The return of the 'proper' family doctor? Many newspapers are heralding the return of “family doctors” after the announcement of a new contract agreed between the government and GPs. The GP contract has been agreed between the NHS and GPs in England.
Monday, 18 November 2013
Vascular surgery warning over 21 hospital trusts
Vascular surgery warning over 21 hospital trusts Fears over risk to patients if too few procedures carried out as surgeons say 100 in three years should be minimum.
NHS competition holds up creation of specialist cancer treatment centres
NHS competition holds up creation of specialist cancer treatment centres Hospitals block reorganisations by claiming mergers are anti-competitive and would reduce patient choice.
Malnutrition cases in English hospitals almost double in five years
Malnutrition cases in English hospitals almost double in five years
The shocking impact of recession and austerity on England’s poorest people has come to light again in figures showing the number of malnutrition cases treated at NHS hospitals has nearly doubled since the economic downturn. The Independent
NHS spending on local surgeries has dropped
NHS spending on local surgeries has dropped Family doctors are receiving a smaller slice of NHS funding than ever before and urgently need more support, the Royal College of General Practitioners has warned. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Patient care compromised as funding for general practice slumps across the UK Royal College of General Practitioners
NHS staff face jail if patients are neglected
NHS staff face jail if patients are neglected
Nurses, doctors and managers who mistreat or neglect their patients will face up to five years in prison under a major law change announced by David Cameron. The Independent
See also
See also
Friday, 15 November 2013
Corby Urgent Care Centre extends its hours
Corby Urgent Care Centre extends its hours The urgent care centre in Corby has won £500,000 funding to extend its winter opening hours and help ease pressure on Kettering General Hospital. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Hospital staff in Northampton raise concerns about child abuse ‘four times a day’
Hospital staff in Northampton raise concerns about child abuse ‘four times a day’ Abuse alerts about children are being spotted by staff at Northampton General Hospital at a rate of more than four a day. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
GPs 'to go extra mile' for frailest
GPs 'to go extra mile' for frailest The 100,000 most frail patients in England will be identified and given a named GP to co-ordinate their care, BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Press release: Personalised GP care will bring back old-fashioned family doctors Department of Health
- 2014/15 GMS contract changes for England NHS Employers
- RCGP response to changes to GP contract Royal College of General Practitioners
- GPs will have to monitor effectiveness of out-of-hours services used by their patients The Independent
- New GP contract heralds return of 'proper doctors' The Daily Telegraph
- Hunt hopes new GP contract will solve A&E crisis The Guardian
NHS 111 pilot scheme 'had teething problems'
NHS 111 pilot scheme 'had teething problems' "NHS 111 helpline adds to pressure on A&E, according to study," The Guardian reports after a study has suggested that the new NHS 111 helpline needs further work to improve its effectiveness.
Saving money, losing sight
Saving money, losing sight This report finds that delays in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care are resulting in people losing their sight needlessly. The research is based on findings from an RNIB survey sent to staff in eye clinics across England. Staff were asked about current and future capacity in their eye department, the impact of insufficient capacity on patient care and possible solutions.
National audit of intermediate care 2013
National audit of intermediate care 2013 This audit aims to provide an overview of intermediate care commissioning and provision in England. In 2012, the audit focused on health based bed and home intermediate care services. In 2013, the study has been extended to cover crisis response and social care re-ablement services.
Seven-day NHS could lead to changes in care standards
Seven-day NHS could lead to changes in care standards Reorgansied health services might mean better specialist care.
Charity claims loneliness is the reason one in 10 visit their GP
Charity claims loneliness is the reason one in 10 visit their GP
As many as one in 10 patients who visit GP surgeries could be visiting not because they are medically unwell, but because they are lonely, a charity has claimed. The Independent.
Colchester General Hospital placed in special measures over cancer waiting time claims
Colchester General Hospital placed in special measures over cancer waiting time claims
The hospital at the centre of a police investigation over allegations staff changed cancer waiting times figures has been placed in special measures. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Scandal cancer trust placed in special measures The Daily Telegraph
- Colchester hospital put into special measures over cancer care claims The Guardian
- Colchester put into special measures E-Health Insider
- Cancer hospital in special measures BBC News
Thursday, 14 November 2013
Hospital staff alerted authorities ‘118 times about concerns for care home residents
Hospital staff alerted authorities ‘118 times about concerns for care home residents Serious concerns about care home residents seen at Northampton General Hospital with dehydration or pressure sores were raised by hospital staff 68 times in one year, it has been revealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Elderly 'face £150,000 care bill'
Elderly 'face £150,000 care bill' lderly people face paying £150,000 for residential care before they hit the cap on care costs, an analysis by Labour suggests. BBC News
Poor eye care 'leaving people blind'
Poor eye care 'leaving people blind' People may be losing their eyesight because clinics in England do not have the capacity to treat patients, a charity warns. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Delays in treating eye conditions result in NHS patients going blind from avoidable conditions The Independent
Phone app to locate defibrillators
Phone app to locate defibrillators An ambulance trust launches a mobile phone app which can locate the nearest portable defibrillator. BBC News
Engagement in research: an innovative three-stage review of the benefits for health-care performance
Engagement in research: an innovative three-stage review of the benefits for health-care performance The aim of this study was to conduct a theoretically and empirically grounded synthesis to map and explore plausible mechanisms through which research engagement might improve health services performance. It suggests that when clinicians and health-care organisations engage in research there is the likelihood of a positive impact on health-care performance.
Transforming urgent and emergency care services in England: urgent and emergency care review - end of phase 1 report
Transforming urgent and emergency care services in England: urgent and emergency care review - end of phase 1 report This report proposes a new blueprint for local services across the country that aims to make care more responsive and personal for patients, as well as deliver even better clinical outcomes and enhanced safety. It highlights opportunities to shift care closer to home, finding that 40 per cent of A&E patients are discharged requiring no treatment; up to one million emergency admissions were avoidable last year; and up to 50 per cent of 999 calls could be managed at the scene.
Half of NHS regions cut maternity funding despite baby boom
Half of NHS regions cut maternity funding despite baby boom Five of 10 English regions see reductions of up to 15% in 2012-2013 compared with previous year.
The NHS has cut its funding for maternity care in half of England's health regions, despite births being at their highest in 40 years and childbirth services being understaffed.
The amount of money going to maternity units in five of the NHS's 10 English regions of the country fell by up to 15% in 2012-13 compared with the previous year. The East Midlands saw the biggest drop.
NHS 111 line 'is doing more bad than good'
NHS 111 line 'is doing more bad than good' NHS phone line designed to lift pressure on A&E departments has actually added to the burden on hospitals, research suggests. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
Future of NHS 'depends on speedier healthcare outside hospitals'
Future of NHS 'depends on speedier healthcare outside hospitals' The future of the health service depends on improved access to urgent healthcare outside of hospitals, Britain's most senior doctor has said. The Daily Telegraph
Government doctors to reconsider whether UK should vaccinate all children against deadly disease meningitis B
Government doctors to reconsider whether UK should vaccinate all children against deadly disease meningitis B
Government doctors will reconsider whether the UK should vaccinate all children against the deadly disease meningitis B, having previously said immunisation would not be cost-effective. The Independent
International Profiles of Health Care Systems, 2013: Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands,...
International Profiles of Health Care Systems, 2013: Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands,... This publication presents overviews of the health care systems of Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. The Commonwealth Fund
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
Policy paper: NHS Mandate 2014 to 2015
Policy paper: NHS Mandate 2014 to 2015
This document sets out the ambitions for the health service for April 2014 to March 2015. It ensures that the Mandate to the NHS: April 2013 to March 2015, remains up to date and relevant, and was produced following a public consultation. To provide stability, and to ensure the Mandate remains focused on outcomes and affordable, changes have been kept to an essential minimum.
The NHS Mandate is structured around 5 main areas where the government expects NHS England to make improvements:
- preventing people from dying prematurely
- enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions
- helping people to recover from episodes of ill health or following injury
- ensuring that people have a positive experience of care
- treating and caring for people in a safe environment and protecting them from avoidable harm
The Mandate reaffirms the government’s commitment to an NHS that remains available to all, based on clinical need and not ability to pay - and that is able to meet patients’ needs and expectations now and in the future. Department of Health
Britain's old age 'time bomb' may have been exaggerated, say experts
Britain's old age 'time bomb' may have been exaggerated, say experts
The so-called old age “time bomb” – the anticipated burden that our ageing population will place on taxpayers – may have been exaggerated, experts have said. Independent
The so-called old age “time bomb” – the anticipated burden that our ageing population will place on taxpayers – may have been exaggerated, experts have said. Independent
NHS shake-up proposes two-tier A&E
NHS shake-up proposes two-tier A&E
A two-tier A&E system in England should be created as part of an overhaul of services, NHS chiefs are proposing. BBC News
A two-tier A&E system in England should be created as part of an overhaul of services, NHS chiefs are proposing. BBC News
Realising the benefits of employee engagement
Realising the benefits of employee engagement
Foundation Trust Network (FTN) -
This publication examines the link between employee engagement and quality of care. It presents the evidence for supporting employee engagement and discusses the barriers to implementation.
Foundation Trust Network (FTN) -
This publication examines the link between employee engagement and quality of care. It presents the evidence for supporting employee engagement and discusses the barriers to implementation.
Government response: Boost in specialist mental health midwives to combat post-natal depression: Government statement
Government response: Boost in specialist mental health midwives to combat post-natal depression: Government statement
According to a recent report by the NSPCC, only around half of the country currently has access to specialised maternal mental health staff. Under new plans, national training body Health Education England (HEE) will make sure there is enough training in perinatal mental health so there are specialist staff available for each and every birthing unit by 2017.
Mental health issues affect around 10 per cent of women either when pregnant or after their baby is born. If untreated, mental illness can have a devastating impact on families and affect the ability of a mother to properly bond with her baby. In extreme cases, perinatal mental illness can be life-threatening – suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal death in the UK. Specialist mental health midwives and healthcare professionals have an important role in helping women during pregnancy and beyond.
Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said;
We want to do everything we can to make sure women and families get as much support as possible throughout pregnancy and beyond, and we need to see a step change in the quality of mental health support available in the perinatal period.Specialist mental health doctors and midwives are crucial in helping women at risk of suffering from depression, and we will ensure that there are enough trained mental health midwives for the whole country. This means women will be much more likely to get the help and support they need, which will go on to have huge benefits for families and children.We are already increasing the number of midwives and health visitors, and we have increased the number of vulnerable women and families who will benefit from family nurses. But we are now going even further, so that more women will get the right support before, during and after child birth.
Dr Poulter has also committed to continue increasing the number of midwives in the NHS, and there will continue to be a record number of training commissions. Since 2010, there are over 1,300 more midwives working in the NHS, and a record 5000 midwives in training. Department of Health
NICE says more heart attack survivors' lives could be saved though better access to cardiac rehabilitation programmes
NICE says more heart attack survivors' lives could be saved though better access to cardiac rehabilitation programmes
People who have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) have a considerably increased risk of having another one. NICE has published its updated guidance on the best ways to reduce this risk by improving the care of hundreds of thousands of adults in England and Wales who have survived a heart attack.
People who have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) have a considerably increased risk of having another one. NICE has published its updated guidance on the best ways to reduce this risk by improving the care of hundreds of thousands of adults in England and Wales who have survived a heart attack.
Help promote stop smoking campaign
Help promote stop smoking campaign
Alongside the campaign, smokers will be able to pick up the new NHS “quit cards”. The pack of cards signpost smokers to the range of support available. This includes face to face support, a smokefree app, quit kit, email support and text support. NHS Networks
Alongside the campaign, smokers will be able to pick up the new NHS “quit cards”. The pack of cards signpost smokers to the range of support available. This includes face to face support, a smokefree app, quit kit, email support and text support. NHS Networks
E-cigarettes 'could save millions'
E-cigarettes 'could save millions'
Scientists say that if all smokers in the world switch from cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, it can save millions of lives. BBC News
Scientists say that if all smokers in the world switch from cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, it can save millions of lives. BBC News
Legal bid over swine flu jab link to narcolepsy
Legal bid over swine flu jab link to narcolepsy
Patients who developed narcolepsy after receiving Pandemrix swine flu jab launch a class action against manufacturer GSK - but taxpayer could foot compensation bill. Telegraph
Patients who developed narcolepsy after receiving Pandemrix swine flu jab launch a class action against manufacturer GSK - but taxpayer could foot compensation bill. Telegraph
Video games, tablets and smartphones are 'a back injury time bomb' for children who are increasingly sedentary, study warns
Video games, tablets and smartphones are 'a back injury time bomb' for children who are increasingly sedentary, study warns
Nearly three quarters of primary school children and nearly two thirds of secondary school age children have reported back or neck pain in the past year, a study found. Mail Online
Nearly three quarters of primary school children and nearly two thirds of secondary school age children have reported back or neck pain in the past year, a study found. Mail Online
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Toddlers being offered free flu vaccine
Toddlers being offered free flu vaccine
Parents of toddlers are being encouraged to arrange flu vaccinations for their children this winter. Evening Telegraph
Parents of toddlers are being encouraged to arrange flu vaccinations for their children this winter. Evening Telegraph
News story: New website comparing adult social care services launched
News story: New website comparing adult social care services launched
On the website you can select your local authority from the map or drop-down menu, or type in your postcode to find out how carers and people receiving local authority funded care and support in your area rate factors such as:
- quality of their life
- satisfaction with care services
- feeling safe
The Department of Health has worked with the Health and Social Care Information Centre to produce a website that allows people to access, understand and use the ASCOF data.
Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said:
We want people to be able to know how well their local authority is performing. This will highlight those councils doing really well, but it will also enable people to hold their council to account if it fails to deliver good results from adult social care services, such as helping people to live independently or giving them genuine choice and control over their care and support. This online tool will provide people with the information they need to do this in a clear, accessible format.We want everyone to get better care and I hope this website will help to drive improvement across all local authorities so that this is a reality.
The data is based on HSCIC data sets published from 2012 to 2013. Final data for 2012 to 13 for all ASCOF measures will be added on 17 December 2013, and provisional data for 2013 to 14 is expected to be available in summer 2014. Department of Health
The Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework for 2014 to 2015 is also published today.
Scotland approves new cancer drugs
Scotland approves new cancer drugs
Scotland becomes the first part of the United Kingdom to approve two new cancer drugs for routine use on the NHS. BBC News
Scotland becomes the first part of the United Kingdom to approve two new cancer drugs for routine use on the NHS. BBC News
Telehealth can play an important role in the future of healthcare
Telehealth can play an important role in the future of healthcare
Applications of telehealth can speed up diagnosis, as well as improve patient treatment and longer-term outcomes
Telehealth has already helped to transform the way healthcare services are accessed and provided. For any healthcare organisation, patient care is the priority, and telehealth has proven to be a groundbreaking way of providing fast, high-quality and convenient care services.
GPs and hospitals are beginning to realise the potential for face-to-face video communication, improving access to care and easing pressure on the healthcare system. Virtual consultation and remote diagnosis have become reality and offer incredible potential to shape the GP surgery of the future and increase access to specialist services from within the primary care system.
This technology could significantly reduce the burden on secondary healthcare provision in the UK, particularly at a time when A&E services are struggling to deliver crucial care.
New network seeks to fill gap in training and development
New network seeks to fill gap in training and development
My Health Skills will allow professionals to drive content and share best practice
Training and continuous improvement were central to the Francis and Cavendish reports. However, solutions that have an impact on behaviour and delivery of relevant skills take time and commitment to implement. They require patience, leadership and passion to deliver change through people, and need more than a knee jerk reaction to the current or next Mid-Staffs.
Launching on Monday 11 November, our new network, My Health Skills, will provide a platform for professionals looking to continue their own learning and development online, encouraging those who are passionate about workforce transformation to share best practice, resources, access information and provide a platform to voice their opinion.
A hidden workforce crisis in the NHS?
A hidden workforce crisis in the NHS?
The RCN has today launched a report which reveals there are nearly 20,000 nursing vacancies currently unfilled in England; a ‘hidden workforce crisis’ that could have serious consequences for the NHS.
The RCN has today launched a report which reveals there are nearly 20,000 nursing vacancies currently unfilled in England; a ‘hidden workforce crisis’ that could have serious consequences for the NHS.
Boss at cancer scandal NHS trust had no experience running hospitals
Boss at cancer scandal NHS trust had no experience running hospitals
The hospital at the centre of a major cancer scandal has been ordered to explain how it appointed a chief executive with no experience of NHS management, whose only work for the health service was four years as a junior doctor.
Telegraph Health News
The hospital at the centre of a major cancer scandal has been ordered to explain how it appointed a chief executive with no experience of NHS management, whose only work for the health service was four years as a junior doctor.
Telegraph Health News
National survey on patient and public involvement in the appraisal and governance of doctors
National survey on patient and public involvement in the appraisal and governance of doctors
This national survey aims to help the NHS Revalidation Support Team understand how local healthcare organisations can strengthen patient and public involvement in the appraisal and governance of doctors and support the introduction of medical revalidation. The survey closes on 22nd November 2013.
NHS Evidence
This national survey aims to help the NHS Revalidation Support Team understand how local healthcare organisations can strengthen patient and public involvement in the appraisal and governance of doctors and support the introduction of medical revalidation. The survey closes on 22nd November 2013.
NHS Evidence
Scan could detect those on brink of heart attack
Scan could detect those on brink of heart attack
"Heart attack risk identified by new scan," is the BBC News headline, reporting on the development of a scan that could help doctors identify fatty build-ups (plaques) in the arteries. These plaques are characteristic of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease and can trigger a heart attack if they rupture.
The news comes from a study that tested the use of a PET-CT scanner to identify "high-risk" plaques that had, or could, rupture. The PET-CT scan uses a radioactively labelled chemical to produce 3D images. The chemical normally used is a glucose-like substance called fludeoxyglucose (FDG), which is taken up by body tissues. However, recent studies suggest that sodium fluoride (NaF) is a more effective way of identifying plaques.
The current study involved 40 people who recently had a heart attack and 40 people with stable angina. The patients had PET-CT scans using either FDG or NaF as the radioactively labelled chemical. They were also tested using coronary angiography, which is currently the gold-standard method of looking at blockages in the heart arteries.
In almost all of the people who had had a heart attack, NaF was taken up by the "culprit" fatty deposits that had caused the blockage. The results also confirmed that NaF was better than FDG at showing these blockages. Almost half of the people with stable angina were found to have high-risk deposits using the NaF technique.
While this sounds promising, only a small number of patients have been studied. It remains to be seen whether the new test improves outcomes for people with coronary heart disease.
NHS clinical commissioning groups code of governance
NHS clinical commissioning groups code of governance
This governance code aims to support clinicians in developing good governance arrangements and to help build and maintain public trust in clinicians and the NHS. NHS Networks
This governance code aims to support clinicians in developing good governance arrangements and to help build and maintain public trust in clinicians and the NHS. NHS Networks
Updated guidelines on the prevention and management of sickness absence
Updated guidelines on the prevention and management of sickness absence
These updated guidelines outline the key principles that NHS organisations should follow to prevent and manage sickness absence. NHS Employers News
These updated guidelines outline the key principles that NHS organisations should follow to prevent and manage sickness absence. NHS Employers News
Monday, 11 November 2013
Cardiac unit closure march wins support - Daventry Express
Cardiac unit closure march wins support More than 60 people joined a march around the town centre on Saturday following the closure of cardiac rehab care at Danetre Hospital. Daventry Express
New NHS efficiency schemes set to save £13.7 million per year on hospital energy bills
NHS efficiency schemes set to save £13.7 million per year on hospital energy bills Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter today announced nearly 70 schemes across the country which will reduce the NHS energy bill by up to £13.7 million per year.
Walk-in closures 'may cut GP access'
Walk-in closures 'may cut GP access' Closing walk-in centres may make it harder for people to see GPs - and risks sending more people to A&E, warns healthcare regulator Monitor. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Nursery toothbrushing saves £6m
Nursery toothbrushing saves £6m A scheme to encourage nursery children to brush their teeth has saved more than £6m in dental costs, according to a new study. BBC News
NHS England buys 1600 iPhones
NHS England buys 1600 iPhones NHS England has spent more than £670,000 on iPhones and iPads for staff during its first year in existence. E-Health Insider
Being bilingual may slow the onset of dementia
Being bilingual may slow the onset of dementia “Speaking a second language may delay dementia" BBC News reports. A study in the multi-lingual Indian city of Hyderabad found that those people with dementia who spoke two or more languages had a delayed onset of symptoms of around four and half years.
NHS procurement: improving transparency and understanding performance
NHS procurement: improving transparency and understanding performance he NHS Procurement Dashboard, provides a set of core metrics that NHS healthcare provider organisations can use to measure their procurement practice and performance against. The overview and specification documents provide guidance on using the dashboard tool, to ensure consistency. The dashboard reporting template supports the collation of data and reporting on the NHS Procurement Dashboard core metrics. Key procurement terminology is also explained.
NHS cuts: One in three hospitals face financial crisis as result of cash squeeze
NHS cuts: One in three hospitals face financial crisis as result of cash squeeze Thinktank says many hospitals could become unsustainable and current system is not equipped to deal with the problem.
Do not take all your patients to hospital, paramedics told
Do not take all your patients to hospital, paramedics told Call for emergencies to be treated in homes to ease pressure on A&E as NHS faces the 'worst winter yet' The Independent
Teenagers 'think slim cigarettes are safer' says report
Teenagers 'think slim cigarettes are safer' says report
Young teenagers rate slimline cigarettes as stylish, feminine and possibly safer than regular brands, say researchers. The Independent
Friday, 8 November 2013
Return-on-investment report: Worth every cent and more
Return-on-investment report: Worth every cent and more Health Libraries Inc. (HLI), the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and Health Libraries Australia (ALIA HLA) have released a study indicating that hospitals and other healthcare organisations gain a $9 return for every dollar they invest in their health libraries.
The partners commissioned SGS Economics and Planning to survey health libraries across the nation and assess the return on the annual investment in these services to their organisations.
The results demonstrate the ongoing and exceptional value of health libraries despite increased service demand and reductions in the amount organisations are currently investing in their libraries. While patient numbers, medical staff and hospital expenditure have increased, health library budgets, space and staffing levels continue to be cut. Health Libraries Inc.
Guidance: NHS clinical and financial engagement best practice
Guidance: NHS clinical and financial engagement best practice This guide:
- highlights the characteristics of effective engagement between NHS clinicians and finance professionals
- provides a toolkit to help NHS trusts to objectively assess the level of clinical and financial engagement in their organisation
- includes the recommendations of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry that are relevant to effective clinical and financial engagement
- supports clinical and financial professionals to help their NHS organisations to achieve quality outcomes and efficiency through working together
Department of Health
NHS spends £700 insuring each birth
NHS spends £700 insuring each birth The NHS spends nearly £700 on clinical negligence cover for every live birth in England, a report says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Maternity services in England National Audit Office
- One fifth of maternity budget now spent on blunders The Daily Telegraph
- NHS maternity services overstretched, says spending watchdog The Guardian
Europe at 'polio risk' from Syria
Europe at 'polio risk' from Syria The outbreak of polio in Syria could lead to the disease re-emerging in Europe according to an article in the Lancet journal. BBC News
VIDEO: Winners and losers in health spending
VIDEO: Winners and losers in health spending Health spending priorities see more money spent in areas of deprivation than affluent areas, but NHS England is consulting on changing the funding formula. BBC News
Updated guidelines on the prevention and management of sickness absence
Updated guidelines on the prevention and management of sickness absence These updated guidelines outline the key principles that NHS organisations should follow to prevent and manage sickness absence. NHS Employers
Drug treatment performing well but faces big challenges
Drug treatment performing well but faces big challenges According to the latest annual adult statistics released by Public Health England, specialist services remained easy to access for people who need help, with 98% waiting under three weeks to get into treatment.
In 2012 to 2013, the overall number of people in treatment continued to fall, as did the number of people starting treatment for heroin and crack cocaine, particularly among younger age groups. Public Health England
Can autism really be detected in babies?
Can autism really be detected in babies? “Autism can be identified in babies as young as two months, early research suggests,” BBC News reports. Using eye-tracking technology, researchers claim to have identified subtle differences in the way affected babies respond to visual prompts, it says.
Exclusive: QOF income set to fall 15%
Exclusive: QOF income set to fall 15% Practices will be hit by a 15% fall in QOF income next year as the government's overhaul of the framework and workload pressures bite, experts have warned. GP Online
Social care and obesity - a discussion paper
Social care and obesity - a discussion paper This discussion paper considers the impact that obesity has on social care and the challenges facing social care now and in the future.
One in four Brits do not even do 30 minutes exercise a month
One in four Brits do not even do 30 minutes exercise a month One in four Britons fail to take even thirty minutes of exercise a month, according to a new study, amid warnings to ministers that failing to tackle couch potato lifestyles could bankrupt the NHS. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Sickness benefit claimants to have regular health meetings
Sickness benefit claimants to have regular health meetings People on sickness benefits will be required to have regular meetings with healthcare professionals – or face losing their benefits. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Experts argue that ADHD is 'overdiagnosed'
Experts argue that ADHD is 'overdiagnosed' An article published by the British Medical Journal, claiming that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is being overdiagnosed, has been reported in some of the papers.
The Daily Mail warned that some children diagnosed with ADHD were being given “needless and possibly harmful” treatment. The Independent talked about “Hyperactive UK” as prescriptions for drugs used in ADHD, such as Ritalin, have “soared” 50% in five years.
Short changed: The Care Bill, top-ups and the emerging crisis in residential care funding
Short changed: The Care Bill, top-ups and the emerging crisis in residential care funding This report aims to explore the effects of the government's plans for reforming care funding on the role of 'top-ups' and the rules applied to them. It describes the operation of the current residential care market, including the growing use of 'third party' top-ups and sets out the main components of the government's care funding reforms that will result in 'self-funder top-ups' for the first time. It also explores if and how current rules on top-ups should be applied to 'self-funder top-ups' and concludes with key recommendations for policy makers.
Money well spent? Assessing the cost effectiveness and return on investment of public health interventions
Money well spent? Assessing the cost effectiveness and return on investment of public health interventions This briefing for councillors and officers explains the importance of assessing value for money in helping local authorities fulfil their public health responsibilities. Local Government Association
Impact of ‘Virtual Wards’ on hospital use: a research study using propensity matched controls and a cost analysis
Impact of ‘Virtual Wards’ on hospital use: a research study using propensity matched controls and a cost analysis he purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which multidisciplinary case management in the form of virtual wards led to changes in the use of health care and social care by patients at high predicted risk of future unplanned hospital admission.
Hospital was warned about cancer waiting list fiddling two years ago
Hospital was warned about cancer waiting list fiddling two years ago Hospital chiefs at centre of scandal were warned by whistleblowers two years ago that they were being bullied into fiddling waiting times. The Independent
See also:
See also:
Five win fight to stop Government closing fund for disabled
Five win fight to stop Government closing fund for disabled Judges at Court of Appeal quash ruling that Government's decision to close fund which helps thousands of disabled people live independently was lawful. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- VIDEO: Disabled people win fund case BBC News
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
Hospital 'dismissed bullying claims'
Hospital 'dismissed bullying claims' Concerns about a "bullying culture" at a hospital under police investigation were raised more than a year ago. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- AUDIO: NHS targets 'are not values' BBC News
- Colchester Hospital University faces police probe over cancer care The Independent
- Police investigate claims NHS staff were bullied into falsifying cancer waiting times The Daily Telegraph
- Hospital faces claim of cancer care cover-up The Guardian
- Hospital 'bullied or pressured' staff to fake cancer patients records to make it look like it was meeting waiting time targets The Daily Mail
- NHS England to lead an incident management team as Care Quality Commission finds failings in cancer services at Colchester Hospital... NHS England
- Government statement - CQC report into Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust Department of Health
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