Get serious about obesity or bankrupt the NHS – Simon Stevens

Get serious about obesity or bankrupt the NHS – Simon Stevens The health of millions of children, the sustainability of the NHS, and the economic prosperity of Britain all now depend on a radical upgrade in prevention and public health, the Chief Executive of NHS England tells the annual conference of Public Health England in Coventry. NHS England

See also:

•  Employers could get tax breaks for helping to tackle obesity The Daily Telegraph
• Obesity could bankrupt NHS if left unchecked The Guardian
• 'Why are we filling hospitals with Costa coffee shops when we are fighting a massive obesity epidemic?, asks leading NHS weight-loss expert Daily Mail
• Obesity is a 'slow motion car crash' that may bankrupt the NHS, says its chief executive Daily Mail

Dementia and risk reduction: an analysis of protective and modifiable factors

Dementia and risk reduction: an analysis of protective and modifiable factors This report critically examines the evidence for the existence of modifiable risk factors for dementia. It focuses on sets of potential modifiable risk factors in four key domains: developmental, psychological and psychosocial, lifestyle and cardiovascular conditions. The report makes recommendations to drive public health campaigns and disease prevention strategies. Alzheimer's Disease International

Euro diabetes index 2014

Euro diabetes index 2014 This report reveals where there has been improvement or standstill in the development of diabetes care in 30 countries. It concludes that while European diabetes care has developed, saving 10,000 lives every year, speedy improvement is critical to meet the growth of diabetes. Health Consumer Powerhouse

HPV urine test could screen for cervical cancer

HPV urine test could screen for cervical cancer "A simple urine test which can detect the human papilloma virus (HPV) could offer women a much less invasive alternative to [current] cervical cancer screening," The Independent reports.

Research found urine-based testing for HPV DNA showed signs it might be accurate enough to provide a viable screening method, given further research and development.

The papers report on a review of 14 diverse studies involving 1,443 women. All of the studies looked at the accuracy of using a self-administered urine test designed to detect HPV DNA. HPV is a group of viruses, some of which can cause cervical cancer in women.

The advantage of such a self-administered urine test is it may improve uptake of cervical screening. As the researchers speculate, some women may be put off by current screening methods (which involve using a tool to painlessly remove a sample of cells from the cervix) as they may find it embarrassing and time consuming.

This drop-off in women who attend screening, especially younger women, is of concern as around 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK.

The review findings are promising, but need to be followed up by further investigation and the standardisation of the urine testing method so the potential of using these tests as a screening tool can be assessed.

How social prescribing is cutting the NHS drugs bill

How social prescribing is cutting the NHS drugs bill Instead of prescribing medication, some GPs are offering patients access to exercise, social support and help with housing or employment

How the NHS can deal with soaring drugs prices

Research has highlighted the growing issues around antibiotic resistance and over-prescribing drugs in the NHS. Patients appear to be under growing expectation that when they enter a GP surgery, they should leave with a prescription for tablets or pills; whether drugs hold the answer to their problem or not.

Its neither the fault of patients nor GPs that this has become the norm. When people cant find an appropriate solution to their ills, they often turn to an inappropriate one, or the answer they think is best. However, where tablets and pills do not hold the key, increasingly, GPs are finding that social prescribing does. Continue reading... The Guardian

Poor NHS care kills up to 10,000 people a year, CQC chief claims

Poor NHS care kills up to 10,000 people a year, CQC chief claims David Prior, who heads the regulator, warns variable standards in the health service lead to thousands of avoidable deaths

The treatment provided by hospitals and GPs is so "dangerously" variable that poor care kills up to 10,000 patients a year, the head of the NHS regulator claims.

In a withering criticism of standards in the health service, David Prior, the chair of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), warns that "many patients receive poor care". Continue reading... The Guardian

Numbers of children using e-cigarettes on the rise

Numbers of children using e-cigarettes on the rise E-cigarette use among children is on the rise in the UK, but the vast majority of those using them are already current or ex-smokers, a new survey has revealed. The Independent

Second Wellingborough day care centre could close

Second Wellingborough day care centre could close A day care centre for the elderly in Wellingborough faces closure after losing its funding. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Day care centre closure backed BBC Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire woman died days after routine hernia operation at NGH

Northamptonshire woman died days after routine hernia operation at NGH A lack of ‘continuity of care’ contributed to the death of a former scrapyard owner who passed away days after a routine operation to remove a hernia at Northampton General Hospital. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Priorities for the next government

Priorities for the next government The general election will come at a pivotal time for health and social care. An unprecedented funding squeeze has left the NHS on the brink of financial crisis, while reductions in local government funding have led to significant cuts in social care services. The next government must ensure that the focus on improving quality of care established in the wake of the Francis report is sustained. It will also need to set in train a transformation of services to meet the needs of patients more effectively. Looking further ahead, the big question is how to provide adequate funding to meet future demand for health and social care. The King's Fund

• Manifesto
• Blog
• Illustrated guide
• The King's Fund publications

Positive and proactive care: reducing the need for restrictive intervention

Positive and proactive care: reducing the need for restrictive intervention The Department of Health has launched guidance aimed at promoting the development of therapeutic environments and minimising all forms of restrictive practices so they are only used as a last resort. This briefing, produced by the NHS Confederation in collaboration with the Care Quality Commission, provides a summary of the guidance, highlighting what it means for providers in practice.

Ebola vaccine trial begins

Ebola vaccine trial begins A trial of an experimental vaccine against the Ebola virus is to begin in Oxford. BBC News

See also:

• Ebola global security threat - Obama BBC News

Comparing lean and quality improvement

Comparing lean and quality improvement This white paper discusses the relationship between quality improvement and lean and how either or both could best be utilised to improve care systems. Institute for Health Improvement

Please note that this item requires free registration for full-text access.

Strategic commissioning of long-term care: can we get more for less?

Strategic commissioning of long-term care: can we get more for less? This white paper seeks to analyse the state of the UK market in care services for older people, to identify the market failures (and achievements) and to ask if there are any ways to correct the failures – especially the key issue which dogs providers of care services working for a publicly funded clientele, which is the mismatch between public sector commissioners’ need to contain costs in an extended period of austerity, and providers’ need to earn an adequate return in order to sustain existing services and develop the new ones. Laing & Buisson

More than money: closing the NHS quality gap

More than money: closing the NHS quality gap The financial gap in NHS finances has been projected to reach £30bn by 2021. This report discusses the implications of this financial gap for quality of care in the NHS. It argues that additional resources alone will not be enough to close the ‘quality gap’: the difference between the quality of care the NHS should deliver, and what it is capable of delivering. Increasingly tight budgets make it likely that the quality gap will get wider. The report highlights the changes needed in order to change how the NHS delivers services and is able to improve care to make it more efficient. The Health Foundation

Sugar intake guideline 'needs lowering'

Sugar intake guideline 'needs lowering' “Sugar intake must be slashed further,” reports BBC News today.

The news reports follow an ecological study estimating the burden of disease caused by sugar-related tooth decay in adults and children across a life course, in a number of different countries.

It calculated that the burden would be significantly reduced by setting a target limit of less than 3% of total energy intake from sugar. This is much lower than the current figure outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), which says that sugars should be less than 10% of a person’s daily calorie intake.

This reassessment of the target figure is not official from either the WHO or Public Health England, but has led to widespread media reports stating, “action needed to curb sugar” (Mail Online), while others have outlined possible sugar bans in schools and hospitals (The Daily Express and The Daily Telegraph) or sugar-related taxes. These angles were not put forward in the academic publication, which only suggested new, lower targets for sugar intake should be developed. It did not specify how to achieve them.

Soaring GP workload has left morale in tatters, BMA poll shows

Soaring GP workload has left morale in tatters, BMA poll shows Three quarters of GPs say their workload is unmanageable or unsustainable, according to a snapshot BMA poll that shows the profession's morale is lower than that of any other branch of medical practice. GP Online

The NHS will improve only when there is nowhere to hide its failures

The NHS will improve only when there is nowhere to hide its failures Exposing huge variations in quality will deliver better hospitals and care homes, says the health regulator, the CQC.

It is a pity that politics makes it so difficult to discuss rationally the future of health and social care, especially when almost everyone agrees that the demands of current and future generations need to be met very differently from those of the past. Most importantly, we have to find better ways of caring for people suffering from long-term medical and social conditions associated with old age. We have discovered new ways of living longer but not always living better. The current system no longer effectively meets the needs of our ageing population. There is however, a catalyst for change that could provide a new framework for any conceivable government after next May. I call this intelligent transparency.

Intelligent transparency means putting into the public domain clear, simple, easy to understand information about health and social care. Continue reading... The Guardian

Greater risk of dementia for those with diabetes

Greater risk of dementia for those with diabetes Charities urge the public to take heed of 'mounting evidence' that a healthy lifestyle protects against dementia as study finds far greater risk for those with diabetes. The Daily Telegraph

Call for deaths investigation of four patients at St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton dismissed

Call for deaths investigation of four patients at St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton dismissed Calls for an independent inquiry into the deaths of four patients at St Andrew’s Hospital have been formally rejected by the NHS. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Hundreds dying in Northamptonshire through air pollution-related diseases

Hundreds dying in Northamptonshire through air pollution-related diseases Calls to cut car emissions have been made by Northamptonshire’s Labour group after a report showed air pollution is causing 315 early deaths in the county each year. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

An urgent need: We Need to Talk’s manifesto for better talking therapies for all

An urgent need: We Need to Talk’s manifesto for better talking therapies for all Based on a 2014 survey of people trying to access talking therapies, the report shows that one in 10 patients are waiting for more than a year just to be assessed for treatment, and one in six made an attempt on their life while on a waiting list. We Need to Talk

See also:

• Mental health services unable to cope with demand for psychological therapies Mind
• Thousands attempt suicide while on NHS waiting list for psychological help The Independent
• Mental health patients facing ‘unacceptably long’ waits for talking therapies Community Care
• VIDEO: 'I just couldn't bear it anymore' BBC News
• Mental health patients become more unwell waiting for talking treatments The Guardian

Doctor abused child cancer patients

Doctor abused child cancer patients A child cancer specialist at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge admits sexually abusing boys in his care. BBC News

The vision thing

The vision thing It's eighteen months since health secretary Jeremy Hunt said he wanted a 'paperless' NHS within five years.  Is it clear what it is meant to be achieved? And will it be worth achieving? E-Health Insider

BMA launches manifesto ahead of 2015 General Election

BMA launches manifesto ahead of 2015 General Election NHS must be at the top of the agenda, doctors urge. OnMedica

See also:

• Four steps to a healthier nation: a manifesto British Medical Association
• BMA reveals four steps to a healthier nation British Medical Association
• BMA sets out health manifesto ahead of 2015 general election GP Online

Hospitals will display inspection ratings under new Health Department proposals

Hospitals will display inspection ratings under new Health Department proposals NHS hospitals will have to display their inspection rating at the entrance or in waiting rooms under new proposals unveiled by Jeremy Hunt. The Independent

See also:

• Open consultation: Transparency in care: visible ratings for health and care providers Department of Health

Cuts mean more women are denied IVF on the NHS

Cuts mean more women are denied IVF on the NHS Cuts to NHS budgets mean increasing numbers of infertile women are being denied the three cycles of IVF treatment that the Government’s health advisers say they should have, figures have revealed. The Independent

Mental health bed pressures making AMHP role ‘untenable’, warns BASW

Mental health bed pressures making AMHP role ‘untenable’, warns BASW A shortage of mental health beds and alternatives to admission for people in crisis is making the role of Approved Mental Health Professionals “untenable”, the British Association of Social Workers has warned. Community Care

NHS faces mounting financial crisis as deficit heads towards £1bn

NHS faces mounting financial crisis as deficit heads towards £1bn Three-quarters of hospitals could be in the red by end of year without urgent government bailout, warn NHS leaders in private

The NHS is facing a mounting financial crisis with more than half of all hospitals now in deficit and the service likely to end the year almost £1bn in the red.

Two sets of official figures later this week covering the NHS's performance in April, May and June will confirm a sudden, sharp and dramatic deterioration in its financial health between the first three months of 2014 and that quarter. Continue reading... The Guardian

See also:

• Throwing money at the NHS wont solve all its problems The Guardian

St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton given go-ahead to build £45m mental health facility

St Andrew’s Hospital in Northampton given go-ahead to build £45m mental health facility

The largest mental health facility in Europe for young people will be built in Northampton after St Andrew’s Hospital was given planning permission for the new building. Northampton Chronicle & Echo

Prostate cancer genes discovered that raise risk six fold

Prostate cancer genes discovered that raise risk six fold

Up to 100 genes identified that when combined raise the risk of prostate cancer six fold. Telegraph

Walking or cycling 'wellbeing boost'

Walking or cycling 'wellbeing boost'

Switching from driving a car to walking or cycling to work improves the wellbeing of commuters, a study suggests. BBC News

Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) Commissioning for Compliance Guide

Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) Commissioning for Compliance Guide

It comes after the House of Lords decided too many people were denied their legal rights after identifying significant issues with the implementation of the Act across health and social care. The MCA empowers and protects people who may not be able to make some decisions for themselves. More..... NHS Networks

Healthcare funds distribution unfair, audit finds

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
Continue reading...

Plymouth to trial e-coaching

Plymouth to trial e-coaching

Researchers at Plymouth University will launch a randomised control trial on an e-coaching exercise referral scheme for patients with long-term conditions. EHI News

A blood test could be developed for depression

A blood test could be developed for depression

A blood test to diagnose depression may be possible, scientists have said. Telegraph

Policy paper: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): government response

Policy paper: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): government response

The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee published it’s recommendations to improve antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on 7 July 2014. The government’s response to the Committee’s report addresses each of the Committee’s recommendations, including:
identifying areas where further action is needed to combat human and environmental aspects of AMR
outlining existing projects to improve AMR that have been gaining international support

The report also contains details about the independent review of AMR that the Prime Ministerannounced on 2 July 2014. The review is working to improve surveillance data and build an international consensus on stimulating the antibiotic market. The independent review has already produced significant progress, including the adoption of a new World Health Assembly Resolution on AMR with a commitment to a Global Action Plan by May 2015.

This response will contribute to the development of the government’s action plan on AMR, which will be published in November 2014. Department of Health

Policy paper: Response to Health Select Committee’s report on long term conditions

Policy paper: Response to Health Select Committee’s report on long term conditions

The government’s response to the Health Select Committee’s report explains the measures in place to improve the care, support and treatment of those with long term conditions, including:
improving personalised care and support, mainly through the house of care (HOC) approach
guidance and tools for commissioners to implement and monitor HOC approach
system changes to improve efficiency and patient outcomes

The response was produced by the government working alongside NHS England, Health Education England, Monitor and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Department of Health

Everybody active, every day

Everybody active, every day

These draft physical activity implementation document set out the case for change, evidence base for implementation and the options for action and highlights 4 key domains for action at national and local level. Views on the draft documents are currently being sought and comments will be accepted up until 25 September 2014. Public Health England (PHE)
Consultation document
Implementation and evidence
PHE consultations

Carers at breaking point

Carers at breaking point

This report examines the experiences of carers who have been pushed to breaking point by caring without the right support. Based on the experiences of over 5,000 carers, this analysis examines the causes of carer breakdown, the impact of crisis and what support can prevent carers mental and physical health breaking down. Carers UK
Report
Press release

Nationwide preparations begin as flu fighter urges NHS staff to get vaccinated

Nationwide preparations begin as flu fighter urges NHS staff to get vaccinated

The roll-out of annual staff NHS flu vaccinations is now under way at hospitals, community health and ambulance services and other NHS organisations in England and Wales. NHS Employers News

Nicotine device 'medically approved'

Nicotine device 'medically approved'

A nicotine inhaler which closely resembles a cigarette is the first product of its kind to be licensed as a medicine in the UK. BBC News

Brain continues to be active while we sleep

Brain continues to be active while we sleep

Scientists find people are still able to classify words during their sleep.Writing in the journal Current Biology, the research team studied the brain's behaviour while awake and while asleep. A word test was introduced while the participants were awake and the researchers found they continued to respond correctly while asleep.Further research will now focus on how to take advantage of sleeping ...Healthcare Today

Wound healing research centre opens in Wales

Wound healing research centre opens in Wales

Innovation Centre to tackle problem that costs 5% of UK health budget. OnMedica News

Schools sign up for Healthier Child scheme

Schools sign up for Healthier Child scheme

Children will benefit from a new initiative aimed at improving their health and wellbeing. Northampton Evening Telegraph

Made to measure

Made to measure

Hospitals should set radiation doses in CT scans to the lowest possible levels, because of the increased cancer risk to patients. EHI Insight

Bacteria found in honeybee stomachs could be used as alternative to antibiotics, scientists claim

Bacteria found in honeybee stomachs could be used as alternative to antibiotics, scientists claim

Bacteria found in honeybees could be used as an alternative to antibiotics and in the fight against antibiotic-resistant strains of MRSA, scientists have claimed. Independent

Fat shaming 'makes people eat more rather than less'

Fat shaming 'makes people eat more rather than less'

Branding people fat "is part of the obesity problem and not the solution", experts warn, as a study shows that weight discrimination in everyday life prompts overweight people to eat more. Telegraph

Call for lung cancer screening in UK

Call for lung cancer screening in UK

Delays bringing in screening for lung cancer in the UK could cost tens of thousands of lives, warns a leading cancer expert. BBC News

Healthcare funds distribution unfair, audit finds

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

Continue reading...

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

• Report
• Priorities
• DH news

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)  

• Consultation document
• DH consultations

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

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

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

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

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

£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

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

• 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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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

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

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

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.

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

• Suicide death 'every 40 seconds'  BBC News