Monday, 25 April 2016
AstraZeneca to sequence 2 million genomes in hunt for new drugs
AstraZeneca to sequence 2 million genomes in hunt for new drugs The UK company will work with genomics company Human Longevity. OnMedica
The NHS must treat smokers and the obese fairly
The NHS must treat smokers and the obese fairly As doctors, we should not discriminate against groups of patients to save money.
One in three areas in England is denying or delaying surgery to patients who are obese or who smoke. That’s the stark finding of a new report by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Some may think it appropriate to deny treatment to people who overeat or smoke in a cash-strapped NHS, but as surgeons we think it wrong to have a blanket ban on surgery based on such criteria. Targeting patient groups risks unfairly isolating them and undermining the fundamental NHS principle to treat all patients freely at the point of need regardless of their background or lifestyle. Continue reading... The Guardian
One in three areas in England is denying or delaying surgery to patients who are obese or who smoke. That’s the stark finding of a new report by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Some may think it appropriate to deny treatment to people who overeat or smoke in a cash-strapped NHS, but as surgeons we think it wrong to have a blanket ban on surgery based on such criteria. Targeting patient groups risks unfairly isolating them and undermining the fundamental NHS principle to treat all patients freely at the point of need regardless of their background or lifestyle. Continue reading... The Guardian
More over-90s get new hips to keep on being active
More over-90s get new hips to keep on being active There were 156 hip replacements for patients aged over 100 last year alone, while knee-replacement operations for the over-90s have also risen according to NHS figures. The Daily Mail
Friday, 22 April 2016
NGH becomes first UK hospital on international standards programme
NGH becomes first UK hospital on international standards programme Northampton General Hospital has become the first NHS hospital in the UK to sign up to an internationally-recognised programme for nursing and midwifery standards. The Pathway to Excellence programme recognises hospitals for the quality of patient care and professional satisfaction of the nurses and midwives who work in them. The programme is delivered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Specialist nurse from Northamptonshire shortlisted for award to recognise work with multiple sclerosis
Specialist nurse from Northamptonshire shortlisted for award to recognise work with multiple sclerosis A specialist nurse from Northamptonshire has been selected as a finalist in the 2016 MS Society Awards for her commitment to excellence in providing and improving services for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Northampton Chronicle and Echo
University of Northampton wins £130,000 grant to study dementia in young people
University of Northampton wins £130,000 grant to study dementia in young people Research into diagnosing and supporting young people who develop dementia is being supported by the University of Northampton. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
No ‘weekend effect’ on mortality in psychiatric hospitals
No ‘weekend effect’ on mortality in psychiatric hospitals Interim findings from a NIHR HS&DR study, published in The Lancet, have found that there is no significant difference in risk of mortality for patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital at the weekend versus during the week.
Whilst previous studies have indicated that risk of mortality is higher for patients admitted to acute hospitals at the weekend less is known about variations in clinical outcomes among patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals. National Institute for Health Research
Whilst previous studies have indicated that risk of mortality is higher for patients admitted to acute hospitals at the weekend less is known about variations in clinical outcomes among patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals. National Institute for Health Research
Primary care
Primary care This report analyses the challenges facing primary care and examines the long-term solutions which can improve access to services and patient care. It warns that primary care is under unprecedented strain and struggling to keep pace with relentlessly rising demand. House of Commons Health Select Committee
Mental health and criminal justice: views from consultations across England & Wales
Mental health and criminal justice: views from consultations across England & Wales With extremely high rates of mental ill-health among the prison population, this report draws on experiences from across England and Wales to determine the way forward for improvement. It finds that few of the prisons represented at the events were able to offer psychological therapies, and that primary mental health care remains the weakest element of mental health support in prisons. Centre for Mental Health
Report shows revalidation is starting to have a positive impact but improvements can be made
Report shows revalidation is starting to have a positive impact but improvements can be made Independent research commissioned by the General Medical Council (GMC) has found that four out of 10 doctors are changing their practice as a result of their last appraisal. General Medical Council
2.2 billion in 'at risk' Zika areas
2.2 billion in 'at risk' Zika areas More than two billion people live in parts of the world where the Zika virus can spread, detailed maps show. BBC News
Falling suicide rate linked to improving NHS mental health care
Falling suicide rate linked to improving NHS mental health care Changes to how mental health care is being provided in the NHS in England in recent years may be linked to a 20-30% decrease in the nation’s suicide rate, according to new research published today in The Lancet Psychiatry.
However, researchers also found that suicide rates were higher in mental health trusts with higher levels of staff turnover.. OnMedica
However, researchers also found that suicide rates were higher in mental health trusts with higher levels of staff turnover.. OnMedica
Prostate cancer awareness: Most people have no idea what the gland does and many don't know they have one
Prostate cancer awareness: Most people have no idea what the gland does and many don't know they have one Experts fear that people's lack of awareness of the gland will lead to people dying, and that the cancer is on track to become the most common in the UK. The Independent
See also:
See also:
UK junior doctors may follow April strikes with indefinite walkout
UK junior doctors may follow April strikes with indefinite walkout Open-ended walkout one option if next week’s strikes do not force health secretary to reopen talks over imposed contract, emails show
Junior doctors are considering an indefinite walkout in protest at the new contract Jeremy Hunt is forcing on them if next week’s all-out strikes do not force him to reopen talks, leaked emails reveal.
Emails sent last week by the chair of the British Medical Association’s junior doctors committee (JDC) show that an open-ended withdrawal of labour is among the options it will consider to further its campaign. That could start on 8 June. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Junior doctors are considering an indefinite walkout in protest at the new contract Jeremy Hunt is forcing on them if next week’s all-out strikes do not force him to reopen talks, leaked emails reveal.
Emails sent last week by the chair of the British Medical Association’s junior doctors committee (JDC) show that an open-ended withdrawal of labour is among the options it will consider to further its campaign. That could start on 8 June. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
One in three NHS trusts restrict surgery for smokers and overweight patients
One in three NHS trusts restrict surgery for smokers and overweight patients Overweight people are being used as "soft targets" by NHS trusts who deny them treatment to save money, surgeons have claimed.
Although hip and knee replacements can help people stay mobile and keep active, more than one third clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) now refuse surgery until patients have lost weight or stopped smoking.
The Royal College of Surgeons is calling on ministers to make it clear to trusts that they are breaching health watchdog guidelines in discriminating on grounds of weight or smoking status. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Although hip and knee replacements can help people stay mobile and keep active, more than one third clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) now refuse surgery until patients have lost weight or stopped smoking.
The Royal College of Surgeons is calling on ministers to make it clear to trusts that they are breaching health watchdog guidelines in discriminating on grounds of weight or smoking status. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Thursday, 21 April 2016
Northampton hospital to invest £600k a year in paying nurses’ training costs
Northampton hospital to invest £600k a year in paying nurses’ training costs
Hospital bosses in Northampton are offering to pay the university fees of students in an attempt to increase the paltry number of nurses available in the town. Northampton Chronicle
Hospital bosses in Northampton are offering to pay the university fees of students in an attempt to increase the paltry number of nurses available in the town. Northampton Chronicle
GP services get £2.4bn funding boost
GP services get £2.4bn funding boost
A major five-year investment in general practice in England is announced, with NHS bosses promising to "pull out all the stops" to help GP surgeries "get back on their feet". BBC News
A major five-year investment in general practice in England is announced, with NHS bosses promising to "pull out all the stops" to help GP surgeries "get back on their feet". BBC News
Role of specialist health visitors in perinatal and infant mental health
Role of specialist health visitors in perinatal and infant mental health
All women and their partners should have access within their local health visiting service to a specialist health visitor in perinatal and infant mental health (PIMH). NHS Networks
All women and their partners should have access within their local health visiting service to a specialist health visitor in perinatal and infant mental health (PIMH). NHS Networks
Mental health services: preparations for improving access
Mental health services: preparations for improving access
The Department of Health and NHS England are starting to make progress with the actions needed to implement access and waiting time standards for people with mental health conditions, but much remains to be done, according to the National Audit Office. Today’s report from the spending watchdog is the first in a planned programme of work on mental health.
The Department and NHS England have made a clear commitment to improve mental health services for people who need them. In 2011, the government set an ambition that mental health would be valued as much as physical health. In October 2014, the Department and NHS England set a first set of standards for the access to mental health services that people should expect and how long they should have to wait for treatment.
Improving care for people with mental health problems depends on action by many local organisations working together. However, the full cost of implementing the new access and waiting time standards and meeting longer term ambitions for better services is not well understood. The Department estimated that achieving the commitments made in the first three areas – improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT), early intervention in psychosis and liaison psychiatry services – could be £160 million a year more than the estimated £663 million that clinical commissioning groups spent on these services in 2014-15. Subsequent indicative analysis suggests that the cost of improving access further could be substantially higher, although there is considerable uncertainty around these estimates.
The Department and NHS England have made available £120 million of additional funding over the two years 2014-15 and 2015-16. However, most of the cost of implementing the new access and waiting time standards will be met from clinical commissioning groups’ existing budgets, at a time when the NHS is under increasing financial pressure.
Today’s report finds that full information does not exist to measure how far the NHS is from meeting the access and waiting time standards, but it is clear that meeting the standards will be a very significant challenge. Nationally, the access and waiting times for IAPT are already being met but performance varies substantially across different areas. A survey of acute hospitals in July 2015 indicated that 7% had the level of service NHS England considers will be beneficial to patients – at least a core liaison psychiatry service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Complete information is not yet available to measure performance for early intervention in psychosis.
The Department and NHS England are making progress, particularly in setting priorities and national leadership, but significant risks to implementing the access and waiting times programme remain. The strongest areas are the clear objectives and strong leadership, and a governance framework is being developed. The greatest challenges for the future are collecting data to show whether the standards are being met, building the mental health workforce and reinforcing incentives for providers.
National Audit Office
The Department of Health and NHS England are starting to make progress with the actions needed to implement access and waiting time standards for people with mental health conditions, but much remains to be done, according to the National Audit Office. Today’s report from the spending watchdog is the first in a planned programme of work on mental health.
The Department and NHS England have made a clear commitment to improve mental health services for people who need them. In 2011, the government set an ambition that mental health would be valued as much as physical health. In October 2014, the Department and NHS England set a first set of standards for the access to mental health services that people should expect and how long they should have to wait for treatment.
Improving care for people with mental health problems depends on action by many local organisations working together. However, the full cost of implementing the new access and waiting time standards and meeting longer term ambitions for better services is not well understood. The Department estimated that achieving the commitments made in the first three areas – improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT), early intervention in psychosis and liaison psychiatry services – could be £160 million a year more than the estimated £663 million that clinical commissioning groups spent on these services in 2014-15. Subsequent indicative analysis suggests that the cost of improving access further could be substantially higher, although there is considerable uncertainty around these estimates.
The Department and NHS England have made available £120 million of additional funding over the two years 2014-15 and 2015-16. However, most of the cost of implementing the new access and waiting time standards will be met from clinical commissioning groups’ existing budgets, at a time when the NHS is under increasing financial pressure.
Today’s report finds that full information does not exist to measure how far the NHS is from meeting the access and waiting time standards, but it is clear that meeting the standards will be a very significant challenge. Nationally, the access and waiting times for IAPT are already being met but performance varies substantially across different areas. A survey of acute hospitals in July 2015 indicated that 7% had the level of service NHS England considers will be beneficial to patients – at least a core liaison psychiatry service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Complete information is not yet available to measure performance for early intervention in psychosis.
The Department and NHS England are making progress, particularly in setting priorities and national leadership, but significant risks to implementing the access and waiting times programme remain. The strongest areas are the clear objectives and strong leadership, and a governance framework is being developed. The greatest challenges for the future are collecting data to show whether the standards are being met, building the mental health workforce and reinforcing incentives for providers.
National Audit Office
Integrated care to address the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness: a rapid review
Integrated care to address the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness: a rapid review
People with mental health conditions have a lower life expectancy and poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. Evidence suggests that this discrepancy is driven by a combination of clinical risk factors, socioeconomic factors and health system factors. The objective of this research was to explore current service provision and map the recent evidence on models of integrated care addressing the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness primarily within the mental health service setting.
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
Full report
Summary report
NIHR - publications
People with mental health conditions have a lower life expectancy and poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. Evidence suggests that this discrepancy is driven by a combination of clinical risk factors, socioeconomic factors and health system factors. The objective of this research was to explore current service provision and map the recent evidence on models of integrated care addressing the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness primarily within the mental health service setting.
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
Full report
Summary report
NIHR - publications
News story: HSCIC changing its name to NHS Digital
News story: HSCIC changing its name to NHS Digital
From July 2016, the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) will change its name to NHS Digital, building on the role it plays in directly supporting the NHS and social care services. Noel Gordon has been appointed as the new Chair for NHS Digital by the Secretary of State.
HSCIC, now NHS Digital, is the national provider of information, data and IT systems for commissioners, analysts and clinicians in health and social care.
Its work includes:
publishing more than 260 statistical publications per year
providing a range of specialist data services
managing informatics projects and programmes, and developing and assuring national systems against appropriate contractual, clinical safety and information standards
The new name of ‘NHS Digital: Information and technology for better health and care’ should help to build public recognition, confidence and trust. Speaking at the National Information Board’s Leadership Summit, George Freeman, Minister for Life Sciences, explained that NHS Digital will continue to produce high quality information, IT systems and services for health and social care. As well as showing how technological development and effective use of information can transform the quality of care a patient receives.
George Freeman said:
Healthcare in the 21st century is going digital with improved treatment and care, and with huge benefits for patient safety. The newly named NHS Digital will provide important information and IT services to ensure better care for patients.
This is an exciting time for NHS leadership in medical technology and NHS Digital will help to develop the NHS’s ability to deliver modern services. I’m pleased that Noel Gordon has agreed to lead NHS Digital as the organisation’s new chairman.
Noel Gordon is currently the Non-executive Director and Chair of the Specialised Services Commissioning Committee at NHS England. Formerly an economist, Mr Gordon has spent most of his career in consultancy, including 16 years at Accenture where he was global managing director of the Banking Industry Practice.
He has experience of innovating and transforming industries, and of using big data, analytics, mobile and digital technologies.
From July 2016, the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) will change its name to NHS Digital, building on the role it plays in directly supporting the NHS and social care services. Noel Gordon has been appointed as the new Chair for NHS Digital by the Secretary of State.
HSCIC, now NHS Digital, is the national provider of information, data and IT systems for commissioners, analysts and clinicians in health and social care.
Its work includes:
publishing more than 260 statistical publications per year
providing a range of specialist data services
managing informatics projects and programmes, and developing and assuring national systems against appropriate contractual, clinical safety and information standards
The new name of ‘NHS Digital: Information and technology for better health and care’ should help to build public recognition, confidence and trust. Speaking at the National Information Board’s Leadership Summit, George Freeman, Minister for Life Sciences, explained that NHS Digital will continue to produce high quality information, IT systems and services for health and social care. As well as showing how technological development and effective use of information can transform the quality of care a patient receives.
George Freeman said:
Healthcare in the 21st century is going digital with improved treatment and care, and with huge benefits for patient safety. The newly named NHS Digital will provide important information and IT services to ensure better care for patients.
This is an exciting time for NHS leadership in medical technology and NHS Digital will help to develop the NHS’s ability to deliver modern services. I’m pleased that Noel Gordon has agreed to lead NHS Digital as the organisation’s new chairman.
Noel Gordon is currently the Non-executive Director and Chair of the Specialised Services Commissioning Committee at NHS England. Formerly an economist, Mr Gordon has spent most of his career in consultancy, including 16 years at Accenture where he was global managing director of the Banking Industry Practice.
He has experience of innovating and transforming industries, and of using big data, analytics, mobile and digital technologies.
Department o fHealth
Chief Executive of largest integrated community and mental health trust appointed as new NHS England National Mental Health Director
Chief Executive of largest integrated community and mental health trust appointed as new NHS England National Mental Health Director
The Chief Executive of Central and North West London NHS FT (CNWL), Claire Murdoch, has been appointed by Simon Stevens as the new NHS National Mental Health Director. NHS Commissioning
The Chief Executive of Central and North West London NHS FT (CNWL), Claire Murdoch, has been appointed by Simon Stevens as the new NHS National Mental Health Director. NHS Commissioning
UK dementia cases fell 20% between 1989 and 2011
UK dementia cases fell 20% between 1989 and 2011
But decline almost entirely among men; women still seem to be at higher risk, study shows. OnMedica
But decline almost entirely among men; women still seem to be at higher risk, study shows. OnMedica
Mental health goals may not be met, audit office warns
Mental health goals may not be met, audit office warns
Waiting-time targets were scheduled to start in April, but NAO report says officials do not yet have a grip on how much the policy will cost
A government pledge to bring mental health services up to the standards of those for physical ailments will struggle to be met, the government’s official spending watchdog has concluded.
The National Audit Office has examined the Department of Health’s strategy for bringing a “parity of esteem” to ensure that patients do not have to wait longer for mental health therapies. New waiting time targets for those seeking help with mental illnesses were supposed to be introduced at the start of this month.
Guardian
Continue reading...
Waiting-time targets were scheduled to start in April, but NAO report says officials do not yet have a grip on how much the policy will cost
A government pledge to bring mental health services up to the standards of those for physical ailments will struggle to be met, the government’s official spending watchdog has concluded.
The National Audit Office has examined the Department of Health’s strategy for bringing a “parity of esteem” to ensure that patients do not have to wait longer for mental health therapies. New waiting time targets for those seeking help with mental illnesses were supposed to be introduced at the start of this month.
Guardian
Continue reading...
Commissioning better cancer services
Commissioning better cancer services
NHS England has published guidance to support commissioners and strategic clinical networks to ensure every person affected by cancer will have access to a recovery package and follow-up pathways by 2020, as set out in the cancer strategy. NHS Networks
NHS England has published guidance to support commissioners and strategic clinical networks to ensure every person affected by cancer will have access to a recovery package and follow-up pathways by 2020, as set out in the cancer strategy. NHS Networks
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
NHS gave me hepatitis for 34 years, says Northamptonshire man... but I can’t praise them enough
NHS gave me hepatitis for 34 years, says Northamptonshire man... but I can’t praise them enough A pensioner from Northampton has finally been cured of hepatitis, 34 years after a faulty batch of NHS blood gave him the deadly disease. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Catalyst or distraction? The evolution of devolution in the English NHS
Catalyst or distraction? The evolution of devolution in the English NHS This report considers the potential implications of devolution on health and care outcomes in England and how policy could best evolve. It draws on analysis of the devolution deals agreed to date, relevant literature, and international experience with a focus on four European decentralised health systems. The Health Foundation
New guidance on recruiting and retaining volunteers
New guidance on recruiting and retaining volunteers New guidance for NHS employers looks at how employing volunteers can add value to your workforce, how to attract volunteers and how to effectively manage and support them. NHS Employers
See also:
See also:
- New guidance on supporting staff who volunteer NHS England
Infant death rate 'lowest ever'
Infant death rate 'lowest ever' The number of babies dying before their first birthday in England and Wales is at its lowest ever, new figures have revealed. BBC News
NHS reconsiders HIV Prep drug decision
NHS reconsiders HIV Prep drug decision The NHS in England says it will reconsider whether or not to provide a drug treatment that can prevent HIV. BBC News
GP funding cut by £250m since 2010, new figures reveal
GP funding cut by £250m since 2010, new figures reveal Real terms spending on general practice has fallen £250m since the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition took power in 2010, House of Commons Library research has revealed. GP Online
New evidence confirms Zika virus transmissible by sex
New evidence confirms Zika virus transmissible by sex Genetically identical virus in man’s semen and infected woman who had never been to Zika area. OnMedica
The Guardian view on Boots: sick staff, a healthcare business and the public purse | Editorial
The Guardian view on Boots: sick staff, a healthcare business and the public purse | Editorial A recent Guardian report into Boots shed light on what happened after private equity invaded the high street. The reaction from medical professionals attests to the human toll, and the costs to the taxpayer
A week ago, the Guardian published a Long Read on Boots, a piece which has provoked an extraordinary reaction. A flood of letters from pharmacists that shows no sign of stopping. Strong concern voiced by medical professionals, from GPs to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. And the watchdog compelled to step in, so that, remarkably, Britain’s biggest pharmacy now faces the prospect of a regulatory investigation.
Our investigation reported a series of allegations from Boots’ own staff, as well as independent experts. We uncovered evidence that a senior manager at the chain was pressuring employees to milk NHS schemes for cash. Pharmacists suggested that professional ethics were being sacrificed for the sake of profit, and spoke of working conditions that threatened patient safety. All this appeared to stem from the business model adopted by Boots after its £11bn private-equity buyout in 2007. To pay back billions in loans, and to make their required returns, the investors pursued a model of “stretch and extract”: stretching finances and staff to the limit – then extracting profits. Continue reading... The Guardian
A week ago, the Guardian published a Long Read on Boots, a piece which has provoked an extraordinary reaction. A flood of letters from pharmacists that shows no sign of stopping. Strong concern voiced by medical professionals, from GPs to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. And the watchdog compelled to step in, so that, remarkably, Britain’s biggest pharmacy now faces the prospect of a regulatory investigation.
Our investigation reported a series of allegations from Boots’ own staff, as well as independent experts. We uncovered evidence that a senior manager at the chain was pressuring employees to milk NHS schemes for cash. Pharmacists suggested that professional ethics were being sacrificed for the sake of profit, and spoke of working conditions that threatened patient safety. All this appeared to stem from the business model adopted by Boots after its £11bn private-equity buyout in 2007. To pay back billions in loans, and to make their required returns, the investors pursued a model of “stretch and extract”: stretching finances and staff to the limit – then extracting profits. Continue reading... The Guardian
‘Burnout and depression’: the doctors struggling with their mental health
‘Burnout and depression’: the doctors struggling with their mental health Research suggests eight out of 10 doctors in England have experienced mental health issues. Here, some of those who are suffering tell their story
On his way to work one day as a first-year junior doctor, Craig felt so desperate that he considered jumping in front of a bus.
He had never experienced suicidal thoughts before. He felt helpless, as though there was too much to do and not enough time to do it. He was, it transpired, suffering from depression, partly triggered by the huge pressure he was under at work. It had become routine to put in an extra two or three hours after a 12-hour shift, because it was just too busy for him to leave. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
On his way to work one day as a first-year junior doctor, Craig felt so desperate that he considered jumping in front of a bus.
He had never experienced suicidal thoughts before. He felt helpless, as though there was too much to do and not enough time to do it. He was, it transpired, suffering from depression, partly triggered by the huge pressure he was under at work. It had become routine to put in an extra two or three hours after a 12-hour shift, because it was just too busy for him to leave. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- My nervous breakdown as a doctor made me doubt my patients' depression The Guardian
- Why doctors hide their own illnesses The Guardian
Junior doctors' strike 'unjustifiable in struggling hospitals'
Junior doctors' strike 'unjustifiable in struggling hospitals' General Medical Council updates guidance for trainee medics before two-day withdrawal of cover from all services
Junior doctors in hospitals that will be hit hard by next week’s all-out strikes should not take part in case patients end up suffering harm, the medical profession’s regulator has said.
In updated guidance for trainee medics before the total withdrawal of junior doctor cover in all areas of medical treatment, the General Medical Council said that doing so was unjustified in hospitals that would struggle to ensure safe care. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Junior doctors in hospitals that will be hit hard by next week’s all-out strikes should not take part in case patients end up suffering harm, the medical profession’s regulator has said.
In updated guidance for trainee medics before the total withdrawal of junior doctor cover in all areas of medical treatment, the General Medical Council said that doing so was unjustified in hospitals that would struggle to ensure safe care. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- GMC advice for doctors in the event of full industrial action General Medical Council
- GMC statement: refusing unsafe rotas General Medical Council
- Hospitals 'may struggle' in all-out strikes BBC News
- Junior doctors will call off next week's strike if Jeremy Hunt agrees to drop threat to impose a new pay deal The Daily Mail
- Junior doctors should listen to the GMC and abandon their strike The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt tells MPs he 'can and will' impose junior doctor contract GP Online
- Harm patients? Junior doctors are striking to protect them The Guardian
- Withdrawing emergency cover crosses a line – it will damage trust in doctors The Guardian
- Junior doctors' strike: Jeremy Hunt rejects BMA offer to cancel walk-out if he halts contract imposition The Independent
- Hunt ‘never planned to insist on changes to existing contracts’ OnMedica
Mental health crisis: 'I've nearly died four times - but no one has helped me'
Mental health crisis: 'I've nearly died four times - but no one has helped me' “I’ve nearly died three or four times,” says Cristina, 23. “From overdosing to trying to commit suicide to self-harm. No one's helped me. I’ve been on a waiting list for therapy for eight months. All the GP can do is prescribe medication but it makes me worse – I don’t want to take it.
“I’ve tried to call my care worker a number of times but they tell me I have to wait. The only support I can access is from the crisis helpline, but by then I’m already thinking about killing myself. I've realised you have to help yourself because no one else will help you. It’s a waiting game.” The Daily Telegraph
“I’ve tried to call my care worker a number of times but they tell me I have to wait. The only support I can access is from the crisis helpline, but by then I’m already thinking about killing myself. I've realised you have to help yourself because no one else will help you. It’s a waiting game.” The Daily Telegraph
Pre-drinking amongst middle-aged adults causes serious health risk
Pre-drinking amongst middle-aged adults causes serious health risk Many adults are routinely downing 14 units of alcohol - their maximum limit for the entire week - in a single evening by drinking in multiple locations, a study found. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- Middle-aged drinkers 'pre-load' just like their children The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
"Only use A&E if it is a real emergency": KGH and NGH issue warning ahead of biggest junior doctors strike so far
"Only use A&E if it is a real emergency": KGH and NGH issue warning ahead of biggest junior doctors strike so far People using A&E at Northamptonshire’s two general hospitals have been told to only attend if it is a real emergency during next week’s two-day junior doctors strike. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- County's health leaders issue advice ahead of junior doctors' strike Northampton General Hospital
Why does winter in A&E get worse every year?
Why does winter in A&E get worse every year? England’s A&E system will not survive without significantly more investment in the form of funding, capacity and staffing in the coming years, according to a report by The Royal College of Emergency Medicine.
The report, Why does winter in A&E get worse every year? highlights the current pressures being faced by emergency departments throughout the year and shows how winter unmasks the pressures and constraints within the emergency care system.
See also:
The report, Why does winter in A&E get worse every year? highlights the current pressures being faced by emergency departments throughout the year and shows how winter unmasks the pressures and constraints within the emergency care system.
See also:
Privatisation and independent sector provision of NHS healthcare
Privatisation and independent sector provision of NHS healthcare The NHS is facing unprecedented financial pressures. Every area where spending is increasing needs to be rigorously evaluated.
Every year for the past five years, the amount of money spent by the NHS England on healthcare that is provided by the independent sector has increased, with the current yearly total at nearly £7bn, totalling 6.3% of the total NHS budget.
In response to the British Medical Association has released a report examining the increasing extent of privatisation within the NHS, including:
Every year for the past five years, the amount of money spent by the NHS England on healthcare that is provided by the independent sector has increased, with the current yearly total at nearly £7bn, totalling 6.3% of the total NHS budget.
In response to the British Medical Association has released a report examining the increasing extent of privatisation within the NHS, including:
- examining the amount of NHS England budget that is spent on independent providers
- looking at case studies of where independent providers have taken over NHS services and the effect it has had on healthcare provision
- undertaking a survey of doctors asking for their opinions of independent sector provision of NHS healthcare
- using the survey results, as well as data from a number of privatisation indicators, to make eight recommendations for independent sector provision of NHS healthcare
Untapped potential: bringing the voluntary sector's strengths to health and care transformation
Untapped potential: bringing the voluntary sector's strengths to health and care transformation This research was commissioned by the Richard Group of Charities and it assessed the findings of 175 evaluations into how the voluntary sector's offer can integrated into the health and care system of the future. The project also aimed to design a framework for a shared language to help charities describe their work and its value to give commissioners and policymakers a way to identify aspects of charities' work that most clearly matches their needs. New Philanthropy Capital
NHS bullying made me want to kill myself and forced me to quit
NHS bullying made me want to kill myself and forced me to quit I will never forget what happened to me and four years on I still suffer trauma whenever I go near the hospital where I once worked
Waking up on a gloomy Monday morning, I was filled instantly with nausea and severe panic. It wasn’t the usual blues one gets at the beginning of a new working week – it was something more sinister and surprising for a woman in her mid 30s. It was the result of 18 months’ worth of workplace bullying in the NHS.
I had worked nearly all my adult life in a hospital setting. I loved all aspects of my job, but patient contact and customer care were the two areas I enjoyed the most. I had good relationships with the people I worked with and the patients I saw on a regular basis. My job was my life and I often worked over my contracted hours for no extra pay because I was dedicated to patient care. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also
Waking up on a gloomy Monday morning, I was filled instantly with nausea and severe panic. It wasn’t the usual blues one gets at the beginning of a new working week – it was something more sinister and surprising for a woman in her mid 30s. It was the result of 18 months’ worth of workplace bullying in the NHS.
I had worked nearly all my adult life in a hospital setting. I loved all aspects of my job, but patient contact and customer care were the two areas I enjoyed the most. I had good relationships with the people I worked with and the patients I saw on a regular basis. My job was my life and I often worked over my contracted hours for no extra pay because I was dedicated to patient care. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also
Jeremy Hunt ramps up rhetoric over imposing contract on doctors
Jeremy Hunt ramps up rhetoric over imposing contract on doctors Health secretary’s response to question in Commons raises uncertainty about his legal right to impose terms
Jeremy Hunt has revived his threat to “impose” a new contract on junior doctors, despite government lawyers and his own ministry having said that he was merely “introducing” it.
His stance deepened the confusion over the government’s tactics towards NHS trainee medics and the uncertainty surrounding his legal right to impose updated terms and conditions on them. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Jeremy Hunt has revived his threat to “impose” a new contract on junior doctors, despite government lawyers and his own ministry having said that he was merely “introducing” it.
His stance deepened the confusion over the government’s tactics towards NHS trainee medics and the uncertainty surrounding his legal right to impose updated terms and conditions on them. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Statesmanship among medical leaders could help resolve the junior doctors’ dispute The King's Fund
- BMA doctors union split over all-out strike over junior doctors pay The Daily Mail
- Hunt pleads with junior doctors to break strike if A&Es can't cope The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt 'backtracking' over contract imposition, say junior doctors GP Online
NHS snubs new lung drug that could transform the lives of cystic fibrosis suffers
NHS snubs new lung drug that could transform the lives of cystic fibrosis suffers UK MPs and charities have hit out at a decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to reject a new drugs for cystic fibrosis sufferers because it is 'too costly'. The Daily Mail
Monday, 18 April 2016
Health bosses linking norovirus cases to Northamptonshire pub after 60 become unwell
Health bosses linking norovirus cases to Northamptonshire pub after 60 become unwell Public Health England are linking a number of norovirus cases to a pub in Northamptonshire after 60 customers and staff reported being unwell. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Corby GP takes top role in health organisation
Corby GP takes top role in health organisation The organisation responsible for commissioning health services in the Corby area has appointed a new clinical chairman following an election. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Case study on enhancing staff engagement and patient care
Case study on enhancing staff engagement and patient care A case study from NHS Employers examines the experience of Wrightlington, Wigan and Leigh NHS foundation trust, which commissioned the development of a staff engagement tool.
Dementia and comorbidities: ensuring parity of care
Dementia and comorbidities: ensuring parity of care This report, supported by Pfizer, argues that a failure to prevent, diagnose and treat depression, diabetes and urinary tract infections in people with dementia could cost the UK's health and care system up to nearly £1 billion per year. It highlights a lack of parity in the diagnosis of these conditions in people with dementia and outlines some recommendations including revision of NICE clinical guidelines; greater patient involvement in care plans; and commissioning of a wider range of psychological therapies. International Longevity Centre - UK
Evaluation of the UCLH-Macmillan Partnership to deliver improvements in the care, treatment, support, and information to patients with cancer throughout their individual journeys
Evaluation of the UCLH-Macmillan Partnership to deliver improvements in the care, treatment, support, and information to patients with cancer throughout their individual journeys The University College London Hospitals NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support partnership is intended to improve the experiences of carers and patients with cancer by improving the whole journey from diagnosis through to palliation, and to embed this in a system that actively engages patients and carers in decision-making at each step.
The evaluation aimed to assess the working of the partnership and its capacity to support the partners' plans to move forward through both quantitative and qualitative methods. The evaluation team aimed to approach the question of how the partnership was working from the perspectives of staff, volunteers, and senior strategic and operational managers. The evaluation also aimed to understand if, even at this early stage, there were perceptible changes in patient experience compared with comparable changes elsewhere in the NHS. Rand Corporation
The evaluation aimed to assess the working of the partnership and its capacity to support the partners' plans to move forward through both quantitative and qualitative methods. The evaluation team aimed to approach the question of how the partnership was working from the perspectives of staff, volunteers, and senior strategic and operational managers. The evaluation also aimed to understand if, even at this early stage, there were perceptible changes in patient experience compared with comparable changes elsewhere in the NHS. Rand Corporation
Vaccine switched in push to end polio
Vaccine switched in push to end polio More than 150 countries begin switching to a different polio vaccine - an important milestone towards polio eradication, health campaigners say. BBC News
Action call on 'hospitals seen as homes'
Action call on 'hospitals seen as homes' Families of people with learning disabilities say they are planning to take legal action against local authorities and NHS providers over lack of provision in the community. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Fears strain of 'super gonorrhoea' could spread across UK - and may become untreatable
Fears strain of 'super gonorrhoea' could spread across UK - and may become untreatable A strain of "super-gonorrhoea" could spread across the UK and there is an increasing risk the disease could become untreatable.
Doctors have expressed "huge concerns" over recent outbreaks of drug-resistant versions of the superbug across the UK. The Independent
See also:
Doctors have expressed "huge concerns" over recent outbreaks of drug-resistant versions of the superbug across the UK. The Independent
See also:
- Research and analysis: High level azithromycin resistant gonorrhoea in England Public Health England
- Safe sex reminder as antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea investigations continue Public Health England
- Spread of super-gonorrhoea 'big concern' BBC News
- 'Super-gonorrhoea' is spreading across Britain and will become untreatable, doctors fear The Daily Telegraph
Pressure mounts on Jeremy Hunt over handling of junior doctors' dispute
Pressure mounts on Jeremy Hunt over handling of junior doctors' dispute Health secretary rows back from claim he has right to impose contract; use of threat may mean he has misled parliament
Jeremy Hunt is under mounting pressure over his handling of the junior doctors’ dispute after he unexpectedly abandoned his repeated threat to impose a new contract – a move that has led to four strikes by doctors so far.
Hunt’s change of tack, prompted by a high court challenge which starts on Monday, may mean the health secretary has misled parliament over the contract imposition because he has spoken of the threat repeatedly in front of MPs in the House of Commons. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Jeremy Hunt is under mounting pressure over his handling of the junior doctors’ dispute after he unexpectedly abandoned his repeated threat to impose a new contract – a move that has led to four strikes by doctors so far.
Hunt’s change of tack, prompted by a high court challenge which starts on Monday, may mean the health secretary has misled parliament over the contract imposition because he has spoken of the threat repeatedly in front of MPs in the House of Commons. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Junior doctors divided as some warn of 'nightmare' strike dilemma The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors reject call to maintain paediatrics during strike The Guardian
Will mobile health apps make GPs redundant?
Will mobile health apps make GPs redundant? Most of the 165,000 mobile health apps available offer advice on diet and fitness but new ones are diagnosing illness and recommending treatment.
You have a fever, can’t eat and you’re barely strong enough to get out of bed. So you phone your GP surgery for an appointment, only to be told that the first one is two weeks away.
It probably sounds familiar. But could technology offer an alternative? A mobile app, Your.MD, is promising something radically different. Billed as a personal health assistant, it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic, as far as possible, your consultation with a GP. If you tell Your.MD your symptoms, it will tell you what it thinks your problem might be.
Only an automated, computer-driven solution can help with the surging number of people needing help with their health Continue reading... The Guardian
You have a fever, can’t eat and you’re barely strong enough to get out of bed. So you phone your GP surgery for an appointment, only to be told that the first one is two weeks away.
It probably sounds familiar. But could technology offer an alternative? A mobile app, Your.MD, is promising something radically different. Billed as a personal health assistant, it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic, as far as possible, your consultation with a GP. If you tell Your.MD your symptoms, it will tell you what it thinks your problem might be.
Only an automated, computer-driven solution can help with the surging number of people needing help with their health Continue reading... The Guardian
Parkinson's disease sufferers try to hide symptoms or lie about condition, survey finds
Parkinson's disease sufferers try to hide symptoms or lie about condition, survey finds Almost two-fifths of people in the UK with Parkinson's diseasehave felt the need to hide their symptoms or lie about having the condition, a survey has shown.
The findings, from the charity Parkinson's UK, are said to reveal an "alarming" level of fear surrounding the disorder.
A total of 127,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson's, a progressive brain disease that causes uncontrollable tremors, slow movement, and impaired speech.
Parkinson's UK estimates that 42,000 affected people in the UK have delayed sharing their diagnosis with someone close to them. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The findings, from the charity Parkinson's UK, are said to reveal an "alarming" level of fear surrounding the disorder.
A total of 127,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson's, a progressive brain disease that causes uncontrollable tremors, slow movement, and impaired speech.
Parkinson's UK estimates that 42,000 affected people in the UK have delayed sharing their diagnosis with someone close to them. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Friday, 15 April 2016
Integrating housing, health and care
Integrating housing, health and care Last month Simon Stevens announced NHS England’s Healthy New Towns programme. The programme, which is supported by Public Health England, will work with 10 new housing developments to shape the health of communities, and to rethink how health and care services can be delivered.
It was clear from Stevens that it’s quite novel for the NHS to be involved in planning right from the start, deciding how these new sites develop and piloting creative solutions for the health and care challenges that society is facing, including obesity and dementia. And he was right – the NHS is usually late to the table and as a result health and care needs can be an afterthought in new housing developments.
The programme offers important opportunities to embed healthy living into everyday lives – one argument being that if we enable healthy living, thus preventing ill health, we’ll reduce the burden on the over-stretched NHS. Healthy New Towns is a sensible programme but it’s also a long-term one, and we might not be able to measure the benefits of this approach for a number of years. In the meantime, how else should we improve health and care through one of the most fundamental parts of our lives – our homes? The King's Fund
See also:
It was clear from Stevens that it’s quite novel for the NHS to be involved in planning right from the start, deciding how these new sites develop and piloting creative solutions for the health and care challenges that society is facing, including obesity and dementia. And he was right – the NHS is usually late to the table and as a result health and care needs can be an afterthought in new housing developments.
The programme offers important opportunities to embed healthy living into everyday lives – one argument being that if we enable healthy living, thus preventing ill health, we’ll reduce the burden on the over-stretched NHS. Healthy New Towns is a sensible programme but it’s also a long-term one, and we might not be able to measure the benefits of this approach for a number of years. In the meantime, how else should we improve health and care through one of the most fundamental parts of our lives – our homes? The King's Fund
See also:
- Housing, care and health infographics The King's Fund
Policy paper: UK lessons from Ebola outbreak
Policy paper: UK lessons from Ebola outbreak The government welcomes the committee’s report and its focus on the importance of sharing information and expertise and having a coordinated research response.
The government continues to work with the World Health Organization and the wider international community to ensure that we have in place the best possible information to be able to assess the onset and spread of diseases such as Ebola and more recently Zika.
In addition, in the field of research, the government has set up the £1 billion Ross Fund which will enable us to encourage and coordinate action to tackle malaria and other infectious diseases. Department of Health
The government continues to work with the World Health Organization and the wider international community to ensure that we have in place the best possible information to be able to assess the onset and spread of diseases such as Ebola and more recently Zika.
In addition, in the field of research, the government has set up the £1 billion Ross Fund which will enable us to encourage and coordinate action to tackle malaria and other infectious diseases. Department of Health
Guidance for commissioners of psychiatric intensive care units
Guidance for commissioners of psychiatric intensive care units This guidance was produced in partnership with the National Association of Psychiatric Intensive Care and Low Secure Units (NAPICU) to support the commissioning of high-quality psychiatric intensive care units (PICU) and improve patient experience. NHS Clinical Comissioners
'Death risk' warning over birth options
'Death risk' warning over birth options A senior coroner has warned of a risk of future deaths if the NHS favours vaginal delivery over caesarean sections on the basis of cost. BBC News
BMA calls urgent meeting for doctors to tackle NHS crises
BMA calls urgent meeting for doctors to tackle NHS crises UK-wide doctors to discuss NHS concerns and evidence-based solutions to protect care. OnMedica
Scans show severe brain damage in Zika-affected babies
Scans show severe brain damage in Zika-affected babies Extremely severe brain abnormalities indicate poor neurological prognosis, say doctors. OnMedica
See also:
See also:
- Zika virus 'does cause birth defects' NHS Choices
Children's rotting teeth cost hospitals £35m a year
Children's rotting teeth cost hospitals £35m a year Study says excessive consumption of fizzy drinks and foods high in added sugar are main reasons why more children are having teeth removed. The Independent
See also:
See also:
British man to have NHS-funded surgery in France
British man to have NHS-funded surgery in France Timothy Brierley is first patient under deal with Centre Hospitalier de Calais, and he says wait time has been hugely reduced
A British man will become the first NHS patient to undergo surgery at a Calais hospital, under a new scheme that saw his waiting time for the procedure reduced from nearly 10 months to a few weeks.
Last year, Centre Hospitalier de Calais won the right to provide services for NHS patients, signing an agreement with South Kent Coast NHS whereby patients would travel at their own expense to France but with the health service covering the cost of the surgery. Continue reading... The Guardian
A British man will become the first NHS patient to undergo surgery at a Calais hospital, under a new scheme that saw his waiting time for the procedure reduced from nearly 10 months to a few weeks.
Last year, Centre Hospitalier de Calais won the right to provide services for NHS patients, signing an agreement with South Kent Coast NHS whereby patients would travel at their own expense to France but with the health service covering the cost of the surgery. Continue reading... The Guardian
Children's medicine 'at risk' as doctors' dispute puts off trainees
Children's medicine 'at risk' as doctors' dispute puts off trainees Top paediatrician warns of worrying signs of exodus of trainees from the specialty, exacerbating existing shortage
The care of sick children in the NHS is in danger of becoming unsafe because the junior doctors’ dispute is driving so many medics from entering the specialty, Britain’s top paediatrician has warned.
There are worrying signs of an exodus of trainee doctors from children’s medicine that will exacerbate an already serious shortage of staff, according to Prof Neena Modi. Continue reading... The Guardian
The care of sick children in the NHS is in danger of becoming unsafe because the junior doctors’ dispute is driving so many medics from entering the specialty, Britain’s top paediatrician has warned.
There are worrying signs of an exodus of trainee doctors from children’s medicine that will exacerbate an already serious shortage of staff, according to Prof Neena Modi. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS 'on its knees' with worst ever performance on A&E and 111
NHS 'on its knees' with worst ever performance on A&E and 111 The NHS has had its worst ever performance against Accident and Emergency and 111 targets, while missing swathes more standards, official figures show.
Labour said the data showed the health service “on its knees” with patients stuck on trolleys for hours in overcrowded casualty departments.
Latest statistics show the 111 phoneline left record numbers of patients waiting for a call back in February, while failing to hit its targets to directly transfer cases which were most urgent. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Labour said the data showed the health service “on its knees” with patients stuck on trolleys for hours in overcrowded casualty departments.
Latest statistics show the 111 phoneline left record numbers of patients waiting for a call back in February, while failing to hit its targets to directly transfer cases which were most urgent. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- The King's Fund responds to the February performance statistics published today by NHS England The King's Fund
- Statement on the monthly performance statistics for February 2016 NHS England
- Can the NHS get on top of demand? BBC News
- A&E waiting times soar to worst EVER levels with over 5,500 patients a DAY left unseen for more than 4 hours The Daily Mail
- NHS England records worst performance for second month in a row The Guardian
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Northampton A&E unit under "intense pressure" with nearly 320 patients attending every day, says report
Northampton A&E unit under "intense pressure" with nearly 320 patients attending every day, says report About 320 patients are being seen every day at the accident and emergency department of Northampton General Hospital, it has been revealed. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Nursing agencies refuse to lower prices for Northamptonshire NHS, claims report
Nursing agencies refuse to lower prices for Northamptonshire NHS, claims report A spending cap that was designed to bring NHS wage bills under control is being constantly breached in Northamptonshire as agencies refuse to bring down their prices, according to a new report. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The Stolen Years – The Mental Health and Smoking Action report
The Stolen Years – The Mental Health and Smoking Action report Smoking is the biggest contributing factor to why people with mental health have an average lifespan between 10 and 20 years shorter than the general population, according to a new report.
The report, from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), found that around a third of adult smokers are people with a current mental health condition. Among this group, smoking levels are double that of the general population.
The report, endorsed by 27 health and mental health organisations, sets out recommendations for how smoking rates for people with a mental health condition could be dramatically reduced. These include improved training of healthcare staff, better access to stop smoking medication and a move towards smokefree mental health settings. Action on Smoking and Health
The report, from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), found that around a third of adult smokers are people with a current mental health condition. Among this group, smoking levels are double that of the general population.
The report, endorsed by 27 health and mental health organisations, sets out recommendations for how smoking rates for people with a mental health condition could be dramatically reduced. These include improved training of healthcare staff, better access to stop smoking medication and a move towards smokefree mental health settings. Action on Smoking and Health
Who cares? The future of general practice
Who cares? The future of general practice This report examines the current model of general practice in relation to advances in culture, society and technology and argues that the model needs to change to adapt to future needs. It highlights the need for providers to operate at a larger scale in order to deliver primary care services more effectively. It also considers different approaches to providing primary care services such as utilising a more diverse workforce to deliver these services, such as using nurses or pharmacists to administer some general practice appointments. Reform
A&E delays reach new record level
A&E delays reach new record level A&E performance in England sank to a new low in February for the second month in a row, official figures show. BBC News
See also:
See also:
'Unacceptable gaps' in NHS baby care
'Unacceptable gaps' in NHS baby care Gaps in NHS services designed to help sick and premature babies are completely unacceptable, a child health expert says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
Junior doctors begin permanent protest outside Department of Health
Junior doctors begin permanent protest outside Department of Health Doctors plan to wait outside Richmond House until Jeremy Hunt agrees to re-open talks on their contract. OnMedica
Antibiotic resistance 'could become bigger threat to mankind than cancer'
Antibiotic resistance 'could become bigger threat to mankind than cancer' Resistance to antibiotics will become "an even greater threat to mankind than cancer" without global action, Chancellor George Osborne will warn today.
The latest evidence suggests 10 million people a year could die globally by 2050, as a result of antibiotics becoming powerless against common infections - more than currently die from cancer, he will say. The Independent
The latest evidence suggests 10 million people a year could die globally by 2050, as a result of antibiotics becoming powerless against common infections - more than currently die from cancer, he will say. The Independent
Cutting edge theatre: world’s first virtual reality operation goes live
Cutting edge theatre: world’s first virtual reality operation goes live Dr Shafi Ahmed will carry out surgery live-streamed in virtual reality, a move experts hope will make healthcare ‘more equitable’ and help medical training.
This Thursday afternoon, Shafi Ahmed will lean over a patient and begin a delicate operation to remove cancerous tissue from a male patient’s bowel. He has performed such procedures many times before. But this time it won’t be just his surgical team who are in the room with him – the world will be there too.
Showing from 1pm the approximately two-hour long procedure at the Royal London Hospital is the world’s first operation to be streamed live in 360-degree video, allowing medical students, trainee surgeons and curious members of the public to immerse themselves in the medical event in real time. Continue reading... The Guardian
This Thursday afternoon, Shafi Ahmed will lean over a patient and begin a delicate operation to remove cancerous tissue from a male patient’s bowel. He has performed such procedures many times before. But this time it won’t be just his surgical team who are in the room with him – the world will be there too.
Showing from 1pm the approximately two-hour long procedure at the Royal London Hospital is the world’s first operation to be streamed live in 360-degree video, allowing medical students, trainee surgeons and curious members of the public to immerse themselves in the medical event in real time. Continue reading... The Guardian
Innovative community health services help ease the pressure on GPs
Innovative community health services help ease the pressure on GPs New models of care for the growing number of people with long-term health issues are being offered around the country
Relying on family doctors to provide exclusive care to people with long-term conditions is becoming unsustainable. Around 15 million people in England live with a single long-term condition; the number of those with three or more is expected to reach 2.9 million in the next two years and most of them will be aged over 60. At the same time, a third of GP practices report long-term recruitment problems. Creating new ways of looking after this growing patient group has become imperative.
Innovative models of care managed in the community by other health professionals, and private and voluntary-sector providers, are starting to emerge and find a place in the integrated health and care landscape.
There is a growing realisation that health and social care professionals can’t do it all on their own. Continue reading... The Guardian
Relying on family doctors to provide exclusive care to people with long-term conditions is becoming unsustainable. Around 15 million people in England live with a single long-term condition; the number of those with three or more is expected to reach 2.9 million in the next two years and most of them will be aged over 60. At the same time, a third of GP practices report long-term recruitment problems. Creating new ways of looking after this growing patient group has become imperative.
Innovative models of care managed in the community by other health professionals, and private and voluntary-sector providers, are starting to emerge and find a place in the integrated health and care landscape.
There is a growing realisation that health and social care professionals can’t do it all on their own. Continue reading... The Guardian
The true cost of mental health: Depression and anxiety 'loses global economy £651 BILLION each year'
The true cost of mental health: Depression and anxiety 'loses global economy £651 BILLION each year' A study conducted by the World Health Organisation reveals that the equivalent of 12 billion working days - or 50 million years - are lost annually to poor mental health. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- Investing in treatment for depression and anxiety leads to fourfold return World Health Organization
- Scaling-up treatment of depression and anxiety: a globalreturn on investment analysis (open access) Lancet Psychiatry
- 50 million years of work could be lost to mental illness by 2030, says World Health Organisation report The Daily Telegraph
- Better mental health treatment would boost nations' economies - WHO Thomson Reuters Foundation
Boots accused of telling staff to abuse patient medication scheme
Boots accused of telling staff to abuse patient medication scheme Boots has been accused of ordering its staff to review the medicines of patients who do not need it - including its own staff. The NHS pays pharmacies £28 per review. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
Wednesday, 13 April 2016
Scientists help Northamptonshire schoolboy write for first time by printing off new hand
Scientists help Northamptonshire schoolboy write for first time by printing off new hand An eight-year-old boy from Northamptonshire has a new hand thanks to state-of-the-art 3D printing. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
CQC review of how NHS trusts investigate and learn from deaths
CQC review of how NHS trusts investigate and learn from deaths CQC is carrying out a review of how NHS trusts identify, report, investigate and learn from deaths of people using their services.
This follows a request from the Secretary of State for Health, which was part of the Government’s response to a report into the deaths of people with a learning disability or mental health problem in contact with Southern Health Foundation NHS foundation Trust.
CQC’s review will consider the quality of practice in relation to identifying, reporting and investigating the death of any person in contact with a health service managed by an NHS trust; whether the person is in hospital, receiving care in a community setting or living in their own home. The review will pay particular attention to how NHS trusts investigate and learn from deaths of people with a learning disability or mental health problem. Care Quality Commission
See also:
This follows a request from the Secretary of State for Health, which was part of the Government’s response to a report into the deaths of people with a learning disability or mental health problem in contact with Southern Health Foundation NHS foundation Trust.
CQC’s review will consider the quality of practice in relation to identifying, reporting and investigating the death of any person in contact with a health service managed by an NHS trust; whether the person is in hospital, receiving care in a community setting or living in their own home. The review will pay particular attention to how NHS trusts investigate and learn from deaths of people with a learning disability or mental health problem. Care Quality Commission
See also:
Gauging where we are with a paper-free NHS
Gauging where we are with a paper-free NHS As NHS England launches the results of the digital maturity self-assessment for secondary care providers, the Head of Technology Strategy in the Digital Technology team explains the opportunities and challenges ahead
The health of the nation: averting the demise of universal healthcare
The health of the nation: averting the demise of universal healthcare This college of essays explores the background to the current pressures on the NHS and ideas that have been proposed for reform. The publication features contributions from eleven authors, including Richard Murray from The King's Fund, from across the political spectrum and covers a wide range of suggestions covering public health and behaviour change; change management; technological innovations; and the future of commissioning. Civitas
Assessing the impact of health care expenditures on mortality using cross-country data
Assessing the impact of health care expenditures on mortality using cross-country data This paper examines the body of literature which has explored the relationship between levels of public health expenditure and mortality, using a global cross-section or panel of country-level data. Centre for Health Economics
GPs in A&E departments fail to curb demand
GPs in A&E departments fail to curb demand Primary care services that are located in emergency/urgent care facilities often do not reduce demand on A&E services and are not cost-effective, concludes a study published today in Emergency Medicine Journal. OnMedica
New standards for cosmetic surgery issued
New standards for cosmetic surgery issued Doctors who carry out cosmetic procedures in the UK are being issued with new guidance from the General Medical Council (GMC) today designed to ensure better and safer care for patients. OnMedica
See also:
See also:
- Tough new standards for doctors carrying out cosmetic procedures The General Medical Council
- Guidance for doctors who offer cosmetic interventions The General Medical Council
- New cosmetic surgery rules could see practitioners struck off for offering deals and misleading patients The Independent
Sir Bruce Keogh is part of the problem, not the solution, to junior doctors' row
Sir Bruce Keogh is part of the problem, not the solution, to junior doctors' row NHS England medical director has implied that junior doctors are callous but has failed to explain how the NHS can deliver seven-day services.
Sir Bruce Keogh, the medical director of the NHS England, and others have described the junior doctors’ contract dispute as a workplace one about terms and conditions. Others see it is as a key battlefront that goes beyond that remit – an effort to save a crumbling NHS.
Keogh is part of the problem, not the solution to the junior doctors’ dispute. Earlier this year, at the instigation of the Department of Health, he toughened the language of a letter he was writing to the BMA, which raised the possibility that junior doctors may not be available to help hospitals in the event of a Paris-style terrorist attack. The implication was that juniors were being callous, unprofessional and not understanding the gravity of their actions. Their collective 53,000 worth of opinions on the way they were being treated by his boss, and now him, did not matter in the slightest. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Sir Bruce Keogh, the medical director of the NHS England, and others have described the junior doctors’ contract dispute as a workplace one about terms and conditions. Others see it is as a key battlefront that goes beyond that remit – an effort to save a crumbling NHS.
Keogh is part of the problem, not the solution to the junior doctors’ dispute. Earlier this year, at the instigation of the Department of Health, he toughened the language of a letter he was writing to the BMA, which raised the possibility that junior doctors may not be available to help hospitals in the event of a Paris-style terrorist attack. The implication was that juniors were being callous, unprofessional and not understanding the gravity of their actions. Their collective 53,000 worth of opinions on the way they were being treated by his boss, and now him, did not matter in the slightest. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Jeremy Hunt could end this doctors strike tomorrow. I wish our critics would recognise that The Daily Telegraph
- Former chief medical officer resigns over junior doctors strike The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors' strike will put lives in danger warns Dame Sally Davies The Daily Mail
Where’s the harm in GPs prescribing over-the-counter medicines for free? | Ann Robinson
Where’s the harm in GPs prescribing over-the-counter medicines for free? | Ann Robinson Doctors need to prescribe responsibly. But some susceptible patients might not be able to afford sun-blocking cream to prevent skin cancer.
The Mail is up in arms. “The NHS spends millions handing out toothpaste, Calpol and Berocca vitamin pills,” begins an article in the paper on Monday. “Patients are also routinely prescribed Strepsils, Bonjela, Rennie indigestion pills and even Alka-Seltzer.” Apparently this costs the NHS tens of millions a year, “while vital surgery and cancer drugs are rationed”. What a bunch of scroungers we all are.
But is it true? Are profligate GPs prescribing useless drugs for wanton people and draining the NHS of vital funds? The truth is a bit more complicated.
Lots of people get free prescriptions, and more than 80% of all dispensed items are to people who are exempt from them Continue reading... The Guardian
The Mail is up in arms. “The NHS spends millions handing out toothpaste, Calpol and Berocca vitamin pills,” begins an article in the paper on Monday. “Patients are also routinely prescribed Strepsils, Bonjela, Rennie indigestion pills and even Alka-Seltzer.” Apparently this costs the NHS tens of millions a year, “while vital surgery and cancer drugs are rationed”. What a bunch of scroungers we all are.
But is it true? Are profligate GPs prescribing useless drugs for wanton people and draining the NHS of vital funds? The truth is a bit more complicated.
Lots of people get free prescriptions, and more than 80% of all dispensed items are to people who are exempt from them Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS pressuring women to have natural birth over caesarean section due to cost
NHS pressuring women to have natural birth over caesarean section due to cost Some mothers-to-be have to beg hospitals for caesareans, according to the boss of human rights charity Birthrights. This is despite guidelines saying C-sections should be offered to all women who ask. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Sustainability and transformation plans: a major new development in commissioning health and care
Sustainability and transformation plans: a major new development in commissioning health and care
July 2016 sees the deadline for the production of sustainability and transformation plans - joint plans produced by NHS providers, CCGs, local authorities, and other health and care services (including VCSE partners) for 44 geographical areas across England. NHS Networks
July 2016 sees the deadline for the production of sustainability and transformation plans - joint plans produced by NHS providers, CCGs, local authorities, and other health and care services (including VCSE partners) for 44 geographical areas across England. NHS Networks
NHS England backs innovative care initiative
NHS England backs innovative care initiative
NHS England has today announced a £1.75m investment in an innovative family-based initiative to help more people to be cared for in a home, not a hospital.
The Shared Lives model will support people who have needs which make it hard for them to live on their own, by carefully matching them with a carer to share their family and lives, giving care and support in the community. NHS Commissioning
NHS England has today announced a £1.75m investment in an innovative family-based initiative to help more people to be cared for in a home, not a hospital.
The Shared Lives model will support people who have needs which make it hard for them to live on their own, by carefully matching them with a carer to share their family and lives, giving care and support in the community. NHS Commissioning
Tens of millions to be reinvested in patient care thanks to NHS devices deal
Tens of millions to be reinvested in patient care thanks to NHS devices deal
NHS England has today announced a new nationwide system for purchasing expensive medical devices and implants which will see savings of over £60 million ploughed back into specialist care in its first two years. NHS Commissioning
NHS England has today announced a new nationwide system for purchasing expensive medical devices and implants which will see savings of over £60 million ploughed back into specialist care in its first two years. NHS Commissioning
Guidance for commissioners of psychiatric intensive care units (PICU)
Guidance for commissioners of psychiatric intensive care units (PICU)
This guidance was produced in partnership with the National Association of Psychiatric Intensive Care and Low Secure Units (NAPICU) to support the commissioning of high-quality PICUs and improve patient experience. It seeks to empower and enable commissioners, managers and clinicians to jointly develop high quality PICUs. It provides summary guidance which will assist commissioners to meet the needs of their local population, and achieve the ambitions of the Five Year Forward View focusing on patient safety, clinical effectiveness and patient experience. NHS Clinical Commissioners
Guidance
Press release
This guidance was produced in partnership with the National Association of Psychiatric Intensive Care and Low Secure Units (NAPICU) to support the commissioning of high-quality PICUs and improve patient experience. It seeks to empower and enable commissioners, managers and clinicians to jointly develop high quality PICUs. It provides summary guidance which will assist commissioners to meet the needs of their local population, and achieve the ambitions of the Five Year Forward View focusing on patient safety, clinical effectiveness and patient experience. NHS Clinical Commissioners
Guidance
Press release
CentreForum Commission on Children and Young People's Mental Health: state of the nation
CentreForum Commission on Children and Young People's Mental Health: state of the nation
This is the first report from the commission and their research has revealed the problems young people face when trying to access mental health care. Services turn away, on average, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of children and teenagers referred to them by their GPs, teachers or others. The analysis of services’ eligibility criteria shows that this is often because there are high thresholds for access to their services, preventing often the most effective treatment of mental health conditions - early intervention. CentreForum
Report
Press release
This is the first report from the commission and their research has revealed the problems young people face when trying to access mental health care. Services turn away, on average, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of children and teenagers referred to them by their GPs, teachers or others. The analysis of services’ eligibility criteria shows that this is often because there are high thresholds for access to their services, preventing often the most effective treatment of mental health conditions - early intervention. CentreForum
Report
Press release
Nurses could safely take half of GPs' appointments, says thinktank
Nurses could safely take half of GPs' appointments, says thinktank
Reform argues letting practice nurses deal with more minor ailments could relieve strain on GPs and save £700m
Only one in three people who visit a GP surgery are ill enough to need to see a doctor and many of the remainder could talk to a practice nurse instead, a report claims.
Letting nurses deal with more ailments could free up enough GP time to allow them to offer patients appointments lasting up to 20 minutes, it concludes. Guardian
Continue reading...
Reform argues letting practice nurses deal with more minor ailments could relieve strain on GPs and save £700m
Only one in three people who visit a GP surgery are ill enough to need to see a doctor and many of the remainder could talk to a practice nurse instead, a report claims.
Letting nurses deal with more ailments could free up enough GP time to allow them to offer patients appointments lasting up to 20 minutes, it concludes. Guardian
Continue reading...
New cancer imaging could show if treatment attacking disease within days
New cancer imaging could show if treatment attacking disease within days
The technique has been tested on a person in the UK for the first time as part of a study. Independent
The technique has been tested on a person in the UK for the first time as part of a study. Independent
Patients do want to see GPs at weekends as demand for appointments found to soar
Patients do want to see GPs at weekends as demand for appointments found to soar
Analysis by the think-tank Reform contradicts claims by GPs that weekend appointments are unpopular. Some practices in Yorkshire and Cornwall have already dropped weekend slots. Daily Mail
Analysis by the think-tank Reform contradicts claims by GPs that weekend appointments are unpopular. Some practices in Yorkshire and Cornwall have already dropped weekend slots. Daily Mail
Monday, 11 April 2016
Update on rising scarlet fever across England
Update on rising scarlet fever across England Public Health England has reported a continued increase in cases of scarlet fever across England with 1319 new cases between 21 to 27 March, the highest weekly total recorded in recent decades (data available from 1982 onwards).
A total of 10,570 cases of scarlet fever have now been reported since the season began in September 2015.
Scarlet fever is a seasonal illness which should be treated with antibiotics and cases of the illness usually peak at this time of year.
A total of 10,570 cases of scarlet fever have now been reported since the season began in September 2015.
Scarlet fever is a seasonal illness which should be treated with antibiotics and cases of the illness usually peak at this time of year.
Make time to talk performance
Make time to talk performance This toolkit for NHS managers provides practical support to help you deal confidently with performance management challenges such as managing under-performing staff, reviewing performance and giving constructive feedback. NHS Employers
Children and Young People’s Mental Health: State of the Nation
Children and Young People’s Mental Health: State of the Nation The first report of the Commission on children and young people’s mental health. This new research has revealed the problems young people face when trying to access mental health care which include:
See also:
- Services turn away, on average, nearly a quarter (23%) of children and teenagers referred to them by their GPs, teachers or others.
- Once a referral is accepted, young people often have to wait many months for treatment. There was also significant variation in waiting times between providers.
- Big differences in the amount spent on children’s mental health in different areas and regions.
See also:
Mental health deaths 'under-reported'
Mental health deaths 'under-reported' A charity for bereaved families is demanding the government investigates the way deaths of young people in mental health units are recorded.
Research by Inquest suggests at least nine young people have died in England as in-patients since 2010.
Health Minister Alistair Burt told BBC Panorama he didn't know the figure and is calling for further research.
The Department of Health has now accepted there have been at least four deaths. BBC News
See also:
Research by Inquest suggests at least nine young people have died in England as in-patients since 2010.
Health Minister Alistair Burt told BBC Panorama he didn't know the figure and is calling for further research.
The Department of Health has now accepted there have been at least four deaths. BBC News
See also:
Next doctors' strike 'will damage trust'
Next doctors' strike 'will damage trust' An all-out strike by junior doctors will "irreparably damage" trust and the reputation of the profession, NHS England's medical director says. BBC News
See also:
See also:
- NHS chief Bruce Keogh warns junior doctors not to go ahead with their planned all-out strike The Daily Mail
- Huge NHS walk-out now inevitable after Government refuses to re-open talks with junior doctors over pay and conditions The Daily Mail
- Junior doctors' strikes increasingly hard to justify, says regulator The Guardian
- All-out junior doctors’ strike unethical and reckless, says NHS chief The Guardian
- Withdrawing emergency cover crosses a line – it will damage trust in doctors (Bruce Keogh) The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt should not impose junior doctors' contract, say senior NHS officials The Independent
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)