Thursday, 4 September 2014
Care home in Northampton put elderly people at risk through lack of information about staff
Care home in Northampton put elderly people at risk through lack of information about staff A care home in Northampton was deemed to be providing “a serious risk that people would be harmed” because it could not prove who worked there, inspectors have said. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A new settlement for health and social care Final report
A new settlement for health and social care Final report This is the final report from the independent Commission on the Future of Health and Social Care in England. In it, the commission discusses the need for a new settlement for health and social care to provide a simpler pathway through the current maze of entitlements. The commission, chaired by Kate Barker, proposes a new approach that redesigns care around individual needs regardless of diagnosis, with a graduated increase in support as needs rise, particularly towards the end of life. The commission has concluded that this vision for a health and care system fit for the 21st century is affordable and sustainable if a phased approach is taken and hard choices are taken about taxation. The King's Fund
See also:
- Illustrated summary of the final report The King's Fund
- Now is the time to create a combined health and social care system (blog) The King's Fund
- 'Target affluent OAPs to fund NHS' Northamptonshire Telegraph
- Barker commission proposes tax rises to pay for social care overhaul Public Finance
- Call to end NHS-social care divide BBC News
- Charging for GP visits ruled out by health and social care commission GP Online
- New tax on over-40s and middle classes proposed to pay for free elderly care The Daily Telegraph
- Axe free prescriptions, TV licences and winter fuel allowance for well-off OAPs to fund care system Daily Mail
- Would targetting affluent OAPs save the NHS? Channel 4 News
- Health and social care must be radically reshaped around need The Guardian
- Raise taxes to give free social care to elderly and chronically ill, think-tank says The Independent
NHS Pension Scheme: Comparison of the new and existing schemes
NHS Pension Scheme: Comparison of the new and existing schemes Read more about a comparison of the benefits and features from the current NHS Pension Scheme and the new 2015 NHS Pension Scheme. NHS Employers
Four jailed over £1.1m Basildon Hospital scam
Four jailed over £1.1m Basildon Hospital scam Four health experts who executed a "well-planned" fraud at a hospital they nicknamed "Bas Vegas" have been jailed. The group billed the NHS £1.1m for their firm's heart and lung services but only worked half their contracted hours at Basildon Hospital. BBC News
See also:
- Four top health experts jailed for scamming NHS out of £1.1m Daily Mail
- NHS team jailed for £430000 moonlighting scam The Independent
- Four heart experts jailed for £430000 fraud against NHS trust The Guardian
- NHS heart expert and three colleagues jailed for £1m fraud The Daily Telegraph
Ebola death toll exceeds 1,900
Ebola death toll exceeds 1,900 More than 1,900 people have now died in West Africa's Ebola outbreak, 40% of them in the past three weeks, the World Health Organization says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Lumpectomy 'as effective as double mastectomy'
Lumpectomy 'as effective as double mastectomy' “Double mastectomy for breast cancer 'does not boost survival chances' – when compared to breast-conserving surgery," The Guardian reports.
The news is based on the results of a large US cohort study of women with early stage breast cancer in one breast.
It found that the 10-year mortality benefit associated with bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) was the same as breast-conserving surgery (also known as lumpectomy, where the cancer and a border of healthy tissue is removed) plus radiotherapy.
Unilateral mastectomy (removal of the affected breast) was associated with a slightly increased risk of 10-year mortality, although the absolute difference was only 4%.
In the UK, bilateral mastectomy may be recommended for women at high risk of breast cancer due to family history, or because of a gene mutation (for example mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes). A bilateral mastectomy can then be followed by breast reconstruction surgery, restoring the original look of the breasts.
Disadvantages of a bilateral mastectomy compared to a lumpectomy include a longer recovery time and a higher risk of complications.
This study suggests that bilateral mastectomy may not be associated with any significant survival benefit over breast conserving therapy plus radiotherapy for most women.
The news is based on the results of a large US cohort study of women with early stage breast cancer in one breast.
It found that the 10-year mortality benefit associated with bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) was the same as breast-conserving surgery (also known as lumpectomy, where the cancer and a border of healthy tissue is removed) plus radiotherapy.
Unilateral mastectomy (removal of the affected breast) was associated with a slightly increased risk of 10-year mortality, although the absolute difference was only 4%.
In the UK, bilateral mastectomy may be recommended for women at high risk of breast cancer due to family history, or because of a gene mutation (for example mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes). A bilateral mastectomy can then be followed by breast reconstruction surgery, restoring the original look of the breasts.
Disadvantages of a bilateral mastectomy compared to a lumpectomy include a longer recovery time and a higher risk of complications.
This study suggests that bilateral mastectomy may not be associated with any significant survival benefit over breast conserving therapy plus radiotherapy for most women.
Gay people report worse experiences with GPs
Gay people report worse experiences with GPs Study finds gay, lesbian and bisexual people are more likely to report communication problems and have less trust in their GP
Gay people are less likely to have a positive experience with their family doctor than their heterosexual peers, researchers have found. Lesbian, gay or bisexual people are up to 50% more likely than heterosexuals to report negative experiences with the GP services.
They are more likely to identify problems with communication with medics at their local practice, have less trust and confidence in their family doctor and have a worse level of overall satisfaction with services, the study found. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Gay people are less likely to have a positive experience with their family doctor than their heterosexual peers, researchers have found. Lesbian, gay or bisexual people are up to 50% more likely than heterosexuals to report negative experiences with the GP services.
They are more likely to identify problems with communication with medics at their local practice, have less trust and confidence in their family doctor and have a worse level of overall satisfaction with services, the study found. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Could community services be the Lidl of the NHS?
Could community services be the Lidl of the NHS? As hospitals become more complex, we may see smaller local organisations stepping in to provide crucial services to the public
Is it time to revive community health services?
Youd be forgiven for thinking that when innovative new services and products reach the market and cause established household names to fall by the wayside, its simply a matter of consumer choice. But there is an observable science to what happens.
All innovations, whether in the shops where we choose to buy our weeks food, or the airlines we fly with, or in services we use, fall into two distinct categories: they are either sustaining or disruptive. Continue reading... The Guardian
Is it time to revive community health services?
Youd be forgiven for thinking that when innovative new services and products reach the market and cause established household names to fall by the wayside, its simply a matter of consumer choice. But there is an observable science to what happens.
All innovations, whether in the shops where we choose to buy our weeks food, or the airlines we fly with, or in services we use, fall into two distinct categories: they are either sustaining or disruptive. Continue reading... The Guardian
Elderly spend weeks too long in hospitals due to lack of housing, Age UK warns
Elderly spend weeks too long in hospitals due to lack of housing, Age UK warns Vulnerable elderly patients are waiting weeks in hospital, costing the NHS millions of pounds, because of a lack of suitable housing, Age UK has warned. The Independent
Tens of thousands of patients given drugs they're known to be allergic to each year
Tens of thousands of patients given drugs they're known to be allergic to each year Thousands of patients have been put at “serious risk of harm” after being given drugs to which they were known to be allergic, the medicines watchdog has warned. The Independent
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
Trust revises dementia care plans
Trust revises dementia care plans The NHS trust overseeing dementia care in Northamptonshire launches a revised plan to restructure services. BBC Northamptonshire
See also:
See also:
- News: Staff consultation NHFT News
- Twenty six NHS jobs at risk as dementia plans for Northamptonshire resurface Northampton Chronicle and Echo
PODCAST: What is the NHS internal market and is it any good? - The Information Daily
PODCAST: What is the NHS internal market and is it any good? - The Information Daily REALITYBITES is a weekly podcast conversation on healthcare and UK health and care services between Ben Gowland, Chief Executive of the Nene CCG, and Joe Tibbetts, publisher of The Information Daily and HealthCare Innovation Daily.
Go with the flow: matching capacity with demand in hospitals
Go with the flow: matching capacity with demand in hospitals As the pressure on policymakers to find a way of stemming the rise in emergency attendances and admissions is growing ever more acute, Bryan Jones discusses how learning from our Flow Cost Quality programme can help. Health Foundation
Evidence for success: the guide to getting evidence and using it
Evidence for success: the guide to getting evidence and using it This guide offers easy to follow, step-by-step guidance and resources to support organisations to use evidence to influence policy and practice. It also provides guidance on the use of evidence to influence funding and commissioning decisions and highlights other key resources. Knowledge Translation Network
Hospitals seeing more skin cancer
Hospitals seeing more skin cancer The number of people admitted to hospital for skin cancer treatment in England rose by nearly a third in five years, figures show. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Skin cancer referrals up 41 per cent in 5 years The Independent
- Cheap holidays fuel 41 per cent rise in hospital admissions for skin cancer The Daily Telegraph
Patients to set agenda for senior NHS managers
Patients to set agenda for senior NHS managers First ever Citizen Assembly will grill NHS England board on questions set by patients. OnMedica
Why are doctors so reluctant to be leaders in the NHS?
Why are doctors so reluctant to be leaders in the NHS? Many doctors associate leadership roles with a heavier workload, lack of resources and mistrust in management
The NHS needs a leadership revolution
Doctors rarely enter the health service to manage and lead they do so to help patients, to give advice as trusted healthcare professionals. This is an age-old truth but also an increasingly challenging and pertinent one given the central position of medical leadership within the 21st-century NHS. In light of high-profile news regarding care quality and efficiency, as well as increasing management and financial responsibilities for doctors and senior medical professionals, establishing successful leadership is vital to the future of the NHS.
Within this context, and with 58% of respondents from our survey of more than 100 leaders in the NHS having little or no confidence that they have successors in place for medical leadership roles, surely its time to think differently about how we manage medical leadership talent? Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS needs a leadership revolution
Doctors rarely enter the health service to manage and lead they do so to help patients, to give advice as trusted healthcare professionals. This is an age-old truth but also an increasingly challenging and pertinent one given the central position of medical leadership within the 21st-century NHS. In light of high-profile news regarding care quality and efficiency, as well as increasing management and financial responsibilities for doctors and senior medical professionals, establishing successful leadership is vital to the future of the NHS.
Within this context, and with 58% of respondents from our survey of more than 100 leaders in the NHS having little or no confidence that they have successors in place for medical leadership roles, surely its time to think differently about how we manage medical leadership talent? Continue reading... The Guardian
35,000 patients wrongly struck off GP registers
35,000 patients wrongly struck off GP registers Patients are being denied check-ups and cancer screening after being cut off NHS lists as health authorities botch attempts to update records. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 1 September 2014
East Midlands Ambulance Service loses 42,000 records
East Midlands Ambulance Service loses 42,000 records The ambulance service that covers Northamptonshire has lost thousands of patients’ records. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Former Northampton MP says NHS payments to people with long-term illnesses are at a ‘standstill’
Former Northampton MP says NHS payments to people with long-term illnesses are at a ‘standstill’ NHS payments to help people with long-term illnesses are at a virtual standstill in Northamptonshire, a former MP has said. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Patient safety alert on risks arising from breakdown and failure to act on communication during handover at the time of discharge from secondary care
Patient safety alert on risks arising from breakdown and failure to act on communication during handover at the time of discharge from secondary care A patient safety alert has been issued by NHS England as part of its work to improve the quality and timeliness of communication with primary and social care when patients are discharged from hospital.
NHS England is asking organisations for information about their current local practices and challenges that will help form a national picture around handover at discharge. They are also being asked to provide examples of successful local initiatives designed to improve their discharge handover processes. In addition, other groups including GPs, community nurses, social care, voluntary sector and medicines reconciliation are being asked to share their views on how the process can be improved.
This information will be used by NHS England to develop a range of resources and recommendations to help healthcare providers to improve patient safety around handover at a local level.
You can read the full risks arising from breakdown and failure to act on communication during handover at the time of discharge from secondary care patient safety alert.
You can also read a review of National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) incident data relating to discharge from acute and mental health trusts between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013.
NHS England is asking organisations for information about their current local practices and challenges that will help form a national picture around handover at discharge. They are also being asked to provide examples of successful local initiatives designed to improve their discharge handover processes. In addition, other groups including GPs, community nurses, social care, voluntary sector and medicines reconciliation are being asked to share their views on how the process can be improved.
This information will be used by NHS England to develop a range of resources and recommendations to help healthcare providers to improve patient safety around handover at a local level.
You can read the full risks arising from breakdown and failure to act on communication during handover at the time of discharge from secondary care patient safety alert.
You can also read a review of National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) incident data relating to discharge from acute and mental health trusts between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013.
No assumptions: a narrative for personalised, coordinated care and support in mental health
No assumptions: a narrative for personalised, coordinated care and support in mental health This resource describes the critical outcomes and success factors in the care, support and treatment of people who use mental health services, from their perspective. It is aimed at NHS and council commissioners and providers of services to organise person-centred care and recovery-oriented support for mental and physical health and to know when they are achieving it. National Voices
See also:
See also:
Good surgical practice
Good surgical practice This guidance outlines the standards of practice that are expected of all surgeons as well as the skills, values and attitudes that underpin the profession and has been developed with surgeons and patient groups. It highlights surgical leadership and teamwork as crucial for achieving high-quality patient care and provides surgeons with a model that they should aspire to in day to day practice. Royal College of Surgeons
Third of women discharged too early after giving birth says new RCM report
Third of women discharged too early after giving birth says new RCM report Over a third (40%) of women were discharged from hospital before they were ready after having a baby according to a report published today by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).
The report also says that women are not getting the level of postnatal care recommended by NICE and that continuity of care is suffering, leading to poorer care for women and their babies.
The report makes a number of recommendations to help improve postnatal care. These include having enough midwives to ensure all women receive the number of postnatal visits they need. It also recommends that the appropriate number of visits should be decided by the midwife in discussion with the woman.
See also:
The report also says that women are not getting the level of postnatal care recommended by NICE and that continuity of care is suffering, leading to poorer care for women and their babies.
The report makes a number of recommendations to help improve postnatal care. These include having enough midwives to ensure all women receive the number of postnatal visits they need. It also recommends that the appropriate number of visits should be decided by the midwife in discussion with the woman.
See also:
- Pressure Points (report) Royal College of Midwives
- Post-natal care lacking, say midwives BBC News
- Shortage of midwives is forcing mothers to leave hospital early The Independent
- Women pressured into leaving hospital too soon after birth, warn midwives The Daily Telegraph
- 40% of new mothers discharged from hospital too early, survey finds The Guardian
- Hospitals sent us home too early, say 40% of new mums Daily Mail
VIDEO: Are e-cigarettes safe?
VIDEO: Are e-cigarettes safe? Inside Out goes to the lab to investigate what is in e-cigarettes while we unwrap the arguments surrounding them. BBC News
'Urgent' call for obesity taskforce
'Urgent' call for obesity taskforce Doctors' leaders are calling for an emergency taskforce to be set up to tackle childhood obesity in England. BBC News
Test Ebola drug '100% effective'
Test Ebola drug '100% effective' The only trial data on the experimental Ebola drug ZMapp shows it is 100% effective in monkey studies, even in later stages of the infection. BBC News
3 per cent of patients have EPR access
3 per cent of patients have EPR access Fewer than 3% of patients have access to their GP medical records online, according to figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre's indicator portal. E-Health Insider
Study finds plain cigarette pack fears 'unfounded'
Study finds plain cigarette pack fears 'unfounded' "Cigarette plain packaging fear campaign unfounded," reports The Guardian.
After Australia introduced plain packaging laws in 2012, opponents of the legislation argued it would lead to a number of unintended consequences, including:
But a new study conducted in Victoria, Australia, suggests these fears are unfounded.
Researchers compared the responses smokers gave in a telephone survey one year before the introduction of standardised packaging, with responses given one year after its introduction.
The study found no evidence the introduction of standardised packaging had changed the proportion of people purchasing from small mixed-business retailers, purchasing cheap brands imported from Asia, or using illicit tobacco.
But this study did not investigate whether there had been an increase in the use of counterfeit branded tobacco products. The researchers noted that smokers may be unaware they are smoking counterfeit products.
In conclusion, the study suggests there is no evidence for many of the "fears" proposed by opponents of standardised packaging.
After Australia introduced plain packaging laws in 2012, opponents of the legislation argued it would lead to a number of unintended consequences, including:
- the market would become flooded by cheap Asian brands
- smokers would be more likely to buy illegal unbranded tobacco (including raw unbranded loose tobacco known locally in Australia as "chop-chop")
- smokers would be less likely to buy their cigarettes from smaller mixed businesses such as convenience stores and petrol stations, meaning that small businesses would suffer
But a new study conducted in Victoria, Australia, suggests these fears are unfounded.
Researchers compared the responses smokers gave in a telephone survey one year before the introduction of standardised packaging, with responses given one year after its introduction.
The study found no evidence the introduction of standardised packaging had changed the proportion of people purchasing from small mixed-business retailers, purchasing cheap brands imported from Asia, or using illicit tobacco.
But this study did not investigate whether there had been an increase in the use of counterfeit branded tobacco products. The researchers noted that smokers may be unaware they are smoking counterfeit products.
In conclusion, the study suggests there is no evidence for many of the "fears" proposed by opponents of standardised packaging.
Calls for greater disclosure on NHS chiefs' meetings with private US health insurer
Calls for greater disclosure on NHS chiefs' meetings with private US health insurer Critics warn of more privatisation as UnitedHealth leads firms seeking £1bn worth of contracts/
A handful of consultancy firms and a health insurance giant bidding for NHS contracts have been operating a discreet forum at which they receive regular briefings from senior health service managers charged with ushering in the new era of competition among its providers. The revelation has raised fears that the NHS is falling victim to a land grab by a few powerful business interests.
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the campaign group Spinwatch shine a light on the workings of an obscure group whose existence and limited membership has alarmed campaigners who want the NHS to remain public. Continue reading... The Guardian
A handful of consultancy firms and a health insurance giant bidding for NHS contracts have been operating a discreet forum at which they receive regular briefings from senior health service managers charged with ushering in the new era of competition among its providers. The revelation has raised fears that the NHS is falling victim to a land grab by a few powerful business interests.
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the campaign group Spinwatch shine a light on the workings of an obscure group whose existence and limited membership has alarmed campaigners who want the NHS to remain public. Continue reading... The Guardian
Deaths from childhood cancer fall by up to 74 per cent in a decade
Deaths from childhood cancer fall by up to 74 per cent in a decade Doctors are winning the battle against childhood cancer, with deaths plummeting over the last decade. But health experts say there is more work to do. The Daily Telegraph
Treating mental illness is a global task, say experts
Treating mental illness is a global task, say experts The world's leading psychiatrists have launched a historic bid to include mental health in the UN's post-2015 development goals. The Independent
Cuts blamed as NHS cancer waiting time targets missed for second quarter in a row
Cuts blamed as NHS cancer waiting time targets missed for second quarter in a row The NHS in England is experiencing its worst ever long-term slump in performance against key cancer waiting times, leaving thousands of patients waiting weeks for treatment for suspected cancers, according to new figures. The Independent
Friday, 29 August 2014
Independent report: Establishing food standards for NHS hospitals
Independent report: Establishing food standards for NHS hospitals
The report looks at standards relating to patient nutrition and hydration, healthier eating across hospitals and sutainable food and catering services.
NHS adoption of the recommended standards will be required through the NHS contract meaning that hospitals will have a legal duty to comply with the recommendations.
The panel, set up by Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter and led by Dianne Jeffrey from Age UK, examined existing food standards, advising on how they should be applied and monitored.
The report looks at standards relating to patient nutrition and hydration, healthier eating across hospitals and sutainable food and catering services.
NHS adoption of the recommended standards will be required through the NHS contract meaning that hospitals will have a legal duty to comply with the recommendations.
The panel, set up by Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter and led by Dianne Jeffrey from Age UK, examined existing food standards, advising on how they should be applied and monitored.
Department of Health
The NHS receives 480 written complaints per day
The NHS receives 480 written complaints per day
· Almost 175,000 reported complaints made in 2013-14. ICQOF
· Almost 175,000 reported complaints made in 2013-14. ICQOF
Data factsheets on weight, obesity and physical activity
Data factsheets on weight, obesity and physical activity
These factsheets compile up-to-date key information and data about obesity and its determinants in an easily readable format. The data factsheets will be a useful resource for policy makers, practitioners and anyone with an interest in obesity. Public Health England (PHE)
Factsheets
These factsheets compile up-to-date key information and data about obesity and its determinants in an easily readable format. The data factsheets will be a useful resource for policy makers, practitioners and anyone with an interest in obesity. Public Health England (PHE)
Factsheets
Spend and outcome tool (SPOT) for local authorities
Spend and outcome tool (SPOT) for local authorities
This tool gives local authorities an overview of spend and outcome across key areas of business for public health and its sub-programmes. The tool is an interactive spreadsheet and is also accompanied by factsheets for each local authority. Public Health England (PHE)
Tool
PHE news
This tool gives local authorities an overview of spend and outcome across key areas of business for public health and its sub-programmes. The tool is an interactive spreadsheet and is also accompanied by factsheets for each local authority. Public Health England (PHE)
Tool
PHE news
Government told to invest in ambulance services as complaints soar
Government told to invest in ambulance services as complaints soar
Paramedics have called on the Government to urgently invest in ambulance services after new figures revealed complaints about delayed emergency responses have soared in the past year. Independent
Paramedics have called on the Government to urgently invest in ambulance services after new figures revealed complaints about delayed emergency responses have soared in the past year. Independent
Walk a mile a day to beat cancer
Walk a mile a day to beat cancer
Walking just one mile at a moderate pace every day could reduce the risk of death from breast and prostate cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support suggests. Telegraph
Walking just one mile at a moderate pace every day could reduce the risk of death from breast and prostate cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support suggests. Telegraph
Empowering mental health service users to become more involved in decisions about their care: the DECIDE RCT
Empowering mental health service users to become more involved in decisions about their care: the DECIDE RCT
Laurence Palfreyman highlights an RCT of the DECIDE intervention, which aims to build awareness of the service user’s role in decisions about their care including how they can become more involved and seek information from independent sources. The Mental Elf
Laurence Palfreyman highlights an RCT of the DECIDE intervention, which aims to build awareness of the service user’s role in decisions about their care including how they can become more involved and seek information from independent sources. The Mental Elf
Electrical stimulation 'aids memory'
Electrical stimulation 'aids memory'
Electromagnetic stimulation of a specific part of the brain may improve the ability to remember certain facts, researchers say. BBC News
Electromagnetic stimulation of a specific part of the brain may improve the ability to remember certain facts, researchers say. BBC News
Tomato-rich diet 'reduces prostate cancer risk'
Tomato-rich diet 'reduces prostate cancer risk'
“Tomatoes ‘cut risk of prostate cancer by 20%’,” the Daily Mail reports, citing a study that found men who ate 10 or more portions a week had a reduced risk of the disease.
The study in question gathered a year’s dietary information from 1,806 men who were found to have prostate cancer and 12,005 who were clear after random prostate checks. The researchers compared the diets and adjusted the results to take into account factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer and ethnicity.
They found that men who ate more than 10 portions of tomatoes or tomato products per week have an 18% reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to men who ate less than 10.
As this was a case controlled study, and not a randomised controlled trial, it cannot prove that eating more tomatoes prevents prostate cancer. It can only show an association.
“Tomatoes ‘cut risk of prostate cancer by 20%’,” the Daily Mail reports, citing a study that found men who ate 10 or more portions a week had a reduced risk of the disease.
The study in question gathered a year’s dietary information from 1,806 men who were found to have prostate cancer and 12,005 who were clear after random prostate checks. The researchers compared the diets and adjusted the results to take into account factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer and ethnicity.
They found that men who ate more than 10 portions of tomatoes or tomato products per week have an 18% reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to men who ate less than 10.
As this was a case controlled study, and not a randomised controlled trial, it cannot prove that eating more tomatoes prevents prostate cancer. It can only show an association.
Depression therapy aids other cancer symptoms
Depression therapy aids other cancer symptoms
"Depression therapy could help cancer patients fight illness," reports The Daily Telegraph.
The headline follows a study of intensive treatment of clinical depression given to people who had both depression and cancer – delivered as part of their cancer care. It found that not only did people’s mood improve, but cancer-related symptoms such as pain and fatigue were also reduced compared to that seen with the usual care given.
The treatment programme, called Depression Care for People with Cancer (DCPC), involves a team of specially trained cancer nurses and psychiatrists who work closely with the patient’s cancer doctors and GP.
"Depression therapy could help cancer patients fight illness," reports The Daily Telegraph.
The headline follows a study of intensive treatment of clinical depression given to people who had both depression and cancer – delivered as part of their cancer care. It found that not only did people’s mood improve, but cancer-related symptoms such as pain and fatigue were also reduced compared to that seen with the usual care given.
The treatment programme, called Depression Care for People with Cancer (DCPC), involves a team of specially trained cancer nurses and psychiatrists who work closely with the patient’s cancer doctors and GP.
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Cancer Drugs Fund gets £160m more for innovative treatments
Cancer Drugs Fund gets £160m more for innovative treatments
Fund that helps patients receive pioneering medicines not routinely funded by the NHS will be extended to 2016
Thousands more cancer patients in England will be offered vital treatments in a £160m boost to the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), the Department of Health said today.
The fund, which has helped more than 55,000 cancer patients since it was set up four years ago, will be increased from £200m a year to £280m a year. Guardian
Continue reading...
Fund that helps patients receive pioneering medicines not routinely funded by the NHS will be extended to 2016
Thousands more cancer patients in England will be offered vital treatments in a £160m boost to the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), the Department of Health said today.
The fund, which has helped more than 55,000 cancer patients since it was set up four years ago, will be increased from £200m a year to £280m a year. Guardian
Continue reading...
- Press release: Thousands more patients to benefit from additional £160 million for cancer drugs Department of Health
One in six hospital sites score 100 per cent on cleanliness in patient-led assessments
One in six hospital sites score 100 per cent on cleanliness in patient-led assessments
11 per cent increase in public involvement on 2013
*Regional data available from this report
218 hospital sites (16.1 per cent) scored 100 per cent for cleanliness3 in the latest Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE)4report. The report released today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) saw 1,356 hospital sites assessed.
PLACE results for 2014 show that the national average score for cleanliness has increased by 1.5 per cent on 2013. This improvement was across all site types5 except treatment centres; the largest increase was in the Community sector at 1.9 per cent.
PLACE is now in its second year and aims to give the public a chance to assess a range of non-clinical services within the NHS and the independent and private healthcare sector in England.
The assessment criteria used within PLACE represents aspects of the care environment which patients and the public have identified as important6.
PLACE covers four specific areas: cleanliness; food and hydration; privacy, dignity and wellbeing; and condition, appearance and maintenance7. IQOF
11 per cent increase in public involvement on 2013
*Regional data available from this report
218 hospital sites (16.1 per cent) scored 100 per cent for cleanliness3 in the latest Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE)4report. The report released today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) saw 1,356 hospital sites assessed.
PLACE results for 2014 show that the national average score for cleanliness has increased by 1.5 per cent on 2013. This improvement was across all site types5 except treatment centres; the largest increase was in the Community sector at 1.9 per cent.
PLACE is now in its second year and aims to give the public a chance to assess a range of non-clinical services within the NHS and the independent and private healthcare sector in England.
The assessment criteria used within PLACE represents aspects of the care environment which patients and the public have identified as important6.
PLACE covers four specific areas: cleanliness; food and hydration; privacy, dignity and wellbeing; and condition, appearance and maintenance7. IQOF
Depression in cancer 'overlooked'
Depression in cancer 'overlooked'
Three-quarters of cancer patients who are depressed are not getting the psychological therapy they need, researchers say. BBC News
Three-quarters of cancer patients who are depressed are not getting the psychological therapy they need, researchers say. BBC News
Tomatoes linked with fighting cancer
Tomatoes linked with fighting cancer
Eating tomatoes may lower the risk of prostate cancer, research suggests. BBC News
Eating tomatoes may lower the risk of prostate cancer, research suggests. BBC News
The relationship between delayed discharge and care home bed supply
The relationship between delayed discharge and care home bed supply
It aims to answer two questions: Does the supply of care home beds in a local authority (LA) affect hospital discharge delays and does the supply of care home beds in neighbouring LAs affect delayed discharges ie are there spillovers?
The report uses data that is only recently available on delays for hospital patients in 147 LAs between 2010-2012, distinguishing between those delays caused by social care and those due to hospitals. NHS Networks
It aims to answer two questions: Does the supply of care home beds in a local authority (LA) affect hospital discharge delays and does the supply of care home beds in neighbouring LAs affect delayed discharges ie are there spillovers?
The report uses data that is only recently available on delays for hospital patients in 147 LAs between 2010-2012, distinguishing between those delays caused by social care and those due to hospitals. NHS Networks
Can giving addicts access to medical records aid recovery?
Can giving addicts access to medical records aid recovery?
Putting people with substance misuse problems in control could help with treatment and save NHS resources
Could bedside TVs be used to give patients access to medical records?
As a clinical psychologist whos spent many years helping people recover from drug and alcohol problems, I know that the substance misuse sector can be a minefield for both service users and practitioners.
While much has improved, someone recovering from a drug and alcohol addiction is still cared for by an often bewildering array of organisations. This is something that can cause stress in the individual and the system. I believe that giving individuals more control over their lives and treatment can lead to huge benefits all round.
Guardian
Continue reading...
Putting people with substance misuse problems in control could help with treatment and save NHS resources
Could bedside TVs be used to give patients access to medical records?
As a clinical psychologist whos spent many years helping people recover from drug and alcohol problems, I know that the substance misuse sector can be a minefield for both service users and practitioners.
While much has improved, someone recovering from a drug and alcohol addiction is still cared for by an often bewildering array of organisations. This is something that can cause stress in the individual and the system. I believe that giving individuals more control over their lives and treatment can lead to huge benefits all round.
Guardian
Continue reading...
Patient-led dosing for hypertension improves BP control
Patient-led dosing for hypertension improves BP control
Allowing hypertensive patients to monitor and adjust drug doses under a programme devised by their GP can improve BP control in high-risk patients, a study has found. GP Online
Allowing hypertensive patients to monitor and adjust drug doses under a programme devised by their GP can improve BP control in high-risk patients, a study has found. GP Online
Motivational interviewing does not prevent alcohol misuse in young people
Motivational interviewing does not prevent alcohol misuse in young people
This new Cochrane systematic review finds that motivational interviewing has no effect on reducing alcohol-related problems or risky behaviours such as drunk driving in young people. Mental Elf
This new Cochrane systematic review finds that motivational interviewing has no effect on reducing alcohol-related problems or risky behaviours such as drunk driving in young people. Mental Elf
A national review of choices in end-of-life care
A national review of choices in end-of-life care
The review focuses on end-of-life care for adults of 18 years of age and over, and within the current legal framework. It does not look at assisted dying or anything that would involve changes to mental capacity legislation. The deadline for responses to the review is 30 September 2014. NHS Networks
The review focuses on end-of-life care for adults of 18 years of age and over, and within the current legal framework. It does not look at assisted dying or anything that would involve changes to mental capacity legislation. The deadline for responses to the review is 30 September 2014. NHS Networks
Drug hope for Crohn's patients: New treatment is first to work in the gut to target symptoms on the disease
Drug hope for Crohn's patients: New treatment is first to work in the gut to target symptoms on the disease
Vedolizumab is the first to work directly in the gut lining, targeting the inflammation that causes chronic symptoms such as diarrhoea, bleeding and fatigue. Daily Mail
Vedolizumab is the first to work directly in the gut lining, targeting the inflammation that causes chronic symptoms such as diarrhoea, bleeding and fatigue. Daily Mail
Will polystyrene cancer concerns prompt brands to change?
Will polystyrene cancer concerns prompt brands to change?
The National Research Council has affirmed that styrene, often used in food packaging and foam coffee cups, is linked to cancer. Whats the industrys reaction?
Polystyrene foam packaging has been a topic of environmental debate for decades, and several international brands have made moves to phase it out. This slow trend may have been accelerated last month when the National Research Council (NRC) affirmed the National Toxicology Programs 2011 finding that the organic compound styrene can reasonably be anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
In terms of consumer hazards, the biggest styrene concern is with food packaging, as studies have shown that this substance can leech out of polystyrene takeout food and drink containers, says Mike Schade of Safer Chemicals. If you drink coffee or soup or eat Chinese food from a polystyrene foam container you can potentially be exposed to this chemical, which government agencies consider reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
We remain committed to finding a long-term alternative to Dunkin Donuts foam cup that meets our guests expectations, is affordable for our franchisees and reduces our environmental impacts. Guardian
Continue reading...
The National Research Council has affirmed that styrene, often used in food packaging and foam coffee cups, is linked to cancer. Whats the industrys reaction?
Polystyrene foam packaging has been a topic of environmental debate for decades, and several international brands have made moves to phase it out. This slow trend may have been accelerated last month when the National Research Council (NRC) affirmed the National Toxicology Programs 2011 finding that the organic compound styrene can reasonably be anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
In terms of consumer hazards, the biggest styrene concern is with food packaging, as studies have shown that this substance can leech out of polystyrene takeout food and drink containers, says Mike Schade of Safer Chemicals. If you drink coffee or soup or eat Chinese food from a polystyrene foam container you can potentially be exposed to this chemical, which government agencies consider reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
We remain committed to finding a long-term alternative to Dunkin Donuts foam cup that meets our guests expectations, is affordable for our franchisees and reduces our environmental impacts. Guardian
Continue reading...
Does weight loss surgery affect dementia risk?
Does weight loss surgery affect dementia risk?
"Weight loss surgery 'reduces chance of Alzheimer's disease'," reports The Daily Telegraph. This misleading headline reports on a small Brazilian study of severely obese women before and after weight loss surgery. None of the women had any signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Seventeen women with an average body mass index (BMI) of 50kg/m² had neuropsychological tests, blood tests and a brain scan before surgery and again six months later, when their average BMI had reduced to 37kg/m². Their results were compared with those of 16 women of a normal weight – the "controls".
All of the women had normal neuropsychological tests. The obese women performed one of the tests more quickly after weight loss surgery, but it cannot be assumed this is a direct result of their weight loss. It could be they were faster simply because this was the second time they had done the test. The control group of women did not repeat the test, so we do not know if they also would have performed better.
"Weight loss surgery 'reduces chance of Alzheimer's disease'," reports The Daily Telegraph. This misleading headline reports on a small Brazilian study of severely obese women before and after weight loss surgery. None of the women had any signs or symptoms of Alzheimer's.
Seventeen women with an average body mass index (BMI) of 50kg/m² had neuropsychological tests, blood tests and a brain scan before surgery and again six months later, when their average BMI had reduced to 37kg/m². Their results were compared with those of 16 women of a normal weight – the "controls".
All of the women had normal neuropsychological tests. The obese women performed one of the tests more quickly after weight loss surgery, but it cannot be assumed this is a direct result of their weight loss. It could be they were faster simply because this was the second time they had done the test. The control group of women did not repeat the test, so we do not know if they also would have performed better.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
New computer systems to speed up x-ray scans at Northampton hospital
New computer systems to speed up x-ray scans at Northampton hospital
Patients at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) will have the chance to benefit from faster turnaround times on x-ray tests as a new computer system is introduced to deliver scans to doctors in other parts of the hospital. Northampton Chronicle
Patients at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) will have the chance to benefit from faster turnaround times on x-ray tests as a new computer system is introduced to deliver scans to doctors in other parts of the hospital. Northampton Chronicle
Smoker numbers in Northamptonshire down two per cent
Smoker numbers in Northamptonshire down two per cent
The number of smokers has decreased by two per cent in 12 months, latest statistics for Northamptonshire show. Northampton Chronicle
The number of smokers has decreased by two per cent in 12 months, latest statistics for Northamptonshire show. Northampton Chronicle
Trust hunts disk holding 42,000 records
Trust hunts disk holding 42,000 records
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust has admitted to losing a disc containing the confidential information of 42,000 patients. EHI News
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust has admitted to losing a disc containing the confidential information of 42,000 patients. EHI News
Mindfulness therapy comes at a high price for some, say experts
Mindfulness therapy comes at a high price for some, say experts
Much-hyped therapy can reduce relapses into depression but it can have troubling side effects
In a first floor room above a gridlocked London street, 20 strangers shuffle on to mats and cushions. There's an advertising executive, a personnel manager, a student and a pensioner. A gong sounds softly and a session of sitting meditation begins. This is one of more than 1,000 mindfulness courses proliferating across the UK as more and more people struggling with anxiety, depression and stress turn towards a practice adapted from a 2,400-year-old Buddhist tradition.
Enthusiasm is booming for such mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) courses, which anOxford University study has found can reduce relapses into depression by 44%. It is, say the researchers, as effective as taking antidepressants. It involves sitting still, focusing on your breath, noticing when your attention drifts and bringing it back to your breath and it is surprisingly challenging. Guardian
Continue reading...
Much-hyped therapy can reduce relapses into depression but it can have troubling side effects
In a first floor room above a gridlocked London street, 20 strangers shuffle on to mats and cushions. There's an advertising executive, a personnel manager, a student and a pensioner. A gong sounds softly and a session of sitting meditation begins. This is one of more than 1,000 mindfulness courses proliferating across the UK as more and more people struggling with anxiety, depression and stress turn towards a practice adapted from a 2,400-year-old Buddhist tradition.
Enthusiasm is booming for such mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) courses, which anOxford University study has found can reduce relapses into depression by 44%. It is, say the researchers, as effective as taking antidepressants. It involves sitting still, focusing on your breath, noticing when your attention drifts and bringing it back to your breath and it is surprisingly challenging. Guardian
Continue reading...
Self-harm by mental health patients in NHS has risen by 56%, figures show
Self-harm by mental health patients in NHS has risen by 56%, figures show
Labour links rise in self-harm and suicide attempts to 'intolerable' pressure from staff and budget cutbacks
Growing numbers of people being treated in mental health units are harming themselves and trying to take their own lives, new NHS figures suggest.
The number of such incidents at 29 of England's 52 NHS mental health trusts rose from 14,815 in 2010 to 23,053 last year, an increase of 56% over four years. Guardian
Continue reading...
Labour links rise in self-harm and suicide attempts to 'intolerable' pressure from staff and budget cutbacks
Growing numbers of people being treated in mental health units are harming themselves and trying to take their own lives, new NHS figures suggest.
The number of such incidents at 29 of England's 52 NHS mental health trusts rose from 14,815 in 2010 to 23,053 last year, an increase of 56% over four years. Guardian
Continue reading...
Overseas nurses 'face shorter tests'
Overseas nurses 'face shorter tests'
New rules mean nurses and midwives who have completed their training outside Europe will face shorter tests to check they are fit to work in the UK. BBC News
New rules mean nurses and midwives who have completed their training outside Europe will face shorter tests to check they are fit to work in the UK. BBC News
Survival rates for all common cancers improve across England
Survival rates for all common cancers improve across England
Survival rates for five common cancers in England have increased 'radically' over recent years, figures show, as officials suggest earlier diagnosis is behind the improvement. GP Online
Survival rates for five common cancers in England have increased 'radically' over recent years, figures show, as officials suggest earlier diagnosis is behind the improvement. GP Online
Private hospitals should be put under the same scrutiny as NHS services
Private hospitals should be put under the same scrutiny as NHS services
Private hospitals must offer the same transparency on patient safety that the public demands from the NHS
Patient safety: How local NHS leaders can best use data
Earlier this week a report published by the Centre for Health and the Public Interest (CHPI) called for much greater transparency about the quality of healthcare in the private sector.
The health thinktank claimed that patients undergoing operations in private hospitals are sometimes exposed to risk from inadequate equipment, lack of intensive care beds, unsafe staffing arrangements, and poor medical record keeping. Guardian
Private hospitals must offer the same transparency on patient safety that the public demands from the NHS
Patient safety: How local NHS leaders can best use data
Earlier this week a report published by the Centre for Health and the Public Interest (CHPI) called for much greater transparency about the quality of healthcare in the private sector.
The health thinktank claimed that patients undergoing operations in private hospitals are sometimes exposed to risk from inadequate equipment, lack of intensive care beds, unsafe staffing arrangements, and poor medical record keeping. Guardian
Continue reading...
London mental health web service planned
London mental health web service planned
London Councils and Public Health England are planning to establish an open access digital mental health service to help Londoners with untreated mental disorders. EHI News
London Councils and Public Health England are planning to establish an open access digital mental health service to help Londoners with untreated mental disorders. EHI News
Spine2 is alive
Spine2 is alive
The replacement for the NHS data spine, Spine2, went live over the bank holiday weekend. EHI News
The replacement for the NHS data spine, Spine2, went live over the bank holiday weekend. EHI News
Policy alert: NHS patient, visitor and staff car parking principles
Policy alert: NHS patient, visitor and staff car parking principles
These car parking principles suggest the provision of concessions to groups that need them such as disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders or visitors with relatives who are gravely ill. Department of Health
Document
Further information
These car parking principles suggest the provision of concessions to groups that need them such as disabled people, frequent outpatient attenders or visitors with relatives who are gravely ill. Department of Health
Document
Further information
'Ban E-cig use indoors,' says WHO
'Ban E-cig use indoors,' says WHO
The World Health Organization says there should be regulations preventing the use of electronic cigarettes indoors in public and work places. BBC News
The World Health Organization says there should be regulations preventing the use of electronic cigarettes indoors in public and work places. BBC News
Weight loss surgery 'reduces chance of Alzheimer's Disease'
Weight loss surgery 'reduces chance of Alzheimer's Disease'
Stomach stapling and gastric bands could reduce the chance of dementia, research sugggests. Telegraph
Stomach stapling and gastric bands could reduce the chance of dementia, research sugggests. Telegraph
Friday, 22 August 2014
NHS sickness absence rates fall further
NHS sickness absence rates fall further The latest NHS staff sickness absence rates released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) show a decrease in overall sickness absence, falling to 3.95 per cent in April 2014 from 3.98 percent in April 2013. NHS Employers
Doctors may face 'tougher sanctions'
Doctors may face 'tougher sanctions' Failing doctors could be forced to apologise to patients under measures being considered by the medical regulator. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Doctors could be struck off if they fail to apologise to patients The Daily Telegraph
US Ebola patients out of hospital
US Ebola patients out of hospital One of the US aid workers who recovered from the Ebola virus says he is "thrilled to be alive" as he and another patient are discharged from hospital. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Health experts' food poverty warning
Health experts' food poverty warning More people are suffering from malnutrition as a result of worsening food poverty, health experts warn. BBC News
'Fat and 30' link to dementia is inconclusive
'Fat and 30' link to dementia is inconclusive “People as young as 30 who are obese may be at greater risk [of dementia],” The Independent reports.
This UK study examined a set 14-year period (1998 to 2011) and looked at whether NHS hospital records documenting obesity in adults above the age of 30 were associated with subsequent hospital or mortality records documenting dementia in the remaining years of the study.
Overall there was actually no significant association between obesity and dementia in later life.
When the researchers broke down the data into 10-year age bands (30s, 40s, 50s and 60s) they found that people in these age groups had increased risk of dementia. However, it must be remembered that the researchers were not looking at lifetime dementia diagnoses, but only looking at diagnoses in the remaining years of the study. Very few people in the younger age groups would have developed dementia over the following few years.
For example, the study found more than a trebled risk of dementia for people with obesity in their 30s, but this was based on only 19 people who developed dementia during the remaining years of the study. Calculations based on small numbers may be less reliable and should be given less "weight".
As expected the greatest number of subsequent dementia diagnoses occurred in people who were 70 or above when obesity was assessed, and obesity did not increase dementia risk in these people.
Aside from any dementia link or not, overweight and obesity are well established to be associated with a variety of chronic diseases and a healthy weight should be the aim.
This UK study examined a set 14-year period (1998 to 2011) and looked at whether NHS hospital records documenting obesity in adults above the age of 30 were associated with subsequent hospital or mortality records documenting dementia in the remaining years of the study.
Overall there was actually no significant association between obesity and dementia in later life.
When the researchers broke down the data into 10-year age bands (30s, 40s, 50s and 60s) they found that people in these age groups had increased risk of dementia. However, it must be remembered that the researchers were not looking at lifetime dementia diagnoses, but only looking at diagnoses in the remaining years of the study. Very few people in the younger age groups would have developed dementia over the following few years.
For example, the study found more than a trebled risk of dementia for people with obesity in their 30s, but this was based on only 19 people who developed dementia during the remaining years of the study. Calculations based on small numbers may be less reliable and should be given less "weight".
As expected the greatest number of subsequent dementia diagnoses occurred in people who were 70 or above when obesity was assessed, and obesity did not increase dementia risk in these people.
Aside from any dementia link or not, overweight and obesity are well established to be associated with a variety of chronic diseases and a healthy weight should be the aim.
New drive to make GP information more accessible
New drive to make GP information more accessible NHS England consults on ‘accessible information standard’. OnMedica
NHS patients to be seen by 'doctors on the cheap'
NHS patients to be seen by 'doctors on the cheap' Patients will increasingly be seen by “physician associates” rather than doctors under Government plans despite fears they are “doctors on the cheap”, according to a report. The Independent
See also:
See also:
All three parties must tackle mental health crisis now, says Alastair Campbell
All three parties must tackle mental health crisis now, says Alastair Campbell Britain “cannot wait another generation” to tackle the mounting crisis in the nation’s mental health, Alastair Campbell has said, in a challenge to all three political parties to put the issue at the heart of their election manifestos. The Independent
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Can we ignore NHS charges any longer?
Can we ignore NHS charges any longer? This is the second in a series of guest blogs that we’ll be publishing in the run-up to the launch of the final report from the Commission on the Future of Health and Social Care in England.
Each blog will focus on one of the possible options for funding future health and social care considered in the commission’s interim report. Here, Andrew Haldenby and Cathy Corrie of independent think-tank Reform discuss why new NHS charges are necessary and why no political party wants to talk about them.
The commission will make its final recommendations on 4 September.
Each blog will focus on one of the possible options for funding future health and social care considered in the commission’s interim report. Here, Andrew Haldenby and Cathy Corrie of independent think-tank Reform discuss why new NHS charges are necessary and why no political party wants to talk about them.
The commission will make its final recommendations on 4 September.
Guidance: Ebola: infection control and prevention for acute trust staff
Guidance: Ebola: infection control and prevention for acute trust staff Guidance is also available on the risk assessment and management of viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF), including Ebola, from the VHF algorithm page. Public Health England
See also:
See also:
- Guidance: Ebola: sample testing advice for laboratory staff Public Health England
Superbug measures 'lack evidence'
Superbug measures 'lack evidence' Researchers suggest some standard methods to reduce the spread of MRSA infections need to be re-evaluated as they may do more harm than good. BBC News
Keeping knowledgeable: how NHS chief executive officers mobilise knowledge and information in their daily work
Keeping knowledgeable: how NHS chief executive officers mobilise knowledge and information in their daily work This study aimed to investigate how chief executive officers of NHS trusts make decisions and mobilise particular knowledge and ‘evidence’ in the course of their day-to-day activities. National Institute for Health Research
Sepsis: Antibiotics 'not working'
Sepsis: Antibiotics 'not working' Patients are dying from sepsis because of a lack of effective antibiotics, an expert is warning. BBC News
Urgent care change pilots started
Urgent care change pilots started NHS England has established a series of pilots for a "system-wide transformation" of emergency services, including restructuring A&Es and enhancing the NHS 111 service. E-Health Insider
Could failure to breastfeed cause depression?
Could failure to breastfeed cause depression? Mothers who plan, but are unable, to breastfeed their babies are more likely to suffer from postnatal depression, report BBC News and The Independent.
A study of 14,000 women in England found that those who planned to breastfeed but had not managed to were two-and-a-half times more likely to develop postnatal depression, compared to women who had no intention of breastfeeding.
Around 1 in 10 women develop postnatal depression, which is not the same as the “baby blues”, but a serious illness that can affect a mother’s ability to bond with her baby. It can also affect the baby’s longer-term development.
It can develop within the first six weeks of giving birth, but is often not apparent until around six months. It’s important to get professional help if you think you may be suffering from this illness.
The study had several limitations. For example, both antenatal and postnatal depression were self-reported rather than clinically diagnosed, which may make the results less reliable.
Due to the nature of the study’s design, it cannot prove that not breastfeeding raises the risk of postnatal depression. However, it highlights the need to support new mothers who want to breastfeed but are unable to do so.
A study of 14,000 women in England found that those who planned to breastfeed but had not managed to were two-and-a-half times more likely to develop postnatal depression, compared to women who had no intention of breastfeeding.
Around 1 in 10 women develop postnatal depression, which is not the same as the “baby blues”, but a serious illness that can affect a mother’s ability to bond with her baby. It can also affect the baby’s longer-term development.
It can develop within the first six weeks of giving birth, but is often not apparent until around six months. It’s important to get professional help if you think you may be suffering from this illness.
The study had several limitations. For example, both antenatal and postnatal depression were self-reported rather than clinically diagnosed, which may make the results less reliable.
Due to the nature of the study’s design, it cannot prove that not breastfeeding raises the risk of postnatal depression. However, it highlights the need to support new mothers who want to breastfeed but are unable to do so.
Common antibiotic linked to 'tiny' rise in heart deaths
Common antibiotic linked to 'tiny' rise in heart deaths An antibiotic given to millions of people in the UK to treat chest infections has been linked to an increased risk of heart death, report The Daily Telegraph and The Independent.
A Danish study of three antibiotics found the risk of death from any heart condition while taking the antibiotic clarithromycin is slightly higher than with penicillin V.
Clarithromycin is used for respiratory infections, and 2.2 million doses were prescribed in England in 2013. However, it is not recommended for people with abnormal heart rhythms.
Researchers compared the number of people who had a heart-related death after being put on a course of either clarithromycin, roxithromycin (not used in the UK) or penicillin.
The study, published online in the British Medical Journal, found there were an extra 37 cardiac deaths per 1 million courses of clarithromycin compared with penicillin.
But the risk was still very low. As this was a cohort study, it cannot prove that any of these deaths were as a result of taking clarithromycin, as it did not account for all of the other factors that could have influenced the results.
A Danish study of three antibiotics found the risk of death from any heart condition while taking the antibiotic clarithromycin is slightly higher than with penicillin V.
Clarithromycin is used for respiratory infections, and 2.2 million doses were prescribed in England in 2013. However, it is not recommended for people with abnormal heart rhythms.
Researchers compared the number of people who had a heart-related death after being put on a course of either clarithromycin, roxithromycin (not used in the UK) or penicillin.
The study, published online in the British Medical Journal, found there were an extra 37 cardiac deaths per 1 million courses of clarithromycin compared with penicillin.
But the risk was still very low. As this was a cohort study, it cannot prove that any of these deaths were as a result of taking clarithromycin, as it did not account for all of the other factors that could have influenced the results.
CCGs urged to fund epilepsy GPSI service to replace 'failed' QOF indicators
CCGs urged to fund epilepsy GPSI service to replace 'failed' QOF indicators Commissioners should fund additional GPSI-run epilepsy services in the community to address shortcomings in care following the scrapping of QOF indicators for the condition, according to a GP expert. GP Online
Emergency admissions for typical primary care conditions drop
Emergency admissions for typical primary care conditions drop Asthma admissions rise sharply from August to September. OnMedica
How the NHS can deal with soaring drugs prices
How the NHS can deal with soaring drugs prices National Institute of Clinical Excellence decisions have sparked debate over funding the spiraling cost of medication
Last week the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) ruled that offering abiraterone, demonstrated to extend life by up to four months in advanced prostate cancer, was not cost effective as a treatment when given before chemotherapy. Described as a kick in the teeth by Prostate Cancer UK, the decision comes after a similar Nice ruling the week before on kadcyla, shown to prolong life for a certain group of breast cancer patients. Blockbuster drugs with ever increasing benefit are expensive, and there are lots on the way.
To allow room for financing such drugs, first, doctors need to get back to the principle of prescribing drugs from the current arsenal of pharmaceuticals that they can be confident will offer benefit. A study from University College London and Public Health England suggests that inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for viral coughs and colds is on the rise, raising the spectre of resistant strains of bacteria. For such common ailments, simple bed rest is often the best prescription. The lengthy appointment and explanation needed to justify the absence of a prescription requires time that todays NHS doctors have less of. All too often, I fear, a prescription playing on the dogma of taking a medicine being a solution to an ailment, is just easier.A far more sinister trend, leading to doctors switching to newer, more expensive drugs over older, cheaper ones, is a growing feeling that in some cases we are being misled by drug manufacturers. To make the right choices for their patients, doctors need to be able to trust the evidence of patient benefit. Randomised controlled trials, considered the gold standard for testing the efficacy of a new drug against conventional treatment or placebo, are expensive and time consuming to run, requiring extensive drug manufacturer sponsorship to coordinate results across continents and thousands of patients. Continue reading... The Guardian
Last week the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) ruled that offering abiraterone, demonstrated to extend life by up to four months in advanced prostate cancer, was not cost effective as a treatment when given before chemotherapy. Described as a kick in the teeth by Prostate Cancer UK, the decision comes after a similar Nice ruling the week before on kadcyla, shown to prolong life for a certain group of breast cancer patients. Blockbuster drugs with ever increasing benefit are expensive, and there are lots on the way.
To allow room for financing such drugs, first, doctors need to get back to the principle of prescribing drugs from the current arsenal of pharmaceuticals that they can be confident will offer benefit. A study from University College London and Public Health England suggests that inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for viral coughs and colds is on the rise, raising the spectre of resistant strains of bacteria. For such common ailments, simple bed rest is often the best prescription. The lengthy appointment and explanation needed to justify the absence of a prescription requires time that todays NHS doctors have less of. All too often, I fear, a prescription playing on the dogma of taking a medicine being a solution to an ailment, is just easier.A far more sinister trend, leading to doctors switching to newer, more expensive drugs over older, cheaper ones, is a growing feeling that in some cases we are being misled by drug manufacturers. To make the right choices for their patients, doctors need to be able to trust the evidence of patient benefit. Randomised controlled trials, considered the gold standard for testing the efficacy of a new drug against conventional treatment or placebo, are expensive and time consuming to run, requiring extensive drug manufacturer sponsorship to coordinate results across continents and thousands of patients. Continue reading... The Guardian
The 'suicide tourists': 126 Brits opt for assisted death in Switzerland since 2008
The 'suicide tourists': 126 Brits opt for assisted death in Switzerland since 2008 British people are the second biggest group of “suicide tourists”, according to a new study, which shows that the number of people travelling to assisted dying clinics in Switzerland has doubled in three years. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- One Briton a fortnight helped to die BBC News
- Britons make up nearly a quarter of suicide cases at Dignitas The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
NHS Nene in Northamptonshire brings strict cost controls - BBC News
NHS Nene in Northamptonshire brings strict cost controls Better control of costs for people in Northamptonshire needing continuing care helped a clinical commissioning group (CCG) avoid a £39.9m overspend, according to its first annual report. BBC Northamptonshire
See also:
See also:
- Annual Report 2013-14 NHS Nene CCG
Patient safety in private hospitals - the known and the unknown risks
Patient safety in private hospitals - the known and the unknown risks Patients undergoing operations in private hospitals may be put at risk from inadequate equipment, lack of intensive care beds, unsafe staffing arrangements, and poor medical record-keeping according to a new report from the Centre for Health and the Public Interest.
See also:
See also:
- New report highlights patient safety risks in private hospitals Centre for Health and the Public Interest
- 'More' private hospital data needed BBC News
Update on Urgent and Emergency Care Review
Update on Urgent and Emergency Care Review Today NHS England has published an update on the Urgent and Emergency Care Review, which builds on NHS England’s future vision for urgent and emergency care in Transforming urgent and emergency care services in England. Urgent and Emergency Care Review End of Phase 1 Report.
This work will make it easier for patients to get the right care, in the right place, first time. The vision is simple: firstly, for those people with urgent but non-life threatening needs we must provide highly responsive, effective and personalised services outside of hospital - as close to people’s homes as possible, minimising disruption and inconvenience for patients and their families. Secondly, for those people with life threatening needs we should ensure they are treated in centres with the very best expertise and facilities.
This update sets out what the Review has been doing since we last reported in November 2013. It reports on progress with NHS England’s work with local commissioners and the development of their five year strategic and two year operational plans as well as updates on planning to develop demonstrator sites to trial new models, including the new NHS 111 service specification.
To underpin these changes, a new approach to reimbursing providers of health and care services is essential. Today NHS England and Monitor have therefore also published a discussion documentsetting out the options for payment to kick off discussion.
This work will make it easier for patients to get the right care, in the right place, first time. The vision is simple: firstly, for those people with urgent but non-life threatening needs we must provide highly responsive, effective and personalised services outside of hospital - as close to people’s homes as possible, minimising disruption and inconvenience for patients and their families. Secondly, for those people with life threatening needs we should ensure they are treated in centres with the very best expertise and facilities.
This update sets out what the Review has been doing since we last reported in November 2013. It reports on progress with NHS England’s work with local commissioners and the development of their five year strategic and two year operational plans as well as updates on planning to develop demonstrator sites to trial new models, including the new NHS 111 service specification.
To underpin these changes, a new approach to reimbursing providers of health and care services is essential. Today NHS England and Monitor have therefore also published a discussion documentsetting out the options for payment to kick off discussion.
Numbers using NHS Stop Smoking Services in decline for the second year
Numbers using NHS Stop Smoking Services in decline for the second year Success rate remains stable with over 50 per cent giving up smoking. Health & Social Care Information Centre
See also:
See also:
Mental health care 'in dark ages'
Mental health care 'in dark ages' Mental health services for young people in England are "stuck in the dark ages" and "not fit for purpose", according to a government minister. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Lamb: Children's mental health system 'not fit for purpose' Community Care
- Exclusive: Children's mental healthcare in crisis, Care Minister Norman Lamb admits The Independent
- St Aubyn’s Centre: A model facility with its own school and gardens The Independent
- Child mental health services 'stuck in the dark ages', says Norman Lamb The Guardian
- Suicidal due to 'crisis in mental health services' BBC News
Income from private patients soars at NHS hospital trusts
Income from private patients soars at NHS hospital trusts NHS trusts accused of exploiting raised limit on numbers of paying patients amid health service's 'creeping privatisation'
Some of Britain's leading hospitals stand accused of exploiting the coalition's controversial lifting of the cap on the number of private patients they can treat to increase their income as part of a "creeping privatisation" of the NHS.
As new figures show that some hospitals have seen a big increase of up to 40% in their private income since the cap was lifted, Labour accused ministers of presiding over a scandal of declining standards for NHS patients while allowing paying patients to enjoy high standards of care. Continue reading... The Guardian
Some of Britain's leading hospitals stand accused of exploiting the coalition's controversial lifting of the cap on the number of private patients they can treat to increase their income as part of a "creeping privatisation" of the NHS.
As new figures show that some hospitals have seen a big increase of up to 40% in their private income since the cap was lifted, Labour accused ministers of presiding over a scandal of declining standards for NHS patients while allowing paying patients to enjoy high standards of care. Continue reading... The Guardian
Life on Ebola front line
Learning disabled not being discharged into the community
Learning disabled not being discharged into the community In spite of the Winterbourne View scandal too many patients still face hospital rather than community treatment. OnMedica
Guidelines to ensure safe staffing levels in the NHS fall short
Guidelines to ensure safe staffing levels in the NHS fall short The Nice guidelines omit recommendations for minimum nurse staffing levels and much more is needed.
In July the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) issued guidance on safe nurse staffing for hospitals in England. This work was commissioned by the government in response to recommendations in the Francis inquiry into the mid-Staffordshire NHS trust. Nice recommended a systematic approach to matching nurse staffing to patient need, using red-flag indicators to detect staffing shortfalls. A ratio of 1:8 is cited as a high-risk level that should trigger urgent review. But it did not offer guidance on the minimum nurse staffing levels needed to deliver safe or high quality patient care.
Writing in the Guardian, economist Graham Cookson says that to do so would have been a mistake. In contrast Roy Lilley, an experienced NHS manager describes Nices failure to do so as ridiculous. Legally binding minimum levels, adjusted for specialty, that can be flexed up (but never down) are essential, he argues; we have minimum ratios for airlines, crèches, and football grounds, so why not hospital wards? Certainly the call for minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in the UK is getting louder. The Royal College of Nursing congress has voted for mandated minimums, and a Unison survey found 92% supported minimum staffing levels. A new law on minimum nurse staffing levels is now proposed in Wales. So did Nice get it right in not setting minimums for England, or is their guidance, as Roy Lilley puts it, as useful as a chocolate tea-pot? Continue reading... The Guardian
In July the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) issued guidance on safe nurse staffing for hospitals in England. This work was commissioned by the government in response to recommendations in the Francis inquiry into the mid-Staffordshire NHS trust. Nice recommended a systematic approach to matching nurse staffing to patient need, using red-flag indicators to detect staffing shortfalls. A ratio of 1:8 is cited as a high-risk level that should trigger urgent review. But it did not offer guidance on the minimum nurse staffing levels needed to deliver safe or high quality patient care.
Writing in the Guardian, economist Graham Cookson says that to do so would have been a mistake. In contrast Roy Lilley, an experienced NHS manager describes Nices failure to do so as ridiculous. Legally binding minimum levels, adjusted for specialty, that can be flexed up (but never down) are essential, he argues; we have minimum ratios for airlines, crèches, and football grounds, so why not hospital wards? Certainly the call for minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in the UK is getting louder. The Royal College of Nursing congress has voted for mandated minimums, and a Unison survey found 92% supported minimum staffing levels. A new law on minimum nurse staffing levels is now proposed in Wales. So did Nice get it right in not setting minimums for England, or is their guidance, as Roy Lilley puts it, as useful as a chocolate tea-pot? Continue reading... The Guardian
Stroke patients are more likely to die if fewer nurses at weekends
Stroke patients are more likely to die if fewer nurses at weekends Stroke patients are 35 per cent more likely to die if there are fewer nurses on duty at weekends. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Associations between Stroke Mortality and Weekend Working by Stroke Specialist Physicians and Registered Nurses: Prospective Multicentre Cohort Study PLOS Medicine
- 'Nurse ratio' key to stroke survival BBC News
- More stroke patients die at weekends as they are admitted to badly staffed wards Daily Mail
Heart disease rates fall across Europe
Heart disease rates fall across Europe Deaths from heart disease and strokes are declining across Europe, thanks to falling smoking rates and the use of preventative statins, according to a major new report. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Death rates from CVD are falling across Europe British Heart Foundation
Revealed: The most devastating failures by public services
Revealed: The most devastating failures by public services A woman whose husband died hours after one of England’s biggest NHS hospitals missed several chances to diagnose his fatal condition was given just £2,000 in compensation, according to files published today, that highlight “devastating” failures by public services. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Case summaries Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
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