Monday, 17 March 2014
Patients sent to doctor's hospital
Patients sent to doctor's hospital A mental health trust planning to close beds spends £1.2m sending patients to a senior consultant's private hospital. BBC News
Poor 'face many years of bad health'
Poor 'face many years of bad health' People living in the most affluent areas of England can expect almost 20 years' more "good health" than those in the poorest, data suggests. BBC News
New fast track drug scheme to help severely ill
New fast track drug scheme to help severely ill "'Early access' drugs scheme launched for severely ill," BBC News reports. The government has launched the Early Access to Medicines Scheme designed to help patients with life threatening or debilitating conditions get access to unlicensed medications that could potentially be of benefit.
2030 vision: The best - and worst - futures for older people in the UK
2030 vision: The best - and worst - futures for older people in the UK This report provides a futures perspective on how we make the UK the best country to grow old in. It examines both the best and worst case scenarios and the rising costs associated with an ageing population. International Longevity Centre UK
NHS spends £100m a year on patients who should be discharged
NHS spends £100m a year on patients who should be discharged NHS spends £100m a year caring for patients who do not need to be there. The Daily Telegraph
Call for foreign private firms to take over NHS hospitals comes under fire
Call for foreign private firms to take over NHS hospitals comes under fire Care Quality Commission boss suggests up to 30 failing NHS trusts could be run by European or American chains.
The ex-Conservative MP who chairs the health service care regulator is under fire after calling for foreign private health firms to be allowed to take over failing NHS hospitals.
David Prior, the boss of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said European or American "hospital chains" should be given the chance to turn around what he said could be as many as 30 NHS hospital trusts in England that have run into trouble by the end of 2014.
The ex-Conservative MP who chairs the health service care regulator is under fire after calling for foreign private health firms to be allowed to take over failing NHS hospitals.
David Prior, the boss of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said European or American "hospital chains" should be given the chance to turn around what he said could be as many as 30 NHS hospital trusts in England that have run into trouble by the end of 2014.
Resurgence of TB poses grave threat worldwide
Resurgence of TB poses grave threat worldwide
The rise of new strains of tuberculosis resistant to drug treatment represents “one of the gravest public health threats facing the world today”, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières has warned. The Independent
The rise of new strains of tuberculosis resistant to drug treatment represents “one of the gravest public health threats facing the world today”, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières has warned. The Independent
Revealed: the 'conveyor belt care' of those with dementia
Revealed: the 'conveyor belt care' of those with dementia 'Conveyor belt care' of those with dementia means some receive care from more than 40 different workers. The Daily Telegraph
New claims of patients 'locked up' at NHS hospital
New claims of patients 'locked up' at NHS hospital Claims that patients at Dudley hospitals are being restrained against their will resurface after second manager forced out. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 14 March 2014
Bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS
Bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS NHS England has developed some bite-size guides to support patient and public participation in the NHS. These guides are linked to the Transforming participation in Health and Social Care guidance (published September 2013). The guides have been developed with partners and by reviewing good practice in each area. They aim to support Clinical Commissioning Groups and others to plan and deliver good patient and public participation. You can access the guides via the following links:
These four Bite-size guides form the first batch of a suite of bite-size resources, and more will follow throughout the year.
These four Bite-size guides form the first batch of a suite of bite-size resources, and more will follow throughout the year.
Employers guide to NHS Pension Scheme changes 2014/15
Employers guide to NHS Pension Scheme changes 2014/15 Our handy new guide gives an overview of the most recent changes to the NHS Pension Scheme, as well as outlining actions for your trust until April 2015. NHS Employers
2014/15 Quality and outcomes framework guidance published
2014/15 Quality and outcomes framework guidance published NHS Employers, NHS England and the General Practitioners Committee of the BMA jointly published the 2014/15 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) guidance.
Fresh squeeze on NHS pay sparks union strike warning
Fresh squeeze on NHS pay sparks union strike warning Unions have reacted with anger to news of a fresh round of below-inflation pay rises for NHS staff in England. Ministers have announced a basic 1% pay rise, but the 600,000 nurses and other staff receiving automatic "progression-in-job" increases, "typically worth over 3%", will not get the 1% as well. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Pay award 2014/15 and 2015/16 announced NHS Employers
- Independent report: NHS Pay Review Body 28th report: 2014 Department of Health
- Independent report: Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration 42nd report: 2014 Department of Health
- Anger at NHS pay decision The Royal College of Nursing
- 600,000 NHS workers threaten strike after 'insult' of no pay rise The Independent
- Ministers accused of contempt for NHS with fresh squeeze on public sector pay The Guardian
- Hunt's decision to cancel the NHS pay rise shows just how tight money is The Guardian
- NHS funding: hard times | Editorial The Guardian
CQC new approach to hospitals inspection: initial findings from wave 1 inspections
CQC new approach to hospitals inspection: initial findings from wave 1 inspections The report concludes that compassionate care is alive and well, as well as a strong commitment to the NHS. However, inspectors found significant variations in quality between trusts and even between services within trusts. It also found that apart from critical care and maternity, most services cannot demonstrate whether they are delivering effective care or not. Care Quality Commission
'You've got cancer' email warning
'You've got cancer' email warning A health watchdog is warning that thousands of people have been sent hoax emails suggesting they have cancer. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Spam email sent out NICE
Statins side effects are minimal, study argues
Statins side effects are minimal, study argues “Cholesterol-lowering statins have almost no side effects,” The Guardian reports. A new UK study argues that the majority of reported side effects are actually due to the nocebo effect – symptoms that are “all in the mind”.
NHS diabetes care at ‘breaking point’ warns report
NHS diabetes care at ‘breaking point’ warns report End recruitment freezes on diabetes nurses, say experts. OnMedica
General practice plays a role in improving health services
General practice plays a role in improving health services Providers and commissioners need to work together to co-produce contracts that deliver the right outcomes for patients.
A combination of an unprecedented financial challenge, an ageing population and a desire by patients to be treated in the community whenever possible, creates a challenge and an opportunity for general practice.
A combination of an unprecedented financial challenge, an ageing population and a desire by patients to be treated in the community whenever possible, creates a challenge and an opportunity for general practice.
Thursday, 13 March 2014
NHS: Reports of Northampton General Hospital administration threat are untrue
NHS: Reports of Northampton General Hospital administration threat are untrue The NHS has moved to quash reports that it has considered whether Northampton General Hospital could be put into administration because of financial concerns. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A&E performance: a winter’s tale
A&E performance: a winter’s tale With many of us just having enjoyed the warmest weekend in 2014, this may be a good point to take stock on how A&E performed over the winter and what, if anything, it tells us about the state of the NHS and its prospects. The King's Fund
Research and analysis: Unit costs of health and social care
Research and analysis: Unit costs of health and social care This report brings together information about the costs of health and social care staff and services in as transparent and consistent a way as possible. The report is based in economic theory (long run marginal opportunity cost) and includes detailed references, relevant short articles and commentaries. Department of Health
Public sector pay decisions due
Public sector pay decisions due The government is due to announce later whether NHS staff, civil servants and forces personnel will get a pay rise in the next financial year. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Jeremy Hunt to veto 1 per cent pay rise for NHS workers The Daily Telegraph
Patients 'imprisoned' in care homes
Patients 'imprisoned' in care homes Vulnerable adults are being kept virtual prisoners in care homes because of misuse of mental health laws, a House of Lords committee says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Mental health cuts 'risk lives'
Mental health cuts 'risk lives' Cuts to mental health services in England will put lives at risk, as funds are reduced for schemes aimed at reducing suicides, ministers are warned. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Cuts to mental health funding will put lives at risk, charities say OnMedica
- Thousands of people with mental health needs denied social care amid cuts Community Care
- Mental health funding changes in NHS will put lives at risk, say charities The Guardian
- Mentally ill young people's lives at risk because of Coalition cuts, says charity The Independent
Adult social care 'under pressure'
Adult social care 'under pressure' Adult social care in England is under increasing pressure and the government has "no idea" how long the system can cope, an inquiry finds. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Adult social care in England: overview The National Audit Office
- NAO raises social care alarm E-Health Insider
Challenges and improvements in diagnostic services across seven days
Challenges and improvements in diagnostic services across seven days NHS IQ has published a report on the potential improvements in diagnostics and scientific services.
Obese 11-year-old girls 'get lower school grades'
Obese 11-year-old girls 'get lower school grades' "Study links obesity in teenage girls with lower academic results," BBC News reports. Previous studies have reported that child and adolescent obesity has a wide variety of adverse consequences in both the short and long term.
A large study of UK secondary school pupils has now looked at whether being overweight or obese at the age of 11 influences educational attainment on SAT tests at 11 and 13 years of age and GCSE grades achieved at 16 years of age.
The researchers found an association between obesity at 11 years of age and poorer academic achievement in GCSE exams five years later in girls, even after adjustment for a wide range of factors that could have influenced the results (confounders).
A large study of UK secondary school pupils has now looked at whether being overweight or obese at the age of 11 influences educational attainment on SAT tests at 11 and 13 years of age and GCSE grades achieved at 16 years of age.
The researchers found an association between obesity at 11 years of age and poorer academic achievement in GCSE exams five years later in girls, even after adjustment for a wide range of factors that could have influenced the results (confounders).
GP concerns ignored in 'disappointing' NHS England plan
GP concerns ignored in 'disappointing' NHS England plan GP concerns over funding and workload have not been listened to, GP leaders have said, after NHS England published a major general practice strategy document. GP Online
GPs to be given more notice of CQC inspections
GPs to be given more notice of CQC inspections Practices will now have two weeks rather than two days’ notice. OnMedica
NHS faces ‘managed decline’ unless it is properly funded, says health chief
NHS faces ‘managed decline’ unless it is properly funded, says health chief
The NHS cannot survive in its current form and problems could escalate to the point where anyone who can afford it will choose to go private, the chief executive of NHS England has warned. The Independent
See also:
The NHS cannot survive in its current form and problems could escalate to the point where anyone who can afford it will choose to go private, the chief executive of NHS England has warned. The Independent
See also:
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt gains powers to shut good hospitals without consultation
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt gains powers to shut good hospitals without consultation
Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, is to acquire sweeping powers to shut down local hospitals at short notice even if they are performing strongly. The Independent
See also:
Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, is to acquire sweeping powers to shut down local hospitals at short notice even if they are performing strongly. The Independent
See also:
Fury over deal for NHS HR chief
Fury over deal for NHS HR chief Outrage from patients' groups over deal paid to NHS human resources chief. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Labour say 32 hospitals 'at risk' of cuts and closures
Labour say 32 hospitals 'at risk' of cuts and closures Labour claim 32 hospital trusts 'at risk' of cuts and closures including Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital. The Daily Telegraph
Kettering General Hospital to spend £400,000 upgrading maternity services
Kettering General Hospital to spend £400,000 upgrading maternity services Kettering General Hospital has been granted almost £400,000 to improve its maternity services from national modernisation funds. Northamptonshire Telegraph
How to cause more hurt
How to cause more hurt This blog by Martin Bromiley looks at how complaints of poor care are managed in the NHS. The Health Foundation
Prescription charge rise in England
Prescription charge rise in England The price of NHS prescriptions is to rise by 20 pence in April and again next year. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- More children treated on adult wards BBC News
Statistics on children admitted to adult mental health wards released
Statistics on children admitted to adult mental health wards released Figures are released today on the number of under-18s recorded as being inpatients on adult mental health wards. Health & Social Care Information Centre
See also:
See also:
- More children treated on adult wards BBC News
Supporting recovering in mental health services: quality and outcomes
Supporting recovering in mental health services: quality and outcomes This publication aims to help organisations in the mental health sector develop clear, empirically-informed statements about what constitutes high-quality services, and how these will lead to key recovery outcomes for service users. It also includes a series of recommendations for health and social care providers and commissioners, and for NHS England and the government, that aim to support development of an evidence-based approach to commissioning mental health services. Centre for Mental Health
Difficult conversations with dying people and their families
Difficult conversations with dying people and their families This survey of over 1,000 GPs reveals that terminally ill people are not getting access to the right care when they need it. The report highlights issues surrounding round-the-clock care with families reporting having to chase after prescriptions, nurses waiting hours for vital drugs to arrive, and locums unable to prescribe. Marie Curie Cancer Care
Breast cancer care not always compliant with NICE standards
Breast cancer care not always compliant with NICE standards Charity calls for better monitoring of adherence OnMedica
Are expectations for integrating health and social care unrealistic?
Are expectations for integrating health and social care unrealistic? Better joint working between sectors is being seen as part of a shift to a preventive model of care, but there should be pragmatism about what can be achieved.
Breast cancer patients 'threatened by inadequate checks', says research charity
Breast cancer patients 'threatened by inadequate checks', says research charity NHS organisations are not being checked to see whether they are adhering to “best practice” guidance issued by health regulators, a charity has warned. The Independent
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Former shoe company boss makes ‘generous donation’ to Northampton General Hospital
Former shoe company boss makes ‘generous donation’ to Northampton General Hospital
The urology department at Northampton General Hospital has been refurbished, extended and supplied with new equipment thanks to the generosity of a former shoe company boss, who is a former patient. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The urology department at Northampton General Hospital has been refurbished, extended and supplied with new equipment thanks to the generosity of a former shoe company boss, who is a former patient. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Government response: Hospital food standards: Sustain campaign
Government response: Hospital food standards: Sustain campaign
The department’s Improving Hospital Food project identified 8 fundamental principles that patients should expect from hospital food, including that hospitals should adopt government buying standards for food and catering services (Food GBS) where practical and supported by procurement practices. The project was well received by partners and welcomed by Sustain.
While there have been a number of calls to introduce mandatory standards for hospital food, the government’s preferred approach remains to encourage the adoption of standards in the NHS through instruction, incentives and inspection.
This approach was outlined by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Quality, Earl Howe, during a debate in the House of Lords on 8 November 2013.
The department’s Improving Hospital Food project identified 8 fundamental principles that patients should expect from hospital food, including that hospitals should adopt government buying standards for food and catering services (Food GBS) where practical and supported by procurement practices. The project was well received by partners and welcomed by Sustain.
While there have been a number of calls to introduce mandatory standards for hospital food, the government’s preferred approach remains to encourage the adoption of standards in the NHS through instruction, incentives and inspection.
This approach was outlined by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Quality, Earl Howe, during a debate in the House of Lords on 8 November 2013.
MPs debate hospital closure power
MPs debate hospital closure power
MPs are set to debate a controversial measure which would give the health secretary the power to impose the closure of local hospital services. BBC News
MPs, support the care bill and it will come back to bite you | Polly Toynbee Guardian
MPs are set to debate a controversial measure which would give the health secretary the power to impose the closure of local hospital services. BBC News
MPs, support the care bill and it will come back to bite you | Polly Toynbee Guardian
Ripping off the sticking plaster: whole-system solutions for urgent and emergency care
Ripping off the sticking plaster: whole-system solutions for urgent and emergency care
Mounting pressures on England’s urgent and emergency care services have been well documented in local and national media over recent months. This report acts as a roadmap to the fundamental changes required to create a sustainable and high-quality urgent and emergency care system that can meet the needs of patients now and in the future. NHS Confederation
Report
Mounting pressures on England’s urgent and emergency care services have been well documented in local and national media over recent months. This report acts as a roadmap to the fundamental changes required to create a sustainable and high-quality urgent and emergency care system that can meet the needs of patients now and in the future. NHS Confederation
Report
British hospital to become first in Europe to use Skype for consultations
British hospital to become first in Europe to use Skype for consultations
Staffordshire hospital set to become the first in Europe where doctors consult with their patients via Skype. Telegraph
Staffordshire hospital set to become the first in Europe where doctors consult with their patients via Skype. Telegraph
The maternal mental health of migrant women
The maternal mental health of migrant women
This briefing examines why there is low take-up of maternal mental related services by migrant women un the UK. It considers how maternal mental health care providers can develop services which meet the needs of migrant women. Race Equality Foundation
Briefing
This briefing examines why there is low take-up of maternal mental related services by migrant women un the UK. It considers how maternal mental health care providers can develop services which meet the needs of migrant women. Race Equality Foundation
Briefing
'Shortage of senior nurses in NHS'
'Shortage of senior nurses in NHS'
The NHS has lost nearly 4,000 senior nursing posts since 2010, putting patient care at risk, warns the Royal College of Nursing. BBC Health News
The NHS has lost nearly 4,000 senior nursing posts since 2010, putting patient care at risk, warns the Royal College of Nursing. BBC Health News
Trusts need 2-year XP support extension
Trusts need 2-year XP support extension
Trusts will need an extension of Windows XP support for up to two years in order to migrate safely on to a newer operating system, NHS IT experts have said. EHI News
Trusts will need an extension of Windows XP support for up to two years in order to migrate safely on to a newer operating system, NHS IT experts have said. EHI News
Children's diets 'far too salty'
Children's diets 'far too salty'
Children in the UK are eating far too much salt, with much of it coming from breads and cereals, research suggests. BBC News
Children in the UK are eating far too much salt, with much of it coming from breads and cereals, research suggests. BBC News
Intensive care unit cleaning 'poor'
Intensive care unit cleaning 'poor'
Health inspectors seek a string of improvements after finding poor cleaning practices in a hospital's intensive care unit. BBC News
Health inspectors seek a string of improvements after finding poor cleaning practices in a hospital's intensive care unit. BBC News
Does staying in hospital longer make you better?
Does staying in hospital longer make you better? De-institutionalisation, the advent of community care and development of psychotropic medicines are implicated in the reduction in hospital bed numbers and mean length of stay. There remains a huge variance in length of stay and outcomes across the UK and beyond [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Monday, 10 March 2014
Northamptonshire partnerships launch mental health support website
Northamptonshire partnerships launch mental health support website
Northamptonshire health groups and the county council have teamed up to launch a website devoted to supporting the wellbeing and mental health of youngsters in the county. Evening Telegraph
Northamptonshire health groups and the county council have teamed up to launch a website devoted to supporting the wellbeing and mental health of youngsters in the county. Evening Telegraph
Healthcare provider to create 100 Northamptonshire jobs
Healthcare provider to create 100 Northamptonshire jobs
A healthcare provider is looking to recruit about 100 people in Northamptonshire after an appeal from the county council. Evening Telegraph
A healthcare provider is looking to recruit about 100 people in Northamptonshire after an appeal from the county council. Evening Telegraph
Young people urged to ask ‘Is A&E for me?’
Young people urged to ask ‘Is A&E for me?’
A campaign urging young people to check whether they really need to go to accident and emergency is holding several outreach events in Kettering. Evening Telegraph
A campaign urging young people to check whether they really need to go to accident and emergency is holding several outreach events in Kettering. Evening Telegraph
Kettering Hospital ‘nurtures its own talent’ through apprentice scheme
Kettering Hospital ‘nurtures its own talent’ through apprentice scheme
Kettering Hospital says an initiative to nurture its own talent by helping people with no background in health to gain experience – and then a job – has been a success so far. Evening Telegraph
Kettering Hospital says an initiative to nurture its own talent by helping people with no background in health to gain experience – and then a job – has been a success so far. Evening Telegraph
Standards of care for people who self-harm must be improved, says NICE
Standards of care for people who self-harm must be improved, says NICE
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a quality standard to improve the quality of care and support for children, young people, and adults who self-harm.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a quality standard to improve the quality of care and support for children, young people, and adults who self-harm.
National lung transplant list urged
National lung transplant list urged
Lung disease experts are calling for a new national system to identify lungs for transplant which could double the number of procedures across the UK. BBC News
Lung disease experts are calling for a new national system to identify lungs for transplant which could double the number of procedures across the UK. BBC News
Less than 1% of public health budget is used to treat obesity in children
Less than 1% of public health budget is used to treat obesity in children
A minute amount of money is being used to combat childhood obesity, despite it being a top health priority, according to new figures released Monday. Independent
A minute amount of money is being used to combat childhood obesity, despite it being a top health priority, according to new figures released Monday. Independent
Scientists find the origin of 'bad' fat linked to heart disease and cancer
Scientists find the origin of 'bad' fat linked to heart disease and cancer
Scientists have discovered the origin of the “bad” kind of fat found in the body which is linked with heart disease, cancer and other serious obesity-related illnesses, even though people carrying it can look slim. Independent
Scientists have discovered the origin of the “bad” kind of fat found in the body which is linked with heart disease, cancer and other serious obesity-related illnesses, even though people carrying it can look slim. Independent
Scientists develop blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease
Scientists develop blood test to detect Alzheimer's disease
A blood test that can detect Alzheimer’s disease up to three years before the onset of symptoms has been developed by scientists who believe that it could lead to the early diagnosis of progressive dementia in elderly people. Independent
A blood test that can detect Alzheimer’s disease up to three years before the onset of symptoms has been developed by scientists who believe that it could lead to the early diagnosis of progressive dementia in elderly people. Independent
NHS data used by third parties
NHS data used by third parties
It emerged yesterday that two NHS partners were accused of privacy errors. Although both parties have claimed they respected the law and people's privacy in using the data, they have both removed the related information from the internet.One of the breaches involved PA Consulting, a Marketing firm who released a report claiming it had used Google BigQuery servers to advise clients on targeting their audience through s... Healthcare Today
It emerged yesterday that two NHS partners were accused of privacy errors. Although both parties have claimed they respected the law and people's privacy in using the data, they have both removed the related information from the internet.One of the breaches involved PA Consulting, a Marketing firm who released a report claiming it had used Google BigQuery servers to advise clients on targeting their audience through s... Healthcare Today
Britain 'will not act' on sugar advice
Britain 'will not act' on sugar advice
Britain will not act on WHO guidance to cut sugar intake, officials say. Telegraph
Britain will not act on WHO guidance to cut sugar intake, officials say. Telegraph
NICE consults on draft recommendations for psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people
NICE consults on draft recommendations for psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people
NICE, the healthcare guidance body, is currently developing a clinical guideline on the recognition and management of psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people. As part of this process, draft recommendations have been published on the NICE website today (9 August) for public consultation.
NICE, the healthcare guidance body, is currently developing a clinical guideline on the recognition and management of psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people. As part of this process, draft recommendations have been published on the NICE website today (9 August) for public consultation.
Friday, 7 March 2014
Funding crisis: women’s refuges could all close in next four months
Funding crisis: women’s refuges could all close in next four months Every women’s refuge in Northamptonshire could have to close its doors if changes to the way they are funded go ahead, according to domestic violence bosses. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northampton General Hospital thanks staff as non-urgent surgery resumes normal service
Northampton General Hospital thanks staff as non-urgent surgery resumes normal service Northampton General Hospital said it has not cancelled any non-urgent operations today, the first time that has happened this week. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Northampton General Hospital ends three days of stopping non-essential operations Northampton Herald and Post
Are people really reaping the rewards of recovery-oriented services, asks Prof Geoff Shepherd
Are people really reaping the rewards of recovery-oriented services, asks Prof Geoff Shepherd The Implementing Recovery through Organisational Change (ImROC) programme has been running in mental health services in this country since 2010.The programme has been delivered by a partnership between the Centre for Mental Health and the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network. It was initially set up with funding from the Department of Health as part of … Continue reading → NHS Voices
Guidance: Healthcare education and training placement tariffs
Guidance: Healthcare education and training placement tariffs This document sets out:
Guidance on the tariffs will be published once a year, to cover the tariffs for the following financial year. Any further information that arises during the year will be published on Health Education England’s website. Department of Health
- the national tariffs for healthcare education and training placements in the financial year 2014 to 2015
- how the tariffs will be implemented
- in what circumstances the national tariffs may be varied and how to do this
Guidance on the tariffs will be published once a year, to cover the tariffs for the following financial year. Any further information that arises during the year will be published on Health Education England’s website. Department of Health
US and UK take forward health IT MoU
US and UK take forward health IT MoU The US and UK are working together on harmonising quality indicators, releasing and using health data, the Blue Button initiative and the interoperability of electronic patient record systems. E-Health Insider
Warning over hospital superbug rise
Warning over hospital superbug rise Sixteen patients have died in Manchester over the past four years while infected with a highly resistant superbug, figures show. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Patient safety alert on addressing rising trends and outbreaks in carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae NHS England
- Antibiotics: 'national threat' from steep rise in patients who are resistant to drugs The Daily Telegraph
- Fears that cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria could get 'out of control' The Independent
- Cases of Antibiotic resistance increase by 12,000% in seven years The Daily Mail
Widow wins frozen sperm legal fight
Widow wins frozen sperm legal fight A woman has won a High Court battle to stop her dead husband's frozen sperm being destroyed. BBC News
Obesity and disability: children and young people
Obesity and disability: children and young people The paper looks at a range of impairments or health conditions associated with disability and explores the main obesity-related chronic health conditions that can develop during childhood and adolescence. Public Health England
WHO says halving sugar target has extra benefit
WHO says halving sugar target has extra benefit “Halve sugar intake, say health experts,” The Daily Telegraph reports, while The Guardian tells us that “a can of coke a day is too much sugar”.
The widespread media reports follow new draft international guidelines looking at the healthy maximum recommended levels of sugars in the diet.
Currently, people are advised to have less than 10% of their total energy intake from sugars. However, the new draft guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), state that a reduction to below 5% of total energy intake would have “additional benefits”.
The widespread media reports follow new draft international guidelines looking at the healthy maximum recommended levels of sugars in the diet.
Currently, people are advised to have less than 10% of their total energy intake from sugars. However, the new draft guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), state that a reduction to below 5% of total energy intake would have “additional benefits”.
HSCIC agrees improvements to how information is shared
HSCIC agrees improvements to how information is shared The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) Board agreed four important steps to improve the transparency of its decision-making and build public trust in its actions.
See also:
See also:
- HSCIC to audit data releases by 2 April E-Health Insider
Patients should be told when mistakes are made, senior doctors say
Patients should be told when mistakes are made, senior doctors say Royal College of Surgeons and NHS trust chief executive report to put pressure on Jeremy Hunt over full duty of candour.
Review to probe sale of NHS medical data
Review to probe sale of NHS medical data National audit of NHS medical data following concerns over sale of records for insurance purposes. The Daily Telegraph
'Unacceptable' failings and overcrowding found in NHS hospitals
'Unacceptable' failings and overcrowding found in NHS hospitals Unacceptable failings, overcrowding and delays for patients found in major NHS report on the state of healthcare. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Corby man picked to be the face of national charity
Corby man picked to be the face of national charity
Corby-born Stephen Mitchell has been selected by Mind, the UK’s largest mental health charity, to show the modern face of mental health. Evening Telegraph
Corby-born Stephen Mitchell has been selected by Mind, the UK’s largest mental health charity, to show the modern face of mental health. Evening Telegraph
Invitation to join e-marketplace
Invitation to join e-marketplace
Businesses working in the county’s £400m social care and health sector are being invited to sign up to a new e-marketplace. Evening Telegraph
Businesses working in the county’s £400m social care and health sector are being invited to sign up to a new e-marketplace. Evening Telegraph
Saturated fat is not bad for health, says heart expert
Saturated fat is not bad for health, says heart expert
Diets that are low in saturated fat do not lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease or help people live longer, a cardiac scientist claims. Telegraph
Diets that are low in saturated fat do not lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease or help people live longer, a cardiac scientist claims. Telegraph
Course revamp to retain medics
Course revamp to retain medics
Medical students will spend more time with patients under a course aimed at getting them to stay in Wales as junior doctors. BBC News
Medical students will spend more time with patients under a course aimed at getting them to stay in Wales as junior doctors. BBC News
Elderly care faces 'catastrophe'
Elderly care faces 'catastrophe'
A "catastrophic" situation is developing in England with many vulnerable elderly people being denied care, campaigners say. BBC News
A "catastrophic" situation is developing in England with many vulnerable elderly people being denied care, campaigners say. BBC News
Ageing society demands a 'fundamental shift' in how health and care are delivered
Ageing society demands a 'fundamental shift' in how health and care are delivered
A fundamental shift is urgently needed in the delivery of health and care to meet the challenges of a rapidly ageing society, say the authors of a new report from The King's Fund.
The report, Making our health and care systems fit for an ageing population, argues that health and care services have failed to keep up with dramatic demographic changes, which will see one in five people in England over the age of 65 by 2030. It finds that transforming services for older people will require a fundamental shift towards care co-ordinated around individual needs rather than single diseases, and that prioritises prevention and support for maintaining independence.
A fundamental shift is urgently needed in the delivery of health and care to meet the challenges of a rapidly ageing society, say the authors of a new report from The King's Fund.
The report, Making our health and care systems fit for an ageing population, argues that health and care services have failed to keep up with dramatic demographic changes, which will see one in five people in England over the age of 65 by 2030. It finds that transforming services for older people will require a fundamental shift towards care co-ordinated around individual needs rather than single diseases, and that prioritises prevention and support for maintaining independence.
NHS England using technology to beat cost of missed appointments
NHS England using technology to beat cost of missed appointments
Public urged to help NHS England cut no-show appointments
Technology is being used to cut the numbers of missed GP and outpatient appointments, NHS England will announced Monday.
Figures have suggested that more than twelve million GP appointments are missed each year in the UK, costing in excess of £162 million per year. A further 6.9 million outpatient hospital appointments are missed each year in the UK, costing an average of £108 per appointment in 2012/13.
By making the appointment system fit into patient’s lives more easily, the NHS hopes to cut the numbers of missed appointments, saving precious NHS resources.
Public urged to help NHS England cut no-show appointments
Technology is being used to cut the numbers of missed GP and outpatient appointments, NHS England will announced Monday.
Figures have suggested that more than twelve million GP appointments are missed each year in the UK, costing in excess of £162 million per year. A further 6.9 million outpatient hospital appointments are missed each year in the UK, costing an average of £108 per appointment in 2012/13.
By making the appointment system fit into patient’s lives more easily, the NHS hopes to cut the numbers of missed appointments, saving precious NHS resources.
Zero-hours employment contracts
Zero-hours employment contracts
NHS Employers has responded to the Government's open consultation on zero-hours employment contracts. NHS Employers News
NHS Employers has responded to the Government's open consultation on zero-hours employment contracts. NHS Employers News
GP IT funding split evenly nationwide
GP IT funding split evenly nationwide
GP IT funding will be paid to clinical commissioning groups on a per-head-of-population basis under new plans revealed by NHS England. EHI News
GP IT funding will be paid to clinical commissioning groups on a per-head-of-population basis under new plans revealed by NHS England. EHI News
RCGP to develop unique online info hub to help GPs support carers
RCGP to develop unique online info hub to help GPs support carers
The hub will collate all the information GPs, primary healthcare staff, practice teams, commissioners and Health & Wellbeing Board representatives might need to identify and support carers, bringing together RCGP resources as well as signposting to external resources. Health professionals will be able to use it free of charge.
The hub will have information about the needs of carers, right from the initial diagnosis through to the end of the condition or even end of life, with a focus on depression. It will also offer guidance about what questions to ask carers, what rights they have and what support is available. The aim is to link a range of supplementary resources on disease specific conditions including dementia, end of life care, cancer and mental health.
The hub will collate all the information GPs, primary healthcare staff, practice teams, commissioners and Health & Wellbeing Board representatives might need to identify and support carers, bringing together RCGP resources as well as signposting to external resources. Health professionals will be able to use it free of charge.
The hub will have information about the needs of carers, right from the initial diagnosis through to the end of the condition or even end of life, with a focus on depression. It will also offer guidance about what questions to ask carers, what rights they have and what support is available. The aim is to link a range of supplementary resources on disease specific conditions including dementia, end of life care, cancer and mental health.
Could the NHS give you a COMPUTER virus? Outdated software is putting official sites at risk of attack
Could the NHS give you a COMPUTER virus? Outdated software is putting official sites at risk of attack
The flaws were found by Oxford-based independent security researcher Terence Eden. More than 2,000 vulnerabilities were found across 5,000 NHS domains. Daily Mail
The flaws were found by Oxford-based independent security researcher Terence Eden. More than 2,000 vulnerabilities were found across 5,000 NHS domains. Daily Mail
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Non-urgent operations at Northampton General Hospital cancelled again
Non-urgent operations at Northampton General Hospital cancelled again Northampton General Hospital has been forced to cancel non-urgent surgery for the second day running because of high numbers of emergency department patients. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- All non-emergency operations at Northampton General Hospital cancelled for second day running Northampton Herald and Post
How can we create a ripple effect of quality improvement in the NHS?
How can we create a ripple effect of quality improvement in the NHS? Why do we need a common language for quality improvement in healthcare? Because we need to have a way of working together to make improvement in a way everyone understands and understand collectively that improvement work is directly informed by how it affects the patient, says Dr Alan Willson. The Health Foundation
Patient safety alert on risk of associating ECG records with wrong patients
Patient safety alert on risk of associating ECG records with wrong patients An NHS England patient safety alert has been issued today (4 March 2014) to all NHS services in England that use ECG machines to diagnose cardiac problems. The alert highlights the risk of printing the wrong patient’s ECG records in error, which could lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment.
The alert has been issued following a recently reported patient safety incident where the ‘copy’ button had been pressed on the ECG machine in error instead of the ‘auto/start’ button. This resulted in a copy of the previous patients’ ECG results being re-printed; staff did not immediately realise the error and labelled the ECG record incorrectly with the new patient’s identifiers. As a result, the patient underwent an unnecessary procedure and had a further complication.
The NHS England Patient Safety Domain identified 17 previous incidents reported from across the country since January 2008, describing occasions where the ECG of a previous patient was re-printed; none of these additional incidents resulted in harm to the patient.
Dr Mike Durkin, NHS England Director of Patient Safety, said: “Patient safety alerts are a crucial part of our work to rapidly alert the healthcare system to risks and to provide guidance on preventing potential incidents that may lead to harm or death.
“We use data on patient safety incidents reported by healthcare providers to identify themes and patterns of similar incidents across the country. Even if these incidents are extremely rare, if there is a risk to the safety of patients, we will alert all relevant providers to ensure appropriate action is taken to eliminate the possibility of a similar incident occurring. This signals my intention to move from the current approach of risk management and mitigation to a system that recognises a determination to not only evaluate all patient safety risks but to work with intent to eradicate all causes of such risk.”
You can view the full Patient safety alert on risk of associating ECG records with wrong patients here.
The alert has been issued following a recently reported patient safety incident where the ‘copy’ button had been pressed on the ECG machine in error instead of the ‘auto/start’ button. This resulted in a copy of the previous patients’ ECG results being re-printed; staff did not immediately realise the error and labelled the ECG record incorrectly with the new patient’s identifiers. As a result, the patient underwent an unnecessary procedure and had a further complication.
The NHS England Patient Safety Domain identified 17 previous incidents reported from across the country since January 2008, describing occasions where the ECG of a previous patient was re-printed; none of these additional incidents resulted in harm to the patient.
Dr Mike Durkin, NHS England Director of Patient Safety, said: “Patient safety alerts are a crucial part of our work to rapidly alert the healthcare system to risks and to provide guidance on preventing potential incidents that may lead to harm or death.
“We use data on patient safety incidents reported by healthcare providers to identify themes and patterns of similar incidents across the country. Even if these incidents are extremely rare, if there is a risk to the safety of patients, we will alert all relevant providers to ensure appropriate action is taken to eliminate the possibility of a similar incident occurring. This signals my intention to move from the current approach of risk management and mitigation to a system that recognises a determination to not only evaluate all patient safety risks but to work with intent to eradicate all causes of such risk.”
You can view the full Patient safety alert on risk of associating ECG records with wrong patients here.
A third of hospital trusts in breach of sharps safety regulations
A third of hospital trusts in breach of sharps safety regulations A recent report from the Health Service Journal (HSJ) highlights a third of trusts are non-compliant when it comes to sharps safety regulation, putting nurses and other frontline staff at risk of injury. NHS Employers
Nurse tech fund winners announced
Nurse tech fund winners announced Seven NHS trusts have received £1m or more from the Nursing Technology Fund for mobile working, vital signs, and nursing observation projects. E-Health Insider
See also:
See also:
Violence affects 'third of EU women'
Violence affects 'third of EU women' About a third of all women in the European Union have experienced either physical or sexual violence since the age of 15, a survey suggests. BBC News
A Sliding Doors moment for the NHS?
A Sliding Doors moment for the NHS? Is the NHS having its Sliding Doors moment? BBC News
New coalition launched to make person-centred, coordinated care a reality for people living with long-term conditions
New coalition launched to make person-centred, coordinated care a reality for people living with long-term conditions The Coalition for Collaborative Care is a group of individuals and organisations across the health, social care and voluntary sectors who want to make person-centred, coordinated care a reality for people living with long-term conditions. That means improving the relationship that people have in their day-to-day interaction with the NHS and social care so their care and support is organised around what matters to them.
We are doing this through the House of Care. The House of Care was developed and tested by the Year of Care programme and People Powered Health. It is a flexible blueprint that uses collaborative care and support planning and at the same time recognises the importance of non-medical, community-based activities and resources. This ‘more than medicine’ approach helps each person develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their condition/s within a supportive community.
We are doing this through the House of Care. The House of Care was developed and tested by the Year of Care programme and People Powered Health. It is a flexible blueprint that uses collaborative care and support planning and at the same time recognises the importance of non-medical, community-based activities and resources. This ‘more than medicine’ approach helps each person develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their condition/s within a supportive community.
Public health services non mandatory contract
Public health services non mandatory contract The guidance for the Public Health Services Contract has been updated. This contract is adaptable for use for a broad range of public health services and delivery models. It provides a framework to hold providers to account for the delivery of these services to achieve improved health outcomes. Department of Health
Emergency admissions to hospital
Emergency admissions to hospital This report examines the increasing levels of demand on A&E services when budgets are coming under increasing pressure. It identifies the lack of specialist A&E consultants; the slow progress in introducing out of hours consultant cover; and a lack of performance quality data as key factors in hampering the development and improvement of A&E services. House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts
How collaborating with patients improves hospital care | Anna Bawden
How collaborating with patients improves hospital care | Anna Bawden A new project where patients and NHS staff work together to improve services shows that even small changes can have a big impact on the quality of care. The Guardian
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