Charlie Gard's parents spend 'last precious moments' with son after ending legal fight Charlie Gard's parents are spending their "last precious moments" with the terminally ill little boy after abandoning attempts to persuade a judge to let him travel to America for experimental therapy.
Lawyers representing Chris Gard and Connie Yates say they want to spend the "maximum amount of time they have left with Charlie".
The little boy would turn one year old on August 4, but Charlie's parents say he "unfortunately won't make his first birthday". The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 25 July 2017
Monday, 24 July 2017
Kettering Hospital patient data 'flawed for nine years'
Kettering Hospital patient data 'flawed for nine years' A hospital may have lost track of its patients for almost a decade, according to a report obtained by the BBC.
It was commissioned after Kettering General Hospital admitted "anomalies" with its waiting lists data.
The report said patient safety was seriously jeopardised and cost-cutting contributed to the problem.
A whistleblower claimed patients were removed from lists to help meet national targets, but investigators found no evidence of fraud.
In May, the BBC reported allegations by David Phelan, who was also a trust governor at the time, that data had been "fiddled" .
A hospital review found that 138 patients were harmed - including one who had substantial sight loss - as a result of the long waits.
The hospital admitted using "inappropriate filtering" of its data to remove patients but denied it was a deliberate attempt at making figures look better to avoid fines. BBC Northampton
It was commissioned after Kettering General Hospital admitted "anomalies" with its waiting lists data.
The report said patient safety was seriously jeopardised and cost-cutting contributed to the problem.
A whistleblower claimed patients were removed from lists to help meet national targets, but investigators found no evidence of fraud.
In May, the BBC reported allegations by David Phelan, who was also a trust governor at the time, that data had been "fiddled" .
A hospital review found that 138 patients were harmed - including one who had substantial sight loss - as a result of the long waits.
The hospital admitted using "inappropriate filtering" of its data to remove patients but denied it was a deliberate attempt at making figures look better to avoid fines. BBC Northampton
Corby Urgent Care Centre raised in Parliament
Corby Urgent Care Centre raised in Parliament The plight of Corby Urgent Care Centre has been raised in Parliament by the town’s MP.
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Tom Pursglove called for reassurance from the clinical commissioning group that the centre will not only be protected but improved.
In a post on his Facebook page, he wrote: “Earlier today, I again raised the Corby Urgent CareCentre, on the floor of the House of Commons.
“During a debate on matters to be raised before the Summer Recess, I spoke about the fantastic record that the Urgent Care Centre has, the pressures that it relieves on Kettering General Hospital, and what a valued and hugely important resource this is to our community." Northamptonshire Telegraph
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Tom Pursglove called for reassurance from the clinical commissioning group that the centre will not only be protected but improved.
In a post on his Facebook page, he wrote: “Earlier today, I again raised the Corby Urgent CareCentre, on the floor of the House of Commons.
“During a debate on matters to be raised before the Summer Recess, I spoke about the fantastic record that the Urgent Care Centre has, the pressures that it relieves on Kettering General Hospital, and what a valued and hugely important resource this is to our community." Northamptonshire Telegraph
More people will be able to give blood following scientific review
More people will be able to give blood following scientific review The government has announced changes to blood donation rules following a review by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO).
As a result of the latest clinical evidence, more people will be given the opportunity to donate blood without affecting the safety of the blood supply, from early 2018.
Current blood donation rules prevent people who engage in some sexual behaviours from giving blood for a 12 month period. As a result of scientific advances and improved understanding of the tests used, the deferral period for these people will now be reduced to 3 months.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) will also be looking at ways to allow more people to donate blood without impacting blood safety. Department of Health
See also:
As a result of the latest clinical evidence, more people will be given the opportunity to donate blood without affecting the safety of the blood supply, from early 2018.
Current blood donation rules prevent people who engage in some sexual behaviours from giving blood for a 12 month period. As a result of scientific advances and improved understanding of the tests used, the deferral period for these people will now be reduced to 3 months.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) will also be looking at ways to allow more people to donate blood without impacting blood safety. Department of Health
See also:
- Independent report: Blood, tissue and cell donor selection criteria report: 2017 Department of Health
The NHS summer report says it could try harder
The NHS summer report says it could try harder Little publicised or trailed, the Department of Health's annual report and accounts were quietly released this week - on the face of it, not everyone's cup of tea or preferred sun lounger reading.
But it serves as an important in-depth account of the state of the NHS in England.
The opening pages, inevitably, emphasise the positives - just as a corporate annual report would do. Half a million more patients seen in A&E than in the previous year, more than one million appointments booked or cancelled online, an increase in the NHS workforce, almost £1bn invested over five years in infrastructure to boost research.
But read on and the more difficult truths begin to emerge. BBC News
But it serves as an important in-depth account of the state of the NHS in England.
The opening pages, inevitably, emphasise the positives - just as a corporate annual report would do. Half a million more patients seen in A&E than in the previous year, more than one million appointments booked or cancelled online, an increase in the NHS workforce, almost £1bn invested over five years in infrastructure to boost research.
But read on and the more difficult truths begin to emerge. BBC News
'A misuse of scarce funds': NHS to end prescription of homeopathic remedies
'A misuse of scarce funds': NHS to end prescription of homeopathic remedies New guidelines mean homeopathic remedies and 17 other items will no longer be prescribed, for reasons ranging from low clinical effectiveness to low cost-effectiveness
Homeopathic remedies will no longer be available on prescription on the NHS according to newly-announced plans.
The move comes as part of the NHS England’s drive to save more than £190m a year through a new set of national guidelines, which are now open for public consultation. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Homeopathic remedies will no longer be available on prescription on the NHS according to newly-announced plans.
The move comes as part of the NHS England’s drive to save more than £190m a year through a new set of national guidelines, which are now open for public consultation. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- NHS England launches action plan to drive out wasteful and ineffective drug prescriptions, saving NHS over £190 million a year NHS England
- Items which should not be routinely prescribed in primary care: A Consultation on guidance for CCGs NHS England
- Safe, sensible measures to reduce NHS prescription costs should be encouraged, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- NHS prescription cuts 'to hit low income families' BBC News
- NHS plans to scrap homeopathy treatments BBC News
- NHS announces ban on homeopathy and herbal medicine The Daily Mail
- NHS to ban homeopathy and herbal medicine, as 'misuse of resources' The Daily Telegraph
- NHS ban on 'wasteful' prescribing could harm poorest patients, GPs warn GPonline
- The Guardian view on homeopathy: the NHS shouldn’t pay | Editorial The Guardian
Heavy drinking will kill 63,000 people over next five years, doctors warn
Heavy drinking will kill 63,000 people over next five years, doctors warn Doctors urge government to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol as research reveals extent of liver disease
Almost 63,000 people in England will die over the next five years from liver problems linked to heavy drinking unless ministers tackle the scourge of cheap alcohol, doctors are warning.
Senior members of the medical profession and health charities are urging the government to bring in minimum unit pricing of alcohol and a crackdown on drink advertising to avert what they claim is the “public health crisis” of liver disease deaths.
The evidence is clear: raise the price of the cheapest alcohol to save lives and save money Continue reading... The Guardian
Almost 63,000 people in England will die over the next five years from liver problems linked to heavy drinking unless ministers tackle the scourge of cheap alcohol, doctors are warning.
Senior members of the medical profession and health charities are urging the government to bring in minimum unit pricing of alcohol and a crackdown on drink advertising to avert what they claim is the “public health crisis” of liver disease deaths.
The evidence is clear: raise the price of the cheapest alcohol to save lives and save money Continue reading... The Guardian
Exclusive: National review of schemes to divert patients from A&E amid safety fears
Exclusive: National review of schemes to divert patients from A&E amid safety fears NHS officials have ordered a national review of schemes to divert patients away from Accident & Emergency departments, amid fears that desperately-ill cases are being put at risk.
Every NHS trust is under instructions to introduce “front-door streaming” by this autumn, with GPs stationed at casualty units to weed out the least sick patients.
The initiative is part of attempts to relieve hospital overcrowding, and stave off pressures on units across the country.
But an investigation by The Telegraph reveals that a national review of such schemes has been ordered following the death of a man turned away by a pilot scheme. The Daily Telegraph
Every NHS trust is under instructions to introduce “front-door streaming” by this autumn, with GPs stationed at casualty units to weed out the least sick patients.
The initiative is part of attempts to relieve hospital overcrowding, and stave off pressures on units across the country.
But an investigation by The Telegraph reveals that a national review of such schemes has been ordered following the death of a man turned away by a pilot scheme. The Daily Telegraph
Charlie Gard hospital calls in police over death threats to staff
Charlie Gard hospital calls in police over death threats to staff Health bosses have called in police after staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital have been bombarded with violent threats and abuse over the case of baby Charlie Gard.
Thousands of abusive messages, including death threats, have been sent to doctors and nurses at the children’s hospital in London, managers revealed on Saturday.
Staff have also been abused in the street, said the hospital.
Scotland Yard has been informed and the hospital has warned it will seek the prosecution of anyone suspected of threatening its staff. The Daily Telegraph
Thousands of abusive messages, including death threats, have been sent to doctors and nurses at the children’s hospital in London, managers revealed on Saturday.
Staff have also been abused in the street, said the hospital.
Scotland Yard has been informed and the hospital has warned it will seek the prosecution of anyone suspected of threatening its staff. The Daily Telegraph
Exclusive: NHS told to close gender pay gap as 'BBC effect' engulfs public sector
Exclusive: NHS told to close gender pay gap as 'BBC effect' engulfs public sector Senior women in the NHS should be given pay rises while men should be passed over to close a widening gender gap, health officials have been told, as the “BBC effect” engulfs more of the public sector.
An official review of executive pay, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, found that, at the highest levels, female NHS managers are being paid almost 9 per cent less than male counterparts – an average gap of around £11,000 a year. The Daily Telegraph
An official review of executive pay, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, found that, at the highest levels, female NHS managers are being paid almost 9 per cent less than male counterparts – an average gap of around £11,000 a year. The Daily Telegraph
Hospital staff 'sick with stress' over crippling parking fines racked up every week
Hospital staff 'sick with stress' over crippling parking fines racked up every week Dozens of doctors, nurses and support workers have been left suffering high levels of stress and sickness after a NHS trust authorised a private car park operator to pursue them through the courts over unpaid fines.
Several members of staff at the Cardiff trust are understood to have gone off work with stress-related illnesses, off sick with stress, with many others anxious about how they will cope with paying multiple fines for parking at work while saving lives. The Daily Telegraph
Several members of staff at the Cardiff trust are understood to have gone off work with stress-related illnesses, off sick with stress, with many others anxious about how they will cope with paying multiple fines for parking at work while saving lives. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 21 July 2017
NHS Protect finds 'no evidence' of Kettering Hospital fraud
NHS Protect finds 'no evidence' of Kettering Hospital fraud Investigators say they have found no evidence of fraud at a hospital which admitted more than 100 patients had been harmed by treatment delays.
A whistleblower had alleged patients were removed from lists at Kettering General Hospital because national targets were being missed.
The hospital denied "fiddling" but admitted inappropriate "filtering" to remove patients from waiting lists.
NHS Protect said it had carried out inquiries and no fraud was found.
The organisation, which investigates potential fraud in the NHS, said having conducted preliminary inquiries it would not be carrying out a full investigation. BBC Northampton
A whistleblower had alleged patients were removed from lists at Kettering General Hospital because national targets were being missed.
The hospital denied "fiddling" but admitted inappropriate "filtering" to remove patients from waiting lists.
NHS Protect said it had carried out inquiries and no fraud was found.
The organisation, which investigates potential fraud in the NHS, said having conducted preliminary inquiries it would not be carrying out a full investigation. BBC Northampton
KGH set to move some staff into town centre offices
KGH set to move some staff into town centre offices Kettering Council has bought an office block in town which it wants to refurbish and lease to Kettering General Hospital for office space. Northamptonshire Telegraph
All parties invited to meeting over Corby urgent care centre
All parties invited to meeting over Corby urgent care centre A meeting over the future of Corby’s urgent care centre is to take place next week.
The contract to run the centre expires on September 30 but there are currently no bidders. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The contract to run the centre expires on September 30 but there are currently no bidders. Northamptonshire Telegraph
New head and neck nurse specialist for KGH
New head and neck nurse specialist for KGH Kettering General Hospital has taken on its first head and neck cancer nurse specialist to support patients with cancers of the mouth, throat and thyroid. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The state of care in mental health services 2014 to 2017
The state of care in mental health services 2014 to 2017 The report captures learning from inspections and findings from our role monitoring use of the the Mental Health Act, as well as analysis of data from other sources. This rich resource of information means we now know more about the quality of mental health care than ever before.
The report describes how our inspectors found that the clear majority of services are caring and compassionate towards their patients, with 88% of NHS and 93% of independent services being rated as good in this key question.
However, the report also identifies several areas of concern: difficulties around accessing services, physical environments not designed to keep people safe, care that is over-restrictive and institutional in nature, and poor recording and sharing of information that undermines the efforts of staff to work together to make sure that people get the right care at the right time. Care Quality Commission
See also:
The report describes how our inspectors found that the clear majority of services are caring and compassionate towards their patients, with 88% of NHS and 93% of independent services being rated as good in this key question.
However, the report also identifies several areas of concern: difficulties around accessing services, physical environments not designed to keep people safe, care that is over-restrictive and institutional in nature, and poor recording and sharing of information that undermines the efforts of staff to work together to make sure that people get the right care at the right time. Care Quality Commission
See also:
Creative health: the arts for health and wellbeing
Creative health: the arts for health and wellbeing This report presents the findings of a two-year inquiry into the practice and research in the arts in health and social care. It discusses the return on the investment that art can bring to health and social care services; how art can help meet major challenges presented by ageing, long-term conditions, loneliness and mental health; and that the arts can contribute to wellbeing and a longer, high-quality of life. All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing
The right to decide: towards a greater understanding of mental capacity and deprivation of liberty
The right to decide: towards a greater understanding of mental capacity and deprivation of liberty This report finds that vulnerable people are being forced into situations against their will because care providers are not going through the proper processes. It highlights concerns about the way some of the most vulnerable people in society are being treated when decisions are being made on behalf of people who lack mental capacity to choose how they are cared for. The report offers advice and guidance to social care professionals on how to get things right when working with people who may lack mental capacity. It also provides questions councillors can use for scrutinising their own authorities to ensure people in their area are treated properly. Local Government Association
GMC publishes action plan to improve revalidation
GMC publishes action plan to improve revalidation The General Medical Council has unveiled a plan to implement the recommendations in Sir Keith Pearson’s report –Taking Revalidation Forward – published earlier this year.
The plan has been agreed by the newly-established Revalidation Oversight Group, which includes representatives of stakeholder organisations across the UK, as well as the GMC itself.
It details work the GMC and others will do to improve medical revalidation, making it a more positive and meaningful experience for doctors, responsible officers, patients and everyone involved
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The plan has been agreed by the newly-established Revalidation Oversight Group, which includes representatives of stakeholder organisations across the UK, as well as the GMC itself.
It details work the GMC and others will do to improve medical revalidation, making it a more positive and meaningful experience for doctors, responsible officers, patients and everyone involved
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Unmet need for care
Unmet need for care This report, conducted in partnership with the NIHR School for Social Care Research, NatCen Social Research, Age UK and Independent Age, highlights the experiences of unmet need for care among older people living in their own homes. It finds that despite varying measures of unmet need, by any measure over half of older people with care needs have unmet needs. People eligible for local authority support as well as self-funders are affected by unmet need and those who live alone are particularly vulnerable. Ipsos MORI
Half of pupils expelled from school 'mentally ill'
Half of pupils expelled from school 'mentally ill' Half of pupils expelled from England's schools have a mental health issue, according to analysis of official data.
The Institute of Public Policy Research suggests if excluded students with undiagnosed problems were included, the rate would be much higher.
This figure compares with one in 50 pupils in the wider population who have a mental health condition.
The government said it would be publishing plans to improve mental health services later in the year. BBC News
See also:
The Institute of Public Policy Research suggests if excluded students with undiagnosed problems were included, the rate would be much higher.
This figure compares with one in 50 pupils in the wider population who have a mental health condition.
The government said it would be publishing plans to improve mental health services later in the year. BBC News
See also:
- Half of expelled pupils suffer mental health issues in ‘burningly injust system’, think-tank finds Institute for Public Policy Research
Jeremy Hunt says NHS should remove damp from council homes to improve people's health
Jeremy Hunt says NHS should remove damp from council homes to improve people's health Jeremy Hunt has suggested the NHS could intervene to remove damp from council homes in an effort to improve people’s health.
The Health Secretary said there are “very strong links between poor health and poor-quality housing” and any new policy would be part of a “holistic” approach from the health service.
“It is about providing green spaces in cities to help improve our mental health, providing cycle routes, a whole range of things, and housing is critical,” he told an audience at the King’s Fund in London. The Independent
The Health Secretary said there are “very strong links between poor health and poor-quality housing” and any new policy would be part of a “holistic” approach from the health service.
“It is about providing green spaces in cities to help improve our mental health, providing cycle routes, a whole range of things, and housing is critical,” he told an audience at the King’s Fund in London. The Independent
GP leaders fear government 'airbrushing' of workforce failures
GP leaders fear government 'airbrushing' of workforce failures GP leaders have warned the government against 'airbrushing' its failure to increase GP numbers after the health secretary's annual review of NHS England's performance did not evaluate progress on GP recruitment. GPonline
How private GP care is meeting growing demand for fast access to appointments
How private GP care is meeting growing demand for fast access to appointments Private health providers are using technology to respond to increasing demand for quick access to GP healthcare.
Traditionally, an appointment with the GP involved a journey to the local surgery, but in response to a growing demand for fast access to GPs the private sector is introducing an innovative, and more flexible way to see a GP. Continue reading... The Guardian
Traditionally, an appointment with the GP involved a journey to the local surgery, but in response to a growing demand for fast access to GPs the private sector is introducing an innovative, and more flexible way to see a GP. Continue reading... The Guardian
Nursing shortages fuelling delayed discharge from hospital
Nursing shortages fuelling delayed discharge from hospital Falling number of district and other community nurses as big a factor as social care blockages, analysis finds
There is no doubt that delays in arranging follow-on social care are causing more older people to be stranded in hospital. But a new analysis of the problem says shortage of district nurses is at least as big a factor.
The number of district nurses in the UK has plummeted by 44% since 2010 when counted as full-time jobs, according to the analysis of NHS data by consultancy Christie & Co (pdf). Continue reading... The Guardian
There is no doubt that delays in arranging follow-on social care are causing more older people to be stranded in hospital. But a new analysis of the problem says shortage of district nurses is at least as big a factor.
The number of district nurses in the UK has plummeted by 44% since 2010 when counted as full-time jobs, according to the analysis of NHS data by consultancy Christie & Co (pdf). Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS doc mistakenly operated on wrong side of woman's body
NHS doc mistakenly operated on wrong side of woman's body A mother is suing the NHS after a surgeon operated on the wrong side of her body and potentially damaged a healthy kidney.
Lauren Hodgson, 29, was due to undergo a minor operation to remove a stone in her left kidney at Milton Keynes Hospital in March.
But a mix-up by an inexperienced surgeon, described in medical jargon as a 'never-event', meant her right kidney was operated on instead. The Daily Mail
Lauren Hodgson, 29, was due to undergo a minor operation to remove a stone in her left kidney at Milton Keynes Hospital in March.
But a mix-up by an inexperienced surgeon, described in medical jargon as a 'never-event', meant her right kidney was operated on instead. The Daily Mail
Top NHS boss Sir Andrew Morris sparks sexism row
Top NHS boss Sir Andrew Morris sparks sexism row An NHS boss has sparked outrage after saying men die younger because 'they are nagged to death' by their wives.
Sir Andrew Morris, chief executive of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, was labelled a 'dinosaur' for his controversial comment.
The remark was made just days after experts said life expectancy improvements are grinding to a halt because of the ailing NHS. The Daily Mail
See also:
Sir Andrew Morris, chief executive of Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, was labelled a 'dinosaur' for his controversial comment.
The remark was made just days after experts said life expectancy improvements are grinding to a halt because of the ailing NHS. The Daily Mail
See also:
Thursday, 20 July 2017
Nurses could train to become doctors by doing 'part-time' medical degrees
Nurses could train to become doctors by doing 'part-time' medical degrees Nurses could train to become doctors by doing “part-time degrees” under radical proposals to increase the number of medics.
Health officials on Wednesday said they were looking at ways to encourage nurses, pharmacists, and physios to train to become doctors while they earned. The Telegraph
Health officials on Wednesday said they were looking at ways to encourage nurses, pharmacists, and physios to train to become doctors while they earned. The Telegraph
Generous contractor helps out KGH
Generous contractor helps out KGH A contractor is saving Kettering General Hospital thousands of pounds by carrying out more than two weeks of work for free. Northamptonshire Telegraph
MS treatments: life-changing, but hard to access
MS treatments: life-changing, but hard to access Therapies for multiple sclerosis are becoming more effective. But an underfunded NHS is struggling to provide timely diagnosis and make the latest treatments widely available
More than 100,000 people in the UK have multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common cause of serious physical disability in working age adults, according to the MS guidelines set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The Guardian
More than 100,000 people in the UK have multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common cause of serious physical disability in working age adults, according to the MS guidelines set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. The Guardian
Need a wheelchair? Pay for it yourself
Need a wheelchair? Pay for it yourself A fourfold increase in the number of disabled people forced to use a crowdfunding site to buy their wheelchair undermines a basic tenet of the NHS, campaigners say. The Guardian
Quality improvement in mental health: a commitment to long-term change
Quality improvement in mental health: a commitment to long-term change Some recent high-profile reports have shown that NHS mental health care services are under pressure. Last month, the BMA reported that the number of adults sent ‘out of area’ for mental health care has increased over the past couple of years, a practice the Commission on Acute Adult Psychiatric Care highlighted as one of a number of issues contributing to variation in the quality of care in mental health. King's Fund
Corporate report: NHS Improvement: annual report and accounts 2016/17
Corporate report: NHS Improvement: annual report and accounts 2016/17 NHS Improvement is the operational name for the organisation that brings together Monitor, NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA), Patient Safety including the National Reporting and Learning System, the Advancing Change team and the Intensive Support Teams.
Monitor and NHS TDA continue to exist as legal entities, but these reports refer mainly to NHS Improvement.
Our annual report and accounts were laid before Parliament on 18 July 2017. Monitor
Monitor and NHS TDA continue to exist as legal entities, but these reports refer mainly to NHS Improvement.
Our annual report and accounts were laid before Parliament on 18 July 2017. Monitor
Patients to benefit from £325 million investment in NHS transformation projects
Patients to benefit from £325 million investment in NHS transformation projects Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and NHS England boss Simon Stevens have today (Wednesday July 19) announced £325m of capital investment for local projects that will help the NHS to modernise and transform care for patients. NHS England
Outdated handovers putting East Midlands patient care at risk, GMC report finds
Outdated handovers putting East Midlands patient care at risk, GMC report finds Patient care at East Midlands hospitals is potentially at risk due to inadequate handovers between teams of doctors on different shifts, a General Medical Council (GMC) review published today (Wednesday 19 July) has found. General Medical Council
Call for tighter checks on private hospitals used by NHS after MRSA case
Call for tighter checks on private hospitals used by NHS after MRSA case Labour MP Louise Haigh cites case of young patient who contracted infection while on mental health ward in Sheffield
Theresa May has been urged to tighten checks on private hospitals used by the NHS after a Labour MP raised the case of a young patient with an open wound who contracted MRSA on a private mental health ward. The Guardian
Theresa May has been urged to tighten checks on private hospitals used by the NHS after a Labour MP raised the case of a young patient with an open wound who contracted MRSA on a private mental health ward. The Guardian
NHS England 'urgently needs 2,200 more A&E consultants'
NHS England 'urgently needs 2,200 more A&E consultants' Royal College of Emergency Medicine says hospitals must more than double current number of consultants to ensure safe care. The Guardian
A trade in people: the inpatient healthcare economy for people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder
A trade in people: the inpatient healthcare economy for people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder Centre for Disability Research, University of Lancaster (CeDR), June 2017
This report finds that around half of inpatient services for people with learning disabilities or autism are being run by the independent sector rather than the NHS. Over a quarter of a billion pounds of public money every year is being paid to independent sector companies to run these services. Lancashire Health Libraries.
This report finds that around half of inpatient services for people with learning disabilities or autism are being run by the independent sector rather than the NHS. Over a quarter of a billion pounds of public money every year is being paid to independent sector companies to run these services. Lancashire Health Libraries.
A Mental Health Act fit for tomorrow: an agenda for reform
A Mental Health Act fit for tomorrow: an agenda for reform Mental Health Alliance, June 2017
This report summarises the findings of a survey of over 8000 people who use mental health services, carers, and professionals working in the field. The report highlights concerns that the Mental Health Act overlooks the dignity and human rights of people with mental illness. Lancashire Health Libraries
This report summarises the findings of a survey of over 8000 people who use mental health services, carers, and professionals working in the field. The report highlights concerns that the Mental Health Act overlooks the dignity and human rights of people with mental illness. Lancashire Health Libraries
Arts can help recovery from illness and keep people well, report says
Arts can help recovery from illness and keep people well, report says All-party inquiry demonstrates benefits to health and wellbeing of the arts, leading to fall in hospital admissions.
GPs prescribing arts activities to some patients could lead to a dramatic fall in hospital admissions and save the NHS money, according to a report into the subject of arts, health and wellbeing published after two years of evidence gathering. The Guardian
GPs prescribing arts activities to some patients could lead to a dramatic fall in hospital admissions and save the NHS money, according to a report into the subject of arts, health and wellbeing published after two years of evidence gathering. The Guardian
See also:
- Doctors advised to send patients to arts classes Mail Online
Thousands of mental health patients spend years on secure wards
Thousands of mental health patients spend years on secure wards
Critics condemn ‘Victorian approach’ to treatment after NHS watchdog reveals 3,500 patients are kept locked in.
Thousands of mental health patients are being kept in secure wards for years at a time when they should be being rehabilitated and preparing to leave hospital, a NHS watchdog has revealed. The Guardian
Thousands of mental health patients are being kept in secure wards for years at a time when they should be being rehabilitated and preparing to leave hospital, a NHS watchdog has revealed. The Guardian
See also:
Plan not to give HPV vaccine to boys causes concern
Plan not to give HPV vaccine to boys causes concern
A decision not to vaccinate boys against a cancer-causing sexually transmitted infection has attracted fierce criticism.
Reported cases of human papilloma virus (HPV) - thought to cause about 80% of cervical cancers - have fallen sharply since girls were given the vaccine.
But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) found little evidence to justify treating boys too. BBC News
A decision not to vaccinate boys against a cancer-causing sexually transmitted infection has attracted fierce criticism.
Reported cases of human papilloma virus (HPV) - thought to cause about 80% of cervical cancers - have fallen sharply since girls were given the vaccine.
But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) found little evidence to justify treating boys too. BBC News
See also:
Wednesday, 19 July 2017
Midwives call for 'urgent' funding for mental health care for new mothers
Midwives call for 'urgent' funding for mental health care for new mothers after postnatal depression death. There is an "urgent need" for more funding for mental health care for expectant and new mothers, leading midwives have said.
The comments from the Royal College of Midwives come after a report claimed services across the UK are "under resourced".
Researchers wrote the report following an online petition which gathered more than 55,000 signatures calling for the NHS to review how it treats and cares for women with postnatal depression. The Independent
Pay row threatens overnight care for vulnerable
Pay row threatens overnight care for vulnerable Vulnerable people with learning difficulties could lose overnight supervision, disability charity Mencap warns.
The HMRC has ruled carers sleeping overnight to provide safety and reassurance should be be paid the national minimum wage for all hours.
Mencap says the total bill for back pay - due by September, and in some cases dating back six years - could be £400m. BBC News - Health
The HMRC has ruled carers sleeping overnight to provide safety and reassurance should be be paid the national minimum wage for all hours.
Mencap says the total bill for back pay - due by September, and in some cases dating back six years - could be £400m. BBC News - Health
Pharmacists influence latest NHS reform
Pharmacists influence latest NHS reform NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens has announced the creation of eight ‘accountable care systems’ (ACSs), which will see local NHS organisations work more closely together, often with social care services and the voluntary sector, in different parts of the country.
NHS England hopes ACSs will be another move towards genuinely integrated working, and they come as the next step on from the development of vanguards and the creation of sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs). The Pharmaceutical Journal
NHS England hopes ACSs will be another move towards genuinely integrated working, and they come as the next step on from the development of vanguards and the creation of sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs). The Pharmaceutical Journal
Local alcohol consumption survey: national report
Local alcohol consumption survey: national report Public Health England (PHE) - Ipsos MORI was commissioned to collect data on behalf of PHE on alcohol consumption over a sample of 25 upper-tier local authorities in England. The results aim to provide reliable alcohol consumption estimates for local authorities, particularly on data that is not routinely available through other sources. The survey examined drinking habits, motivations for drinking or abstention and awareness of public health campaigns around alcohol consumption. King's Fund
Sustainability and Transformation Plans: five key questions for planners
Sustainability and Transformation Plans: five key questions for planners Centre for Health and the Public Interest (CHPI) -This analysis identifies five key questions to ask of each of England’s 44 Sustainability and Transformation Plans. It aims to set out a framework for assessing their potential impacts. King's Fund
'It's sad that it's come to this': Northampton hospital charity group announces closure over parking troubles
'It's sad that it's come to this': Northampton hospital charity group announces closure over parking troubles A volunteer group with 28 years of history at Northampton General Hospital will close shop next month following a dispute over parking. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Rise in children seeking mental health support after terror attacks
Rise in children seeking mental health support after terror attacks Royal College of Psychiatrists says number being treated in Manchester and London has spiked since recent attacks
The number of children and young people seeking help from mental health services has spiked in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in England, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP).
Hospitals across the Manchester region have seen an estimated 10% increase in children seeking help since a bomb ripped through the Manchester Arena on 22 May, killing 22 people, according to the RCP. Mental health experts in Greater Manchester hospitals received hundreds more patients from June to July compared with previous months. The Guardian
The number of children and young people seeking help from mental health services has spiked in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in England, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP).
Hospitals across the Manchester region have seen an estimated 10% increase in children seeking help since a bomb ripped through the Manchester Arena on 22 May, killing 22 people, according to the RCP. Mental health experts in Greater Manchester hospitals received hundreds more patients from June to July compared with previous months. The Guardian
Tuesday, 18 July 2017
Traffic wardens deployed to direct non-emergency vehicles away from Northampton hospital A&E as construction begins on new building
Traffic wardens deployed to direct non-emergency vehicles away from Northampton hospital A&E as construction begins on new building Access to Northampton General Hospital's A&E has been restricted to emergency vehicles only while construction begins on a new assessment unit.
Access to Northampton General Hospital's A&E has been restricted to emergency vehicles only while construction begins on a new assessment unit. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Access to Northampton General Hospital's A&E has been restricted to emergency vehicles only while construction begins on a new assessment unit. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Policy paper: Towards a smoke-free generation: tobacco control plan for England
Policy paper: Towards a smoke-free generation: tobacco control plan for England The objectives of the tobacco control plan are to:
- reduce the number of 15 year olds who regularly smoke from 8% to 3% or less
- reduce smoking among adults in England from 15.5% to 12% or less
- reduce the inequality gap in smoking prevalence, between those in routine and manual occupations and the general population
- reduce the prevalence of smoking in pregnancy from 10.5% to 6% or less
See also:
- Research and analysis: Cost of smoking to the NHS in England: 2015 Public Health England
- England 'on track' to stamp out smoking BBC News
Growing gaps in children’s doctor workforce revealed in new report
Growing gaps in children’s doctor workforce revealed in new report New figures published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) highlight an urgent and growing problem in the paediatric workforce. Prior to reaching consultant level, children’s doctors train for around eight years. The RCPCH study shows that almost 1 in 5 of paediatric trainee positions are currently vacant even though trainees themselves report high levels of enthusiasm for the speciality. Even more alarming is that this figure jumps to nearly 1 in 4 in more senior trainee positions and almost 90% of children’s units express concern over how they will cope over the coming six months.
See also:
See also:
- Rota compliance and vacancies Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
- NHS Employers comments on media coverage of shortfall in paediatricians NHS Employers
- Shortfall in number of children's doctors BBC News
- Poorly infants are in danger due to NHS staffing crisis The Daily Mail
- NHS staff shortages to blame for big rise in cancelled operations on children and young people, Labour warns The Independent
Sustainability and Transformation Plans: Five key questions for planners
Sustainability and Transformation Plans: Five key questions for planners This analysis identifies five key questions to ask of each of England’s 44 ‘Sustainability and Transformation Plans’.
Each STP has been produced by a local Sustainability and Transformation Partnership formed with the task of transforming the provision of NHS services in a given area, as part of efforts to close the NHS’s unprecedented ‘funding gap’. Centre for Health and the Public Interest
Each STP has been produced by a local Sustainability and Transformation Partnership formed with the task of transforming the provision of NHS services in a given area, as part of efforts to close the NHS’s unprecedented ‘funding gap’. Centre for Health and the Public Interest
Rises in life expectancy 'levelling off'
Rises in life expectancy 'levelling off' Rising rates of life expectancy are grinding to a halt after more than 100 years of continuous progress, according to a leading health expert.
University College London expert Sir Michael Marmot said he was "deeply concerned" by the situation, calling it "historically highly unusual".
He said it was "entirely possible" austerity was to blame and said the issue needed looking at urgently.
But the government said its policies were not responsible.
The Department of Health said ministers were providing the necessary support and funding to ensure life expectancy "continues to increase". BBC News
See also:
University College London expert Sir Michael Marmot said he was "deeply concerned" by the situation, calling it "historically highly unusual".
He said it was "entirely possible" austerity was to blame and said the issue needed looking at urgently.
But the government said its policies were not responsible.
The Department of Health said ministers were providing the necessary support and funding to ensure life expectancy "continues to increase". BBC News
See also:
- Middle classes hit as life expectancy 'grinds to a halt' The Daily Mail
- Rise in life expectancy has stalled since 2010, research shows The Guardian
- Rise in life expectancy has stalled since Tories introduced austerity in 2010, study finds The Independent
Chatbot docs
Chatbot docs Could health apps and chatbots eventually replace your traditional doctor?
"Let's talk about how you've been feeling over the past 30 days," says Joy. "This will help me get a sense for your current state."
Joy probes a bit deeper, asking a series of questions: Do I feel hopeless? Do I feel restless? When I respond that I'm a bit stressed, Joy offers me several de-stressing techniques.
Joy might appear to be my counsellor or my life coach, but the conversation I'm having is actually with a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to track emotions and provide mental health support - all through Facebook Messenger.
Welcome to healthcare in the digital age, where smartphone owners have access to their very own doctors and therapists at the touch of a button. BBC News
"Let's talk about how you've been feeling over the past 30 days," says Joy. "This will help me get a sense for your current state."
Joy probes a bit deeper, asking a series of questions: Do I feel hopeless? Do I feel restless? When I respond that I'm a bit stressed, Joy offers me several de-stressing techniques.
Joy might appear to be my counsellor or my life coach, but the conversation I'm having is actually with a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to track emotions and provide mental health support - all through Facebook Messenger.
Welcome to healthcare in the digital age, where smartphone owners have access to their very own doctors and therapists at the touch of a button. BBC News
Noel Conway: Challenging law on assisted suicide
Noel Conway: Challenging law on assisted suicide Noel Conway says his terminal illness will leave him in a zombie-like condition.
He is challenging the law on assisted suicide because he believes he has a right to choose when he dies. BBC News
He is challenging the law on assisted suicide because he believes he has a right to choose when he dies. BBC News
NHS needs to recruit 2,000 more foreign doctors
NHS needs to recruit 2,000 more foreign doctors Simon Stevens, the head of NHS England, has said the current target of recruiting 500 doctors from overseas needs to be quadrupled, and we need to search as far afield as Australia. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- RCGP welcomes plans to extend overseas GP recruitment Royal College of General Practitioners
- Emergency draft of 2,000 overseas GPs is 'clear admission of failure', says GPC GPonline
NHS staff ordered to pay thousands in parking fines racked up at a hospital
NHS staff ordered to pay thousands in parking fines racked up at a hospital NHS staff have been left “broken” and face losing their homes after a court ordered them to pay thousands in parking fines racked up at a Cardiff hospital.
A judge has ruled that the employees, including nurses, doctors and admin staff, must pay the charges dating back to April 2016 after losing a legal fight with Indigo, the private operator that manages the car park at the University Hospital of Wales.
One nurse reportedly owes £150,000 after the court ruled that £128 must be paid for each unpaid ticket, plus £26,000 in court fees.
The dispute began last year when Indigo and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board agreed new measures for parking on the hospital site.
The hospital has 6,000 staff but the car park has only 1,800 spaces, so many said they were left with no choice but to park in spots reserved for visitors. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
A judge has ruled that the employees, including nurses, doctors and admin staff, must pay the charges dating back to April 2016 after losing a legal fight with Indigo, the private operator that manages the car park at the University Hospital of Wales.
One nurse reportedly owes £150,000 after the court ruled that £128 must be paid for each unpaid ticket, plus £26,000 in court fees.
The dispute began last year when Indigo and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board agreed new measures for parking on the hospital site.
The hospital has 6,000 staff but the car park has only 1,800 spaces, so many said they were left with no choice but to park in spots reserved for visitors. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Monday, 17 July 2017
Concern over future of Corby Urgent Care Centre to be raised in Parliament
Concern over future of Corby Urgent Care Centre to be raised in Parliament The MP for Corby says he has been working tirelessly to find a resolution to the dispute over the town’s urgent care centre and has outlined his plans for the coming weeks. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- Residents set up ‘Save Corby Urgent Care Centre’ group Northamptonshire Telegraph
The NHS financial regime: cleverly flexible or horribly messy?
The NHS financial regime: cleverly flexible or horribly messy? The broad theory behind the NHS financial regime set out in the 2012 Health and Social Care Act built on experience garnered over the previous decade. Autonomous local commissioners would lay contracts with similarly autonomous providers (on a level playing field between NHS and private providers), paid for at nationally set prices (tariffs). These tariffs already existed (mostly for the acute sector) or were meant to progressively expand to cover a wider array of services. The King's Fund
UK health system comes out on top in new report
UK health system comes out on top in new report The UK was rated first out of 11 countries in a report on international healthcare systemspublished today by the Commonwealth Fund.
The report compared the UK to healthcare systems in the US, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Australia.
The Commonwealth Fund’s report ranks the UK first overall and first for care process (prevention, safe care, coordination, and patient engagement) and equity (comparison of performance for higher- and lower-income individuals). The UK also scores highly in terms of getting value out of the money the tax payer puts in. NHS England
See also:
The report compared the UK to healthcare systems in the US, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and Australia.
The Commonwealth Fund’s report ranks the UK first overall and first for care process (prevention, safe care, coordination, and patient engagement) and equity (comparison of performance for higher- and lower-income individuals). The UK also scores highly in terms of getting value out of the money the tax payer puts in. NHS England
See also:
Guidance: Healthcare education and training tariff: 2017 to 2018
Guidance: Healthcare education and training tariff: 2017 to 2018 This document sets out:
- the national tariffs for healthcare education and training placements in the academic year 2017 to 2018
- how the tariffs will be implemented
- in what circumstances the national tariffs may be varied and how to do this
2017 drug strategy
2017 drug strategy The drug strategy 2017 sets out how the government and its partners, at local, national and international levels, will take new action to tackle drug misuse and the harms it causes. It builds on an existing approach to preventing drug misuse, supporting people to recover from dependence and restricting the supply of drugs. Home Office
Children 'exercise less as they get older'
Children 'exercise less as they get older' The number of children doing an hour of exercise a day falls by 40% between the ages of five and 12. BBC News
GPs accuse government of 'long-standing underfunding'
GPs accuse government of 'long-standing underfunding' The Royal College of GPs says there is confusion over £500m of future spending commitments. BBC News
Sick patients dying ‘unnecessarily’ in NHS because of poor care
Sick patients dying ‘unnecessarily’ in NHS because of poor care Inquiry finds series of major flaws, including lack of equipment, leading to ‘shocking’ death rate among those who needed emergency oxygen treatment
Some of the sickest patients that hospitals treat are dying unnecessarily because they receive poor care, blighted by shortages of staff and equipment, a new NHS inquiry has revealed.
A death rate of one in three among inpatients who need emergency help with breathing is already high by international standards, and is getting worse. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Some of the sickest patients that hospitals treat are dying unnecessarily because they receive poor care, blighted by shortages of staff and equipment, a new NHS inquiry has revealed.
A death rate of one in three among inpatients who need emergency help with breathing is already high by international standards, and is getting worse. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Acute Non-Invasive Ventilation: Inspiring Change 2017 National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death
- Patients dying due to poor care, 'shocking' NHS report finds The Independent
GP crisis laid bare: 200 surgeries shut in past year
GP crisis laid bare: 200 surgeries shut in past year The figures do not differentiate between surgeries that have closed and merged. But with hundreds of GPs retiring or quitting the NHS each year, it is likely many will be due to closures. The Daily Mail
See also:
See also:
- Practices being forced to close will impact patients and wider NHS, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- More than 200 GP practices closed or merged in past 12 months GPonline
999 callers assessed by Skype instead of being sent ambulance
999 callers assessed by Skype instead of being sent ambulance Patients who phone 999 are being offered a video call assessment rather than an ambulance.
Video consultations using smartphone apps like Skype and FaceTime are being tested out in different areas of England for patients suffering from non-life-threatening conditions, such as falls or back pain.
The calls connect the patient with paramedics and nurses who assess their condition remotely, but there have been warnings that such video consultations can be unreliable.
Details of scheme were revealed by a former call handler at South Central Ambulance Service. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Video consultations using smartphone apps like Skype and FaceTime are being tested out in different areas of England for patients suffering from non-life-threatening conditions, such as falls or back pain.
The calls connect the patient with paramedics and nurses who assess their condition remotely, but there have been warnings that such video consultations can be unreliable.
Details of scheme were revealed by a former call handler at South Central Ambulance Service. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Northamptonshire's ambulance crews given new categories for 999 calls to help pick priorities Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- Patients who call 999 will be assessed over Skype The Daily Mail
- Ambulance response system overhaul will deliver improvements The Guardian
Record NHS negligence payouts, fuelled by maternity blunders
Record NHS negligence payouts, fuelled by maternity blunders The NHS paid out more than £1bn in damages for medical negligence last year - a record high, fuelled by maternity blunders, official figures show.
Patients groups said the figures showed the need to improve safety in hospitals, with particular concerns about the rising costs caused by catastrophic errors in childbirth.
Doctors’ representatives said the trends - which show a doubling in overall negligence costs in a decade, showed the need to cap costs, in order to limit the amount being spent on lawyers.
The figures from NHS Resolution show £1.7bn in total on negligence claims - with almost £700,000 spent on lawyers. The total figure has almost doubled since 2010/11, the statistics show. The Daily Telegraph
Patients groups said the figures showed the need to improve safety in hospitals, with particular concerns about the rising costs caused by catastrophic errors in childbirth.
Doctors’ representatives said the trends - which show a doubling in overall negligence costs in a decade, showed the need to cap costs, in order to limit the amount being spent on lawyers.
The figures from NHS Resolution show £1.7bn in total on negligence claims - with almost £700,000 spent on lawyers. The total figure has almost doubled since 2010/11, the statistics show. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 14 July 2017
MP: CCG must clarify Corby Urgent Care Centre contingency plans
MP: CCG must clarify Corby Urgent Care Centre contingency plans The MP for Corby has asked commissioners to clarify their plans should no new operator be found for the town’s urgent care centre.
This morning Corby CCG announced that the only bidder for a new contract to start on October 1 had withdrawn from the bidding process.
The news has left the future of the site unknown once the current operator Lakeside Plus’ contract expires on September 30, with the CCG saying it is ‘considering its options’.
Corby’s MP Tom Pursglove has written to Corby CCG’s chief executive Carole Deghani to clarify the contingency plans. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
This morning Corby CCG announced that the only bidder for a new contract to start on October 1 had withdrawn from the bidding process.
The news has left the future of the site unknown once the current operator Lakeside Plus’ contract expires on September 30, with the CCG saying it is ‘considering its options’.
Corby’s MP Tom Pursglove has written to Corby CCG’s chief executive Carole Deghani to clarify the contingency plans. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
- No takers for new Corby Urgent Care Centre contract Northamptonshire Telegraph
Suicide by children and young people: National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness.
Suicide by children and young people: National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness. This report examines findings from a range of investigations, such as coroner inquests, into the deaths by suicide of people aged under 25 between January 2014 and December 2015 in England and Wales, extracting information about the stresses they were facing when they died. Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership
Child sexual exploitation: prevention and intervention
Child sexual exploitation: prevention and intervention This report summarises the emerging evidence from the UK on the issue of child sexual exploitation. It provides practice examples to support local public health leaders to establish a public health framework for prevention and intervention. The accompanying literature search is a summary of the latest international research about effective interventions to prevent child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation. Public Health England
MH:2K Oldham: a youth-led approach to exploring mental health
MH:2K Oldham: a youth-led approach to exploring mental health From September 2016 to July 2017, Involve worked with Leaders Unlocked, to deliver a pilot project to engage young people in conversations about mental health in Oldman. It aimed to empower 14-25 year olds to identify the mental health issues that they viewed as most important; engage their peers in exploring these topics; and work with local decision-makers to make recommendations for change. The project report outlines the methodology of the the pilot project and the final evaluation report presents the impacts of the project. Involve
Can you talk about your mental health to your boss?
Can you talk about your mental health to your boss? When web developer Madalyn Parker took time off work to focus on her mental health, the supportive response of her CEO won much praise.
But not everyone can count on their employers' understanding and many people feel unable to be open at work about their mental health.
The BBC asked for your experiences of mental health and the workplace.
Some people shared stories of colleagues showing sensitivity, while others described reactions of incomprehension. BBC News
See also:
But not everyone can count on their employers' understanding and many people feel unable to be open at work about their mental health.
The BBC asked for your experiences of mental health and the workplace.
Some people shared stories of colleagues showing sensitivity, while others described reactions of incomprehension. BBC News
See also:
- Do I need a mental health sick day – and how do I ask for one? The Daily Telegraph
Grenfell Tower fire: Two more hospitals fail fire safety checks
Grenfell Tower fire: Two more hospitals fail fire safety checks Two more hospitals have failed fire safety checks, ordered in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Buildings at Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Trust and University College Hospital in London have been found to have combustible cladding.
They will now have to take action and continue with 24-hour fire warden patrols in the meantime.
It brings the total of failed sites to five - none of the buildings has patients staying overnight.
One is an office building, while the others see and treat patients during the day. BBC News
Buildings at Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Trust and University College Hospital in London have been found to have combustible cladding.
They will now have to take action and continue with 24-hour fire warden patrols in the meantime.
It brings the total of failed sites to five - none of the buildings has patients staying overnight.
One is an office building, while the others see and treat patients during the day. BBC News
GP-patient relationship at risk if data-sharing opt-out is scrapped, says BMA
GP-patient relationship at risk if data-sharing opt-out is scrapped, says BMA BMA leaders have voiced 'serious concerns' over government plans to remove patients' right to opt out of having their data shared with NHS Digital. GPonline
Roll out of NHS Wi-Fi to GP surgeries begins
Roll out of NHS Wi-Fi to GP surgeries begins NHS Digital has begun roll out of NHS Wi-Fi to GP surgeries in England and it should be completed by 31 December 2017.
Using NHS Wi-Fi, patients will be able to access the internet free of charge in their GP's waiting room, via their smart phone or tablet. It will enable patients to link in with local health clinics and services and is paving the way for future developments in digital patient care.
Internet access will be granted through an NHS.UK landing page which will host national healthcare information alongside locally generated content from the general practice or CCG, such as information about local clinics and health services. Patients can use the service to access and download health apps, browse the internet and look up health and care information. OnMedica
Using NHS Wi-Fi, patients will be able to access the internet free of charge in their GP's waiting room, via their smart phone or tablet. It will enable patients to link in with local health clinics and services and is paving the way for future developments in digital patient care.
Internet access will be granted through an NHS.UK landing page which will host national healthcare information alongside locally generated content from the general practice or CCG, such as information about local clinics and health services. Patients can use the service to access and download health apps, browse the internet and look up health and care information. OnMedica
More patients waiting too long in A&E despite it being NHS priority
More patients waiting too long in A&E despite it being NHS priority Latest figures show fewer patients treated within four-hour target time even though trusts were ordered to improve their performance
The NHS is taking longer to treat patients attending accident and emergency departments despite ministers and health officials making A&E waiting times a top priority. The latest official NHS performance figures show that in May, hospital-based A&E units in England treated just 84.6% of patients within their four-hour target time, despite a requirement to treat 95% within that time.
That was down on both the previous month (85.7%) and May last year (85.4%). Medical leaders warned that the figures showed that the NHS could be in for an even tougher winter later this year than it experienced in 2016-17. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS is taking longer to treat patients attending accident and emergency departments despite ministers and health officials making A&E waiting times a top priority. The latest official NHS performance figures show that in May, hospital-based A&E units in England treated just 84.6% of patients within their four-hour target time, despite a requirement to treat 95% within that time.
That was down on both the previous month (85.7%) and May last year (85.4%). Medical leaders warned that the figures showed that the NHS could be in for an even tougher winter later this year than it experienced in 2016-17. Continue reading... The Guardian
Workers spend their entire retirement in poor health
Workers spend their entire retirement in poor health Public Health England says boys born between 2013 and 2015 have an average 'healthy life expectancy' of just 63.4 - and will then spend another 16.1 years in poor health. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 13 July 2017
World's smallest pacemaker fitted at Northampton hospital in first for UK
World's smallest pacemaker fitted at Northampton hospital in first for UK Northampton General Hospital has become the first of its kind in the UK to fit the world’s smallest pacemaker. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Patient transport services turns up six hours later to take elderly Northampton patient home from hospital appointment
Patient transport services turns up six hours later to take elderly Northampton patient home from hospital appointment A 69-year-old man was left waiting in hospital for six hours before Northamptonshire’s new transport service turned up to take him home. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
State of the nation’s health revealed in landmark report from PHE
State of the nation’s health revealed in landmark report from PHE The ‘Health Profile for England’ report is the first time PHE has used its wealth of population health data to give an overall picture of the health of England.
People are living longer than ever – life expectancy in England has now reached 79.5 years for males and 83.1 years for females. However, much of the extra time is spent in poor health.
A major theme of the ‘Health Profile for England’ report is health inequalities; we are simultaneously publishing a focused report examining health inequalities between different population groups. In the richest areas, people enjoy nearly 20 more years in good health than people in the poorest areas.
The ‘Health Profile for England’ report covers life expectancy, major causes of death, morbidity trends, European comparisons, inequality in health, social determinants of health and current health protection issues. Public Health England
People are living longer than ever – life expectancy in England has now reached 79.5 years for males and 83.1 years for females. However, much of the extra time is spent in poor health.
A major theme of the ‘Health Profile for England’ report is health inequalities; we are simultaneously publishing a focused report examining health inequalities between different population groups. In the richest areas, people enjoy nearly 20 more years in good health than people in the poorest areas.
The ‘Health Profile for England’ report covers life expectancy, major causes of death, morbidity trends, European comparisons, inequality in health, social determinants of health and current health protection issues. Public Health England
Research and analysis: Child sexual exploitation: prevention and intervention
Research and analysis: Child sexual exploitation: prevention and intervention This report summarises the emerging evidence from the UK on the issue of child sexual exploitation. It provides practice examples to support local public health leaders to establish a public health framework for prevention and intervention.
The literature search is a summary of the latest international research about effective interventions to prevent child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation.
The primary audiences for these document are directors of public health and local public health teams. Other interested audiences may include NHS services, local councillors, head teachers and college principals, local children and young people’s services and commissioners, and voluntary and community organisations. Public Health England
The literature search is a summary of the latest international research about effective interventions to prevent child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation.
The primary audiences for these document are directors of public health and local public health teams. Other interested audiences may include NHS services, local councillors, head teachers and college principals, local children and young people’s services and commissioners, and voluntary and community organisations. Public Health England
Apprenticeships in the NHS - Staff Council guidance
Apprenticeships in the NHS - Staff Council guidance The NHS Staff Council has issued jointly agreed guidance on apprenticeships in the NHS. NHS Employers
Fewer ambulance 999 calls to be classed as 'life-threatening'
Fewer ambulance 999 calls to be classed as 'life-threatening' Fewer 999 ambulance calls will be classed as life-threatening and needing a super-fast response, as part of the biggest shake-up in the service in 40 years.
The move by the NHS in England - and agreed by ministers - will result in about 8% of call-outs being classed as needing the quickest response.
Currently half of call-outs are, but many could wait longer.
NHS bosses said the changes would save lives.
They said the plans would result in the sickest patients getting urgent treatment more quickly.
The changes have been backed by medical experts after being carefully piloted over the past 18 months.
For example, in one of the pilot sites, cardiac arrest patients received a response 30 seconds quicker than they did previously. If this was repeated across the country, it could save 250 lives. BBC News
See also:
The move by the NHS in England - and agreed by ministers - will result in about 8% of call-outs being classed as needing the quickest response.
Currently half of call-outs are, but many could wait longer.
NHS bosses said the changes would save lives.
They said the plans would result in the sickest patients getting urgent treatment more quickly.
The changes have been backed by medical experts after being carefully piloted over the past 18 months.
For example, in one of the pilot sites, cardiac arrest patients received a response 30 seconds quicker than they did previously. If this was repeated across the country, it could save 250 lives. BBC News
See also:
Driving students away from nursing is a spectacular act of political self-harm
Driving students away from nursing is a spectacular act of political self-harm With 40,000 nursing vacancies unfilled, the news that training applications are down by 23% is disastrous for the NHS.
The deadline for applications has passed and the final figures are out: after rising for years, the number applying for university places has fallen this year. There are 4% fewer from England and 5% fewer from the EU, with a 2% rise from elsewhere. Continue reading... The Guardian
The deadline for applications has passed and the final figures are out: after rising for years, the number applying for university places has fallen this year. There are 4% fewer from England and 5% fewer from the EU, with a 2% rise from elsewhere. Continue reading... The Guardian
Hospitals to receive £21m to increase cybersecurity at major trauma centres
Hospitals to receive £21m to increase cybersecurity at major trauma centres Jeremy Hunt pledges funding for 27 hospitals across England after the WannaCry ransomware attack disabled NHS IT systems
Hospitals responsible for treating patients from major incidents including terrorist attacks will receive £21m to beef up their cybersecurity in the wake of the WannaCry assault on NHS IT systems.
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, has pledged the extra money to try to stop future malware attacks disrupting operations and appointments in key medical centres. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Hospitals responsible for treating patients from major incidents including terrorist attacks will receive £21m to beef up their cybersecurity in the wake of the WannaCry assault on NHS IT systems.
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, has pledged the extra money to try to stop future malware attacks disrupting operations and appointments in key medical centres. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Government responds on cyber security and data Department of Health
- Consultation outcome: New health data security standards and consent/opt-out model Department of Health
- Cyber-security and safe data sharing both imperative for NHS patient care, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Hospitals will fail unless they improve cyber security The Daily Mail
- Cyber threats could cost lives unless NHS improves security The Daily Telegraph
Suicides by young people peak in exam season, report finds
Suicides by young people peak in exam season, report finds Research backs fears of campaigners calling for reversal of cuts in counselling services at schools and universities
Suicides among children and young adults peak at the beginning of exam season, it has emerged, adding to fears that pressure to get good results is harming their mental health.
Exams are sometimes the final straw that lead to someone under 25 taking their own life, according to a major inquiry. While experts pointed out that the causes of suicide are always complex, they said academic problems could play a significant role. Continue reading... The Guardian
Suicides among children and young adults peak at the beginning of exam season, it has emerged, adding to fears that pressure to get good results is harming their mental health.
Exams are sometimes the final straw that lead to someone under 25 taking their own life, according to a major inquiry. While experts pointed out that the causes of suicide are always complex, they said academic problems could play a significant role. Continue reading... The Guardian
Weybridge hospital fire: Homes evacuated as flames engulf Surrey medical centre
Weybridge hospital fire: Homes evacuated as flames engulf Surrey medical centre Scores of people were evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night after a fire ripped through a hospital.
Witnesses reported hearing a "loud bang" at Weybridge Community Hospital, in Surrey, before the building was engulfed in flames.
Residents near the three-storey medical centre, which houses a walk-in centre that is only open during the daytime, were given refuge inside St James' Parish Church after being told to leave their homes for safety reasons. The Daily Telegraph
Witnesses reported hearing a "loud bang" at Weybridge Community Hospital, in Surrey, before the building was engulfed in flames.
Residents near the three-storey medical centre, which houses a walk-in centre that is only open during the daytime, were given refuge inside St James' Parish Church after being told to leave their homes for safety reasons. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 12 July 2017
Abusive caller who phoned Northamptonshire's ambulance service 999 line 1,868 times, jailed for six months
Abusive caller who phoned Northamptonshire's ambulance service 999 line 1,868 times, jailed for six months Northamptonshire's ambulance service has seen an abusive caller, who rang 999 1,868 times and cost the NHS £30,936, handed a six month prison sentence. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Big cuts planned to public health budgets
Big cuts planned to public health budgets Central government cuts have forced councils to reduce planned spending on vital public health services such as sexual health clinics and reducing harm from smoking, alcohol and drugs by £85 million, according to new analysis by The King’s Fund.
The analysis, based on Department of Communities and Local Government data, shows that councils in England are planning to spend £3.4 billion on public health services in 2017/18. But on a like-for-like basis (to exclude the impact of changes to how budgets are calculated over different years) councils will spend only £2.52 billion on public health services in 2017/18 compared to £2.60 billion the previous year. Once inflation is factored in, we estimate that, on a like-for-like basis, planned public health spending is more than 5 per cent less in 2017/18 than it was in 2013/14. The King's Fund
See also:
The analysis, based on Department of Communities and Local Government data, shows that councils in England are planning to spend £3.4 billion on public health services in 2017/18. But on a like-for-like basis (to exclude the impact of changes to how budgets are calculated over different years) councils will spend only £2.52 billion on public health services in 2017/18 compared to £2.60 billion the previous year. Once inflation is factored in, we estimate that, on a like-for-like basis, planned public health spending is more than 5 per cent less in 2017/18 than it was in 2013/14. The King's Fund
See also:
- Chickens coming home to roost: local government public health budgets for 2017/18 The King's Fund
- 'Reckless' cuts to sexual health services fuel soaring STD levels The Daily Telegraph
Councillors' perceptions of Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships
Councillors' perceptions of Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships This survey of local councillors finds that less than a quarter of respondents are confident that STPs will succeed and that the majority feel that they have not been involved with shaping, commenting on or approving of the plans. The report argues that STPs should be more democratically accountable through local health and wellbeing boards, which should also be given a legal duty to sign off the plans. Local Government Association
The C word: how we react to cancer today
The C word: how we react to cancer today This report argues that with cancer diagnoses becoming more common than marriage in the UK, there is a greater need for the public to be better informed about the reality of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The report explores people's experiences when receiving a cancer diagnosis and how best to support patients following diagnosis. Macmillan
Theresa May urged to appoint learning disability commissioner
Theresa May urged to appoint learning disability commissioner The "shocking" case of a man with learning disabilities and terminal cancer has led to a call for the prime minister to appoint a commissioner for learning disabled people's rights.
Ian Shaw, 34, spent nine years in secure hospitals before being moved into community care last year.
The cancer was found and his parents say the units should have spotted it.
Sir Stephen Bubb, author of two reports on secure units, has told Theresa May Ian's case highlights ongoing failures.
Sir Stephen told the BBC that Ian's story was "all too typical".
"It has led me to believe that institutional care is at root abusive and we must close these institutions." BBC News
Ian Shaw, 34, spent nine years in secure hospitals before being moved into community care last year.
The cancer was found and his parents say the units should have spotted it.
Sir Stephen Bubb, author of two reports on secure units, has told Theresa May Ian's case highlights ongoing failures.
Sir Stephen told the BBC that Ian's story was "all too typical".
"It has led me to believe that institutional care is at root abusive and we must close these institutions." BBC News
Contaminated blood scandal inquiry announced
Contaminated blood scandal inquiry announced A UK-wide inquiry will be held into the contaminated blood scandal that left at least 2,400 people dead, the prime minister has confirmed.
A spokesman for Theresa May said it would establish the causes of the "appalling injustice" that took place in the 1970s and 1980s.
Thousands of NHS patients were given blood products from abroad that were infected with hepatitis C and HIV.
It's been called the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. BBC News
See also:
A spokesman for Theresa May said it would establish the causes of the "appalling injustice" that took place in the 1970s and 1980s.
Thousands of NHS patients were given blood products from abroad that were infected with hepatitis C and HIV.
It's been called the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. BBC News
See also:
- Prime Minister announces inquiry into contaminated blood scandal that left 2,400 dead The Daily Telegraph
- Contaminated blood scandal: Theresa May orders inquiry The Guardian
- What is the contaminated blood scandal? The Guardian
- Blood contamination has killed 2,400. Why was this disaster ignored for so long? The Guardian
- Contaminated blood survivor: 'I think they just expected us to die' The Guardian
Measles 'tragedy' kills 35 across Europe
Measles 'tragedy' kills 35 across Europe Thirty-five people have died in the past year from measles outbreaks across Europe, the World Health Organization has warned.
It described the deaths - which can be prevented with vaccination - as an "unacceptable tragedy".
A six-year-old boy in Italy was the latest to die from the infection. More than 3,300 measles cases have been recorded in the country.
The most fatalities - 31 - have been in Romania.
But there have also been deaths in Germany and Portugal since June 2016. BBC News
It described the deaths - which can be prevented with vaccination - as an "unacceptable tragedy".
A six-year-old boy in Italy was the latest to die from the infection. More than 3,300 measles cases have been recorded in the country.
The most fatalities - 31 - have been in Romania.
But there have also been deaths in Germany and Portugal since June 2016. BBC News
ITV News reveals scale of NHS vacancies that threatens closed wards and cancelled operations
ITV News reveals scale of NHS vacancies that threatens closed wards and cancelled operations An ITV News investigation has revealed the scale of vacancies in NHS hospitals stretching across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Some hospitals reported more than 1,000 vacancies with the biggest gaps, at every trust, in nursing.
Others admitted crucial roles have remained unfilled for years, despite repeated advertising.
ITV News asked every acute trust in the country to disclose how many staff posts were vacant.
In total 92 trusts responded to our Freedom of Information request.
Some hospitals reported more than 1,000 vacancies with the biggest gaps, at every trust, in nursing.
Others admitted crucial roles have remained unfilled for years, despite repeated advertising.
ITV News asked every acute trust in the country to disclose how many staff posts were vacant.
In total 92 trusts responded to our Freedom of Information request.
Cleaners at London hospitals stage seven-day strike over pay
Cleaners at London hospitals stage seven-day strike over pay More than 700 cleaners, security guards, catering staff and porters walk out after Serco refuses 30p a an hour pay rise
Domestic staff in London hospitals have begun a week-long strike in a dispute with private contractor Serco over low pay and job cuts, with organisers saying it is the biggest cleaners’ strike in the UK’s history.
Hospitals that are part of Barts Health NHS trust were expected to face serious consequences as more than 700 cleaners, security guards, catering staff and porters employed by Serco walked out on Tuesday. The action came after a ballot resulted in 99% of workers voting to strike. Continue reading... The Guardian
Domestic staff in London hospitals have begun a week-long strike in a dispute with private contractor Serco over low pay and job cuts, with organisers saying it is the biggest cleaners’ strike in the UK’s history.
Hospitals that are part of Barts Health NHS trust were expected to face serious consequences as more than 700 cleaners, security guards, catering staff and porters employed by Serco walked out on Tuesday. The action came after a ballot resulted in 99% of workers voting to strike. Continue reading... The Guardian
Margaret Willcox: ‘Relations with the NHS are tense. But we will rise above it
Margaret Willcox: ‘Relations with the NHS are tense. But we will rise above it’ We must pursue integration with the health service despite our differences, says the president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services
As president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass), Margaret Willcox finds herself in an unusual position. In the mounting friction between health and social care, she’s a leading figure on one side of the fence who also spent half her career on the other side – starting out as a nurse. Continue reading... The Guardian
As president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass), Margaret Willcox finds herself in an unusual position. In the mounting friction between health and social care, she’s a leading figure on one side of the fence who also spent half her career on the other side – starting out as a nurse. Continue reading... The Guardian
Delaying emergency surgeries increases deaths
Delaying emergency surgeries increases deaths A report on a Canadian hospital showed the high figure of risk for serious injuries or life-threatening conditions. Hospitals in England cancelled 4,093 urgent procedures during 2016. The Daily Mail
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