'Hidden NHS waiting lists' tackled

'Hidden NHS waiting lists' tackled:

The Government is set to launch a crackdown on the number of NHS patients in England who have to wait for an extended period of time to receive treatment. The Independent

The Quality and Outcomes Framework exception reporting 2010/11

The Quality and Outcomes Framework exception reporting 2010/11: SummaryThe Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) allows practices to exception-report (exclude) specific patients from data collected. NHS Information Centre

Hospital’s £30m wing half-finished

Hospital’s £30m wing half-finished:

Construction of a new £30m wing for Kettering General Hospital has reached the half-way mark. Evening Telegraph

The care sector needs cash not lawsuits

The care sector needs cash not lawsuits: Reform of statute alone won't address the root problem of cash-strapped councils making cuts to adult social care, says David BrindleLegal rulings against councils' cheese-paring of adult social care are starting to flow thick and fast. One day it's a censure over the tightening of eligibility criteria; the next it's a reprimand for the screwing down of fees for care operators.Such judgments are invariably hailed as "landmark", but in truth they rarely have a wider impact. The Guardian

From illness to wellness: achieving efficiencies and improving outcomes

From illness to wellness: achieving efficiencies and improving outcomes:

This briefing is intended to share learning with commissioners and providers in the NHS, local government and health and wellbeing boards, to support integration of wellness approaches within existing programmes and services and scale-up system-wide change. NHS Networks

New online self-management support resource centre

New online self-management support resource centre:

The resource centre provides information and practical tools that can be adopted and adapted locally to enable services and health professionals to develop their own self management support programmes.

It builds on learning from the Health Foundation’s Co-creating Health programme and a wide range of national and international evidence. It’s a good starting point to learn more about what self management support is, how it can be implemented and the business case for commissioning.

Find out more by visiting www.health.org.uk/sms

NHS Networks

Doctors call for car smoking ban

Doctors call for car smoking ban: All smoking in cars should be banned across the UK to protect people from second-hand smoke, doctors say. BBC News

Further unions vote for industrial action

Further unions vote for industrial action: Members of a further two health trade unions have voted to support industrial action on the 30 November. NHS Employers

European Working Time Directive needs common sense solution, says NHS

European Working Time Directive needs common sense solution, says NHS: The NHS European Office has announced the opening of negotiations between employer and trade union representatives at European level regarding revisions to the working time directive legislation. NHS Confederation

NHS Confederation support for clinical commissioning groups

NHS Confederation support for clinical commissioning groups:

This briefing provides an overview of NHS Confederation's functions and role for Clinical Commissioning Groups.

• Briefing


• NHS Confederation - publications

The Kings Fund

Opportunities for volunteering: the legacy report

Opportunities for volunteering: the legacy report:

This publication provides a history and overview of volunteering in health and social care over the past 30 years. It also provides examples of best practice and case studies where volunteering has been successfully utilised.

• Report

The Kings Fund

Operation follow-up appointments cut to save money

Operation follow-up appointments cut to save money: Health authorities have cut the number of follow-up appointments for people who have had operations by up to a third in a single year, figures show, as they strugrgle to save money. The Telegraph

Health watchdog branded unfit for purpose by patients groups as concerns mount

Health watchdog branded unfit for purpose by patients groups as concerns mount: The health watchdog has been branded "not fit for purpose" by a patients' group as it faces fresh criticism in a series of official reports. The Telegraph

Strengthening Primary Care: Recent Reforms and Achievements in Australia, England, and the Netherlands

Strengthening Primary Care: Recent Reforms and Achievements in Australia, England, and the Netherlands: This brief outlines how primary care is provided in Australia, England, and the Netherlands. It evaluates data on a range of primary care system performance indicators, and it examines the three countries' major strategies for strengthening primary care. Commonwealth Fund

Commissioning for outcomes: A resource guide for commissioners of health and social care

Title: Commissioning for outcomes: A resource guide for commissioners of health and social care

The Skinny: Resource pack from Gina Perigo and Steve Callaghan of Liverpool PCT that aims to support the commissioner to commission for outcomes effectively, efficiently and competently. This pack will also help the commissioner to provide a comprehensive approach to commissioning from a strategic overview to the writing of detailed outcome statements.

In addition, it helps to generate the detail required for service specifications and provides important links to areas such as service redesign, care pathways, quality standards, outcome frameworks and performance management etc.

Publisher: Liverpool PCT

Published: November 2011

Size: 34p.

Commonwealth Fund survey: If the NHS is doing well, why is it changing?

Commonwealth Fund survey: If the NHS is doing well, why is it changing?: As a new Commonwealth Fund survey reflects a positive light on the NHS, Chris Ham asks why we are still moving forward so quickly with health reforms? (Blog) Kings Fund

Guidance on emergency cover during industrial action

Guidance on emergency cover during industrial action:

Unison has produced new guidance on emergency cover and exemptions from industrial action. It encourages their branches to engage with employers when they seek to discuss levels of cover. You can download the guidance from the Unison website.

Guidance has also been issued by Unite which can also be downloaded from their website. NHS Networks

A framework for technology enhanced learning

A framework for technology enhanced learning:

This framework provides guidance to help commissioners and providers of health and social care deliver high quality, cost effective education, training and continuous development to the workforce for the benefit of patients through the effective use of technology as part of a blended learning process. NHS Networks

Department of Health response to the CCP’s report on patient choice

Department of Health response to the CCP’s report on patient choice:

The Department of Health has now published the response to the Co-operation and Competition Panel’s (CCP’s) recommendations to ensure patient choice is protected.

The Co-operation and Competition Panel published their report in July where they looked at the implementation of patient choice in the NHS and in particular any instances where primary care trusts were not acting in the best interests of patients or the taxpayer.

See press release

Department of Health

Lansley bans minimum patient waiting times and caps on operations

Lansley bans minimum patient waiting times and caps on operations: Health secretary Andrew Lansley has banned PCTs from enforcing minimum waiting times on referrals and placing caps on operations. GP Online

NHS Direct app helps one million patients

NHS Direct app helps one million patients: Health advice given to more than one million NHS patients through their smartphones in six months. Public Service

Lack of joined up thinking to improve health and well-being is a missed opportunity to drive savings

Lack of joined up thinking to improve health and well-being is a missed opportunity to drive savings: The lack of integrated services to improve health and well-being across the NHS and local government is a missed opportunity to create long-term savings and make a real impact on patients and local communities. NHS Confederation

PCT Network statement on Government's announcement on minimum waiting times and arbitrary rationing

PCT Network statement on Government's announcement on minimum waiting times and arbitrary rationing: Commenting on the Government's announcement on minimum waiting times and arbitrary rationing, the Primary Care Trust Network said it is right that all NHS commissioners are transparent and should follow due process in the way they plan health services. NHS Confederation

Last chance for health and social care professionals to apply for NICE Fellowships and Scholarships this year

Last chance for health and social care professionals to apply for NICE Fellowships and Scholarships this year NICE

NHS watchdog faces investigation as concerns mount over patient care

NHS watchdog faces investigation as concerns mount over patient care:

NHS insiders questioning whether the Care Quality Commission, set up by Labour in 2009, is fit for purpose

The watchdog responsible for overseeing NHS hospitals and care homes is being urgently investigated by the Department of Health over a series of alleged failures that could have risked patient care.

DoH officials and NHS bosses have acted after mounting concerns about the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the Guardian can reveal.

The CQC's chief executive, Cynthia Bower, spent last Thursday morning being questioned by Una O'Brien, the health department's permanent secretary, before a team of Whitehall officials descended on the watchdog's headquarters in the City that afternoon.

The inquiry coincides with investigations by the National Audit Office and the Commons public accounts committee.

In September the prime minister endorsed a damning report by the health select committee on the CQC, which accused the regulator of neglecting its core duty of scrutinising patient care in favour of bureaucratic "registration" of care providers. Within the NHS many have serious doubts whether the CQC is now fit for purpose.

The CQC's alleged shortcomings have forced the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, to consider yet another overhaul of NHS regulation. The CQC, set up by Labour in 2009, regulates the NHS, social care and mental health, with a mandate to oversee 20,000 hospitals, care homes and treatment clinics.

Bower, who is paid more than £195,000 a year, was formerly chief executive of the NHS West Midlands' strategic health authority, where she was responsible for supervising the performance of Stafford hospital. A critical report is expected early next year from a public inquiry into a scandal at the hospital, where poor care led to hundreds of needless patient deaths between 2005 and 2008, and how it went undetected for so long.

The Guardian has established that:

• The CQC misled parliament in its annual report, overstating the number of inspections and reviews of the NHS, independent healthcare and adult social care sectors it carried out. Rather than the 15,220 "inspections and reviews" it claimed to have undertaken in the year ending March 2011, it has now admitted to the DoH that the correct figure is 7,368.

• There has been rising disquiet over the CQC's "light touch" regulation. Until May 2011, when BBC's Panorama exposed the scandal of abuse at Winterbourne View, a private hospital for people with learning disabilities, the CQC had launched just one investigation. By contrast, its predecessor, the Healthcare Commission, completed 16 investigations in five years. After the BBC's story the regulator launched two investigations into NHS hospital trusts.

• One of the first acts under Bower's leadership was to disband the investigations team – because, in the words of the then chair Barbara Young, it was being used to "bayonet the wounded on the battlefield". The decision caused consternation among NHS bosses, who feared that failing to expose and publicise examples of poor care would encourage complacency.

• Senior CQC staff who disagreed with the board say they felt marginalised and complained of a culture of fear, underlined by the "language of witch hunt". There has been an exodus of staff who have been gagged to prevent them from speaking about the CQC. In 2009, employees wrote to senior managers complaining about what they saw as a "bullying culture", following which a senior executive left. The letter warned of the "potential impact of the proposed reduction in inspection frequency for … adult social care services".

In 2010 an internal staff survey showed just 16% of staff felt the regulator was well managed, only 14% had confidence in the decisions made by the executive board, and 8% felt change was well managed. One analyst, Rona Bryce, told the Mid Staffs inquiry that she was told she could have been "suspended" after she analysed the evidence provided under oath by her boss at the CQC, Richard Hamblin.

Heather Wood, who led the inquiry into hundreds of deaths at Stafford hospital, left the CQC last year and had been gagged from speaking out about her time there. However, under subpoena to the Mid Staffs inquiry, Wood warned that under the current regulatory set-up "the investigation [into Stafford hospital] would almost certainly not have taken place".

Officially, the DoH inquiry into the CQC is a "pilot of a new annual performance and capability review" of its many quangos. In reality, ministers have been greatly concerned that the regulator is not seen as a toothless watchdog after a series of damning reports saw patient care become a key issue for the public.

The DoH said it was "essential that the ... CQC is performing to the highest possible standards. We are currently carrying out a review to ensure that it is doing the best it can to protect patients. The findings of the review will be made public in the new year."

Ministers became alarmed in June when Panorama exposed the scandal of abuse at Winterbourne View. After the disturbing footage was aired it emerged that the regulator had failed to investigate claims made by a whistleblower, Terry Bryan, who was apparently so exasperated by the CQC's inaction – he was told when he rang up that the inspector was on holiday – that he took the matter to the BBC.

The regulator has argued that it is not adequately funded. The three previous regulators it replaced had over 3,000 posts, whereas the CQC began life with just under 2,100 in 2009, a cut of 30% in the workforce.

The CQC has asked the government for £15m to fund a new regime, including a 15% jump to in boost to its 800-strong inspection workforce.

A spokeswoman for the CQC said: "The review has been openly discussed with CQC stakeholders and staff and we have found it an extremely helpful process." The Guardian

Student midwives 'struggling to get jobs despite shortage'

Student midwives 'struggling to get jobs despite shortage': Student midwives cannot find a job in the NHS despite a critical shortage of qualified staff on the labour wards, the Royal College of Midwives has warned. The Telegraph

Lansley 'must let NHS trusts control cuts'

Lansley 'must let NHS trusts control cuts':

Health trusts are to be banned from rationing NHS operations and imposing minimum waiting times to cut costs, the Heath Secretary, Andrew Lansley, will announce today. Independent

Rethinking disability policy

Rethinking disability policy:

Since concerns about the impact of reductions in benefits and public services on disabled people are growing, is it time to develop radical challenges to the current disability policy agenda?

This Viewpoint reviews some aspects of disability policy literature since the early 1990s before concluding with a detailed assessment of the most recent literature and changes being introduced by the Coalition Government.

read more

Joseph Rowntree Trust

The Health and Social Care Bill: Monitor's evolving role

The Health and Social Care Bill: Monitor's evolving role: This information sheet outlines Monitor’s proposed roles and responsibilities as set out in the Health and Social Care Bill. Monitor

Guidance on emergency cover during industrial action

Guidance on emergency cover during industrial action: Both Unison and Unite have issued guidance to their members on providing emergency cover during the planned industrial action on 30 November 2011. NHS Employers

Health secretary must reveal DOH assessment of restructuring risks - The Guardian

Health secretary must reveal DOH assessment of restructuring risks - The Guardian:

The Guardian

Health secretary must reveal DOH assessment of restructuring risks The Guardian Public interest in information about the coalition's NHS plans was more important than ministers' insistence that disclosure would impede the formulation of government policy, Graham ruled. "Disclosure would significantly aid public understanding of ... UK Lords Challenge Plans To Let NHS Be Run By Unaccountable Quango – OpEdEurasia Review Andrew Lansley ordered to reveal secret health reportEvening Standard Health and social care ''still not joined up''Public Service all 18 news articles »

Fraud by staff and patients costs NHS '£3bn a year'

Fraud by staff and patients costs NHS '£3bn a year':

The true cost of fraud to the NHS is more than £3bn a year, putting patients' lives at risk, according to a new report. The staggering figure – enough to build dozens of new hospitals – is the work of a "dishonest minority" of doctors, staff, patients and contractors, the report, to be published tomorrow, says. The Independent

Lansley warns NHS trusts not to cut services to save money

Lansley warns NHS trusts not to cut services to save money:

Health trusts are to be banned from rationing NHS operations and imposing minimum waiting times to cut costs, the Heath Secretary, Andrew Lansley, will announce today. The Independent

Recall of Loyd Grossman Korma sauces following botulism link

Recall of Loyd Grossman Korma sauces following botulism link: Preliminary tests carried out by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have identified the toxin that causes botulism from a used jar of Loyd Grossman Korma sauce. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is advising consumers who have purchased the particular batch of the product to not consume it. A full recall of this product batch has been issued and the sauce is being removed from shop shelves. Health Protection Agency

Developing the new NHS Provider Licence: A Framework Document

Developing the new NHS Provider Licence: A Framework Document: The Developing the new NHS provider licence – a framework document gives you the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the proposals relating to Monitor in the Health and Social Care Bill 2011. Monitor

Keeping Change on Track – Change Management

Keeping Change on Track – Change Management:

Keeping Change on Track, Journal for Quality & Participation, Apr2011, Vol. 34 Issue 1, p4-9

Richard Bevan

Abstract:

The article discusses several factors needed to ensure successful change. Some pitfalls to change management include unrecognized costs, limited communication and minimal involvement. The seven core factors that support successful change are clarity, engagement, adequate resources, systems alignment, leadership, communication and tracking. Assessment of status and key issues as well as creating change readiness are deemed important in managing the change process.

Northamptonshire staff can request the full-text of this paper from the Library.

UK one of best prepared for pandemic

The UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy 2011, which aims to ensure that the UK continues to be one of the best-prepared countries in the world, was published today.

The updated plan has been developed following consultation with a range of health and social care professionals. It aims to create more flexibility and clearer communication between all parties involved in the Government response to a pandemic.

Secretary of State, Andrew Lansley, said: “This Strategy sets out a clear framework to help planners in the NHS and other services to make sure we respond effectively to a flu pandemic.

“Good communications, strong preparations and close working with our health and social care professionals are key to ensuring the impact on services and to the public is kept to a minimum should a pandemic occur.”

The main phases of a pandemic

For the first time, the plan sets out the main phases of a pandemic and the likely scenarios:

• low impact


• moderate impact


• high impact

In each scenario there are four clear sections:

1. nature and scale of the illness – what defines the need for the pandemic to have reached this level i.e. widespread disease


2. key healthcare delivery – specific actions and guidance for healthcare providers


3. impact on the wider society – considerations on how this may be affecting the local community


4. public messages – reassurance and specific information for the general public

The plan builds on the the 2007 national framework for responding to an influenza pandemic guidance and lessons learnt from the H1N1 (2009) influenza pandemic, and the latest scientific evidence to further strengthen the UK’s preparedness for future pandemics and plans for NHS and other services.

The public consultation on the UK influenza pandemic preparedness strategy 2011 ended on 17 June. You can read the response to the influenza pandemic preparedness strategy here.

Read the press release

Department of Health

The week: issue 222

Register for the NHS Chief Executives Conference 2011, read about today’s publication of the pandemic flu strategy and find out more about the launch of the new £2 million dementia campaign.

Download ‘the week’: issue 222, 4 – 10 November 2011 (PDF, 57K)

Department of Heath

Warning on targets to NHS chiefs

The health minister warns NHS managers they must meet strict targets or face consequences, as it emerges hospital waiting times rose in September. BBC News

Bed blocking ''has risen by 11 per cent''

No-one should be made to stay in hospital longer than necessary, says Department of Health. Public Service

NHS Evidence expert commentary: Supported self-management

The November edition of 'Eyes on Evidence', the free monthly e-bulletin from NHS Evidence'covering major new evidence as it emerges with an explanation about what it means for current practice, includes an expert commentary on a systematic review of published evidence by the Health Foundation which considered whether investing in supported self-management was worthwhile. The researchers reported that "effective self-management required different approaches dependent upon clinical condition, and combining multiple strategies produced the best results."

According to the expert commentary "this report confirms the hypothesis that well-targeted and appropriate self-management interventions can have a significant impact on supporting the ability of people with a range of long-term care needs to manage their own care successfully. NHS Evidence

From illness to wellness: achieving efficiencies and improving outcomes

At a time of major transformation for public health in England, services aimed at improving well-being present a key opportunity to significantly shift approaches towards improving population health. NHS Confederation

Nurses delay strike ballot plans until new year

Nurses' leaders yesterday put off plans to ballot staff on industrial action over the Government's planned pension reforms in the first sign that the coalition of unions prepared to strike could be fracturing. The Independent

Will profits come before patients in a hospital run by a private company?

Will profits come before patients in a hospital run by a private company?:

The Circle Healthcare group's flagship hospital in Bath was designed by Norman Foster, is run like a hotel and includes an award-winning restaurant for patients and visitors. The Independent

RCN prepares moves for pensions ballot

The Royal College of Nursing’s governing Council met today to discuss continuing concerns over NHS pensions. Council decided that if current pensions negotiations fail by the end of December they will meet in January to authorise a ballot for industrial action. Royal College of Nursing

Health and social care ''still not joined up''

Health and social care ''still not joined up'': A fundamental shift is needed in how the NHS views health services, says 'From Illness to Wellness' report. Public Service

Are personal budgets really the best way to personalise health care?

Are personal budgets really the best way to personalise health care?: While government ministers seem enthused by plans to allow some patients to manage their own health budgets, Angela Coulter asks if we should be exploring other options. (Blog) Kings Fund

Supporting informed NHS customers for IT

Supporting informed NHS customers for IT:

A joint initiative with eHealth Insider (EHI) will give NHS local commissioners and trusts free access to information on the systems and suppliers installed across the NHS, providing detailed insight into the systems options available to them, applicable standards, and the feedback of real users. Accessible via the EHI website the information will provide the opportunity for NHS trusts to give their feedback on suppliers in relation to provision of systems to support patient care. NHS Networks

Firm seals deal on NHS hospital

Firm seals deal on NHS hospital: A private firm is taking over the running of a struggling NHS hospital in a groundbreaking £1bn, 10-year deal, it has been confirmed. BBC News

Controversial CCG payments to go ahead

Controversial CCG payments to go ahead: Plans to financially reward commissioning groups that improve outcomes and hit efficiency targets look set to go ahead despite widespread opposition from GP leaders. GP Online

'NHS managers must make better use of IT in patient care'

'NHS managers must make better use of IT in patient care': NHS still to realise the potential of IT in healthcare and it is now up to clinical and business managers, says report. Public Service

Head teachers vote for strike action on 30 November

Head teachers vote for strike action on 30 November: Members of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) have voted in favour of taking strike action on 30 November over planned changes to pensions. NHS Employers

NPC publishes resources to support "QIPP - Key therapeutic topics"

NPC publishes resources to support "QIPP - Key therapeutic topics": Source: NPC

Area: News

The NPC has produced thirteen sets of e-learning resources to support organisations and prescribers in making best use of the NPC's document: "QIPP - Key therapeutic topics - medicines management options for local consideration".

Slide sets, notes and recorded commentaries are available for the following QIPP therapeutic topics:
. Alendronate
. Antibiotics - especially quinolones and cephalosporins
. Low dose antipsychotics in people with dementia
. Clopidogrel
. Hypnotics
. High dose inhaled corticosteroids in asthma
. Long-acting and intermediate-acting insulin analogues
. Hypoglycaemics
. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
. Orlistat
. Proton pump inhibitors
. Self monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes
. Lipid-modifying drugs - statins and ezetimibe

Click here for the e-learning resources
National Prescribing Centre

NHS Confederation says it is 'deeply and profoundly concerned' about dignity in care for older people

NHS Confederation says it is 'deeply and profoundly concerned' about dignity in care for older people: The NHS Confederation today says it is “deeply and profoundly concerned” about persistent reports of unacceptable care being given to older patients across the health and social care system. NHS Confederation

Pharmacists sound alarm on medicine shortages - Reuters UK

Pharmacists sound alarm on medicine shortages - Reuters UK:

Reuters UK

Pharmacists sound alarm on medicine shortages Reuters UK An NHS sign is seen outside a pharmacy in west London April 4, 2011. Labour leader Ed Miliband described coalition plans to reform the NHS as ''chaotic'' on Monday and warned they would make hospital closures more likely. ... and more »

Comment: standard of care in NHS would not be tolerated at a veterinary hospital

Comment: standard of care in NHS would not be tolerated at a veterinary hospital: The Patients Association has today published harrowing stories of pensioners ignored, humiliated and neglected. Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the charity says tales of poor care have become depressingly frequent. The Telegraph

UCL accused of 'institutional misconduct' over MMR claims

UCL accused of 'institutional misconduct' over MMR claims: The British Medical Journal has taken the unprecedented step of accusing University College London of "institutional misconduct" over the MMR scandal. The Telegraph

Private firm to run NHS hospital

Private firm to run NHS hospital:

A private company was today given the final go-ahead to take over the running of a debt-ridden NHS hospital. The Independent

NICE publishes quality improvement guide on preventing and controlling healthcare associated infections

NICE publishes quality improvement guide on preventing and controlling healthcare associated infections: NICE has today (9 November) published its quality improvement guide on the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) in secondary care settings. Produced in partnership with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) as part of a pilot project, the guide identifies the organisational characteristics, arrangements and practices that describe excellence in care and practice to prevent and control HCAIs. Health Protection Agency

NHS 'among best health care systems in the world'

NHS 'among best health care systems in the world': Britain has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, according to results of an international survey published today.

You can find the report here.

The Telegraph

Patients Association launches damning report into poor care in England’s Hospitals.

Patients Association launches damning report into poor care in England’s Hospitals.:
The Patients Association today launches its report “We’ve been listening, have you been learning?” which details sixteen accounts of poor hospital care heard by its Helpline in the last year.
The report contains some shocking accounts of care received by patients in hospitals across the country, focusing on four key fundamentals of care-communication, access to pain relief, assistance with toileting and help with eating and drinking.

Launching the report Angela Rippon OBE, Vice President of the Patients Association said “This report raises serious issues about the quality of care that patients are receiving on our hospital wards. It’s not enough for hospitals to say that they have recognised care hasn’t been good enough in the past and promise improvements for the future.”
Speaking about the launch of the report Patients Association Chief Executive Katherine Murphy said “The accounts of care contained in this report shame everyone involved. It’s simply not good enough for this report to be recognised and then business to carry on as usual. There needs to be a culture shift in the way we treat patients on our wards. I would continue to urge patients or relatives experiencing similar care to contact our Helpline on 08456 08 44 55. ”

You can find the report here.

'Shameful' elderly care detailed

'Shameful' elderly care detailed: A dossier containing "shameful" stories about the care elderly patients receive in hospitals in England has been published by campaigners. BBC News

DH pilot finds mixed mobile benefits

DH pilot finds mixed mobile benefits: The Department of Health's clinical lead on mobile solutions has warned NHS trusts not to expect immediate results from mobile working. E-Health Insider

Don't rely on info strategy: Davis

Don't rely on info strategy: Davis: The much delayed NHS information strategy will not be published until the "winter" and is unlikely to provide the detailed roadmap for the future of NHS technology and IT systems that some have been hoping for. E-Health Insider

Commissioning stepped care for people with common mental health disorders

Commissioning stepped care for people with common mental health disorders:

This guide is the latest in a series of good practice guides to support commissioners in designing high quality, evidence-based services to improve outcomes for patients and to help the NHS make better use of its resources. It draws on the recent NICE clinical guideline on the identification of and pathways to care for common mental health disorders, as well as other relevant NICE guidance and quality standards.

• Full interactive guide for commissioners


• Commissioning and benchmarking tool


• Links to related documents


• NICE - press release

Kings Fund

Telehealth and telecare

Telehealth and telecare:

This new section of The King's Fund website collates the evidence for telehealth and telecare, including blogs, publications and a free telehealth evidence database

Web page

Kings Fund

Nurses must respect patients: new campaign

Nurses must respect patients: new campaign: Nurses need to respect patients' "basic human rights" and treat them with dignity, according to a new hospital care campaign. The Telegraph

Report reveals 'shameful' neglect of NHS patients

Report reveals 'shameful' neglect of NHS patients:

Harrowing stories of neglect and abuse in NHS hospitals are published by the Patients Association today in a damning report calling for immediate action to improve basic NHS care. The Indepedent

RCN: Get the skill mix right

RCN: Get the skill mix right: The RCN’s views on nurse staffing levels and skill mix were discussed on primetime BBC television last night (7 November). Royal College of Nursing

Public services across Northamptonshire will be affected by biggest day of strikes this month

Public services across Northamptonshire will be affected by biggest day of strikes this month:

UNIONS in Northamptonshire are gearing up for their “biggest ever” day of strike action on November 30. Northampton Chronicle & Echo

Is the GP contract a barrier to integrated care?

Is the GP contract a barrier to integrated care?: Anna Dixon discusses the need to rethink how we commission and contract with primary care if the ambitions of integrated care are to be realised. (Blog, 4 Nov 2011) Kings Fund

Spotting the signs of dementia

Spotting the signs of dementia:

A new campaign to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of dementia has being launched. Aimed at encouraging more people to seek an early diagnosis of dementia, the campaign targets the family and friends of people at risk of dementia who are likely to be the first to see the signs and can encourage their loved one to see their GP.






Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by specific brain disorders. The most common cause is Alzheimer’s disease, but it can also be the result of a stroke or mini-strokes.


Dementia is progressive, which means that the symptoms will get worse over time. It can happen to anyone and there is currently no cure, but treatments can slow the progression of the disease. There are also ways to help keep it manageable.



An early diagnosis can help people with dementia get the right treatment and support, and help those close to them to prepare and plan for the future. With treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilling lives.



With many people seeing relatives at Christmas, the timing of the campaign aims to encourage people to look for signs of dementia in their relatives . The Alzheimer’s Society had 43 per cent more calls to its helpline in January this year than in December 2010.



A TV advert and leaflet(PDF) have been developed. The TV advert tells the story of a daughter as she becomes aware that her dad is struggling in a number of situations, such as leaving pans on the hob and forgetting where his car is parked. While accepting it was a hard issue to raise with him, the message is that acting on her concerns and getting help means she can keep the dad she knows for longer.



Useful links


Dementia resources


Alistair Burns dementia blog


Dementia content on NHS Choices


Alzheimer’s Disease International


Alzheimer’s Research UK


Dementia Action Alliance


Dementia UK

Department of Health

Painkillers cost NHS £442m a year

Painkillers cost NHS £442m a year: The NHS in England spent more than £440m last year on painkillers, with the biggest bill in the north. BBC News

NHS cancer diagnosis times fall

NHS cancer diagnosis times fall: NHS cancer diagnosis times across the UK have come down significantly in recent years, figures show. BBC News

Hospital bed-blocking 'rising'

Hospital bed-blocking 'rising': Hospitals in England are finding it more difficult to discharge vulnerable patients because of a lack of community care, data obtained by the BBC suggests. BBC News

Online services 'isolating' elderly people

Online services 'isolating' elderly people: Pushing services online can isolate elderly people and force them into their 'hermetically sealed box', warns WRVS Public Service

DH to revamp interoperability toolkit

DH to revamp interoperability toolkit: The Department of Health is to revamp the interoperability toolkit and has called for users to join an "information sharing challenge." E-Health Insider News

DH and Intellect draft 'vibrant' plan

DH and Intellect draft 'vibrant' plan: Intellect and the Department of Health Informatics Directorate have published a draft plan to develop a "healthy and vibrant" NHS IT marketplace. E-Health Insider News

Practices face higher indemnity fees after RCN cuts practice nurse cover

Practices face higher indemnity fees after RCN cuts practice nurse cover: GP practices could be forced to pay higher indemnity fees after the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) cut back its cover for practice nurses. GP Online

An involving service: ambulance responses in urban and rural areas

An involving service: ambulance responses in urban and rural areas: This briefing aims to help NHS organisations engage with local leaders, communities and other public services about the issues and challenges ambulance services face in rural areas. NHS Confederation

Inpatient care for people with diabetes: the economic case for change

Inpatient care for people with diabetes: the economic case for change:

This report calls for more investment in specialist diabetes care to reduce the estimated £600 million excess spend on treating diabetes in hospitals.

• Report



• Factsheet



• Press release



• NHS Diabetes - news

The Kings Fund

Economic regulation in health care: what can we learn from other regulators

Economic regulation in health care: what can we learn from other regulators:
This report argues that Monitor may fail to fulfil its new responsibilities as the economic regulator for health care unless the government provides greater clarity about its role. As Monitor takes on its new role, the new report looks at what can be learned from the experience of regulators in other sectors such as telecoms and utilities.

• Report
• The King's Fund - press release

The Kings Fund

'Weak' evidence NHS exercise schemes work

'Weak' evidence NHS exercise schemes work: Evidence that NHS exercise schemes work is "weak", according to research published today (Monday). The Telegraph

Emergency Care Assistants replace paramedics for 999 calls as cuts hit ambulance trusts

Emergency Care Assistants replace paramedics for 999 calls as cuts hit ambulance trusts: Medical support staff with as little as eight weeks training are responding to 999 emergency calls instead of qualified paramedics at half of ambulance trusts as they impose frontline cuts, the Daily Telegraph has found.

NHS blunders have killed 8000 patients in 13 years, figures show

NHS blunders have killed 8000 patients in 13 years, figures show: Thousands of patients have been killed because of errors within the NHS over the past 13 years, it has been claimed. The Telegraph

Get quick and easy access to hundreds of indicators with the NHS Information Centre's new indicator portal

Get quick and easy access to hundreds of indicators with the NHS Information Centre's new indicator portal: One thousand indicators covering a wide range of population health topics have been bought together in the NHS Information Centre's new indicator port...

Northampton General Hospital nurse struck off for sleeping on duty and ‘removing’ hundreds of painkilling tablets

Northampton General Hospital nurse struck off for sleeping on duty and ‘removing’ hundreds of painkilling tablets:

A NURSE has been struck off for removing hundreds of painkilling tablets from Northampton General Hospital and sleeping on duty after a tribunal saw documentary evidence from pharmacists. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Making a reality of telehealth: Lessons from the Whole System Demonstrator programme

Making a reality of telehealth: Lessons from the Whole System Demonstrator programme: As we await the results of the WSDAN project, Nick Goodwin considers what else is needed to support new technologies in telehealth and telecare. (Blog, 3 Nov 2011) The Kings Fund

Innovations in the health care workforce needed to deliver productivity improvements

Innovations in the health care workforce needed to deliver productivity improvements: Anna Dixon explains why it will only be possible to deliver productivity improvements in the NHS by using human as well as financial resources differently. (Blog, 7 Nov 2011) The Kings Fund

Health regulator may fail unless health bill is amended, says new report from The King's Fund

Health regulator may fail unless health bill is amended, says new report from The King's Fund

Under proposals set out in the Health and Social Care Bill, Monitor will be responsible for setting prices for NHS-funded services, tackling anti-competitive behaviour, and maintaining essential services if providers become financially unsustainable. This report from the King's Fund suggests that Monitor may fail to fulfil its new responsibilities as the economic regulator for health care unless the government provides greater clarity about its role. The Kings Fund

Proposed establishment of the NHS Trust Development Authority and Health Education England

Proposed establishment of the NHS Trust Development Authority and Health Education England:

Richard Douglas, Director-General Policy, Strategy & Finance, Department of Health and Head of the Government Finance Profession, HM Treasury, has written to John Beanland, DTUS Chair, Karen Didovich, Senior Employment Relations Adviser, Royal College of Nursing, and Christina McAnea, Unison National Secretary for Health.

The letter:

• formally seeks views in accordance with section 28(7) of the NHS Act 2006, on the proposed establishment of two Special Health Authorities (SpHAs) – the NHS Trust Development Authority (NTDA) and Health Education England (HEE)


• annexes further details on the proposals for the establishment and functions of the SpHAs


• welcomes responses by 31 January 2012

Read the letter

Department of Health

GP receptionists 'play key role'

GP receptionists 'play key role': Receptionists in GP surgeries play a "hidden" role in ensuring patients get the correct treatments when they need them, says a study in the British Medical Journal. BBC News

Former government advisor urges CCGs to ally with health and wellbeing boards

Former government advisor urges CCGs to ally with health and wellbeing boards: Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) should form alliances with the health and wellbeing boards to give them a strong voice against the demands of the National Commissioning Board, a former government advisor has said. GP Online

''Firm up councils' health equality duty''

''Firm up councils' health equality duty'': The lack of statutory duty on local authorities to reduce health inequalities is worrying, says Lord Victor Adebowale Public Service

Early publication of the latest edition of the Mental Health Bulletin

Early publication of the latest edition of the Mental Health Bulletin: Early publication of the Mental Health Bulletin No. 323. Packed with the usual news, research, publications and conferences on every aspect of mental health and social care. NHS East Midlands Improvement Network

1,500 lung cancer deaths 'unnecessary'

1,500 lung cancer deaths 'unnecessary': Report finds sufferers are not being offered operations to remove tumours and too few surgeons are skilled at performing themAbout 1,500 lung cancer patients die unnecessarily every year because they are not offered an operation and too few NHS surgeons are skilled in removing tumours, a report warns today.Most hospitals offer surgery to far fewer patients than the 30% of people with the disease who doctors believe would benefit from treatment, according to an audit of 400,000 lung cancer operations. The Guardian

Inpatient diabetes - £600 million excess outlay could be reduced with specialist care

Inpatient diabetes - £600 million excess outlay could be reduced with specialist care: Source: NHS Diabetes

Area: News

Research published by NHS Diabetes has found that the NHS in England spends more than £2.3 billion a year on inpatient care for people with diabetes - equating to 11% of NHS inpatient care expenditure. It estimates that approximately £600 million of this outlay is estimated to be excess expenditure on diabetes, over and above the sum spent on a population of the same age and gender without the condition. People with diabetes are more likely to be admitted to hospital, have longer stays than people of the same age without the condition and are more often admitted overnight for planned procedures that could be performed as day cases. Despite the high levels of spend, diabetes inpatient care remains poor in many areas and people with diabetes experience avoidable complications while in hospital.

Two-thirds of people in at-risk groups not getting flu jab, figures show

Two-thirds of people in at-risk groups not getting flu jab, figures show:

Government urges more people to come forward for vaccination

Only one in three people in at-risk groups and 14% of pregnant women have come forward for a flu jab, figures show.

New data from the Department of Health shows more than half (55%) of people over 65 have had the jab, which protects against several strains of flu including swine flu.

But only 32% of those under 65 in at-risk groups – such as with diabetes, liver disease, asthma or chest problems and neurological conditions – have come forward.

And just 14% of pregnant women have had the vaccine this year.

The figures are all slightly up on this time last year but the government is urging more people to come forward.

Some GP practices ran drop-in flu jab clinics in October which have now finished, but patients can still book individual appointments with GPs or practice nurses.

Data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) published today shows three people have been admitted to intensive care for flu since the flu season began.

Flu activity in the community is regarded as being at a low level at the moment.

The news comes as a poll for the Department of Health found 58% of 1,754 people surveyed incorrectly believe the jab can cause flu.

Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said an estimated 7 million people in England had had a flu jab so far this year but she wanted to see 75% of over-65s and 60% of under-65s in at-risk groups get vaccinated.

She said: "I can categorically state that the flu jab does not give you flu. The vaccine does not include the live virus. It can save your life though. Flu can kill – and it can be particularly dangerous for people in at-risk groups. They are on average 11 times more likely to die from flu than a healthy person is.

"If you haven't been called for a flu jab and are in an at-risk group, it's time to contact your GP to make an appointment. If you're in an at-risk group, it's free on the NHS."

Data suggests diabetics are six times more likely to die if they get flu than a healthy person, while those with chronic heart disease are 11 times more likely to die. People with chronic liver disease are 48 times more likely to die and those undergoing medical treatment who may have a compromised immune system are 47 times more likely. The Guardian

Abuse of vulnerable adults: provisional report shows extent of allegations in care and domestic homes

Abuse of vulnerable adults: provisional report shows extent of allegations in care and domestic homes: Of the 96,000 reported cases in England referred to councils' Adult Safeguarding teams, 94,500 had key information recorded. NHS Information Centre

'Super-flu' claims unfounded

'Super-flu' claims unfounded:

A new strain of killer flu “could spread to Britain within 24 hours”, the Daily Express has today claimed. The Daily Mail also covered the story, reporting that research had found that people were infected with both seasonal flu and swine flu, sparking fears that the viruses could combine to form a “super-flu”.

The alarming reports in the Daily Mail and the Daily Express are rather misleading, for several reasons. The research the news was based on was actually a small, but important study that had examined a Cambodian patient who became unwell during the swine flu pandemic of 2009. Examining the man and four of his contacts, scientists determined that two of the five subjects were infected with both swine flu and a seasonal flu virus that was circulating in the environment at that time. None of the five infected individuals required hospitalisation and all made a full recovery.

This is valuable research in the light of the very real public health threat faced by flu pandemics; particularly as co-infection also offers the possibility for different viruses to combine their genetic material and produce new strains. However, such a ‘super-flu’ or ‘killer-flu’ has not been found, and is merely a possibility.

In the UK we are now entering the flu season. People who are most vulnerable to the effects of flu will be offered a jab against seasonal forms of flu. The composition of this jab is based on predictions of which predominant strains will circulate, and it will be designed to protect against multiple strains - even swine flu if it is likely to circulate. NHS Choices