Noel Conway: Terminally ill man loses right-to-die case A terminally ill man has lost his High Court challenge against the law on assisted dying.
Noel Conway, 67, from Shrewsbury, who has motor neurone disease, wanted a doctor to be allowed to prescribe a lethal dose when his health deteriorates.
Currently any doctor helping him to die would face up to 14 years in prison.
His lawyers had argued he faced a stark choice, which was unfair and the law needed to change. BBC News
Friday, 6 October 2017
NHS England drops plans to peer review all GP referrals, says BMA
NHS England drops plans to peer review all GP referrals, says BMA NHS England appears to have dropped plans to introduce clinical peer review of all GP referrals. GPonline
Child obesity is a 'national emergency'. So what is Jeremy Hunt doing about it?
Child obesity is a 'national emergency'. So what is Jeremy Hunt doing about it? At the Conservative party conference, the health secretary wore a lanyard advertising Tate & Lyle, which manufactures sugar – a leading cause of obesity
Obesity was a factor in more than 525,000 hospital admissions last year, and obesity rates have risen from 15% in 1993 to 27% in 2015.
Child health experts describe the level of childhood obesity in the United Kingdom as a “state of emergency”. Continue reading... The Guardian
Obesity was a factor in more than 525,000 hospital admissions last year, and obesity rates have risen from 15% in 1993 to 27% in 2015.
Child health experts describe the level of childhood obesity in the United Kingdom as a “state of emergency”. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS figures show vasectomies are down 63% in a decade
NHS figures show vasectomies are down 63% in a decade The number of men having vasectomies has fallen by two thirds in 10 years, NHS figures show.
Experts say more men are choosing to preserve their fertility to have children later in life, particularly if their marriage breaks down.
The procedure is also being rationed by some NHS trusts and GPs in certain areas have been ordered to cap the number of referrals.
Figures from NHS Digital show that just 10,880 vasectomies were performed in 2015/16, down from 29,344 in 2005/6.
The biggest drop occurred between 2005/6 and 2014/15, and since then the reduction has started to stabilise slightly. The Daily Mail
See also:
Experts say more men are choosing to preserve their fertility to have children later in life, particularly if their marriage breaks down.
The procedure is also being rationed by some NHS trusts and GPs in certain areas have been ordered to cap the number of referrals.
Figures from NHS Digital show that just 10,880 vasectomies were performed in 2015/16, down from 29,344 in 2005/6.
The biggest drop occurred between 2005/6 and 2014/15, and since then the reduction has started to stabilise slightly. The Daily Mail
See also:
Thursday, 5 October 2017
New options for funding the NHS & social care in the UK: what can we learn from international experiences?
New options for funding the NHS & social care in the UK: what can we learn from international experiences? "Health and social care services in the UK are facing a major financial challenge. Demand pressures now outstrip planned funding. The task facing the government is not just to secure resources and deliver service change for the coming 5 years, but also to place health and social care services on strong financial foundations for the long term.
Public and political buy-in on long-term funding arrangements (how the money is raised to pay for care services) needs to be established. Understanding how the public will react to different funding models is as essential for policymakers as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of those models.
The Health Foundation has commissioned research led by RAND Europe to contribute to this evidence base by testing the acceptability among the public of future funding options for health and social care. The first stage of this research examined international experiences across countries that face challenges comparable to those in the UK."
Public and political buy-in on long-term funding arrangements (how the money is raised to pay for care services) needs to be established. Understanding how the public will react to different funding models is as essential for policymakers as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of those models.
The Health Foundation has commissioned research led by RAND Europe to contribute to this evidence base by testing the acceptability among the public of future funding options for health and social care. The first stage of this research examined international experiences across countries that face challenges comparable to those in the UK."
New PHE figures show decline in HIV diagnosis rates
New PHE figures show decline in HIV diagnosis rates The decrease in HIV diagnoses in gay and bisexual men represents the most exciting development in the UK HIV epidemic in the last 20 years, when effective treatment became widely available. Public Health England
Prime Minister announces review to tackle detention of those with mental ill health
Prime Minister announces review to tackle detention of those with mental ill health Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans for an independent review of mental health legislation and practice to tackle the issue of mental health detention.
There have been concerns that detention rates under the Mental Health Act – passed more than 3 decades ago – are too high. The number of detentions has been rising year on year. Last year on average there were 180 cases a day where people were sectioned under the terms of the act.
The Mental Health Act sets out rights and obligations that govern when and how the state can detain and treat someone in relation to their mental illness. It includes specific provision for individuals in contact with the criminal justice system.
People from black and minority ethnic populations are disproportionately affected, with black people in particular being almost 4 times more likely than white people to be detained.
The review will be chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, a former President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It will seek to address concerns about how the legislation is currently being used, and give recommendations for improving practice in the future. Department of Health
There have been concerns that detention rates under the Mental Health Act – passed more than 3 decades ago – are too high. The number of detentions has been rising year on year. Last year on average there were 180 cases a day where people were sectioned under the terms of the act.
The Mental Health Act sets out rights and obligations that govern when and how the state can detain and treat someone in relation to their mental illness. It includes specific provision for individuals in contact with the criminal justice system.
People from black and minority ethnic populations are disproportionately affected, with black people in particular being almost 4 times more likely than white people to be detained.
The review will be chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, a former President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It will seek to address concerns about how the legislation is currently being used, and give recommendations for improving practice in the future. Department of Health
Recruitment through Social Media
Recruitment through Social Media A new case study on how Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NUTH) developed a social media strategy to engage with a wider audience, improve the quality and quantity of candidates, and target passive job seekers. NHS Employers
Regulating clinical trials
Regulating clinical trials This briefing describes the new EU Clinical Trial Regulation and the timetable for its implementation and examines its likely impact on the regulation of clinical trials in the UK post-Brexit. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Patterns of Collaboration Among Health Care and Social Services Providers in Communities with Lower Health Care Utilization and Costs
Patterns of Collaboration Among Health Care and Social Services Providers in Communities with Lower Health Care Utilization and Costs Commonwealth Fund–supported researchers explored how providers coordinate with local social services organizations and identified attributes common to “high-performing communities” where older adults’ health care use and costs are comparatively low.
England to consider optout organ donation
England to consider optout organ donation A consultation on introducing an optout system for organ donation is to be held in England, ministers say.
Currently anyone who wants to donate their organs after death has to "opt in" through the donor card scheme.
But a new system, whereby it will be presumed an adult's body can be used in transplants in the absence of express permission, will now be considered.
Wales has already introduced an optout system, while Scotland has said it will be following suit. BBC News
See also:
Currently anyone who wants to donate their organs after death has to "opt in" through the donor card scheme.
But a new system, whereby it will be presumed an adult's body can be used in transplants in the absence of express permission, will now be considered.
Wales has already introduced an optout system, while Scotland has said it will be following suit. BBC News
See also:
- Government announces consultation on organ donation opt-out system Department of Health
- What is the new opt-out organ donor system? The Daily Mail
Only half of new cancer drugs extend or improve life
Only half of new cancer drugs extend or improve life Barely half of new cancer drug indications approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had evidence that they offered a survival or quality of life gain over existing treatments or placebo, according to a new study published today in The BMJ. Its authors suggest this shows that regulatory evidence standards are failing to meet the needs of patients, clinicians, and healthcare systems. Experts have called for health technology assessment programmes to demand that the pharma industry evaluates survival directly in methodologically rigorous trials, rather than relying on modelling using surrogate markers. OnMedica
Royal Cornwall hospital put in special measures after patient deaths
Royal Cornwall hospital put in special measures after patient deaths People have been dying and going blind waiting for treatment, says CQC report, one of the most critical it has ever published
Cornwall’s main NHS hospital is being put into special measures after inspectors uncovered a catalogue of serious failings, including patients dying and others going blind after waiting too long for treatment.
A Care Quality Commission report on care and safety standards at the Royal Cornwall hospitals NHS trust is one of the most critical the watchdog has ever published. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Cornwall’s main NHS hospital is being put into special measures after inspectors uncovered a catalogue of serious failings, including patients dying and others going blind after waiting too long for treatment.
A Care Quality Commission report on care and safety standards at the Royal Cornwall hospitals NHS trust is one of the most critical the watchdog has ever published. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust inspection report Care Quality Commission
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust patients 'died waiting for care' BBC News
- Patients died of heart failure and went blind after operation delays at failing hospital, report reveals The Daily Telegraph
NHS England to face court over patient kept alive by blood transfusions
NHS England to face court over patient kept alive by blood transfusions Mother of woman with eating disorders wants ruling on whether monthly treatment is in daughter’s best interests
NHS England is to be questioned in court about its treatment of a woman with severe eating disorders who is being kept alive by monthly blood transfusions.
The patient, who is in her 30s, is being cared for in a London hospital, the court of protection has been told, but wants to return home to die if she is not given additional psychiatric care. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS England is to be questioned in court about its treatment of a woman with severe eating disorders who is being kept alive by monthly blood transfusions.
The patient, who is in her 30s, is being cared for in a London hospital, the court of protection has been told, but wants to return home to die if she is not given additional psychiatric care. Continue reading... The Guardian
Nine in ten areas to have a shortage of care home places within five years
Nine in ten areas to have a shortage of care home places within five years Nine in ten areas will have a shortage of care home beds within five years, a watchdog has found.
Research by Which? shows that there will be 42,000 fewer care home beds than are needed across the country, and that 87 per cent of areas will be short.
The total shortfall is expected to rise from 9,807 next year to 18,832 in 2019 and 32,593 by 2021.
The report assumes that all local authorities are not currently experiencing a serious shortfall of beds and estimates how this is likely to change over time based on care home closures or new places being added. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Research by Which? shows that there will be 42,000 fewer care home beds than are needed across the country, and that 87 per cent of areas will be short.
The total shortfall is expected to rise from 9,807 next year to 18,832 in 2019 and 32,593 by 2021.
The report assumes that all local authorities are not currently experiencing a serious shortfall of beds and estimates how this is likely to change over time based on care home closures or new places being added. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
One in four NHS prostate cancer units shut
One in four NHS prostate cancer units shut One in four NHS prostate cancer units have closed in the last seven years because they could not afford expensive surgical robots - despite claims the machines are unproven.
A report in the Lancet Oncology journal warns 16 hospitals in England stopped offering prostate surgery because patients want to be treated by a robot instead of a surgeon.
The study found they were losing patients to richer, larger hospitals, usually in big cities, which could afford the latest £1.5million surgical robots.
The researchers, led by experts at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and King's College London, warn there is no evidence these robots actually improve care.
Yet patients are increasingly choosing to travel miles from their home to access the treatment. The Daily Mail
See also:
A report in the Lancet Oncology journal warns 16 hospitals in England stopped offering prostate surgery because patients want to be treated by a robot instead of a surgeon.
The study found they were losing patients to richer, larger hospitals, usually in big cities, which could afford the latest £1.5million surgical robots.
The researchers, led by experts at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and King's College London, warn there is no evidence these robots actually improve care.
Yet patients are increasingly choosing to travel miles from their home to access the treatment. The Daily Mail
See also:
Wednesday, 4 October 2017
Deprivation of liberty safeguards
Deprivation of liberty safeguards Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were introduced into the Mental Capacity Act by the Mental Health Act 2007. This briefing describes recent and proposed changes, including the Law Commission review. House of Commons Library
NHS: Jeremy Hunt wants 5,000 new nursing training places
NHS: Jeremy Hunt wants 5,000 new nursing training places More than 5,000 new places on nursing training courses are to be created each year as part of government efforts to boost the NHS workforce in England.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said more current NHS staff would be able to retrain as nurses through a four-year apprenticeship at local hospitals.
Announcing what he said was a 25% total rise, he told the Tory conference "our NHS is nothing without its nurses".
He also said all NHS staff would be offered flexible working arrangements.
The Royal College of Nursing says there are 40,000 vacant nursing positions in the health service while the Nursing and Midwifery Council warned this summer that the number of people leaving their register was outstripping those joining and the trend was accelerating. BBC News
See also:
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said more current NHS staff would be able to retrain as nurses through a four-year apprenticeship at local hospitals.
Announcing what he said was a 25% total rise, he told the Tory conference "our NHS is nothing without its nurses".
He also said all NHS staff would be offered flexible working arrangements.
The Royal College of Nursing says there are 40,000 vacant nursing positions in the health service while the Nursing and Midwifery Council warned this summer that the number of people leaving their register was outstripping those joining and the trend was accelerating. BBC News
See also:
- Health Secretary announces nursing workforce reforms Department of Health
- Jeremy Hunt pledges 5,000 extra trainee nurses places The Daily Telegraph
- Jeremy Hunt announces 5,000 more nurse training places OnMedica
Hunt 'confident' EU NHS workers will be allowed to remain post Brexit
Hunt 'confident' EU NHS workers will be allowed to remain post Brexit Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said he is confident that the 150,000 EU staff who work in the NHS and social care will be allowed to remain in the UK, with the same rights and benefits as they currently have, following Brexit. GPonline
Switch to vaping could prevent millions of premature deaths
Switch to vaping could prevent millions of premature deaths Over 6 million premature deaths could be prevented if smokers switched to e-cigarettes over a ten-year period.
This is the finding of a study published this week in Tobacco Control.
A research team, led by Dr David Levy at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC, modelled the impact for public health if large numbers of cigarette smokers switched to e-cigarettes (vaping) under two scenarios – an Optimistic Scenario where smoking prevalence falls to 5% over a ten-year period and a Pessimistic Scenario where it falls to 10%.
For the Optimistic Scenario, the researchers presumed similar patterns of e-cigarette use to now and used published evaluations of likely harm reductions. OnMedica
This is the finding of a study published this week in Tobacco Control.
A research team, led by Dr David Levy at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC, modelled the impact for public health if large numbers of cigarette smokers switched to e-cigarettes (vaping) under two scenarios – an Optimistic Scenario where smoking prevalence falls to 5% over a ten-year period and a Pessimistic Scenario where it falls to 10%.
For the Optimistic Scenario, the researchers presumed similar patterns of e-cigarette use to now and used published evaluations of likely harm reductions. OnMedica
The NHS needs a digitally savvy workforce to ensure its survival
The NHS needs a digitally savvy workforce to ensure its survival Frontline staff are frustrated they can’t make more use of digital tools and data but a new academy could help by training 300 technology leaders
It was in the early hours of a Saturday morning that I admitted 83-year-old Mrs J, who was brought in feeling unwell and drowsy with a chesty cough.
After carrying out investigations, we treated her for a chest infection with antibiotics and fluids. I was called back an hour later. Mrs J was not well. Her blood pressure was dropping, her lips swelling and she had started to develop a rash. It became evident she was allergic to the antibiotic we had given her. Continue reading... The Guardian
It was in the early hours of a Saturday morning that I admitted 83-year-old Mrs J, who was brought in feeling unwell and drowsy with a chesty cough.
After carrying out investigations, we treated her for a chest infection with antibiotics and fluids. I was called back an hour later. Mrs J was not well. Her blood pressure was dropping, her lips swelling and she had started to develop a rash. It became evident she was allergic to the antibiotic we had given her. Continue reading... The Guardian
Bill for urgent repairs at NHS hospitals reaches almost £1bn
Bill for urgent repairs at NHS hospitals reaches almost £1bn Report finds crumbling state of hospitals is putting staff and patients at risk and could lead to health and safety prosecutions
Hospitals are at growing risk of “catastrophic failure” because the bill for urgent repairs for problems that threaten staff and patient safety has soared to almost £1bn, an NHS report reveals.
The cost of undertaking urgent “high-risk” maintenance in hospitals jumped last year from £775.5m to £947.1m – a rise of 22% – according to figures published by the NHS’s statistical arm. Continue reading... The Guardian
Hospitals are at growing risk of “catastrophic failure” because the bill for urgent repairs for problems that threaten staff and patient safety has soared to almost £1bn, an NHS report reveals.
The cost of undertaking urgent “high-risk” maintenance in hospitals jumped last year from £775.5m to £947.1m – a rise of 22% – according to figures published by the NHS’s statistical arm. Continue reading... The Guardian
Half of dentists plan to quit the NHS within five years
Half of dentists plan to quit the NHS within five years Dental services are facing a crisis as more than half of dentists plan to leave the NHS within five years, a study reveals today.
It found that 58 per cent want to go private, move overseas, retire or quit the profession.
Many of those who want to leave the NHS are newly qualified and under the age of 35. The Daily Mail
It found that 58 per cent want to go private, move overseas, retire or quit the profession.
Many of those who want to leave the NHS are newly qualified and under the age of 35. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 3 October 2017
Fire service scheme helps Northamptonshire people stay safe and independent at home
Fire service scheme helps Northamptonshire people stay safe and independent at home A pilot scheme providing health and wellbeing advice to help vulnerable and older people stay safe and independent at home is being expanded by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS).
The Safe and Well initiative was developed as a national concept by the Chief Fire Officers’ Association, with guidance from Public Health England, to address the link between fire and health and social care factors.
In Northamptonshire, it has been piloted as an expansion of an existing home safety visit scheme, where firefighters visit homes to provide fire safety advice and is primarily aimed at older people, especially those who live alone. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The Safe and Well initiative was developed as a national concept by the Chief Fire Officers’ Association, with guidance from Public Health England, to address the link between fire and health and social care factors.
In Northamptonshire, it has been piloted as an expansion of an existing home safety visit scheme, where firefighters visit homes to provide fire safety advice and is primarily aimed at older people, especially those who live alone. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Sustainability and transformation plans and partnerships
Sustainability and transformation plans and partnerships This House of Commons Library briefing covers the context in which STPs have been developed, their funding and accountability arrangements as well as their progress so far. A key role of these partnerships was the creation of local blueprints for delivering the 5YFV, known as sustainability and transformation plans (STPs). This briefing therefore explores how these plans were developed, as well as research and debate surrounding the content and implementation of these plans.
New Deputy Chief Medical Officer appointed
New Deputy Chief Medical Officer appointed The Department of Health has confirmed the appointment of Professor Jonathan Van-Tam as the new Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England.
Professor Van-Tam will take up the position on 2 October 2017. He replaces Professor John Watson who is retiring after 4 years in the role.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officers are senior public health leaders who support the Chief Medical Officer – the most senior adviser on health and medicine to the UK government.
Professor Van-Tam is an internationally recognised flu, vaccine and respiratory expert. During his 25-year career, he has advised the World Health Organization, the UK Government and The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on influenza and other respiratory virus infections.
Professor Van-Tam will take up the position on 2 October 2017. He replaces Professor John Watson who is retiring after 4 years in the role.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officers are senior public health leaders who support the Chief Medical Officer – the most senior adviser on health and medicine to the UK government.
Professor Van-Tam is an internationally recognised flu, vaccine and respiratory expert. During his 25-year career, he has advised the World Health Organization, the UK Government and The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on influenza and other respiratory virus infections.
Latest trends in district nurse student numbers
Latest trends in district nurse student numbers The aim of this research is to measure how many nurses are undertaking this specialist education at any one time and how many are likely to graduate in the near future. Some students study full time over the course of one year, whereas others study part time over the course of two years.
The QNI originally began to research the number of District Nurse SPQ students in education, due to concerns that numbers were falling over time and that the quality of patient care would be impacted by this loss of skills in the District Nursing workforce. The Queen's Nursing Institute
The QNI originally began to research the number of District Nurse SPQ students in education, due to concerns that numbers were falling over time and that the quality of patient care would be impacted by this loss of skills in the District Nursing workforce. The Queen's Nursing Institute
Flu vaccine: NHS patients wanted to test 'universal' jab
Flu vaccine: NHS patients wanted to test 'universal' jab Researchers are seeking about 500 NHS patients to try out a new "universal" vaccine against seasonal flu.
The experimental vaccine works differently from the one currently available, which has to be remade each year based on a "best guess" of what type of flu is likely to be about.
The new jab targets part of the virus that does not change each year.
This means the vaccine should work against human, bird and swine flu, say the team at University of Oxford.
It will offer people better protection, they believe. BBC News
The experimental vaccine works differently from the one currently available, which has to be remade each year based on a "best guess" of what type of flu is likely to be about.
The new jab targets part of the virus that does not change each year.
This means the vaccine should work against human, bird and swine flu, say the team at University of Oxford.
It will offer people better protection, they believe. BBC News
Mental health: 10 charts on the scale of the problem
Mental health: 10 charts on the scale of the problem At any one time, a sixth of the population in England aged 16 to 64 have a mental health problem, according to statistics body NHS Digital.
Whether it is family or friends, neighbours or work colleagues, the chances are we all know someone who is affected.
And bearing in mind the figure leaves out less common conditions and is a snapshot in time, you could easily argue it is even more prevalent than that. Indeed many do.
With Prime Minister Theresa May expected to announce plans to improve care next week, these 10 charts show the extent of the challenge. BBC News
Whether it is family or friends, neighbours or work colleagues, the chances are we all know someone who is affected.
And bearing in mind the figure leaves out less common conditions and is a snapshot in time, you could easily argue it is even more prevalent than that. Indeed many do.
With Prime Minister Theresa May expected to announce plans to improve care next week, these 10 charts show the extent of the challenge. BBC News
NHS privatisation exposed: Scale of treatment for paying patients at NHS hospitals revealed
NHS privatisation exposed: Scale of treatment for paying patients at NHS hospitals revealed An investigation by The Independent has exposed the extent of creeping NHS privatisation, leaving experts warning that state patients risk being sidelined as beds are diverted to private users.
Data obtained under Freedom of Information law shows income from private patients at one of London’s best-known cancer-specialist hospitals doubled in six years as the law was changed to allow NHS trusts to do more paid work.
Statistics quietly released by the Government show the situation is not isolated, with the total amount of income NHS England made from private patients leaping by a third between 2011-12 and 2016-17.
Data obtained under Freedom of Information law shows income from private patients at one of London’s best-known cancer-specialist hospitals doubled in six years as the law was changed to allow NHS trusts to do more paid work.
Statistics quietly released by the Government show the situation is not isolated, with the total amount of income NHS England made from private patients leaping by a third between 2011-12 and 2016-17.
Dementia is a terrible word. Why do people still use it?
Dementia is a terrible word. Why do people still use it? It’s important to get an early diagnosis but the word is offensive and takes power away from people
Dementia is a word with a horrific impact.
I’m talking about the word and its origins, not the disease. I have observed people living well with dementia and this antiquated and negative term belittles the contribution to society that they can make. I am in my third year of a PhD and my research is based in care homes where I get to observe good care that challenges, includes and promotes a sense of purpose for residents with dementia. Before this I worked as a community nurse. Continue reading... The Guardian
Dementia is a word with a horrific impact.
I’m talking about the word and its origins, not the disease. I have observed people living well with dementia and this antiquated and negative term belittles the contribution to society that they can make. I am in my third year of a PhD and my research is based in care homes where I get to observe good care that challenges, includes and promotes a sense of purpose for residents with dementia. Before this I worked as a community nurse. Continue reading... The Guardian
Protesters stage London demo against plans for patient ID checks
Protesters stage London demo against plans for patient ID checks Critics fear checks will destroy relationship NHS staff have with patients and create climate of fear that stops people accessing care
Protesters gathered at St Thomas’ hospital in central London on Saturday to voice opposition to the introduction of ID checks at hospitals and up-front charges for patients not eligible for NHS care.
People from overseas are already liable for the cost of treatment, but new rules will require hospitals, community interest companies and charities receiving NHS funds to identify such patients before treatment in order to bill them. Continue reading... The Guardian
Protesters gathered at St Thomas’ hospital in central London on Saturday to voice opposition to the introduction of ID checks at hospitals and up-front charges for patients not eligible for NHS care.
People from overseas are already liable for the cost of treatment, but new rules will require hospitals, community interest companies and charities receiving NHS funds to identify such patients before treatment in order to bill them. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS is not fit for the 21st century hospital chief inspector warns
NHS is not fit for the 21st century hospital chief inspector warns The NHS is not fit for the 21st century, the new chief inspector of hospitals has said - warning all trusts to take urgent steps to make Accident & Emergency departments safe.
Prof Ted Baker said it was “not acceptable” to keep “piling patients into corridors” as he urged hospital leaders to act swiftly to guard the safety of those in their care.
In his first interview as chief inspector, he said too many hospitals had normalised “wholly unsatisfactory” arrangements which endangered patients, as well as denying basic privacy and dignity. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Prof Ted Baker said it was “not acceptable” to keep “piling patients into corridors” as he urged hospital leaders to act swiftly to guard the safety of those in their care.
In his first interview as chief inspector, he said too many hospitals had normalised “wholly unsatisfactory” arrangements which endangered patients, as well as denying basic privacy and dignity. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- NHS 'not fit for 21st Century', says chief hospital inspector BBC News
- NHS is not fit for 21st century, says hospital inspector The Daily Mail
- Patients left to die in A&E are a 'tragic' symptom of a failing system The Daily Telegraph
- NHS not fit for the 21st century, says chief inspector of hospitals The Guardian
NHS accused of 'culling the sick' as free transport to dialysis stopped
NHS accused of 'culling the sick' as free transport to dialysis stopped The NHS has been accused of “cullling the sick” after drawing up plans to stop funding transport for dialysis patients.
Under the rationing proposals, patients with kidney failure living in rural areas will be expected to make their own way to treatment, which some say will cost them hundreds of pounds in buses and taxis.
Charities described the plans as “outrageous” - and said they were “extremely worried” that patients - especially the elderly and vulnerable - would die as a result of the changes, planned across the NHS in Cornwall. The Daily Telegraph
Under the rationing proposals, patients with kidney failure living in rural areas will be expected to make their own way to treatment, which some say will cost them hundreds of pounds in buses and taxis.
Charities described the plans as “outrageous” - and said they were “extremely worried” that patients - especially the elderly and vulnerable - would die as a result of the changes, planned across the NHS in Cornwall. The Daily Telegraph
Bed-blocking 'is causing 8,000 deaths every year'
Bed-blocking 'is causing 8,000 deaths every year' Up to 8,000 people die every year because of bed-blocking on NHS wards, experts claim.
The toll is the result of so-called delayed discharges, in which there are no beds for those who need surgery because patients who have been treated and are medically fit to go home cannot leave hospital.
This leads to the cancellation of operations, which may not be rescheduled for weeks. Research by experts at the universities of Oxford, Liverpool, York and Glasgow suggests this may lead to thousands of deaths.
Using NHS figures from August 2010 to March 2016, the team found that when delayed discharges rose sharply between 2014 and 2015 the number of deaths in the wider population soared as well. The Daily Mail
See also:
The toll is the result of so-called delayed discharges, in which there are no beds for those who need surgery because patients who have been treated and are medically fit to go home cannot leave hospital.
This leads to the cancellation of operations, which may not be rescheduled for weeks. Research by experts at the universities of Oxford, Liverpool, York and Glasgow suggests this may lead to thousands of deaths.
Using NHS figures from August 2010 to March 2016, the team found that when delayed discharges rose sharply between 2014 and 2015 the number of deaths in the wider population soared as well. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Could the rise in mortality rates since 2015 be explained by changes in the number of delayed discharges of NHS patients? (open access) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
- England and Wales death rate rise linked to longer stays in hospital BBC News
- Up to 8,000 deaths a year may be caused by rising bed-blocking The Daily Telegraph
- Delayed hospital transfers may explain rise in population deaths OnMedica
Middle England's £623million bailout for the NHS
Middle England's £623million bailout for the NHS Britain's hard-pressed middle class is being forced to plunder savings and rack up huge debts to pay a staggering £623 million for vital operations that NHS hospitals are struggling to perform.
Record numbers of patients are shelling out up to £15,000 a time, after being told they must wait many months for treatment despite being in extreme pain, according to a hard-hitting report.
They are cashing in ISAs and pensions, taking out loans, borrowing from families and friends, and 'maxing out' credit cards to fund treatment they should have had sooner on the NHS, say experts. The Daily Mail
Record numbers of patients are shelling out up to £15,000 a time, after being told they must wait many months for treatment despite being in extreme pain, according to a hard-hitting report.
They are cashing in ISAs and pensions, taking out loans, borrowing from families and friends, and 'maxing out' credit cards to fund treatment they should have had sooner on the NHS, say experts. The Daily Mail
Friday, 29 September 2017
The King’s Fund warns against further hospital bed cuts
The King’s Fund warns against further hospital bed cuts With hospitals full to capacity, NHS plans in some areas to cut hospital beds are undesirable and unachievable, warns The King’s Fund in a new report.
New analysis for the report finds that the total number of NHS hospital beds in England has more than halved over the past 30 years, from around 299,000 to 142,000, as more people with mental illness and learning disabilities are cared for in the community and medical advances have reduced the time many patients spend in hospital. Although it finds that most advanced nations have reduced hospital bed numbers in recent years, the report shows that the NHS now has fewer acute hospital beds per person than almost any other comparable health system. The King's Fund
See also:
New analysis for the report finds that the total number of NHS hospital beds in England has more than halved over the past 30 years, from around 299,000 to 142,000, as more people with mental illness and learning disabilities are cared for in the community and medical advances have reduced the time many patients spend in hospital. Although it finds that most advanced nations have reduced hospital bed numbers in recent years, the report shows that the NHS now has fewer acute hospital beds per person than almost any other comparable health system. The King's Fund
See also:
- Hospital bed numbers – can the downward trend continue? The King's Fund
- Number of NHS hospital beds has halved in three decades The Daily Mail
- Number of NHS beds has halved in 30 years, major study warns The Daily Telegraph
- Struggling NHS faces 'unrealistic' bed cuts Sky News
Is investment in GP services increasing?
Is investment in GP services increasing? The government and the national NHS bodies have made attempts to recognise and address the issues facing general practice. In April 2016, NHS England published the General practice forward view, which outlined a range of initiatives and investment for general practice. Among the measures it introduced were a programme to address some of the administrative burdens placed on GPs, initiatives to improve mental health support for GPs and support to deal with rising indemnity costs. Many of the measures focused on recruitment, both through training more GPs and by recruiting from abroad, although figures so far suggest that the government’s target of 5,000 more GPs by 2021 will not be met. The King's Fund
Resilience and recovery: What the NHS can learn from the education and criminal justice sectors
Resilience and recovery: What the NHS can learn from the education and criminal justice sectors Following Mid Staffs and other high-profile failures of NHS care, the Health Foundation commissioned research into what the NHS can learn from other sectors.
A team from the University of Leicester and Cardiff University examined failure, recovery and resilience in the criminal justice system (policing, youth justice, prisons) and education. The research examined the journey to recovery for six previously failing or poorly performing organisations, to identify the key strategic themes and actions that are relevant for health care policy and practice.
A team from the University of Leicester and Cardiff University examined failure, recovery and resilience in the criminal justice system (policing, youth justice, prisons) and education. The research examined the journey to recovery for six previously failing or poorly performing organisations, to identify the key strategic themes and actions that are relevant for health care policy and practice.
Urgent action needed to tackle staffing crisis
Urgent action needed to tackle staffing crisis Hospitals and health care providers must examine whether they have enough staff to deliver safe patient care this winter as the RCN discloses the concerns of frontline nursing staff.
More than 30,000 members responded to a survey seeking to gain a snapshot of their experiences on the last shift they worked.
The results, published in a new RCN report, paint a perturbing picture of staff stretched to the limit and compromised patient care.
Over half said there were less nursing staff on shift than planned and that care quality suffered as a result. Royal College of Nursing
See also:
More than 30,000 members responded to a survey seeking to gain a snapshot of their experiences on the last shift they worked.
The results, published in a new RCN report, paint a perturbing picture of staff stretched to the limit and compromised patient care.
Over half said there were less nursing staff on shift than planned and that care quality suffered as a result. Royal College of Nursing
See also:
- NHS staff shortages 'mean patients dying alone' in hospitals BBC News
- Patients are dying ALONE in hospitals, report reveals The Daily Mail
- Nurses so overworked they are forced to leave patients to die alone, survey finds The Daily Telegraph
- NHS nurses are too busy to care for patients properly, research shows The Guardian
- Shortages are compromising patient care, new report warns OnMedica
Adult and older adult mental health services 2012-2016: An analysis of Mental Health NHS Benchmarking Network data for England and Wales
Adult and older adult mental health services 2012-2016: An analysis of Mental Health NHS Benchmarking Network data for England and Wales What does the data show about the current state of secondary NHS mental health care?
The NHS Benchmarking Network have made their mental health data available to the Centre to provide an independent commentary on what the data suggests about mental health provision in England and Wales between 2012 and 2016. This briefing is the result of our analysis, and highlights some key findings. Centre for Mental Health
See also:
The NHS Benchmarking Network have made their mental health data available to the Centre to provide an independent commentary on what the data suggests about mental health provision in England and Wales between 2012 and 2016. This briefing is the result of our analysis, and highlights some key findings. Centre for Mental Health
See also:
UK breast cancer progress 'stalling' as NHS continues to miss opportunities to prevent more deaths, landmark new report finds
UK breast cancer progress 'stalling' as NHS continues to miss opportunities to prevent more deaths, landmark new report finds Progress on breast cancer in the UK is “stalling” as a lack of leadership continues to prevent research breakthroughs from reaching patients and see the NHS miss clear opportunities to save lives, a major new report by leading charity Breast Cancer Now has found.
Amid unprecedented financial pressures for the NHS, the charity’s landmark ‘Good Enough? Breast cancer in the UK’report assesses the most up-to-date UK data to investigate the current state of play for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease on the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The full report outlines 18 key recommendations for immediate action needed across the UK – by October 2018 – to improve the management of breast cancer on the NHS.
See also:
Amid unprecedented financial pressures for the NHS, the charity’s landmark ‘Good Enough? Breast cancer in the UK’report assesses the most up-to-date UK data to investigate the current state of play for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease on the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The full report outlines 18 key recommendations for immediate action needed across the UK – by October 2018 – to improve the management of breast cancer on the NHS.
See also:
- Treatment and funding shambles costs thousands of lives The Daily Mail
- Red tape rows leave 1,000 women a year to die from breast cancer The Daily Telegraph
- Cheap drug could cut 10% of UK breast cancer deaths, charity says The Guardian
More than a third unaware of the dangers of diabetes-related foot ulcers
More than a third unaware of the dangers of diabetes-related foot ulcers More than a third of people in the UK are not aware that foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes.
More than a third of people in the UK are not aware that foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes, despite being a leading cause of diabetes-related amputations, a new survey by Diabetes UK has revealed.
The survey of 2,055 adults, conducted for Diabetes UK by YouGov, found that while 79 per cent of people know that an amputation is a major complication of diabetes, 36 per cent did not know that foot ulcers were also a complication, which, when unhealed, are responsible for as many as four-in-five diabetes-related amputations.
See also:
More than a third of people in the UK are not aware that foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes, despite being a leading cause of diabetes-related amputations, a new survey by Diabetes UK has revealed.
The survey of 2,055 adults, conducted for Diabetes UK by YouGov, found that while 79 per cent of people know that an amputation is a major complication of diabetes, 36 per cent did not know that foot ulcers were also a complication, which, when unhealed, are responsible for as many as four-in-five diabetes-related amputations.
See also:
- Obesity is causing 160 amputations A WEEK The Daily Mail
How you could help stop a flu pandemic
How you could help stop a flu pandemic We seem to be suffering from a global amnesia. Ask any passerby - as we did - “What was the most catastrophic cause of death in the last 100 years?” and you receive the usual suspects: WWII, perhaps WWI. There are also some less obvious replies: Chernobyl, the Boxing Day Tsunami, Hiroshima. Very, very rarely will anyone say Spanish Flu, and yet that particular pandemic killed up to 100 million people.
There have been three others since then. Even more astonishing is that the UK Government considers another flu pandemic so dangerous to our society that it tops the list of the newly updated National Risk Register for Civil Emergencies.
So it’s particularly timely that the BBC has just launched the BBC Pandemic App on the iOS App Store and Google Play.
This free app is part of the biggest experiment of its kind, a citizen science experiment that aims to spread a virtual pandemic - an outbreak of a simulated infectious disease around the entire country. BBC News
There have been three others since then. Even more astonishing is that the UK Government considers another flu pandemic so dangerous to our society that it tops the list of the newly updated National Risk Register for Civil Emergencies.
So it’s particularly timely that the BBC has just launched the BBC Pandemic App on the iOS App Store and Google Play.
This free app is part of the biggest experiment of its kind, a citizen science experiment that aims to spread a virtual pandemic - an outbreak of a simulated infectious disease around the entire country. BBC News
Third of young people say their mental health has deteriorated since Brexit vote, survey shows
Third of young people say their mental health has deteriorated since Brexit vote, survey shows One in three young people say their mental health has declined in the past year, with nearly half citing the Brexit vote as a cause of anxiety, new research shows.
A poll of more than 4,000 18-30 year-olds in England and Wales shows that a third of young people (32 per cent) feel more anxious now than this time last year, with leaving the EU, money worries and the cost of housing being the main reported causes.
The findings, carried out by Populus for charity the Young Women’s Trust, have prompted concerns that youthful optimism has been replaced by worry and anxiety due to financial troubles and uncertainty about the future. The Independent
A poll of more than 4,000 18-30 year-olds in England and Wales shows that a third of young people (32 per cent) feel more anxious now than this time last year, with leaving the EU, money worries and the cost of housing being the main reported causes.
The findings, carried out by Populus for charity the Young Women’s Trust, have prompted concerns that youthful optimism has been replaced by worry and anxiety due to financial troubles and uncertainty about the future. The Independent
Brexit in any form poses major risks to NHS, academics say
Brexit in any form poses major risks to NHS, academics say Paper in the Lancet says Brexit will damage the NHS whichever form it takes, with a ‘no deal’ potentially catastrophic
Brexit may seriously damage the NHS, whichever form it takes, with a no-deal outcome proving catastrophic, according to an analysis of the health consequences of Britain leaving the EU.
The paper in the Lancet claims that Brexit could have “profound effects” more widely for health in the UK and also hit access to healthcare for the estimated 190,000 British pensioners in the EU. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
Brexit may seriously damage the NHS, whichever form it takes, with a no-deal outcome proving catastrophic, according to an analysis of the health consequences of Britain leaving the EU.
The paper in the Lancet claims that Brexit could have “profound effects” more widely for health in the UK and also hit access to healthcare for the estimated 190,000 British pensioners in the EU. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Health must be top of the agenda during Brexit negotiations says RCGP Chair Royal College of General Practitioners
- Brexit 'potentially catastrophic' for the health service, experts suggest in Lancet journal The Independent
My seven broken bones inspired my dream career as a radiographer
My seven broken bones inspired my dream career as a radiographer My careers adviser told me to think about something else as a job. I’m glad I didn’t listen
A nasty fall from untied shoelaces, a severe whack from a hockey stick, an accidental punch in the nose, a minibus accident, a collision with a door frame, a party game gone wrong and a wild dodgem car ride – what do all these things have in common? These random, unfortunate events all led to me breaking a bone on each occasion – a grand total of seven bones during my childhood and early teenage years. Continue reading... The Guardian
A nasty fall from untied shoelaces, a severe whack from a hockey stick, an accidental punch in the nose, a minibus accident, a collision with a door frame, a party game gone wrong and a wild dodgem car ride – what do all these things have in common? These random, unfortunate events all led to me breaking a bone on each occasion – a grand total of seven bones during my childhood and early teenage years. Continue reading... The Guardian
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Corby GPs urging at-risk patients to have flu jab
Corby GPs urging at-risk patients to have flu jab Corby’s GPs are urging at-risk patients to have the flu vaccine in September and October to get protected in time for the winter.
Most surgeries in Corby are offering Saturday morning flu clinics free of charge throughout September and October to at-risk groups including people who are aged 65 years or over, live in a residential or nursing home, have a learning disability, live with someone who is immunocompromised, are the main carer of an older or disabled person, or who are pregnant.
Surgeries including Great Oakley, Woodsend, The Studfall Partnership and Lakeside Healthcare will be all offering Saturday flu clinics in September and October. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Most surgeries in Corby are offering Saturday morning flu clinics free of charge throughout September and October to at-risk groups including people who are aged 65 years or over, live in a residential or nursing home, have a learning disability, live with someone who is immunocompromised, are the main carer of an older or disabled person, or who are pregnant.
Surgeries including Great Oakley, Woodsend, The Studfall Partnership and Lakeside Healthcare will be all offering Saturday flu clinics in September and October. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Compassion and innovation in the NHS
Compassion and innovation in the NHS One of the most extraordinary characteristics of humans as a species is our capacity to innovate in response to challenges. But the right conditions have to be in place for innovation to bubble up.
Earlier this year, in Caring to change, we set out the cultural conditions needed for innovation to take place in NHS organisations. These included the need for a lived, inspiring vision that emphasises the importance of innovation and improvement; autonomy or freedom for staff to develop and implement new and improved ways of doing things – and a commitment to giving staff the skills they need to do this; collective, rather than command-and-control, leadership; and strong and unequivocal support from leaders as innovators address the challenges they face. The King's Fund
Earlier this year, in Caring to change, we set out the cultural conditions needed for innovation to take place in NHS organisations. These included the need for a lived, inspiring vision that emphasises the importance of innovation and improvement; autonomy or freedom for staff to develop and implement new and improved ways of doing things – and a commitment to giving staff the skills they need to do this; collective, rather than command-and-control, leadership; and strong and unequivocal support from leaders as innovators address the challenges they face. The King's Fund
Five ways linking ambulance and A&E data could help to improve care
Five ways linking ambulance and A&E data could help to improve care My paramedic colleagues and I regularly provide life-saving care, but as soon as we hand over to the emergency department (ED), our knowledge about that patient stops. It’s like watching the first half of a play for the curtains to never open on the second act.
Ambulance services in England have a very limited understanding of what happens to the patients they treat. In most circumstances, even basic information such as admission and mortality rates are not known. It can be frustrating as an individual, not knowing whether the care you provided resulted in a good outcome, but there are also bigger opportunities being missed at a service, research and commissioning level. This is because there is currently no routine link between ambulance data and data from all other NHS organisations. The Health Foundation
Ambulance services in England have a very limited understanding of what happens to the patients they treat. In most circumstances, even basic information such as admission and mortality rates are not known. It can be frustrating as an individual, not knowing whether the care you provided resulted in a good outcome, but there are also bigger opportunities being missed at a service, research and commissioning level. This is because there is currently no routine link between ambulance data and data from all other NHS organisations. The Health Foundation
Highest smoking quit success rates on record
Highest smoking quit success rates on record New data published in a University College of London (UCL) report shows quitting success rates at their highest for at least a decade, up to 19.8% for the first 6 months of this year, significantly higher than the average for the last 10 years (15.7%).
Success rates among the less well-off have for years remained consistently low, but in a major turnaround the sharp increase in success rates is being seen entirely among this group. For the first time, smokers in manual occupational groups have virtually the same chances of quitting as those in white collar jobs.
The report coincides with the launch of Stoptober quit smoking challenge, which has inspired over one and a half million quit attempts since 2012. The campaign is based on research that if you stop smoking for 28 days you are 5 times more likely to stop for good. Public Health England
Success rates among the less well-off have for years remained consistently low, but in a major turnaround the sharp increase in success rates is being seen entirely among this group. For the first time, smokers in manual occupational groups have virtually the same chances of quitting as those in white collar jobs.
The report coincides with the launch of Stoptober quit smoking challenge, which has inspired over one and a half million quit attempts since 2012. The campaign is based on research that if you stop smoking for 28 days you are 5 times more likely to stop for good. Public Health England
Steering towards strategic commissioning: transforming the system
Steering towards strategic commissioning: transforming the system This report sets out CCGs’ vision for the future and what they need to get there at pace so they can deliver more for patients. It shows there is a strong belief that healthcare commissioning must continue to be clinically led, operate at a scale larger than a CCG footprint, retain its purchasing function and remain accountable to the local population. NHS Clinical Commissioners
'Chemical embryo surgery' removes disease
'Chemical embryo surgery' removes disease Precise "chemical surgery" has been performed on human embryos to remove disease in a world first, Chinese researchers have told the BBC.
The team at Sun Yat-sen University used a technique called base editing to correct a single error out of the three billion "letters" of our genetic code.
They altered lab-made embryos to remove the disease beta-thalassemia, which were not implanted.
The team says the approach may one day treat a range of inherited diseases. BBC News
The team at Sun Yat-sen University used a technique called base editing to correct a single error out of the three billion "letters" of our genetic code.
They altered lab-made embryos to remove the disease beta-thalassemia, which were not implanted.
The team says the approach may one day treat a range of inherited diseases. BBC News
How To Reform The NHS? Leave It Alone - HuffPost UK
How To Reform The NHS? Leave It Alone - HuffPost UK The latest great reform for the NHS is now unveiled - the creation of Accountable Care Organisations. This sounds great doesn’t it?
- bring commissioners and providers together
- end contracting and the internal market
- focus on community and service integration
- improve efficiency with better data and innovation
I had psychosis and was sectioned. Nurses saved me from the brink
I had psychosis and was sectioned. Nurses saved me from the brink Nurses provide the human side of healthcare and can explain problems in a way doctors often fail to do
A few years ago, I was suffering with psychosis and was admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act. I remained there for nearly two months. At the time I didn’t realise I was ill, despite hearing voices and experiencing major delusions. I have encountered many healthcare professionals since that time, but it has been the regular support from mental health nurses, especially out in the community, that has really kept me well, more than medication or appointments with psychiatrists or therapists.
A psychiatric ward can be a scary place for a patient; the nurses I came to know while living on the ward became beacons of stability. They encouraged us to get involved in activities; they chatted to us about mundane things; they didn’t press us on our delusions or misconceptions. They gently reinforced a day-to-day normality. One nurse brought in her manicure kit with over 30 polishes and painted our nails for us. Another organised meetings where patients could air their grievances and suggestions for improving the ward. At the time, my delusional mental state convinced me they were all actors and that I was in a fake secure unit. In contrast, I thought the psychiatrists were really military interrogators, based on my meetings with them. Continue reading... The Guardian
A few years ago, I was suffering with psychosis and was admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act. I remained there for nearly two months. At the time I didn’t realise I was ill, despite hearing voices and experiencing major delusions. I have encountered many healthcare professionals since that time, but it has been the regular support from mental health nurses, especially out in the community, that has really kept me well, more than medication or appointments with psychiatrists or therapists.
A psychiatric ward can be a scary place for a patient; the nurses I came to know while living on the ward became beacons of stability. They encouraged us to get involved in activities; they chatted to us about mundane things; they didn’t press us on our delusions or misconceptions. They gently reinforced a day-to-day normality. One nurse brought in her manicure kit with over 30 polishes and painted our nails for us. Another organised meetings where patients could air their grievances and suggestions for improving the ward. At the time, my delusional mental state convinced me they were all actors and that I was in a fake secure unit. In contrast, I thought the psychiatrists were really military interrogators, based on my meetings with them. Continue reading... The Guardian
GP phone consultations do not save time or money: Cambridge study
GP phone consultations do not save time or money: Cambridge study NHS plans to force patients to have phone consultations with GPs will simply fuel more hospital admissions, instead of reducing pressures, a major study suggests.
Research by the University of Cambridge shows that practices which insist on a phone conversation with a family doctor to decide who can gets an appointment have a greater workload - and higher hospital costs.
Health officials have said such schemes are key to reducing strain on health services, at a time of unprecedented demand.
But the study of 147 practices which introduced “telephone first” schemes found that in fact they saw a two per cent increase in hospital admissions along with a sharp increase in the amount of time GPs spent on consultations. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Research by the University of Cambridge shows that practices which insist on a phone conversation with a family doctor to decide who can gets an appointment have a greater workload - and higher hospital costs.
Health officials have said such schemes are key to reducing strain on health services, at a time of unprecedented demand.
But the study of 147 practices which introduced “telephone first” schemes found that in fact they saw a two per cent increase in hospital admissions along with a sharp increase in the amount of time GPs spent on consultations. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Wednesday, 27 September 2017
Improving staff retention - a guide for employers
Improving staff retention - a guide for employers NHS Employers has launched an in-depth guide to staff retention, which brings together the lessons learned from the 92 participants in the retention collaborative run by the organisation since late 2016.
UK 'eliminates measles' for first time
UK 'eliminates measles' for first time The elimination of measles has been achieved in the UK for the first time, the World Health Organization says.
The global health body classes a country as having eliminated the disease when it has stopped it freely circulating for at least three years.
While there are still small clusters, many of these are brought in from abroad and they are not spreading.
But health experts said there should be no complacency, warning there were several large outbreaks across Europe. BBC News
The global health body classes a country as having eliminated the disease when it has stopped it freely circulating for at least three years.
While there are still small clusters, many of these are brought in from abroad and they are not spreading.
But health experts said there should be no complacency, warning there were several large outbreaks across Europe. BBC News
Lack of secure mental health beds scandalous, says judge
Lack of secure mental health beds scandalous, says judge A teenager who was a risk to himself and the public could not be found a secure mental health bed for a month in England, Scotland or Wales, his father claims.
Secure accommodation was sought for Boy Y, from Norfolk, in July but none was available.
Mr Justice Holman, who ruled on an injunction over the case, said the lack of secure beds was "scandalous".
NHS England said improving mental health care was an "absolute priority". BBC News
Secure accommodation was sought for Boy Y, from Norfolk, in July but none was available.
Mr Justice Holman, who ruled on an injunction over the case, said the lack of secure beds was "scandalous".
NHS England said improving mental health care was an "absolute priority". BBC News
'No convincing evidence' QOF helps patients with long-term conditions
'No convincing evidence' QOF helps patients with long-term conditions Performance-related pay as promoted through the QOF does not improve care of people with long-term conditions and may have a negative impact on patients, researchers have found. GPonline
Chanting fake mantras won’t save the NHS. Proper funding will | Stefan Stern
Chanting fake mantras won’t save the NHS. Proper funding will Belief is a wonderful thing – but channelling the spirit of David Brent is no way to fix the health service
It was a cry for help. At a meeting in London earlier this month NHS trust chief executives were forced to chant “We can do this” as a sign of their commitment to improving their hospitals’ poor A&E performance. Paul Watson, NHS England’s regional director for the Midlands and east of England, tried to lead colleagues in this chant, apparently urging them to “take the roof off” with the sound of their belief. “We can do this” was the four-word summary of a 40-slide presentation. The chant was meant to be “light relief”, Watson says, “but it does have the merit of being true.”
'We can do this' sounds like an advertising slogan from the 1970s Continue reading... The Guardian
It was a cry for help. At a meeting in London earlier this month NHS trust chief executives were forced to chant “We can do this” as a sign of their commitment to improving their hospitals’ poor A&E performance. Paul Watson, NHS England’s regional director for the Midlands and east of England, tried to lead colleagues in this chant, apparently urging them to “take the roof off” with the sound of their belief. “We can do this” was the four-word summary of a 40-slide presentation. The chant was meant to be “light relief”, Watson says, “but it does have the merit of being true.”
'We can do this' sounds like an advertising slogan from the 1970s Continue reading... The Guardian
Contaminated blood scandal victims allowed to sue government
Contaminated blood scandal victims allowed to sue government More than 500 claimants – surviving victims and families of the deceased – given permission to seek compensation
More than 500 victims of the NHS contaminated blood scandal have been given permission to sue the government for compensation.
The claimants, a mix of haemophiliac survivors and relatives of those killed by infected blood products over the past 30 years, were granted a group litigation order to begin proceedings in the high court at a preliminary hearing in London yesterday. The judge dismissed attempts by Department of Health lawyers to delay the claim. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
More than 500 victims of the NHS contaminated blood scandal have been given permission to sue the government for compensation.
The claimants, a mix of haemophiliac survivors and relatives of those killed by infected blood products over the past 30 years, were granted a group litigation order to begin proceedings in the high court at a preliminary hearing in London yesterday. The judge dismissed attempts by Department of Health lawyers to delay the claim. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
£37m compensation agreed for victims of rogue surgeon Ian Paterson
£37m compensation agreed for victims of rogue surgeon Ian Paterson A High Court judge has approved a £37 million compensation plan for hundreds of victims of the disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson.
Paterson was jailed for 20 years after he was found guilty in April at Nottingham Crown Court of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three further wounding charges.
Paterson’s trial heard how he lied to his patients and exaggerated or invented the risk of cancer to convince them to go under the knife. He also claimed payments for more expensive procedures.
Spire Healthcare, the hospital group where Paterson treated his private patients, will contribute £27.2 million to the compensation fund. A further £10 million is to be provided by Paterson's insurers and his former employers, the Heart of England NHS Trust. The Daily Telegraph
Paterson was jailed for 20 years after he was found guilty in April at Nottingham Crown Court of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three further wounding charges.
Paterson’s trial heard how he lied to his patients and exaggerated or invented the risk of cancer to convince them to go under the knife. He also claimed payments for more expensive procedures.
Spire Healthcare, the hospital group where Paterson treated his private patients, will contribute £27.2 million to the compensation fund. A further £10 million is to be provided by Paterson's insurers and his former employers, the Heart of England NHS Trust. The Daily Telegraph
Medical experts 'complicit' over epilepsy drug which caused deformities
Medical experts 'complicit' over epilepsy drug which caused deformities Medical experts were “complicit” in allowing thousands of children to suffer deformity after resisting warnings on epilepsy drugs, campaigners have said.
A hearing in London yesterday heard that regulators knew in 1973 that taking the anti-epilepsy drug in pregnancy could cause babies to be born with disabilities, but waited 40 years before alerting the public to the risks.
Estimates suggest that around 20,000 babies in the UK suffered harm as a result of sodium valproate which can also cause brain damage and problems such as autism.
Sanofi, which manufactures the drug, has said it has always been transparent with regulators about the risks of the medicine. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
A hearing in London yesterday heard that regulators knew in 1973 that taking the anti-epilepsy drug in pregnancy could cause babies to be born with disabilities, but waited 40 years before alerting the public to the risks.
Estimates suggest that around 20,000 babies in the UK suffered harm as a result of sodium valproate which can also cause brain damage and problems such as autism.
Sanofi, which manufactures the drug, has said it has always been transparent with regulators about the risks of the medicine. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- We've had no help - epilepsy drug victims BBC News
- Epilepsy drug risk hidden for 40 years harming thousands The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 26 September 2017
Research and analysis: Psychoactive substances in secure mental health settings
Research and analysis: Psychoactive substances in secure mental health settings This document reviews the impact of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in secure mental health settings, and makes recommendations for the management of NPS use in these settings. Public Health England
Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) guardian survey
Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) guardian survey The National Guardian's Office has published a report outlining the findings of their first Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) guardian survey.
Action plan on hearing loss: what works guides
Action plan on hearing loss: what works guides The Action plan on hearing loss, produced in 2015, identified ways that services for people with hearing loss could be improved. This series of guides aims to support employers and service providers in delivering on the recommendations outlined in the plan. NHS England
Practical guidance on sharing of information and information governance for all NHS organisations specifically for Prevent and the Channel process
Practical guidance on sharing of information and information governance for all NHS organisations specifically for Prevent and the Channel process This guidance is intended to assist those involved in information sharing and information governance for the purpose of Prevent, a counter-terrorism safeguarding programme. It is designed to assist in the decision making process about the appropriateness of sharing information (particularly sensitive health information) such as the decisions made by Caldicott Guardians. NHS England
Bath Spa University 'blocks transgender research'
Bath Spa University 'blocks transgender research' A therapist says he is "astonished" by a university's decision to stop him studying people who decide to reverse gender reassignment operations.
James Caspian wanted to write a thesis on "detransition" as part of his master's degree in counselling and psychotherapy at Bath Spa University.
He said it was rejected by the university's ethics committee because it could be "politically incorrect".
The university said it couldn't comment until after an internal investigation.
Mr Caspian, a counsellor who specialises in therapy for transgender people, told Radio 4: "I was astonished at that decision.
"I think that a university exists to encourage discussion, research - dissent even, challenging perhaps ideas that are out of date or not particularly useful." BBC News
James Caspian wanted to write a thesis on "detransition" as part of his master's degree in counselling and psychotherapy at Bath Spa University.
He said it was rejected by the university's ethics committee because it could be "politically incorrect".
The university said it couldn't comment until after an internal investigation.
Mr Caspian, a counsellor who specialises in therapy for transgender people, told Radio 4: "I was astonished at that decision.
"I think that a university exists to encourage discussion, research - dissent even, challenging perhaps ideas that are out of date or not particularly useful." BBC News
I'm reinventing mental health care by putting patients in charge
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
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
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
See also:
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
See also:
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
See also:
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
See also:
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
See also:
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
See also:
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.
See also:
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.
See also:
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)