High proportion of NHS staff feel swift and effective action is not taken to deal with inappropriate behaviours, new survey finds Two fifths (43 per cent) of NHS staff feel that swift and effective action is not taken to deal with inappropriate behaviours and performance in their organisation, a survey published today by The King’s Fund has found.
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Consultation on revalidation and the revised Code
Consultation on revalidation and the revised Code The NMC are currently seeking feedback and views on The Code which outlines the standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. The Code has been revised following the recommendations of recent major healthcare reviews including the Francis Report. The revised Code will also align to revalidation, a process which will require all nurses and midwives to regularly confirm to the NMC that they are fit to practise. This consultation closes on 11th August 2014. Nursing and Midwifery Council
Vaccines not linked with autism, study finds
Vaccines not linked with autism, study finds "There is no evidence whatsoever linking the development of autism to childhood vaccines," The Guardian reports.
A new study involving more than a million children found no evidence of a link between childhood vaccines and autism or autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers pooled the results of studies that have assessed the relationship between vaccine administration and the subsequent development of autism spectrum disorder. No significant associations were found between vaccinations and the development of the condition.
The results of this study therefore suggest that there is no reason that parents should avoid having their child vaccinated because of fears that their child will develop autism after they are immunised.
A new study involving more than a million children found no evidence of a link between childhood vaccines and autism or autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers pooled the results of studies that have assessed the relationship between vaccine administration and the subsequent development of autism spectrum disorder. No significant associations were found between vaccinations and the development of the condition.
The results of this study therefore suggest that there is no reason that parents should avoid having their child vaccinated because of fears that their child will develop autism after they are immunised.
Information published for first time about repeat use of the Mental Health Act
Information published for first time about repeat use of the Mental Health Act Information is released for the first time today about the number of adults subject to repeat use of detentions and short term orders under the Mental Health Act. Health & Social Care Information Centre
Socio-technical allocation of resources (STAR) casebooks
Socio-technical allocation of resources (STAR) casebooks These two casebooks describe a new approach to priority setting called STAR which combines money analysis with stakeholder engagement. It allows those who plan services to determine how services can effectively be invested whilst stakeholder engagement ensures that decisions are understood and supported by those affected. The first casebook describes the principles of the approach, whilst the second examines the implementation of STAR in an eating disorder service in Sheffield. NHS Right Care
Overwork stopping GPs from collaborating
Overwork stopping GPs from collaborating Over two-thirds say workload and lack of time stop them joining networks. OnMedica
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Can technology improve patient safety?
Can technology improve patient safety? The advantage of technology is that it obeys instructions and behaves consistently.
Since 2000, following a report by the chief medical officer, An organisation with memory, a safer NHS has been a key priority. More recently, the Sign up to safety campaign is the latest iteration of the continual aspiration to make the NHS a high reliability organisation, one that succeeds in avoiding incidents in a high risk environment. Jeremy Hunt has stated that he aims to reduce avoidable deaths by 6,000 over three years.
In an era where people can manage every aspect of their life from a device little bigger than a credit card, can technology help us achieve those aims? Continue reading... The Guardian
Since 2000, following a report by the chief medical officer, An organisation with memory, a safer NHS has been a key priority. More recently, the Sign up to safety campaign is the latest iteration of the continual aspiration to make the NHS a high reliability organisation, one that succeeds in avoiding incidents in a high risk environment. Jeremy Hunt has stated that he aims to reduce avoidable deaths by 6,000 over three years.
In an era where people can manage every aspect of their life from a device little bigger than a credit card, can technology help us achieve those aims? Continue reading... The Guardian
Patients wait two weeks to see GP in a fifth of practices
Patients wait two weeks to see GP in a fifth of practices Survey of 500 GPs, conducted by Pulse Magazine, finds that waiting times for non-urgent appointments are getting longer. The Daily Telegraph
NHS could start prescribing e-cigarettes as study finds them 60% more effective than gum or patches
NHS could start prescribing e-cigarettes as study finds them 60% more effective than gum or patches Although e-cigarettes are not yet licenced by the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, researchers at University College London said new evidence showed they were extremely effective at helping smokers to quit. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- E-cigarettes 'help smokers to quit' BBC News
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
AstraZeneca rejects £69bn Pfizer bid
AstraZeneca rejects £69bn Pfizer bid UK drugs company AstraZeneca rejects the improved "final" £69bn takeover offer from US firm Pfizer. BBC News
All in this together?
All in this together? MHP Health has published All in this together, investigating how councils are using the Better Care Fund.
- Local authorities allocated £349m across the two years to maintaining eligibility criteria aimed at ensuring access to existing services. Money allocated to maintaining service eligibility was higher than any other category of spend in each year, 23% in 2012-13 and 24% in 2013-14
- Less than 4% of the funding transfer was allocated towardsmental health services in 2012-13 and 2013-14 combined – this despite the fact that achieving parity of esteem between mental and physical health is a priority for NHS and social care services
- Services aimed at helping people recover following periods of hospitalisation are also an identified priority of councils with £1 in every £5 allocated through the transfer funding across 2012-13 and 2013-14 aimed at improving patient recovery and early hospital discharge
Power to the people: the mutual future of our National Health Service
Power to the people: the mutual future of our National Health Service This report calls for radical overhaul of the UK health service tackling the lifestyle and long-term conditions that it estimates will cause a £19 billion deficit in the NHS. It argues for a move away from acute care in hospitals and integrated care based in the community delivered through health mutuals. ResPublica
Health union ballots members on appetite for strike action
Health union ballots members on appetite for strike action Move prompted by what it dubs government’s ‘divide and rule’ pay offer. OnMedica
Strong leadership needed to overcome financial pressures on the NHS
Strong leadership needed to overcome financial pressures on the NHS Leadership needs to be shared and distributed throughout the NHS with leaders engaging with colleagues
The NHS needs leadership of the highest calibre if it is to respond successfully to financial and service pressures that are unprecedented in its history. We need to move on from a concept of heroic leaders who turn around organisational performance to seeing leadership as shared and distributed throughout the NHS. Leaders must engage their colleagues in bringing about improvements in patient care, and transforming the way in which care is provided.
Turning these ideas into practice is a challenge in an organisation where many leaders have adopted a pacesetting style in which they have set demanding goals and led from the front in delivering them. The dominance of pacesetting is not surprising when successive governments have used targets and performance management to drive improvements in patient care across the NHS. But it is unlikely to be sufficient to enagage or motivate staff to play their part in making the changes now needed to use constrained budgets as effectively as possible. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS needs leadership of the highest calibre if it is to respond successfully to financial and service pressures that are unprecedented in its history. We need to move on from a concept of heroic leaders who turn around organisational performance to seeing leadership as shared and distributed throughout the NHS. Leaders must engage their colleagues in bringing about improvements in patient care, and transforming the way in which care is provided.
Turning these ideas into practice is a challenge in an organisation where many leaders have adopted a pacesetting style in which they have set demanding goals and led from the front in delivering them. The dominance of pacesetting is not surprising when successive governments have used targets and performance management to drive improvements in patient care across the NHS. But it is unlikely to be sufficient to enagage or motivate staff to play their part in making the changes now needed to use constrained budgets as effectively as possible. Continue reading... The Guardian
Price of dementia: the families struggling to get NHS help
Price of dementia: the families struggling to get NHS help Dementia Awareness Week aims to raise understanding of the often heartbreaking process of trying to get NHS funding
Thousands of relatives and carers of dementia sufferers are battling to receive funding towards crippling care bills. Under the NHS Continuing Healthcare scheme, older people can qualify to have care and nursing home fees paid in full if they are judged to have chronic health needs. This money can help alleviate the burden for families who are otherwise forced to spend every penny and sell their home to meet the cost of care.
There is no ceiling on the amount that can be paid out, no means test and it is not age related. Yet access to this fund can be a particular struggle for people suffering from dementia. Continue reading... The Guardian
Thousands of relatives and carers of dementia sufferers are battling to receive funding towards crippling care bills. Under the NHS Continuing Healthcare scheme, older people can qualify to have care and nursing home fees paid in full if they are judged to have chronic health needs. This money can help alleviate the burden for families who are otherwise forced to spend every penny and sell their home to meet the cost of care.
There is no ceiling on the amount that can be paid out, no means test and it is not age related. Yet access to this fund can be a particular struggle for people suffering from dementia. Continue reading... The Guardian
What is Mers? Potentially deadly “camel virus” spreading from the Middle East
What is Mers? Potentially deadly “camel virus” spreading from the Middle East
Mers, which stands for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since killed more than 173 people – almost a third of those infected. The Independent
Mers, which stands for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since killed more than 173 people – almost a third of those infected. The Independent
Monday, 19 May 2014
Apology over disabled man's care
Apology over disabled man's care A Northamptonshire health authority boss has apologised after a High Court judge said he was profoundly disturbed about the way in which a severely disabled man was kept in seclusion at a specialist unit. Northamptonshire Telegraph
New domestic abuse therapy interventions to pilot in Northamptonshire.
New domestic abuse therapy interventions to pilot in Northamptonshire. A new therapy technique for children who have been affected by domestic abuse is expected to begin in Northamptonshire at the end of the summer. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Care bill becomes Care Act 2014
Care bill becomes Care Act 2014 The article outlines the provisions of the act and signals a forthcoming consultation on the draft regulations and guidance. Department of Health
Care home move 'breached rights'
Care home move 'breached rights' A judge rules that a council's decision to move a woman with dementia from her house to a care home was unlawful. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Judge condemns council for 'unlawful detention' of pensioner moved to care home The Daily Telegraph
Chasm separates reality from GP vision
Chasm separates reality from GP vision GPs ‘struggling to deliver core contract’ yet expected to further extend role. OnMedica
Why doctors hide their own illnesses
Why doctors hide their own illnesses Simon breathalysed himself before surgery. Johnny operated on one hour's sleep. As an increasing number of doctors feel the strain, we find out why the experts don't get help
It was the summer of 2012 when Simon, then a 37-year-old anaesthetist, found himself one morning drunk and sobbing in a London pub. Questions filled his head, foggy with booze: "How did it come to this? How did I throw it all away?"
A letter from the General Medical Council lay in his lap. He'd been convicted of drink-driving and was now suspended from being a doctor. Simon was an alcoholic, drinking as much as 30 units every day. Faced with the wreckage of his career, he was suicidal. Continue reading... The Guardian
It was the summer of 2012 when Simon, then a 37-year-old anaesthetist, found himself one morning drunk and sobbing in a London pub. Questions filled his head, foggy with booze: "How did it come to this? How did I throw it all away?"
A letter from the General Medical Council lay in his lap. He'd been convicted of drink-driving and was now suspended from being a doctor. Simon was an alcoholic, drinking as much as 30 units every day. Faced with the wreckage of his career, he was suicidal. Continue reading... The Guardian
Tories approach Labour MP Frank Field to help tackle NHS deficit
Tories approach Labour MP Frank Field to help tackle NHS deficit Field to meet health secretary Jeremy Hunt to discuss raising national insurance contributions.
A Tory minister has asked Labour MP Frank Field to meet the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, to discuss his ideas for raising national insurance contributions to pay for the NHS, in a sign that the Conservatives are considering radical options to plug the huge funding gap.
Field told the Observer that he was approached by the minister, who said the financial crisis in the NHS needed to be addressed and that he was right to be floating ideas on how the service could be maintained and put on a sound financial footing for future generations. Continue reading... The Guardian
A Tory minister has asked Labour MP Frank Field to meet the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, to discuss his ideas for raising national insurance contributions to pay for the NHS, in a sign that the Conservatives are considering radical options to plug the huge funding gap.
Field told the Observer that he was approached by the minister, who said the financial crisis in the NHS needed to be addressed and that he was right to be floating ideas on how the service could be maintained and put on a sound financial footing for future generations. Continue reading... The Guardian
Willetts warns over surge in demand for medicine degrees
Willetts warns over surge in demand for medicine degrees David Willetts says schools have a responsibility to explain the risks of applying for medicine because of an unsustainable rise in the number of school leavers attempting to train as doctors. The Daily Telegraph
Staff warned managers about surgeons at hospitals where five died, report finds
Staff warned managers about surgeons at hospitals where five died, report finds Surgeons at hospital trust where five patients died after keyhole surgery were "dysfunctional" and "secretive" and staff repeatedly warned managers about their behaviour, a damning report finds. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
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- NHS managers are not doing their job properly The Daily Telegraph
Cuts send rates of mental health disorders among young soaring
Cuts send rates of mental health disorders among young soaring
Rising rates of mental health disorders among children are linked to council budget cuts and health restructurings that have denied vulnerable young people early help, the Children’s Commissioner has told MPs. The Independent
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Rising rates of mental health disorders among children are linked to council budget cuts and health restructurings that have denied vulnerable young people early help, the Children’s Commissioner has told MPs. The Independent
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Friday, 16 May 2014
Hand-held computers replacing patient charts at Northampton General Hospital to alert staff to patients in danger
Hand-held computers replacing patient charts at Northampton General Hospital to alert staff to patients in danger A new hand-held computer has been introduced at Northampton General Hospital to help quickly alert nurses to deteriorating patients. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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How do people become good managers of their own health?
How do people become good managers of their own health? Within the general population some people actively focus on reaching and maintaining good health, while others are more passive about the whole thing. So what makes the difference?
Another £240m on offer for NHS trusts to go digital
Another £240m on offer for NHS trusts to go digital NHS trusts and now local authorities, can apply for part of £240m of funding to digitise and integrate patient information across the health and care sector, driving improvements in patient care. NHS England
Patient empowerment: for better quality, more sustainable health services globally
Patient empowerment: for better quality, more sustainable health services globally This report takes a global perspective on how to empower patients to play a more active role in their care. Drawing lessons from over 100 innovative case studies submitted to the review, it outlines how much the UK has to learn from high, middle and low income countries – and how these lessons should be applied. At the same time, the report also highlights the UK’s strengths, its important role historically in supporting the global patient empowerment agenda, and how it can continue to play a leading role internationally. All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health
Electronic cigarettes: reports commissioned by Public Health England
Electronic cigarettes: reports commissioned by Public Health England These reports, commissioned by PHE, examine the evidence on risks and opportunities presented by electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes takes a broad look at the issues relating to e-cigarettes including their role in tobacco harm reduction, potential hazards, potential benefits and regulation. E-cigarette uptake and marketing examines use of e-cigarettes by children and young people, the scale and nature of current marketing and its implications, in particular in relation to its potential appeal to young people.
Brits eating too much salt, sugar and fat
Brits eating too much salt, sugar and fat “Too much sugar, salt and fat: healthy eating still eluding many Britons,” The Guardian reports, while the Daily Mail rather bizarrely warns of a “fruit juice timebomb”. Both papers are covering a major survey that looked at the nation’s eating habits over recent years.
The survey found that, overall, adults and children are eating too much saturated fat, added sugar and salt. We are also not getting the recommended levels of fruit, vegetables, oily fish and fibre that our bodies need.
The survey found that, overall, adults and children are eating too much saturated fat, added sugar and salt. We are also not getting the recommended levels of fruit, vegetables, oily fish and fibre that our bodies need.
Support to help children with complex health needs overcome the barriers to ‘An Ordinary Life’
Support to help children with complex health needs overcome the barriers to ‘An Ordinary Life’ The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities is launching a package of new support materials to raise awareness of the aspirations of children with complex health needs and their families.
Physical care of psychiatric patients to receive major boost
Physical care of psychiatric patients to receive major boost Over 300,000 people with serious mental illness to receive comprehensive physical health checks OnMedica
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Do plans for transforming primary care stand up to scrutiny? | Richard Vize
Do plans for transforming primary care stand up to scrutiny? | Richard Vize Richard Vize looks at the contrasting proposals from politicians and NHS leaders on shifting resources from hospitals to communities.
The focus of the NHS and politicians is finally shifting to where the transformation in healthcare needs to take place primary care services. Who should commission them, how much money they should get and what they should do are all being debated.
It is striking that one of Simon Stevens' first actions as NHS England chief executive has been to tackle the paralysis in primary care development, by acceding to clinical commissioning group calls for a much bigger role in developing primary care. His invitation to CCGs to demonstrate how they would use additional powers to improve quality and put their local NHS on a "sustainable path" is a major step forward in turning the talk about shifting resources from hospitals to communities into action. Continue reading... The Guardian
The focus of the NHS and politicians is finally shifting to where the transformation in healthcare needs to take place primary care services. Who should commission them, how much money they should get and what they should do are all being debated.
It is striking that one of Simon Stevens' first actions as NHS England chief executive has been to tackle the paralysis in primary care development, by acceding to clinical commissioning group calls for a much bigger role in developing primary care. His invitation to CCGs to demonstrate how they would use additional powers to improve quality and put their local NHS on a "sustainable path" is a major step forward in turning the talk about shifting resources from hospitals to communities into action. Continue reading... The Guardian
Exploitation of care workers leaving elderly at risk - peer
Exploitation of care workers leaving elderly at risk - peer Elderly put at risk by care industry which leaves workers 'undervalued, underpaid and undertrained' warns Baroness Kingsmill. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 15 May 2014
NGH safety education initiative is shortlisted for national award
NGH safety education initiative is shortlisted for national award NORTHAMPTON General Hospital NHS Trust has been shortlisted for the finals of the Patient Safety and Care Awards 2014, after producing a training course designed to help doctors of tomorrow become more safety aware. NGH News
New chief executive appointed for charity which runs St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton
New chief executive appointed for charity which runs St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton The new chief exectuive of the charity which runs St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton has been revealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Heatwave plan for England 2014
Heatwave plan for England 2014 The Heatwave Plan for England aims to prepare for, alert people to, and prevent, the major avoidable effects on health during periods of severe heat in England. It recommends a series of steps to reduce the risks to health from prolonged exposure to severe heat. Public Health England
Panel to investigate statin articles
Panel to investigate statin articles Articles published by the British Medical Journal suggesting that statins could harm patients are to be investigated, the periodical says. BBC News
End-of-life care 'deeply concerning'
End-of-life care 'deeply concerning' The care given to people dying in hospital is "deeply concerning", according to doctors who have carried out a review of standards in England. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- National care for the dying audit of hospitals Royal College of Physicians
- Doctors and nurses 'are ill-equipped to help people cope with death' The Independent
- Most terminally ill patients not told they are dying, says damning report The Daily Telegraph
- Dying well (editorial) The Daily Telegraph
- End of life care requires 'widescale improvements', report says The Guardian
- How dying NHS patients are forgotten at weekends: Only a fifth of hospitals have specialist palliative care workers on duty on Saturdays The Daily Mail
VIDEO: Health chiefs meet over Mers virus
VIDEO: Health chiefs meet over Mers virus The World Health Organization has been meeting to decide whether to declare a public health emergency after a sudden spike in cases of a deadly virus known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or Mers. BBC News
How do managers and leaders in the NHS and social care respond to service user involvement in mental health services
How do managers and leaders in the NHS and social care respond to service user involvement in mental health services This study set out to measure the extent and perceived impact of service user involvement (SUI) in mental health services and to explore different forms of SUI, both collective and individual. The focus was on service users’ interactions with managers and other key decision-makers in the NHS and social care. National Institute for Health Research
Health and wellbeing boards and hepatitis C
Health and wellbeing boards and hepatitis C NICE Public Health Guidance, which provides recommendations that can help prevent disease or improve health, recommends that hepatitis B and C should be included in a health and wellbeing board’s joint strategic needs assessment. This report which examined whether health and wellbeing boards are tackling hepatitis C found that prioritisation of the condition was low in local strategies. It calls for greater collaboration between local authorities and health services in order to raise awareness, screening and more targeted commissioning. The Hepatitis Trust
NHS trusts told to end postcode lottery of IVF treatment
NHS trusts told to end postcode lottery of IVF treatment The NHS should end the 'postcode lottery' in fertility treatment and provide three full cycles of IVF treatment to most couples having difficulty conceiving for free, new strengthened guidance will say. The Daily Telegraph
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NHS trust director still getting £185k despite not being at work
NHS trust director still getting £185k despite not being at work A struggling hospital trust is refusing to explain why a director is still being paid his £185,000 annual salary despite not being at work for six months. The Independent
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Finally, training to build UK care workers' skills, but no money to pay for it | Justine Cawley
Finally, training to build UK care workers' skills, but no money to pay for it | Justine Cawley
The UK's ageing population will need 1 million care workers, so effective professional development and the funding to deliver it must start now
Tomorrow sees the Kingsmill review publish its report into working conditions in the care sector. Like last month's Panorama investigation of abuse of older people in care homes, it will highlight the urgent need for well-trained, professional and compassionate social care staff. Older people's care needs are diverse and increasingly complex, ranging from acute and chronic illness to dementia and palliative care, in addition to mobility issues and mental health problems.
But the specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills required in social care remain seriously underdeveloped. Care-home staff are the forgotten workforce and are often considered to be the lowest of the low by their counterparts in the NHS. As today's residential homes have replaced NHS long-stay hospitals, it's essential that staff have the range of knowledge, skills and practice to cope. The Guardian
Continue reading...
The UK's ageing population will need 1 million care workers, so effective professional development and the funding to deliver it must start now
Tomorrow sees the Kingsmill review publish its report into working conditions in the care sector. Like last month's Panorama investigation of abuse of older people in care homes, it will highlight the urgent need for well-trained, professional and compassionate social care staff. Older people's care needs are diverse and increasingly complex, ranging from acute and chronic illness to dementia and palliative care, in addition to mobility issues and mental health problems.
But the specialist knowledge, behaviours and skills required in social care remain seriously underdeveloped. Care-home staff are the forgotten workforce and are often considered to be the lowest of the low by their counterparts in the NHS. As today's residential homes have replaced NHS long-stay hospitals, it's essential that staff have the range of knowledge, skills and practice to cope. The Guardian
Continue reading...
Anxiety is bad for health
Anxiety is bad for health
The report, Living with Anxiety, is part of a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of anxiety and its potentially debilitating effect on the nation’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Although anxiety is a natural human emotion, the more anxiety that people feel, the more they are likely to be tipped over in to diagnosable anxiety disorders, such as panic, phobias and obsessive behaviours, and to experience poor emotional wellbeing and personal distress. NHS Networks
The report, Living with Anxiety, is part of a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of anxiety and its potentially debilitating effect on the nation’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Although anxiety is a natural human emotion, the more anxiety that people feel, the more they are likely to be tipped over in to diagnosable anxiety disorders, such as panic, phobias and obsessive behaviours, and to experience poor emotional wellbeing and personal distress. NHS Networks
The importance of promoting mental health in children and young people from black and minority ethnic communities
The importance of promoting mental health in children and young people from black and minority ethnic communities
This briefing looks at the policy framework for mental health service provision and provides examples of existing practice which promote mental health for BME children and young people. It also highlights the impact of poor or incomplete data on commissioning and provision of mental health services for BME children and young people. It looks at specific factors that put children and young people from BME communities at risk of developing mental health problems as well as protective factors that can help build resilience. Health Management
Briefing
Race Equality Foundation publications
This briefing looks at the policy framework for mental health service provision and provides examples of existing practice which promote mental health for BME children and young people. It also highlights the impact of poor or incomplete data on commissioning and provision of mental health services for BME children and young people. It looks at specific factors that put children and young people from BME communities at risk of developing mental health problems as well as protective factors that can help build resilience. Health Management
Briefing
Race Equality Foundation publications
Relationship between clinical quality and patient experience: analysis of data from the english quality and outcomes framework and the...
Relationship between clinical quality and patient experience: analysis of data from the english quality and outcomes framework and the...
Relationship between clinical quality and patient experience: analysis of data from the english quality and outcomes framework and the National GP Patient Survey.
Ann Fam Med. 2013 Sep-Oct;11(5):467-72
Authors: Llanwarne NR, Abel GA, Elliott MN, Paddison CA, Lyratzopoulos G, Campbell JL, Roland M
Abstract
PURPOSE: Clinical quality and patient experience are both widely used to evaluate the quality of health care, but the relationship between these 2 domains remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine this relationship using data from 2 established measures of quality in primary care in England. METHODS: Practice-level analyses (N = 7,759 practices in England) were conducted on measures of patient experience from the national General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS), and measures of clinical quality from the national pay-for-performance scheme (Quality and Outcomes Framework). Spearman's rank correlation and multiple linear regression were used on practice-level estimates. RESULTS: Although all the correlations between clinical quality summary scores and patient survey scores are positive, and most are statistically significant, the strength of the associations was weak, with the highest correlation coefficient reaching 0.18, and more than one-half were 0.11 or less. Correlations with clinical quality were highest for patient-reported access scores (telephone access 0.16, availability of urgent appointments 0.15, ability to book ahead 0.18, ability to see preferred doctor 0.17) and overall satisfaction (0.15). CONCLUSION: Although there are associations between clinical quality and measures of patient experience, the 2 domains of care quality remain predominantly distinct. The strongest correlations are observed between practice clinical quality and practice access, with very low correlations between clinical quality and interpersonal aspects of care. The quality of clinical care and the quality of interpersonal care should be considered separately to give an overall assessment of medical care.
PMID: 24019279 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Relationship between clinical quality and patient experience: analysis of data from the english quality and outcomes framework and the National GP Patient Survey.
Ann Fam Med. 2013 Sep-Oct;11(5):467-72
Authors: Llanwarne NR, Abel GA, Elliott MN, Paddison CA, Lyratzopoulos G, Campbell JL, Roland M
Abstract
PURPOSE: Clinical quality and patient experience are both widely used to evaluate the quality of health care, but the relationship between these 2 domains remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine this relationship using data from 2 established measures of quality in primary care in England. METHODS: Practice-level analyses (N = 7,759 practices in England) were conducted on measures of patient experience from the national General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS), and measures of clinical quality from the national pay-for-performance scheme (Quality and Outcomes Framework). Spearman's rank correlation and multiple linear regression were used on practice-level estimates. RESULTS: Although all the correlations between clinical quality summary scores and patient survey scores are positive, and most are statistically significant, the strength of the associations was weak, with the highest correlation coefficient reaching 0.18, and more than one-half were 0.11 or less. Correlations with clinical quality were highest for patient-reported access scores (telephone access 0.16, availability of urgent appointments 0.15, ability to book ahead 0.18, ability to see preferred doctor 0.17) and overall satisfaction (0.15). CONCLUSION: Although there are associations between clinical quality and measures of patient experience, the 2 domains of care quality remain predominantly distinct. The strongest correlations are observed between practice clinical quality and practice access, with very low correlations between clinical quality and interpersonal aspects of care. The quality of clinical care and the quality of interpersonal care should be considered separately to give an overall assessment of medical care.
PMID: 24019279 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Cutting hospital beds is a false economy | Zara Aziz
Cutting hospital beds is a false economy | Zara Aziz
Unless community-based services replace lost NHS beds discharged older patients are likely to be readmitted
A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found the UK had the second lowest number of hospital beds per capita in Europe. There are 2.95 beds in the UK per 1,000 people, and we are seeing more and more beds being cut as smaller hospitals amalgamate into larger trusts. The only country that has fewer beds is Sweden, but it has different patient demographics and invests more in community health services, such as for disease prevention and management of long-term conditions.
It is symptomatic of the challenge facing the NHS. Commissioning groups and hospital trusts are asked to deliver ever more: reduce A&E attendance, unplanned admissions and outpatient waiting times, while simultaneously coping with a workforce crisis and catastrophic budget cuts. The Guardian
Continue reading...
Unless community-based services replace lost NHS beds discharged older patients are likely to be readmitted
A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found the UK had the second lowest number of hospital beds per capita in Europe. There are 2.95 beds in the UK per 1,000 people, and we are seeing more and more beds being cut as smaller hospitals amalgamate into larger trusts. The only country that has fewer beds is Sweden, but it has different patient demographics and invests more in community health services, such as for disease prevention and management of long-term conditions.
It is symptomatic of the challenge facing the NHS. Commissioning groups and hospital trusts are asked to deliver ever more: reduce A&E attendance, unplanned admissions and outpatient waiting times, while simultaneously coping with a workforce crisis and catastrophic budget cuts. The Guardian
Continue reading...
New advice encourages more home births
New advice encourages more home births
"More women should give birth at home, advice suggests," reports The Guardian after draft guidelines produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended that women with a low risk of complications in childbirth should be encouraged to either give birth at home or at a midwife-led unit.
The guidance has been revised after new evidence has become available since its original publication in 2007.
As part of the new guidance, NICE proposes revising its recommendations on the most appropriate place for women to give birth if they are at a low risk of complications. It is this aspect of the recommendations that has received the most media attention.
These draft guidelines about the care of healthy women and their babies during childbirth are open to consultation.
"More women should give birth at home, advice suggests," reports The Guardian after draft guidelines produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended that women with a low risk of complications in childbirth should be encouraged to either give birth at home or at a midwife-led unit.
The guidance has been revised after new evidence has become available since its original publication in 2007.
As part of the new guidance, NICE proposes revising its recommendations on the most appropriate place for women to give birth if they are at a low risk of complications. It is this aspect of the recommendations that has received the most media attention.
These draft guidelines about the care of healthy women and their babies during childbirth are open to consultation.
Resveratrol's health benefits ‘overstated’
Resveratrol's health benefits ‘overstated’
“Red wine health benefits 'overhyped',” BBC News reports. The headline follows a study researching the chemical resveratrol, which is found in red wine and chocolate.
Reveratrol has been reported to have long-term health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. There has been speculation that it may be responsible for the “French paradox”: the puzzling fact that rates of heart disease are low in France, despite citizens enjoying a rich diet.
This study involved almost 800 people from the Chianti region of Italy. The researchers wanted to see if resveratrol had any links with cancer, cardiovascular disease and death rates.
The study found that the risk of death during the nine-year follow-up period was no different for people with the highest levels of metabolites (breakdown products) of resveratrol in their urine, compared to people with the lowest levels. There was also no difference in the risk of developing cancer or cardiovascular disease.
However, red wine and chocolate contain more than just resveratrol. They may still be good for you (in moderation), but this study suggests that resveratrol may not be the reason why.
“Red wine health benefits 'overhyped',” BBC News reports. The headline follows a study researching the chemical resveratrol, which is found in red wine and chocolate.
Reveratrol has been reported to have long-term health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. There has been speculation that it may be responsible for the “French paradox”: the puzzling fact that rates of heart disease are low in France, despite citizens enjoying a rich diet.
This study involved almost 800 people from the Chianti region of Italy. The researchers wanted to see if resveratrol had any links with cancer, cardiovascular disease and death rates.
The study found that the risk of death during the nine-year follow-up period was no different for people with the highest levels of metabolites (breakdown products) of resveratrol in their urine, compared to people with the lowest levels. There was also no difference in the risk of developing cancer or cardiovascular disease.
However, red wine and chocolate contain more than just resveratrol. They may still be good for you (in moderation), but this study suggests that resveratrol may not be the reason why.
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
How patients might design a psychiatric hospital
How patients might design a psychiatric hospital
How patients might design a psychiatric ward. BBC News
How patients might design a psychiatric ward. BBC News
Midwife-led care during labour best for most mothers and babies, says draft NICE guidance
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
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
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
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