| Hospital admissions rise 'due to fragmented NHS' Telegraph.co.uk "As part of the current NHS reforms the Government should consider piloting a full-scale integrated care model which is proven to deliver better care for patients. This model would sit alongside the new Clinical Commissioning Groups as a way of driving ... |
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Hospital admissions rise 'due to fragmented NHS' - Telegraph.co.uk
New NICE briefings on inequalities and population health, the Public Health Outcomes Framework and alcohol
New NICE briefings on inequalities and population health, the Public Health Outcomes Framework and alcohol: NICE have published three new public health briefings for local government on Inequalities and population health, the Public Health Outcomes Framework and Alcohol. These documents are aimed at local authorities and their partner organisations in the health and voluntary sectors, in particular those involved with health and wellbeing boards. Local government is preparing to take [read the full story...]
PCTs to be added to the EPS authorisation directions from 1 February 2013
PCTs to be added to the EPS authorisation directions from 1 February 2013:
The national electronic prescriptions service (EPS) directions evaluation panel has approved a further 21 primary care trusts (PCTs) to be added to the EPS authorisation directions. The next stage will involve the PCTs being listed here as the beginning of the 3 month notice period. This will bring the total number of authorised PCTs to 137 from 1 February 2013.
Release two of the electronic prescription service (EPS R2) allows the electronic transfer of prescriptions between prescribers and dispensers. Dispensing contractors can deploy EPS R2 whenever they want. Prescribers however cannot use electronic signatures needed for EPS R2 until their PCT is included in the EPS directions.
To ensure that there is a level playing field and all dispensing contractors have an opportunity to respond to their local prescribers’ change in status, there must be a 3 month notice period between any announcement that a PCT will be added to the directions’ schedule and the updated directions being issued. This will allow dispensing contractors an opportunity to prepare to receive electronic prescriptions.
The list of the 21 PCTs to be added to the directions are:
Department of Health
The national electronic prescriptions service (EPS) directions evaluation panel has approved a further 21 primary care trusts (PCTs) to be added to the EPS authorisation directions. The next stage will involve the PCTs being listed here as the beginning of the 3 month notice period. This will bring the total number of authorised PCTs to 137 from 1 February 2013.
Release two of the electronic prescription service (EPS R2) allows the electronic transfer of prescriptions between prescribers and dispensers. Dispensing contractors can deploy EPS R2 whenever they want. Prescribers however cannot use electronic signatures needed for EPS R2 until their PCT is included in the EPS directions.
To ensure that there is a level playing field and all dispensing contractors have an opportunity to respond to their local prescribers’ change in status, there must be a 3 month notice period between any announcement that a PCT will be added to the directions’ schedule and the updated directions being issued. This will allow dispensing contractors an opportunity to prepare to receive electronic prescriptions.
The list of the 21 PCTs to be added to the directions are:
- Bassetlaw PCT
- Bath and North East Somerset PCT
- Bedfordshire PCT
- Buckinghamshire PCT
- Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT
- Coventry Teaching PCT
- Derby City PCT
- Derbyshire County PCT
- Ealing PCT
- Hounslow PCT
- Luton PCT
- NHS Barnsley PCT
- NHS Dudley PCT
- NHS Milton Keynes PCT
- NHS North Yorkshire & York PCT
- NHS Portsmouth PCT
- NHS Sefton PCT
- NHS Warwickshire PCT
- NHS Wirral PCT
- Peterborough PCT
- Sandwell PCT
Department of Health
Flu drug recalled following ‘qualify defects’
Flu drug recalled following ‘qualify defects’:
| Novartis asked to withdraw 160,000 doses of Agrippal OnMedica |
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Self management: it’s easy, isn’t it?
Self management: it’s easy, isn’t it?: Tracy Watts on the benefits and challenges of integrating self management skills into mainstream health. The Health Foundation
QOF achievement rose 2.4% in England in 2011/12
QOF achievement rose 2.4% in England in 2011/12: QOF achievement for GP practices in England rose 2.4% in 2011/12 to an average of 969.1 points, official figures show. GP Online
Hospital to home
Hospital to home: The Hospital 2 Home resource is designed to make it easier for health and social care professionals involved in hospital discharge to support older patients in returning home safely after a hospital stay and reduce the risk of readmission to hospital. It contains information, advice, case studies and checklists to help health, housing and social care professionals provide the right care for older patients. The resource aims to improve the experience of staying in hospital and returning home for both older patients and their carers.
Resource pack: http://housinglin.org.uk/hospital2home_pack/
Resource pack: http://housinglin.org.uk/hospital2home_pack/
Securing the future financial sustainability of the NHS
Securing the future financial sustainability of the NHS: This report examines the financial sustainability of the NHS, and states that ensuring a viable financial future for healthcare providers is vital if the public are to have confidence in the delivery of their local services. It argues that there is a lack of clarity around critical details of how the system introduced by the NHS reforms will work so that services remain available to patients in their locality.
Out of sight
Out of sight: This report is part of a campaign to end poor care and abuse at large, institutional-style services for people with a learning disability. It expresses concern that government proposals in the interim report of the Winterbourne review don't go far enough, and calls for the phased closure of such services, and their replacement by appropriate local services.
Patient Reported Experience Measure (PREM) for urgent and emergency care
Patient Reported Experience Measure (PREM) for urgent and emergency care: These tools have been developed to measure the experience of paediatric patients 0-16 years in all urgent and emergency care settings
including GP practices, out-of-hours centres, A&E departments and the ambulance service. The survey The survey was developed with input from paediatric patients, ensuring that their views were captured early
in the design process. It aims to help emergency departments, GP surgeries, walk-in or urgent care centres and the ambulance service to identify areas that are important to paediatric patients, as well as areas for improvement.
including GP practices, out-of-hours centres, A&E departments and the ambulance service. The survey The survey was developed with input from paediatric patients, ensuring that their views were captured early
in the design process. It aims to help emergency departments, GP surgeries, walk-in or urgent care centres and the ambulance service to identify areas that are important to paediatric patients, as well as areas for improvement.
Thousands missing early signs of stroke
Thousands missing early signs of stroke:
A survey carried out by the Stroke Association has found two thirds of people would not recognise the signs of a small stroke.ICM Research surveyed 2,000 people for the charity and found 66% of people had not heard of a transient ischemic attack (TIA).TIA (or small strokes) are experienced by over 46,000 people every year and one in 10 go on to experience a full-blown stroke if they do not receive treatment.... Healthcare Today
A survey carried out by the Stroke Association has found two thirds of people would not recognise the signs of a small stroke.ICM Research surveyed 2,000 people for the charity and found 66% of people had not heard of a transient ischemic attack (TIA).TIA (or small strokes) are experienced by over 46,000 people every year and one in 10 go on to experience a full-blown stroke if they do not receive treatment.... Healthcare Today
Why some NHS trusts are near financial breaking point
Why some NHS trusts are near financial breaking point: The financial problems of South London NHS trust show how quickly trusts can find themselves in trouble, says Mike Farrar
Financial pressures are mounting on the NHS and a growing number of hospital trusts are finding themselves pushed towards a cliff edge.
Financial pressures are mounting on the NHS and a growing number of hospital trusts are finding themselves pushed towards a cliff edge.
Does breast screening do more harm than good?
Does breast screening do more harm than good?: The media reports that breast cancer screening is "harming thousands", with The Guardian claiming "breast cancer screening causes more damage than previously thought".
These headlines have been prompted by the findings of an independent panel that reviewed the benefits and harms of breast cancer screening in the UK. The panel was set up to examine the issue, as there has been ongoing debate about the balance of benefits and harms from breast screening, both in the UK and internationally.
NHS commissioners can use their budgets to get maximum local benefit
NHS commissioners can use their budgets to get maximum local benefit: The potential rewards of using NHS commissioning power to enhance communities should be embraced wholeheartedly
Drugs giant Roche accused of sitting on trial data for flu treatment
Drugs giant Roche accused of sitting on trial data for flu treatment:
The pharmaceutical giant Roche is being accused of irresponsibly withholding key trial data about a vital flu drug on which governments around the world have spent billions of pounds. The Independent
The pharmaceutical giant Roche is being accused of irresponsibly withholding key trial data about a vital flu drug on which governments around the world have spent billions of pounds. The Independent
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Updated never events policy framework and data published
Updated never events policy framework and data published:
The never events policy framework has been reviewed and updated in order to address areas of uncertainty and provide greater clarity about never events and the recommended response to them following feedback from stakeholders. It offers a useful reference for boards, clinicians, other staff and patients.
The document also contains data on the number and types of never event reported in 2011/12 and 2010/11, revealing 326 never events were reported to strategic health authorities in 2011/12.
It is recommended that all NHS boards consider this refreshed framework and that medical and nursing directors ensure that work is taken forward to improve patient safety and eradicate these never events from health care. Read the updated never events policy framework Department of Health
The never events policy framework has been reviewed and updated in order to address areas of uncertainty and provide greater clarity about never events and the recommended response to them following feedback from stakeholders. It offers a useful reference for boards, clinicians, other staff and patients.
The document also contains data on the number and types of never event reported in 2011/12 and 2010/11, revealing 326 never events were reported to strategic health authorities in 2011/12.
It is recommended that all NHS boards consider this refreshed framework and that medical and nursing directors ensure that work is taken forward to improve patient safety and eradicate these never events from health care. Read the updated never events policy framework Department of Health
VIDEO: Miliband: End mental health taboo
VIDEO: Miliband: End mental health taboo: The issue of mental illness in the UK is the "biggest unaddressed health challenge of our age", Labour leader Ed Miliband says. BBC News
Failure regime in NHS 'unclear'
Failure regime in NHS 'unclear': The way financially-troubled parts of the NHS in England are being dealt with appears to be being done "on the hoof" by the government, MPs say. BBC News
4,000 cancer patients undergo unnecessary treatment as result of breast screening
4,000 cancer patients undergo unnecessary treatment as result of breast screening:
Breast cancer screening leads to thousands of women undergoing unnecessary treatment despite saving lives, according to an independent review. The Independent
See also:
Breast cancer screening leads to thousands of women undergoing unnecessary treatment despite saving lives, according to an independent review. The Independent
See also:
- Breast cancer screening 'harming thousands' The Daily Telegraph
- Breast cancer screening causes more damage than previously thought The Guardian
- Needless cancer therapy for 4,000 women: For every life saved by breast screening, 3 patients undergo unnecessary treatment The Daily Mail
- Breast screening harm highlighted BBC News
- The benefits and harms of breast cancer screening: an independent review Lancet report (Athens password required)
UK must learn from US on sharps injuries, campaigners say
UK must learn from US on sharps injuries, campaigners say: NHS efforts to reduce needlestick injuries must draw on experience from the US, where they have fallen by a third in a decade, safety campaigners believe. GP Online
'NHS could face more data breach fines'
'NHS could face more data breach fines': More data breach fines will be issued to NHS bodies if they continue to fail in their legal obligations, warns ICO Public Service
New fears over vulnerable patients
New fears over vulnerable patients:
| Charity attacks ‘warehousing’ of people with learning difficulties Related items from OnMedica GPs have duty to protect abused vulnerable adults Community mental health services failing many users More funding needed for GPs working with students Guidance issued on mental health Childhood abuse linked to depression |
Women smokers who quit young cut death risk
Women smokers who quit young cut death risk:
“Women smokers who quit before 30 cut death risk by 97%”, The Guardian reports. It goes on to warn that ‘women who smoke into middle-age have three times the death rate of non-smokers and risk dying at least 10 years early’.
The news is based on the results of an impressive study that followed 1.2 million women aged from 50 to 69 years old, for an average of 12 years to determine the full effects of prolonged smoking and quitting on women in the UK.
“Women smokers who quit before 30 cut death risk by 97%”, The Guardian reports. It goes on to warn that ‘women who smoke into middle-age have three times the death rate of non-smokers and risk dying at least 10 years early’.
The news is based on the results of an impressive study that followed 1.2 million women aged from 50 to 69 years old, for an average of 12 years to determine the full effects of prolonged smoking and quitting on women in the UK.
Mental health sectioning error - BBC News
Mental health sectioning error - BBC News:
BBC News |
Mental health sectioning error
BBC News Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says urgent retrospective legislation is needed to correct a "technical error" affecting up to 5,000 patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act since 2002. The error means doctors who sectioned patients in England did ... New mental health scandal as up to 5000 patients were sectioned in a decade ...Daily Mail Thousands sectioned under mental health act following 'technical error'The Independent Action to clarify processes under the Mental Health Actdh.gov.uk Huffington Post UK -Serious Injury Law -The Times (subscription) all 41 news articles » |
Hundreds of patients subjected to NHS blunders that 'should never happen'
Hundreds of patients subjected to NHS blunders that 'should never happen': Hundreds of patients had instruments left inside them or surgery on the wrong part of the body.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphPFI deals crippling the NHS with £1.5bn of handouts needed: PAC report
PFI deals crippling the NHS with £1.5bn of handouts needed: PAC report: Patients in every part of the country face having their NHS services merged, closed or moved to address the financial crisis, a scathing report warned, as crippling PFI debts mean the government will have to hand over £1.5bn of bailouts.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Winterbourne View scandal: Call for new care home neglect law
Winterbourne View scandal: Call for new care home neglect law: The Winterbourne View scandal has shown the need for a new offence of “corporate wilful neglect” to prosecute care home-owners for allowing abuse to go on behind closed doors, the former care minister has said. The Independent
One NHS trust in five is in bad financial trouble – and Department of Health is failing to plan for bankruptcies
One NHS trust in five is in bad financial trouble – and Department of Health is failing to plan for bankruptcies: 
The spectre of hospitals going bankrupt is raised today in a damning report by MPs which suggests that one in five NHS trusts is in serious financial trouble and “there is a real concern that some will fail”. The Independent
The spectre of hospitals going bankrupt is raised today in a damning report by MPs which suggests that one in five NHS trusts is in serious financial trouble and “there is a real concern that some will fail”. The Independent
Monday, 29 October 2012
Monitor takes action at Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Monitor takes action at Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: 
Monitor has found Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in significant breach due to its persistent failure to meet its A&E four hour target and concerns about its Board governance and financial performance. Monitor
See also:
Monitor has found Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in significant breach due to its persistent failure to meet its A&E four hour target and concerns about its Board governance and financial performance. MonitorSee also:
- Hospital in Northamptonshire ordered to take action after ‘failing its A&E patients’ Northampton Chornicle and Echo
- KGH in ‘special measures’ over A&E target failures Evening Telegraph
- Hospital trust 'failing patients BBC Northamptonshire
- Watchdog acts on Kettering General Hospital patient breaches The Independent
Paramedic slams 'superhub' plan
Paramedic slams 'superhub' plan: A paramedic says the idea of closing dozens of ambulance stations across the East Midlands will mean slower response times for rural communities. BBC Northamptonshire
Concerns over care home ratings
Concerns over care home ratings: Some care homes awarded five-star ratings, which earn them extra payments, are not meeting essential standards set by the care regulator. BBC News
Fresh fears for care home victims
Fresh fears for care home victims: There are fresh fears for the safety of some of the vulnerable patients moved from a Bristol care home which closed down after a BBC investigation.
See also: VIDEO: Fresh concerns for Winterbourne patients
See also: VIDEO: Fresh concerns for Winterbourne patients
NHS 111 fails to deliver benefits
NHS 111 fails to deliver benefits: NHS 111 has not improved efficiency in the NHS and has a low probability of cost savings to the emergency and urgent care system, an independent evaluation report says. E-Health Insider
Ten years of maternity claims: an analysis of NHS Litigation Authority data
Ten years of maternity claims: an analysis of NHS Litigation Authority data: This report analyses maternity claims reported to the NHS Litigation Authority and finds that on the whole, NHS maternity care is safe but more training could reduce the risk of accidental injuries. It is designed to help NHS health professionals responsible for the care of women and their babies to improve safety by learning lessons from the claims that have been made.
Cold weather plan for England 2012
Cold weather plan for England 2012: This plan aims to prepare for the effects of winter weather on people’s health. It provides advice for individuals, communities and agencies on how to prepare for and respond to severe cold weather as part of wider winter planning.
NHS lost track of 1.8m patient records in a year with sensitive information found in public bus and for sale on the internet
NHS lost track of 1.8m patient records in a year with sensitive information found in public bus and for sale on the internet: The worst cases include details of terminally ill patients being faxed to the wrong number, and patient records being stolen and posted on to the internet. Daily Mail
Biting the NHS procurement bullet
Biting the NHS procurement bullet: A procurement makeover at County Durham and Darlington NHS foundation trust could provide a model for the whole NHS
Millions of pounds are too often wasted in the way the NHS purchases products and services, from swabs to stationery. Until the health sector bites the bullet and gets its procurement house in order the financial impact of health reforms will achieve only partial success.
Millions of pounds are too often wasted in the way the NHS purchases products and services, from swabs to stationery. Until the health sector bites the bullet and gets its procurement house in order the financial impact of health reforms will achieve only partial success.
Junior staff are 'missing complications' during birth leading to billions of pounds worth of claims
Junior staff are 'missing complications' during birth leading to billions of pounds worth of claims: Junior doctors and midwives are missing serious complications in women giving birth leading to 'staggering' litigation costs of £3.1bn over the last ten years, report warns.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphNHS patient data shared with industry
NHS patient data shared with industry: Thousands of English NHS patient records have been shared with 18 of Britain's biggest pharmaceutical firms since the launch of a new clinical research scheme earlier this year.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphHow European working rules have created a generation of "clocking off" doctors
How European working rules have created a generation of "clocking off" doctors: Here, a consultant surgeon speaks anonymously out how European working rules have created a breed of doctors who are all too ready to "clock off". He was talking to Adele Waters.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
268,000 pledge to quit smoking for 'Stoptober'
268,000 pledge to quit smoking for 'Stoptober':
More than a quarter of a million people pledged to stub out their last cigarette during the "Stoptober" anti-smoking campaign, the Government said today. The Independent
More than a quarter of a million people pledged to stub out their last cigarette during the "Stoptober" anti-smoking campaign, the Government said today. The Independent
Smoking will 'kill up to a billion people worldwide this century'
Smoking will 'kill up to a billion people worldwide this century':
It is described as the biggest public health disaster in the history of the world, with its perpetrators likened to terrorists. Smoking will kill up to a billion people worldwide this century, unless governments across the world stamp down on the half-trillion-dollar tobacco industry. The Independent
It is described as the biggest public health disaster in the history of the world, with its perpetrators likened to terrorists. Smoking will kill up to a billion people worldwide this century, unless governments across the world stamp down on the half-trillion-dollar tobacco industry. The Independent
Friday, 26 October 2012
Farewell to Francis Crick House
Farewell to Francis Crick House:
Due to pressures on space the Library Service will be pulling out of the commissioning HQ at Francis Crick House.
However, the service is currently still available to all NHS staff based in the building, and all of our services are available at the other library sites or via our web site www.library.northants.nhs.uk.
We will be packing and moving during the week of the 29th of October. The stock from Francis Crick will be integrated into the collections at our other libraries.
County figures speak out over possible KGH changes
County figures speak out over possible KGH changes: Leading county politicians, unions and patients have had their say on leaked documents which show possible scenarios for the future of services at Kettering General Hospital. Evening Telegraph
£52m 90-bed psychiatric hospital to open by 2014
£52m 90-bed psychiatric hospital to open by 2014: A £52million programme will see a new 90-bed psychiatric hospital up and running on the site of a former Northampton school within two years. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Privatised hospital loses £4.1m
Privatised hospital loses £4.1m: The first NHS hospital to be run by a private company reveals losses of £4.1m in the firm's first six months in charge were almost double those forecast. BBC News
VIDEO: NHS patients 'may get records access'
VIDEO: NHS patients 'may get records access': Some medical bodies, backed by the government, hope to give NHS patients free access to their own medical notes. BBC News
Government negotiators reject BMA claim that GP pay deal was 'close'
Government negotiators reject BMA claim that GP pay deal was 'close': NHS Employers has rejected BMA claims that a GP pay deal was 'close to being concluded' before the government announced plans to impose a 1.5% uplift and major changes to the contract. GP Online
DH guidance for shared records
DH guidance for shared records: The Department of Health has issued guidance for organisations working in shared records environments saying they are data controllers "in common." E-Health Insider
Funding for care homes and wards for people with dementia
Funding for care homes and wards for people with dementia: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced dedicated funding to create care environments for people with dementia that help reduce anxiety and distress, and help people feel safe. Up to £50 million will be available to NHS trusts and local authorities, working in partnership with care providers, to help tailor hospitals and care homes to the needs of people with dementia.
Research by The King’s Fund demonstrates that good design can help with the management of dementia. People with dementia are calmer and less likely to get lost or become distressed in an environment designed with their needs in mind. Organisations that bid successfully for money will be able to adapt care homes and hospitals using design principles tested in The King’s Fund pilots.
Research by The King’s Fund demonstrates that good design can help with the management of dementia. People with dementia are calmer and less likely to get lost or become distressed in an environment designed with their needs in mind. Organisations that bid successfully for money will be able to adapt care homes and hospitals using design principles tested in The King’s Fund pilots.
My life until the end: dying well with dementia
My life until the end: dying well with dementia: This report reveals that many people with dementia are not dying in the place they want to, with their families unaware of their end of life wishes because of a double stigma around dementia and death. It highlights the importance of planning end of life care in advance to help make the final days of more people with dementia as good as possible and in the place they want to be.
PARR-30 model
PARR-30 model: The PARR model for predicting risk of readmissions has been updated and further developed in order to make predictions over 30 days rather than 12 months. It can identify sub-groups of high risk patients, where a high proportion of people will be readmitted within 30 days
England's elderly care target 'at risk'
The government is pledging to turn the country into a one of the world’s best providers of care for older people.
But the Local Government Association (LGA) and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) said the social c... Healthcare Today
Looking up illnesses can lead to better GP consultations
Looking up illnesses can lead to better GP consultations:
Researchers say people who learn more about their symptoms on the internet have better consultations with their GP.
The study by University College London (UCL) said that patients who search the internet for details of illnesses and symptoms are listened to more attentively by their family doctor.
And those who take their own information into the surgery are often able to build a better relationship wit... Healthcare Today
Researchers say people who learn more about their symptoms on the internet have better consultations with their GP.
The study by University College London (UCL) said that patients who search the internet for details of illnesses and symptoms are listened to more attentively by their family doctor.
And those who take their own information into the surgery are often able to build a better relationship wit... Healthcare Today
NHS should invest more in women
NHS should invest more in women: Female dominated boards should be the norm rather than exception
As the NHS goes through major structural upheaval, we have a great opportunity to make changes for the better. One area often over looked is the place of women — particularly women doctors — in leadership positions.
As the NHS goes through major structural upheaval, we have a great opportunity to make changes for the better. One area often over looked is the place of women — particularly women doctors — in leadership positions.
Closed drug trials leave patients at risk and doctors in the dark
Closed drug trials leave patients at risk and doctors in the dark: Drug companies can hide information about their drugs perfectly legally. We need proper legislation, says Ben Goldacre
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Hospitals 'paid millions to put patients on death pathway'
Hospitals 'paid millions to put patients on death pathway': Hospitals are being paid millions of pounds to reach targets for the number of patients put on a controversial pathway for the withdrawal of life-saving treatment, according to data based on Freedom of Information requests.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Toll rises to 10 baby deaths this year in biggest whooping cough outbreak for 20 years
Toll rises to 10 baby deaths this year in biggest whooping cough outbreak for 20 years:
The number of babies who have died in the biggest outbreak of whooping cough for 20 years has increased to 10, health officials said. The Independent
The number of babies who have died in the biggest outbreak of whooping cough for 20 years has increased to 10, health officials said. The Independent
Whooping cough outbreak continues
Whooping cough outbreak continues: According to figures published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) today, 1,322 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) were reported in England and Wales in September 2012, bringing the total number of cases so far this year to 6,121*. Health Protection Agency
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Kettering public hear ambulance station closure proposals
Kettering public hear ambulance station closure proposals: Ambulance bosses have forced to defend proposals which would see Northamptonshire lose all but two of its current stations. Evening Telegraph
Care home in Northampton given safety warning by inspectors
Care home in Northampton given safety warning by inspectors: The Care Quality Commission has issued a formal warning to Countrywide Care Homes Limited saying they must make improvements to standards of care at Argyle House, in Dallington, or face further action.Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Guide launched to improve services for patients with learning disabilities
Guide launched to improve services for patients with learning disabilities: The guidance has been produced in partnership with the Improving Health and Lives Learning Disability team at the Public Health Observatory and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It includes all of the recommendations from the interim Winterbourne View report published in spring 2012.
Care failure ''could strip elderly of dignity''
Care failure ''could strip elderly of dignity'': Failure to tackle how care is funded is leaving elderly people in limbo, says an LGA survey Public Service
Sickness absence rates
Sickness absence rates: 'Sickness Absence Rates in the NHS: April - June 2012' has been published by the Information Centre. The data show that between April and June 2012 the average sickness absence rate for the NHS in England was 4.02 per cent an increase from the same period in 2011. The North East SHA area had the highest average sickness absence rate at 4.49 per cent. The London SHA area had the lowest average at 3.34 per cent. NHS Information Centre
A joined-up solution for social inclusion and mental health recovery: new briefing from the Centre for Mental Health
A joined-up solution for social inclusion and mental health recovery: new briefing from the Centre for Mental Health: Recovery is an increasingly popular concept and philosophy in mental health circles and rightly so. Many of us who have direct experience of suffering from a mental health condition extol the virtues of an educational self management approach that helps individuals to take responsibility for themselves. This kind of approach can help us develop the [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Outcomes matter: effective commissioning in domiciliary care
Outcomes matter: effective commissioning in domiciliary care: This report argues that a culture of delivering care in 15 minute time slots is affecting the quality of life of older people and other recipients of social care services. It highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by commissioners and provides a commissioning checklist for domicilary care.
Driving improvements in A&E services
Driving improvements in A&E services: This benchmarking study found that A&E departments are seeing
increasing numbers of patients but, despite improving their efficiency and innovating, seven out of ten trusts were shown to lose money on their A&E patients. It emphasises that fundamental problems remain on the funding of A&E and emergency services.
increasing numbers of patients but, despite improving their efficiency and innovating, seven out of ten trusts were shown to lose money on their A&E patients. It emphasises that fundamental problems remain on the funding of A&E and emergency services.
£50m set aside for dementia patients
£50m set aside for dementia patients: A new fund of £50m to create calming environments for people with dementia, which aid treatment by helping sufferers to avoid confusion, will be announced on Thursday by the health secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Doctors to investigate use of controversial Liverpool Care Pathway
Doctors to investigate use of controversial Liverpool Care Pathway: Doctors are to investigate whether the controversial Liverpool Care Pathway, which is supposed to alleviate suffering, is actually being used to deliberately hasten death.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Faulty medical implants investigation: Patients at risk from flaws in medical device rules, admit EU chiefs
Faulty medical implants investigation: Patients at risk from flaws in medical device rules, admit EU chiefs: Telegraph investigation: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt pledges to stop "worrying and completely unacceptable weakness in the regulatory system" exposed by The Telegraph.
Number of Mental Health detentions and Community Treatment Order rises
Number of Mental Health detentions and Community Treatment Order rises: The number of detentions and Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) under the Mental Health Act increased last year according to a new report. NHS Information Centre
My Home Life: promoting quality of life in care homes
My Home Life: promoting quality of life in care homes:
What's needed to promote quality of life in care homes? A new report from JRF outlines the findings from the My Home Life project. My Home Life is a collaborative initiative between Age UK, City University, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Dementia UK promoting quality of life in care homes. Read more
What's needed to promote quality of life in care homes? A new report from JRF outlines the findings from the My Home Life project. My Home Life is a collaborative initiative between Age UK, City University, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Dementia UK promoting quality of life in care homes. Read more
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Plans for £52m hospital revealed
Plans for £52m hospital revealed: A mental health charity in Northampton reveals plans to build a 90-bed psychiatric unit, costing £52m. BBC Northamptonshire
KGH is a leader in keyhole surgery
KGH is a leader in keyhole surgery: Surgeons at Kettering General Hospital have performed a breakthrough keyhole surgery to help a man’s battle to beat cancer. Evening Telegraph
Changes to the GP contract for 2013-14
Changes to the GP contract for 2013-14:
A letter from Dame Barbara Hakin, National Managing Director of Commissioning Development, to chief executives of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities sets out proposed changes to the general medical services contract for 2013/2014. These proposals have been sent to the British Medical Association for consideration and include:
A letter from Dame Barbara Hakin, National Managing Director of Commissioning Development, to chief executives of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities sets out proposed changes to the general medical services contract for 2013/2014. These proposals have been sent to the British Medical Association for consideration and include:
- new measures to improve care for patients with long term conditions and help prevent unnecessary emergency admissions to hospital
- ensuring that quality rewards for GPs reflect expert advice, from NICE, so that patients receive the very best care in line with the most up to date evidence
- stopping additional rewards for organisational tasks like good record keeping, which should be part of any good health organisation. This money will instead go into rewarding the quality of services that GPs offer patients.
- ensuring that more patients benefit from best practice in areas such as keeping blood pressure low and reducing cholesterol levels, especially those in most need or hardest to reach.
Angry BMA rejects 1.5% GP pay deal
Angry BMA rejects 1.5% GP pay deal: Ministers have threatened to impose a GMS pay uplift understood to be worth 1.5% in return for significant extra workload, in a move that has wrecked 'five months of detailed negotiations', GP leaders say. GP Online
QOF set for 'biggest ever change' in DH overhaul
QOF set for 'biggest ever change' in DH overhaul: The QOF faces its 'biggest ever change' from April 2013, with practices forced to compete for points, a whole domain axed and new DESs introduced under plans set out by the DH. GP Online
Most NHS trusts say change is necessary
Most NHS trusts say change is necessary: Nine out of 10 NHS trusts are planning to close, merge or alter services in the next two years Public Service
Talking self-harm
Talking self-harm: This report argues that there is a need for more awareness about self-harm amongst young people, parents and professionals. It makes recommendations for more training for healthcare professionals and
places emphasis on the need for guidance for GPs on how assessment tools such as NICE guidelines can support the consultation and referral process.
places emphasis on the need for guidance for GPs on how assessment tools such as NICE guidelines can support the consultation and referral process.
Hillsborough: the report of the Hillsborough Independent panel
Hillsborough: the report of the Hillsborough Independent panel: Sir David Nicholson has written to NHS organisations to ask them, in the light of the report of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, to review, with their boards, their arrangements for responding to major incidents and take any appropriate action to ensure their current practices and processes are as robust as possible.
Next steps in developing a payment mechanism in mental health
Next steps in developing a payment mechanism in mental health:
The HFMA mental health faculty have produced this duscussion paper on the development of mental health payment by results.
The HFMA mental health faculty have produced this duscussion paper on the development of mental health payment by results.
Public sector pension reform to cut benefits by a third: PPI - Professional Pensions
Public sector pension reform to cut benefits by a third: PPI - Professional Pensions:
Professional Pensions |
Public sector pension reform to cut benefits by a third: PPI
Professional Pensions The government's proposed reforms to public sector pension schemes will cut the average benefit for members by more than a third, the Pensions Policy Institute says. In an impact assessment published today, the PPI said members of the NHS, teachers ... Report by Pensions Policy Institute claims public sector workers would still ...Daily Mail Public sector pensions to drop by a third in valueMoney Marketing PPI Public Sector Pensions Briefing NoteActuarial Post Public Finance -Citywire.co.uk all 20 news articles » |
Drugs and alcohol spending must not lose out
Drugs and alcohol spending must not lose out: From April 2013, money for drugs and alcohol services will no longer be ringfenced but will be lumped together with money for other public health services
Hospitals losing money with rising numbers of A&E patients, study finds
Hospitals losing money with rising numbers of A&E patients, study finds: Study says it costs hospitals more to treat accident and emergency patients than they are paid to deliver service
Missing drug trial results 'costs lives and wastes millions', MP argues
Missing drug trial results 'costs lives and wastes millions', MP argues: Drug companies must publish the results of "vitally important" clinical trials, an MP has argued, saying missing information comprises patient safety and wastes millions of pounds.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphFaulty medical implants investigation: Regulators' trail of deception has been exposed, says chairman
Faulty medical implants investigation: Regulators' trail of deception has been exposed, says chairman: Andrew Miller, the chairman of a parliamentary select committee investigating the sub-standard regulation of medical devices in Britain, has said that a "trail of deception" has been exposed in the system.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Resources available for Self Care Week 2012
Resources available for Self Care Week 2012:
Resources are now available for Self Care Week 2012, to help NHS, social care and voluntary sector organisations run local initiatives.
This year, Self Care Week will run from 12-18 November. Self Care Week is an annual national awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self care across communities, families and generations.
This year’s theme is ‘Self Care for Life – growing older healthily’, which builds on the European Active and Healthy Ageing initiative on improving the health knowledge of patients and the public as they get older. For Self Care Week 2012, we are extending this approach through all the life stages – from pre-birth to older years – to ensure healthy and happy living at every age.
Once again, Self Care Week is being run in partnership with the Self Care Forum, which is the leading UK organisation committed to embedding self care into everyday life and whose members include GPs, nurses, pharmacists and NHS managers, as well as the Department of Health.
A communications pack and other resources can be downloaded from the Self Care Week 2012 Resources page on the Self Care Forum’s website. Department of Health
Resources are now available for Self Care Week 2012, to help NHS, social care and voluntary sector organisations run local initiatives.
This year, Self Care Week will run from 12-18 November. Self Care Week is an annual national awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self care across communities, families and generations.
This year’s theme is ‘Self Care for Life – growing older healthily’, which builds on the European Active and Healthy Ageing initiative on improving the health knowledge of patients and the public as they get older. For Self Care Week 2012, we are extending this approach through all the life stages – from pre-birth to older years – to ensure healthy and happy living at every age.
Once again, Self Care Week is being run in partnership with the Self Care Forum, which is the leading UK organisation committed to embedding self care into everyday life and whose members include GPs, nurses, pharmacists and NHS managers, as well as the Department of Health.
A communications pack and other resources can be downloaded from the Self Care Week 2012 Resources page on the Self Care Forum’s website. Department of Health
VIDEO: 'Dramatic rise' in self harm cases
VIDEO: 'Dramatic rise' in self harm cases: As many as one in 12 young people in the UK carry out self-harm, according to a study by a mental health charity. BBC News
GP leaders fear IT funding cuts
GP leaders fear IT funding cuts: Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) must be given the funding they need to maintain general practice IT, the GPC has warned. GP Online
National Bowel Cancer Audit 2011
National Bowel Cancer Audit 2011: This national audit has found that about a quarter of bowel cancer patients
in England are only diagnosed with the disease after an emergency admission to hospital. This equates to about 8,000 out of 31,000 patients admitted in a 12 month period, whose records were analysed by the National Bowel Cancer Audit and linked for the first time with hospital data (Hospital Episode Statistics).
in England are only diagnosed with the disease after an emergency admission to hospital. This equates to about 8,000 out of 31,000 patients admitted in a 12 month period, whose records were analysed by the National Bowel Cancer Audit and linked for the first time with hospital data (Hospital Episode Statistics).
Children throat infections rising
Researchers have highlighted a dramatic rise in the number of children admitted to hospitals with throat infections over the last decade.
The team from Imperial College London, writing in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, found a 76% increase though most children were released home after a short stay.
And rather than an increase in the severity of infections, they suggest it is more to do with press... Healthcare Today
NHS hearing services 'being cut' - BBC News
NHS hearing services 'being cut' - BBC News:
BBC News |
NHS hearing services 'being cut'
BBC News In particular, the study found evidence of rises in waiting times and reductions in follow-up care. The report is the latest in a growing number to have suggested front-line care is being rationed as the health service struggles with finances. The NHS ... and more » |
Death pathway 'based on guesswork'
Death pathway 'based on guesswork': The controversial "death pathway" has come under renewed attack from doctors, lawyers and campaigners who said staff using it had to guess when patients were nearing the end of life.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily TelegraphUndercover investigation exposes EU licencing for faulty medical implants
Undercover investigation exposes EU licencing for faulty medical implants: A joint undercover investigation with the the Daily Telegraph and British Medical Journal has exposed loopholes in the EU system which allows potentially dangerous medical implants to be sold in the UK.
Controversial decision on heart surgery units halted amid threats of legal action and protests
Controversial decision on heart surgery units halted amid threats of legal action and protests: A controversial decision to close three children's heart surgery units in England has been halted by the Government amid threats of legal action and growing protests from MPs and families. The Independent
Monday, 22 October 2012
VIDEO: Hospital cuts loom, claims Labour
VIDEO: Hospital cuts loom, claims Labour: The Labour Party has claimed that a leaked document about the future of Kettering General Hospital proves that managers are planning to cut services. BBC Northamptonshire
Staff treated for TB at Northampton dialysis unit
Staff treated for TB at Northampton dialysis unit: Staff at a kidney dialysis unit in Northampton are being treated for tuberculosis (TB). Chronicle and Echo
£52.5m funding secured for St Andrews development
£52.5m funding secured for St Andrews development: Finance chiefs at St Andrew’s Healthcare have secured a £52.5million funding package to support its continued expansion and the development of a new hospital building at its existing site in Northampton. Chronicle and Echo
Mental health plan tackles stigma
Mental health plan tackles stigma: The health minister sets out a 10-year strategy for mental health care, recognising the issue of stigma and the threats from everyday and financial pressures. BBC News
NHS 26-week waiting lists hit all-time low
NHS 26-week waiting lists hit all-time low: The number of people waiting over 26 weeks to start treatment is at its lowest level since records began Public Service
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