I'm reinventing mental health care by putting patients in charge My experiences as a mental health service user helped me to set up and run a suicide crisis centre
A feeling of powerlessness dominated my experience of mental health services. And this feeling was at its worst when I was sectioned. Sectioning replicated aspects of the traumatic experience that initially caused my suicidal crisis. I felt trapped, captive and utterly out of control. I couldn’t escape. .
The limited control I had over my interactions with mental health professionals also had a negative impact on me. In the psychiatrist-patient relationship, the power lies with the psychiatrist. And in the community, mental health teams decided how often I would be seen, what kind of care I would receive and when the care would end. Each of these things made me feel vulnerable. Continue reading... The Guardian
Tuesday, 26 September 2017
Hospital bosses forced to chant 'we can do this' over A&E targets
Hospital bosses forced to chant 'we can do this' over A&E targets Trust leaders say they were left feeling ‘bullied and humiliated’ by the incident at a meeting to improve performance
Hospital bosses were forced to chant “we can do this” by a senior NHS official in an effort to improve their accident and emergency performance in advance of what doctors have warned will be a tough winter for the NHS.
Hospital trust chief executives say they were left feeling “bullied, patronised and humiliated” by the incident last week at a meeting attended by Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, and Simon Stevens, the head of the NHS in England. Continue reading... The Guardian
Hospital bosses were forced to chant “we can do this” by a senior NHS official in an effort to improve their accident and emergency performance in advance of what doctors have warned will be a tough winter for the NHS.
Hospital trust chief executives say they were left feeling “bullied, patronised and humiliated” by the incident last week at a meeting attended by Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, and Simon Stevens, the head of the NHS in England. Continue reading... The Guardian
Monday, 25 September 2017
Mental ill-health among children of the new century
Mental ill-health among children of the new century New research shows a quarter of girls (24%) and one in 10 boys (9%) are depressed at age 14.
Researchers from the UCL Institute of Education and the University of Liverpool analysed information on more than 10,000 children born in 2000-01 who are taking part in the Millennium Cohort Study.
At ages 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14, parents reported on their children’s mental health. Then, when they reached 14, the children were themselves asked questions about their depressive symptoms. National Children's Bureau
Researchers from the UCL Institute of Education and the University of Liverpool analysed information on more than 10,000 children born in 2000-01 who are taking part in the Millennium Cohort Study.
At ages 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14, parents reported on their children’s mental health. Then, when they reached 14, the children were themselves asked questions about their depressive symptoms. National Children's Bureau
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Developing support and services for children and young people with a learning disability, autism or both
Developing support and services for children and young people with a learning disability, autism or both This document provides guidance for Transforming Care Partnerships (and their local CCG or local authority partners) in commissioning support and services for children and young people with learning disability, autism or both. NHS England
Prevention in action
Prevention in action This report argues that local authorities in England must do more in their areas to provide services that prevent, reduce or delay the need for care and support. The report analyses the impact of the Care Act on the provision of preventative services and finds that the act's vision for prevention is not being fully realised. The report provides a national picture of local developments and highlights areas of good practice alongside areas for improvement. British Red Cross
Making the economic case for investing in actions to prevent and/or tackle loneliness: a systematic review: a briefing paper
Making the economic case for investing in actions to prevent and/or tackle loneliness: a systematic review: a briefing paper This research, carried out by the London School of Economics, reviews the evidence on the economic impact of loneliness interventions. It finds that up to £3 of health care costs can be saved for every £1 spent on an effective intervention on loneliness. Campaign to End Loneliness
Person-centred care in 2017: evidence from service users
Person-centred care in 2017: evidence from service users This report attempts to create a snapshot of the extent of person-centred care in the English health and care system, based on how people report their experience of treatment, care and support. This data was found through surveys of patients and service users. It concludes that NHS services do not give people adequate control of their own health and care, and there is no reporting of whether people’s care is coordinated across health and social care. National Voices
Intensive Outpatient Care Program: A Care Model for the Medically Complex Piloted by Employers
Intensive Outpatient Care Program: A Care Model for the Medically Complex Piloted by Employers The Pacific Business Group on Health’s Intensive Outpatient Care Program (IOCP) is a multidisciplinary team-based model that addresses patients’ medical, behavioral, and social needs, with care coordinators at the heart of the program. IOCP has reduced costs among commercially insured, medically complex patients by up to 20 percent, and external analysis of a two-year IOCP study showed improvements in patient activation, mental health, and physical functioning. The Commonwealth Fund
Abortion should not be a crime, says doctors' body
Abortion should not be a crime, says doctors' body Abortions should be treated as a medical issue and not a crime, the UK's leading pregnancy doctors say.
Currently in England, Wales and Scotland it is illegal to have a termination without approval from two doctors and could mean a prison term.
Abortions should be regulated in line with other procedures without criminal sanctions, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said. BBC News
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Currently in England, Wales and Scotland it is illegal to have a termination without approval from two doctors and could mean a prison term.
Abortions should be regulated in line with other procedures without criminal sanctions, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said. BBC News
See also:
- RCOG backs decriminalisation of abortion Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Pregnancy doctors back abortion on demand with no criminal sanctions The Daily Telegraph
Alarm as 'super malaria' spreads in South East Asia
Alarm as 'super malaria' spreads in South East Asia The rapid spread of "super malaria" in South East Asia is an alarming global threat, scientists are warning.
This dangerous form of the malaria parasite cannot be killed with the main anti-malaria drugs.
It emerged in Cambodia but has since spread through parts of Thailand, Laos and has arrived in southern Vietnam.
The team at the Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit in Bangkok said there was a real danger of malaria becoming untreatable.
Prof Arjen Dondorp, the head of the unit, told the BBC News website: "We think it is a serious threat.
"It is alarming that this strain is spreading so quickly through the whole region and we fear it can spread further [and eventually] jump to Africa."
This dangerous form of the malaria parasite cannot be killed with the main anti-malaria drugs.
It emerged in Cambodia but has since spread through parts of Thailand, Laos and has arrived in southern Vietnam.
The team at the Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit in Bangkok said there was a real danger of malaria becoming untreatable.
Prof Arjen Dondorp, the head of the unit, told the BBC News website: "We think it is a serious threat.
"It is alarming that this strain is spreading so quickly through the whole region and we fear it can spread further [and eventually] jump to Africa."
Exposed: ‘secretive’ NHS cost-cutting plans include children’s care
Exposed: ‘secretive’ NHS cost-cutting plans include children’s care Documents reveal £5m cuts in South Gloucestershire will include cancer diagnostics and treatment for children with complex needs
Cancer diagnostics and treatment for children with complex needs are among services earmarked for cost-cutting plans considered by the NHS to plug a funding gap, according to documents seen by campaigners.
The plans, by South Gloucestershire clinical commissioning group and released under a freedom of information request, show that waiting targets for non-urgent operations are also due to be relaxed under the “capped expenditure process” (CEP) as the health service seeks to balance its books in the current financial year. Continue reading... The Guardian
Cancer diagnostics and treatment for children with complex needs are among services earmarked for cost-cutting plans considered by the NHS to plug a funding gap, according to documents seen by campaigners.
The plans, by South Gloucestershire clinical commissioning group and released under a freedom of information request, show that waiting targets for non-urgent operations are also due to be relaxed under the “capped expenditure process” (CEP) as the health service seeks to balance its books in the current financial year. Continue reading... The Guardian
Nurses who failed English test aimed at curbing immigration set for a reprieve
Nurses who failed English test aimed at curbing immigration set for a reprieve Hurdle that included correct use of tenses and essay structure led to dramatic fall in skilled staff registering
Language rules introduced to curb immigration are set to be relaxed after they prevented native English-speaking nurses from working in the NHS.
The NHS has a shortage of 40,000 nurses and recruiters and NHS employers have been lobbying for looser language requirements so that thousands of nurses from countries such as Australia, India and the Philippines can work in Britain. Continue reading... The Guardian
Language rules introduced to curb immigration are set to be relaxed after they prevented native English-speaking nurses from working in the NHS.
The NHS has a shortage of 40,000 nurses and recruiters and NHS employers have been lobbying for looser language requirements so that thousands of nurses from countries such as Australia, India and the Philippines can work in Britain. Continue reading... The Guardian
Pressures on the NHS are holding back progress on mental health
Pressures on the NHS are holding back progress on mental health Major advances in mental health care cannot be sustained without fixing problems in primary care and hospitals
Are mental health services getting better or worse? The government repeatedly claims it is pumping money into rapid improvements, while a number of stories in recent days reinforces the impression that services are unravelling in the face of unparalleled demand.
The Education Policy Institute has revealed that more than a quarter of children referred to specialist mental health services in 2016-17 – tens of thousands – were turned away (pdf). Continue reading... The Guardian
Are mental health services getting better or worse? The government repeatedly claims it is pumping money into rapid improvements, while a number of stories in recent days reinforces the impression that services are unravelling in the face of unparalleled demand.
The Education Policy Institute has revealed that more than a quarter of children referred to specialist mental health services in 2016-17 – tens of thousands – were turned away (pdf). Continue reading... The Guardian
A&E trolley waits soar in five years
A&E trolley waits soar in five years The number of patients languishing on trolleys before being admitted to A&E has soared in the last five years, new data reveals.
Doctors’ leaders have branded as “unacceptable” new figures showing 1,597 people had to endure waits of 12 hours or more in the first three months of this year, a 10,546 per cent increase since 2012.
They warned the situation is likely to deteriorate even further this winter, with the NHS braced for what is predicted to be the worst flu season in history. The Daily Telegraph
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Doctors’ leaders have branded as “unacceptable” new figures showing 1,597 people had to endure waits of 12 hours or more in the first three months of this year, a 10,546 per cent increase since 2012.
They warned the situation is likely to deteriorate even further this winter, with the NHS braced for what is predicted to be the worst flu season in history. The Daily Telegraph
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Patients screened by receptionists under NHS scheme
Patients screened by receptionists under NHS scheme Patients trying to see a GP are being screened by receptionists in a controversial scheme designed to cut the number of appointments.
Under an NHS drive to free up doctors' time, clerical staff are being trained as 'care navigators'.
They are being sent on a half-day course and taught how to direct patients to other health professionals, including nurses, pharmacists or physiotherapists.
The scheme was devised to reduce 'avoidable' appointments and is gradually being adopted by surgeries across England.
GPs say up to a quarter of consultations are unnecessary and taken up by patients who could look after themselves at home or see another health professional. The Daily Mail
Under an NHS drive to free up doctors' time, clerical staff are being trained as 'care navigators'.
They are being sent on a half-day course and taught how to direct patients to other health professionals, including nurses, pharmacists or physiotherapists.
The scheme was devised to reduce 'avoidable' appointments and is gradually being adopted by surgeries across England.
GPs say up to a quarter of consultations are unnecessary and taken up by patients who could look after themselves at home or see another health professional. The Daily Mail
Friday, 22 September 2017
Reassurances over Danetre Hospital as Daventry MP shares letter from NGH chief operating officer
Reassurances over Danetre Hospital as Daventry MP shares letter from NGH chief operating officer Danetre Hospital is not closing, Northampton General Hospital’s chief operating officer has said, after members of the public and Daventry’s MP wrote to her for clarification on the situation.
Deborah Needham, who is also the deputy chief executive at NGH, wrote a letter to Chris Heaton-Harris, which he has published on his website.
Although some services have been moved to Northampton, forcing patients to travel to the town for certain procedures, Danetre Hospital continues to operate. Daventry Express
Deborah Needham, who is also the deputy chief executive at NGH, wrote a letter to Chris Heaton-Harris, which he has published on his website.
Although some services have been moved to Northampton, forcing patients to travel to the town for certain procedures, Danetre Hospital continues to operate. Daventry Express
Neonatal care improving, but key measures show variation in care
Neonatal care improving, but key measures show variation in care The latest National Neonatal Audit Programme report (NNAP), published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), shows improvements in care for preterm babies in England, Scotland and Wales, but also reveals variations in service delivery which means many babies are still not getting the care they need.
Commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) as part of the National Clinical Audit and patient Outcomes Programme (NCAPOP), the NNAP report assesses whether babies requiring specialist neonatal care receive consistent high quality treatment. It is an annual audit which this year assessed the care given to nearly 100,000 babies, with 98% of neonatal units responding.
Commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) as part of the National Clinical Audit and patient Outcomes Programme (NCAPOP), the NNAP report assesses whether babies requiring specialist neonatal care receive consistent high quality treatment. It is an annual audit which this year assessed the care given to nearly 100,000 babies, with 98% of neonatal units responding.
See also:
- Sick premature babies face a care 'postcode lottery' The Daily Mail
Public sector pay: still time for restraint?
Public sector pay: still time for restraint? The government is considering easing the current restraint on the pay of public sector workers. It had previously announced in 2015 that public sector pay scales would only increase by an average of one per cent per year up to and including 2019–20. This briefing note describes the trade-offs faced by the government when deciding how to set public sector pay. Institute for Fiscal Studies
Mental health staff on long-term stress leave up 22%
Mental health staff on long-term stress leave up 22% The number of NHS mental health staff who have had to take sick leave because of their own mental health issues has risen by 22% in the past five years.
Those taking long-term leave of a month or more rose from 7,580 in 2012-13 to 9,285 in 2016-17, BBC freedom of information requests found.
The union Unite said cuts to staff and services were putting extra pressure on front-line mental health workers.
The Department of Health said it was transforming mental health care.
Out of 81 mental health authorities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, 58 provided the BBC with comparable information. BBC News
Those taking long-term leave of a month or more rose from 7,580 in 2012-13 to 9,285 in 2016-17, BBC freedom of information requests found.
The union Unite said cuts to staff and services were putting extra pressure on front-line mental health workers.
The Department of Health said it was transforming mental health care.
Out of 81 mental health authorities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, 58 provided the BBC with comparable information. BBC News
Epilepsy drug warnings 'not reaching women', survey shows
Epilepsy drug warnings 'not reaching women', survey shows Almost 70% of women surveyed about a powerful epilepsy drug have not received new safety warnings about the dangers of taking it during pregnancy, the BBC has been told exclusively.
Sodium valproate, known as Epilim, carries a 10% risk of physical abnormalities in unborn babies.
About 20,000 children have been harmed by valproate medicines in the UK since the 1970s.
The medicines regulator said the drug had been kept under constant review.
Babies exposed to the drug in the womb have a 40% risk of developing autism, low IQ and learning disabilities. BBC News
Sodium valproate, known as Epilim, carries a 10% risk of physical abnormalities in unborn babies.
About 20,000 children have been harmed by valproate medicines in the UK since the 1970s.
The medicines regulator said the drug had been kept under constant review.
Babies exposed to the drug in the womb have a 40% risk of developing autism, low IQ and learning disabilities. BBC News
Almost 10,000 EU health workers have quit the NHS since Brexit vote
Almost 10,000 EU health workers have quit the NHS since Brexit vote Staff losses will intensify recruitment problems at health service, which now has 40,000 vacant nursing posts
Around 10,000 EU nationals have quit the NHS since the Brexit referendum, it has emerged.
NHS Digital, the health service agency that collects data on the NHS, found that in the 12 months to June, 9,832 EU doctors, nurses and support staff had left, with more believed to have followed in the past three months. Continue reading... The Guardian
Around 10,000 EU nationals have quit the NHS since the Brexit referendum, it has emerged.
NHS Digital, the health service agency that collects data on the NHS, found that in the 12 months to June, 9,832 EU doctors, nurses and support staff had left, with more believed to have followed in the past three months. Continue reading... The Guardian
Revealed: top 10 NHS trusts for unnecessary deaths
Revealed: top 10 NHS trusts for unnecessary deaths Patients are dying at a higher than expected rate at ten NHShospital trusts, raising “alarms” about their safety, new figures reveal.
Campaigners have condemned as “very troubling” official mortality data suggesting significant numbers of unnecessary deaths at seven per cent of all English trusts.
Five of these institutions, including two named in a national report into serious hospital failures, have shown an unexpectedly high number of deaths for the second year running in the 12 months up to March 2017. The Daily Telegraph
Campaigners have condemned as “very troubling” official mortality data suggesting significant numbers of unnecessary deaths at seven per cent of all English trusts.
Five of these institutions, including two named in a national report into serious hospital failures, have shown an unexpectedly high number of deaths for the second year running in the 12 months up to March 2017. The Daily Telegraph
NHS emergency services spend thousands on fat mannequins
NHS emergency services spend thousands on fat mannequins Emergency services are forking out thousands on special 25-stone mannequins – so crews can practice rescuing plus-size patients without injuring themselves.
The super-size bariatric mannequins – known as 'Bariquins' – are being used by fire and ambulance staff because of the increasing number of obese casualties they treat.
Treating overweight patients injured 1,000 members of NHS employees between 2011 and 2015 and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds in payouts.
The creators of the plus-sized dummies now hope they will help reduce injury to workers and reduce the burden on the tax-payer. The Daily Mail
The super-size bariatric mannequins – known as 'Bariquins' – are being used by fire and ambulance staff because of the increasing number of obese casualties they treat.
Treating overweight patients injured 1,000 members of NHS employees between 2011 and 2015 and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds in payouts.
The creators of the plus-sized dummies now hope they will help reduce injury to workers and reduce the burden on the tax-payer. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 21 September 2017
Agreement reached to keep Corby’s Urgent Care Centre open
Agreement reached to keep Corby’s Urgent Care Centre open An agreement to extend the contract to run Corby’s Urgent Care Centre has been reached.
Corby CCG and the site’s operators, Lakeside+, had been in a stalemate after a disagreement over funding levels to run the service in March this year.
Lakeside’s contract was due to end at the end of September with no bidders coming forward to take over, meaning the site faced potential closure.
But on Wednesday an agreement to extend the contract has been reached. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Corby CCG and the site’s operators, Lakeside+, had been in a stalemate after a disagreement over funding levels to run the service in March this year.
Lakeside’s contract was due to end at the end of September with no bidders coming forward to take over, meaning the site faced potential closure.
But on Wednesday an agreement to extend the contract has been reached. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The world is running out of antibiotics, WHO report confirms
The world is running out of antibiotics, WHO report confirms A report, Antibacterial agents in clinical development – an analysis of the antibacterial clinical development pipeline, including tuberculosis, launched today by WHO shows a serious lack of new antibiotics under development to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Most of the drugs currently in the clinical pipeline are modifications of existing classes of antibiotics and are only short-term solutions. The report found very few potential treatment options for those antibiotic-resistant infections identified by WHO as posing the greatest threat to health, including drug-resistant tuberculosis which kills around 250 000 people each year. World Health Organization
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Most of the drugs currently in the clinical pipeline are modifications of existing classes of antibiotics and are only short-term solutions. The report found very few potential treatment options for those antibiotic-resistant infections identified by WHO as posing the greatest threat to health, including drug-resistant tuberculosis which kills around 250 000 people each year. World Health Organization
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Staffing crisis in NHS laid bare, as new BMA analysis shows that three quarters of medical specialities face shortage of doctors
Staffing crisis in NHS laid bare, as new BMA analysis shows that three quarters of medical specialities face shortage of doctors The British Medical Association (BMA) is today warning that patient care is at risk due to a chronic shortage of doctors across most areas of medicine.
Figures obtained by the BMA show that training places across three in four medical specialties in England went unfilled last year, with many specialties experiencing recruitment shortfalls year on year.
The figures, obtained through FoI requests, show that at each stage of the training process, from applications to medical school, to training as a specialist, fewer people are choosing to enter medicine or remain in the NHS as doctors.
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Figures obtained by the BMA show that training places across three in four medical specialties in England went unfilled last year, with many specialties experiencing recruitment shortfalls year on year.
The figures, obtained through FoI requests, show that at each stage of the training process, from applications to medical school, to training as a specialist, fewer people are choosing to enter medicine or remain in the NHS as doctors.
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Neglected Minds: A report on mental health support for younger people leaving care.
Neglected Minds: A report on mental health support for younger people leaving care This report highlights that two thirds of care leavers identified as having mental health needs were not receiving any help from a statutory service. It also found that one in four had faced a mental health crisis since leaving care. Barnardo's wants clinical commissioning groups to invest more in services specifically aimed at meeting the needs of young people leaving care, such as embedding a mental health worker within leaving care teams.
Access and waiting times in children and young people's mental health services
Access and waiting times in children and young people's mental health services This report examines new data on access to specialist treatment for children and young people with mental health problems, and the waiting times they face. It finds that children with mental health problems face barriers when seeking access to mental health services. It also finds that, over the last year, overall waiting times (including both assessment and treatment) have fallen – yet there remains substantial variation across England. This data was obtained by EPI through a Freedom of Information request. Education Policy Institute
Quit smoking campaign Stoptober backs e-cigs for first time
Quit smoking campaign Stoptober backs e-cigs for first time The annual Stoptober campaign in England is embracing e-cigarettes for the first time - in a sign vaping is being seen as the key to getting people to quit.
Health experts have tended to shy away from explicitly promoting e-cigarettes.
But the government campaign during October will feature vaping in its TV adverts for the first time.
It comes after e-cigarettes proved the most popular tool for quitting during last year's campaign.
Some 53% of people used them, helping push the numbers of people taking part in Stoptober since its launch in 2012 to over 1.5 million. BBC News
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Health experts have tended to shy away from explicitly promoting e-cigarettes.
But the government campaign during October will feature vaping in its TV adverts for the first time.
It comes after e-cigarettes proved the most popular tool for quitting during last year's campaign.
Some 53% of people used them, helping push the numbers of people taking part in Stoptober since its launch in 2012 to over 1.5 million. BBC News
See also:
- Models of delivery for stop smoking services: options and evidence Public Health England
- Smoking cessation interventions and services (draft guideline in consultation) NICE
- Health officials at odds over the safety of e-cigarettes, as TV ads launched The Daily Telegraph
Court ruling not needed to withdraw care, judge says
Court ruling not needed to withdraw care, judge says Legal permission will no longer be required to end care for patients in a permanent vegetative state, a judge has ruled.
Until now, even if medics and relatives agree to withdraw nutrition from a patient, a judge must also consent.
But a landmark decision by Mr Justice Jackson means those cases will no longer have to come to court.
The official solicitor, appointed by the state to act for such patients, is likely to appeal against the ruling. BBC News
Until now, even if medics and relatives agree to withdraw nutrition from a patient, a judge must also consent.
But a landmark decision by Mr Justice Jackson means those cases will no longer have to come to court.
The official solicitor, appointed by the state to act for such patients, is likely to appeal against the ruling. BBC News
MMR vaccine first-dose target met in England
MMR vaccine first-dose target met in England The percentage of children getting their first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) by their fifth birthday has reached 95% for the first time, NHS data shows.
This meets a World Health Organization target. Coverage has been increasing in England for the past 10 years.
The NHS says children should have two doses of the vaccine before starting school.
But only 87.6% had received both doses by their fifth birthday. BBC News
This meets a World Health Organization target. Coverage has been increasing in England for the past 10 years.
The NHS says children should have two doses of the vaccine before starting school.
But only 87.6% had received both doses by their fifth birthday. BBC News
The Government Has Failed On Mental Health For The Fourth Year In A Row
The Government Has Failed On Mental Health For The Fourth Year In A Row Where’s the money to make a reality of the Prime Minister’s oft-stated, but yet to be delivered, claim of parity for mental health?
New figures I have gathered through Freedom of Information requests to Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across England reveal that, for the fourth year in a row, the government has failed to deliver on its promise to increase the money reaching the mental health frontline. In fact, for the second year in a row, over half of CCGs across England report that they plan to reduce the proportion of their budget they spend on mental health. It is wonderful that after years of embarrassed silence, more and more people are able to talk about mental health. Huffington Post UK
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New figures I have gathered through Freedom of Information requests to Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across England reveal that, for the fourth year in a row, the government has failed to deliver on its promise to increase the money reaching the mental health frontline. In fact, for the second year in a row, over half of CCGs across England report that they plan to reduce the proportion of their budget they spend on mental health. It is wonderful that after years of embarrassed silence, more and more people are able to talk about mental health. Huffington Post UK
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One in seven GP practices in England failing on safety
One in seven GP practices in England failing on safety London has highest rate of practices needing to improve, but ‘super surgeries’ fare better, says Care Quality Commission
About 7 million people are being treated at GP surgeries in England that have severe safety problems, according to the first performance review of its kind by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
One in seven GP practices are failing on safety, even after CQC inspectors have told them to improve, the report found, with smaller practices more likely to be rated “inadequate” or “requiring improvement”. Continue reading... The Guardian
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About 7 million people are being treated at GP surgeries in England that have severe safety problems, according to the first performance review of its kind by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
One in seven GP practices are failing on safety, even after CQC inspectors have told them to improve, the report found, with smaller practices more likely to be rated “inadequate” or “requiring improvement”. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Findings from our programme of comprehensive inspections of GP practices Care Quality Commission
- GPs and teams should be congratulated as a result of CQC report Royal College of General Practitioners
- Nine in 10 GPs rated good or outstanding BBC News
- One in three GP surgeries found to be failing patients on safety The Daily Telegraph
- GPs maintaining high quality despite rising pressure, finds CQC analysis GPonline
App set to transform the lives of dementia patients
App set to transform the lives of dementia patients A 'revolutionary' smartphone app could transform the lives of dementia patients at just the click of a button by telling them how to change their homes.
Iridis gives sufferers feedback within 20 minutes on how to slash their risk of injuries and confusion in the comfort of their own home.
Hailed as 'exciting', it highlights possible dangers, such as wall colour clashing with that of grab rails in the bathroom or the need of better lighting.
Simple suggestions such as changing the colour of the toilet bowl to help patients find the loo easier are also offered - reducing the risk of an accident.
Recommendations to extend their curtain rods to allow more light into rooms and reducing reflective glares can also be made to boost their quality of life. The Daily Mail
Iridis gives sufferers feedback within 20 minutes on how to slash their risk of injuries and confusion in the comfort of their own home.
Hailed as 'exciting', it highlights possible dangers, such as wall colour clashing with that of grab rails in the bathroom or the need of better lighting.
Simple suggestions such as changing the colour of the toilet bowl to help patients find the loo easier are also offered - reducing the risk of an accident.
Recommendations to extend their curtain rods to allow more light into rooms and reducing reflective glares can also be made to boost their quality of life. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 20 September 2017
Streamlining the organisation of the NHS without a top-down reorganisation
Streamlining the organisation of the NHS without a top-down reorganisation Two facts about today’s NHS are incontrovertible. The first is that providers in England are in the fifth year of running an aggregate deficit with financial balance or surplus an unlikely prospect. The second is that the organisation of the NHS is complex and fragmented and consumes a substantial amount of management time and cost. The King's Fund
The future of the mental health workforce
The future of the mental health workforce This report calls for reform of mental health services in order to develop a workforce that is able to meet people's needs in the future. The report describes commissioning of mental health services as in crisis with a diminishing workforce, growing expectations and increasing demand putting pressure on staff across the country. It recommends that all GPs should have significant and wide-ranging mental health training, and that mental health professionals should be given the time and training to consult with GPs and other public service staff to help them to respond to more people’s mental health needs. Centre for Mental Health
Quarter of 14-year-old girls 'have signs of depression'
Quarter of 14-year-old girls 'have signs of depression' A quarter of girls and nearly one in 10 boys show signs of depression at the age of 14, say UK researchers.
The findings come from more than 10,000 young people who shared their worries and emotions.
Surveys with their parents, however, suggested many were not attuned to the true anxieties of their teenage sons and daughters.
Parents often underestimated daughters' stress and had concerns about sons that the boys themselves did not voice.
Lead investigator Dr Praveetha Patalay, from Liverpool University, said teenagers, and particularly girls, were facing more mental health difficulties than previous generations. BBC News
The findings come from more than 10,000 young people who shared their worries and emotions.
Surveys with their parents, however, suggested many were not attuned to the true anxieties of their teenage sons and daughters.
Parents often underestimated daughters' stress and had concerns about sons that the boys themselves did not voice.
Lead investigator Dr Praveetha Patalay, from Liverpool University, said teenagers, and particularly girls, were facing more mental health difficulties than previous generations. BBC News
Life-extending lung cancer drug approved
Life-extending lung cancer drug approved A life-extending lung cancer drug will be made immediately available to NHS patients in England, say advisers.
Campaigners, including the late Sunday Times restaurant critic AA Gill, have repeatedly called for access to the pioneering immunotherapy, which can add months to life.
Scotland already offers nivolumab to people with advanced disease who have also tried chemotherapy.
England's drugs watchdog had originally said nivolumab was too expensive. BBC News
Campaigners, including the late Sunday Times restaurant critic AA Gill, have repeatedly called for access to the pioneering immunotherapy, which can add months to life.
Scotland already offers nivolumab to people with advanced disease who have also tried chemotherapy.
England's drugs watchdog had originally said nivolumab was too expensive. BBC News
Patients' illnesses could soon be diagnosed by AI, NHS leaders say
Patients' illnesses could soon be diagnosed by AI, NHS leaders say Doctors could be replaced by computers in analysing X-rays and samples of diseased tissue amid plans for further investment
Computers could start diagnosing patients’ illnesses within the next few years as artificial intelligence increasingly ousts doctors from their traditional roles, NHS leaders believe.
Machines may soon be able to read X-rays and analyse samples of diseased tissue, such as lumps that can indicate the presence of breast cancer, the NHS’s top doctor said. Continue reading... The Guardian
Computers could start diagnosing patients’ illnesses within the next few years as artificial intelligence increasingly ousts doctors from their traditional roles, NHS leaders believe.
Machines may soon be able to read X-rays and analyse samples of diseased tissue, such as lumps that can indicate the presence of breast cancer, the NHS’s top doctor said. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS boss puts service on high alert in case of heavy winter flu burden
NHS boss puts service on high alert in case of heavy winter flu burden Simon Stevens says major winter outbreaks in Australia and New Zealand suggests NHS could struggle to cope with cases
Britain could face a significant increase in flu cases this winter, which would make it hard for hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes to cope, the chief executive of NHS England said on Tuesday.
Simon Stevens said Australia and New Zealand had just experienced a heavy burden of winter flu cases, raising concerns that Britain may experience the same in the next few months. Continue reading... The Guardian
Britain could face a significant increase in flu cases this winter, which would make it hard for hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes to cope, the chief executive of NHS England said on Tuesday.
Simon Stevens said Australia and New Zealand had just experienced a heavy burden of winter flu cases, raising concerns that Britain may experience the same in the next few months. Continue reading... The Guardian
Adult social care is in crisis mode. We need a clear long-term plan
Adult social care is in crisis mode. We need a clear long-term plan Every family is affected by the challenges of our ageing society. The government must act now to build health and care provision fit for all
This party conference season, all political parties will use their platforms to set out a post-election vision. Adult social care was one of the big general election issues, and the government has indicated that an adult social care green paper is likely next year. The next few months are critical for capturing the views of the public, the health and care sectors and charities working to support older people.
At Future Care Capital, we have launched a new policy report about the challenges facing our ageing society and the implications for every generation. Addressing three key themes – intergenerational fairness and the economics of ageing, health and care futures, and planning ahead – we invited leaders from the public, private and third sectors to contribute. They considered how policies and spending decisions that impact health and care outcomes could better reflect the challenges and opportunities we can expect in the next five, 10 and 15 years. Continue reading... The Guardian
This party conference season, all political parties will use their platforms to set out a post-election vision. Adult social care was one of the big general election issues, and the government has indicated that an adult social care green paper is likely next year. The next few months are critical for capturing the views of the public, the health and care sectors and charities working to support older people.
At Future Care Capital, we have launched a new policy report about the challenges facing our ageing society and the implications for every generation. Addressing three key themes – intergenerational fairness and the economics of ageing, health and care futures, and planning ahead – we invited leaders from the public, private and third sectors to contribute. They considered how policies and spending decisions that impact health and care outcomes could better reflect the challenges and opportunities we can expect in the next five, 10 and 15 years. Continue reading... The Guardian
Record NHS negligence payouts, fuelled by maternity blunders
Record NHS negligence payouts, fuelled by maternity blunders The NHS is facing record negligence bills for brain-damaged babies because midwives fail to carry out the right checks in two in three such cases, a major report shows.
The review of compensation claims shows the costs of catastrophic birth injury have almost doubled in the last five years, reaching almost £2bn.
The study by NHS litigation authorities examined 50 cases which between in depth.
It found that in 64 per cent of cases, devastating harm - leaving children in need of life-long, round-the-clock care - followed failures to monitor babies’ hearts, or to interpret the results of checks. The Daily Telegraph
The review of compensation claims shows the costs of catastrophic birth injury have almost doubled in the last five years, reaching almost £2bn.
The study by NHS litigation authorities examined 50 cases which between in depth.
It found that in 64 per cent of cases, devastating harm - leaving children in need of life-long, round-the-clock care - followed failures to monitor babies’ hearts, or to interpret the results of checks. The Daily Telegraph
Mass NHS data sharing plan will not allow 'simple opt out' despite ministers' pledges
Mass NHS data sharing plan will not allow 'simple opt out' despite ministers' pledges A controversial NHS data-sharing plan will not allow patients a “simple opt-out” despite ministers’ pledges, leaked documents suggest.
Last year the Government axed proposals for a national care.data scheme after it was critcised by privacy campaigners for failing to give the public a clear route to opt.
The plans had become mired in scandal after it was found that existing NHS data was already being sold to the insurance industry.
Last year ministers said the scheme would be scrapped. They promised that new plans would allow every patient a “single and simple” way to opt out if they did not want their medical information shared beyond their "direct care".
This had been recommended by a review, led by the NHS national data guardian. The Daily Telegraph
Last year the Government axed proposals for a national care.data scheme after it was critcised by privacy campaigners for failing to give the public a clear route to opt.
The plans had become mired in scandal after it was found that existing NHS data was already being sold to the insurance industry.
Last year ministers said the scheme would be scrapped. They promised that new plans would allow every patient a “single and simple” way to opt out if they did not want their medical information shared beyond their "direct care".
This had been recommended by a review, led by the NHS national data guardian. The Daily Telegraph
Obese patients and smokers are refused NHS operations
Obese patients and smokers are refused NHS operations Patients who are obese or smoke are being refused NHS operations and sent on a six month boot camp.
They will be referred onto a six month ‘health optimisation programme’ and taught to improve their behaviours before having surgery.
The scheme will be rolled out next month in the East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, a health trust in East Yorkshire serving 313,400 patients.
Managers are trying to save £11.5 million this year and claim patients will get more benefit from operations if they are in better health.
Patients awaiting surgery for cancer, the frail elderly or anyone with severe mental health problems will all be exempt from the policy.
But it will apply to all other non-urgent operations including hip and knee replacements or hernia procedures. The Daily Mail
They will be referred onto a six month ‘health optimisation programme’ and taught to improve their behaviours before having surgery.
The scheme will be rolled out next month in the East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, a health trust in East Yorkshire serving 313,400 patients.
Managers are trying to save £11.5 million this year and claim patients will get more benefit from operations if they are in better health.
Patients awaiting surgery for cancer, the frail elderly or anyone with severe mental health problems will all be exempt from the policy.
But it will apply to all other non-urgent operations including hip and knee replacements or hernia procedures. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 19 September 2017
The future of NHS commissioning: no map or clear destination
The future of NHS commissioning: no map or clear destination After more than 20 years of repeated reorganisations (culminating in one so big you can see it from outer space), policy-makers have finally navigated the purchaser–provider divide to focus their attention on the structure of health care providers. When the NHS five year forward view (Forward View) was published in 2014 (with its focus on developing new, locally designed integrated models for providing health and care) the broad thrust of English health policy shifted from commissioners and competition to providers and collaboration.
Although any pause in the cycle of top-down reorganisation is welcome, there is now a clear (and perhaps conscious?) gap in the policy landscape. How will clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) be affected as new integrated provider models such as accountable care organisations (ACOs) emerge and sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs) and accountable care systems (ACSs) (that involve both commissioners and providers) are layered on top of an already complex NHS landscape? The King's Fund
Although any pause in the cycle of top-down reorganisation is welcome, there is now a clear (and perhaps conscious?) gap in the policy landscape. How will clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) be affected as new integrated provider models such as accountable care organisations (ACOs) emerge and sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs) and accountable care systems (ACSs) (that involve both commissioners and providers) are layered on top of an already complex NHS landscape? The King's Fund
A map for better care: making effective care pathways for people with interstitial lung disease
A map for better care: making effective care pathways for people with interstitial lung disease A new report finds that many people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) still aren’t getting the diagnosis, support or care they need.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is currently an incurable lung condition with no known cause. The average life expectancy in the UK after diagnosis is 3 years.
Yet access to services, treatment and support for patients with IPF is fragmented. This urgently needs to change. We need to make health systems work for everyone living with IPF.
Patients can’t afford to waste the precious time they have left going from service to service for help. They need speedy, seamless access to the care they need, when they need it. British Lung Foundaton
See also:
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is currently an incurable lung condition with no known cause. The average life expectancy in the UK after diagnosis is 3 years.
Yet access to services, treatment and support for patients with IPF is fragmented. This urgently needs to change. We need to make health systems work for everyone living with IPF.
Patients can’t afford to waste the precious time they have left going from service to service for help. They need speedy, seamless access to the care they need, when they need it. British Lung Foundaton
See also:
- NHS urged to end 'inhuman' treatment of IPF sufferers The Daily Mail
- Lung disease patients failed by system OnMedica
Getting flu jab is best way to protect everyone, says Public Health England
Getting flu jab is best way to protect everyone, says Public Health England Public Health England has stressed the importance of being vaccinated against flu, as NHS leaders are warned to brace themselves for a ‘pressurised’ flu season this winter. NHS Employers
See also:
See also:
- Weekly national flu reports Public Health England
Southern Health NHS Trust admits guilt over Connor Sparrowhawk's death
Southern Health NHS Trust admits guilt over Connor Sparrowhawk's death An NHS trust has admitted guilt over the death of a teenaged patient who drowned in the bath while in its care.
Southern Health Trust pleaded guilty at Banbury Magistrates' Court earlier to breaching health and safety law in the case of Connor Sparrowhawk, 18, who died at Slade House in Oxford in 2013.
His death led to the discovery the trust only properly investigated 272 unexplained deaths of 722 in its care.
Sentencing is due to take place on 12 October at Oxford Crown Court.
The trust was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following its investigation into the death of a patient under its care. BBC News
Southern Health Trust pleaded guilty at Banbury Magistrates' Court earlier to breaching health and safety law in the case of Connor Sparrowhawk, 18, who died at Slade House in Oxford in 2013.
His death led to the discovery the trust only properly investigated 272 unexplained deaths of 722 in its care.
Sentencing is due to take place on 12 October at Oxford Crown Court.
The trust was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following its investigation into the death of a patient under its care. BBC News
Record numbers of joint replacements carried out
Record numbers of joint replacements carried out A record number of joint replacement procedures have been carried out, new figures show.
In its report, published today, the orthopaedic joint replacement register for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man highlights a record number of procedures were carried out in the financial year 2016/17, with just fewer than 243,000 cases submitted to the National Joint Registry (NJR). This sees a significant increase of more than 20,000 joint replacement operations recorded in the registry on the previous period.
Today's National Joint Registry 14th Annual Report presents outcome data in relation to hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle replacements. OnMedica
In its report, published today, the orthopaedic joint replacement register for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man highlights a record number of procedures were carried out in the financial year 2016/17, with just fewer than 243,000 cases submitted to the National Joint Registry (NJR). This sees a significant increase of more than 20,000 joint replacement operations recorded in the registry on the previous period.
Today's National Joint Registry 14th Annual Report presents outcome data in relation to hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle replacements. OnMedica
NHS spends £80m on private ambulances a year, data shows
NHS spends £80m on private ambulances a year, data shows Staff shortages and rising demand have forced NHS trusts to hire non-NHS ambulances, leading to fears of lower care standards
The NHS is spending almost £80m a year hiring private ambulances to answer 999 calls and take patients to hospital for appointments, new figures show.
Widespread shortages of paramedics and rising demand forced England’s 10 NHS ambulance trusts to spend £78.4m in 2016-17 on help from non-NHS providers to supplement their own services. That was down on the £79.7m trusts spent in 2015-16, but 22% more than their £64.2m outlay in 2014-15, according to data obtained by the Press Association under freedom of information laws. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS is spending almost £80m a year hiring private ambulances to answer 999 calls and take patients to hospital for appointments, new figures show.
Widespread shortages of paramedics and rising demand forced England’s 10 NHS ambulance trusts to spend £78.4m in 2016-17 on help from non-NHS providers to supplement their own services. That was down on the £79.7m trusts spent in 2015-16, but 22% more than their £64.2m outlay in 2014-15, according to data obtained by the Press Association under freedom of information laws. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS should see care homes as partners, not problems
The NHS should see care homes as partners, not problems Care homes provide the majority of long-term healthcare to older people but provision is uneven. Our study shows how services can work together better
Care homes provide the majority of long-term healthcare to older people. They rely on primary care for access to medical support and referral to specialist services, yet studies consistently show that healthcare provision for care home residents across England is unpredictable and uneven.
For the NHS, care homes are a conundrum; they provide care that used to be supplied by the health service, but are often perceived as a poor alternative that generates avoidable demand on hospitals. Continue reading... The Guardian
Care homes provide the majority of long-term healthcare to older people. They rely on primary care for access to medical support and referral to specialist services, yet studies consistently show that healthcare provision for care home residents across England is unpredictable and uneven.
For the NHS, care homes are a conundrum; they provide care that used to be supplied by the health service, but are often perceived as a poor alternative that generates avoidable demand on hospitals. Continue reading... The Guardian
Sepsis: the truth about this hidden killer
Sepsis: the truth about this hidden killer Sepsis is responsible for more deaths in the UK than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined. So why is so little known about it?
At the end of May, the World Health Organization adopted a new resolution mandating all of its member states to have national action plans in place to tackle sepsis, a disease being called the “deadliest killer you’ve never heard of”. Even conservative estimates place the annual death toll at 6 million worldwide, a health burden equivalent to that of tobacco. In the UK alone, sepsis is responsible for 44,000 deaths every year, more than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined. Despite this, a recent survey found that 44% of people in the UK have never heard of sepsis and have little idea that it is a life-threatening emergency.
So, what exactly is sepsis and why does it continue to slip through the net of our collective consciousness? The new international definition of sepsis describes it as a condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes organ dysfunction. “There’s a range of ways in which this can happen,” says Prof Anthony Gordon, chair in anaesthesia and critical care at Imperial College London, and an National Institute for Health Research professor investigating sepsis. “The body’s immune response can be simply overwhelmed by the infection, or there’s a dysfunctional response producing too much inflammation. The body may already be immunosuppressed due to a trauma or fighting an initial infection, so the immune response is too weak.” Continue reading... The Guardian
At the end of May, the World Health Organization adopted a new resolution mandating all of its member states to have national action plans in place to tackle sepsis, a disease being called the “deadliest killer you’ve never heard of”. Even conservative estimates place the annual death toll at 6 million worldwide, a health burden equivalent to that of tobacco. In the UK alone, sepsis is responsible for 44,000 deaths every year, more than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined. Despite this, a recent survey found that 44% of people in the UK have never heard of sepsis and have little idea that it is a life-threatening emergency.
So, what exactly is sepsis and why does it continue to slip through the net of our collective consciousness? The new international definition of sepsis describes it as a condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes organ dysfunction. “There’s a range of ways in which this can happen,” says Prof Anthony Gordon, chair in anaesthesia and critical care at Imperial College London, and an National Institute for Health Research professor investigating sepsis. “The body’s immune response can be simply overwhelmed by the infection, or there’s a dysfunctional response producing too much inflammation. The body may already be immunosuppressed due to a trauma or fighting an initial infection, so the immune response is too weak.” Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS chiefs read the riot act over poor A&E performance
NHS chiefs read the riot act over poor A&E performance NHS hospital chiefs have been hauled in by Jeremy Hunt over poor performance, in a desperate bid to head off an Accident & Emergency crisis.
It follows warnings that the NHS could be facing the worst flu season in its history, and orders to all NHS trusts to empty thousands of beds.
Ministers and health officials fear that one in three hospitals are struggling so badly that safety could be compromised as pressures mount.
Two chief executives have just been forced out, with around 60 more ordered to a mandatory all-day meeting yesterday, where they were warned to make urgent improvements. The Daily Telegraph
It follows warnings that the NHS could be facing the worst flu season in its history, and orders to all NHS trusts to empty thousands of beds.
Ministers and health officials fear that one in three hospitals are struggling so badly that safety could be compromised as pressures mount.
Two chief executives have just been forced out, with around 60 more ordered to a mandatory all-day meeting yesterday, where they were warned to make urgent improvements. The Daily Telegraph
Monday, 18 September 2017
What does the public think about the NHS?
What does the public think about the NHS? This report, based on polling data carried out by Ipsos MORI, explores public attitudes towards the health service. It finds that despite the significant challenges it faces, the NHS still holds strong support amongst the majority of the general public with 66 per cent of respondents stating that they would be willing to pay more taxes in order to fund the NHS. The King's Fund
See also:
See also:
Getting into shape: delivering a workforce for integrated care
Getting into shape: delivering a workforce for integrated care The Government is rightly committed to a radical reshaping of NHS delivery, based on a shift to new care models and treatment in the community. Its management of the NHS workforce, however, has not delivered with nearly three times more doctors, and four times more nurses in the acute sector than in the community. Since 2009, the number of consultants has risen by nearly a third, whilst the number of GPs has fallen. Freedom of Information requests made for this report found that, across 61 acute trusts, only 6 per cent of consultants work in the community for at least one session per week.
As the Government and the NHS leadership have repeatedly said, the priority for the NHS is to increase its speed of innovation. To do this, the NHS is rightly seeking to devolve decision-making and to deregulate. For the workforce, however, policy remains highly centralised and tightly regulated. This paper shows how to bring the same reform ideas to the workforce as the NHS is applying to other areas. Reform
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As the Government and the NHS leadership have repeatedly said, the priority for the NHS is to increase its speed of innovation. To do this, the NHS is rightly seeking to devolve decision-making and to deregulate. For the workforce, however, policy remains highly centralised and tightly regulated. This paper shows how to bring the same reform ideas to the workforce as the NHS is applying to other areas. Reform
See also:
- Local NHS bosses should take control of staffing The Guardian
Guidance: Health matters: preventing drug misuse deaths
Guidance: Health matters: preventing drug misuse deaths This updated professional resource outlines how providers and commissioners can prevent deaths from drug abuse. Public Health England
Have you got the wrong impression about schizophrenia?
Have you got the wrong impression about schizophrenia? Schizophrenia does not mean you have a split personality or automatically become violent, a mental health charity has warned.
Rethink Mental Illness said a survey of 1,500 people showed that the condition is widely misunderstood.
Schizophrenia commonly causes hallucinations, such as hearing voices, or delusions and can make people lose interest in life.
But it should not be "a dirty word or a term of abuse", the charity said.
The organisation warned such myths are dangerous.
One in 100 people has schizophrenia, but 45% of those surveyed thought the illness was much more common. BBC News
See also:
Rethink Mental Illness said a survey of 1,500 people showed that the condition is widely misunderstood.
Schizophrenia commonly causes hallucinations, such as hearing voices, or delusions and can make people lose interest in life.
But it should not be "a dirty word or a term of abuse", the charity said.
The organisation warned such myths are dangerous.
One in 100 people has schizophrenia, but 45% of those surveyed thought the illness was much more common. BBC News
See also:
- Rethink Schizophrenia: Challenging attitudes and changing lives Rethink Mental Illness
'Golden goodbyes' for NHS managers now costing £39 million as redundancies soar
'Golden goodbyes' for NHS managers now costing £39 million as redundancies soar Spending on so-called “golden goodbyes” and voluntary redundancy deals has shot up to £39 million a year at the Department of Health (DoH) - an eightfold increase on the previous year - official figures reveal.
A written parliamentary answer shows that more than 500 staff who left the DoH in 2016-17 because of restructuring and cost-cutting programmes received exit packages. In 2015-16, only nine people who were laid off from the department were given such settlements.
The figure of £39 million covers the whole of the department and its agencies and compares with a spend of £5 million for the previous year. The Independent
A written parliamentary answer shows that more than 500 staff who left the DoH in 2016-17 because of restructuring and cost-cutting programmes received exit packages. In 2015-16, only nine people who were laid off from the department were given such settlements.
The figure of £39 million covers the whole of the department and its agencies and compares with a spend of £5 million for the previous year. The Independent
Unions call for 3.9% pay rise plus £800 for a million NHS staff
Unions call for 3.9% pay rise plus £800 for a million NHS staff Demand is based on inflation and seven years’ back pay, after lifting of prison and police officers’ pay cap
Unions have ramped up the pressure on Theresa May over public sector pay by demanding a 3.9% rise for 1 million NHS staff plus an extra £800 to make up for lost earning power during austerity.
Health service personnel from nurses and midwives to paramedics and therapists across the UK are urging Philip Hammond to ensure they receive a salary boost that would add an extra £3bn to the NHS pay bill. Continue reading... The Guardian
Unions have ramped up the pressure on Theresa May over public sector pay by demanding a 3.9% rise for 1 million NHS staff plus an extra £800 to make up for lost earning power during austerity.
Health service personnel from nurses and midwives to paramedics and therapists across the UK are urging Philip Hammond to ensure they receive a salary boost that would add an extra £3bn to the NHS pay bill. Continue reading... The Guardian
‘I was the first baby delivered by the NHS. It has saved my life eight times’
‘I was the first baby delivered by the NHS. It has saved my life eight times’ Aneira Thomas was named by her mother after the architect of the health service
It was coming up to midnight on Sunday 4 July 1948 and my mother, who had been in labour for 18 hours, was just about ready to give birth to me. She wanted to start pushing. But the doctors and midwives looked up at the clock on the wall and said, “Stop. Hold on, Edna, hold on.” They knew they were moments away from the start of the National Health Service and wanted me to be the first baby born into this new service. So my mother took a deep breath and held on. That’s how I was born at one minute past midnight on Monday 5 July 1948 – the first NHS baby.
That was in a cottage hospital in a little corner of west Wales called Glanamman. It was the staff there who told my mother, “You must call her Aneira,” the female form of Aneurin, after Aneurin Bevan, the architect of the NHS. They knew it was significant that Bevan’s dream of a health service that was free for everyone to use had come to fruition that day.
I never knew any of my grandparents because they died between the ages of 30 and 50. My mother lived until she was 95 Continue reading... The Guardian
It was coming up to midnight on Sunday 4 July 1948 and my mother, who had been in labour for 18 hours, was just about ready to give birth to me. She wanted to start pushing. But the doctors and midwives looked up at the clock on the wall and said, “Stop. Hold on, Edna, hold on.” They knew they were moments away from the start of the National Health Service and wanted me to be the first baby born into this new service. So my mother took a deep breath and held on. That’s how I was born at one minute past midnight on Monday 5 July 1948 – the first NHS baby.
That was in a cottage hospital in a little corner of west Wales called Glanamman. It was the staff there who told my mother, “You must call her Aneira,” the female form of Aneurin, after Aneurin Bevan, the architect of the NHS. They knew it was significant that Bevan’s dream of a health service that was free for everyone to use had come to fruition that day.
I never knew any of my grandparents because they died between the ages of 30 and 50. My mother lived until she was 95 Continue reading... The Guardian
‘Cut-price’ medics lured to the NHS from the US with promises of long holidays touring Europe
‘Cut-price’ medics lured to the NHS from the US with promises of long holidays touring Europe ‘Cut-price’ medics are being lured to the UK from the United States with promises of long holidays touring Europe, in a bid to plug widespread staffing shortages.
The NHS is attempting to train or recruit up to 3,200 “physician associates” who can carry out minor operations and carry out ward rounds, after just two years' training.
Medical leaders have issued new guidance in order to expand the programme, amid shortages of medics.
The new role is not supposed to substitute for a doctor, though the associates can carry out some of the tasks they normally do. The Daily Telegraph
The NHS is attempting to train or recruit up to 3,200 “physician associates” who can carry out minor operations and carry out ward rounds, after just two years' training.
Medical leaders have issued new guidance in order to expand the programme, amid shortages of medics.
The new role is not supposed to substitute for a doctor, though the associates can carry out some of the tasks they normally do. The Daily Telegraph
Two junior doctors left to care for 436 patients amid dangerous staff shortages, NHS report warns
Two junior doctors left to care for 436 patients amid dangerous staff shortages, NHS report warns Just two junior doctors have been left to look after 436 patients amid a staffing crisis in the NHS, a report warns.
Medics said patients had been left at risk during a “very unsafe shift” at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
A safety report given to the trust’s board says one of the two doctors was pulled away from a day shift in breast surgery because otherwise there would have been just one medic left to cover the night shift.
Doctors said they were left angry that patients were let down, while one said they were left feeling ill with no breaks, and just “a couple of biscuits from the patient trolley” during a whole weekend. The Daily Telegraph
Medics said patients had been left at risk during a “very unsafe shift” at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
A safety report given to the trust’s board says one of the two doctors was pulled away from a day shift in breast surgery because otherwise there would have been just one medic left to cover the night shift.
Doctors said they were left angry that patients were let down, while one said they were left feeling ill with no breaks, and just “a couple of biscuits from the patient trolley” during a whole weekend. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 15 September 2017
NICE diabetes guidance backs GP referral to lifestyle programmes
NICE diabetes guidance backs GP referral to lifestyle programmes NICE has updated its 2012 guidance on preventing type 2 diabetes to put greater importance on lifestyle-change programmes to promote healthier diets and exercise in high-risk patients. GP Online
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Childhood vaccines may go into one jab
Childhood vaccines may go into one jab A technology that could eventually see every childhood vaccine delivered in a single injection has been developed by US researchers.
Their one-shot solution stores the vaccine in microscopic capsules that release the initial dose and then boosters at specific times.
The approach has been shown to work in mouse studies, described in the journal Science. BBC News - Health
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Their one-shot solution stores the vaccine in microscopic capsules that release the initial dose and then boosters at specific times.
The approach has been shown to work in mouse studies, described in the journal Science. BBC News - Health
See also:
- 'Super injection' delivers several doses of drug at once The Daily Mail
Number of written complaints about NHS increases 4.9 per cent
Number of written complaints about NHS increases 4.9 per cent There were 208,400 written complaints received by the NHS during 2016/172 - up 4.9 per cent on the previous year, NHS Digital figures released today show. The figures mean on average 571 written complaints were made every day.
The report, entitled Data on Written Complaints in the NHS, 2016/17, shows numbers of complaints about both primary and secondary care. NHS Digital
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The report, entitled Data on Written Complaints in the NHS, 2016/17, shows numbers of complaints about both primary and secondary care. NHS Digital
See also:
NHS efficiency map
NHS efficiency map Healthcare Financial Management Association -This map promotes best practice in identifying, delivering and monitoring cost improvement programmes in the NHS. It contains links to a range of tools and guidance to help NHS bodies improve their efficiency. The map is split into three sections: enablers for efficiency, provider efficiency and system efficiency. It highlights the successes some NHS providers have had in delivering specific efficiency schemes and provides sign-posts to existing tools and reference materials. It also includes updated definitions for different types of efficiency. King's Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
Specialised Commissioning: Service development policy and methods
Specialised Commissioning: Service development policy and methods The service development policy which sets out NHS England’s approach for making decisions about which new treatments and interventions to routinely commission, and the approach used for updating existing service specifications, or creating new ones. NHS England
Corby Avon supports baby unit with employee-voted donation
Corby Avon supports baby unit with employee-voted donation Staff based at Corby’s Avon Cosmetics have voted to donate their £5,000 community award to a cause close to their hearts. The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Kettering General Hospital was nominated by Avon employees at its Corby site through their Associates Choice scheme. SCBU is a neonatal intensive care unit which looks after the welfare of newborn babies, mainly those born premature or who require some form of special high dependency or intensive care nursing. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Policy paper: Health Service Safety Investigations Bill
Policy paper: Health Service Safety Investigations Bill The draft bill proposes setting up the Health Service Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB).
The HSSIB will conduct investigations which focus on learning from patient safety incidents in the NHS, to reduce health care harm and improve patient care.
The draft bill allows the HSSIB to conduct investigations using ‘safe space’. ‘Safe space’ is a set of legal powers that prevent the HSSIB from disclosing the information it gathers in the course of an investigation. Gov.UK
The HSSIB will conduct investigations which focus on learning from patient safety incidents in the NHS, to reduce health care harm and improve patient care.
The draft bill allows the HSSIB to conduct investigations using ‘safe space’. ‘Safe space’ is a set of legal powers that prevent the HSSIB from disclosing the information it gathers in the course of an investigation. Gov.UK
Northampton General Hospital reveals new £7,500 patient dementia garden
Northampton General Hospital reveals new £7,500 patient dementia garden A garden at Northampton General Hospital has undergone a makeover as part of an ongoing Do It For Dementia campaign to make the environment as dementia-friendly as possible. Formerly a grassy bank, the therapy garden now has raised flower beds, which means that patients can touch and smell the plants without having to bend if they have mobility limitations. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Thursday, 14 September 2017
KGH staff go mad for cancer equipment appeal
KGH staff go mad for cancer equipment appeal The cancer care unit at Kettering General Hospital is raising money for a £21,392 state-of-the-art machine which will help staff place central venous access devices required for the delivery of some chemotherapies. The Centenary Wing’s 25 staff have launched a “12 Months of Madness Appeal” to raise the money for a new PICC machine. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS pay data reveal sharp fall in 2015/16 GP income
NHS pay data reveal sharp fall in 2015/16 GP income GP income fell 1.2% on average across the UK in 2015/16 compared with the previous financial year, official data reveal. GP Online
Device that helps obese diabetics lose weight 'should be rolled out across NHS' - The Guardian
Device that helps obese diabetics lose weight 'should be rolled out across NHS' A device that helps obese people with type 2 diabetes shed more than two stone on average should be rolled out across the NHS, experts say.
The Endobarrier is a reversible treatment that provides people with an alternative to drastic gastric bypass surgery.
Patients can be fitted with the thin plastic sleeve via their mouth in less than an hour while under anaesthetic. The Guardian
The Endobarrier is a reversible treatment that provides people with an alternative to drastic gastric bypass surgery.
Patients can be fitted with the thin plastic sleeve via their mouth in less than an hour while under anaesthetic. The Guardian
Making sense of social prescribing
Making sense of social prescribing Social Prescribing Network - This guide, commissioned by NHS England, provides an introduction to social prescribing and outlines different models of social prescribing. It also highlights the key factors for successful social prescribing schemes. Kings Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
Advanced stem cell therapy to help send cancer patients home sooner comes to Northampton
Advanced stem cell therapy to help send cancer patients home sooner comes to Northampton A specialist stem cell transplant therapy used in the last stages of treating cancer has arrived at Northampton General Hospital.
Patients can now be treated closer to home when before they would have to travel to Leicester to get the advanced form of chemotherapy. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Patients can now be treated closer to home when before they would have to travel to Leicester to get the advanced form of chemotherapy. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Wednesday, 13 September 2017
Pharmacists and care staff will be trained to spot sepsis
Pharmacists and care staff will be trained to spot sepsis Pharmacists and care home staff will be trained to spot sepsis under updated guidelines from Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
They will be taught to look for symptoms of rapid breathing, a fast heart rate, raised temperature or a rash.
The Health Secretary wants to massively boost the awareness of sepsis, which kills 37,000 in England a year.
He is also publishing guidelines on the internet for parents telling them how to recognise the warning signs in children. The Daily Mail
See also:
They will be taught to look for symptoms of rapid breathing, a fast heart rate, raised temperature or a rash.
The Health Secretary wants to massively boost the awareness of sepsis, which kills 37,000 in England a year.
He is also publishing guidelines on the internet for parents telling them how to recognise the warning signs in children. The Daily Mail
See also:
Leading large scale change: a practical guide
Leading large scale change: a practical guide NHS England - This guide aims to support all those seeking to achieve transformational change in complex health and care environments. The guide has been informed by the learning and lived experience of system leaders who have strived for sustainable transformational change. King's Fund - news
Patients' illnesses could soon be diagnosed by AI, NHS leaders say
Patients' illnesses could soon be diagnosed by AI, NHS leaders say Computers could start diagnosing patients’ illnesses within the next few years as artificial intelligence increasingly ousts doctors from their traditional roles, NHS leaders believe.
Machines may soon be able to read X-rays and analyse samples of diseased tissue, such as lumps that can indicate the presence of breast cancer, the NHS’s top doctor said.
NHS England plans to invest more of its £120bn budget in AI to speed up its application to medicine and the health service, especially the task of analysing “huge swaths” of the information collected from patients about their symptoms. The Guardian
Machines may soon be able to read X-rays and analyse samples of diseased tissue, such as lumps that can indicate the presence of breast cancer, the NHS’s top doctor said.
NHS England plans to invest more of its £120bn budget in AI to speed up its application to medicine and the health service, especially the task of analysing “huge swaths” of the information collected from patients about their symptoms. The Guardian
NHS boss puts service on high alert in case of heavy winter flu burden
NHS boss puts service on high alert in case of heavy winter flu burden Simon Stevens says major winter outbreaks in Australia and New Zealand suggests NHS could struggle to cope with cases
Britain could face a significant increase in flu cases this winter, which would make it hard for hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes to cope, the chief executive of NHS England said on Tuesday.
Simon Stevens said Australia and New Zealand had just experienced a heavy burden of winter flu cases, raising concerns that Britain may experience the same in the next few months. The Guardian
Britain could face a significant increase in flu cases this winter, which would make it hard for hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes to cope, the chief executive of NHS England said on Tuesday.
Simon Stevens said Australia and New Zealand had just experienced a heavy burden of winter flu cases, raising concerns that Britain may experience the same in the next few months. The Guardian
See also:
- NHS told to brace itself for bad flu season BBC News - Health
- NHS bracing for the 'worst flu season in history' The Daily Mail
Improving work health for a healthy economy
Improving work health for a healthy economy A healthy population is the engine of a healthy economy, says Public Health England’s (PHE) Chief Executive.
Speaking at the opening of PHE’s annual conference, Duncan Selbie said we must look further than the NHS if we are to ensure everyone has a fair chance of good health.
PHE believes that health and wealth are 2 sides of the same coin. Having a job is the key to a long, happy and healthy life.
Illness among working age people costs the UK economy £100 billion a year. About 330,000 every year become unemployed because of health-related issues. Public Health England
Speaking at the opening of PHE’s annual conference, Duncan Selbie said we must look further than the NHS if we are to ensure everyone has a fair chance of good health.
PHE believes that health and wealth are 2 sides of the same coin. Having a job is the key to a long, happy and healthy life.
Illness among working age people costs the UK economy £100 billion a year. About 330,000 every year become unemployed because of health-related issues. Public Health England
Northampton charity celebrates supporting 650 new mums with baby 'starter packs'
Northampton charity celebrates supporting 650 new mums with baby 'starter packs'
A Northampton-based charity, who have supported mums-to-be for over four years, is marking their success after giving away 650 Moses baskets to mostly vulnerable parents.
Working alongside agencies, including health visitors, midwives and children's centres, Baby Basics of Grange Park often supports mums who have been affected by domestic violence. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A Northampton-based charity, who have supported mums-to-be for over four years, is marking their success after giving away 650 Moses baskets to mostly vulnerable parents.
Working alongside agencies, including health visitors, midwives and children's centres, Baby Basics of Grange Park often supports mums who have been affected by domestic violence. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Tuesday, 12 September 2017
New care models: harnessing technology
New care models: harnessing technology This report from the NHS Clinical Commissioners explores how digital tools can help to address rising demand, constrained funding and workforce challenges, and it demonstrates how technology has the potential to revolutionise the way health and care is delivered. It focuses on how five vanguards are implementing innovative digital technology solutions at the heart of a new approach to care.
Report
Press release
King's Fund
Report
Press release
King's Fund
Under pressure? NHS maternity services in England
Under pressure? NHS maternity services in England This briefing finds that NHS maternity units are more likely to close towards the end of the week and during holiday periods due to low staffing levels. It reviews the evidence on the long-run pressures faced by maternity units from changes in the number of maternity admissions and the case mix. While the number of maternity cases has remained largely constant since 2010, the case mix continues to change, with women giving birth later in life and with more complex health conditions. There are implications for maternity units if this evolving case mix of mothers requires more care in terms of staffing or other resources. IFS publications King's Fund
Patients to book GP appointments and access records through NHS app
Patients to book GP appointments and access records through NHS app Patients should be able to access GP services from a new integrated app from next year, Jeremy Hunt has announced. Speaking at the NHS Innovation Expo in Manchester the health secretary said every patient in England would be able to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, see their medical records, contact 111 and access long-term conditions support from an app by the end of next year. GP Online
Developing a model of care to improve mental health crisis response - Nursing Times
Developing a model of care to improve mental health crisis response - Nursing Times Collaboration between police and mental health services can improve the care of people with mental health problems who often use emergency services. This initiative won the HRH The Prince of Wales Award for Integrated Approaches to Care in the 2016 Nursing Times Awards.
The partnership began in October 2012 on the Isle of Wight, with a street triage team (a joint response team of police and mental health services). However, the focus soon widened to include phone call management. By 2013, mental health nurses were working in the police control room and speaking to people who were calling in crisis. Nursing Times
The partnership began in October 2012 on the Isle of Wight, with a street triage team (a joint response team of police and mental health services). However, the focus soon widened to include phone call management. By 2013, mental health nurses were working in the police control room and speaking to people who were calling in crisis. Nursing Times
Public sector employers 'preparing to hire at fastest pace since 2015'
Public sector employers 'preparing to hire at fastest pace since 2015' NHS staff shortages and rejection of austerity at election encouraging managers to recruit more workers, says survey.
Public sector employers are preparing to hire at the fastest pace since 2015, as NHS staff shortages and the rejection of austerity at the election encourages managers to recruit more workers, according to a survey.
There are about 5.1 million public sector workers in the UK excluding banks rescued in the financial crisis, of whom 1.6 million work for the NHS and 1.5 million work in education. Guardian
Public sector employers are preparing to hire at the fastest pace since 2015, as NHS staff shortages and the rejection of austerity at the election encourages managers to recruit more workers, according to a survey.
There are about 5.1 million public sector workers in the UK excluding banks rescued in the financial crisis, of whom 1.6 million work for the NHS and 1.5 million work in education. Guardian
NHS plan could see blood pressure checks on supermarket tills
NHS plan could see blood pressure checks on supermarket tills Shoppers could have their blood pressure checked at supermarket tills under radical NHS plans aimed at preventing almost 25,000 heart attacks and strokes.
Firefighters, teachers and office workers will also be trained to carry out tests, in a bid to identify thousands of people are risk of the major killers.
Under the NHS proposals, local planners will be encouraged to find "creative ways" to carry out checks on those in middle age - instead of relying on them to turn up at GPs’. Telegraph
See also:
New approach to preventing heart attacks and strokes Public Health England
Firefighters, teachers and office workers will also be trained to carry out tests, in a bid to identify thousands of people are risk of the major killers.
Under the NHS proposals, local planners will be encouraged to find "creative ways" to carry out checks on those in middle age - instead of relying on them to turn up at GPs’. Telegraph
See also:
New approach to preventing heart attacks and strokes Public Health England
Monday, 11 September 2017
Jeremy Hunt to unveil plans for digital-led NHS treatment by 2018
Jeremy Hunt to unveil plans for digital-led NHS treatment by 2018 Access to medical records, booking GP appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions could all be done via an app by the end of next year
Jeremy Hunt is to pledge that every patient in England should be able to access their medical records and book an appointment with a GP via an app by the end of 2018.
The health secretary will use his speech at an NHS conference on Tuesday to promise the national rollout of an integrated app, which patients will also be able to use for ordering repeat prescriptions and accessing NHS 111 – the non-emergency medical helpline. The Guardian
See also:
Jeremy Hunt is to pledge that every patient in England should be able to access their medical records and book an appointment with a GP via an app by the end of 2018.
The health secretary will use his speech at an NHS conference on Tuesday to promise the national rollout of an integrated app, which patients will also be able to use for ordering repeat prescriptions and accessing NHS 111 – the non-emergency medical helpline. The Guardian
See also:
- Technology can be hugely beneficial - but we must not alienate vulnerable patients Royal College of General Practitioners
'Medical opinions ignored' by NHS payment assessor, workers say
'Medical opinions ignored' by NHS payment assessor, workers say Three health workers said an assessor organisation discounted medical views so some patients were denied NHS care.
Norman Lamb MP said England-wide data obtained by the BBC showed a "regional disparity" and was "an injustice". However the assessor organisation, Arden and Greater East Midlands CSU, says it follows national guidelines to decide on payments. Under national criteria, the NHS pays for long-term support and care if a patient's condition is severe enough.
However, BBC Inside Out East has found a wide difference among clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England in the percentage of patients rejected following assessment for continuing health care (CHC). BBC News
Norman Lamb MP said England-wide data obtained by the BBC showed a "regional disparity" and was "an injustice". However the assessor organisation, Arden and Greater East Midlands CSU, says it follows national guidelines to decide on payments. Under national criteria, the NHS pays for long-term support and care if a patient's condition is severe enough.
However, BBC Inside Out East has found a wide difference among clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England in the percentage of patients rejected following assessment for continuing health care (CHC). BBC News
Psychiatric care is postcode lottery, say medical experts
Psychiatric care is postcode lottery, say medical experts There are not enough NHS psychiatrists in some parts of the UK and more should be recruited to improve care, says the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
In Scotland, there are 10 consultant psychiatrists per 100,000 people - but only eight for the same number in England and Northern Ireland, and just six in Wales. London's tally is more than double that of the east of England. English health ministers said thousands of new posts were already planned.
The government in England recently announced there would be 570 extra consultant psychiatrists by 2020-21. And the Welsh government said it was committed to improving mental health services in Wales. B
But the Royal College of Psychiatrists said there were too few medical students specialising in psychiatry and not enough psychiatrists becoming consultants. BBC News - Health
See also:
In Scotland, there are 10 consultant psychiatrists per 100,000 people - but only eight for the same number in England and Northern Ireland, and just six in Wales. London's tally is more than double that of the east of England. English health ministers said thousands of new posts were already planned.
The government in England recently announced there would be 570 extra consultant psychiatrists by 2020-21. And the Welsh government said it was committed to improving mental health services in Wales. B
But the Royal College of Psychiatrists said there were too few medical students specialising in psychiatry and not enough psychiatrists becoming consultants. BBC News - Health
See also:
NASA meets Hollywood as new technology helps tackle NHS fraility in older people
NASA meets Hollywood as new technology helps tackle NHS fraility in older people The NHS is trialling new wearable sensors, based on technology used by NASA and the CGI film industry, to help identify older patients at risk of falls as part of a new drive to tackle frailty.
The technology will help make one small step a lot easier for the over-65s (although giant leaps may still prove a challenge). NHS England
The technology will help make one small step a lot easier for the over-65s (although giant leaps may still prove a challenge). NHS England
Service specification for integrated urgent care
Service specification for integrated urgent care NHS England has published a national service specification for integrated urgent care services. It outlines the steps that commissioners must take to deliver this important transformation and to move from an ‘assess and refer’ to a new ‘consult and complete’ model of service delivery. NHS Networks
Friday, 8 September 2017
'Unrelenting pressure' on NHS staff spells trouble for cancer care
'Unrelenting pressure' on NHS staff spells trouble for cancer care Bigger workloads, increasingly complex patient needs, and vacancies in key roles are creating ‘unrelenting pressure’ on cancer care workforce, new report warns.
Current workforce pressures are affecting the level of care being delivered to cancer patients, according to a new report From the Frontline by Macmillan Cancer Support.
A survey undertaken by nfpSynergy for Macmillan of over 250 GPs and nurses working in primary care across the UK, found that over half (52%) are not confident the NHS workforce is able to provide adequate care to cancer patients, given the current pressures it faces
Current workforce pressures are affecting the level of care being delivered to cancer patients, according to a new report From the Frontline by Macmillan Cancer Support.
A survey undertaken by nfpSynergy for Macmillan of over 250 GPs and nurses working in primary care across the UK, found that over half (52%) are not confident the NHS workforce is able to provide adequate care to cancer patients, given the current pressures it faces
As winter looms, NHS debate warms up
As winter looms, NHS debate warms up Cooler weather and the first sniff of autumn in the air have been accompanied by the familiar opening salvo of warnings about a difficult winter ahead for the NHS.
The body representing hospitals and other trusts in England, NHS Providers, has said that without an emergency cash bailout the service will face unprecedented pressure.
At the same time the issue of longer waits for routine surgery has jumped up the political agenda.
The government was defeated in the Lords over the failure to meet the 18-week waiting time target in England. BBC News
The body representing hospitals and other trusts in England, NHS Providers, has said that without an emergency cash bailout the service will face unprecedented pressure.
At the same time the issue of longer waits for routine surgery has jumped up the political agenda.
The government was defeated in the Lords over the failure to meet the 18-week waiting time target in England. BBC News
Girl's donated organs help a record eight people
Girl's donated organs help a record eight people A 13-year-old girl who died from a brain aneurysm has helped a record eight different people, including five children, through organ donation.
Jemima Layzell, from Somerset, who died in 2012, donated her heart, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, small bowel and liver.
Jemima's parents said she was clever, compassionate and creative - and would have been "very proud of her legacy".
NHS Blood and Transplant said no other donor had helped as many people. BBC News
Jemima Layzell, from Somerset, who died in 2012, donated her heart, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, small bowel and liver.
Jemima's parents said she was clever, compassionate and creative - and would have been "very proud of her legacy".
NHS Blood and Transplant said no other donor had helped as many people. BBC News
The Brexit leak shows a government on collision course with the NHS
The Brexit leak shows a government on collision course with the NHS The scheme to cut immigration is at odds with the need to fill 176,000 health and care vacancies. For the sector to survive, its workers must be given special status
The leaked 82-page government Brexit-immigration report should ring alarm bells for the NHS as it tackles the greatest workforce crisis in the health service’s history. The Home Office proposes measures to reduce the number of lower-skilled EU migrants by offering them residency for a maximum of only two years, whereas those in “high-skilled occupations” would be granted permits to work three to five years.
The report says: “Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off.” Continue reading... The Guardian
The leaked 82-page government Brexit-immigration report should ring alarm bells for the NHS as it tackles the greatest workforce crisis in the health service’s history. The Home Office proposes measures to reduce the number of lower-skilled EU migrants by offering them residency for a maximum of only two years, whereas those in “high-skilled occupations” would be granted permits to work three to five years.
The report says: “Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off.” Continue reading... The Guardian
Ministers drop 'misguided' plans to privatise NHS Professionals
Ministers drop 'misguided' plans to privatise NHS Professionals The government has abandoned plans to privatise an NHS employment agency it owns that supplies doctors and nurses to hospitals to ease their understaffing.
Labour welcomed what it called “a major U-turn on a misguided policy from a government with no solution to the workforce crisis in the NHS”. Continue reading.. The Guardian
Labour welcomed what it called “a major U-turn on a misguided policy from a government with no solution to the workforce crisis in the NHS”. Continue reading.. The Guardian
Thinking of suing the NHS? Here’s why you should think again
Thinking of suing the NHS? Here’s why you should think again With medical negligence cases sharply up, citizens need to ask if they really want services drained to compensate a few claimants who can prove their case
Not a week goes by without another sign of extreme stress in the NHS. Winter is coming, as the warning goes, with 40,000 nurse vacancies unfilled, debts mounting and for the first time ever the NHS next year takes a real cut in per-capita income. Continue reading... The Guardian
Not a week goes by without another sign of extreme stress in the NHS. Winter is coming, as the warning goes, with 40,000 nurse vacancies unfilled, debts mounting and for the first time ever the NHS next year takes a real cut in per-capita income. Continue reading... The Guardian
GP who created fake patient 'M Mouse' escapes suspension
GP who created fake patient 'M Mouse' escapes suspension A GP who listed "M Mouse" among hundreds of bogus patients has escaped suspension after a tribunal decided it was his way of coping with his workload.
Dr Andrew Thomson fiddled appointments over a five-year period but avoided sanction after a medical tribunal highlighted his "propensity for overwork".
He was warned that the "exceptional course" adopted in the misconduct hearing by the medical practitioners' tribunal in Manchester did not reduce the seriousness of his conduct at the Academy Health Centre, in Forfar, Tayside. The Daily Telegraph
Dr Andrew Thomson fiddled appointments over a five-year period but avoided sanction after a medical tribunal highlighted his "propensity for overwork".
He was warned that the "exceptional course" adopted in the misconduct hearing by the medical practitioners' tribunal in Manchester did not reduce the seriousness of his conduct at the Academy Health Centre, in Forfar, Tayside. The Daily Telegraph
Suicide rate for young women highest for 20 years as experts warn of mental health crisis
Suicide rate for young women highest for 20 years as experts warn of mental health crisis Suicide among women in their early twenties is at its highest level in two decades, ONS figures show, as experts warn of a mental health crisis among young women who struggle with the pressures of modern life and social media.
While the overall figures for Great Britain show rates are at a seven-year low, women aged between 20 and 24 are increasingly likely to die by suicide. The Daily Telegraph
While the overall figures for Great Britain show rates are at a seven-year low, women aged between 20 and 24 are increasingly likely to die by suicide. The Daily Telegraph
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