Midwife-led care during labour best for most mothers and babies, says draft NICE guidance
NICE has begun a consultation on proposed changes to its guidance on the safe care of pregnant women and their babies during childbirth. As part of this, NICE is proposing to revise its recommendations on the safest settings for women at low risk of complications to give birth. NICE
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
We need safe, compassionate mental health care | Norman Lamb
We need safe, compassionate mental health care | Norman Lamb
A two-year programme aims to end the deliberate use of face-down restraint in all health and care settings
If you were being treated for a physical illness or injury like a broken leg or a heart condition you would never imagine that as part of that treatment you could be tied to your hospital bed to prevent you from moving or restrained face-down by the health professionals caring for you.
But for many people who have a mental illness, a learning disability or autism, this is a possibility. The Guardian
Continue reading...
A two-year programme aims to end the deliberate use of face-down restraint in all health and care settings
If you were being treated for a physical illness or injury like a broken leg or a heart condition you would never imagine that as part of that treatment you could be tied to your hospital bed to prevent you from moving or restrained face-down by the health professionals caring for you.
But for many people who have a mental illness, a learning disability or autism, this is a possibility. The Guardian
Continue reading...
Calls for millions to be given free vitamin D supplements
Calls for millions to be given free vitamin D supplements
One in five adults at risk of deficiency, with a lack of the 'sunshine' vitamin linked to soft bones and other conditions
Millions more people should be offered free vitamin D supplements under proposals from the government's health advisers to tackle the increasingly widespread deficiency in the vitamin.
Councils should consider making supplements available to the one in five adults who are at risk. A lack of the "sunshine" vitamin has been linked to soft bones and other health conditions. Older people and those from ethnic minorities, whose darker skin means they produce less vitamin D, would be among the recipients, according to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice). The Guardian
Continue reading...
One in five adults at risk of deficiency, with a lack of the 'sunshine' vitamin linked to soft bones and other conditions
Millions more people should be offered free vitamin D supplements under proposals from the government's health advisers to tackle the increasingly widespread deficiency in the vitamin.
Councils should consider making supplements available to the one in five adults who are at risk. A lack of the "sunshine" vitamin has been linked to soft bones and other health conditions. Older people and those from ethnic minorities, whose darker skin means they produce less vitamin D, would be among the recipients, according to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice). The Guardian
Continue reading...
People with learning disabilities are under-supported to live mentally healthy lives
People with learning disabilities are under-supported to live mentally healthy lives
Today the Foundation is launching a report revealing people with learning disabilities are continuing to struggle to access mental health support. Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities News
Today the Foundation is launching a report revealing people with learning disabilities are continuing to struggle to access mental health support. Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities News
Second Heathrow Mers case identified
Second Heathrow Mers case identified
A second case emerges of a passenger who travelled through Heathrow Airport and later tested positive for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) virus. BBC News
A second case emerges of a passenger who travelled through Heathrow Airport and later tested positive for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) virus. BBC News
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. 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. NICE
The future of NHS England’s Choose and Book programme
The future of NHS England’s Choose and Book programme
NHS England today clarified the future of its Choose and Book programme, following an article in the Observer newspaper at the weekend.
Beverley Bryant, Director of Strategic Systems and Technology for NHS Englandexplained the contract on Choose and Book – introduced in 2004 as a national electronic appointment booking service that provides patients with a choice of place, date and time for first outpatient appointments – is coming to an end .
“A new NHS e-Referral Service will supersede it later this year,” she said. “This will build on the success of Choose and Book and lessons learnt to provide a more efficient service that better meets the needs of the NHS and our patients.
“When Choose and Book was introduced nearly 10 years ago it was a major step forward in creating a central appointments service with the aim of offering patients a choice of appointment at a time and place to suit them.
“As a result, up to 40,000 patient referrals are made through Choose and Book every day and to date over 40 million bookings have been made through the system. But we know that Choose and Book has worked for some and not for others and a combination of electronic and paper referrals is still being used in some areas.
“With the new NHS eReferrals Service we want to build on the successes of Choose and Book and use the lessons learnt. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it is about taking the next step.
“This is part of NHS England’s commitment to making all referrals electronic by 2018.
“What we have been very clear on is the need to understand what referring clinicians and receiving organisations want from the new system. Managing a mixed economy of paper and electronic referrals is onerous for hospitals and the lack of total slot availability makes it difficult for referring GPs to move away from paper.
“We want a system that is quick, easy and beneficial for healthcare professionals to use and ultimately improves patient experience by providing flexibility and choice around the services we offer wherever the patient is.
“When Choose and Book was designed back in 2003 agile, open technologies were not readily available. A major objective of the new NHS E-Referrals system will be to introduce functionality for patients as well as clinicians to facilitate Choice and to make the whole booking experience more user friendly”
The vision for the new NHS e-Referral Service was launched in June 2013. The announcement kicked off an extensive engagement with healthcare professionals and patients.
Feedback from consultations has helped drive the design of the new service and help develop a system that is simpler to use, adopts the latest technology and provides an improved service for users and better experience for patients, with a view to driving up utilisation.
The new NHS e-Referral Service will harness some of the new technologies used by the most successful IT companies in the world and, using the latest Agile development techniques, will deliver a service designed and assured by the users, that patients want and the NHS needs to deliver modern and efficient healthcare.
NHS Commissioning Board
NHS England today clarified the future of its Choose and Book programme, following an article in the Observer newspaper at the weekend.
Beverley Bryant, Director of Strategic Systems and Technology for NHS Englandexplained the contract on Choose and Book – introduced in 2004 as a national electronic appointment booking service that provides patients with a choice of place, date and time for first outpatient appointments – is coming to an end .
“A new NHS e-Referral Service will supersede it later this year,” she said. “This will build on the success of Choose and Book and lessons learnt to provide a more efficient service that better meets the needs of the NHS and our patients.
“When Choose and Book was introduced nearly 10 years ago it was a major step forward in creating a central appointments service with the aim of offering patients a choice of appointment at a time and place to suit them.
“As a result, up to 40,000 patient referrals are made through Choose and Book every day and to date over 40 million bookings have been made through the system. But we know that Choose and Book has worked for some and not for others and a combination of electronic and paper referrals is still being used in some areas.
“With the new NHS eReferrals Service we want to build on the successes of Choose and Book and use the lessons learnt. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it is about taking the next step.
“This is part of NHS England’s commitment to making all referrals electronic by 2018.
“What we have been very clear on is the need to understand what referring clinicians and receiving organisations want from the new system. Managing a mixed economy of paper and electronic referrals is onerous for hospitals and the lack of total slot availability makes it difficult for referring GPs to move away from paper.
“We want a system that is quick, easy and beneficial for healthcare professionals to use and ultimately improves patient experience by providing flexibility and choice around the services we offer wherever the patient is.
“When Choose and Book was designed back in 2003 agile, open technologies were not readily available. A major objective of the new NHS E-Referrals system will be to introduce functionality for patients as well as clinicians to facilitate Choice and to make the whole booking experience more user friendly”
The vision for the new NHS e-Referral Service was launched in June 2013. The announcement kicked off an extensive engagement with healthcare professionals and patients.
Feedback from consultations has helped drive the design of the new service and help develop a system that is simpler to use, adopts the latest technology and provides an improved service for users and better experience for patients, with a view to driving up utilisation.
The new NHS e-Referral Service will harness some of the new technologies used by the most successful IT companies in the world and, using the latest Agile development techniques, will deliver a service designed and assured by the users, that patients want and the NHS needs to deliver modern and efficient healthcare.
NHS Commissioning Board
Monday, 12 May 2014
Hospital plans pioneering bid to improve care of the elderly
Hospital plans pioneering bid to improve care of the elderly Kettering General Hospital is to become a pioneer in a new style of care for the 36,000 elderly patients it treats each year. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Hospital can have a ‘strong and positive future’, says new boss
Hospital can have a ‘strong and positive future’, says new boss Kettering General Hospital’s new chief executive has predicted a strong future for the hospital as it serves the area’s rapidly growing population. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Nurse cuts proposal could affect 770 Northamptonshire patients
Nurse cuts proposal could affect 770 Northamptonshire patients More than 770 Northamptonshire patients regularly visited by community nurses could be affected by a proposal to make NHS staff redundant. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Safe nursing levels recommended
Safe nursing levels recommended Hospitals in England should be wary about having nurses care for more than eight patients each on wards during the day, draft NHS guidance suggests. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- New NICE guidelines are a step towards improving staffing levels Royal College of Nursing
- Hospitals need thousands of extra nurses 'or patients' safety will be at risk' The Guardian
- Exclusive: Minimum of one nurse to eight patients, hospitals to be told The Independent
- Nursing union welcome new guidelines The Daily Telegraph
UK mental health cost of Afghan war
UK mental health cost of Afghan war There has been a "significant increase" in the number of Afghanistan veterans seeking mental health treatment, charity Combat Stress says. BBC News
Lack of exercise 'highest risk' for women over 30
Lack of exercise 'highest risk' for women over 30 "Heart disease warning: Lack of exercise is worse risk for over-30s women than smoking or obesity," The Independent reports. It is important to stress that this headline is based on a result that is applicable to a population, not to an individual.
The Australian study the headline is reporting on looked at population attributable risk, or PARs. PARs can be used to estimate the proportion of cases of a disease, such as heart disease, that would not occur in a population if the risk factor, such as inactivity, was eliminated.
The Australian study the headline is reporting on looked at population attributable risk, or PARs. PARs can be used to estimate the proportion of cases of a disease, such as heart disease, that would not occur in a population if the risk factor, such as inactivity, was eliminated.
New medicines, better medicines, better use of medicines
New medicines, better medicines, better use of medicines This report summarises the role pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists have played and continue to play in the development and use of medicines. It highlights the major challenges and opportunities faced when creating new medicines, improving existing medicines or ensuring the better, safer, use of medicines. It contains seven recommendations arising from the challenges, and which identify areas for development, expansion, change and innovation for the future. Royal Pharmaceutical Society
NHS hit by new tech failure as it scraps patient booking system
NHS hit by new tech failure as it scraps patient booking system Choose and Book outpatient appointments system set to be replaced by a potentially more expensive e-referral scheme.
The NHS is quietly ditching an electronic booking system for outpatient appointments, Choose and Book, which has cost £356m since 2004, in a further sign of the difficulties of introducing efficient IT systems into the health service.
The decision to replace it with a potentially even more expensive e-referral scheme by 2016 follows a drop in its use by doctors and patients. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS is quietly ditching an electronic booking system for outpatient appointments, Choose and Book, which has cost £356m since 2004, in a further sign of the difficulties of introducing efficient IT systems into the health service.
The decision to replace it with a potentially even more expensive e-referral scheme by 2016 follows a drop in its use by doctors and patients. Continue reading... The Guardian
Pensioners to pay double cap for care home fees
Pensioners to pay double cap for care home fees Elderly pensioners face 'shocking' care home costs as most will pay double the Government's cap of £70,000 because many costs are not included, Institute of Actuaries warns. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Few 'will hit social care cost cap' BBC News
Top nurse warns on NHS whistleblowers
Top nurse warns on NHS whistleblowers NHS whistleblowers need more protection, top nurse warns. The Daily Telegraph
Mental-health patients driven hundreds of miles for treatment
Mental-health patients driven hundreds of miles for treatment A crisis in mental health care has been declared by NHS staff in East Anglia, across a region covering the constituencies of two government health ministers. The Independent
Brain injury victims suffer savage cuts in services
Brain injury victims suffer savage cuts in services
Savage cuts in rehabilitation services are resulting in thousands of brain injury victims being denied help and ultimately costing the taxpayer more money, according to a new study by the brain injury charity, Headway. The Independent
Savage cuts in rehabilitation services are resulting in thousands of brain injury victims being denied help and ultimately costing the taxpayer more money, according to a new study by the brain injury charity, Headway. The Independent
Friday, 9 May 2014
'Sack failing health body', MP urges
'Sack failing health body', MP urges
An MP demands an NHS body covering Northamptonshire be "sacked" from commissioning ongoing healthcare after a "series of failures". BBC News - Northamptonshire
An MP demands an NHS body covering Northamptonshire be "sacked" from commissioning ongoing healthcare after a "series of failures". BBC News - Northamptonshire
Meeting the challenge: successful employee engagement in the NHS
Meeting the challenge: successful employee engagement in the NHS
This report is based on case studies of employee engagement at eight high performing NHS Trusts. It identifies the approach and interventions associated with high levels of engagement, and provides some recommendations for trusts looking to drive up engagement. It concludes that only through effectively engaging with employees will the NHS be able to meet the challenges it faces in coming years. Involvement & Participation Association
Report
Case studies
Involvement & Participation Association - news
This report is based on case studies of employee engagement at eight high performing NHS Trusts. It identifies the approach and interventions associated with high levels of engagement, and provides some recommendations for trusts looking to drive up engagement. It concludes that only through effectively engaging with employees will the NHS be able to meet the challenges it faces in coming years. Involvement & Participation Association
Report
Case studies
Involvement & Participation Association - news
New software helps NHS trusts track patient feedback
New software helps NHS trusts track patient feedback
Start-up HealthBerry will enable healthcare professionals to monitor and react to comments on social media and around the web, freeing up time and resources, says its chief executive
Patients are increasingly using social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, NHS Choices,Patient Opinion and Google+, to leave feedback about NHS services, engage directly with healthcare providers and interact with the NHS in real-time.
We wanted to build something that will help NHS professionals and the public make sense of all the different channels by putting everything in one place with one set of controls. Guardian
Continue reading...
Start-up HealthBerry will enable healthcare professionals to monitor and react to comments on social media and around the web, freeing up time and resources, says its chief executive
Patients are increasingly using social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, NHS Choices,Patient Opinion and Google+, to leave feedback about NHS services, engage directly with healthcare providers and interact with the NHS in real-time.
We wanted to build something that will help NHS professionals and the public make sense of all the different channels by putting everything in one place with one set of controls. Guardian
Continue reading...
80% of people in Britain think the NHS should be protected from funding cuts
80% of people in Britain think the NHS should be protected from funding cuts
Survey respondents believe health service should be exempt from more austerity, amid concerns the NHS lacks resources
Four out of five people in Britain believe the NHS should be protected from government spending cuts, according to a survey which reaffirmed the high level of affection in which the service is held.
Asked which two or three areas of public spending should be exempt from more austerity, respondents identified the NHS and healthcare (79%), schools (51%), care for the elderly (51%), the police (39%) and social services (21%). Guardian
Continue reading...
Survey respondents believe health service should be exempt from more austerity, amid concerns the NHS lacks resources
Four out of five people in Britain believe the NHS should be protected from government spending cuts, according to a survey which reaffirmed the high level of affection in which the service is held.
Asked which two or three areas of public spending should be exempt from more austerity, respondents identified the NHS and healthcare (79%), schools (51%), care for the elderly (51%), the police (39%) and social services (21%). Guardian
Continue reading...
Exercise is more important than smoking for women over 30
Exercise is more important than smoking for women over 30
Inactivity responsible for more heart disease than smoking in women over 30 years old. Daily Telegraph
Inactivity responsible for more heart disease than smoking in women over 30 years old. Daily Telegraph
A&E waiting time targets improve
A&E waiting time targets improve
Hospital accident and emergency department waiting time targets to see patients within four hours improve on the previous year, figures show. BBC News - Health
Hospital accident and emergency department waiting time targets to see patients within four hours improve on the previous year, figures show. BBC News - Health
NICE issues final draft guidance recommending enzalutamide for prostate cancer
NICE issues final draft guidance recommending enzalutamide for prostate cancer
People with hormone-relapsed prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and have been treated with the cytotoxic drug docetaxel, should be given access to enzalutamide through the NHS, NICE has confirmed in final draft guidance. Enzalutamide is also known as Xtandi and manufactured by Astellas Pharma.
People with hormone-relapsed prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and have been treated with the cytotoxic drug docetaxel, should be given access to enzalutamide through the NHS, NICE has confirmed in final draft guidance. Enzalutamide is also known as Xtandi and manufactured by Astellas Pharma.
- New hope for prostate cancer sufferers after NHS U-turn Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 8 May 2014
Recognising the importance of physical health in mental health and intellectual disability: achieving parity of outcomes
Recognising the importance of physical health in mental health and intellectual disability: achieving parity of outcomes This report finds that a person in England and Wales with intellectual disability will die about 16 years earlier than average, and more than double the number die before the age of 50 and that their experience of NHS healthcare is often poor. It calls for this inequality to be urgently addressed and aims to identify what actions need to be taken to support doctors and the medical profession in changing the status quo in the UK. British Medical Association
The NHS was not a major issue during the 2010 election, so what should we expect in 2015?
The NHS was not a major issue during the 2010 election, so what should we expect in 2015? The government’s record on the NHS will be at the heart of the election debate. The good news for the coalition is that the unprecedented slowdown in NHS funding since 2010 has not yet had a serious, adverse impact on patient care.
Today we publish the health questions from NatCen's British Social Attitudes Survey 2013, which show that public satisfaction with the NHS remains high. The bad news is that a significant amount of capital was expended on the reforms enshrined in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, at a time when the last thing the NHS needed was a destabilising, top-down reorganisation.
Today we publish the health questions from NatCen's British Social Attitudes Survey 2013, which show that public satisfaction with the NHS remains high. The bad news is that a significant amount of capital was expended on the reforms enshrined in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, at a time when the last thing the NHS needed was a destabilising, top-down reorganisation.
Breastfeeding 'cuts childhood asthma risk'
Breastfeeding 'cuts childhood asthma risk '“Breastfeeding DOES cut the risk of asthma, says landmark study of 250,000 babies over 30 years,” the Mail Online reports. A major review has found a link between breastfeeding and reduced childhood asthma rates.
The headlines follow a large review of the link between breastfeeding and the risk of asthma in children from the general population. The researchers included 117 observational studies published between 1983 and 2012, which looked at whether a child had previously had asthma, or had experienced recent asthma or wheezing (in the previous 12 months).
The headlines follow a large review of the link between breastfeeding and the risk of asthma in children from the general population. The researchers included 117 observational studies published between 1983 and 2012, which looked at whether a child had previously had asthma, or had experienced recent asthma or wheezing (in the previous 12 months).
Better Care Fund ‘built on flawed logic’
Better Care Fund ‘built on flawed logic’ Nuffield Trust says Government is right to review Fund. OnMedica
Much of NHS £10bn diabetes spend ‘wasted’
Much of NHS £10bn diabetes spend ‘wasted’ Most waste is on treating complications that good care could have prevented. OnMedica
See also:
See also:
- The Cost of Diabetes Report Diabetes UK
GPs to vote on charging patients for appointments
GPs to vote on charging patients for appointments Health campaigners criticise plan to deter patients from failing to turn up to surgeries as 'profiteering from the most vulnerable'
Health campaigners have expressed alarm over plans by GPs to vote on charging patients for appointments.
The proposal is aimed at saving the NHS tens of millions of pounds a year by deterring patients from failing to turn up to appointments. Continue reading... The Guardian
Health campaigners have expressed alarm over plans by GPs to vote on charging patients for appointments.
The proposal is aimed at saving the NHS tens of millions of pounds a year by deterring patients from failing to turn up to appointments. Continue reading... The Guardian
Then what? Special inquiry in discharge from hospitals, care homes and secure mental health units
Then what? Special inquiry in discharge from hospitals, care homes and secure mental health units Tens of thousands of people are potentially being sent home without proper support when they leave hospital or a care home. People can be left isolated in our communities and end up in crisis that could have been prevented.
This problem was escalated to us early on by the Healthwatch network as an area of significant concern.
We understand unsafe discharge can have the biggest impact on homeless people, people with mental health conditions and older people
Because of this, our inquiry will focus on the concerns of people from these three consumer groups being discharged from hospitals, care homes and secure mental health units. Healthwatch England
See also:
This problem was escalated to us early on by the Healthwatch network as an area of significant concern.
We understand unsafe discharge can have the biggest impact on homeless people, people with mental health conditions and older people
Because of this, our inquiry will focus on the concerns of people from these three consumer groups being discharged from hospitals, care homes and secure mental health units. Healthwatch England
See also:
- What happens when the vulnerable leave hospital? Channel 4 News
- Hospitals send dementia patients to homes without food or heating The Daily Telegraph
All newborns to undergo heart tests
All newborns to undergo heart tests Babies will undergo tests to check for heart defects, NHS screening committee rules. The Daily Telegraph
Satisfaction with A&E at lowest level for six years
Satisfaction with A&E at lowest level for six years Dissatisfaction with accident and emergency departments increases as waiting times rise. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
2015 Challenge Declaration
2015 Challenge Declaration The NHS is rightly heralded as one of our national treasures. It now faces the most challenging set of circumstances since it began. NHS Confederation
Court warns CCG over disagreeing with NICE guidance
Court warns CCG over disagreeing with NICE guidance Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) cannot choose not to follow NICE guidance because they merely disagree with it, even where there is no statutory duty to do so, a court has ruled. NICE
Carer recruits 'must speak English'
Carer recruits 'must speak English' Agencies must ensure people they recruit as carers can speak English before placing them in vulnerable people's homes, a government adviser says. BBC News
Cuts 'hit mental health patients'
Cuts 'hit mental health patients' A lack of mental health beds in England is forcing patients to travel hundreds of miles to receive treatment in other areas, figures show. BBC News
See also:
See also:
No deadline for care.data roll-out
No deadline for care.data roll-out There is no new date set for the national deployment of the care.data programme, after the government announced a six month delay to the go-live earlier this year. E-Health Insider
Why asthma still kills: the national review of asthma deaths
Why asthma still kills: the national review of asthma deaths This report looked into the circumstances surrounding deaths from asthma from 1st February 2012 to 30th January 2013. The primary aim was to understand the circumstances surrounding asthma deaths in the UK in order to identify avoidable factors and to make recommendations to improve care and reduce the number of deaths. Royal College of Physicians
See also:
- Asthma is still a 'killer,' report warns NHS Choices
- RCGP Response to NRAD report on asthma Royal College of General Practitioners
- Nurses call for a ‘step change’ in the treatment of asthma Royal College of Nursing
- AUDIO: 'Asthma off national agenda' BBC News
Keys to diversion: best practice for offenders with multiple needs
Keys to diversion: best practice for offenders with multiple needs This report argues that CCGs across England should ensure they offer coherent and effective support for people with mental health problems who are diverted from police stations and courts. It identifies the key elements of successful liaison and diversion services in six services and finds that the most successful teams offer support for a wide range of a person’s needs, they build packages of support from a range of local agencies, and they stay in touch with people after they have been referred to other services. Centre for Mental Health
£3.8bn NHS Better Care Fund policy delayed after damning Whitehall review
£3.8bn NHS Better Care Fund policy delayed after damning Whitehall review Review concluded that claims for policy to bring together health and social care services 'don't stack up'
A government policy intended to stop the NHS from becoming overwhelmed has been delayed after a confidential Whitehall review concluded it would not work as hoped. Neither would it help to balance the NHS budget or bring about an intended revolution in patient care.
The £3.8bn-a-year Better Care Fund was supposed to have been launched last week, but its introduction has become mired in doubt after the Cabinet Office voiced deep disquiet about its viability and argued that there was little or no detail about how the expected savings would be delivered. Continue reading... The Guardian
A government policy intended to stop the NHS from becoming overwhelmed has been delayed after a confidential Whitehall review concluded it would not work as hoped. Neither would it help to balance the NHS budget or bring about an intended revolution in patient care.
The £3.8bn-a-year Better Care Fund was supposed to have been launched last week, but its introduction has become mired in doubt after the Cabinet Office voiced deep disquiet about its viability and argued that there was little or no detail about how the expected savings would be delivered. Continue reading... The Guardian
Female genital mutilation parties being held in UK, MPs told
Female genital mutilation parties being held in UK, MPs told Health professionals tell committee that 'cutters' are flown into Britain for events at which up to a dozen girls may be mutilated.
The cutting of girls at female genital mutilation "parties" is still going on in Britain and not just taking place abroad, healthcare experts have told MPs.
The Commons home affairs select committee has heard that "cutters" often older women are flown into Britain for the events, at which as many as a dozen girls may be operated on. Continue reading... The Guardian
The cutting of girls at female genital mutilation "parties" is still going on in Britain and not just taking place abroad, healthcare experts have told MPs.
The Commons home affairs select committee has heard that "cutters" often older women are flown into Britain for the events, at which as many as a dozen girls may be operated on. Continue reading... The Guardian
50,000 will have to leave work this year to care for someone with dementia
50,000 will have to leave work this year to care for someone with dementia
The damage done by dementia to families, communities and businesses represents a threat to “the fabric of our society” the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said, as a new report reveals that, this year alone, 50,000 people will leave work to care for someone close to them. The Independent
See also:
The damage done by dementia to families, communities and businesses represents a threat to “the fabric of our society” the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said, as a new report reveals that, this year alone, 50,000 people will leave work to care for someone close to them. The Independent
See also:
- 'Dementia-friendly' workplaces call BBC News
- Burden of dementia on working life revealed The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 6 May 2014
Family upset with 'dreadful' care
Family upset with 'dreadful' care
A woman criticises the care given to a 97-year-old from Northamptonshire woman at a home. BBC News - Northampton
A woman criticises the care given to a 97-year-old from Northamptonshire woman at a home. BBC News - Northampton
Hospital 'failed' two patients
Hospital 'failed' two patients
An investigation into complaints involving a Flintshire hospital finds "significant failings" in the care of two patients. BBC News
An investigation into complaints involving a Flintshire hospital finds "significant failings" in the care of two patients. BBC News
Measuring what really matters
Measuring what really matters
"The paper describes the principles of person-centred care and the activities that a person-centred system should undertake in different contexts."
Measuring what really matters
A Collins The Health Foundation April 2014Read more here.
"The paper describes the principles of person-centred care and the activities that a person-centred system should undertake in different contexts."
Measuring what really matters
A Collins The Health Foundation April 2014Read more here.
The impact of clinical research in the NHS - discussion roundup
The impact of clinical research in the NHS - discussion roundup
The key points from our discussion on how to maximise the impact of clinical research in the NHS
Richard Stephens, chair, Consumer Liaison Group: There are many people being innovative in the NHS, it's just not often joined-up or publicised. Research is bringing innovation in terms of clinical practice as often, simply running studies produces changes in practice. The issue is adopting successful innovation as standard practice that's the challenge. Guardian
Continue reading...
The key points from our discussion on how to maximise the impact of clinical research in the NHS
Richard Stephens, chair, Consumer Liaison Group: There are many people being innovative in the NHS, it's just not often joined-up or publicised. Research is bringing innovation in terms of clinical practice as often, simply running studies produces changes in practice. The issue is adopting successful innovation as standard practice that's the challenge. Guardian
Continue reading...
Diabetic patients occupy one in seven hospital beds
Diabetic patients occupy one in seven hospital beds
Diabetes costs the NHS £10 billion a year - with one in seven hospital beds occupied by someone with the condition. Daily Telegraph
Diabetes costs the NHS £10 billion a year - with one in seven hospital beds occupied by someone with the condition. Daily Telegraph
Warning over tragic failings behind hundreds of deaths
Warning over tragic failings behind hundreds of deaths
Two in three asthma deaths in the UK could have been prevented with the right care, damning review finds. Daily Telegraph
Two in three asthma deaths in the UK could have been prevented with the right care, damning review finds. Daily Telegraph
UK child death rate: a scandal with a clear link to poverty
UK child death rate: a scandal with a clear link to poverty
Nearly five in every thousand babies born in Britain will not live to their fifth birthday, and experts say inequality is to blame
The death of a child is always a tragedy. The avoidable deaths of thousands of children under five years old every year in the UK is a scandal, according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and the National Children's Bureau, who say that inequalities in our society which leave many families in poverty and deprivation are to blame.
Their views, expressed in a report this week, Why Children Die, put flesh on stark new statistics published on Friday from the most authoritative number-crunchers on health in the world, the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle, part of Washington University. In their paper,published in the Lancet, they show that children under five in the UK are more likely to die than in any other western European country except Malta. Nearly five babies of every 1,000 born in the UK will not live to their fifth birthday. Guardian
Continue reading...
Nearly five in every thousand babies born in Britain will not live to their fifth birthday, and experts say inequality is to blame
The death of a child is always a tragedy. The avoidable deaths of thousands of children under five years old every year in the UK is a scandal, according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and the National Children's Bureau, who say that inequalities in our society which leave many families in poverty and deprivation are to blame.
Their views, expressed in a report this week, Why Children Die, put flesh on stark new statistics published on Friday from the most authoritative number-crunchers on health in the world, the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle, part of Washington University. In their paper,published in the Lancet, they show that children under five in the UK are more likely to die than in any other western European country except Malta. Nearly five babies of every 1,000 born in the UK will not live to their fifth birthday. Guardian
Continue reading...
New fast-track programme will train top graduates to work as mental health social workers
New fast-track programme will train top graduates to work as mental health social workers
The brightest graduates are to be encouraged to train to be mental health social workers amid warnings that councils are unable to cope in the under-resourced sector. The Independent
The brightest graduates are to be encouraged to train to be mental health social workers amid warnings that councils are unable to cope in the under-resourced sector. The Independent
Mobile app puts 'doctor in your pocket'
Mobile app puts 'doctor in your pocket'
A mobile app lets users see their GP through video consultations and order prescriptions on their smartphone or tablet. EHI News
A mobile app lets users see their GP through video consultations and order prescriptions on their smartphone or tablet. EHI News
New care workers to need certificate
New care workers to need certificate
New care workers in England will have to complete a training certificate within 12 weeks of starting a job, the BBC understands. BBC News
New care workers in England will have to complete a training certificate within 12 weeks of starting a job, the BBC understands. BBC News
Together we can get care.data absolutely right – Tim Kelsey
Together we can get care.data absolutely right – Tim Kelsey
Tim Kelsey, NHS England’s National Director for Patients and Information, explains the important next steps in the programme:
I thought it would be helpful to update you on the latest developments around the care.data programme.
In February, we announced a six month extension to the start of care.data so we could ensure stronger safeguards around the uses of the data, clarity about the rights people have to opt out, and that appropriate, accessible information was available for professionals and the public.
Since then we have been listening to the views of patients, the public, GPs and stakeholders on how best to build trust and confidence in this project.
Tim Kelsey, NHS England’s National Director for Patients and Information, explains the important next steps in the programme:
I thought it would be helpful to update you on the latest developments around the care.data programme.
In February, we announced a six month extension to the start of care.data so we could ensure stronger safeguards around the uses of the data, clarity about the rights people have to opt out, and that appropriate, accessible information was available for professionals and the public.
Since then we have been listening to the views of patients, the public, GPs and stakeholders on how best to build trust and confidence in this project.
Friday, 2 May 2014
Northampton General Hospital investing in the future of radiology
Northampton General Hospital investing in the future of radiology
Staff at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) are involved in a new development that will transform the way radiology images and reports are used, helping to improve patient care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Staff at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) are involved in a new development that will transform the way radiology images and reports are used, helping to improve patient care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
St Andrew’s Hospital patient caught after running out of breath following attack on staff
St Andrew’s Hospital patient caught after running out of breath following attack on staff
A patient at St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton has been fined £100 after assaulting a nurse and a therapist. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A patient at St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton has been fined £100 after assaulting a nurse and a therapist. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Kettering Hospital gets award recognition for patient flow
Kettering Hospital gets award recognition for patient flow
Kettering Hospital has received a national award for the way its Ambulatory Care Unit has contributed to improved performance in accident and emergency. Evening Telegraph
Kettering Hospital has received a national award for the way its Ambulatory Care Unit has contributed to improved performance in accident and emergency. Evening Telegraph
Mass tests to track risk of dementia
Mass tests to track risk of dementia
A third of a million UK adults are to be asked to complete online reasoning and memory tests as part of a project to try to track dementia causes. BBC News
A third of a million UK adults are to be asked to complete online reasoning and memory tests as part of a project to try to track dementia causes. BBC News
UK cancer survival rates ‘a national shame’ says Macmillan Cancer Support
UK cancer survival rates ‘a national shame’ says Macmillan Cancer Support
Britain’s leading cancer support charity has said that survival rates and care of cancer patients in the UK should be a “national shame”. The Independent
Britain’s leading cancer support charity has said that survival rates and care of cancer patients in the UK should be a “national shame”. The Independent
NHS funding increase needed as financial crisis looms
NHS funding increase needed as financial crisis looms
A significant increase in funding is needed to prevent a financial crisis in the NHS, according to a new report from The King's Fund.
The report finds that there are still significant opportunities to improve efficiency within the health service, for example by improving procurement and changing clinical practice. However, with more than a quarter of trusts already in deficit, the report warns that a financial crisis is now inevitable by 2015/16 and could arrive sooner than this, with damaging consequences for patient care.
The report highlights the progress made in improving efficiency in the face of the unprecedented slowdown in NHS funding since 2010. But it warns that the main ways of reducing costs - holding down salaries, reducing the prices paid to hospitals and cutting management costs - have now almost been exhausted.
A significant increase in funding is needed to prevent a financial crisis in the NHS, according to a new report from The King's Fund.
The report finds that there are still significant opportunities to improve efficiency within the health service, for example by improving procurement and changing clinical practice. However, with more than a quarter of trusts already in deficit, the report warns that a financial crisis is now inevitable by 2015/16 and could arrive sooner than this, with damaging consequences for patient care.
The report highlights the progress made in improving efficiency in the face of the unprecedented slowdown in NHS funding since 2010. But it warns that the main ways of reducing costs - holding down salaries, reducing the prices paid to hospitals and cutting management costs - have now almost been exhausted.
Just 8% of NHS trust non-exec board members are healthcare professionals, study finds
Just 8% of NHS trust non-exec board members are healthcare professionals, study finds
Half of NHS hospitals do not have a single doctor or nurse on their non-executive board, a new study has revealed, in findings that have revived fears over the “commercialisation” of the culture of the NHS. The Independent
Half of NHS hospitals do not have a single doctor or nurse on their non-executive board, a new study has revealed, in findings that have revived fears over the “commercialisation” of the culture of the NHS. The Independent
Vitamin D deficiency link to prostate cancer
Vitamin D deficiency link to prostate cancer
A study by Northwestern University in the US took biopsy samples from 600 men in Chicago and found that any which lacked vitamin D were strongly associated with prostate cancer. Daily Mail
A study by Northwestern University in the US took biopsy samples from 600 men in Chicago and found that any which lacked vitamin D were strongly associated with prostate cancer. Daily Mail
Could measuring cortisol levels become a biological test for risk of depression in adolescent males?
Could measuring cortisol levels become a biological test for risk of depression in adolescent males?
Is it possible to work out which of two adolescents sitting before you complaining of unhappiness, which one will go home and sleep it off and which will go on to develop an episode of major depression? Has the biological revolution in psychiatry finally come to fruition with a useful biomarker for making treatment decisions? [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Is it possible to work out which of two adolescents sitting before you complaining of unhappiness, which one will go home and sleep it off and which will go on to develop an episode of major depression? Has the biological revolution in psychiatry finally come to fruition with a useful biomarker for making treatment decisions? [read the full story...] The Mental Elf
Dementia prevalence calculator
Dementia prevalence calculator
This tool aims to provide locally relevant information about dementia care to facilitate the local planning of services specifically around the diagnosis of people with dementia. NHS England
Calculator
This tool aims to provide locally relevant information about dementia care to facilitate the local planning of services specifically around the diagnosis of people with dementia. NHS England
Calculator
EC consults on mobile health
EC consults on mobile health
Healthcare systems in Europe will have to open up to receiving data from patients, collected via mobile apps, the European Commission has said. EHI News
Healthcare systems in Europe will have to open up to receiving data from patients, collected via mobile apps, the European Commission has said. EHI News
NICE to support the NHS in gaining free trial access to medical research
NICE to support the NHS in gaining free trial access to medical research
NICE to support the NHS in gaining free trial access to medical research
NICE to support the NHS in gaining free trial access to medical research
Second Business plan launched
Second Business plan launched
Jo Lenaghan, Director of Strategy and Planning is pleased to announce the launch of our second Business Plan
“This plan sets out how we will deliver our commitments which includes the mandate published today.
Whilst our plan for 2013/14 reflected our status as a newly formed body in transition, our Business Plan for 2014/15 reflects our growing ambition and the challenges we face as a key part of the wider NHS system.
In particular reflecting on the way we see the workforce developing into more primary and community based services.
Read the full document here
Jo Lenaghan, Director of Strategy and Planning is pleased to announce the launch of our second Business Plan
“This plan sets out how we will deliver our commitments which includes the mandate published today.
Whilst our plan for 2013/14 reflected our status as a newly formed body in transition, our Business Plan for 2014/15 reflects our growing ambition and the challenges we face as a key part of the wider NHS system.
In particular reflecting on the way we see the workforce developing into more primary and community based services.
Read the full document here
Local health professionals to get more power to improve NHS primary care
Local health professionals to get more power to improve NHS primary care
Stevens announces new option for local Clinical Commissioning Groups to co-commission primary care in partnership with NHS England.
England’s 211 clinically-led local Clinical Commissioning Groups will get new powers to improve local health services under a new commissioning initiative announced today by NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens.
Speaking to GPs and other NHS health professionals at the Annual Conference of NHS Clinical Commissioners in London, Simon Stevens said:
“England has now taken the bold step – unique in the western world – of putting two thirds of its health service funding under the control of local family doctors and clinicians.
“If we want to better integrate care outside hospitals, and properly resource primary, community and mental health services – at a time when overall funding is inevitably constrained – we need to make it easier for patients, local communities and local clinicians to exercise more clout over how services are developed.
“That means giving local CCGs greater influence over the way NHS funding is being invested for their local populations. As well as new models for primary care, we will be taking a hard look at how CCGs can have more impact on NHS England’s specialised commissioning activities.
“So today I am inviting those CCGs that are interested in an expanded role in primary care to come forward and show how new powers would enable them to drive up the quality of care, cut health inequalities in primary care, and help put their local NHS on a sustainable path for the next five years and beyond.
“CCGs are still young organisations at different stages of development, and with different local needs. So rather than specifying a one-size-fits all solution, and having listened carefully to what CCGs have been saying, I’m keen to hear from CCGs themselves about what next steps they would like to explore.”
Mr Stevens announced that NHS England will be writing next week to all CCGs in England with details of how to submit expressions of interest in taking on enhanced powers and responsibilities to co-commission primary care.
Applications will need to describe the additional powers and responsibilities the CCG would like to assume. They will need to meet a number of tests, including showing they will help advance care integration, raise standards and cut health inequalities in primary care.
They will also need to show how they will ensure transparent and fair governance -with a continuing oversight role for NHS England to safeguard against conflicts of interest – all in the context of the CCG’s five-year plan for its local NHS services.
NHS England will work with the NHS Commissioning Assembly, NHS Clinical Commissioners and other stakeholders to advance this agenda.
CCG expressions of interest should be developed by June 20, the same date that CCGs will complete their initial five-year ‘Forward Views’ for local NHS services.
Each proposal will be discussed by the applicant CCG and the local Area Team of NHS England, which will subsequently make a recommendation for approval by the Board of NHS England. NHS Commissioning Board
Stevens announces new option for local Clinical Commissioning Groups to co-commission primary care in partnership with NHS England.
England’s 211 clinically-led local Clinical Commissioning Groups will get new powers to improve local health services under a new commissioning initiative announced today by NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens.
Speaking to GPs and other NHS health professionals at the Annual Conference of NHS Clinical Commissioners in London, Simon Stevens said:
“England has now taken the bold step – unique in the western world – of putting two thirds of its health service funding under the control of local family doctors and clinicians.
“If we want to better integrate care outside hospitals, and properly resource primary, community and mental health services – at a time when overall funding is inevitably constrained – we need to make it easier for patients, local communities and local clinicians to exercise more clout over how services are developed.
“That means giving local CCGs greater influence over the way NHS funding is being invested for their local populations. As well as new models for primary care, we will be taking a hard look at how CCGs can have more impact on NHS England’s specialised commissioning activities.
“So today I am inviting those CCGs that are interested in an expanded role in primary care to come forward and show how new powers would enable them to drive up the quality of care, cut health inequalities in primary care, and help put their local NHS on a sustainable path for the next five years and beyond.
“CCGs are still young organisations at different stages of development, and with different local needs. So rather than specifying a one-size-fits all solution, and having listened carefully to what CCGs have been saying, I’m keen to hear from CCGs themselves about what next steps they would like to explore.”
Mr Stevens announced that NHS England will be writing next week to all CCGs in England with details of how to submit expressions of interest in taking on enhanced powers and responsibilities to co-commission primary care.
Applications will need to describe the additional powers and responsibilities the CCG would like to assume. They will need to meet a number of tests, including showing they will help advance care integration, raise standards and cut health inequalities in primary care.
They will also need to show how they will ensure transparent and fair governance -with a continuing oversight role for NHS England to safeguard against conflicts of interest – all in the context of the CCG’s five-year plan for its local NHS services.
NHS England will work with the NHS Commissioning Assembly, NHS Clinical Commissioners and other stakeholders to advance this agenda.
CCG expressions of interest should be developed by June 20, the same date that CCGs will complete their initial five-year ‘Forward Views’ for local NHS services.
Each proposal will be discussed by the applicant CCG and the local Area Team of NHS England, which will subsequently make a recommendation for approval by the Board of NHS England. NHS Commissioning Board
Thursday, 1 May 2014
Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance 2014
Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance 2014 This report aims to provide a comprehensive picture of antibiotic resistance across the world, with data from 114 countries. The findings document resistance to antibiotics, especially so-called last resort antibiotics, in all regions of the world. It also shows the gaps in surveillance systems and the need for a standardized approach to tracking and monitoring the issue.
See also:
See also:
- Review antibiotic use to avoid 'devastating' resistance, GPs told GP Online
- Drug resistance 'global threat' BBC News
- Antibiotic crisis bigger than Aids as common infections will kill, WHO warns The Daily Telegraph
- Lord Darzi: Age of safe medicine is ending The Daily Telegraph
- WHO report: Antibiotic resistance happening right now all over the world The Independent
- 'Antibiotic resistance is now a bigger crisis than the AIDS epidemic' The Daily Mail
Prevalence calculator is vital new tool in planning dementia services – Professor Alistair Burns
Prevalence calculator is vital new tool in planning dementia services – Professor Alistair Burns The launch of the dementia prevalence calculator is a major step forward in providing locally relevant information about dementia care and facilitating the local planning of services specifically around the diagnosis of people with dementia.
Estimates of the number of people with dementia have previously been general estimates of the population based on gender and age. But this next version of the calculator provides more sensitive and bespoke figures.
Estimates of the number of people with dementia have previously been general estimates of the population based on gender and age. But this next version of the calculator provides more sensitive and bespoke figures.
Good practice in improving care for vulnerable groups
Good practice in improving care for vulnerable groups This report includes examples of good primary care that improves registration and access to care. It outlines what makes good practice and explains why the chosen approaches are successful in improving access to primary care. Department of Health
Inclusive practice: improving access to primary care and reduce risk of avoidable admission to hospital
Inclusive practice: improving access to primary care and reduce risk of avoidable admission to hospital This report reviews the impact of efforts to provide good access to primary care services. It reviews levels of hospitalisation for the four vulnerable groups identified in the Inclusion Health programme: vulnerable migrants; gypsies and travellers; people who are homeless; and sex workers. Department of Health
Many 'cannot afford a decent diet'
Many 'cannot afford a decent diet' Many people do not have enough income for a "decent diet", public health experts claim in an open letter to the prime minister. BBC News
King's Fund warns crisis "inevitable"
King's Fund warns crisis "inevitable" A financial crisis in the NHS is "inevitable" by 2015-16 or even sooner, the King's Fund has warned. E-Health Insider
Heart attack survivors 'gain from high-fibre diet'
Heart attack survivors 'gain from high-fibre diet' "If you have had a heart attack, eat plenty of fibre," is the advice on the BBC News website. A US study has found that in a group of people who'd had heart attacks, those who ate a high-fibre diet were less likely to die than those who didn't.
This was a large long-term study using data from health professionals who'd had a heart attack. The researchers looked at whether people's reported fibre intake was associated with a reduced risk of death subsequently.
This was a large long-term study using data from health professionals who'd had a heart attack. The researchers looked at whether people's reported fibre intake was associated with a reduced risk of death subsequently.
Little progress made on UK obesity crisis
Little progress made on UK obesity crisis Kids failed by schools opting-out of healthy meals. OnMedica
UK child health still amongst the worst in Europe
UK child health still amongst the worst in Europe Report reveals major inadequacies. OnMedica
See also:
See also:
- Guidance: Responses from Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum Department of Health
- Press release: Experts welcome unprecedented focus on children and young people’s healthcare but say more progress needed across system Department of Health
- Health care provision for children and young people remains inadequate Royal College of Nursing
- Britain's wealth gap means 2,000 more children die every year than in Sweden The Independent
Simon Stevens calls for end to 'cookie cutter' approach to NHS reforms
Simon Stevens calls for end to 'cookie cutter' approach to NHS reforms In his first appearance at the health select committee, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens revealed important departures from orthodox thinking about the future of the health service, while repeatedly championing local autonomy in deciding the best way to deliver care.
During more than two hours of questioning, Stevens revealed deep scepticism about the effectiveness of integration schemes being planned as part of the Better Care Fund. He highlightedresearch published last month by York University, which found that not one of 38 integration schemes in eight countries including 13 projects in England secured a sustained, long-term reduction in hospital admissions. Continue reading... The Guardian
During more than two hours of questioning, Stevens revealed deep scepticism about the effectiveness of integration schemes being planned as part of the Better Care Fund. He highlightedresearch published last month by York University, which found that not one of 38 integration schemes in eight countries including 13 projects in England secured a sustained, long-term reduction in hospital admissions. Continue reading... The Guardian
Reward healthy people with tax rebates to save the NHS, urges thinktank
Reward healthy people with tax rebates to save the NHS, urges thinktank 'Payment by results' incentives to quit smoking or manage blood sugar could help reduce burden on services, says 20/20 Health.
Britons should be rewarded with tax rebates for giving up smoking, staying slim or drinking less as a way of relieving the "mind-boggling" increase in demand for NHS care, a thinktank urged on Thursday. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Britons should be rewarded with tax rebates for giving up smoking, staying slim or drinking less as a way of relieving the "mind-boggling" increase in demand for NHS care, a thinktank urged on Thursday. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Healthcare & the Economy 2: Going with the flow 20/20 Health
Hepatitis B a growing problem in UK prisons
Hepatitis B a growing problem in UK prisons
Hepatitis B, the virus which spreads through the sharing of needles to inject drugs and unprotected sex, is on the rise in England’s jails, official figures have revealed. The Independent
Hepatitis B, the virus which spreads through the sharing of needles to inject drugs and unprotected sex, is on the rise in England’s jails, official figures have revealed. The Independent
GP out of hours services put patients at risk
GP out of hours services put patients at risk GP out of hours services are putting patients at risk by employing doctors without criminal records checks and unsafe storage of medicines, the first inspections have found. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Data and patient safety - are we asking the right questions?
Data and patient safety - are we asking the right questions? Publishing data alone won’t improve care, but what just might is using this information to inform operational decisions and making it visible to patients, carers and families when they enter a ward, says John Illingworth. The Health Foundation
Sacking over poor elderly home care
Sacking over poor elderly home care One staff member is sacked and seven suspended from an Essex care home after an undercover Panorama investigation finds poor care. BBC News
Learning Disability Census: new analysis including anti-psychotic medication use and physical 'incidents' for inpatients
Learning Disability Census: new analysis including anti-psychotic medication use and physical 'incidents' for inpatients New analysis of the 2013 Learning Disability Census, commissioned in response to events at Winterbourne View Hospita4 has been published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre. This report provides further information on inpatients with learning disabilities in England, being treated in specialist units, following publication of the initial findings in December 2013.
The census shows that two thirds of these inpatients (68 per cent or 2,220) had been given anti-psychotic medication in the 28 days preceding the census. Of these, 93 per cent (2,064) had been given them on a regular basis.
See also:
The census shows that two thirds of these inpatients (68 per cent or 2,220) had been given anti-psychotic medication in the 28 days preceding the census. Of these, 93 per cent (2,064) had been given them on a regular basis.
See also:
- Care home residents 'doped up' BBC News
Comorbidities: a framework of principles for system-wide action
Comorbidities: a framework of principles for system-wide action This document sets out the current challenges faced in the health and social care system in treating people with 2 or more long term health conditions. It proposes changes to the system to improve care. Department of Health
Ageing alone: loneliness and the oldest old
Ageing alone: loneliness and the oldest old This report argues that loneliness should be a public health priority and explores practical steps that can be taken to reduce levels of loneliness among the oldest old. Addressed to politicians and policy makers in both central and local government, leaders and innovators in the voluntary and community sector, and wider society as a whole, the report urges them to give more priority to the services and support that we know can help older people avoid ageing in loneliness and isolation. CentreForum
How much does high quality care cost?
How much does high quality care cost? This briefing outlines the results of an FTN members' survey and reveals the full scale of extra investment that NHS foundation trusts and trusts are making to improve patient care following the Francis and Keogh reviews and the introduction of the new CQC inspection regime. It calls for a new approach to funding service developments and improved financial risk sharing. Foundation Trust Network
Report helps explain Gulf War illness
Report helps explain Gulf War illness Disorder caused by chemical exposures. OnMedica
6 HUNDRED University of Derby students put at risk of HIV by healthcare worker
6 HUNDRED University of Derby students put at risk of HIV by healthcare worker More than 600 past and present students from the University of Derby have been contacted and advised to attend screening for HIV and hepatitis. The Daily Mail
GP services have reached crisis point warns BMA
GP services have reached crisis point warns BMA Shortage of GPs predicted as large numbers plan to retire while fewer junior doctors are willing to enter general practice, British Medical Association warns. The Daily Telegraph
Doctors who oppose morning-after pill on conscience grounds face qualifications bar
Doctors who oppose morning-after pill on conscience grounds face qualifications bar Guidelines confirm that doctors and nurses who oppose controversial emergency contraception on 'moral or religious' grounds cannot receive key specialist qualifications. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Policy paper: Helping people live well for longer
Policy paper: Helping people live well for longer This document will help people understand how the national system as a whole is supporting local action to help people live well for longer. It includes actions already taken in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
It focuses on the 5 big killers:
It focuses on the 5 big killers:
- cancer
- stroke
- heart disease
- lung disease
- liver diseases
Half with cancer 'live a decade'
Half with cancer 'live a decade' Half of people in England and Wales now being diagnosed with cancer will survive for at least a decade - double the number from the early 1970s, figures show. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- VIDEO: Half with cancer 'live a decade' BBC News
- Half of cancer patients classed as beaten the disease doubles since 1970s Daily Mail
- The tipping point? 50 per cent of people now survive cancer diagnosis The Independent
- Half of cancer sufferers will be 'cured' The Daily Telegraph
'Experience dementia via Facebook'
'Experience dementia via Facebook' Facebook users are being invited to experience what it is like to live with dementia in a bid to raise greater awareness about the disease. BBC News
Trust fined £200K for patient death
Trust fined £200K for patient death The health trust which ran Stafford Hospital is fined £200,000 for failing a diabetic patient who died in its care. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Non-smokers shunning e-cigarettes
Non-smokers shunning e-cigarettes “E-cigarette users have tripled to 2 million since 2012,” The Guardian reports. This is just one of the findings from a survey by anti-tobacco public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). It also showed there is little evidence that non-smokers are using e-cigarettes, although this could change in the future.
These headlines are triggered by a new factsheet on the usage of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) published by ASH.
The research has found that non-smokers are not taking up the e-cig habit, although it is too early to be complacent. The data only spans the 2010 to 2014 period, meaning that longer-term smoking trends are unknown. As e-cigarettes are a relatively modern phenomenon, it is impossible to predict with any certainty what long-term effects they may have on smoking habits.
Who are ASH?
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) was established in 1971 by the Royal College of Physicians. It is a campaigning public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco.
ASH produces a variety of published material for companies and governments, as well as bulletins and newsletters.
Today’s publication on e-cigarettes coincides with the day the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) consultation on the advertising of electronic cigarettes closes.
The consultation concerned proposals to introduce new rules for the advertising of e-cigarettes, including measures to protect young people, address concerns over the indirect promotion of tobacco products via e-cigarettes and prohibiting health or medical claims.
Links To The Headlines
E-cigarette users have tripled to 2 million since 2012, study finds. The Guardian, April 28 2014
Two million now puff on e-cigarettes: Number using devices trebles in two years. Daily Mail, April 28 2014
E-cigarette users in UK have 'tripled' since 2010. BBC News, April 28 2014
E-cigs ‘cleared of being route into smoking’. Metro, April 27 2014
E-cigarette use 'has tripled in two years'. ITV News, April 28 2014
These headlines are triggered by a new factsheet on the usage of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) published by ASH.
The research has found that non-smokers are not taking up the e-cig habit, although it is too early to be complacent. The data only spans the 2010 to 2014 period, meaning that longer-term smoking trends are unknown. As e-cigarettes are a relatively modern phenomenon, it is impossible to predict with any certainty what long-term effects they may have on smoking habits.
Who are ASH?
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) was established in 1971 by the Royal College of Physicians. It is a campaigning public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco.
ASH produces a variety of published material for companies and governments, as well as bulletins and newsletters.
Today’s publication on e-cigarettes coincides with the day the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) consultation on the advertising of electronic cigarettes closes.
The consultation concerned proposals to introduce new rules for the advertising of e-cigarettes, including measures to protect young people, address concerns over the indirect promotion of tobacco products via e-cigarettes and prohibiting health or medical claims.
Links To The Headlines
E-cigarette users have tripled to 2 million since 2012, study finds. The Guardian, April 28 2014
Two million now puff on e-cigarettes: Number using devices trebles in two years. Daily Mail, April 28 2014
E-cigarette users in UK have 'tripled' since 2010. BBC News, April 28 2014
E-cigs ‘cleared of being route into smoking’. Metro, April 27 2014
E-cigarette use 'has tripled in two years'. ITV News, April 28 2014
Outcomes assessment for people with long-term neurological conditions
Outcomes assessment for people with long-term neurological conditions This researched aimed to identify factors that affect integration between health and social care; outcomes important to people with long-term neurological conditions who are clients of an ‘integrated’ service; develop these outcomes into a checklist and understand how different models of integration affect outcomes. National Institute for Health Research
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