News story: Smoking in cars set to become illegal
The new rules will come into force on 1 October 2015 and people failing to comply could face a £50 fixed penalty notice. Department of Health
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Press release: Secondhand smoke campaign launch coincides with vote ending smoking in cars with children
Press release: Secondhand smoke campaign launch coincides with vote ending smoking in cars with children
Public Health England today (11 February 2015) launches its campaign to highlight the hidden dangers that secondhand smoke in homes and cars can cause to children’s health, coinciding with the passing by Parliament of regulations to end smoking in cars carrying children in England.
Secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to children as they breathe more rapidly and have less developed airways. Children being exposed to secondhand smoke results in more than 300,000 GP consultations and 9,500 hospital admissions every year.
The government estimates that 3 million children in England are exposed to secondhand smoke in their family car, which puts them at risk of serious conditions, including respiratory infections and meningitis and triggering asthma. A survey by the British Lung Foundation found that 86% of children who are exposed to smoking in cars would like the smoker to stop, yet only 31% actually feel able to ask them to do so.
Public Health England today (11 February 2015) launches its campaign to highlight the hidden dangers that secondhand smoke in homes and cars can cause to children’s health, coinciding with the passing by Parliament of regulations to end smoking in cars carrying children in England.
Secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to children as they breathe more rapidly and have less developed airways. Children being exposed to secondhand smoke results in more than 300,000 GP consultations and 9,500 hospital admissions every year.
The government estimates that 3 million children in England are exposed to secondhand smoke in their family car, which puts them at risk of serious conditions, including respiratory infections and meningitis and triggering asthma. A survey by the British Lung Foundation found that 86% of children who are exposed to smoking in cars would like the smoker to stop, yet only 31% actually feel able to ask them to do so.
Launch of flexible retirement hub tools and resources
Launch of flexible retirement hub tools and resources
Our newly launched flexible retirement hub contains a range of tools and resources to support your organisation to make the most of flexible retirement options at a local level. NHS Employers
Our newly launched flexible retirement hub contains a range of tools and resources to support your organisation to make the most of flexible retirement options at a local level. NHS Employers
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Hospital in Northampton provides ‘good’ care, but uses unsafe restraints on children, report says
Hospital in Northampton provides ‘good’ care, but uses unsafe restraints on children, report says
A Northampton hospital has been graded by inspectors as ‘requires improvement’, a report reveals today, after they found it had failed to meet some management and safety standards and restrained children too often. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
A Northampton hospital has been graded by inspectors as ‘requires improvement’, a report reveals today, after they found it had failed to meet some management and safety standards and restrained children too often. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
NHS staff 'afraid to speak out'
NHS staff 'afraid to speak out'
The head of a review into the treatment of whistleblowers in England, Sir Robert Francis QC, tells the BBC he has heard shocking accounts of suffering by staff who raised concerns. BBC News
The head of a review into the treatment of whistleblowers in England, Sir Robert Francis QC, tells the BBC he has heard shocking accounts of suffering by staff who raised concerns. BBC News
Research and analysis: Health and wellbeing: a guide to community-centred approaches
Research and analysis: Health and wellbeing: a guide to community-centred approaches
Local government and the NHS have important roles in building confident and connected communities as part of efforts to improve health and reduce inequalities.
The project ‘Working with communities: empowerment evidence and learning’ was initiated jointly by PHE and NHS England to draw together and disseminate research and learning on community-centred approaches for health and wellbeing.
This report presents the work undertaken in phase 1 of the project and provides a guide to the case for change, the concepts, the varieties of approach that have been tried and tested and sources of evidence. Public Health England
Local government and the NHS have important roles in building confident and connected communities as part of efforts to improve health and reduce inequalities.
The project ‘Working with communities: empowerment evidence and learning’ was initiated jointly by PHE and NHS England to draw together and disseminate research and learning on community-centred approaches for health and wellbeing.
This report presents the work undertaken in phase 1 of the project and provides a guide to the case for change, the concepts, the varieties of approach that have been tried and tested and sources of evidence. Public Health England
Launch of FGM e-learning resource
Launch of FGM e-learning resource
Next month Health Education England (HEE) will be launching a new e-learning resource designed to improve the knowledge and understanding of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) amongst healthcare professionals in the NHS.
In the lead up to the official launch, HEE encourages everyone to visit the e-lfh.org.uk website to find out about how NHS staff, including school nurses, practice nurses, health visitors and GPs can gain access to this free interactive e-learning resource.
Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, and supported by the Department of Health’s FGM Prevention team, the material deals with the issues posed by FGM at all stages of a girl or woman’s life, including the impact on physical and emotional health, legal status and referral pathways.
The content has been written by clinicians with real practical experience of working with women and children in this field, supported by a wide range of stakeholders (including survivors).
One aspect of the e-learning particularly focuses on communication to help staff approach the topic sensitively, which is unique to this e-learning programme.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), there are an estimated 130 million women and girls living with FGM worldwide. Most of these women are located in 29 African countries. In the UK, FGM is increasingly identified amongst migrants from FGM-practising countries. There are an estimated 137,000 women in the UK affected by FGM.
Professor Wendy Reid, Director of Education and Quality and Medical Director, Health Education England, said:
“I am delighted that HEE has taken the initiative to develop the workforce in this way on this hugely important topic.
This e-learning will make a major difference in ensuring healthcare staff in primary, secondary care and schools are much more aware of the issues, how to approach them and where to go and what to do.
The content of this e-learning is nationally endorsed and written by clinicians, so for the first time, addresses real clinical needs in a useful way.” Health Education England
http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/female-genital-mutilation
Next month Health Education England (HEE) will be launching a new e-learning resource designed to improve the knowledge and understanding of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) amongst healthcare professionals in the NHS.
In the lead up to the official launch, HEE encourages everyone to visit the e-lfh.org.uk website to find out about how NHS staff, including school nurses, practice nurses, health visitors and GPs can gain access to this free interactive e-learning resource.
Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, and supported by the Department of Health’s FGM Prevention team, the material deals with the issues posed by FGM at all stages of a girl or woman’s life, including the impact on physical and emotional health, legal status and referral pathways.
The content has been written by clinicians with real practical experience of working with women and children in this field, supported by a wide range of stakeholders (including survivors).
One aspect of the e-learning particularly focuses on communication to help staff approach the topic sensitively, which is unique to this e-learning programme.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), there are an estimated 130 million women and girls living with FGM worldwide. Most of these women are located in 29 African countries. In the UK, FGM is increasingly identified amongst migrants from FGM-practising countries. There are an estimated 137,000 women in the UK affected by FGM.
Professor Wendy Reid, Director of Education and Quality and Medical Director, Health Education England, said:
“I am delighted that HEE has taken the initiative to develop the workforce in this way on this hugely important topic.
This e-learning will make a major difference in ensuring healthcare staff in primary, secondary care and schools are much more aware of the issues, how to approach them and where to go and what to do.
The content of this e-learning is nationally endorsed and written by clinicians, so for the first time, addresses real clinical needs in a useful way.” Health Education England
http://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/female-genital-mutilation
Lung cancer breathalyser to go on trial in NHS hospitals by summer 2015
Lung cancer breathalyser to go on trial in NHS hospitals by summer 2015
A new device that could detect lung cancer from a patient's breath is about to undergo clinical trials in NHS hospitals. Independent
A new device that could detect lung cancer from a patient's breath is about to undergo clinical trials in NHS hospitals. Independent
Care of people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour
Care of people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour
This report finds that the government did not meet its goal of transferring people with learning and behavioural conditions from mental hospitals into the community by 1 June 2014. NHS Networks
This report finds that the government did not meet its goal of transferring people with learning and behavioural conditions from mental hospitals into the community by 1 June 2014. NHS Networks
NHS to shut many residential hospitals for people with learning disabilities
NHS to shut many residential hospitals for people with learning disabilities
Health chiefs seek to address failure of previous moves to stop people being placed in hospitals rather than helped to live in community.
The NHS is to shut many of the 58 hospital units in England where people with learning disabilities are still being sent to live despite ministers’ demands that the practice should end in the wake of the Winterbourne View abuse scandal.
Health chiefs intend also to force closure or reform of up to 49 private hospitals that provide long-term accommodation for people with learning disabilities or autism whose behaviour is considered challenging. One company has already been refused a licence to operate. Guardian
Continue reading...
Health chiefs seek to address failure of previous moves to stop people being placed in hospitals rather than helped to live in community.
The NHS is to shut many of the 58 hospital units in England where people with learning disabilities are still being sent to live despite ministers’ demands that the practice should end in the wake of the Winterbourne View abuse scandal.
Health chiefs intend also to force closure or reform of up to 49 private hospitals that provide long-term accommodation for people with learning disabilities or autism whose behaviour is considered challenging. One company has already been refused a licence to operate. Guardian
Continue reading...
Hinchingbrooke Hospital: Britain's only privately run NHS hospital appeals for £10m taxpayer-funded bailout
Hinchingbrooke Hospital: Britain's only privately run NHS hospital appeals for £10m taxpayer-funded bailout
The only NHS hospital run by a private company has asked for a £10m taxpayer-funded bailout. Independent
The only NHS hospital run by a private company has asked for a £10m taxpayer-funded bailout. Independent
Winter death toll is highest for 15 years after millions are given useless flu jab
Winter death toll is highest for 15 years after millions are given useless flu jab
The highest winter death toll for 15 years has followed the flu vaccination fiasco in which millions of people were given useless jabs, official figures showing death rates have soared. Daily Mail
The highest winter death toll for 15 years has followed the flu vaccination fiasco in which millions of people were given useless jabs, official figures showing death rates have soared. Daily Mail
Hearing aids to rationed by crisis-stricken NHS
Hearing aids to rationed by crisis-stricken NHS
Another 41 per cent of trusts will only offer patients one hearing aid unless they specifically ask for two, while after-care checks, staff numbers, and access to appointments have also been cut. Daily Mail
Another 41 per cent of trusts will only offer patients one hearing aid unless they specifically ask for two, while after-care checks, staff numbers, and access to appointments have also been cut. Daily Mail
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
Life-saving stroke team at Northampton General Hospital ‘among best in England’
Life-saving stroke team at Northampton General Hospital ‘among best in England’ Quick care for patients has led to Northampton General Hospital stroke centre being rated among the best in the country in a new report. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Building on a track record of stroke excellence at Northampton General Hospital Northampton General Hospital
- Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme Royal College of Physicians
Cancer patient in Northampton launches campaign after funding is cut for drug to treat rare condition
Cancer patient in Northampton launches campaign after funding is cut for drug to treat rare condition A cancer patient in Northampton is campaigning against moves to withdraw funding from a drug that could treat his condition. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Woman bailed over 'FGM conspiracy'
Woman bailed over 'FGM conspiracy' A woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation (FGM) is released on police bail. BBC Northamptonshire
Northampton General Hospital chiefs spend £1.5 million on hiring agency nurses in just three months
Northampton General Hospital chiefs spend £1.5 million on hiring agency nurses in just three months Almost £2 million of taxpayers money has been spent in just three months by Northampton General Hospital chiefs on hiring agency nursing staff to care for patients. Northants Herald and Post
What does it really take to improve patient safety?
What does it really take to improve patient safety? Setting ambitious goals for patient safety without investing in developing systems that are capable of reliably delivering care is like asking drivers to drive vehicles more safely without investing in traffic lights, road signs or well-designed road layouts, says Penny Pereira. The Health Foundation
Guidance: Ebola: public health recommendations for asymptomatic contacts
Guidance: Ebola: public health recommendations for asymptomatic contacts This guidance provides public health recommendations for asymptomatic contacts of an Ebola case in the UK. Public Health England
Warning over new drug-driving law
Warning over new drug-driving law People who have been prescribed powerful anxiety or pain relief drugs are being warned about a new drug-driving law. BBC News
Fiddling figures a jail crime from April
Fiddling figures a jail crime from April NHS directors and senior staff who publish false or misleading information could face a two-year jail sentence as part of a crackdown on cover-ups in the NHS. E-Health Insider
SCR reaches 50m patients
SCR reaches 50m patients The NHS Summary Care Record has reached the 50 million patient mark, with more than 30,000 record views now occurring each week. E-Health Insider
See also:
See also:
- Friends and family test passes 5m landmark NHS England
Five million items of feedback for Friends and Family Test
Five million items of feedback for Friends and Family Test NHS now has largest database of patient opinion in the world. OnMedica
NHS sets aside quarter of its budget for medical negligence claims
NHS sets aside quarter of its budget for medical negligence claims The health service has set aside £26bn to cover medical negligence claims against NHS hospitals, it has emerged. The Daily Telegraph
Doctors' inquiry dismisses 'unreliable' claims over NHS death rates
Doctors' inquiry dismisses 'unreliable' claims over NHS death rates New report has rejected the controversial accusations, made in 2013, that death rates in patients receiving NHS care are 45% higher than in US hospitals.
An inquiry by leading doctors has rejected the controversial claims that death rates in NHS hospitals are far higher than those in the United States.
A report by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has dismissed high-profile claims, made in 2013 by Prof Brian Jarman, that 45% more patients die in England because of weaknesses in NHS care, including poorer out-of-hours GP services, long waiting lists and bed shortages. Continue reading... The Guardian
An inquiry by leading doctors has rejected the controversial claims that death rates in NHS hospitals are far higher than those in the United States.
A report by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has dismissed high-profile claims, made in 2013 by Prof Brian Jarman, that 45% more patients die in England because of weaknesses in NHS care, including poorer out-of-hours GP services, long waiting lists and bed shortages. Continue reading... The Guardian
'Ludicrous' spending on NHS overseas trips revealed
'Ludicrous' spending on NHS overseas trips revealed An investigation reveals soaring numbers of NHS trips abroad in search of foreign nurses - but one in four of staff hired is gone within a year, The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
Monday, 9 February 2015
Northants police hold FGM suspect
Northants police hold FGM suspect A woman has been arrested at Heathrow Airport for conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation (FGM).
The 42-year-old was about to board a flight travelling to Ghana via Amsterdam when she was held by officers carrying out an FGM awareness operation.
The woman, a British national born in Zimbabwe, was taken to a west London police station.
An eight-year-old girl with the woman was taken into social services' care.
The arrested woman was subsequently transferred to Northamptonshire Police who will investigate the case. BBC News
The 42-year-old was about to board a flight travelling to Ghana via Amsterdam when she was held by officers carrying out an FGM awareness operation.
The woman, a British national born in Zimbabwe, was taken to a west London police station.
An eight-year-old girl with the woman was taken into social services' care.
The arrested woman was subsequently transferred to Northamptonshire Police who will investigate the case. BBC News
Ombudsman finds variation in quality of NHS investigations into complaints of avoidable death and avoidable harm
Ombudsman finds variation in quality of NHS investigations into complaints of avoidable death and avoidable harm More than a third of NHS investigations regarding allegations of avoidable harm or avoidable death were inadequate and failed to identify when something had gone wrong, according to a review carried out by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
See also:
See also:
- NHS complaints process 'inadequate' BBC News
- VIDEO: 'Full investigation' when care fails BBC News
- NHS investigations into care complaints 'appalling' The Guardian
Mental Health Act annual report 2013/14
Mental Health Act annual report 2013/14 This report assesses the use of the Mental Health Act and explores the experiences of patients who received care under the act throughout 2013/14. It finds that uses of the MHA have grown by 6% since 2012/13. In CQC's monitoring visits, they found that too often patients were not involved in their own care and treatment and concerns were raised around bed availability and patients being detained too far away from home. Care Quality Commission
3 tests for a credible health policy
3 tests for a credible health policy This paper outlines the actions politicians need to take to maintain and improve the quality of care both now and for the future. It argues that the English NHS needs to focus on maintaining and improving care quality; transforming the way care is delivered in the future; and achieving financial balance. The Health Foundation
Jeremy Hunt orders yearly study of 'avoidable' hospital deaths
Jeremy Hunt orders yearly study of 'avoidable' hospital deaths New plans to reduce the number of "avoidable deaths" in English hospitals have been unveiled by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt. BBC News
See also:
- Hospitals are told to stop gagging NHS whistleblowers The Daily Mail
- Hunt: Sweeping reforms to end 'NHS cover up culture' The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt orders review of 'avoidable' hospital deaths The Guardian
- Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt orders annual review of 'avoidable deaths' in NHS hospitals The Independent
The short run elasticity of National Health Service nurses’ labour supply in Great Britain
The short run elasticity of National Health Service nurses’ labour supply in Great Britain The paper investigates the short run responsiveness of NHS nurses’ labour supply to changes in wages of NHS nurses relative to wages in outside options available to nurses, utilising the panel data aspect of the annual survey of hours and earnings. We find the short run responsiveness of NHS nurses’ labour supply to the relative wage of NHS nurses is positive and statistically significant, albeit economically small, in regions outside the London area. In contrast, in the London region, the short run elasticity is much higher. We discuss the policy implications of these findings. Institute for Fiscal Studies
One in five care homes 'fail key test'
One in five care homes 'fail key test' One in five care homes for older people in England fail to meet national standards set by the Care Quality Commission, a report by 5 live suggests. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Care staff 'miss out on minimum pay' BBC News
Flu jab is not a 'waste of time'
Flu jab is not a 'waste of time' “Flu jab given to millions is 'useless',” and "Flu jab is a waste of time," are the irresponsible headlines in The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail.
While recent research shows that the current seasonal flu vaccine only has 3% protection against the main circulating strain – A(H3N2) – in adults, it can still protect against other strains.
Both papers also ignore the fact that another version of the flu vaccine, in the form of a nasal spray designed for vulnerable children, is also available.
Discouraging parents of vulnerable children from getting vaccinated could increase the risk of serious childhood illnesses and possible hospitalisation.
While recent research shows that the current seasonal flu vaccine only has 3% protection against the main circulating strain – A(H3N2) – in adults, it can still protect against other strains.
Both papers also ignore the fact that another version of the flu vaccine, in the form of a nasal spray designed for vulnerable children, is also available.
Discouraging parents of vulnerable children from getting vaccinated could increase the risk of serious childhood illnesses and possible hospitalisation.
Public health officials knew months ago about UK flu vaccine mismatch
Public health officials knew months ago about UK flu vaccine mismatch Public Health England says it could not have developed vaccine to protect against new strain in time for winter
Public health officials have conceded that they have been aware for months that the current flu vaccine provides almost no protection against the main strain spreading around the UK.
The strain was first detected by the World Health Organisation last March. But Public Health England said it could not have developed a new vaccine in time to protect against the mutation, which is fuelling a rise in the number of emergency hospital admissions and a death rate a third higher than normal. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Public health officials have conceded that they have been aware for months that the current flu vaccine provides almost no protection against the main strain spreading around the UK.
The strain was first detected by the World Health Organisation last March. But Public Health England said it could not have developed a new vaccine in time to protect against the mutation, which is fuelling a rise in the number of emergency hospital admissions and a death rate a third higher than normal. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Flu vaccine failing to take the strain Public Health England
- Health bosses knew for six months that flu vaccine was defective The Daily Mail
- UK flu vaccine just 3% effective, health experts warn GP Online
- Next winter’s flu vaccine may not be effective, concedes researcher The Guardian
- Hospital claims it warned last month of mutated flu strain not covered by jab The Guardian
NHS 'special measures' have saved hundreds of lives, say experts
NHS 'special measures' have saved hundreds of lives, say experts The NHS’s unprecedented decision to put 11 trusts into special measures is likely to have saved hundreds of lives, experts have said. Death rates fell at the trusts after the 2013 intervention, spearheaded by NHS England’s medical director Sir Bruce Keogh in the wake of the Mid Staffordshire hospital trust scandal. The Independent
See also:
See also:
Canada strikes down ban on assisted suicide
Canada strikes down ban on assisted suicide Canada’s Supreme Court has struck down the country’s 1993 ban on assisted suicide, meaning doctors there can now help mentally competent patients with severe and incurable medical conditions to die. The ruling puts Canada among the few Western countries to permit the practice. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Canada to allow assisted suicide BBC News
The Digital Health Revolution
The Digital Health Revolution Digital technologies have transformed nearly every aspect of our lives. But for many of us, they haven’t yet improved the way we receive or participate in our health care. This new multimedia essay look at how that's changing with the arrival of new digital tools, from mobile apps and data-driven software solutions to wearable sensors that transmit information to a patient’s team of health care providers. The Commonwealth Fund
Friday, 6 February 2015
Mum from Northampton deemed ‘not an emergency’ by ambulance service after falling down the stairs and blacking out in front of young son
Mum from Northampton deemed ‘not an emergency’ by ambulance service after falling down the stairs and blacking out in front of young son A mother who blacked out and broke her ankle when she fell down stairs had to take herself to hospital after the ambulance deemed her not an emergency - despite having a history of brain injury. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Coalition health reforms damaging and distracting says new review from The King’s Fund
Coalition health reforms damaging and distracting says new review from The King’s Fund A major assessment of the coalition government's record on NHS reform by The King's Fund concludes that the upheaval caused by the Health and Social Care Act has been damaging and distracting.
The new report highlights some positive developments as a result of the Act including closer involvement of GPs in commissioning services, giving local authorities responsibility for public health and the establishment of health and wellbeing boards. However, it criticises the decision to implement complex organisational changes at a time when the NHS should have been focused on tackling growing pressures on services and an unprecedented funding squeeze.
Other key findings from the assessment of the Act are that:
The new report highlights some positive developments as a result of the Act including closer involvement of GPs in commissioning services, giving local authorities responsibility for public health and the establishment of health and wellbeing boards. However, it criticises the decision to implement complex organisational changes at a time when the NHS should have been focused on tackling growing pressures on services and an unprecedented funding squeeze.
Other key findings from the assessment of the Act are that:
- an unwieldy structure has emerged with leadership fractured between several national bodies, a bewilderingly complex regulatory system and a strategic vacuum in place of the system leadership that was previously provided by strategic health authorities
- while claims of widespread privatisation are exaggerated with less than 10 per cent of the NHS budget spent on non-NHS providers, the emphasis on competition has resulted in greater complexity and uncertainty about when contracts should be put out to tender
- despite the intention to devolve decision-making and reduce political interference, the period since the Act was implemented has been characterised by regular ministerial intervention and a continued focus on targets
- responsibility for commissioning has been fragmented between different bodies and NHS England has been slow to establish itself, weighed down by its wide-ranging responsibilities
- although not an explicit aim of the original reforms, progress has been made in developing integrated care and the Care Act 2014 is an important step towards a fairer system for funding social care.
Mental health illness prevalence in criminal justice system a scandal
Mental health illness prevalence in criminal justice system a scandal A new report n policing and mental health says the prevalence of people with mental health illness in the criminal justice system is a scandal. The Home Affairs Committee
See also:
See also:
A season of major incidents: what is really causing the A&E crisis this winter?
A season of major incidents: what is really causing the A&E crisis this winter? This briefing identifies 11 factors potentially contributing to emergency departments’ current poor performance. The author also explores the differences between England and Wales, and whether these can be attributed to differences in leadership. Civitas
What are the implications of objections to the 2015/16 tariff?
What are the implications of objections to the 2015/16 tariff? Policy makers and others almost always over-estimate the positive power of payment reforms to improve health systems. The service should focus on the underlying challenge of working together to manage demand and cost pressures, says Anita Charlesworth. The Health Foundation
Investing in children's mental health
Investing in children's mental health The report claims that the return on investment, measured in benefits to the recipients of care, ranges from £3 to £31 for every £1 invested, depending on the intervention. Centre for Mental Health
Press release: Flu vaccine shows low effectiveness against the main circulating strain seen so far this season
Press release: Flu vaccine shows low effectiveness against the main circulating strain seen so far this season New research from has found that the seasonal influenza vaccine has provided low protection this winter against flu infection caused by one particular subtype, H3N2. This is because of a mismatch between the A(H3N2) strain selected for the vaccine this year and the main A(H3N2) strain that has been circulating in the UK this winter. The findings on mid-season flu vaccine effectiveness in the UK are published today in Eurosurveillence.
The research, based on the results from 1,314 patients presenting in primary care across the UK, found that vaccine effectiveness in preventing laboratory confirmed influenza was estimated to be 3% overall. This compares to approximately 50% vaccine effectiveness that has typically been seen in the UK over recent years.
The research, based on the results from 1,314 patients presenting in primary care across the UK, found that vaccine effectiveness in preventing laboratory confirmed influenza was estimated to be 3% overall. This compares to approximately 50% vaccine effectiveness that has typically been seen in the UK over recent years.
Workforce plan for England 2015/16
Workforce plan for England 2015/16 We have published our second Workforce Plan for England, which sets out the £5bn investment we will make in education and training programmes for 2015/16. Health Education England
Findings from ICO audits and reviews of community healthcare providers: June 2013 to December 2014
Findings from ICO audits and reviews of community healthcare providers: June 2013 to December 2014 This report looks at how community healthcare providers approach data protection. Community providers often involve staff working at remote locations or off-site entirely, bringing data protection challenges. The report provides an analysis of data breaches in the sector that shows a trend of information being ‘disclosed in error’ - the report offers tips that aim to help address these problems. Information Commissioner’s Office
Making the sums add up
Making the sums add up What are the effects of giving the NHS the money it wants? BBC News
Exclusive: GPs fight for patient care as treatment requests are denied
Exclusive: GPs fight for patient care as treatment requests are denied GPs are increasingly having to fight to provide the care their patients need, as CCGs clamp down on approvals for treatment funding requests. GP Online
Clinical commissioning must be better resourced to affect change
Clinical commissioning must be better resourced to affect change CCGs have an important role, but require a new sense of purpose in order to make a bigger impact on the NHS
Clinical commissioning is in urgent need of a new sense of direction and purpose as it faces the spectre of yet another round of reorganisation after the general election.
Research by the Nuffield Trust and the King’s Fund into the workings of clinical commissioning groups (CCG) concludes that the future of the clinical role in commissioning “remains fragile”. Interest from CCG leaders is waning, and they do not have the time, money or management support to do their jobs properly. Continue reading... The Guardian
Clinical commissioning is in urgent need of a new sense of direction and purpose as it faces the spectre of yet another round of reorganisation after the general election.
Research by the Nuffield Trust and the King’s Fund into the workings of clinical commissioning groups (CCG) concludes that the future of the clinical role in commissioning “remains fragile”. Interest from CCG leaders is waning, and they do not have the time, money or management support to do their jobs properly. Continue reading... The Guardian
Charity volunteers to help 29 A&E hospital departments
Charity volunteers to help 29 A&E hospital departments Age UK, Red Cross and Royal Voluntary Service to assist as NHS England struggles to cope with unprecedented squeeze on its budget
Charity volunteers are stepping in to help 29 accident and emergency departments that are under the most pressure, as NHS England struggles to cope with the growing demand for care and an unprecedented squeeze on its budget.
Under the scheme announced Thursday, Age UK, Red Cross and the Royal Voluntary Service will provide 700 volunteers for 12 weeks for A&E units in England. Continue reading... The Guardian
Charity volunteers are stepping in to help 29 accident and emergency departments that are under the most pressure, as NHS England struggles to cope with the growing demand for care and an unprecedented squeeze on its budget.
Under the scheme announced Thursday, Age UK, Red Cross and the Royal Voluntary Service will provide 700 volunteers for 12 weeks for A&E units in England. Continue reading... The Guardian
FGM needs to become an old story. Here's how
FGM needs to become an old story. Here's how International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM: Tanya Barron, chief of charity Plan UK, reflects on the first female genital mutilation case to come through the UK courts - and explains what needs to happen in order to end it once and for all. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
University College Hospital London charging brain cancer patients £6,000 for potentially life-saving treatment, claims source
University College Hospital London charging brain cancer patients £6,000 for potentially life-saving treatment, claims source Brain cancer patients are being denied potentially life-saving treatment at an NHS hospital, unless they pay around £6,000 to use it privately. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- Breakthrough cancer treatment 'only offered to private patients' The Daily Telegraph
Referrals for young transgender people to support services increase fivefold
Referrals for young transgender people to support services increase fivefold The number of teenagers being referred to support services dealing with transgender issues has increased fivefold within four years, new figures have shown. The Independent
Thursday, 5 February 2015
Huge expansion of Northampton General Hospital will depend on performance and finance
Huge expansion of Northampton General Hospital will depend on performance and finance Performance targets as well as balance sheets hold the key to any expansion of the Northampton General Hospital site. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton General Hospital to have 200 new parking spaces by July
Northampton General Hospital to have 200 new parking spaces by July Visitors, patients and staff are to benefit from 200 new car parking spaces at Northampton General Hospital. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The Commission on Acute Adult Psychiatric Care
The Commission on Acute Adult Psychiatric Care The Commission has been set up by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) in response to widespread concerns about the provision of acute inpatient psychiatric beds and alternatives to admission available for patients.
There is evidence – some quantified, some anecdotal – of difficulties in admissions, variable services for patients in the community, long distance transfers of patients, high occupancy rates and high stress levels amongst patients, their families, carers and staff.
The Commission is independent of RCPsych and is being chaired by Lord Nigel Crisp, former Chief Executive of the NHS in England and Permanent Secretary of the UK Department of Health between 2000 and 2006. It has been asked to review the situation, examine the causes of these pressures and make recommendations for improvement.
See also:
There is evidence – some quantified, some anecdotal – of difficulties in admissions, variable services for patients in the community, long distance transfers of patients, high occupancy rates and high stress levels amongst patients, their families, carers and staff.
The Commission is independent of RCPsych and is being chaired by Lord Nigel Crisp, former Chief Executive of the NHS in England and Permanent Secretary of the UK Department of Health between 2000 and 2006. It has been asked to review the situation, examine the causes of these pressures and make recommendations for improvement.
See also:
- Background briefing paper The Commission to Review the Provision of Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Care for Adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Commisison launched to review psychiatric care for adults Care Appointments
- UK commission launches review into inpatient psychiatric care PharmaTimes
The cost of short-term planning - £1bn on agency nurses in 2014/15
The cost of short-term planning - £1bn on agency nurses in 2014/15 A new Fontline First report showing an unprecedented rise in the amount the NHS spends on agency nursing staff in England, with a projected spend of at least £980 million on agency nursing staff by the end of this financial year if action is not taken. This is an average of £4.2 million per trust. Royal College of Nursing
See also:
See also:
- Frontline First: Runaway agency spending Royal College of Nursing
- NHS agency nurses spending 'soars' BBC News
- NHS bill for agency nurses will double to £1bn this year The Daily Mail
- NHS spending on agency nurses triples in two years The Daily Telegraph
Tackling a global health crisis: initial steps
Tackling a global health crisis: initial steps The second paper from the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance which includes an assessment of the international AMR research funding landscape, and makes first recommendations for global action to address the challenges of rising drug resistance. This includes the establishment of a global AMR Innovation Fund; steps to help maintain the effectiveness of existing antibiotics; and action to address an emerging skills shortage in this crucial field of research.
See also:
See also:
- Call to boost antibiotics funding BBC News
Consultation: Care Act 2014: cap on care costs and appeals
Consultation: Care Act 2014: cap on care costs and appeals These reforms are part of the Care Act 2014 and are due to come into effect in April 2016. The guidance and regulations associated with the act set out how the act will work in practice.
Find out more and have your say online
This consultation is building on the evidence we gathered as part of our 2013 consultation Caring for our future: implementing funding reform. Department of Health
Find out more and have your say online
This consultation is building on the evidence we gathered as part of our 2013 consultation Caring for our future: implementing funding reform. Department of Health
Viewpoint: Talking about mental health is just the first step
Viewpoint: Talking about mental health is just the first step Talking about mental health is half the battle. BBC News
Doctor not guilty of performing FGM
Doctor not guilty of performing FGM NHS doctor Dhanuson Dharmasena not guilty of performing female genital mutilation on a young mother in London. BBC News
See also:
See also:
NHS 111 caught in onward referrals row
NHS 111 caught in onward referrals row A "serious and urgent analysis" of NHS 111 is needed to address concerns that it is creating a higher workload for GPs and A&E departments, the BMA has said. E-Health Insider
Flu and freezing weather may be driving up winter death rates
Flu and freezing weather may be driving up winter death rates "The current death rate in England and Wales is running about one-third higher than its normal rate for this time of year," BBC News reports. A combination of flu and very cold weather may be responsible.
The BBC's story comes from the latest official statistics on deaths in England and Wales. They show that in the last three weeks of January, death rates were significantly higher than predicted for the time of year.
In addition, over the last six weeks a significantly higher than predicted death rate was reported in people aged 65 and above living in England.
Although the cause of these spikes is uncertain, experts point out they coincide with both seasonal increases in respiratory problems – in particular the flu – and the recent cold snap.
The BBC's story comes from the latest official statistics on deaths in England and Wales. They show that in the last three weeks of January, death rates were significantly higher than predicted for the time of year.
In addition, over the last six weeks a significantly higher than predicted death rate was reported in people aged 65 and above living in England.
Although the cause of these spikes is uncertain, experts point out they coincide with both seasonal increases in respiratory problems – in particular the flu – and the recent cold snap.
Exclusive: NHS funding freeze could derail CCG co-commissioning
Exclusive: NHS funding freeze could derail CCG co-commissioning Co-commissioning of primary care by CCGs could be derailed by politicians' failure to commit to increase NHS funding, one of the architects of the plan has warned. GP Online
Mental health: hundreds forced to travel long distances for acute care
Mental health: hundreds forced to travel long distances for acute care Care minister Norman Lamb orders review after figures show more than 400 adults had to travel to hospitals over 30 miles from home
More than 400 adults with acute mental health problems are being forced to seek treatment at hospitals more than 30 miles from their homes, figures show, prompting ministers to order a review.
The figures for England (xls), compiled by the NHS’s Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), show that in some cases patients from Derbyshire are being treated in south Devon and others from south Devon are being treated in Birmingham. Continue reading... The Guardian
More than 400 adults with acute mental health problems are being forced to seek treatment at hospitals more than 30 miles from their homes, figures show, prompting ministers to order a review.
The figures for England (xls), compiled by the NHS’s Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), show that in some cases patients from Derbyshire are being treated in south Devon and others from south Devon are being treated in Birmingham. Continue reading... The Guardian
Community pharmacies are an untapped gold mine of data
Community pharmacies are an untapped gold mine of data We should use the rich seams of information lying in community pharmacies to drive improved patient outcomes
Data routinely recorded by pharmacies around the UK could provide physicians, commissioners, public health authorities and the pharmaceutical industry with invaluable insights into the effectiveness of medicines and the behaviour of patients.
Every day, pharmacies around the country gather data on the use of medicines, outcomes, adherence levels and the progress of symptoms. Continue reading... The Independent
Data routinely recorded by pharmacies around the UK could provide physicians, commissioners, public health authorities and the pharmaceutical industry with invaluable insights into the effectiveness of medicines and the behaviour of patients.
Every day, pharmacies around the country gather data on the use of medicines, outcomes, adherence levels and the progress of symptoms. Continue reading... The Independent
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
New waiting area at Northampton General Hopsital aims to free up beds for A&E patients
New waiting area at Northampton General Hopsital aims to free up beds for A&E patients A discharge suite is to open at Northampton General Hospital to help free up beds on the wards. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton MP helps draft law proposal that could help doctors treat terminal illnesses with experimental treatment
Northampton MP helps draft law proposal that could help doctors treat terminal illnesses with experimental treatment A law which could bring doctors closer to discovering cures for cancer and other terminal illnesses could soon be passed with the support of a Northampton MP. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Care services for people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour
Care services for people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour The Government has not met its central goal of moving people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour out of hospital by 1 June 2014, because it underestimated the complexity and level of challenge in meeting the commitments in its action plan.
Following the exposure in May 2011 of abuse of patients at the Winterbourne View Hospital, the Department of Health set out its action plan in the ‘Winterbourne View Concordat’. At the time the Concordat was published in December 2012, the Government had not determined the scale of the challenge involved in increasing the capacity of community placements. According to the NAO, the absence of reliable data on the number of people in mental health hospitals complicated the task of discharging inpatients. At September 2014, there were 2,600 inpatients with learning disabilities in mental health hospitals.
The NAO estimates that, in 2012-13, the NHS spent £557 million on services for inpatients with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. In addition, local authorities with adult social services responsibilities spent £5.3 billion, in 2013-14, on community services for adults with learning disabilities.
Following the exposure in May 2011 of abuse of patients at the Winterbourne View Hospital, the Department of Health set out its action plan in the ‘Winterbourne View Concordat’. At the time the Concordat was published in December 2012, the Government had not determined the scale of the challenge involved in increasing the capacity of community placements. According to the NAO, the absence of reliable data on the number of people in mental health hospitals complicated the task of discharging inpatients. At September 2014, there were 2,600 inpatients with learning disabilities in mental health hospitals.
The NAO estimates that, in 2012-13, the NHS spent £557 million on services for inpatients with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. In addition, local authorities with adult social services responsibilities spent £5.3 billion, in 2013-14, on community services for adults with learning disabilities.
Moving services out of hospital: joining up general practice and community services?
Moving services out of hospital: joining up general practice and community services? This report summarises the findings of a rapid review undertaken by PRUComm of the available evidence of what factors should be taken into account in planning for the closer working of primary and community health/care services in order to increase the scope of services provided outside of hospitals. This report was commissioned by the Department of Health to provide background evidence to support policy development on primary and community health care integration. Policy Research Unit in Commissioning and the Healthcare System
What is driving a rise in death rate?
What is driving a rise in death rate? Why are we seeing a higher-than-average death rate? BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Weekly Provisional Figures on Deaths Registered in England and Wales, Week Ending 23/01/2015 Office for National Statistics
- Death rate third higher than average, ONS figures reveal The Daily Telegraph
NHS 111 'increasing pressure on NHS'
NHS 111 'increasing pressure on NHS' There has been a big increase in the number of people referred to GP surgeries and A&E, analysis of the NHS 111 urgent care line in England shows. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Shed light on big data - ethics report
Shed light on big data - ethics report Greater transparency about big data projects in healthcare is crucial if they are to succeed without losing public trust, a new report argues. E-Health Insider
See also:
See also:
PAC calls for better NHS cost data
PAC calls for better NHS cost data The Commons' Public Accounts Committee has called for the collection of "consistent and detailed cost data across the NHS" to inform healthcare policy. E-Health Insider
Ministers urged to force doctors trained at taxpayers' expense to work in NHS
Ministers urged to force doctors trained at taxpayers' expense to work in NHS Ministers should consider obliging doctors trained at taxpayers' expense to work in the NHS for a set period of time, MPs on the influential House of Commons public accounts committee have suggested. GP Online
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust shamed for dangerously restraining its patients
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust shamed for dangerously restraining its patients Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust rated inadequate by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission after it discovered a host of worrying issues during an inspection last October. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
What the NHS can learn from the US Obamacare system
What the NHS can learn from the US Obamacare system Three lessons British policymakers can take from the US experience of reshaping healthcare
Despite ongoing media and political attack, Barack Obama’s health reforms are succeeding. Given the poor record of most major health legislation, what can we learn from this?
Some 50 years ago Lyndon Baines Johnson changed the foundations of healthcare in the US. Although overshadowed by the Vietnam war, Medicare and Medicaid offered the old and vulnerable in America vital medical protection. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Despite ongoing media and political attack, Barack Obama’s health reforms are succeeding. Given the poor record of most major health legislation, what can we learn from this?
Some 50 years ago Lyndon Baines Johnson changed the foundations of healthcare in the US. Although overshadowed by the Vietnam war, Medicare and Medicaid offered the old and vulnerable in America vital medical protection. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Why the NHS must learn lessons from abroad The Guardian
One in two people 'will be diagnosed with cancer' at some point in their lives
One in two people 'will be diagnosed with cancer' at some point in their lives One in two people will develop a cancer at some point in their lives, experts now estimate. The Independent
See also:
See also:
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Dying doctor's 'Hello, my name is...' Twitter campaign wins support from Northamptonshire hospital staff
Dying doctor's 'Hello, my name is...' Twitter campaign wins support from Northamptonshire hospital staff A social-media campaign by a terminally ill doctor to encourage hospital staff to introduce themselves to patients is being supported by more than 90 NHS organisations, including one from Northamptonshire.
The ‘Hello my name is…’ campaign has been spearheaded by Dr Kate Granger, who is a young hospital consultant who became frustrated with the number of staff who failed to introduce themselves to her when she was in hospital.
The 31-year-old, who has terminal cancer, has now made it her mission in whatever time she has left to get as many hospital staff as possible pledging to introduce themselves to patients.
Ninety NHS organisations are now backing her campaign, including Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Northants Herald and Post
See also:
The ‘Hello my name is…’ campaign has been spearheaded by Dr Kate Granger, who is a young hospital consultant who became frustrated with the number of staff who failed to introduce themselves to her when she was in hospital.
The 31-year-old, who has terminal cancer, has now made it her mission in whatever time she has left to get as many hospital staff as possible pledging to introduce themselves to patients.
Ninety NHS organisations are now backing her campaign, including Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Northants Herald and Post
See also:
- #hellomynameis Twitter
- Dr Kate Granger's 'Hello, my name is...' campaign backed by 400000 NHS staff The Daily Telegraph
- Profile: Dr Kate Granger, hospital consultant The Independent
- I want my legacy to be that the NHS treats all patients with compassion The Guardian
- #hellomynameis: a doctor on why a friendly greeting is crucial to care – video The Guardian
- Compassion in care campaign hits new milestone NHS England
- News: Trust Supports The ‘Hello My Name Is…’ Campaign Northamptonshire Healthcare
Language controls for nurses, midwives, dentists, dental care professionals, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians: government response
Language controls for nurses, midwives, dentists, dental care professionals, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians: government response This document outlines the government response to a consultation on changes to allow professional regulatory bodies to impose language controls on nursing, dental and pharmacy professionals. The vast majority of the 71 responses received support proposals to allow these regulators the power to apply language controls, where appropriate, to healthcare professionals, to ensure they have a sufficient knowledge of the English language to practise safely in the UK. Department of Health
'Radical change' needed for NHS
'Radical change' needed for NHS MPs say radical change is needed to make the NHS in England financially sustainable. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Financial sustainability of NHS Bodies Public Accounts Committee
Scientists on target with dementia cure or drug
Scientists on target with dementia cure or drug Scientists are on target to develop a cure for dementia within the next 10 years, Alistair Burns, NHS England’s national clinical director for dementia has said.
He says he is confident there will be a cure for dementia, or at least a drug that will significantly slow down its progression, by 2025.
Professor Burns, 56, who was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list, claims that advances in treatment will eventually catch up with those made in cancer care.
More people are already being diagnosed with the illness, with an extra 10,000 people every month being added to the dementia register.
“I think in my generation, and the aspiration is that by 2020 or 2025, we will find a treatment for dementia, or at least the commonest cause of dementia, which is Alzheimer’s disease, or something that will significantly slow down the progression of the illness,” Professor Burns said.
He says he is confident there will be a cure for dementia, or at least a drug that will significantly slow down its progression, by 2025.
Professor Burns, 56, who was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list, claims that advances in treatment will eventually catch up with those made in cancer care.
More people are already being diagnosed with the illness, with an extra 10,000 people every month being added to the dementia register.
“I think in my generation, and the aspiration is that by 2020 or 2025, we will find a treatment for dementia, or at least the commonest cause of dementia, which is Alzheimer’s disease, or something that will significantly slow down the progression of the illness,” Professor Burns said.
A&E struggles with elderly patients
A&E struggles with elderly patients BBC's Panorama spends a week with one emergency department. BBC News
UK health worker tested for Ebola
UK health worker tested for Ebola UK military healthcare worker flown back to London following "likely exposure" to Ebola virus in Sierra Leone. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- VIDEO: How will Ebola vaccine trial work? BBC News
- Press release: Second healthcare worker transported to UK for Ebola monitoring Public Health England
- New Ebola scare as second military healthcare worker is flown back to England after suspected needle injury while treating victims in Sierra Leone The Daily Mail
Is asthma being overdiagnosed?
Is asthma being overdiagnosed? A potentially alarming figure that emerged in the UK news last week was that “1 million” UK adults may have been wrongly diagnosed with asthma – a claim reported in various forms by BBC News, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mirror and the Mail Online.
The headlines followed the publication of new draft guideline (PDF, 670kb) from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on the diagnosis and management of asthma. Most of the media articles were true to the facts and explained that the guideline was aiming to improve asthma care by improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
So, where did the figure of 1 million come from? All the UK press rallied round a statement in the draft guideline that said: “studies of adults diagnosed with asthma suggest that up to 30% do not have clear evidence of asthma”. What followed was clearly a “back of the envelope” calculation extrapolating this to the number of people receiving treatment for asthma in the UK, which is around 4.1 million. This gave the magic figure of 1.23 million potentially misdiagnosed people.
Unfortunately, the 30% figure in the draft guideline is not referenced, so we can’t find out how accurate it is. We also don’t know whether it applies to specific asthma subgroups, such as those of a specific age, or the severity of a person's symptoms. This makes it difficult to assess whether this calculation is accurate, or even reasonable.
The headlines followed the publication of new draft guideline (PDF, 670kb) from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on the diagnosis and management of asthma. Most of the media articles were true to the facts and explained that the guideline was aiming to improve asthma care by improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
So, where did the figure of 1 million come from? All the UK press rallied round a statement in the draft guideline that said: “studies of adults diagnosed with asthma suggest that up to 30% do not have clear evidence of asthma”. What followed was clearly a “back of the envelope” calculation extrapolating this to the number of people receiving treatment for asthma in the UK, which is around 4.1 million. This gave the magic figure of 1.23 million potentially misdiagnosed people.
Unfortunately, the 30% figure in the draft guideline is not referenced, so we can’t find out how accurate it is. We also don’t know whether it applies to specific asthma subgroups, such as those of a specific age, or the severity of a person's symptoms. This makes it difficult to assess whether this calculation is accurate, or even reasonable.
GP practices across UK face compulsory data protection audits
GP practices across UK face compulsory data protection audits GP practices face compulsory audits from this month by the information commissioner to check their compliance with data protection laws, and could be fined heavily if they are found to have breached rules. GP Online
Four out of five NHS trusts providing acute hospital care report deficit
Four out of five NHS trusts providing acute hospital care report deficit Figure emerges in report into NHS finances warning that measures to ease pressure on A&E departments are not working
Four out of five foundation trusts involved in the provision of acute hospital services were reporting a deficit by last autumn, the public accounts committee has disclosed.
The figure has emerged in a report into NHS finances which has warned that measures to ease pressure on accident and emergency departments are not working. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Four out of five foundation trusts involved in the provision of acute hospital services were reporting a deficit by last autumn, the public accounts committee has disclosed.
The figure has emerged in a report into NHS finances which has warned that measures to ease pressure on accident and emergency departments are not working. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Monday, 2 February 2015
New national collection of electronic resources available from April 2015
New national collection of electronic resources available from April 2015 NICE have now finished their re-procurement of the NHS National Core Content. The core content is a selection of electronic resources that are purchased on behalf of all NHS staff in England and available via NHS Open Athens accounts.The new core content selection will be available from April 2015 until March 2018 and consists of:Databases (available via HDAS):
- AMED (Allied and complementary medicine)
- British Nursing Index
- CINAHL full text (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature)
- Embase
- Health Business Elite
- HMIC (Health Management Information Consortium)
- Medline
- PsychARTICLES ~new~
- PsychInfo
- BMJ Publishing e-journals collection
- Proquest Hospital Collection ~new~
Northampton General Hospital reveal major expansion plans which would DOUBLE the hospital in size
Northampton General Hospital reveal major expansion plans which would DOUBLE the hospital in size A huge expansion to Northampton General Hospital could almost the size of the main building. Plans have been unveiled by NGH to build a large multi-storey ward to the south of the main hospital site. Northants Herald and Post
Getting involved in the NHS
Getting involved in the NHS The NHS in Northamptonshire is asking people to get involved in its development.
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) has been holding an NHFT Involvement Week all this week. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) has been holding an NHFT Involvement Week all this week. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Free materials to support the Care Certificate implementation launched
Free materials to support the Care Certificate implementation launched Materials to support employers preparing to implement for the Care Certificate, including revised standards and guidance, are now available to download. The materials are intended as a first step for employers, to prepare them for the official launch of the Care Certificate in March 2015.
This will help employers become familiar with the fifteen new Standards, and how to assess members of staff completing The Care Certificate.
For more information please visit our updated Care Certificate page. Health Education England
This will help employers become familiar with the fifteen new Standards, and how to assess members of staff completing The Care Certificate.
For more information please visit our updated Care Certificate page. Health Education England
Redesigning health and social care: challenges and opportunities from an IT and digital perspective
Redesigning health and social care: challenges and opportunities from an IT and digital perspective This report presents a high-level, illustrated guide to recent and forthcoming reforms, including the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Care Act 2014, and sets out some of the consequences, especially for IT and digital policy and activity. Socitm
Doctors urged to tell patients names
Doctors urged to tell patients names More than 90 NHS organisations back a terminally ill doctor's campaign to encourage healthcare staff to introduce themselves to patients. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Stroke campaign 'reduced disability'
Stroke campaign 'reduced disability' Campaign to raise awareness of stroke symptoms saves thousands from lasting damage, Public Health England says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- VIDEO: Stroke awareness campaign hailed BBC News
- PHE encourages people to act FAST if they experience stroke symptoms Public Health England
NHS mental health care ‘pushed to breaking point by lack of beds’
NHS mental health care ‘pushed to breaking point by lack of beds’Patients are being put at serious risk, says Royal College of Psychiatrists – on some days in some areas there are simply no beds available
The lack of acute beds available to mental health patients has left the system at breaking point, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has said.
Illustrating the scale of the problem, the college said it understood that on one occasion last year there were no beds available for adults in England. It called for action to tackle the problem. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
The lack of acute beds available to mental health patients has left the system at breaking point, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has said.
Illustrating the scale of the problem, the college said it understood that on one occasion last year there were no beds available for adults in England. It called for action to tackle the problem. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Child obesity rates are 'stabilising'
Child obesity rates are 'stabilising' "The rise in childhood obesity … may be beginning to level off," BBC News reports. Researchers examined trends in child and adolescent rates of overweight and obesity using electronic GP records from 1994 to 2013.
The data shows there was a significant increase in child and adolescent overweight and obesity rates every year during the first decade from 1994 to 2003. Overall, annual rates did not increase significantly during the second decade, 2004 to 2013.
However, when split by age category, the results showed there was still a significant upward trend in overweight and obesity rates for the oldest age group (11 to 15 years) – albeit with less of an increase than there was in the first decade. At its maximum in recent years, overweight and obesity has affected almost two-fifths of adolescents in this age group.
The data shows there was a significant increase in child and adolescent overweight and obesity rates every year during the first decade from 1994 to 2003. Overall, annual rates did not increase significantly during the second decade, 2004 to 2013.
However, when split by age category, the results showed there was still a significant upward trend in overweight and obesity rates for the oldest age group (11 to 15 years) – albeit with less of an increase than there was in the first decade. At its maximum in recent years, overweight and obesity has affected almost two-fifths of adolescents in this age group.
Infographic: How the NHS PR bill is spent
Infographic: How the NHS PR bill is spent An investigation using the Freedom of Information Act has found how much seven NHS organisations or regulators spend on PR and how this will, or is projected to, increase in 2014/15. GP Online
David Cameron’s brother-in-law issues NHS warning
David Cameron’s brother-in-law issues NHS warning Cardiologist married to the prime minister’s sister speaks of ‘extraordinary challenges’ facing hospitals
Labour has called on David Cameron to heed his brother-in-law’s warning that the NHS is under unprecedented pressure.
Dr Carl Brookes, a cardiologist married to the prime minister’s sister, told his local newspaper that hospitals such as his in Hampshire were facing “extraordinary challenges”. Continue reading... The Guardian
Labour has called on David Cameron to heed his brother-in-law’s warning that the NHS is under unprecedented pressure.
Dr Carl Brookes, a cardiologist married to the prime minister’s sister, told his local newspaper that hospitals such as his in Hampshire were facing “extraordinary challenges”. Continue reading... The Guardian
Patient discontent with health and care ‘being masked’ by fear of complaining
Patient discontent with health and care ‘being masked’ by fear of complaining The true scale of public discontent with the NHS and social care is being masked by the genuine fear of patients and vulnerable elderly people that they will face reprisals if they report their poor experiences, according to the head of Healthwatch England. The Independent
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)