Monday, 9 November 2015
Arriva may face SFO fraud inquiry over NHS deal
Arriva may face SFO fraud inquiry over NHS deal Ministers have hinted that the transport giant Arriva could be subjected to a Serious Fraud Office inquiry after it inflated figures on an NHS contract. The Independent
NHS mental health trust admits whistleblower who spoke out about bullying acted in good faith
NHS mental health trust admits whistleblower who spoke out about bullying acted in good faith Dr Hayley Dare was ridiculed after revealing culture of bullying and harassment at West London Mental Health NHS Trust. The Independent
A third of home-care providers fail to meet even basic standards
A third of home-care providers fail to meet even basic standards Failing home-care providers have been warned by a Government Minister they must 'shape up or shut down' after it was found nearly a third of agencies are failing to meet basic standards. The Daily Mail
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NHS facing financial collapse without more cash, warns London trust chief
NHS facing financial collapse without more cash, warns London trust chief Chair of south-west London trust says hospitals will be unable to pay staff next year unless Jeremy Hunt doubles annual funding rise to £4bn
The NHS is gripped by “an accelerating financial disaster” that could mean hospitals are unable to pay their staff next year, one of the service’s bosses has said.
Christopher Smallwood, chairman of St George’s University Hospitals NHS foundation trust, which serves 1.3 million people in south-west London, claims that years of underfunding have left hospitals short of staff and unable to meet waiting time targets for cancer and A&E care. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The NHS is gripped by “an accelerating financial disaster” that could mean hospitals are unable to pay their staff next year, one of the service’s bosses has said.
Christopher Smallwood, chairman of St George’s University Hospitals NHS foundation trust, which serves 1.3 million people in south-west London, claims that years of underfunding have left hospitals short of staff and unable to meet waiting time targets for cancer and A&E care. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- As chair of a trust, I’m speaking out. The NHS is headed for financial ruin | Christopher Smallwood The Guardian
- NHS meltdown this winter The Daily Telegraph
Doctors who left NHS for Australia: ‘More cash, fewer hours, less pressure’
Doctors who left NHS for Australia: ‘More cash, fewer hours, less pressure’ As the row over junior doctors’ contracts intensifies, thousands of NHS staff are applying to work abroad. Here three who have moved explain why they went
Sarah Wollaston, chair of the Commons health committee, revealed last month that her daughter, a junior doctor, and eight of her friends had all quit the NHS to find work in Australia. It’s a disturbing trend: but as the dissatisfaction over hours and conditions in the NHS grows, it may be one we have to get used to.
Australia has long attracted doctors from Britain. Depending on their seniority, doctors can earn up to 50% more in Sydney or Melbourne, despite generally working less overtime. With the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, now threatening to impose a tough new contract on junior doctors – one that would see their working hours increased and pay cut – the lure of Australia is growing. Continue reading... The Guardian
Sarah Wollaston, chair of the Commons health committee, revealed last month that her daughter, a junior doctor, and eight of her friends had all quit the NHS to find work in Australia. It’s a disturbing trend: but as the dissatisfaction over hours and conditions in the NHS grows, it may be one we have to get used to.
Australia has long attracted doctors from Britain. Depending on their seniority, doctors can earn up to 50% more in Sydney or Melbourne, despite generally working less overtime. With the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, now threatening to impose a tough new contract on junior doctors – one that would see their working hours increased and pay cut – the lure of Australia is growing. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt cannot escape responsibility for the NHS's mounting problems
Jeremy Hunt cannot escape responsibility for the NHS's mounting problems The health secretary is a skilled politician who has positioned himself as the patients’ champion, but his days in the post appear to be numbered.
Jeremy Hunt’s confrontation with junior doctors over seven-day working adds to a growing list of problems beginning to engulf the health secretary. Will he still be at the department’s Richmond House headquarters at the end of this parliament?
It is just over three years since Hunt replaced Andrew Lansley. It quickly became clear why David Cameron was so determined to keep Hunt in government despite the controversy surrounding his handling of News Corporation’s bid for BSkyB while he was culture secretary. Immediately burying any mention of the toxic health reforms, he shrewdly repositioned the role of health secretary from representing the NHS to government, to representing the interests of patients to the NHS. Continue reading... The Guardian
Jeremy Hunt’s confrontation with junior doctors over seven-day working adds to a growing list of problems beginning to engulf the health secretary. Will he still be at the department’s Richmond House headquarters at the end of this parliament?
It is just over three years since Hunt replaced Andrew Lansley. It quickly became clear why David Cameron was so determined to keep Hunt in government despite the controversy surrounding his handling of News Corporation’s bid for BSkyB while he was culture secretary. Immediately burying any mention of the toxic health reforms, he shrewdly repositioned the role of health secretary from representing the NHS to government, to representing the interests of patients to the NHS. Continue reading... The Guardian
Experts worried pre-natal blood test might lead to sex-selective abortions
Experts worried pre-natal blood test might lead to sex-selective abortions Government officials are concerned NIPT test might be used by people who may want to abort a foetus because of a baby's sex. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 6 November 2015
Elderly at Northampton care home only offered drinks between 7am and 5pm, inspectors find
Elderly at Northampton care home only offered drinks between 7am and 5pm, inspectors find Residents at a Northampton care home were only offered something to drink during a 10-hour period, an inspection revealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Help for unemployed people in Northampton suffering depression and low self-esteem
Help for unemployed people in Northampton suffering depression and low self-esteem New courses to help unemployed people who have low self-esteem and mental health issues are starting later this month. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The NHS, the Spending Review and George Osborne
The NHS, the Spending Review and George Osborne George Osborne has the aura of a man who is the master of all he surveys. It is an aura that has been hard won but could be easily lost as the government’s reverse in the House of Lords over tax credits shows. The Chancellor faces far greater challenges in other areas of public spending as the Spending Review nears completion.
The outcome of the Spending Review, to be announced on 25 November, will reveal the government’s priorities for public services for this parliament. The broad outlines of further deep cuts in most forms of public spending with the exception of protected areas such as health care are well known. The Conservative party made its intentions on deficit reduction crystal clear during the election campaign while also limiting its room for manoeuvre by pledging not to increase headline tax rates. The King's Fund
The outcome of the Spending Review, to be announced on 25 November, will reveal the government’s priorities for public services for this parliament. The broad outlines of further deep cuts in most forms of public spending with the exception of protected areas such as health care are well known. The Conservative party made its intentions on deficit reduction crystal clear during the election campaign while also limiting its room for manoeuvre by pledging not to increase headline tax rates. The King's Fund
Improving mental health outcomes for young people: the perspective of a GP trainee
Improving mental health outcomes for young people: the perspective of a GP trainee During my first few weeks as a GP trainee, I met a young lady who had recently been diagnosed with a serious, long-term condition. Walking into the consultation room, she sat down with her fringe partially covering her eyes. I started by asking her how she had been since her last visit. Slowly, she began telling me how her diagnosis had made her feel.
Fifteen minutes into the consultation, she grew more at ease. She revealed that she had become increasingly low and was finding it difficult to sleep. She was now considering dropping a class that she loved. Her antidepressants, it seemed, had not done the trick.
At the end of our 30-minute slot, together we made a plan to organise counselling. That evening, I contacted her specialist nurse, completed a referral to the psychologist and booked a follow-up consultation. As I finished off my paperwork, one thought lingered: as a new GP trainee, my appointments are 30 minutes long; in a few short months they'll be down to just 10. What would we have achieved in 10 minutes? The King's Fund
Fifteen minutes into the consultation, she grew more at ease. She revealed that she had become increasingly low and was finding it difficult to sleep. She was now considering dropping a class that she loved. Her antidepressants, it seemed, had not done the trick.
At the end of our 30-minute slot, together we made a plan to organise counselling. That evening, I contacted her specialist nurse, completed a referral to the psychologist and booked a follow-up consultation. As I finished off my paperwork, one thought lingered: as a new GP trainee, my appointments are 30 minutes long; in a few short months they'll be down to just 10. What would we have achieved in 10 minutes? The King's Fund
Guidance: ECHR Article 2: investigations into mental health incidents
Guidance: ECHR Article 2: investigations into mental health incidents This guidance is for NHS organisations deciding whether to carry out an independent investigation to satisfy the state’s obligations under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. NHS bodies implicated in serious incidents may be considered ‘state agents’ for the purposes of Article 2.
The procedures to be followed when managing a serious incident are set out in the NHS England Serious Incident Framework – Supporting learning to prevent recurrence.
This document, when read together with the framework, replaces the Department of Health guidance ‘Independent investigations of adverse events in mental health services’, published in 2005.
The procedures to be followed when managing a serious incident are set out in the NHS England Serious Incident Framework – Supporting learning to prevent recurrence.
This document, when read together with the framework, replaces the Department of Health guidance ‘Independent investigations of adverse events in mental health services’, published in 2005.
New quick guide will free up vital hospital services
New quick guide will free up vital hospital services A new quick guide, ‘Better Use of Care at Home’, has been developed to help people home from hospital. It contains practical tips, case studies and ideas to improve processes, relationships and the use of care at home. NHS England
Shape of Caring Review engagement film launched
Shape of Caring Review engagement film launched A film highlighting some of the key themes emerging from the engagement phase of the Shape of Caring Review has been launched on the Health Education England website.
GMC advice for doctors in England considering industrial action
GMC advice for doctors in England considering industrial action The British Medical Association (BMA) is about to ballot its members who are doctors in training in England about taking industrial action over a new contract proposed by the UK Government. General Medical Council
Viewpoint: Cuts to social care are damaging the NHS
Viewpoint: Cuts to social care are damaging the NHS Restrictions to council-funded adult social care means fewer people are getting the support they need in their home, argues Tom Shakespeare. GP Online
Seven-day NHS: Most patients prefer seeing GP during the week, says study
Seven-day NHS: Most patients prefer seeing GP during the week, says study Study calls into question Government’s flagship policy of introducing a seven-day health service. The Independent
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See also:
- Weekend opening in primary care: analysis of the General Practice Patient Survey British Journal of General Practice
- RCGP response to BJGP paper on seven day working Royal College of General Practitioners
- Sunday GP opening 'not in demand' BBC News
- Routine GP opening on Sundays provides little benefit, study shows GP Online
- Patient survey finds 81% happy with GP hours The Guardian
Transforming learning disability care means valuing all citizens
Transforming learning disability care means valuing all citizens A new national plan to improve learning disability services is right, but we’ve heard it all before – it’s time for real change and it won’t be cheap.
The publication of a national plan to transform learning disability services, and particularly for people with a learning disability and/or autism whose behaviour challenges, is welcome, overdue and ambitious.
The background to the latest plan is familiar, particularly with the scandal of Winterbourne View uncovered by BBC’s Panorama in 2011, which highlighted both individual abuse and neglect, and raised awareness of the much wider issue of long-term hospitalisation. But the need to commission appropriate services has long been recognised, and is a particular concern for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs when transitioning to adult services. This is when out-of-area placements often occur due to a lack of alternative local provision.
Children, young people and adults with a learning disability and/or autism have the right to the same opportunities as anyone else to live satisfying and valued lives, and to be treated with dignity and respect. They should have a home within their community, be able to develop and maintain relationships, and get the support they need to live healthy, safe and rewarding lives.
Developing good local services will not be cheaper, overall, than institutional care, but it will be more efficient because it will achieve more. If local services are not developed, then a trickle of out-of-area placements will become a rush as more people are excluded from mainstream community services by being defined as unmanageable in the community. Large amounts of money will be tied up in buying less good services. The policy of community care will be said to have failed.
Some will have a mental health problems which may result in them displaying behaviour that challenges. Some, often with severe learning disabilities, will display self-injurious or aggressive behaviour unrelated to any mental health condition. Some will display behaviour which can lead to contact with the criminal justice system. Some will have been in hospital for many years, not having been discharged when NHS campuses or long-stay hospitals were closed. The new services and support we put in place to support them in the community will need to reflect that diversity. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The publication of a national plan to transform learning disability services, and particularly for people with a learning disability and/or autism whose behaviour challenges, is welcome, overdue and ambitious.
The background to the latest plan is familiar, particularly with the scandal of Winterbourne View uncovered by BBC’s Panorama in 2011, which highlighted both individual abuse and neglect, and raised awareness of the much wider issue of long-term hospitalisation. But the need to commission appropriate services has long been recognised, and is a particular concern for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs when transitioning to adult services. This is when out-of-area placements often occur due to a lack of alternative local provision.
Children, young people and adults with a learning disability and/or autism have the right to the same opportunities as anyone else to live satisfying and valued lives, and to be treated with dignity and respect. They should have a home within their community, be able to develop and maintain relationships, and get the support they need to live healthy, safe and rewarding lives.
Developing good local services will not be cheaper, overall, than institutional care, but it will be more efficient because it will achieve more. If local services are not developed, then a trickle of out-of-area placements will become a rush as more people are excluded from mainstream community services by being defined as unmanageable in the community. Large amounts of money will be tied up in buying less good services. The policy of community care will be said to have failed.
Some will have a mental health problems which may result in them displaying behaviour that challenges. Some, often with severe learning disabilities, will display self-injurious or aggressive behaviour unrelated to any mental health condition. Some will display behaviour which can lead to contact with the criminal justice system. Some will have been in hospital for many years, not having been discharged when NHS campuses or long-stay hospitals were closed. The new services and support we put in place to support them in the community will need to reflect that diversity. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Two deaths possibly linked to 'Hunt effect', study suggests
Two deaths possibly linked to 'Hunt effect', study suggests Research suggests some patients may be avoiding going to hospital at the weekend because of health secretary’s statements about inadequate NHS staffing levels
Two people in need of urgent medical attention died last month after they did not go to hospital at a weekend because they wrongly believed there would be too few doctors on duty and that they would be at risk of dying, research claims. Almost a third (32%) of the 40 patients studied, who all held off seeking NHS treatment for that reason, suffered “long-term, irreversible morbidity” (an increased chance of dying) as a direct result of their delay, their doctors say.
In addition, more than four out of five (82%) of the patients had a worse outcome than if they had sought help the day their health deteriorated, while the delay could have proved life-threatening in 90% of them, the study found. They included an older person who had fallen over and broken a limb but stayed in bed over the weekend, despite having a fracture and being in pain because paracetamol gave her too little relief, and only sought help on the Monday. Continue reading... The Guardian
Two people in need of urgent medical attention died last month after they did not go to hospital at a weekend because they wrongly believed there would be too few doctors on duty and that they would be at risk of dying, research claims. Almost a third (32%) of the 40 patients studied, who all held off seeking NHS treatment for that reason, suffered “long-term, irreversible morbidity” (an increased chance of dying) as a direct result of their delay, their doctors say.
In addition, more than four out of five (82%) of the patients had a worse outcome than if they had sought help the day their health deteriorated, while the delay could have proved life-threatening in 90% of them, the study found. They included an older person who had fallen over and broken a limb but stayed in bed over the weekend, despite having a fracture and being in pain because paracetamol gave her too little relief, and only sought help on the Monday. Continue reading... The Guardian
British baby given genetically-edited immune cells to beat cancer in world first
British baby given genetically-edited immune cells to beat cancer in world first A British baby has become the first in the world to receive genetically modified immune cells from a donor and is now cancer free. The Daily Telegraph
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- 'Designer cells' reverse baby's cancer BBC News
- VIDEO: 'Miracle' genetic therapy saves baby BBC News
- World first as baby girl battling leukaemia is saved by 'miracle' treatment: Genetically-modified cells which 'hunt out and kill the disease The Daily Mail
- Layla Richards: One-year-old girl becomes world's first person to receive therapy to cure incurable cancer The Independent
Thursday, 5 November 2015
Is a brisk walk better for losing weight than going to the gym?
Is a brisk walk better for losing weight than going to the gym? "A brisk 30-minute walk five days a week is more effective than any other form of exercise for keeping weight down," The Times reports. That is the reported conclusion of two researchers who looked at data from the annual English Health Surveys from 1999 to 2012.
As expected, they found people who regularly walk briskly for half an hour five days a week were likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who are less active.
The study found women and those over the age of 50 were most likely to have a lower weight if they walked regularly. By walking, the researchers mean brisk walking that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat slightly, not a gentle stroll.
Walking was also linked to having a smaller waist size – although, for men, sport and other forms of exercise were more strongly linked to waist size than walking. Sport and exercise were also linked to a lower BMI, although the link was not as strong as it was for walking.
However, this study does not seem to have compared the effects of the two types of activity directly, so we cannot say for sure – as many in the UK media have done – that walking is more effective than other types of exercise. NHS Choices
As expected, they found people who regularly walk briskly for half an hour five days a week were likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who are less active.
The study found women and those over the age of 50 were most likely to have a lower weight if they walked regularly. By walking, the researchers mean brisk walking that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat slightly, not a gentle stroll.
Walking was also linked to having a smaller waist size – although, for men, sport and other forms of exercise were more strongly linked to waist size than walking. Sport and exercise were also linked to a lower BMI, although the link was not as strong as it was for walking.
However, this study does not seem to have compared the effects of the two types of activity directly, so we cannot say for sure – as many in the UK media have done – that walking is more effective than other types of exercise. NHS Choices
Hospital trust admits deaths charges
Hospital trust admits deaths charges The NHS trust that ran Stafford Hospital pleads guilty to criminal charges in relation to four deaths. BBC News
Invest in pathology services to boost diagnosis and cut costs, urges report
Invest in pathology services to boost diagnosis and cut costs, urges report Investment in pathology services would boost the quality of diagnosis, cut NHS costs and narrow health inequalities, says The Royal College of Pathologists. OnMedica
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- Pathology and the NHS Five Year Forward View Royal College of Pathologists
The cancer drugs fund lottery: Relief as life-extending breast cancer drug is one of seven spared the chop - but nine more will be axed
The cancer drugs fund lottery: Relief as life-extending breast cancer drug is one of seven spared the chop - but nine more will be axed Some 4,100 cancer patients will miss out on breakthrough cancer drugs in England next year as a result of the cuts, down from the 5,500 who would have missed out if some drugs had not been saved. The Daily Mail
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Hospital doctor found guilty of manslaugher after blunders left a six-year-old boy dead
Hospital doctor found guilty of manslaugher after blunders left a six-year-old boy dead Jack Adcock, who had Down's syndrome and a heart condition, was misdiagnosed by "incompetent" Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba. The Daily Telegraph
NHS: Junior doctors to proceed with strike ballot after Jeremy Hunt's last-minute proposals branded misleading
NHS: Junior doctors to proceed with strike ballot after Jeremy Hunt's last-minute proposals branded misleading The BMA said the amended proposals also failed to address concerns around the removal of safeguards. The Independent
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- BMA presses ahead with juniors' ballot British Medical Association
- News story: Junior doctors' contract offer Department of Health
- Policy paper: Junior doctors' contract offer: main points Department of Health
- Statement to Parliament: Junior doctors' contract Department of Health
- Professor Wendy Reid responds to junior doctor contract offer Health Education England
- Junior doctors' contract offer NHS Employers
- Sir Bruce Keogh on junior consultant contract debate NHS England
- Response to Secretary of State announcement on junior doctor's contract Royal College of General Practitioners
- BMA refuses to re-enter contract talks BBC News
- Junior doctors throw 15% pay rise offer back in Jeremy Hunt's face The Daily Mail
- Junior doctors reject 11pc pay rise and prepare for strike ballot The Daily Telegraph
- The NHS is in trouble. Doctors should help, not fight over pay The Daily Telegraph
- BMA tried to gag regulator from issuing strike advice The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors are victims of an NHS that's broken beyond repair The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt's 11% junior doctor contract offer 'megaphone diplomacy', says BMA GP Online
- Junior doctors reject 'misleading' pay offer and criticise Jeremy Hunt The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt: I cannot negotiate on manifesto promise of 24-hour NHS The Guardian
- Junior doctors ballot over strikes as pay offer branded 'fatally flawed' The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt’s ‘pay rise’ offer to junior doctors is nothing of the sort | Letters The Guardian
- Junior doctors claim Jeremy Hunt's 11% pay rise will be a 'pay cut' of 26% The Independent
NHS: UK now has one of the worst healthcare systems in the developed world, according to OECD report
NHS: UK now has one of the worst healthcare systems in the developed world, according to OECD report Hospitals so under equipped that people are dying needlessly because of a chronic lack of investment. The Independent
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Wednesday, 4 November 2015
Fat Chance? Exploring the evidence on who becomes obese
Fat Chance? Exploring the evidence on who becomes obese A new study blows apart previous simplistic approaches to obesity. The research paper, ‘Fat Chance?’ which examines the wealth of current knowledge and data on obesity, addresses one crucial question: ‘Who exactly is becoming obese?’ 2020health
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Valuing staff through recognition schemes
Valuing staff through recognition schemes Staff recognition schemes are a good way of helping staff to feel valued by the organisation they work for. NHS Employers
Hunt pay offer in junior doctor row
Hunt pay offer in junior doctor row Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says the government's proposed new contract for junior doctors in England will include an 11% increase in their basic pay. BBC News
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See also:
- BMA responds to Guardian story on Jeremy Hunt's offer to junior doctors British Medical Association
- Junior doctors' contract offer Department of Health
- VIDEO: Hunt: 'Good deal for doctors and patients' BBC News
- VIDEO: Junior doctor's frontline video diary BBC News
- Jeremy Hunt offers pay rises of up to 15% to halt doctors’ strike The Daily Mail
- Junior doctors offered 11pc pay rise to head off strike The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt offers junior doctors 11% pay rise in bid to end dispute The Guardian
- Junior doctors offered 11% pay rise as Jeremy Hunt bids to avoid strike The Independent
Trainees and 1,000 existing GPs will count towards 2020 workforce target, MPs told
Trainees and 1,000 existing GPs will count towards 2020 workforce target, MPs told A government pledge to deliver an extra 5,000 GPs in England by 2020 will be met by including trainees and persuading 1,000 existing GPs to delay retirement or return from career breaks, an NHS training official has admitted. GP Online
CQC fee hike slammed by GPs and health providers
CQC fee hike slammed by GPs and health providers Plans for fee rise 'damaging to patient care' OnMedica
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- BMA criticises “wholly unjustified" proposals to increase CQC fees that could damage patient care British Medical Association
- Health and social care fees consultation Care Quality Commission
Sex under the influence of drugs is 'causing HIV and other STI rates to soar'
Sex under the influence of drugs is 'causing HIV and other STI rates to soar' Experts writing in the British Medical Journal said people having chemsex often reported having unprotected sex with multiple partners. Doctors believe tackling it should be a health priority. The Daily Mail
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See also:
- What is chemsex and why does it matter? The BMJ
- Chemsex: the alarming new trend of 72 hour drug-fuelled sex sessions The Daily Telegraph
- Chemsex should be public health priority due to HIV risk, experts say The Independent
NHS doublespeak drove me away from mental health nursing
NHS doublespeak drove me away from mental health nursing Euphemisms such as ‘cost-improvement’ and ‘management of change’ mask the disastrous impact of cutting frontline staff
Last year the infrastructure behind research delivery in the NHS was completely re-organised; a process officially referred to as “transition”. In my experience as a mental health research nurse, this has created anxiety, confusion and uncertainty, exacerbated by the nuanced way in which the NHS communicates information to its workforce.
Communication between medical professionals and patients is well-documented, but little attention is given to the corporate language used within NHS organisations; language that often appears to conceal the true meaning of what is being said. “Transition” is a case in point; a word suggestive of an evolving, organic process or a natural progression from one state to another. In reality, transition in this context meant re-structuring the entire research delivery network across England and Wales. In terms of mental health research, what emerged at the other end of this re-structure (let’s call it what it was) appears to be a costly muddle, held together by the goodwill and dedication of excellent research staff. Continue reading... The Guardian
Last year the infrastructure behind research delivery in the NHS was completely re-organised; a process officially referred to as “transition”. In my experience as a mental health research nurse, this has created anxiety, confusion and uncertainty, exacerbated by the nuanced way in which the NHS communicates information to its workforce.
Communication between medical professionals and patients is well-documented, but little attention is given to the corporate language used within NHS organisations; language that often appears to conceal the true meaning of what is being said. “Transition” is a case in point; a word suggestive of an evolving, organic process or a natural progression from one state to another. In reality, transition in this context meant re-structuring the entire research delivery network across England and Wales. In terms of mental health research, what emerged at the other end of this re-structure (let’s call it what it was) appears to be a costly muddle, held together by the goodwill and dedication of excellent research staff. Continue reading... The Guardian
Fixing 111 is a matter of life and death
Fixing 111 is a matter of life and death Telegraph View: Non-emergency care responses must be better. If there were a train crash in which 25 people were killed, a major inquiry would be held into the causes and the event would be the subject of media speculation for days. Yet when the deaths are attributed to a scandal in the NHS the response is far more muted. The Daily Telegraph
Abortion doctor who agreed to gender-based termination suspended for three months
Abortion doctor who agreed to gender-based termination suspended for three months A doctor who was caught by The Telegraph admitting that an abortion he was offering was tantamount to 'female infanticide' struck off for three months. The Daily Telegraph
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"Gay cure" therapies are still available on the NHS and need to be banned, says Tory MP Mike Freer
"Gay cure" therapies are still available on the NHS and need to be banned, says Tory MP Mike Freer The Government should introduce regulation to ban so-called “gay cure therapies” that purport to be able to change someone’s sexual orientation, an MP has said. The Independent
Monday, 2 November 2015
Guidance for commissioners of mental health services
Guidance for commissioners of mental health services This guide supports commissioners, local health authorities and providers to think broadly, but practically, about building sustainable, resilient communities that have the potential, over time, to reduce mental ill health. Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health
How do we develop a person-centred, community-centred workforce, to support people with long-term conditions?
How do we develop a person-centred, community-centred workforce, to support people with long-term conditions? This discussion paper from the Coalition for Collaborative Care looks at a key element: the people who are part of the health and social care workforce. Planning, developing and supporting an integrated workforce that routinely works in a person-centred, community-centred way is a complex and multi-faceted challenge. To make it easier to understand and respond to, we've broken it down into four areas:
- Mind-set challenges for person and community-centred care
- The specific knowledge and skills that are needed
- The importance of supportive working environments
- Capacity and roles: workforce planning.
How sharp are we on safety? An assessment of safer sharps adoption in UK hospitals
How sharp are we on safety? An assessment of safer sharps adoption in UK hospitals This report finds that not all NHS trusts are not complying with ‘safer sharps’ rules and, as a result, are continuing to put NHS employees at risk of needle stick injuries and possible blood-borne infections such as hepatitis and HIV. MindMetre
Top names support mental health equality
Top names support mental health equality A campaign calling for the government to increase investment in mental health services has been launched.
Over 200 celebrities have backed the push for mental health to be treated as seriously as other illnesses. It was launched by former mental health minister Norman Lamb, Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell and former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell.BBC News
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Over 200 celebrities have backed the push for mental health to be treated as seriously as other illnesses. It was launched by former mental health minister Norman Lamb, Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell and former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell.BBC News
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How safe are private hospitals?
How safe are private hospitals? Are private hospitals treating NHS patients equipped to deal with emergencies? BBC News
FGM reporting law comes into force
FGM reporting law comes into force Doctors, nurses, midwives and teachers are now legally required to report cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) to the police. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- Guidance: FGM: mandatory reporting in healthcare Department of Health
- Health care professionals required to report FGM to the police The Royal College of Nursing
- VIDEO: New law to try and end FGM in the UK BBC News
- FGM: healthcare professionals have a duty to protect girls The Guardian
GP-led scheme cut hospital admissions 75% among elderly
GP-led scheme cut hospital admissions 75% among elderly A GP-led pilot to tackle dehydration in care homes reduced hospital admissions among residents by 75% and improved patients' physical and psychological health, according to the GP behind the programme. GP Online
Unique NHS service launched to combat long-term fatigue
Unique NHS service launched to combat long-term fatigue The first NHS service for patients who complain of being tired all the time has been launched in Newcastle as new research shows that one Briton in eight is affected by long-term fatigue. The Daily Mail
200,000 cancer patients live in most deprived areas of England – study
200,000 cancer patients live in most deprived areas of England – study Macmillan Cancer Support says too many people left vulnerable to financial burden of disease, with figures highlighting folly of government’s welfare plans
About 200,000 people with cancer are living in the most deprived areas of England, leaving them vulnerable to the financial burden of the disease, a study has found.
Macmillan Cancer Support, which carried out the analysis jointly with Public Health England’s Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN), says that with four in five patients facing an average cost of £570 a month as a result of their disease, the findings are extremely worrying. Continue reading... The Guardian
About 200,000 people with cancer are living in the most deprived areas of England, leaving them vulnerable to the financial burden of the disease, a study has found.
Macmillan Cancer Support, which carried out the analysis jointly with Public Health England’s Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN), says that with four in five patients facing an average cost of £570 a month as a result of their disease, the findings are extremely worrying. Continue reading... The Guardian
Foreigners may be charged for A&E treatment under new proposals
Foreigners may be charged for A&E treatment under new proposals Jeremy Hunt considering move to withhold non-urgent NHS treatment for those from outside European Economic Area until payment is made
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, is considering whether to charge foreigners for using ambulances and visiting A&E in a move that could further escalate tensions with the medical profession. In a bid to raise money, Hunt is expected to announce a consultation within the next month on whether the NHS should charge patients from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for emergency treatment.
While no one would be denied urgent care, hospitals would be allowed to withhold treatment for non-urgent medical problems until a payment was made. Patients from inside the EEA would have to present their European Health Insurance card to receive treatment, and their government would be sent a bill. Under the proposals, there would be certain exemptions on charging up front, such as for women in labour, while asylum seekers would be excluded from the system altogether. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, is considering whether to charge foreigners for using ambulances and visiting A&E in a move that could further escalate tensions with the medical profession. In a bid to raise money, Hunt is expected to announce a consultation within the next month on whether the NHS should charge patients from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for emergency treatment.
While no one would be denied urgent care, hospitals would be allowed to withhold treatment for non-urgent medical problems until a payment was made. Patients from inside the EEA would have to present their European Health Insurance card to receive treatment, and their government would be sent a bill. Under the proposals, there would be certain exemptions on charging up front, such as for women in labour, while asylum seekers would be excluded from the system altogether. Continue reading... The Guardian
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- Non-EEA patients face A&E charges BBC News
A&E faces worst winter ever, top doctor warns
A&E faces worst winter ever, top doctor warns Bed shortages and cancelled operations loom in NHS emergency
Record numbers of patients will be stuck on trolleys in corridors or the back of ambulances this winter as hospitals run out of beds because of soaring demand and limited funding, the country’s leading A&E doctor has warned.
Hospitals will have to put more patients on trolleys, cancel more operations than ever before and turn away new admissions as they fail to meet the four-hour maximum patient waiting A&E target, amid unprecedented bed-blocking caused by fast growing demand, Dr Cliff Mann told The Observer. Continue reading...
Record numbers of patients will be stuck on trolleys in corridors or the back of ambulances this winter as hospitals run out of beds because of soaring demand and limited funding, the country’s leading A&E doctor has warned.
Hospitals will have to put more patients on trolleys, cancel more operations than ever before and turn away new admissions as they fail to meet the four-hour maximum patient waiting A&E target, amid unprecedented bed-blocking caused by fast growing demand, Dr Cliff Mann told The Observer. Continue reading...
How trust made secret 111 plan to hit all-important NHS targets
How trust made secret 111 plan to hit all-important NHS targets The deaths of up to 25 patients have come under investigation, after whistleblower reveals extent of policy that delayed help for seriously ill patients. The Daily Telegraph
Middle-aged male suicide rate rises by 40 per cent since 2008
Middle-aged male suicide rate rises by 40 per cent since 2008 A new report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission suggests that unemployment, financial problems and unattainable masculine ideals may be responsible for the increase. The Daily Telegraph
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- Four in ten men aged 18 to 45 have thought about suicide The Daily Mail
RIP IVF? NHS cuts to fertility treatment ‘will deny thousands parenthood’
RIP IVF? NHS cuts to fertility treatment ‘will deny thousands parenthood’ Exclusive: Some areas that once offered couples three cycles of IVF may soon provide none. The Independent
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- Women denied IVF as 80 per cent of NHS trusts ration fertility treatment The Daily Telegraph
NHS: Stress affecting one in three junior doctors, according to British Medical Association
NHS: Stress affecting one in three junior doctors, according to British Medical Association The BMA say the job of a junior doctor is becoming 'un-doable'. The Independent
Friday, 30 October 2015
Council debate on making East Northants a healthier and more active place to live
Council debate on making East Northants a healthier and more active place to live Healthy and active lifestyles were the key subjects at a recent issues debate held by East Northamptonshire Council. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Watchdog wants public’s view on East Midlands Ambulance Service
Watchdog wants public’s view on East Midlands Ambulance Service A health watchdog in Northamptonshire wants to know what people think of the East Midlands Ambulance Service. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Open consultation: Setting the mandate to NHS England for 2016 to 2017
Open consultation: Setting the mandate to NHS England for 2016 to 2017 The mandate to NHS England sets the government’s objectives for NHS England, as well as its budget. In doing so, the mandate sets direction for the NHS, and helps ensure the NHS is accountable to Parliament and the public.
In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the Secretary of State must publish a mandate each year, to ensure that NHS England’s objectives remain up to date.
A new mandate to NHS England is due to be published following the completion of the Spending Review, to take effect from April 2016. This consultation document sets out how the government proposes to set the mandate to NHS England for this Parliament. The final mandate will be subject to the outcome of the government’s Spending Review. Department of Health
In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the Secretary of State must publish a mandate each year, to ensure that NHS England’s objectives remain up to date.
A new mandate to NHS England is due to be published following the completion of the Spending Review, to take effect from April 2016. This consultation document sets out how the government proposes to set the mandate to NHS England for this Parliament. The final mandate will be subject to the outcome of the government’s Spending Review. Department of Health
New tool helps NHS staff to identify trafficking victims
New tool helps NHS staff to identify trafficking victims Recent research has highlighted that many victims of human trafficking come into contact with NHS services during the time they are trafficked, or after their escape. In response to this, the Department of Health has launched an updated tool to help NHS staff identify and care for trafficked people and refer them for further support.
The Provider Responses, Treatment and Care for Trafficked People (PROTECT) independent research recently published findings in the BMJ Open showing that up to one in eight NHS professionals reported having contact with a patient they suspected may have been trafficked. The research highlights how important it is that the health system has an understanding of modern slavery and the need for training tools to support health professionals in identifying and providing support for victims. Findings published in the Lancet Psychiatry show that secondary mental health services are caring for trafficked people with a range of diagnoses including: depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia.
The Department of Health’s e-learning tool for health service staff on identifying and responding to Modern Slavery sets out situations in which health staff may encounter victims of trafficking, explains the legal situation regarding potential victims’ rights to medical care, and explores ways in which health staff can provide support. NHS England
The Provider Responses, Treatment and Care for Trafficked People (PROTECT) independent research recently published findings in the BMJ Open showing that up to one in eight NHS professionals reported having contact with a patient they suspected may have been trafficked. The research highlights how important it is that the health system has an understanding of modern slavery and the need for training tools to support health professionals in identifying and providing support for victims. Findings published in the Lancet Psychiatry show that secondary mental health services are caring for trafficked people with a range of diagnoses including: depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia.
The Department of Health’s e-learning tool for health service staff on identifying and responding to Modern Slavery sets out situations in which health staff may encounter victims of trafficking, explains the legal situation regarding potential victims’ rights to medical care, and explores ways in which health staff can provide support. NHS England
New framework to support high quality dementia care
New framework to support high quality dementia careA comprehensive new resource to support health and social care staff and educators who work with people living with dementia and their carers has been launched by Health Education England
The Dementia Core Skills Education and Training Framework sets out the essential skills and knowledge necessary for all staff involved in dementia care and will enable organisations to:
The Dementia Core Skills Education and Training Framework sets out the essential skills and knowledge necessary for all staff involved in dementia care and will enable organisations to:
- standardise the interpretation of dementia education and training
- guide the focus and aims of dementia education and training delivery through key learning outcomes
- ensure the educational relevance of dementia training
- improve the quality and consistency of education and training provision.
Follow-up to PHSO report: dying without dignity
Follow-up to PHSO report: dying without dignityThis report aimed to find out why the care failings detailed in Dying without dignity were allowed to happen and has recommended three areas where immediate improvements are needed: culture, behaviour and training; provision of integrated 24/7 palliative and end of life care; and leadership and commissioning. Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Ovarian cancer drug 'can help with some types of prostate cancer'
Ovarian cancer drug 'can help with some types of prostate cancer'"Ovarian cancer pill 'effective' at treating men with prostate cancer," The Independent reports after a small trial found the drug olaparib slowed tumour growth in men with a certain type ofprostate cancer.
The trial involved 50 men with advanced prostate cancer who had not responded to other treatments. All of them were given olaparib. By the end of the study follow-up, 35 (70%) had died. Men who had a type of genetic mutation affecting DNA repair lived longer than those who did not.
It is hoped the drug could serve as a targeted treatment for this sub-type of prostate cancer in the same way Herceptin is used for breast cancer associated with the HER2 protein.
But one practical drawback of using olaparib in this way is the cost. It's reported a course of the drug costs £4,740 a month. NHS Choices
The trial involved 50 men with advanced prostate cancer who had not responded to other treatments. All of them were given olaparib. By the end of the study follow-up, 35 (70%) had died. Men who had a type of genetic mutation affecting DNA repair lived longer than those who did not.
It is hoped the drug could serve as a targeted treatment for this sub-type of prostate cancer in the same way Herceptin is used for breast cancer associated with the HER2 protein.
But one practical drawback of using olaparib in this way is the cost. It's reported a course of the drug costs £4,740 a month. NHS Choices
Learning disability care beds cut
Learning disability care beds cut Hospital beds for people with learning disabilities and autism will be halved in England, the NHS has announced. BBC News
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- Britain's only NHS hospital that specialises in learning disabilities is to close following the Winterbourne View care home abuse scandal The Daily Mail
- Last NHS hospital for people with learning disabilities to close The Daily Telegraph
- Last NHS hospital in England for people with learning disabilities to close The Guardian
- Calderstones Hospital: UK's only learning disability hospital to close after care review ITV News
Thousands face long wait for NHS gender reassignment
Thousands face long wait for NHS gender reassignment Thousands of adults wanting gender reassignment are having to wait at least eight months for an initial appointment.
Many have to wait much longer, something which can force them to seek treatment outside the NHS. ITV News
Many have to wait much longer, something which can force them to seek treatment outside the NHS. ITV News
Demand for routine GP appointments on Sunday 'very low', access pilot review shows
Demand for routine GP appointments on Sunday 'very low', access pilot review shows Demand for routine GP appointments on Sundays is 'very low' in most areas, according to an official review of GP access pilots set up under the £150m prime minister's Challenge Fund. GP Online
NHS orthopaedic hospitals warn of funding crisis due to payment changes
NHS orthopaedic hospitals warn of funding crisis due to payment changes Royal National Orthopaedic hospital says it could face 25% drop in income, with other hospitals fearing impact on patient care
Specialist NHS orthopaedic hospitals in England fear huge drops in funding because of changes to the payments they receive for treating patients.
The Royal National Orthopaedic hospital (RNOH) in Stanmore, north London, has warned that it will lose £15.2m in income during 2016-17 under draft proposals, more than a quarter of what it received last year for inpatients on the tariffs then in force. Continue reading... The Guardian
Specialist NHS orthopaedic hospitals in England fear huge drops in funding because of changes to the payments they receive for treating patients.
The Royal National Orthopaedic hospital (RNOH) in Stanmore, north London, has warned that it will lose £15.2m in income during 2016-17 under draft proposals, more than a quarter of what it received last year for inpatients on the tariffs then in force. Continue reading... The Guardian
Call the midwife – again and again until they feel overwhelmed and dizzy
Call the midwife – again and again until they feel overwhelmed and dizzy A community midwife tells of the impossible workload of a typical shift in today’s overstretched, understaffed NHS
The autumn months are the busiest of the year for a midwife in the NHS. Christmas and new year excesses result in a predictable spike in the birth rate around September and the numbers only begin to settle as December approaches.
Today I begin my late autumn shift as a community midwife earlier than usual to sort out the day’s clinics and visits. I start at the hospital, looking through the paperwork of those women who have been discharged in the last 24 hours. Two midwives from my team have phoned in sick and another is on leave. We have six half-day clinics and 29 home visits to newly postnatal mums to cover between the two remaining midwives. Continue reading... The Guardian
The autumn months are the busiest of the year for a midwife in the NHS. Christmas and new year excesses result in a predictable spike in the birth rate around September and the numbers only begin to settle as December approaches.
Today I begin my late autumn shift as a community midwife earlier than usual to sort out the day’s clinics and visits. I start at the hospital, looking through the paperwork of those women who have been discharged in the last 24 hours. Two midwives from my team have phoned in sick and another is on leave. We have six half-day clinics and 29 home visits to newly postnatal mums to cover between the two remaining midwives. Continue reading... The Guardian
Patients with life-threatening conditions can wait twice as long for ambulance because they called 111
Patients with life-threatening conditions can wait twice as long for ambulance because they called 111 Exclusive: The NHS is investigating the decision by an ambulance trust to delay help for patients who suffered potentially lethal conditions. The Daily Telegraph
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Junior doctors who work the longest hours will actually have their pay cut, Jeremy Hunt admits
Junior doctors who work the longest hours will actually have their pay cut, Jeremy Hunt admits The Health Secretary had accused the British Medical Association of scaremongering. The Independent
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Models of Care for High-Need, High-Cost Patients: An Evidence Synthesis
Models of Care for High-Need, High-Cost Patients: An Evidence Synthesis This brief analysis experts’ reviews of evidence about care models designed to improve outcomes and reduce costs for patients with complex needs. It finds that successful models have several common attributes, but overall, the evidence of impact is modest and few of these models have been widely adopted. The Commonwealth Fund
Thursday, 29 October 2015
Raunds woman to keep fighting for Hepatitis C drug after being given contaminated blood
Raunds woman to keep fighting for Hepatitis C drug after being given contaminated blood A woman has vowed to keep fighting after being told she can’t have the drug she wants after contracting Hepatitis C from contaminated blood given to her by the NHS before 1991. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Focus on Survivors: Identifying barriers to accessing support for those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse
Focus on Survivors: Identifying barriers to accessing support for those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse University Campus Suffolk and Suffolk charity Survivors in Transition present findings from important new research, Focus on Survivors. The study is based on a large scale, national questionnaire with adults who were sexually abused as children about their experiences of services.
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People-centred health systems in the WHO European Region
People-centred health systems in the WHO European Region This publication is a collection of personal stories describing experiences in health systems associated with improved health and well-being. While these examples are not intended to replace technical guidance on how to organize, finance or deliver health and social services, they emphasize people-centred approaches from the perspective of patients and carers. World Health Organization
Health Secretary outlines measures for greater patient power
Health Secretary outlines measures for greater patient power From next year, for the first time, new ‘Ofsted style’ ratings will show patients how their local area’s health service is performing in crucial areas, including:
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- cancer
- dementia
- diabetes
- mental health
- learning disabilities
- maternity care
- the Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, Harpal Kumar, who will verify cancer ratings
- the government’s Mental Health Taskforce Chairman Paul Farmer, who will lead on mental health ratings
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- RCGP response to Health Secretary’s announcement on a more patient-focussed NHS Royal College of General Practitioners
- Ofsted-style ratings for cancer and dementia services The Daily Telegraph
- NHS patient healthcare to be given ‘Ofsted-style’ ratings The Guardian
Evaluation highlights areas for improvement in long term conditions care
Evaluation highlights areas for improvement in long term conditions care Older people living with multiple long term conditions are generally happy with the NHS but often find the health and care system is not set up for their needs.
That is the main finding of an ethnographic evaluation carried out by the Ipsos Ethnography Centre of Excellence (ECE) – part of Ipsos MORI – who were invited to undertake the work by NHS Improving Quality.
The ethnographic evaluation is an in depth approach to understanding people and their behaviours over a period of time.
The key findings include:
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That is the main finding of an ethnographic evaluation carried out by the Ipsos Ethnography Centre of Excellence (ECE) – part of Ipsos MORI – who were invited to undertake the work by NHS Improving Quality.
The ethnographic evaluation is an in depth approach to understanding people and their behaviours over a period of time.
The key findings include:
- People greatly value the care and support they receive from the NHS and the wider health and care sector, and in the main feel the care they receive is good.
- People are trying hard to manage their long term conditions to the best of their abilities, but often feel the system is not set up to cope with their multiple and complex needs.
- People with more than one long term condition struggle to coordinate them all. They can feel there is no support linking all of their conditions and focusing on them personally and holistically.
- People with long term conditions want to have everyday achievable goals and support that fit realistically within their everyday lives.
- People can feel that they are a burden within their home as well as within the health and care system, which can prevent them seeking the help and support they need.
- Too often, there is an absence of discussion about care and care needs, within the home and within the health care system.
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Exercise and therapy 'useful for chronic fatigue syndrome'
Exercise and therapy 'useful for chronic fatigue syndrome' "ME can be beaten by positive thinking and taking more exercise," is the rather simplistic message from the Daily Mail following the results of a long-term study involving 481 people.
The study compared four types of treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition where people feel so persistently exhausted they cannot function, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Researchers found positive results for two types of treatment lasted for at least two years.
A 2011 study comparing four commonly used treatments seemed to show two types of treatment worked better: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a type of talking therapy that aims to help people challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and graded exercise therapy (GET), where people are helped to gradually increase the amount of exercise they do each day. NHS Choices
The study compared four types of treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition where people feel so persistently exhausted they cannot function, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Researchers found positive results for two types of treatment lasted for at least two years.
A 2011 study comparing four commonly used treatments seemed to show two types of treatment worked better: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a type of talking therapy that aims to help people challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and graded exercise therapy (GET), where people are helped to gradually increase the amount of exercise they do each day. NHS Choices
Hunt acts on 'time-wasting' referrals
Hunt acts on 'time-wasting' referrals Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announces plans to stop GPs having to rearrange hospital appointments for patients, in a bid to save them time. BBC News
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Junior doctors 'will not lose money'
Junior doctors 'will not lose money' No junior doctors working up to the legal limit on working hours will lose money under a proposed new contract, Jeremy Hunt tells MPs. BBC News
EU doctor suspended for 'poor English'
EU doctor suspended for 'poor English' An Italian doctor has been suspended from practising in the UK after failing an English language test, in one of the first cases of its kind. BBC News
Legal ruling forces NHS England U-turn over GP rent appeals
Legal ruling forces NHS England U-turn over GP rent appeals NHS England has been forced to back down over practices' right to appeal changes to notional rent after 'landmark' rulings by the NHS Litigation Authority. GP Online
Doctor will see you – and you too – now
Doctor will see you – and you too – now Can shared doctor appointments improve patient satisfaction while cutting costs? Some hospitals are finding out
Across Britain talented doctors and management teams are doing their best to deliver world class healthcare to more people than ever before. But is it sustainable?
The NHS in England recently announced a £930m deficit in just three months (April-June) – the worst in a generation – and non-urgent care is being hit hard. The pressure is on to cut costs. But the challenge is how to cut without compromising patient care or over-burdening already hardworking medical staff and making healthcare roles unattractive. Continue reading... The Guardian
Across Britain talented doctors and management teams are doing their best to deliver world class healthcare to more people than ever before. But is it sustainable?
The NHS in England recently announced a £930m deficit in just three months (April-June) – the worst in a generation – and non-urgent care is being hit hard. The pressure is on to cut costs. But the challenge is how to cut without compromising patient care or over-burdening already hardworking medical staff and making healthcare roles unattractive. Continue reading... The Guardian
Selfish anti-abortion protesters must be stopped from hurting British women
Selfish anti-abortion protesters must be stopped from hurting British women A new report has collated the distressing experiences of women who've visited abortion clinics with pro-life protesters outside. Abigail Fitzgibbon asks what needs to happen for politicians to take the threat seriously. The Daily Telegraph
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Hospital to give free food (discreetly) to starving patients due to malnourishment fears
Hospital to give free food (discreetly) to starving patients due to malnourishment fears Staff at Tameside Hospital in Greater Manchester noticed that more and more patients were showing signs of the condition. The Independent
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Wednesday, 28 October 2015
National award for Northamptonshire health initiative to save money and waste with prescription drugs
National award for Northamptonshire health initiative to save money and waste with prescription drugs An innovative pilot training initiative which has helped patients in Northamptonshire to make the most of their medicines has picked up a national award. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Where cancer patients live could influence late diagnosis
Where cancer patients live could influence late diagnosis If all the regions of England were as good as the South West at diagnosing cancer early nearly 20,000 more patients over two years could be diagnosed at stage 1 or 2, giving them a better chance of survival. Cancer Research UK
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- RCGP response to CRUK figures on regional variation in cancer diagnosis Royal College of General Practitioners
- Cancer variation 'unacceptable' BBC News
- VIDEO: Thousands of cancer cases 'missed' BBC News
- 10,000 cancer cases are spotted late every year because of postcode lottery The Daily Mail
- Postcode lottery in cancer diagnosis is costing up to 10,000 lives a year The Daily Telegraph
- The worst places in England to have cancer The Independent
Midwifery faces ‘time bomb’, says report
Midwifery faces ‘time bomb’, says report Record numbers of births to older mothers are putting maternity units under intense pressure, says a new Royal College of Midwifery report.
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See also:
- State of Maternity Services Report 2015 Royal College of Midwifery
- Britain's older midwives are a ticking timebomb that needs diffusing - fast The Daily Telegraph
- 'Time bomb' as new mothers get older and midwives approach retirement The Guardian
NHS Homeopathy Spending
NHS Homeopathy Spending In their campaigning against the funding of homeopathy on the NHS, Good Thinking have highlighted that the total annual spend is ‘between £3m and £5m per year’. By way of summary:
- In the 2013/14 fiscal year, 14 NHS England CCGs reported that they fund homeopathy, spending around £300,000 in total
- A further 17 CCGs commission via the RLHIM in London, and are unsure as to the level of their funding
- Homeopathic hospitals in Bristol and Glasgow received around £1.6m-£2m in total.
New nursing framework supports delivery of care closer to home
New nursing framework supports delivery of care closer to home A new education and career framework launched by Health Education England sets out for the first time the specialist knowledge and skills needed to deliver and advance in district nursing and general practice nursing.
Latest analysis shows current picture of diseases which were widespread in the Victorian era
Latest analysis shows current picture of diseases which were widespread in the Victorian era Latest analysis of hospital admissions for a number of diseases that were widespread during the 19th and early 20th centuries is released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre
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Cheap Alzheimer's drug 'may help keep people out of care homes'
Cheap Alzheimer's drug 'may help keep people out of care homes' Donepezil is usually withdrawn as a treatment for people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease as it had been thought to provide little benefit.
In this study, researchers wanted to see if this was a hasty decision and people should actually continue to take the drug – they carried out a randomised controlled study to look at the issue.
People with moderate to severe Alzheimer's, who were living in the community, were randomly allocated to discontinue or continue taking donepezil, either alone or in combination with another Alzheimer's drug called memantine, or switching to memantine alone.
The main outcome the researchers looked at was whether these people ended up being placed in a nursing home. The results showed discontinuing donepezil roughly doubled the chance of nursing home placements during the first year. There was no significant difference between these groups in the following three years. NHS Choices
In this study, researchers wanted to see if this was a hasty decision and people should actually continue to take the drug – they carried out a randomised controlled study to look at the issue.
People with moderate to severe Alzheimer's, who were living in the community, were randomly allocated to discontinue or continue taking donepezil, either alone or in combination with another Alzheimer's drug called memantine, or switching to memantine alone.
The main outcome the researchers looked at was whether these people ended up being placed in a nursing home. The results showed discontinuing donepezil roughly doubled the chance of nursing home placements during the first year. There was no significant difference between these groups in the following three years. NHS Choices
Flawed GP data extraction system 'misspent public money'
Flawed GP data extraction system 'misspent public money' A government IT system that collects data from GP practices across England was signed off despite being demonstrably flawed from day one and 'not fit for purpose', MPs heard on Monday. GP Online
New NHS screening for Down's expected soon
New NHS screening for Down's expected soon DNA test will improve performance in screening and reduce miscarriages. OnMedica
Anthrax: First case of disease since 2006 found in Wiltshire cow
Anthrax: First case of disease since 2006 found in Wiltshire cow Public Health England said it is the first case of the deadly disease to have been found in an animal since 2006. The Independent
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Safe staffing in the NHS comes at a cost
Safe staffing in the NHS comes at a cost When the Care Quality Commission suggested in its recent State of Care report that ‘safer, better care does not necessarily cost more’, the inclusion of the word ‘necessarily’ was important. The King's Fund
Mental health annual report 2014/15
Mental health annual report 2014/15 The Health and Social Care Information Centre has published its annual report on secondary mental health and learning disability services.
Patient safety alert – Support to minimise the risk of distress and death from inappropriate doses of naloxone
Patient safety alert – Support to minimise the risk of distress and death from inappropriate doses of naloxone A patient safety alert has been issued by NHS England to support providers of NHS funded care to minimise the risk of distress and death caused by inappropriate doses of naloxone. NHS England
Rise in 'anti-abortion protests'
Rise in 'anti-abortion protests' The rise in US-style anti-abortion protests in England. BBC News
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Breaking even 'would have shut A&E'
Breaking even 'would have shut A&E' A major hospital would have to close its A&E department nine days in every 10 to break even because of the funding formula, a former chief executive says. BBC News
UK/China fund on antimicrobial resistance to launch
UK/China fund on antimicrobial resistance to launch Plan to attract £1 billion investment in research. OnMedica
Having borderline personality disorder helps me in my NHS job
Having borderline personality disorder helps me in my NHS job Some people have said it’s a career death sentence but my lived experience of mental health problems makes me a more compassionate clinician. The Guardian
Should the NHS scrap the four-hour A&E wait time target?
Should the NHS scrap the four-hour A&E wait time target? Some of the incentives in the system have to change in order to secure a sustainable health service
One month before the comprehensive spending review, data from the King’s Fund have revealed the shocking impact of social care cuts on NHS hospitals. The financial distress in trusts can no longer be allowed to crush every other funding demand across the care system.
The King’s Fund’s latest quarterly monitoring report shows nearly 90% of acute trust finance directors surveyed say social care cuts are affecting the performance of local health services. Continue reading... The Guardian
One month before the comprehensive spending review, data from the King’s Fund have revealed the shocking impact of social care cuts on NHS hospitals. The financial distress in trusts can no longer be allowed to crush every other funding demand across the care system.
The King’s Fund’s latest quarterly monitoring report shows nearly 90% of acute trust finance directors surveyed say social care cuts are affecting the performance of local health services. Continue reading... The Guardian
Processed meat and cancer link: Just two rashers of bacon per day increases risk of bowel cancer, says WHO
Processed meat and cancer link: Just two rashers of bacon per day increases risk of bowel cancer, says WHO World Health Organisation places bacon and ham in the same category as cigarette smoke and formaldehyde. The Independent
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- IARC Monographs evaluate consumption of red meat and processed meat (press release) World Health Organization
- Q&A on the carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat World Health Organization
- Bacon, burgers and sausages 'are as big a cancer threat as cigarettes,' global health chiefs declare The Daily Mail
- Processed meat ranks alongside smoking as major cause of cancer, World Health Organisation says The Daily Telegraph
- Does bacon cause cancer? Key questions about the WHO red meat report The Daily Telegraph
- Bacon and sausages are carcinogenic – but there are 480 things the WHO says may cause cancer The Independent
- Red meat could raise cancer risk, conclude experts OnMedica
TTIP: Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage, Nicola Sturgeon and Natalie Bennett sign appeal to exempt NHS from trade deal
TTIP: Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage, Nicola Sturgeon and Natalie Bennett sign appeal to exempt NHS from trade deal The organisers, from Unite, say that they approached the Conservatives asking for support but were refused. The Independent
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