Policy paper: Five Year Forward View for Mental Health: government response This report sets out the government’s response to the work of the Mental Health Taskforce. The taskforce report to NHS England, the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health, is an independent and far-reaching overview of what modern mental health services should be.
The government will accept the taskforce report’s recommendations in full. This report provides full responses to each of the 58 recommendations made to government.
All of the recommendations, whether for NHS England or for government, will be taken forward. NHS England’s response to their recommendations can be found in Implementing the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health. Department of Health
Tuesday, 10 January 2017
Theresa May promises mental health care overhaul
Theresa May promises mental health care overhaul Plans to "transform" attitudes to mental health, with a focus on children and young people, have been announced by Theresa May.
Additional training for teachers, an extra £15m for community care, and improved support in the workplace were among measures announced by the PM.
Mental health experts said more funding was needed to improve services.
Mrs May's speech comes as she outlined her plans to use the state to create a "shared society".
The government says one in four people has a mental disorder at some point in their life, with an annual cost of £105bn.
Figures show young people are affected disproportionately with over half of mental health problems starting by the age of 14 and 75% by 18.
The prime minister said mental health had been "dangerously disregarded" as secondary to physical health and changing that would go "right to the heart of our humanity". BBC News
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Additional training for teachers, an extra £15m for community care, and improved support in the workplace were among measures announced by the PM.
Mental health experts said more funding was needed to improve services.
Mrs May's speech comes as she outlined her plans to use the state to create a "shared society".
The government says one in four people has a mental disorder at some point in their life, with an annual cost of £105bn.
Figures show young people are affected disproportionately with over half of mental health problems starting by the age of 14 and 75% by 18.
The prime minister said mental health had been "dangerously disregarded" as secondary to physical health and changing that would go "right to the heart of our humanity". BBC News
See also:
- Press release: Prime Minister unveils plans to transform mental health support Department of Health
- Mental health problems are everyone’s problem: article by Theresa May Department of Health
- Statement to Parliament: Mental health and NHS performance Department of Health
- Funds for mental health must reach the front line if Prime Minister’s vision is to be realised The King's Fund
- Prime Minister unveils plans to 'transform' mental health support Mind
- Professor Sir Simon Wessley, President of the RCPsych responds to the PM's speech Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Urgent action needed to make aspirations for mental health care a reality, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- 'Nobody is immune' to mental health problems BBC News
- Theresa May vows to tackle the 'huge stigma' around poor mental health as part of her 'shared society' vision - and No 10 says it's NOT the same as David Cameron's 'big society' The Daily Mail
- Theresa May vows to make her Government a 'force for good' in new plan to tackle mental health The Daily Telegraph
- Theresa May is right to talk about mental health, both morally and economically The Daily Telegraph
- Every secondary school in Britain offered mental health training in bid to end 'stigma' and help children The Daily Telegraph
- Using children's mental health funding to plug NHS gaps is 'like theft', says former health minister The Independent
- 2 charts that show what has happened to mental health under the Conservatives The Independent
- Theresa May pledges to tackle 'stigma' of mental health but dismisses call for extra funding The Independent
- Theresa May's mental health pledge should start with fair funding The New Statesman
Jeremy Hunt sets out the measures to relieve 'distressed' A&Es
Jeremy Hunt sets out the measures to relieve 'distressed' A&Es The Health Secretary has told the Commons how hospital trusts can relieve their 'distressed' emergency departments on a temporary basis.
Jeremy Hunt was also responding to claims from the Red Cross that the NHS was facing a 'humanitarian crisis'. BBC News
See also:
Jeremy Hunt was also responding to claims from the Red Cross that the NHS was facing a 'humanitarian crisis'. BBC News
See also:
- Statement to Parliament: Mental health and NHS performance Department of Health
- Hunt casts doubt over A&E target BBC News
- Jeremy Hunt says one in three of us shouldn't be in casualty as ops are axed The Daily Mail
- Jeremy Hunt makes emergency statement on NHS The Daily Telegraph
- GP referrals blocked as Hunt says seven-day service can end NHS 'humanitarian crisis' GP Online
- GPs could be drafted in to support struggling urgent care services, says Hunt GP Online
- This isn’t a freak day – this is winter in the NHS The Guardian
- The Guardian view on the NHS crisis: Theresa May is in denial | Editorial The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt accused of watering down four-hour A&E waiting target The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt: up to 30% of people using A&E departments do not need emergency care – video The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt rejects Red Cross claim of NHS 'humanitarian crisis' – video The Guardian
- Red Cross NHS remark touches nerve with Conservatives The Guardian
- Chart highlights NHS hospital bed shortage crisis in comparison to other European countries The Independent
- NHS crisis: Intensive care bed shortages are forcing doctors to choose who lives and dies The Independent
- Senior A&E doctor declares working in NHS emergency medicine 'sucks you in and spits you out' The Independent
- When to go to A&E: Patients urged to consider other options amid NHS hospital crisis The Independent
- Hunt: 'Unprecedented demand' on NHS after A&E visits surge ITV News
Two die in NHS every day of thirst and starvation
Two die in NHS every day of thirst and starvation Hunger or thirst were responsible for 1,022 registered deaths in 2015, the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show. Experts believe it may be due to increasing demands on the NHS. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- Deaths registered in England and Wales: 2015 Office of National Statistics
- Starving patients BBC News
- Two patients die from starvation or thirst each day in UK hospitals and care homes, say statistics The Independent
'Doctors are too busy for more than one problem per appointment'
'Doctors are too busy for more than one problem per appointment' Those with multiple illnesses are being banned from booking 20-minute consultations – instead being told to book a standard ten-minute appointment for each condition. The Daily Mail
Around 16,000 people still receiving 'flying visits' by carers, despite Government's minimum standard
Around 16,000 people still receiving 'flying visits' by carers, despite Government's minimum standard More than a fifth of councils in England are still commissioning 15-minute social care visits, despite the Government agreeing half an hour should be the minimum standard, it was reported.
Around 16,000 people are still receiving "flying visits" by carers for needs such as washing, dressing and eating, an investigation by ITV News and the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability found.
Ninety-five of the 152 councils in England responded to a Freedom of Information request, of whom 34 admitted they were still commissioning 15-minute visits for personal care, ITV News said. The Daily Telegraph
Around 16,000 people are still receiving "flying visits" by carers for needs such as washing, dressing and eating, an investigation by ITV News and the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability found.
Ninety-five of the 152 councils in England responded to a Freedom of Information request, of whom 34 admitted they were still commissioning 15-minute visits for personal care, ITV News said. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 9 January 2017
Largest mental health facility for young people in Europe opens its doors in Northampton
Largest mental health facility for young people in Europe opens its doors in Northampton One of the world's largest adolescent mental health facilities has opened its doors in Northampton, supporting 110 young people with complex conditions. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton woman diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease aged just 36
Northampton woman diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease aged just 36 It is a condition associated with the elderly. But Carla Brammall has become one of the UK's youngest Alzheimer's patients - after being diagnosed with a rare mutation of the disease aged 36. The Daily Mail
Research and analysis: Sexually transmitted infections: East Midlands 2015 data
Research and analysis: Sexually transmitted infections: East Midlands 2015 data This report provides a summary of the 2015 data for STIs in the East of England area, along with charts, tables and map. It also explains the data sources used. Public Health England
News story: Children given sports prostheses to help them get active
News story: Children given sports prostheses to help them get active Children across England are being given specialised sports prostheses from the NHS to help them run, swim and play sport, and even become the next Paralympians.
This follows the creation of a £1.5 million fund by the Department of Health, announced by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt during last summer’s Paralympic Games in Rio.
The money has been split between funding for NHS limb centres to fund requests for prostheses and investment in a Child Prostheses Research Collaboration, bringing the latest technology into the NHS. It will also help more children to benefit from sports prostheses that are tailored to their needs and the sports they want to play. Department of Health
This follows the creation of a £1.5 million fund by the Department of Health, announced by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt during last summer’s Paralympic Games in Rio.
The money has been split between funding for NHS limb centres to fund requests for prostheses and investment in a Child Prostheses Research Collaboration, bringing the latest technology into the NHS. It will also help more children to benefit from sports prostheses that are tailored to their needs and the sports they want to play. Department of Health
No one should have no one: working to end loneliness amongst older people
No one should have no one: working to end loneliness amongst older people This report warns that loneliness leads to an increased demand on health services, partly because isolated people are more likely to develop health conditions, such as heart problems, depression and dementia. The report also outlines the early findings of a pilot programme that takes a community-based approach to tackling loneliness. Age UK
NHS rejects claims of 'humanitarian crisis' in England's hospitals
NHS rejects claims of 'humanitarian crisis' in England's hospitals Theresa May has rejected claims from the Red Cross that there is a "humanitarian crisis" in the NHS.
The prime minister acknowledged there were "huge pressures" on the health service and said No 10 had provided the funding requested.
Mrs May told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that funding was "now at record levels for the NHS".
Labour has called on the PM to appear at the Commons on Monday to discuss the "crisis" in social care and hospitals. BBC News
See also:
The prime minister acknowledged there were "huge pressures" on the health service and said No 10 had provided the funding requested.
Mrs May told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that funding was "now at record levels for the NHS".
Labour has called on the PM to appear at the Commons on Monday to discuss the "crisis" in social care and hospitals. BBC News
See also:
- NHS England rejects claims of a 'humanitarian crisis' BBC News
- 'Winter from hell' has arrived - doctor's NHS crisis warning BBC News
- Hospital 'in meltdown' as two patients found dead in over-crowded corridors - one who waited 35 HOURS for a bed The Daily Mail
- Woman dies after 35 hours on hospital trolley amid warnings of NHS 'meltdown The Daily Telegraph
- 'Humanitarian crisis' in NHS warns British Red Cross as A&Es are overwhelmed by demand The Daily Telegraph
- Theresa May denies 'humanitarian crisis' in Britain's NHS The Guardian
- NHS faces 'humanitarian crisis' as demand rises, British Red Cross warns The Guardian
- Theresa May cannot ignore NHS crisis or brush off critics The Guardian
- 'The worst conditions in memory': NHS doctors describe their week in A&E The Guardian
- Three patients die at Worcestershire hospital amid NHS winter crisis The Guardian
- I'm a junior doctor in the NHS, and I'm terrified for this winter The Guardian
- 'It was manic': patients describe meltdown at Worcestershire hospital The Guardian
- Doctors accuse Theresa May of being ‘in denial’ over NHS hospital crisis The Independent
NHS director Peter Lewis jailed over corrupt hospital contract
NHS director Peter Lewis jailed over corrupt hospital contract An NHS director and a software supplier are jailed over a corrupt hospital IT contract. BBC News
Revealed: How dangerous fake health news conquered Facebook
Revealed: How dangerous fake health news conquered Facebook The widespread circulation of fake health news on social networks is misleading and potentially dangerous, health officials have warned.
Misinformation published by conspiracy sites about serious health conditions is often shared more widely than evidence-based reports from reputable news organisations, according to analysis by The Independent. Of the 20 most-shared articles on Facebook in 2016 with the word “cancer” in the headline, more than half purport claims discredited by doctors and health authorities or – in the case of the year’s top story – directly by the source cited in the article. The Independent
Misinformation published by conspiracy sites about serious health conditions is often shared more widely than evidence-based reports from reputable news organisations, according to analysis by The Independent. Of the 20 most-shared articles on Facebook in 2016 with the word “cancer” in the headline, more than half purport claims discredited by doctors and health authorities or – in the case of the year’s top story – directly by the source cited in the article. The Independent
Friday, 6 January 2017
Operations cancelled as Northampton's emergency department remains on 'high alert'
Operations cancelled as Northampton's emergency department remains on 'high alert' Sick and seriously ill people are stranded in A&E as hospitals across Northamptonshire spend another day at critical capacity. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Youth service backs Northamptonshire County Council’s vision for young people’s mental health services
Youth service backs Northamptonshire County Council’s vision for young people’s mental health services A counselling service for children and young people has largely welcomed the goals set out in Northamptonshire County Council’s draft budget and plan. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Safe, sustainable and productive staffing: an improvement resource for adult inpatient wards in acute hospitals
Safe, sustainable and productive staffing: an improvement resource for adult inpatient wards in acute hospitals This guidance aims to help standardise staffing decisions in adult inpatient wards in acute hospitals. This resource is based on the National Quality Board’s expectationsopens in a new window that to ensure safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care, trusts will employ the right staff with the right skills in the right place and at the right time. The closing date for comments on the draft guidance is 3 February 2017. NHS Improvement
Blocked beds blight mental health care
Blocked beds blight mental health care Delays in discharging people from hospital are rising more rapidly in mental health trusts than other parts of the NHS in England, a study shows.
NHS England data found a 56% rise in the number of bed days lost to delayed discharge in psychiatric trusts in October 2016 compared to November 2015.
There was a comparable rise in acute trusts of 30%.
A spokeswoman said the Department of Health was investing £400m over four years to support people in their homes.
"No-one should face unnecessary delays in being discharged," she said. "The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health will transform services by 2020/21 to make sure urgent improvements are made." BBC News
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NHS England data found a 56% rise in the number of bed days lost to delayed discharge in psychiatric trusts in October 2016 compared to November 2015.
There was a comparable rise in acute trusts of 30%.
A spokeswoman said the Department of Health was investing £400m over four years to support people in their homes.
"No-one should face unnecessary delays in being discharged," she said. "The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health will transform services by 2020/21 to make sure urgent improvements are made." BBC News
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Hospitals warn over pressure of patient numbers
Hospitals warn over pressure of patient numbers A third of hospital trusts in England issued alerts warning they needed urgent action to cope with the pressure of patient numbers last month.
In the most serious cases - seven of the 50 trusts that issued alerts - the hospitals declared they were unable to give patients comprehensive care.
BBC Radio 4's Today programme has been told operations have been cancelled and patients left waiting on trolleys.
NHS England said tried-and-tested plans were managing the pressures.
Dr Taj Hassan, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said there was an "absolute and urgent need" to help emergency departments. BBC News
In the most serious cases - seven of the 50 trusts that issued alerts - the hospitals declared they were unable to give patients comprehensive care.
BBC Radio 4's Today programme has been told operations have been cancelled and patients left waiting on trolleys.
NHS England said tried-and-tested plans were managing the pressures.
Dr Taj Hassan, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said there was an "absolute and urgent need" to help emergency departments. BBC News
MPs urge Theresa May to agree cross-party NHS funding plan
MPs urge Theresa May to agree cross-party NHS funding plan The chairs of three influential House of Commons select committees have urged prime minister Theresa May to agree a cross-party deal to secure the future of health and social care funding. GP Online
See also:
See also:
- Letter to the Prime Minister regarding health and social care Health, Public Accounts and Community and Local Government Committee Chairs
- The King’s Fund responds to a letter from the chairs of three Select Committees to the Prime Minister The King's Fund
- Social care funding: MPs urge 'swift' cross-party review BBC News
- Social care crisis: MPs put May under pressure to act fast The Guardian
- Social care spending falling below £554 minimum in most areas The Guardian
General practice could be 'outsourced' to private corporations under MCP deal, warns BMA
General practice could be 'outsourced' to private corporations under MCP deal, warns BMA General practice could be outsourced to private corporations under multispecialty community provider (MCP) contracts set to be rolled out this year, GP leaders have warned. GP Online
Improving NHS services should not feel like a quest in a labyrinth
Improving NHS services should not feel like a quest in a labyrinth Resources are being squandered with teams of people battling an unwieldy health system
The surprise in the health service is not how little collaboration there is across professional and organisational boundaries, but how so many people achieve so much in the face of overwhelming odds.
Ministers and NHS leaders encourage and cajole staff to improve services, but even the most driven transformation zealots find themselves worn down by having to fight the system rather than be supported and encouraged by it.
Improving services should not feel like a quest in a labyrinth Continue reading... The Guardian
The surprise in the health service is not how little collaboration there is across professional and organisational boundaries, but how so many people achieve so much in the face of overwhelming odds.
Ministers and NHS leaders encourage and cajole staff to improve services, but even the most driven transformation zealots find themselves worn down by having to fight the system rather than be supported and encouraged by it.
Improving services should not feel like a quest in a labyrinth Continue reading... The Guardian
A receptionist saved my life and other love letters to healthcare staff
A receptionist saved my life and other love letters to healthcare staff Caring nurses, skilled surgeons and quick thinking midwives. Readers recall health workers who changed their lives
I’d gone to A&E in Derby, where I was staying for Christmas, with the most dreadful headache. I’d been a radiographer at St Thomas’ hospital in London for 18 years and knew something wasn’t right. It was the day after Boxing Day and there had been heavy snow so it was busy with people who had fallen over. Continue reading... The Guardian
I’d gone to A&E in Derby, where I was staying for Christmas, with the most dreadful headache. I’d been a radiographer at St Thomas’ hospital in London for 18 years and knew something wasn’t right. It was the day after Boxing Day and there had been heavy snow so it was busy with people who had fallen over. Continue reading... The Guardian
Would YOU trust it? NHS to diagnose patients via new smartphone app after criticisms of 'inadequate' 111 helpline
Would YOU trust it? NHS to diagnose patients via new smartphone app after criticisms of 'inadequate' 111 helpline The NHS will roadtest new smartphone technology in a bid to diagnose patients. Starting at the end of January, more than a million residents of north London will trial the triage app. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- NHS trials artificial intelligence app as alternative to 111 helpline The Daily Telegraph
- Babylon Health to power NHS 111 with AI triage bot Digital Health
- NHS to trial medical advice smartphone app The Guardian
Thursday, 5 January 2017
People urged to stay away with Kettering General Hospital on ‘black alert’
People urged to stay away with Kettering General Hospital on ‘black alert’ People are being urged to avoid going to A&E and find alternative care as Kettering General Hospital struggles to find beds for its patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Changes in the behaviour and health of 40 to 60 year olds
Changes in the behaviour and health of 40 to 60 year olds These two reports present the results of analysis of health-related questions on obesity, smoking, drinking and general health conditions from the Health Survey for England. The reports show how the behaviour and health of people aged between 40 and 60 has changed over the last 20 years. Public Health England
NHS screening plan for type 2 diabetes 'inaccurate'
NHS screening plan for type 2 diabetes 'inaccurate' The NHS programme for screening those at high risk of type 2 diabetes is unlikely to have much impact, an Oxford University study in the BMJ suggests.
It concluded that inaccurate blood tests would give too many people an incorrect diagnosis, while lifestyle changes had a low success rate.
But the director of the NHS programme said its approach was based on "robust evidence". BBC News
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It concluded that inaccurate blood tests would give too many people an incorrect diagnosis, while lifestyle changes had a low success rate.
But the director of the NHS programme said its approach was based on "robust evidence". BBC News
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Dementia rates 'higher near busy roads'
Dementia rates 'higher near busy roads' People who live near major roads have higher rates of dementia, research published in the Lancet suggests.
As many as 11% of dementia cases in people living within 50m of a major road could be down to traffic, the study suggests.
The researchers, who followed nearly 2m people in Canada over 11 years, say air pollution or noisy traffic could be contributing to the brain's decline.
UK dementia experts said the findings needed probing but were "plausible". BBC News
As many as 11% of dementia cases in people living within 50m of a major road could be down to traffic, the study suggests.
The researchers, who followed nearly 2m people in Canada over 11 years, say air pollution or noisy traffic could be contributing to the brain's decline.
UK dementia experts said the findings needed probing but were "plausible". BBC News
New organ named in digestive system
New organ named in digestive system A part of the digestive system is reclassified as an organ, called the mesentery. BBC News
Exclusive: Loss of control and time dominate GP fears over working at scale
Exclusive: Loss of control and time dominate GP fears over working at scale Loss of independence, not having enough time to develop a network or federation and concerns over funding are the top three issues GPs say are putting them off working at scale, a poll reveals. GP Online
Second doctors’ union will participate in national contract negotiations
Second doctors’ union will participate in national contract negotiations Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association will join the BMA in future national contract negotiations. OnMedica
NHS groups 'paying millions to private firms that block GP referrals'
NHS groups 'paying millions to private firms that block GP referrals' Referral management centres being used by some NHS bodies to scrutinise patient referrals to hospitals, BMJ inquiry finds
NHS organisations are paying millions of pounds to private firms that stop patients being referred to hospital by their GPs, an investigation has found.
Controversial referral management centres are used by some clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to scrutinise patient referrals to hospitals by family doctors. Continue reading... The Guardian
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NHS organisations are paying millions of pounds to private firms that stop patients being referred to hospital by their GPs, an investigation has found.
Controversial referral management centres are used by some clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to scrutinise patient referrals to hospitals by family doctors. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Referral management schemes: good for whom? The BMJ
- It is vital CCGs spend their budgets to provide better support for local GPs, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- How hospital chiefs spend millions to STOP you being treated: Four in ten trusts are sifting through GPs letters and sending back any deemed unnecessary The Daily Mail
- NHS spends millions on private companies that block GP referrals, investigation finds The Independent
- The BMJ reveals private firms run one-third of CCGs' schemes to screen GP referrals MedicalXpress
2016 was the worst year in NHS history – we must fight for its survival
2016 was the worst year in NHS history – we must fight for its survival The NHS is under unprecedented pressure after its annus horribilis. We must demand a rethink on its current trajectory before it’s too late
The last 12 months have been the worst in the history of the NHS. Our health system is under pressure like never before. The moment of crisis many warned of has arrived, and it is not clear that the NHS can be retrieved from this state of affairs.
We used to say that flailing A&Es represented an early warning sign that the health service was under pressure. And so that has proven to be. England’s major A&Es are under record strain with black alerts being regularly sounded, and in some instances wards turning patients away. Last year the A&E crisis spread to other sectors. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The last 12 months have been the worst in the history of the NHS. Our health system is under pressure like never before. The moment of crisis many warned of has arrived, and it is not clear that the NHS can be retrieved from this state of affairs.
We used to say that flailing A&Es represented an early warning sign that the health service was under pressure. And so that has proven to be. England’s major A&Es are under record strain with black alerts being regularly sounded, and in some instances wards turning patients away. Last year the A&E crisis spread to other sectors. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- What does 2017 hold for public services? The Guardian
- The social care crisis is pulling NHS trusts further underwater The Guardian
Scientists identify rogue proteins behind Alzheimer's disease
Scientists identify rogue proteins behind Alzheimer's disease The treatment of Alzheimer's Disease could be revolutionised after a breakthrough discovery by US scientists. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 4 January 2017
Priorities for the NHS and social care in 2017
Priorities for the NHS and social care in 2017 2017 promises to be another challenging year for the health and care system, with demand for care increasing faster than the supply of resources.
A system already stretched to its limits will have to work even harder to maintain current standards of care and to balance budgets. This requires a continuing focus on operational performance and renewed efforts to transform the delivery of care at a time when frontline staff are working under intense pressure.
The NHS five year forward view (Forward View) will be tested to its limits as leaders work to improve performance and transform care. The NHS locally has to deliver £15 billion of the £22 billion efficiency improvements required under the Forward View, with the remaining £7 billion to be delivered nationally. It also has to provide evidence that new care models are delivering benefits. Failure to do so will raise serious questions about the assumptions on which the Forward View was based and on the ability of leaders to deliver their plans.
Against this background, we have identified five main priorities for 2017. The King's Fund
A system already stretched to its limits will have to work even harder to maintain current standards of care and to balance budgets. This requires a continuing focus on operational performance and renewed efforts to transform the delivery of care at a time when frontline staff are working under intense pressure.
The NHS five year forward view (Forward View) will be tested to its limits as leaders work to improve performance and transform care. The NHS locally has to deliver £15 billion of the £22 billion efficiency improvements required under the Forward View, with the remaining £7 billion to be delivered nationally. It also has to provide evidence that new care models are delivering benefits. Failure to do so will raise serious questions about the assumptions on which the Forward View was based and on the ability of leaders to deliver their plans.
Against this background, we have identified five main priorities for 2017. The King's Fund
Extended hours in primary care linked to reductions in minor A&E attendances
Extended hours in primary care linked to reductions in minor A&E attendances This briefing summarises the findings of a study that found that practices that offered additional appointments showed a reduction in the number of their patients attending emergency departments for minor conditions but that there was no overall reduction in emergency visits. Costs were reduced for emergency departments but by less than the cost of the additional appointments. These findings suggest additional appointments may help reduce minor A&E visits but may be more costly overall. National Institute for Health Research
NHS machines: the utilisation of high-value capital equipment at NHS trusts
NHS machines: the utilisation of high-value capital equipment at NHS trusts This report examines the utilisation of five different types of machines in NHS trusts in England to assess how greater and more efficient use of existing resources can be encouraged. The Tax Payers' Alliance
Asthma patients 'missing out on basic care'
Asthma patients 'missing out on basic care' Millions of asthma patients in the UK are not getting basic care they need to manage their condition, a charity says.
Asthma UK, which questioned more than 4,500 patients, said two-thirds miss out on yearly check-ups, tailored advice and lessons in how to use their asthma inhalers.
It says it is a slight improvement on a year ago but remains a bleak picture.
In 2015 in the UK, 1,468 people died from an asthma attack - the highest level in a decade. BBC News
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Asthma UK, which questioned more than 4,500 patients, said two-thirds miss out on yearly check-ups, tailored advice and lessons in how to use their asthma inhalers.
It says it is a slight improvement on a year ago but remains a bleak picture.
In 2015 in the UK, 1,468 people died from an asthma attack - the highest level in a decade. BBC News
See also:
Private Ambulance Service: Staff 'lack training'
Private Ambulance Service: Staff 'lack training' Some staff at a private ambulance firm say they had an hour's training to drive under blue lights. BBC News
Terrorism 'first-aid training needed'
Terrorism 'first-aid training needed' People need to learn lifesaving skills in case they are caught up in a terror attack in the UK, a team of senior military and civilian medics has said.
They say people need to know how to help each other because it could take some time before it is deemed safe for paramedics to arrive on the scene.
Their app, called CitizenAID, offers step-by-step advice.
The idea is supported by counter-terrorism police. Security services say a UK terror attack is highly likely. BBC News
They say people need to know how to help each other because it could take some time before it is deemed safe for paramedics to arrive on the scene.
Their app, called CitizenAID, offers step-by-step advice.
The idea is supported by counter-terrorism police. Security services say a UK terror attack is highly likely. BBC News
More GPs in A&E could push patients to hospital faster, warns RCGP
More GPs in A&E could push patients to hospital faster, warns RCGP Increasing the number of GPs working in A&E departments could encourage more patients to go to hospital as the first port of call for treatment, the RCGP has warned. GP Online
The physician associate will see you now - new role to assist patients in primary care
The physician associate will see you now - new role to assist patients in primary care By 2020 there could be as many as 1,000 physician associates working in primary care, but regulation of the profession is seen as crucial in the development of this new role
Chris Deane’s day starts like any other at the busy Warwickshire practice where he works. First he triages calls from patients, decides those who will need a home visit later in the day, and books others into free slots in his morning or afternoon surgeries.
Like his GP colleagues, he deals with around 60 patients a day, but unlike them he is not a family doctor. Instead, Deane is a qualified physician associate – a new breed of healthcare professional taking pressure off hard-pressed doctors and providing patients, especially those with long-term conditions, the continuity of care they need. Continue reading... The Guardian
Chris Deane’s day starts like any other at the busy Warwickshire practice where he works. First he triages calls from patients, decides those who will need a home visit later in the day, and books others into free slots in his morning or afternoon surgeries.
Like his GP colleagues, he deals with around 60 patients a day, but unlike them he is not a family doctor. Instead, Deane is a qualified physician associate – a new breed of healthcare professional taking pressure off hard-pressed doctors and providing patients, especially those with long-term conditions, the continuity of care they need. Continue reading... The Guardian
Doctors warn of detox dangers after woman is hospitalised with 'life-threatening' problems
Doctors warn of detox dangers after woman is hospitalised with 'life-threatening' problems Health professionals have issues a warning to people embarking on New Year detoxes - after a woman was hospitalised in Milton Keynes with side-effects of the popular process. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- Acute severe hyponatraemia secondary to polydipsia and associated herbal remedy use BMJ Case Reports
- TheTruth About Detox Diets NHS Choices
- Doctors issue new-year detox health warning BBC News
- Healthy woman's New Year 'detox' gives her life-threatening illness The Independent
Thousands forced to wait outside swamped hospitals as cold spell hits
Thousands forced to wait outside swamped hospitals as cold spell hits Heaving A&E departments are forcing thousands of patients to wait for hours in ambulances outside hospitals as freezing conditions hit the UK.
Health chiefs were forced to apologise yesterday after spiraling waiting times in one hospital caused a queue of 20 ambulances unable to offload patients.
In London alone, the winter crisis means more than 6,000 patients each week are being left in the back of emergency vehicles because A&E departments are too busy to admit them, new figures reveal.
The crisis in hospitals means that ambulance services are then unable to respond to subsequent 999 calls. The Daily Telegraph
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Health chiefs were forced to apologise yesterday after spiraling waiting times in one hospital caused a queue of 20 ambulances unable to offload patients.
In London alone, the winter crisis means more than 6,000 patients each week are being left in the back of emergency vehicles because A&E departments are too busy to admit them, new figures reveal.
The crisis in hospitals means that ambulance services are then unable to respond to subsequent 999 calls. The Daily Telegraph
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Tuesday, 3 January 2017
East Midlands Ambulance Service has busiest 48 hours
East Midlands Ambulance Service has busiest 48 hours An ambulance service has its busiest ever 48 hours, taking 1,000 more calls on New Year's Day than normal. BBC Northampton
Patients no more at risk of death on weekends than during week
Patients no more at risk of death on weekends than during week Patients are not a greater risk of dying on weekends than at any other times, a British academic argued.
Professor Dr Nick Black warned politicians needed “to avoid unjustified claims about an increased risk of death among patients” because of the so-called weekend effect.
This was the justification used by Jeremy Hunt to implement a seven day a week NHS and impose new contracts on junior doctors leading to the first ever strike when they refused to provide emergency cover.
The Professor of Health Services Research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said past studies had incorrectly estimated mortality at up to a sixth higher for weekend admissions. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Professor Dr Nick Black warned politicians needed “to avoid unjustified claims about an increased risk of death among patients” because of the so-called weekend effect.
This was the justification used by Jeremy Hunt to implement a seven day a week NHS and impose new contracts on junior doctors leading to the first ever strike when they refused to provide emergency cover.
The Professor of Health Services Research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said past studies had incorrectly estimated mortality at up to a sixth higher for weekend admissions. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Do women make better doctors?
Do women make better doctors? A US study claims that female physicians kill fewer patients than their male counterparts - study author Dr Ashish Jha and surgeon Dr Scarlett McNally discuss. BBC News
NHS faces 'the worst January' in scramble for beds
NHS faces 'the worst January' in scramble for beds The NHS faces "potentially the worst January" ever as it struggles to cope with the backlog of patients taking up beds over Christmas, with a leading doctor warning it is like a "credit card bill from hell".
Dr Mark Holland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine (SAM), said hospitals had already seen "record numbers" of elderly patients over the Christmas period, and that the health service is on the brink of a major crisis. ITV News
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Dr Mark Holland, president of the Society for Acute Medicine (SAM), said hospitals had already seen "record numbers" of elderly patients over the Christmas period, and that the health service is on the brink of a major crisis. ITV News
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Children eat half of daily sugar intake before 9am
Children eat half of daily sugar intake before 9am Sugar-laden breakfasts mean that the nation's children are consuming half of their daily sugar allowance before they even start school, health officials have warned.
The average English child eats the equivalent of three cubes of sugar (11g) every morning for breakfast, Public Health England (PHE) said.
Sugary cereals, fruit juice and some spreads are to blame, according to the health body's new Change4Life campaign.
By the end of the day, children are consuming three times more than their recommended daily allowance of sugar, according to information gathered from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. The Independent
The average English child eats the equivalent of three cubes of sugar (11g) every morning for breakfast, Public Health England (PHE) said.
Sugary cereals, fruit juice and some spreads are to blame, according to the health body's new Change4Life campaign.
By the end of the day, children are consuming three times more than their recommended daily allowance of sugar, according to information gathered from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. The Independent
One in four UK babies miss out on health visitor checks
One in four UK babies miss out on health visitor checks The Social Mobility Commission raises concern over figures, and Labour accuses Tories of failing to invest in early years support
One in four babies born in the UK are not receiving mandatory checkups from health visitors during the first two years of their life.
A fifth of babies do not receive the recommended reviews after they turn one, and one in four miss out at the age of two, according to the government’s commission on social mobility. Continue reading... The Guardian
One in four babies born in the UK are not receiving mandatory checkups from health visitors during the first two years of their life.
A fifth of babies do not receive the recommended reviews after they turn one, and one in four miss out at the age of two, according to the government’s commission on social mobility. Continue reading... The Guardian
Serious mistakes in NHS patient care are on the rise, figures reveal
Serious mistakes in NHS patient care are on the rise, figures reveal Fears grow that unprecedented strain on hospitals is causing increase in surgical, diagnostic and care errors
Serious mistakes by hospital staff that put patients at risk are on the rise, despite the government’s drive since the Mid Staffs scandal to make care safer, official NHS figures reveal.
The last few years have seen more cases of delayed diagnosis, staff failure to act on patients’ test results, poor care of seriously ill patients and blunders during surgery. Continue reading... The Guardian
Serious mistakes by hospital staff that put patients at risk are on the rise, despite the government’s drive since the Mid Staffs scandal to make care safer, official NHS figures reveal.
The last few years have seen more cases of delayed diagnosis, staff failure to act on patients’ test results, poor care of seriously ill patients and blunders during surgery. Continue reading... The Guardian
Seven-day NHS plan puts weekday surgeries at risk, warns top GP
Seven-day NHS plan puts weekday surgeries at risk, warns top GP Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard says government’s pledge to guarantee access to family doctors at weekends is unrealistic
Britain’s top GP has said surgeries will have to stop seeing patients during the week unless ministers abandon their drive to guarantee access to family doctors at weekends.
Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard condemned the policy, a key Conservative pledge, as unrealistic and said it was ignoring the lack of demand among patients to see GPs at weekends and a serious shortage of family doctors. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Britain’s top GP has said surgeries will have to stop seeing patients during the week unless ministers abandon their drive to guarantee access to family doctors at weekends.
Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard condemned the policy, a key Conservative pledge, as unrealistic and said it was ignoring the lack of demand among patients to see GPs at weekends and a serious shortage of family doctors. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Seven day GP service could not be achieved without 'serious impact' on weekday services, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Jeremy Hunt accused of compromising weekday hospital care The Guardian
- Lengthy waits to see GPs may pose serious risk to patients, says top doctor The Guardian
- Seven-day working for GPs costs more and doesn’t get results | Zara Aziz The Guardian
Cut out the cake culture at work, say top dentists
Cut out the cake culture at work, say top dentists Eating biscuits and cakes in the office is contributing to the nation's obesity epidemic and poor oral health, according to the British Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS). The Daily Mail
'Jet-in' carers fly from Benidorm to Britain amid 'massive' care crisis
'Jet-in' carers fly from Benidorm to Britain amid 'massive' care crisis Builders, barmaids and bankrupt businessmen are flying into Britain from Spanish holiday spots to earn lucrative sums as care workers for the elderly, amid a spiralling crisis in social care.
A Telegraph investigation reveals that thousands of expats are funding lifestyles in the sun by jetting in for fortnightly placements to take sole charge of the vulnerable, with, in many cases, just a few days’ training. The Daily Telegraph
A Telegraph investigation reveals that thousands of expats are funding lifestyles in the sun by jetting in for fortnightly placements to take sole charge of the vulnerable, with, in many cases, just a few days’ training. The Daily Telegraph
NHS rationing: hip-replacement patients needlessly suffering in pain on operation waiting lists
NHS rationing: hip-replacement patients needlessly suffering in pain on operation waiting lists Hundreds of thousands of elderly people are needlessly suffering in pain while they wait for hip operations because care is being rationed by the NHS, leading doctors have warned.
The waiting list for hip, knee and other orthopaedic operations has risen by a quarter over the past eight years to more than half a million in 2016.
One in 10 people have to wait more than 18 weeks for surgery amid rising concern that NHS is deliberately delaying treatment because it is not seen as life threatening. The Daily Telegraph
The waiting list for hip, knee and other orthopaedic operations has risen by a quarter over the past eight years to more than half a million in 2016.
One in 10 people have to wait more than 18 weeks for surgery amid rising concern that NHS is deliberately delaying treatment because it is not seen as life threatening. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 30 December 2016
Northampton General Hospital awarded funding for project to save babies' lives
Northampton General Hospital awarded funding for project to save babies' lives Northampton General Hospital has been awarded a share of £250,000 in government funding to invest in a project that will benefit mothers and their newborn babies. The announcement follows Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt inviting NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts to submit bids for a share of the Maternity Safety Innovation Fund back in October, as part of a major drive to improve safety on maternity wards across the country. Northampton General Hospital News
Barcode technology helping to improve patient safety
Barcode technology helping to improve patient safety Barcodes are being used to trace NHS patients and their treatments, manage medical supplies and monitor the effectiveness of equipment. NHS Networks
NHS England publishes updated guidance to country’s paediatric intensive care units
NHS England publishes updated guidance to country’s paediatric intensive care units NHS England has today published updated guidance for managing seasonal pressures in paediatric intensive care. The Paediatric Intensive Care Surge Standard Operating Procedure sets out instructions for managing unplanned peaks in demand for critical care beds, across the country’s 29 paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Every year at around this time, the numbers of very sick children requiring treatment in PICUs increases, as levels of respiratory infection rise. The demand for critical care beds is exacerbated by wider pressures across the NHS system and social care, as winter starts to bite. NHS England
NHS hospitals break parking fees record
NHS hospitals break parking fees record - BBC News NHS hospitals appear to be making more money than ever from parking fees. A report from the Press Association says hospitals in England collected more than £120m last year - up by 5%. Many trusts defended the charges, saying the money was put back into patient care or maintaining car parks. BBC News
Chief nurse: 'Cut hospital beds to increase care at home'
Chief nurse: 'Cut hospital beds to increase care at home' NHS England's chief nursing officer supports scrapping hospital beds and using the money on home-based care. BBC Health News
NHS part of £250m China health trade mission
NHS part of £250m China health trade mission British organisations including an NHS hospital trust have signed deals worth more than £250 million during the largest ever healthcare trade mission to China, the Department of Health has announced.
In Shanghai, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt witnessed the signing of 11 agreements on healthcare between UK and Chinese companies which will see benefits for health services in both nations. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital and a Shanghai company have signed a contract to bring the world’s first 100,000 crystal PET-CT scanner to the UK. The machine will be housed within the hospital's new Northern Imaging Foundation Centre to provide both research and clinical benefit to the NHS. OnMedica
In Shanghai, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt witnessed the signing of 11 agreements on healthcare between UK and Chinese companies which will see benefits for health services in both nations. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital and a Shanghai company have signed a contract to bring the world’s first 100,000 crystal PET-CT scanner to the UK. The machine will be housed within the hospital's new Northern Imaging Foundation Centre to provide both research and clinical benefit to the NHS. OnMedica
NHS mental health services failing young people, say psychiatrists
NHS mental health services failing young people, say psychiatrists Seven in 10 psychiatrists deem Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to be inadequate at best, Guardian survey finds. NHS services for the soaring numbers of children who have self-harmed, tried to end their life or are having a breakdown are woefully substandard and risk prolonging their suffering, according to their psychiatrists.
More than seven out of 10 (72%) consultant psychiatrists who specialise in treating children and adolescents say that NHS care for under-18s experiencing a crisis in their mental health is either inadequate (58%) or very inadequate (14%), according to a survey undertaken for the Guardian. Only 19% said NHS services were adequate and just 9% said they were good. Continue reading... Guardian
More than seven out of 10 (72%) consultant psychiatrists who specialise in treating children and adolescents say that NHS care for under-18s experiencing a crisis in their mental health is either inadequate (58%) or very inadequate (14%), according to a survey undertaken for the Guardian. Only 19% said NHS services were adequate and just 9% said they were good. Continue reading... Guardian
Ambulance services face paramedic shortage this winter, NHS data shows
Ambulance services face paramedic shortage this winter, NHS data shows Services in England are short of 873 paramedics, with some plugging gaps with recruits from Poland, Finland and Australia.
Ambulance services are facing serious shortages of paramedics just as 999 calls hit new peaks and hospitals gear up for a potential winter crisis, new official NHS figures reveal.
The 10 regional ambulance services in England are short of 873 paramedics, data shows, and some are recruiting paramedics from Poland, Finland and Australia to plug gaps in winter services. Continue reading... Guardian
Ambulance services are facing serious shortages of paramedics just as 999 calls hit new peaks and hospitals gear up for a potential winter crisis, new official NHS figures reveal.
The 10 regional ambulance services in England are short of 873 paramedics, data shows, and some are recruiting paramedics from Poland, Finland and Australia to plug gaps in winter services. Continue reading... Guardian
Labour calls for OBR-style watchdog to assess NHS finances
Labour calls for OBR-style watchdog to assess NHS finances Independent body would help ensure NHS receives proper funding and avoid political rows, says Jonathan Ashworth. A Labour government could boost the NHS by committing a specified proportion of national wealth to fund it and setting up a new independent body to ensure ministers give it the money it needs, the shadow health secretary has said.
Jonathan Ashworth said a watchdog modelled on the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) would help ensure the NHS received proper funding and avoid rows like the one over Theresa May’s claim that her administration is giving the NHS more money than it asked for. Continue reading... Guardian
Jonathan Ashworth said a watchdog modelled on the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) would help ensure the NHS received proper funding and avoid rows like the one over Theresa May’s claim that her administration is giving the NHS more money than it asked for. Continue reading... Guardian
Record level of cancelled urgent operations for NHS England
Record level of cancelled urgent operations for NHS England Overstretched hospitals were forced to cancel more life-saving operations last month than at any time since official records began, new data reveals. Almost double the number of urgent procedures such as heart surgery were delayed in November than during the same month the year before. Telegraph
Friday, 23 December 2016
Health news over the Christmas week
We will be producing a single bumper edition of our bulletin next week, but will return to daily updates on Tuesday the 3rd of January.
We will still be posting news stories via our Twitter account throughout.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
The Library Team
Frustrated Northampton General Hospital worker not paid for 100 hours of extra shifts
Frustrated Northampton General Hospital worker not paid for 100 hours of extra shifts One staff member at Northampton General Hospital has taken a considerable cut back to her pay packet following what could have been a management error. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Professional appraisal and revalidation: ensuring a high-quality professional public health workforce
Professional appraisal and revalidation: ensuring a high-quality professional public health workforce This concordat describes the legal requirements for organisations who employ doctors, how PHE through the Office of the Responsible Officer delivers annual professional appraisal and medical revalidation and supports local authorities. It also outlines the expectations of support from local authorities in contributing to this process so that PHE can deliver its statutory Responsible Officer obligations. Public Health England
Record breaking NHS staff flu vaccinations, official figures show
Record breaking NHS staff flu vaccinations, official figures show The highest proportion of NHS staff ever vaccinated against flu has been achieved, according to official figures published today. The statistics, from Public Health England, show that 55.6 per cent (533,389) of frontline NHS staff across England were vaccinated against flu between 1 September and 30 November this year. NHS Employers
Record numbers leaving A&E without treatment
Record numbers leaving A&E without treatment Doctors says that new statistics,* which reveal that record numbers of patients are leaving A&E units before receiving any treatment, are a sign that hospitals are dangerously overstretched.
Figures for September this year, released by NHS Digital, reveal that 53,000 patients left A&E departments without treatment, a rise of 24% compared with September last year.
The figures also show that, in September 2016, 137,164 patients (8.1% of 1.6 million attendances) returned to A&E units in "an unplanned way" compared with 119,856 in the same month last year. OnMedica
Figures for September this year, released by NHS Digital, reveal that 53,000 patients left A&E departments without treatment, a rise of 24% compared with September last year.
The figures also show that, in September 2016, 137,164 patients (8.1% of 1.6 million attendances) returned to A&E units in "an unplanned way" compared with 119,856 in the same month last year. OnMedica
Newly discovered disease could hold key to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's – and even ageing
Newly discovered disease could hold key to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's – and even ageing A new genetic disease has been discovered that could play a key role in devastating brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, opening up the possibility of new forms of treatment.
A 47-year-old Canadian woman, who had been having difficulty walking and balancing since she was 28, was found to have a new genetic disease after 10 known conditions were ruled out, according to a paper in the journal Nature by an international team of researchers. The Independent
A 47-year-old Canadian woman, who had been having difficulty walking and balancing since she was 28, was found to have a new genetic disease after 10 known conditions were ruled out, according to a paper in the journal Nature by an international team of researchers. The Independent
Mental health at Christmas: Millennials are 'more lonely' than older generations
Mental health at Christmas: Millennials are 'more lonely' than older generations Loneliness during the holidays is often associated with older people, but new research has revealed that millennials also struggle not only with isolation but stress and anxiety during what is supposed to one of the happiest times of the year.
One in 10 people aged between 25 and 34 who took part in a recent survey by mental health charity Mind said that they have no one to spend Christmas with, compared with one in 20 older people. The Independent
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One in 10 people aged between 25 and 34 who took part in a recent survey by mental health charity Mind said that they have no one to spend Christmas with, compared with one in 20 older people. The Independent
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High-quality abortion services come at a price, so let’s pay it
High-quality abortion services come at a price, so let’s pay it Abortion care charities now have to compete for contracts – and NHS cost-cutting means the cheapest service is almost always commissioned
Abortion today is an extremely safe, straightforward procedure, provided in a highly regulated environment. One in three women in the UK will have an abortion in her lifetime, funded by the NHS (except if she lives in Northern Ireland). This will usually take place within an NHS hospital or in a centre run by one of the independent charitable providers – the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) or Marie Stopes International (MSI). But just because it is safe doesn’t mean corners can be cut, or providers can pick and mix from rules and regulations, as was unearthed in the course of the care quality commission’s investigation of MSI.
Some of the failings found at MSI have no implications for safety. The batch signing of abortion forms, for example, has no clinical significance – it is simply a legal requirement that all women have their abortion request legally authorised by two doctors. But the other problems uncovered – from clear deficits in clinical governance at the top level through to problems with safeguarding and consent, to the report of the appalling handling of a vulnerable patient – can leave us in no doubt that the CQC was not over-reacting when it requested MSI suspend its services over safety concerns earlier this year.
With NHS funds shaved, the price commissioners will pay is driven down Continue reading... The Guardian
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Abortion today is an extremely safe, straightforward procedure, provided in a highly regulated environment. One in three women in the UK will have an abortion in her lifetime, funded by the NHS (except if she lives in Northern Ireland). This will usually take place within an NHS hospital or in a centre run by one of the independent charitable providers – the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) or Marie Stopes International (MSI). But just because it is safe doesn’t mean corners can be cut, or providers can pick and mix from rules and regulations, as was unearthed in the course of the care quality commission’s investigation of MSI.
Some of the failings found at MSI have no implications for safety. The batch signing of abortion forms, for example, has no clinical significance – it is simply a legal requirement that all women have their abortion request legally authorised by two doctors. But the other problems uncovered – from clear deficits in clinical governance at the top level through to problems with safeguarding and consent, to the report of the appalling handling of a vulnerable patient – can leave us in no doubt that the CQC was not over-reacting when it requested MSI suspend its services over safety concerns earlier this year.
With NHS funds shaved, the price commissioners will pay is driven down Continue reading... The Guardian
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Guinea trial shows "historic" success for Ebola vaccine
Guinea trial shows "historic" success for Ebola vaccine A vaccine developed by Merck is the first shown to be highly effective in preventing human infection with Ebola, according to final results from a clinical trial. The Daily Mail
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Soaring numbers of pensioners will spend Christmas Day in A&E
Soaring numbers of pensioners will spend Christmas Day in A&E More than 5,000 pensioners over the age of 80 will spend Christmas Day in accident and emergency departments amid a spiralling crisis in social care, new figures suggest.
The official data show that in the last six years, the number of elderly patients spending December in A&E has risen by one quarter, far oustripping the increase in the ageing population.
On current trends, 5,126 men and women aged 80 and over can expect to spent the festive season in hospital, often for lack of care from home helps or their own families. The Daily Telegraph
The official data show that in the last six years, the number of elderly patients spending December in A&E has risen by one quarter, far oustripping the increase in the ageing population.
On current trends, 5,126 men and women aged 80 and over can expect to spent the festive season in hospital, often for lack of care from home helps or their own families. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 22 December 2016
"Children in Northamptonshire suffer preventable harm" because early intervention budget slashed by £11m, charity says
"Children in Northamptonshire suffer preventable harm" because early intervention budget slashed by £11m, charity says Reductions in Government expenditure means Northamptonshire could be storing up "entrenched, serious and expensive" for its children, a report has found.
The study by The Children’s Society, who provide support for vulnerable children across the country, has revealed how Northamptonshire County Council have been awarded £11,430,875 less in early intervention funding compared with 2010.
The early intervention grant can aid babies and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The study by The Children’s Society, who provide support for vulnerable children across the country, has revealed how Northamptonshire County Council have been awarded £11,430,875 less in early intervention funding compared with 2010.
The early intervention grant can aid babies and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Demand and activity in the NHS: still rising
Demand and activity in the NHS: still rising Our briefing looks at the increase in activity in English hospitals over the past 13 years. It shows that recent increases in demand for treatment are nothing new – on the contrary they are broadly in line with the longstanding trend. What is remarkable is how widespread and sustained these increases are across emergency admissions, elective admissions, outpatients and A&E attendances. Perhaps the only oddity is diagnostics, where the growth is even higher, with activity having doubled since 2006/7. The King's Fund
Ombudsmen issue report showing benefits of integrating health and social care complaints investigations
Ombudsmen issue report showing benefits of integrating health and social care complaints investigations Adopting an integrated approach to investigating complaints about health and social care has led to significant benefits, according to a new report by the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) and Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO).
Published today (22/12/16), the report explains the work of the ombudsmen’s Joint Working Team (JWT), which was set up in 2015 to investigate the most complex joint health and social care complaints. During its first year the team carried out 180 investigations. It discovered that many of the problems experienced have been caused by the complex way in which health and social care is provided at a local level.
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Published today (22/12/16), the report explains the work of the ombudsmen’s Joint Working Team (JWT), which was set up in 2015 to investigate the most complex joint health and social care complaints. During its first year the team carried out 180 investigations. It discovered that many of the problems experienced have been caused by the complex way in which health and social care is provided at a local level.
See also:
- Working together to investigate health and social care complaints: Focus report: learning lessons from complaints (download) Local Government Ombudsman and Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
- Social care crisis means woman dying from cancer is refused pain relief The Daily Mail
Sustainability and public health: a guide to good practice
Sustainability and public health: a guide to good practice These resources can help health professionals and other practitioners make informed decisions about the public health benefits of sustainable development. Public Health England
Independent Review of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services
Independent Review of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services The Independent Review of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services commissioned by the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer of NHS England in April 2016 to help inform him about the future provision of clinical pharmacy services.
NHS England intends to use the recommendations of the independent review to inform its approach to the commissioning of NHS community pharmacy services once the review recommendations have been properly considered.
NHS England intends to use the recommendations of the independent review to inform its approach to the commissioning of NHS community pharmacy services once the review recommendations have been properly considered.
Shared commitment to quality from the National Quality Board
Shared commitment to quality from the National Quality Board This framework provides a nationally agreed definition of quality and guide for clinical and managerial leaders wanting to improve quality. The approach has been agreed across NHS and social care organisations to provide more consistency and to enable the system to work together more effectively. NHS England
NHS transformation plans: Cuts or change for better?
NHS transformation plans: Cuts or change for better? The process has been bubbling along beneath the radar for months.
The Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) across the NHS in England have been overshadowed by controversy, with critics arguing they are part of a secret cuts agenda.
Each of 44 areas of England was asked to come up with a plan to make the best use of resources at a time of rising patient demand, with one of the main aims being to maximise the provision of care outside hospitals and closer to a patient's home.
Now an NHS leader has come out for the first time to defend the exercise.
Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director of NHS England, has given an exclusive interview to BBC News
The Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) across the NHS in England have been overshadowed by controversy, with critics arguing they are part of a secret cuts agenda.
Each of 44 areas of England was asked to come up with a plan to make the best use of resources at a time of rising patient demand, with one of the main aims being to maximise the provision of care outside hospitals and closer to a patient's home.
Now an NHS leader has come out for the first time to defend the exercise.
Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director of NHS England, has given an exclusive interview to BBC News
Life changing: The city that wants to stamp out suicide
Life changing: The city that wants to stamp out suicide The number of people taking their own lives is "unacceptably high", MPs say. Does one city which plans to eliminate suicide altogether have the answer?
Is it possible to reach even a day when no one kills themselves?
A mental health trust in Liverpool - which pledged in September 2015 to bring its suicide rate down to zero among its patients - thinks so.
The commitment, the first of its kind in the country, was inspired by a health centre in Detroit, Michigan, which has reported not losing a single patient to suicide in two-and-a-half years. In 2015, the centre saw 74,000 patients. BBC News
Is it possible to reach even a day when no one kills themselves?
A mental health trust in Liverpool - which pledged in September 2015 to bring its suicide rate down to zero among its patients - thinks so.
The commitment, the first of its kind in the country, was inspired by a health centre in Detroit, Michigan, which has reported not losing a single patient to suicide in two-and-a-half years. In 2015, the centre saw 74,000 patients. BBC News
Multiple sclerosis drug is 'landmark'
Multiple sclerosis drug is 'landmark' A drug that alters the immune system has been described as "big news" and a "landmark" in treating multiple sclerosis, doctors and charities say.
Trials, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest the drug can slow damage to the brain in two forms of MS.
Ocrelizumab is the first drug shown to work in the primary progressive form of the disease.
The drug is being reviewed for use in the US and Europe. BBC News
Trials, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest the drug can slow damage to the brain in two forms of MS.
Ocrelizumab is the first drug shown to work in the primary progressive form of the disease.
The drug is being reviewed for use in the US and Europe. BBC News
MRSA linked to outsourced cleaning in NHS hospitals
MRSA linked to outsourced cleaning in NHS hospitals An analysis of English NHS hospitals suggests that employing private as opposed to in-house cleaners is a false economy. While it may reduce costs, it could also raise risk of infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a superbug responsible for life-threatening infections that are hard to treat. Medical News Today
See also:
See also:
- Outsourcing cleaning services increases MRSA incidence: Evidence from 126 English acute trusts (open access) Social Science and Medicine
NHS Health Checks have prevented up to 8,400 heart attacks and strokes
NHS Health Checks have prevented up to 8,400 heart attacks and strokes The NHS Health Check programme prevented an estimated 4,600 to 8,400 heart attacks, strokes, or death from these causes during its first five years, according to an independent review* of the programme funded by the Department of Health, published in the British Journal of General Practice.
The NHS Health Check started in 2009 and is the first programme in the world to tackle prevention of heart attacks and strokes by offering a free check to every adult aged 40-74 years. OnMedica
The NHS Health Check started in 2009 and is the first programme in the world to tackle prevention of heart attacks and strokes by offering a free check to every adult aged 40-74 years. OnMedica
Theresa May recognises social care crisis – but solution seems far off
Theresa May recognises social care crisis – but solution seems far off The prime minister’s confirmation of a review must be considered progress, but the sector is still in for a rough ride
So now we have confirmation that the government is working on a long-term solution to the social care crisis. Or at least “starting internally to look” at the issue, which must be considered progress of some kind.
Those were the words of Theresa May under questioning by senior MPs at the Commons liaison committee, where her answers on social care were extracted as painfully as those on Brexit – the main business of the session – and on which the atmosphere felt almost as strained. Continue reading... The Guardian
So now we have confirmation that the government is working on a long-term solution to the social care crisis. Or at least “starting internally to look” at the issue, which must be considered progress of some kind.
Those were the words of Theresa May under questioning by senior MPs at the Commons liaison committee, where her answers on social care were extracted as painfully as those on Brexit – the main business of the session – and on which the atmosphere felt almost as strained. Continue reading... The Guardian
Christmas is an isolating time for people with mental health problems
Christmas is an isolating time for people with mental health problems At a time of year when most people are enjoying themselves there are many who cannot join in, but despite the challenges services face, help is available
Christmas is a time for joy, celebration and bringing together family and friends to share this merriment. While taking nothing away from this much needed festivity, spare a thought for those who are less advantaged – particularly those with mental health problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
Christmas is a time for joy, celebration and bringing together family and friends to share this merriment. While taking nothing away from this much needed festivity, spare a thought for those who are less advantaged – particularly those with mental health problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
Bionic eye that restores sight to the blind is made available on the NHS: £150,000 device uses tiny video camera to transmit images to a chip on the back of the eyeball
Bionic eye that restores sight to the blind is made available on the NHS: £150,000 device uses tiny video camera to transmit images to a chip on the back of the eyeball NHS England will fund it for ten patients in a 12-month pilot starting next month. They will then be assessed for a year before officials decide whether to roll the system out more widely in early 2019. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- 'Amazing difference that little bit of light can make' BBC News
- Ten people to get NHS bionic eyes BBC News
- NHS is to fund "bionic eyes" The Daily Telegraph
- Blind NHS patients to be fitted with pioneering bionic eye The Guardian
Scheme to relieve pressure on A&E suspended after father dies just two days after being turned away
Scheme to relieve pressure on A&E suspended after father dies just two days after being turned away A scheme to reduce pressure on an Accident and Emergency unit has been suspended following the death of a "devoted" father denied casualty treatment just six days after it launched.
The trial was one of dozens being set up on health officials’ orders amid a growing crisis over hospital overcrowding.
An official investigation is now under way into why Dave Birtwistle, 44, a father-of-one, was turned away from the A&E department at Bristol Royal Infirmary. The Daily Telegraph
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The trial was one of dozens being set up on health officials’ orders amid a growing crisis over hospital overcrowding.
An official investigation is now under way into why Dave Birtwistle, 44, a father-of-one, was turned away from the A&E department at Bristol Royal Infirmary. The Daily Telegraph
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Wednesday, 21 December 2016
Understanding analytical capability in health care: Do we have more data than insight?
Understanding analytical capability in health care: Do we have more data than insight? Analysis has a crucial role to play in shaping care for individual patients as well as across organisations and health systems. It also has a role in helping to improve quality and safety by identifying areas for improvement and monitoring service delivery.
There is a widely acknowledged problem that health services often cannot access the right level of skilled analysts. This can lead to decisions being made on based on limited or inappropriate evidence.
There is a widely acknowledged problem that health services often cannot access the right level of skilled analysts. This can lead to decisions being made on based on limited or inappropriate evidence.
In this paper, Martin Bardsley explores issues around both supply and demand that need to be addressed to ensure good quality analysis is able to improve care. The Health Foundation
CQC publishes inspection reports on Marie Stopes International
CQC publishes inspection reports on Marie Stopes International The CQC has published the reports of its inspections of Marie Stopes International from earlier this year.
The concerns identified by the quality regulator from these inspections led to Marie Stopes International suspending specific types of termination between 19 August and 7 October 2016, while it worked with CQC to address these concerns.
These restrictions were:
See also:
The concerns identified by the quality regulator from these inspections led to Marie Stopes International suspending specific types of termination between 19 August and 7 October 2016, while it worked with CQC to address these concerns.
These restrictions were:
- Suspensions of all termination of pregnancies for under-18s and vulnerable groups of women
- Suspensions of all surgical terminations under general anaesthetic or conscious sedation
- Suspensions of all surgical terminations at its Norwich centre.
See also:
- Marie Stopes abortion clinics found to have 2,600 safety flaws The Daily Mail
- Watchdogs release damning reports on Marie Stopes abortion clinics The Daily Telegraph
What is truth? An inquiry about truth and lying in dementia care
What is truth? An inquiry about truth and lying in dementia care This is the report of the major Inquiry about Truth and Lying in Dementia Care, commissioned and funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
There are around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and the ageing population suggests this figure will rise significantly. Around half of these people may be living with different realities.
Carers often have challenging decisions to make when a person is living with different realities and beliefs - something that increases as the dementia accelerates. Should they agree or contradict? What should they say? This report looks to provide guidance in these situations. The Mental Health Foundation
There are around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and the ageing population suggests this figure will rise significantly. Around half of these people may be living with different realities.
Carers often have challenging decisions to make when a person is living with different realities and beliefs - something that increases as the dementia accelerates. Should they agree or contradict? What should they say? This report looks to provide guidance in these situations. The Mental Health Foundation
NHS England transformation fund - call to bid
NHS England transformation fund - call to bid To support the implementation of the Five Year Forward View vision of better health, better patient care and improved NHS efficiency, NHS England has created a transformation fund. This funding will enable local areas to deliver on key ambitions identified by the independent cancer and mental health taskforces. Additionally we will continue to build on the Transforming Care priority for those with learning disabilities and kick start, at scale, revolutions for diabetes treatment and prevention.
New care centres to improve services for millions with complex needs
New care centres to improve services for millions with complex needs An NHS England scheme to transform care for millions of disabled people and people those with long term conditions is being rolled out to six new areas across England.
Minimal consciousness
Minimal consciousness Advances in medicine have meant that many more people survive traumatic incidents than in the past.
Many people will have "prolonged disorders of consciousness" - either in a coma or vegetative state, where they show no awareness of their environment, or a minimally conscious state, like Paul Briggs, where they show very limited awareness.
However, the NHS does not publish data on these patients, so this autumn the BBC requested the information from all individual CCGs and NHS bodies across the UK.
The responses showed that more than 100 people with prolonged disorders of consciousness are currently being cared for by the NHS. BBC News
Many people will have "prolonged disorders of consciousness" - either in a coma or vegetative state, where they show no awareness of their environment, or a minimally conscious state, like Paul Briggs, where they show very limited awareness.
However, the NHS does not publish data on these patients, so this autumn the BBC requested the information from all individual CCGs and NHS bodies across the UK.
The responses showed that more than 100 people with prolonged disorders of consciousness are currently being cared for by the NHS. BBC News
Nurse leaders blame government for drop in nursing degree applicants
Nurse leaders blame government for drop in nursing degree applicants Nurse leaders have blamed the government for the sharp fall in applications to nursing, midwifery, and allied health degrees, revealed by The Times.
On Saturday, the newspaper reported that applications for these degrees had fallen by a fifth compared with this time last year. And the drop in the number of these applicants was twice that of other courses, it said.
The figures, which draw on survey data from higher education body Universities UK, show that the shortfalls in applications are worst in London and the south east, and among mature candidates. OnMedica
On Saturday, the newspaper reported that applications for these degrees had fallen by a fifth compared with this time last year. And the drop in the number of these applicants was twice that of other courses, it said.
The figures, which draw on survey data from higher education body Universities UK, show that the shortfalls in applications are worst in London and the south east, and among mature candidates. OnMedica
A council tax rise alone will not solve the social care funding crisis
A council tax rise alone will not solve the social care funding crisis Collaboration between the public, private and voluntary sectors is essential to address funding and workforce challenges
The planned council tax rise and government pledge to fund social care have done little to abate the growing frustration at the crisis breaking in the sector. If the prime minister is serious about making social care fit for purpose, her government needs to take a broader, more comprehensive look at the care industry. A rise in council tax alone is unlikely to be the silver bullet that solves the social care funding conundrum.
Social care is at a tipping point, according to the Care Quality Commission. Recent figures show that 77 of the 152 local authorities responsible for providing care for older people have seen at least one residential and nursing care provider close due to insufficient funds, and far more face severe financial pressures. Every time a local authority cannot deliver the social care its residents need, it puts further strain on the NHS. Continue reading... The Guardian
The planned council tax rise and government pledge to fund social care have done little to abate the growing frustration at the crisis breaking in the sector. If the prime minister is serious about making social care fit for purpose, her government needs to take a broader, more comprehensive look at the care industry. A rise in council tax alone is unlikely to be the silver bullet that solves the social care funding conundrum.
Social care is at a tipping point, according to the Care Quality Commission. Recent figures show that 77 of the 152 local authorities responsible for providing care for older people have seen at least one residential and nursing care provider close due to insufficient funds, and far more face severe financial pressures. Every time a local authority cannot deliver the social care its residents need, it puts further strain on the NHS. Continue reading... The Guardian
Cash to boost children's mental health not getting through, says charity
Cash to boost children's mental health not getting through, says charity YoungMinds data shows half of England’s clinical commissioning groups used their share of new £1.4bn allocation for other purposes
Money to improve struggling children’s mental health services is often not reaching the NHS frontline despite soaring rates of self-harm among young people, new figures reveal.
Half of England’s clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are using their share of the £1.4bn ministers allocated to improve NHS care of troubled young people for other purposes, it has emerged. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Money to improve struggling children’s mental health services is often not reaching the NHS frontline despite soaring rates of self-harm among young people, new figures reveal.
Half of England’s clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are using their share of the £1.4bn ministers allocated to improve NHS care of troubled young people for other purposes, it has emerged. Continue reading... The Guardian
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GP and senior manager spared jail after stealing £153,000 from the NHS winter budget to train doctors
GP and senior manager spared jail after stealing £153,000 from the NHS winter budget to train doctors A leading mental health GP and senior clinical commissioning manager have been spared jail after fraudulently taking £153,000 from the NHS winter budget to train doctors.
Dr Ian Walton and Lisa Hill admitted raising a false invoice for GP training from a charity, on whose board they both sat, before diverting the cash into the bank account of a private company they controlled.
Walton, a highly-regarded GP of more than 30 years, and Hill abused what a judge called their "considerable positions of trust" by having money to which they were never entitled. The Daily Telegraph
Dr Ian Walton and Lisa Hill admitted raising a false invoice for GP training from a charity, on whose board they both sat, before diverting the cash into the bank account of a private company they controlled.
Walton, a highly-regarded GP of more than 30 years, and Hill abused what a judge called their "considerable positions of trust" by having money to which they were never entitled. The Daily Telegraph
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