Locum doctors accused of 'organised campaign' to hold NHS to ransom Locum doctors have been accused of running an “organised campaign” to hold the NHS to ransom after dozens demanded pay boosts of up to 50 per cent.
NHS watchdogs said medics employed via agencies are refusing to work at the last minute, leaving dangerous gaps in medical cover, as pressures on hospitals mount.
Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS Improvement, accused doctors of colluding to try to get pay boosts in ways which could see some struck off.
He spoke out as it emerged that a string of hospitals have been pushed to the brink of crisis, by agency doctors withdrawing from shifts, after their pay demands were resisted. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 6 April 2017
Wednesday, 5 April 2017
Long-term sustainability of NHS and Adult Social Care under threat
Long-term sustainability of NHS and Adult Social Care under threat The Select Committee on the Long-term Sustainability of the NHS has slammed the 'short sightedness' of successive governments for failing to plan effectively for the long-term future of the health service and adult social care.
The Department of Health at both the political and official level is failing to think beyond the next few years. There is a shocking lack of long-term strategic planning in the NHS. This short sightedness stems from the political importance of the NHS and the temptation for politicians to reach for short-term fixes not long-term solutions.
"To solve this we need a new body that is independent of government and is able to identify clearly the healthcare needs of a changing and ageing population and the staffing and funding the NHS will require to meet those needs. This new Office for Health and Care Sustainability should be a trusted, independent voice as the Office for Budget Responsibility has become on economic forecasting and on public finance matters. It will need to look ahead and plan for 15-20 years into the future.
The Department of Health at both the political and official level is failing to think beyond the next few years. There is a shocking lack of long-term strategic planning in the NHS. This short sightedness stems from the political importance of the NHS and the temptation for politicians to reach for short-term fixes not long-term solutions.
"To solve this we need a new body that is independent of government and is able to identify clearly the healthcare needs of a changing and ageing population and the staffing and funding the NHS will require to meet those needs. This new Office for Health and Care Sustainability should be a trusted, independent voice as the Office for Budget Responsibility has become on economic forecasting and on public finance matters. It will need to look ahead and plan for 15-20 years into the future.
See also:
- House of Lords NHS report should be a ‘wake-up’ call to politicians The King's Fund
- Existing GP model 'no longer fit for purpose', says Lords report GPonline
- Public health cuts will lead to more sick people, report warns The Guardian
- Peers warn NHS faces collapse over reliance on foreigners The Daily Mail
- Reliance on overseas workers could threaten future of NHS, peers warn The Daily Telegraph
Updated revalidation standards and guidance
Updated revalidation standards and guidance The Nursing and Midwifery Council has published updated standards and guidance for revalidation. Learn about the key changes. NHS Employers
Fair care for trans patients
Fair care for trans patients The RCN recognises that trans people frequently experience prejudice and discrimination. The nursing community can, through its professional actions and interests, work to eliminate this at both an individual and a societal level in partnership with a range of organisations, including those who represent the needs of trans people.
This resource is designed to help you respond to the needs of patients and clients who identify as transgender. Initially created in response to an RCN Congress resolution, this guidance has been updated following further research from other organisations. Royal College of Nursing
This resource is designed to help you respond to the needs of patients and clients who identify as transgender. Initially created in response to an RCN Congress resolution, this guidance has been updated following further research from other organisations. Royal College of Nursing
Integration 2020: scoping research
Integration 2020: scoping research This research was commissioned by the Department of Health to inform the development of the integration standard and the next phase of plans to integrated health and social care. The integration standard would enable the collection of qualitative and quantitative data to measure the progress and performance within local areas. This report presents the findings of scoping research and engagement to better understand what integrated health should look like by 2020; testing out the integration standard and how feedback and support should be used to develop the standard. Social Care Institute for Excellence
See also:
See also:
- Integration and Better Care Fund policy framework 2017 to 2019 Department of Health
Should exercise be compulsory at work?
Should exercise be compulsory at work? The news this week that more than 20 million people in the UK are physically inactive has led to a lot of discussion over how to tackle the problem. But with no easy solution and rates of obesity rising fast has it come to the point that exercise should become part of our working day? BBC News
Half of A&Es to have specialist mental health teams by 2019
Half of A&Es to have specialist mental health teams by 2019 Plans to implement 24-hour specialist mental health teams in almost half of A&Es across the country have been revealed by NHS England, who hope for the scheme to cover five times more A&Es than now by March 2019.
The service is currently operating in only 10% of emergency departments, but NHS England say they hope to instate it into nearly half in two years.
The news was announced in NHS England’s update to the Five Year Forward View, which outlined a number of new aims and initiatives to tackle chronic problems within mental health care nationally. National Health Executive
The service is currently operating in only 10% of emergency departments, but NHS England say they hope to instate it into nearly half in two years.
The news was announced in NHS England’s update to the Five Year Forward View, which outlined a number of new aims and initiatives to tackle chronic problems within mental health care nationally. National Health Executive
What can the UK learn from Finland's approach to mental health?
What can the UK learn from Finland's approach to mental health? An online therapy service for depression, anxiety and substance misuse is cheap and effective and could provide inspiration for the NHS.
While online therapy is viewed with some scepticism in the UK, in Finland the service, Mental Health Hub, is used by every hospital district in the country. It was first set up 10 years ago by Prof Grigori Joffe and Dr Matti Holi at Helsinki University Central hospital in response to fragmented mental health services and because it is hard for patients in rural areas of the sparsely-populated country to get help. Continue reading... The Guardian
While online therapy is viewed with some scepticism in the UK, in Finland the service, Mental Health Hub, is used by every hospital district in the country. It was first set up 10 years ago by Prof Grigori Joffe and Dr Matti Holi at Helsinki University Central hospital in response to fragmented mental health services and because it is hard for patients in rural areas of the sparsely-populated country to get help. Continue reading... The Guardian
Are hospital chaplains a waste of NHS money?
Are hospital chaplains a waste of NHS money? Religious leaders support staff and patients but some people question their role at a time when budgets are squeezed
Kole Morgan was on holiday in Plymouth when she was involved in a serious car accident. The 47-year-old gardener from Bristol sustained extensive injuries including multiple fractures to her back, which kept her in intensive care for 48 hours and in hospital for a fortnight. The other driver, who was found to have caused the accident, died.
Away from her family, in pain and feeling alone, she struggled to process all that had happened. When a nurse suggested she ask the chaplain to visit, Morgan agreed, despite not having any religious affiliations of her own. Continue reading... The Guardian
Kole Morgan was on holiday in Plymouth when she was involved in a serious car accident. The 47-year-old gardener from Bristol sustained extensive injuries including multiple fractures to her back, which kept her in intensive care for 48 hours and in hospital for a fortnight. The other driver, who was found to have caused the accident, died.
Away from her family, in pain and feeling alone, she struggled to process all that had happened. When a nurse suggested she ask the chaplain to visit, Morgan agreed, despite not having any religious affiliations of her own. Continue reading... The Guardian
Thousands of British children exposed to illegal levels of air pollution
Thousands of British children exposed to illegal levels of air pollution More than 2,000 schools and nurseries close to roads with damaging levels of diesel fumes, joint investigation by Guardian and Greenpeace reveals.
Hundreds of thousands of children are being exposed to illegal levels of damaging air pollution from diesel vehicles at schools and nurseries across England and Wales, a joint investigation by the Guardian and Greenpeace’s investigations unit has revealed. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Hundreds of thousands of children are being exposed to illegal levels of damaging air pollution from diesel vehicles at schools and nurseries across England and Wales, a joint investigation by the Guardian and Greenpeace’s investigations unit has revealed. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Check whether your child's school is exposed to illegal levels of air pollution The Guardian
- The car is ingrained into people here': West Midlands faces air pollution crisis The Guardian
- Pollution responsible for quarter of deaths of young children, says WHO The Guardian
- Use buggy covers to combat air pollution danger, parents warned The Guardian
Tuesday, 4 April 2017
What do cuts in sexual health services mean for patients?
What do cuts in sexual health services mean for patients? Our report Understanding NHS financial pressures looks at how the slowdown in funding growth since 2010/11 has affected four very different parts of the health system. We chose one local authority-funded public health service to look at in depth: genito-urinary medicine (GUM) services that provide sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment in hospitals and local clinics.
Despite many examples of innovation in this part of the health system, we saw financial and other pressures having a real impact on patient care.
There is no doubt that GUM services are under pressure financially. The public health grant to local authorities was reduced by 6.7 per cent during 2015/16 with further reductions planned until 2020/21. Across England, spending on STI testing and treatment decreased by almost 4 per cent between 2013/14 and 2015/16, as local authorities implemented these cuts. The situation varies at a local level: around one in seven local authorities actually increased their spending by more than 20 per cent over that two-year period, while around one in four cut their spending by this amount. However, data on future spending plans shows cuts are set to deepen. The King's Fund
Despite many examples of innovation in this part of the health system, we saw financial and other pressures having a real impact on patient care.
There is no doubt that GUM services are under pressure financially. The public health grant to local authorities was reduced by 6.7 per cent during 2015/16 with further reductions planned until 2020/21. Across England, spending on STI testing and treatment decreased by almost 4 per cent between 2013/14 and 2015/16, as local authorities implemented these cuts. The situation varies at a local level: around one in seven local authorities actually increased their spending by more than 20 per cent over that two-year period, while around one in four cut their spending by this amount. However, data on future spending plans shows cuts are set to deepen. The King's Fund
Guidance: Antimicrobial Resistance: resource handbook
Guidance: Antimicrobial Resistance: resource handbook This updated version of the handbook identifies current national policy, guidance and supporting materials in relation to the infection prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAI) and antimicrobial stewardship in order to aid in the reduction of antimicrobial resistance. It is designed to assist local health and social care professionals in quickly retrieving relevant information provided by Public Health England, the Department of Health and a wide variety of key stakeholders.
GMC unveils blueprint for better medical training
GMC unveils blueprint for better medical training Rigid training that adapts too slowly needs radical overhaul to provide trainees with more flexibility and patients with doctors who can care for multiple health conditions, the GMC’s plan for training tells health leaders. General Medical Council
GP funding 'billions of pounds' short despite Forward View investment, warns GPC
GP funding 'billions of pounds' short despite Forward View investment, warns GPC General practice funding remains billions of pounds short despite an 8% real-terms rise over the past three years, the GPC has warned. GPonline
Talking about death is a part of my work – I worry I say the wrong thing
Talking about death is a part of my work – I worry I say the wrong thing It’s so important, as a doctor, to choose my words carefully as they can linger in the family’s memory
I am a NHS hospital consultant and work in a healthcare team that specialises in the care of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). This is a genetic condition that affects various organs, but primarily the lungs. It results in recurrent and severe chest infections that ultimately cause the lungs to fail. There have been considerable advancements in new therapies that we are hopeful will change the natural history of the disease. Nevertheless, it remains a life-shortening illness and coping with the death of young adults brings many challenges to the team that I work in.
Patients move to our CF centre when they are 18 years old. The doctor-patient relationship is a dichotomous and delicate balance of professional distance and empathy. But it does not fully guard against emotion when we see those we look after approach death. Over the years we develop bonds with our patients and their families and witness many life events. We share in their laughter and tears. Occasionally I am the focus, a patient recently said to me: “You’ve lost weight ... you need to look after yourself better.” That made me chuckle. Continue reading... The Guardian
I am a NHS hospital consultant and work in a healthcare team that specialises in the care of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). This is a genetic condition that affects various organs, but primarily the lungs. It results in recurrent and severe chest infections that ultimately cause the lungs to fail. There have been considerable advancements in new therapies that we are hopeful will change the natural history of the disease. Nevertheless, it remains a life-shortening illness and coping with the death of young adults brings many challenges to the team that I work in.
Patients move to our CF centre when they are 18 years old. The doctor-patient relationship is a dichotomous and delicate balance of professional distance and empathy. But it does not fully guard against emotion when we see those we look after approach death. Over the years we develop bonds with our patients and their families and witness many life events. We share in their laughter and tears. Occasionally I am the focus, a patient recently said to me: “You’ve lost weight ... you need to look after yourself better.” That made me chuckle. Continue reading... The Guardian
Talking about mental illness is no substitute for offering real help
Talking about mental illness is no substitute for offering real help The latest high-profile campaign is welcome and stigma is declining but the NHS must provide better treatment
Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined other notable names, including the rapper Professor Green and the former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, to record short films about modern approaches to mental illness. They all stressed that it was good to talk, or, in the terminology beloved of the mental health world, to “start the conversation”.
I agree – and salute their efforts. Talking and being listened to are therapeutic and are known to be what doctors call a “protective factor” when it comes to good mental health. They make us better able to deal with stress; talking also helps reduce stigma, which otherwise leads to discrimination and social isolation. Continue reading... The Guardian
Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry joined other notable names, including the rapper Professor Green and the former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, to record short films about modern approaches to mental illness. They all stressed that it was good to talk, or, in the terminology beloved of the mental health world, to “start the conversation”.
I agree – and salute their efforts. Talking and being listened to are therapeutic and are known to be what doctors call a “protective factor” when it comes to good mental health. They make us better able to deal with stress; talking also helps reduce stigma, which otherwise leads to discrimination and social isolation. Continue reading... The Guardian
How the NHS wastes £7.6bn a year
How the NHS wastes £7.6bn a year REVEALED: How the NHS wastes a staggering £7.6bn a year on overpriced loo rolls, lost crutches and wheelchairs and management consultants... and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The Daily Mail
NHS boss says prescribing homeopathy for pain is 'absurd'
NHS boss says prescribing homeopathy for pain is 'absurd' Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, made the remark after announcing a series of cost-cutting measures designed to save the health service £1 billion over the next two years. BBC News
Junior doctor who spoke of pressures of A&E work found dead
Junior doctor who spoke of pressures of A&E work found dead A "talented" junior doctor who had spoken about the pressures of working in an A&E department has been found dead at her home.
Rebecca Ovenden, 32, who worked for Devon Air Ambulance and Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, was found by her husband Paul after concern was raised for her welfare. Police are not treating her death as suspicious.
Dr Ovenden is the third female junior doctor to have gone missing or been found dead in Devon in little over a year. The Daily Telegraph
Rebecca Ovenden, 32, who worked for Devon Air Ambulance and Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, was found by her husband Paul after concern was raised for her welfare. Police are not treating her death as suspicious.
Dr Ovenden is the third female junior doctor to have gone missing or been found dead in Devon in little over a year. The Daily Telegraph
Terminally ill boy denied 'potentially life-saving' treatment by NHS 'would be given it in any US hospital'
Terminally ill boy denied 'potentially life-saving' treatment by NHS 'would be given it in any US hospital' An eight month old boy being denied “potentially life-saving” treatment at Great Ormond Street would be given it at any hospital in America, a court has heard.
The parents of terminally ill Charlie Gard broke down in tears as they listened to medical evidence relating to his rare genetic condition and what his doctors say is a “vanishingly small” chance of his survival.
But an American doctor who has agreed to attempt a pioneering treatment for his mitochondrial disorder, said that it was “reasonable” to attempt to save his life and if he were in a hospital in the USA his parents would have the option. The Daily Telegraph
The parents of terminally ill Charlie Gard broke down in tears as they listened to medical evidence relating to his rare genetic condition and what his doctors say is a “vanishingly small” chance of his survival.
But an American doctor who has agreed to attempt a pioneering treatment for his mitochondrial disorder, said that it was “reasonable” to attempt to save his life and if he were in a hospital in the USA his parents would have the option. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 3 April 2017
On-going strain on Northampton A&E forces hospital to station nurses in its corridors 24/7 after 'busiest winter on record'
On-going strain on Northampton A&E forces hospital to station nurses in its corridors 24/7 after 'busiest winter on record' A Northampton hospital is preparing to permanently station nurses in its corridors just to deal with spillover patients from A&E. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Prescription abuse in the UK a growing concern
Prescription abuse in the UK a growing concern The problem of prescription opioid abuse is usually highlighted as a problem exclusive to the United States, given that the country consumes the largest percentage of these medications in the world. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Independent report: NHS property and estates: Naylor review
Independent report: NHS property and estates: Naylor review The report examines how the NHS can make the best use of its estate to support NHS England’s Five Year Forward View.
It highlights the opportunities available to support sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) and optimise the use of NHS land and buildings.
The government is already acting on some of the recommendations by:
The government welcomes the review and will consider the recommendations carefully and respond in due course. Department of Health
It highlights the opportunities available to support sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) and optimise the use of NHS land and buildings.
The government is already acting on some of the recommendations by:
- creating a new NHS property board
- making a £325 million capital investment over the next 3 years to develop local STPs - as announced in this year’s Budget
- developing an incentive scheme to guarantee that proceeds of sales are available for reinvestment
The government welcomes the review and will consider the recommendations carefully and respond in due course. Department of Health
Consultation launched on prescribing of gluten-free foods
Consultation launched on prescribing of gluten-free foods The consultation follows NHS England’s announcement this week of new guidance on the prescription of low value items such as travel vaccines, painkillers, and gluten-free (GF) foods.
It will consider ending the prescription of all gluten-free foods in primary care, with estimates suggesting this could save £25.7 million a year for the health service. An additional £10 million could be saved through patients no longer needing to attend GP appointments in order to get their gluten-free prescriptions. Department of Health
It will consider ending the prescription of all gluten-free foods in primary care, with estimates suggesting this could save £25.7 million a year for the health service. An additional £10 million could be saved through patients no longer needing to attend GP appointments in order to get their gluten-free prescriptions. Department of Health
More than 20 million Britons 'physically inactive'
More than 20 million Britons 'physically inactive' More than 20 million people in the UK are physically inactive, according to a report by the British Heart Foundation.
The charity warns that inactivity increases the risk of heart disease and costs the NHS around £1.2bn each year. BBC News
See also:
The charity warns that inactivity increases the risk of heart disease and costs the NHS around £1.2bn each year. BBC News
See also:
- New report assesses impact of physical inactivity on UK heart health and economy British Heart Foundation
- How Britons spend two-and-a-half months a year sitting The Daily Mail
Investigation launched into claims NHS 111 helpline 'put suicidal callers on hold until they hung up'
Investigation launched into claims NHS 111 helpline 'put suicidal callers on hold until they hung up' The NHS has launched an “urgent” investigation into allegations that suicidal patients calling 111 are being left on hold until they hang up.
Staff at the health service’s non-emergency hotline were allegedly found asleep on duty, claimed a reporter for The Sun who went undercover at the NHS 111 call centre at St Charles Hospital in Ladbroke Grove, west London.
The newspaper reported an alleged conversation with one of the call handlers about how they dealt with suicidal patients.
According to The Sun, a handler told the undercover reporter: “After a while you can’t talk to them no more, it just gets awkward.”
“She was crying and I was asking her stuff like, 'do you not really want to talk', she was like, 'no'... I put her on mute,” the reporter was allegedly told. The Independent
See also:
Staff at the health service’s non-emergency hotline were allegedly found asleep on duty, claimed a reporter for The Sun who went undercover at the NHS 111 call centre at St Charles Hospital in Ladbroke Grove, west London.
The newspaper reported an alleged conversation with one of the call handlers about how they dealt with suicidal patients.
According to The Sun, a handler told the undercover reporter: “After a while you can’t talk to them no more, it just gets awkward.”
“She was crying and I was asking her stuff like, 'do you not really want to talk', she was like, 'no'... I put her on mute,” the reporter was allegedly told. The Independent
See also:
- NHS 111 'put suicidal callers on hold until they hung up' The Daily Telegraph
NHS to fast-track UK nurses to combat record departures of EU staff
NHS to fast-track UK nurses to combat record departures of EU staff Chief executive of NHS England announces new training programme to ‘grow the workforce from within this country’
NHS England is to launch a new nursing training programme to help plug the gap created by the record number of Europeans leaving the health service since the Brexit vote.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, acknowledged that the service relies on international staff, including the more than 12,000 nurses who are EU nationals out of the 315,000 nurses on the NHS’s payroll. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
NHS England is to launch a new nursing training programme to help plug the gap created by the record number of Europeans leaving the health service since the Brexit vote.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, acknowledged that the service relies on international staff, including the more than 12,000 nurses who are EU nationals out of the 315,000 nurses on the NHS’s payroll. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Simon Stevens' NHS gamble is probably the right choice - but price could be high
Simon Stevens' NHS gamble is probably the right choice - but price could be high Will politicians and the public stomach longer waits for routine surgery if performance is improved in other areas?
The NHS plan for the next two years represents a perceptible contraction of the health service’s offer to the public.
The proposals in Next steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View, published on Friday, are shaped by shortages of money and staff. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
The NHS plan for the next two years represents a perceptible contraction of the health service’s offer to the public.
The proposals in Next steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View, published on Friday, are shaped by shortages of money and staff. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- NHS boss: More will be done but constrained circumstances BBC News
- Cut NHS waste by banning IVF and recycling crutches The Daily Mail
- Let’s applaud Simon Stevens: the NHS boss with a plan The Guardian
- Will NHS transformation plans kill or cure the health service? The Guardian
- Drive to bring health and social care together is a well-intentioned mess The Guardian
Were NHS chiefs right to deny pancreatic cancer drug?
Were NHS chiefs right to deny pancreatic cancer drug? The news in late 2015 that abraxane was being rejected by NICE on cost grounds was met with anger by patient groups as some people had survived years when they had been given months to live. The Daily Mail
Law firms to be banned from touting for business in hospitals
Law firms to be banned from touting for business in hospitals Law firms will no longer be able to tout for business inside hospitals under plans unveiled by the NHS.
Personal injury lawyers will be banned from health service premises from 2017/18 following changes to the NHS Standard Contract.
Firms will be stopped from "operating from or touting for business", according to the Next Steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View.
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: "We want lawyers out of hospital and doctors out of court.
"That's why personal injury lawyers are going to be banned from NHS premises following consultation on changes to the NHS Standard Contract." The Daily Telegraph
Personal injury lawyers will be banned from health service premises from 2017/18 following changes to the NHS Standard Contract.
Firms will be stopped from "operating from or touting for business", according to the Next Steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View.
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: "We want lawyers out of hospital and doctors out of court.
"That's why personal injury lawyers are going to be banned from NHS premises following consultation on changes to the NHS Standard Contract." The Daily Telegraph
The doctor won't see you now: patients lose 'automatic right' to same-day appointment
The doctor won't see you now: patients lose 'automatic right' to same-day appointment Patients will lose their “automatic right” to a same-day doctor’s appointment under new plans to cope with the shortage of GPs.
Oxfordshire will become what is thought to be the first area to scrap guaranteed access for urgent patients, as part of an overhaul labelled “cuts in disguise”.
Callers to the county’s 72 NHS surgeries will instead be “triaged” so as to determine whether they are ill enough to fill one of just 13 slots a day at each practice. The Daily Telegraph
Oxfordshire will become what is thought to be the first area to scrap guaranteed access for urgent patients, as part of an overhaul labelled “cuts in disguise”.
Callers to the county’s 72 NHS surgeries will instead be “triaged” so as to determine whether they are ill enough to fill one of just 13 slots a day at each practice. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 31 March 2017
Corby Urgent Care Centre will not close on Friday
Corby Urgent Care Centre will not close on Friday Health bosses have confirmed that Corby Urgent Care Centre will not be closing on Friday. It comes after a row over funding led to Lakeside+ Plus Limited, which runs the busy centre, saying it may have to close if they couldn’t reach an agreement over the prices they are paid for services provided there. The threat of closure led to concern for patients, staff and all involved with the running of the centre. Northamptonshire Telegraph
SPECIAL REPORT: 'Alternative' day care offered in Northampton cannot cater for our parents
SPECIAL REPORT: 'Alternative' day care offered in Northampton cannot cater for our parents Relatives of dementia patients whose day care funding plug has been pulled say they will scrimp to pay for the activity sessions themselves – rather than send their loved ones to the alternative being offered. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Major reform of social care funding and provision needed
Major reform of social care funding and provision needed The Communities and Local Government Committee report says that the Government needs to urgently review how social care is funded in the long term and address serious threats to social care provision.
See also:
See also:
- Social care still needs a sustainable funding settlement The King's Fund
- How care homes hit middle classes by charging them more The Daily Mail
National Statistics Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet - England, 2017
National Statistics Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet - England, 2017 This statistical report presents information on obesity, physical activity and diet, drawn together from a variety of sources. NHS Digital
See also:
- Just one in four adults eating their five a day, NHS reveals The Daily Telegraph
- Quarter of adults in England 'exercise for less than half hour a week' The Guardian
Simon Stevens' delivery plan for the NHS explained
Simon Stevens' delivery plan for the NHS explained With the health service under unprecedented pressures of both finance and demand, the NHS England chief has outlined proposals to safeguard its future
The chief of NHS England, Simon Stevens, has pledged to make an array of changes to benefit patients in his proposals for the future of the health service.
In the delivery plan for his Five-Year Forward View, he sets out the way in which providers of NHS care must overhaul their working practices, despite the unprecedented pressures they are facing and the service having less money than he believes it needs to do its job properly. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
The chief of NHS England, Simon Stevens, has pledged to make an array of changes to benefit patients in his proposals for the future of the health service.
In the delivery plan for his Five-Year Forward View, he sets out the way in which providers of NHS care must overhaul their working practices, despite the unprecedented pressures they are facing and the service having less money than he believes it needs to do its job properly. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Next steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View NHS England
- Welcoming NHS England’s Next steps on the Five Year Forward View The King's Fund
- NHS operations: Waiting times to rise in 'trade-off', boss says BBC News
- NHS boss warns longer waits for hip operations The Daily Mail
- Hip and knee surgery waiting lists to lengthen as NHS focus on A&E and cancer care The Daily Telegraph
- The Guardian view on changes to the NHS: transformative but not sustainable | Editorial The Guardian
- NHS accused of waving white flag as it axes 18-week operation target The Guardian
- NHS 18 week wait target "jettisoned in all but name" The Independent
Record number of EU citizens quit working in NHS last year
Record number of EU citizens quit working in NHS last year Surge in number of doctors and nurses from other EU states leaving renews fears that Brexit could exacerbate staffing crisis
A record number of EU nationals left the NHS last year, renewing fears that Brexit could exacerbate a staffing crisis. Continue reading... The Guardian
A record number of EU nationals left the NHS last year, renewing fears that Brexit could exacerbate a staffing crisis. Continue reading... The Guardian
Toddler died after urgent operation was repeatedly delayed
Toddler died after urgent operation was repeatedly delayed The family of Kayden Bancroft claim he was ‘put in a room and left’ at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital despite suffering intense pain as a car crash victim had taken priority. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
Weekend NHS GPs for everyone within two years
Weekend NHS GPs for everyone within two years At least 50 per cent of NHS patients in England and Wales would have access to out-of-hours’ appointments by 2018, rising to 100 per cent by 2019 under the new blueprint unveiled today. The Daily Mail
Man terminally ill with motor neurone disease loses court bid to change law on assisted dying
Man terminally ill with motor neurone disease loses court bid to change law on assisted dying A man with terminal motor neurone disease says he will appeal against a High Court decision not to allow him to challenge the law on assisted dying.
Three judges rejected Neil Conway's bid to change the law, which currently means it is illegal to help someone take their own life.
But they praised Mr Conway's "selfless" actions in bringing the case and said they felt "deep sympathy" for him and his family.
Passing judgment Lord Justice Burnett said that it would be "institutionally inappropriate" for the court to challenge the decision of Parliament. The Daily Telegraph
Three judges rejected Neil Conway's bid to change the law, which currently means it is illegal to help someone take their own life.
But they praised Mr Conway's "selfless" actions in bringing the case and said they felt "deep sympathy" for him and his family.
Passing judgment Lord Justice Burnett said that it would be "institutionally inappropriate" for the court to challenge the decision of Parliament. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 30 March 2017
Survey shows public satisfaction with NHS remaining steady
Survey shows public satisfaction with NHS remaining steady The British public’s satisfaction with the NHS remained steady in 2016, according to data published today by The King’s Fund.
The findings from the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research between July and October 2016, show 63 per cent of people were satisfied with the NHS. The change in satisfaction since 2015 (when it was 60 per cent) is not statistically significant. Satisfaction remains high by historic standards, but is seven percentage points below its peak of 70 per cent in 2010.
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The findings from the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research between July and October 2016, show 63 per cent of people were satisfied with the NHS. The change in satisfaction since 2015 (when it was 60 per cent) is not statistically significant. Satisfaction remains high by historic standards, but is seven percentage points below its peak of 70 per cent in 2010.
See also:
- If the NHS is in crisis, why is public satisfaction so high? The King’s Fund
Women on NHS Boards: 5050 by 2020
Women on NHS Boards: 5050 by 2020 A new report states that more senior roles need to be held by women if the NHS is to reach its target of equal gender representation on boards by 2020.
In Women on NHS Boards: 5050 by 2020, author Professor Ruth Sealy of the University of Exeter Business School argues that while gender balance of boards is improving, there is still a shortage of women in key roles such as medical directors and chief financial officers. NHS Employers
In Women on NHS Boards: 5050 by 2020, author Professor Ruth Sealy of the University of Exeter Business School argues that while gender balance of boards is improving, there is still a shortage of women in key roles such as medical directors and chief financial officers. NHS Employers
Integration and the development of the workforce
Integration and the development of the workforce This working paper reveals how integration of the fields of health and social care will require organisations to break down traditional barriers in how care is provided. It details how workforce development plays a crucial role in successful integration. Skills for Health Please note that free registration is required in order to download this publication.
Report shows change in NHS workforce over time
Report shows change in NHS workforce over time The number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff working for the NHS in England has increased by 2.2 per cent (26,000) since 2015, NHS Digital figures show.
Mental health and our changing climate: Impacts, implications and guidance
Mental health and our changing climate: Impacts, implications and guidance The goal of this updated report is to increase awareness of the psychological impacts of climate change on human mental health and well-being. The report provides climate communicators, planners, policymakers, public health professionals, and other leaders the tools and tips needed to respond to these impacts and bolster public engagement on climate solutions. American Psychological Association
See also:
See also:
- Climate change takes a toll on mental health The Daily Mail
NHS confusing public by using 'gobbledygook'
NHS confusing public by using 'gobbledygook' Imagine the scene. Up and down the country, local NHS leaders are crowded into meeting rooms discussing information transfers and ambulatory care, when someone jumps up and shouts "I've had enough of sticky toffee puddings".
Confused? You're not the only one. The language being used by the health service is simply gobbledygook, says the Plain English Campaign (PEC).
Steve Jenner, the campaign's spokesman, said the health service was riddled with "jargon" when it comes to explaining anything from the closure of hospital services to major incidents.
And he even believes the NHS may be doing this on purpose. BBC News
Confused? You're not the only one. The language being used by the health service is simply gobbledygook, says the Plain English Campaign (PEC).
Steve Jenner, the campaign's spokesman, said the health service was riddled with "jargon" when it comes to explaining anything from the closure of hospital services to major incidents.
And he even believes the NHS may be doing this on purpose. BBC News
The 999 call-out that changed a paramedic's life
The 999 call-out that changed a paramedic's life Nearly half of people in the UK have spoken about mental health over the last three months, a new survey suggests. But for some, addressing their problems can be much harder.
"We didn't really know what we were being sent to," Dan Farnworth, a paramedic in the north-west, says. "The next thing I knew, a child was just placed into my arms."
It was 2015, and Dan had just been sent to a 999 call that would change his life. BBC News
"We didn't really know what we were being sent to," Dan Farnworth, a paramedic in the north-west, says. "The next thing I knew, a child was just placed into my arms."
It was 2015, and Dan had just been sent to a 999 call that would change his life. BBC News
Cut sugar in cakes, biscuits by 20%, industry told
Cut sugar in cakes, biscuits by 20%, industry told Sugar limits for everyday foods such as biscuits, chocolate bars and cereals have been published by public health officials in a bid to make UK children more healthy.
Public Health England is challenging businesses to cut sugar by 20% by 2020, and by 5% this year.
It says the food industry should try lowering sugar levels, reducing product size or pushing healthier products.
But experts question how the targets can be enforced. BBC News
See also:
Public Health England is challenging businesses to cut sugar by 20% by 2020, and by 5% this year.
It says the food industry should try lowering sugar levels, reducing product size or pushing healthier products.
But experts question how the targets can be enforced. BBC News
See also:
- Press release: Guidelines on reducing sugar in food published for industry Public Health England
- Sugar reduction: Achieving the 20% Public Health England
- Salt reduction: targets for 2017 Public Health England
Drop in GP numbers 'a huge blow' that shows crisis is deepening, say GP leaders
Drop in GP numbers 'a huge blow' that shows crisis is deepening, say GP leaders GP leaders have warned that the crisis facing general practice is deepening after 'incredibly disappointing' workforce data revealed a sharp drop in GP numbers in the final months of 2016. GPonline
See also:
See also:
- Workforce figures are a huge blow, but 5,000 target still worth fighting for, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- One GP vacancy for every two practices in England, official data suggest GPonline
‘Communities provide the best solutions to their own problems’
‘Communities provide the best solutions to their own problems’ A year ago, Greater Manchester took control of its own health budget. It’s been tough, but progress is tangible, says health chief Jon Rouse
A year since Greater Manchester became the first region in England to take control of its £6bn health and social care budget, Jon Rouse is pleased at the progress already made, pointing to figures showing that 62-day cancer waits for Greater Manchester were among the best in the country, referrals to treatment targets are better than the England average and access to mental health services exceeds that of the north and of England as a whole. “I am proud,” he says. “In our first year, we have set up more than 20 programmes – and we are performing better overall in these areas than other parts of the country. It is quite an achievement. The key is to make sure the programmes deliver what we intend.” Continue reading... The Guardian
A year since Greater Manchester became the first region in England to take control of its £6bn health and social care budget, Jon Rouse is pleased at the progress already made, pointing to figures showing that 62-day cancer waits for Greater Manchester were among the best in the country, referrals to treatment targets are better than the England average and access to mental health services exceeds that of the north and of England as a whole. “I am proud,” he says. “In our first year, we have set up more than 20 programmes – and we are performing better overall in these areas than other parts of the country. It is quite an achievement. The key is to make sure the programmes deliver what we intend.” Continue reading... The Guardian
Wraparound care: is it the future of the NHS?
Wraparound care: is it the future of the NHS? As NHS chiefs push ahead with plans to transform local services, in Dorset controversial reforms mean more integration of health and social care – but also fewer hospital beds
“This is a way of working that’s so obviously beneficial that I’m not sure why we didn’t do it before. We’ve gone from uncoordinated, fragmented care that was very unsatisfactory for patients, to wraparound care that takes into account the holistic needs of the patient.” Dr Karen Kirkham, a GP in Weymouth, is describing how Dorset has been quietly implementing a different way of providing healthcare which, if it works out, might just help save the NHS.
Sitting in a side room at Weymouth’s Westhaven community hospital, Kirkham outlines an approach that is simultaneously radical and commonsensical, and also controversial, despite being backed by all those whose job is to improve the health of Dorset’s 750,000 residents. “In Dorset, necessity has been the mother of invention. We’ve taken the issue of relentlessly rising demand and proposed bold action to adapt what we do for our patients,” she adds. While all this sounds novel, it is also one of the oldest tunes in the jukebox of NHS great policy ideas. Continue reading... The Guardian
“This is a way of working that’s so obviously beneficial that I’m not sure why we didn’t do it before. We’ve gone from uncoordinated, fragmented care that was very unsatisfactory for patients, to wraparound care that takes into account the holistic needs of the patient.” Dr Karen Kirkham, a GP in Weymouth, is describing how Dorset has been quietly implementing a different way of providing healthcare which, if it works out, might just help save the NHS.
Sitting in a side room at Weymouth’s Westhaven community hospital, Kirkham outlines an approach that is simultaneously radical and commonsensical, and also controversial, despite being backed by all those whose job is to improve the health of Dorset’s 750,000 residents. “In Dorset, necessity has been the mother of invention. We’ve taken the issue of relentlessly rising demand and proposed bold action to adapt what we do for our patients,” she adds. While all this sounds novel, it is also one of the oldest tunes in the jukebox of NHS great policy ideas. Continue reading... The Guardian
Type 2 diabetes not real illness says top doctor Muir Gray
Type 2 diabetes not real illness says top doctor Muir Gray Sir Muir Gray claims that type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable but costs the NHS billions of pounds a year to treat, should be renamed because it is caused by the 'modern environment'. The Daily Mail
Places in England where HALF the GPs are failing revealed
Places in England where HALF the GPs are failing revealed The analysis by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) looked at the inspection reports of 6,476 GP surgeries - the majority of the 7,700 in England. The Daily Mail
NHS rolls out plans for cancer verdicts in just four weeks
NHS rolls out plans for cancer verdicts in just four weeks Patients will be told that they have cancer or given the all-clear four weeks after seeing their GP, under NHS plans.
Simon Stevens, the head of the health service in England, will roll out a 28-day target next year to speed up diagnosis times.
Many patients currently wait several months between first going to their GP with symptoms and finding out whether they have the illness. The Daily Mail
Simon Stevens, the head of the health service in England, will roll out a 28-day target next year to speed up diagnosis times.
Many patients currently wait several months between first going to their GP with symptoms and finding out whether they have the illness. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 29 March 2017
Admissions to Northampton care home 'suspended' after its GP services are halted
Admissions to Northampton care home 'suspended' after its GP services are halted A Northampton care home is among four to stop taking new admissions after concerns about "wider health support" being provided at the centres. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Don't talk about the money?
Don't talk about the money? At Healthwatch Essex, I’d like to think we’re pretty clear on what we do. We are ‘an independent voice for the people of Essex… helping to shape and improve health and social care’. We do this by capturing people’s lived experience and then using this insight to make a positive case for change.
One of our unwritten rules has always been: ‘Don’t talk about the money.’ This hasn’t been easy, and there are plenty of people in the media and from interest groups who would have us lobby for more cash for the NHS and/or social care. But I’ve always resisted this. Funding is, after all, a matter for government. Getting involved in political arguments could compromise our independence, and doesn’t hold much sway with the people we’re trying to influence either – local NHS trusts or commissioners, for example, who don’t determine their own budgets anyway. The King's Fund
One of our unwritten rules has always been: ‘Don’t talk about the money.’ This hasn’t been easy, and there are plenty of people in the media and from interest groups who would have us lobby for more cash for the NHS and/or social care. But I’ve always resisted this. Funding is, after all, a matter for government. Getting involved in political arguments could compromise our independence, and doesn’t hold much sway with the people we’re trying to influence either – local NHS trusts or commissioners, for example, who don’t determine their own budgets anyway. The King's Fund
Measles outbreak across Europe
Measles outbreak across Europe Measles is spreading across Europe wherever immunisation coverage has dropped, the World Health Organization is warning.
The largest outbreaks are being seen in Italy and Romania.
In the first month of this year, Italy reported more than 200 cases. Romania has reported more than 3,400 cases and 17 deaths since January 2016.
Measles is highly contagious. Travel patterns mean no person or country is beyond its reach, says the WHO.
For good protection, it's recommended that at least 95% of the population is vaccinated against the disease.
But many countries are struggling to achieve that. BBC News
The largest outbreaks are being seen in Italy and Romania.
In the first month of this year, Italy reported more than 200 cases. Romania has reported more than 3,400 cases and 17 deaths since January 2016.
Measles is highly contagious. Travel patterns mean no person or country is beyond its reach, says the WHO.
For good protection, it's recommended that at least 95% of the population is vaccinated against the disease.
But many countries are struggling to achieve that. BBC News
'Unclear' how GP services can be maintained in face of workforce crisis, warns DDRB
'Unclear' how GP services can be maintained in face of workforce crisis, warns DDRB It is unclear how general practice services can be delivered five to 10 years from now given the growing workforce crisis facing the profession, the independent doctors and dentists review body (DDRB) has warned. GP Online
Health unions and MPs condemn 'derisory' 1% pay rise for NHS staff
Health unions and MPs condemn 'derisory' 1% pay rise for NHS staff Cap on salary increases will see some staff earn just £5 extra a week while facing soaring costs and greater workload
About 1.3 million NHS staff are to receive a 1% pay rise that will see nurses, midwives and radiographers earn barely £5 a week more next year, in a move that prompted a furious reaction from health unions.
The government’s decision to limit NHS wage increases to 1% a year or freeze them for the seventh successive year led its own advisors to warn that the policy must end. Salary caps could exacerbate already serious understaffing in the NHS by making it less attractive to work for, especially as workloads are growing, the NHS pay review body (PRB) concluded. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
About 1.3 million NHS staff are to receive a 1% pay rise that will see nurses, midwives and radiographers earn barely £5 a week more next year, in a move that prompted a furious reaction from health unions.
The government’s decision to limit NHS wage increases to 1% a year or freeze them for the seventh successive year led its own advisors to warn that the policy must end. Salary caps could exacerbate already serious understaffing in the NHS by making it less attractive to work for, especially as workloads are growing, the NHS pay review body (PRB) concluded. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Independent report: National Health Service Pay Review Body 30th report: 2017 Department of Health
- Independent report: Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration 45th Report: 2017 Department of Health
- Government accepts 1 per cent uplift for NHS staff NHS Employers
'An unrealistic pressure': mothers on what it's like to breastfeed
'An unrealistic pressure': mothers on what it's like to breastfeed The majority of women stop breastfeeding after two months, despite health experts’ advice to continue to at least six. We speak to mothers about their experiences
Almost three-quarters of women in England start breastfeeding after giving birth, but less than half are still doing so two months later according to NHS and Public Health England data.
PHE recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as does the World Health Organization, because it boosts a baby’s ability to fight illness and infection. But a survey of 500 mothers commissioned by PHE found that fears about breastfeeding among women included that it could be painful (74%), prevent them from taking medication (71%) and be embarrassing in front of strangers (63%). Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Almost three-quarters of women in England start breastfeeding after giving birth, but less than half are still doing so two months later according to NHS and Public Health England data.
PHE recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as does the World Health Organization, because it boosts a baby’s ability to fight illness and infection. But a survey of 500 mothers commissioned by PHE found that fears about breastfeeding among women included that it could be painful (74%), prevent them from taking medication (71%) and be embarrassing in front of strangers (63%). Continue reading... The Guardian
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The NHS is terminally ill – cracking down on sunscreen and cough syrup won't cure it
The NHS is terminally ill – cracking down on sunscreen and cough syrup won't cure it Never mind that sunscreen and gluten free foods have been considered prescription-worthy on the NHS up until now – this is a fairly benign embarrassment as far as public service blunders go.
The £100 million that could be saved per year by cutting back on 10 products currently prescribed on the NHS – including ointments, Omega 3 fish oil, and painkillers – is chump change in the grand scheme of the £15 billion spent on medicine overall.
Nevertheless, it is right for NHS England to review its prescription services and find savings, even comparatively small ones, wherever they can. The Daily Telegraph
The £100 million that could be saved per year by cutting back on 10 products currently prescribed on the NHS – including ointments, Omega 3 fish oil, and painkillers – is chump change in the grand scheme of the £15 billion spent on medicine overall.
Nevertheless, it is right for NHS England to review its prescription services and find savings, even comparatively small ones, wherever they can. The Daily Telegraph
Analysis: The NHS spends millions prescribing common painkillers, sunscreen and gluten-free food
Analysis: The NHS spends millions prescribing common painkillers, sunscreen and gluten-free food The NHS spent more than £100m prescribing common painkillers last year as well as £14m on gluten-free bread and nearly £4m on sunscreen.
The analysis by The Telegraph comes on the same day that NHS chief, Simon Stevens, has announced the NHS will no longer pay for patients to have common over-the-counter medicines and free-from food.
Under the plans outlined by Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, patients will have to cough-up for things like painkillers, sunscreen and gluten-free food.
It forms part of an effort reduce health service spending by £1bn. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The analysis by The Telegraph comes on the same day that NHS chief, Simon Stevens, has announced the NHS will no longer pay for patients to have common over-the-counter medicines and free-from food.
Under the plans outlined by Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, patients will have to cough-up for things like painkillers, sunscreen and gluten-free food.
It forms part of an effort reduce health service spending by £1bn. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Prescription clampdown must not disadvantage vulnerable patients, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Prescription cuts are a 'creeping retreat' for NHS The Daily Mail
- NHS prescribing overhaul must not create postcode lottery to cut costs, GPs warn GPonline
- All the medicines under review in NHS consultation on 'low value' treatments The Independent
Tuesday, 28 March 2017
Northamptonshire NHS Foundation Trust gets improved CQC rating
Northamptonshire NHS Foundation Trust gets improved CQC rating One of the largest providers of NHS services in Northamptonshire has been rated as Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Outstanding regarding whether services were caring. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Care Quality Commission
- Caring NHS staff rated 'outstanding' - but Northamptonshire's mental health trust scores 'requires improvement' for safety Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton surgery has been trying to fill the same doctor vacancy for THREE YEARS
Northampton surgery has been trying to fill the same doctor vacancy for THREE YEARS Not one GP has applied for a doctor's vacancy at a Northampton surgery in three years, a practice leader has revealed, after the health secretary agreed to hold crisis talks over its waiting times. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Receptionists chased with scissors during terrifying ordeal at Northampton surgery
Receptionists chased with scissors during terrifying ordeal at Northampton surgery A schizophrenic who threatened doctor's surgery receptionists with a pair of scissors when they refused his prescription has been sectioned. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton hospital reminds families who block patient discharge that they have 'a role to play'
Northampton hospital reminds families who block patient discharge that they have 'a role to play' Northampton General Hospital say medically-fit patients are blocking beds because families are arguing over transfer of care, failing to turn up to meetings and even going on holiday rather than helping their loved ones leave hospital. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
What does it take to lead in the NHS?
What does it take to lead in the NHS? Nish Manek is a GP trainee and clinical fellow who took part in a leadership 'open space’ event earlier this month. The event brought together previous participants of The Kings Fund’s clinical leadership programmes. Here Nish reflects on what she learned from the day about the challenges and opportunities of taking on leadership roles in the NHS. The King's Fund
A year of plenty? An analysis of NHS finances and consultant productivity
A year of plenty? An analysis of NHS finances and consultant productivity This report finds that the NHS used almost half of the £2bn real terms increase in funding it received in 2015-16 to commission care form non-NHS organisations and to support the social care system. The report also highlights that the focus on meeting rising demands for emergency care means that NHS hospitals are receiving lower financial returns which is making it increasingly difficult for NHS trusts to break even. The Health Foundation
Self-inflicted deaths among female prisoners
Self-inflicted deaths among female prisoners This bulletin was prompted by the recent dramatic and depressing rise in self-inflicted deaths of women in prison. It looks at 19 investigations between 2013 and 2016 of instances where women took their own lives.
This small sample cannot explain this apparently rising toll of despair, but the bulletin does identify a number of important areas of learning. This learning focuses on improving suicide and self-harm prevention procedures, better assessment and management of risk, addressing mental health issues, combating bullying and ensuring timely emergency responses. Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
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This small sample cannot explain this apparently rising toll of despair, but the bulletin does identify a number of important areas of learning. This learning focuses on improving suicide and self-harm prevention procedures, better assessment and management of risk, addressing mental health issues, combating bullying and ensuring timely emergency responses. Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
See also:
Cancer diagnosis: 'Looking for needle in a haystack'
Cancer diagnosis: 'Looking for needle in a haystack' New measures to improve diagnosis of cancer are expected to be published this week as part of NHS England’s delivery plan for the next two years.
Presenter Nick Robinson, who has been treated for cancer himself in recent years, visited University College London Hospital to see how it is trying to pioneer new ways to improve survival rates.
The hospital’s chief medical officer, Kathy Pritchard-Jones, explained to the Today programme how services had been put in one place to help make diagnosis quicker. BBC News
Presenter Nick Robinson, who has been treated for cancer himself in recent years, visited University College London Hospital to see how it is trying to pioneer new ways to improve survival rates.
The hospital’s chief medical officer, Kathy Pritchard-Jones, explained to the Today programme how services had been put in one place to help make diagnosis quicker. BBC News
MPs slam government strategy to cut child obesity
MPs slam government strategy to cut child obesity A new report by the influential House of Commons Health Select Committee says the Government must do more to reduce the number of cut-price and multi-buy offers on unhealthy food to help combat childhood obesity.
It also calls for rules on junk food advertisements to be made tougher and says that government plans to tackle childhood obesity contain "vague statements" that are "inadequate" and that ministers had consistently rejected the committee's advice. The committee also recommends that the levy on sugary drinks should be extended to milk-based drinks that have added sugar.
The report calls for the government to set clear goals. Health Committee chair, Dr Sarah Wollaston, who is also a GP, said: "We are extremely disappointed that the government has rejected a number of our recommendations. These omissions mean that the current plan misses important opportunities to tackle childhood obesity. OnMedica
It also calls for rules on junk food advertisements to be made tougher and says that government plans to tackle childhood obesity contain "vague statements" that are "inadequate" and that ministers had consistently rejected the committee's advice. The committee also recommends that the levy on sugary drinks should be extended to milk-based drinks that have added sugar.
The report calls for the government to set clear goals. Health Committee chair, Dr Sarah Wollaston, who is also a GP, said: "We are extremely disappointed that the government has rejected a number of our recommendations. These omissions mean that the current plan misses important opportunities to tackle childhood obesity. OnMedica
EU nurses no longer want to work in Britain. Brexit is poisoning the NHS
EU nurses no longer want to work in Britain. Brexit is poisoning the NHS The number of nurses signing up to work in the UK has dropped dramatically. Is it any wonder when Theresa May’s government is so hostile to EU nationals?
How will Brexit impact the NHS? It already has. Nurses from the EU are much less keen to come and work here. Today the Times reported that in the last four months of 2015, an average of 797 EU nurses per month signed up to work in the UK; over the same period last year, that number fell to 194 a month. We currently have a huge shortage of nurses, with 24,000 jobs unfilled in England alone. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
How will Brexit impact the NHS? It already has. Nurses from the EU are much less keen to come and work here. Today the Times reported that in the last four months of 2015, an average of 797 EU nurses per month signed up to work in the UK; over the same period last year, that number fell to 194 a month. We currently have a huge shortage of nurses, with 24,000 jobs unfilled in England alone. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
The NHS sets leaders up to fail – and then recruits more in the same mould
The NHS sets leaders up to fail – and then recruits more in the same mould People being hired in management positions don’t have the skills to tackle the health service’s current problems
It’s my job to support and develop senior NHS managers. And I’m deeply worried that we’re setting them up to fail – then recruiting more in the same mould.
I’m a former primary care trust director; I now work as an executive coach, helping NHS executives to improve their skills. Many of my clients lead trusts whose leadership has been deemed “inadequate” or “requires improvement” by the Care Quality Commission – but few of them are genuinely bad leaders. The problem is that they were hired to do one job, and the requirement is now for something quite different. Yet they’re not being helped to change their approach, and when their trusts run into trouble they are being replaced with people likely to encounter exactly the same set of problems.
The characteristics once seen as assets have become liabilities Continue reading... The Guardian
It’s my job to support and develop senior NHS managers. And I’m deeply worried that we’re setting them up to fail – then recruiting more in the same mould.
I’m a former primary care trust director; I now work as an executive coach, helping NHS executives to improve their skills. Many of my clients lead trusts whose leadership has been deemed “inadequate” or “requires improvement” by the Care Quality Commission – but few of them are genuinely bad leaders. The problem is that they were hired to do one job, and the requirement is now for something quite different. Yet they’re not being helped to change their approach, and when their trusts run into trouble they are being replaced with people likely to encounter exactly the same set of problems.
The characteristics once seen as assets have become liabilities Continue reading... The Guardian
A million patients take anti-depressants 'they don't need'
A million patients take anti-depressants 'they don't need' Patients are left on the drugs for months or years at a time, fuelling a growing epidemic of addiction to prescription medicines. The Daily Mail
No more painkillers and gluten-free food on the NHS as health service head launches cost-cutting drive
No more painkillers and gluten-free food on the NHS as health service head launches cost-cutting drive The NHS will no longer pay for everyday medicines, including painkillers and cough mixture, the head of the health service has said.
Simon Stevens has outlined plans for patients to have to pay for basic items, like hay fever drugs, indigestion pills and gluten-free food, in a money-saving drive.
The cuts are part of new measures to reduce £1 billion of costs in the health service, which is struggling to cope with a surge in demand caused by an expanding population. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Simon Stevens has outlined plans for patients to have to pay for basic items, like hay fever drugs, indigestion pills and gluten-free food, in a money-saving drive.
The cuts are part of new measures to reduce £1 billion of costs in the health service, which is struggling to cope with a surge in demand caused by an expanding population. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- NHS funding review for gluten-free food BBC News
- Dramatic drive to cut NHS costs unveiled The Daily Mail
- NHS draws up list of items to be banned from prescriptions The Guardian
- Travel jabs and gluten-free food may no longer be available on NHS under ‘low-value’ prescription crackdown The Independent
- NHS funding review: What medicines could be affected? ITV News
Monday, 27 March 2017
Government's health chief called in to discuss waiting woes at under-pressure Northampton GP surgery
Government's health chief called in to discuss waiting woes at under-pressure Northampton GP surgery The health secretary has agreed to hold discussions about lengthy waiting times at a Duston surgery - after a number of complaints from those unable to get an appointment. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Teen pregnancy rates in Northants are half of that in 2005 stats show - but more terminate pregnancy
Teen pregnancy rates in Northants are half of that in 2005 stats show - but more terminate pregnancy Teenage pregnancies in Northamptonshire have halved over the past 10 years, latest figures have revealed, though almost half of those led to an abortion. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Compromise offered in funding row over future of Corby Urgent Care Centre
Compromise offered in funding row over future of Corby Urgent Care Centre A compromise has been put forward in the funding row over the future of Corby Urgent Care Centre.
In response to concerns raised by patients, Lakeside+ has offered a ‘major concession’ to keep the centre open with the existing staff after April 1.
The offer suggests that both parties back away from the March 31 deadline and keep the centre open while the legal process carries on to fix how much the centre will be paid for treating NHS patients.
It comes as Lakeside+ has been inundated with both local and national messages of support since news of the situation broke. Northamptonshire Telegraph
In response to concerns raised by patients, Lakeside+ has offered a ‘major concession’ to keep the centre open with the existing staff after April 1.
The offer suggests that both parties back away from the March 31 deadline and keep the centre open while the legal process carries on to fix how much the centre will be paid for treating NHS patients.
It comes as Lakeside+ has been inundated with both local and national messages of support since news of the situation broke. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Sending shockwaves through the NHS?
Sending shockwaves through the NHS? Taken at face value, Simon Stevens’ recent remarks to the Public Accounts Committee should be sending shockwaves through the NHS. Six to ten sustainability and transformation plan (STP) areas, to be announced in the forthcoming Forward View delivery plan, are set to become ‘accountable care organisations or systems, which will for the first time since 1990 effectively end the purchaser–provider split, bringing about integrated funding and delivery for a given geographical population’.
It would be hard to overstate the magnitude of such a shift in policy, if that is what we are witnessing. Since the early 1990s, governments have pinned their hopes on purchaser–provider separation as the basis for health care improvement. Simon Stevens’ comments reflect, in large part, a growing perception that the costs of the purchaser–provider split outweigh the benefits of the market it was supposed to create. Transaction costs are high. Meanwhile, the market has delivered, at best, only modest efficiencies. Demographic and epidemiological changes are driving integration, which makes arm’s-length contracting even harder. The King's Fund
It would be hard to overstate the magnitude of such a shift in policy, if that is what we are witnessing. Since the early 1990s, governments have pinned their hopes on purchaser–provider separation as the basis for health care improvement. Simon Stevens’ comments reflect, in large part, a growing perception that the costs of the purchaser–provider split outweigh the benefits of the market it was supposed to create. Transaction costs are high. Meanwhile, the market has delivered, at best, only modest efficiencies. Demographic and epidemiological changes are driving integration, which makes arm’s-length contracting even harder. The King's Fund
New measures to target inequality in health and social care
New measures to target inequality in health and social care The Care Quality Commission has published ambitious new equality objectives for 2017 to 19. Despite progress on equality, people from some equality groups are still less likely to receive good quality health and social care.
The new objectives for the next two years focus on CQC regulatory role in improving equality. Through its inspections, CQC will check that providers make person-centred care work for everyone, from all equality groups – for example for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people using adult social care or mental health inpatient services.
CQC has set an objective to look at reducing barriers and improving access to primary care for migrants, asylum seekers, Gypsies and Travellers, to help address their poor health outcomes.
The new objectives for the next two years focus on CQC regulatory role in improving equality. Through its inspections, CQC will check that providers make person-centred care work for everyone, from all equality groups – for example for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people using adult social care or mental health inpatient services.
CQC has set an objective to look at reducing barriers and improving access to primary care for migrants, asylum seekers, Gypsies and Travellers, to help address their poor health outcomes.
Meeting us where we're at: learning from INTEGRATE's work with excluded young people
Meeting us where we're at: learning from INTEGRATE's work with excluded young people This report discusses the approach taken by London-based charity MAC-UK in offering mental health support to young people involved in gangs or at risk of offending. The INTEGRATE approach is characterised by engaging young people through activities that they set up themselves and getting referrals through peers and friends. The evaluation of the INTEGRATE approach found that it brought notable improvements in many of the participants and helped to support young people in finding work. Centre for Mental Health
Jeremy Hunt 'sorry' NHS 111 call did not spot boy's sepsis
Jeremy Hunt 'sorry' NHS 111 call did not spot boy's sepsis A boy who died aged one after NHS staff failed to identify he had septicaemia was "let down", Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt admitted.
Mr Hunt spoke at a memorial service for William Mead, from Cornwall.
William, from Penryn, died in 2014, after an NHS 111 call did not lead to him being admitted to hospital.
Speaking at the private service in Truro, Mr Hunt said: "I as health secretary, the government, and the NHS let down William." BBC News
Mr Hunt spoke at a memorial service for William Mead, from Cornwall.
William, from Penryn, died in 2014, after an NHS 111 call did not lead to him being admitted to hospital.
Speaking at the private service in Truro, Mr Hunt said: "I as health secretary, the government, and the NHS let down William." BBC News
Exclusive: Urgent cancer scans blocked for two in five GPs
Exclusive: Urgent cancer scans blocked for two in five GPs Two in five GPs have had referrals on the two-week cancer pathway bounced back or downgraded as less urgent within the last year - with one in four affected patients later found to have cancer - a GPonline survey suggests.
Experts warn new TB drugs’ effectiveness could be lost
Experts warn new TB drugs’ effectiveness could be lost Experts are warning today that the effectiveness of new drugs in treating tuberculosis (TB) could be lost without real efforts to support their introduction.
A report* published today in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal to coincide with World TB day today, says that the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB threatens to derail decades of progress in controlling the disease. OnMedica
A report* published today in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal to coincide with World TB day today, says that the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB threatens to derail decades of progress in controlling the disease. OnMedica
Half of £2bn boost for NHS 'spent outside health service'
Half of £2bn boost for NHS 'spent outside health service' Extra £100m spent on external providers in 2015/16 shows NHS cannot cope with rising demand, FT research suggests
Health chiefs spent about half of the £2bn of extra cash allocated in George Osborne’s pre-2015 election autumn statement on buying care from private and other non-NHS providers, an analysis has shown.
The Health Foundation research for the Financial Times showed £901m was spent on buying services from outside the health service in 2015/16 for care provided free at the point of use for NHS patients. It compared with £800m spent on purchasing the same kind of care from NHS trusts. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Health chiefs spent about half of the £2bn of extra cash allocated in George Osborne’s pre-2015 election autumn statement on buying care from private and other non-NHS providers, an analysis has shown.
The Health Foundation research for the Financial Times showed £901m was spent on buying services from outside the health service in 2015/16 for care provided free at the point of use for NHS patients. It compared with £800m spent on purchasing the same kind of care from NHS trusts. Continue reading... The Guardian
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GPs 'dismissing womb illness as period pain', report says
GPs 'dismissing womb illness as period pain', report says Hundreds of thousands of women with a painful womb condition are left to cope without specialised care and are often dismissed as imagining their symptoms, a report says.
Some 40 per cent of those with endometriosis – a chronic condition suffered by two million in Britain – have to visit their GP ten times before they are referred to a specialist, it reveals.
For 10 per cent of women it takes 15 years of seeking help to receive a diagnosis, according to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women’s Health. The Daily Mail
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Some 40 per cent of those with endometriosis – a chronic condition suffered by two million in Britain – have to visit their GP ten times before they are referred to a specialist, it reveals.
For 10 per cent of women it takes 15 years of seeking help to receive a diagnosis, according to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women’s Health. The Daily Mail
See also:
- GPs will always take womens health conditions seriously, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Treatment for endometriosis 'unacceptable' BBC News
Cabinet ministers warned social care crisis could exacerbate if UK pensioners return from abroad over Brexit
Cabinet ministers warned social care crisis could exacerbate if UK pensioners return from abroad over Brexit Britain’s social care crisis will escalate after Brexit as tens of thousands of pensioners living in the EU return home, cabinet ministers have been warned.
Failure to secure continued access to healthcare for elderly Britons based on the Continent could trigger many to move back to the UK, ministers were told.
Such a change would pile pressure on the NHS and increase demand on care homes that are already under strain from an aging population. The Daily Telegraph
Failure to secure continued access to healthcare for elderly Britons based on the Continent could trigger many to move back to the UK, ministers were told.
Such a change would pile pressure on the NHS and increase demand on care homes that are already under strain from an aging population. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 24 March 2017
Council in talks with both parties involved in funding row over Corby Urgent Care Centre
Council in talks with both parties involved in funding row over Corby Urgent Care Centre Corby Council is in talks with both parties about the funding row which has led to fears over the future of Corby’s Urgent Care Centre.
Bosses at the centre issued a warning yesterday (Wednesday) that it will close its doors to patients at 8pm on March 31 as a result of Corby and Nene Clinical Commissioning Groups’ refusing to organise the extension of a contract in line with minimum fees due under the NHS national tariff.
NHS Corby Clinical Commissioning Group issued a statement in response to this, saying the centre is not closing and even if they have to find another provider, the service will continue. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Bosses at the centre issued a warning yesterday (Wednesday) that it will close its doors to patients at 8pm on March 31 as a result of Corby and Nene Clinical Commissioning Groups’ refusing to organise the extension of a contract in line with minimum fees due under the NHS national tariff.
NHS Corby Clinical Commissioning Group issued a statement in response to this, saying the centre is not closing and even if they have to find another provider, the service will continue. Northamptonshire Telegraph
A mixed bag of results from the NHS Staff Survey
A mixed bag of results from the NHS Staff Survey The 2016 NHS Staff Survey results are a mixed bag. Close to a million staff were invited to take part in the survey, more than 400,000 responded, and overall staff engagement has increased incrementally over the past four years.
The survey highlights that there are many organisations with well-motivated and engaged staff who are delivering high-quality care day-after-day. This performance is a testament to the dedication of people in the NHS against a backdrop of many organisations working at the edge of their capacity. We should give these dedicated people our collective thanks because they keep the system going despite being under huge pressure. The King's Fund
The survey highlights that there are many organisations with well-motivated and engaged staff who are delivering high-quality care day-after-day. This performance is a testament to the dedication of people in the NHS against a backdrop of many organisations working at the edge of their capacity. We should give these dedicated people our collective thanks because they keep the system going despite being under huge pressure. The King's Fund
NHS commissioning groups restricting weight loss surgery, surgeons warn – at a cost to patients and the public healthcare bill
NHS commissioning groups restricting weight loss surgery, surgeons warn – at a cost to patients and the public healthcare bill A freedom of information (FOI) request made to all NHS commissioning groups (CCGs) shows that several have adopted policies which attempt to ration weight loss surgery to the super-obese, and ignore official advice on who should be eligible for surgery.
This has made it more difficult for overweight and obese people to get effective treatment to help them lose weight despite evidence that it is safe, effective and saves healthcare costs, according to the findings of a joint report from The British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society and the Royal College of Surgeons.
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This has made it more difficult for overweight and obese people to get effective treatment to help them lose weight despite evidence that it is safe, effective and saves healthcare costs, according to the findings of a joint report from The British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society and the Royal College of Surgeons.
See also:
- Fat people encouraged to become super obese for surgery The Daily Mail
Providing physical activity interventions for people with musculoskeletal conditions report
Providing physical activity interventions for people with musculoskeletal conditions report Physical activity is a key part of a public health approach to musculoskeletal conditions and it has a range of benefits for people with musculoskeletal conditions in terms of improving quality of life and supporting people to be independent. It can reduce joint and back pain by 25% while also improving sleep, managing stress and reducing depression, anxiety and dementia and is therefore beneficial for people who have a musculoskeletal conditions and one or more other long-term health conditions. Arthritis Research UK
The effect of hospital ownership on quality of care: evidence from England
The effect of hospital ownership on quality of care: evidence from England This research investigates whether quality of care differs between public and private hospitals in England with data on 3.8 million publicly-funded patients receiving 133 planned (non-emergency) treatments in 393 public and 190 private hospital sites. The authors found no quality differences between hospitals specialising in planned treatments and other hospitals, nor between for-profit and not-for-profit private hospitals. Centre for Health Economics
Paying for it: the human cost of cut-price care
Paying for it: the human cost of cut-price care Care is being purchased across England at prices that are simply not economically sustainable. In Paying for It, we look at the human side of a care market on the brink of failure with stories from across the care system. And we look at why care is priced so low and how people in the system end up paying for cut-price care. Local Government Information Unit
British scientists in world-first TB breakthrough
British scientists in world-first TB breakthrough British scientists have made a world-first breakthrough in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Researchers in Oxford and Birmingham say they can isolate different strains of the disease using a process called genome sequencing.
It means patients who may have waited months to get the right drugs can now be diagnosed in just a few days - so they have a greater chance of recovery.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the breakthrough "will save lives".
Cases of TB in the UK have begun falling recently, but England still has one of the highest rates in Europe. BBC News
Researchers in Oxford and Birmingham say they can isolate different strains of the disease using a process called genome sequencing.
It means patients who may have waited months to get the right drugs can now be diagnosed in just a few days - so they have a greater chance of recovery.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the breakthrough "will save lives".
Cases of TB in the UK have begun falling recently, but England still has one of the highest rates in Europe. BBC News
Discovery enables 'mass produced blood'
Discovery enables 'mass produced blood' Scientists say they have made a significant leap towards mass-producing red blood cells suitable for donation.
Red blood cells can already be made in the lab, but the problem is scale.
A team at the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant have developed a method to produce an unlimited supply.
The artificial blood will be far more expensive than conventional donation. So it is likely to be used for people with very rare blood types. BBC News
Red blood cells can already be made in the lab, but the problem is scale.
A team at the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant have developed a method to produce an unlimited supply.
The artificial blood will be far more expensive than conventional donation. So it is likely to be used for people with very rare blood types. BBC News
Exclusive: GPs reject DH vision of switch to 1,500 superhubs
Exclusive: GPs reject DH vision of switch to 1,500 superhubs Four out of five GPs believe the government's vision of primary care migrating from the current system to 1,500 'superhubs' would undermine general practice, a GPonline poll shows.
New child care standards could cut hospital admissions
New child care standards could cut hospital admissions Experts have published care standards to help deal with growing numbers of children and young adults attending emergency departments and to ensure they are treated appropriately.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s new Standards for Short Stay Paediatric Assessment Units (SSPAUs) were published today.
The college said the number of children and young people (15 years and under) being seen in hospital emergency departments in England rose by 7.6% between 2014-15 and 2015-16 – the equivalent of 4.4 million attendances.
There were now two and a half times more under 15-year-olds at emergency departments than over 80-year-olds in England. OnMedica
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s new Standards for Short Stay Paediatric Assessment Units (SSPAUs) were published today.
The college said the number of children and young people (15 years and under) being seen in hospital emergency departments in England rose by 7.6% between 2014-15 and 2015-16 – the equivalent of 4.4 million attendances.
There were now two and a half times more under 15-year-olds at emergency departments than over 80-year-olds in England. OnMedica
Westminster attack medics: 'It was a day London has trained for'
Westminster attack medics: 'It was a day London has trained for' As news of the terror attack broke, the capital’s NHS workers rushed into action
It was a typically busy day in the emergency department at King’s College hospital when Dr Emer Sutherland started receiving text messages from relatives and friends.
They were the first indication of the scale of the horror unfolding just two miles down the road in Westminster. Within minutes, she and her colleagues were on major alert and preparing to receive the first of many critically injured casualties. Continue reading... The Guardian
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It was a typically busy day in the emergency department at King’s College hospital when Dr Emer Sutherland started receiving text messages from relatives and friends.
They were the first indication of the scale of the horror unfolding just two miles down the road in Westminster. Within minutes, she and her colleagues were on major alert and preparing to receive the first of many critically injured casualties. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
The most common cause of cancer? Simple bad luck
The most common cause of cancer? Simple bad luck Despite the belief cancer is usually inherited or triggered by lifestyles, two thirds of cases can be put down to DNA errors, experts from Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center claim. The Daily Mail
Bake Off's Prue Leith backs hospital food campaign
Bake Off's Prue Leith backs hospital food campaign The new judge on the Great British Bake Off is demanding legally enforceable minimum nutrition standards for hospital food. The DailyMail
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