report contains the findings from a survey of nearly 170 drug and alcohol services, from across England’s four PHE regions. Amongst its findings, it reports that the picture on engagement with health and wellbeing boards (HWBs) and Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) is mixed, with positive examples, but other services reporting a lack of engagement; 35 per cent of drug and alcohol services surveyed reported a decrease in funding, against 20 per cent reporting an increase and 33 per cent no change; and almost half reported that they were employing fewer frontline staff and 6 out of 10 services reported an increase in the use of volunteers. Drugscope
3.2 million Britons have diabetes
3.2 million Britons have diabetes Charity calls on NHS to fully implement Health Checks to help identify people at risk of Type 2 diabetes. OnMedica
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See also:
- Rise in new diabetes cases BBC News
Mental health issues 'cost UK £70bn a year', claims thinktank
Mental health issues 'cost UK £70bn a year', claims thinktank Mental health issues are costing Britain £70bn a year, the west's leading economic thinktank said on Monday, as it urged the government to help those with depression, stress and anxiety into work. The Guardian
What can clinical commissioning groups learn from Oxfordshire?
What can clinical commissioning groups learn from Oxfordshire? Oxfordshire CCG's experience demonstrates that although commissioners control the finances, providers are still in charge.
The unravelling of the plans by Oxfordshire clinical commissioning group to introduce outcomes-based service contracts shows that while commissioners have the money, providers are still running the system. What will it take to break their power?
The unravelling of the plans by Oxfordshire clinical commissioning group to introduce outcomes-based service contracts shows that while commissioners have the money, providers are still running the system. What will it take to break their power?
Revealed: Big Pharma's hidden links to NHS policy, with senior MPs saying medical industry uses ‘wealth to influence government’
Revealed: Big Pharma's hidden links to NHS policy, with senior MPs saying medical industry uses ‘wealth to influence government’
NHS bosses allowed a lobbying company working for some of the world’s biggest drugs and medical equipment firms to write a draft report which could help shape future health policy.
NHS bosses allowed a lobbying company working for some of the world’s biggest drugs and medical equipment firms to write a draft report which could help shape future health policy.
NHS England commissioned a group called the Specialised Healthcare Alliance (SHCA) to consult with patients’ groups, charities and health organisations and produce a report feeding into its future five-year strategy for commissioning £12bn of services. The Independent
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- NHS hires drugmaker lobbyists The Guardian
NHS bosses accused of 'climate of fear' over care.data
NHS bosses accused of 'climate of fear' over care.data Rebel GPs wont be told punishment for opting out data-sharing until it is too late. The Daily Telegraph
What are Crisis Pregnancy Centres and where are they in the UK?
What are Crisis Pregnancy Centres and where are they in the UK? Telegraph abortion investigation: There are more than 100 Crisis Pregnancy Centres (CPCs) across the UK. But what are they and where are they located? Here is an overview.
See also:
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- Abortion scandal: women told 'terminations increase chance of child abuse' The Daily Telegraph
- Abortion scandal: 'abortions increase breast cancer risk', claims counsellor The Daily Telegraph
- Abortion scandal: 'abortions increase chance of infertility', claims counsellor The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 10 February 2014
More than 350 ambulance handover delays at KGH A&E
More than 350 ambulance handover delays at KGH A&E An ambulance had to wait more than half an hour to hand over a patient at Kettering General Hospital on more than 350 occasions in January. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Sick paramedics face 28-day overtime ban
Sick paramedics face 28-day overtime ban Some ambulance shifts in Northamptonshire are not being fully covered because some medics who have been off sick are stopped from doing overtime, a paramedic has claimed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
MPs set to vote on car smoking ban
MPs set to vote on car smoking ban MPs are set to vote later on whether smoking in cars with children present should be banned. BBC News
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Women 'fare worse after strokes'
Women 'fare worse after strokes' Women have a poorer quality of life after a stroke than men, especially if they are older, a study has found. BBC News
Offenders with learning disabilities not getting help they need, say inspectors
Offenders with learning disabilities not getting help they need, say inspectors The report makes recommendations for greater partnership working between the justice and health system in order to support the assessment and treatment of offenders with learning disabilities. HMIC
Inaccurate reporting of cat bite dangers
Inaccurate reporting of cat bite dangers “Why even a tiny cat bite could leave you in hospital: Cats’ teeth ‘inject bacteria deep into the joints and tissue’, doctors warn”. The Daily Mail inaccurately claims that one in three people bitten by cats need to go into hospital, and that two-thirds of those people need surgery.
Planned registration fee hike angers nurses
Planned registration fee hike angers nurses Nurses asked to ‘bail out’ NMC, say nurse leaders. OnMedica
STI infection rates among gay men reach 'crisis' levels
STI infection rates among gay men reach 'crisis' levels
A growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) linked to a rise in unprotected sex and club drug use represents “a crisis for gay men”, a leading expert has said. The Independent
A growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) linked to a rise in unprotected sex and club drug use represents “a crisis for gay men”, a leading expert has said. The Independent
Workers off sick for a month to receive health assessments
Workers off sick for a month to receive health assessments The Department for Work and Pensions says employees off work for more than a month will be offered health assessments to cut Britain's annual £9bn sick pay bill. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 7 February 2014
NHS will be dependent on EHRs - Hunt
NHS will be dependent on EHRs - Hunt
The health service will become "totally dependent" on electronic health records over the next five years, health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said. EHI News
The health service will become "totally dependent" on electronic health records over the next five years, health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said. EHI News
Wellbeing - why it matters to health policy
Wellbeing - why it matters to health policy
These documents contain evidence on why wellbeing matters to health throughout someone’s life, and what policy makers can do about it. Department of Health
Guidance
These documents contain evidence on why wellbeing matters to health throughout someone’s life, and what policy makers can do about it. Department of Health
Guidance
England eating disorders up by 8%
England eating disorders up by 8%
Hospital admissions for eating disorders rose by 8% in England from 2012/13, official figures show. The data, from the Health and Social information Centre (HSCIC), showed that there were 2,560 admissions, compared to 2,370 in 2011/12.Key statistics released by HSCIC:9 times as many females diagnosed Most common age for females: 15Most common age for males: 1320% of tho... Healthcare Today
Hospital admissions for eating disorders rose by 8% in England from 2012/13, official figures show. The data, from the Health and Social information Centre (HSCIC), showed that there were 2,560 admissions, compared to 2,370 in 2011/12.Key statistics released by HSCIC:9 times as many females diagnosed Most common age for females: 15Most common age for males: 1320% of tho... Healthcare Today
“What matters most to you?” How decision aids help patients make better choices
“What matters most to you?” How decision aids help patients make better choices
You might never have heard of a decision aid, but there’s good evidence from a newly updated Cochrane review that they can help people facing decisions about treatment or screening feel better informed about the options and clearer about what … Continue reading → Evidently Cochrane
You might never have heard of a decision aid, but there’s good evidence from a newly updated Cochrane review that they can help people facing decisions about treatment or screening feel better informed about the options and clearer about what … Continue reading → Evidently Cochrane
Patient confidentiality ‘to be breached by police’: NHS database to be made available to investigators, claims former shadow Home Secretary...
Patient confidentiality ‘to be breached by police’: NHS database to be made available to investigators, claims former shadow Home Secretary...
A central NHS database of the patient’s medical records will be available to police without a warrant in breach of the idea of doctor-patient confidentiality, according to the former shadow Home Secretary, David Davis MP. Independent
A central NHS database of the patient’s medical records will be available to police without a warrant in breach of the idea of doctor-patient confidentiality, according to the former shadow Home Secretary, David Davis MP. Independent
Diabetes claim for low-fat yoghurt not proven - NHS Choices
Diabetes claim for low-fat yoghurt not proven - NHS Choices
“Yoghurt is key to beating diabetes,” is the front page headline from the Daily Express. The news is based on a study looking at the association between dairy intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It found that the risk of the disease was ... NHS Choices
“Yoghurt is key to beating diabetes,” is the front page headline from the Daily Express. The news is based on a study looking at the association between dairy intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It found that the risk of the disease was ... NHS Choices
Health experts back car smoking ban
Health experts back car smoking ban
More than 700 doctors and other health experts put their names to a letter urging MPs to back a ban in England on smoking in cars with children. BBC News
More than 700 doctors and other health experts put their names to a letter urging MPs to back a ban in England on smoking in cars with children. BBC News
Can the Care Quality Commission live up to expectations?
Can the Care Quality Commission live up to expectations?
This week marks one year since Robert Francis published his second report into failures of care at Mid-Staffordshire Foundation Trust.
Mid-Staffs Director of Quality and Patient Experience Julie Hendry gave a moving presentation at a conference at the Fund in November summarising the journey that the trust have been on since 2009 and the progress they have made and continue to make.But what developments have there been more broadly across the system?
One year is barely long enough to achieve culture change. But locally, both in response to the first Francis report and more recently, there are countless examples of improvements in how boards monitor and manage quality, how care for frail older people is organised in hospitals, and how leaders listen to and involve patients. There are also organisations continuing to struggle to focus on quality – the picture is inevitably mixed. Nationally, the final full government response to Francisbalanced commitments to strengthen how quality is monitored with initiatives to help teams and organisations improve safety and support staff wellbeing.
This week marks one year since Robert Francis published his second report into failures of care at Mid-Staffordshire Foundation Trust.
Mid-Staffs Director of Quality and Patient Experience Julie Hendry gave a moving presentation at a conference at the Fund in November summarising the journey that the trust have been on since 2009 and the progress they have made and continue to make.But what developments have there been more broadly across the system?
One year is barely long enough to achieve culture change. But locally, both in response to the first Francis report and more recently, there are countless examples of improvements in how boards monitor and manage quality, how care for frail older people is organised in hospitals, and how leaders listen to and involve patients. There are also organisations continuing to struggle to focus on quality – the picture is inevitably mixed. Nationally, the final full government response to Francisbalanced commitments to strengthen how quality is monitored with initiatives to help teams and organisations improve safety and support staff wellbeing.
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Fewer overweight and obese people living in Northampton than the rest of the county
Fewer overweight and obese people living in Northampton than the rest of the county
Northampton has fewer overweight or obese people than the rest of the county and is statistically just below the national fattest average, according to new figures released by Public Health England. Chronicle & Echo
Northampton has fewer overweight or obese people than the rest of the county and is statistically just below the national fattest average, according to new figures released by Public Health England. Chronicle & Echo
NICE publishes draft guidance on self-monitoring tests for people on long-term anticoagulation therapy
NICE publishes draft guidance on self-monitoring tests for people on long-term anticoagulation therapy
Draft guidance from NICE?s Diagnostics Assessment Programme on 2 technologies for self-monitoring the clotting of blood in people on long-term anticoagulation therapy has been issued for public consultation.
Draft guidance from NICE?s Diagnostics Assessment Programme on 2 technologies for self-monitoring the clotting of blood in people on long-term anticoagulation therapy has been issued for public consultation.
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