Can you change culture from Whitehall? Important reports on the quality of care that are unofficially named after the men who led them are turning out to be quite a feature of 2013. Following Robert Francis in February and Bruce Keogh last month, the National Advisory Group on the Safety of Patients in England – chaired by Don Berwick – published its report into how we can improve patient safety on Tuesday. It's a fluent and passionate plea that the whole health system should shift towards a culture of constant learning and improvement; that supports and empowers staff to focus on quality, and that meaningfully works in partnership with patients at all levels.
Monday, 12 August 2013
Increase in missed NHS appointments
Increase in missed NHS appointments The number of missed hospital appointments in Scotland increases by nearly 25,000 in a year. BBC News
'Healthy' hospital food machine plea
'Healthy' hospital food machine plea Hospital vending machines in England contain too many high-calorie snacks, and guidelines should be introduced to make them healthier, says a cancer charity. BBC News
Agenda for Change pay poster
Agenda for Change pay poster A new poster is available detailing the Agenda for Change pay bands and points from 1 April 2013. NHS Employers
Camels may be source of MERS virus transmission
Camels may be source of MERS virus transmission Various news sources today report that dromedary camels – "ships of the desert" as The Independent puts it – could be the source of the MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) virus that emerged last year. MERS is believed to be caused by a type of coronavirus.
Statement on the health and social care Integration Transformation Fund
Statement on the health and social care Integration Transformation Fund This joint document, from NHS England and the Local Government Association, outlines the planning vision for how the pooling of £3.8 billion of funding will ensure a transformation in integrated health and social care. It provides a roadmap for local areas to plan in the run up to the fund taking full effect from 2015/16.
Britons' exercise levels are 'shockingly low'
Britons' exercise levels are 'shockingly low' Report shows that many people take little or no part in physical activity, with nearly 80% failing to hit government targets.
Jeremy Hunt: NHS must change if it is to be sustainable
Jeremy Hunt: NHS must change if it is to be sustainable NHS needs to provide 'proper out-of-hospital care' to be sustainable in future, Health Secretary says.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
'Superhead' plan for NHS hospitals
'Superhead' plan for NHS hospitals High-performing NHS trust chief executives could be promoted to become "superheads" to turn round failing hospitals, under new Government plans. The Daily Telegraph
18,000 cancer patients' files are lost every year
18,000 cancer patients' files are lost every year Around 18,000 cancer patients have their medical files lost every year in hospitals, while even more suffer humiliation at the hands of nurses. The Independent
Death rates reports scrapped
Death rates reports scrapped England's public health monitor is to scrap a regular report into mortality rates, after a recent leak revealed an unexpected spike in the number of deaths among the elderly. The Independent
Friday, 9 August 2013
Northampton's Favell House patients: 'They might as well leave us to die' - Northampton Herald and Post
Northampton's Favell House patients: 'They might as well leave us to die' - Northampton Herald and Post A spokesman for Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We recognise this is a difficult time for staff and they are obviously disappointed by this decision. “We are however continuing to work with staff affected to look at redeployment opportunities.
and more »
and more »
Cameron's £500m A&E bailout is 'just papering over cracks'
Cameron's £500m A&E bailout is 'just papering over cracks' British Medical Association says cash will not be enough to deal with ever-increasing demands on service
David Cameron's effort to avoid an A&E crisis by giving struggling hospitals £500m is "nothing more than papering over the cracks", doctors have said.
The British Medical Association said it was glad the coalition was "finally listening" to concerns about pressure on emergency care. However, it said this would not be enough as the NHS was "facing ever-increasing demands with diminishing resources".
Its warning was echoed by the National Health Action party, a political group agitating for more NHS funding. Dr Clive Peedell, a consultant oncologist and party founder, described the extra cash as "no more than a sticking plaster over the massive cracks in the NHS".
Dementia-friendly communities can improve care
Dementia-friendly communities can improve care Bringing together every part of a community can boost quality of life for people coping with dementia
The idea of dementia-friendly communities brilliantly encapsulates what a progressive care system could deliver, both for those who need support and for the taxpayer.
The concept is simple: to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and help them to become active members of the community. Making it happen involves bringing together every part of a community – health services, social care, transport, local businesses, charities and voluntary groups, the police, the fire brigade and local people.
Co-ordinated care for people with complex chronic conditions: case studies
Co-ordinated care for people with complex chronic conditions: case studies The King's Fund -
This project involves an in-depth examination of approaches to care co-ordination undertaken in primary care settings in different parts of the UK. The project is being undertaken with five case study sites who have developed innovative primary care-based approaches to care co-ordination for people with complex chronic conditions. Each final case study includes an organogram showing the care planning/co-ordination process, patient stories and a video highlighting the work of the team. The first two case studies in the project have now been published: Midhurst Macmillan Community Specialist Palliative Care Service and Sandwell Esteem team.
This project involves an in-depth examination of approaches to care co-ordination undertaken in primary care settings in different parts of the UK. The project is being undertaken with five case study sites who have developed innovative primary care-based approaches to care co-ordination for people with complex chronic conditions. Each final case study includes an organogram showing the care planning/co-ordination process, patient stories and a video highlighting the work of the team. The first two case studies in the project have now been published: Midhurst Macmillan Community Specialist Palliative Care Service and Sandwell Esteem team.
Do interventions proven to improve cardiovascular disease outcomes work for individuals with severe mental illness?
Do interventions proven to improve cardiovascular disease outcomes work for individuals with severe mental illness? Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have shortened life expectancies compared to the general population. This is partly down to higher rates of chronic physical illness. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients using mental health services. It is assumed that interventions used to reduce CVD are similarly effective in patients with [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
NICE approves new test for spread of breast cancer
NICE approves new test for spread of breast cancer "Instant breast cancer test approved that will save women weeks of waiting for results," reports the Daily Mirror, while the Daily Mail points out that the test could "spare thousands of sufferers the ordeal of repeat surgery".
The test in question is called RD-100i OSNA, and is used during surgery to remove invasive breast cancer. This new test can tell doctors whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. It does this by detecting abnormal genetic markers in samples taken from the lymph nodes. The test is expected to provide much faster results than conventional biopsies.
The test has now been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which advises which treatments should be available on the NHS. It is expected to be introduced for patients selected to have surgery for early breast cancer. NICE says that the test can help avoid further operations and allow treatments such as chemotherapy to begin much earlier.
Community pharmacy guide to general practice
Community pharmacy guide to general practice This document was written to promote greater understanding of the roles and day to day activities of the two professions to enhance local working relationships.
The guides have been updated to reflect the changes in the NHS and the two contracts since they were first published in 2010. NHS Networks
Safer Wards, Safer Hospitals Technology Fund update
Safer Wards, Safer Hospitals Technology Fund update NHS England has today announced an update on the Safer Hospitals, Safer Wards Technology Fund which offers NHS Foundation Trusts and NHS Trusts access to a £260 million technology fund, after the deadline for Expressions of Interest closed on 31 July.
The fund has received an unprecedented number of applications; in excess of 760 completed and valid Expressions of Interest applying for over £650 million of funding to support rapid progression from paper-based systems for patient notes and prescriptions to integrated digital care records (IDCRs) and the development of ePrescribing.
The pill that texts you - from inside
The pill that texts you - from inside The pill that tweets and texts - from your tummy. BBC News
Thursday, 8 August 2013
Press release: £500 million to relieve pressures on A&E
Press release: £500 million to relieve pressures on A&E Department of Health
A&E departments will benefit from an additional £500 million over the next two years to ensure they are fully prepared for winter, Prime Minister David Cameron announced today.
A&E departments will benefit from an additional £500 million over the next two years to ensure they are fully prepared for winter, Prime Minister David Cameron announced today.
With over one million more people visiting A&E compared to three years ago, last year’s harsh winter put exceptional pressure on urgent and emergency wards.
The new funding will go to A&E departments identified as being under the most pressure and be targeted at ‘pinch points’ in local services.
Hospitals have put forward proposals aimed at improving how their services work. These include improvements to both A&E and improvements to other services away from A&E so there are less unnecessary visits or longer stays in urgent and emergency wards.
The aim will be for patients to be treated promptly, with fewer delays in A&E, and for other patients to get the care, prescriptions or advice they need without going to A&E.
Guy's does e-noting
Guy's does e-noting Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is digitising 130 hospital forms to be made available via a portal being developed by an in-house team. EHI News
IT experts question HES expansion plans
IT experts question HES expansion plans NHS IT directors are questioning whether most hospitals can get the IT in place to allow a hugely expanded dataset to be extracted by April 2014. EHI News
The NHS as a driver for growth
The NHS as a driver for growth This report by the Council for Science and Technology looks at ways to increase innovation and decrease costs in the NHS. It argues that the NHS will need to work with innovative businesses and that cultural change is required in the NHS in order to support innovation.
Systems to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making
Systems to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making "Some of the identified supports may increase the use of research evidence by decision-makers, which may then lead to more informed decisions, and hopefully to a strengthened health system and improved health."
What supports do health system organizations have in place to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making? a qualitative study
ME Ellen, G Leon, G Bouchard, JN Lavis, M Ouimet, JM Grimshaw
Implementation Science, 2013, 8:84
Read more here.
What supports do health system organizations have in place to facilitate evidence-informed decision-making? a qualitative study
ME Ellen, G Leon, G Bouchard, JN Lavis, M Ouimet, JM Grimshaw
Implementation Science, 2013, 8:84
Read more here.
Experts urge caution as junior doctors start work
Experts urge caution as junior doctors start work Research suggests death rates rise by 6% among patients admitted today. OnMedica News
Two dead amid suspicion that bird flu passed between humans
Two dead amid suspicion that bird flu passed between humans Officials in China say the new H7N9 virus probably passed between father and carer daughter. OnMedica News
New test allows surgeons to detect spread of breast cancer tumours immediately
New test allows surgeons to detect spread of breast cancer tumours immediately Thousands of breast cancer patients could be spared agonising waits to find out whether they need follow-up surgery thanks to a new test that can detect whether a cancer has spread during the initial operation to remove a tumour. Independent
Summing up suicide data in bipolar disorder
Summing up suicide data in bipolar disorder People with bipolar disorder are found to be at greater risk of suicide compared to the general population. Clinicians should be more vigilant for signs of suicidality in this patient group. Suicide, the taking of one’s own life, sadly is the cause of death for around 5,500 people in the United Kingdom each year. In [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Good practice guidance on patient group directions
Good practice guidance on patient group directions The guidance has been developed to help individuals and organisations who are considering the need for, developing, authorising, using and/or updating PGDs to ensure they are appropriate, legal and that relevant governance arrangements are in place within commissioning and provider organisations.
The guidance underlines that supplying and/or administering medicines under PGD should be reserved for situations where this offers an advantage for patient care without compromising patient safety and where there are clear governance arrangements and accountability. NHS Networks
European cross border healthcare
European cross border healthcare NHS England has published new information for commissioners on European cross border healthcare.
The document sets out the associated roles and responsibilities of NHS England, CCGs and CSUs and summarises the requirements of the EU Directive on cross border healthcare, which becomes UK law in October 2013.
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
NHS chief says Corby care centre is leading the way
NHS chief says Corby care centre is leading the way Health chief Sir Bruce Keogh, medical director for the NHS, officially opened Corby Urgent Care Centre on Tuesday (August 6). Evening Telegraph
Residents invited to healthy fun day - Northamptonshire Telegraph
Residents invited to healthy fun day - Northamptonshire Telegraph It is being organised the NHS Corby Clinical Commissioning Group, the borough council, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and other partners. The free event is being held at the village's Welcome Centre, in Roman Road, from 1pm until ...
Blame the system not staff for NHS mistakes, says Berwick report
Blame the system not staff for NHS mistakes, says Berwick report Patient safety expert says 'no single person, party or administration' cause problems
NHS staff should not be blamed for mistakes that harm patients, because in the vast majority of cases it is the systems that are at fault, says a watershed report on patient safety.
Prof Don Berwick, a world-renowned expert on patient safety, urged the government and other leaders to work towards a culture that supports dedicated staff, listens to patients and embraces transparency. The NHS, he said, had the potential to be a world leader in patient safety.
- NHS Confederation and NHS Employers respond to Professor Don Berwick's report on patient safety
- GMC statement on the Berwick review
- Chief Nursing Officer and National Director of Patient Safety Welcome Berwick Report
- NHS England pledges further action to protect patient safety following Berwick Report publication
- Our response to Don Berwick's report on patient safety Kings Fund
A promise to learn - a commitment to act: improving the safety of patients in England
A promise to learn - a commitment to act: improving the safety of patients in England This report is the result of the Berwick Review which looked at patient safety following the publication of the Francis Report into the breakdown of care at Mid Staffordshire Hospitals. It highlights the main problems affecting patient safety in the NHS and makes recommendations to address them. NHS Evidence
Wellbeing by numbers – latest ONS data
Wellbeing by numbers – latest ONS data It compares the year to March 2013 with the previous year. Overall estimates of people’s views about their own wellbeing are provided as well as estimates for key personal characteristics and circumstances, such as age, sex and ethnicity, personal relationships, work situation and health.
A separate personal wellbeing interactive graph compares personal wellbeing in the UK between 2011/12 and 2012/13 using data from the annual population survey. NHS Networks
GP surgeries must inform patients about data plan - or face legal action
GP surgeries must inform patients about data plan - or face legal action GP practices could face prosecution under the Data Protection Act if they do not take steps to inform patients that data will be taken from their records and used by the NHS and private companies from this autumn. Guardian
GPs fear workload rise as AQP services expand by a quarter
GPs fear workload rise as AQP services expand by a quarter The number of services that can be commissioned under the any qualified provider (AQP) scheme has expanded by 26% in recent months, raising fears that GPs cannot keep track of increasingly fragmented services. GP Online
A promise to learn - a commitment to act: improving the safety of patients in England
A promise to learn - a commitment to act: improving the safety of patients in England This report is the result of the Berwick Review which looked at patient safety following the publication of the Francis Report into the breakdown of care at Mid Staffordshire Hospitals. It highlights the main problems affecting patient safety in the NHS and makes recommendations to address them. NHS Evidence
Personal iPads to access Emis records
Personal iPads to access Emis records Clinicians are using their personal iPads to access patient records on Emis Web in a pilot scheme run by Informatics Merseyside. EHI News
Stafford Hospital nurse gets 'direct line' for whistleblowers - BBC News
Stafford Hospital nurse gets 'direct line' for whistleblowers - BBC News A nurse who raised nearly 100 complaints over the treatment of patients at Stafford Hospital has taken on a job helping other NHS staff raise their concerns. Helene Donnelly turned whistleblower after she "saw people dying in very, very undignified ...
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Relationship between quality of care and choice of clinical computing system
Relationship between quality of care and choice of clinical computing system "Clinical computing systems have been promoted as a means to improve the quality of healthcare, holding advantages over paper-based systems of improved data recording, integration and accessibility."
Relationship between quality of care and choice of clinical computing system: retrospective analysis of family practice performance under the UK's quality and outcomes framework
E Kontopantelis, I Buchan, D Reeves, K Checkland, T Doran
BMJ Open, 2013, 3:e003190
Read more here.
Relationship between quality of care and choice of clinical computing system: retrospective analysis of family practice performance under the UK's quality and outcomes framework
E Kontopantelis, I Buchan, D Reeves, K Checkland, T Doran
BMJ Open, 2013, 3:e003190
Read more here.
Views sought on draft NICE guidance that says breast cancer drug is not value for money
Views sought on draft NICE guidance that says breast cancer drug is not value for money The NHS is to be advised that it shouldn't routinely provide the drug pertuzumab as a treatment for a type of advanced breast cancer, according to draft guidance from NICE
Bureaucracy busters set to work on NHS
Bureaucracy busters set to work on NHS A bureaucracy busting campaign is being launched to reduce the burden of data collection for the NHS. EHI News
2012-13 update on indicators of financial sustainability in the NHS
2012-13 update on indicators of financial sustainability in the NHS "This update focuses on the financial sustainability of the NHS trusts and foundation trusts that provide community, secondary and tertiary health services, and on the primary care trusts that commissioned those services up to the end of 2012-13."
2012-13 update on indicators of financial sustainability in the NHS
National Audit Office, Department of Health July 2013
Read more here.
2012-13 update on indicators of financial sustainability in the NHS
National Audit Office, Department of Health July 2013
Read more here.
Scientific breakthrough could free patients of blood pressure pills
Scientific breakthrough could free patients of blood pressure pills Hypertension linked to adrenal tumours in many patients. OnMedica News
The instant blood test to tell if you REALLY need antibiotics
The instant blood test to tell if you REALLY need antibiotics The three-minute test tells a doctor whether the patient is suffering from a viral or a bacterial infection - that way, they know whether to prescribe antibiotics. Daily Mail
NHS safety report set to call for minimum staffing levels
NHS safety report set to call for minimum staffing levels Berwick review expected to recommend legal duty for doctors, nurses and other health workers to admit mistakes
A review of patient safety in the NHS by an acclaimed US expert, Don Berwick, is expected to recommend minimum staffing levels for hospitals and a legal duty for doctors, nurses and other NHS workers to admit their mistakes.
The Berwick review will be published Tuesday lunchtime without the sort of fanfare that government-commissioned inquiries attract if their conclusions find favour with ministers. The health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, will appear at the briefing with Berwick, who is flying to London for the day, but will not give an immediate verdict on the proposals.
Monday, 5 August 2013
No hospice cuts 'until aid secured'
No hospice cuts 'until aid secured' There will be no cutbacks at two Northamptonshire hospices until alternative charitable aid is secured, the NHS says. BBC News - Northampton
Health care centre opening in Corby
Health care centre opening in Corby A purpose-built state of the art health centre in Corby will be open its doors for the first time next week. Evening Telegraph
Corby ambulance station will not close, MP says
Corby ambulance station will not close, MP says The proposed closure of Corby ambulance station will not go ahead, according to the MP for the area. Evening Telegraph
Press release: Minister launches radical new procurement strategy to save the NHS £1.5 billion
Press release: Minister launches radical new procurement strategy to save the NHS £1.5 billion A radical new blueprint for how our NHS buys everything - from rubber gloves and stitches to new hips, building work, bed pans and temporary staff - has been unveiled by health minister Dr Dan Poulter today.
Dr Poulter’s new strategy for NHS procurement is set to radically change what our NHS does with its money by cutting wasteful spending - so cash can be ploughed back into the front line for patient care. It details ambitious plans to save £1.5 billion by getting our NHS to use its money more smartly and more efficiently.
The government’s NHS reforms are already making £1.5 billion of back office savings each and every year for our NHS by reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, but Monday’s document will show how our NHS can save much more, and support economic growth, by changing the way it buys supplies and does business.
- NHS gets own price comparison website BBC News
- NHS Confederation comments on Government's procurement strategy NHS Confederation
Guidance: Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) Directions 2013
Guidance: Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) Directions 2013 These directions are an interim measure to ensure NHS Choices services remain available until the new ‘Health and Social Care Digital Service’ online services, which will replace NHS Choices, are delivered.
They came into effect on 1 August 2013. Department of Health
NHS England to launch £50 million fund to improve innovation
NHS England to launch £50 million fund to improve innovation NHS England has published details about a new innovation evaluation fund, specifically focused on those prescribed specialised services which it is responsible for directly commissioning. The introduction of the fund will significantly improve and speed up the process of adopting new innovations within these services and contribute to the aims of the NHS as described by the Outcomes Framework including saving lives, helping patients recover from acute episodes of illness, and transforming services for long term conditions.
The Specialised Services Commissioning Innovation Fund (SSCIF) will transform the way that new innovations are identified, tested and adopted. The fund will open for business w/c 2 September 2013, and will specifically focus on innovations in those clinical areas that are defined as prescribed specialised services commissioned directly by NHS England.
Applications to the SSCIF will be invited via an open web-based submission process. The first stage of the application process – the Step 1 Self-Assessment form – is now ‘live’, providing applicants with an opportunity to see whether or not their innovation is likely to meet the necessary criteria for progressing through the SSCIF process.
It is anticipated that innovations will cover a diverse range of areas including care pathways, workforce, technologies, devices and diagnostics. Applicants are expected to include manufacturers, patient groups, voluntary sector organisations, commissioners, NHS frontline staff and non-NHS service providers. NHS Commissioning Board
Patient platform to save £1 billion
Patient platform to save £1 billion The integrated customer service platform being developed by NHS England is expected to save the NHS more than £1 billion by encouraging patients to get involved in online self-care. EHI News
Stroke care shakeup has saved lives and money, says study
Stroke care shakeup has saved lives and money, says study Closing stroke units in many London hospitals and sending patients to a few specialised centres has been a success
Closing stroke units in many London hospitals and sending patients to a few highly specialised centres instead has saved money and hundreds of lives, according to a study.
Since July 2010, ambulances have often bypassed the nearest hospital to take patients with stroke symptoms to one of the eight hyper-acute stroke units in the capital. Before that, patients could have been taken to any of 30 hospitals for initial treatment.
Patients now spend the first 72 hours in one of the specialist units and afterwards may be moved to one of the larger number of hospitals that provide continuing care and rehabilitation.
Gene that doubles the risk of schizophrenia identified
Gene that doubles the risk of schizophrenia identified A gene thought to be involved in nerve development can double the risk of schizophrenia when it is damaged, according to a pioneering study into one of most costly mental illnesses. Independent
A&Es miss waiting time targets as NHS 111 slides
A&Es miss waiting time targets as NHS 111 slides Major accident and emergency departments have failed to meet waiting-time targets for two weeks running, the latest figures suggest. Independent
Friday, 2 August 2013
KGH midwife’s errors placed babies’ lives at risk
KGH midwife’s errors placed babies’ lives at risk A former Kettering Hospital midwife has been struck off and barred from future practice by a panel in London after she was found to have made a series of errors. Evening Telegraph
Health and social care staff must look out for signs of domestic violence says NICE in new draft guidance
Health and social care staff must look out for signs of domestic violence says NICE in new draft guidance NICE has today (2 August) published new draft guidance on identifying and preventing domestic violence and abuse between family members or between people who are (or who have been) intimate partners. It covers adults and young people who are experiencing (or have experienced) domestic violence, and children who are exposed to domestic violence.
Divided in dying
Divided in dying Compassion in Dying -
This report highlights the need for better advance care planning at the end of life and the urgent need to put in place workable guidance to replace the Liverpool Care Pathway as soon as possible. The report found that almost half of those who have lost someone close to them through a short or long illness, feel their loved one died badly (45%). In cases where the dying person had recorded their end of life wishes, relatives and friends are more likely to report that they had a good death (58%). Kings Fund Blog
This report highlights the need for better advance care planning at the end of life and the urgent need to put in place workable guidance to replace the Liverpool Care Pathway as soon as possible. The report found that almost half of those who have lost someone close to them through a short or long illness, feel their loved one died badly (45%). In cases where the dying person had recorded their end of life wishes, relatives and friends are more likely to report that they had a good death (58%). Kings Fund Blog
Clinical commissioning group outcomes indicator set
Clinical commissioning group outcomes indicator set National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) -
These fifteen proposed indicators aim to to support better quality healthcare being commissioned by CCGs. They underpin health improvement such as enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions and preventing people from dying prematurely. This menu of indicators will now be considered by NHS England for inclusion in the indicator set for 2014/15.
These fifteen proposed indicators aim to to support better quality healthcare being commissioned by CCGs. They underpin health improvement such as enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions and preventing people from dying prematurely. This menu of indicators will now be considered by NHS England for inclusion in the indicator set for 2014/15.
Painful wait: NHS helpline has 3,000-strong backlog of complaints about GPs and dentists
Painful wait: NHS helpline has 3,000-strong backlog of complaints about GPs and dentists A new "one-stop" NHS customer helpline has a backlog of more than 3,000 unresolved complaints about GPs and dentists dating back to April, it was revealed today, as officials admitted the new service had not been equipped to cope with the volume of complaints and inquiries it received. Independent
Meta analysis of antidepressants vs talking therapies: another example of ‘All Must Have Prizes’?
Meta analysis of antidepressants vs talking therapies: another example of ‘All Must Have Prizes’? Patients presenting to their GP with a mental health problem are likely to be offered medication, in the form of antidepressants, and/or a ‘talking therapy’, such as counselling or CBT. This is because we know that both those broad categories of treatments (drugs and psychological therapies) are effective in reducing symptoms. However, it’s less clear [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Indicators to improve dementia care proposed for QOF 2014/15
Indicators to improve dementia care proposed for QOF 2014/15 Three new indicators to improve dementia care could be added to QOF, as NICE unveils potential indicators for 2014/15.
NICE publishes new measures to review the benefits to patients from services commissioned by Clinical Commissioning Groups
NICE publishes new measures to review the benefits to patients from services commissioned by Clinical Commissioning Groups NICE, the health and social care guidance body, has today (Thursday 1 August) published 15 proposed new indicators to support better quality healthcare being commissioned by Clinical Commissioning Groups.
Get Going this Summer with Change4Life
Get Going this Summer with Change4Life Summer is here and Change4Life’s Get Going campaign will ensure there are lots of fun ways for families to get active during the holidays.
It can be easy to let children spend a bit too much time on the sofa over the summer holidays but, while it’s great to relax after a long school year, it’s important to make sure they stay active. The longer days are also the perfect time for adults to join in and try something new too.
Children aged 5 to 16 need to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day that gets their hearts beating faster than usual, and adults need at least 150 minutes a week.
Change4Life’s Get Going this Summer campaign will run throughout the school holidays and aims to inspire families and adults to get more physically active over the summer. To make it happen Change4Life is working with Local Authorities and leisure centre providers to offer thousands of events and taster sessions across the country – check out the handy events finder to find free local events and discounted sports club sessions near you and visit Change4Life to sign up for your free online activity plan.
If you’re interested in supporting the campaign in your area, you can also view all of the resources available here, including the key engagement tool – the Get Going this Summer consumer sign-up pack. You can then place your order via the Health and Social Care orderline website or by calling the telephone orderline on 0300 123 1002. DH Campaign Resource Centre
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Health bosses insist hospices won’t close
Health bosses insist hospices won’t close Health bosses have insisted two Northamptonshire hospices won’t close following reports of cuts, but they confirmed plans to increase charitable donations with a view to reducing NHS funding. Evening Telegraph
Care Connect going live
Care Connect going live A multi-channel patient feedback service developed by NHS England is going live in 18 trusts in London and the North within a week. EHI News
NHS consultants enter talks over working weekends
NHS consultants enter talks over working weekends Hospital consultants are to enter talks over a new contract which could see more senior doctors working evenings and weekends.
Telegraph
Telegraph
Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust 'should be dissolved'
Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust 'should be dissolved' The hospital trust at the heart of one of the biggest scandals in the NHS' history should be dissolved, it was recommended today. Independent
Map launched to help treat stroke patients
Map launched to help treat stroke patients The UK Stroke contacts map brings together the contact details of over 150 hospitals and community based stroke professionals across the country. It provides detailed information on local stroke specific support services, enabling healthcare professionals to easily signpost patients to the local support they need when they are transferred home.
The map is aimed at professionals treating stroke survivors from outside their catchment area so that they can get in touch with the patient’s local stroke team to coordinate on-going care and referrals. NHS Networks
The map is aimed at professionals treating stroke survivors from outside their catchment area so that they can get in touch with the patient’s local stroke team to coordinate on-going care and referrals. NHS Networks
New research explores association between nurse staffing levels and quality of care
New research explores association between nurse staffing levels and quality of care The study has prompted the researchers to suggest that hospitals could use episodes of missed care as an early warning sign that nurse staffing levels are too low to provide safe, high quality care.
The nurses were asked about missed care - care that they deemed necessary, but which they were unable to do or complete because of insufficient time. Thirteen different areas of nursing care were covered, ranging from adequate documentation of care and patient monitoring, through to pain management. NHS Networks
Press release: Government commits £250 million for innovative cancer treatment to save lives and reduce side effects
Press release: Government commits £250 million for innovative cancer treatment to save lives and reduce side effectsA major new cutting edge radiotherapy treatment will be available in the UK thanks to £250 million of government funding to build two new facilities in Manchester and London, Public Health Minister Anna Soubry confirmed today.
The therapy – Proton Beam Therapy – is a particularly important form of cancer treatment as it targets tumours more precisely with less damage to surrounding tissues. This can improve the quality of life following cancer treatment, reduces side effects, especially for children and, because the NHS will be able to treat more people, it will save lives.
New guidance for medical schools to support students with mental health conditions
New guidance for medical schools to support students with mental health conditions Universities are being offered more help to support medical students with mental health problems. General Medical Council
Doctors prescribe 1 billion items a year
Doctors prescribe 1 billion items a year Prescriptions have risen 62% in past decade, says HSCIC OnMedica
How to get ahead in ... NHS interim management
How to get ahead in ... NHS interim management Opportunities are opening up in the 'buoyant' market for those with a private sector background
The Francis and Keogh reports, which highlighted the need to put quality of care in the NHS back centre stage, are creating new opportunities for interim managers, it has emerged. Trusts are beginning to look for interims with both clinical expertise and experience of transformation to help identify how to create high-quality patient care.
The current NHS interim recruitment market, described as "buoyant" and "busy" by some specialist recruiters, still has vacancies for experienced senior managers with financial acumen. But they say the tradition of the NHS preferring to take on interims with exclusive NHS experience may start to disappear – opening up the door for those with a background in the private sector.
Landmark ruling says hospital closure plans unlawful
Landmark ruling says hospital closure plans unlawful A decision by the Health Secretary to close maternity and Accident & Emergency services at a major hospital has been quashed and declared "unlawful" by the High Court.
Telegraph
Telegraph
Threat to diabetes sufferers as NHS rations testing strips to save money
Threat to diabetes sufferers as NHS rations testing strips to save money People with diabetes have been left unable to monitor their blood glucose levels, putting them at risk from serious complications, because the test strips required are being rationed by the NHS to save money, Diabetes UK has claimed. Independent
Cancer treatment breakthrough? Scientists reveal hope for protecting patients from radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Cancer treatment breakthrough? Scientists reveal hope for protecting patients from radiotherapy and chemotherapy Scientists may have found a way of protecting cancer patients from the lethal effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy using drugs that shield the sensitive gastrointestinal tract from the toxic effects of the treatment. Independent
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