Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Ade Memoire on developing apps
Ade Memoire on developing apps A question. Why is it, four years after the release of the iPad, that we are not seeing clinicians routinely carrying out their work on one of these lightweight, touch screen wonders? E-Health Insider
One in five 'admits misusing A&E '
One in five 'admits misusing A&E ' Nearly one in five patients in England admits they have misused A&E at some point, a survey suggests. BBC News
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Mental health assessments pay row
Mental health assessments pay row NHS England has apologised for delays in paying psychiatrists who carry out assessments to detain people forcibly under the Mental Health Act. BBC News
Childhood nightmares link to psychotic experiences
Childhood nightmares link to psychotic experiences “Regular nightmares in childhood may be an early warning sign of psychotic disorders,” BBC News reports. While many children have the occasional nightmare, a history of regular nightmares could be the sign of something more serious, the news reports.
The study in question followed more than 6,000 UK children and found that those whose mothers reported them as having regular nightmares over at least one period up to age nine were significantly more likely to report having had a “psychotic experience" at age 12.
While the news reports may be understandably worrying for parents, it is worth bearing in mind that the findings need to be confirmed in further studies.
The study in question followed more than 6,000 UK children and found that those whose mothers reported them as having regular nightmares over at least one period up to age nine were significantly more likely to report having had a “psychotic experience" at age 12.
While the news reports may be understandably worrying for parents, it is worth bearing in mind that the findings need to be confirmed in further studies.
Hospital records used to 'target ads on Twitter and Facebook' say privacy campaigners, in latest NHS data concerns
Hospital records used to 'target ads on Twitter and Facebook' say privacy campaigners, in latest NHS data concerns
The security of NHS data was thrown into further doubt yesterday after it emerged anonymous patient information has been used by a marketing consultancy to advise clients on targeting their social media campaigns. The Independent
The security of NHS data was thrown into further doubt yesterday after it emerged anonymous patient information has been used by a marketing consultancy to advise clients on targeting their social media campaigns. The Independent
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- NHS hospital records used by private marketing firms The Daily Telegraph
- NHS England patient data 'uploaded to Google servers', Tory MP says The Guardian
- Fears of patient data leak prompt inquiry into mapping website The Guardian
- New legal promise to protect patient data privacy OnMedica
- NHS patient data made publicly available online Wired
- A bad week in the bunker for care.data E-Health Insider
- HES data handled in Google cloud E-Health Insider
Failure to tackle A&E jobs crisis slammed
Failure to tackle A&E jobs crisis slammed MPs criticise "amazing" lack of strategy to tackle shortage of A&E doctors. The Daily Telegraph
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Whistleblower threatened with sack over hospital death rate concerns
Whistleblower threatened with sack over hospital death rate concerns NHS whistleblower who raised concerns about high death rates told she could be dismissed from post as hospital claims she behaved "recklessly or negligently" in speaking out. The Daily Telegraph
Is your GP surgery equipped for the digital future?
Is your GP surgery equipped for the digital future? Doctors' practices are becoming hi-tech to make a streamlined NHS more convenient, says Frances Glover. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 3 March 2014
KGH pays out thousands of pounds
KGH pays out thousands of pounds Kettering General Hospital has revealed it had to pay out hundreds of thousands of pounds in one-off ‘unexpected’ payments last year. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS England publishes revisions to Staff Friends and Family Test
NHS England publishes revisions to Staff Friends and Family Test NHS England has published revised plans for the NHS Staff Friends and Family Test (SFFT). NHS Employers
VIDEO: 'Millions lost' to missed appointments
VIDEO: 'Millions lost' to missed appointments The NHS says it has lost millions of pounds in the last year because of the number of patients failing to turn up for appointments. BBC News
Thousands pledge to 'change NHS'
Thousands pledge to 'change NHS' Thousands of people working across the NHS are doing something different to improve care as part of NHS Change Day. BBC News
Stethoscopes could spread hospital infections
Stethoscopes could spread hospital infections "Stethoscopes 'more contaminated' than doctors hands," BBC News reports after new Swiss research has suggested that the much-used instrument may spread bacteria inside hospitals, including MRSA.
The BBC reports on an observational study involving 71 patients carried out at a Swiss university teaching hospital. Doctors were asked to perform a routine physical examination of these patients. None of the patients had an active skin infection, but around half were known to be colonised with MRSA before the examination took place.
The BBC reports on an observational study involving 71 patients carried out at a Swiss university teaching hospital. Doctors were asked to perform a routine physical examination of these patients. None of the patients had an active skin infection, but around half were known to be colonised with MRSA before the examination took place.
Integrating behavioral health across the continuum of care
Integrating behavioral health across the continuum of care This guide explains the value of integrating physical and behavioural health services and the importance of measuring integration efforts. It offers several frameworks and models to use for behavioural health integration and provides a list of strategic questions for hospital and care system leaders to begin integrating behavioural health or to enhance current efforts. Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence
Preventing loneliness and social isolation in older people
Preventing loneliness and social isolation in older people This briefing looks specifically at the prevention of isolation and loneliness amongst older people, with a particular focus on what practitioners in the fields of health and social care should bear in mind when working to tackle this important and growing issue. The Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services
Act now to improve eye care services
Act now to improve eye care services The report includes case examples from a series of four workshops held across England to develop an action plan for eye care. It contains recommended actions for commissioners, NHS England, ophthalmologists, optometrists and general practitioners. Medical Management Services
Mental health units 'are heading for a Mid Staffs scandal', warns senior psychiatrist
Mental health units 'are heading for a Mid Staffs scandal', warns senior psychiatrist Sue Bailey, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, says funding cuts are to blame.
Britain's senior psychiatrist has warned that the mental health sector is heading towards its own Mid Staffs scandal, as it emerged that NHS patients are being treated in a hospital where staff were recently accused of using injections and seclusion as threats.
Professor Sue Bailey, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said she was increasingly concerned that mental services were approaching a "tipping point" with funding being cut despite a record 50,000 uses of the Mental Health Act to detain patients in hospital for assessment or treatment in 2012-13.
Britain's senior psychiatrist has warned that the mental health sector is heading towards its own Mid Staffs scandal, as it emerged that NHS patients are being treated in a hospital where staff were recently accused of using injections and seclusion as threats.
Professor Sue Bailey, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said she was increasingly concerned that mental services were approaching a "tipping point" with funding being cut despite a record 50,000 uses of the Mental Health Act to detain patients in hospital for assessment or treatment in 2012-13.
NHS data will not be sold to insurance companies, Jeremy Hunt says
NHS data will not be sold to insurance companies, Jeremy Hunt says Insurance companies will not be able to buy patient medical records through the NHS data scheme, the health secretary has announced. The Guardian
See also:
See also:
- NHS data row shows rising public unease, information chief warns The Guardian
- Care.data is in chaos. It breaks my heart | Ben Goldacre The Guardian
- Patients need to have control over their own information if care.data is to work The Guardian
- RCGP statement on care.data Royal College of General Practitioners
Twitter could help NHS safety, says campaigner
Twitter could help NHS safety, says campaigner
Hospital bosses and senior doctors should be encouraged to join Twitter to talk openly to patients who have been let down by NHS hospitals, a leading safety campaigner has said. The Independent
Hospital bosses and senior doctors should be encouraged to join Twitter to talk openly to patients who have been let down by NHS hospitals, a leading safety campaigner has said. The Independent
Cancer patients denied radiotherapy in 'cruel' failure of Cameron's cancer pledge
Cancer patients denied radiotherapy in 'cruel' failure of Cameron's cancer pledge A pledge by David Cameron to ensure all cancer patients have access to advanced radiotherapy treatment has been broken, according to a government report. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 28 February 2014
University of Northampton paramedic students to star in BBC3 documentary
University of Northampton paramedic students to star in BBC3 documentary Nine paramedic students at the University of Northampton are due to star in a series of the BBC3 show, Junior Paramedics: Your life in their hands. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Two Northampton care homes banned from admitting new elderly patients
Two Northampton care homes banned from admitting new elderly patients Two care homes in Northampton have been banned from admitting new elderly people after multiple concerns were raised by inspectors, it has emerged. Northampton Chronicle
Hospital chains: a recipe for success?
Hospital chains: a recipe for success? Jeremy Hunt has asked Sir David Dalton to advise him how to ‘make it easy for NHS super-heads to take over struggling organisations’. Sir David was an obvious choice of an NHS super-head. His trust’s most recent annual report needs a whole page for the awards it received in the last year, including Best Acute Trust nationally in the NHS Staff Survey (2012). The tireless pursuit of error-free care leaps from the page. How easy then will it be for Sir David to find ways for him and other ‘super-heads’ to inculcate a culture of success into ‘struggling’ organisations?
Minding that gap: the NHS funding challenge
Minding that gap: the NHS funding challenge We thought Monitor’s analysis in 'Closing the Funding Gap' deserved more attention, so last month invited a group of notables to mull over the findings, says Jennifer Dixon, with four main messages coming from the event. The Health Foundation
Violence and health and wellbeing boards: a practical guide for health and wellbeing boards
Violence and health and wellbeing boards: a practical guide for health and wellbeing boards As well as the personal cost, violent incidents, including gang and youth violence, violence against women and children, domestic violence, sexual violence and elder abuse, impose a considerable financial burden on local healthcare systems. NHS Confederation
Baby-boomer drug and alcohol warning
Baby-boomer drug and alcohol warning There is a growing problem of drug and alcohol misuse among older people, campaigners are warning. BBC News
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Three-person baby details announced
Three-person baby details announced How the creation of babies using sperm and eggs from three people will be regulated in the UK has been announced. BBC News
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Caesareans linked to obesity in offspring
Caesareans linked to obesity in offspring Babies born by caesarean section are more likely to be obese adults, the Daily Mail reports, after an analysis found a link between caesarean section and obesity in later life. However, a direct link between the two remains unproven.
Breast cancer: fall in proportion of women screened in England
Breast cancer: fall in proportion of women screened in England The proportion of women screened for breast cancer in England has fallen slightly, latest figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show.
Commissioning the conditions for safer surgery
Commissioning the conditions for safer surgery This report makes a series of recommendations for new standards and systems to further improve the safety of surgery in English hospitals. The main recommendations of the report cover three themes: standardise, educate and harmonise. In response, NHS England has committed to identifying practical ways to take forward the report’s recommendations to eradicate never events from surgical procedures. NHS England
Public Health England is failing as a champion of public health, MPs say
Public Health England is failing as a champion of public health, MPs say The organisation ‘has yet to strike the right tone’ on tackling alcohol misuse, smoking and obesity. OnMedica
Physical health monitoring in serious mental illness is a priority in psychiatry, but where is the evidence that it works?
Physical health monitoring in serious mental illness is a priority in psychiatry, but where is the evidence that it works? It is widely acknowledged that individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression have increased rates of mortality, due to poor physical health. As well as reducing quality of life and function and decreasing life expectancy, physical illness can worsen these mental illnesses. The reasons for this include lifestyle [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Proposed wilful neglect law may see up to 240 health prosecutions a year
Proposed wilful neglect law may see up to 240 health prosecutions a year Government wants criminal offence to be introduced in England following Mid Staffs hospital scandal.
How NHS Change Day became the biggest movement in the health service's history
How NHS Change Day became the biggest movement in the health service's history Thousands of staff and patients will take part in the second NHS Change Day, pledging to do something to improve the service.
Pledges ordinary, pledges extraordinary,
Pledges about care, whether coronary or pulmonary.Pledges by children, pledges by medics,Pledges about talking, pledges about ethics.People are pledging because they care,We love the NHS and need it there.
Pledges ordinary, pledges extraordinary,
Pledges about care, whether coronary or pulmonary.Pledges by children, pledges by medics,Pledges about talking, pledges about ethics.People are pledging because they care,We love the NHS and need it there.
Children taken into care for being too fat
Children taken into care for being too fat
Up to 74 morbidly obese children are estimated to have been taken into care over the last five years, according to figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws. The Independent
Up to 74 morbidly obese children are estimated to have been taken into care over the last five years, according to figures obtained under Freedom of Information laws. The Independent
Jeremy Hunt visits Alzheimer's centre in Paris
Jeremy Hunt visits Alzheimer's centre in Paris Health secretary unveils plans for a revolution in dementia care in the UK during international summit in Paris where he hailed scientific advances which could bring about predictive tests for such conditions within five years. The Daily Telegraph
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Thursday, 27 February 2014
Death of 19-month-old girl ‘could have been prevented’ if Army doctors had shared information on her dad, says report
Death of 19-month-old girl ‘could have been prevented’ if Army doctors had shared information on her dad, says report The death of Khloe Abrams from Northampton may have been averted if an Army psychologist and doctor had told civilian authorities of her father’s thoughts about harming a child, a Serious Case Review has concluded today. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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- Health professionals ‘failed to look into Culverhouse’s background’ Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- Ex-soldier warned 'I may harm child' BBC News
Broadening the Foundation Programme report
Broadening the Foundation Programme report Health Education England has published its Broadening the Foundation Programme report, which recommends doctors in training undertake a minimum of one community or integrated placement during their two year Foundation Programme. This is to ensure they receive a wider experience of working in community settings, such as general practice, community psychiatry or community paediatrics, palliative care and public health and obtain a broader understanding of community care and the whole patient journey.Personal Independence Payment: early progress
Personal Independence Payment: early progress The Department for Work and Pensions introduced Personal Independence Payment as planned in a small number of areas from April 2013. Since then backlogs have developed in the assessment process, leading to delays and uncertainty for claimants, according to today’s National Audit Office report.
Patients 'are safer with better-educated nurses'
Patients 'are safer with better-educated nurses' “Fewer nurses educated to degree level putting patients' lives at risk, study finds,” The Independent reports. A Europe-wide study suggests that nurse education and patient to nursing staff ratios may impact on patient outcomes.
As many European countries tighten their budgets, one obvious opportunity to save costs is to trim nursing staffing levels. But could this have a negative impact on patient safety?
As many European countries tighten their budgets, one obvious opportunity to save costs is to trim nursing staffing levels. But could this have a negative impact on patient safety?
Tough EU smoking rules approved
Tough EU smoking rules approved Flavoured cigarettes will be banned and larger health warnings will be required as part of tough new EU legislation. BBC News
Is excessive paperwork in care homes undermining care for older people?
Is excessive paperwork in care homes undermining care for older people? Are older people in care homes missing out on quality time with staff because workers are preoccupied with paperwork?
Care homes have to regularly complete more than 100 separate items of paperwork, often duplicating the same information, this study found. Researchers visited care homes and spoke to staff who felt they were judged more on their ability to produce paperwork than deliver care. Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Care homes have to regularly complete more than 100 separate items of paperwork, often duplicating the same information, this study found. Researchers visited care homes and spoke to staff who felt they were judged more on their ability to produce paperwork than deliver care. Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Almost 11,000 admissions to hospital for obesity recorded in 2012-13
Almost 11,000 admissions to hospital for obesity recorded in 2012-13 Although number of admissions is slightly down on previous 12 months it is still alarmingly high, obesity expert says.
13,000 GPs receive automatic bonuses for time served
13,000 GPs receive automatic bonuses for time served Thousands of GPs receive automatic bonuses for time served. The Daily Telegraph
Mid Staffordshire hospital trust to be dissolved
Mid Staffordshire hospital trust to be dissolved Jeremy Hunt, the Heath Secretary, announces Mid Staffordshire Hospitals Trusts should be dissolved after it was at the centre of one of the biggest medical scandals where hundreds more patients died than expected. The Daily Telegraph
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- Statement to Parliament: Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Special Administration Department of Health
- Hunt to scrap Stafford health trust BBC News
- Mid Staffs NHS trust to be dissolved, Jeremy Hunt announces The Guardian
- Scandal-hit Mid-Staffs NHS Trust to be broken up after hundreds died as a result of appalling care The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Stafford Hospital trust decision due
Stafford Hospital trust decision due Managers at scandal-hit Stafford Hospital wait to hear whether Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will dissolve the trust that runs it. BBC News
'Wake-up call' on domestic violence
'Wake-up call' on domestic violence Doctors and nurses should receive special training to recognise the signs of domestic violence and ask questions, says the health watchdog. BBC News
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Female Genital Mutilation is child abuse and should be dealt with as safeguarding issue, says GPs
Female Genital Mutilation is child abuse and should be dealt with as safeguarding issue, says GPs GPs who suspect that a child has been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation should refer the parent or guardian to social services, says the Royal College of General Practitioners.
2013 NHS staff survey in England
2013 NHS staff survey in England This briefing note provides an overview of results from the eleventh annual national survey of NHS staff. The results are primarily intended for use by NHS organisations to help them review and improve staff experience so that staff can provide better patient care. The 2013 survey was structured around four of the pledges in the staff NHS Constitution, with the additional themes “equality and diversity” and “raising concerns”. Picker Institute
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- NHS staff say care 'good enough' BBC News
- NHS Staff Feel more Enthusiastic and Engaged at Work NHS England
Public health authority formed to 'speak truth unto power' may be too close to the Government, MPs warn
Public health authority formed to 'speak truth unto power' may be too close to the Government, MPs warn England’s public health authority may be too close to the Government, preventing it from speaking out about the health impact of political policies, MPs have warned. The Independent
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- Government health agency is not up to job, say MPs The Guardian
Atos awarded contract for NHS records
Atos awarded contract for NHS records Atos has been given the contract to extract patient records, MPs are told. The Daily Telegraph
Ageing population could lead to 718,000 carer shortfall in decade
Ageing population could lead to 718,000 carer shortfall in decade Report singles out urgent need to overcome 'feminine' image of care work to recruit more men and older workers. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Guidance on restoring the balance of mental health commissioning
Guidance on restoring the balance of mental health commissioning Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2014/15 to 2018/19, published in December 2013, describes NHS England’s ambition for the years ahead and its ongoing commitment to focus on better outcomes for patients. As part of the suite of tools that accompany the planning guidance that assist commissioners with their planning considerations to maximise the best possible outcomes for their local communities Parity of Esteem: transformative ideas for commissioners, outlines how CCGs can achieve parity of esteem between physical and mental health by allocating their resources differently through the provision of an evidence base, case studies and a guide to managing, securing and evaluating services. NHS England
GPs 'complacent' over HIV risk
GPs 'complacent' over HIV risk Complacency by doctors is leading to late diagnosis of HIV, a health group worker alleges. BBC Inside Out East
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NHS death rates 'should be ignored'
NHS death rates 'should be ignored' A key measure of hospital death rates should be ignored, according to the expert who is leading the NHS review into them. BBC News
NHS medical records rules 'broken'
NHS medical records rules 'broken' Medical records appear to have been wrongly given to the insurance industry by the health service, the NHS admits. BBC News
Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) clinical audit, July - September 2013 public report
Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) clinical audit, July - September 2013 public report This report finds that huge improvements have been made in the quality of stroke care and services over the past years as measured by previous national stroke audits and it is anticipated that similar improvements will be demonstrated through future SSNAP quarterly reports. Royal College of Physicians
Gum disease may be linked to arthritis
Gum disease may be linked to arthritis "Brushing your teeth well could help prevent arthritis," the Mail Online advises after scientists found that the bacteria that causes gum disease – P. gingivalis – may also damage joints. But the Mail's advice – though well meaning – is premature. This study involved mice and did not assess whether tooth brushing reduced the risk of arthritis.
That said, this was interesting research that provided a plausible and coherent mechanism whereby the common gum bacteria P. gingivalis caused the worsening of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
That said, this was interesting research that provided a plausible and coherent mechanism whereby the common gum bacteria P. gingivalis caused the worsening of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
We can't leave mentally ill people at the mercy of unregulated therapists | Patrick Strudwick
We can't leave mentally ill people at the mercy of unregulated therapists | Patrick Strudwick MPs must vote on Friday to remedy the fact that patients are exposed to untrained, unethical mental health professionals.
NHS medical records database could help prevent disease, senior doctors say
NHS medical records database could help prevent disease, senior doctors say Lord Darzi and Lord Crisp have joined a group of health professionals to defend the NHS medical records database, days after it was put on hold following concerns about data sharing. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 24 February 2014
Public health redundancies ‘to cost £500k’
Public health redundancies ‘to cost £500k’ Staff who could controversially be made redundant from Northamptonshire County Council’s public health team would get a pay-out totalling half a million pounds. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Loddington business to help NHS nurses deliver quality care
Loddington business to help NHS nurses deliver quality care A Northamptonshire business is playing a central role in a national pilot to improve education for the next generation of nurses. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Practical guidance on care for frail older people
Practical guidance on care for frail older people Frail older people are less likely to reach crisis, require urgent care support and experience harm if they are supported in living independently and understand how to manage their long-term conditions. The document summarises the evidence of the effects of an integrated pathway of care. It suggests how a pathway can be commissioned effectively using levers and incentives across providers. NHS England
Rare 'polio-like' disease reports
Rare 'polio-like' disease reports Five children have developed an illness similar to polio in California, doctors report. BBC News
NHS trusts with deficits rise to 39
NHS trusts with deficits rise to 39 A study of NHS foundation trusts in England finds the number of those in financial trouble has nearly doubled in a year from 21 to 39. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Number of NHS trusts struggling financially doubles in just one year The Independent
- NHS trusts in financial difficulty double in number The Guardian
34m patients will fail to get appointment with a GP in 2014
34m patients will fail to get appointment with a GP in 2014 More than 34m patients in England will this year fail to get an appointment with their GP, when seeking treatment, because of the slump in the funding of general practice over the last decade, and rapidly growing demand.
The huge number of patients who will fail to secure a consultation with a GP or a practice nurse, this year, comes despite the fact that general practice now sees 40m more patients annually than was the case in 2008/09.
The startling prediction for the number of patients who will fail to secure an appointment is based on an analysis by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), of the latest GP Patient Survey, published in December, revealing that 10% of patients who sought a consultation with a GP or a practice nurse in 2012/13, failed to get one.
The huge number of patients who will fail to secure a consultation with a GP or a practice nurse, this year, comes despite the fact that general practice now sees 40m more patients annually than was the case in 2008/09.
The startling prediction for the number of patients who will fail to secure an appointment is based on an analysis by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), of the latest GP Patient Survey, published in December, revealing that 10% of patients who sought a consultation with a GP or a practice nurse in 2012/13, failed to get one.
Flu jab "may cut" stroke risk by a quarter
Flu jab "may cut" stroke risk by a quarter A recent report has revealed that people who have the seasonal flu jab are 24% less likely to suffer a stroke, according to The Daily Telegraph.
GP surgeries threatened by funding changes
GP surgeries threatened by funding changes BMA warns that end of practice income guarantees could see 98 surgeries close. OnMedica
The NHS plan to share our medical data can save lives – but must be done right | Ben Goldacre
The NHS plan to share our medical data can save lives – but must be done right | Ben Goldacre Care.data, the grand project to make the medical records of the UK population available for scientific and commercial use, is not inherently evil – far from it – but its execution has been badly bungled. Here's how the government can regain our trust.
Future of the health service: the era of community care has arrived
Future of the health service: the era of community care has arrived Quality for patients at home or in the community is becoming a reality, but success depends on investment in staff and services.
It is well known that there is growing pressure on the health and social care system. There is a rising and ageing population that, if our care system does not change, will require an additional 13,500 hospital beds to soak up demand.
There is already a tendency for patients to end up in hospital when they could be cared for elsewhere. The ambition to move care closer to home is not new – it has been our ultimate goal for many years – but major change is needed to achieve it.
A great deal rests on community services: they could transform chronic disease management, support reductions in the number of people admitted to hospital and how long they stay there, and help primary care meet a growing demand.
It is well known that there is growing pressure on the health and social care system. There is a rising and ageing population that, if our care system does not change, will require an additional 13,500 hospital beds to soak up demand.
There is already a tendency for patients to end up in hospital when they could be cared for elsewhere. The ambition to move care closer to home is not new – it has been our ultimate goal for many years – but major change is needed to achieve it.
A great deal rests on community services: they could transform chronic disease management, support reductions in the number of people admitted to hospital and how long they stay there, and help primary care meet a growing demand.
Worst hospitals cost NHS £300m
Worst hospitals cost NHS £300m Official figures show that scandal-hit hospitals have cost the NHS £300 million in damages over the last five years. The Daily Telegraph
'Hacking' may reveal personal health risks
'Hacking' may reveal personal health risks It is possible to work out the identities of anonymous people who participate in genetic-research studies by cross-referencing their data with publicly available information. The Daily Telegraph
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- Hospital records of 47m NHS patients obtained by insurance society The Guardian
- Hospital records of all NHS patients sold to insurers The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 21 February 2014
Council backs £126m of savings
Council backs £126m of savings A package of £126m of savings (including £18 m from adult social care) over the next five years is agreed by Northamptonshire County Council. BBC Northamptonshire
Doctor unintentionally slowed police investigation into baby death
Doctor unintentionally slowed police investigation into baby death Questions have been raised over the level of training given to some staff at Northampton General Hospital after a paediatrician unintentionally slowed down a police investigation into the death of a Northampton baby, it has been revealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Shine: Improving the value of local healthcare services
Shine: Improving the value of local healthcare services How healthcare teams took on the challenge to improve quality while reducing the cost of services. The Health Foundation
NHS data critics 'scaremongering'
NHS data critics 'scaremongering' Opponents of the plan to share medical records on a giant database are "peddling scaremongering myths", medical research organisations say. BBC News
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Mental health and crisis care
Mental health and crisis care This briefing summarises the key principles and commitments in the concordat and highlights how stronger local partnerships can deliver improved crisis care. NHS Confederation
What type of people choose assisted suicide?
What type of people choose assisted suicide? "Women, divorcees and atheists are most likely to choose assisted suicide," the Mail Online reports, "with nearly 20% saying they are 'simply weary of life'".
The Mail’s headline is misleading. The story comes from a study of assisted suicides in Switzerland, where the practice is legal.
The study found that in 16% of assisted suicides, no underlying cause of death was recorded.
This is important, but there is no evidence that these cases were “weary of life”, an expression which the Mail has taken from another study.
This study found that cancer was the most common cause given for assisted suicides. It also found that assisted suicide was more likely in women than men, those living alone than those living with others (particularly divorced older women), and those with no religious affiliation (compared with Protestants and Catholics).
The Mail’s headline is misleading. The story comes from a study of assisted suicides in Switzerland, where the practice is legal.
The study found that in 16% of assisted suicides, no underlying cause of death was recorded.
This is important, but there is no evidence that these cases were “weary of life”, an expression which the Mail has taken from another study.
This study found that cancer was the most common cause given for assisted suicides. It also found that assisted suicide was more likely in women than men, those living alone than those living with others (particularly divorced older women), and those with no religious affiliation (compared with Protestants and Catholics).
The NHS payment system: evolving policy and emerging evidence
The NHS payment system: evolving policy and emerging evidence This research report reviews different approaches to payment for health services in the English NHS. It explores the evidence on whether recent payment initiatives have met their goals.
Is integration or fragmentation the starting point to improve prevention?
Is integration or fragmentation the starting point to improve prevention? Initiatives to promote integration are being introduced at all levels of the system, with a patient experience based narrative setting the standard against which success should be judged. University of Birmingham Health Services Management Centre
Struggle to recruit managers will add to cycle of failure
Struggle to recruit managers will add to cycle of failure The pressure on chief executives and the risk of failure are so great that few candidates are coming forward.
The NHS management body count is mounting. In the year since Robert Francis QC unveiled his final report following the Mid-Staffordshire scandal, 10 chief executives have resigned over performance issues.
Is this a sign of a commitment to the highest standards of leadership, or a system where senior managers are being set up to fail?
The NHS management body count is mounting. In the year since Robert Francis QC unveiled his final report following the Mid-Staffordshire scandal, 10 chief executives have resigned over performance issues.
Is this a sign of a commitment to the highest standards of leadership, or a system where senior managers are being set up to fail?
Shambolic record-keeping by NHS wastes money and endangers patients | Jenny Rohn
Shambolic record-keeping by NHS wastes money and endangers patients | Jenny Rohn A centralised patient record system is essential to the running of a modern health service. It’s a shame the UK doesn’t have one. The Guardian
Lifesaving defibrillators should be as 'ubiquitous' as fire extinguishers, doctors say
Lifesaving defibrillators should be as 'ubiquitous' as fire extinguishers, doctors say Lifesaving defibrillators should be as “ubiquitous” as fire extinguishers, doctors have said, after research in the UK revealed that the machines were on-hand in public spaces for just four per cent of heart attacks. The Independent
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Thursday, 20 February 2014
'Rise' in children on adult wards
'Rise' in children on adult wards An increasing number of young people with mental health problems in England are being treated on adult psychiatric wards, it emerges. BBC News
20% rise in penile cancer: are STIs to blame?
20% rise in penile cancer: are STIs to blame? The rise of penis cancer: Cases soar by 20%, amidst fears that
symptoms are being misdiagnosed as STDs,” reports the Mail Online. The news follows a recently published study of long-term trends inincidence and mortality rates of penile cancer in England from 1979 to
2009, as well as survival trends from 1971 to 2010.
symptoms are being misdiagnosed as STDs,” reports the Mail Online. The news follows a recently published study of long-term trends inincidence and mortality rates of penile cancer in England from 1979 to
2009, as well as survival trends from 1971 to 2010.
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
'More resources to the frontline' slogan damages the NHS
'More resources to the frontline' slogan damages the NHS Rallying cry is attractive but reinforces beliefs about the health service that are simplistic, naive and probably incorrect.
In the often heated debate about the future of the NHS, there is one thing that politicians seem to agree on: both sides are happy to use the slogan "more resources to the frontline". The slogan is not just naive, it damages the service.
In the often heated debate about the future of the NHS, there is one thing that politicians seem to agree on: both sides are happy to use the slogan "more resources to the frontline". The slogan is not just naive, it damages the service.
Investigation finds “no major failures” by authorities before death of seven-week-old baby in Northampton
Investigation finds “no major failures” by authorities before death of seven-week-old baby in Northampton An investigation into the death of a seven-week-old baby in Northampton has concluded that no individual or agency could have predicted what happened to him. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Jamie’s parents’ secret troubled backgrounds “would have triggered scrutiny” Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- Jamie Kightley death: Serious case review highlights concerns BBC Northamptonshire
Patient travel distance to A&E static despite closures
Patient travel distance to A&E static despite closures Longer distances to A&E could mean more reliance on GPs OnMedica
Care.data: How did it go so wrong?
Care.data: How did it go so wrong? How did the medical records project go so wrong? BBC News
Improving Dental Care and Oral Health – A Call to Action
Improving Dental Care and Oral Health – A Call to Action NHS England is calling for a debate about the future shape of dental services in England.
It follows last summer’s “The NHS belongs to the people – a call to action”, which encouraged patients, the public, staff and partners to join the debate about the sustainability challenges facing the NHS in England.
NHS dental services are provided in primary care and community settings, as well as in hospitals for more specialised care. The NHS in England spends £3.4 billion per year on dental care, with over a million patient contacts with NHS dental services each week.
It follows last summer’s “The NHS belongs to the people – a call to action”, which encouraged patients, the public, staff and partners to join the debate about the sustainability challenges facing the NHS in England.
NHS dental services are provided in primary care and community settings, as well as in hospitals for more specialised care. The NHS in England spends £3.4 billion per year on dental care, with over a million patient contacts with NHS dental services each week.
Health research gets £28m boost
Health research gets £28m boost More than £28m is being invested in improving health research across the East Midlands. BBC Northamptonshire
Commissioner Simmonds: ‘Mental health care has to change’
Commissioner Simmonds: ‘Mental health care has to change’ Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds has said the way officers deal with people suffering a mental health crisis “dramatically needs to change”. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
'Family care networks' – the future of primary care
'Family care networks' – the future of primary care In future, ‘family care networks’ with GP surgeries at their heart should provide a wider range of services for patients outside hospitals, says a report on the future of primary care, published today by The King’s Fund.
These networks would enable GPs to strengthen their role as providers and co-ordinators of care in collaboration with other staff working in the community and some hospital-based specialties.
NHS experts have long called for a shift in the way care is provided, with more services delivered closer to people’s homes, in order to meet the needs of an ageing population and the increasing numbers of people living with multiple long-term conditions. The report argues that most GP practices are too small to do this on their own and need to work together in federations or networks to achieve the necessary scale.
These networks would enable GPs to strengthen their role as providers and co-ordinators of care in collaboration with other staff working in the community and some hospital-based specialties.
NHS experts have long called for a shift in the way care is provided, with more services delivered closer to people’s homes, in order to meet the needs of an ageing population and the increasing numbers of people living with multiple long-term conditions. The report argues that most GP practices are too small to do this on their own and need to work together in federations or networks to achieve the necessary scale.
Giant NHS database rollout delayed
Giant NHS database rollout delayed The start of a new NHS data-sharing scheme in England involving medical records is being delayed by six months. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Care.data delayed E-Health Insider
- GP leaders propose six point action plan for care.data scheme OnMedica
- NHS medical records database halted amid concerns The Daily Telegraph
- Victory for privacy as NHS database is delayed The Independent
- NHS in England delays sharing of medical records The Guardian
NICE drugs policy for the elderly is unchanged
NICE drugs policy for the elderly is unchanged "NHS ban medicine if you are 'too old' in new attack on Britain's elderly" is the headline in the Daily Express, with many other news sources echoing similar dire warnings.
The media storm is based on the news that, as part of a consultation, the Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to take "wider societal benefits" into account when approving new drugs, as well as considering the burden of illness and the impact a disease has on patients.
There are fears that vulnerable groups, including the elderly, could lose out if they are judged not to contribute as much to society as other groups, especially if societal impact is just assessed from an economic viewpoint. The concern is that NICE may not recommend drugs specifically targeted at diseases that occur in these vulnerable groups.
The media storm is based on the news that, as part of a consultation, the Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to take "wider societal benefits" into account when approving new drugs, as well as considering the burden of illness and the impact a disease has on patients.
There are fears that vulnerable groups, including the elderly, could lose out if they are judged not to contribute as much to society as other groups, especially if societal impact is just assessed from an economic viewpoint. The concern is that NICE may not recommend drugs specifically targeted at diseases that occur in these vulnerable groups.
NHS England sets out key elements of enhanced service for complex needs
NHS England sets out key elements of enhanced service for complex needs Options becomes available in April; aim is to cut avoidable unplanned admissions. OnMedica
The only thing wider than the NHS funding gap is the policy vacuum
The only thing wider than the NHS funding gap is the policy vacuum You might have thought a £30bn shortfall in NHS finances would have prompted Jeremy Hunt into action. Apparently not.
'Public health emergency' declared as one in six GPs was asked to refer a patient to food banks in the last year
'Public health emergency' declared as one in six GPs was asked to refer a patient to food banks in the last year
One in six family doctors has been asked to refer a patient to a food bank in the past year, a new survey has found, with GPs reporting that benefits delays are leaving people without money for food for weeks on end. The Independent
One in six family doctors has been asked to refer a patient to a food bank in the past year, a new survey has found, with GPs reporting that benefits delays are leaving people without money for food for weeks on end. The Independent
Check your ambulance service: postcode lottery 'costs 2,500 lives a year'
Check your ambulance service: postcode lottery 'costs 2,500 lives a year' Find out how your local service compares, as a former ambulance boss warns of the 'frightening' difference between postcodes. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- 'Deadly ambulance postcode lottery' BBC News
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Breast cancer campaign targets older women
Breast cancer campaign targets older women Northamptonshire NHS and the county council are supporting the new NHS breast cancer in women over 70 campaign. Northamptonshire Telegraph
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