Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Managing NHS hospital consultants
Managing NHS hospital consultants: The 2003 contract for hospital consultants delivered many expected benefits, but there is room for improvement in how trusts manage their consultants. National Audit Office
NHS trust tricked in email scam
NHS trust tricked in email scam: A NHS trust in South Yorkshire admits it lost more than £680,000 in an email fraud. BBC News
VIDEO: Stafford nurse describes failings
VIDEO: Stafford nurse describes failings: 'Whistleblower' nurse Helene Donnelly believes Stafford Hospital's major failing was not listening to patient care concerns. BBC News
Would zero tolerance boost patient care?
Would zero tolerance boost patient care?: Hospital managers are given too many incentives to do the wrong thing, says Dr Foster co-founder. Public Service
Important changes to clinical scientist education, training and regulation
Important changes to clinical scientist education, training and regulation: Modernising Scientific Careers (MSC) Scientist Training Programme (STP) has standardised pre registration clinical scientist training and education. It is important employers are aware of the subsequent arrangements for statutory regulation. NHS Employers
Introducing Health Education England: our strategic intent
Introducing Health Education England: our strategic intent: This document sets out HEE's purpose and the role that they will play in leading education, training and development across the system to deliver improvements in the quality of care for patients. It also includes high level guidance for workforce planners. HEE are welcoming
views and feedback on this document at HEE.StrategicIntentFeedback@nhs.net
views and feedback on this document at HEE.StrategicIntentFeedback@nhs.net
Why is racism rife in the NHS?
Why is racism rife in the NHS?: Without immigrant staff, the health service would come to a standstill. So why aren't BME health professionals treated fairly?
Mid Staffs hospital scandal: the essential guide
Mid Staffs hospital scandal: the essential guide: With a new inquiry into the causes of poor care at the hospital being released, the findings may have ramifications for the rest of the NHS. Study the issue in depth and learn all you need to know about what happens next with our essential guide.
GSK to publish clinical trial data for drugs
GSK to publish clinical trial data for drugs:
Britain’s largest pharmaceutical company has stunned the medical world by announcing it would back a campaign to publish all clinical trial results to preserve the safety of medicines. The Independent
Britain’s largest pharmaceutical company has stunned the medical world by announcing it would back a campaign to publish all clinical trial results to preserve the safety of medicines. The Independent
Mid Staffordshire Trust care scandal: Report highlighting serious failings due to be published
Mid Staffordshire Trust care scandal: Report highlighting serious failings due to be published:
The campaigner who kick-started exposure of the Mid-Staffordshire health care scandal has called for people to be held to account for its failings as a landmark report on “shocking” care at the hospital trust was due to be published today. The Independent
The campaigner who kick-started exposure of the Mid-Staffordshire health care scandal has called for people to be held to account for its failings as a landmark report on “shocking” care at the hospital trust was due to be published today. The Independent
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Air ambulance charity criticised
Air ambulance charity criticised: An air ambulance charity covering Northamptonshire is criticised for both the way it raises its funds and the way it spends them. BBC News
2013/14 NHS Standard Contract published
2013/14 NHS Standard Contract published:
The 2013/14 NHS Standard Contract has been published today by the NHS Commissioning Board.
The contract is for use by commissioners when commissioning healthcare services (other than those commissioned under primary care contracts) and is adaptable for use for a broad range of services and delivery models. It reflects the requirements set out in Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2013/14. National variation documents will be issued to vary the existing standard contracts that expire after 31 March 2013.
A range of stakeholder organisations were involved in developing the 2013/14 NHS Standard Contract. This has resulted in a document which enables safe, innovative and transformation commissioning and which supports commissioners and providers in their delivery of the QIPP challenge. Developing this contract together has increased the scope for promoting improvement in outcomes, clinical leadership and the involvement of patients and the public in the commissioning of safe, high quality patient care.
For the first time, the Standard Contract is being issued as an eContract to make contracting and the contract management process easier. The launch of the eContract Portal will start on the 4 February 2013 with access to ‘The Learning Zone’, the area of the eContract portal where commissioners can find information to support them in the creation of their tailored contracts. ‘My eContracts’, the secure commission space where commissioners can generate, store and manage their contracts, will be available on 8 February.
A number of documents designed to support commissioners in the use of the contract are also available, including the final versions of the Technical Guidance and a Guide for Clinical Commissioners.
The responsibility for the preparation and publication of the NHS standard contract has passed from the Department of Health to the NHS Commissioning Board. Previously published NHS Standard Contracts are available from the Department of Health website.
The 2013/14 NHS Standard Contract has been published today by the NHS Commissioning Board.
The contract is for use by commissioners when commissioning healthcare services (other than those commissioned under primary care contracts) and is adaptable for use for a broad range of services and delivery models. It reflects the requirements set out in Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2013/14. National variation documents will be issued to vary the existing standard contracts that expire after 31 March 2013.
A range of stakeholder organisations were involved in developing the 2013/14 NHS Standard Contract. This has resulted in a document which enables safe, innovative and transformation commissioning and which supports commissioners and providers in their delivery of the QIPP challenge. Developing this contract together has increased the scope for promoting improvement in outcomes, clinical leadership and the involvement of patients and the public in the commissioning of safe, high quality patient care.
For the first time, the Standard Contract is being issued as an eContract to make contracting and the contract management process easier. The launch of the eContract Portal will start on the 4 February 2013 with access to ‘The Learning Zone’, the area of the eContract portal where commissioners can find information to support them in the creation of their tailored contracts. ‘My eContracts’, the secure commission space where commissioners can generate, store and manage their contracts, will be available on 8 February.
A number of documents designed to support commissioners in the use of the contract are also available, including the final versions of the Technical Guidance and a Guide for Clinical Commissioners.
The responsibility for the preparation and publication of the NHS standard contract has passed from the Department of Health to the NHS Commissioning Board. Previously published NHS Standard Contracts are available from the Department of Health website.
Managers, not politicians, must cure NHS
Managers, not politicians, must cure NHS: Problems with the NHS can only be solved by managers, not through more inspections and legislation, Mike Farrar has warned. Public Service
HPA reports decline in cases of whooping cough after record numbers in 2012
HPA reports decline in cases of whooping cough after record numbers in 2012: Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA)
According to figures published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), there were 9,741 confirmed cases of whooping cough reported in England and Wales in 2012 - this is almost 10 times higher than the number of cases reported in previous years (1,119 in 2011 and 902 in 2008). The highest number of cases (8,059) were reported in those aged 15 and over.
The figures for December 2012 show a decrease in the reported number of cases of whooping cough for the second month running (832 compared with 1,168 in November 2012). The HPA cautions however that it usually sees a reduction in cases of whooping cough at this time of year, so this is in line with normal seasonal patterns.
According to figures published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), there were 9,741 confirmed cases of whooping cough reported in England and Wales in 2012 - this is almost 10 times higher than the number of cases reported in previous years (1,119 in 2011 and 902 in 2008). The highest number of cases (8,059) were reported in those aged 15 and over.
The figures for December 2012 show a decrease in the reported number of cases of whooping cough for the second month running (832 compared with 1,168 in November 2012). The HPA cautions however that it usually sees a reduction in cases of whooping cough at this time of year, so this is in line with normal seasonal patterns.
MHRA launches public health campaign to urge reporting of side-effects through the Yellow Card Scheme
MHRA launches public health campaign to urge reporting of side-effects through the Yellow Card Scheme: Source: MHRA
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a campaign to highlight the need for the public to report any suspected side effects from medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme. Figures show that reports from members of the public have declined from a high of 3,584 in 2006 to 1,789 in 2012, and that GP reporting has fallen steadily over a nine-year period - from 5,578 in 2003 to 3,511 in 2012.
The aims of the campaign are to ensure health professionals recognise the importance of reporting adverse reactions via the Yellow card Scheme and to increase public awareness of the scheme. Yellow Cards are being distributed to pharmacies and materials to raise awareness among health professionals are being rolled out throughout February. A promotional video to encourage the public to report adverse drug reactions to the MHRA is also being shown in 339 Rowlands pharmacies across the UK..
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a campaign to highlight the need for the public to report any suspected side effects from medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme. Figures show that reports from members of the public have declined from a high of 3,584 in 2006 to 1,789 in 2012, and that GP reporting has fallen steadily over a nine-year period - from 5,578 in 2003 to 3,511 in 2012.
The aims of the campaign are to ensure health professionals recognise the importance of reporting adverse reactions via the Yellow card Scheme and to increase public awareness of the scheme. Yellow Cards are being distributed to pharmacies and materials to raise awareness among health professionals are being rolled out throughout February. A promotional video to encourage the public to report adverse drug reactions to the MHRA is also being shown in 339 Rowlands pharmacies across the UK..
Tighter rules issued on prescribing:
The General Medical Council (GMC) has issued an update to its guidance concerning the prescription of unlicensed medication.GMC chief executive Niall Dickson said he hoped doctors would find the update "useful" and added: "This new guidance tightens the current rules on prescribing and addresses the challenges doctors face in this complex area." In Good practice in prescribing and... Healthcare Today
The General Medical Council (GMC) has issued an update to its guidance concerning the prescription of unlicensed medication.GMC chief executive Niall Dickson said he hoped doctors would find the update "useful" and added: "This new guidance tightens the current rules on prescribing and addresses the challenges doctors face in this complex area." In Good practice in prescribing and... Healthcare Today
NHS trusts should be more open about board performance, says report
NHS trusts should be more open about board performance, says report:
Review concludes that trusts must use annual reports to give a 'much more rounded articulation' of where they are
NHS trusts need to be more open about the performance of their boards and board members, according to a new study.
Few NHS organisations included details on how performance was measured in their annual reports, the review by business and financial advisory firm Grant Thornton found.
When asked how much explanation was given of how the board, committee and directors are evaluated for their performance, 56% of trusts (not including foundation trusts and primary care trusts) said none at all.
Paul Hughes, public sector governance lead at Grant Thornton, said: "More than half are not saying anything about how they are evaluating their own effectiveness. That can't be right. These are public bodies spending public money. There's a duty for them to take more care and ensure proper, good-quality descriptions in their annual reports."
With trusts having to make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions, they should be using the annual report to give explanations and to outline the challenges they are facing, said Hughes.
They need to give a "much more rounded articulation" of where they are and where they are going, he said.
The review surveyed 60 NHS leaders, including chief executives, finance directors and audit committee chairs, and looked at the reports of 100 NHS trusts from 2011-12. It did find that there had been a slight improvement in NHS governance reporting from 2010-11, with foundation trusts making particular progress.
However, Hughes said: "What hasn't necessarily improved is the quality of the disclosure."
The review also revealed concern about the readiness and effectiveness of clinical commissioning group boards, with just 20% of respondents thinking they are fit to launch.
Just over a third of NHS leaders said there was room for improvement in their trust's corporate structures in ensuring clear lines of accountability. And 67% of respondents felt it was the chief executive, rather than the chair, who set the tone of governance.
"Trust and confidence in public bodies is high on the public agenda at the moment and transparent, effective governance is particularly important for the NHS over the next few years," said Bill Upton, head of healthcare at Grant Thornton. "Good governance has an impact on the quality of care given to patients; it inspires confidence that public money is being wisely invested and supports and protects clinicians in their decisions.
Upton adds: "There are positive signs that NHS trusts are strengthening annual reporting, benefiting from non-executive expertise and championing gender diversity. However, there is a real need to prepare for new commissioning models." Guardian
NHS trusts need to be more open about the performance of their boards and board members, according to a new study.
Few NHS organisations included details on how performance was measured in their annual reports, the review by business and financial advisory firm Grant Thornton found.
When asked how much explanation was given of how the board, committee and directors are evaluated for their performance, 56% of trusts (not including foundation trusts and primary care trusts) said none at all.
Paul Hughes, public sector governance lead at Grant Thornton, said: "More than half are not saying anything about how they are evaluating their own effectiveness. That can't be right. These are public bodies spending public money. There's a duty for them to take more care and ensure proper, good-quality descriptions in their annual reports."
With trusts having to make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions, they should be using the annual report to give explanations and to outline the challenges they are facing, said Hughes.
They need to give a "much more rounded articulation" of where they are and where they are going, he said.
The review surveyed 60 NHS leaders, including chief executives, finance directors and audit committee chairs, and looked at the reports of 100 NHS trusts from 2011-12. It did find that there had been a slight improvement in NHS governance reporting from 2010-11, with foundation trusts making particular progress.
However, Hughes said: "What hasn't necessarily improved is the quality of the disclosure."
The review also revealed concern about the readiness and effectiveness of clinical commissioning group boards, with just 20% of respondents thinking they are fit to launch.
Just over a third of NHS leaders said there was room for improvement in their trust's corporate structures in ensuring clear lines of accountability. And 67% of respondents felt it was the chief executive, rather than the chair, who set the tone of governance.
"Trust and confidence in public bodies is high on the public agenda at the moment and transparent, effective governance is particularly important for the NHS over the next few years," said Bill Upton, head of healthcare at Grant Thornton. "Good governance has an impact on the quality of care given to patients; it inspires confidence that public money is being wisely invested and supports and protects clinicians in their decisions.
Upton adds: "There are positive signs that NHS trusts are strengthening annual reporting, benefiting from non-executive expertise and championing gender diversity. However, there is a real need to prepare for new commissioning models." Guardian
Monday, 4 February 2013
Free pair of NHS ‘Valentine’s Day’ pants for people who get tested for chlamydia
Free pair of NHS ‘Valentine’s Day’ pants for people who get tested for chlamydia:
Young people in Northamptonshire are being offered a free pair of special edition ‘Valentine’s pants’ by the NHS if they have a chlamydia test before February 14. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Young people in Northamptonshire are being offered a free pair of special edition ‘Valentine’s pants’ by the NHS if they have a chlamydia test before February 14. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Northampton General Hospital praised for sharing information to help cut violent crime
Northampton General Hospital praised for sharing information to help cut violent crime:
Northampton General Hospital has been praised in a national report looking at how health organisations can help reduce violent crime. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Northampton General Hospital has been praised in a national report looking at how health organisations can help reduce violent crime. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Complaints up on private NHS transport firm
Complaints up on private NHS transport firm:
A private company that won an NHS contract to carry Northamptonshire patients to hospital appointments has seen a rise in complaints. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
A private company that won an NHS contract to carry Northamptonshire patients to hospital appointments has seen a rise in complaints. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Carer suspended while ‘neglect’ investigated
Carer suspended while ‘neglect’ investigated:
A care company in Northampton has suspended an employee after a mentally ill man was left in a car in freezing temperatures. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
A care company in Northampton has suspended an employee after a mentally ill man was left in a car in freezing temperatures. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
MPs call for criminal inquiry into toxic hip implants
MPs call for criminal inquiry into toxic hip implants:
MPs have called for an inquiry after it emerged that a company sold toxic hip implants used in thousands of operations in Britain despite knowing for at least three years that they were potentially dangerous.
Telegraph Health News
MPs have called for an inquiry after it emerged that a company sold toxic hip implants used in thousands of operations in Britain despite knowing for at least three years that they were potentially dangerous.
Telegraph Health News
Call for universal HPV jab:
A British charity has called for schoolboys to be given the HPV vaccine in an effort to cut cases of throat cancer.
The Throat Cancer Foundation wants the decision to immunise girls – introduced in 2008 to protect against the virus that causes cervical cancer – to be extended to all 12-year-olds as protection against other cancers.
Australia is currently the only country to routinely offer universal...Healthcare Today
A British charity has called for schoolboys to be given the HPV vaccine in an effort to cut cases of throat cancer.
The Throat Cancer Foundation wants the decision to immunise girls – introduced in 2008 to protect against the virus that causes cervical cancer – to be extended to all 12-year-olds as protection against other cancers.
Australia is currently the only country to routinely offer universal...Healthcare Today
Department of Health launches 12 week consultation to establish a full set of NICE quality standards and guidance for social care
Department of Health launches 12 week consultation to establish a full set of NICE quality standards and guidance for social care: Source: Department of Health
The Department of Health is looking for ideas from care users, their families and carers, service commissioners, care providers, and front line staff to help decide on future topics for NICE guidance and standards for social care.
Some of the potential NICE standards for discussion in the consultation include:
. Falls
. Deprivation of liberty safeguards
. Medicines management in home-based settings.
The role of NICE in driving up the quality of social care is outlined in The Caring for our Future White Paper. The 12 week consultation ends on 26 April 2013.
Responses to the consultation can be made online or by downloading a full copy of the NICE consultation document.
The Department of Health is looking for ideas from care users, their families and carers, service commissioners, care providers, and front line staff to help decide on future topics for NICE guidance and standards for social care.
Some of the potential NICE standards for discussion in the consultation include:
. Falls
. Deprivation of liberty safeguards
. Medicines management in home-based settings.
The role of NICE in driving up the quality of social care is outlined in The Caring for our Future White Paper. The 12 week consultation ends on 26 April 2013.
Responses to the consultation can be made online or by downloading a full copy of the NICE consultation document.
GMC issues new prescribing guidance
GMC issues new prescribing guidance:
Good Practice in Prescribing and Managing Medicines and Devices strengthens and broadens the current advice on prescribing medicines to include medical devices and gives key updates on using unlicensed medicines.
While doctors should usually prescribe medicine within the terms on their licence, unlicensed medicines are commonly used in some areas such as paediatrics, psychiatry and palliative care. NHS Networks
Good Practice in Prescribing and Managing Medicines and Devices strengthens and broadens the current advice on prescribing medicines to include medical devices and gives key updates on using unlicensed medicines.
While doctors should usually prescribe medicine within the terms on their licence, unlicensed medicines are commonly used in some areas such as paediatrics, psychiatry and palliative care. NHS Networks
Making health services adolescent friendly: developing national quality standards for adolescent friendly health services.
Making health services adolescent friendly: developing national quality standards for adolescent friendly health services.:
This guidebook describes methods to promote accessibility for adolescents to the health services necessary to improve their health and wellbeing (including sexual and reproductive health services). The guidebook provides advice for the development of quality standards of health provision for young people. CASH Full News Feed
This guidebook describes methods to promote accessibility for adolescents to the health services necessary to improve their health and wellbeing (including sexual and reproductive health services). The guidebook provides advice for the development of quality standards of health provision for young people. CASH Full News Feed
NHS patient confidentiality 'at risk' from central database
NHS patient confidentiality 'at risk' from central database:
BMA and privacy groups warn transfer of patients' records without consent could breach rights and damage trust in doctors
The confidentiality of millions of NHS patients will be put at risk by a new central database of medical records, privacy campaigners and doctors' leaders have warned.
The British Medical Association and privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch said the transfer of patients' records without their consent could breach patient confidentiality and damage trust in doctors. The information to be stored on the database includes drinking habits, NHS numbers, illnesses and reasons for treatment.
The files, which will not state the patient's name, can be accessed by researchers to assess the nation's health, analyse demand for services and improve treatment.
The details, referred to by the NHS as "patient identifiable components", will include information including diagnosis of cancer or mental illness, date of birth, postcodes and a patient's date of death.
GPs will be required to send the information as part of Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2013/14, a programme designed to extend the availability of patient data across the health service. The central database will be run by the NHS's Health and Social Care Information Centre.
Nick Pickles, director of Big Brother Watch, said: "We may be witnessing the beginning of the end for patient privacy in the NHS. Forget putting patients in charge of their medical records, this new giant database will put NHS managers in charge of our most confidential information. Not only have the public not been told what is going on, none of us have been asked to give our permission for this to happen.
"To claim a database that includes your NHS number, date of birth and postcode is anonymous is simply not true. The risks of re-identification on a mass scale are very real and do not seem to have been taken into account at all."
A BMA spokesman said that the proposals were too broad: "Sharing patient data to help inform commissioning decisions is an important process that can help to improve NHS services, but it must only be done with strict safeguards in place. Patients must be given the option to opt out of any scheme that seeks to transfer identifiable information about them from their records to another source."
Tim Kelsey, national director for patients and information at the NHS Commissioning Board, said that data sharing was vital for improving the NHS: "This does not put patient confidentiality at any risk. Data quality in the NHS needs to improve: it is no longer acceptable that at a given moment no one can be sure exactly how many patients are currently receiving chemotherapy, for example." Guardian
The confidentiality of millions of NHS patients will be put at risk by a new central database of medical records, privacy campaigners and doctors' leaders have warned.
The British Medical Association and privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch said the transfer of patients' records without their consent could breach patient confidentiality and damage trust in doctors. The information to be stored on the database includes drinking habits, NHS numbers, illnesses and reasons for treatment.
The files, which will not state the patient's name, can be accessed by researchers to assess the nation's health, analyse demand for services and improve treatment.
The details, referred to by the NHS as "patient identifiable components", will include information including diagnosis of cancer or mental illness, date of birth, postcodes and a patient's date of death.
GPs will be required to send the information as part of Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2013/14, a programme designed to extend the availability of patient data across the health service. The central database will be run by the NHS's Health and Social Care Information Centre.
Nick Pickles, director of Big Brother Watch, said: "We may be witnessing the beginning of the end for patient privacy in the NHS. Forget putting patients in charge of their medical records, this new giant database will put NHS managers in charge of our most confidential information. Not only have the public not been told what is going on, none of us have been asked to give our permission for this to happen.
"To claim a database that includes your NHS number, date of birth and postcode is anonymous is simply not true. The risks of re-identification on a mass scale are very real and do not seem to have been taken into account at all."
A BMA spokesman said that the proposals were too broad: "Sharing patient data to help inform commissioning decisions is an important process that can help to improve NHS services, but it must only be done with strict safeguards in place. Patients must be given the option to opt out of any scheme that seeks to transfer identifiable information about them from their records to another source."
Tim Kelsey, national director for patients and information at the NHS Commissioning Board, said that data sharing was vital for improving the NHS: "This does not put patient confidentiality at any risk. Data quality in the NHS needs to improve: it is no longer acceptable that at a given moment no one can be sure exactly how many patients are currently receiving chemotherapy, for example." Guardian
People with schizophrenia are significantly more likely to die from heart disease and cancer
People with schizophrenia are significantly more likely to die from heart disease and cancer:
Since starting this blog two years ago, I have written about a number of studies that highlight the health inequalities faced by people with severe mental illness. The evidence keeps piling up and it’s really quite shocking that we are not doing more to diagnose and treat physical health problems in people with conditions such [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Since starting this blog two years ago, I have written about a number of studies that highlight the health inequalities faced by people with severe mental illness. The evidence keeps piling up and it’s really quite shocking that we are not doing more to diagnose and treat physical health problems in people with conditions such [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Friday, 1 February 2013
Web site of the month: Health Knowledge
Web site of the month: Health Knowledge:
Health Knowledge was created for people working in public health, but contains high quality learning resources that are of use to the wider health care audience.
The site hosts a Public Health Textbook which covers all relevant public health skills and competencies and is free to access (as are all the things on Health Knowledge).
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As well as the e-learning content there is a section of interactive learning material which includes presentations with an audio element and other material such as videos and workbooks that walks users through each subject. Areas covered in this section include:
A highlight is the material on critical appraisal called Finding and Appraising the Evidence. These six modules provide a general introduction to critical appraisal before taking you through the process of how to find evidence, and then going on to look at different types of research, such as randomised control trials and finishing with how to make sense of the evidence, which looks at statistics and outcome measures.
Each section also ends with a quiz to test your learning and there are links to further resources. This is an excellent introduction to a complex topic and is highly recommended. NHfT Library Services
Health Knowledge was created for people working in public health, but contains high quality learning resources that are of use to the wider health care audience.The site hosts a Public Health Textbook which covers all relevant public health skills and competencies and is free to access (as are all the things on Health Knowledge).
You will also find a number of e-learning resources covering epidemiology, health information and statistical methods. Each comes with a pre-course assessment, learning materials and ends with a final assessment which is graded and can be printed off for recording against CPD.
As well as the e-learning content there is a section of interactive learning material which includes presentations with an audio element and other material such as videos and workbooks that walks users through each subject. Areas covered in this section include:
A highlight is the material on critical appraisal called Finding and Appraising the Evidence. These six modules provide a general introduction to critical appraisal before taking you through the process of how to find evidence, and then going on to look at different types of research, such as randomised control trials and finishing with how to make sense of the evidence, which looks at statistics and outcome measures.
Each section also ends with a quiz to test your learning and there are links to further resources. This is an excellent introduction to a complex topic and is highly recommended. NHfT Library Services
Response to consultation on front of pack nutrition labelling
Response to consultation on front of pack nutrition labelling:
The response to a joint consultation held on behalf of health ministers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on front of pack nutrition labelling has been published.
UK health ministers wish to move towards a more consistent form of front of pack nutrition labelling that either shows just the amount of energy (in kilocalories and kilojoules), or shows the amount of energy plus fat, saturates, sugars and salt.
Research shows that having this information consistently on as many food products as possible is the best way to help consumers make better informed, healthier, food choices.
The consultation on front of pack nutrition labelling was held from 14 May to 6 August 2012. The consultation asked 16 questions to help determine how best to achieve more consistent labelling.
The response to a joint consultation held on behalf of health ministers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on front of pack nutrition labelling has been published.
UK health ministers wish to move towards a more consistent form of front of pack nutrition labelling that either shows just the amount of energy (in kilocalories and kilojoules), or shows the amount of energy plus fat, saturates, sugars and salt.
Research shows that having this information consistently on as many food products as possible is the best way to help consumers make better informed, healthier, food choices.
The consultation on front of pack nutrition labelling was held from 14 May to 6 August 2012. The consultation asked 16 questions to help determine how best to achieve more consistent labelling.
- Read the response to the consultation on front of pack nutrition labelling
- Read the written ministerial statement on the response to the consultation
Department of Health
CQC report: Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2011/12
CQC report: Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2011/12:
This is the third annual report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on its monitoring of the use of the Mental Health Act 1983, which is the law under which a person with a mental disorder may be detained and treated in hospital against their wishes or treated in their community under a community treatment order.
This report focused on dignity, involvement, care and the recovery of people who are subject to the Act and found that 15% of people receiving care under the Act are not being involved in the decisions made about their care. Care Quality Commission (CQC)
This is the third annual report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on its monitoring of the use of the Mental Health Act 1983, which is the law under which a person with a mental disorder may be detained and treated in hospital against their wishes or treated in their community under a community treatment order.
This report focused on dignity, involvement, care and the recovery of people who are subject to the Act and found that 15% of people receiving care under the Act are not being involved in the decisions made about their care. Care Quality Commission (CQC)
New GMC guidance for investigating assisted suicide complaints
New GMC guidance for investigating assisted suicide complaints:
New guidance on how the General Medical Council (GMC) deals with complaints against doctors who may have helped patients commit suicide has been published today.
New guidance on how the General Medical Council (GMC) deals with complaints against doctors who may have helped patients commit suicide has been published today.
South London Healthcare NHS Trust: notice of decision by Secretary of State
South London Healthcare NHS Trust: notice of decision by Secretary of State:
This notice of the Secretary of State's decision in relation to South London Healthcare NHS Trust aims to secure sustainable provision of health services to those patients served by the trust and in the south east London health economy. It states that the trust will be dissolved, with each of its hospitals taken over by a neighbouring hospital trust. These mergers are subject to approval from the relevant regulators. All
3 hospitals within the trust will be required to make the full £74.9 million of efficiencies identified by the Trust Special Administrator.
All vacant or poorly utilised premises will be vacated, and sold where possible. The Department of Health will pay for the excess costs of the PFI buildings and write off accumulated debt so that the new organisations are not saddled with historic debts. It will also negotiate an appropriate level of transitional funding to cover
implementation.
This notice of the Secretary of State's decision in relation to South London Healthcare NHS Trust aims to secure sustainable provision of health services to those patients served by the trust and in the south east London health economy. It states that the trust will be dissolved, with each of its hospitals taken over by a neighbouring hospital trust. These mergers are subject to approval from the relevant regulators. All
3 hospitals within the trust will be required to make the full £74.9 million of efficiencies identified by the Trust Special Administrator.
All vacant or poorly utilised premises will be vacated, and sold where possible. The Department of Health will pay for the excess costs of the PFI buildings and write off accumulated debt so that the new organisations are not saddled with historic debts. It will also negotiate an appropriate level of transitional funding to cover
implementation.
Kings Fund Blogs
Thousands of women with advanced ovarian cancer left 'frustrated' after Nice denies them drug: Thousands of women will be denied a drug for ovarian cancer - the first advance in almost 20 years - because it is too expensive, the NHS spending watchdog has said.
Telegraph
Telegraph
The medicinal power of literature: Books on prescription to be introduced
The medicinal power of literature: Books on prescription to be introduced:
People consulting their local GP over mental health issues may find they are written a surprising prescription, one redeemed at the local library rather than a pharmacy. Independent
People consulting their local GP over mental health issues may find they are written a surprising prescription, one redeemed at the local library rather than a pharmacy. Independent
Thursday, 31 January 2013
New drug and alcohol service to be launched
New drug and alcohol service to be launched:
A new drug and alcohol service will be launched on Friday (February 1), to be run by health and social care charity CRI. Evening Telegraph
A new drug and alcohol service will be launched on Friday (February 1), to be run by health and social care charity CRI. Evening Telegraph
NHS offering private care in pilot plan in county - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
NHS offering private care in pilot plan in county - Northampton Chronicle & Echo:
 Northampton Chronicle & Echo | NHS offering private care in pilot plan in county Northampton Chronicle & Echo Under the NHS's new 'any qualified provder' (AQP) policy, NHS Northamptonshire has selected parts of podiatry and musculoskeletal services to be the first AQP services. It means patients with particular ailments will be asked by their GP ... Unions ... |
Complaint handing in NHS Trusts
Complaint handing in NHS Trusts:
This report shows substantial variations in the way in which hospitals display information about how to make a complaint. It also suggests that support to patients is incomplete and unclear, that 35% of staff cite insufficient training in complaints handling as an issue. Key recommendations from the report include: accessible information on how to make a complaint on trusts' websites, as well as on leaflets and posters throughout NHS hospital ward. Complaints should be regarded as a learning opportunity in order to avoid creating a culture of blame.
CASH News
This report shows substantial variations in the way in which hospitals display information about how to make a complaint. It also suggests that support to patients is incomplete and unclear, that 35% of staff cite insufficient training in complaints handling as an issue. Key recommendations from the report include: accessible information on how to make a complaint on trusts' websites, as well as on leaflets and posters throughout NHS hospital ward. Complaints should be regarded as a learning opportunity in order to avoid creating a culture of blame.
CASH News
Advance decisions to refuse treatment: a guide for health and social care professionals
Advance decisions to refuse treatment: a guide for health and social care professionals:
This guide is designed to help health and social care professionals understand and implement the law relating to advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRT) contained in the Mental Capacity Act (2005). This
version replaces that published in September 2008 and covers: how to make an advance decision to refuse treatment; who can make an advance decision; when a decision should be reviewed; and how it can changed or
withdrawn. Report Kings Fund
This guide is designed to help health and social care professionals understand and implement the law relating to advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRT) contained in the Mental Capacity Act (2005). This
version replaces that published in September 2008 and covers: how to make an advance decision to refuse treatment; who can make an advance decision; when a decision should be reviewed; and how it can changed or
withdrawn. Report Kings Fund
E-mental health report
E-mental health report: Source: NHS Confederation
This report evaluates how the mental health sector might make the most of opportunities offered by e-mental health, that is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to support and improve mental health, including the use of online resources, social media and smartphone applications.
The report gives examples of how service users, mental health providers and other organisations are already embracing e-mental health to bring about change.
This report evaluates how the mental health sector might make the most of opportunities offered by e-mental health, that is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to support and improve mental health, including the use of online resources, social media and smartphone applications.
The report gives examples of how service users, mental health providers and other organisations are already embracing e-mental health to bring about change.
Epilepsy drug linked to tenfold increase in autism: researchers: Children born to mothers who took an epilepsy drug while pregnant are up to ten times more likely to suffer autism or similar conditions, a study has found.
Telegraph
TelegraphHealth and social care could consume half of government spending by 2060
Health and social care could consume half of government spending by 2060:
31 Jan 2013
Health and social care could account for half of all government spending in 50 years' time, according to a new report published today by The King's Fund.
The report, Spending on health and social care over the next 50 years, shows how changes to the population, increases in wealth and medical advances will increase pressures to spend more on health and social care in the future. The ageing population will also be a factor although – contrary to popular perception – this is likely to drive only a small proportion of the increase.
The UK currently spends around 9 per cent of its national income on health and social care, more than twice as much as 50 years ago. This could more than double again to nearly 20 per cent by 2061, according to forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Based on projections for economic growth and current levels of taxation and government expenditure, the report estimates that this would translate to around 50 per cent of public spending.
The King's Fund will look at these issues in more detail in the months ahead as part of its Time to Think Differently programme which aims to stimulate debate about how to address the future challenges facing health and social care.
The report, Spending on health and social care over the next 50 years, shows how changes to the population, increases in wealth and medical advances will increase pressures to spend more on health and social care in the future. The ageing population will also be a factor although – contrary to popular perception – this is likely to drive only a small proportion of the increase.
The UK currently spends around 9 per cent of its national income on health and social care, more than twice as much as 50 years ago. This could more than double again to nearly 20 per cent by 2061, according to forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility. Based on projections for economic growth and current levels of taxation and government expenditure, the report estimates that this would translate to around 50 per cent of public spending.
The King's Fund will look at these issues in more detail in the months ahead as part of its Time to Think Differently programme which aims to stimulate debate about how to address the future challenges facing health and social care.
- Read the full report: Spending on health and social care over the next 50 years: why think long term?
- Find out more about our Time to Think Differently programme
New manual published for Expert Patients Programme tutors
New manual published for Expert Patients Programme tutors:
A new version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Course (CDSMC) Tutor Manual has been published. It replaces the current manual, which will be withdrawn in October 2013.
This affects organisations that deliver or commission Expert Patients Programme (EPP) self management courses. All lead trainers and tutors will need to have update training.
The Department of Health has an agreement with Stanford University that enables NHS organisations to delivery EPP courses using their own staff/tutors. Non-NHS organisations delivering courses need to have their own licence.
Commissioners should make sure that organisations delivering self management courses are licensed and tutors are appropriately trained.
Find out more about the updated manual and training dates. Department of Health
A new version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Course (CDSMC) Tutor Manual has been published. It replaces the current manual, which will be withdrawn in October 2013.
This affects organisations that deliver or commission Expert Patients Programme (EPP) self management courses. All lead trainers and tutors will need to have update training.
The Department of Health has an agreement with Stanford University that enables NHS organisations to delivery EPP courses using their own staff/tutors. Non-NHS organisations delivering courses need to have their own licence.
Commissioners should make sure that organisations delivering self management courses are licensed and tutors are appropriately trained.
Find out more about the updated manual and training dates. Department of Health
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Northampton General and Kettering General could merge
Northampton General and Kettering General could merge: Health bosses have revealed they are discussing a possible merger between NGH and KGH into a single trust. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- County’s two hospitals could consider merging Evening Telegraph
- NGH and Kettering General to explore partnership working Northampton General Hospital Statement
Northampton General Hospital chief executive resigns
Northampton General Hospital chief executive resigns: Northampton General Hospital has confirmed its chief executive has resigned, just hours after news emerged of talks between NGH and KGH over a possible merger. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Dr Gerry McSorley announces decision to leave post as CEO Northampton General Hospital Statement
NHS offering private care in pilot plan in county
NHS offering private care in pilot plan in county: Some NHS back, neck and foot patients in Northamptonshire will have the choice of free private care instead from this week. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Model agreement for collaborative commissioning
Model agreement for collaborative commissioning: Following that the NHS Commissioning Board shared a draft model agreement for collaborative commissioning between CCGs, asking for feedback. The final document has now been published. It is editable for your use as the basis for collaborative agreements and contains a number of guidance notes to help you through the process.
An updated data table has also been published which shows the relationship between each CCG and its providers based on acute, maternity and ambulance data.
An updated data table has also been published which shows the relationship between each CCG and its providers based on acute, maternity and ambulance data.
Antidepressant heart risk confirmed
Antidepressant heart risk confirmed: Some antidepressant drugs known as SSRIs pose a very small but serious heart risk, say researchers. BBC News
You can find the related BMJ article here (requires Athens password).
You can find the related BMJ article here (requires Athens password).
NHS Employers launches first app
NHS Employers launches first app: Have all the latest NHS workforce news at your fingertips by downloading our new app.
Complaint handling in NHS Trusts
Complaint handling in NHS Trusts: This report outlines the results of an analysis which shows substantial variations in the way in which hospitals display information about how to make a complaint. It also suggests that support to patients is incomplete and unclear, with 35% of staff citing insufficient training in complaints handling as an issue. Key recommendations from the report include: accessible information on how to make a complaint on Trusts’ websites, as well as on leaflets and posters throughout NHS hospital ward; complaints being regarded as a learning opportunity to avoid creating a culture of blame; and specific provisions for complaint-related staff training and support.
Mental health patients are being 'detained in all but name'
Mental health patients are being 'detained in all but name': The Care Quality Commission finds mental health patients denied information, and staff inadequately trained.
More people are being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and too many of those detained are subjected to unnecessary restrictions and get too little help to recover, the NHS watchdog reports today.
More people are being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and too many of those detained are subjected to unnecessary restrictions and get too little help to recover, the NHS watchdog reports today.
'We need to change the culture in the NHS'
'We need to change the culture in the NHS': Ahead of next week's Mid Staffs report, three people explain how patient safety and care could be improved.
Quality of care is an issue we all need to face up to
Quality of care is an issue we all need to face up to: In an open letter to all NHS practitioners, the chief executive of the Foundation Trust Network outlines the challenges the NHS must tackle following the imminent Francis report.
Contraceptive cuts 'will result in 126,000 more abortions by 2020'
Contraceptive cuts 'will result in 126,000 more abortions by 2020': Cuts to contraceptive services will result in 126,000 more abortions between now and 2020, say family planning groups who argue the "short-sighted restrictions" will cost billions in the long run.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Stiff upper lip 'ups cancer risk'
Stiff upper lip 'ups cancer risk': It might have helped the Victorians build an empire, but having a stiff upper lip could be putting Britons in mortal danger from cancer, researchers claim. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- British 'stiff upper lip' stopping patients discussing possible cancer symptoms The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
EMAS make deal with unions to help staff learning
EMAS make deal with unions to help staff learning: Ambulance bosses and unions have signed a joint learning agreement designed to support staff in developing their skills. Evening Telgraph
Departmental Overview: A summary of the NAO's work on the Department of Health 2011-12
Departmental Overview: A summary of the NAO's work on the Department of Health 2011-12: This Departmental Overview is one of 17 we are producing covering our work on each major government department. It summarises our work on the Department of Health during 2011-12. National Audit Office
Mobile app connects GPs with specialist services
Mobile app connects GPs with specialist services: A foundation trust has developed an iPhone app to connect GPs to clinics, consultants and specialist services. GP Online
Report on hospice care in the UK
Report on hospice care in the UK: Current and Future Needs for Hospice Care is part of a series commissioned to give strategic direction to providers of hospice care in the UK for the next 10 to 15 years.
The report presents the current evidence on preferences for place of care and place of death in the UK. It shows that most people would prefer to die at home, but also that there is a substantial proportion who would prefer to die in hospices or palliative care units, particularly among older people. National End of Life Care Programme
The report presents the current evidence on preferences for place of care and place of death in the UK. It shows that most people would prefer to die at home, but also that there is a substantial proportion who would prefer to die in hospices or palliative care units, particularly among older people. National End of Life Care Programme
Window restrictors alert published
Window restrictors alert published: This alert is regarding window restrictors that may be inadequate in preventing a determined effort to force a window open beyond the 100mm restriction. An incident has occurred in which a patient died following a fall from a second floor hospital window.
- all healthcare organisations should review the guidance on window restrictors contained in Heath Technical Memorandum HTM 55 Windows, NHS Estates, Mar 98 (2nd edition) available at http://www.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk. (Note: This HTM has been archived)
- where problems are identified, a programme to repair or replace damaged restrictors should be put in place.
Mass cancer mapping centre opens
Mass cancer mapping centre opens: The devastating changes that turn healthy tissue into cancer are to be investigated in the biggest centre of its kind in the NHS. BBC News
VIDEO: Surgeons urge new guidelines on botox
VIDEO: Surgeons urge new guidelines on botox: Only trained doctors, nurses and dentists should provide non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as Botox, according to the Royal College of Surgeons. BBC News
GPSoC delayed
GPSoC delayed: The new national contract for GP clinical systems has been delayed until the end of the year. E-Health Insider
Is Hunt's dream possible?
Is Hunt's dream possible?: Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has just announced he wants the NHS to become the "most digital health service in the world." E-Health Insider
The Newest Edition of Psychiatry?s ?Bible,? the DSM-5, Is Complete - Scientific American
The Newest Edition of Psychiatry?s ?Bible,? the DSM-5, Is Complete - Scientific American:
Scientific American |
The Newest Edition of Psychiatry?s ?Bible,? the DSM-5, Is Complete
Scientific American For more than 11 years, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has been laboring to revise the current version of its best-selling guidebook, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) (see "Psychiatry's Bible Gets an Overhaul ... |
How CCGs can commission to support those in poor housing
How CCGs can commission to support those in poor housing: The statutory duty of CCGs to consider integration of health related services may impact the provision of housing.
From 1 April 2013, strategic health authorities and primary care trusts will be abolished and replaced by the NHS commissioning board and about 200 clinical commissioning groups.
What do these reforms mean for registered providers who currently provide or have an interest in providing housing to those with significant care needs or in poor health?
From 1 April 2013, strategic health authorities and primary care trusts will be abolished and replaced by the NHS commissioning board and about 200 clinical commissioning groups.
What do these reforms mean for registered providers who currently provide or have an interest in providing housing to those with significant care needs or in poor health?
Royal College of Surgeons calls for end to 'casual' cosmetic treatments
Royal College of Surgeons calls for end to 'casual' cosmetic treatments: New guidelines say only fully qualified doctors with surgical training should carry out procedures on medical premises.
Tax sugary drinks to improve health: leading organisations
Tax sugary drinks to improve health: leading organisations: Campaigners are calling for sugary drinks to be taxed, adding up to 20p a litre to their price, in order to improve children's health.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 28 January 2013
Cynthia Spencer Hospice plans Sahara challenge
Cynthia Spencer Hospice plans Sahara challenge:
If trekking through the Sahara desert sounds like the trip of a lifetime to you, then a Northampton hospice could make it a reality. Chronicle and Echo
If trekking through the Sahara desert sounds like the trip of a lifetime to you, then a Northampton hospice could make it a reality. Chronicle and Echo
Three CCGs issued with legal directions - Health Service Journal
Three CCGs issued with legal directions - Health Service Journal:
Three CCGs issued with legal directions Health Service Journal The commissioning board will oversee Nene's contracting with Northampton General Hospital Trust and sign off its contract. Medway CCG's financial plan will be “oversee[n] and supervise[d]” by the commissioning board. Herts Valleys CCG must seek the ... and more » |
Developing Clinical Senates: The Way Forward
Developing Clinical Senates: The Way Forward:
Today the NHS Commissioning Board has published the Way Forward: Clinical Senates. Clinical Senates will be established across the country from April 2013 to play a unique role in the commissioning system by providing strategic clinical advice and leadership across a broad geographical area to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), health and wellbeing boards (HWB) and the NHS Commissioning Board.
Clinical Senates will span professions and include representatives of patients, volunteers and other groups. They will work with Strategic Clinical Networks, Academic Health Science Networks, Local Education and Training Boards and research networks to develop an alignment of these organisations to support improvements in quality.
You can find more information in our Resources for Networks and Senates area and the supporting document Clinical Senates update (January 2013). NHS Commissioning
Today the NHS Commissioning Board has published the Way Forward: Clinical Senates. Clinical Senates will be established across the country from April 2013 to play a unique role in the commissioning system by providing strategic clinical advice and leadership across a broad geographical area to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), health and wellbeing boards (HWB) and the NHS Commissioning Board.
Clinical Senates will span professions and include representatives of patients, volunteers and other groups. They will work with Strategic Clinical Networks, Academic Health Science Networks, Local Education and Training Boards and research networks to develop an alignment of these organisations to support improvements in quality.
You can find more information in our Resources for Networks and Senates area and the supporting document Clinical Senates update (January 2013). NHS Commissioning
Mental Capacity and Dementia: a review part 1
Mental Capacity and Dementia: a review part 1: This review examines the impact of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 on the lives of people with dementia and those who provide them with care. The review presents evidence of good practice and recommendations for improvement. Three large studies have been undertaken. These indicated limited understanding of the act among staff members , they revealed the importance of raising awareness exploring decision making and community settings. Authors of early literature called on practitioners to be aware of their duties with regard to the act. Training is available but not mandatory and there may now be a need for refresher training. There is much evidence that this act has helped practice due to the clarification of principles and courses of action. CASH Full News Feed
We need to future proof our health and care system, says Paul Burstow MP
We need to future proof our health and care system, says Paul Burstow MP: In recent months, the media has rightly focused on Dilnot’s proposals for how we reform the way we pay for care. But alongside those reports, the nagging problem of the under-funding of social care more generally has been bubbling away in the background. According to a recent report from London Councils, there will be a … Continue reading »
NHS Voices
NHS Voices
NICE publish new evidence summary on harmful drinking and alcohol dependence
NICE publish new evidence summary on harmful drinking and alcohol dependence: NICE have published a new evidence summary (PDF) on the problems associated with alcohol misuse, which augments the clinical guideline (PDF) that came out 2 years ago. This is a fast moving area, so quite a significant amount of research has been produced in the last 2 years, which may have an impact on clinical [read the full story...] Mental Elf
Value walks: successful habits for improving workforce motivation and productivity
Value walks: successful habits for improving workforce motivation and productivity:
This report argues that insufficient attention is being paid to the changing relationship between clinicians and their patients. It argues that although improving payment systems, purchasing procedures and governance remains important, better health outcomes for patients will only be achieved if hospitals focus on their staff, pay attention to the way clinicians are able to interact with patients and improve the time they can spend on patient care.
This report argues that insufficient attention is being paid to the changing relationship between clinicians and their patients. It argues that although improving payment systems, purchasing procedures and governance remains important, better health outcomes for patients will only be achieved if hospitals focus on their staff, pay attention to the way clinicians are able to interact with patients and improve the time they can spend on patient care.
Kings Fund Information and Library Service
Lack of international agreement on drinking guidelines, study finds
Lack of international agreement on drinking guidelines, study finds:
British researchers express surprise at wide variation in advice relating to safe amounts of alcohol consumption
Little agreement exists between countries on what is considered safe or sensible alcohol consumption, a comparison of drinking guidelines by British researchers has found.
Psychologists from the University of Sussex looked at government advice on drinking in 57 countries, including all 27 EU member states.Dr Richard de Visser and Nina Furtwangler found a "remarkable lack of agreement" about what constitutes harmful or excessive alcohol consumption on a daily and weekly basis, as well as when driving.
The study, which is published this month in Drug and Alcohol Review found there was also no consensus on whether it was safe for women to drink as much as men. De Visser said: "We were surprised at the wide variation in guidelines. There is no international agreement about whether women should drink as much as men or only half as much.
"In some countries, the weekly maximum is simply seven times the daily maximum, whereas in others there is an explicit statement that drinkers should have at least one alcohol-free day a week."
Calls have now been made for internationally agreed standard definitions of alcohol units and consumption guidelines to help people drink responsibly.
"Agreed guidelines would be useful for international efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm by increasing people's capacity to monitor and regulate their alcohol consumption." Guardian Health News
Little agreement exists between countries on what is considered safe or sensible alcohol consumption, a comparison of drinking guidelines by British researchers has found.
Psychologists from the University of Sussex looked at government advice on drinking in 57 countries, including all 27 EU member states.Dr Richard de Visser and Nina Furtwangler found a "remarkable lack of agreement" about what constitutes harmful or excessive alcohol consumption on a daily and weekly basis, as well as when driving.
The study, which is published this month in Drug and Alcohol Review found there was also no consensus on whether it was safe for women to drink as much as men. De Visser said: "We were surprised at the wide variation in guidelines. There is no international agreement about whether women should drink as much as men or only half as much.
"In some countries, the weekly maximum is simply seven times the daily maximum, whereas in others there is an explicit statement that drinkers should have at least one alcohol-free day a week."
Calls have now been made for internationally agreed standard definitions of alcohol units and consumption guidelines to help people drink responsibly.
"Agreed guidelines would be useful for international efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm by increasing people's capacity to monitor and regulate their alcohol consumption." Guardian Health News
England's biggest mental health dataset to go monthly
England's biggest mental health dataset to go monthly: January 25, 2013: Consultation feedback shapes future development of MHMDS analysis. IC QOF
Friday, 25 January 2013
Free NHS winter warmth packs at Northamptonshire events - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Free NHS winter warmth packs at Northamptonshire events - Northampton Chronicle & Echo:
Northampton Chronicle & Echo |
Free NHS winter warmth packs at Northamptonshire events
Northampton Chronicle & Echo NHS Northamptonshire is 'spreading the warmth' at events around the county by giving advice and practical tips on how to keep warm as part of their 'Wrapped Up' campaign. The outreach team will be giving out winter packs to those who may be vulnerable ... |
The King's Fund responds to Andy Burnham's speech launching the Labour Party's health and care policy review
The King's Fund responds to Andy Burnham's speech launching the Labour Party's health and care policy review: Responding to the Shadow Secretary of State's speech launching the Labour Party's health and care policy review, Chris Ham, Chief Executive of The King's Fund, said:
'Andy Burnham's diagnosis of why the NHS and social care needs to change is the right one. The demands of an ageing population, changing burden of disease and rising patient expectations mean that fundamental change is needed.
'His prescription for change is ambitious and his vision of delivering integrated care, co-ordinated around the needs of the individual, will be widely welcomed. But it leaves a number of unanswered questions, not least how plans as radical as these could be implemented while keeping his promise not to embark on further structural change.
'We have argued that it is time to think differently about how to respond to the future challenges facing the NHS and social care. Andy Burnham has responded to the challenge to think differently, but the ideas he has articulated today leave many questions unanswered.' Kings Fund
'His prescription for change is ambitious and his vision of delivering integrated care, co-ordinated around the needs of the individual, will be widely welcomed. But it leaves a number of unanswered questions, not least how plans as radical as these could be implemented while keeping his promise not to embark on further structural change.
'We have argued that it is time to think differently about how to respond to the future challenges facing the NHS and social care. Andy Burnham has responded to the challenge to think differently, but the ideas he has articulated today leave many questions unanswered.' Kings Fund
Direct Commissioning: planning guidance document published
Direct Commissioning: planning guidance document published:
The NHS Commissioning Board (NHS CB) has today published a document which supports the planning for Direct Commissioning responsibilities for 2013/14.
Supporting planning for 2013/14 for Direct Commissioning follows the publication of Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2013/14 which outlined the incentives and levers that will be used to improve services from April 2013 – the first year of the new NHS, where improvements and outcomes are delivered through existing and new commissioning routes.
The new document describes the processes that will be used to support planning for the next financial year. It aims to support the NHS Commissioning Board’s national, regional and area teams to ensure that every plan is as strong as it can be, by designing an approach that achieves national consistency and improves quality and equity of access to services. This should be in the context of local priorities and in conjunction with clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and local Health and Wellbeing Boards. NHS Commissioning
The NHS Commissioning Board (NHS CB) has today published a document which supports the planning for Direct Commissioning responsibilities for 2013/14.
Supporting planning for 2013/14 for Direct Commissioning follows the publication of Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2013/14 which outlined the incentives and levers that will be used to improve services from April 2013 – the first year of the new NHS, where improvements and outcomes are delivered through existing and new commissioning routes.
The new document describes the processes that will be used to support planning for the next financial year. It aims to support the NHS Commissioning Board’s national, regional and area teams to ensure that every plan is as strong as it can be, by designing an approach that achieves national consistency and improves quality and equity of access to services. This should be in the context of local priorities and in conjunction with clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and local Health and Wellbeing Boards. NHS Commissioning
Mobile Health Worker Project
Mobile Health Worker Project: This study aimed to better understand the requirements of mobile working. The final report examines 11 NHS pilot sites and outlines the benefits of mobile technology for health staff and patients. Findings include: greater productivity; an increase in available time for patient contact; less unnecessary journeys as well as time spent travelling; and significant reductions in data duplication. CASH Full News
NICE publish first guideline for psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people
NICE publish first guideline for psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people: Everyone who read the extracts from Michael Schofield’s memoir, published by the Guardian on January 19th, must surely have been moved by the sometimes harrowing description of his daughter Janni who was diagnosed with child-onset schizophrenia aged just 7 years old. Janni is an exception, as schizophrenia generally starts between the ages of 15 and [read the full story...] Mental Elf
Methods for the estimation of the NICE cost effectiveness threshold
Methods for the estimation of the NICE cost effectiveness threshold:
This study aimed to develop methods to estimate the NICE cost-effectiveness threshold making use of routinely available data. The methods used in this study provide an empirically-based and explicit
quantification of the scale of opportunity costs the NHS faces when considering whether the health benefits associated with new technologies are expected to offset the health that is likely to be forgone elsewhere in the NHS.
Research paper
Kings Fund
This study aimed to develop methods to estimate the NICE cost-effectiveness threshold making use of routinely available data. The methods used in this study provide an empirically-based and explicit
quantification of the scale of opportunity costs the NHS faces when considering whether the health benefits associated with new technologies are expected to offset the health that is likely to be forgone elsewhere in the NHS.
Research paper
Kings Fund
Homeopathy should not be available on the NHS
Homeopathy should not be available on the NHS:
Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies has criticised homeopathy as being “rubbish”, describing practitioners as “peddlers”.
She said she was “perpetually surprised” homeopathy was still available on the NHS and raised concerns that homeopaths can prescribe pills and potions to treat malaria and other illnesses. Her views, which conflict with policy of the heath service, were expressed as s...Healthcare Today
Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies has criticised homeopathy as being “rubbish”, describing practitioners as “peddlers”.
She said she was “perpetually surprised” homeopathy was still available on the NHS and raised concerns that homeopaths can prescribe pills and potions to treat malaria and other illnesses. Her views, which conflict with policy of the heath service, were expressed as s...Healthcare Today
Prostate cancer trebled in 30 years
Prostate cancer trebled in 30 years:
Cancer Research UK has released figures which suggest that boys born in 2015 will be almost three times as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point as those born in 1990.
The charity has suggested that the increased use of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which picks up a wide variety of prostate cancers, and the ageing population are key factors in explaining the increase with 41,000 me...Healthcare Today
Cancer Research UK has released figures which suggest that boys born in 2015 will be almost three times as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point as those born in 1990.
The charity has suggested that the increased use of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which picks up a wide variety of prostate cancers, and the ageing population are key factors in explaining the increase with 41,000 me...Healthcare Today
NHS drug decisions 'flawed'
NHS drug decisions 'flawed':
The Government’s drugs watchdog has hit back at criticism by European researchers over the system it utilises to recommend which medicines should be funded for NHS use.A study, funded by the European Commission, said the system applied by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) was flawed and should be scrapped.NICE, however, responded by saying the measure it uses for ass... Healthcare Today
System used to decide whether drugs are cost-effective for NHS 'is flawed'
System used to decide whether drugs are cost-effective for NHS 'is flawed': The formula used to decide whether NHS patients can have access to costly drug treatments is flawed and should be scrapped, according to a European Commission-funded study.
Daily Telegraph
Daily TelegraphThursday, 24 January 2013
Extra baby unit planned at Northampton General Hospital - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Extra baby unit planned at Northampton General Hospital - Northampton Chronicle & Echo:
 Northampton Chronicle & Echo | Extra baby unit planned at Northampton General Hospital Northampton Chronicle & Echo NGH has been awarded �480,000 for a midwife-led unit. By John Harrison Published on Thursday 24 January 2013 07:00. Northampton General Hospital has been awarded £480,000 to improve maternity services, the Government will announce today. and more » |
Revalidation: opportunity or challenge?
Revalidation: opportunity or challenge?: On 3 December 2012 the UK was the first nation, and the General Medical Council (GMC) the first regulatory body, to implement large-scale changes to the regulation of its medical workforce. By April 2016 it is expected that the ‘vast majority’ of the UK’s 220,000 doctors would have undertaken revalidation – the process by which licensed doctors will demonstrate that they are up to date and fit to practise. Revalidation has been a popular topic in our leadership work with medical directors, GPs and consultants, having presented both opportunities and challenges. So what have we learnt so far?
Information overload: tackling bureaucracy in the NHS
Information overload: tackling bureaucracy in the NHS: The NHS Confederation has for many years emphasised the need to tackle the bureaucratic burden in the NHS.
'Blacklist' of failed NHS managers planned
'Blacklist' of failed NHS managers planned:
NHS managers who are deemed as having presided over failure in the NHS could be blacklisted.
Government ministers are considering the option of placing senior health officials who significantly under-perform on such a list in a move that would effectively see them prevented from working in the health service in the future.
HSJ has reported that the option is one of a range of suggestions being considere... Healthcare Today
NHS managers who are deemed as having presided over failure in the NHS could be blacklisted.
Government ministers are considering the option of placing senior health officials who significantly under-perform on such a list in a move that would effectively see them prevented from working in the health service in the future.
HSJ has reported that the option is one of a range of suggestions being considere... Healthcare Today
New meningitis B vaccine approved for UK use
New meningitis B vaccine approved for UK use:
Much of the media are reporting the news that a new meningitis B vaccine called Bexsero has been licensed by the European Commission. This means the vaccine should soon be available for use in the UK.
Much of the media are reporting the news that a new meningitis B vaccine called Bexsero has been licensed by the European Commission. This means the vaccine should soon be available for use in the UK.
A fat lot of good that will do: minister loses health argument by stereotyping the poor
A fat lot of good that will do: minister loses health argument by stereotyping the poor:
Anna Soubry may have thought she was making an innocent observation about the nature of society when she declared that she could recognise the poor because they were fat. The Independent
See also:
Anna Soubry may have thought she was making an innocent observation about the nature of society when she declared that she could recognise the poor because they were fat. The Independent
See also:
Private health contractor's staff told to cut 999 calls to meet targets
Private health contractor's staff told to cut 999 calls to meet targets: Leaked email from Serco managers tells workers to manipulate computer system to 'stop the clock' on emergency calls
Call handlers staffing an out-of-hours GP service run by the private contractor Serco have been told to make new checks before calling 999 when they receive what appear to be emergency cases in order to cut down the number of referrals they make to the ambulance service.
Call handlers staffing an out-of-hours GP service run by the private contractor Serco have been told to make new checks before calling 999 when they receive what appear to be emergency cases in order to cut down the number of referrals they make to the ambulance service.
NHS maternity units to share £25m fund to improve childbirth experience
NHS maternity units to share £25m fund to improve childbirth experience: More than 100 hospitals in England will share money to modernise maternity units in midst of ongoing baby boom.
NHS maternity units will get new birthing pools, more family rooms so dads can sleep over and extra midwife-led units after winning slices of a £25m fund to improve women's experiences of childbirth.
More than 100 hospitals in England will share the £25m, which will modernise maternity units and help the NHS cope with an ongoing decade-long baby boom during which births have been at their highest rate for 40 years.
NHS maternity units will get new birthing pools, more family rooms so dads can sleep over and extra midwife-led units after winning slices of a £25m fund to improve women's experiences of childbirth.
More than 100 hospitals in England will share the £25m, which will modernise maternity units and help the NHS cope with an ongoing decade-long baby boom during which births have been at their highest rate for 40 years.
Have NHS managers got the right skills?
Have NHS managers got the right skills?: With three CCGs recently warned, healthcare leaders must be able to engage staff and patients if they are to deliver change
Managers in both acute trusts and clinical commissioning groups have been scrutinised by the NHS leadership in the last few days and found wanting.
Managers in both acute trusts and clinical commissioning groups have been scrutinised by the NHS leadership in the last few days and found wanting.
Homeopathy is 'rubbish', says chief medical officer
Homeopathy is 'rubbish', says chief medical officer: Homeopathic remedies are "rubbish" and do not serve as anything more than placebos, England's chief medical officer has claimed.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
Monday mornings see double the average number of A&E attendances in England
Monday mornings see double the average number of A&E attendances in England: January 23, 2013: English A&E departments see the most attendances on a Monday morning - dealing with double the hourly average - new figures suggest. NHS Information Centre
Gaining Ground: Care Management Programs to Reduce Hospital Admissions and Readmissions Among Chronically Ill and Vulnerable Patients
Gaining Ground: Care Management Programs to Reduce Hospital Admissions and Readmissions Among Chronically Ill and Vulnerable Patients: Preventable hospital admissions and readmissions are indicators of health system fragmentation associated with suboptimal patient outcomes and avoidable costs of care. This synthesis report looks at three case studies that illustrate the potential of care management programs to address this problem by improving care coordination and transitions among high-risk patients.
The Commonwealth Fund
The Commonwealth Fund
Health Inequalities & People with Learning Disabilities in the UK: 2012
Health Inequalities & People with Learning Disabilities in the UK: 2012: This annual report summarises the latest evidence about the extent, nature and determinants of health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities in the UK. Each year the report includes a more detailed look at evidence related to particular groups of people with learning disabilities, this year the focus is on challenging behaviour. Learning Disabilities Observatory
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