'Urgent' changes needed at Broadmoor
Broadmoor Hospital is told to make urgent changes after being rated inadequate in an inspection which highlighted the overuse of physical restraint on patients. BBC News
Thursday, 17 September 2015
Anti-depressant was given to millions of young people 'after trials showed it was dangerous'
Anti-depressant was given to millions of young people 'after trials showed it was dangerous'
Millions of young people were prescribed a common anti-depressant on the basis of a notorious medical trial that actually showed the drug was neither safe nor effective in children and adolescents, a major review has confirmed. Independent
Millions of young people were prescribed a common anti-depressant on the basis of a notorious medical trial that actually showed the drug was neither safe nor effective in children and adolescents, a major review has confirmed. Independent
Improving communication about gender identity services – Will Huxter
Improving communication about gender identity services – Will Huxter
Welcome to the first of what I hope will be a regular series of on-line postings about NHS England’s work to improve gender identity services.
I have heard directly from individuals and organisations across the trans and non-binary community regarding concerns they have about limited communication from NHS England in relation to this service area. I want to use this blog to start to change that, by talking about the work both underway, and planned, in relation to gender identity services. I hope you find it useful.
Welcome to the first of what I hope will be a regular series of on-line postings about NHS England’s work to improve gender identity services.
I have heard directly from individuals and organisations across the trans and non-binary community regarding concerns they have about limited communication from NHS England in relation to this service area. I want to use this blog to start to change that, by talking about the work both underway, and planned, in relation to gender identity services. I hope you find it useful.
Health matters: a new resource to aid local public health professionals
Health matters: a new resource to aid local public health professionals
Health matters is a new resource for public health professionals. It is designed to support commissioning and delivering services across local areas. NHS Networks
Health matters is a new resource for public health professionals. It is designed to support commissioning and delivering services across local areas. NHS Networks
Nearly 200 children are treated for infection after a major outbreak of tuberculosis at a British school
Nearly 200 children are treated for infection after a major outbreak of tuberculosis at a British school
Health bosses revealed the results of a major TB screening programme when all pupils were tested at Teign School near Newton Abbot after two caught the infectious disease. Daily Mail
Health bosses revealed the results of a major TB screening programme when all pupils were tested at Teign School near Newton Abbot after two caught the infectious disease. Daily Mail
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Press release: E-cigarettes: an emerging public health consensus
Press release: E-cigarettes: an emerging public health consensus
We all agree that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking. One in 2 lifelong smokers dies from their addiction. All of the evidence suggests that the health risks posed by e-cigarettes are relatively small by comparison but we must continue to study the long term effects.
And yet, millions of smokers have the impression that e-cigarettes are at least as harmful as tobacco and we have a responsibility to provide clear information on the facts as we know them to be. It is our duty to provide reassurance for the 1.1 million e-cigarette users who have completely stopped smoking to prevent their relapse.
To be clear, the public health opportunity is in helping smokers to quit, so we may encourage smokers to try vaping but we certainly encourage vapers to stop smoking tobacco completely.
We know that e-cigarettes are the most popular quitting tool in the country with more than 10 times as many people using them than using local stop smoking services. But, we also know that using local stop smoking services is by far the most effective way to quit.
What we need to do is combine the most popular method with the most effective and that is why we are encouraging those who want to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking to seek the help of their local stop smoking service.
We all agree that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking. One in 2 lifelong smokers dies from their addiction. All of the evidence suggests that the health risks posed by e-cigarettes are relatively small by comparison but we must continue to study the long term effects.
And yet, millions of smokers have the impression that e-cigarettes are at least as harmful as tobacco and we have a responsibility to provide clear information on the facts as we know them to be. It is our duty to provide reassurance for the 1.1 million e-cigarette users who have completely stopped smoking to prevent their relapse.
To be clear, the public health opportunity is in helping smokers to quit, so we may encourage smokers to try vaping but we certainly encourage vapers to stop smoking tobacco completely.
We know that e-cigarettes are the most popular quitting tool in the country with more than 10 times as many people using them than using local stop smoking services. But, we also know that using local stop smoking services is by far the most effective way to quit.
What we need to do is combine the most popular method with the most effective and that is why we are encouraging those who want to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking to seek the help of their local stop smoking service.
Scientists and health officials at war over safety of e-cigarettes
Scientists and health officials at war over safety of e-cigarettes
A report by Public Health England which advised smokers to begin vaping was flawed and not based on reliable evidence, health experts have warned. Telegraph
A report by Public Health England which advised smokers to begin vaping was flawed and not based on reliable evidence, health experts have warned. Telegraph
NHS is suffering its 'hardest decade ever', warn think-tanks
NHS is suffering its 'hardest decade ever', warn think-tanks
The NHS is suffering its hardest decade since its creation, three leading think-tanks have said, warning that current government spending pledges amount to the lowest 10-year growth rate the health service has ever seen. Nine in 10 hospitals in England are expected to overspend their budgets this year, potentially tipping the sector £2bn into the red. Independent
The NHS is suffering its hardest decade since its creation, three leading think-tanks have said, warning that current government spending pledges amount to the lowest 10-year growth rate the health service has ever seen. Nine in 10 hospitals in England are expected to overspend their budgets this year, potentially tipping the sector £2bn into the red. Independent
Rising number of employees reporting mental health issues - The Guardian
Rising number of employees reporting mental health issues - The Guardian
The number of employees speaking up about mental health problems is on the rise. More than two fifths of employers say they have seen an increase in cases reported by staff of conditions such as depression and anxiety, according to research from the ...
The number of employees speaking up about mental health problems is on the rise. More than two fifths of employers say they have seen an increase in cases reported by staff of conditions such as depression and anxiety, according to research from the ...
Health matters: smoking and quitting in England
Health matters: smoking and quitting in England
This is the first in a series of resources which aims to bring together a range of resources in an easily accessible package that aim to address public health priorities. This document provides information on the prevalence of smoking and evidence for what has been proven to work to promote cessation at local and national level. Public Health England (PHE)
Resource pack
Press release
This is the first in a series of resources which aims to bring together a range of resources in an easily accessible package that aim to address public health priorities. This document provides information on the prevalence of smoking and evidence for what has been proven to work to promote cessation at local and national level. Public Health England (PHE)
Resource pack
Press release
Changes in health in England, with analysis by English regions and areas of deprivation, 1990 to 2013: a systematic analysis for the Global...
Changes in health in England, with analysis by English regions and areas of deprivation, 1990 to 2013: a systematic analysis for the Global...
This paper estimates of the main causes of death and disability, attributable risk factors and the effect of deprivation, modelled for England and its regions. It finds that sickness and chronic disability are causing a much greater proportion of the burden of disease as people are living longer with several illnesses. The accompanying online tool allows users to see how the disease burden falls over time by English region and deprivation and the relative impact of different diseases and risk factors. Public Health England (PHE)
Report
Online tool
PHE blog
This paper estimates of the main causes of death and disability, attributable risk factors and the effect of deprivation, modelled for England and its regions. It finds that sickness and chronic disability are causing a much greater proportion of the burden of disease as people are living longer with several illnesses. The accompanying online tool allows users to see how the disease burden falls over time by English region and deprivation and the relative impact of different diseases and risk factors. Public Health England (PHE)
Report
Online tool
PHE blog
Accessing and sharing health records and patient confidentiality
Accessing and sharing health records and patient confidentiality
This briefing sets out current arrangements for accessing patient records and sharing confidential patient information. NHS Networks
This briefing sets out current arrangements for accessing patient records and sharing confidential patient information. NHS Networks
Briefing on legislation and mental health
Briefing on legislation and mental health
Mental health care and services are delivered within a complex legislative framework. There have been changes to this framework in the last 12 months with more revisions proposed. NHS Networks
Mental health care and services are delivered within a complex legislative framework. There have been changes to this framework in the last 12 months with more revisions proposed. NHS Networks
Banning trans fats could prevent 7,000 deaths from heart disease over next five years, claim experts
Banning trans fats could prevent 7,000 deaths from heart disease over next five years, claim experts
Banning trans fats from food could prevent 7,000 deaths from heart disease over the next five years, experts have claimed. Independent
Banning trans fats from food could prevent 7,000 deaths from heart disease over the next five years, experts have claimed. Independent
Biometric wristbands predict outbursts in people with autism
Biometric wristbands predict outbursts in people with autism
Wristbands that measure surface skin temperature and heart rate could transform the lives of people with autism by predicting big behavioural shifts. Telegraph
Wristbands that measure surface skin temperature and heart rate could transform the lives of people with autism by predicting big behavioural shifts. Telegraph
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
New glass walkway will connect Northampton General Hospital site to £1.8m radiotherapy machine
New glass walkway will connect Northampton General Hospital site to £1.8m radiotherapy machine
Patients having radiotherapy at Northampton General Hospital are to have more available therapies and reduced side effects after a £5.5m million investment in new technology. Northampton Chronicle
Patients having radiotherapy at Northampton General Hospital are to have more available therapies and reduced side effects after a £5.5m million investment in new technology. Northampton Chronicle
Reducing admissions and care planning
Reducing admissions and care planning
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has published a round-up of local projects to reduce admissions to secondary care and improve care planning. NHS Networks
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has published a round-up of local projects to reduce admissions to secondary care and improve care planning. NHS Networks
Jeremy Corbyn victory could boost BMA campaign against NHS marketisation
Jeremy Corbyn victory could boost BMA campaign against NHS marketisation
New Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn's pledge to reverse the marketisation of the health service if elected prime minister has been backed by NHS campaigners and could bring the party closer in line with BMA policy.
GP Online
New Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn's pledge to reverse the marketisation of the health service if elected prime minister has been backed by NHS campaigners and could bring the party closer in line with BMA policy.
GP Online
Press release: England has the potential to have the lowest disease burden in the world
Press release: England has the potential to have the lowest disease burden in the world
For the first time, a new PHE-led study published in The Lancet ranks the diseases and risk factors that cause death and disability in England compared with other high-income countries. It reveals the nation’s potential to have the lowest total disease burden (years of life lost to death and lived with disability) in the world.
Between 1990 and 2013, life expectancy in England increased by 5.4 years: one of the biggest increases compared with the other EU15+ countries (from 75.9 years in 1990 to 81.3 years in 2013).
This increase was mainly because of falls in the death rate from cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and some cancers (with progress partly offset by increased death rates from liver disease).
South East England has the lowest disease burden when compared to high-income countries, and England as a whole performs better than the EU15+ † average.
Known potentially preventable risk factors taken together explain 40% of ill health in England. If you examine the impact of specific risks on the overall disease burden, unhealthy diet and tobacco are the two largest contributors ‡ (diet accounts for 10.8% of total disease burden and tobacco 10.7%).
Improvements in life expectancy haven’t been matched by improvements in levels of ill-health. So, as a population we’re living longer but spending more years in ill-health, often with a combination of conditions, some of which would have previously been fatal. For example, with diabetes, the years of life lost to the disease have decreased by 56% but years living with disability have increased by over 75%.
Professor John Newton, Chief Knowledge Officer, Public Health England, said:
The findings show the huge opportunity for preventive public health. If levels of health in the worst performing regions in England matched the best performing ones, England would have one of the lowest burdens of disease of any developed country.
And even though there have been big falls in premature mortality, the top causes of early deaths in England and in each English region are still heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which to a greater or lesser extent, are attributable to preventable risk factors.
Dr Adam Briggs, co-author and Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellow, University of Oxford, said:
Life expectancy is increasing across the country but large inequalities still remain. Life expectancy in 2013 for those living in the most deprived areas was still lower than those in less deprived areas enjoyed in 1990. How deprived you are is the key driver of these differences rather than where you live and therefore deprivation and its causes need to be tackled wherever they occur.
Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England, said:
People are living longer, but they are living longer with disability, which will require more integrated models of care spanning health and social services. The other important implication for health services is that it is likely that up to 40% of its workload is due to potentially preventable risk factors. This reaffirms the importance of people taking positive steps today, liking eating well and stopping smoking, to improve their health in the long term.
† The first 15 European Union members apart from the UK (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden), plus Australia, Canada, Norway, and the United States of America [EU15+].
‡ For women in England, tobacco is now the number one risk factor and has overtaken unhealthy diets and high blood pressure since 1990.
Public Health England press office
For the first time, a new PHE-led study published in The Lancet ranks the diseases and risk factors that cause death and disability in England compared with other high-income countries. It reveals the nation’s potential to have the lowest total disease burden (years of life lost to death and lived with disability) in the world.
Between 1990 and 2013, life expectancy in England increased by 5.4 years: one of the biggest increases compared with the other EU15+ countries (from 75.9 years in 1990 to 81.3 years in 2013).
This increase was mainly because of falls in the death rate from cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and some cancers (with progress partly offset by increased death rates from liver disease).
South East England has the lowest disease burden when compared to high-income countries, and England as a whole performs better than the EU15+ † average.
Known potentially preventable risk factors taken together explain 40% of ill health in England. If you examine the impact of specific risks on the overall disease burden, unhealthy diet and tobacco are the two largest contributors ‡ (diet accounts for 10.8% of total disease burden and tobacco 10.7%).
Improvements in life expectancy haven’t been matched by improvements in levels of ill-health. So, as a population we’re living longer but spending more years in ill-health, often with a combination of conditions, some of which would have previously been fatal. For example, with diabetes, the years of life lost to the disease have decreased by 56% but years living with disability have increased by over 75%.
Professor John Newton, Chief Knowledge Officer, Public Health England, said:
The findings show the huge opportunity for preventive public health. If levels of health in the worst performing regions in England matched the best performing ones, England would have one of the lowest burdens of disease of any developed country.
And even though there have been big falls in premature mortality, the top causes of early deaths in England and in each English region are still heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which to a greater or lesser extent, are attributable to preventable risk factors.
Dr Adam Briggs, co-author and Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellow, University of Oxford, said:
Life expectancy is increasing across the country but large inequalities still remain. Life expectancy in 2013 for those living in the most deprived areas was still lower than those in less deprived areas enjoyed in 1990. How deprived you are is the key driver of these differences rather than where you live and therefore deprivation and its causes need to be tackled wherever they occur.
Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England, said:
People are living longer, but they are living longer with disability, which will require more integrated models of care spanning health and social services. The other important implication for health services is that it is likely that up to 40% of its workload is due to potentially preventable risk factors. This reaffirms the importance of people taking positive steps today, liking eating well and stopping smoking, to improve their health in the long term.
† The first 15 European Union members apart from the UK (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden), plus Australia, Canada, Norway, and the United States of America [EU15+].
‡ For women in England, tobacco is now the number one risk factor and has overtaken unhealthy diets and high blood pressure since 1990.
Public Health England press office
Ketamine could be used as anti-depressant
Ketamine could be used as anti-depressant
Ketamine could be used in new treatments for depression, according to scientists. Independent
Ketamine could be used in new treatments for depression, according to scientists. Independent
Child end-of-life care 'needs focus'
Child end-of-life care 'needs focus'
A report into palliative care for children says it needs "strategic attention" and previous lessons remain "largely unheard". BBC News
A report into palliative care for children says it needs "strategic attention" and previous lessons remain "largely unheard". BBC News
Smaller portions call to tackle obesity
Smaller portions call to tackle obesity
Reducing portions sizes in supermarkets, restaurants and at home could help reverse the obesity epidemic, say researchers. BBC News
Reducing portions sizes in supermarkets, restaurants and at home could help reverse the obesity epidemic, say researchers. BBC News
Britain's poor diet more deadly than its smoking habit as alcohol related deaths soar
Britain's poor diet more deadly than its smoking habit as alcohol related deaths soar
Why the nation's love of crisps, take-away meals and sweets is doing us more harm than tobacco. Telegraph
Why the nation's love of crisps, take-away meals and sweets is doing us more harm than tobacco. Telegraph
Patient Safety Alert – Supporting the introduction of the National Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures
Patient Safety Alert – Supporting the introduction of the National Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures
A Patient Safety Alert has been issued by NHS England to launch an NHS-wide programme of work based around the National Standards for Invasive Procedures (NatSSIPs) that were published on 7 September 2015.
The alert asks NHS providers to review current clinical practice and ensure the NatSSIPs are embedded into local processes by developing their own local safety standards for invasive procedures (LocSSIPs) in collaboration with staff, patients and the public.
The aim of the NatSSIPs is to reduce the number of patient safety incidents related to invasive procedures in which surgical Never Events could occur. They set out the minimum standards considered necessary for the delivery of safe care during invasive procedures as well as underpinning aspects of education and training.
The NatSSIPs have been set and endorsed by all relevant professional bodies, including the royal colleges, the Care Quality Commission, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Medical Council, Monitor, the Trust Development Agency, and Health Education England.
A Patient Safety Alert has been issued by NHS England to launch an NHS-wide programme of work based around the National Standards for Invasive Procedures (NatSSIPs) that were published on 7 September 2015.
The alert asks NHS providers to review current clinical practice and ensure the NatSSIPs are embedded into local processes by developing their own local safety standards for invasive procedures (LocSSIPs) in collaboration with staff, patients and the public.
The aim of the NatSSIPs is to reduce the number of patient safety incidents related to invasive procedures in which surgical Never Events could occur. They set out the minimum standards considered necessary for the delivery of safe care during invasive procedures as well as underpinning aspects of education and training.
The NatSSIPs have been set and endorsed by all relevant professional bodies, including the royal colleges, the Care Quality Commission, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Medical Council, Monitor, the Trust Development Agency, and Health Education England.
This Spending Review needs honesty and realism, not panic and denial
This Spending Review needs honesty and realism, not panic and denial
The deteriorating state of NHS finances is leading to panic and denial in Whitehall. Panic best describes the mood in the Department of Health, where the prospect of a £2 billion deficit among providers is of growing concern. While some of the forecast deficit may be reduced by commissioner underspends and capital-to-revenue transfers, it is inconceivable that it can be eliminated by the end of the financial year.
Over the road in the Treasury there is denial about the scale of the problem, in part because of a belief that the NHS is receiving more favourable treatment than most other public services. Why, it is argued, can the NHS not get its own house in order when its budget is not only protected but also continues to increase in real terms? Denial is also borne of a belief that the Chancellor is not for turning when deficit reduction is the government’s overriding priority.
The NHS’s national leaders find themselves in a difficult position, with the government having committed to finding the £8 billion additional funding identified in the NHS five year forward view by 2020/21. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has argued, with some justification, that this commitment means the government is willing to fund ‘the NHS’s own plan’. The difficulty with this argument, of course, is that the Forward View is NHS England’s plan, supported by other national bodies, not that of the NHS itself. It is based on the heroic assumption that £22 billion of productivity gains can be made in this parliament.
The deteriorating state of NHS finances is leading to panic and denial in Whitehall. Panic best describes the mood in the Department of Health, where the prospect of a £2 billion deficit among providers is of growing concern. While some of the forecast deficit may be reduced by commissioner underspends and capital-to-revenue transfers, it is inconceivable that it can be eliminated by the end of the financial year.
Over the road in the Treasury there is denial about the scale of the problem, in part because of a belief that the NHS is receiving more favourable treatment than most other public services. Why, it is argued, can the NHS not get its own house in order when its budget is not only protected but also continues to increase in real terms? Denial is also borne of a belief that the Chancellor is not for turning when deficit reduction is the government’s overriding priority.
The NHS’s national leaders find themselves in a difficult position, with the government having committed to finding the £8 billion additional funding identified in the NHS five year forward view by 2020/21. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has argued, with some justification, that this commitment means the government is willing to fund ‘the NHS’s own plan’. The difficulty with this argument, of course, is that the Forward View is NHS England’s plan, supported by other national bodies, not that of the NHS itself. It is based on the heroic assumption that £22 billion of productivity gains can be made in this parliament.
Monday, 14 September 2015
News story: From 2020, people with suspected cancer will be diagnosed faster
News story: From 2020, people with suspected cancer will be diagnosed faster
According to the Independent Cancer Taskforce, set up as part of the NHS’s Five Year Forward View to examine how to improve cancer care and survival rates, the target to diagnosis all suspected cancer cases within 28 days could help save up to 11,000 lives a year.
Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health said:
For people who are worried they may have cancer, waiting for that all important test result is a nerve-wracking time. We have a duty to make sure this period of uncertainty is as short as possible.
For those who get the all clear, they will have peace of mind sooner.
Those who sadly have cancer will get treatment much quicker and we will save thousands of lives as a result.
Mr Hunt also announced new measures to develop a tailored recovery package for everyone surviving cancer. This package includes a more personalised treatment plan and better support to live well, with and beyond the disease.
The government has committed to spend up to £300 million more on diagnostics every year over the next 5 years to help meet the new 28 day target.
Health Education England will start a new national training programme that will provide 200 additional staff with the skills and expertise to carry out endoscopies by 2018. This is in addition to the extra 250 gastroenterologists the NHS has already committed to train by 2020. Endoscopies are tests where the inside of your body can be examined for cancer.
The newly trained staff will be able to carry out almost a half a million more endoscopy tests on the NHS by 2020.
Harpal Kumar, chair of the Independent Cancer Taskforce, said:
These commitments are going to save thousands of lives and deliver a step change in patient experience and quality of life, so this is fantastic news. Diagnosing more cancers earlier could transform patients’ lives as it improves survival. But we’ve shown that services for diagnosing cancer are under immense pressure, which is why increased investment and extra staff are so important. Introducing the 28-day ambition for patients to receive a diagnosis will maximise the impact of this investment which, together with making results available online, will spare people unnecessary added anxiety and help cancer patients to begin treatment sooner.
It’s also great that molecular diagnostic tests will be made routinely available to all patients who might benefit. These tests can help doctors provide more tailored treatments that may improve survival and potentially reduce side effects from less effective treatments.
At the heart of the recommendations in the cancer strategy is our desire for patients to have the best outcomes and care in the world. It’s now up to the Government and NHS to make sure today’s commitments are introduced without delay, and we await further detail on how they will take forward the rest of the strategy. This is a great start.
The NHS will identify 5 hospitals across the UK to pilot the new target before the programme is rolled out nationally by 2020. Department of Health
According to the Independent Cancer Taskforce, set up as part of the NHS’s Five Year Forward View to examine how to improve cancer care and survival rates, the target to diagnosis all suspected cancer cases within 28 days could help save up to 11,000 lives a year.
Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health said:
For people who are worried they may have cancer, waiting for that all important test result is a nerve-wracking time. We have a duty to make sure this period of uncertainty is as short as possible.
For those who get the all clear, they will have peace of mind sooner.
Those who sadly have cancer will get treatment much quicker and we will save thousands of lives as a result.
Mr Hunt also announced new measures to develop a tailored recovery package for everyone surviving cancer. This package includes a more personalised treatment plan and better support to live well, with and beyond the disease.
The government has committed to spend up to £300 million more on diagnostics every year over the next 5 years to help meet the new 28 day target.
Health Education England will start a new national training programme that will provide 200 additional staff with the skills and expertise to carry out endoscopies by 2018. This is in addition to the extra 250 gastroenterologists the NHS has already committed to train by 2020. Endoscopies are tests where the inside of your body can be examined for cancer.
The newly trained staff will be able to carry out almost a half a million more endoscopy tests on the NHS by 2020.
Harpal Kumar, chair of the Independent Cancer Taskforce, said:
These commitments are going to save thousands of lives and deliver a step change in patient experience and quality of life, so this is fantastic news. Diagnosing more cancers earlier could transform patients’ lives as it improves survival. But we’ve shown that services for diagnosing cancer are under immense pressure, which is why increased investment and extra staff are so important. Introducing the 28-day ambition for patients to receive a diagnosis will maximise the impact of this investment which, together with making results available online, will spare people unnecessary added anxiety and help cancer patients to begin treatment sooner.
It’s also great that molecular diagnostic tests will be made routinely available to all patients who might benefit. These tests can help doctors provide more tailored treatments that may improve survival and potentially reduce side effects from less effective treatments.
At the heart of the recommendations in the cancer strategy is our desire for patients to have the best outcomes and care in the world. It’s now up to the Government and NHS to make sure today’s commitments are introduced without delay, and we await further detail on how they will take forward the rest of the strategy. This is a great start.
The NHS will identify 5 hospitals across the UK to pilot the new target before the programme is rolled out nationally by 2020. Department of Health
News story: Final flu vaccine effectiveness data published
News story: Final flu vaccine effectiveness data published
The child flu vaccine (fluenz) used in last year’s flu season provided good protection against circulating strains of influenza B according to a new Public Health England (PHE) study published in Eurosurveillance.
For those aged under 18 years:
effectiveness of the vaccine against influenza A was 35%
effectiveness of the vaccine against influenza B was 100%
In last year’s flu season, all children aged 2, 3 and 4 were offered the nasal spray child flu vaccination Fluenz, along with primary and secondary school aged children in select pilot areas across the UK.
Today’s report, which is an update on previous mid-season figures on vaccine effectiveness, also found that the 2014 to 2015 adult flu vaccine used in the UK was 34% effective against the circulating strains of flu. Lower estimates of the effectiveness were calculated mid-season at 3%, however a shift in the dominant circulating strains occurred throughout the rest of the flu season. The final results showed:
effectiveness of the adult flu vaccine against influenza A was 29.3%
effectiveness of the adult flu vaccine against influenza B was 46.3%
Professor Paul Cosford, PHE’s Director for Health Protection and Medical Director, said:
In recent years, we have typically seen around 50% (ranging from 25 to 70%) effectiveness for the flu vaccine in the UK, and there has generally been a good match between the strains of flu in the vaccine and those that subsequently circulate. However, last year we saw a slightly lower vaccine effectiveness than usual.
Whilst it’s not possible to fully predict the strains that will circulate in any given season, flu vaccination remains the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus which can cause severe illness and deaths each year among at-risk group. These include older people, pregnant women and those with a health condition, even one that is well managed. Public Health England
The child flu vaccine (fluenz) used in last year’s flu season provided good protection against circulating strains of influenza B according to a new Public Health England (PHE) study published in Eurosurveillance.
For those aged under 18 years:
effectiveness of the vaccine against influenza A was 35%
effectiveness of the vaccine against influenza B was 100%
In last year’s flu season, all children aged 2, 3 and 4 were offered the nasal spray child flu vaccination Fluenz, along with primary and secondary school aged children in select pilot areas across the UK.
Today’s report, which is an update on previous mid-season figures on vaccine effectiveness, also found that the 2014 to 2015 adult flu vaccine used in the UK was 34% effective against the circulating strains of flu. Lower estimates of the effectiveness were calculated mid-season at 3%, however a shift in the dominant circulating strains occurred throughout the rest of the flu season. The final results showed:
effectiveness of the adult flu vaccine against influenza A was 29.3%
effectiveness of the adult flu vaccine against influenza B was 46.3%
Professor Paul Cosford, PHE’s Director for Health Protection and Medical Director, said:
In recent years, we have typically seen around 50% (ranging from 25 to 70%) effectiveness for the flu vaccine in the UK, and there has generally been a good match between the strains of flu in the vaccine and those that subsequently circulate. However, last year we saw a slightly lower vaccine effectiveness than usual.
Whilst it’s not possible to fully predict the strains that will circulate in any given season, flu vaccination remains the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus which can cause severe illness and deaths each year among at-risk group. These include older people, pregnant women and those with a health condition, even one that is well managed. Public Health England
- Flu jab worked for only one-in-three BBC News
NHS health checks to 'piggyback' on fire safety visits
NHS health checks to 'piggyback' on fire safety visits
NHS boss said 670,000 annual home checks by fire services are ‘golden opportunity’ to relieve pressure on hospitals
Firefighters are to carry out health checks as the NHS seeks to “piggyback” on regular home safety visits, the head of the health service in England has said.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, said fire services’ 670,000 home checks each year were a “golden opportunity” to relieve pressure on hospitals. Guardian
Continue reading...
NHS boss said 670,000 annual home checks by fire services are ‘golden opportunity’ to relieve pressure on hospitals
Firefighters are to carry out health checks as the NHS seeks to “piggyback” on regular home safety visits, the head of the health service in England has said.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, said fire services’ 670,000 home checks each year were a “golden opportunity” to relieve pressure on hospitals. Guardian
Continue reading...
Smart drugs that can tell doctors if you haven't taken them get FDA go ahead
Smart drugs that can tell doctors if you haven't taken them get FDA go ahead
Researchers say the technology could be especially useful in mental illnesses and memory disorders where patients often don't take their medication. Daily Mail
Researchers say the technology could be especially useful in mental illnesses and memory disorders where patients often don't take their medication. Daily Mail
Enabling closer working between the emergency services
Enabling closer working between the emergency services
This consultation seeks views on proposals to increase joint working between emergency services, in order to improve effectiveness and deliver savings for the public. The closing date for response to this consultation is 20 October 2015. Department of Health
Consultation
Response form
DH consultations
This consultation seeks views on proposals to increase joint working between emergency services, in order to improve effectiveness and deliver savings for the public. The closing date for response to this consultation is 20 October 2015. Department of Health
Consultation
Response form
DH consultations
Communications in health care improvement - a toolkit
Communications in health care improvement - a toolkit
This toolkit is for health care professionals working in improvement who want to understand and use communications to better plan, implement and spread their work. QIPP alert
Access the toolkit here.
This toolkit is for health care professionals working in improvement who want to understand and use communications to better plan, implement and spread their work. QIPP alert
Access the toolkit here.
As the NHS rushes to change, reforms must make sense for patients
As the NHS rushes to change, reforms must make sense for patients
The foundation trust model is unravelling fast and the status is no longer a kitemark of excellence. But whatever comes next must not create more confusion
There is a growing sense of urgency – if not yet panic – at the Department of Health about the pace of reform in the NHS.
With overwhelming evidence (pdf) that virtually nobody in the health service believes the target of £22bn of efficiency savings has any chance of being achieved, and an underlying accumulated deficit among providers close to £2bn, the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, is trying to hit the accelerator. Guardian
Continue reading...
The foundation trust model is unravelling fast and the status is no longer a kitemark of excellence. But whatever comes next must not create more confusion
There is a growing sense of urgency – if not yet panic – at the Department of Health about the pace of reform in the NHS.
With overwhelming evidence (pdf) that virtually nobody in the health service believes the target of £22bn of efficiency savings has any chance of being achieved, and an underlying accumulated deficit among providers close to £2bn, the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, is trying to hit the accelerator. Guardian
Continue reading...
NHS health card fraud 'only £700'
NHS health card fraud 'only £700'
Concerns about the NHS being taken advantage of through fraudulent use of European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) amount to just £700. BBC News
Concerns about the NHS being taken advantage of through fraudulent use of European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) amount to just £700. BBC News
Important changes to rules on lapsed NMC registration
Important changes to rules on lapsed NMC registration
The NMC is making important changes to how it manages your registration, also known as annual retention. RCN
The NMC is making important changes to how it manages your registration, also known as annual retention. RCN
NHS IT wins two international awards for excellence
NHS IT wins two international awards for excellence
An NHS IT system has been recognised for excellence at a global IT event, with the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) scooping two international awards at the iCMG World Summit. IC QOF
An NHS IT system has been recognised for excellence at a global IT event, with the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) scooping two international awards at the iCMG World Summit. IC QOF
Marijuana users may be more likely to develop diabetes, research finds
Marijuana users may be more likely to develop diabetes, research finds
People who use marijuana may be more likely to develop prediabetes than those who have never smoked it, according to new research. Independent
People who use marijuana may be more likely to develop prediabetes than those who have never smoked it, according to new research. Independent
Friday, 11 September 2015
NGH launches augmented reality app
NGH launches augmented reality app
Northampton General Hospital has become only the second NHS hospital in the UK to use an exciting new technology that delivers information to staff and patients' via their mobile phones or tablets. NGH Plus is the new free app launched by the hospital this week. It uses a technology called Augmented Reality so people can find out more about hospital news and services just by pointing their mobile device at visual triggers placed throughout the hospital sites and at photos in its Insight magazine. NGH News
Northampton General Hospital has become only the second NHS hospital in the UK to use an exciting new technology that delivers information to staff and patients' via their mobile phones or tablets. NGH Plus is the new free app launched by the hospital this week. It uses a technology called Augmented Reality so people can find out more about hospital news and services just by pointing their mobile device at visual triggers placed throughout the hospital sites and at photos in its Insight magazine. NGH News
Corby and Kettering area GPs merge to create largest practice in NHS
Corby and Kettering area GPs merge to create largest practice in NHS
GP practices in Corby, Kettering, Oundle and Stamford are to merge, creating the largest single GP practice in the NHS. Evening Telegraph
GP practices in Corby, Kettering, Oundle and Stamford are to merge, creating the largest single GP practice in the NHS. Evening Telegraph
Introducing ThinkFuture
Introducing ThinkFuture
A new programme of work to help employers bring more young people into the NHS, ThinkFuture launches today. NHS Employers
A new programme of work to help employers bring more young people into the NHS, ThinkFuture launches today. NHS Employers
Consultant contract negotiations start
Consultant contract negotiations start
Negotiations over reforms to consultant contracts, including the end of a right to opt out of weekend work, have begun, the British Medical Association says. BBC News
Negotiations over reforms to consultant contracts, including the end of a right to opt out of weekend work, have begun, the British Medical Association says. BBC News
Trade unions save the NHS at least £100 million every year – new research
Trade unions save the NHS at least £100 million every year – new research
New research shows that trade unions are saving the NHS at least £100 million every year. RCN
New research shows that trade unions are saving the NHS at least £100 million every year. RCN
Over 1,000 GPs face potential conflict of interest between profits and patients
Over 1,000 GPs face potential conflict of interest between profits and patients
National Audit Office reveals that two in every five board members of clinical commissioning groups, which make funding decisions, are family doctors
Two out of every five board members of local NHS funding organisations are GPs who are in a position to put their own financial interests before their patients, the public spending watchdog has found.
An investigation by the National Audit Office discovered that 1,300 family doctors have the potential to personally profit from new health services because they are also members of the governing body of their local clinical commissioning group (CCG). Guardian
Continue reading...
National Audit Office reveals that two in every five board members of clinical commissioning groups, which make funding decisions, are family doctors
Two out of every five board members of local NHS funding organisations are GPs who are in a position to put their own financial interests before their patients, the public spending watchdog has found.
An investigation by the National Audit Office discovered that 1,300 family doctors have the potential to personally profit from new health services because they are also members of the governing body of their local clinical commissioning group (CCG). Guardian
Continue reading...
Experts say hopping for two minutes a day could reduce osteoporosis risk
Experts say hopping for two minutes a day could reduce osteoporosis risk
Study by Loughborough University has found bone density in hopping leg improved after just a year. Telegraph
Study by Loughborough University has found bone density in hopping leg improved after just a year. Telegraph
Thursday, 10 September 2015
Is the NHS delivering enough things right?
Is the NHS delivering enough things right? How big is the problem of preventable harm in health care? The King's Fund
New resource to prevent linked suicides in local areas
New resource to prevent linked suicides in local areas A new resource to assist local organisations prevent linked suicides in their areas, often referred to as ‘suicide clusters’.
The Identifying and responding to suicide clusters resource supports local authorities in their reaction to unexpectedly high numbers of suicides occurring in a particular period of time, a particular place, or both. The resource highlights how imperative it is that plans for such events are in place before they occur to ensure an effective response. Public Health England
The Identifying and responding to suicide clusters resource supports local authorities in their reaction to unexpectedly high numbers of suicides occurring in a particular period of time, a particular place, or both. The resource highlights how imperative it is that plans for such events are in place before they occur to ensure an effective response. Public Health England
Children with learning disabilities at higher risk of sexual exploitation
Children with learning disabilities at higher risk of sexual exploitation New research reveals that children with learning disabilities are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation than other children, and face additional barriers to protection and to receiving support. Bernardo's
See also:
See also:
Improving length of stay: What can hospitals do?
Improving length of stay: What can hospitals do? This report is part of a larger project undertaken with Monitor designed to test the potential for reducing admissions and length of stay in hospital and the impact this could have on the costs of hospital care and the wider costs of local systems. Nuffield Trust
Detailed guide: Moving healthcare closer to home
Detailed guide: Moving healthcare closer to home A number of different resources aimed to provide support for providers and commissioners to make evidence-based appraisals of how the benefits compare with the costs of various approaches to move care closer to home. Monitor
Seven day services: an evidence base of enablers for transformation
Seven day services: an evidence base of enablers for transformation An interim report on findings of a project that looked at success strategies for seven-day services in health and social care. NHS Improving Quality
No evidence that Alzheimer's can be transmitted through surgery
No evidence that Alzheimer's can be transmitted through surgery A study published in the medical journal Nature has provoked media coverage. The study speculated that it might be possible to transmit Alzheimer's disease during certain surgical procedures.
NHS warns of overseas nurse shortage
NHS warns of overseas nurse shortage Leading NHS figures have issued a stark and unusual warning that hospitals cannot get much-needed foreign nurses to work on wards in time for winter. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Dr Maureen Baker: A seven-day NHS is a nice soundbite, but it already exists
Dr Maureen Baker: A seven-day NHS is a nice soundbite, but it already exists It goes without saying that our patients deserve the same level of care whenever they are ill and the RCGP was at the forefront of media debate over the weekend around the feasibility of government plans for a seven day NHS. GP Online
How sustainable are charity contracts for public services?
How sustainable are charity contracts for public services?Charities total revenue from government bodies is at its lowest level since 2007-08 yet some larger charities are reaping the benefits. David Brindle looks at what the future could hold
Think of it as a £2bn reality check. That’s probably what charities have lost over the past five or six years in terms of reduced net income from contracts for delivering public services.
It’s a far cry from some of the giddy growth forecasts that were still being made even as austerity kicked in. As recently as 2011 Tory peer and sometime government “big society” adviser Nat Wei was predicting that the value of payment-by-results contracts to voluntary organisations could rise to £60bn a year, dwarfing any revenue lost through cuts in conventional funding. Continue reading... The Guardian
Think of it as a £2bn reality check. That’s probably what charities have lost over the past five or six years in terms of reduced net income from contracts for delivering public services.
It’s a far cry from some of the giddy growth forecasts that were still being made even as austerity kicked in. As recently as 2011 Tory peer and sometime government “big society” adviser Nat Wei was predicting that the value of payment-by-results contracts to voluntary organisations could rise to £60bn a year, dwarfing any revenue lost through cuts in conventional funding. Continue reading... The Guardian
Optometrist charged with manslaughter after death of patient
Optometrist charged with manslaughter after death of patient Honey Rose, 34, faces trial over accusations of gross negligence after eight-year-old boy dies following routine eye check-up. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
The NHS is broken. What should replace it?
The NHS is broken. What should replace it? From Switzerland's mandatory health insurance to Valencia's privatised hospitals, the world is full of better health care systems than ours. But which is the best - and which should we copy? The Daily Telegraph
NHS 'cannot afford to ignore game-changing HIV drug', experts say
NHS 'cannot afford to ignore game-changing HIV drug', experts say The NHS “cannot afford to ignore” a daily pill that dramatically lowers the risk of infection with HIV, the experts behind a ground-breaking trial have said. The Independent
'Social injustice' is killing 200,000 people in the UK every year, says future WMA chief
'Social injustice' is killing 200,000 people in the UK every year, says future WMA chief “Social injustice” is killing 200,000 people in the UK every year, the president-elect of the World Medical Association has said. The Independent
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See also:
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
NHS charged twice for private treatment of Northampton patients
NHS charged twice for private treatment of Northampton patients A private hospital has been challenged on the accuracy of its billing after the NHS was charged twice for the treatment of several Northampton patients. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Healthcare worker from Northampton backs national campaign on cancer awareness
Healthcare worker from Northampton backs national campaign on cancer awareness A Northampton woman found to have two tumours in her breast after noticing that something was wrong with its shape while lifting her arm up to brush her hair has backed a new awareness campaign. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Accessing and sharing health records and patient confidentiality
Accessing and sharing health records and patient confidentiality This briefing sets out current arrangements for accessing patient records and sharing confidential patient information. It also describes statutory and public interest disclosures of patient information; information sharing rules for people who lack mental capacity; and access to information on hereditary conditions for relatives. House of Commons Library
Ambitions for palliative and end of life care: a national framework for local action 2015-2020
Ambitions for palliative and end of life care: a national framework for local action 2015-2020 This national framework urges local NHS organisations and local authorities to act to improve end of life care for people of all ages. It sets out six principles for how people near the end of their lives should be cared for: each person is seen as an individual; each person gets fair access to care; maximising comfort and wellbeing; care is coordinated; all staff are prepared to care; and each community is prepared to help. Together for Short Lives
Antimicrobial resistance: changing risk-related behaviours in the general population
Antimicrobial resistance: changing risk-related behaviours in the general population This draft guideline aims to help change people’s behaviour to reduce antimicrobial resistance and stop the spread of resistant microbes. It includes steps that can be taken to help make people aware of the importance of using antibiotics correctly and the dangers associated with their overuse and misuse. It also includes measures to prevent and control infection that can stop people needing antibiotics or spreading infection to others. NICE
Hospital work experience sold for £500
Hospital work experience sold for £500 Schools are being offered work experience packages to help pupils' university applications, prompting warnings about barriers to social mobility. BBC News
One in five hospitals are failing to screen elderly patients for dementia
One in five hospitals are failing to screen elderly patients for dementia In the worst trusts, staff are screening fewer than half of over 75s who are admitted through A&E for dementia, NHS England figures show. Guidelines say 90 per cent should be screened. The Daily Mail
Can involving pharmacists in A&E shorten waiting times and help doctors?
Can involving pharmacists in A&E shorten waiting times and help doctors? Pilot project looking at 782 patients found 40% could be treated by a pharmacist with advanced clinical practice training skills
Accident and emergency departments are nearing crisis point, but evidence suggests that some of the pressure comes from patients who want to avoid having to wait for a GP appointment. Could pharmacists reduce the burden by helping to treat A&E patients suffering relatively minor conditions?
This is the question that Health Education England (HEE) hopes to answer through a national project. The aim, says Matt Aiello, special projects manager, transformation, at Health Education West Midlands, is to find out whether pharmacists can be a “relevant and viable part” of the A&E team and, if so, what kind of training they would need. Continue reading... The Guardian
Accident and emergency departments are nearing crisis point, but evidence suggests that some of the pressure comes from patients who want to avoid having to wait for a GP appointment. Could pharmacists reduce the burden by helping to treat A&E patients suffering relatively minor conditions?
This is the question that Health Education England (HEE) hopes to answer through a national project. The aim, says Matt Aiello, special projects manager, transformation, at Health Education West Midlands, is to find out whether pharmacists can be a “relevant and viable part” of the A&E team and, if so, what kind of training they would need. Continue reading... The Guardian
How design can make healthcare better | Ara Darzi
How design can make healthcare better | Ara Darzi Designers are working closely with doctors to find low-cost ideas that help patients and innovate in the NHS. The Guardian
Cancer drug license restrictions are costing lives
Cancer drug license restrictions are costing lives The profile of one tumour may throw up similarities to those found in a differently located tumour - and those similarities could be treated the same way, if drugs were licensed differently. The Daily Telegraph
Care home surveillance technology 'could let relatives check residents on their smartphones'
Care home surveillance technology 'could let relatives check residents on their smartphones' New care home surveillance technology launched this week could enable relatives to check up on residents via their smartphones, while feeding footage to expert monitors on the lookout for cases of abuse or malpractice. The Independent
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
Recovering alcohol and drug users leading service planning
Recovering alcohol and drug users leading service planning A new guide showing the benefits of involving recovering alcohol and drug users in the design and development of their own, and others treatment and recovery.
PHE’s Service User Involvement guide describes 4 different levels of service user involvement, from co-developing one’s own care plan through to initiating and running recovery-focused enterprises. The guide showcases a number of examples of unique services from across the country that have been set-up by, or run by, former alcohol and drug users.
Through tailored and flexible approaches that aim to provide skills and training, these services promote and maintain long-term recovery often acting as a crucial step into employment. Their involvement in services at all levels increases confidence in, and suitability of the services, while seeing the successful stories of others in recovery motivates those still working to achieve recovery. Public Health England
PHE’s Service User Involvement guide describes 4 different levels of service user involvement, from co-developing one’s own care plan through to initiating and running recovery-focused enterprises. The guide showcases a number of examples of unique services from across the country that have been set-up by, or run by, former alcohol and drug users.
Through tailored and flexible approaches that aim to provide skills and training, these services promote and maintain long-term recovery often acting as a crucial step into employment. Their involvement in services at all levels increases confidence in, and suitability of the services, while seeing the successful stories of others in recovery motivates those still working to achieve recovery. Public Health England
New safety standards published for invasive procedures
New safety standards published for invasive procedures A set of new national safety standards have been published today to support NHS hospitals to provide safer surgical care.
The National Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures (NatSSIPs) aim to reduce the number of patient safety incidents related to invasive procedures in which surgical Never Events could occur.
These new standards set out broad principles of safe practice and advise healthcare professionals on how they can implement best practice, such as through a series of standardised safety checks and education and training. The standards also support NHS providers to work with staff to develop and maintain their own, more detailed, local standards and encourage the sharing of best practice between organisations. NHS England
The National Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures (NatSSIPs) aim to reduce the number of patient safety incidents related to invasive procedures in which surgical Never Events could occur.
These new standards set out broad principles of safe practice and advise healthcare professionals on how they can implement best practice, such as through a series of standardised safety checks and education and training. The standards also support NHS providers to work with staff to develop and maintain their own, more detailed, local standards and encourage the sharing of best practice between organisations. NHS England
Economic crisis, health systems and health in Europe: country experience
Economic crisis, health systems and health in Europe: country experience The financial and economic crisis has had a visible but varied impact on many health systems in Europe, eliciting a wide range of responses from governments faced with increased financial and other pressures. This book maps health system responses by country, providing a detailed analysis of policy changes in nine countries and shorter overviews of policy responses in 47 countries. It draws on a large study involving over one hundred health system experts and academic researchers across Europe. World Health Organisation
See also:
See also:
- Economic crisis, health systems and health in Europe: impact and implications for policy World Health Organisation
Alcohol and the public purse: do drinkers pay their way?
Alcohol and the public purse: do drinkers pay their way? This report estimates that the direct costs of alcohol use to the government in England - including NHS, police, criminal justice and welfare costs - amount to just under £4 billion each year, whilst revenues from alcohol taxes amount to over £10 billion. Institute of Economic Affairs
Blood test for dementia claims are premature
Blood test for dementia claims are premature "Simple blood test … could predict if you'll suffer dementia," the Daily Mail reports.
This study aimed to identify a genetic score that could be used to indicate an individual's biological age. Using muscle and tissue samples from young and old adults, they identified the set of genetic markers that could best differentiate between the young and old samples.
They further tested this "healthy ageing gene score" using other tissue samples, including blood of people with and without Alzheimer's disease. They found that the score was lower in those with Alzheimer's. Overall, this score is suggested as a marker for healthy ageing.
However, it is important to realise this study is in the early experimental stages and the score has so far only been tested in small groups of people with known disease status. It is not known how well it could predict future disease development. NHS Choices
This study aimed to identify a genetic score that could be used to indicate an individual's biological age. Using muscle and tissue samples from young and old adults, they identified the set of genetic markers that could best differentiate between the young and old samples.
They further tested this "healthy ageing gene score" using other tissue samples, including blood of people with and without Alzheimer's disease. They found that the score was lower in those with Alzheimer's. Overall, this score is suggested as a marker for healthy ageing.
However, it is important to realise this study is in the early experimental stages and the score has so far only been tested in small groups of people with known disease status. It is not known how well it could predict future disease development. NHS Choices
NICE guidance confirms U-turn over 10% statin threshold for GPs
NICE guidance confirms U-turn over 10% statin threshold for GPs Patients with a 10% cardiovascular risk should not automatically be prescribed statins, according to a NICE quality standard that backs down from an earlier statement that the QOF should 'mandate' GPs to offer the treatment at this threshold. GP Online
Charity warns world is running out of snake anti-venom
Charity warns world is running out of snake anti-venom MSF says 100,000 people die from snakebites every year in one of the world's most neglected public health emergencies. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Snakebite antidote is running out BBC News
- VIDEO: Inside a snake venom research lab BBC News
NHS patients to be given option of travelling to Calais for surgical procedures
NHS patients to be given option of travelling to Calais for surgical procedures NHS patients in Kent are set to be offered the choice of travelling to Calais for surgical treatments, local health commissioners have confirmed. The Independent
See also:
See also:
- NHS 'to send patients to France' BBC News
Monday, 7 September 2015
Tests to diagnose cancer underfunded and staff overstretched
Tests to diagnose cancer underfunded and staff overstretched NHS services for diagnosing cancer are underfunded, understaffed, and key waiting time targets are being missed, according to two new reports from Cancer Research UK
See also:
See also:
- Scoping the future: an evaluation of endoscopy capacity across the NHS in England Cancer Research UK
- Horizon scanning: an evaluation of imaging capacity across the NHS in England Cancer Research UK
- NHS cancer services lagging behind rest of Europe The Daily Telegraph
- GPs denied access to cancer diagnostic tools due to NHS underfunding GP Online
- NHS cancer diagnosis services understaffed and need a cash injection to meet rising demand, say experts The Independent
Poor Beginnings: Health Inequalities among young children across England
Poor Beginnings: Health Inequalities among young children across England Simply by growing up in a certain part of England a child under five is more likely to have poor health that will impact the rest of their lives
The first five years of a child's life are critical to their future development. This new report is based on official data published by Public Health England. It looks at four key measures of young children's health and well-being - obesity, tooth decay, accidental injury and 'school readiness'. The report provides a clear picture of the health of children under five years old living in England and shows how growing up in different areas of the country has a dramatic effect on their lives. National Children's Bureau
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The first five years of a child's life are critical to their future development. This new report is based on official data published by Public Health England. It looks at four key measures of young children's health and well-being - obesity, tooth decay, accidental injury and 'school readiness'. The report provides a clear picture of the health of children under five years old living in England and shows how growing up in different areas of the country has a dramatic effect on their lives. National Children's Bureau
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Action demanded on weekend NHS risk
Action demanded on weekend NHS risk The case for improving hospital care at weekends is "simply unassailable", medical chiefs say, as new figures on death rates are published. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Increased mortality associated with weekend hospital admission: a case for expanded seven day services? The BMJ
- Seven day care - our view Royal College of Surgeons
- VIDEO: Weekend death figures explained BBC News
- VIDEO: Following a consultant working weekends BBC News
- Is there a Monday to Friday culture in the NHS? BBC News
- NHS weekend: 7-day services explained BBC News
- 11,000 people die annually because they go to hospital on weekend The Daily Mail
- 'The weekend effect' means 11,000 extra NHS deaths a year The Daily Telegraph
- Hospital patients admitted at weekends ‘15% more likely to die’ The Guardian
- NHS hospitals must share staff and resources to reduce deaths of patients admitted on weekends, says top doctor The Independent
Seven-day GP opening 'unachievable'
Seven-day GP opening 'unachievable' The goal of seven-day GP opening is unachievable in this Parliament and risks destabilising services, the Royal College of Surgeons says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- GP access a top priority for NHS NHS England
- More than one in 10 GP roles in England vacant Royal College of General Practitioners
- VIDEO: 'It's impossible being a GP' BBC News
- Plans for seven day practices are 'pie-in-the-sky', GPs warn The Daily Telegraph
Update on the current Cancer Drugs Fund list
Update on the current Cancer Drugs Fund list The Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) has today completed a further review of the effectiveness of treatments it funds to ensure it delivers the best outcomes for patients.
Professor Peter Clark, Chair of the Cancer Drugs Fund and an oncologist, said: “There is no escaping the fact that we face a difficult set of choices, but it is our duty to ensure we get maximum value from every penny available on behalf of patients. We must ensure we invest in those treatments that offer the most benefit, based on rigorous evidence-based clinical analysis and an assessment of the cost of those treatments.”
Professor Peter Clark, Chair of the Cancer Drugs Fund and an oncologist, said: “There is no escaping the fact that we face a difficult set of choices, but it is our duty to ensure we get maximum value from every penny available on behalf of patients. We must ensure we invest in those treatments that offer the most benefit, based on rigorous evidence-based clinical analysis and an assessment of the cost of those treatments.”
NHS 'had no mental health beds left'
NHS 'had no mental health beds left' An NHS trust was told there were no mental health beds available across England for its patients, its medical director says. BBC News
High rise in indemnity costs for GPs, survey shows
High rise in indemnity costs for GPs, survey shows ‘Frightening figures’ may fuel recruitment crisis OnMedica
Breast cancer care quality threatened by lack of specialist nurses
Breast cancer care quality threatened by lack of specialist nursesA near 20% rise in cases of breast cancer in UK in last decade has not been matched by increase in specially trained staff
A shortage of specialist nurses to help people with breast cancer is threatening the quality of care, a charity has said.
A near 20% rise in newly diagnosed cases in England over the last decade has not been matched by increases in nurses, according to Breast Cancer Care. Continue reading... The Guardian
A shortage of specialist nurses to help people with breast cancer is threatening the quality of care, a charity has said.
A near 20% rise in newly diagnosed cases in England over the last decade has not been matched by increases in nurses, according to Breast Cancer Care. Continue reading... The Guardian
Tattoos to 3D printing: five inventions that will revolutionise healthcare
Tattoos to 3D printing: five inventions that will revolutionise healthcare People know more about their car than their own health. With these technologies, that is about to change
Most people know they are sick or their health is at risk because of symptoms – pain, temperature, swelling, rash etc. These are the alarm bells that drive people to doctors. However, new epidemics like obesity and type 2 diabetes can start causing damage a long time before symptoms appear, and no alarms go off.
Today we can meet these challenges with new allies. Beyond the health and fitness uses, the new world of wearables (external surface sensors) and, in time, digestibles (nanoparticle sensors that can transmit information from within), offer the opportunity to restore control back to us. Advances in biotechnology as well as material science offer us alternatives never before dreamed possible. Continue reading... The Guardian
Most people know they are sick or their health is at risk because of symptoms – pain, temperature, swelling, rash etc. These are the alarm bells that drive people to doctors. However, new epidemics like obesity and type 2 diabetes can start causing damage a long time before symptoms appear, and no alarms go off.
Today we can meet these challenges with new allies. Beyond the health and fitness uses, the new world of wearables (external surface sensors) and, in time, digestibles (nanoparticle sensors that can transmit information from within), offer the opportunity to restore control back to us. Advances in biotechnology as well as material science offer us alternatives never before dreamed possible. Continue reading... The Guardian
Friday, 4 September 2015
Nurse returns to Kettering General Hospital after helping people with Ebola in Sierra Leone
Nurse returns to Kettering General Hospital after helping people with Ebola in Sierra Leone A nurse from Kettering General Hospital has described the importance of the international aid effort to prevent the spread of Ebola. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northampton war veteran with Alzheimer’s told he’s ‘too ill’ for care home ‘not ill enough’ for specialist care fund
Northampton war veteran with Alzheimer’s told he’s ‘too ill’ for care home ‘not ill enough’ for specialist care fund A war veteran from Northampton has been left with no nursing care despite having Alzheimer’s after a disagreement between social services and care home bosses. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
We need to step into the world of digital innovation
We need to step into the world of digital innovation The NHS mantra should be: “Every patient needs a barcode”.
That was the revolutionary thought outlined by Tim Kelsey, NHS England’s National Director for Patients and Information and Chair of the National Information Board, as he opened day two of the Health and Care Innovation Expo 2015 conference in Manchester.
He told delegates: “Hospitals across the country are spending more than one million pounds a year carting around records with staff driving around trucks of paper. Fax machines, treasury tags…these are entrails, the legacy of a dead world that we need to put behind us.
“Not so long ago I met a doctor who said that patients didn’t want computers and neither did he. We in the NHS have a moral responsibility to tell the story of why change is needed.
“If doctors have digital tools to remind them to get the right medication to the right patients at the right time, errors are halved. NHS England
See also:
That was the revolutionary thought outlined by Tim Kelsey, NHS England’s National Director for Patients and Information and Chair of the National Information Board, as he opened day two of the Health and Care Innovation Expo 2015 conference in Manchester.
He told delegates: “Hospitals across the country are spending more than one million pounds a year carting around records with staff driving around trucks of paper. Fax machines, treasury tags…these are entrails, the legacy of a dead world that we need to put behind us.
“Not so long ago I met a doctor who said that patients didn’t want computers and neither did he. We in the NHS have a moral responsibility to tell the story of why change is needed.
“If doctors have digital tools to remind them to get the right medication to the right patients at the right time, errors are halved. NHS England
See also:
Research and analysis: Improving patient flow: evidence to help local decision-makers
Research and analysis: Improving patient flow: evidence to help local decision-makers This article links findings from 3 Monitor publications offering evidence that may help local NHS decision-makers evaluate options for improving patient flows through local health and care systems.
Research and analysis: A&E delays: why did patients wait longer last winter?
Research and analysis: A&E delays: why did patients wait longer last winter?In quarter 3 2014/15, the performance of accident and emergency departments (A&E) against the 4-hour standard reached its lowest in 10 years.
Our detailed report shows that the target 4-hour emergency care indicator is a measure of the performance of the whole health and care system, not just emergency care departments; the findings show that across England the rest of the hospital struggled to cope with the increase in admissions because of very high occupancy rates. Our supporting documents include:
Our detailed report shows that the target 4-hour emergency care indicator is a measure of the performance of the whole health and care system, not just emergency care departments; the findings show that across England the rest of the hospital struggled to cope with the increase in admissions because of very high occupancy rates. Our supporting documents include:
- our findings at a glance
- conclusions from 10 tested hypotheses
- our econometric analysis
- next steps
Monitor
See also:
New service to manage cyber security threats in health and care
New service to manage cyber security threats in health and care A new national service will provide expert advice and guidance on cyber security threats and best practice to the NHS and other health and care organisations. CareCERT (Care Computing Emergency Response Team) will be run by experts at the Health and Social Care Information Centre and will aim to enhance cyber resilience across the health and social care system. Health and Social Care Information Centre
Care of dying 'still inconsistent'
Care of dying 'still inconsistent' Palliative care experts say more investment is needed to improve the care of dying patients. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Doctors must address spiritual needs of dying patients, say experts The Daily Telegraph
- Care of the Dying Adult (draft guideline) NICE
Exclusive: Huge variation in CCG antibiotic spending per patient revealed
Exclusive: Huge variation in CCG antibiotic spending per patient revealed CCGs in some parts of England spend more than twice as much per registered patient on antibiotic treatments than their counterparts elsewhere in the country, GP Online can reveal.
Life-extending cancer drugs to be axed by NHS
Life-extending cancer drugs to be axed by NHS NHS England de-lists costly Kadcyla drug, among 16 others, in wake of ‘overspent’ Cancer Drugs Fund.
New and costly cancer drugs developed to extend the lives of patients are expected to be axed on Friday from an NHS list. Among the drugs NHS England is expected to “de-list” from the Cancer Drugs Fund is Kadcyla, which holds the record as the most expensive cancer drug brought to market, costing £90,000 annually per patient.
Kadcyla, made by Roche, was rejected from general NHS use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), the body that assesses new medicines for their cost-effectiveness. Continue reading... The Guardian
New and costly cancer drugs developed to extend the lives of patients are expected to be axed on Friday from an NHS list. Among the drugs NHS England is expected to “de-list” from the Cancer Drugs Fund is Kadcyla, which holds the record as the most expensive cancer drug brought to market, costing £90,000 annually per patient.
Kadcyla, made by Roche, was rejected from general NHS use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), the body that assesses new medicines for their cost-effectiveness. Continue reading... The Guardian
Colchester hospital still falling short after two years, watchdog finds
Colchester hospital still falling short after two years, watchdog finds Care Quality Commission discovers disorganised care records and failings in medicine rounds at Essex hospital put in special measures in 2013
The standard of care given to patients at an NHS hospital that has been in special measures for nearly two years remains inadequate, a health watchdog has said.
At Colchester general hospital in Essex, between 80% and 100% of the nurses on some shifts are agency or temporary workers, a report on the latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission(CQC) reveals.
Continue reading... The Guardian
The standard of care given to patients at an NHS hospital that has been in special measures for nearly two years remains inadequate, a health watchdog has said.
At Colchester general hospital in Essex, between 80% and 100% of the nurses on some shifts are agency or temporary workers, a report on the latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission(CQC) reveals.
Continue reading... The Guardian
Thursday, 3 September 2015
Watchdog poised to call for inspection of every health service in Northamptonshire
Watchdog poised to call for inspection of every health service in Northamptonshire Every NHS body and social services department in Northamptonshire could be inspected in the wake of an unfavourable audit of the county’s mental health services. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NGH waiting times target hit on three consecutive months for first time in four years
NGH waiting times target hit on three consecutive months for first time in four years Northampton General Hospital’s emergency department met its A&E waiting target for three consecutive months this summer, latest figures show. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Four hour A&E target met for three months Northampton General Hospital
News story: Health Secretary outlines vision for use of technology across NHS
News story: Health Secretary outlines vision for use of technology across NHS Speaking at the NHS Innovation Expo in Manchester, the Health Secretary challenged the NHS to make better use of technology so that patients can be empowered to manage their own healthcare needs, while ensuring that their data remains safe at all times.
Mr Hunt made clear that by 2016 all patients should be able to access their own GP electronic record online in full, seeing not just a summary of their allergies and medication but blood test results, appointment records and medical histories. By 2018 this record will include information from all their health and care interactions. Department of Health
Mr Hunt made clear that by 2016 all patients should be able to access their own GP electronic record online in full, seeing not just a summary of their allergies and medication but blood test results, appointment records and medical histories. By 2018 this record will include information from all their health and care interactions. Department of Health
The five year forward view mental health taskforce: public engagement findings
The five year forward view mental health taskforce: public engagement findings This report summarises the views of more than 20,000 people on the top priorities for reshaping mental health services as part of a drive to develop a five year national NHS strategy for people of all ages. Better access to high quality services, a wider choice of treatments, more focus on prevention, more funding and less stigma were the top five calls for change by 2020. NHS England
'Antipsychotics used on people with no mental illness diagnosis'
'Antipsychotics used on people with no mental illness diagnosis' "'Chemical cosh' scandal: Thousands of patients with no history of mental illness needlessly given cocktail of antipsychotic drugs," says the Mail Online. The emotive words "needlessly" and "cocktail" are the Mail's imaginative inventions in its largely factually accurate report on a well-conducted and important piece of research.
The research in question looked at prescriptions of psychiatric drugs given to people with learning disabilities. It found – rather alarmingly and perhaps unexpectedly – that most people given antipsychotic drugs had never been diagnosed with a severe mental illness. NHS Choices
The research in question looked at prescriptions of psychiatric drugs given to people with learning disabilities. It found – rather alarmingly and perhaps unexpectedly – that most people given antipsychotic drugs had never been diagnosed with a severe mental illness. NHS Choices
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