UK must get tough on childhood obesity, says top doctors Obesity Health Alliance issues 10-point action plan in hope of influencing party manifestos for general election
Britain must take much tougher action to tackle childhood obesity, including banning sponsorship of sports events by manufacturers of unhealthy food and drinks, leading doctors will warn. Without such robust measures, the NHS will come under “enormous and unsustainable strain” from a condition that already costs it £5bn a year, according to an action plan by the Obesity Health Alliance.
The alliance, which comprises 41 medical groups, health charities and public health bodies, has drawn up a 10-point action plan intended to influence the political parties as they draw up their manifestos for the election on 8 June. Continue reading... The Guardian
Friday, 5 May 2017
Pfizer to give out breast cancer pill for FREE on NHS
Pfizer to give out breast cancer pill for FREE on NHS Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer yesterday said it would provide palbociclib for five months while rationing watchdog NICE assesses the treatment. The Daily Mail
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More than one-third of men are lonely says RVS
More than one-third of men are lonely says RVS Going through a break up, being unemployed and the death of a family member are the causes in 17 per cent of British men. Over 25 per cent of men aged 65 to 69 blame retirement. The Daily Mail
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Young adults less likely to drink, official figures show
Young adults less likely to drink, official figures show The proportion of adults who drink alcohol on a weekly basis is at its lowest since figures began in 2005, official data from around 7,700 British adults suggests. The Daily Mail
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Numbers waiting 18 weeks for NHS surgery could double, leak reveals
Numbers waiting 18 weeks for NHS surgery could double, leak reveals Leaked "devastating" documents reveal that the number of NHS patients waiting longer than 18 weeks for surgery is forecast to double in two years.
The figures from health service regulators show total numbers on waiting lists are expected to soar to 5.5 million by 2019, on current trends, compared with a current figure of 3.7 million.
It comes after the head of the NHS said worsening waiting times for routine operations were an expected “trade off” for efforts to improve emergency care and cancer treatment. The Daily Telegraph
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The figures from health service regulators show total numbers on waiting lists are expected to soar to 5.5 million by 2019, on current trends, compared with a current figure of 3.7 million.
It comes after the head of the NHS said worsening waiting times for routine operations were an expected “trade off” for efforts to improve emergency care and cancer treatment. The Daily Telegraph
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Thursday, 4 May 2017
Mental health: Players' union PFA says 'more and more' players seeking help
Mental health: Players' union PFA says 'more and more' players seeking help The number of players seeking help for mental health problems is increasing as awareness of the issue grows, says the Professional Footballers' Association. BBC Sport
NHS annual budget rises under Tories are fraction of past increases – IFS
NHS annual budget rises under Tories are fraction of past increases – IFS early funding rises of 1.3% between 2009-10 and 2015-16 are less than one-third of levels health service has had over 60 years
The annual increases in the NHS budget since 2009 have been less than one-third of the average yearly funding rise the health service has had over the past 60 years, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Public spending on health across the UK went up by 1.3% a year between 2009-10, Labour’s last year in power, and 2015-16, the first year of David Cameron’s majority Conservative government. The Guardian
The annual increases in the NHS budget since 2009 have been less than one-third of the average yearly funding rise the health service has had over the past 60 years, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Public spending on health across the UK went up by 1.3% a year between 2009-10, Labour’s last year in power, and 2015-16, the first year of David Cameron’s majority Conservative government. The Guardian
- UK health spending Kings Fund
KGH dementia garden appeal tops £10,000
KGH dementia garden appeal tops £10,000 A Kettering General Hospital Appeal to develop a dementia garden at the hospital has topped £10,000 after only two months. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Give overweight patients a year of weight-loss classes, say researchers
Give overweight patients a year of weight-loss classes, say researchers Tens of thousands of cases of obesity-related diseases could be prevented if the standard three-month course of weight-loss classes were extended, says study
Overweight or obese patients should be offered 12 months of weight-loss classes rather than the standard three months, according to research showing that the move could prevent tens of thousands of cases of obesity-related diseases over the next 25 years.
The study found that those given a year-long pass to weight-loss classes lost more weight and were better able to keep it off than those on three-month programmes or those going it alone with self-help guides. The Guardian
Overweight or obese patients should be offered 12 months of weight-loss classes rather than the standard three months, according to research showing that the move could prevent tens of thousands of cases of obesity-related diseases over the next 25 years.
The study found that those given a year-long pass to weight-loss classes lost more weight and were better able to keep it off than those on three-month programmes or those going it alone with self-help guides. The Guardian
Occupational therapy could save NHS and social care – but don't call us OTs | Julia Scott
Occupational therapy could save NHS and social care – but don't call us OTs | Julia Scott Occupational therapists slash hospital admissions and delayed transfers of care – clinicians and politicians need to recognise and value our work. BBC News - Health
Increase in cases of men suffering from eating disorders
Increase in cases of men suffering from eating disorders Simon, one of an increasing number of men suffering from anorexia, explains why he is frightened of eating. BBC News - Health
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
Shifting attention to acute medical wards would benefit staff and patients
Shifting attention to acute medical wards would benefit staff and patients Organising care at the NHS front line, a report from The King’s Fund, focuses on the logistical barriers to delivering the best care for acutely ill medical patients. Its starting point is the lived experiences of clinical staff based on acute medical units, and general medical and geriatric inpatient wards.
These clinical areas are in the eye of a perfect storm, created by rising emergency attendances, falling bed numbers and more patients stranded in hospital due to increasingly inadequate community health and social care capacity. Acute care staff are often the ‘shock absorbers’ for these system problems – the one place that can never say no, yet often feeling unable to influence solutions outside the hospital walls. Their own morale, retention and engagement can suffer, perpetuating a vicious circle. But are some of the solutions in their own gift? The King's Fund
These clinical areas are in the eye of a perfect storm, created by rising emergency attendances, falling bed numbers and more patients stranded in hospital due to increasingly inadequate community health and social care capacity. Acute care staff are often the ‘shock absorbers’ for these system problems – the one place that can never say no, yet often feeling unable to influence solutions outside the hospital walls. Their own morale, retention and engagement can suffer, perpetuating a vicious circle. But are some of the solutions in their own gift? The King's Fund
The NHS and technology: turn it off and on again
The NHS and technology: turn it off and on again With all the excitement around the upcoming general election, it would be quite understandable to have missed the announcement that the Department of Health’s long awaited response to Dame Fiona Caldicott's review of data security, consent and opt-outs has been delayed due to the pre-election period.
As well as being another example of how perpetual political campaigns add uncertainty to policy, this threatens to inject further rigor mortis into a debate that is in sore need of advancement. With UK e-Health Week taking place this week, it offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the state of technology within the NHS. The King's Fund
As well as being another example of how perpetual political campaigns add uncertainty to policy, this threatens to inject further rigor mortis into a debate that is in sore need of advancement. With UK e-Health Week taking place this week, it offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the state of technology within the NHS. The King's Fund
The role of the independent sector in the NHS
The role of the independent sector in the NHS A briefing from the NHS Confederation looks at the role of the independent sector in the NHS and dispels some myths.
HIV doctor alert prompts recall of patients
HIV doctor alert prompts recall of patients An appeal has gone out to retest 400 patients treated by a doctor who was later diagnosed with HIV.
NHS officials said the locum was employed at three hospital trusts between June 2010 and February 2015.
These were Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
While emphasising the risk is low, letters offering testing have been sent to the patients identified.
The largest number of affected patients is 223 in Nottingham. There were 120 at Chesterfield and 57 in Cornwall. BBC News
NHS officials said the locum was employed at three hospital trusts between June 2010 and February 2015.
These were Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
While emphasising the risk is low, letters offering testing have been sent to the patients identified.
The largest number of affected patients is 223 in Nottingham. There were 120 at Chesterfield and 57 in Cornwall. BBC News
Patient dies after 54 years in same Airdrie hospital
Patient dies after 54 years in same Airdrie hospital Ex-soldier James Morris is thought to have spent longer in a single NHS hospital than anyone else. BBC News
BMA demands more NHS funding as two thirds of doctors report cuts
BMA demands more NHS funding as two thirds of doctors report cuts The BMA has called on all political parties in the general election to commit to increasing NHS investment after two thirds of doctors reported funding cuts over the past year. GPonline
One in 30 locum doctors earn £1200 for ten-hour NHS shift, reveal new figures
One in 30 locum doctors earn £1200 for ten-hour NHS shift, reveal new figures One in 30 locum doctors earns £120 an hour, it has been revealed – said to be the highest rates since pay caps were introduced for agency staff working in the NHS.
New data shows average hourly pay for locums between October and December increased by 1.4 per cent to £64.17, while rates for specialists were more than double the agreed wage cap as the health service struggles to cope with staff shortages. The Independent
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New data shows average hourly pay for locums between October and December increased by 1.4 per cent to £64.17, while rates for specialists were more than double the agreed wage cap as the health service struggles to cope with staff shortages. The Independent
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Labour to pledge immediate halt of hospital closures
Labour to pledge immediate halt of hospital closures Manifesto will commit to giving people a say in reforms to local NHS services after halting Tory restructuring plans
Labour has promised to immediately stop the proposed closures of A&Es and other health services across England and instead carry out a full-scale review of controversial government plans.
The shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, revealed that a flagship commitment in his party’s manifesto, to be published later this month, will be a moratorium on so-called sustainability and transformation plans (STPs). Continue reading... The Guardian
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Labour has promised to immediately stop the proposed closures of A&Es and other health services across England and instead carry out a full-scale review of controversial government plans.
The shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, revealed that a flagship commitment in his party’s manifesto, to be published later this month, will be a moratorium on so-called sustainability and transformation plans (STPs). Continue reading... The Guardian
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Enough ambulances? Why gearing the service to local weather will help
Enough ambulances? Why gearing the service to local weather will help Heatwaves and cold snaps each strain the emergency services but bespoke weather forecasts would aid planners says study
It may seem obvious that if the temperature drops below 2C (35.6F) and you need an emergency ambulance it will probably take longer for the crew to reach you – after all there is going to be ice on some surfaces and potentially more people involved in accidents.
What is more surprising is that an ambulance is also likely to take longer to reach you in the target time of eight minutes if the temperature exceeds 20C (68F). In this case it is the increase in incidents such as heart attacks caused by high blood pressure and breathing difficulties that creates a sudden rise in the need for ambulances. Continue reading... The Guardian
It may seem obvious that if the temperature drops below 2C (35.6F) and you need an emergency ambulance it will probably take longer for the crew to reach you – after all there is going to be ice on some surfaces and potentially more people involved in accidents.
What is more surprising is that an ambulance is also likely to take longer to reach you in the target time of eight minutes if the temperature exceeds 20C (68F). In this case it is the increase in incidents such as heart attacks caused by high blood pressure and breathing difficulties that creates a sudden rise in the need for ambulances. Continue reading... The Guardian
Doctor reveals he resented treating the 'drunken brigade'
Doctor reveals he resented treating the 'drunken brigade' Senior consultant Gautam Das has hit out at the rise of drunks in hospitals. In a frank confession the NHS doctor of 26 years said heart attack patients should be given priority over drunk patients. The Daily Mail
Blame is putting off budding surgeons
Blame is putting off budding surgeons "Politics is destroying British heart surgery." This is the blunt conclusion of Stephen Westaby, retiring after 35 years as an NHS cardiothoracic surgeon, who was for most of his career at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. In his recently published memoir, Fragile Lives: A Heart Surgeon's Stories of Life and Death on the Operating Table, Westaby tells of his emergence from "a grimy council estate" in Scunthorpe to become an innovator in the use of mechanical pumping devices for the treatment of intractable heart failure in patients considered too ill to receive a transplant. The Daily Telegraph
Priory criticised after releasing anorexic teen without care package five days before suicide
Priory criticised after releasing anorexic teen without care package five days before suicide The Priory released a severely anorexic teenage girl without telling her parents she was at risk of suicide five days before she walked in front of a train.
An inquest into the death of 15-year-old Pippa McManus found the private hospital also failed to organise proper aftercare for the teenager, who took her own life.
A jury at stockport Coroner’s court heard how on the day she died, Pippa had argued with her family over excessive use of the gym and warned she was going to kill herself.
The court found staff at The Priory Hospital Altrincham had developed “no relationship” with people who could have help safeguard the teen once she was released, despite having cared for her for a year. The Daily Telegraph
An inquest into the death of 15-year-old Pippa McManus found the private hospital also failed to organise proper aftercare for the teenager, who took her own life.
A jury at stockport Coroner’s court heard how on the day she died, Pippa had argued with her family over excessive use of the gym and warned she was going to kill herself.
The court found staff at The Priory Hospital Altrincham had developed “no relationship” with people who could have help safeguard the teen once she was released, despite having cared for her for a year. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 2 May 2017
'Angels in disguise': Northampton hospital-goers pay tribute to A&E staff following frank junior doctors documentary
'Angels in disguise': Northampton hospital-goers pay tribute to A&E staff following frank junior doctors documentary Channel 4's eye-opening glimpse into the life of junior doctors at Northampton General Hospital's A&E has prompted a further flurry of praise for our under-pressure medics. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Doctor faked reference from dead professor to get KGH job
Doctor faked reference from dead professor to get KGH job A doctor made up an email address and faked a reference to secure a job at KGH – but was caught out after staff found that the man was dead. Northamptonshire Telegraph
New report warns that England could face a shortfall of 42,000 nurses by 2020
New report warns that England could face a shortfall of 42,000 nurses by 2020 England could face a shortfall of 42,000 nurses by 2020, equivalent to 12% of the workforce, according to a new Health Foundation report. (Figure includes all adult, children’s, mental health and district nurses and is based on a low supply estimate.)
New analysis of the 2016 NHS staff survey in the report shows that almost half of all nurses are concerned that there aren’t sufficient staffing levels to allow them to do their job properly.
The report also reveals that pay for NHS staff on pay bands 5 and above, which represents 625,000 people and includes all nurses, will drop by 12% between 2010/11 and 2020/21, after accounting for inflation. It warns that without a change to pay policy the situation could become even worse. The Health Foundation
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New analysis of the 2016 NHS staff survey in the report shows that almost half of all nurses are concerned that there aren’t sufficient staffing levels to allow them to do their job properly.
The report also reveals that pay for NHS staff on pay bands 5 and above, which represents 625,000 people and includes all nurses, will drop by 12% between 2010/11 and 2020/21, after accounting for inflation. It warns that without a change to pay policy the situation could become even worse. The Health Foundation
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- In short supply: pay policy and nurse numbers The Health Foundation
- Nurses will see their pay ‘cut by 12% over a decade’ The Guardian
Brexit and health and social care - people and process
Brexit and health and social care - people and process This report explores the impact of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union on the provision of health and social care. The report contains the findings of the first phase of the inquiry as further phases have been delayed due to the upcoming general election. The initial findings have highlighted the need for the Department of Health to plan comprehensively for any contingencies dependant on Brexit and the need for a pragmatic approach to workforce planning given the significant amount of EU workers in the UK's health and care workforce. Health Select Committee
Social care and the mental health forward view: ending out of area placements
Social care and the mental health forward view: ending out of area placements This is the first in a series of briefings focusing on mental health and social care and it focuses on the human and operation costs of out of area placements. Using perspectives and experiences from Bradford Metropolitan District Council, it highlights how out of area placements and use of local private sector hospitals can be reduced. Centre for Mental Health
Smartphone 'orders' body to treat diabetes
Smartphone 'orders' body to treat diabetes Scientists have used a smartphone to control the activity of the living cells inside an animal.
The fusion of biology and technology was used to control blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes.
The idea, described in Science Translational Medicine, could be applied to a wide range of diseases and drug treatments.
And the Chinese researchers say the approach could pave the way for a "new era" in medicine.
The first step was to turn normal cells into living factories. BBC News
The fusion of biology and technology was used to control blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes.
The idea, described in Science Translational Medicine, could be applied to a wide range of diseases and drug treatments.
And the Chinese researchers say the approach could pave the way for a "new era" in medicine.
The first step was to turn normal cells into living factories. BBC News
My experience as a patient revealed how the NHS needed a digital overhaul
My experience as a patient revealed how the NHS needed a digital overhaul The NHS saved my life. Now I want to ensure patients and clinicians have the technology, services and insight necessary to deliver the right care
After 10 years in the media industry, including several years at the Times as director of digital products, I made the shift from the private to the public sector.
I did this because of a deeply personal experience, a stressful and scary second pregnancy that caused me to spend six months in and out of hospital. Continue reading... The Guardian
After 10 years in the media industry, including several years at the Times as director of digital products, I made the shift from the private to the public sector.
I did this because of a deeply personal experience, a stressful and scary second pregnancy that caused me to spend six months in and out of hospital. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS pays out millions to patients of surgeon convicted of needless breast operations
NHS pays out millions to patients of surgeon convicted of needless breast operations Consultant Ian Stuart Paterson carried out unnecessary procedures on 10 patients but could have more than 1,000 victims
The NHS has been forced to pay out almost £10m in compensation to more than 250 patients of a rogue surgeon found guilty of carrying out needless breast operations on patients who were left traumatised and scarred.
Consultant surgeon Ian Stuart Paterson, 59, was convicted on Friday of 17 counts of wounding with intent, relating to nine women and one man. He was also convicted of three further wounding charges. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The NHS has been forced to pay out almost £10m in compensation to more than 250 patients of a rogue surgeon found guilty of carrying out needless breast operations on patients who were left traumatised and scarred.
Consultant surgeon Ian Stuart Paterson, 59, was convicted on Friday of 17 counts of wounding with intent, relating to nine women and one man. He was also convicted of three further wounding charges. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Breast surgeon Ian Paterson needlessly harmed patients BBC News
- Breast surgeon Ian Paterson case: 'Hundreds' of other victims BBC News
- Private patients to miss out on compensation from God complex breast surgeon as Spire and union refuse to cover costs The Daily Telegraph
- Hundreds of private patients seek compensation from rogue surgeon The Guardian
- Ian Paterson: the 'likable' breast surgeon who wounded his patients The Guardian
- There were no depths he wouldn't go to, says Ian Paterson surgery victim The Guardian
Hospital patients pay 50 pence a minute for bedside calls, despite crackdown pledges
Hospital patients pay 50 pence a minute for bedside calls, despite crackdown pledges Hospital patients are paying 50p a minute to call loved ones more than a decade after promised crackdown that never materialised, an investigation has found.
The firm Hospedia, which runs bedside TV and phone services in NHS hospitals and made £21.2m in revenue last year, makes people call loved ones via costly 070 numbers, which were supposed to be phased out.
The charges vary from hospital to hospital, but an investigation by the Press Association found many sites are charging patients 50p a minute or more.
Callers are also forced to listen to a lengthy recorded message of about 70 seconds - which racks up charges before they are even connected to their loved one. The Daily Telegraph
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The firm Hospedia, which runs bedside TV and phone services in NHS hospitals and made £21.2m in revenue last year, makes people call loved ones via costly 070 numbers, which were supposed to be phased out.
The charges vary from hospital to hospital, but an investigation by the Press Association found many sites are charging patients 50p a minute or more.
Callers are also forced to listen to a lengthy recorded message of about 70 seconds - which racks up charges before they are even connected to their loved one. The Daily Telegraph
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999 patients forced to wait up to five hours for an ambulance, Telegraph investigation reveals
999 patients forced to wait up to five hours for an ambulance, Telegraph investigation reveals 999 patients classed as “life threatening” are being forced to wait hours for an ambulance, with delays of up to five hours in some cases, an investigation has found.
Under NHS targets, patients in the most grave emergencies - which include cardiac arrests, airway obstructions and strokes - are supposed to receive a response within eight minutes, in 75 per cent of cases.
But the target has been repeatedly missed in recent years, amid growing pressures on emergency services.
Now Freedom of Information disclosures reveal that thousands of patients are being forced to wait far longer, with desperately time-sensitive emergencies being left for hours. The Daily Telegraph
Under NHS targets, patients in the most grave emergencies - which include cardiac arrests, airway obstructions and strokes - are supposed to receive a response within eight minutes, in 75 per cent of cases.
But the target has been repeatedly missed in recent years, amid growing pressures on emergency services.
Now Freedom of Information disclosures reveal that thousands of patients are being forced to wait far longer, with desperately time-sensitive emergencies being left for hours. The Daily Telegraph
Cancer patients in limbo as five hospitals suffer 'major' IT crash
Cancer patients in limbo as five hospitals suffer 'major' IT crash Hundreds of cancer patients have been denied treatment at one of England’s biggest hospital trusts due to a major IT failure that ground basic services to a halt.
Doctors at five large London hospitals have reported 11 days of “chaos” after the systems used to prescribe chemotherapy doses and share x-ray and MRI images broke down on April 20.
Barts Health NHS Trust said at least 136 operations had been cancelled due to the crash, as well as “hundreds” of cancer treatment sessions. The Daily Telegraph
Doctors at five large London hospitals have reported 11 days of “chaos” after the systems used to prescribe chemotherapy doses and share x-ray and MRI images broke down on April 20.
Barts Health NHS Trust said at least 136 operations had been cancelled due to the crash, as well as “hundreds” of cancer treatment sessions. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 28 April 2017
Men dominate the top jobs in Northamptonshire - Chron investigation reveals - with one NHS body paying women £14k less on average
Men dominate the top jobs in Northamptonshire - Chron investigation reveals - with one NHS body paying women £14k less on average An investigation by the Chronicle & Echo has revealed that the average pay for women on a number of local authorities in Northamptonshire is up to £14,800 less than for men.
The figures was compiled using a number of Freedom of Information requests.
Our investigation looked at the differences in average pay of male and female employees – it was not the case that women were paid less than men for doing the same job. What it did show, however, was that the top roles, and therefore the highest paid, were largely dominated by men. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The figures was compiled using a number of Freedom of Information requests.
Our investigation looked at the differences in average pay of male and female employees – it was not the case that women were paid less than men for doing the same job. What it did show, however, was that the top roles, and therefore the highest paid, were largely dominated by men. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
New £12 million unit to ease pressure on Northampton A&E set to open by summer 2018
New £12 million unit to ease pressure on Northampton A&E set to open by summer 2018 Construction work on a new £12 million emergency assessment centre at Northampton General Hospital is due to start in the summer. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
General Election 2017: What lies ahead for health and social care?
General Election 2017: What lies ahead for health and social care? A review of the election and how the NHS might feature from the The Health Foundation
Integrating health and social care
Integrating health and social care This report investigates the Better Care Fund and concludes that it has missed targets for reducing emergency admissions and delayed transfers of care. Public Accounts Select Committee
NHS ambulance services
NHS ambulance services This report finds that funding increases for the urgent and emergency services provided by ambulance trusts have not kept up with increasing demand; ambulance trusts increasingly struggle to meet response-time targets; and significant variations between trusts persist or have got worse as insufficient work has been done to understand and reduce variation. Public Accounts Select Committee
State of child health - short report series: the paediatric workforce
State of child health - short report series: the paediatric workforce This report sets out key findings from the biennial paediatric workforce census. It reveals that in the year to September 2015, shortages of nurses and/or doctors led to periods of closure to new admissions by 31 per cent of paediatric inpatient units and 41 per cent of neonatal units across the UK. It also highlights vacancies at both consultant and trainee levels, the low number of academic consultants and the fact that GPs and Practice Nurses have limited training in child health. It makes recommendations for immediate action on a number of fronts to address workforce pressures. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Cancer Drugs Fund 'huge waste of money'
Cancer Drugs Fund 'huge waste of money' The fund ran from 2010 to 2016, costing £1.27bn, following an election promise made by the Conservatives to pay for cancer drugs the NHS was not funding.
The researchers found only one in five of the treatments was of benefit.
But the Tories said the fund gave patients "precious extra time".
Nearly 100,000 patients received drugs under the scheme. It was run separately to the normal NHS process for assessing the effectiveness and affordability of new drugs, which is administered by a body called NICE. BBC News
The researchers found only one in five of the treatments was of benefit.
But the Tories said the fund gave patients "precious extra time".
Nearly 100,000 patients received drugs under the scheme. It was run separately to the normal NHS process for assessing the effectiveness and affordability of new drugs, which is administered by a body called NICE. BBC News
See also:
- Do patient access schemes for high-cost cancer drugs deliver value to society?—lessons from the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund (open access) Annals of Oncology
- Are NHS patients getting the best medicines? BBC News
- £1.3bn NHS cancer drug fund 'doesn't help patient' The Daily Mail
Underfunding threatens to reverse progress on sexual health, GPs warn
Underfunding threatens to reverse progress on sexual health, GPs warn Years of progress in sexual and reproductive health that has seen teenage pregnancy rates halve over the last decade could be undone by bureaucratic and financial barriers, GPs have warned. GPonline
Fear of talking about dying 'leading to thousands of traumatic hospital deaths'
Fear of talking about dying 'leading to thousands of traumatic hospital deaths' Thousands of cancer patients would prefer to die at home but are forced to suffer “traumatic” deaths in hospital, according to Macmillan.
Taboos around talking about death are fuelling a “crisis of communication” in the UK that prevents people from planning their final days, warned the organisation in a new report.
Research by the charity found that while 38 per cent of people who die from cancer die in hospital, just one per cent would choose to do so, with 64 per cent saying they wanted to die at home. The Independent
Taboos around talking about death are fuelling a “crisis of communication” in the UK that prevents people from planning their final days, warned the organisation in a new report.
Research by the charity found that while 38 per cent of people who die from cancer die in hospital, just one per cent would choose to do so, with 64 per cent saying they wanted to die at home. The Independent
Fallen at home? Firefighter service eases pressure on ambulances
Fallen at home? Firefighter service eases pressure on ambulances Telecare scheme in Wolverhampton sees the fire brigade respond to calls from older people who have fallen at home
It’s 9.30am on a sunny spring day in Wolverhampton. Three firefighters are in the mess at one of the city’s fire stations when a screeching alarm pierces the air. The team jumps up and leaps into a kitted-out 4x4. Instead of speeding down roads with blaring sirens and lights, however, they travel to their destination without breaking the speed limit. And when they arrive at the house, there’s no fire to put out.
Inside, they find a woman in her 90s who has fallen out of bed and can’t get up. She is scared and distraught. She pleads with them not to take her to hospital. One of them reassures her while the others assess her surroundings and whether they need to call an ambulance. They help her up, make sure she’s OK and leave. Continue reading... The Guardian
It’s 9.30am on a sunny spring day in Wolverhampton. Three firefighters are in the mess at one of the city’s fire stations when a screeching alarm pierces the air. The team jumps up and leaps into a kitted-out 4x4. Instead of speeding down roads with blaring sirens and lights, however, they travel to their destination without breaking the speed limit. And when they arrive at the house, there’s no fire to put out.
Inside, they find a woman in her 90s who has fallen out of bed and can’t get up. She is scared and distraught. She pleads with them not to take her to hospital. One of them reassures her while the others assess her surroundings and whether they need to call an ambulance. They help her up, make sure she’s OK and leave. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS needs £25bn in emergency cash, Theresa May told
NHS needs £25bn in emergency cash, Theresa May told Group representing NHS trusts demands end to austerity funding, warning quality of care will suffer without extra funding
NHS leaders are urging Theresa May to give the health service an emergency cash injection of £25bn before 2020 or risk a decline in the quality of care for patients and lengthening delays for treatment.
An influential group representing NHS trusts says that the care provided by hospitals and GP surgeries will suffer over the next few years unless the prime minister provides an £5bn a year for the next three years – and a further £10bn of capital for modernising equipment and buildings. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS leaders are urging Theresa May to give the health service an emergency cash injection of £25bn before 2020 or risk a decline in the quality of care for patients and lengthening delays for treatment.
An influential group representing NHS trusts says that the care provided by hospitals and GP surgeries will suffer over the next few years unless the prime minister provides an £5bn a year for the next three years – and a further £10bn of capital for modernising equipment and buildings. Continue reading... The Guardian
Drug 100 times stronger than heroin arrives in Britain and causes six deaths
Drug 100 times stronger than heroin arrives in Britain and causes six deaths A synthetic opioid that is 100 times more powerful than heroin is being added to batches of the street drug and is thought to have claimed the lives of at least six addicts in recent weeks.
Fentanyl - which was blamed for the death of the pop star Prince year - and carfentanyl has been detected in heroin that is being sold in the north of England. The Daily Telegraph
Fentanyl - which was blamed for the death of the pop star Prince year - and carfentanyl has been detected in heroin that is being sold in the north of England. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 27 April 2017
Accepting the unacceptable? A physician’s perspective on frontline care
Accepting the unacceptable? A physician’s perspective on frontline care Elin Roddy is a respiratory and general physician at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Here she shares the challenges and pressures of delivering care in a busy hospital, ahead of of the publication of a report by The King's Fund on organising care at the NHS front line.
Concerns persist over patients' access to GPs and staffing levels
Concerns persist over patients' access to GPs and staffing levels The Public Accounts Committee report says Government pushing ahead with extended hours plan without real understanding of issues.
See also:
See also:
- Millions failed by NHS GPs who shut in the afternoon The Daily Mail
- Almost half of GP surgeries close during work hours, MP committee finds The Daily Telegraph
- Patients struggling to get GP appointments, watchdog finds The Guardian
'Exciting' blood test spots cancer a year early
'Exciting' blood test spots cancer a year early Doctors have spotted cancer coming back up to a year before normal scans in an "exciting" discovery.
The UK team was able to scour the blood for signs of cancer while it was just a tiny cluster of cells invisible to X-ray or CT scans.
It should allow doctors to hit the tumour earlier and increase the chances of a cure.
They also have new ideas for drugs after finding how unstable DNA fuels rampant cancer development.
The research project was on lung cancer, but the processes studied are so fundamental that they should apply across all cancer types. BBC News
The UK team was able to scour the blood for signs of cancer while it was just a tiny cluster of cells invisible to X-ray or CT scans.
It should allow doctors to hit the tumour earlier and increase the chances of a cure.
They also have new ideas for drugs after finding how unstable DNA fuels rampant cancer development.
The research project was on lung cancer, but the processes studied are so fundamental that they should apply across all cancer types. BBC News
Plain cigarette packs may be helping to drive down smoking prevalence
Plain cigarette packs may be helping to drive down smoking prevalence Plain standardised cigarette packs may already be helping to drive down smoking prevalence, suggests a review of the published evidence to date by the Cochrane Library.
The findings come as plain packs become the norm in the UK next month under the terms of the revised Tobacco Products Directive after retailers were given a year from May 2016 to sell off their old stock.
From May 21, all packs sold in the UK must be of a uniform colour, and in some cases, shape, with no logos apart from health warnings and other government information, while the brand name will have to appear in a prescribed font, colour, and size. Graphic health warnings will increase in size and will have to appear on the front as well as the back of packs. OnMedica
The findings come as plain packs become the norm in the UK next month under the terms of the revised Tobacco Products Directive after retailers were given a year from May 2016 to sell off their old stock.
From May 21, all packs sold in the UK must be of a uniform colour, and in some cases, shape, with no logos apart from health warnings and other government information, while the brand name will have to appear in a prescribed font, colour, and size. Graphic health warnings will increase in size and will have to appear on the front as well as the back of packs. OnMedica
Tranexamic acid: Low-cost drug could save 30,000 women a year from bleeding to death in childbirth
Tranexamic acid: Low-cost drug could save 30,000 women a year from bleeding to death in childbirth A low-cost, widely-available drug could save the lives of tens of thousands of women a year if given quickly to new mothers who suffer deadly bleeding, researchers have found.
Severe bleeding after childbirth, or post-partum haemorrhage, is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Around 100,000 women die each year from the complication.
A new global study published in The Lancet found deaths caused by bleeding reduced by a third when women were giving tranexamic acid within three hours of the onset of the haemorrhage. The Independent
Severe bleeding after childbirth, or post-partum haemorrhage, is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Around 100,000 women die each year from the complication.
A new global study published in The Lancet found deaths caused by bleeding reduced by a third when women were giving tranexamic acid within three hours of the onset of the haemorrhage. The Independent
Children's hospital units forced to close to new patients due to staff shortages
Children's hospital units forced to close to new patients due to staff shortages Lack of paediatric doctors and nurses across the UK also means care children receive is at risk, says the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Hospital units that treat children and very sick babies are having to shut their doors temporarily to new patients because they are “dangerously” short of specialist staff, a new report reveals.
Widespread shortages of paediatric doctors and nurses also means that the care children receive is being put at risk, according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Continue reading The Guardian
Hospital units that treat children and very sick babies are having to shut their doors temporarily to new patients because they are “dangerously” short of specialist staff, a new report reveals.
Widespread shortages of paediatric doctors and nurses also means that the care children receive is being put at risk, according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Continue reading The Guardian
To be human to another human – this is why we nurse
To be human to another human – this is why we nurse Four nurses explain the moments that brought home why they went into the profession
A patient of mine had come into A&E because he wasn’t feeling well. The trouble with aneurysms is they aren’t always obvious, sometimes you might just feel a bit of back pain. He was sent for a scan, but went into cardiac arrest before he went in.
Those kind of situations affirm to you that you can do this. It’s not just a job – it’s a vocation. Continue reading... The Guardian
A patient of mine had come into A&E because he wasn’t feeling well. The trouble with aneurysms is they aren’t always obvious, sometimes you might just feel a bit of back pain. He was sent for a scan, but went into cardiac arrest before he went in.
Those kind of situations affirm to you that you can do this. It’s not just a job – it’s a vocation. Continue reading... The Guardian
Andy Burnham demands NHS contaminated blood inquiry
Andy Burnham demands NHS contaminated blood inquiry Outgoing Labour MP says there was an industrial-scale cover-up over infection of haemophiliacs with HIV and hepatitis
Andy Burnham used his last speech as an MP to demand an inquiry into a “criminal cover-up on an industrial scale” in the NHS over the historic use of contaminated blood.
Burnham, who is resigning as an MP to stand as Labour’s candidate to be the mayor of Manchester, threatened to pass evidence to the police if the government failed to act. He said that MPs including himself had failed thousands of patients involved. Continue reading... The Guardian
Andy Burnham used his last speech as an MP to demand an inquiry into a “criminal cover-up on an industrial scale” in the NHS over the historic use of contaminated blood.
Burnham, who is resigning as an MP to stand as Labour’s candidate to be the mayor of Manchester, threatened to pass evidence to the police if the government failed to act. He said that MPs including himself had failed thousands of patients involved. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS trust investigate 51 other 'serious incidents'
NHS trust investigate 51 other 'serious incidents' Rhiannon Stanton-Davies' daughter passed away at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust in 2009 and she claims it has not learned from its failures. New data shows the true scale of the crisis. The Daily Mail
NHS managers have helped fuel bed blocking crisis
NHS managers have helped fuel bed blocking crisis The Better Care Fund was set up in 2013 to help reduce the number of elderly people having to stay needlessly in hospital, but the costs have actually risen. The Daily Mail
NHS funding squeeze could see drugs firms leave Britain, pharmaceutical industry warns
NHS funding squeeze could see drugs firms leave Britain, pharmaceutical industry warns The world's biggest drugs firms could abandon Britain and delay launching medicines unless an extra £20 billion is pumped into the NHS, according to a leading pharmaceutical association.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is demanding an increase in health spending from 9.9 per cent to 11 per cent of GDP in "detailed" election campaign requests, which has prompted criticism of "special pleading" from Tory MPs.
Lisa Anson, the new president of the ABPI, suggested that a funding squeeze on the health service could lead to an exodus of drugs firms from Britain, The Times reports.
Ms Anson, who is also the head of drugs firm AstraZeneca, also said the future of the £30 billion life sciences sector could be in jeopardy. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is demanding an increase in health spending from 9.9 per cent to 11 per cent of GDP in "detailed" election campaign requests, which has prompted criticism of "special pleading" from Tory MPs.
Lisa Anson, the new president of the ABPI, suggested that a funding squeeze on the health service could lead to an exodus of drugs firms from Britain, The Times reports.
Ms Anson, who is also the head of drugs firm AstraZeneca, also said the future of the £30 billion life sciences sector could be in jeopardy. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Drug giants threaten to abandon the UK The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
Confessions Of A Junior Doctor shows impact of A&E crisis
Confessions Of A Junior Doctor shows impact of A&E crisis Junior doctors have been filmed making potentially life-threatening errors during patient assessments - which they made while ‘under pressure’ to free up hospital beds.
A revealing TV documentary will this week expose the impact that the A+E crisis is having on Britain’s youngest doctors, as they make a series of errors when their hospital in Northampton reaches full capacity and becomes ‘completely stretched’. The Daily Mail
A revealing TV documentary will this week expose the impact that the A+E crisis is having on Britain’s youngest doctors, as they make a series of errors when their hospital in Northampton reaches full capacity and becomes ‘completely stretched’. The Daily Mail
Proposal for KGH extension moves one step closer
Proposal for KGH extension moves one step closer A bid to build an extension to KGH has taken a step forward. Northamptonshire Telegraph
What does improving population health really mean?
What does improving population health really mean? Everybody in NHS policy seems to be talking about population health. New care models are being developed to improve population health.
Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) – the local plans for redesigning NHS and social care services – will, we are told, develop into partnerships to improve population health. And health care leaders in other countries, such as the United States, are also using the language of population health to define the aims of their health systems. But what does improving population health really mean? And what does it mean for the NHS? The King's Fund
Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) – the local plans for redesigning NHS and social care services – will, we are told, develop into partnerships to improve population health. And health care leaders in other countries, such as the United States, are also using the language of population health to define the aims of their health systems. But what does improving population health really mean? And what does it mean for the NHS? The King's Fund
DH publishes response to 'safe space'
DH publishes response to 'safe space' The Department of Health (DH) has published a response to the providing a 'safe space' in healthcare safety investigations consultation. NHS Employers
The impact of housing problems on mental health
The impact of housing problems on mental health This report, conducted with ComRes, reveals that over the last five years one in five adults suffer mental health problems due to housing pressures. The research also surveyed the experiences of 20 GPs who highlighted the number of patients diagnosed with anxiety or depression directly due to housing issues and that GPs required greater help to support patients with housing problems. Shelter
Updated confidentiality guidance comes into force for doctors
Updated confidentiality guidance comes into force for doctors All doctors practising medicine in the UK are now expected to follow revised, expanded and restructured General Medical Council (GMC) ethical guidance on confidentiality.
Confidentiality: good practice in handling patient information has been updated following an extensive consultation exercise, and is now more explicit than previously published guidance* about working with patients. General Medical Council
Confidentiality: good practice in handling patient information has been updated following an extensive consultation exercise, and is now more explicit than previously published guidance* about working with patients. General Medical Council
General election 2017: Labour promises pay rises for NHS staff
General election 2017: Labour promises pay rises for NHS staff NHS staff will get higher pay and there will be no tuition fees for student nurses and midwives under a Labour government, the party is promising.
Labour said the policies would help address staffing shortages in England that had become a "threat to patients".
The promises mark the first of what are expected to be a series of policy announcements on the NHS by Labour.
But the Conservatives said Labour's nonsensical economic policies would put the health service at risk. BBC News
See also:
Labour said the policies would help address staffing shortages in England that had become a "threat to patients".
The promises mark the first of what are expected to be a series of policy announcements on the NHS by Labour.
But the Conservatives said Labour's nonsensical economic policies would put the health service at risk. BBC News
See also:
Scientists create 'artificial womb' that could save premature babies' lives
Scientists create 'artificial womb' that could save premature babies' lives Extremely premature babies could be kept alive in future using an “artificial womb” that scientists plan to test in humans after a successful study involving unborn lambs.
A plastic bag filled with artificial amniotic fluid – the nutrient-rich liquid that sustains a foetus in the womb – allowed foetal lambs to develop at an age equivalent to 23 weeks in humans.
Human infants born at 23 weeks have just a 15 per cent chance of survival, according to pregnancy research charity Tommy’s. This rises to 55 per cent at 24 weeks, while babies born at 25 weeks have an 80 per cent chance of survival. The Independent
A plastic bag filled with artificial amniotic fluid – the nutrient-rich liquid that sustains a foetus in the womb – allowed foetal lambs to develop at an age equivalent to 23 weeks in humans.
Human infants born at 23 weeks have just a 15 per cent chance of survival, according to pregnancy research charity Tommy’s. This rises to 55 per cent at 24 weeks, while babies born at 25 weeks have an 80 per cent chance of survival. The Independent
Burnout, depression and anxiety – why the NHS has a problem with staff health
Burnout, depression and anxiety – why the NHS has a problem with staff health Despite efforts from NHS England to improve the wellbeing of its staff, progress has been inconsistent and employee ill-health remains widespread
When Laura-Jane Smith took time out of her clinical training for a PhD, she found she was constantly unhappy, and suffered from palpitations, nausea, severe headaches, and breathlessness among other physical symptoms.
The hospital doctor’s days were dominated by negative thoughts. She recalls: “I once walked for 30 minutes with ‘I hate my life. I hate my life’ on a loop of internal monologue that I feared had no end.” Eventually, Smith was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and ended up leaving the PhD. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
When Laura-Jane Smith took time out of her clinical training for a PhD, she found she was constantly unhappy, and suffered from palpitations, nausea, severe headaches, and breathlessness among other physical symptoms.
The hospital doctor’s days were dominated by negative thoughts. She recalls: “I once walked for 30 minutes with ‘I hate my life. I hate my life’ on a loop of internal monologue that I feared had no end.” Eventually, Smith was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and ended up leaving the PhD. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Has the public sector lost the human touch? The Guardian
How a digital NHS saves time and money – and transforms care | Afzal Chaudhry
How a digital NHS saves time and money – and transforms care Our hospital trust has introduced systems that released appointments and allow staff to spend more quality time with patients
Imagine this scenario: a patient arrives at hospital for an appointment or an emergency, or is admitted for treatment and the clinical team can see their medical record in its entirety, wherever and whenever they need to.
At Cambridge University hospitals NHS foundation trust, that is what we set out to achieve when, seven years ago, we decided to invest in a sustainable digital future for our hospitals. Rather than relying on paper-based processes and simply replacing outdated technology as it became obsolete, we wanted to transform the way we care for our patients.
The EPR has 3,200 concurrent users and every single one looks at the most up-to-date version of patient records Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Imagine this scenario: a patient arrives at hospital for an appointment or an emergency, or is admitted for treatment and the clinical team can see their medical record in its entirety, wherever and whenever they need to.
At Cambridge University hospitals NHS foundation trust, that is what we set out to achieve when, seven years ago, we decided to invest in a sustainable digital future for our hospitals. Rather than relying on paper-based processes and simply replacing outdated technology as it became obsolete, we wanted to transform the way we care for our patients.
The EPR has 3,200 concurrent users and every single one looks at the most up-to-date version of patient records Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- How apps can help patients take care of themselves The Guardian
Tuesday, 25 April 2017
Complexity of health system is 'holding back progress' in HIV care
Complexity of health system is 'holding back progress' in HIV care The complexity of the health system in England is holding back progress in meeting the needs of people with HIV, according to a new report from The King’s Fund.
The report highlights how improvements in treatment mean that, 30 years on from being seen as a death sentence, people with HIV are able to live longer, healthier lives. This means that for the first time we are seeing significant numbers of older people with the condition; already, 30 per cent of people with HIV are aged 50 or over and this is projected to rise to 54 per cent by 2028.
Because of this, health services need to focus on quality of life rather than just on suppressing the virus, and also need to co-ordinate care with that for other long-term conditions common in older people.
The report highlights how improvements in treatment mean that, 30 years on from being seen as a death sentence, people with HIV are able to live longer, healthier lives. This means that for the first time we are seeing significant numbers of older people with the condition; already, 30 per cent of people with HIV are aged 50 or over and this is projected to rise to 54 per cent by 2028.
Because of this, health services need to focus on quality of life rather than just on suppressing the virus, and also need to co-ordinate care with that for other long-term conditions common in older people.
The risks of Valproate medicines in female patients
The risks of Valproate medicines in female patients There is a 30% to 40% risk of developmental disorders in children born to mothers who take Valproate medicines during pregnancy. GPs should identify female patients on Valproate medicines and arrange discussions with healthcare professionals about the benefits and risks. NHS England
Focus on: emergency hospital care for children and young people: what has changed in the past 10 years?
Focus on: emergency hospital care for children and young people: what has changed in the past 10 years? This report draws on emergency hospital admissions data and finds that the number of babies and young children admitted to hospital in an emergency has grown by almost a third over the past decade. The analysis reveals that many children are being admitted to hospital for conditions like asthma and tonsillitis – admissions that could potentially have been avoided with better care and support out of hospital. The report raises questions about where children and young people can access high quality treatment outside of the hospital emergency care setting. Quality Watch
Health care costs in the English NHS
Health care costs in the English NHS This paper describes how to calculate average health care costs broken down by age, sex and neighbourhood deprivation quintile group using the distribution of health care spending by the English NHS in the financial year 2011/12. Centre for Health Economics
Inside a neonatal intensive care unit
Inside a neonatal intensive care unit What does it take to care for the sickest premature babies? 5 live takes a look inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Burnley General hospital. BBC News
Mental health funding cut by millions in five regions despite NHS England call for £1 billion to be spent by 2021
Mental health funding cut by millions in five regions despite NHS England call for £1 billion to be spent by 2021 Spending on mental health services is being cut in five regions of England, new figures have revealed – despite Government pledges to “transform” the way mental health problems are dealt with.
Theresa May has promised to tackle the “stigma” around mental health and NHS England said in February last year an extra £1 billion a year should be invested in mental health services by 2021.
But clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in Sefton, Scarborough, the Isle of Wight, St Helens and Walsall are set to reduce spending on mental health by £4.5m, according to Freedom of Information data obtained by Pulse magazine. The Independent
Theresa May has promised to tackle the “stigma” around mental health and NHS England said in February last year an extra £1 billion a year should be invested in mental health services by 2021.
But clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in Sefton, Scarborough, the Isle of Wight, St Helens and Walsall are set to reduce spending on mental health by £4.5m, according to Freedom of Information data obtained by Pulse magazine. The Independent
It's a deadly fallacy that eating disorders are a teenage illness
It's a deadly fallacy that eating disorders are a teenage illness Most patients with an eating disorder are adults. The lack of specialist services could prove fatal
Sophie* developed an eating disorder when she was 11 years old. With the help of child eating disorder services, she got better and by the age of 16 had achieved a stable weight. But her A-levels proved tough and she relapsed. This time, she had to face the challenge of navigating adult eating disorder services as a vulnerable teenager. When she was finally referred to me nearly eight months after her relapse, she was 19 years old with a BMI of nine.
I worked as a consultant psychiatrist in child eating disorders before moving to adult services in Oxford. When the government announced in the Five Year Forward View a £30m investment for eating disorders in child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs) each year until 2021, I was delighted. We know early intervention offers the best chance of recovery and it’s great to see that 66 new specialist services have been set up across the country. Continue reading... The Guardian
Sophie* developed an eating disorder when she was 11 years old. With the help of child eating disorder services, she got better and by the age of 16 had achieved a stable weight. But her A-levels proved tough and she relapsed. This time, she had to face the challenge of navigating adult eating disorder services as a vulnerable teenager. When she was finally referred to me nearly eight months after her relapse, she was 19 years old with a BMI of nine.
I worked as a consultant psychiatrist in child eating disorders before moving to adult services in Oxford. When the government announced in the Five Year Forward View a £30m investment for eating disorders in child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs) each year until 2021, I was delighted. We know early intervention offers the best chance of recovery and it’s great to see that 66 new specialist services have been set up across the country. Continue reading... The Guardian
GPs can inform DVLA if patients are unfit to drive
GPs can inform DVLA if patients are unfit to drive Family doctors can now report patients they believe are unfit to drive – without telling them first.
Tough new guidance, which comes into force today, says GPs have a duty to inform the authorities if a patient is driving against medical advice.
They no longer need a patient’s consent to alert the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The Daily Mail
Tough new guidance, which comes into force today, says GPs have a duty to inform the authorities if a patient is driving against medical advice.
They no longer need a patient’s consent to alert the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The Daily Mail
Cancer patients diagnosed in A&E after being repeatedly rejected by their GPs, research warns
Cancer patients diagnosed in A&E after being repeatedly rejected by their GPs, research warns Thousands of people are being diagnosed with late-stage cancer in A&E due to GPs repeatedly misreading their symptoms, new research warns.
Experts have described as “extremely concerning” new data revealing that among those who were diagnosed with the disease in an emergency setting, almost a quarter had visited their family doctor three or more times.
They included 31 per cent of breast cancer patients who had attended three or more appointments, and 41 per cent of those diagnosed with bowel cancer. The daily Telegraph
Experts have described as “extremely concerning” new data revealing that among those who were diagnosed with the disease in an emergency setting, almost a quarter had visited their family doctor three or more times.
They included 31 per cent of breast cancer patients who had attended three or more appointments, and 41 per cent of those diagnosed with bowel cancer. The daily Telegraph
Monday, 24 April 2017
New strategy to boost health and fitness in East Northants
New strategy to boost health and fitness in East Northants A new strategy has been drawn up to improve healthy and active lifestyles in East Northants.
It is aimed at building a healthier and more active community through increased participation in sport, physical activity and active recreation.
Aims include getting ‘more people, more active, more often in East Northamptonshire’ as well as improved leisure facilities, developing sustainable plans for future leisure provision, an increase in the proportion of adults and children with a healthy weight and working with other groups to ensure greater access to activities. Northamptonshire Telegraph
It is aimed at building a healthier and more active community through increased participation in sport, physical activity and active recreation.
Aims include getting ‘more people, more active, more often in East Northamptonshire’ as well as improved leisure facilities, developing sustainable plans for future leisure provision, an increase in the proportion of adults and children with a healthy weight and working with other groups to ensure greater access to activities. Northamptonshire Telegraph
News story: A&E departments to get more funding
News story: A&E departments to get more funding The Department of Health has announced the allocation of £55.98 million of the £100 million A&E capital funding, outlined in the spring Budget by the Chancellor, to ease pressure on emergency departments in time for next winter. The funding awarded at this stage is being allocated to 70 NHS hospitals.
The funding will be used by hospitals to meet the 95% standard of admitting, transferring, or discharging patients within 4 hours by ensuring patients are treated in the most appropriate setting.
The plans outlined by trusts include primary care streaming and co-locating GP practices within A&E departments to ensure patients are treated in the most appropriate setting.
This investment is one part of the A&E plan being implemented across the NHS this year to get performance to 95% during 2018.
The funding will be used by hospitals to meet the 95% standard of admitting, transferring, or discharging patients within 4 hours by ensuring patients are treated in the most appropriate setting.
The plans outlined by trusts include primary care streaming and co-locating GP practices within A&E departments to ensure patients are treated in the most appropriate setting.
This investment is one part of the A&E plan being implemented across the NHS this year to get performance to 95% during 2018.
Consultant job planning: a best practice guide
Consultant job planning: a best practice guide This guidance provides advice for trusts to ensure that their approach to consultant job planning is consistent with best practice. It recommends that annual job planning meetings for all consultants are used to review consultants' time and that there are adequate electronic data systems in place to record consultant job plans. NHS Improvement
Almost 3% of GP practices have closed or merged in past 15 months
Almost 3% of GP practices have closed or merged in past 15 months Nearly 3% of GP practices in England have closed or merged in the past 15 months, official NHS data suggest. GPonline
Almost untreatable superbug CPE poses serious threat to patients, doctors warn
Almost untreatable superbug CPE poses serious threat to patients, doctors warn Immune to some of the last-line antibiotics available to hospitals, cases of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are on the rise, NHS data reveals
• Read the Bureau of Investigative Journalism’s report on the rise of CPE
Doctors are warning that the rise of an almost untreatable superbug, immune to some of the last-line antibiotics available to hospitals, poses a serious threat to patients. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
• Read the Bureau of Investigative Journalism’s report on the rise of CPE
Doctors are warning that the rise of an almost untreatable superbug, immune to some of the last-line antibiotics available to hospitals, poses a serious threat to patients. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Rise in hospital admissions for infants triggers call for NHS overhaul
Rise in hospital admissions for infants triggers call for NHS overhaul Report by thinktanks raises concerns about number of weaknesses in NHS care of children and young people
The number of infants admitted to hospital for emergency care for conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and jaundice has risen sharply in the past decade.
More young children are also ending up spending time in hospital being treated for tonsillitis, breathing problems, drug poisonings and infections, new NHS figures show. Continue reading... The Guardian
The number of infants admitted to hospital for emergency care for conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and jaundice has risen sharply in the past decade.
More young children are also ending up spending time in hospital being treated for tonsillitis, breathing problems, drug poisonings and infections, new NHS figures show. Continue reading... The Guardian
Are we ready for a grown-up election debate on the NHS and social care? | Niall Dickson
Are we ready for a grown-up election debate on the NHS and social care? | Niall Dickson Reform, funding, management – these are the issues NHS leaders want to see discussed in election campaigns
In an age when experts are no longer de rigeur, it may be asking too much for the political debate about the future of health and social care to be nuanced, balanced and informed. Were it to be so, it would surely be the first time we had achieved such dizzy heights in the bare knuckled fight of an election campaign.
So what would be good to hear? First, an acknowledgement that all the main parties are culpable for severe underfunding of social care – arguably both at national and local level. The additional sums announced in the budget are welcome but not sufficient. The government has promised fundamental reform but again all parties, including the Conservatives, have made such promises before and then failed to deliver. Continue reading... The Guardian
In an age when experts are no longer de rigeur, it may be asking too much for the political debate about the future of health and social care to be nuanced, balanced and informed. Were it to be so, it would surely be the first time we had achieved such dizzy heights in the bare knuckled fight of an election campaign.
So what would be good to hear? First, an acknowledgement that all the main parties are culpable for severe underfunding of social care – arguably both at national and local level. The additional sums announced in the budget are welcome but not sufficient. The government has promised fundamental reform but again all parties, including the Conservatives, have made such promises before and then failed to deliver. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS obesity operations up 500% in a decade
NHS obesity operations up 500% in a decade There were 6,438 gastric band procedures last year, up 520 per cent in a decade. Telford and Wrekin in the West Midlands perform the most gastric bypass procedures in England. The Daily Mail
Surrey hospital ignored warnings about a rogue consultant
Surrey hospital ignored warnings about a rogue consultant Bosses at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill took five years to act, only suspending the consultant in late 2013, by which time at least 27 men had suffered ‘serious significant harm’. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
NHS tried to dodge vaginal mesh implant backlash
NHS tried to dodge vaginal mesh implant backlash A meeting between the MHRA and NHS England officials show an agreement to 'take the press element out of' a campaign for women reporting complications from the devices. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
Medical marijuana prescribed to 11-year-old boy on the NHS in first case of its kind
Medical marijuana prescribed to 11-year-old boy on the NHS in first case of its kind Medicinal marijuana has been prescribed on the NHS to an 11-year-old boy in what is believed to be the first case of its kind.
Billy Caldwell had been travelling to the USA to get the medication for help to treat his epilepsy which at its worst saw him suffer up to 100 life-threatening fits a day.
But when his supply of cannabis oil was about to run out and he was unable to make the return trip to Los Angeles, his mother Charlotte took him to see his local GP in desperation.
Dr Brendan O’Hare, realising the “unique and unusual” situation, opted to prescribe him the CBD oil - a derivative of cannabis containing the component cannabidiol which under MHRA guidelines doctors are allowed to prescribe. The Daily Telegraph
Billy Caldwell had been travelling to the USA to get the medication for help to treat his epilepsy which at its worst saw him suffer up to 100 life-threatening fits a day.
But when his supply of cannabis oil was about to run out and he was unable to make the return trip to Los Angeles, his mother Charlotte took him to see his local GP in desperation.
Dr Brendan O’Hare, realising the “unique and unusual” situation, opted to prescribe him the CBD oil - a derivative of cannabis containing the component cannabidiol which under MHRA guidelines doctors are allowed to prescribe. The Daily Telegraph
Hundreds of lives lost after delays in hip operations, study finds
Hundreds of lives lost after delays in hip operations, study finds Almost 700 people may have died after their hip surgery was wrongly delayed, a study has found.
Researchers in Bristol found the lives of hundreds of patients with hipfractures could be saved if they were operated on in under 24 hours.
The number of patients who died after 30 days was eight per cent higher for those who received surgery between 24 and 36 hours after admission to hospital, the study found.
The delay is thought to have caused more than 670 deaths in four years. If patients were operated on more than 48 hours after admission, the risk of death increases to 20 per cent, according to the research. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Researchers in Bristol found the lives of hundreds of patients with hipfractures could be saved if they were operated on in under 24 hours.
The number of patients who died after 30 days was eight per cent higher for those who received surgery between 24 and 36 hours after admission to hospital, the study found.
The delay is thought to have caused more than 670 deaths in four years. If patients were operated on more than 48 hours after admission, the risk of death increases to 20 per cent, according to the research. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Friday, 21 April 2017
Northampton General Hospital 'overwhelmed' by messages of support following warts-and-all junior doctors documentary
Northampton General Hospital 'overwhelmed' by messages of support following warts-and-all junior doctors documentary Following a plucky Channel 4 documentary that saw film crews gain unparalleled access to Northampton General Hospital bosses have said they have been inundated with messages of support on social media. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Health minister visits KGH after trust placed into special measures
Health minister visits KGH after trust placed into special measures The Minister of State at the Department of Health, MP Philip Dunne, visited KGH on Thursday after its recent CQC report.
Mr Dunne took time to speak to staff and directors as well as meeting with local MPs and Conservative colleagues Philip Hollobone, Peter Bone and Tom Pursglove.
The visit comes after the hospital was placed into special measures when it was rated as inadequate by the health regulators. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Mr Dunne took time to speak to staff and directors as well as meeting with local MPs and Conservative colleagues Philip Hollobone, Peter Bone and Tom Pursglove.
The visit comes after the hospital was placed into special measures when it was rated as inadequate by the health regulators. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Childhood mortality in England and Wales: 2015
Childhood mortality in England and Wales: 2015 2015 saw the first increase in the infant mortality rate in England and Wales since 2006. The rate rose to 3.7 deaths per 1,000 births from the record low of 3.6 in 2014, but it remains low in historical terms. There are many risk factors contributing to infant mortality such as birthweight, mother’s age at birth of child, and the parents’ socio-economic status. Office for National Statistics
See also:
See also:
- Infant deaths rise for first time since 2003 says ONS The Daily Mail
Shops agree to limit sugary drinks sales in hospitals
Shops agree to limit sugary drinks sales in hospitals The NHS in England wants to reduce sugar intake by patients and staff to reduce health problems.
WHSmith, Marks & Spencer, Subway and Greggs have all agreed to cut the proportion of sugary drinks they sell in their hospital shops in England.
NHS England has asked all retailers with hospital outlets to limit the drinks to no more than 10% of the total beverages they sell by next April.
Companies that do not comply will face a total ban on selling sugary drinks in hospital shops.
Campaigners welcomed the move to limit sugar intake in hospitals. BBC News
WHSmith, Marks & Spencer, Subway and Greggs have all agreed to cut the proportion of sugary drinks they sell in their hospital shops in England.
NHS England has asked all retailers with hospital outlets to limit the drinks to no more than 10% of the total beverages they sell by next April.
Companies that do not comply will face a total ban on selling sugary drinks in hospital shops.
Campaigners welcomed the move to limit sugar intake in hospitals. BBC News
Contract crackdown on hospitals wasting millions of GP appointments
Contract crackdown on hospitals wasting millions of GP appointments GP leaders have welcomed an update to the standard NHS contract that aims to crack down on hospitals dumping work on practices and save millions of appointments a year. GPonline
Police cannot continue to fill gaps left by mental health cuts, report says
Police cannot continue to fill gaps left by mental health cuts, report says Chief inspector of constabulary says forces increasingly used as service of first resort and face ‘unacceptable drain’ on resources
Police cannot continue to pick up the slack for cuts in other public services, especially the shortage in mental health provision, Her Majesty’s chief inspector of constabulary has warned.
In an annual state of policing report, Sir Tom Winsor highlights a “modern tsunami of online fraud” and increased police awareness of crimes against the elderly and child sexual exploitation as among the increasing daily pressures facing officers. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Police cannot continue to pick up the slack for cuts in other public services, especially the shortage in mental health provision, Her Majesty’s chief inspector of constabulary has warned.
In an annual state of policing report, Sir Tom Winsor highlights a “modern tsunami of online fraud” and increased police awareness of crimes against the elderly and child sexual exploitation as among the increasing daily pressures facing officers. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- State of Policing: The Annual Assessment of Policing in England and Wales 2016 Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary
- Police used as 'first resort' for mental health care, watchdog warns BBC News
- Mental health provision now so bad patients are locked up with criminals, a damning report finds The Daily Telegraph
Crackdown on migrants forces NHS doctors to 'act as border guards'
Crackdown on migrants forces NHS doctors to 'act as border guards' Charity condemns government guidance allowing Home Office to access details of undocumented migrants seeking care
A medical charity has launched a campaign against government guidance that “makes border guards of doctors” by allowing the Home Office to access details of undocumented migrants who seek NHS treatment.
Doctors of the World runs clinics for undocumented migrants, victims of trafficking and asylum seekers. It has assisted numerous patients, some pregnant and some with cancer, who are afraid of accessing NHS healthcare due to concerns that a visit to the doctor could lead to deportation. Continue reading... The Guardian
A medical charity has launched a campaign against government guidance that “makes border guards of doctors” by allowing the Home Office to access details of undocumented migrants who seek NHS treatment.
Doctors of the World runs clinics for undocumented migrants, victims of trafficking and asylum seekers. It has assisted numerous patients, some pregnant and some with cancer, who are afraid of accessing NHS healthcare due to concerns that a visit to the doctor could lead to deportation. Continue reading... The Guardian
The harrowing hospital night shift nothing could have prepared me for
The harrowing hospital night shift nothing could have prepared me for Years of medical training can never prepare you for your role in someone else’s tragedy and its emotional impact
The most important part of every night shift is matching your scrub top to your bottoms. Odd shades, bad luck. Match for the best chance of success.
I’m full of superstition because fate doesn’t follow conventional rules. I sit, cross-legged comparing until I’m satisfied with my choice. I pull my clothes off and my blue scrubs on. Stethoscope, badge and water bottle. Downstairs, grab phone and rush to handover, hoping I’ve remembered my pen. Continue reading... The Guardian
The most important part of every night shift is matching your scrub top to your bottoms. Odd shades, bad luck. Match for the best chance of success.
I’m full of superstition because fate doesn’t follow conventional rules. I sit, cross-legged comparing until I’m satisfied with my choice. I pull my clothes off and my blue scrubs on. Stethoscope, badge and water bottle. Downstairs, grab phone and rush to handover, hoping I’ve remembered my pen. Continue reading... The Guardian
Breast cancer patients 'are abandoned by the NHS'
Breast cancer patients 'are abandoned by the NHS' Around 36,000 women in England have incurable or secondary breast cancer. Just 21 per cent of 155 hospitals and health trusts have a specialist cancer nurse for patients with incurable breast cancer. The Daily Mail
Anonymous STI text messaging service launches in the UK
Anonymous STI text messaging service launches in the UK Under a new scheme being tried in Teesside patients who test positive for an STI will be offered the chance to have their previous sexual partners notified that they are at risk. The Daily Mail
Number of patients forced to endure mixed sex wards trebles in two years
Number of patients forced to endure mixed sex wards trebles in two years THE number of patients who had to endure mixed-sex hospital ward has trebled in two years, new figures show.
Almost 8,000 patients were treated in shared accommodation in the 12 months to March, the statistics show - a rise from 2,655 in 2014/15.
NHS rules that say men and women should be treated on different wards. The Daily Telegraph
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Almost 8,000 patients were treated in shared accommodation in the 12 months to March, the statistics show - a rise from 2,655 in 2014/15.
NHS rules that say men and women should be treated on different wards. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Almost 8,000 NHS patients endure mixed sex wards The Daily Mail
Thursday, 20 April 2017
No-holds-barred documentary filmed in Northampton General Hospital to shine light on 'immense pressure' faced by junior doctors
No-holds-barred documentary filmed in Northampton General Hospital to shine light on 'immense pressure' faced by junior doctors A gritty new documentary that saw film crews gain unparalleled access to Northampton General Hospital is set to give warts-and-all account of life as a junior doctor in the NHS. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
See also:
- Confessions of a Junior Doctor Channel 4
- Why hospital doctors never seem to have time for you The Daily Mail
- Confessions of a Junior Doctor review: a must-watch for anyone who cares about the NHS The Daily Telegraph
- Confessions of a Junior Doctor: Channel 4 series shows challenges of NHS graduates at Northampton hospital Evening Standard
- Nasal tampons, black alerts and Peppa Pig: junior doctors confess all The Guardian
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