Friday, 3 March 2017
Exclusive: NHS England report reveals hundreds of GP practices facing five-figure funding cuts
Exclusive: NHS England report reveals hundreds of GP practices facing five-figure funding cuts Nearly 800 GP practices faced average losses worth more than £50,000 per year under the national PMS contract review, with around 200 at risk of being unable to manage losses safely for patients, an NHS England assessment obtained by GPonline reveals.
Physical restraint in mental health units is traumatising women all over again
Physical restraint in mental health units is traumatising women all over again When a woman or girl is admitted to a mental health unit, her expectation should be of a caring, supportive environment where she can get the treatment she needs to get better. Unfortunately, we now know from Agenda’s latest research on restraint that many are instead in an environment where physical force has become shockingly routine.
Agenda is an alliance of more than 70 organisations campaigning on behalf of women and girls at risk. We decided to ask for data about the use of restraint because previous research we carried out on mental health trusts’ strategies and policies – as part of our Women in Mind campaign – showed that most were failing to take into account women’s specific needs. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Agenda is an alliance of more than 70 organisations campaigning on behalf of women and girls at risk. We decided to ask for data about the use of restraint because previous research we carried out on mental health trusts’ strategies and policies – as part of our Women in Mind campaign – showed that most were failing to take into account women’s specific needs. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
The NHS's biggest challenge is convincing the public it has a plan
The NHS's biggest challenge is convincing the public it has a plan People blame immigration and cuts for the NHS crisis. The health service needs to communicate what is really going on
The British public has begun to talk of an NHS in crisis. This is a perception based on headlines decrying the state of the service; reports from healthcare staff (the NHS is the UK’s biggest employer; most people have at least one person in their social circle who works in it); and occasionally participants’ own bad experiences (although most still receive a great service – a tension that can give rise to “I was lucky” syndrome). Meanwhile, according to Ipsos Mori’s January issues index, 49% of respondents said that the NHS is one of the biggest issues (pdf) facing Britain today, a nine-point jump since December 2016 and its highest level since April 2003.
Public opinion abhors a vacuum. In the absence of a clear, concerted and disciplined message, people fill the gaps with their own assumptions, experiences and prejudices. Months of dire headlines have told them the NHS is in trouble, but the public are seeing and hearing little to tell them why, how, or what can be done about it. So they draw their own conclusions. Continue reading... The Guardian
The British public has begun to talk of an NHS in crisis. This is a perception based on headlines decrying the state of the service; reports from healthcare staff (the NHS is the UK’s biggest employer; most people have at least one person in their social circle who works in it); and occasionally participants’ own bad experiences (although most still receive a great service – a tension that can give rise to “I was lucky” syndrome). Meanwhile, according to Ipsos Mori’s January issues index, 49% of respondents said that the NHS is one of the biggest issues (pdf) facing Britain today, a nine-point jump since December 2016 and its highest level since April 2003.
Public opinion abhors a vacuum. In the absence of a clear, concerted and disciplined message, people fill the gaps with their own assumptions, experiences and prejudices. Months of dire headlines have told them the NHS is in trouble, but the public are seeing and hearing little to tell them why, how, or what can be done about it. So they draw their own conclusions. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS England chief brings in new rules on ward bed closures
NHS England chief brings in new rules on ward bed closures Hospitals to prove quality of patient care in community before losing beds, under criteria to be introduced by Simon Stevens
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, has acted to make it much more difficult for hospitals to slash their supply of beds, after the dramatic loss of the facilities in recent years was widely blamed for exacerbating the winter crisis. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, has acted to make it much more difficult for hospitals to slash their supply of beds, after the dramatic loss of the facilities in recent years was widely blamed for exacerbating the winter crisis. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Justify every single bed you ditch, hospitals are told The Daily Mail
- Thousands of hospital beds 'must not be slashed' orders head of NHS The Daily Telegraph
Drugs firm lower the costs of 14 key cancer drugs
Drugs firm lower the costs of 14 key cancer drugs Drugs giants including Bayer, Novartis and Pfizer have lowered the costs of 14 key cancer medicines after the NHS threatened to stop paying for them following a review of costs. The Daily Mail
NHS should 'do God' new guidance suggests, with doctors urged to ask the dying about their religious views
NHS should 'do God' new guidance suggests, with doctors urged to ask the dying about their religious views Doctors must not be afraid to do God, new NHS advice suggests, as medics are urged to ask the dying about their spiritual and religious preferences.
The guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) says hospital staff need to do more to ensure that the individual preferences of patients are addressed, as well as their medical needs.
Doctors and nurses will be encouraged to ask patients about their “spiritual, cultural, religious and social preferences,” opening up conversations on matters such as life after death. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) says hospital staff need to do more to ensure that the individual preferences of patients are addressed, as well as their medical needs.
Doctors and nurses will be encouraged to ask patients about their “spiritual, cultural, religious and social preferences,” opening up conversations on matters such as life after death. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- People who are dying should be asked about their spiritual beliefs, says NICE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- Care of dying adults in the last days of life Quality standard QS144 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- Don't be afraid to talk to dying patients about God. NHS The Daily Mail
Thursday, 2 March 2017
NHS finances facing 'nasty hangover' after bid to avert winter crisis
NHS finances facing 'nasty hangover' after bid to avert winter crisis Outsourcing work to private sector has dealt big blow to NHS trusts’ efforts to balance books, King’s Fund says.
The NHS’s already precarious finances are facing a “nasty hangover” after hospitals cancelled tens of thousands of operations recently in a bid to avert a full-blown winter crisis, experts have said.
Handing large numbers of operations over to private providers and hiring extra staff to cope with extra demand during December and January has also dealt a big blow to NHS trusts’ efforts to balance their books, the King’s Fund said. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS’s already precarious finances are facing a “nasty hangover” after hospitals cancelled tens of thousands of operations recently in a bid to avert a full-blown winter crisis, experts have said.
Handing large numbers of operations over to private providers and hiring extra staff to cope with extra demand during December and January has also dealt a big blow to NHS trusts’ efforts to balance their books, the King’s Fund said. Continue reading... The Guardian
Shifting the balance of care: Great expectations
Shifting the balance of care: Great expectations This research draws on an extensive literature review to assess the realism of the narrative that moving care out of hospital will save money. It explores five key areas: elective care, urgent and emergency care, admission avoidance and easier discharge, at risk populations, and self-care. Nuffield Trust
Young people 'fear stigma' if they ask for mental-health help
Young people 'fear stigma' if they ask for mental-health help Over three-quarters of young people say there is a stigma to mental illness and a quarter would not ask for help if they were suffering, a survey suggests.
Almost half of 2,215 16- to 25-year-olds polled by YouGov for the Prince's Trust said they had themselves experienced a mental health problem.
And a third of these felt admitting to problems could harm their job chances.
Fear of stigma was a "major obstacle" to finding help, said Prof Louise Arseneault, of Kings College London.
A third of the young people sampled also said they would worry about appearing weak if they sought help, and most said they would not want to confide in anyone at all. BBC News
See also:
Almost half of 2,215 16- to 25-year-olds polled by YouGov for the Prince's Trust said they had themselves experienced a mental health problem.
And a third of these felt admitting to problems could harm their job chances.
Fear of stigma was a "major obstacle" to finding help, said Prof Louise Arseneault, of Kings College London.
A third of the young people sampled also said they would worry about appearing weak if they sought help, and most said they would not want to confide in anyone at all. BBC News
See also:
- Mental Health Is Everyone's Business Huffington Post UK
Women warned about private Down's syndrome tests
Women warned about private Down's syndrome tests Pregnant women are being urged to ask questions of private providers offering a new test for Down's syndrome.
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics while many clinics provide a good service, some give too little advice and support.
It says some fail to make it clear that non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can offer only an estimate of Down's risk and is not diagnostic.
One private clinic said counselling was a vital part of the test. BBC News
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics while many clinics provide a good service, some give too little advice and support.
It says some fail to make it clear that non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can offer only an estimate of Down's risk and is not diagnostic.
One private clinic said counselling was a vital part of the test. BBC News
Osteoporosis drugs may make bones weaker
Osteoporosis drugs may make bones weaker Drugs used to treat weak bones in elderly patients suffering from osteoporosis may actually make them weaker, research suggests.
Scientists at Imperial College London examined the bone structure of hip-fracture patients who had been treated with bisphosphonates.
They found evidence the drugs were linked to microscopic cracks, making bones more fragile and prone to break.
Osteoporosis affects three million people in the UK. BBC News
Scientists at Imperial College London examined the bone structure of hip-fracture patients who had been treated with bisphosphonates.
They found evidence the drugs were linked to microscopic cracks, making bones more fragile and prone to break.
Osteoporosis affects three million people in the UK. BBC News
Hepatitis C charity took drug industry funding
Hepatitis C charity took drug industry funding The Hepatitis C Trust tried to force the NHS to buy more of an expensive drug treatment last year. BBC News
Two out of three people back ‘soft’ opt-out organ donation
Two out of three people back ‘soft’ opt-out organ donation Two thirds of people support a ‘soft’ opt-out organ donation system, such as the one already adopted in Wales, reveal the findings of a new poll carried out by the BMA.
The survey, which questioned 2,011 members of the public in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, found that while two out of three people (66%) want to donate their organs at death only just over a third (39%) are signed up to the organ donation register. OnMedica
The survey, which questioned 2,011 members of the public in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, found that while two out of three people (66%) want to donate their organs at death only just over a third (39%) are signed up to the organ donation register. OnMedica
Oxford University college accused of 'lending credibility to quackery' by hosting homeopathy conference
Oxford University college accused of 'lending credibility to quackery' by hosting homeopathy conference An Oxford University college has been accused of inadvertently “lending credibility to quackery” by agreeing to host a conference on the “alternative therapy” of homeopathy.
The Good Thinking Society, a charity which claims to promote rational thinking and battle “pseudoscience”, has said Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, will be “adding gloss to a pseudoscientific event” by hosting the annual general meeting of the Society of Homeopaths on 18 March. The Independent
The Good Thinking Society, a charity which claims to promote rational thinking and battle “pseudoscience”, has said Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, will be “adding gloss to a pseudoscientific event” by hosting the annual general meeting of the Society of Homeopaths on 18 March. The Independent
Why are there so few male nurses?
Why are there so few male nurses? Last year just 11.4% of registered nurses in the UK were male. Continued stereotyping is partly to blame
Efforts to promote gender equality in workplaces of all kinds may be widespread, but the number of men in nursing remains stubbornly low. Last year just 11.4% of registered nurses in the UK were male, according to figures from the Nursing & Midwifery Council – only a marginal increase from five years earlier, when they made up 11% of the workforce.
And the proportion of nursing students in the UK who are men hasn’t shifted either, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency: in 2016 it stood at 11.6%, compared with 11.5% a decade earlier. Continue reading... The Guardian
Efforts to promote gender equality in workplaces of all kinds may be widespread, but the number of men in nursing remains stubbornly low. Last year just 11.4% of registered nurses in the UK were male, according to figures from the Nursing & Midwifery Council – only a marginal increase from five years earlier, when they made up 11% of the workforce.
And the proportion of nursing students in the UK who are men hasn’t shifted either, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency: in 2016 it stood at 11.6%, compared with 11.5% a decade earlier. Continue reading... The Guardian
'Nursing makes all the difference in healthcare': how the job has changed
'Nursing makes all the difference in healthcare': how the job has changed The profession’s agenda has extended but staffing levels, pay, Brexit and compassion fatigue are significant issues
It’s 30 years since Trevor Clay challenged his fellow nurses to rise up and make their voices heard. The profession had been “remarkably insular”, he wrote, and to its lasting cost had taken little heed of the social, political and economic forces that shaped its practice.
Clay, the charismatic leader of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) during its period of explosive growth in the 1980s, argued that nursing’s great strength – its overriding focus on the needs of the patient – was at the same time its great weakness. “Too many nurses take that suppression of their individual feelings on a daily basis into political life,” he said. “Nursing is perhaps the most unassertive profession in the UK.”
Nurses are certainly not the handmaidens of any other profession Continue reading... The Guardian
It’s 30 years since Trevor Clay challenged his fellow nurses to rise up and make their voices heard. The profession had been “remarkably insular”, he wrote, and to its lasting cost had taken little heed of the social, political and economic forces that shaped its practice.
Clay, the charismatic leader of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) during its period of explosive growth in the 1980s, argued that nursing’s great strength – its overriding focus on the needs of the patient – was at the same time its great weakness. “Too many nurses take that suppression of their individual feelings on a daily basis into political life,” he said. “Nursing is perhaps the most unassertive profession in the UK.”
Nurses are certainly not the handmaidens of any other profession Continue reading... The Guardian
75 per cent of Brits fail to eat five-a-day
75 per cent of Brits fail to eat five-a-day The majority of Brits fail to eat their recommended five-a-day - and many struggle to identify what constitutes fruit and vegetables, new study from California reveals. The Daily Mail
Britain's e-cigarette boom is over, data suggests
Britain's e-cigarette boom is over, data suggests The number of smokers using e-cigarettes to kick the habit is declining amid fears that they are may be just as unhealthy as tobacco, data shows.
Consumer analyst Mintel has found that for the first time since their launch fewer people are using e-cigarettes to quit smoking, with usage among quitters dropping from 69pc to 62pc last year. The Daily Telegraph
Consumer analyst Mintel has found that for the first time since their launch fewer people are using e-cigarettes to quit smoking, with usage among quitters dropping from 69pc to 62pc last year. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 1 March 2017
Northampton care centre 'pin down mentally sick children'
Northampton care centre 'pin down mentally sick children' An investigation into St Andrew’s Health Centre in Northampton found the shocking results.
Children and teenagers are being pinned down and sedated in one of Britain’s largest mental health centres, a shocking investigation has exposed.
One girl of 15 with autism was prescribed powerful anti-psychotics and shut away in a cell-like room for almost two years.
And in a six-month period last year staff restrained youngsters face-down on at least 600 occasions. The Daily Mail
Children and teenagers are being pinned down and sedated in one of Britain’s largest mental health centres, a shocking investigation has exposed.
One girl of 15 with autism was prescribed powerful anti-psychotics and shut away in a cell-like room for almost two years.
And in a six-month period last year staff restrained youngsters face-down on at least 600 occasions. The Daily Mail
Report highlights alarming level of readmission for COPD patients
Report highlights alarming level of readmission for COPD patientsA new report from the Royal College of Physicians shows that 43% of patients admitted for hospital treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were readmitted at least once in the 3 months following discharge, representing a considerable increase from 33% in 2008.
COPD is responsible for 5% of annual deaths globally, is the fifth biggest killer in the UK and is the only major cause of death that is on the increase.
COPD is responsible for 5% of annual deaths globally, is the fifth biggest killer in the UK and is the only major cause of death that is on the increase.
Patients first: improving patients' food and drink experience through a better understanding of their priorities
Patients first: improving patients' food and drink experience through a better understanding of their priorities This report covers a large-scale, independent survey of patients’ preferences and experiences of hospital meals. The aim was to conduct face to face interviews with patients in hospital wards to give useful insight into their requirements and views, providing both robust numbers and a good qualitative understanding. By establishing patients’ preferences and priorities and linking this to their satisfaction with what is currently offered, it will be possible to give guidance to providers of food and meal service to develop and improve their offer. Patients Association
Stand by for a quiet revolution in the NHS
Stand by for a quiet revolution in the NHS There is a quiet revolution happening in the NHS in England. It's under the radar and has been little commented on till now.
Details of the potentially radical changes will emerge at the end of March.
There is, apparently, no need for new legislation.
In effect, the controversial health reforms of 2012 will be bypassed in some parts of England.
Simon Stevens, head of NHS England, will unveil his thinking in late March but he has given some clues to MPs on the Public Accounts Committee.
His aim in some areas is to abolish a fundamental feature of the structure of the NHS in England - what's known as the purchaser/provider split. BBC News
Details of the potentially radical changes will emerge at the end of March.
There is, apparently, no need for new legislation.
In effect, the controversial health reforms of 2012 will be bypassed in some parts of England.
Simon Stevens, head of NHS England, will unveil his thinking in late March but he has given some clues to MPs on the Public Accounts Committee.
His aim in some areas is to abolish a fundamental feature of the structure of the NHS in England - what's known as the purchaser/provider split. BBC News
Early warning signs of heart attacks 'being missed'
Early warning signs of heart attacks 'being missed' Early warning signs may have been missed in one in six heart attack deaths in England, a study suggests.
Researchers looked at all heart attack hospital admissions and deaths between 2006 and 2010.
The team, from Imperial College London, found 16% who died of a heart attack within 28 days of an admission had not been diagnosed - despite symptoms like chest pain most likely being present.
The British Heart Foundation has called the research "concerning".
The study authors from the School of Public Health at Imperial College say more research is "urgently needed". BBC News
Researchers looked at all heart attack hospital admissions and deaths between 2006 and 2010.
The team, from Imperial College London, found 16% who died of a heart attack within 28 days of an admission had not been diagnosed - despite symptoms like chest pain most likely being present.
The British Heart Foundation has called the research "concerning".
The study authors from the School of Public Health at Imperial College say more research is "urgently needed". BBC News
Drug and mental health admissions highest for a decade
Drug and mental health admissions highest for a decade More patients are being admitted to hospital in England for drug-related mental health issues or poisoning than at any time in the past 10 years.
Official figures reveal 15,074 cases of people in hospital with illicit drug poisoning in 2015-16, 51% more than 2005-06.
Mental health issues had drugs as a cause in 81,904 cases.
Public health experts say falling investment in drug treatment services may explain the rise. BBC News
Official figures reveal 15,074 cases of people in hospital with illicit drug poisoning in 2015-16, 51% more than 2005-06.
Mental health issues had drugs as a cause in 81,904 cases.
Public health experts say falling investment in drug treatment services may explain the rise. BBC News
Doctors describe impact on patients of bed shortages in shocking dossier
Doctors describe impact on patients of bed shortages in shocking dossier Patients are dying because they cannot access specialist care in hospitals struggling to cope and overflowing with patients awaiting discharge, a damning report published by the Royal College of Physicians says.
The report ‘Against the odds; Experiences from the NHS frontline’ collates first-hand experiences from hospital doctors who have been working the NHS frontline over the last couple of months to illustrate the intense pressure the NHS is under.
“Patients are dying as a result of not accessing specialist care, as the hospitals are jam-full,” said one doctor. “We started the day 73 beds down…,” said a second. OnMedica
See also:
The report ‘Against the odds; Experiences from the NHS frontline’ collates first-hand experiences from hospital doctors who have been working the NHS frontline over the last couple of months to illustrate the intense pressure the NHS is under.
“Patients are dying as a result of not accessing specialist care, as the hospitals are jam-full,” said one doctor. “We started the day 73 beds down…,” said a second. OnMedica
See also:
Brexit: NHS faces crisis unless Government guarantees right of remain for 145,000 EU workers, TUC says
Brexit: NHS faces crisis unless Government guarantees right of remain for 145,000 EU workers, TUC says NHS and adult social care services are facing a further crisis after Brexit unless the Government guarantees the rights of EU workers to remain in the UK, new analysis has shown.
More than 140,000 NHS and adult social care workers in England are EU migrants, with London, the South East and the East of England the most vulnerable to losing vital staff, the TUC found. The Independent
More than 140,000 NHS and adult social care workers in England are EU migrants, with London, the South East and the East of England the most vulnerable to losing vital staff, the TUC found. The Independent
The Guardian view on Jeremy Hunt: he must practise what he preaches | Editorial
The Guardian view on Jeremy Hunt: he must practise what he preaches | Editorial Monumental failures with patient correspondence put lives at risk. The Department for Health needs to ask what needs to change to ensure it doesn’t happen again
“Just how easy is it to speak about things that have gone wrong?”, asked health secretary Jeremy Hunt in a speech he made last year about improving transparency and ending the blame culture in the NHS. Mr Hunt is himself failing badly on this critical benchmark for greater openness. The Guardian this week has revealed that half a million pieces of medical correspondence, including test results and diagnoses for life-threatening conditions like cancer, sat undelivered in a warehouse between 2011 and 2016. Yet it has taken almost a year for the full extent of this failure to emerge. Continue reading... The Guardian
“Just how easy is it to speak about things that have gone wrong?”, asked health secretary Jeremy Hunt in a speech he made last year about improving transparency and ending the blame culture in the NHS. Mr Hunt is himself failing badly on this critical benchmark for greater openness. The Guardian this week has revealed that half a million pieces of medical correspondence, including test results and diagnoses for life-threatening conditions like cancer, sat undelivered in a warehouse between 2011 and 2016. Yet it has taken almost a year for the full extent of this failure to emerge. Continue reading... The Guardian
What impact will Brexit have on nursing?
What impact will Brexit have on nursing? The NHS faces a major shortfall in nurses – and the EU referendum result threatens to derail supply further
The NHS faces a severe nursing shortage. An ageing population has pushed up demand, while an ageing nursing workforce – with one in three nurses set to retire in the next 10 years – is reducing supply. The shortage is particularly acute in mental health, with specialist nurse numbers falling more than 10% in the past five years.
And the Brexit vote may make it even worse. A July 2016 Institute for Employment Studies (IES) report reveals about 4.5% of NHS nurses in 2015 were from EU countries excluding Ireland, a steep rise from the 1% of 2009. In some trusts in London and the east of England, the proportion is as high as 20%. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS faces a severe nursing shortage. An ageing population has pushed up demand, while an ageing nursing workforce – with one in three nurses set to retire in the next 10 years – is reducing supply. The shortage is particularly acute in mental health, with specialist nurse numbers falling more than 10% in the past five years.
And the Brexit vote may make it even worse. A July 2016 Institute for Employment Studies (IES) report reveals about 4.5% of NHS nurses in 2015 were from EU countries excluding Ireland, a steep rise from the 1% of 2009. In some trusts in London and the east of England, the proportion is as high as 20%. Continue reading... The Guardian
15% of trusts spend less than 14p a day on specialist care
15% of trusts spend less than 14p a day on specialist care Some health trusts are spending just 14p a day per patient providing specialist care for those who are dying, a report has revealed.
It exposes severe lapses in services at evenings and weekends with patients and their families left to cope alone.
A total of 15 per cent of trusts said they do not provide specialist end-of-life care and advice to patients seven days a week.
While 31 per cent do not have dedicated pain control teams – nurses who visit homes and administer medication such as morphine. The Daily Mail
See also:
It exposes severe lapses in services at evenings and weekends with patients and their families left to cope alone.
A total of 15 per cent of trusts said they do not provide specialist end-of-life care and advice to patients seven days a week.
While 31 per cent do not have dedicated pain control teams – nurses who visit homes and administer medication such as morphine. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Commissioning of specialist palliative care services in England (abstract) BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care
Every hospital ordered to change its logo by NHS “identity managers” in move which prompts ridicule
Every hospital ordered to change its logo by NHS “identity managers” in move which prompts ridicule Every hospital in the country has been ordered to alter its logo by NHS “identity managers” in a measure which has prompted fury and ridicule.
A ditkat from NHS England means hundreds of organisations will have to rework all their publicity materials, moving the NHS logo so it is above the name of each trust, instead of beside it.
The measure has been introduced by the “NHS identity team” following 1,000 interviews and 28 focus groups with members of the public. It follows a two year review of the health service logo with nine workshops involving 100 communications officials. The Daily Telegraph
A ditkat from NHS England means hundreds of organisations will have to rework all their publicity materials, moving the NHS logo so it is above the name of each trust, instead of beside it.
The measure has been introduced by the “NHS identity team” following 1,000 interviews and 28 focus groups with members of the public. It follows a two year review of the health service logo with nine workshops involving 100 communications officials. The Daily Telegraph
Surgeon accused of assaulting patients by carrying out 'unnecessary' breast cancer operations
Surgeon accused of assaulting patients by carrying out 'unnecessary' breast cancer operations An experienced NHS surgeon has been accused of trying to "earn extra money" by deliberately carrying out "completely unnecessary" operations on suspected breast cancer patients.
Ian Paterson repeatedly lied to patients about their conditions and performed dozens of botched mastectomies which caused patients "serious harm" over a 14-year period, a court has heard.
Prosecutors say Mr Paterson "invented" serious risks of cancer in patients and performed life-changing procedures on them for "no medically justified reason". The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Ian Paterson repeatedly lied to patients about their conditions and performed dozens of botched mastectomies which caused patients "serious harm" over a 14-year period, a court has heard.
Prosecutors say Mr Paterson "invented" serious risks of cancer in patients and performed life-changing procedures on them for "no medically justified reason". The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
£2.1m expansion to KGH pharmacy nearing completion
£2.1m expansion to KGH pharmacy nearing completion Kettering General Hospital is in the final stages of a £2.1m project to expand and modernise its pharmacy department. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Housing and health: STPs, White Papers and beyond
Housing and health: STPs, White Papers and beyond As part of our work on understanding and supporting a move to place-based population health systems, we held a dinner at the Fund recently to discuss the role of housing in sustainability and transformation plans (STPs). The King's Fund
Positive changes for LGBT staff at Northumbria NHS FT
Positive changes for LGBT staff at Northumbria NHS FT To celebrate the end of LGBT history month Patrick Price, equality and diversity lead at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust talks about the positive benefits open conversations can bring. NHS Employers
Women in public life, the professions and the boardroom
Women in public life, the professions and the boardroom How are women represented in public life, the professions and the boardroom? This briefing sets out key trends and statistics, covering politics, public appointments, civil servants the judiciary, the NHS, education and leading private sector vocations. House of Commons Library
Government fights ruling to extend disability benefits for mental health sufferers
Government fights ruling to extend disability benefits for mental health sufferers Campaigners and backbenchers have criticised the government over its plans to go against a legal ruling to extend disability benefits to people suffering from severe mental health issues.
A legal tribunal had called for disability benefits to be given to people suffering with "overwhelming physical distress" from issues such as depression and anxiety.
It ruled claimants with psychological problems who cannot travel without help must be treated like those who are blind and receive Personal Independence Payments (PIPs).
Disabilities Minister Penny Mordaunt has said she will take action to ensure PIPs go only to the most needy. ITV News
A legal tribunal had called for disability benefits to be given to people suffering with "overwhelming physical distress" from issues such as depression and anxiety.
It ruled claimants with psychological problems who cannot travel without help must be treated like those who are blind and receive Personal Independence Payments (PIPs).
Disabilities Minister Penny Mordaunt has said she will take action to ensure PIPs go only to the most needy. ITV News
Prosecutions 'rare' for abuse by home carers
Prosecutions 'rare' for abuse by home carers More than 23,000 allegations of abuse have been made against carers working in people's homes across the UK.
The data comes from a Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC Radio 4 programme File on 4.
The United Kingdom Homecare Association, which represents 2,000 care companies, described the findings as "horrifying" and blamed cuts to local government budgets.
The Department of Health said it had given councils up to £7.6bn of funding. BBC News
The data comes from a Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC Radio 4 programme File on 4.
The United Kingdom Homecare Association, which represents 2,000 care companies, described the findings as "horrifying" and blamed cuts to local government budgets.
The Department of Health said it had given councils up to £7.6bn of funding. BBC News
New drugs 'urgently needed' to fight 12 supergerms, says WHO
New drugs 'urgently needed' to fight 12 supergerms, says WHO New antibiotics need to be developed urgently to combat 12 families of bacteria, the World Health Organisation has said, describing these “priority pathogens” as the greatest threats to human health.
The United National health agency said many of these bacteria have already evolved into deadly superbugs that are resistant to many antibiotics. The Independent
See also:
The United National health agency said many of these bacteria have already evolved into deadly superbugs that are resistant to many antibiotics. The Independent
See also:
Hospitals could join prisons in cycle of 'crisis, cash, repeat', says report
Hospitals could join prisons in cycle of 'crisis, cash, repeat', says report Better financial planning and reforms needed to avoid ‘disastrous combination of failing public services and breached spending controls’
Hospitals could join prisons and social care in a cycle of “crisis, cash, repeat” unless they receive better financial planning and reforms, a Whitehall report has warned.
Without improvements, public services are doomed to fail or breach spending controls, the report by the Institute for Government and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) said. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Hospitals could join prisons and social care in a cycle of “crisis, cash, repeat” unless they receive better financial planning and reforms, a Whitehall report has warned.
Without improvements, public services are doomed to fail or breach spending controls, the report by the Institute for Government and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) said. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- New report reveals pressure on public services Institute for Government
NHS faces new £1bn annual bill after 'reckless' change to injury payouts
NHS faces new £1bn annual bill after 'reckless' change to injury payouts Angry insurers rail against ‘crazy change’ to personal injury formula that will hike car premiums by £75 for millions with British military and small firms hit
A “reckless” government-ordered change to the way personal injury awards are calculated will add as much as £75 to already fast-rising average car insurance premiums, and land the NHS with an annual £1bn bill, the insurance industry has warned.
The lord chancellor, Liz Truss, has announced a change to the so-called “Ogden” discount rate – which is used to calculate compensation awards for serious personal injuries – to ensure inflation does not erode the future value of a payout. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
A “reckless” government-ordered change to the way personal injury awards are calculated will add as much as £75 to already fast-rising average car insurance premiums, and land the NHS with an annual £1bn bill, the insurance industry has warned.
The lord chancellor, Liz Truss, has announced a change to the so-called “Ogden” discount rate – which is used to calculate compensation awards for serious personal injuries – to ensure inflation does not erode the future value of a payout. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
NHS data loss: 173 instances of likely patient harm identified
NHS data loss: 173 instances of likely patient harm identified Department of Health reviews impact of failure to deliver 500,000 pieces of medical correspondence between 2011 and 2016
The NHS has identified 173 instances of likely patient harm arising from the loss of half a million pieces of confidential medical correspondence such as test results and treatment plans. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS has identified 173 instances of likely patient harm arising from the loss of half a million pieces of confidential medical correspondence such as test results and treatment plans. Continue reading... The Guardian
Crackdown on tax dodges of locum NHS staff
Crackdown on tax dodges of locum NHS staff Up to 90 per cent of temporary staff are thought to be using the ruse. They would only pay corporation tax of 21 per cent, rather 45 per cent. Locum rates are up to £160 an hour. The Daily Mail
FGM should not be prosecuted, police force says as it claims best course of action is to 'educate parents'
FGM should not be prosecuted, police force says as it claims best course of action is to 'educate parents' Parents caught practising female genital mutilation on their children should not be prosecuted, a police force has claimed as it says the best course of action is to “educate parents”.
The claims, made by West Midlands Police on social media yesterday, have provoked criticism from MPs and child welfare activists, who said the force’s reluctance to seek prosecution was “deeply disturbing”.
The feud comes after a spokesman for the force claimed that it was against “prosecuting/jailing” parents who had carried out FGM on the grounds that it would be “unlikely to benefit” children who fall victim to the crime. The Daily Telegraph
The claims, made by West Midlands Police on social media yesterday, have provoked criticism from MPs and child welfare activists, who said the force’s reluctance to seek prosecution was “deeply disturbing”.
The feud comes after a spokesman for the force claimed that it was against “prosecuting/jailing” parents who had carried out FGM on the grounds that it would be “unlikely to benefit” children who fall victim to the crime. The Daily Telegraph
NHS doctors banned from charging 'rip-off' locum rates for extra shifts
NHS doctors banned from charging 'rip-off' locum rates for extra shifts NHS doctors have been banned from earning lucrative agency rateswhile moonlighting at other hospitals after it emerged five medics were paid more than £2 million a year between them.
The health service watchdog, NHS Improvement, last night also revealed that around 100 agency staff are earning more than £200,000 a year for covering staff shortages, while more than 500 doctors take home in excess of £150,000 a year. The Daily Telegraph
The health service watchdog, NHS Improvement, last night also revealed that around 100 agency staff are earning more than £200,000 a year for covering staff shortages, while more than 500 doctors take home in excess of £150,000 a year. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 27 February 2017
United effort required to tackle huge challenges facing the NHS
United effort required to tackle huge challenges facing the NHS The Public Accounts Committee report says that the NHS is facing huge challenges and a united effort is required to resolve these for the long term.
Its report, the latest in a series from the cross-party Committee examining the growing pressure on health finances, sets out new and urgent recommendations to government.
The Committee criticises "bickering in public" between key figures responsible for the health service at a time when the financial performance of NHS bodies has worsened considerably—a trend which is not sustainable.
It calls on the Department of Health, NHS England and No. 10 to work together "in the best interests of patients".
See also:
Its report, the latest in a series from the cross-party Committee examining the growing pressure on health finances, sets out new and urgent recommendations to government.
The Committee criticises "bickering in public" between key figures responsible for the health service at a time when the financial performance of NHS bodies has worsened considerably—a trend which is not sustainable.
It calls on the Department of Health, NHS England and No. 10 to work together "in the best interests of patients".
See also:
- Financial sustainability in the NHS Public Accounts Committee
- MPs criticise Theresa May and NHS over 'bickering' BBC News
- Patients suffer as NHS chiefs bicker say MPs The Daily Mail
- Bickering between Theresa May and NHS chiefs is 'an insult to taxpayers' The Daily Telegraph
- NHS financial crisis blocking plans to move care out of hospital, warn MPs GP Online
- Government ‘must act to avoid catastrophic failure’ in NHS The Independent
Health and social care integration (England)
Health and social care integration (England) This briefing paper analyses recent policy and debate on the integration of NHS-provided healthcare and local authority-provided social care. As health and social care are both devolved policy areas, this briefing focuses on integration in England. House of Commons Library
NHS 'tobacco free' campaign launched by Public Health England
NHS 'tobacco free' campaign launched by Public Health England A "truly tobacco-free NHS" needs to be created to help smoker patients quit their habit, health officials say.
Only one in 10 hospitals enforces a smoking ban outside health service buildings, and Public Health England (PHE) wants all hospitals to offer help to quit as part of patients' treatment.
More than a million smokers are admitted to NHS hospitals every year.
PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie said it was not about "forcing people" to quit, but was about "helping people". BBC News
See also:
Only one in 10 hospitals enforces a smoking ban outside health service buildings, and Public Health England (PHE) wants all hospitals to offer help to quit as part of patients' treatment.
More than a million smokers are admitted to NHS hospitals every year.
PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie said it was not about "forcing people" to quit, but was about "helping people". BBC News
See also:
- Call for smoking to be BANNED outside NHS hospitals The Daily Mail
Maps reveal schizophrenia 'hotspots' in England
Maps reveal schizophrenia 'hotspots' in England Maps have revealed "hotspots" of schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses in England, based on the amount of medication prescribed by GPs.
The analysis by the University of East London showed North Kesteven, in Lincolnshire, had the highest rates.
The lowest rate of schizophrenia prescriptions was in East Dorset.
However, explaining the pattern across England is complicated and the research team says the maps pose a lot of questions.
They were developed using anonymous prescription records that are collected from doctors' surgeries in England. BBC News
The analysis by the University of East London showed North Kesteven, in Lincolnshire, had the highest rates.
The lowest rate of schizophrenia prescriptions was in East Dorset.
However, explaining the pattern across England is complicated and the research team says the maps pose a lot of questions.
They were developed using anonymous prescription records that are collected from doctors' surgeries in England. BBC News
Children in UK mental health hospitals 'not improving', parents say
Children in UK mental health hospitals 'not improving', parents say More than half of parents with children in mental health hospitals do not feel their condition has improved as a result of treatment, while nearly a quarter say it has actually deteriorated, according to a survey.
The research was based on responses from 448 parents whose children have been in mental health hospitals in England over the last five years.
The study, carried out by the children’s mental health charity YoungMinds and the National Autistic Society, found that 54% of parents said they had seen no improvement, while 24% said their offspring’s mental health had got worse. The Guardian
See also:
The research was based on responses from 448 parents whose children have been in mental health hospitals in England over the last five years.
The study, carried out by the children’s mental health charity YoungMinds and the National Autistic Society, found that 54% of parents said they had seen no improvement, while 24% said their offspring’s mental health had got worse. The Guardian
See also:
- Mental health hospitals failing parents YoungMinds
NHS accused of covering up huge data loss that put thousands at risk
NHS accused of covering up huge data loss that put thousands at risk Exclusive: More than 500,000 pieces of patient data between GPs and hospitals went undelivered between 2011 and 2016
Thousands of patients are feared to have been harmed after the NHS lost more than half a million pieces of confidential medical correspondence, including test results and treatment plans.
In one of the biggest losses of sensitive clinical information in the NHS’s 69-year history, more than 500,000 pieces of patient data sent between GPs and hospitals went undelivered over the five years from 2011 to 2016. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Thousands of patients are feared to have been harmed after the NHS lost more than half a million pieces of confidential medical correspondence, including test results and treatment plans.
In one of the biggest losses of sensitive clinical information in the NHS’s 69-year history, more than 500,000 pieces of patient data sent between GPs and hospitals went undelivered over the five years from 2011 to 2016. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Test all pregnant women for smoking, say NHS chiefs
Test all pregnant women for smoking, say NHS chiefs The plan, which is supported by the Royal College of Midwives, is part of a wider drive to discourage cigarettes at hospitals
England’s public health chief is urging hospitals to give every pregnant woman a carbon monoxide test to see if they smoke, as part of an NHS-wide drive to persuade patients to kick the habit.
Duncan Selbie wants midwives and nurses to routinely screen mothers-to-be when their pregnancy is first “booked”, monitor them at all their antenatal appointments and support those who want to quit. Continue reading... The Guardian
England’s public health chief is urging hospitals to give every pregnant woman a carbon monoxide test to see if they smoke, as part of an NHS-wide drive to persuade patients to kick the habit.
Duncan Selbie wants midwives and nurses to routinely screen mothers-to-be when their pregnancy is first “booked”, monitor them at all their antenatal appointments and support those who want to quit. Continue reading... The Guardian
Row over GP who sent away dying girl for being late
Row over GP who sent away dying girl for being late Ellie-May Clark died of an asthma attack hours after Dr Joanne Rowe turned her away claiming she was late for her emergency appointment at The Grange Clinic in Newport, South Wales. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
Thousands of children and teenagers with anorexia forced to wait months for help
Thousands of children and teenagers with anorexia forced to wait months for help Thousands of children and teenagers with anorexia are being forced to wait months for help, amid a growing crisis in services to treat eating disorders.
An investigation by The Telegraph reveals a dramatic fall in provision of hospital appointments for the condition, forcing patients to wait longer, with some in need of inpatient care travelling hundreds of miles.
The NHS data shows that in just two years, there has been a 36 per cent reduction in the number of hospital appointments for eating disorders across the country. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
An investigation by The Telegraph reveals a dramatic fall in provision of hospital appointments for the condition, forcing patients to wait longer, with some in need of inpatient care travelling hundreds of miles.
The NHS data shows that in just two years, there has been a 36 per cent reduction in the number of hospital appointments for eating disorders across the country. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- GPs are trained in all aspects of mental health, including eating disorders, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Three in ten people with eating disorders let down by GPs The Daily Mail
- GPs are telling young girls with anorexia to come back when they are thinner, report warns The Daily Telegraph
- Three out of 10 eating disorder sufferers not being referred for necessary treatment The Independent
GPs say patients take offence when told they need to lose weight
GPs say patients take offence when told they need to lose weight GPs are offending overweight patients by warning them they need to go on a diet, a poll suggests.
The survey found one in three had seen patients take offence when they had raised the issue of their weight.
Current NHS advice says family doctors should offer all obese patients free places on courses run by WeightWatchers and Slimming World. And last year a study by Oxford University found just a 30 second intervention was enough to make a difference. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The survey found one in three had seen patients take offence when they had raised the issue of their weight.
Current NHS advice says family doctors should offer all obese patients free places on courses run by WeightWatchers and Slimming World. And last year a study by Oxford University found just a 30 second intervention was enough to make a difference. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- One in three GPs have offended patients by talking about their weight Pulse
- GPs doing a good job at having difficult conversations about weight management with patients, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Patients offended when told they need to lose weight The Daily Mail
Friday, 24 February 2017
Specialist cardiac scanning service improves care for more than 1,000 at KGH
Specialist cardiac scanning service improves care for more than 1,000 at KGH A specialist scanning service at Kettering General Hospital has helped improve care for more than 1,000 local people with heart problems since its launch. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Transforming community care
Transforming community care Chris Gregory, head of clinical systems for LGSS Local Health and Care Shared Service — a public sector organisation providing back-office services including IM&T to local government and health organisations across Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire and Norfolk — explains how mobile solutions are transforming the work of community-based health teams.
As the IT provider to Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS FT, LGSS has been involved in delivering mobile working solutions to a number of community-based health teams, including health visitors and district nurses, and for providing similar solutions in local government. National Health Executive
As the IT provider to Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS FT, LGSS has been involved in delivering mobile working solutions to a number of community-based health teams, including health visitors and district nurses, and for providing similar solutions in local government. National Health Executive
Tackling cyberbullying in the NHS
Tackling cyberbullying in the NHS A briefing from NHS Employers explores how the NHS currently tackles cyberbullying through examining results of a study conducted by a charity.
Productivity, technology and the NHS: a Newchurch paper
Productivity, technology and the NHS: a Newchurch paper This paper looks at the NHS in England approach to productivity improvement half-way through the implementation of NHS England's 'Five Year Forward View' (5YFV). It discusses the prevailing approach to productivity and technology in the NHS and the local Sustainability and Transformation Plans, intended to implement the 5FYV and concludes not only that the 5YFV's aspirations are unlikely to be achieved but that the acceptance of sub-optimal productivity is the default position for the NHS. Newchurch
SAS doctor development: summary of resources and further work
SAS doctor development: summary of resources and further work The British Medical Association, Health Education England, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and NHS Employers have worked together to produce this guidance on the development of specialty and associate specialist (SAS) doctors in the NHS in England. It aims to help ensure that this group of doctors are helped to remain fit to practice and develop in their careers. Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
Breast screening coverage rises for first time in five years
Breast screening coverage rises for first time in five years More than three in four women aged 53 to 70 have undergone breast screening within the last three years, with uptake rising for the first time in five years in 2015/16, official data show. GP Online
Care of the dying compromised by NHS pressures
Care of the dying compromised by NHS pressures Over two thirds of UK nurses feel they don’t have sufficient time to provide high quality care for patients who are dying.
A survey of nearly 1,000 nurses and healthcare assistants by palliative care charity Marie Curie in association with the Nursing Standard magazine reveals that the day-to-day pressures of working in the NHS are compromising efforts to care for patients at the end of their lives.
More than two thirds (67%) surveyed said they did not have sufficient time to provide high quality care to dying patients. OnMedica
A survey of nearly 1,000 nurses and healthcare assistants by palliative care charity Marie Curie in association with the Nursing Standard magazine reveals that the day-to-day pressures of working in the NHS are compromising efforts to care for patients at the end of their lives.
More than two thirds (67%) surveyed said they did not have sufficient time to provide high quality care to dying patients. OnMedica
Five HIV patients left 'virus-free' with no need for daily drugs in early vaccine trials
Five HIV patients left 'virus-free' with no need for daily drugs in early vaccine trials A new vaccine-based treatment for HIV has succeeded in suppressing the virus in five patients, raising hopes further research could help prevent Aids without the need for daily drugs.
Researchers combined two innovative HIV vaccines with a drug usually used to treat cancer in the trial, conducted over three years at the IrsiCaixa Aids Research Institute in Barcelona.
After receiving the treatment, the virus was undetectable in five out of 24 participants and its spread was stopped by their immune systems, reported the New Scientist. One of them has been drug-free for seven months. The Independent
Researchers combined two innovative HIV vaccines with a drug usually used to treat cancer in the trial, conducted over three years at the IrsiCaixa Aids Research Institute in Barcelona.
After receiving the treatment, the virus was undetectable in five out of 24 participants and its spread was stopped by their immune systems, reported the New Scientist. One of them has been drug-free for seven months. The Independent
The suicidal patient who taught me the value of time
The suicidal patient who taught me the value of time She arrived at A&E in a desperate state. I held her for ages while she sobbed. What happened later made it all worthwhile
The ambulance pulled in but unusually the crew came into the hospital alone. They informed us that a high risk mental health patient was on their way to the department, and was being accompanied by the police. This set alarm bells in my head.
I qualified as a staff nurse a few years previously. We received no mental health training, but we do look after people in real crisis. In my experience patients with severe mental health problems do not usually want to be in A&E. Continue reading... The Guardian
The ambulance pulled in but unusually the crew came into the hospital alone. They informed us that a high risk mental health patient was on their way to the department, and was being accompanied by the police. This set alarm bells in my head.
I qualified as a staff nurse a few years previously. We received no mental health training, but we do look after people in real crisis. In my experience patients with severe mental health problems do not usually want to be in A&E. Continue reading... The Guardian
Kids eat 20 chocolate chip cookies worth of sugar a DAY
Kids eat 20 chocolate chip cookies worth of sugar a DAY Experts say the vast majority of the sugar children eat is hidden in common foods such as cereals and soft drinks, making it hard for parents to control what they consume. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 23 February 2017
‘Teflon’ Jeremy Hunt and the de-politicisation of the NHS
‘Teflon’ Jeremy Hunt and the de-politicisation of the NHS Is Andrew Lansley’s grand reform of the NHS – otherwise known as the 2012 Health and Social Care Act – actually working? Or at least one part of it?
That might seem a truly daft question when the health service is clearly under enormous pressure, with plenty of normally sober people bandying about the word ‘crisis’.
But consider this. The NHS has had its fair share of financial crises before. This time round, however, everyone knows how far and how fast things are deteriorating because these days a plethora of data – about waiting times, delayed discharges, cancelled operations and the like – is published that simply did not exist before. The King's Fund
That might seem a truly daft question when the health service is clearly under enormous pressure, with plenty of normally sober people bandying about the word ‘crisis’.
But consider this. The NHS has had its fair share of financial crises before. This time round, however, everyone knows how far and how fast things are deteriorating because these days a plethora of data – about waiting times, delayed discharges, cancelled operations and the like – is published that simply did not exist before. The King's Fund
Maternal mental health - women’s voices
Maternal mental health - women’s voices The results of a survey of over 2300 women about their experiences of mental health problems during and after pregnancy.
Women have spoken out frankly about their experiences of perinatal mental health problems, engagement with healthcare professionals and the quality of NHS and social care received. The results present a stark picture of how services are letting down some of the most vulnerable women in our society, and provides key recommendations for healthcare professionals, managers, providers, commissioners and policy-makers. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
See also:
Women have spoken out frankly about their experiences of perinatal mental health problems, engagement with healthcare professionals and the quality of NHS and social care received. The results present a stark picture of how services are letting down some of the most vulnerable women in our society, and provides key recommendations for healthcare professionals, managers, providers, commissioners and policy-makers. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
See also:
- Only 7% of women with mental health problems during or after pregnancy referred to specialist care Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- GPs refer 7% of postnatal depression mothers to specialist The Daily Mail
- Large shortfall in mental health care for new mothers, UK survey reveals OnMedica
Reducing admission of full term babies to neonatal units
Reducing admission of full term babies to neonatal units We want to reduce harm leading to avoidable admissions to neonatal units for babies born at or after 37 weeks.
We've identified that over 20% of admissions of full term babies to neonatal units could be avoided. By providing services and staffing models that keep mother and baby together we can reduce the harm caused by separation.
We want all maternity and neonatal services to work together to identify babies whose admission to a neonatal unit could be avoided and to promote understanding of the importance of keeping mother and baby together when safe to do so. NHS Improvement
See also:
We've identified that over 20% of admissions of full term babies to neonatal units could be avoided. By providing services and staffing models that keep mother and baby together we can reduce the harm caused by separation.
We want all maternity and neonatal services to work together to identify babies whose admission to a neonatal unit could be avoided and to promote understanding of the importance of keeping mother and baby together when safe to do so. NHS Improvement
See also:
- Sick newborns should be sent home, NHS report says The Daily Mail
NHS 'rapped' over leaks of A&E data
NHS 'rapped' over leaks of A&E data NHS leaders in England have been asked by the statistics watchdog to rethink current policies that delay publishing official data on accident and emergency waiting times.
This follows two separate leaks to BBC News of A&E data for January, which suggested the worst performance by hospitals since records began.
NHS England and the regulator NHS Improvement have been told by the UK Statistics Authority to review the practice of publishing the data six weeks after collecting it.
Their leaders have been asked to "to determine how you could reduce the time lag in publication". BBC News
This follows two separate leaks to BBC News of A&E data for January, which suggested the worst performance by hospitals since records began.
NHS England and the regulator NHS Improvement have been told by the UK Statistics Authority to review the practice of publishing the data six weeks after collecting it.
Their leaders have been asked to "to determine how you could reduce the time lag in publication". BBC News
Global alliance now needed to drive down obesity, argue experts
Global alliance now needed to drive down obesity, argue experts The UK action plan to curb the rise in childhood obesity is “severely limited,” and a global alliance of health bodies is now needed to get results, argue experts in an analysis* published in The BMJ today. OnMedica
Five-a-day becomes 10-a-day as scientists urge people to eat more fruit and vegetables
Five-a-day becomes 10-a-day as scientists urge people to eat more fruit and vegetables Increasing the portions of fruit and vegetables consumed each day from five to 10 could significantly reduce a person's risk of heart disease and cancer, a new study has found.
While eating the recommended five a day still helps reduce disease risk, the highest benefits are seen when people consume double that, researchers found.
The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, also identified which fruit and vegetables provided the greatest protection against disease. The Independent
While eating the recommended five a day still helps reduce disease risk, the highest benefits are seen when people consume double that, researchers found.
The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, also identified which fruit and vegetables provided the greatest protection against disease. The Independent
Thousands of doctors trained in Europe 'may quit UK after Brexit'
Thousands of doctors trained in Europe 'may quit UK after Brexit' BMA warns of impending ‘disaster’ as its research shows 40% of doctors who qualified in EEA may leave because they feel less welcome
About 12,000 doctors trained in European countries could quit the UK because they feel less welcome following the Brexit vote, according to a survey of overseas medics.
About two in five doctors who qualified in European Economic Area countries are considering leaving the UK in light of the referendum result, research by the British Medical Association reveals. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
About 12,000 doctors trained in European countries could quit the UK because they feel less welcome following the Brexit vote, according to a survey of overseas medics.
About two in five doctors who qualified in European Economic Area countries are considering leaving the UK in light of the referendum result, research by the British Medical Association reveals. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
GPs miss chances to save the life of victims of domestic abuse
GPs miss chances to save the life of victims of domestic abuse More than 400 people were murdered by partners or ex-partners in three years in England and Wales. Report says doctors fail to spot those at risk
GPs are missing vital opportunities to intervene and potentially save the lives of people experiencing domestic abuse, a leading charity has warned.
Two women are murdered every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. The latest crime statistics show that 332 women and 78 men were killed by their partners or ex-partners between March 2012 and March 2015. An analysis of 24 domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) from murders committed over the same period show that in more than half of the cases examined, doctors missed vital opportunities to identify risks and seek help for the victim.
In one case the offender rang the surgery requesting a home visit for an injection to 'put [the victim] to sleep' Continue reading... The Guardian
GPs are missing vital opportunities to intervene and potentially save the lives of people experiencing domestic abuse, a leading charity has warned.
Two women are murdered every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner. The latest crime statistics show that 332 women and 78 men were killed by their partners or ex-partners between March 2012 and March 2015. An analysis of 24 domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) from murders committed over the same period show that in more than half of the cases examined, doctors missed vital opportunities to identify risks and seek help for the victim.
In one case the offender rang the surgery requesting a home visit for an injection to 'put [the victim] to sleep' Continue reading... The Guardian
Rising numbers turn to alcohol to get a good night's rest
Rising numbers turn to alcohol to get a good night's rest A quarter of adults say they drink alcohol before nodding off, up from 16 per cent four years ago, according to a survey of 5,002 British men and women. The Daily Mail
Obese patients denied surgery and told to exercise instead
Obese patients denied surgery and told to exercise instead A cost-cutting scheme being imposed by two health trusts in Cheshire will refuse the operations to anyone with a body mass index above 35. The Daily Mail
Warn gym users about steroid risks, says watchdog
Warn gym users about steroid risks, says watchdog Gym owners should warn their customers not to use dangerous steroids in a bid to stem the rise of body-enhancing drug abuse fuelled by “selfie” culture, health experts have said.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence wants gyms to actively “target people who are taking, or considering taking, image and performance-enhancing drugs”.
The newly published guidance is part of an effort to crack down on the spiralling abuse of anabolic steroids, which crime analysts believe are taken by more than 60,000 people a year. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence wants gyms to actively “target people who are taking, or considering taking, image and performance-enhancing drugs”.
The newly published guidance is part of an effort to crack down on the spiralling abuse of anabolic steroids, which crime analysts believe are taken by more than 60,000 people a year. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Local authorities need to work together with nightclubs and gyms to prevent drug misuse National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
C4 picks up “Confessions of a Junior Doctor”
C4 picks up “Confessions of a Junior Doctor” UK network Channel 4 has picked up the docuseries Confessions of a Junior Doctor—a show that follows a group of young doctors trying to cope with the pressures of their profession in the National Health Service.
Filmed over four months in Northampton General Hospital, the series follows the staff that serve the local population that is increasing, but has little additional support for beds or more doctors.
The staff of 210 junior doctors ranges from first-year recruits, straight out of medical school, to senior registrars on the verge of becoming consultants trying to manage their work-life balance. Realscreen
Filmed over four months in Northampton General Hospital, the series follows the staff that serve the local population that is increasing, but has little additional support for beds or more doctors.
The staff of 210 junior doctors ranges from first-year recruits, straight out of medical school, to senior registrars on the verge of becoming consultants trying to manage their work-life balance. Realscreen
Winter Insight: NHS 111 An analysis of how NHS 111 has fared, especially over the winter period
Winter Insight: NHS 111 An analysis of how NHS 111 has fared, especially over the winter period The proportion of callers being dispatched from NHS 111 to emergency services over the last three years has risen. There has been a particular rise in the share of people who are passed to ambulances.
There is great variability between different areas in how likely NHS 111 is to send people to A&E or the ambulance service. This might suggest that some areas are too likely, or not likely enough, to send people to emergency services. NHS 111 is also more likely to dispatch an ambulance than to simply send people to A&E – which is the reverse of the usual pattern of NHS use. This lends credence to claims that the service is too risk-averse in some cases. The Nuffield Trust
See also:
There is great variability between different areas in how likely NHS 111 is to send people to A&E or the ambulance service. This might suggest that some areas are too likely, or not likely enough, to send people to emergency services. NHS 111 is also more likely to dispatch an ambulance than to simply send people to A&E – which is the reverse of the usual pattern of NHS use. This lends credence to claims that the service is too risk-averse in some cases. The Nuffield Trust
See also:
- 111 phoneline sends extra 50,000 patients a month to hospital The Daily Telegraph
- 'Risk-averse' NHS 111 sends more callers to A&E than previous service The Guardian
Social care funding (England)
Social care funding (England) This paper examines the key funding pressures facing adult social care services in England and evidence of the impacts of these pressures on social care and health services. The paper explains the additional funding for adult social care that the government has made available through the social care precept, improved Better Care Fund and adult social care support grant. The paper also discusses stakeholder concerns about a growing social care ‘funding gap’, and calls for a comprehensive review of the long-term sustainability of social care. House of Commons Library
How far into the red will the NHS sink?
How far into the red will the NHS sink? Call it overspending, underfunding or deficits, the latest news from NHS Improvement involves plenty of red ink on the books of hospitals and other trusts.
And the picture is worse than it looked last November, which will lead to speculation that NHS finances in England are close to being out of control.
As recently as November, Jim Mackey, head of the regulator NHS Improvement, was saying that trusts in England would run up a total deficit of £580m for the full financial year.
Now that has been revised up to a range of £750m to £850m. That will hardly win him many friends at the Department of Health where ministers are anxious to demonstrate that a tighter grip has been applied to the NHS purse strings.
So what's changed? BBC News
And the picture is worse than it looked last November, which will lead to speculation that NHS finances in England are close to being out of control.
As recently as November, Jim Mackey, head of the regulator NHS Improvement, was saying that trusts in England would run up a total deficit of £580m for the full financial year.
Now that has been revised up to a range of £750m to £850m. That will hardly win him many friends at the Department of Health where ministers are anxious to demonstrate that a tighter grip has been applied to the NHS purse strings.
So what's changed? BBC News
Our entire country is in denial about the NHS, including Philip Hammond
Our entire country is in denial about the NHS, including Philip Hammond As a society we’re in denial about this necessary trade-off between the rising demand for healthcare and the rates of tax we’re prepared to bear. The Independent
Tens of thousands of British pensioners in EU countries 'face healthcare limbo after Brexit'
Tens of thousands of British pensioners in EU countries 'face healthcare limbo after Brexit' Hundreds of thousands of elderly British people living in EU countries could find themselves in a “very difficult situation” if they fall ill after Brexit.
The lack of reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and EU countries such as Spain, which is home to more than 100,000 British pensioners, risks leaving patients who cannot afford private treatment in limbo, heard the Health Select Committee.
UK citizens who have lived abroad for many years are not eligible for NHS care, so they would not be able to return temporarily to Britain for treatment, said Jean McHale, professor of health law at the University of Birmingham. The Independent
The lack of reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and EU countries such as Spain, which is home to more than 100,000 British pensioners, risks leaving patients who cannot afford private treatment in limbo, heard the Health Select Committee.
UK citizens who have lived abroad for many years are not eligible for NHS care, so they would not be able to return temporarily to Britain for treatment, said Jean McHale, professor of health law at the University of Birmingham. The Independent
Britons 'bumped off' EU medical research grant applications, MPs told
Britons 'bumped off' EU medical research grant applications, MPs told Committee hears Brexit prompting move by European colleagues, while UK position would be threatened by no access to ERC
British medical researchers are being removed from applications for EU research grants by European colleagues because of Brexit, a MPs have been told.
Prof David Lomas, representing UK university hospitals, told MPs that Britain’s position at the forefront of medial advancement was threatened were it no longer able to access the European Research Council, one of the world’s leading funders of scientific research. Continue reading... The Guardian
British medical researchers are being removed from applications for EU research grants by European colleagues because of Brexit, a MPs have been told.
Prof David Lomas, representing UK university hospitals, told MPs that Britain’s position at the forefront of medial advancement was threatened were it no longer able to access the European Research Council, one of the world’s leading funders of scientific research. Continue reading... The Guardian
Don’t blame GPs for NHS crisis. Blame chronic cuts to social care
Don’t blame GPs for NHS crisis. Blame chronic cuts to social care Increasing our working hours will not stop hospital trolley queues. Only the proper funding of care for older people will do that
The ongoing A&E crisis has shifted attention on to GPs. We are being blamed for being less accessible (with appointments hard to get or surgeries not being open for long enough), while A&E is open 24/7 and therefore faces unchecked demand. Continue reading... The Guardian
The ongoing A&E crisis has shifted attention on to GPs. We are being blamed for being less accessible (with appointments hard to get or surgeries not being open for long enough), while A&E is open 24/7 and therefore faces unchecked demand. Continue reading... The Guardian
Men close the life expectancy gap on women by ditching drink and cigarettes and embracing a healthier lifestyle
Men close the life expectancy gap on women by ditching drink and cigarettes and embracing a healthier lifestyle British men are closing the life expectancy gap on women by living healthier lifestyles, a study by Imperial College London and the World Health Organisation has found.
Researchers found that men born in 2030 are expected to live until they are 82.5 years old, and women until 85.3 - a gap of 2.8 years.
This is down from a gap of four years for Britons born in 2010 - men born at the start of the decade are expected to live until 78.3 and women until 82.3.
The change is thought to be a result of the growing similarity in men's and women's lifestyles, with men no longer fulfilling the stereotype of heavy drinking and smoking. The Daily Telegraph
Researchers found that men born in 2030 are expected to live until they are 82.5 years old, and women until 85.3 - a gap of 2.8 years.
This is down from a gap of four years for Britons born in 2010 - men born at the start of the decade are expected to live until 78.3 and women until 82.3.
The change is thought to be a result of the growing similarity in men's and women's lifestyles, with men no longer fulfilling the stereotype of heavy drinking and smoking. The Daily Telegraph
Top NHS doctor 'investigated by police' and forbidden from contacting patients
Top NHS doctor 'investigated by police' and forbidden from contacting patients One of the most powerful figures in the NHS is reportedly being investigated by police and has been told not to have any contact with patients.
Dr Jonathan Fielden, who is the national deputy medical director and director of specialised commissioning, has not been at work since January, according to the Health Service Journal. The Daily Telegraph
Dr Jonathan Fielden, who is the national deputy medical director and director of specialised commissioning, has not been at work since January, according to the Health Service Journal. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 21 February 2017
NHS IN CRISIS: ‘Stroke patients will have to travel further to fewer hospitals in future’
NHS IN CRISIS: ‘Stroke patients will have to travel further to fewer hospitals in future’ Many of the plans to shake up services in the NHS and change the way of working talk about having specialised services - but campaigners fear this may mean patients travelling further to fewer hospitals. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Delivering sustainability and transformation plans From ambitious proposals to credible plans
Delivering sustainability and transformation plans From ambitious proposals to credible plans This report examines the content of the 44 sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) that were submitted in October 2016. STPs are the main vehicle for transforming health and care services in England in line with the NHS five year forward view. The report discusses the main challenges that lie ahead in implementing STPs and realising the opportunities they identify. The King's Fund
See also:
See also:
- Politicians must be prepared to back NHS plans The King's Fund
- What next for sustainability and transformation plans? The King's Fund
- Close A&E and maternity units to save NHS, says think-tank The Daily Mail
- Politicians must not 'collude' to stop closures of unsafe hospital services The Daily Telegraph
State of the health system: beds in the NHS
State of the health system: beds in the NHS This paper presents NHS bed data from across the UK and it examines the causes and consequences of bed pressures within the health system. The report finds that in England, average bed availability has decreased over the past thirty years, with mental health beds seeing a large decline. It also finds that over the past five years, average bed occupancy rates have increased, even in areas such as day beds where the number of beds has increased but the demand has also increased as well. British Medical Association
Hospital cuts planned in most of England
Hospital cuts planned in most of England Hospital services in nearly two-thirds of England could be cut or scaled back, BBC analysis of local plans shows.
The proposals have been made by NHS bosses as part of a national programme to transform the health service and save money across 44 different areas.
The BBC found 28 affect hospital care, from full closures to centralising services such as accident and emergency and stroke care on fewer sites.
Ministers argue patients will receive better care in the community. BBC News
The proposals have been made by NHS bosses as part of a national programme to transform the health service and save money across 44 different areas.
The BBC found 28 affect hospital care, from full closures to centralising services such as accident and emergency and stroke care on fewer sites.
Ministers argue patients will receive better care in the community. BBC News
Speeding up the search for life-saving medicines
Speeding up the search for life-saving medicines Developing a drug from a promising molecule to a potential life-saver can take more than a decade and cost billions of dollars.
Speeding this process up - without compromising on safety or efficacy - would seem to be in everyone's interests.
And cloud computing is helping to do just that. BBC News
Speeding this process up - without compromising on safety or efficacy - would seem to be in everyone's interests.
And cloud computing is helping to do just that. BBC News
NHS crisis continues as fifth of hospitals on high alert for half of 2017 to date
NHS crisis continues as fifth of hospitals on high alert for half of 2017 to date A fifth of hospital trusts in England have reported a high-level alert - warning of extreme pressure affecting patient care - on 50% of days in 2017 to date or more, GPonline analysis of NHS data reveals.
Smoking cessation services face cuts
Smoking cessation services face cuts Smoking cessation services are being hit as cash-strapped local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) look to save money. Evidence obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by The Observer reveals that an increasing number of CCGs have been instructing GPs to stop providing the services with many CCGs arguing it is no longer their responsibility as local authorities are now responsible for public health. OnMedica
NHS trusts post 'unsustainable' £886m third-quarter deficit
NHS trusts post 'unsustainable' £886m third-quarter deficit Shortfall in England, attributed to extra pressure on NHS over winter, is £300m over target for end of financial year
NHS trusts in England posted a deficit of £886m at the end of the third quarter, £300m more than the target for the end of this financial year.
NHS Improvement (NHSI), which published the figures on Monday, predicts a year-end deficit of £750m-£850m, much higher than the £580m previously described as the highest figure the health service could afford without risking major financial problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
NHS trusts in England posted a deficit of £886m at the end of the third quarter, £300m more than the target for the end of this financial year.
NHS Improvement (NHSI), which published the figures on Monday, predicts a year-end deficit of £750m-£850m, much higher than the £580m previously described as the highest figure the health service could afford without risking major financial problems. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Worrying figures highlight how serious NHS financial position is The King's Fund
- NHS trusts overspent by nearly £900m BBC News
- NHS hospitals overspend by nearly £300m The Daily Mail
- NHS blames 'winter pressures' as trusts report deficit of £886m in nine months The Independent
- NHS set to miss target deficit cuts by over £300m OnMedica
NHS admin staff keep services running - but we're being hit by cuts
NHS admin staff keep services running - but we're being hit by cuts Computers take 20 minutes to boot up and we run stationery orders by executive level staff; things are getting worse
Secretaries, waiting list and medical records clerks, clinical audit facilitators, business analysts and IT technicians and other support staff pull together to keep essential lifesaving NHS services running smoothly. To a staff nurse, the help of a ward clerk to retrieve a patient’s medical history can be just as crucial as that of a senior consultant. Data quality officers ensuring patients are properly admitted and discharged on computer systems can have an immeasurable impact on the management of bed capacity.
Yet those of us in NHS support services work in less-than-ideal circumstances. I work in an office that is a converted ward. Save for wheeling out most of the medical equipment, it remains an abandoned clinical area. I’m always wary when manoeuvring around our cramped kitchenette – imagine the embarrassment of accidentally leaning on one of the emergency call buttons and having the rapid response CPR team come crashing in. Continue reading... The Guardian
Secretaries, waiting list and medical records clerks, clinical audit facilitators, business analysts and IT technicians and other support staff pull together to keep essential lifesaving NHS services running smoothly. To a staff nurse, the help of a ward clerk to retrieve a patient’s medical history can be just as crucial as that of a senior consultant. Data quality officers ensuring patients are properly admitted and discharged on computer systems can have an immeasurable impact on the management of bed capacity.
Yet those of us in NHS support services work in less-than-ideal circumstances. I work in an office that is a converted ward. Save for wheeling out most of the medical equipment, it remains an abandoned clinical area. I’m always wary when manoeuvring around our cramped kitchenette – imagine the embarrassment of accidentally leaning on one of the emergency call buttons and having the rapid response CPR team come crashing in. Continue reading... The Guardian
Paramedics 'tampered with trackers' to avoid 999 calls at a scandal-hit NHS trust
Paramedics 'tampered with trackers' to avoid 999 calls at a scandal-hit NHS trust Paramedics at a scandal-hit NHS trust are accused of switching off ambulance tracking devices so they could avoid responding to 999 calls.
At least ten ambulance workers are under investigation for deliberate tampering with the trackers, so they could disappear for up to three hours at a time, putting patients at risk.
The revelations came as the current head of South East Coast Ambulance Service trust stood down in the wake of allegations that he was among those found responsible for bullying. The Daily Telegraph
At least ten ambulance workers are under investigation for deliberate tampering with the trackers, so they could disappear for up to three hours at a time, putting patients at risk.
The revelations came as the current head of South East Coast Ambulance Service trust stood down in the wake of allegations that he was among those found responsible for bullying. The Daily Telegraph
Does a Biomedical Research Centre Affect Patient Care in Local Hospitals?
Does a Biomedical Research Centre Affect Patient Care in Local Hospitals? Biomedical research can have impacts on patient care at research-active hospitals. We qualitatively evaluated the impact of the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (Oxford BRC), a university-hospital partnership, on the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare in local hospitals.
The study was based around 17 interviews with leaders of the Oxford BRC’s research, and 19 interviews with senior clinicians responsible for patient care at Oxford’s acute hospitals to discover what impacts they observed from research generally and from Oxford BRC’s research work specifically.
We compared and contrasted the results from the two sets of interviews, and identified themes emerging from the senior clinicians’ responses. We also compared them with an existing taxonomy of mechanisms through which quality of healthcare may be affected in research-active settings.
The research leaders identified a wide range of beneficial impacts that they expected might be felt at local hospitals as a result of their research activity. They expected the impact of their research activity on patient care to be generally positive. Office for Health Economics
The study was based around 17 interviews with leaders of the Oxford BRC’s research, and 19 interviews with senior clinicians responsible for patient care at Oxford’s acute hospitals to discover what impacts they observed from research generally and from Oxford BRC’s research work specifically.
We compared and contrasted the results from the two sets of interviews, and identified themes emerging from the senior clinicians’ responses. We also compared them with an existing taxonomy of mechanisms through which quality of healthcare may be affected in research-active settings.
The research leaders identified a wide range of beneficial impacts that they expected might be felt at local hospitals as a result of their research activity. They expected the impact of their research activity on patient care to be generally positive. Office for Health Economics
Monday, 20 February 2017
MP to raise NHS funding with Northants health bosses
MP to raise NHS funding with Northants health bosses A Northamptonshire MP says he will be talking to health bosses about the concerns raised by our series of NHS reports. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS IN CRISIS: Health service must not rely on ‘nursing on the cheap’
NHS IN CRISIS: Health service must not rely on ‘nursing on the cheap’ The NHS must not be forced to rely on ‘nursing on the cheap’ as vacancies of fully-qualified staff mount and trainees on cheaper and quicker courses are brought in, the Royal College of Nursing has warned. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Great NHS Gamble: Northampton trial scheme cannot become excuse for ‘nursing on the cheap’ Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS finances on the brink
NHS finances on the brink Is the spectre of an NHS – and Department of Health – overspend once again haunting the corridors of power?
It was not supposed to. Back in December 2015, NHS Planning Guidance established two firewalls to prevent this. The first was the £1.8 billion Sustainability and Transformation Fund (STF), which aimed to reduce the net NHS provider deficit to zero. The second was a 1 per cent topslice of NHS commissioner budgets, which created an £800 million contingency to be used to mop up any remaining overspends. Concern back then was less about 2016/17 and more about the years to follow when the growth in NHS spending was (and still is) expected to flatline.
However, both firewalls are looking shaky. On the provider side, the target net deficit has drifted up over the year, from £250 million at the time of the NHS financial reset to £580 million. We will find out the position at the end of Quarter 3 when NHS Improvement publishes its latest update next week, but their chief executive, Jim Mackey, has already confirmed that the £580 million target will not be met. The King's Fund
It was not supposed to. Back in December 2015, NHS Planning Guidance established two firewalls to prevent this. The first was the £1.8 billion Sustainability and Transformation Fund (STF), which aimed to reduce the net NHS provider deficit to zero. The second was a 1 per cent topslice of NHS commissioner budgets, which created an £800 million contingency to be used to mop up any remaining overspends. Concern back then was less about 2016/17 and more about the years to follow when the growth in NHS spending was (and still is) expected to flatline.
However, both firewalls are looking shaky. On the provider side, the target net deficit has drifted up over the year, from £250 million at the time of the NHS financial reset to £580 million. We will find out the position at the end of Quarter 3 when NHS Improvement publishes its latest update next week, but their chief executive, Jim Mackey, has already confirmed that the £580 million target will not be met. The King's Fund
Reducing hospital admissions by improving continuity of care in general practice
Reducing hospital admissions by improving continuity of care in general practice Continuity of care is an aspect of general practice valued by patients and GPs alike. However, it seems to be in decline in England.
Our analysis, published in The BMJ and summarised in this briefing, looks at the link between continuity of care and hospital admissions for older patients in England. We looked specifically at admissions for conditions that could potentially be prevented through effective treatment in primary care.
We found there to be fewer hospital admissions – both elective and emergency – for these conditions for patients who experience higher continuity of care (ie those who see the same GP a greater proportion of the time). Controlling for patient characteristics, we estimate that if patients saw their most frequently seen GP two more times out of every 10 consultations, this would be associated with a 6% decrease in admissions. The Health Foundation
Our analysis, published in The BMJ and summarised in this briefing, looks at the link between continuity of care and hospital admissions for older patients in England. We looked specifically at admissions for conditions that could potentially be prevented through effective treatment in primary care.
We found there to be fewer hospital admissions – both elective and emergency – for these conditions for patients who experience higher continuity of care (ie those who see the same GP a greater proportion of the time). Controlling for patient characteristics, we estimate that if patients saw their most frequently seen GP two more times out of every 10 consultations, this would be associated with a 6% decrease in admissions. The Health Foundation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)