Britain's poor 'will die before they retire' if pension reforms aren't matched by health improvements

Britain's poor 'will die before they retire' if pension reforms aren't matched by health improvements

Thousands of Britain’s poorest people “will be dead before they can retire” if sweeping pension reforms are not matched by urgent action on health inequalities between rich and poor, experts have said. The Independent

East Midlands Ambulance Service prosecutes more attackers than any NHS trust

East Midlands Ambulance Service prosecutes more attackers than any NHS trust East Midlands Ambulance Service has topped the league table for taking legal action against people who have assaulted its paramedics. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Paramedics attacked 83 times last year Northamptonshire Telegraph

Engaging with BME communities: insights for impact

Engaging with BME communities: insights for impact This report highlights ways in which providers and commissioners have developed innovative solutions and approaches to better cater for and engage with BME communities. NHS Confederation

Admissions avoidance and diabetes: guidance for clinical commissioning groups and clinical teams

Admissions avoidance and diabetes: guidance for clinical commissioning groups and clinical teams This report finds that there are tens of thousands of people with diabetes a year who are not receiving the support they need to manage their condition from primary care or do not have sufficient access to specialist diabetes teams once they get to hospital. It calls on the NHS to do more both to prevent diabetes-related hospital admissions and to make hospital stays shorter. Diabetes UK

Avoiding unhappy returns: radical reductions in readmissions, achieved with volunteers

Avoiding unhappy returns: radical reductions in readmissions, achieved with volunteers This research finds that almost 150,000 older people had no support on returning home from hospital and for those that did get some kind of help, approximately 20 per cent didn’t receive continuing support. This report contains a summary of the achievements of the Hospital 2 Home scheme in Leicestershire service in it's first year, finding that over 600 older people have been supported, with very low readmission rates to hospital among those who used the scheme. Royal Voluntary Service

NHS struggle to meet £20bn savings target hits elderly hardest

NHS struggle to meet £20bn savings target hits elderly hardest Knee and hip replacement operations and cataract removals fall to lowest level for five years as patients left longer in pain.

Patients are being denied knee replacements and cataract removals as the NHS struggles to meet its £20bn savings target, official data has revealed.

Cancer: two in three patients will survive by end of decade

Cancer: two in three patients will survive by end of decade The number of people dying from breast, prostate and bowel cancer will almost halve by 2020, new figures suggest. The Daily Telegraph

Social workers invaded my body and stole baby, says mother forced to have caesarean

Social workers invaded my body and stole baby, says mother forced to have caesarean Mother who had forced caesarean section before being told baby would be taken into care accuses social workers of stealing her baby. The Independent

Equivalent of 20 classrooms-full of children take up smoking every day in UK, according to research

Equivalent of 20 classrooms-full of children take up smoking every day in UK, according to research

The equivalent of 20 classrooms-full of children take up smoking every day in the UK, new research has estimated, as doctors urged local authorities to view cutting smoking rates as “a child protection issue”. The Independent

See also:

• '20 classrooms of kids' a day take up smoking NHS Choices

Nurses who left pensioners at Northampton care home malnourished with bones exposed found guilty of neglect

Nurses who left pensioners at Northampton care home malnourished with bones exposed found guilty of neglect Five nurses have been found guilty by a misconduct panel of neglect at a Northampton care home where pensioners lived on porridge and had pressure sores so deep their bones were exposed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also

• Five nurses found guilty of neglect for leaving pensioners with bedsores The Daily Mail

'Let me keep my dead husband's sperm'

'Let me keep my dead husband's sperm' A 28-year-old woman has begun a legal bid to prevent her dead husband's frozen sperm, stored in a CARE fertility clinic in Northampton, from being destroyed. BBC News

World dementia cases 'set to treble'

World dementia cases 'set to treble' The number of people living with dementia worldwide is set to treble by 2050, according to a new analysis. BBC News

Doctors in training speak out on undermining and patient safety

Doctors in training speak out on undermining and patient safety Nearly one in five doctors in training has witnessed someone being bullied in their current post, and more than one in four has experienced undermining behaviour themselves, according to a major survey from the General Medical Council.

HP plans open source offer for NHS

HP plans open source offer for NHS Hewlett Packard is planning to provide a full electronic patient record system on the open source framework being developed by NHS England. E-Health Insider

Study may bust myth of 'fat and fit' healthy obesity

Study may bust myth of 'fat and fit' healthy obesity

The Times has reported that the idea you can be ‘fat and fit’ is “a big fat myth”.

The term ‘fat and fit’ refers to the hypothesis that if you are obese, but all other metabolic factors such as blood pressure, are within recommended limits, then your obesity will not have a harmful effect on your health.

This new research brought together the results of 12 studies into the effects of different weight and metabolic health factors on risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Improving care for lung cancer patients: a collaborative approach

Improving care for lung cancer patients: a collaborative approach The purpose of this booklet is to give lung cancer teams across the country an overview of the aims, activities and achievements of the Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Project (ILCOP). It outlines the ILCOP approach to quality improvement and also contains four case studies. Royal College of Physicians

New five-year pricing deal on NHS branded medicines agreed

New five-year pricing deal on NHS branded medicines agreed Costs of these drugs to NHS will be flat-lined for two years from Jan 1st. OnMedica

See also:

• Pharmaceutical price regulation scheme 2014 Department of Health

UK cancer survival rates ‘lag behind Europe’

UK cancer survival rates ‘lag behind Europe’

Britain’s survival rates for nine of the ten most common forms of cancer lag behind the European averages, a major study has shown. The Independent

See also:

• Cancer survival in Britain the worst in Europe The Daily Telegraph

Fitness to work test DOES disadvantage mentally ill: Court of Appeal upholds ruling against Government

Fitness to work test DOES disadvantage mentally ill: Court of Appeal upholds ruling against Government The Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling that the Government's controversial fitness to work test does disadvantage people with mental health problems. The Independent

Corby best in country for dementia diagnosis

Corby best in country for dementia diagnosis People with dementia in Corby are more likely to receive a diagnosis of the condition than anywhere else in the country. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Fraudsters threaten donations for county’s air ambulance

Fraudsters threaten donations for county’s air ambulance The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) is calling on its supporters to be wary of rogue collectors posing as the charity. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Food poverty 'a health emergency'

Food poverty 'a health emergency' Food poverty in the UK has now become such a big problem that it should be seen as a "public health emergency", a group of health experts says. BBC News

Private sector access to NHS pension

Private sector access to NHS pension The government may extend the NHS pension scheme to private companies or charities who mainly look after health service patients. BBC News

See also:

• Open consultation: Amendments to NHS pension scheme regulations Department of Health

25,000 doctors have their licences renewed in first year of checks

25,000 doctors have their licences renewed in first year of checks In its first year of operation the new system of checks for doctors practising in the UK has seen nearly 25,000 doctors have their licence revalidated. The GMC

Prosecution for illegal records access

Prosecution for illegal records access A former GP surgery manager has been prosecuted and fined for illegally accessing the medical records of nearly 2000 patients, most of whom were women in their 20s and 30s. E-Health Insider

Sperm blocking study brings 'male pill' closer

Sperm blocking study brings 'male pill' closer "Researchers announce discovery of proteins that can be blocked to prevent the launch of sperm cells during ejaculation," The Guardian reports. The paper explains that if drugs can be found that turn off these proteins, a male contraceptive pill could become a reality.

However, the news is based on a study on mice in a laboratory.

What can useful bureaucracy in the NHS achieve?

What can useful bureaucracy in the NHS achieve? Clinical staff think two thirds of the data and information they collect is relevant to patient care.

April to June is busiest time of year for A&E - not winter, reveals report

April to June is busiest time of year for A&E - not winter, reveals report

April to June is consistently the busiest time of year for A&E wards – not winter, according to a new report into accident and emergency services in England. The Independent

See also:

• HSCIC publishes new report to help shed light on A&E activity Health & Social Care Information Centre
• Government response: HSCIC report on A&E Department of Health
• A&E: The straw that broke the camel's back BBC News
• Changing picture of A&E activity revealed in new report OnMedica
• A&E visits rise steeply during coalition government, NHS figures reveal The Guardian
• Half of A&E arrivals sent home without treatment The Daily Telegraph

Community marks World AIDS Day 2013

Community marks World AIDS Day 2013 Members of the local community came together at the Guildhall to mark World AIDS Day 2013 and lit candles to remember those who have died and to promote safe sex and HIV testing. NHFT News

See also:

• Showing solidarity with HIV sufferers Northamptonshire Telegraph

HK confirms first H7N9 bird flu case

HK confirms first H7N9 bird flu case Hong Kong confirms its first case of the new strain of the H7N9 bird flu in a domestic worker from Indonesia, who officials say is in critical condition. BBC News

Inquiry into donor blood vCJD risk

Inquiry into donor blood vCJD risk An inquiry is being launched to check the safety of donor blood amid concerns about an infection risk from the human form of "mad cow disease". BBC News

See also:

• Commons committee launch investigation into potential spread of vCJD brain disease in hospitals The Independent

Lessons from Europe: the value of tariff redesign

Lessons from Europe: the value of tariff redesign Payment mechanisms can be a powerful lever for strengthening healthcare delivery – driving quality and efficiency gains. NHS Confederation

Disease-specific pathways and hospital-based care are a redundant strategy for the multi-morbidity future, says Sir John Oldham

Disease-specific pathways and hospital-based care are a redundant strategy for the multi-morbidity future, says Sir John Oldham Over the next 40 years, most healthcare systems worldwide will face a tsunami of need from people with long-term conditions such as diabetes, chronic airways disease and circulatory diseases. There will be a rise of 252 per cent by 2050, and this is built into existing demography and prevalence. The mathematics are inescapable. In England… Continue reading » NHS Voices

Heart's strain rate may be raised by energy drinks

Heart's strain rate may be raised by energy drinks Caffeine energy drinks “intensify heart contractions,” BBC News reports.

The news is based on a small study of 18 healthy adults who had heart scans taken before and one hour after drinking an energy drink containing caffeine and taurine (a chemical said to have stimulant properties).

Towards whole person care

Towards whole person care This paper reviews the case for change in the English health and care system and considers how to move towards a ‘whole person care’ approach. It sets out broad themes on creating a health and care system that is fit for the future. It makes a case for a number of person-centred guarantees at the heart of the vision for whole person care, focused on people with long-term conditions and older people. Institute for Public Policy Research

Review recommends one ombudsman for public sector services

Review recommends one ombudsman for public sector services The new ombudsman would combine the functions of the Local Government and Health Service Ombudsmen. OnMedica

Leap in care home deaths linked to blood infections

Leap in care home deaths linked to blood infections The number of care home residents dying with blood infections has soared by almost 50 per cent over the past decade, official figures show. The Daily Telegraph

'Unacceptable' that only half of NHS staff took routine flu vaccination

'Unacceptable' that only half of NHS staff took routine flu vaccination NHS staff who do not take a routine flu vaccine this winter are putting frail patients' lives at risk, a leading doctor has warned. The Independent

See also:

• 75,000 more frontline NHS staff vaccinated against flu than in the same period last year NHS Employers

New NGH birth centre opens its doors

New NGH birth centre opens its doors Northampton General Hospital's new birth centre opens for business on Monday 2 December, the first midwife-led unit in the county. NGH News

GP panel to scrutinise whether operations are necessary

GP panel to scrutinise whether operations are necessary Everyone needing hip replacements or their tonsils removed will have their case scrutinised by a panel of Northamptonshire doctors as the NHS takes radical measures to save money. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

St Andrew’s Hospital must make “urgent improvements” to Adolescents Service after highly critical inspection

St Andrew’s Hospital must make “urgent improvements” to Adolescents Service after highly critical inspection St Andrew’s Hospital has been told it needs to make “urgent improvements” following an unannounced inspection of one of its departments, which revealed it failed to meet eight national standards for quality and safety. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Two deaths at virus-hit home

Two deaths at virus-hit home The county coroner is looking into the deaths of two people from a Northampton care home following an outbreak of winter vomiting. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

MP to raise forced Caesarean claim

MP to raise forced Caesarean claim An MP is to raise the case of a woman who he says had her baby forcibly removed by Caesarean section, and taken by social services in Essex. BBC News

See also:

• Woman has child taken from her womb by social services The Daily Telegraph

What's up, Doc? Comics in the clinic

What's up, Doc? Comics in the clinic How comic strips can improve medics' bedside manners. BBC News

HIV care 'at risk from NHS changes'

HIV care 'at risk from NHS changes' HIV care is at risk from the changes to the reorganisation of the NHS in England, doctors who specialise in treating it warn. BBC News

Interactive map of dementia services

Interactive map of dementia services The Department of Health has today published a new interactive online map, bringing together existing information on dementia services in England.

Updated standards for NHS leaders

Updated standards for NHS leaders Standards for members of NHS boards and Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) governing bodies have been revised to reflect the findings of the Francis report and other subsequent reviews. NHS Employers

Is Christmas weight gain harder to lose?

Is Christmas weight gain harder to lose? "Most of us gain 2lb over Christmas and never lose it," is the uncheerful news on the Mail Online website. It reports on a study that found that volunteers gained around 0.8kg between November and January that they then struggled to lose.

Patient suicide: the impact of service changes

Patient suicide: the impact of service changes This report argues that mental health service providers looking after patients at risk of suicide need to reduce absconding on in-patient wards and boost specialist community services like crisis resolution to reduce deaths. National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness

• Report

Reducing violence and aggression in A&E: through a better experience

Reducing violence and aggression in A&E: through a better experience This report provides evidence that accident & emergency departments could improve patient experience, increase staff wellbeing and save money by implementing a new, proven design solution created by studio PearsonLloyd. The two-pronged solution called ‘A Better A&E’ incorporates a ‘Guidance Solution’ - signage to guide and reassure patients, and a ‘People Solution’ - a programme to support staff in their interactions with frustrated, aggressive and sometimes violent patients through communications training and reflective practices.

• Report
• A Better A&E website

Polypharmacy and medicines optimisation: making it safe and sound

Polypharmacy and medicines optimisation: making it safe and sound Polypharmacy – the concurrent use of multiple medications by one individual – is an increasingly common phenomenon that demands attention at clinical policy and practice level. Driven by the growth of an ageing population and the rising prevalence of multi-morbidity, polypharmacy has previously been considered something to avoid. It is now recognised as having both positive and negative potential, depending on how medicines and care are managed. This report offers the terms ‘appropriate’ and ‘problematic’ polypharmacy to help define when polypharmacy can be beneficial. It traces the occurrence of polypharmacy in primary and secondary care, and in care homes. It also explores systems for managing polypharmacy and considers it in the context of multi-morbidity and older people, offering recommendations for improving care in both cases. The King's Fund

• Report
• The King's Fund - blogs

Reported assaults against NHS staff in England rose 6% last year

Reported assaults against NHS staff in England rose 6% last year But staff and employers need to do more to report and prosecute offenders, says NHS Protect. OnMedica 

More hospitals to be investigated over Jimmy Savile allegations

More hospitals to be investigated over Jimmy Savile allegations Jeremy Hunt says 32 hospitals are under investigation over links to claims of sexual abuse by presenter.

Liverpool Care Pathway being 'rebranded' not axed

Liverpool Care Pathway being 'rebranded' not axed Plans show Liverpool Care Pathway is being rebranded, not abolished, say doctors. The Daily Telegraph

More than a thousand care home residents die thirsty

More than a thousand care home residents die thirsty Exclusive: figures released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal the extent of neglect as the vulnerable left dehydrated. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Dehydration and malnutrition led to 2,162 deaths in care since 2003 The Guardian

More than 700 people in Northampton living with HIV

More than 700 people in Northampton living with HIV More than 700 people in Northamptonshire are living normal lives despite having the HIV virus, latest figures have shown. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Patient stories 2013: time for change

Patient stories 2013: time for change The aim of this report is to amplify the voices of individual patients to highlight wider trends, with particular reference to the key themes of the Francis Inquiry report. The Patients Association

See also:

• Teenager left to starve amid a catalogue of NHS failings The Daily Telegraph

Footballers 'no more likely' to get Alzheimer's disease

Footballers 'no more likely' to get Alzheimer's disease “Footballers and boxers are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s,” is the entirely spurious claim from the Mail Online.

The study it reports on did not involve footballers, or boxers, or indeed, any living humans.

Learning disabilities: good practice project

Learning disabilities: good practice project This report gives people who commission, design and deliver services a better understanding of how to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities. Department of Health

Black and minority ethnic communities and dementia: where are we now?

Black and minority ethnic communities and dementia: where are we now? This briefing looks at developments in the UK since the launch of the National Dementia Strategy in 2009.  It considers the extent to which the Strategy is addressing the information, support and care needs of those in black and minority ethnic communities and ensuring that they are supported in 'living well’ with dementia. Better Health

• Briefing
• Better Health - publications

We still need to talk: a report on access to talking therapies

We still need to talk: a report on access to talking therapies This report finds that more than one in ten (12%) people with mental health problems are stuck on waiting lists for over a year before receiving talking treatments and over half (54%) wait over three months. The survey of over 1,600 people who have tried to access talking therapies such as counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy on the NHS in England over the last two years also shows how some people are paying for private therapy to get the help they desperately need. One in ten said that they had faced costs for private treatment because the therapy they needed was not available on the NHS. 

• Report
• Mind - report

Caring for an ageing population

Caring for an ageing population We looked beyond our own system to examine how Japan has tried to address the conundrum of providing sufficient and appropriate services for an increasing number of frail older people in an affordable and equitable way. The Nuffield Trust

Lack of GP appointments prompted almost 2 million A&E visits last year

Lack of GP appointments prompted almost 2 million A&E visits last year Survey indicates this could have cost the NHS £120m, estimates Network Locum OnMedica

NHS hospitals 'are where people go to die', says former health boss

NHS hospitals 'are where people go to die', says former health boss Mike Farrar, the former CEO of the NHS Confederation, has attacked the health service for failing to offer any alternatives to hospital to critically ill patients. The Daily Telegraph

'Disturbingly poor care is too common in NHS', says chairman of Mid-Staffs inquiry

'Disturbingly poor care is too common in NHS', says chairman of Mid-Staffs inquiry Reports of "disturbing, poor and unsafe care" in the NHS are too common, says Robert Francis QC, as he vows to champion the rights of patients. The Daily Telegraph

New government website to name and shame doctors over who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis

New government website to name and shame doctors over who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis

The Government is to launch a new website to try and name and shame doctors who have poor rates of dementia diagnosis, The Independent has learnt.

See also:

• Half of dementia sufferers 'not being formally diagnosed' The Guardian
• Half of dementia patients failed by the NHS: Hundreds of thousands of sufferers do not receive medicine or support The Guardian
• 'Dementia map': how diagnosis rates vary across England The Daily Telegraph

New look at uniform cigarette packs

New look at uniform cigarette packs The government is to announce an independent review of cigarette packaging amid continuing calls for action to discourage young smokers. BBC News

See also:

• Plain cigarette packaging expected to be given go ahead The Daily Telegraph
• U-turn could result in plain packaging on cigarettes by 2015 The Guardian

Patients 'wait too long' for therapy

Patients 'wait too long' for therapy Mental health experts say there are still problems accessing talking therapies such as counselling, despite wide recognition of their benefits. BBC News

New patients' champion for the NHS

New patients' champion for the NHS The man who led the public inquiry into the Stafford Hospital scandal is to become president of the Patients Association, promising to do all he can to rid the NHS of bad care. BBC News

Why cancer costs as much as a mortgage

Why cancer costs as much as a mortgage The financial hit can be as much as a mortgage. BBC News

RCN and Carers Trust develop ‘Triangle of Care’ to improve dementia care

RCN and Carers Trust develop ‘Triangle of Care’ to improve dementia care The RCN and Carers Trust have today published a new guide to improve the care of people with dementia by ensuring the support and involvement of their carers. The RCN

High salt levels in soluble drugs may raise heart risk

High salt levels in soluble drugs may raise heart risk “High sodium levels in drugs 'putting patients at risk',” The Guardian reports. A study in the BMJ highlights the often overlooked fact that 'everyday' soluble drugs such as painkillers, contain high levels of salt (sodium) which may cause health problems if taken on a long-term basis.

Failing to care: NHS continuing care in England

Failing to care: NHS continuing care in England This report follows an inquiry into NHS continuing care and finds that people with Parkinson's are often left to cover the cost of care themselves. It also found that 59% of NHS continuing care assessments don't involve a professional with specialist expertise or knowledge in the applicant's condition, leading to inaccurate and incorrect decisions on funding. Parkinson's UK

• Report
• Parkinson's UK - news

The NHS atlas of variation in diagnostic services

The NHS atlas of variation in diagnostic services This publication features 69 different maps of England and identifies local variations for a wide range of diagnostic services covering imaging, endoscopy, physiological diagnostics, pathology, and genetics. It shows that patients in certain areas are hundreds of times less likely to be offered some tests than in other parts of the country.

• Atlas
• NHS Right Care - diagnostics
• NHS Right Care - news

Improving patient flow across organisations and pathways

Improving patient flow across organisations and pathways "This scan compiled research about the methods used to improve patient flow across organisations or pathways." The Health Foundation

NHS to launch Tripadvisor-style website

NHS to launch Tripadvisor-style website Following a three month trial involving 20 hospital trusts, the scheme is to be rolled out nationally next year.

Charities attack treatment delays for mental health patients

Charities attack treatment delays for mental health patients Ministers urged to act quickly as survey finds 12% of people are forced to wait more than a year to be seen.

Revealed: the financial impact of cancer

Revealed: the financial impact of cancer Cancer is costing sufferers an average of £7,000 a year - the equivalent of an extra mortgage - in travel and lost income, a think tank report has disclosed. The Daily Telegraph

NHS told to ban smoking near hospitals

NHS told to ban smoking near hospitals

NHS hospitals have been advised to ban smoking on their premises and prohibit staff from facilitating patients who want to smoke, according to new guidance. The Independent

See also:

• Ban smoking on all your grounds, hospitals urged The Daily Mail
• VIDEO: Can a hospital stub out smoking? BBC News
• Impose total smoking ban in hospitals, NHS told OnMedica
• Smoking outside the hospital is a break for patients and staff. Why ban it? The Guardian
• This hospital smoking ban may be bad for your health The Daily Telegraph

County’s NHS launches pilot to reduce pressure on A&E

County’s NHS launches pilot to reduce pressure on A&E A pilot scheme at accident and emergency services in Northamptonshire are being put in place to help alleviate pressures on the departments. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Press release: Equivalent of up to 3,000 extra doctors and nurses, and thousands more beds made available to support NHS

Press release: Equivalent of up to 3,000 extra doctors and nurses, and thousands more beds made available to support NHS Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the plans today to make sure the NHS is better prepared for winter than ever before.

NHS told to get tough on smoking

NHS told to get tough on smoking The NHS must stop turning a "blind eye" to smoking and ban it in all hospital grounds in England, according to new guidance. BBC News

See also:

• Hospitals have a duty of care to help all patients who smoke to quit NICE

Boots recalls cough and cold remedies

Boots recalls cough and cold remedies Pharmacy giant Boots recalls tens of thousands of bottles of cough and cold medicines over fears that plastic might have got into the liquid. BBC News

Patient safety reporting overhaul

Patient safety reporting overhaul The NHS is developing the National Reporting and Learning System to become an integrated reporting route for patient safety incidents. E-Health Insider

Are private patients 'too posh to push'?

Are private patients 'too posh to push'? "Well-off mothers really are 'too posh to push'," the Mail Online reports after an Irish study found that mothers who use private healthcare services had twice the odds of having a planned caesarean section as women using state-funded care.

Self-harm: half of inpatient cases dealt with by hospitals involve existing mental health service users

Self-harm: half of inpatient cases dealt with by hospitals involve existing mental health service users A third of all service user cases involve intentional self-harm with prescription drugs. Health and Social Care Information Centre

Francis report: Jeremy Hunt has prioritised blame over support

Francis report: Jeremy Hunt has prioritised blame over support The government's response fits in with the wider political strategy of blaming individuals for shortcomings in the system.

More transparency needed in hospitals

More transparency needed in hospitals Jane Cummings, the chief nursing officer, says openness will help drive up standards for patients. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• “Absolute transparency is the key to driving improvements in standards of care” says Chief Nursing Officer NHS England

Bitter conditions linked to deaths of additional 31,000 people last winter - a rise of almost one third

Bitter conditions linked to deaths of additional 31,000 people last winter - a rise of almost one third

There was a 29 per cent increase in deaths linked to the cold weather last winter, new figures have revealed. The Independent

See also:

• Charities say rise in cold weather deaths is a scandal The Daily Telegraph
• Steep rise in winter deaths BBC News
• Government response: ONS Excess Winter Mortality in England and Wales statistics Department of Health

Invitation to talk health in Corby

Invitation to talk health in Corby Healthwatch Northamptonshire is inviting people to a meeting about health and social care at the Corby Cube on Thursday, December 5. Northamptonshire Telegraph

The Third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles

The Third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles Results published across six papers in The Lancet give the most detailed picture yet of the British population’s sex lives over the last 10 years, as part of the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles survey (Natsal).

See also:

• Let's talk about sex... BBC News
• Modern life 'turning people off sex' BBC News 

Child-on-child abuse 'shocking'

Child-on-child abuse 'shocking' "Shocking" sexual violence is being carried out by children against other children as young as 11, according to an official report. BBC News

Solving a game of hospital Tetris

Solving a game of hospital Tetris Can tracking technology help fill hospital beds? BBC News

AUDIO: Carers 'paid less than minimum wage'

AUDIO: Carers 'paid less than minimum wage' Some care workers are being paid less than the minimum wage, a report has found. BBC News

Tough decisions needed on NHS pay says Dean Royles

Tough decisions needed on NHS pay says Dean Royles It is the same every year. The annual planning cycle means that each September, we submit our written evidence to the NHS Pay review bodies – independent bodies that recommend pay awards for NHS staff. They will decide in spring 2014 whether or not to accept our recommendations. The review body asked us for evidence …NHS Voices 

Waiting times for GPs predicted to worsen this winter, as result of emerging £10.2bn funding black hole

Waiting times for GPs predicted to worsen this winter, as result of emerging £10.2bn funding black hole According to new research by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), funding has drifted away from primary care towards hospitals over the last eight years – with the result that general practice now receives £2.4bn less a year than if funding had kept pace with secondary care.

Steroid use in premature babies linked to ADHD

Steroid use in premature babies linked to ADHD "Steroid injections for premature babies could raise ADHD risk," reports The Daily Telegraph after a Finnish study found a link between steroid use (corticosteroids) in premature babies and developmental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Still ignoring the risks? An interim review of health and wellbeing boards

Still ignoring the risks? An interim review of health and wellbeing boards Earlier this year, the Campaign to End Loneliness published Ignoring the health risks?, which tracked whether the newly established health and wellbeing boards across England had prioritised the public health issues of loneliness and isolation within their strategies. This review updates the research and finds that more than half of boards  have included some reference to loneliness or isolation in their strategies.

• Report
• Campaign to End Loneliness - press release

Improve access to support for domestic abuse, BMA demands

Improve access to support for domestic abuse, BMA demands GPs have key role in spotting signs of abuse, but often lack confidence in how best to handle it. OnMedica

Obesity crisis: more than one third of 60-70 year olds now dangerously overweight

Obesity crisis: more than one third of 60-70 year olds now dangerously overweight People are growing fatter in old age with waist sizes rising faster than body mass index. The Daily Telegraph