Wednesday, 12 November 2014
RCN launches new guidance for handling feedback
RCN launches new guidance for handling feedback New guidance to help health care workers deal with feedback, concerns, complaints and compliments. Royal College of Nursing
Patients recalled over virus risk
Patients recalled over virus risk Some 22,000 patients of a Nottinghamshire dentist are to be recalled for tests to see if they have been infected with blood-borne viruses. BBC News
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Lamb: NHS 'needs a cash injection'
Lamb: NHS 'needs a cash injection' Up to £1.5bn of extra funding for the NHS should be found ahead of the general election to prevent a "crash" in services, according to the Liberal Democrat Health Minister Norman Lamb. BBC News
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NHS wi-fi access 'up, but not by enough'
NHS wi-fi access 'up, but not by enough' A rise in the number of healthcare staff who have wireless internet access is "good but not good enough", according to the organiser of a survey on NHS wi-fi. E-Health Insider
Claims cannabis 'rewires the brain' misleading
Claims cannabis 'rewires the brain' misleading "Cannabis use 'shrinks and rewires' the brain," reports The Daily Telegraph, with much of the media reporting similar "brain rewiring" headlines.
The headlines are based on a study that compared the brain structure and connections of cannabis users with those of non-users.
The researchers identified several differences between cannabis users and non-users in a region of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex.
This is part of the reward network, and is enriched with cannabinoid 1 receptors. These bind THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.
Some of the differences seen by the researchers were associated with how long people had used cannabis or the age they started using the drug.
However, although brain differences were found, it is not clear they were caused by cannabis use. It is possible that brain differences mean it is more likely that certain people use cannabis.
The headlines are based on a study that compared the brain structure and connections of cannabis users with those of non-users.
The researchers identified several differences between cannabis users and non-users in a region of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex.
This is part of the reward network, and is enriched with cannabinoid 1 receptors. These bind THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.
Some of the differences seen by the researchers were associated with how long people had used cannabis or the age they started using the drug.
However, although brain differences were found, it is not clear they were caused by cannabis use. It is possible that brain differences mean it is more likely that certain people use cannabis.
Ebola: how NHS hospitals are preparing for an outbreak
Ebola: how NHS hospitals are preparing for an outbreak Training exercises for British medical professionals in dealing with Ebola cases are essential for stopping transmission of the virus
Hillingdon hospital is the nearest acute healthcare provider to Heathrow airport and could be on the frontline of treating Ebola.
A twelve-hour flight is all that separates us from the virus and, while an outbreak is unlikely, would you take the risk of being unprepared as a nurse? Continue reading... The Guardian
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Hillingdon hospital is the nearest acute healthcare provider to Heathrow airport and could be on the frontline of treating Ebola.
A twelve-hour flight is all that separates us from the virus and, while an outbreak is unlikely, would you take the risk of being unprepared as a nurse? Continue reading... The Guardian
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Cataract inquiry shows patients suffered potentially serious harm
Cataract inquiry shows patients suffered potentially serious harm Nineteen patients at Mount Stuart hospital in Torquay received antibiotic overdoses during eye surgery contracted out by NHS.
Two patients suffered potentially serious harm from overdoses of an antibiotic into their eyes and four others showed symptoms more than six weeks afterwards, according to an internal investigation into mistakes in cataract operations contracted out by the NHS to a private hospital.
In all, 19 patients received overdoses during surgery at Mount Stuart hospital, Torquay, part of the international private company, Ramsay Health Care on 26 July. The same drug error may have happened at the hospital the previous month, according to a report written in September and published by Ramsay on Tuesday .Continue reading... The Guardian
Two patients suffered potentially serious harm from overdoses of an antibiotic into their eyes and four others showed symptoms more than six weeks afterwards, according to an internal investigation into mistakes in cataract operations contracted out by the NHS to a private hospital.
In all, 19 patients received overdoses during surgery at Mount Stuart hospital, Torquay, part of the international private company, Ramsay Health Care on 26 July. The same drug error may have happened at the hospital the previous month, according to a report written in September and published by Ramsay on Tuesday .Continue reading... The Guardian
New GP conflict of interest fears over financial links to out-of-hours companies
New GP conflict of interest fears over financial links to out-of-hours companies Public spending watchdogs have warned that GPs could award lucrative contracts to companies providing out-of-hours services in which they have a shareholding. The Independent
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Planning for the Better Care Fund
Planning for the Better Care Fund The Better Care Fund is an innovative idea but the quality of early preparation and planning did not match the scale of the ambition. Current plans forecast £314m of savings for the NHS rather than the £1 billion in early planning assumptions. National Audit Office
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Health and wellbeing boards 'should not run NHS commissioning'
Health and wellbeing boards 'should not run NHS commissioning' Health and wellbeing boards (HWBs) are too often dominated by local councils and should not take over NHS commissioning, CCGs have said. GP Online
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- A Shared Agenda – creating an equal partnership with CCGs in health and wellbeing boards NHS Clinical Commissioners
Midwife abortion objection case due
Midwife abortion objection case due The UK's highest court is to be asked to rule on whether midwives have a right to refuse to take any part in abortion procedures on moral grounds. BBC News
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New Bill set to improve worst parts of NHS reforms
New Bill set to improve worst parts of NHS reforms Moves to improve issues that raised concern from the NHS reforms of last year have been taken with the publication of a new parliamentary Bill.
The National Health Service (amended Duties and Powers) Bill focuses on reinstating and enhancing the health secretary’s duties to promote and to provide healthcare, a move welcomed by the BMA. OnMedica
The National Health Service (amended Duties and Powers) Bill focuses on reinstating and enhancing the health secretary’s duties to promote and to provide healthcare, a move welcomed by the BMA. OnMedica
CCGs’ strong financial performance at risk
CCGs’ strong financial performance at risk Managers warn worsening NHS financial position will spread to CCGs. OnMedica
Hundreds of NHS managers given pay-offs are STILL being rehired as total passing through revolving door hits 4,300
Hundreds of NHS managers given pay-offs are STILL being rehired as total passing through revolving door hits 4,300 EXCLUSIVE: The NHS under Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is rehiring 50 staff a month who have been given redundancy pay-outs, which Labour blamed on the coalition's health reorganisation. The Daily Mail
The NHS can no longer act as if minds dont matter
The NHS can no longer act as if minds dont matter The physical basis of mental illness is clear. Parity of esteem in health services is a necessity, not a luxury
A century ago, even the greatest mind doctor of them all, Sigmund Freud, predicted that one day mental illnesses would be explained physically, once scientific techniques for the study of the brain became possible. In a typically prescient but off-the-mark way, he even experimented with treating patients with a chemical remedy cocaine.
All these years later, Freuds conjecture is bolstered by firm evidence. A psychiatrist, Tim Cantopher, says that if he were to draw fluid from the spinal cord of depressed patients he would find a deficiency of two chemicals: serotonin and noradrenaline, essential neurotransmitters that regulate a host of functions in the body and brain. Continue reading... The Guardian
A century ago, even the greatest mind doctor of them all, Sigmund Freud, predicted that one day mental illnesses would be explained physically, once scientific techniques for the study of the brain became possible. In a typically prescient but off-the-mark way, he even experimented with treating patients with a chemical remedy cocaine.
All these years later, Freuds conjecture is bolstered by firm evidence. A psychiatrist, Tim Cantopher, says that if he were to draw fluid from the spinal cord of depressed patients he would find a deficiency of two chemicals: serotonin and noradrenaline, essential neurotransmitters that regulate a host of functions in the body and brain. Continue reading... The Guardian
GPs will 'prescribe' health and fitness apps
GPs will 'prescribe' health and fitness apps New strategy will see NHS set up its own 'app store' endorsing programmes to help people lose weight, exercise more and monitor health conditions. The Daily Telegraph
New drug resistant strain of STD gonorrhea found in Australia
New drug resistant strain of STD gonorrhea found in Australia A new strain of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) gonorrhoea which is resistant to a range of antibiotics has been identified in Australia. The Independent
Monday, 10 November 2014
Children’s centres to have hours cut and services moved
Children’s centres to have hours cut and services moved Parents are to be consulted over plans to move children’s centre services in several areas, and reduce openining hours in others. Northamptonshire Telegraph
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- Plans to reduce Northamptonshire children’s centre opening hours and launch ’community hubs’ go out to consultation Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Will the 18-week waiting time target be met by the end of the year?
Will the 18-week waiting time target be met by the end of the year? In years gone by, the commonest criticism of the NHS was its tolerance of long waiting times for patients. The historic reduction in waiting times achieved by 2008 – as enshrined in the 18-week maximum wait from referral by a GP to treatment – has in turn become an iconic measure of NHS performance for politicians and the public alike.
Fears the target would be broken led the Secretary of State to announce an extra £250 million to buy extra treatments and, ultimately, to ensure the waiting time target was under control by the end of the year. How likely is this to happen?
Fears the target would be broken led the Secretary of State to announce an extra £250 million to buy extra treatments and, ultimately, to ensure the waiting time target was under control by the end of the year. How likely is this to happen?
NHS Culture Change: Contributions from Occupational Psychology
NHS Culture Change: Contributions from Occupational Psychology The practical steps required to implement culture change in the NHS is the subject of a new report.
The report, ‘NHS Culture Change: Contributions from Occupational Psychology’, presents a series of essays by leading Occupational Psychologists, each drawing on evidence and expertise from the science of people at work to address the question of how successful culture change, as recommended by the Francis Report and subsequent Berwick Review, can be implemented within the NHS. Free registration is required to access the report from the British Psychological Society
The report, ‘NHS Culture Change: Contributions from Occupational Psychology’, presents a series of essays by leading Occupational Psychologists, each drawing on evidence and expertise from the science of people at work to address the question of how successful culture change, as recommended by the Francis Report and subsequent Berwick Review, can be implemented within the NHS. Free registration is required to access the report from the British Psychological Society
The efficient use of the maternity workforce and the implications for safety and quality in maternity care: a population-based, cross sectional study
The efficient use of the maternity workforce and the implications for safety and quality in maternity care: a population-based, cross sectional study The performance of maternity services is seen as a touchstone of whether or not NHS care is high quality. Staffing has been identified in numerous reports as being a critical component of safe, effective, user-centred care. There is little evidence regarding the impact of maternity workforce staffing and skill mix on the safety, quality and cost of maternity care in the UK. The objective of this research was to understand the relationship between organisational factors, maternity workforce staffing and skill mix, cost and indicators of safe and high-quality care. NHS National Institute for Health Research
News story: Autism statutory guidance consultation launched
News story: Autism statutory guidance consultation launched The government is seeking views on proposed new statutory guidance to local authorities and NHS organisations, to support the implementation of ‘Think Autism’, the update to the 2010 adult autism strategy.
The consultation looks at issues including staff training, identification and diagnosis of autism in adults and the planning of services, preventative support and safeguarding and employment for adults with autism.
Responses are invited from a wide range of people and groups, including adults with autism, families and carers, health and social care organisations that plan, commission and provide services for adults with autism and their families.
The consultation looks at issues including staff training, identification and diagnosis of autism in adults and the planning of services, preventative support and safeguarding and employment for adults with autism.
Responses are invited from a wide range of people and groups, including adults with autism, families and carers, health and social care organisations that plan, commission and provide services for adults with autism and their families.
New 2015 NHS Pension Scheme regulations - summary for employers
New 2015 NHS Pension Scheme regulations - summary for employers View NHS Employers summary of the new 2015 NHS Pension Scheme regulatory consultation, which includes further details on how you can submit your comments to NHS Employers.
Hundreds of obese young need surgery
Hundreds of obese young need surgery Nearly 40% of under-25s who have weight-loss surgery in the UK are classified as super-obese, according to new figures. BBC News
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Have the Danes cracked childhood obesity?
Have the Danes cracked childhood obesity? Childhood obesity has become a global epidemic, but it is not easy to treat. Now a scheme proven to help children shed pounds by asking them and their families to make numerous lifestyle changes has been adopted across Denmark. BBC News
GP emergency admissions to hospital fall
GP emergency admissions to hospital fall Meanwhile emergency admissions via A&E have soared, an analysis shows. OnMedica
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Only half of prostate cancer sufferers receive the best care, says UK audit
Only half of prostate cancer sufferers receive the best care, says UK audit Treatment and quality of care for the most common form of cancer affecting men varies worryingly around the country
Treatment and quality-of-life care for the most common form of cancer found in men varies worringly across the country, campaigners have suggested.
Reacting to a first-of-its-kind audit of prostate cancer services across England and Wales, Owen Sharp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, called for services to be improved without delay. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Treatment and quality-of-life care for the most common form of cancer found in men varies worringly across the country, campaigners have suggested.
Reacting to a first-of-its-kind audit of prostate cancer services across England and Wales, Owen Sharp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, called for services to be improved without delay. Continue reading... The Guardian
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- 'Worrying variation' in prostate cancer treatment The Daily Telegraph
Doctor to appear in court in UK's first gender abortion prosecution
Doctor to appear in court in UK's first gender abortion prosecution Doctor exposed in Telegraph investigation served summons to face conspiracy allegation in landmark sex-selective abortion private prosecution. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 7 November 2014
KGH bed fall led to Desborough man’s death
KGH bed fall led to Desborough man’s death A man who suffered a head injury when he fell out of his bed at Kettering General Hospital died two weeks later, an inquest was told. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The financial sustainability of NHS bodies
The financial sustainability of NHS bodies The financial position of the NHS has worsened since 2012-13, with growing financial stress in NHS trusts and foundation trusts. According to the National Audit Office, these trends are not sustainable.
At the end of June 2014, NHS trusts were forecasting a net deficit for the current financial year of £404 million and foundation trusts a net deficit of £108 million. This compares with initial plans of a net deficit of £425 million for NHS trusts and £20 million for foundation trusts.
Trusts in surplus in 2013-14 were likely to have a lower surplus than in the previous financial year. The number of trusts and foundation trusts with a surplus also fell from 222 in 2012-13 to 182 in 2013-14.
Today’s report notes that financial risk is increasing in NHS trusts and foundation trusts, and those in severe financial difficulty continue to rely on in-year cash support from the Department of Health. In 2013-14, over £0.5 billion extra money was issued to 21 NHS trusts and 10 foundation trusts to ensure that organisations in difficulty have the cash they need to pay staff and creditors.
NHS England underspent by £279 million compared with its original plan but, within this net total, it overspent £377 million on specialised services. The overspend was partly owing to over-ambitious planning assumptions. NHS England offset this pressure through use of its reserves.Forty-nine clinical commissioning groups performed less well than originally planned: 12 of these had forecast a surplus but ended the year in deficit. The local auditor of clinical commissioning groups referred 19 bodies in deficit to the Secretary of State for spending more than their authorised resource limit.
To discourage unnecessary emergency admissions, trusts receive 30% of the full tariff payment for admissions above the level experienced during 2008-09. However, this arrangement has not contained demand. Increasing demands for emergency admissions will also reduce the resources commissioners have to invest in alternative primary or community care services.
Some NHS bodies have not made large enough cost savings, or contained the increasing demand for services within their available funding, whilst meeting quality and access targets. There remains considerable uncertainty about the impact of initiatives such as the Better Care Fund, which the Department and NHS England expect will reduce demand for acute hospital services. The NAO will look again at the planning process for commissioners and providers in 2015 to determine how well regulatory bodies are checking consistency between different parts of the health and social care system. National Audit Office
At the end of June 2014, NHS trusts were forecasting a net deficit for the current financial year of £404 million and foundation trusts a net deficit of £108 million. This compares with initial plans of a net deficit of £425 million for NHS trusts and £20 million for foundation trusts.
Trusts in surplus in 2013-14 were likely to have a lower surplus than in the previous financial year. The number of trusts and foundation trusts with a surplus also fell from 222 in 2012-13 to 182 in 2013-14.
Today’s report notes that financial risk is increasing in NHS trusts and foundation trusts, and those in severe financial difficulty continue to rely on in-year cash support from the Department of Health. In 2013-14, over £0.5 billion extra money was issued to 21 NHS trusts and 10 foundation trusts to ensure that organisations in difficulty have the cash they need to pay staff and creditors.
NHS England underspent by £279 million compared with its original plan but, within this net total, it overspent £377 million on specialised services. The overspend was partly owing to over-ambitious planning assumptions. NHS England offset this pressure through use of its reserves.Forty-nine clinical commissioning groups performed less well than originally planned: 12 of these had forecast a surplus but ended the year in deficit. The local auditor of clinical commissioning groups referred 19 bodies in deficit to the Secretary of State for spending more than their authorised resource limit.
To discourage unnecessary emergency admissions, trusts receive 30% of the full tariff payment for admissions above the level experienced during 2008-09. However, this arrangement has not contained demand. Increasing demands for emergency admissions will also reduce the resources commissioners have to invest in alternative primary or community care services.
Some NHS bodies have not made large enough cost savings, or contained the increasing demand for services within their available funding, whilst meeting quality and access targets. There remains considerable uncertainty about the impact of initiatives such as the Better Care Fund, which the Department and NHS England expect will reduce demand for acute hospital services. The NAO will look again at the planning process for commissioners and providers in 2015 to determine how well regulatory bodies are checking consistency between different parts of the health and social care system. National Audit Office
See also:
- Doubling of NHS trusts which can't balance books The Daily Telegraph
- NHS heading into the red - NAO E-Health Insider
- Financial pressures putting NHS trusts at risk, says spending watchdog The Guardian
- One in three NHS hospitals needed Government bailout funds last year The Independent
What is preventing progress? Time to move from talk to action on reducing preventable illness
What is preventing progress? Time to move from talk to action on reducing preventable illness This report highlights how in England tackling common risk factors such as smoking, inactivity, unhealthy diet and alcohol would drastically reduce the number of people affected by common diseases such as heart disease, cancer, lung disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma and stroke, while helping to prevent or delay the onset of conditions like dementia. It outlines nine key calls to action through which political leaders and key decision-makers can ensure disease prevention is placed at the top of the agenda. Richmond Group of Charities
Savile hospital abuse inquiry widens
Savile hospital abuse inquiry widens The number of hospitals investigating allegations of abuse by Jimmy Savile is extended to 41. BBC News
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- Statement to Parliament: Update on Savile investigations relating to the NHS Department of Health
- Jimmy Savile inquiry extends to 41 hospitals The Guardian
- Jimmy Savile NHS investigations widened to include 41 hospitals The Independent
Pharma industry gets high on profits
Pharma industry gets high on profits Imagine an industry that generates higher profit margins than any other and is no stranger to multi-billion dollar fines for malpractice.
Throw in widespread accusations of collusion and over-charging, and banking no doubt springs to mind.
In fact, the industry described above is responsible for the development of medicines to save lives and alleviate suffering, not the generation of profit for its own sake. BBC News
Throw in widespread accusations of collusion and over-charging, and banking no doubt springs to mind.
In fact, the industry described above is responsible for the development of medicines to save lives and alleviate suffering, not the generation of profit for its own sake. BBC News
GPs sign open letter urging immediate withdrawal of 'unethical' dementia DES
GPs sign open letter urging immediate withdrawal of 'unethical' dementia DES An open letter co-signed by over 50 leading doctors, including 35 GPs, has demanded that the 'unethical' dementia enhanced service be 'withdrawn without delay'. GP Online
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The real reason doctors are being instructed in the ethics of waste
The real reason doctors are being instructed in the ethics of waste Medical staff are used to their resources being endlessly eroded no wonder they resist change that seems to put money before patients.
All waste is immoral, but some waste is more immoral than other waste, and sometimes what looks like waste isnt actually waste at all. Wasting food is really bad (the perfect solution, although not available to everyone, is to keep pigs). Recycling the dress bought in a moment of self-delusion via the charity shop is not a perfect solution, but it is less bad than wasting food. Using disposable instruments in hospital instead of relying on sterilising machines looks wasteful but actually saves money by not giving patients avoidable infections.
Waste in the NHS is a favourite moan of its critics who mostly think it is too big to prosper. But that doesnt mean its not a problem how could it not be in an organisation with a budget of £100bn a year. One wrong decision is going to ramify with appalling waste across the country. So although it seems a superfluous edict, it was good to hear the Academy of Medical Royal Collegesdeclare that doctors have an ethical duty not to waste. Continue reading... The Guardian
All waste is immoral, but some waste is more immoral than other waste, and sometimes what looks like waste isnt actually waste at all. Wasting food is really bad (the perfect solution, although not available to everyone, is to keep pigs). Recycling the dress bought in a moment of self-delusion via the charity shop is not a perfect solution, but it is less bad than wasting food. Using disposable instruments in hospital instead of relying on sterilising machines looks wasteful but actually saves money by not giving patients avoidable infections.
Waste in the NHS is a favourite moan of its critics who mostly think it is too big to prosper. But that doesnt mean its not a problem how could it not be in an organisation with a budget of £100bn a year. One wrong decision is going to ramify with appalling waste across the country. So although it seems a superfluous edict, it was good to hear the Academy of Medical Royal Collegesdeclare that doctors have an ethical duty not to waste. Continue reading... The Guardian
Ebola expert warns of tragedy in British hospitals due to safety failings
Ebola expert warns of tragedy in British hospitals due to safety failings A leading global expert on the Ebola virus has warned there will be “tragedy” in a British hospital – because safety procedures are not being followed strictly enough to prevent medical staff from becoming infected. The Independent
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- UN lacks resources to defeat Ebola OnMedica
Thursday, 6 November 2014
Protecting resources, promoting value: a doctor’s guide to cutting waste in clinical care
Protecting resources, promoting value: a doctor’s guide to cutting waste in clinical care Most waste in the NHS lies within clinical practice and models of care. Low value services and unnecessary use of clinical resources undermine the sustainability of high value care and hinder the development of new interventions.
This report provides a framework for a way in which doctors can think critically about waste from a clinical perspective and provides examples of doctors improving the value of health care by reducing waste. Estimates suggest that around 20% of mainstream clinical practice brings no benefit to the patient as there is widespread overuse of tests and interventions. Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
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This report provides a framework for a way in which doctors can think critically about waste from a clinical perspective and provides examples of doctors improving the value of health care by reducing waste. Estimates suggest that around 20% of mainstream clinical practice brings no benefit to the patient as there is widespread overuse of tests and interventions. Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
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- UK doctors have 'ethical duty' to prevent waste BBC News
- NHS wastes over £2bn a year on unnecessary or expensive treatments The Guardian
- Doctors Wasting NHS Money By Handing Out Too Many Drugs and X-Rays says Report International Business Times
The Better Care Fund: will the plans work?
The Better Care Fund: will the plans work? Last week’s announcement about the Better Care Fund plans coincided with the annual gathering of social care leaders in Manchester, the publication of a grim ‘state of the nation’ assessment of social care funding by the Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, and further evidence of deteriorating NHS performance as shown in our latest NHS quarterly monitoring survey.
Local government secretary Eric Pickles declared in a parliamentary written statement that health and social care services were being integrated ‘for the first time’ under these plans, a historically curious assertion to which Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt added ‘the time for talk is over – our plans will make this vision a reality’.
Local government secretary Eric Pickles declared in a parliamentary written statement that health and social care services were being integrated ‘for the first time’ under these plans, a historically curious assertion to which Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt added ‘the time for talk is over – our plans will make this vision a reality’.
Guidance: Antimicrobial prescribing: resources for professional development and practice
Guidance: Antimicrobial prescribing: resources for professional development and practice These resources can be used by pharmacists and healthcare professionals for continuing professional development (CPD), and as sources of information and reference material about antibiotic prescribing in both primary and secondary care. Public Health England
Guidance on prevention and management of stress at work
Guidance on prevention and management of stress at work For the past two years, 38 per cent of staff have told the NHS Staff Survey that they have suffered stress in the previous 12 months. NHS Employers also estimates that over 30 per cent of all sick leave is now caused by work-related stress in the NHS, costing up to £400 million each year. This guidance aims to help managers throughout the NHS reduce stress in the workplace and better support staff who experience it. NHS Employers
VIDEO: Ebola chief: 'This disease is still a crisis'
VIDEO: Ebola chief: 'This disease is still a crisis' The United Nations mission charged with fighting Ebola does not yet have the capacity to defeat the disease, the operation's head tells BBC News
Get IT 'right this time' - Williams
Get IT 'right this time' - Williams The National Information Board's framework for action will provide a guiding set of principles for a "revolution" in healthcare IT, Health and Social Care Information Centre chief executive Andy Williams has said. E-Health Insider
Most people dont know they have the right to view medical records online
Most people dont know they have the right to view medical records online Only 3% of GPs currently offer service to patients although all will be expected to by April 2015
More than two-thirds of patients do not realise that they have the right to see their records online, research shows.
As many as 71% of people are unaware that technology allows them to access their GP record online or via a smartphone, according to the results of a YouGov survey of 2,243 adults. Respondents added that they would use the technology, or thought it would help manage their health better. Continue reading... The Guardian
More than two-thirds of patients do not realise that they have the right to see their records online, research shows.
As many as 71% of people are unaware that technology allows them to access their GP record online or via a smartphone, according to the results of a YouGov survey of 2,243 adults. Respondents added that they would use the technology, or thought it would help manage their health better. Continue reading... The Guardian
Fears that UK is not tackling preventable diseases
Fears that UK is not tackling preventable diseases Charities say th UK is not doing enough to help people live healthier lives and reduce their chance of diseases fuelled by obesity, alcohol and smoking. The Daily Telegraph
Lives will be lost unless the Government acts on off-patent drugs, charities warn
Lives will be lost unless the Government acts on off-patent drugs, charities warn Leading medical charities have warned “lives could be lost” if the Government does not act to make a group of low-cost, safe drugs for conditions including breast cancer, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s available to patients. The Independent
£55 dementia diagnosis scheme sets 'dangerous precedent', claim doctors
£55 dementia diagnosis scheme sets 'dangerous precedent', claim doctors A group of leading doctors and patient advocates have said NHS plans to pay GPs £55 for every dementia diagnosis have set a “dangerous precedent” and should be scrapped. The Independent
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
Handling Complaints with a Compassionate Human Touch
Handling Complaints with a Compassionate Human Touch The NHS complaints system still exposes many patients to a grueling and unsatisfactory process, despite numerous high level calls for reforms, a new report warns.
A survey of more than 1,200 patients found high levels of dissatisfaction with the complaints process with patients frequently encountering unhelpful and defensive staff, complicated procedures to negotiate and sometimes dishonest replies. The Patients Association
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A survey of more than 1,200 patients found high levels of dissatisfaction with the complaints process with patients frequently encountering unhelpful and defensive staff, complicated procedures to negotiate and sometimes dishonest replies. The Patients Association
See also:
- Press release The Patients Association
- New complaints charter The Patients Association
- Reporting and investigations – a new way ahead for patient safety? Health Foundation
- Patients fear being victimised when they complain to NHS Daily Mail
- How the NHS should listen and act on patient complaints The Guardian
Serious problems with children’s and adolescents’ mental health services
Serious problems with children’s and adolescents’ mental health services A report published on 5 November 2014, concludes that there are serious and deeply ingrained problems with the commissioning and provision of children’s and adolescents’ mental health services. Health Select Committee
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- Children's and adolescents' mental health and CAMHS Health Select Committee
- Child mental health services 'unfit' BBC News
- CAMHS are working in the dark due to data drought, MPs warn Community Care
- Children left with 'no escape' from cyberbullying, MPs warn The Daily Telegraph
- Mental health of children and young people 'at risk in digital age' The Guardian
- An insight into youth mental health services: 'I was suicidal. I needed help' The Guardian
- 263 children sectioned under the mental health act were held in police cells last year The Independent
VIDEO: Inside UK-funded Ebola centre
VIDEO: Inside UK-funded Ebola centre An 80-bed Ebola treatment centre, funded by the UK and built by the British Army, is to open its door near Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital. BBC News
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RCN announces new President and Deputy President
RCN announces new President and Deputy President The results of the elections for RCN President and Deputy President have been announced. Royal College of Nursing
Short height 'linked to dementia death risk'
Short height 'linked to dementia death risk' "Short men more likely to die from dementia," The Daily Telegraph reports, though the results of the study it reports on are not as clear cut as the headline suggests.
Researchers combined the results of 18 surveys, which included more than 180,000 people. They aimed to see whether reported height was associated with deaths from dementia over 10 years of follow-up.
They found decreasing height was associated with higher rates of death from dementia. Each standard deviation decrease in height was associated with a 24% increase in risk of dementia death for men, and a 13% increase for women. This was after adjustment for factors such as age and smoking.
However, there are important limitations to consider. Despite the large cohort size, only 0.6% of the cohort died from dementia. These are small numbers on which to base any analysis.
Also, despite the trend, none of the smaller height categories were associated with a significantly increased risk of dementia death.
So, for both men and women, the smallest people in the study did not have a significant increased risk of dementia when compared with the tallest.
This means the association seen between height and dementia death isn't entirely convincing.
Researchers combined the results of 18 surveys, which included more than 180,000 people. They aimed to see whether reported height was associated with deaths from dementia over 10 years of follow-up.
They found decreasing height was associated with higher rates of death from dementia. Each standard deviation decrease in height was associated with a 24% increase in risk of dementia death for men, and a 13% increase for women. This was after adjustment for factors such as age and smoking.
However, there are important limitations to consider. Despite the large cohort size, only 0.6% of the cohort died from dementia. These are small numbers on which to base any analysis.
Also, despite the trend, none of the smaller height categories were associated with a significantly increased risk of dementia death.
So, for both men and women, the smallest people in the study did not have a significant increased risk of dementia when compared with the tallest.
This means the association seen between height and dementia death isn't entirely convincing.
GPs will not control primary care commissioning under new CCG reforms
GPs will not control primary care commissioning under new CCG reforms Clinicians will not control commissioning of primary care when CCGs are handed expanded powers, NHS England has revealed. GP Online
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Trade agreement between EU and US - ‘bad for patients’
Trade agreement between EU and US - ‘bad for patients’A free trade agreement between the European Union and USA goes against the interest of UK patients, experts warn this week.
In an editorial in The BMJ, John Hilary, Executive Director of campaign group War on Want warns that The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is designed to meet the interests of corporations rather than patients. OnMedica
In an editorial in The BMJ, John Hilary, Executive Director of campaign group War on Want warns that The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is designed to meet the interests of corporations rather than patients. OnMedica
MPs vote to make sex selection abortion illegal
MPs vote to make sex selection abortion illegal MPs vote 181 to 1 for a motion brought forward by a cross-party alliance of MPs in an effort to end uncertainty over the law. The Daily Telegraph
Is general practice in crisis?
Is general practice in crisis? A policy briefing that provides an evidence-based overview of the current state of general practice in England, and offers policy-makers some potential solutions. Nuffield Trust
See also:
See also:
- Is general practice really in crisis? Moving beyond the headlines Nuffield Trust
- Are the family doctor's days numbered? Local GPs increasingly choosing federalism The Independent
- Can General Practice survive NHS England's Five Year Forward View? The Information Daily
- General Practice ‘in crisis’ and ‘in need of reform’ OnMedica
Tuesday, 4 November 2014
Northamptonshire health chief 'takes over Twitter' to give insight into her role
Northamptonshire health chief 'takes over Twitter' to give insight into her role The Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), Angela Hillery, is embarking on a twitter takeover week on the Trust's official account @nhftnhs. Over the course of the week Angela will be updating followers on what she’s doing, what her priorities are for NHFT and giving an insight on some of the challenges she faces. Northampton Herald and Post
Library information skills programme for 2015
Library information skills programme for 2015 Need to find some information to inform your practice? Need to make a decision but can't find the evidence? Found the evidence but not sure of it's validity? We can help. All of our training programme dates for 2015 are now available on the Library's web site.
People in control of their own health and care: The state of involvement
People in control of their own health and care: The state of involvement The idea that people should have a stronger voice in decisions about their health and care, and that services should better reflect their needs and preferences, has been a policy goal of politicians and senior policy-makers in health for at least 20 years. Patients want it, and the evidence shows that when they are involved, decisions are better, health and health outcomes improve, and resources are allocated more efficiently. The King's Fund
See also:
See also:
Openness and honesty when things go wrong: the professional duty of candour
Openness and honesty when things go wrong: the professional duty of candour This joint consultation (running until the 5th January 2015) asks for views on guidance which is designed to support doctors, nurses and midwives in fulfilling their professional duty to be open and honest about mistakes. It also calls on clinical leaders and employers to support doctors, nurses and midwives by creating cultures in the workplace that are open, honest, and where people learn from mistakes so that future patients are protected from harm.General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council
See also:
A vision for hepatitis C
A vision for hepatitis C This report calls for the government to improve hepatitis C services now to prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths. It highlights concerns from clinicians and patient and professional groups about the rising rate of hepatitis C related deaths and the need for improved screening and diagnosis. Hepatitis C Coalition
Is there really a crisis among GPs?
Is there really a crisis among GPs? A decade ago they got a new contract that allowed them to give up night and weekend cover, while seeing their pay shoot through the £100,000 a year barrier.
More recently, this government's reforms in England have put them at the heart of decision-making in the NHS by giving them responsibility for two thirds of the NHS budget.
And yet the profession, it seems, is at its wits end. A recent survey of 1,000 doctors by the British Medical Association found GPs had lower levels of morale and work-life balance than their medical colleagues elsewhere in the health service. BBC News
More recently, this government's reforms in England have put them at the heart of decision-making in the NHS by giving them responsibility for two thirds of the NHS budget.
And yet the profession, it seems, is at its wits end. A recent survey of 1,000 doctors by the British Medical Association found GPs had lower levels of morale and work-life balance than their medical colleagues elsewhere in the health service. BBC News
Ebola: Are cases levelling off?
Ebola: Are cases levelling off? We may be entering a new phase of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
There is growing - but certainly guarded - talk within the World Health Organization that the overall number of new cases is levelling off.
Officials have told me they now expect the figure to stick at around 1,000 fresh cases each week.
It is in sharp contrast to the early phase of the outbreak when the number was doubling every three to four weeks. BBC News
See also:
There is growing - but certainly guarded - talk within the World Health Organization that the overall number of new cases is levelling off.
Officials have told me they now expect the figure to stick at around 1,000 fresh cases each week.
It is in sharp contrast to the early phase of the outbreak when the number was doubling every three to four weeks. BBC News
See also:
- UK's Ebola appeal reaches £10m mark BBC News
- Ebola in Sierra Leone 'spreading 9 x faster than 2 months ago', campaigners warn Daily Mail
- New British Ebola labs to help stop spread of virus Department of Health
- Britain steps up its involvement in Ebola treatment OnMedica
- Common sense guide to Ebola for GPs and their teams Royal College of General Practitioners
Hike in checks for most vulnerable
Hike in checks for most vulnerable Applications to restrict freedom of people with illnesses like dementia and autism for their own safety rises ten-fold since a landmark court ruling. BBC News
Dying in the UK – nurses raise “profound” concerns
Dying in the UK – nurses raise “profound” concerns Almost half a million people die in the UK every year and RCN members are concerned about the ability of health services to deliver high quality care to them. Royal College of Nursing
See also:
See also:
- Nurses 'do not have time to care properly for the dying' The Daily Telegraph
Weight loss surgery cuts diabetes risk in very obese
Weight loss surgery cuts diabetes risk in very obese “Weight loss surgery can dramatically reduce the odds of developing type 2 diabetes,” BBC News reports.
The underlying research identified a group of 2,167 obese adults without diabetes, the majority of whom were severely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.
This group had undergone weight loss surgery, so researchers compared them with a comparison group matched for age, sex and BMI, who did not have surgery. They looked at the development of type 2 diabetes in both groups.
Using the maximum follow-up period in the study (seven years), they found that the “surgery group” had an 80% reduced risk of developing diabetes compared with the “no surgery” group.
These findings are mainly applicable to those with a very high BMI (over 40). Results at lower BMIs (30 to 35) were still positive, but did not have statistical significance.
It's important to stress that weight loss surgery is no magic bullet and is associated with both short- and long-term risks and complications, such as unsightly excess skin.
The underlying research identified a group of 2,167 obese adults without diabetes, the majority of whom were severely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.
This group had undergone weight loss surgery, so researchers compared them with a comparison group matched for age, sex and BMI, who did not have surgery. They looked at the development of type 2 diabetes in both groups.
Using the maximum follow-up period in the study (seven years), they found that the “surgery group” had an 80% reduced risk of developing diabetes compared with the “no surgery” group.
These findings are mainly applicable to those with a very high BMI (over 40). Results at lower BMIs (30 to 35) were still positive, but did not have statistical significance.
It's important to stress that weight loss surgery is no magic bullet and is associated with both short- and long-term risks and complications, such as unsightly excess skin.
Big data: enabling the future of healthcare
Big data: enabling the future of healthcare By collecting patient data, clinicians can use predictive analytics to prevent potentially deadly conditions.
Data security threat holding back digital progress in the NHS
Everyones talking about the importance of big data in healthcare. Yet, as the data piles up most of it is isolated in different silos, and health systems are struggling to turn big data from a concept into a reality. Heres how I see it having a substantial impact on the health of populations, today and in the future.
Most healthcare organisations today are using two sets of data: retrospective data, basic event-based information collected from medical records, and real-time clinical data, the information captured and presented at the point of care (imaging, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, etc). For example, if a diabetic patient enters the hospital complaining about numbness in their toes, instead of immediately assuming the cause is their diabetes, the clinician could monitor their blood flow and oxygen saturation, and potentially determine if there's something more threatening around the corner, like an aneurysm or a stroke. Continue reading... The Guardian
Data security threat holding back digital progress in the NHS
Everyones talking about the importance of big data in healthcare. Yet, as the data piles up most of it is isolated in different silos, and health systems are struggling to turn big data from a concept into a reality. Heres how I see it having a substantial impact on the health of populations, today and in the future.
Most healthcare organisations today are using two sets of data: retrospective data, basic event-based information collected from medical records, and real-time clinical data, the information captured and presented at the point of care (imaging, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, etc). For example, if a diabetic patient enters the hospital complaining about numbness in their toes, instead of immediately assuming the cause is their diabetes, the clinician could monitor their blood flow and oxygen saturation, and potentially determine if there's something more threatening around the corner, like an aneurysm or a stroke. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS spending on agency nurses soars past £5.5bn
NHS spending on agency nurses soars past £5.5bn Government accused of truly incompetent planning after years of training cuts push cost of temporary staff way over budget
NHS spending on agency nurses and staff has spiralled to more than £5.5bn over the past four years and is continuing to rise amid a debilitating recruitment crisis in the health service. Budgets for temporary staff this financial year have already been blown apart, it can be revealed, with spending in some parts of the NHS running at twice the planned figure.
Reliance on agencies at a cost of up to £1,800 per day per nurse comes as the number of nurse training places in England has been cut. In the last year of the Labour government, 20,829 nurse training positions were filled in England. That fell to 17,741 in 2011-12 and to 17,219 in 2012-13, rising to 18,009 in 2013-14. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS spending on agency nurses and staff has spiralled to more than £5.5bn over the past four years and is continuing to rise amid a debilitating recruitment crisis in the health service. Budgets for temporary staff this financial year have already been blown apart, it can be revealed, with spending in some parts of the NHS running at twice the planned figure.
Reliance on agencies at a cost of up to £1,800 per day per nurse comes as the number of nurse training places in England has been cut. In the last year of the Labour government, 20,829 nurse training positions were filled in England. That fell to 17,741 in 2011-12 and to 17,219 in 2012-13, rising to 18,009 in 2013-14. Continue reading... The Guardian
Nurses 'will have to be able to speak English to work in UK'
Nurses 'will have to be able to speak English to work in UK' Language tests on nurses who come to work here from elsewhere in the European Union are to be introduced for the first time. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Language controls for healthcare and associated professions Department of Health (consultation)
- Language checks for nurses proposed BBC News
Three vulnerable patients a day die due to lack of care
Three vulnerable patients a day die due to lack of care A shortage of specialist nurses trained to care for people with learning disabilities is putting the lives of thousands of vulnerable people at risk, the leading charity Mencap has warned. The Independent
Friday, 31 October 2014
Police ‘found no evidence of crime’ after Northampton’s ambulance service lost 42,000 copies of patient records
Police ‘found no evidence of crime’ after Northampton’s ambulance service lost 42,000 copies of patient records
No criminal charges will be brought against anyone working at East Midlands Ambulance Service over the loss of 42,000 patients records. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
No criminal charges will be brought against anyone working at East Midlands Ambulance Service over the loss of 42,000 patients records. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
New strike by NHS staff announced
New strike by NHS staff announced
NHS workers, including nurses and midwives, are to stage a new four-hour strike in England on 24 November as part of an ongoing pay dispute. BBC News
NHS workers, including nurses and midwives, are to stage a new four-hour strike in England on 24 November as part of an ongoing pay dispute. BBC News
NHS Five Year Forward View: the pressures on to test new models of care
NHS Five Year Forward View: the pressures on to test new models of care
NHS England has set itself a challenge to provide support, flexibility and skills to allow innovation to thrive
NHS Five Year Forward Review: a shopping list without the pricesNHS Five Year Forward View: biggest challenge is on funding
Among the scores of commitments to reform which came tumbling out of NHS Englands Five Year Forward View last week, a picture emerges of how the national bodies are going to leverage reforms among both the high-performers and the strugglers.
At the struggling end, the national bodies have promised to take a joined-up approach to addressing weaknesses across whole health economies rather than separately targeting failing organisations. Guardian
Continue reading...
NHS England has set itself a challenge to provide support, flexibility and skills to allow innovation to thrive
NHS Five Year Forward Review: a shopping list without the pricesNHS Five Year Forward View: biggest challenge is on funding
Among the scores of commitments to reform which came tumbling out of NHS Englands Five Year Forward View last week, a picture emerges of how the national bodies are going to leverage reforms among both the high-performers and the strugglers.
At the struggling end, the national bodies have promised to take a joined-up approach to addressing weaknesses across whole health economies rather than separately targeting failing organisations. Guardian
Continue reading...
Top doctors urge people not to store up health problems if “feeling under the weather”
Top doctors urge people not to store up health problems if “feeling under the weather”
The NHS will today launch its national public awareness campaign in a bid to persuade people to seek advice early from their local pharmacist if they are ‘feeling under the weather’.
The campaign, ‘feeling under the weather’ has been launched to encourage people, particularly older people and those with existing respiratory conditions, to nip health problems in the bud by seeking early advice from their local pharmacist. It will run for six weeks.
Every year the NHS sees a huge increase in numbers of emergency admissions to hospital over the colder months. Those with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis are particularly vulnerable, and for frailer and older people, even the common cold can become more serious.
The NHS will today launch its national public awareness campaign in a bid to persuade people to seek advice early from their local pharmacist if they are ‘feeling under the weather’.
The campaign, ‘feeling under the weather’ has been launched to encourage people, particularly older people and those with existing respiratory conditions, to nip health problems in the bud by seeking early advice from their local pharmacist. It will run for six weeks.
Every year the NHS sees a huge increase in numbers of emergency admissions to hospital over the colder months. Those with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis are particularly vulnerable, and for frailer and older people, even the common cold can become more serious.
Alcohol 'should have calorie labels'
Alcohol 'should have calorie labels'
Alcohol should have a calorie content label in order to reduce obesity, according to public health doctors. BBC News
Alcohol should have a calorie content label in order to reduce obesity, according to public health doctors. BBC News
Growing concern about staff morale as NHS performance slips
Growing concern about staff morale as NHS performance slips
Staff morale tops the list of concerns raised by NHS finance directors in The King's Fund's latest quarterly monitoring report.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of trust finance directors surveyed for the report identified staff morale as one of their top three concerns, twice as many as in the previous quarter. The report suggests this should be a significant cause for concern given the close link between staff engagement and quality of care.
The report underlines the financial pressures facing the NHS, with nearly 40 per cent of trust finance directors forecasting a deficit by the end of the year, the highest proportion since the survey began. Worryingly, nearly 60 per cent are also concerned about whether their trust will be able to meet its cost improvement target for the current year, suggesting that it is getting more difficult to find efficiency savings.
Staff morale tops the list of concerns raised by NHS finance directors in The King's Fund's latest quarterly monitoring report.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of trust finance directors surveyed for the report identified staff morale as one of their top three concerns, twice as many as in the previous quarter. The report suggests this should be a significant cause for concern given the close link between staff engagement and quality of care.
The report underlines the financial pressures facing the NHS, with nearly 40 per cent of trust finance directors forecasting a deficit by the end of the year, the highest proportion since the survey began. Worryingly, nearly 60 per cent are also concerned about whether their trust will be able to meet its cost improvement target for the current year, suggesting that it is getting more difficult to find efficiency savings.
Policy paper: Carers strategy: actions for 2014 to 2016
Policy paper: Carers strategy: actions for 2014 to 2016
The document identifies the main actions for the next 2 years around supporting carers.
There is an overview of evidence gathered over the last few years. It also explains the main achievements in recognising and supporting carers during that time. Department of Health
This builds on the national Carers Strategy of 2008 and the next steps update of 2010.
The document identifies the main actions for the next 2 years around supporting carers.
There is an overview of evidence gathered over the last few years. It also explains the main achievements in recognising and supporting carers during that time. Department of Health
This builds on the national Carers Strategy of 2008 and the next steps update of 2010.
Press release: Blogging project to capture everyday experiences of people living with mental health difficulties
Press release: Blogging project to capture everyday experiences of people living with mental health difficulties
A new online project is calling on people living with mental health difficulties to blog about their lives.
People signing up to A Day in the Life will be invited to share their experiences of what makes their mental health better and what makes it worse by submitting a 700 word blog on set days as part of the year-long project. Bloggers will be asked to write about the same days, starting on 7 November 2014 and followed by 3 more dates in winter 2014, spring 2015 and summer 2015.
A Day in the Life is designed to provide an insight into the lives of people living with a mental health difficulty to help inform the development of policies and projects which better meet their needs. The project is also designed to better educate and raise awareness among the wider public of the reality of mental health issues.
Blogs submitted to A Day in the Life will be available to the public and will be searchable by theme, topic, and the positive or negative impact of events and situations on people with mental difficulties. This categorisation will allow the project to compile and publish reports on emerging themes, as well as propose ideas for further investigation.
A new online project is calling on people living with mental health difficulties to blog about their lives.
People signing up to A Day in the Life will be invited to share their experiences of what makes their mental health better and what makes it worse by submitting a 700 word blog on set days as part of the year-long project. Bloggers will be asked to write about the same days, starting on 7 November 2014 and followed by 3 more dates in winter 2014, spring 2015 and summer 2015.
A Day in the Life is designed to provide an insight into the lives of people living with a mental health difficulty to help inform the development of policies and projects which better meet their needs. The project is also designed to better educate and raise awareness among the wider public of the reality of mental health issues.
Blogs submitted to A Day in the Life will be available to the public and will be searchable by theme, topic, and the positive or negative impact of events and situations on people with mental difficulties. This categorisation will allow the project to compile and publish reports on emerging themes, as well as propose ideas for further investigation.
Commissioning better mental health services for young people
Commissioning better mental health services for young people
The guide is based on a pioneering five-year programme run by the Mental Health Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation at four sites across the UK. NHS Networks
The guide is based on a pioneering five-year programme run by the Mental Health Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation at four sites across the UK. NHS Networks
The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and care planning
The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and care planning
This report shows commissioners and providers of care how to embed the principles of the MCA into care and support planning across the board. Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
Report
This report shows commissioners and providers of care how to embed the principles of the MCA into care and support planning across the board. Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
Report
Falls prevention: how to slash the NHS's £2bn bill
Falls prevention: how to slash the NHS's £2bn bill
A quarter of ambulance callouts are for falls. HSJ
A quarter of ambulance callouts are for falls. HSJ
Secret of healthy ageing discovered in ground-breaking 35-year study
Secret of healthy ageing discovered in ground-breaking 35-year study
Landmark survey of 2,500 men shows how healthy lifestyle ultimately pays off in old age. Telegraph
Landmark survey of 2,500 men shows how healthy lifestyle ultimately pays off in old age. Telegraph
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Further cost cutting would harm patients at Northampton General Hospital as it heads for £14m deficit
Further cost cutting would harm patients at Northampton General Hospital as it heads for £14m deficit More savings at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) are impossible without jeopardising patient care, its chief executive has said. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Plans to close Northamptonshire ambulance stations halted
Plans to close Northamptonshire ambulance stations halted The East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has dropped plans to close down ambulance stations in the region. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Ambulance chiefs in U-turn over station closures Northamptonshire Telegraph
Quarterly Monitoring Report
Quarterly Monitoring Report The latest survey of finance directors reveals the highest level of pessimism about the financial position of health organisations since we began surveying in the autumn of 2011. The King's Fund
See also:
- Growing concern about staff morale as NHS performance slips The King's Fund
- King's Fund forecasts hard winter E-Health Insider
Deaths Registered in England and Wales 2013
Deaths Registered in England and Wales 2013 The leading cause of death for males in 2013 was ischaemic heart diseases (15.4% of all male deaths). For females, the leading cause was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (12.2% of all female deaths). Office for National Statistics
See also:
See also:
- Dementia tops female causes of death BBC News
- DEMENTIA is now the leading killer of women Daily Mail
- New figures show Britain's dementia crisis The Daily Telegraph
- Dementia is the biggest killer for women The Independent
GPs and Social Workers: Partners for Better Care Delivering health and social care integration together
GPs and Social Workers: Partners for Better Care Delivering health and social care integration together GPs and social workers are ideally placed to work together to implement radical solutions to the funding crises facing both general practice and social work, according to a joint report by The Royal College of General Practitioners and The College of Social Work.
See also:
See also:
Leading local partnerships: how CCGs are driving integration for their patients and local populations
Leading local partnerships: how CCGs are driving integration for their patients and local populations
This report profiles some of the CCGs across England who, despite still being relatively new organisations, are already driving new and innovative models of care that put the patient at the heart of the system, and are improving the health and wellbeing of their local populations. It showcases twenty examples of CCGs joining with partners, not just from social care, but from the voluntary and private sectors, to improve the health of their populations. NHS Clinical Commissioners
This report profiles some of the CCGs across England who, despite still being relatively new organisations, are already driving new and innovative models of care that put the patient at the heart of the system, and are improving the health and wellbeing of their local populations. It showcases twenty examples of CCGs joining with partners, not just from social care, but from the voluntary and private sectors, to improve the health of their populations. NHS Clinical Commissioners
Care plan 'to ease hospital pressure'
Care plan 'to ease hospital pressure' Vulnerable patients in England will get better support in the community as part of plans to ease pressure on hospitals, ministers say. BBC News
NHS trusts counting on bailouts
NHS trusts counting on bailouts NHS hospital trusts are continuing to draw heavily on government bailouts to plug funding shortfalls - but the cash may not last, the BBC has found. BBC News
Care for military veterans 'flawed'
Care for military veterans 'flawed' The government is failing to abide by its military covenant with armed forces veterans not getting the care they need, medical experts say. BBC News
Mental Health Act: Hospital based Place of Safety orders increase whilst police station orders decrease
Mental Health Act: Hospital based Place of Safety orders increase whilst police station orders decrease Latest figures on detentions under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 show that the reported number of Place of Safety Orders made where an individual was taken to a police station has decreased by 24 per cent, from 7,900 in 2012-13 to 6,000 in 2013-14. Health & Social Care Information Centre
Innovator case study: Dementia diagnosis times plummet in ground breaking project
Innovator case study: Dementia diagnosis times plummet in ground breaking project The winner of the 2013 NHS Innovation Challenge Prize for Dementia - worth £80,000 - has reduced the average diagnosis time from three years to four weeks. Here we explore Gnosall Surgery’s ground breaking project. HSJ
New figures show UK increasingly reliant on overseas nurses
New figures show UK increasingly reliant on overseas nurses The United Kingdom has become a net importer of nurses for the first time in eight years, showing the extent of the reliance on overseas staff as hospitals desperately struggle to recruit enough staff to keep patients safe. Royal College of Nursing
Could sex with 21 women 'cut prostate risk'?
Could sex with 21 women 'cut prostate risk'? "Sleeping with more than 20 women protects men against prostate cancer, academics find," The Daily Telegraph reports.
The study in question included more than 1,500 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and a matched group of men without prostate cancer from the general population. Researchers then interviewed the men about their sexual activity.
The study concluded that having more than 20 female partners over a man’s lifetime was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer, while having several male partners seemed to increase the risk.
However, studies like this one cannot prove that having several female partners reduces the risk of prostate cancer, or that having more male partners increases risk.
The study in question included more than 1,500 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and a matched group of men without prostate cancer from the general population. Researchers then interviewed the men about their sexual activity.
The study concluded that having more than 20 female partners over a man’s lifetime was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer, while having several male partners seemed to increase the risk.
However, studies like this one cannot prove that having several female partners reduces the risk of prostate cancer, or that having more male partners increases risk.
Quarter of CCGs set to miss 1% surplus target
Quarter of CCGs set to miss 1% surplus target Almost 50 CCGs are set to miss the NHS's financial target of being at least 1% in surplus this year, and 18 CCGs are forecast to be in deficit at year end, the House of Commons health select committee has been told. GP Online
How sick are the worlds healthcare systems?
How sick are the worlds healthcare systems? The NHS is in trouble and its chief executive has requested £8bn to save it. But how does Britains system compare with healthcare around the world and what can we learn? From hard-pressed India to highly organised Germany, eight Guardian correspondents report Continue reading... The Guardian
Ebola rages on, but we are approaching a turning point in this epidemic
Ebola rages on, but we are approaching a turning point in this epidemic New urgency on Ebola from the rich world, major investment and vaccine development suggest we may have reached the end of the beginning.
The news from Guinea and Sierra Leone has been unrelentingly horrific. Despite encouraging signs from Liberia, overall things will get worse. Today the official toll of the Ebola epidemic reached 13,703 cases, though the true figure is higher. By Christmas there may be thousands of new cases every week. More countries will probably report introduced infections, as in the US and, more worryingly, African neighbours. Several bleak months lie ahead.
Yet through this darkness it is finally becoming possible to see some light. In the past 10 days theinternational community has belatedly begun to take the actions necessary to start turning Ebolas tide. The progress is preliminary and uncertain; even if ultimately successful it will not reduce mortality or stop transmission for some time. We are not close to seeing the beginning of the end of the epidemic. But three developments offer hope that we may have reached the end of the beginning. Continue reading... The Guardian
The news from Guinea and Sierra Leone has been unrelentingly horrific. Despite encouraging signs from Liberia, overall things will get worse. Today the official toll of the Ebola epidemic reached 13,703 cases, though the true figure is higher. By Christmas there may be thousands of new cases every week. More countries will probably report introduced infections, as in the US and, more worryingly, African neighbours. Several bleak months lie ahead.
Yet through this darkness it is finally becoming possible to see some light. In the past 10 days theinternational community has belatedly begun to take the actions necessary to start turning Ebolas tide. The progress is preliminary and uncertain; even if ultimately successful it will not reduce mortality or stop transmission for some time. We are not close to seeing the beginning of the end of the epidemic. But three developments offer hope that we may have reached the end of the beginning. Continue reading... The Guardian
Diabetes 'out of control' in most parts of England
Diabetes 'out of control' in most parts of England Warning that diabetes is 'out of control' in most of England, with 120 amputations a week, and those living in East London and West Suffolk faring worst for uncontrolled disease. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
‘Urgent action’ needed to halt alcohol abuse in armed forces
‘Urgent action’ needed to halt alcohol abuse in armed forces Dangerous levels of alcohol consumption are “the norm” in the armed forces and the link between drinking and higher rates of violence among veterans must be investigated, MPs have warned. The Independent
Wednesday, 29 October 2014
Developing strategy in the NHS – mission impossible or essential leadership task?
Developing strategy in the NHS – mission impossible or essential leadership task? With the NHS facing both financial and quality challenges, just how can the sector plan ahead for an uncertain future? asks Suzie Bailey. The Health Foundation
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