Healthcare funds distribution unfair, audit finds
Report says some areas are struggling because of an unfair Whitehall system to allocate £79n in resources
Some local healthcare services in England have been underfunded because of an unfair Whitehall system to allocate £79bn in resources, a report by the government's auditors has concluded.
The government is making slow progress towards a proper and accurate distribution of money to local commissioners of healthcare, the National Audit Office said. Many decisions are being made on individual civil servants' judgments instead of being based on evidence, the report found. Guardian
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Thursday, 11 September 2014
Daily walk is 'like a magic pill' to slow ageing
Daily walk is 'like a magic pill' to slow ageing
Walking half an hour a day can prevent obesity and diabetes, lower the risk of some cancers, relieve depression and anxiety, scientist say. Telegraph
Walking half an hour a day can prevent obesity and diabetes, lower the risk of some cancers, relieve depression and anxiety, scientist say. Telegraph
NHS England Chief Executive committed to improving dementia diagnosis
NHS England Chief Executive committed to improving dementia diagnosis
NHS England is committed to pushing up dementia diagnosis rates, Chief Executive Simon Stevens has told the Alzheimer’s Society Conference today.
The pledge comes as NHS England publishes a new Dementia Toolkit aimed at helping GPs make more timely diagnosis of the crippling condition and, importantly, what they can do in terms of vital post-diagnostic support.
The support covers many areas and is mainly directed at the person with the diagnosis or their carer. It relates to both emotional support and practical task-based help including specific interventions such as cognitive stimulation therapy.
NHS England is committed to pushing up dementia diagnosis rates, Chief Executive Simon Stevens has told the Alzheimer’s Society Conference today.
The pledge comes as NHS England publishes a new Dementia Toolkit aimed at helping GPs make more timely diagnosis of the crippling condition and, importantly, what they can do in terms of vital post-diagnostic support.
The support covers many areas and is mainly directed at the person with the diagnosis or their carer. It relates to both emotional support and practical task-based help including specific interventions such as cognitive stimulation therapy.
Mental health: New Guardianship cases increase slightly after three year decline
Mental health: New Guardianship cases increase slightly after three year decline
•Wide regional variation in numbers of Guardianship cases
IC QOF
•Wide regional variation in numbers of Guardianship cases
IC QOF
Prescription sleeping pills linked to Alzheimer’s risk
Prescription sleeping pills linked to Alzheimer’s risk
“Prescription sleeping pills … can raise chance of developing Alzheimer's by 50%,” reports the Mail Online.
This headline is based on a study comparing the past use of benzodiazepines, such as diazepamand temazepam, in older people with or without Alzheimer’s disease. It found that the odds of developing Alzheimer’s were higher in people who had taken benzodiazepines for more than six months.
Benzodiazepines are a powerful class of sedative drugs. Their use is usually restricted to treating cases of severe and disabling anxiety and insomnia. They are not recommended for long-term use, because they can cause dependence.
It’s also important to note that this study only looked at people aged 66 and above, therefore it is not clear what the effects are in younger people. Also, it is possible that the symptoms these drugs are being used to treat in these older people, such as anxiety, may in fact be early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The researchers tried to reduce the likelihood of this in their analyses, but it is still a possibility.
Overall, these findings reinforce existing recommendations that a course of benzodiazepines should usually last no longer than four weeks.
“Prescription sleeping pills … can raise chance of developing Alzheimer's by 50%,” reports the Mail Online.
This headline is based on a study comparing the past use of benzodiazepines, such as diazepamand temazepam, in older people with or without Alzheimer’s disease. It found that the odds of developing Alzheimer’s were higher in people who had taken benzodiazepines for more than six months.
Benzodiazepines are a powerful class of sedative drugs. Their use is usually restricted to treating cases of severe and disabling anxiety and insomnia. They are not recommended for long-term use, because they can cause dependence.
It’s also important to note that this study only looked at people aged 66 and above, therefore it is not clear what the effects are in younger people. Also, it is possible that the symptoms these drugs are being used to treat in these older people, such as anxiety, may in fact be early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The researchers tried to reduce the likelihood of this in their analyses, but it is still a possibility.
Overall, these findings reinforce existing recommendations that a course of benzodiazepines should usually last no longer than four weeks.
Hundreds report waking up during surgery
Hundreds report waking up during surgery
“At least 150, and possibly several thousand, patients a year are conscious while they are undergoing operations,” The Guardian reports. A report suggests “accidental awareness” during surgery occurs in around one in 19,000 operations.
The report containing this information is the Fifth National Audit Project (NAP5) report on Accidental Awareness during General Anaesthesia (AAGA) – that is, when people are conscious at some point during general anaesthesia. This audit was conducted over a three-year period to determine how common AAGA is.
People who regain consciousness during surgery may be unable to communicate this to the surgeon due to the use of muscle relaxants, which are required for safety during surgery. This can cause feelings of panic and fear. Sensations that the patients have reported feeling during episodes of AAGA include tugging, stitching, pain and choking.
There have been reports that people who experience this rare occurrence may be extremely traumatised and go on to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, as the report points out, psychological support and therapy given quickly after an AAGA can reduce the risk of PTSD.
“At least 150, and possibly several thousand, patients a year are conscious while they are undergoing operations,” The Guardian reports. A report suggests “accidental awareness” during surgery occurs in around one in 19,000 operations.
The report containing this information is the Fifth National Audit Project (NAP5) report on Accidental Awareness during General Anaesthesia (AAGA) – that is, when people are conscious at some point during general anaesthesia. This audit was conducted over a three-year period to determine how common AAGA is.
People who regain consciousness during surgery may be unable to communicate this to the surgeon due to the use of muscle relaxants, which are required for safety during surgery. This can cause feelings of panic and fear. Sensations that the patients have reported feeling during episodes of AAGA include tugging, stitching, pain and choking.
There have been reports that people who experience this rare occurrence may be extremely traumatised and go on to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, as the report points out, psychological support and therapy given quickly after an AAGA can reduce the risk of PTSD.
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Research reveals 14 per cent of people in Northampton affected by hearing loss
Research reveals 14 per cent of people in Northampton affected by hearing loss
Around 14 per cent of people in Northampton are affected by hearing loss, according to new figures. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Around 14 per cent of people in Northampton are affected by hearing loss, according to new figures. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Northamptonshire completes 20 million steps during one weekend
Northamptonshire completes 20 million steps during one weekend
Residents of Northamptonshire reached a target of walking 20 million steps during one weekend. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Residents of Northamptonshire reached a target of walking 20 million steps during one weekend. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Dementia patients 'face care tax'
Dementia patients 'face care tax'
Dementia patients in the UK face what is, in effect, a "care tax" because they are left to sort out much of the care they need themselves, experts say. BBC News
Dementia patients in the UK face what is, in effect, a "care tax" because they are left to sort out much of the care they need themselves, experts say. BBC News
The costs of specialised care
The costs of specialised care
Patients requiring specialised care are usually treated by specialist teams with particular expertise and equipment. Concentrating services in this way should be cost-effective but there is concern that national tariffs might fail to fully reflect the true costs associated with treating patients that require specialised care. This is because the healthcare resource groups (HRGs), used to categorise patients and on which national tariffs are based, may not perfectly differentiate between patients that do and do not receive specialised care. This analysis aims to identify whether or not a patient received specialised care and evaluate whether and by how much such patients have higher costs than those allocated to the same HRG. Centre for Health Economics (CHE)
Report
CHE publications
Patients requiring specialised care are usually treated by specialist teams with particular expertise and equipment. Concentrating services in this way should be cost-effective but there is concern that national tariffs might fail to fully reflect the true costs associated with treating patients that require specialised care. This is because the healthcare resource groups (HRGs), used to categorise patients and on which national tariffs are based, may not perfectly differentiate between patients that do and do not receive specialised care. This analysis aims to identify whether or not a patient received specialised care and evaluate whether and by how much such patients have higher costs than those allocated to the same HRG. Centre for Health Economics (CHE)
Report
CHE publications
Alzheimer's now costs the UK £26bn every year, major new research suggests
Alzheimer's now costs the UK £26bn every year, major new research suggests
Two million Britons will suffer from Alzheimer’s by 2050, according to the most comprehensive review of the disease to date - which also reveals the costs of the condition to the UK have soared to £26bn a year. Independent
Two million Britons will suffer from Alzheimer’s by 2050, according to the most comprehensive review of the disease to date - which also reveals the costs of the condition to the UK have soared to £26bn a year. Independent
Stressed and depressed should be fast-tracked for NHS help
Stressed and depressed should be fast-tracked for NHS help
The country's most senior doctor says NHS should look at speedier ways to help those suffering from anxiety, stress and depression, with a 24 per cent rise in sick days caused by such conditions. Telegraph
The country's most senior doctor says NHS should look at speedier ways to help those suffering from anxiety, stress and depression, with a 24 per cent rise in sick days caused by such conditions. Telegraph
Research and analysis: Ebola virus disease: epidemiological update
Research and analysis: Ebola virus disease: epidemiological update
Epidemiology of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Senegal (new imported case). Public Health England
Epidemiology of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Senegal (new imported case). Public Health England
Regular walking breaks 'protect arteries'
Regular walking breaks 'protect arteries'
Just a five-minute walk every hour helps protect against damage of sitting all day,” the Mail Online reports. A study of 12 healthy but inactive young men found that if they sat still without moving their legs for three hours, the walls of their main ...
and more »
Health News from NHS Choices
Just a five-minute walk every hour helps protect against damage of sitting all day,” the Mail Online reports. A study of 12 healthy but inactive young men found that if they sat still without moving their legs for three hours, the walls of their main ...
and more »
Health News from NHS Choices
Sibling bullying linked to young adult depression
Sibling bullying linked to young adult depression
Being bullied regularly by a sibling could put children at risk of depression when they are older,” BBC News reports. A new UK study followed children from birth to early adulthood. Analysis of more than 3,000 children found those who reported ... Health News from NHS Choices
Being bullied regularly by a sibling could put children at risk of depression when they are older,” BBC News reports. A new UK study followed children from birth to early adulthood. Analysis of more than 3,000 children found those who reported ... Health News from NHS Choices
Guidance: SEND: guide for health professionals
Guidance: SEND: guide for health professionals
This guide is for:
clinical commissioning groups
health professionals
local authorities
It explains the duties and responsibilities of health professionals who deal with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
This guide should be read alongside the ‘Special education needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25’.
Department of Health
This guide is for:
clinical commissioning groups
health professionals
local authorities
It explains the duties and responsibilities of health professionals who deal with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
This guide should be read alongside the ‘Special education needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25’.
Department of Health
Major NHS IT system successfully rebuilt and launched while supporting thousands of health staff and patients
Major NHS IT system successfully rebuilt and launched while supporting thousands of health staff and patients
September 09, 2014: A highly complex national IT system that provides the foundation for round-the-clock patient care has been successfully rebuilt in a project led by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). IC QOF
September 09, 2014: A highly complex national IT system that provides the foundation for round-the-clock patient care has been successfully rebuilt in a project led by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). IC QOF
Annual report of the Chief Medical Officer 2013: public mental health priorities
Annual report of the Chief Medical Officer 2013: public mental health priorities
This report looks at the epidemiology of public mental health, the quality of evidence, possible future innovations in science and technology, and the economic case for good mental health. It also outlines the importance of both treating mental health as equal to physical health and of focusing on the needs and safety of people with mental illness. Department of Health
This report looks at the epidemiology of public mental health, the quality of evidence, possible future innovations in science and technology, and the economic case for good mental health. It also outlines the importance of both treating mental health as equal to physical health and of focusing on the needs and safety of people with mental illness. Department of Health
Health Premium Incentive Scheme (HPIS) 2014/15 and public health allocations: a technical consultation
Health Premium Incentive Scheme (HPIS) 2014/15 and public health allocations: a technical consultation
This consultation seeks views on plans for the introduction of HPIS, a scheme which rewards local authorities for public health improvements made in line with selected indicators from the public health outcomes framework. The consultation is also seeking views on technical aspects of public health funding allocations for 2015 to 2016. The consultation closes on 23 October 2014. Department of Health (DH)
This consultation seeks views on plans for the introduction of HPIS, a scheme which rewards local authorities for public health improvements made in line with selected indicators from the public health outcomes framework. The consultation is also seeking views on technical aspects of public health funding allocations for 2015 to 2016. The consultation closes on 23 October 2014. Department of Health (DH)
Sleeping pills 'linked to dementia'
Sleeping pills 'linked to dementia'
Long-term use of pills for anxiety and sleep problems may be linked to Alzheimer's, research suggests. BBC News
Long-term use of pills for anxiety and sleep problems may be linked to Alzheimer's, research suggests. BBC News
Some patients 'awake' during surgery
Some patients 'awake' during surgery
Scientists suggest one in 19,000 undergoing an operation under general anaesthetic wake up during surgery, based on the biggest study into the subject. BBC News
Scientists suggest one in 19,000 undergoing an operation under general anaesthetic wake up during surgery, based on the biggest study into the subject. BBC News
E-cigarettes: a review of the evidence-base for regulation
E-cigarettes: a review of the evidence-base for regulation
Sally Adams summarises a recent review of e-cigarettes, which looks at use, content, safety, effects on smokers and the potential for harm and benefit. The Mental Elf
Sally Adams summarises a recent review of e-cigarettes, which looks at use, content, safety, effects on smokers and the potential for harm and benefit. The Mental Elf
Why the elderly can go downhill, after the loss of their partner
Why the elderly can go downhill, after the loss of their partner
Bereavement can have a devastating impact on the immune systems of older people and may explain why many elderly spouses die soon after the loss of their loved ones, scientists have said. Independent
Bereavement can have a devastating impact on the immune systems of older people and may explain why many elderly spouses die soon after the loss of their loved ones, scientists have said. Independent
GP crisis as soaring numbers refusing to take patients
GP crisis as soaring numbers refusing to take patients
Investigation finds hundreds of GP surgeries are closing their lists to new arrivals, forcing out existing patients or facing closure. Telegraph
Investigation finds hundreds of GP surgeries are closing their lists to new arrivals, forcing out existing patients or facing closure. Telegraph
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
£30 million scheme will improve service for X-ray patients at Kettering General Hospital
£30 million scheme will improve service for X-ray patients at Kettering General Hospital
Patients at Kettering General Hospital are set to benefit from improved X-ray and other medical image provision thanks to a new £30 million scheme being used by hospitals in the area. Northampton Evening Telegraph
Patients at Kettering General Hospital are set to benefit from improved X-ray and other medical image provision thanks to a new £30 million scheme being used by hospitals in the area. Northampton Evening Telegraph
Research and analysis: Chief Medical Officer (CMO) annual report: public mental health
Research and analysis: Chief Medical Officer (CMO) annual report: public mental health
This report looks at the epidemiology of public mental health, the quality of evidence, possible future innovations in science and technology, and the economic case for good mental health.
It also outlines the importance of both treating mental health as equal to physical health and of focusing on the needs and safety of people with mental illness.
Highlights from the report include:
mental health is just as important as physical health, mental health services need to be valued and the scale of the burden of disease caused by mental illness needs to be acknowledged
more needs to be done to help people with mental illness stay in work, as since 2009, the number of working days lost to ‘stress, depression and anxiety’ has increased by 24% and the number lost to serious mental illness has doubled
there have been some very interesting technological innovations in mental healthcare and our understanding of the causes and development of mental illness is increasing through techniques such as neuroimaging, neuropsychology, genetics and blood-based biomarkers
Department of Health
This report looks at the epidemiology of public mental health, the quality of evidence, possible future innovations in science and technology, and the economic case for good mental health.
It also outlines the importance of both treating mental health as equal to physical health and of focusing on the needs and safety of people with mental illness.
Highlights from the report include:
mental health is just as important as physical health, mental health services need to be valued and the scale of the burden of disease caused by mental illness needs to be acknowledged
more needs to be done to help people with mental illness stay in work, as since 2009, the number of working days lost to ‘stress, depression and anxiety’ has increased by 24% and the number lost to serious mental illness has doubled
there have been some very interesting technological innovations in mental healthcare and our understanding of the causes and development of mental illness is increasing through techniques such as neuroimaging, neuropsychology, genetics and blood-based biomarkers
Department of Health
- Make mental health 'bigger priority' BBC News
A Comparison of How Four Countries Use Health IT to Support Care for People with Chronic Conditions
A Comparison of How Four Countries Use Health IT to Support Care for People with Chronic Conditions
A comparative analysis of how four high-income nations—Australia, Canada, Denmark, and the United States—are using health information and communications technologies (ICTs) to manage care for chronically ill patients identified four key themes. Commonwealth Fund
A comparative analysis of how four high-income nations—Australia, Canada, Denmark, and the United States—are using health information and communications technologies (ICTs) to manage care for chronically ill patients identified four key themes. Commonwealth Fund
Plan to use apps/social media for drug safety information
Plan to use apps/social media for drug safety information
MHRA heads development to use new tech for drug safety. OnMedica
MHRA heads development to use new tech for drug safety. OnMedica
Older patients at risk because drugs are tested on the young
Older patients at risk because drugs are tested on the young
When it comes to anyone much older than 65, doctors have little evidence to tell them what drug or treatment works. One in six people over 65 takes ten or more medicines. Daily Mail
When it comes to anyone much older than 65, doctors have little evidence to tell them what drug or treatment works. One in six people over 65 takes ten or more medicines. Daily Mail
October release for NIB strategy
October release for NIB strategy
The National Information Board is set to release its new informatics strategy in October, outlining a ten-year plan for how to make the most of data and technology in healthcare. EHI News
The National Information Board is set to release its new informatics strategy in October, outlining a ten-year plan for how to make the most of data and technology in healthcare. EHI News
Integrated Care Experiences and Outcomes in Germany, the Netherlands, and England
Integrated Care Experiences and Outcomes in Germany, the Netherlands, and England
In this study, Commonwealth Fund–supported researchers evaluated three new integrated delivery networks in Germany, the Netherlands, and England. Commonwealth Fund
In this study, Commonwealth Fund–supported researchers evaluated three new integrated delivery networks in Germany, the Netherlands, and England. Commonwealth Fund
Weekend staff shortages are the fatal flaw at the heart of the NHS
Weekend staff shortages are the fatal flaw at the heart of the NHS
In our new blog, NHS staff will be talking about the issues that affect their working lives. In this post, a hospital doctor admits that were a long way from true seven-day care
We bean counters need to speak out about NHS cuts
Ive worked enough hospital shifts to know the reality of the NHS on the wrong side of the clock. At night and during the weekend, sometimes only a handful of doctors are responsible for hundreds of patients.
This is the fatal flaw at the heart of our health service, and it is catching up with us. No amount of hard graft or good intentions can make up for the wrong amount of the right people. Guardian
Continue reading...
In our new blog, NHS staff will be talking about the issues that affect their working lives. In this post, a hospital doctor admits that were a long way from true seven-day care
We bean counters need to speak out about NHS cuts
Ive worked enough hospital shifts to know the reality of the NHS on the wrong side of the clock. At night and during the weekend, sometimes only a handful of doctors are responsible for hundreds of patients.
This is the fatal flaw at the heart of our health service, and it is catching up with us. No amount of hard graft or good intentions can make up for the wrong amount of the right people. Guardian
Continue reading...
Measuring up? The health of NHS cancer services
Measuring up? The health of NHS cancer services
This report highlights key concerns regarding the pressures on NHS cancer services following the NHS reorganisation and the Health and Social Care Act 2012. It calls for urgent action to increase investment, particularly in diagnostic services, and also highlights the need to review both the leadership and commissioning of cancer services so they are fit to meet the looming demands of an ageing population and the predicted rapid increase in cancer cases. Cancer Research UK
Report
Press release
This report highlights key concerns regarding the pressures on NHS cancer services following the NHS reorganisation and the Health and Social Care Act 2012. It calls for urgent action to increase investment, particularly in diagnostic services, and also highlights the need to review both the leadership and commissioning of cancer services so they are fit to meet the looming demands of an ageing population and the predicted rapid increase in cancer cases. Cancer Research UK
Report
Press release
Why you really do need to wash your hands at work: Infections can spread from an office door handle to half the workforce in just two...
Why you really do need to wash your hands at work: Infections can spread from an office door handle to half the workforce in just two...
Touching lift buttons and keyboards were among fastest ways to spread the bug. Disinfectant wipes and regularly washing hands were best way to kill germs, study found. Daily Mail
Touching lift buttons and keyboards were among fastest ways to spread the bug. Disinfectant wipes and regularly washing hands were best way to kill germs, study found. Daily Mail
Monday, 8 September 2014
County NHS sets out changes to elderly mental health care
County NHS sets out changes to elderly mental health care
A consultation on future staffing structures for the county’s mental health services for older adults has been launched. Northampton Evening Telegraph
A consultation on future staffing structures for the county’s mental health services for older adults has been launched. Northampton Evening Telegraph
One in five Northampton General Hospital cancer patients not treated as expected within 62 days of diagnosis
One in five Northampton General Hospital cancer patients not treated as expected within 62 days of diagnosis
More than one in five cancer patients at Northampton General Hospital are not treated as expected within 62 days of being diagnosed. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
More than one in five cancer patients at Northampton General Hospital are not treated as expected within 62 days of being diagnosed. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Has the cause of autism finally been uncovered? Brain injury in the womb or early in a child's growth may be the root of the disorder
Has the cause of autism finally been uncovered? Brain injury in the womb or early in a child's growth may be the root of the disorder
Brain injury that occurs in the womb or early in a child's growth may be the root cause of autism according to new research. Daily Mail
Brain injury that occurs in the womb or early in a child's growth may be the root cause of autism according to new research. Daily Mail
Key to a long life is a waist measuring less than half your height
Key to a long life is a waist measuring less than half your height
Waist to height ratio can have an impact on life expectancy, 20 year study finds. Telegraph
Waist to height ratio can have an impact on life expectancy, 20 year study finds. Telegraph
Cancer services weakened by coalition's NHS shakeup, says report
Cancer services weakened by coalition's NHS shakeup, says report
Charity says health service feeling squeeze as shrinking budgets leave specialists struggling to cope with rising demand
Cancer services have been weakened by the coalition's shakeup of the NHS and lack the money to cope with the growing number of people getting the disease, a report on Monday claims.
Diagnostic and treatment services are under such strain that improvements in recent years are in danger of unravelling, according to the charity Cancer Research UK. Its findings are based on anonymous interviews with 45 leading cancer experts and an online survey of 450 other NHS cancer personnel. Guardian
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Charity says health service feeling squeeze as shrinking budgets leave specialists struggling to cope with rising demand
Cancer services have been weakened by the coalition's shakeup of the NHS and lack the money to cope with the growing number of people getting the disease, a report on Monday claims.
Diagnostic and treatment services are under such strain that improvements in recent years are in danger of unravelling, according to the charity Cancer Research UK. Its findings are based on anonymous interviews with 45 leading cancer experts and an online survey of 450 other NHS cancer personnel. Guardian
Continue reading...
Sibling bullying ups depression risk
Sibling bullying ups depression risk
Being bullied regularly by a brother or sister could put children at risk of depression when they are older, suggests a study. BBC News
Being bullied regularly by a brother or sister could put children at risk of depression when they are older, suggests a study. BBC News
Twice as many cases of early dementia than was thought
Twice as many cases of early dementia than was thought
Charity calls for more help for younger people with dementia as new figures disclose twice as many cases as was thought among those aged between 30 and 65. Telegraph
Charity calls for more help for younger people with dementia as new figures disclose twice as many cases as was thought among those aged between 30 and 65. Telegraph
Big care home chains to face new inspections
Big care home chains to face new inspections
Britain's big care home chains are to face a tough new regime of corporate inspections to prevent financial problems from leading to poor or dangerous care for elderly residents, England's first chief inspector of social care said. Independent
Britain's big care home chains are to face a tough new regime of corporate inspections to prevent financial problems from leading to poor or dangerous care for elderly residents, England's first chief inspector of social care said. Independent
Your questions on personal health budgets answered
Your questions on personal health budgets answered
This briefing, produced in partnership with Think Local Act Personal, highlights relevant information, support and guidance and answers some frequently asked questions. NHS Networks
This briefing, produced in partnership with Think Local Act Personal, highlights relevant information, support and guidance and answers some frequently asked questions. NHS Networks
Press release: Smokers encouraged to swap fags for gags
Press release: Smokers encouraged to swap fags for gags
Stoptober, the 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England, is encouraging smokers to swap their fags for gags to help them quit for good this October.
Top British comedians including Paddy McGuinness, Al Murray, Simon Brodkin (aka Lee Nelson, Jason Bent and Dr Bob) and Andi Osho will bring a touch of the British sense of humour to help quitters through this difficult and daunting challenge.
Smoking is no laughing matter and neither is quitting. Two-thirds of smokers say they want to quit but only 4 in 10 told a recent survey that they have tried in the last year. There is no doubt that quitting is tough, but it is known that people who quit do feel better in time.
Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette, they are 5 times more likely to stay permanently smoke-free. Quitting smoking can be a difficult process but successfully quitting has significant health, monetary and social benefits.
The 2013 campaign saw 250,000 people take part and 65% of those who took part successfully quit for 28 days. Public Health England (PHE) is hoping even more will get involved this year by searching ‘stoptober’ online and signing up.
Stoptober, the 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England, is encouraging smokers to swap their fags for gags to help them quit for good this October.
Top British comedians including Paddy McGuinness, Al Murray, Simon Brodkin (aka Lee Nelson, Jason Bent and Dr Bob) and Andi Osho will bring a touch of the British sense of humour to help quitters through this difficult and daunting challenge.
Smoking is no laughing matter and neither is quitting. Two-thirds of smokers say they want to quit but only 4 in 10 told a recent survey that they have tried in the last year. There is no doubt that quitting is tough, but it is known that people who quit do feel better in time.
Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette, they are 5 times more likely to stay permanently smoke-free. Quitting smoking can be a difficult process but successfully quitting has significant health, monetary and social benefits.
The 2013 campaign saw 250,000 people take part and 65% of those who took part successfully quit for 28 days. Public Health England (PHE) is hoping even more will get involved this year by searching ‘stoptober’ online and signing up.
Friday, 5 September 2014
Barker report confronts injustices of long-term care
Barker report confronts injustices of long-term care
Commission on the future of health and social care has unveiled a radical but deliverable plan
Kate Barker: Health and social care must be radically reshaped around need
The commission on the future of health and social care in England, established by the Kings Fund under economist Kate Barker, has unveiled a radical but deliverable plan for extending free at the point of need care into social services.
The commissions final report shuns the usual obsession with how to fund hospitals, instead focusing on the needs of patients with long-term conditions. It was heavily influenced by the emotionally charged evidence from its panel of service users and carers. Their distress, despair, sense of injustice and incomprehension at the unfairness of the current system drove the commission to look for a new approach, built around patient needs rather than the current arbitrary and irrational distinctions between health and social care. Guardian
Continue reading...
Commission on the future of health and social care has unveiled a radical but deliverable plan
Kate Barker: Health and social care must be radically reshaped around need
The commission on the future of health and social care in England, established by the Kings Fund under economist Kate Barker, has unveiled a radical but deliverable plan for extending free at the point of need care into social services.
The commissions final report shuns the usual obsession with how to fund hospitals, instead focusing on the needs of patients with long-term conditions. It was heavily influenced by the emotionally charged evidence from its panel of service users and carers. Their distress, despair, sense of injustice and incomprehension at the unfairness of the current system drove the commission to look for a new approach, built around patient needs rather than the current arbitrary and irrational distinctions between health and social care. Guardian
Continue reading...
Bad paperwork putting patients at risk when discharged from hospital
Bad paperwork putting patients at risk when discharged from hospital
NHS England issues patient safety alert to GPs after finding 10,000 cases of poor communication between hospitals and GPs about patient care after they are discharged. Telegraph
NHS England issues patient safety alert to GPs after finding 10,000 cases of poor communication between hospitals and GPs about patient care after they are discharged. Telegraph
Revalidation: a quality improvement or regulatory intervention?
Revalidation: a quality improvement or regulatory intervention?
Linking to his published research, Dr Julian Archer asks whether revalidation is about poor performance or the opportunity to drive up standards in all practitioners through quality improvement measures. Health Foundation
Linking to his published research, Dr Julian Archer asks whether revalidation is about poor performance or the opportunity to drive up standards in all practitioners through quality improvement measures. Health Foundation
E-cigarette criticisms 'alarmist'
E-cigarette criticisms 'alarmist'
Warnings about e-cigarettes are "alarmist" - and increasing their use could save thousands of lives a year in the UK, researchers say. BBC News
Warnings about e-cigarettes are "alarmist" - and increasing their use could save thousands of lives a year in the UK, researchers say. BBC News
NHS and social care bodies take next step towards integrated health and social care for individuals
NHS and social care bodies take next step towards integrated health and social care for individuals
Integrated Personal Commissioning is a new voluntary approach to joining up health and social care for people with complex needs. This proposal offers service users, local commissioners, and the voluntary sector the chance to bring health and social care spend together for individuals.
NHS England, LGA, TLAP and ADASS have published a joint prospectus inviting expressions of interest from the voluntary sector, providers and commissioners in the IPC programme. NHS Networks
Integrated Personal Commissioning is a new voluntary approach to joining up health and social care for people with complex needs. This proposal offers service users, local commissioners, and the voluntary sector the chance to bring health and social care spend together for individuals.
NHS England, LGA, TLAP and ADASS have published a joint prospectus inviting expressions of interest from the voluntary sector, providers and commissioners in the IPC programme. NHS Networks
NHS Networks smashes membership milestone
NHS Networks smashes membership milestone
Credited by an existing networks member as one of the most innovative ideas to come out of the NHS, demand for support is increasing every month and every week around 400 new members sign up to NHS Networks. More ... NHS Networks
Credited by an existing networks member as one of the most innovative ideas to come out of the NHS, demand for support is increasing every month and every week around 400 new members sign up to NHS Networks. More ... NHS Networks
Preventing suicide: a global imperative
Preventing suicide: a global imperative
This report aims to increase awareness of the public health significance of suicide and suicide attempts, to make suicide prevention a higher priority on the global public health agenda, and to encourage and support countries to develop or strengthen comprehensive suicide prevention strategies in a multisectoral public health approach. It provides a global knowledge base on suicide and suicide attempts as well as actionable steps for countries based on their current resources and context to move forward in suicide prevention. World Health Organization (WHO)
Report
WHO - press release
This report aims to increase awareness of the public health significance of suicide and suicide attempts, to make suicide prevention a higher priority on the global public health agenda, and to encourage and support countries to develop or strengthen comprehensive suicide prevention strategies in a multisectoral public health approach. It provides a global knowledge base on suicide and suicide attempts as well as actionable steps for countries based on their current resources and context to move forward in suicide prevention. World Health Organization (WHO)
Report
WHO - press release
- Suicide death 'every 40 seconds' BBC News
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
See also:
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...
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