Thursday, 20 September 2012
NHS encourages smokers to give up next month
NHS encourages smokers to give up next month: Throughout October, NHS Northamptonshire is launching a ‘Stoptober’ campaign in an effort to help people give up smoking. Evening Telegraph
New health guide for older people being launched in Corby
New health guide for older people being launched in Corby: A new health guide is being launched for Corby aimed at older people in the town. Evening Telegraph
A mounting case for change, but will it drive change in a 'liberated NHS'?
A mounting case for change, but will it drive change in a 'liberated NHS'?: In the light of two new reports, Candace Imison reflects on the impact of staff provision during out-of-hours on the quality of care. King's Fund
NHS must deal with risk posed by SME suppliers
NHS must deal with risk posed by SME suppliers: Government must consider challenges of opening NHS procurement to smaller suppliers, Intellect official warns Public Service
NHS Confederation calls for bold action and investment by commissioners to improve sustainability of NHS services
NHS Confederation calls for bold action and investment by commissioners to improve sustainability of NHS services: NHS Confederation chief executive Mike Farrar calls on NHS Commissioning Board, due to take the reins in October, to be bolder in releasing the cash in the system to help providers transform their service
Half of medical reporting 'is subject to spin'
Half of medical reporting 'is subject to spin':
A study that you probably won’t be reading in your daily paper or favourite news website anytime soon casts serious doubts on the reliability of mainstream medical and health journalism.
The study found that 51% of news items reporting on medical trials – specifically on randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which are seen as the gold standard in judging whether a treatment is effective or safe – were subject to “spin”.
A study that you probably won’t be reading in your daily paper or favourite news website anytime soon casts serious doubts on the reliability of mainstream medical and health journalism.
The study found that 51% of news items reporting on medical trials – specifically on randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which are seen as the gold standard in judging whether a treatment is effective or safe – were subject to “spin”.
The right to live
The right to live: Jill Davies, Research Programme Manager talks about the shocking case of a man with Down's syndrome suing East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust over a hospital's decision to issue a DNR order. Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
NHS has cash reserves of £4bn, report shows
NHS has cash reserves of £4bn, report shows:
Disclosure raises questions over tight health budgets and draws criticism from Unison
The NHS has built up cash reserves of almost £4bn even as rationing has increased, the number of nurses has fallen and the service has had to make unprecedented savings, an Audit Commission report reveals.
The NHS has built up cash reserves of almost £4bn even as rationing has increased, the number of nurses has fallen and the service has had to make unprecedented savings, an Audit Commission report reveals.
NHS under pressure with more trusts in the red
NHS under pressure with more trusts in the red: Number of NHS trusts in financial difficulty has more than doubled in a year, an Audit Commission report warns.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
NHS faces £8bn cuts 'after next election'
NHS faces £8bn cuts 'after next election':
The National Health Service could face cuts of almost £8bn immediately after the next general election, according to the first analysis of the Government's own figures as it draws up another round of spending reductions. The |Independent
The National Health Service could face cuts of almost £8bn immediately after the next general election, according to the first analysis of the Government's own figures as it draws up another round of spending reductions. The |Independent
Hunt paves way for U-turn on casualty unit closures
Hunt paves way for U-turn on casualty unit closures: Jeremy Hunt has ordered a fresh political assessment of controversial plans to shut hospital casualty units as one of his first acts as Health Secretary. The Independent
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Personal health budgets: the 10 features of an effective process
Personal health budgets: the 10 features of an effective process: It draws on the learning of pilot sites in the region and nationally to outline the 10 features of an effective personal health budget process within NHS continuing healthcare. NHS Networks
Painkillers 'cause' of headaches
Painkillers 'cause' of headaches: Up to a million people in the UK are giving themselves severe headaches by taking too many painkillers, doctors have warned. BBC News
Health ministers' portfolios revealed by DH
Health ministers' portfolios revealed by DH: Conservative peer Lord Howe will remain the health minister responsible for primary care and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) following the cabinet reshuffle. GP Online
Hospitals on the Edge
Hospitals on the Edge: The Royal College of Physicians has published 'Hospitals on the edge: the time for action?' This report sets out the magnitude of the challenges facing acute care services. It is a call for action for all involved in the design and delivery of health services. The report suggests it is increasingly clear that the organisation of hospital care must be radically reviewed if the health service is to meet the needs of patients. Royal College of Physicians
Shake-up to employment law
Shake-up to employment law: The Coalition Government started a systematic review of employment law in 2010. This is the update. NHS Employers
Safe staffing for older people: RCN full report and recommendations
Safe staffing for older people: RCN full report and recommendations: This report, from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), sets out guidance and recommendations for the provision of good quality, compassionate and
safe nursing care for older people in hospital.
safe nursing care for older people in hospital.
Caring Conversations: Half a Million Voices: improving support for BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) carers – one year on
Caring Conversations: Half a Million Voices: improving support for BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) carers – one year on: As part of a series of Caring Conversations policy and practice papers focussing on carers, Carers UK and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) have jointly produced a briefing looking at improving recognition, responsiveness and outcomes for BAME carers, to mark the first anniversary of the publication of the research Half a Million Voices.
British Social Attitudes 29
British Social Attitudes 29: The National Centre for Social Research has released the latest British Social Attitudes report, a study of how people's lives are changing and their views on how Britain is run. It draws on three decades of data, and spans three recessions and seven elections. The results for health show a decrease in the public's satisfaction with the way the NHS is run.
Cancer support offered by libraries
Cancer support offered by libraries:
Macmillan Cancer Support and Glasgow Life are collaborating in order to offer cancer support and information at libraries across the city.The new project, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, wants to ensure that people with cancer are able to get support from their local community.A Macmillan Service Delivery Manager will lead a team of volunteers at 25 libraries around Glasgow.The... Healthcare Today
Macmillan Cancer Support and Glasgow Life are collaborating in order to offer cancer support and information at libraries across the city.The new project, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, wants to ensure that people with cancer are able to get support from their local community.A Macmillan Service Delivery Manager will lead a team of volunteers at 25 libraries around Glasgow.The... Healthcare Today
Complaints about doctors at 'record high'
Complaints about doctors at 'record high':
The number of complaints against doctors in the UK is on the rise, according to widespread media coverage. The Daily Telegraph has reported that complaints have reached a “record high”, while the Daily Mail says that GPs are “rude, dishonest and hard to understand”.
The number of complaints against doctors in the UK is on the rise, according to widespread media coverage. The Daily Telegraph has reported that complaints have reached a “record high”, while the Daily Mail says that GPs are “rude, dishonest and hard to understand”.
Eleven NHS foundation trusts have serious financial problems, MPs told
Eleven NHS foundation trusts have serious financial problems, MPs told: Provision of services to change at struggling south London trust, and finances of 13 other trusts under scrutiny. Key services are set to end at hospitals operated by a debt-ridden NHS trust in south London as part of efforts to rescue it, and a growing number of NHS organisations are getting into financial trouble, MPs have been told.
Hundreds of patients dying of thirst in Britain's hospitals
Hundreds of patients dying of thirst in Britain's hospitals: Hundreds of hospital patients are dying of dehydration each year, official figures show.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Drug giants give up on Alzheimer's cure
Drug giants give up on Alzheimer's cure:
The world's leading pharmaceutical companies are downgrading the search for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease after the failure of a series of high-profile drugs trials. The Independent
The world's leading pharmaceutical companies are downgrading the search for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease after the failure of a series of high-profile drugs trials. The Independent
Poisons experts issue warning about wild mushroom foraging
Poisons experts issue warning about wild mushroom foraging: Wild food enthusiasts are being urged to take extra care when foraging for mushrooms because of the risk of picking toxic varieties, says the Health Protection Agency's poisons experts. Health Protection Agency
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Community mental health survey 2012
Community mental health survey 2012: This survey of over 15,000 people on their experiences of community mental health services found that they are treated with dignity and respect by the health or social care worker they had seen most recently. However, some would have liked more support in getting help with aspects of day-to-day living. Care Quality Commission
Release of Organisation Patient Safety Incident reports
Release of Organisation Patient Safety Incident reports: The NHS Commissioning Board Authority has published the latest set of Organisation Patient Safety Incident data.
The figures show that the number of patient safety incidents in England that occurred between 1 October 2011 and 31 March 2012 and were submitted to the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) by 31 May 2012 was 612,414. This is an increase of 2.3 per cent compared to the previous reporting period (1 April 2011 to 30 September 2011.)
The figures show that the number of patient safety incidents in England that occurred between 1 October 2011 and 31 March 2012 and were submitted to the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) by 31 May 2012 was 612,414. This is an increase of 2.3 per cent compared to the previous reporting period (1 April 2011 to 30 September 2011.)
Cancer patient work plans altered
Cancer patient work plans altered: Fewer cancer patients will have to look for work while receiving treatment, under revised proposals from the Department for Work and Pensions. BBC News
RCGP sets out 10-year plan to improve general practice
RCGP sets out 10-year plan to improve general practice: General practice has a key role to play in transforming the NHS over the next decade but will struggle to cope without investment in more GPs, longer training and support for existing staff, a landmark RCGP consultation warns. GP Online
Procurement of healthcare (clinical) services: briefings for CCGs
Procurement of healthcare (clinical) services: briefings for CCGs:
Working
with CCGs and others, the NHS Commissioning Board Authority has
developed a series of procurement briefings for CCGs that summarise the
key elements of legislation and guidance currently governing NHS
procurement of healthcare services.
with CCGs and others, the NHS Commissioning Board Authority has
developed a series of procurement briefings for CCGs that summarise the
key elements of legislation and guidance currently governing NHS
procurement of healthcare services.
- Introduction: why do CCGs need to understand procurement?
- How does procurement fit with the different stages of commissioning?
- What are the procurement options?
- Which rules apply to a procurement process?
- How should a procurement process be conducted?
- Summary of the decision-making process.
- NHS Commissioning Board - news
Ban on MPs with mental health issues to be axed
Ban on MPs with mental health issues to be axed:
Moves are under way which would allow people with serious mental health issues to become MPs, company directors and serve on juries.
At present, people with such conditions are banned from serving in Parliament or holding some other key posts.
But now, the government has given its support to a private member’s bill by Tory MP Gavin Barwell, who’s Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill earlier received ... Healthcare Today
Moves are under way which would allow people with serious mental health issues to become MPs, company directors and serve on juries.
At present, people with such conditions are banned from serving in Parliament or holding some other key posts.
But now, the government has given its support to a private member’s bill by Tory MP Gavin Barwell, who’s Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill earlier received ... Healthcare Today
Public 'putting off visiting GPs'
Public 'putting off visiting GPs': Health experts are encouraging people not to put off seeing their GPs after research showed that almost a quarter of Britons would not see a doctor for a complaint because of the hassle of getting an appointment.The Independent
Third of mental health patients want more physical health support
Third of mental health patients want more physical health support - Communitycare.co.uk:
 The Guardian |
Third of mental health patients want more physical health support
Communitycare.co.uk The Care Quality Commission's (CQC) 2012 survey of people using community mental health services found that 36% of patients 'who needed support' for their physical needs had not received any, up 5% from the previous year. The number of patients who ... More help urged for mental health patientsNursing Times New health ministers' portfolios unveiledHealth Service Journal all 40 news articles » |
Complaints about doctors' professional conduct reach record levels
Complaints about doctors' professional conduct reach record levels: General Medical Council report shows one in 64 doctors now face possibility of being investigated by the regulator.
Complaints about the professional conduct of doctors rose by 23% last year to reach record levels, according to figures published today.
Complaints about the professional conduct of doctors rose by 23% last year to reach record levels, according to figures published today.
More hospices needed 'to care for people dying gradually'
More hospices needed 'to care for people dying gradually': More hospices and care homes are needed to cope with increasing numbers of people dying "gradual" deaths, say doctors.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Doctors from crisis-hit eurozone countries heading to UK for work
Doctors from crisis-hit eurozone countries heading to UK for work: The financial crisis in the eurozone has led to a dramatic increase in the number of doctors from countries such as Greece and Spain leaving to work in the UK, new figures have revealed. The Independent
Monday, 17 September 2012
Patients see doctors via webcam
Patients see doctors via webcam: An NHS Foundation trust in Northamptonshire is using video consultation for doctors appointments. BBC Northamptonshire
Three-hour wait in agony for ambulance
Three-hour wait in agony for ambulance:
A teenage boy had to suffer in agony waiting for an ambulance to arrive after he shattered his knee while playing football. Evening Telegraph
A teenage boy had to suffer in agony waiting for an ambulance to arrive after he shattered his knee while playing football. Evening Telegraph
Public asked for views on ambulance service changes
Public asked for views on ambulance service changes:
A public consultation on changes to East Midlands Ambulance Service is being launched on Monday (September 17). Evening Telegraph
A public consultation on changes to East Midlands Ambulance Service is being launched on Monday (September 17). Evening Telegraph
More than a third of East Midlands men’s bellies so big they cannot see their genitals
More than a third of East Midlands men’s bellies so big they cannot see their genitals:
A survey suggests that 37 per cent of East Midlands men are unable to see their own genitals because they are so obese. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A survey suggests that 37 per cent of East Midlands men are unable to see their own genitals because they are so obese. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Ads to show 'reality' of nursing
Ads to show 'reality' of nursing: A campaign by the Royal College of Nursing aims to show the reality of nursing, and to explore the reasons behind failures in care. BBC News
Unfair cataract rationing needs DH intervention, experts warn
Unfair cataract rationing needs DH intervention, experts warn: The government must take action against PCTs for unfairly restricting cataract surgery for cost reasons following further evidence of rationing, according to the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. GP Online
MPs plan "short" inquiry into NICE
MPs plan "short" inquiry into NICE: PharmaTimes reports that the House of Commons Health Committee has announced that it is to hold a "short" inquiry into the work of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The inquiry will be held before the term of office for the current chair - Professor Sir Michael Rawlins - ends in March 2013. A pre-appointment hearing will be held by the Health Committee for the government's preferred candidate for the new chair towards the end of this year. Prior to this hearing, the short inquiry is intended to examine the way the Institute has discharged its current functions and will look forward to the changes in its role that will come into effect from April 1 next year.
The Health Committee is now calling for written submissions on the work of NICE and the deadline for submitting written evidence to the Committee is noon on Monday October 29 2012. PharmaTimes
The Health Committee is now calling for written submissions on the work of NICE and the deadline for submitting written evidence to the Committee is noon on Monday October 29 2012. PharmaTimes
Down's syndrome patient challenges resuscitation order - BBC News
Down's syndrome patient challenges resuscitation order - BBC News:
 Telegraph.co.uk | Down's syndrome patient challenges resuscitation order BBC News A man with Down's syndrome is suing an NHS trust over a hospital's decision to issue a do-not-resuscitate order giving his disability as one of the reasons. The instruction not to attempt resuscitation in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest ... Down's Syndrome man takes legal action over 'do not resuscitate' orderThe Independent Family of Down's patient sue hospital over DNR orderThe Guardian Action on do not resuscitate orderLittlehampton Gazette Huffington Post UK all 124 news articles » |
Health firms told to get set for £20bn NHS bonanza
Health firms told to get set for £20bn NHS bonanza: Report says there is 'significant opportunity for private sector in primary and secondary care'
Private health firms can expect to win business worth around £20bn from the NHS in the next few years by taking over GP surgeries and setting up new community health clinics, according to a report written for profit-making companies keen to expand their role in the health service.
Private health firms can expect to win business worth around £20bn from the NHS in the next few years by taking over GP surgeries and setting up new community health clinics, according to a report written for profit-making companies keen to expand their role in the health service.
'We screwed up' - health minister on NHS reforms
'We screwed up' - health minister on NHS reforms: Anna Soubry, a new health minister, has said the Coalition made mistakes over changes to health service. The Daily Telegraph
'Antipathy' to reform hits satisfaction with NHS
'Antipathy' to reform hits satisfaction with NHS: "Antipathy" to the Government's controversial health reforms has dragged down people's satisfaction with the NHS, according to an influential think-tank.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Britain unprepared for 'tsunami' of dementia patients
Britain unprepared for 'tsunami' of dementia patients: 
Britain's dementia crisis is so huge that care homes and the health system will soon be unable to cater for the "tsunami" of people expected to be living with the condition, health experts warn. Unless a radical overhaul is taken, they say that hundreds of thousands of patients will face a future defined only by neglect. The Independent
Britain's dementia crisis is so huge that care homes and the health system will soon be unable to cater for the "tsunami" of people expected to be living with the condition, health experts warn. Unless a radical overhaul is taken, they say that hundreds of thousands of patients will face a future defined only by neglect. The Independent
Friday, 14 September 2012
Moving NGH service ‘least bad’ option
Moving NGH service ‘least bad’ option:
Axing some specialist services at Northampton General and Luton and Dunstable hospitals would be the option with the least effect on travel times for patients, a study shows. Chronicle & Echo
Axing some specialist services at Northampton General and Luton and Dunstable hospitals would be the option with the least effect on travel times for patients, a study shows. Chronicle & Echo
Chance to question NHS Northamptonshire's board at AGM - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Chance to question NHS Northamptonshire's board at AGM - Northampton Chronicle & Echo:
Tell us plans for Kettering hospital’s future
Tell us plans for Kettering hospital’s future:
Calls have been made for health officials to fully reveal their plans for the future of our hospitals before putting their proposals to the public. Evening Telegraph
Calls have been made for health officials to fully reveal their plans for the future of our hospitals before putting their proposals to the public. Evening Telegraph
Personalisation and personal budgets can support recovery and transform mental health services, according to new report
Personalisation and personal budgets can support recovery and transform mental health services, according to new report: This new briefing paper from the NHS Confederation and the Centre for Mental Health looks at the impact that personalisation and recovery are having on mental health services in England. The first part of this paper describes personalisation, personal budgets and personal health budgets. The second sets out their shared philosophy and discusses what the [read the full story...] Mental Elf
Headline climb in hospital admissions for stress
Headline climb in hospital admissions for stress: Admissions for stress highest in working age adults, while admissions for anxiety highest in the elderly. Onmedica
GPs can access patient records via tablet devices
GPs can access patient records via tablet devices: The first ever service allowing GPs to access and update their patient records using an iPad or other tablet device has been launched.leading GP software supplier EMIS has just launched the first GP and integrated care system to enable mobile working on all the main tablet devices, from iPads to Android.The EMIS Mobile app allows health professionals to work online and offline, managing patients even when there is no internet connectivity. Functions include accessing their diary and appointment ...Health News
Family of Down's patient sue hospital over DNR order
Family of Down's patient sue hospital over DNR order: Relatives allege doctor at NHS hospital in Kent added 'do not resuscitate' order to man's notes on basis of his disabilityAn NHS hospital is being sued by a family who say doctors placed a "do not resuscitate" order on their relative, denying him potentially life-saving treatment, because he has Down's syndrome.The unnamed family are bringing a legal challenge against a hospital in Kent where a doctor apparently decided staff should make no attempt to resuscitate the patient if he suffered cardiac ... Health News
Preparations for winter planning and reporting set out
Preparations for winter planning and reporting set out:
David Flory, Deputy NHS Chief Executive and Shaun Gallagher, Acting Director General, Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships have set out preparations for winter planning and reporting, which this year will run from 6 November to the end of February 2013.
SHA cluster chief executives are asked to ensure preparations are in place and encourage local NHS organisations to review local winter plans and observe the timetable for daily SITREP reporting.
Read letter Preparations for winter planning and reporting 2012/13
To support the aims of the Cold Weather Plan, the “Warm Homes Healthy People fund” will be made available for winter 2012/2013. The aim of the fund is to support local authorities and their partners in reducing death and morbidity in England due to cold housing in the coming winter.
Department of Health
David Flory, Deputy NHS Chief Executive and Shaun Gallagher, Acting Director General, Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships have set out preparations for winter planning and reporting, which this year will run from 6 November to the end of February 2013.
SHA cluster chief executives are asked to ensure preparations are in place and encourage local NHS organisations to review local winter plans and observe the timetable for daily SITREP reporting.
Read letter Preparations for winter planning and reporting 2012/13
Public Health Cold Weather Plan
Later this autumn, as part of the wider suite of measures to protect individuals and communities from the effects of severe winter weather the DH and NHS are planning to publish the second national Cold Weather Plan.To support the aims of the Cold Weather Plan, the “Warm Homes Healthy People fund” will be made available for winter 2012/2013. The aim of the fund is to support local authorities and their partners in reducing death and morbidity in England due to cold housing in the coming winter.
Department of Health
NHS accelerating innovation support tool goes live
NHS accelerating innovation support tool goes live: Source: PharmaTimes
The Department of Health has launched an implementation support website to help speed the adoption of six high-impact innovations throughout the NHS, which are identified in the 'Innovation Health and Wealth' report as having the potential to transform both quality and value in the NHS:
. increased support for carers of people with dementia
. increased use of technology to allow patients and the public to access healthcare services remotely, should they choose to do so
. the national roll-out of assistive technologies - telehealth and telecare - to three million people by April 2017
. reducing the time it takes from assessment to delivery of wheelchairs for children
. increased use of intra-operative fluid management
. increased opportunities for the NHS to promote the commercial value of its IP and knowledge internationally
The new website has been developed by the Department in partnership with the NHS ...
The Department of Health has launched an implementation support website to help speed the adoption of six high-impact innovations throughout the NHS, which are identified in the 'Innovation Health and Wealth' report as having the potential to transform both quality and value in the NHS:
. increased support for carers of people with dementia
. increased use of technology to allow patients and the public to access healthcare services remotely, should they choose to do so
. the national roll-out of assistive technologies - telehealth and telecare - to three million people by April 2017
. reducing the time it takes from assessment to delivery of wheelchairs for children
. increased use of intra-operative fluid management
. increased opportunities for the NHS to promote the commercial value of its IP and knowledge internationally
The new website has been developed by the Department in partnership with the NHS ...
Medicines use in care pathways
Medicines use in care pathways: 'Optimising medicines use in care pathways using pharmacy support' and the 'Medicines in Commissioning Toolkit' are two key interlinked resources that have been revised and updated to support commissioners to help ensure care pathways which involve medicines deliver improved patient outcomes, are safe, use clinical and cost effective treatment options, offer patient choice and the best patient experience. CASH News
Information Governance Toolkit
Information Governance Toolkit: The Department of Health has issued a statement regarding the completion of IG Toolkit assessments. Following a number of queries over the past weeks from NHS organisations regarding the future of the NHS Information Governance Toolkit, the statement stresses there will be no immediate changes to the toolkit and that organisations will be provided with ample notice should any changes be proposed. In the meantime, organisations should complete and publish IGT assessments as usual during 2012/13. CASH News
Final authorisation decision-making process set out
Final authorisation decision-making process set out:
The CCG authorisation governance process is set to be finalised at the NHS Commissioning Board Authority’s meeting in Newcastle on 20 September. A paper seeks the approval of the Board to further proposals on how the moderation, conditions and decision elements of the CCG authorisation process will operate.
A key proposal is to share the recommendations of the Conditions Panel with the CCG prior to decisions being made by the CCG Authorisation Sub-Committee of the NHS CB. The proposal, which has been developed in response to CCG feedback, means CCGs will have two weeks to comment and provide any new evidence that may remove the need for a specific condition.
If approved, it means the final authorisation decision by the CCG Authorisation Sub-Committee of the NHS CB will be four to five weeks later for each wave, and that first decisions on CCG authorisation are due in November 2012, rather than October.
The paper also proposes the membership and terms of reference for:
It proposes that a standard review date of March 2013 will be built into all conditions and that CCGs may submit evidence to the relevant regional office which will determine whether the condition can be removed for the majority of conditions. For the more substantial conditions, the sub-committee will need to sanction their removal.
Following the decisions of the Board on 20 September, a factsheet on the process will be prepared and circulated to CCGs.
NeLM News
The CCG authorisation governance process is set to be finalised at the NHS Commissioning Board Authority’s meeting in Newcastle on 20 September. A paper seeks the approval of the Board to further proposals on how the moderation, conditions and decision elements of the CCG authorisation process will operate.
A key proposal is to share the recommendations of the Conditions Panel with the CCG prior to decisions being made by the CCG Authorisation Sub-Committee of the NHS CB. The proposal, which has been developed in response to CCG feedback, means CCGs will have two weeks to comment and provide any new evidence that may remove the need for a specific condition.
If approved, it means the final authorisation decision by the CCG Authorisation Sub-Committee of the NHS CB will be four to five weeks later for each wave, and that first decisions on CCG authorisation are due in November 2012, rather than October.
The paper also proposes the membership and terms of reference for:
- The Moderation Panel, chaired by National Director: Commissioning Development Dame Barbara Hakin, will meet once a month from October 2012 to January 2013, and will ensure overall consistency and make recommendations as to whether a CCG should be fully authorised or authorised with conditions.
- The Conditions Panel, chaired by Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer Ian Dalton, will meet fortnightly from November, and will consider what support is required where a CCG has not supplied sufficient evidence to meet a threshold for one or more authorisation criteria. The output of the panel will be a report with the recommended conditions and support for each CCG. Regional directors would be given an opportunity to approve the recommendations made on conditions and support for each CCG being considered from their region prior to consideration by the Conditions Panel. They may choose to take informal soundings locally prior to the Conditions Panel on options where the panel is likely to consider that a CCG needs intensive support.
- The CCG Authorisation Sub-committee will be chaired by an NHS CB non-executive director and will meet twice per wave between October 2012 and February 2013 to make authorisation decisions, and quarterly from March 2013 to consider the removal of conditions. The conclusions of each sub-committee meeting would be published immediately after each meeting, once decision letters have been issued to CCGs.
It proposes that a standard review date of March 2013 will be built into all conditions and that CCGs may submit evidence to the relevant regional office which will determine whether the condition can be removed for the majority of conditions. For the more substantial conditions, the sub-committee will need to sanction their removal.
Following the decisions of the Board on 20 September, a factsheet on the process will be prepared and circulated to CCGs.
NeLM News
RCP report: Hospitals on the edge? - The time for action
RCP report: Hospitals on the edge? - The time for action: Source: RCP
This report from the Royal College of Physicians sets out the magnitude of the challenges facing acute care services. It found that hospitals are struggling to cope with the challenge of an ageing population and increasing hospital admissions and concluded that there an urgent need to radically review the organisation of hospital care if the health service is to meet the needs of patients now and in the future.
This report from the Royal College of Physicians sets out the magnitude of the challenges facing acute care services. It found that hospitals are struggling to cope with the challenge of an ageing population and increasing hospital admissions and concluded that there an urgent need to radically review the organisation of hospital care if the health service is to meet the needs of patients now and in the future.
Doctors' prescriptions 'could severely harm tens of thousands'
Doctors' prescriptions 'could severely harm tens of thousands': Doctors are responsible for prescription errors that could be causing tens of thousands of patients severe harm or death, according to pharmacists.
Telegraph
Telegraph
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Report recommends which specialised services should be commissioned nationally
Report recommends which specialised services should be commissioned nationally:
The services listed in the report will be commissioned by the NHS Commissioning Board from April 2013, rather than by Clinical Commissioning Groups. The list will be agreed by Ministers and the Commissioning Board in the autumn. NHS Networks
The services listed in the report will be commissioned by the NHS Commissioning Board from April 2013, rather than by Clinical Commissioning Groups. The list will be agreed by Ministers and the Commissioning Board in the autumn. NHS Networks
Safeguarding children and adults in the future NHS
Safeguarding children and adults in the future NHS:
The NHS Commissioning Board Authority has published interim advice on arrangements to secure children’s and adult safeguarding, which provides additional information, in particular, to emerging clinical commissioning groups. A covering letter reminds PCTs and SHAs of the vital importance of maintaining appropriate arrangements as the health system goes through transition.
The interim advice, with a covering letter from Jane Cummings and Shaun Gallagher (Acting Director General, Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships), is in the Resources for CCGs area under the Safeguarding heading.
NHS chief executives will wish to consider the implications of this interim advice.
NHS Commissioning
The NHS Commissioning Board Authority has published interim advice on arrangements to secure children’s and adult safeguarding, which provides additional information, in particular, to emerging clinical commissioning groups. A covering letter reminds PCTs and SHAs of the vital importance of maintaining appropriate arrangements as the health system goes through transition.
The interim advice, with a covering letter from Jane Cummings and Shaun Gallagher (Acting Director General, Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships), is in the Resources for CCGs area under the Safeguarding heading.
NHS chief executives will wish to consider the implications of this interim advice.
NHS Commissioning
National audit of intermediate care report 2012
National audit of intermediate care report 2012:
This audit highlights wide variation in service models being used
nationally with differences evident in the extent of multiagency
integration, the scale of services provided, and how intermediate care
sits within the full range of health and community services, in each
local health economy.
Kings Fund
This audit highlights wide variation in service models being used
nationally with differences evident in the extent of multiagency
integration, the scale of services provided, and how intermediate care
sits within the full range of health and community services, in each
local health economy.
Kings Fund
Personal health budgets for continuing healthcare: the 10 features of an effective process
Personal health budgets for continuing healthcare: the 10 features of an effective process:
This paper is part of a broader programme of work with PCT clusters
in the north west of England to help support them for roll out of
personal health budgets in 2014. It draws on the learning of pilot sites
in the region and nationally to outline the 10 features of an effective
personal health budget process within NHS continuing healthcare.
Kings Fund
This paper is part of a broader programme of work with PCT clusters
in the north west of England to help support them for roll out of
personal health budgets in 2014. It draws on the learning of pilot sites
in the region and nationally to outline the 10 features of an effective
personal health budget process within NHS continuing healthcare.
Kings Fund
NICE issues draft guidance on the development and updating of local formularies for consultation
NICE issues draft guidance on the development and updating of local formularies for consultation:
NICE is developing good practice guidance on the development and updating of local formularies, for use within the NHS in England and Wales.
The Guideline Development Group has reviewed current practice and found that although many organisations have established groups for making formulary decisions, many have identified the need to review their structures as a result of changes to NHS commissioning arrangements. Furthermore they identified a variation in the size and scope of current local formularies, and variation in the processes used by decision-making groups.
The following key components were identified as inherent in the development and updating of local formularies, and are discussed in the draft guidance:
. relationships with other decision making bodies
. formulary scope
. terms of reference
. membership
. resourcing
. accountability and reporting arrangements
NICE is developing good practice guidance on the development and updating of local formularies, for use within the NHS in England and Wales.
The Guideline Development Group has reviewed current practice and found that although many organisations have established groups for making formulary decisions, many have identified the need to review their structures as a result of changes to NHS commissioning arrangements. Furthermore they identified a variation in the size and scope of current local formularies, and variation in the processes used by decision-making groups.
The following key components were identified as inherent in the development and updating of local formularies, and are discussed in the draft guidance:
. relationships with other decision making bodies
. formulary scope
. terms of reference
. membership
. resourcing
. accountability and reporting arrangements
NME trusts could get central funding
NME trusts could get central funding: Trusts in the North, Midlands and East of England could receive central funding from the Department of Health for a clinical IT system, even if they choose not to take CSC's Lorenzo. EHI News
Hospitals 'can't cope' with rise in elderly patients
Hospitals 'can't cope' with rise in elderly patients: Hospital wards are "on the brink of collapse" due to ever-increasing numbers of elderly patients and weekend staff shortages that are seriously compromising safety, according to a hard-hitting report by the Royal College of Physicians.
Telegraph
Telegraph
How to cut spending and raise patient care standards
How to cut spending and raise patient care standards:
NHS Cost Improvement Programmes can play a part in improving quality, as well as cutting costs, argues Bill Upton
Grant Thornton recently carried out a survey of NHS provider finance directors on their Cost Improvement Programmes (CIPs). Results showed that the average CIP target for NHS trusts in 2011/12 was 5.1%, yet by the end of the year the average saved was 4.8%, 91% of the initial target.
For 2012/13, the average CIP target is the same as the previous year, and 4.9% for 2013/14. These results were supported by a recent study by the King's Fund which produced similar findings.
This clearly puts some context around the challenge facing NHS trusts looking to cut costs. The amount that needs to be saved isn't changing substantially year on year, yet the accumulated savings needed over the next few years are large and challenging.
The situation gets worse when targets are missed, with year on year targets having to increase to make up for those when targets haven't been reached. When asked specifically how they plan to achieve their CIP targets for the next couple of years, nearly nine out of 10 finance directors identify service redesign as playing a major role over the long-term.
Financial directors recognise that while headcount and pay reduction are an important part of reducing costs, they can only be taken so far. Fundamentally redesigning patient pathways (the way that patients receive care), offers a way to make costs savings while also actively improving the whole patient experience.
This kind of service redesign can come in many guises, from combining all outpatient appointments (consultation, X-ray, pathology) into one hospital visit; to looking at how aspects of treatment can be delivered in the community.
These pathways will need to centre on the patient's needs and be delivered in the optimum location, avoiding unnecessary duplication, intervention and tests.
However, this type of fundamental change is clearly much harder to put into practice than other cost saving initiatives. It can be difficult to implement at the best of times, and it takes a substantial amount of time to plan – time which many NHS directors simply don't have as they struggle with the limited resources at their disposal.
Less staff means that management is being forced to do more with less, and has to concentrate on running the service without the freedom to step back and take stock. As a result, although finance directors may have identified how patient pathway redesign could be used to cut costs, they have been unable to create worked-up plans for these redesigns.
It is a significant change and requires more cross-organisational coordination than other money-saving measures, meaning it is often easier to focus on incremental smaller gains.
Changing patient pathways is not something that has to be approached in a vacuum, and financial directors should look at how they can get the whole organisation involved. One aspect of our study looked at how clinical staff view CIPs.
Only 22% of financial directors felt their clinical staff saw CIPs as an opportunity to improve quality while reducing costs. The majority (53%), were neutral, believing the goal of the CIPs is to cut costs without having an impact on quality.
In our discussions around the survey, it is clear that those trusts that have a major focus on continually improving standards appear significantly more successful at delivering on-going financial savings. NHS managers should engage with clinical staff to identify the areas where services can be redesigned in a more efficient manner.
However, when seeking this engagement, it is important to stress the role that CIPs can play a part in improving quality, as well as cutting costs. For example, reducing waste or duplicate appointments improves quality but also saves money.
Ultimately, CIP targets mean NHS management is faced with a task that is going to get progressively more difficult. Once the obvious cuts have been made, reaching the savings targets becomes harder.
Implementing fundamental changes to patient pathways will play a major role in future cost savings, but it is only by embracing this now, working with clinical staff, realising the scale of the task and allocating resources appropriately that trust managers can ensure they can continue to reach their cost-cutting targets over the next couple of years.
Bill Upton is partner and head of healthcare at Grant Thornton UK LLP.
Guardian Professional.
Grant Thornton recently carried out a survey of NHS provider finance directors on their Cost Improvement Programmes (CIPs). Results showed that the average CIP target for NHS trusts in 2011/12 was 5.1%, yet by the end of the year the average saved was 4.8%, 91% of the initial target.
For 2012/13, the average CIP target is the same as the previous year, and 4.9% for 2013/14. These results were supported by a recent study by the King's Fund which produced similar findings.
This clearly puts some context around the challenge facing NHS trusts looking to cut costs. The amount that needs to be saved isn't changing substantially year on year, yet the accumulated savings needed over the next few years are large and challenging.
The situation gets worse when targets are missed, with year on year targets having to increase to make up for those when targets haven't been reached. When asked specifically how they plan to achieve their CIP targets for the next couple of years, nearly nine out of 10 finance directors identify service redesign as playing a major role over the long-term.
Financial directors recognise that while headcount and pay reduction are an important part of reducing costs, they can only be taken so far. Fundamentally redesigning patient pathways (the way that patients receive care), offers a way to make costs savings while also actively improving the whole patient experience.
This kind of service redesign can come in many guises, from combining all outpatient appointments (consultation, X-ray, pathology) into one hospital visit; to looking at how aspects of treatment can be delivered in the community.
These pathways will need to centre on the patient's needs and be delivered in the optimum location, avoiding unnecessary duplication, intervention and tests.
However, this type of fundamental change is clearly much harder to put into practice than other cost saving initiatives. It can be difficult to implement at the best of times, and it takes a substantial amount of time to plan – time which many NHS directors simply don't have as they struggle with the limited resources at their disposal.
Less staff means that management is being forced to do more with less, and has to concentrate on running the service without the freedom to step back and take stock. As a result, although finance directors may have identified how patient pathway redesign could be used to cut costs, they have been unable to create worked-up plans for these redesigns.
It is a significant change and requires more cross-organisational coordination than other money-saving measures, meaning it is often easier to focus on incremental smaller gains.
Changing patient pathways is not something that has to be approached in a vacuum, and financial directors should look at how they can get the whole organisation involved. One aspect of our study looked at how clinical staff view CIPs.
Only 22% of financial directors felt their clinical staff saw CIPs as an opportunity to improve quality while reducing costs. The majority (53%), were neutral, believing the goal of the CIPs is to cut costs without having an impact on quality.
In our discussions around the survey, it is clear that those trusts that have a major focus on continually improving standards appear significantly more successful at delivering on-going financial savings. NHS managers should engage with clinical staff to identify the areas where services can be redesigned in a more efficient manner.
However, when seeking this engagement, it is important to stress the role that CIPs can play a part in improving quality, as well as cutting costs. For example, reducing waste or duplicate appointments improves quality but also saves money.
Ultimately, CIP targets mean NHS management is faced with a task that is going to get progressively more difficult. Once the obvious cuts have been made, reaching the savings targets becomes harder.
Implementing fundamental changes to patient pathways will play a major role in future cost savings, but it is only by embracing this now, working with clinical staff, realising the scale of the task and allocating resources appropriately that trust managers can ensure they can continue to reach their cost-cutting targets over the next couple of years.
Bill Upton is partner and head of healthcare at Grant Thornton UK LLP.
Guardian Professional.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
The doctor will see you now... by Skype
The doctor will see you now... by Skype:
An NHS trust in Northamptonshire is among the first in the country to offer video consultations between doctors and some patients. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
An NHS trust in Northamptonshire is among the first in the country to offer video consultations between doctors and some patients. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Wardipedia - a new resource for inpatient mental health care
Wardipedia - a new resource for inpatient mental health care:
Star Wards has launched the world's first ever comprehensive resource on providing therapeutic care for mental health inpatients. Wardipedia has over 1,000 examples of good practice from wards across the UK.
This online, collaborative compendium has other features to support ward staff including ideas for enhancing patients’ experiences, the evidence base for these, ideas from related sectors and links to hundreds of useful sites, practical resources and documents.
The site is very easy to use and most of the ideas in Wardipedia are very low-cost, simple to implement and result in immediate improvements to patients' and staff experiences. Well worth a visit! Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Libraries
 |
| www.wardipedia.org |
This online, collaborative compendium has other features to support ward staff including ideas for enhancing patients’ experiences, the evidence base for these, ideas from related sectors and links to hundreds of useful sites, practical resources and documents.
The site is very easy to use and most of the ideas in Wardipedia are very low-cost, simple to implement and result in immediate improvements to patients' and staff experiences. Well worth a visit! Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Libraries
DH issue pre-tender for Electronic Staff Record project
DH issue pre-tender for Electronic Staff Record project:
The Department of Heath has confirmed that the Electronic Staff Records project will be re-tendered in the autumn.It has sent out a pre-tender for provision of the ESR project, which is currently provided by McKesson Information Solutions and comes to a close on 31 August 2014. According to an update on the NHS ESR website, the Department of Health has "concluded that there is a clear economic case for ongoing... Healthcare Today
The Department of Heath has confirmed that the Electronic Staff Records project will be re-tendered in the autumn.It has sent out a pre-tender for provision of the ESR project, which is currently provided by McKesson Information Solutions and comes to a close on 31 August 2014. According to an update on the NHS ESR website, the Department of Health has "concluded that there is a clear economic case for ongoing... Healthcare Today
Report recommends which specialised services should be commissioned nationally
Report recommends which specialised services should be commissioned nationally:
A report by the Clinical Advisory Group for Prescribed Services (CAG) has been published, recommending which specialised services for people with rare conditions should be commissioned nationally in England.
Read the CAG report (PDF, 1411K)
The services listed in the report will be commissioned by the NHS Commissioning Board from April 2013, rather than by Clinical Commissioning Groups. The list will be agreed by Ministers and the Commissioning Board in the autumn.
The CAG was established to advise the government on which specialised services should be commissioned nationally. The group is chaired by Dr Kathy McLean and includes clinical specialists, health professionals and GPs. Department of Health
A report by the Clinical Advisory Group for Prescribed Services (CAG) has been published, recommending which specialised services for people with rare conditions should be commissioned nationally in England.
Read the CAG report (PDF, 1411K)
The services listed in the report will be commissioned by the NHS Commissioning Board from April 2013, rather than by Clinical Commissioning Groups. The list will be agreed by Ministers and the Commissioning Board in the autumn.
The CAG was established to advise the government on which specialised services should be commissioned nationally. The group is chaired by Dr Kathy McLean and includes clinical specialists, health professionals and GPs. Department of Health
Commissioning board promises CCGs a lighter planning 'ask'
Commissioning board promises CCGs a lighter planning 'ask': Clinical commissioning groups will need to report only a “minimum” set of quality, performance and finance information to the centre to support the NHS planning process, they have been told by the NHS Commissioning Board. HSJ
NMC pin cards will no longer be issued
NMC pin cards will no longer be issued: From the end of September the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) will no longer be issuing pin cards to registered nurses and midwives. Employers should use the NMC's free online service to confirm professional registration. NHS Employers News
HPA survey reveals poor flu vaccine uptake amongst London midwives
HPA survey reveals poor flu vaccine uptake amongst London midwives:
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published the findings of a survey of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake amongst London midwives (June-August 2011).
Out of 266 survey responders, 43% chose to have the vaccine compared to an uptake rate of 36% among London healthcare workers (winter season 2011/12).
The survey found that the main reasons for midwives declining the flu vaccine were doubts about the necessity of vaccination (34%); vaccine safety (25%); vaccine effectiveness (10%); and poor arrangements in the workplace for midwives to be vaccinated (11%).
Dr Ishola, lead investigator, concluded: "Our recommendations for employers would be to establish effective publicity to promote having the flu vaccine at work and making it available at more convenient times and places. There is a need for clear and appropriate information to be made available to midwives, with transparent guidelines, evidence and direction, in addition to adequate ...Health Protection Agency (HPA)
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published the findings of a survey of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake amongst London midwives (June-August 2011).
Out of 266 survey responders, 43% chose to have the vaccine compared to an uptake rate of 36% among London healthcare workers (winter season 2011/12).
The survey found that the main reasons for midwives declining the flu vaccine were doubts about the necessity of vaccination (34%); vaccine safety (25%); vaccine effectiveness (10%); and poor arrangements in the workplace for midwives to be vaccinated (11%).
Dr Ishola, lead investigator, concluded: "Our recommendations for employers would be to establish effective publicity to promote having the flu vaccine at work and making it available at more convenient times and places. There is a need for clear and appropriate information to be made available to midwives, with transparent guidelines, evidence and direction, in addition to adequate ...Health Protection Agency (HPA)
Suicide prevention strategy launched
Suicide prevention strategy launched:
The strategy builds on the successes of the 2002 suicide prevention strategy. Real progress has been made in reducing the already relatively low suicide rate to record low levels. NHS Networks
The strategy builds on the successes of the 2002 suicide prevention strategy. Real progress has been made in reducing the already relatively low suicide rate to record low levels. NHS Networks
Healthcare network member survey results: infographic
Healthcare network member survey results: infographic:
A breakdown of what members said about the reforms, outcomes to patients, and the impact of social care cuts. Guardian
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Local trust opens its doors to sufferers of rare arthritis
Local trust opens its doors to sufferers of rare arthritis: Press Release 10th September 2012
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AK), also known as stiff spine, are invited to an information...
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AK), also known as stiff spine, are invited to an information...
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Second case of anthrax confirmed in England
Second case of anthrax confirmed in England: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware that a person who injected heroin has died from anthrax infection in Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This death has occurred three weeks after another person who injects drugs also died in Blackpool from confirmed anthrax infection.
Doctors can expect to start receiving revalidation dates by the end of the year
Doctors can expect to start receiving revalidation dates by the end of the year:
Revalidation should begin at the end of the year and that it remains the General Medical Council’s (GMC) top priority, MPs were told this week.
Subject to the secretary of state for Health’s decision to switch on the legislation before the end of 2012, the GMC will begin to tell each doctor the date when they can expect to revalidate and undergo regular checks on their skills and performance. More …..
NHS Networks
Revalidation should begin at the end of the year and that it remains the General Medical Council’s (GMC) top priority, MPs were told this week.
Subject to the secretary of state for Health’s decision to switch on the legislation before the end of 2012, the GMC will begin to tell each doctor the date when they can expect to revalidate and undergo regular checks on their skills and performance. More …..
NHS Networks
Advice to employers on how to handle mental health conditions
Advice to employers on how to handle mental health conditions:
At any one time, one in six adults will be experiencing a mental health condition and it’s crucial that employers support these employees. Support can include many things such as making simple workplace adjustments like taking a flexible approach to start and finish times.
The Department of Health have issued guidance notes intended to help employers think through the kinds of adjustments at work which they can make for people with mental health conditions. They include practical advice and links to other resources which might help them to support job retention and return to work.
Download Mental Health Adjustments Guidance Final (PDF, 64 MB)
At any one time, one in six adults will be experiencing a mental health condition and it’s crucial that employers support these employees. Support can include many things such as making simple workplace adjustments like taking a flexible approach to start and finish times.
The Department of Health have issued guidance notes intended to help employers think through the kinds of adjustments at work which they can make for people with mental health conditions. They include practical advice and links to other resources which might help them to support job retention and return to work.
Download Mental Health Adjustments Guidance Final (PDF, 64 MB)
The forecast for 2080: heatwaves, 11,000 deaths – and dengue fever
The forecast for 2080: heatwaves, 11,000 deaths – and dengue fever:
Climate change may increase the number of heat-related deaths in the UK by 540 per cent, health experts predict. Independent
Climate change may increase the number of heat-related deaths in the UK by 540 per cent, health experts predict. Independent
New approach to hay fever vaccine
New approach to hay fever vaccine: Researchers in London believe they have developed a new approach that could lead to a cheaper and more effective vaccine for hay fever. BBC News
Painkillers 'raise risk of early death in heart attack survivors'
Painkillers 'raise risk of early death in heart attack survivors': Common painkillers including ibuprofen can substantially raise the risk of an early death among heart attack survivors, academics are warning.
Telegraph
Telegraph
More doctors on boards improves hospital performance
More doctors on boards improves hospital performance:
New research suggests that greater clinical leadership leads to better performance
The diagnosis was clear: if we want to do all we can to improve the nation's health, doctors and other clinical professionals should be more involved in the management of the UK's health services. But while Chris Ham, chief executive of the King's Fund, remarked recently that clinical leadership had moved from the "dark side to centre stage", there is still much to do.
The UK has one of the lowest proportions of clinically qualified managers of any health system – 58% compared to 74% in the US and a startling 93% in Sweden. This is surprising given that persuading doctors to become more involved in management has been an explicit policy goal in this country since the Griffiths report came out in 1983. Nearly 20 years later, the NHS Next Stage Review commissioned by Lord Darzi said: "Leadership has been the neglected element of the reforms of recent years. That has to change."
This has led to attempts to create a mixed economy of clinical and non-clinical senior managers in the NHS, with doctors on the shortlist for all future chief executive appointments. The medical profession itself supports change, requiring that all undergraduate and postgraduate courses incorporate a new medical leadership competency framework'. Meanwhile, the Royal College of Physicians has said the time has come to acknowledge the "corporate responsibility" of doctors and foster "complementary skills of leadership and 'followership' at all levels".
Also clear is that clinical leadership can pay dividends. This is suggested by new research from Leeds University Business School. We looked at the boards of English NHS acute trusts between 2005-06 and 2008-09 and found trusts with a high proportion of doctors on their boards were also those that performed best.
The average size of trust boards was 12.45 directors in 2008-09, the largest having 17. Overall, clinicians accounted for just over 26% of director (executive and non-executive) posts in English trusts in 2008-09, and 23% of those trusts had a clinician as their chief executive.
We wanted to know what difference the presence of clinicians on these trust boards really made to their performance. Using publicly-available information, including data from the Healthcare Commission and the annual national patient survey, we tested whether there was a relationship between having more clinicians on the board and better quality outcomes.
As part of the study, we tried to rule out other factors that might influence hospital performance, such as hospital size, status, number of admissions, length of stay, percentage of bed occupancy, number of staff and the average age of patients. We also looked into whether high performance levels were explaining the presence of clinicians on boards, rather than the other way around.
Our results were startling. Trusts that achieved the highest ratings were those that on average had the highest shares of clinicians (27%) on their boards. This was especially true with regard to doctors. Indeed, we found that increasing the proportion of doctors on boards by only 10% made it 10% more likely that a hospital trust would achieve a maximum performance rating of four.
We then looked at hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR) statistics and found that lower patient mortality rates were recorded in hospital trusts that had a higher proportion of doctors on their boards. We also tested what the patients themselves thought, and once again, hospital trusts with a greater ratio of medical professionals were those that achieved higher satisfaction scores from their patients.
The focus of our research was on clinical leadership roles at the most senior levels and not on what happens lower down within organisations. Our results also don't explain why having more doctors involved in executive boards makes such a difference. One can hypothesise that this will have much to do with their expertise and credibility, helping to improve both the content of decisions and the likelihood they will be implemented – although more research is clearly needed.
But our study makes it possible for the first time to quantify the benefits for patients and taxpayers of having greater medical involvement in management. If anything, one might say that previous claims about the contribution of clinical leadership may have been understated. Even a modest increase in the number of doctors on boards can have marked consequences for performance, including patient wellbeing and satisfaction. Nearly 30 years on, the case remains as strong as ever.
Professor Ian Kirkpatrick is professor of work and organisation and Dr Gianluca Veronesi is a lecturer in accounting and finance. Both at Leeds University Business School
Guardian Professional.
The diagnosis was clear: if we want to do all we can to improve the nation's health, doctors and other clinical professionals should be more involved in the management of the UK's health services. But while Chris Ham, chief executive of the King's Fund, remarked recently that clinical leadership had moved from the "dark side to centre stage", there is still much to do.
The UK has one of the lowest proportions of clinically qualified managers of any health system – 58% compared to 74% in the US and a startling 93% in Sweden. This is surprising given that persuading doctors to become more involved in management has been an explicit policy goal in this country since the Griffiths report came out in 1983. Nearly 20 years later, the NHS Next Stage Review commissioned by Lord Darzi said: "Leadership has been the neglected element of the reforms of recent years. That has to change."
This has led to attempts to create a mixed economy of clinical and non-clinical senior managers in the NHS, with doctors on the shortlist for all future chief executive appointments. The medical profession itself supports change, requiring that all undergraduate and postgraduate courses incorporate a new medical leadership competency framework'. Meanwhile, the Royal College of Physicians has said the time has come to acknowledge the "corporate responsibility" of doctors and foster "complementary skills of leadership and 'followership' at all levels".
Also clear is that clinical leadership can pay dividends. This is suggested by new research from Leeds University Business School. We looked at the boards of English NHS acute trusts between 2005-06 and 2008-09 and found trusts with a high proportion of doctors on their boards were also those that performed best.
The average size of trust boards was 12.45 directors in 2008-09, the largest having 17. Overall, clinicians accounted for just over 26% of director (executive and non-executive) posts in English trusts in 2008-09, and 23% of those trusts had a clinician as their chief executive.
We wanted to know what difference the presence of clinicians on these trust boards really made to their performance. Using publicly-available information, including data from the Healthcare Commission and the annual national patient survey, we tested whether there was a relationship between having more clinicians on the board and better quality outcomes.
As part of the study, we tried to rule out other factors that might influence hospital performance, such as hospital size, status, number of admissions, length of stay, percentage of bed occupancy, number of staff and the average age of patients. We also looked into whether high performance levels were explaining the presence of clinicians on boards, rather than the other way around.
Our results were startling. Trusts that achieved the highest ratings were those that on average had the highest shares of clinicians (27%) on their boards. This was especially true with regard to doctors. Indeed, we found that increasing the proportion of doctors on boards by only 10% made it 10% more likely that a hospital trust would achieve a maximum performance rating of four.
We then looked at hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR) statistics and found that lower patient mortality rates were recorded in hospital trusts that had a higher proportion of doctors on their boards. We also tested what the patients themselves thought, and once again, hospital trusts with a greater ratio of medical professionals were those that achieved higher satisfaction scores from their patients.
The focus of our research was on clinical leadership roles at the most senior levels and not on what happens lower down within organisations. Our results also don't explain why having more doctors involved in executive boards makes such a difference. One can hypothesise that this will have much to do with their expertise and credibility, helping to improve both the content of decisions and the likelihood they will be implemented – although more research is clearly needed.
But our study makes it possible for the first time to quantify the benefits for patients and taxpayers of having greater medical involvement in management. If anything, one might say that previous claims about the contribution of clinical leadership may have been understated. Even a modest increase in the number of doctors on boards can have marked consequences for performance, including patient wellbeing and satisfaction. Nearly 30 years on, the case remains as strong as ever.
Professor Ian Kirkpatrick is professor of work and organisation and Dr Gianluca Veronesi is a lecturer in accounting and finance. Both at Leeds University Business School
Guardian Professional.
Monday, 10 September 2012
Figures show fall in number of complaints about hospital
Figures show fall in number of complaints about hospital:
The number of complaints made about Kettering General Hospital has fallen over the last few years, according to latest figures. Evening Telegraph
The number of complaints made about Kettering General Hospital has fallen over the last few years, according to latest figures. Evening Telegraph
'Four million could benefit from telecare'
'Four million could benefit from telecare': Four million people in England could benefit from telecare technology, but families need more help, says report. Health News
DH tenders for new electronic staff record system
DH tenders for new electronic staff record system: NHS record system to 'transform' pension and record administration services Health News
Government response to Health Select Committee inquiry into education, training and workforce planning
Government response to Health Select Committee inquiry into education, training and workforce planning:
The Government has published its response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee inquiry into education, training and workforce planning. The Committee reported on 23 May 2012.
This government response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee first report of session 2012-13: Education, training and workforce planning provides further detail and clarity on the reformed education and training system as requested by the Committee.
The Committee supports the changes being made to the education and training system, which were fully endorsed by the NHS Future Forum. Since the Department of Health presented its evidence to the Committee, a great deal of progress has been made in establishing the new system of education and training.
Department fo Health
The Government has published its response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee inquiry into education, training and workforce planning. The Committee reported on 23 May 2012.
This government response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee first report of session 2012-13: Education, training and workforce planning provides further detail and clarity on the reformed education and training system as requested by the Committee.
The Committee supports the changes being made to the education and training system, which were fully endorsed by the NHS Future Forum. Since the Department of Health presented its evidence to the Committee, a great deal of progress has been made in establishing the new system of education and training.
Department fo Health
Hip fracture hospital stays down
Hip fracture hospital stays down:
The latest report from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) has revealed that the length of hospital stay for hip fracture patients has fallen by 5% over the past year.
Although the reduction is small it is nevertheless important, says the report, as it amounts to significant annual savings with the care costs for hip fracture now topping £2 billion a year in the UK.
Healthcare Today
The latest report from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) has revealed that the length of hospital stay for hip fracture patients has fallen by 5% over the past year.
Although the reduction is small it is nevertheless important, says the report, as it amounts to significant annual savings with the care costs for hip fracture now topping £2 billion a year in the UK.
Healthcare Today
Good practice guidance
Good practice guidance: Advice to support best practice in medicines management and use in the NHS, including good practice guidance on developing local medicines formularies. NICE
How can the NHS be more innovative? Live discussion
How can the NHS be more innovative? Live discussion:
Join our panel of experts on Wednesday 19 September between noon and 2pm to discuss innovation in the future of the NHS
Patients will soon be able to see information about how local hospitals and primary care organisations are providing new treatments, according to the latest government proposals.
Every hospital and trust will be rated by an "innovation scorecard" allowing the public to compare the speed at which NHS hospitals roll out new care methods and drugs.
The scheme is intended to prevent "postcode prescribing" – where some areas and trusts provide certain treatments and others do not. A recent report found that more than 70% of NHS trusts ignored guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) to offer infertile couples three chances at IVF, and some stopped funding treatment altogether.
The Department of Health says that under the scheme, "the NHS will have no excuse not to provide the latest Nice-approved drugs and treatments". But what will this mean for the NHS and the way in which new treatments are administrated? Recent statistics published by the National institute for Health Research (NIHR) revealed that hospitals "have made a significant step-change in their research activity", however what more can be done?
Do hospitals and trusts need to up their game under the new proposals, and, if so, how? Is better exchange of best practice the way forward? And how can NHS leaders manage a culture change to push more innovative research and projects forward?
Join us from noon until 2pm on Wednesday 19 September, along with our panel of experts to discuss all this and more. You can also leave your questions below ahead of the discussion, or tweet us at @GdnHealthcare.
Guardian Professional.
Patients will soon be able to see information about how local hospitals and primary care organisations are providing new treatments, according to the latest government proposals.
Every hospital and trust will be rated by an "innovation scorecard" allowing the public to compare the speed at which NHS hospitals roll out new care methods and drugs.
The scheme is intended to prevent "postcode prescribing" – where some areas and trusts provide certain treatments and others do not. A recent report found that more than 70% of NHS trusts ignored guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) to offer infertile couples three chances at IVF, and some stopped funding treatment altogether.
The Department of Health says that under the scheme, "the NHS will have no excuse not to provide the latest Nice-approved drugs and treatments". But what will this mean for the NHS and the way in which new treatments are administrated? Recent statistics published by the National institute for Health Research (NIHR) revealed that hospitals "have made a significant step-change in their research activity", however what more can be done?
Do hospitals and trusts need to up their game under the new proposals, and, if so, how? Is better exchange of best practice the way forward? And how can NHS leaders manage a culture change to push more innovative research and projects forward?
Join us from noon until 2pm on Wednesday 19 September, along with our panel of experts to discuss all this and more. You can also leave your questions below ahead of the discussion, or tweet us at @GdnHealthcare.
Guardian Professional.
Standard Evaluation Framework (SEF) for physical activity and dietary interventions
Standard Evaluation Framework (SEF) for physical activity and dietary interventions: These SEFs aims to describe and explain the information that should
be collected in any evaluation of an intervention that aims to increase
participation in physical activity. It is aimed at interventions that
work at individual or group level, not at population level.
Kings Fund
be collected in any evaluation of an intervention that aims to increase
participation in physical activity. It is aimed at interventions that
work at individual or group level, not at population level.
Kings Fund
Quality profiles for CCGs published
Quality profiles for CCGs published: Source: Department of Health (DH)
Practice profiles enable commissioners to compare the relative quality of their providers, to enable providers to benchmark their performance against the national average, and to share with patients and the public information on the quality of the services being provided. Quality profiles have also been published for CCGs - please see the link below for details. NeLM News
Practice profiles enable commissioners to compare the relative quality of their providers, to enable providers to benchmark their performance against the national average, and to share with patients and the public information on the quality of the services being provided. Quality profiles have also been published for CCGs - please see the link below for details. NeLM News
Stoptober campaign will encourage smokers to quit for 28 days
Stoptober campaign will encourage smokers to quit for 28 days:
Smokers are being asked to give up smoking for 28 days from 1 October in the first ever mass quit attempt launched today by the Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies.
The innovative campaign, Stoptober, is backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, and is the first 28-day quit attempt of its kind to encourage the nation’s 8 million smokers to give up.
People who stop smoking for 28 days are 5 times more likely to stay smokefree, so smokers who sign up will be given support and encouragement throughout the month.
They will be able to download the Stoptober app (available free from the Smokefree website) and access the Smokefree Facebook page where they will get additional tips and advice. They will also get a daily message providing additional support and encouragement throughout the month.
Smokers interested in giving up can search for ‘Stoptober’ online, or ask their local pharmacist for a free support pack. Smoking remains the biggest cause of premature death in England and is responsible for the loss of more than 100,000 lives in the UK every year.
For more information visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober.
Department of Health
Smokers are being asked to give up smoking for 28 days from 1 October in the first ever mass quit attempt launched today by the Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies.
The innovative campaign, Stoptober, is backed by Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, and is the first 28-day quit attempt of its kind to encourage the nation’s 8 million smokers to give up.
People who stop smoking for 28 days are 5 times more likely to stay smokefree, so smokers who sign up will be given support and encouragement throughout the month.
They will be able to download the Stoptober app (available free from the Smokefree website) and access the Smokefree Facebook page where they will get additional tips and advice. They will also get a daily message providing additional support and encouragement throughout the month.
Smokers interested in giving up can search for ‘Stoptober’ online, or ask their local pharmacist for a free support pack. Smoking remains the biggest cause of premature death in England and is responsible for the loss of more than 100,000 lives in the UK every year.
For more information visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober.
Department of Health
New rules to end secrecy over safety of medical implants
New rules to end secrecy over safety of medical implants: New rules to end the secrecy over the safety of devices such as hip replacements and breast implants are being drawn up after a series of scandals.
Telegraph
Telegraph
Litigation culture draining billions from hospitals and schools
Litigation culture draining billions from hospitals and schools: The growth of the "litigation culture" is draining hospitals and schools of money, a report published on Monday warns.
Telegraph
Telegraph
New Suicide Prevention Strategy published by the Department of Health on World Suicide Prevention Day
New Suicide Prevention Strategy published by the Department of Health on World Suicide Prevention Day: The Government have launched their new strategy for reducing the suicide rate and supporting people who are bereaved by suicide. Care Services Minister Norman Lamb will highlight the existing call for research proposals when he launches the strategy today. The strategy has 6 key areas for action: A better understanding of why people take their [read the full story...]
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