DH announces changes to the way the Green Book is published online: The Department of Health has announced that to facilitate the updating of the Green Book, each chapter is now available on its own web page, together with its patch updates. The "Green Book - individual chapters" webpage has access links to all chapters.
This means that rather than bookmarking the PDF for the current chapter - the address of which changes every time an update is made - the link to the Green Book webpage should be bookmarked instead. Department of Health
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
New report promises ‘painless’ NHS reform
New report promises ‘painless’ NHS reform:
| BMA says services can be integrated without major structural damage Related items from OnMedica CCG development under threat as GPs “bullied” and “micromanaged” Specialists in commissioning Health reforms need major changes Integrated care pilots a success NHS policy hampers integrated care commissioning |
Draft care and support bill 2012-13
Draft care and support bill 2012-13:
This report provides general information on the draft care and support bill that was published by the government on 11th July 2012. The draft bill aims to focus care and support legislation on the wellbeing of individuals. Among other provisions, it places duties on local authorities to provide information and advice relating to care, gives carers the right to support as well the people for whom they care, and includes measures to ensure the ‘portability’ of care provision for people who move from one area to another.
This report provides general information on the draft care and support bill that was published by the government on 11th July 2012. The draft bill aims to focus care and support legislation on the wellbeing of individuals. Among other provisions, it places duties on local authorities to provide information and advice relating to care, gives carers the right to support as well the people for whom they care, and includes measures to ensure the ‘portability’ of care provision for people who move from one area to another.
Disabled still facing 'unforgivable' abuse in care homes, charities warn
Disabled still facing 'unforgivable' abuse in care homes, charities warn: Hundreds of "unforgivable" new allegations of neglect and abuse of vulnerable disabled people have come to light in the wake of the Winterbourne View abuse scandal, as 11th member of staff pleads guilty.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Health and Austerity in Europe
Health and Austerity in Europe: Austerity policies in Europe have been a health as well as an economic failure, with increasing numbers of suicides and, where cuts in health budgets are being imposed, increasing numbers of people unable to access care.
These are the conclusions of an article in the latest edition of Clinical Medicine by Professor Martin Mckee FRCP and Marina Karanikolos (London School of Hygiene & European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies), Paul Belcher (RCP senior advisor, EU government affairs) and David Stuckler (University of Cambridge).
read more
These are the conclusions of an article in the latest edition of Clinical Medicine by Professor Martin Mckee FRCP and Marina Karanikolos (London School of Hygiene & European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies), Paul Belcher (RCP senior advisor, EU government affairs) and David Stuckler (University of Cambridge).
read more
Monday, 6 August 2012
How healthy are our towns?
How healthy are our towns?:
Corby has been revealed to have the highest amount of smokers in the entire country, with more than a third of the town regularly lighting up. Evening Telegraph
Corby has been revealed to have the highest amount of smokers in the entire country, with more than a third of the town regularly lighting up. Evening Telegraph
Huge £7m investment to modernise hospital
Huge £7m investment to modernise hospital:
St Mary’s Hospital in Kettering could be in line for a £7m refurbishment to bring its elderly care ward into the 21st century. Evening Telegraph
St Mary’s Hospital in Kettering could be in line for a £7m refurbishment to bring its elderly care ward into the 21st century. Evening Telegraph
Counselling service expands after huge rise in demand
Counselling service expands after huge rise in demand:
Teenage depression, bullying, and self-harm are just some of the reasons why a counselling service is seeing a rapid increase in demand this year. Evening Telegraph
Teenage depression, bullying, and self-harm are just some of the reasons why a counselling service is seeing a rapid increase in demand this year. Evening Telegraph
Nurse suspended following neglect of residents with dementia
Nurse suspended following neglect of residents with dementia:
A NURSE who allegedly neglected dementia residents at a nursing home in Northampton where five elderly people died has been suspended from the profession. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A NURSE who allegedly neglected dementia residents at a nursing home in Northampton where five elderly people died has been suspended from the profession. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Engaging people in sustainable healthcare: guide to resources
Engaging people in sustainable healthcare: guide to resources:
The tool provides practical advice, suggestions for action, examples of good practice and evidence of what works. It brings together the latest learning and evidence from a variety of healthcare organisations, including emerging clinical commissioning groups across the country. NHS Networks
The tool provides practical advice, suggestions for action, examples of good practice and evidence of what works. It brings together the latest learning and evidence from a variety of healthcare organisations, including emerging clinical commissioning groups across the country. NHS Networks
Smartphone application for antibiotic prescribing
Smartphone application for antibiotic prescribing:
As part of the Department of Health’s Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) Technology Innovation Programme, Showcase Hospitals undertook local technology reviews of infection related products or technologies in which they have a specific interest. The objective is to help Directors of Infection Prevention and Control and other stakeholders to decide whether they should consider any of these products or technologies as part of their Trust’s strategy to reduce Healthcare Associated Infections.
The National Centre for Infection Prevention and Management (CIPM) and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust developed and implemented a clinical decision support smartphone application based on the trust’s antibiotic prescribing policy. This report summarises the steps in the development and implementation process and key learning points for other organisations considering adopting similar technologies.
Showcase hospitals local technology review report number 6
Relevant RRP1 reports and evaluation reports have been previously produced for a range of healthcare associated infections related products. Department of Health
As part of the Department of Health’s Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI) Technology Innovation Programme, Showcase Hospitals undertook local technology reviews of infection related products or technologies in which they have a specific interest. The objective is to help Directors of Infection Prevention and Control and other stakeholders to decide whether they should consider any of these products or technologies as part of their Trust’s strategy to reduce Healthcare Associated Infections.
The National Centre for Infection Prevention and Management (CIPM) and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust developed and implemented a clinical decision support smartphone application based on the trust’s antibiotic prescribing policy. This report summarises the steps in the development and implementation process and key learning points for other organisations considering adopting similar technologies.
Showcase hospitals local technology review report number 6
Relevant RRP1 reports and evaluation reports have been previously produced for a range of healthcare associated infections related products. Department of Health
Kidney care 'needs to improve'
Kidney care 'needs to improve': An NHS report calls for better detection and earlier treatment to help tackle chronic kidney disease, potentially saving lives and money. BBC News
The full report is available at NHS Kidney Care.
The full report is available at NHS Kidney Care.
LMCs face overload as NHS reforms take shape
LMCs face overload as NHS reforms take shape: LMCs face a struggle to cope with the pace of NHS reform and increasing demands on their resources, senior GPs have warned. GP Online
NHS Confederation statement on NICE and issue of taking legal action against the NHS regarding availability of treatment
NHS Confederation statement on NICE and issue of taking legal action against the NHS regarding availability of treatment: David Stout said "NHS organisations should be providing patients with the treatments they are legally entitled to under NICE's technology appraisals."
NHS trusts 'breaking the law' by denying access to treatment
NHS trusts 'breaking the law' by denying access to treatment:
Chair of drugs rationing body says NHS trusts are circumventing legal obligations to save money
The head of the government's drugs rationing body has claimed that a number of NHS trusts are "breaking the law" by denying patients access to approved treatments and drugs to save money.
Sir Michael Rawlins, the chair of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), said there were many examples of primary care and NHS hospital trusts using "delaying tactics in order to circumvent the legal obligations they have to provide treatment and drugs recommended by Nice within three months".
The head of the government's drugs rationing body has claimed that a number of NHS trusts are "breaking the law" by denying patients access to approved treatments and drugs to save money.
Sir Michael Rawlins, the chair of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), said there were many examples of primary care and NHS hospital trusts using "delaying tactics in order to circumvent the legal obligations they have to provide treatment and drugs recommended by Nice within three months".
Mumps expected to make resurgence government advisers warn
Mumps expected to make resurgence government advisers warn: England is facing a surge in cases of mumps in coming years as children who didn't have vaccinations in the wake of the MMR scare go to University, government advisers have warned
. The Daily Telegraph
. The Daily Telegraph
Nurses look after 15 patients at a time
Nurses look after 15 patients at a time: Dramatic rise in workload as unqualified assistants outnumber nurses in one in six trusts
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
New doctors on the wards: A matter of life and death
New doctors on the wards: A matter of life and death:
A male first-year doctor, aged 24, working in Liverpool
Most junior doctors would admit they have mixed feelings about their first day – a combination of excitement, nervousness, and a sense that loss of liberty is fast approaching. The Independent
A male first-year doctor, aged 24, working in Liverpool
Most junior doctors would admit they have mixed feelings about their first day – a combination of excitement, nervousness, and a sense that loss of liberty is fast approaching. The Independent
Friday, 3 August 2012
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Awareness Month
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Awareness Month: Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Awareness Month
Inherited blood conditions such as Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia can have a devastating impact on people's lives, but help is... NHFT News
Inherited blood conditions such as Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia can have a devastating impact on people's lives, but help is... NHFT News
Boozing problems are ‘changing kids’ brains’
Boozing problems are ‘changing kids’ brains’:
Detox specialists are treating an average of six new Northamptonshire people each day for alcohol abuse, latest figures showed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Detox specialists are treating an average of six new Northamptonshire people each day for alcohol abuse, latest figures showed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Measuring wellbeing: a guide for practitioners
Measuring wellbeing: a guide for practitioners:
This guidebook is designed primarily for voluntary organisations and community groups delivering projects and services and aims to improve the design and delivery of services through the use of wellbeing outcome measures. NHS Networks
This guidebook is designed primarily for voluntary organisations and community groups delivering projects and services and aims to improve the design and delivery of services through the use of wellbeing outcome measures. NHS Networks
Implementing the arrangements for emergency preparedness, resilience and response
Implementing the arrangements for emergency preparedness, resilience and response:
The NHS Commissioning Board Authority (NHS CBA) and the Department of Health (DH) have today published further information on implementing the arrangements for emergency preparedness, resilience and response, including the establishment of local health resilience partnerships (LHRP) while maintaining current resilience arrangements.
Full details are available on the Department of Health’s website.
The NHS Commissioning Board Authority (NHS CBA) and the Department of Health (DH) have today published further information on implementing the arrangements for emergency preparedness, resilience and response, including the establishment of local health resilience partnerships (LHRP) while maintaining current resilience arrangements.
Full details are available on the Department of Health’s website.
GPs need more support to promote child health
GPs need more support to promote child health: GP would benefit from more training in paediatric medicine and child health, a report claims. GP Online
How to measure for improving outcomes: a guide for commissioners
How to measure for improving outcomes: a guide for commissioners:
These two slide sets aim to help CCGs make the best use of measurement to support them to commission for improved outcomes. The first set of slides introduces general concepts about approaches to measurement in health care, the uses of structure, process and outcome indicators, and how to achieve a good mix of indicators for commissioning. The second set looks specifically at how commissioners can build up sets of measures along whole pathways of care.
These two slide sets aim to help CCGs make the best use of measurement to support them to commission for improved outcomes. The first set of slides introduces general concepts about approaches to measurement in health care, the uses of structure, process and outcome indicators, and how to achieve a good mix of indicators for commissioning. The second set looks specifically at how commissioners can build up sets of measures along whole pathways of care.
Birth defects not being detected
Birth defects not being detected:
A new report has revealed that one out of every 45 babies born in England and Wales in 2012 had a congenital abnormality.
The annual report by the British Isles Network of Congenital Anomaly Registers (BINOCAR) collates data from six regional registers and covers around a third of all births in England and Wales.
However, it appears that a significant proportion of congenital abnormalities, such as club... Healthcare Today
A new report has revealed that one out of every 45 babies born in England and Wales in 2012 had a congenital abnormality.
The annual report by the British Isles Network of Congenital Anomaly Registers (BINOCAR) collates data from six regional registers and covers around a third of all births in England and Wales.
However, it appears that a significant proportion of congenital abnormalities, such as club... Healthcare Today
Half a million disabled people may lose benefits under reforms
Half a million disabled people may lose benefits under reforms:
Charities reacted with horror as the Government announced that Atos and another private company, Capita, had won three contracts to run a new work-capability check for disabled people being brought in next year. The Independent
Charities reacted with horror as the Government announced that Atos and another private company, Capita, had won three contracts to run a new work-capability check for disabled people being brought in next year. The Independent
Thursday, 2 August 2012
NHS Constitution: Fact or Fiction?
NHS Constitution: Fact or Fiction?:
The Patients Association is today publishing new evidence which suggests the public, patients, carers and doctors have very limited knowledge of NHS patients’ rights.
The Patients Association is today publishing new evidence which suggests the public, patients, carers and doctors have very limited knowledge of NHS patients’ rights.
The survey found that the three most important priorities for patients and the public when receiving NHS services are: the right to be involved in decisions about their care, rights to information about treatment and rights to be treated with dignity and respect.
NICE reveals its recommended measures for the NHS Commissioning Outcomes Framework
NICE reveals its recommended measures for the NHS Commissioning Outcomes Framework:
NICE and the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care have published their recommendations for which health care measures are suitable to go in the Commissioning Outcomes Framework for 2013/14.
NICE and the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care have published their recommendations for which health care measures are suitable to go in the Commissioning Outcomes Framework for 2013/14.
AUDIO: Staff 'nervous' in private-run hospital
AUDIO: Staff 'nervous' in private-run hospital: The private health company Circle took over Hinchingbrooke Hospital Trust in Cambridgeshire six months ago. Karen Jennings, assistant general secretary of Unison, gives her impression. BBC News
AUDIO: Hinchingbrooke 'one of the best in UK'
AUDIO: Hinchingbrooke 'one of the best in UK': Circle's chief executive Ali Parsa gives his verdict on the six months since the private health company took over Hinchingbrooke Hospital Trust in Cambridgeshire. BBC News
DH rationing review ignored use of thresholds to limit treatment
DH rationing review ignored use of thresholds to limit treatment: Ministers have admitted that a DH investigation into rationing in the NHS only looked at caps on activity and not at thresholds to accessing treatments. GP Online
Councils won't get control of NHS money
Councils won't get control of NHS money: But they will have a key part in making health reforms work in communities, says Sir David Nicholson Public Service
Costs of eating disorders in England: economic impact of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other disorders focussing on young people
Costs of eating disorders in England: economic impact of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other disorders focussing on young people:
This report aims to provide a comprehensive view of the overall costs to society of eating disorders in England, especially amongst young people, and the costs to the NHS, employers and employees. It reveals that the overall healthcare costs are estimated at £80-£100m; costs of reduced GDP up to £2.9bn; and costs of reduced length of life and health up to £6.6bn.
This report aims to provide a comprehensive view of the overall costs to society of eating disorders in England, especially amongst young people, and the costs to the NHS, employers and employees. It reveals that the overall healthcare costs are estimated at £80-£100m; costs of reduced GDP up to £2.9bn; and costs of reduced length of life and health up to £6.6bn.
End of life diabetes care
End of life diabetes care:
This strategy aims to summarise a consistent but high-quality approach towards end of life care for people with diabetes by providing a series of clinical care recommendations. It builds on the Department of Health's end of life care strategy whilst focusing on the special issues and challenges provoked by end of life care for patients with diabetes.
This strategy aims to summarise a consistent but high-quality approach towards end of life care for people with diabetes by providing a series of clinical care recommendations. It builds on the Department of Health's end of life care strategy whilst focusing on the special issues and challenges provoked by end of life care for patients with diabetes.
COPD commissioning toolkit
COPD commissioning toolkit:
This toolkit aims to make it easier to commission better outcomes for people with COPD by bringing together the clinical, financial and commercial aspects of commissioning in one place. Alongside the toolkit itself, service specifications and costing tools have also been published. It is part of the suite of tools and resources to help to implement the Outcomes Strategy for COPD and Asthma and NHS Companion document.
This toolkit aims to make it easier to commission better outcomes for people with COPD by bringing together the clinical, financial and commercial aspects of commissioning in one place. Alongside the toolkit itself, service specifications and costing tools have also been published. It is part of the suite of tools and resources to help to implement the Outcomes Strategy for COPD and Asthma and NHS Companion document.
NICE boss in 'sue NHS' message
NICE boss in 'sue NHS' message:
The chairman of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has told patients they should sue health authorities if they deny them drugs deemed cost effective for use on the NHS.
His comments come amid growing evidence that trusts were acting unlawfully and denying drugs approved by NICE for use on the NHS.
He said some health trusts were also wrongly using “delaying tactics” be... Healthcare Today
The chairman of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has told patients they should sue health authorities if they deny them drugs deemed cost effective for use on the NHS.
His comments come amid growing evidence that trusts were acting unlawfully and denying drugs approved by NICE for use on the NHS.
He said some health trusts were also wrongly using “delaying tactics” be... Healthcare Today
Will patients really die this week because of new NHS hospital doctors?
Will patients really die this week because of new NHS hospital doctors?:
Today is "black Wednesday", day one of the killing season, when hospital death rates spike by 6%. But is it really true? Help us find the facts
• Data journalism from the Datablog
August 1 is the day when thousands of new doctors begin work in NHS hospitals around the country or move to new jobs. If you believe today's Telegraph, this is "Black Wednesday", the start of the "killing season".
• Data journalism from the Datablog
August 1 is the day when thousands of new doctors begin work in NHS hospitals around the country or move to new jobs. If you believe today's Telegraph, this is "Black Wednesday", the start of the "killing season".
Studies have shown that patients admitted as an emergency on the first Wednesday in August are six per cent more likely to die than on the previous Wednesday
Hope for the NHS
Hope for the NHS: Telegraph View: Allowing doctors, nurses and other health professionals to run their own hospitals points the way for our health service
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
UK becoming nation of ‘happy pill poppers’ fears
UK becoming nation of ‘happy pill poppers’ fears:
The UK is in the grip of a ‘happy pill boom’ according to the Daily Mail, with ‘almost 50 million’ antidepressants prescribed in 2011.
The reports are based on figures released today for prescriptions dispensed by GPs, pharmacists and other health professionals in the community during 2011.
It shows that antidepressants such as Prozac and Seroxat account for the largest annual rise in prescriptions from 2010 to 2011. Just under 46.7 million prescriptions for antidepressants were dispensed in 2011, a rise of 3.9 million on 2010.
The UK is in the grip of a ‘happy pill boom’ according to the Daily Mail, with ‘almost 50 million’ antidepressants prescribed in 2011.
The reports are based on figures released today for prescriptions dispensed by GPs, pharmacists and other health professionals in the community during 2011.
It shows that antidepressants such as Prozac and Seroxat account for the largest annual rise in prescriptions from 2010 to 2011. Just under 46.7 million prescriptions for antidepressants were dispensed in 2011, a rise of 3.9 million on 2010.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Young anorexics 'missing vital help'
Young anorexics 'missing vital help': A leading expert on eating disorders in children says that despite ever younger patients presenting the illness is not being taken seriously enough. BBC News
Private NHS hospital 'improves'
Private NHS hospital 'improves': The first private company to run an NHS hospital claims it has cut waiting times, improved care and delivered savings in its first six months. BBC News
Monitor eases private NHS restrictions
Monitor eases private NHS restrictions: New consultation reveals that restrictions on private firms providing NHS services are to be relaxed Public Service
NHS receives over 7,000 breast implant referrals
NHS receives over 7,000 breast implant referrals:A total of 7,504 women who had controversial PIP breast implants fitted by private clinics have been referred to the NHS according to latest figures.
Some 4,742 scans have now been completed and 583 women have decided to have the implants removed of which 308 women have already had the implant removed. OnMedica
Some 4,742 scans have now been completed and 583 women have decided to have the implants removed of which 308 women have already had the implant removed. OnMedica
Professional standards for hospital pharmacy services: optimising patient outcomes from medicines
Professional standards for hospital pharmacy services: optimising patient outcomes from medicines:
These standards aim to underpin patient experience and the safe, effective management of medicines within and across organisations. They aim to enable patients to experience a consistent quality of service within and across healthcare providers, that helps protect them from incidents of avoidable harm and enables them to get the best outcomes from their medicines.
These standards aim to underpin patient experience and the safe, effective management of medicines within and across organisations. They aim to enable patients to experience a consistent quality of service within and across healthcare providers, that helps protect them from incidents of avoidable harm and enables them to get the best outcomes from their medicines.
Innovation and improvement in maternity services
Innovation and improvement in maternity services:
This study looks at examples of innovative practice across England and shows how midwives are leading on improving services for women and families and generating savings. It concludes that it is possible to deliver high quality, safe and effective care when midwives are engaged and lead on innovation and emphasises the important role that clinical leadership plays in enabling innovation and improvement to take place.
This study looks at examples of innovative practice across England and shows how midwives are leading on improving services for women and families and generating savings. It concludes that it is possible to deliver high quality, safe and effective care when midwives are engaged and lead on innovation and emphasises the important role that clinical leadership plays in enabling innovation and improvement to take place.
Fears grow over Ugandan Ebola outbreak
Fears grow over Ugandan Ebola outbreak:
Authorities in western Uganda are holding 11 patients in isolation following an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, health officials said.Fourteen people have died so far of the haemorrhagic fever, amid an outbreak which officials fear will be similar to one 12 years ago which infected 425 people, killing more than half of them.A child was among the two most recent cases which have yet to be confirmed as E... Healthcare Today
Authorities in western Uganda are holding 11 patients in isolation following an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, health officials said.Fourteen people have died so far of the haemorrhagic fever, amid an outbreak which officials fear will be similar to one 12 years ago which infected 425 people, killing more than half of them.A child was among the two most recent cases which have yet to be confirmed as E... Healthcare Today
Caesarean sections result in infections for one in ten patients, study finds
Caesarean sections result in infections for one in ten patients, study finds:
NHS urged to make reduction of problem a priority as overweight and teenage mothers found to be most likely to suffer
One in 10 women who have a baby by caesarean section go on to develop an infection around their scar, which causes them pain and discomfort and forces some to go back into hospital to be treated.
Mothers who are overweight or obese, or those giving birth under the age of 20, are the groups most likely to end up contracting an infection related to their operation, according to new research.
One in 10 women who have a baby by caesarean section go on to develop an infection around their scar, which causes them pain and discomfort and forces some to go back into hospital to be treated.
Mothers who are overweight or obese, or those giving birth under the age of 20, are the groups most likely to end up contracting an infection related to their operation, according to new research.
NHS is failing patients with neurological conditions, claims report
NHS is failing patients with neurological conditions, claims report:
Poor primary care means too many people with brain illnesses are being admitted to emergency wards, says group
People with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease suffer "neglect" by the NHS, claims a report by an alliance of charities representing patients.
People with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease suffer "neglect" by the NHS, claims a report by an alliance of charities representing patients.
Nurses 'cleaning wards at cash-strapped hospitals'
Nurses 'cleaning wards at cash-strapped hospitals': Debt crisis means there is "not sufficient funding to provide a 24/7 cleaning service" at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals trust.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Thousands of juniors start jobs in NHS 'killing season'
Thousands of juniors start jobs in NHS 'killing season': Today is Black Wednesday because death rates rise by six per cent.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphAntidepressant prescriptions account for largest annual rise in items dispensed in the community
Antidepressant prescriptions account for largest annual rise in items dispensed in the community: - Overall prescription numbers continue to rise while total cost fallsJust under 46.7 million prescriptions for antidepressants were dispensed in England... NHS Information Centre
Does ‘nurse burnout’ increase rates of infection?
Does ‘nurse burnout’ increase rates of infection?:
“Overworked nurses ‘put patients at greater risk of infection’,” is the headline in the Daily Mail.
The news is based on a survey from the US that looked at a combination of:
“Overworked nurses ‘put patients at greater risk of infection’,” is the headline in the Daily Mail.
The news is based on a survey from the US that looked at a combination of:
- the nurse to patient ratio in 161 hospitals in Pennsylvania
- how many cases of two common hospital-acquired infections occurred in these hospitals
- reported feelings of ‘burnout’ by nurses working in those hospitals
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Disabled people 'feel hostility'
Disabled people 'feel hostility': A survey by the charity Scope suggests many disabled people feel media coverage about benefit cheats has a negative impact on them. BBC News
A&E quality indicators for England by provider, March 2012
A&E quality indicators for England by provider, March 2012: This data covers A&E attendances in March 2012 and draws on 1.53m detailed records of attendances at major A&E departments, single speciality A&E departments (eg dental A&Es), minor injury units and walk-in centres in England. NHS Information Centre
Diabetic foot care 'appalling'
Diabetic foot care 'appalling': Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of having a foot amputated because of an "appalling" lack of specialist services, according to Diabetes UK. BBC News
Viewpoint: GPs at the heart of health and social care integration
Viewpoint: GPs at the heart of health and social care integration: Dr Lisa Bostock, from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), writes about the work that professionals are doing to generate health and social care integration. GP Online
NIHR publishes 2012 league table on NHS Trust research activity
NIHR publishes 2012 league table on NHS Trust research activity: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Clinical Research Network has published its 2012 league table, showing the extent of clinical research activity across the NHS in England. It details the number of studies undertaken by each individual Trust, and the number of patients they recruit into those studies. It also shows who is leading the way in delivering clinical research opportunities for patients and which Trusts have made a significant step-change in their research activity. National Institute for Health Research
Ensuring education reform enhances patient outcome: providers' planning and driving a workforce budget of £5bn
Ensuring education reform enhances patient outcome: providers' planning and driving a workforce budget of £5bn:
This briefing looks at how the creation of Health Education England and Local Education and Training Boards provides the opportunity for employers to ensure that the £5 billion annual national investment in education and training delivers the best possible patient outcome.
This briefing looks at how the creation of Health Education England and Local Education and Training Boards provides the opportunity for employers to ensure that the £5 billion annual national investment in education and training delivers the best possible patient outcome.
Pay framework for very senior managers in strategic and SHAs, PCTs and ambulance trusts
Pay framework for very senior managers in strategic and SHAs, PCTs and ambulance trusts:
This framework has been updated to include the pay rates in the clustered SHAs.
This framework has been updated to include the pay rates in the clustered SHAs.
Gaps in TB screening in the UK
Gaps in TB screening in the UK:
Experts fear that people most at risk of developing tuberculosis are not being screened in some parts of the UK.
As latest statistics show a rise in new cases of TB, there are growing concerns the national programme for high-risk groups is not being implemented in areas with the highest incidence.Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, head of the TB section at the Health Protection Agency (HPA), said guidance from the... Healthcare Today
Experts fear that people most at risk of developing tuberculosis are not being screened in some parts of the UK.
As latest statistics show a rise in new cases of TB, there are growing concerns the national programme for high-risk groups is not being implemented in areas with the highest incidence.Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, head of the TB section at the Health Protection Agency (HPA), said guidance from the... Healthcare Today
Bankruptcy and criminal record may be no bar to top NHS roles - The Guardian
Bankruptcy and criminal record may be no bar to top NHS roles - The Guardian:
 The Guardian | Bankruptcy and criminal record may be no bar to top NHS roles The Guardian Officials said that while the requirement could not be "relaxed" for foundation trusts without primary legislation Monitor believes that other healthcare providers – such as mental health trusts or private companies – should not have to meet the same ... Monitor drops controversial credit rating planHealth Service Journal all 4 news articles » |
Care Quality Commission critic can stay on board, rules Andrew Lansley
Care Quality Commission critic can stay on board, rules Andrew Lansley:
Kay Sheldon said executives put personal survival above interests of Stafford hospital patients
The director of the health regulator who appeared last year at a public inquiry criticising its chief executive and chair will remain on the board, it has been confirmed. Kay Sheldon told the Francis inquiry into regulatory failure over death rates at Stafford hospital, part of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, that Care Quality Commission executives put "reputation management and personal survival" ahead of patients' best interests, and that she had been rebuffed when she raised this internally.
On the day she gave evidence, the commission's chair, Dame Jo Williams, wrote to Andrew Lansley asking the health secretary to remove Sheldon. Last week Lansley wrote to Sheldon saying he had decided she could stay as a "full and active" non-executive board member. Sheldon said she was "looking forward to the next board meeting in September".
Lansley's decision raises a question over how long Williams can stay on the commission's board. The CQC has had a difficult year. It came under fire not only in the Francis inquiry but also from MPs and an internal Department of Health review. In February the commission's chief executive, Cynthia Bower, resigned after the health department published a damning assessment of the CQC, supporting many of Sheldon's concerns. The new chief executive, David Behan, the former director general for social care at the Department of Health, began work earlier this month. The Guardian
The director of the health regulator who appeared last year at a public inquiry criticising its chief executive and chair will remain on the board, it has been confirmed. Kay Sheldon told the Francis inquiry into regulatory failure over death rates at Stafford hospital, part of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, that Care Quality Commission executives put "reputation management and personal survival" ahead of patients' best interests, and that she had been rebuffed when she raised this internally.
On the day she gave evidence, the commission's chair, Dame Jo Williams, wrote to Andrew Lansley asking the health secretary to remove Sheldon. Last week Lansley wrote to Sheldon saying he had decided she could stay as a "full and active" non-executive board member. Sheldon said she was "looking forward to the next board meeting in September".
Lansley's decision raises a question over how long Williams can stay on the commission's board. The CQC has had a difficult year. It came under fire not only in the Francis inquiry but also from MPs and an internal Department of Health review. In February the commission's chief executive, Cynthia Bower, resigned after the health department published a damning assessment of the CQC, supporting many of Sheldon's concerns. The new chief executive, David Behan, the former director general for social care at the Department of Health, began work earlier this month. The Guardian
Doctors 'not telling patients benefits of exercise'
Doctors 'not telling patients benefits of exercise': Doctors are failing to advise patients on the benefits of exercise because its teaching is "sparse or non-existent" in medical schools, specialists warn today.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Three-fold variation in number of patients GPs send for cancer tests: figures
Three-fold variation in number of patients GPs send for cancer tests: figures: Thousands of cancer patients may be treated too late because some GPs are three times less likely to refer them to a specialist, official figures have revealed for the first time.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphMonday, 30 July 2012
Centre faces criticism over standard of care
Centre faces criticism over standard of care:
Bosses at a health centre have pledged to meet concerned residents after it faced some criticism over standards of care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Bosses at a health centre have pledged to meet concerned residents after it faced some criticism over standards of care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Attacks on Northampton General Hospital staff double - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Attacks on Northampton General Hospital staff double - Northampton Chronicle & Echo:
 Northampton Chronicle & Echo | Attacks on Northampton General Hospital staff double Northampton Chronicle & Echo But he warned NGH was seeing more of these disruptive patients, making it “inevitable” there would be more low level attacks such as “scratching pinching and flailing of arms”.For example up to 70 per cent of NGH patients are aged 65 or over and about ... |
Facing the challenges ahead, together
Facing the challenges ahead, together: Use of quality improvement methods is a prerequisite for organisations wanting to make sustainable cost and quality improvements, says Joy Furnival. Health Foundation
Strategic clinical networks
Strategic clinical networks:
Called strategic clinical networks, these organisations will build on the success of network activity in the NHS which, over the last 10 years, has led to significant improvements in the delivery of patient care.
Strategic clinical networks, hosted and funded by the NHS Commissioning Board, will cover conditions or patient groups where improvements can be made through an integrated, whole system approach. These networks will help local commissioners of NHS care to reduce unwarranted variation in services and encourage innovation. NHS Networks
Called strategic clinical networks, these organisations will build on the success of network activity in the NHS which, over the last 10 years, has led to significant improvements in the delivery of patient care.
Strategic clinical networks, hosted and funded by the NHS Commissioning Board, will cover conditions or patient groups where improvements can be made through an integrated, whole system approach. These networks will help local commissioners of NHS care to reduce unwarranted variation in services and encourage innovation. NHS Networks
Investment in mental health: working age adult and older adult reports
Investment in mental health: working age adult and older adult reports:The Department of Health has published two reports on the investment on mental health services:
The older adult mental health (OPMH) report provides details of the level of investment in mental health services covering people aged 65 and above, in England for 2011/12 and compares it with the reported results in previous years since 2006/07.
- the eleventh annual working age adult (WAA) (PDF, 1284K)
- the older adult mental health (OPMH) report (PDF,987K)
The older adult mental health (OPMH) report provides details of the level of investment in mental health services covering people aged 65 and above, in England for 2011/12 and compares it with the reported results in previous years since 2006/07.
Charities in 'mate crime' warning
Charities in 'mate crime' warning: Fears over the extent of abuse of people with learning disabilities by fake friends, prompt calls by charities for more funding to tackle so-called "mate crime". BBC News
How to use shift systems and workforce planning to effectively reduce agency spend
How to use shift systems and workforce planning to effectively reduce agency spend: Read our newly published guidance on using shift systems and workforce planning to reduce agency costs. NHS Employers
Annual leave is carried forward during long term sickness absence
Annual leave is carried forward during long term sickness absence: The Court of Appeal has decided that where an employee has not been able to take annual leave because of long term sickness absence, that untaken leave should be carried over to the next year. NHS Employers
Resources for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs)
Resources for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs):
These resources are part of the CCG Learning Network that provides online support, resources and information for proposed CCGs. These include guidance and process documents, toolkits and other information around authorisation, governance, establishment and commissioning support.
These resources are part of the CCG Learning Network that provides online support, resources and information for proposed CCGs. These include guidance and process documents, toolkits and other information around authorisation, governance, establishment and commissioning support.
NHS considers organ donation shakeup
NHS considers organ donation shakeup: NHS Blood and Transplant publishes survey seeking views on options including presumed consent and elective ventilation
The NHS is considering its biggest shakeup of the ethical, legal and professional rules governing transplants, floating ideas to prolong the lives of people who have no chance of surviving in order to harvest their organs, and to make people opt out rather than in to the donor register.
The options are included in a survey of medical, scientific and public opinion to be launched this week to test the boundaries of what might be acceptable, as a precursor to significant reforms.
The NHS is considering its biggest shakeup of the ethical, legal and professional rules governing transplants, floating ideas to prolong the lives of people who have no chance of surviving in order to harvest their organs, and to make people opt out rather than in to the donor register.
The options are included in a survey of medical, scientific and public opinion to be launched this week to test the boundaries of what might be acceptable, as a precursor to significant reforms.
Disability tests 'sending sick and disabled back to work'
Disability tests 'sending sick and disabled back to work': People deemed too sick or disabled to work denied benefits due to 'patchy' assessment, report claims
. The Daily Telegraph
. The Daily Telegraph
NHS staff slam 'two-tier system' that allows bosses to receive bonuses while frontline employees fight for their jobs
NHS staff slam 'two-tier system' that allows bosses to receive bonuses while frontline employees fight for their jobs:
NHS workers have accused senior staff of exercising a "two-tier system", after top brass received bumper bonuses while frontline employees fight for their jobs. The Independent
NHS workers have accused senior staff of exercising a "two-tier system", after top brass received bumper bonuses while frontline employees fight for their jobs. The Independent
Shadow doctors to end 'Black Wednesday'
Shadow doctors to end 'Black Wednesday':
Abigail Downing, a 24-year-old junior doctor at Bristol Heart Institute, is pacing the floors of her ward. She checks on each and every one of her 24 patients, arduously writing down every minute detail in their exchange. She is responsible not only for documenting the ins-and-outs of each patient's illness and the happenings on her floor, but today, she is also showing me, how we can put an end to what has been dubbed the National Health Service's "Black Wednesday", once and for all.The Independent
Abigail Downing, a 24-year-old junior doctor at Bristol Heart Institute, is pacing the floors of her ward. She checks on each and every one of her 24 patients, arduously writing down every minute detail in their exchange. She is responsible not only for documenting the ins-and-outs of each patient's illness and the happenings on her floor, but today, she is also showing me, how we can put an end to what has been dubbed the National Health Service's "Black Wednesday", once and for all.The Independent
Whooping cough outbreak continues with 675 new cases reported in June
Whooping cough outbreak continues with 675 new cases reported in June: Confirmed cases of whooping cough in England and Wales reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) are continuing to rise, with a further 675 cases reported in June, bringing the total so far this year to 2,466.
Friday, 27 July 2012
Don’t get burned this summer
Don’t get burned this summer:
GPs in Northamptonshire are urging people to make sure they look after themselves in the sun. Evening Telegraph
GPs in Northamptonshire are urging people to make sure they look after themselves in the sun. Evening Telegraph
New lab to speed up treatment of Northamptonshire heart patients
New lab to speed up treatment of Northamptonshire heart patients:
Heart treatment at Kettering General Hospital will be quicker after a third catheter laboratory opened in its cardiac centre. Evening Telegraph
Heart treatment at Kettering General Hospital will be quicker after a third catheter laboratory opened in its cardiac centre. Evening Telegraph
Jumping the gun in the telehealth steeplechase? | Nick Goodwin
Jumping the gun in the telehealth steeplechase? | Nick Goodwin: If the adoption of telehealth were an Olympic sport, it would probably represent the steeplechase – whilst many have been brave enough to try out for the event, most have decided not to enter at all as the barriers to success seem insurmountably steep. Kings Fund
Independent experts set out recommendations to improve children and young people’s health results
Independent experts set out recommendations to improve children and young people’s health results:
The Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum has today published its proposals on how health-related care for children and young people can be improved.
The Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum has today published its proposals on how health-related care for children and young people can be improved.
The Local Health Resilience Partnerships: Implementation information and joint resource pack
The Local Health Resilience Partnerships: Implementation information and joint resource pack:
New arrangements for local health emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) will commence from 1 April 2013 as part of changes the Health and Social Care Act 2012 makes to the health system.
A key feature of the new arrangements is the formation of Local Health Resilience Partnerships (LHRPs). The Department of Health (DH) has published a letter and resource pack which provides information to support the roll out of LHRPs.
New arrangements for local health emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) will commence from 1 April 2013 as part of changes the Health and Social Care Act 2012 makes to the health system.
A key feature of the new arrangements is the formation of Local Health Resilience Partnerships (LHRPs). The Department of Health (DH) has published a letter and resource pack which provides information to support the roll out of LHRPs.
Map of CCG authorisation waves
Map of CCG authorisation waves: View our map detailing the boundaries of all 212 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to see how and when they are set to become authorised. GP Online
"Innovation" is an NHS buzzword. It shouldn't be.
"Innovation" is an NHS buzzword. It shouldn't be.: How the NHS stifles new ideas. Innovation has been an NHS buzzword for quite some time. It's how they think they are going to make money. The word peppers Andrew Lansley's sentences and appears on every NHS website. It turns conference speeches into tongue twisters and makes job titles too long to fit on to name badges. But let's cliche this down. Being innovative is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are . . . you aren't. The NHS ... New Statesman
Preparing for the Francis report: how to assure quality in the NHS
Preparing for the Francis report: how to assure quality in the NHS:
This paper examines how the system of quality assurance, including regulation, needs to evolve, the principles on which it should be built and how it should operate. The authors argue that the system of quality assurance must support the actions and effectiveness of those working at the front line and of those who manage and lead organisations that deliver care. This paper is intended to help to shape the debate about how quality can be assured in future and inform how organisations at every level of the system including government, professional and other regulators, local providers and individual professionals will respond to the challenges that the events at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust have highlighted.
This paper examines how the system of quality assurance, including regulation, needs to evolve, the principles on which it should be built and how it should operate. The authors argue that the system of quality assurance must support the actions and effectiveness of those working at the front line and of those who manage and lead organisations that deliver care. This paper is intended to help to shape the debate about how quality can be assured in future and inform how organisations at every level of the system including government, professional and other regulators, local providers and individual professionals will respond to the challenges that the events at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust have highlighted.
NHS internal audit standards
NHS internal audit standards:
These standards ensure that those responsible for establishing, delivering and reviewing internal audit across the NHS continue to do so within a consistent framework. These recently published standards took effect from 1 April 2011, replacing the existing standards issued in 2002 and they apply to all NHS organisations. The standards are principles-based with additional interpretation to reflect the NHS environment and governance structures. These standards are aimed at providers of internal audit services. There is also an important role for accountable/accounting Officers and audit committees to assure themselves that their internal audit service meets the standards and any necessary improvement plans are agreed and delivered.
These standards ensure that those responsible for establishing, delivering and reviewing internal audit across the NHS continue to do so within a consistent framework. These recently published standards took effect from 1 April 2011, replacing the existing standards issued in 2002 and they apply to all NHS organisations. The standards are principles-based with additional interpretation to reflect the NHS environment and governance structures. These standards are aimed at providers of internal audit services. There is also an important role for accountable/accounting Officers and audit committees to assure themselves that their internal audit service meets the standards and any necessary improvement plans are agreed and delivered.
Are junior doctors a burden or an asset for managers?
Are junior doctors a burden or an asset for managers?:
Richard Vize argues that junior doctors make a vital contribution and we need to listen to them in order to deliver high-quality care
Junior doctors are often more associated with increasing death rates than raising standards in the public's mind, and have seemed more tolerated than embraced. But attitudes towards this vital and substantial section of the NHS workforce are changing.
Junior doctors are often more associated with increasing death rates than raising standards in the public's mind, and have seemed more tolerated than embraced. But attitudes towards this vital and substantial section of the NHS workforce are changing.
Standardised bed chart 'could prevent hundreds of hospital deaths'
Standardised bed chart 'could prevent hundreds of hospital deaths':
Royal College of Physicians says there are more than 100 types of chart monitoring patients' vital signs, leading to confusion
Thousands of hospital deaths could be prevented if doctors and nurses used a standardised bed chart, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has said.
Thousands of hospital deaths could be prevented if doctors and nurses used a standardised bed chart, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has said.
Proportion of schoolchildren taking drugs fell over the past decade, says new report
Proportion of schoolchildren taking drugs fell over the past decade, says new report: 11 to 15-year-old pupils are also smoking and drinking less than ten years ago Drug-taking among secondary school children fell by 12 percentage point... NHS Information Centre
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Hospital pays millions over medical errors
Hospital pays millions over medical errors: A hospital has paid out almost £12 million in compensation in the
past two years for mistakes made while patients have been in its care.
And Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust last year also agreed to
£8.9m worth of clinical negligence claims, according to figures released
through a Freedom of Information request... Northampton Herald and PostHour wait for injured woman ‘left in gutter’
Hour wait for injured woman ‘left in gutter’:
An elderly woman lay for more than an hour with two broken bones because ambulances in Northamptonshire were too busy to collect her. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
An elderly woman lay for more than an hour with two broken bones because ambulances in Northamptonshire were too busy to collect her. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Stroke rehabilitation in the community: commissioning for improvement
Stroke rehabilitation in the community: commissioning for improvement:
Together with detailed examples of good practice and information about early supported discharge (ESD) service models implemented in England, it explores factors which influence local commissioning, and identifies tools to assist with commissioning and funding rehabilitation. This new publication is particularly relevant to the emerging commissioning landscape, the development of a new outcomes framework, and the positioning of stroke within long term conditions. NHS Networks
Together with detailed examples of good practice and information about early supported discharge (ESD) service models implemented in England, it explores factors which influence local commissioning, and identifies tools to assist with commissioning and funding rehabilitation. This new publication is particularly relevant to the emerging commissioning landscape, the development of a new outcomes framework, and the positioning of stroke within long term conditions. NHS Networks
Britons missing 'five-a-day' goal
Britons missing 'five-a-day' goal: Fewer than a third of adults and only one in 10 children are eating their recommended "five-a-day" of fruit and vegetables, government figures say. BBC News
£7.8m to fund HIV and sexual health work
£7.8m to fund HIV and sexual health work: England has a strong record in HIV prevention but the stakes and potential gains have never been higher Public Service
All children to be offered flu vaccines
All children to be offered flu vaccines:
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) says all children and young people aged from two to 17 will offered a flu vaccine.England's Chief Medical Officer told the BBC that offering the vaccine would result in significantly fewer numbers of deaths and hospitalisations, according to the results of a study by the Health Protection Agency and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. ... HealthcareToday
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) says all children and young people aged from two to 17 will offered a flu vaccine.England's Chief Medical Officer told the BBC that offering the vaccine would result in significantly fewer numbers of deaths and hospitalisations, according to the results of a study by the Health Protection Agency and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. ... HealthcareToday
Improving mental health services for LGBT young people
Improving mental health services for LGBT young people:
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have taken a new approach to support those reluctant to use mainstream services.
Patients flood A&E as GPs cut surgery hours
Patients flood A&E as GPs cut surgery hours: Millions of patients are unable to get GP appointments in the evenings or at weekends as doctors cut back on out-of-hours care, NHS figures suggest.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphFlu vaccine for all children – but parents suffer adverse reaction
Flu vaccine for all children – but parents suffer adverse reaction:
It didn't take long for the naysayers to react. "Don't poison your children," tweeted one mother in response to the Government's announcement yesterday that all children aged from two to 17 would be offered the flu vaccine. The Independent
It didn't take long for the naysayers to react. "Don't poison your children," tweeted one mother in response to the Government's announcement yesterday that all children aged from two to 17 would be offered the flu vaccine. The Independent
Hepatitis C hospital cases soar
Hepatitis C hospital cases soar:
Around 216,000 people in the UK are chronically infected with hepatitis C. The Independent
Around 216,000 people in the UK are chronically infected with hepatitis C. The Independent
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