Tuesday, 19 December 2017
Britain’s most inspiring health worker
Britain’s most inspiring health worker When we asked readers to nominate their unsung champions of the NHS, we were overwhelmed by moving stories about staff from all parts of the health service. Last week our five finalists received their awards from the Prime Minister at Downing Street — here we tell the inspiring story of our overall winner. The Daily Mail
Monday, 18 December 2017
Depression: 'I kept my head down to survive the day at work'
Depression: 'I kept my head down to survive the day at work' For Natalie Hall, 36, the fear that she might lose her job or not be trusted in her day-to-day judgements was a barrier to talking openly to colleagues about her depression and anxiety disorder.
But this may not be uncommon as a survey suggests mental health problems remain a taboo in the workplace.The poll of 2,025 UK workers by the charity Time to Change found they would rather talk to colleagues about sex or money worries than a mental health issue. BBC News - Health
Combatting loneliness one conversation at a time: a call to action
Combatting loneliness one conversation at a time: a call to action This report outlines the findings of the Commission and how loneliness affects different groups of people within society. The report highlights the range of people that loneliness impacts on and shows how tackling loneliness can benefit individuals and communities. Kings Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert.
Alarm over sharp rise in ambulance patient deaths in England
Alarm over sharp rise in ambulance patient deaths in England A sharp rise in the number of patients dying unexpectedly while under the care of NHS ambulance staff has prompted warnings that the service is under “excessive pressure”.
NHS figures for England obtained under freedom of information (FoI) laws show “serious incidents” resulting in the death of a patient more than doubled from 31 in 2012 to 72 in 2016, rising year on year. The Guardian
NHS figures for England obtained under freedom of information (FoI) laws show “serious incidents” resulting in the death of a patient more than doubled from 31 in 2012 to 72 in 2016, rising year on year. The Guardian
NHS to use 'sickness surveillance system' to predict pressure points this winter
NHS to use 'sickness surveillance system' to predict pressure points this winter he NHS is to use a "sickness surveillance system" to predict illnesses before they happen this winter in a bid to cope with crippling pressures.
The technology combines data gathered daily from GP surgeries, hospital emergency departments, the NHS 111 helpline and walk-in centres with Met Office weather alerts and is intended to give medics early warning of regional outbreaks of flu or other seasonal illnesses.
When it records a surge in any particular illness, it will provide the NHS with several days’ notice that hospitals in the same area are likely to see an influx of patients.
In turn, they will have the chance to reschedule planned surgery, free up beds and ensure that enough staff are on standby, it is hoped. The Telegraph
The technology combines data gathered daily from GP surgeries, hospital emergency departments, the NHS 111 helpline and walk-in centres with Met Office weather alerts and is intended to give medics early warning of regional outbreaks of flu or other seasonal illnesses.
When it records a surge in any particular illness, it will provide the NHS with several days’ notice that hospitals in the same area are likely to see an influx of patients.
In turn, they will have the chance to reschedule planned surgery, free up beds and ensure that enough staff are on standby, it is hoped. The Telegraph
Northamptonshire family business raises over £32,000 for specialist baby incubator for NGH ward
Northamptonshire family business raises over £32,000 for specialist baby incubator for NGH ward A big-hearted family has raised thousands of pounds in a one year fundraising drive to buy a specialist premature baby incubator - a more accessible machine to allow parents to interact with their baby. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Friday, 15 December 2017
Government publishes new report on tackling social disadvantage
Government publishes new report on tackling social disadvantage The Department for Education has released a new strategy entitled Unlocking talent, fulfilling potential: a plan for improving social mobility through education. This plan draws attention to the importance of increasing participation and representation from across all parts of our diverse society into education and training, in order to improve social mobility.
The plan highlights a number actions which employers can take to tackle social disadvantage and advance social mobility NHS Employers
The plan highlights a number actions which employers can take to tackle social disadvantage and advance social mobility NHS Employers
Parents giving children alcohol too young, researchers say
Parents giving children alcohol too young, researchers say Parents could be storing up problems for their children by introducing them to alcohol too young and ordering takeaways too often, researchers warn.
Two universities found that one in six parents gives their children alcohol by the age of 14, when their body and brain are not yet fully developed.
Many parents may believe they are acting responsibly - but that's not backed up by research, experts said. Regular takeaways were a risk to the heart, a separate study said. BBC Health News
Two universities found that one in six parents gives their children alcohol by the age of 14, when their body and brain are not yet fully developed.
Many parents may believe they are acting responsibly - but that's not backed up by research, experts said. Regular takeaways were a risk to the heart, a separate study said. BBC Health News
Up to one in 12 NHS hospitals were completely full at times last week
Up to one in 12 NHS hospitals were completely full at times last week The latest statistics on winter pressures facing NHS trusts come after GPonline revealed that GPs in parts of the country are being told to reduce hospital referrals, to avoid referrals altogether to some hospitals or to stop sending patients to specific departments within local hospitals. Patients waiting in A&E have also been bounced back to GP practices.
Data from NHS England show that across the country, the average bed occupancy rate in hospitals was 94.6% for the week from 4 December to 10 December - up from 94.5% the week before. This is well above the 85% target for hospitals, and reveals that hospitals are already under extreme pressure only a week into winter. GP Online
Data from NHS England show that across the country, the average bed occupancy rate in hospitals was 94.6% for the week from 4 December to 10 December - up from 94.5% the week before. This is well above the 85% target for hospitals, and reveals that hospitals are already under extreme pressure only a week into winter. GP Online
Significant boost to learning disability and mental health nurses needed, says HEE chief - Nursing Times
Significant boost to learning disability and mental health nurses needed, says HEE chief - Nursing Times Learning disability and mental health nursing will both require significant boosts to the workforce, as part of plans to create tens of thousands of additional clinical posts in the next 10 years, the head of the national workforce body has told Nursing Times.
In draft workforce plans unveiled yesterday by Health Education England, it was highlighted that, while the overall number of nurses working in the NHS had gone up in the past five years, the size of the NHS’s learning disability and mental health nursing workforce had decreased. Nursing Times
In draft workforce plans unveiled yesterday by Health Education England, it was highlighted that, while the overall number of nurses working in the NHS had gone up in the past five years, the size of the NHS’s learning disability and mental health nursing workforce had decreased. Nursing Times
Major NHS trust turns away A&E patients 13 times in a week
Major NHS trust turns away A&E patients 13 times in a week As cold snap adds to pressure, Worcestershire trust is forced to divert patients from A&E at two hospitals. A major NHS hospital trust had to turn patients away from its A&E units 13 times last week – including four times in one day – as the snow left it facing “extremely challenging” conditions.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust was forced to divert emergency patients away from the A&Es at two of the hospitals it runs, the Worcestershire Royal in Worcester and Alexandra in Redditch. Continue reading... Guardian
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust was forced to divert emergency patients away from the A&Es at two of the hospitals it runs, the Worcestershire Royal in Worcester and Alexandra in Redditch. Continue reading... Guardian
Lung experts 'deeply concerned' by low flu jab uptake in England
Lung experts 'deeply concerned' by low flu jab uptake in England Barely two in five people in at-risk groups have been vaccinated as NHS hospitals buckle under strain caused by cold snap
Fewer than half those eligible for a free winter flu jab have had one, despite high-profile warnings that this winter could bring the biggest flu outbreak in years, NHS figures reveal.
The low uptake, which will alarm NHS bosses, come as many hospitals showed clear signs of starting to buckle under the extra demand for care caused by the cold snap that began last week. Guardian
Fewer than half those eligible for a free winter flu jab have had one, despite high-profile warnings that this winter could bring the biggest flu outbreak in years, NHS figures reveal.
The low uptake, which will alarm NHS bosses, come as many hospitals showed clear signs of starting to buckle under the extra demand for care caused by the cold snap that began last week. Guardian
Thursday, 14 December 2017
Health Survey for England, 2016
Health Survey for England, 2016 The Health Survey for England series was designed to monitor trends in the nation's health; estimating the proportion of people in England who have specified health conditions, and the prevalence of risk factors and behaviours associated with these conditions. NHS Digital
See also:
See also:
- Is England a healthy nation? BBC News
- Half of all adults in England are on prescription drugs The Daily Mail
- Pill nation: half of us take at least one prescription drug daily The Daily Telegraph
- More men than women meet physical activity guidelines OnMedica
NHS in England told to reveal avoidable deaths data
NHS in England told to reveal avoidable deaths data The NHS in England is to become the first healthcare system in the world to publish figures on avoidable patient deaths, the health secretary has said.
By the end of 2017, some 170 out of 223 trusts will publish data on deaths they believe could have been prevented.
It is estimated there are up to 9,000 deaths in hospitals each year caused by failings in NHS care.
The Department for Health said it wanted to ensure the NHS learned lessons from every case.
There is no standard definition of an avoidable death and each hospital trust makes its own judgment. BBC News
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By the end of 2017, some 170 out of 223 trusts will publish data on deaths they believe could have been prevented.
It is estimated there are up to 9,000 deaths in hospitals each year caused by failings in NHS care.
The Department for Health said it wanted to ensure the NHS learned lessons from every case.
There is no standard definition of an avoidable death and each hospital trust makes its own judgment. BBC News
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Surgeon Simon Bramhall marked initials on patients' livers
Surgeon Simon Bramhall marked initials on patients' livers A surgeon who marked his initials on the livers of two transplant patients has admitted assault by beating.
Simon Bramhall, 53, committed the offences at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital in February and August 2013.
The liver, spleen and pancreas surgeon was suspended later that year.
He pleaded guilty to two charges at Birmingham Crown Court and will be sentenced at the same court on 12 January.
He denied the more serious charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm - a plea which was accepted by prosecutors. BBC News
Simon Bramhall, 53, committed the offences at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital in February and August 2013.
The liver, spleen and pancreas surgeon was suspended later that year.
He pleaded guilty to two charges at Birmingham Crown Court and will be sentenced at the same court on 12 January.
He denied the more serious charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm - a plea which was accepted by prosecutors. BBC News
More than 75000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS - The Independent
More than 75000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS More than 75,000 people have signed a petition calling for Richard Branson’s private healthcare company to return cash it was given by the NHS.
Anger has been growing at the payment after it was revealed just one local health service group reached a reported £328,000 settlement with Virgin Care.
Mr Branson’s company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an £82m contract to provide children’s health services across Surrey, citing concerns over “serious flaws” in the way the contract was awarded. The Independent
Anger has been growing at the payment after it was revealed just one local health service group reached a reported £328,000 settlement with Virgin Care.
Mr Branson’s company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an £82m contract to provide children’s health services across Surrey, citing concerns over “serious flaws” in the way the contract was awarded. The Independent
I didn't train as a doctor to prop up a struggling NHS – so I quit
I didn't train as a doctor to prop up a struggling NHS – so I quit Inflexible training and the pressure to work longer hours to cover staff shortages left me little time for my young child and took a toll on my health
Almost a year ago, I sat in the office of a counsellor, the third in five years, in another attempt to “learn how to cope” with the working life of a junior doctor. I was ready to hang up my stethoscope, which had become a noose around my neck.
The storm had been brewing since my early days as a junior doctor. On paper, I was blossoming: I had spent five years at university and six in acute specialties, building a CV shining with national prizes and publications. However, a crumbling NHS forcing doctors to compromise care and the inflexible path for mothers in part-time training led to my departure. After battling both for six years, I faced burnout and was directed to a counsellor to help me, in the words of senior male colleagues, “toughen up and comply with the system”.
There were nights when if the patient wasn’t nearing cardiac arrest, they weren’t sick enough to be seen Continue reading... The Guardian
Almost a year ago, I sat in the office of a counsellor, the third in five years, in another attempt to “learn how to cope” with the working life of a junior doctor. I was ready to hang up my stethoscope, which had become a noose around my neck.
The storm had been brewing since my early days as a junior doctor. On paper, I was blossoming: I had spent five years at university and six in acute specialties, building a CV shining with national prizes and publications. However, a crumbling NHS forcing doctors to compromise care and the inflexible path for mothers in part-time training led to my departure. After battling both for six years, I faced burnout and was directed to a counsellor to help me, in the words of senior male colleagues, “toughen up and comply with the system”.
There were nights when if the patient wasn’t nearing cardiac arrest, they weren’t sick enough to be seen Continue reading... The Guardian
Millennials demanding shorter hours and gap years will fuel NHS workforce shortage, plans warn
Millennials demanding shorter hours and gap years will fuel NHS workforce shortage, plans warn The NHS needs almost 200,000 more staff to cope with rising pressures as “millennial” workers increasingly demand career breaks and part-time roles, a new 10-year plan warns.
The health service strategy, published on Thursday, suggests the workforce will need to grow by close to a fifth unless productivity of the service improves, or decisive action is taken to prevent ill-health.
It says the NHS needs to adapt, to take account of the rising number of health professionals choosing to work part-time, seeing flexible working and career breaks “as a right”.
Prof Ian Cumming, chief executive of Health Education England, said the attitudes of millennials - those born in the 80s and early 90s - were very different to previous generations, with a much bigger focus on “work/life balance”. The Daily Telegraph
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The health service strategy, published on Thursday, suggests the workforce will need to grow by close to a fifth unless productivity of the service improves, or decisive action is taken to prevent ill-health.
It says the NHS needs to adapt, to take account of the rising number of health professionals choosing to work part-time, seeing flexible working and career breaks “as a right”.
Prof Ian Cumming, chief executive of Health Education England, said the attitudes of millennials - those born in the 80s and early 90s - were very different to previous generations, with a much bigger focus on “work/life balance”. The Daily Telegraph
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Doctor shares post that reveals a day as a stretched GP
Doctor shares post that reveals a day as a stretched GP A TV doctor has shared an 'eye-opening' post on social media that reveals a single day working as an over-stretched GP – as she hit out at the 10-minute GP consultation period.
Dr Zoe Williams, who regularly appears on This Morning to dish out health advice, explained some of the complex cases she had to deal with in the allocated time slot.
Recent research by Cambridge University has highlighted the 10-minute consultation in Britain is among the shortest in Europe. The Daily Mail
Dr Zoe Williams, who regularly appears on This Morning to dish out health advice, explained some of the complex cases she had to deal with in the allocated time slot.
Recent research by Cambridge University has highlighted the 10-minute consultation in Britain is among the shortest in Europe. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
'This should not happen': Son's reaction to disclosure of mother's medical information to mystery caller by Northampton General Hospital
'This should not happen': Son's reaction to disclosure of mother's medical information to mystery caller by Northampton General Hospital A son said it was “scary” to find that details about his mother’s condition while in Northampton General Hospital were disclosed to a mystery caller posing as her husband who has been dead for four years.
Raymond Hughes, 64, from Daventry, phoned the hospital in the days after his mother was admitted on October 10.
After speaking with a hospital worker over the phone it emerged they told someone other than the listed next of kin about her treatment, tests being carried out on her, as well as her general condition. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Raymond Hughes, 64, from Daventry, phoned the hospital in the days after his mother was admitted on October 10.
After speaking with a hospital worker over the phone it emerged they told someone other than the listed next of kin about her treatment, tests being carried out on her, as well as her general condition. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Nurses pay thanks to team who delivered end of life care to Northampton patients in the snow
Nurses pay thanks to team who delivered end of life care to Northampton patients in the snow A team of Northampton nurses have been praised by their seniors "as a credit" to the profession after they delivered care to sick people, even though some of them had a day off.
The bitter wintry weather has been causing extreme difficulties around Northampton, but nurses from St James Clinic have been out in full force working hard to treat over 200 poorly patients on Sunday and Monday.
One nurse managed to tackle snow and ice and walked from Hackleton to Hardingstone while another trudged through the snow from Ecton to Earls Barton to deliver care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The bitter wintry weather has been causing extreme difficulties around Northampton, but nurses from St James Clinic have been out in full force working hard to treat over 200 poorly patients on Sunday and Monday.
One nurse managed to tackle snow and ice and walked from Hackleton to Hardingstone while another trudged through the snow from Ecton to Earls Barton to deliver care. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The impact of redesigning urgent and emergency care in Northumberland
The impact of redesigning urgent and emergency care in Northumberland The Health Foundation has considered findings from analysis into the early impact of changes to urgent and emergency care services in Northumberland following the opening of the country’s first bespoke emergency hospital in 2015 – the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.
The analysis was conducted by the Improvement Analytics Unit, a statistical evaluation unit run in partnership by NHS England and the Health Foundation that helps to inform decision-making at a local and national level and ultimately improve the delivery of health care. The work was conducted in collaboration with the Northumberland primary and acute care system vanguard, which includes Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
The report highlights that reconfiguring NHS services takes time to generate the intended results and that robust, repeat evaluation can help to inform decisions and improvement.
The analysis was conducted by the Improvement Analytics Unit, a statistical evaluation unit run in partnership by NHS England and the Health Foundation that helps to inform decision-making at a local and national level and ultimately improve the delivery of health care. The work was conducted in collaboration with the Northumberland primary and acute care system vanguard, which includes Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
The report highlights that reconfiguring NHS services takes time to generate the intended results and that robust, repeat evaluation can help to inform decisions and improvement.
Duty of care to prisoners needs urgent action
Duty of care to prisoners needs urgent action The Public Accounts Committee report says record levels of self-inflicted deaths and self-harm in prisons are a damning indictment.
Record high numbers of self-inflicted deaths and incidents of self-harm in prisons are a damning indictment of the current state of the mental health of those in prison and the prison environment overall.
More excuses are not good enough. The Ministry of Justice, HM Prison and Probation Service and NHS England have a duty of care to those in prison, yet do not know where they are starting from, how well they are doing or whether their current plans will be enough to succeed.
The current level of self-inflicted deaths and self-harm incidents in prisons is appalling and the system for improving the mental health of prisoners isn’t working as it should. Public Accounts Select Committee
Record high numbers of self-inflicted deaths and incidents of self-harm in prisons are a damning indictment of the current state of the mental health of those in prison and the prison environment overall.
More excuses are not good enough. The Ministry of Justice, HM Prison and Probation Service and NHS England have a duty of care to those in prison, yet do not know where they are starting from, how well they are doing or whether their current plans will be enough to succeed.
The current level of self-inflicted deaths and self-harm incidents in prisons is appalling and the system for improving the mental health of prisoners isn’t working as it should. Public Accounts Select Committee
See also:
- Mental health in prisons Public Accounts Select Committee
Open consultation: Introducing ‘opt-out’ consent for organ and tissue donation in England
Open consultation: Introducing ‘opt-out’ consent for organ and tissue donation in England We have launched a consultation about organ and tissue donation. The government wants to know what people think about proposed changes in which people are considered willing to be an organ donor after their death, unless they have ‘opted out’.
We want to find out what people think of how the changes to the system should be made, and what else they think the government needs to consider. Department of Health
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We want to find out what people think of how the changes to the system should be made, and what else they think the government needs to consider. Department of Health
See also:
- Health secretary urges people to talk to each other about organ donation Department of Health
National Data Guardian for Health and Care 2017 report: impact and influence for patients and service users
National Data Guardian for Health and Care 2017 report: impact and influence for patients and service users This report looks back over the past three years since the creation of the National Data Guardian role and it describes future priorities. It sets out a case for the independent advice and challenges that the role provides to ensure that confidential data collected by the NHS and social care services is safeguarded and used appropriately to improve care. National Data Guardian
Horizon scanning future health and care demand for workforce skills in England
Horizon scanning future health and care demand for workforce skills in England This briefing outlines the findings of a horizon scanning exercise, carried out by the Department of Health, which has informed workforce planning for the future health and care workforce and the skills needed to keep pace with changing health needs. World Health Organization
Baby born with heart outside body 'doing well'
Baby born with heart outside body 'doing well' A baby born with her heart outside her body has survived after surgery at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.
Vanellope Hope Wilkins, who has no breastbone, was delivered three weeks ago by Caesarean section.
She has had three operations to place her heart back in her chest.
The condition, ectopia cordis, is extremely rare, with only a few cases per million births, of which most are stillborn.
The hospital says it knows of no other case in the UK where the baby has survived. BBC News
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Vanellope Hope Wilkins, who has no breastbone, was delivered three weeks ago by Caesarean section.
She has had three operations to place her heart back in her chest.
The condition, ectopia cordis, is extremely rare, with only a few cases per million births, of which most are stillborn.
The hospital says it knows of no other case in the UK where the baby has survived. BBC News
See also:
- Baby born with her heart growing OUTSIDE of her chest The Daily Mail
- 'Miracle baby' born with heart outside body is first to survive in UK The Daily Telegraph
- Baby girl survives after being born with heart outside her body, in UK first The Guardian
Cold weather and loneliness 'lethal in winter'
Cold weather and loneliness 'lethal in winter' The combination of cold weather and loneliness could be lethal in the coming months, England's most senior nurse is warning.
Prof Jane Cummings, NHS England's chief nursing officer, said cases of strokes and heart attacks tended to rise after a cold snap.
She said that, and the growing problem of loneliness, were a dangerous combination over winter.
She said "simple acts of companionship" could make all the difference.
This could include visiting elderly friends, family and neighbours more regularly, doing the shopping for them or picking up prescription medicines, Prof Cummings added. BBC News
Prof Jane Cummings, NHS England's chief nursing officer, said cases of strokes and heart attacks tended to rise after a cold snap.
She said that, and the growing problem of loneliness, were a dangerous combination over winter.
She said "simple acts of companionship" could make all the difference.
This could include visiting elderly friends, family and neighbours more regularly, doing the shopping for them or picking up prescription medicines, Prof Cummings added. BBC News
'That's where the babies are suffering'
'That's where the babies are suffering' Should anti-abortion campaigners be banned from standing outside abortion centres and urging women to change their mind?
Leila Nathoo visits one clinic in London to hear whether the right to freedom of expression has crossed over into intimidation. BBC News
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Leila Nathoo visits one clinic in London to hear whether the right to freedom of expression has crossed over into intimidation. BBC News
See also:
Dementia victims stranded in hospital this Christmas
Dementia victims stranded in hospital this Christmas More than 1,400 dementia patients will be stranded in hospital on Christmas Day - despite being well enough to go home, a charity investigation has revealed.
The Alzheimer's Society has blamed a 'woefully inadequate' lack of social care funding, in the region of £2 billion, for 'turning wards into waiting rooms'.
Their damning investigation found dementia patients are becoming 'part of the furniture' and face delays up to 10 times as long as those without the disease.
Victims of dementia, which robs sufferers of their memory, rely on social care as drugs are unable to slow the progression of the incurable disease. The Daily Mail
The Alzheimer's Society has blamed a 'woefully inadequate' lack of social care funding, in the region of £2 billion, for 'turning wards into waiting rooms'.
Their damning investigation found dementia patients are becoming 'part of the furniture' and face delays up to 10 times as long as those without the disease.
Victims of dementia, which robs sufferers of their memory, rely on social care as drugs are unable to slow the progression of the incurable disease. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 12 December 2017
Award-winning initiative gives people the opportunity to shape their end of life care
Award-winning initiative gives people the opportunity to shape their end of life care Warrington CCG has landed a top prize in the HSJ Awards for their work to improve end of life care with personal health budgets.
Winning the 2017 “Compassionate patient care” award, Warrington is one of five areas across the country now giving people more of a say in the care they receive in their last weeks and months of life. Personal health budgets are part of a range of work being led by NHS England to improve end of life care. Hear patients, hospice staff and commissioners talk about the benefits of personal health budgets in Warrington in this short film. NHS England
Winning the 2017 “Compassionate patient care” award, Warrington is one of five areas across the country now giving people more of a say in the care they receive in their last weeks and months of life. Personal health budgets are part of a range of work being led by NHS England to improve end of life care. Hear patients, hospice staff and commissioners talk about the benefits of personal health budgets in Warrington in this short film. NHS England
Will change to organ donor rules mean more transplants?
Will change to organ donor rules mean more transplants? In an attempt to make more organs available for transplant, ministers are proposing a radical change by moving to a system of "presumed consent".
Current rules in England mean those willing to donate their organs, should they die, sign up to a donor register.
A consultation on the new system, which would see opting out of organ donation replacing opting in, starts on Tuesday.
Wales has already adopted an approach of presumed consent. Scotland plans to introduce a similar scheme. BBC News
See also:
Current rules in England mean those willing to donate their organs, should they die, sign up to a donor register.
A consultation on the new system, which would see opting out of organ donation replacing opting in, starts on Tuesday.
Wales has already adopted an approach of presumed consent. Scotland plans to introduce a similar scheme. BBC News
See also:
- We must discuss donating organs, urges Jeremy Hunt The Daily Mail
- Families' wishes could be over-ruled under new presumed consent for organ donation The Daily Telegraph
NHS trust treating brain-damaged boy gets anonymity over abuse fears
NHS trust treating brain-damaged boy gets anonymity over abuse fears Charlie Gard case sparks harassment concerns as doctors at unnamed trust in the Midlands seek to turn off life support
Bosses at an NHS hospital trust who wanted to stop providing life-support treatment to a brain-damaged baby boy recently won an anonymity fight after telling a high court judge that medics might be harassed by members of the public.
They feared a repeat of the abuse that staff at Great Ormond Street hospital in London received this year after a judge ruled that 11-month-old Charlie Gard should be allowed to die. Continue reading... The Guardian
Bosses at an NHS hospital trust who wanted to stop providing life-support treatment to a brain-damaged baby boy recently won an anonymity fight after telling a high court judge that medics might be harassed by members of the public.
They feared a repeat of the abuse that staff at Great Ormond Street hospital in London received this year after a judge ruled that 11-month-old Charlie Gard should be allowed to die. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS managers in England back Kerslake's underfunding claim
NHS managers in England back Kerslake's underfunding claim As King’s College hospital trust is put into special measures, NHS Confederation urges government to give service more funding
NHS managers have backed the claim by Bob Kerslake, the outgoing chairman of King’s College hospital, that the health service is being denied the money it needs to meet the rising demand for healthcare.
The NHS Confederation, which represents 85% of the NHS’s 240 trusts in England, urged the government to ditch its policy of giving the service small increases and instead realise that it deserved a greater share of national income. Continue reading... The Guardian
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NHS managers have backed the claim by Bob Kerslake, the outgoing chairman of King’s College hospital, that the health service is being denied the money it needs to meet the rising demand for healthcare.
The NHS Confederation, which represents 85% of the NHS’s 240 trusts in England, urged the government to ditch its policy of giving the service small increases and instead realise that it deserved a greater share of national income. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Why is the NHS agreeing high prices for life-saving drugs?
Why is the NHS agreeing high prices for life-saving drugs? Sherri Coleman recently spent a week paralysed, imprisoned in her upstairs bedroom, because her doctors say they can’t give her the drug she needs.
‘If it hadn’t been for Violet, my 11-year-old daughter, and mum, Rose, bringing me drinks and food, I would have starved to death,’ she says in measured tones that belie the desperation of her condition.
Sherri, 41, was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, inherited from her father, that worsens with age, causing her body to become paralysed at random — the attacks may last anything from a few minutes to a number of days. The Daily Mail
‘If it hadn’t been for Violet, my 11-year-old daughter, and mum, Rose, bringing me drinks and food, I would have starved to death,’ she says in measured tones that belie the desperation of her condition.
Sherri, 41, was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, inherited from her father, that worsens with age, causing her body to become paralysed at random — the attacks may last anything from a few minutes to a number of days. The Daily Mail
Monday, 11 December 2017
NHS winter pressures: how well prepared is the NHS in England?
NHS winter pressures: how well prepared is the NHS in England? Hospitals’ attempts to cope in winter symbolise the wider problems facing the NHS and social care. Winter pressures shine a particularly harsh spotlight on the gap between rising demand and stagnating budgets. Last winter hospitals struggled, even without a flu outbreak or a prolonged cold spell. Headlines shouted of overflowing emergency departments, with ‘black alerts’ in some hospitals leading to diverted ambulances, cancelled operations and patients waiting on trolleys for hospital beds.
Planning for this winter began in the summer. NHS England and NHS Improvement proposed action in four interlinked areas to prepare as well as possible for the winter. In a series of four blogs, we will explore these plans and compare the NHS and social care system’s current winter preparedness with that of 2016. The Health Foundation
Planning for this winter began in the summer. NHS England and NHS Improvement proposed action in four interlinked areas to prepare as well as possible for the winter. In a series of four blogs, we will explore these plans and compare the NHS and social care system’s current winter preparedness with that of 2016. The Health Foundation
Reducing inequalities in children and young people’s mental health
Reducing inequalities in children and young people’s mental health When Theresa May stood on the steps of Downing Street to address the nation for the first time as Prime Minister, she identified several ‘burning injustices’, the first of which was that ‘if you’re born poor, you will die on average nine years earlier than others’.
She reiterated this in one of her first major speeches as Prime Minister, when she went on to set out a personal commitment to tackling the burning injustice of mental illness and promised to publish a Green Paper on children and young people’s mental health. Now that this has been published, how does it measure up in linking inequality and mental health? The King's Fund
She reiterated this in one of her first major speeches as Prime Minister, when she went on to set out a personal commitment to tackling the burning injustice of mental illness and promised to publish a Green Paper on children and young people’s mental health. Now that this has been published, how does it measure up in linking inequality and mental health? The King's Fund
Mental health services for post-16 students in England
Mental health services for post-16 students in England This briefing paper gives an outline of recent studies on the mental health of students, Government mental health policy for students, support in further and higher education providers, the legal duties of providers and discusses issues raised. It finds that young adults aged 16–24 today are more likely than previous generations of young adults to experience mental health issues and the numbers of students reporting mental ill health is increasing. House of Commons Library
Out in the cold: lung disease, the hidden driver of NHS winter pressure
Out in the cold: lung disease, the hidden driver of NHS winter pressure The report warns that a failure to address a predictable and obvious seasonal variation in respiratory admissions is at the heart of our A&E winter crisis. It's potentially causing patients needless harm.
Our analysis reveals that this annual fluctuation has consistently repeated over the last 7 years. Yet many hospitals have failed to adapt their services to cope with the surge in respiratory admissions. British Lung Foundation
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Our analysis reveals that this annual fluctuation has consistently repeated over the last 7 years. Yet many hospitals have failed to adapt their services to cope with the surge in respiratory admissions. British Lung Foundation
See also:
- It's time to start talking about lung disease and the A&E winter crisis British Lung Foundation
- Call for more hospital beds to cope with winter breathing difficulties The Guardian
Vaginal mesh ban 'a retrograde step', surgeons say
Vaginal mesh ban 'a retrograde step', surgeons say Banning vaginal mesh implants would remove an important treatment for some women suffering from a prolapse, says the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Some women benefit from the implants and should have a choice, it said.
The health watchdog NICE is expected to recommend that the implants be banned.
Around 800 women are taking legal action against the NHS and mesh manufacturers, saying they have suffered from painful complications. BBC News
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Some women benefit from the implants and should have a choice, it said.
The health watchdog NICE is expected to recommend that the implants be banned.
Around 800 women are taking legal action against the NHS and mesh manufacturers, saying they have suffered from painful complications. BBC News
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Police reveal 'unlawful' mental health detentions
Police reveal 'unlawful' mental health detentions Police chiefs in England and Wales say they may be unlawfully detaining arrested people needing mental health care more than 2,000 times a year.
Some people have been held in police cells for several days because there is no hospital bed for them, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) says.
It says an inquiry into such mental health provision is needed.
The government said the use of police custody for people detained under the Mental Health Act had fallen sharply. BBC News
Some people have been held in police cells for several days because there is no hospital bed for them, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) says.
It says an inquiry into such mental health provision is needed.
The government said the use of police custody for people detained under the Mental Health Act had fallen sharply. BBC News
Mental health: Jeremy Hunt says the NHS needs to 'be better' at dealing with crisis patients
Mental health: Jeremy Hunt says the NHS needs to 'be better' at dealing with crisis patients The health secretary says the NHS must be better at dealing with mental health crisis cases.
Jeremy Hunt, who's in charge of the health service in England, was speaking to Newsbeat about our iPlayer documentary My Mind and Me.
He watched Radio 1 listener Bex talk about failures when she needed urgent help after a mental health crisis.
Mr Hunt admits there's a "bottleneck in parts of the country" for mental health beds. BBC News
Jeremy Hunt, who's in charge of the health service in England, was speaking to Newsbeat about our iPlayer documentary My Mind and Me.
He watched Radio 1 listener Bex talk about failures when she needed urgent help after a mental health crisis.
Mr Hunt admits there's a "bottleneck in parts of the country" for mental health beds. BBC News
I'm a doctor, and in October I tried to commit suicide. I ended up as a patient on the very hospital wards I work on - The Independent
I'm a doctor, and in October I tried to commit suicide. I ended up as a patient on the very hospital wards I work on My time as an inpatient brought home to me, in a way no other experience ever could, the scale of the problem before us
Last weekend saw the walkout en masse of social mobility tsar Alan Milburn and all three of his fellow commissioners. In his resignation letter, Milburn, a former Labour cabinet minister, stated that the Government lacks “the necessary bandwidth to ensure the rhetoric of healing social division is matched with the reality”.
Sadly, much like the noble cause of improving social mobility, a gulf now exists in mental health care between the rhetoric and the reality of government policy. The Independent
Last weekend saw the walkout en masse of social mobility tsar Alan Milburn and all three of his fellow commissioners. In his resignation letter, Milburn, a former Labour cabinet minister, stated that the Government lacks “the necessary bandwidth to ensure the rhetoric of healing social division is matched with the reality”.
Sadly, much like the noble cause of improving social mobility, a gulf now exists in mental health care between the rhetoric and the reality of government policy. The Independent
I’m quitting as a hospital boss: dire NHS funding problems give me no choice | Bob Kerslake
I’m quitting as a hospital boss: dire NHS funding problems give me no choice | Bob Kerslake Our deficit at King’s College hospital, London, means we will be put into financial special measures, while what the NHS really needs is a fundamental rethink
I have this weekend decided to stand down from my role as chair of King’s College hospital, London.
This was not a decision that I took lightly. I love King’s and have the highest regard for the people who work there. But in the end I have concluded that the government and its regulator, NHS Improvement, are simply not facing up to the enormous challenges that the NHS is currently facing. This is especially true in London where the demands of a rapidly growing population are not being matched by the extra resources we need.
The right thing for me to do therefore is to step down and to do so publicly Continue reading... The Guardian
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I have this weekend decided to stand down from my role as chair of King’s College hospital, London.
This was not a decision that I took lightly. I love King’s and have the highest regard for the people who work there. But in the end I have concluded that the government and its regulator, NHS Improvement, are simply not facing up to the enormous challenges that the NHS is currently facing. This is especially true in London where the demands of a rapidly growing population are not being matched by the extra resources we need.
The right thing for me to do therefore is to step down and to do so publicly Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- Lord Kerslake resigns as King's College Hospital Trust chair BBC News
- Lord Kerslake quits role as chairman of NHS trust The Daily Mail
- Lord Kerslake quits as NHS trust chairman over 'unrealistic' funding cuts The Daily Telegraph
- NHS trust boss resigns in protest over underfunding of health services The Guardian
- Review into NHS funding needed, says former chief after resignation The Independent
Stephen Hawking joins lawsuit aimed at foiling Hunt's NHS shake-up
Stephen Hawking joins lawsuit aimed at foiling Hunt's NHS shake-up Physicist’s dispute with health secretary is reignited as he joins action against changes he fears could lead to more privatisation
Stephen Hawking has reignited his public dispute with Jeremy Hunt by joining a legal action aimed at scuppering an NHS shake-up that he fears will lead to greater privatisation and rationing of resources.
The physicist has become a party to a lawsuit that is seeking to stop the introduction of the first accountable care organisations (ACOs) into the NHS in England in April. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Stephen Hawking has reignited his public dispute with Jeremy Hunt by joining a legal action aimed at scuppering an NHS shake-up that he fears will lead to greater privatisation and rationing of resources.
The physicist has become a party to a lawsuit that is seeking to stop the introduction of the first accountable care organisations (ACOs) into the NHS in England in April. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Rising numbers forced to take time off work to see a GP, poll finds
Rising numbers forced to take time off work to see a GP, poll finds Rising numbers of people are being forced to take time off work to see a GP, despite Government pledges to offer appointments 8am to 8pm, new polls suggest.
Ministers have promised to improve access to family doctors, with a target for all patients to be able to see GPs at evenings and weekends by 2019.
But the survey suggests the situation is deteriorating, amid a drop in the number of family doctors. The Daily Telegraph
Ministers have promised to improve access to family doctors, with a target for all patients to be able to see GPs at evenings and weekends by 2019.
But the survey suggests the situation is deteriorating, amid a drop in the number of family doctors. The Daily Telegraph
Third of GPs plan to close surgeries to new patients
Third of GPs plan to close surgeries to new patients One three family doctors plan to close their surgeries to new patients, a survey found.
They claim that without drastic action they will be unable to give safe care to those already on their books.
One in ten GPs said they had already closed surgery lists to new patients temporarily within the past 12 months.
A further 28 per cent – nearly a third – admitted they were considering doing so. The Daily Mail
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They claim that without drastic action they will be unable to give safe care to those already on their books.
One in ten GPs said they had already closed surgery lists to new patients temporarily within the past 12 months.
A further 28 per cent – nearly a third – admitted they were considering doing so. The Daily Mail
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Hospital tracks patients' movements via wristbands
Hospital tracks patients' movements via wristbands A hospital has become the first to issue all staff and patients with electronic 'wristbands' to track their movements through 'big brother' style technology.
In an NHS trial, the Countess of Chester Hospital, in Cheshire, has more than 4,000 infrared sensors above beds and doorways that read data chips on patients' and staff's wristbands to record where they are.
Findings reveal the time from a patient being discharged from the Cheshire hospital to their bed being ready for a new patient is less than two-and-a-half hours, down from approximately four hours as staff can automatically see when their bed becomes available.
The system, known as TeleTracking Technologies, also tells staff about patients' specific needs and helps them move efficiently around the hospital. The Daily Mail
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In an NHS trial, the Countess of Chester Hospital, in Cheshire, has more than 4,000 infrared sensors above beds and doorways that read data chips on patients' and staff's wristbands to record where they are.
Findings reveal the time from a patient being discharged from the Cheshire hospital to their bed being ready for a new patient is less than two-and-a-half hours, down from approximately four hours as staff can automatically see when their bed becomes available.
The system, known as TeleTracking Technologies, also tells staff about patients' specific needs and helps them move efficiently around the hospital. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Pilot trusts using real-time technology to increase bed capacity NHS Improvement
- NHS patients electronically tagged in attempt to boost bed efficiency The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 8 December 2017
Research and analysis: Modern slavery and public health
Research and analysis: Modern slavery and public health This research focuses on the public health implications of modern slavery and how they can be addressed, based on a rapid evidence assessment.
The findings provide 5 reasons why modern slavery is a public health issue and identify next steps for public health leaders and the wider community. Public Health England
The findings provide 5 reasons why modern slavery is a public health issue and identify next steps for public health leaders and the wider community. Public Health England
Guidance: A framework for mental health research
Guidance: A framework for mental health research This framework provides a collective view of how mental health research should develop in the UK over the next decade. It sets out a structure to improve co-ordination and strengthen the focus on areas where mental health research is likely to translate into significant health benefit.
This document is a response to a recommendation in the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health report that the Department of Health lead on the development of a 10-year strategy for mental health research. The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health report was published in February 2016 by the independent Mental Health Taskforce. Department of Health
This document is a response to a recommendation in the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health report that the Department of Health lead on the development of a 10-year strategy for mental health research. The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health report was published in February 2016 by the independent Mental Health Taskforce. Department of Health
The final injustice: variation in end of life care in England
The final injustice: variation in end of life care in England This report provides an insight into the experience of cancer patients' final months and years. It finds that cancer patients approaching the end of their life face repeat emergency visits and the situation is worse for patients who are most socioeconomically disadvantaged. The report highlights the variation in patient experience for people dying of cancer and the need for improved access to care and support in the community. Macmillan Cancer Care
Locked up, locked out: health and human rights in immigration detention
Locked up, locked out: health and human rights in immigration detention This report outlines how aspects of current detention policies and practices, such as no clear time-limits on how long people will be detained, are detrimental to the health of migrants and asylum-seekers, and also sets out the challenges doctors face when providing healthcare in detention settings. It argues that the detention of people who have not been convicted of a crime should be a measure of last resort and should be phased out. British Medical Association
Challenging health inequalities: support for CCGs
Challenging health inequalities: support for CCGs This guide has been created to help identify areas of variation in emergency admissions in more and less deprived CCGs and to promote a discussion where variation occurs. NHS England
Teen with anorexia 'failed by every NHS body' before death
Teen with anorexia 'failed by every NHS body' before death A teenager who died weeks after leaving for university was failed by "every NHS organisation that should have cared for her", a review has found.
Averil Hart, from Newton, Suffolk, died of a heart attack caused by anorexia in Norwich in 2012.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has found her death could and should have been prevented.
The NHS services involved say changes have been made, with one saying it accepted the report's findings. BBC News
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Averil Hart, from Newton, Suffolk, died of a heart attack caused by anorexia in Norwich in 2012.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has found her death could and should have been prevented.
The NHS services involved say changes have been made, with one saying it accepted the report's findings. BBC News
See also:
- Death of woman, 19, from anorexia was avoidable, Ombudsman rules Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
- Ignoring the alarms: How NHS eating disorder services are failing patients Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
- Anorexic student Averil Hart 'let down' by NHS BBC News
- Anorexic student starved to death by NHS care The Daily Mail
- Death of anorexic teenager left to starve in her university flat was 'avoidable', says watchdog The Daily Telegraph
- 'Clear failures of care': scathing report into student's anorexia death The Guardian
Inquiry announced into case of rogue surgeon Ian Paterson
Inquiry announced into case of rogue surgeon Ian Paterson Paterson was not suspended until eight years after concerns were first raised, and inquiry will look for lessons to be learned
The government will launch an independent national inquiry into the actions of the rogue surgeon Ian Paterson, who was sentenced to 20 years in jail in August after carrying out needless surgery on patients who were left traumatised and scarred.
The inquiry will begin in January and report in the summer of 2019, and will be chaired by the Right Rev Graham James, the bishop of Norwich. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The government will launch an independent national inquiry into the actions of the rogue surgeon Ian Paterson, who was sentenced to 20 years in jail in August after carrying out needless surgery on patients who were left traumatised and scarred.
The inquiry will begin in January and report in the summer of 2019, and will be chaired by the Right Rev Graham James, the bishop of Norwich. Continue reading... The Guardian
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NHS England accused of hiding hospitals' winter crisis alert figures
NHS England accused of hiding hospitals' winter crisis alert figures Opposition MPs accuse government of covering up ‘evidence that the NHS is under unsustainable pressure’
NHS bosses have been accused of unacceptable secrecy after deciding no longer to reveal how many hospitals come under such pressure during winter that they have to declare an alert.
NHS England will not publish this winter’s figures for the number of trusts forced to issue an alert under the operational pressures escalation levels (Opel) framework system. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS bosses have been accused of unacceptable secrecy after deciding no longer to reveal how many hospitals come under such pressure during winter that they have to declare an alert.
NHS England will not publish this winter’s figures for the number of trusts forced to issue an alert under the operational pressures escalation levels (Opel) framework system. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS wards becoming 'long stay institutions' amid lack of social care
NHS wards becoming 'long stay institutions' amid lack of social care Hospitals are being turned into long-stay institutions, amid a crisis in social care, with more than 17,000 people now stuck on hospital wards for at least three weeks, official figures show.
The NHS figures show that across the country, bed occupancy levels are already approaching 95 per cent, with 18 hospital trusts reaching 100 per cent capacity last week.
The new data - the first ever analysis of the numbers stuck in hospital for such periods - shows the number of “long stay patients” already rising as winter sets in.
NHS trust chief executives said pensioners admitted to wards with relatively minor health problems were ending up dispatched to care homes, weeks later, because they had lost so much mobility while trapped needlessly. The Daily Telegraph
The NHS figures show that across the country, bed occupancy levels are already approaching 95 per cent, with 18 hospital trusts reaching 100 per cent capacity last week.
The new data - the first ever analysis of the numbers stuck in hospital for such periods - shows the number of “long stay patients” already rising as winter sets in.
NHS trust chief executives said pensioners admitted to wards with relatively minor health problems were ending up dispatched to care homes, weeks later, because they had lost so much mobility while trapped needlessly. The Daily Telegraph
University hospitals train hairdressers to spot melanoma
University hospitals train hairdressers to spot melanoma University hospitals are teaching hairdressers to identify an increasingly common skin cancer that clients often miss on their scalps and necks.
Half of melanomas - a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer - go undetected by people who try to check themselves for cancerous moles, and many of those are on the head and scalp.
At least one state now recognizes that hairdressers are uniquely positioned to respond to domestic abuse, and legally requires training.
If melanoma detection training is successful, it could one day be required and potentially save lives, particularly in under-served communities where the cancer is deadliest. The Daily Mail
Half of melanomas - a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer - go undetected by people who try to check themselves for cancerous moles, and many of those are on the head and scalp.
At least one state now recognizes that hairdressers are uniquely positioned to respond to domestic abuse, and legally requires training.
If melanoma detection training is successful, it could one day be required and potentially save lives, particularly in under-served communities where the cancer is deadliest. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 7 December 2017
A conversation with the public: could different be better?
A conversation with the public: could different be better? As part of our work on the NHS and the public, we are publishing a series of blogs providing different perspectives on the relationship between the NHS and the public, and how it has changed over time. Here, Professor Keith Willett, Medical Director for Acute Care, NHS England, considers the conversation around the changing nature of care. The King's Fund
One in three people sent home from hospital too early – with no plan for further mental health care
One in three people sent home from hospital too early – with no plan for further mental health care Research by mental health charity Mind reveals serious problems with the planning around discharging people from mental health hospitals. The survey of over 1,000 people[1] who have been in hospital in mental health crisis, found:
- One in three people (38 per cent) felt they were discharged from hospital sooner than they should have been
- One in five (21 per cent) were given no notice at all that they were going home. This even happens when people have been in hospital for a long time - one in three people (33 per cent) in hospital for more than a month were given less than 48 hours’ notice that they were being discharged or no notice at all
- Two out of five people (37 per cent) said there was no plan for further care and support, contrary to guidelines
- Less than half of people (44 per cent) said managing their mental health or self-care was considered in plans for leaving hospital
- Only half of people (51 per cent) said their accommodation needs were considered in any plans, and less than a third (29 per cent) said that money and benefits were considered
Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care, Lessons learned to inform maternity care from the UK and Ireland Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity 2013–15
Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care, Lessons learned to inform maternity care from the UK and Ireland Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity 2013–15 The fourth annual Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care report issued by the MBRRACE-UK collaboration is published today 7th December 2017.
In this, the latest Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity, the MBRRACE-UK collaboration report on the care of 124 women who died during or after pregnancy in the UK and Ireland between 2013 and 2015, and 46 women who had severe illness in this period. In particular the care for women with severe epilepsy and women who had severe mental illness was examined, as well as the care for women who died.
A key finding was that forward planning of care and optimising medication doses for women with physical and mental health problems could make a major difference to women’s risk of complications during and after pregnancy. In particular pregnant women and those who are planning pregnancy who are on medication should not discontinue their treatment without consulting a specialist. National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit
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In this, the latest Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity, the MBRRACE-UK collaboration report on the care of 124 women who died during or after pregnancy in the UK and Ireland between 2013 and 2015, and 46 women who had severe illness in this period. In particular the care for women with severe epilepsy and women who had severe mental illness was examined, as well as the care for women who died.
A key finding was that forward planning of care and optimising medication doses for women with physical and mental health problems could make a major difference to women’s risk of complications during and after pregnancy. In particular pregnant women and those who are planning pregnancy who are on medication should not discontinue their treatment without consulting a specialist. National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit
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NHS Trusts have prepared for a tough winter but patient risk remains
NHS Trusts have prepared for a tough winter but patient risk remains NHS trusts have done all they can to prepare for extra winter pressures. Local and national planning for winter is more extensive and meticulous than ever before. But the health service may be sorely tested in the coming months as it is already at or close to full stretch. Trusts are working hard to minimise the risks for patients. NHS Providers
See also:
See also:
- Ready and resilient? How NHS trusts have prepared for winter NHS Providers
- The risks remain but the NHS is as ready as it can be for winter NHS Providers
- Hospitals already full to bursting as pressures mount, warn NHS chiefs The Daily Telegraph
- NHS bosses sound alarm over hospitals already running at 99% capacity The Guardian
- NHS chiefs warn of 'severe pressure' going into winter months ITV News
Long A&E waits: 3m a year wait over four hours
Long A&E waits: 3m a year wait over four hours The number of long A&E waits across the UK has more than doubled in the past four years as hospitals struggle to cope with demand, BBC analysis shows.
Northern Ireland has the worst performance, although England has seen the fastest deterioration, the figures show.
Over 3m patients who visited UK A&Es waited over four hours in the past 12 months - up by 120% since 2012-13.
By comparison the number of visits has only risen by just over 7% to 26.9m. BBC News
Northern Ireland has the worst performance, although England has seen the fastest deterioration, the figures show.
Over 3m patients who visited UK A&Es waited over four hours in the past 12 months - up by 120% since 2012-13.
By comparison the number of visits has only risen by just over 7% to 26.9m. BBC News
'Stark' increase in overweight youngsters
'Stark' increase in overweight youngsters There is a "stark" increase between the ages of seven and 11 in the proportion of children in the UK who are overweight or obese, new data suggests.
The study of nearly 12,000 children found 25% were overweight or obese at age seven, rising to 35% at 11.
Between 11 and 14, there was little change, however, which researchers say may be because children of this age are making more of their own food choices.
Campaigners are calling for more action on weight issues in younger children. BBC News
The study of nearly 12,000 children found 25% were overweight or obese at age seven, rising to 35% at 11.
Between 11 and 14, there was little change, however, which researchers say may be because children of this age are making more of their own food choices.
Campaigners are calling for more action on weight issues in younger children. BBC News
New fund to cut delayed hospital discharges
New fund to cut delayed hospital discharges NHS Digital is offering a fund of £1.4 million to NHS bodies and local authorities to encourage them to integrate their systems for a better approach to discharging patients from hospitals to social care.
Delayed discharges were estimated to cost the NHS £820 million in 2016 due to approximately 2.7 million older patients remaining in hospital when they no longer required acute treatment because ongoing social care was not organised or available.
Health think tank The King’s Fund has said previously that the impact on patients can be severe, with the likelihood of readmission and long-term care needs increasing. OnMedica
Delayed discharges were estimated to cost the NHS £820 million in 2016 due to approximately 2.7 million older patients remaining in hospital when they no longer required acute treatment because ongoing social care was not organised or available.
Health think tank The King’s Fund has said previously that the impact on patients can be severe, with the likelihood of readmission and long-term care needs increasing. OnMedica
How an army of volunteers could help win the fight for the NHS | David Brindle
How an army of volunteers could help win the fight for the NHS | David Brindle A pioneering project aims to double the amount of voluntary workers in hospitals and alleviate the stress levels and pressure staff face in the health service
Geoff Mann is about to mark 10 years as a volunteer at North Tyneside general hospital. The retired chartered quantity surveyor does a day a week, sometimes more, driving patients and visitors with mobility needs around the hospital in North Shields in an electric buggy.
“It’s what everybody says – the enormous sense of satisfaction,” says Mann, 77, when asked what he gets out of it. “You meet a lot of people, you help them get around, you put them at ease if they’re worried – and you feel you’re part of one big family.”
Even three years ago, staff at my trust didn’t know what to do with volunteers. But now they are bursting with ideas Continue reading... The Guardian
Geoff Mann is about to mark 10 years as a volunteer at North Tyneside general hospital. The retired chartered quantity surveyor does a day a week, sometimes more, driving patients and visitors with mobility needs around the hospital in North Shields in an electric buggy.
“It’s what everybody says – the enormous sense of satisfaction,” says Mann, 77, when asked what he gets out of it. “You meet a lot of people, you help them get around, you put them at ease if they’re worried – and you feel you’re part of one big family.”
Even three years ago, staff at my trust didn’t know what to do with volunteers. But now they are bursting with ideas Continue reading... The Guardian
Labour demands Commons vote on 'secret' plan for NHS
Labour demands Commons vote on 'secret' plan for NHS Party says ministers are trying to push through changes that could lead to greater privatisation and rationing of care
Labour is demanding that MPs be allowed to debate and vote on “secret” plans for the NHS that they claim could lead to greater rationing of care and privatisation of health services.
The party says ministers are trying to push through the creation of “accountable care organisations” (ACOs) without proper parliamentary scrutiny. Continue reading... The Guardian
Labour is demanding that MPs be allowed to debate and vote on “secret” plans for the NHS that they claim could lead to greater rationing of care and privatisation of health services.
The party says ministers are trying to push through the creation of “accountable care organisations” (ACOs) without proper parliamentary scrutiny. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS isn’t ready for the winter, concerned doctors warn
NHS isn’t ready for the winter, concerned doctors warn Patients will have to 'sleep, take paracetamol and pray', concerned doctors have warned ahead of the impending winter crisis.
The NHS is expected to face unprecedented pressure in the coming months, as campaigners fear it will be disastrous amid soaring waiting lists in A&E.
Now GPs are echoing the widespread worries, claiming it will become a 'survival of the fittest' as they are already struggling to cope.
A survey of 633 doctors, undertaken by GPOnline, revealed the concerns as the recruitment crisis continues to burn with no signs of slowing. The Daily Mail
The NHS is expected to face unprecedented pressure in the coming months, as campaigners fear it will be disastrous amid soaring waiting lists in A&E.
Now GPs are echoing the widespread worries, claiming it will become a 'survival of the fittest' as they are already struggling to cope.
A survey of 633 doctors, undertaken by GPOnline, revealed the concerns as the recruitment crisis continues to burn with no signs of slowing. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
Chance to help shape proposals to improve healthcare in Corby
Chance to help shape proposals to improve healthcare in Corby NHS Corby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is holding a public workshop about the future of healthcare in the town.
The event on Thursday, December 14, at the Best Western Hotel in Corby, will be the last chance for people in Corby to help shape the proposed changes to healthcare services before the consultation in 2018.
Although the event is open to people registered with a Corby GP, they must inform the organisers in advance of the event that they wish to attend. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The event on Thursday, December 14, at the Best Western Hotel in Corby, will be the last chance for people in Corby to help shape the proposed changes to healthcare services before the consultation in 2018.
Although the event is open to people registered with a Corby GP, they must inform the organisers in advance of the event that they wish to attend. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Enhancing health in care homes: system leadership in action
Enhancing health in care homes: system leadership in action "Effective leadership in complex systems is not solely an attribute of top bosses, but is better understood as a shared process of many ‘small’ (and great) leaders working together"
This quote came to mind when we reflected on the outcomes of our first King’s Fund/My Home Life Care homes, health, housing and social care learning network – a network established to improve collaborative working between many of the organisations involved in improving the health of older people living in care homes.
‘System leadership’ was not a topic on the network’s agenda, nor was this phrase mentioned by participants, even though skilled system leadership is required to drive the close co-ordination between care homes and other organisations – in health, social care and housing – needed to enhance the health of care home residents. The King's Fund
This quote came to mind when we reflected on the outcomes of our first King’s Fund/My Home Life Care homes, health, housing and social care learning network – a network established to improve collaborative working between many of the organisations involved in improving the health of older people living in care homes.
‘System leadership’ was not a topic on the network’s agenda, nor was this phrase mentioned by participants, even though skilled system leadership is required to drive the close co-ordination between care homes and other organisations – in health, social care and housing – needed to enhance the health of care home residents. The King's Fund
Older people living with frailty in hospitals
Older people living with frailty in hospitals This review brings together research on what can be done to identify and manage the needs of frail older people living in hospital. It covers four key aspects of caring for this group of people: assessment, identifying and managing symptoms associated with frailty in hospital, discharge planning and caring environments. NHS National Institute for Health Research
State of support: local Healthwatch funding 2017/18
State of support: local Healthwatch funding 2017/18 This report sets out the data on the amount of funding that local Healthwatch organisations have received from local authorities. The analysis indicates that between 2016/17 and 2017/18, overall funding has fallen by 6.9 per cent. The report is accompanied by a letter to the Secretary of State for Health which highlights concerns around resourcing for patient involvement and advocacy.
NHS cancer plan marks first step towards fixing chronic staff shortages
NHS cancer plan marks first step towards fixing chronic staff shortages Cancer rates are increasing, meaning more people than ever are being diagnosed with the disease. And with more people to look after, the NHS is coming under growing strain to meet demand – especially as it strives to meet the priority of diagnosing more cancers earlier.
To deliver the best cancer care in the world, the NHS needs enough trained and employed staff to carry out and interpret tests that diagnose cancer. Right now, that’s not the case.
And if it’s not working now, rising rates will only make this situation worse.
That’s why we’ve been campaigning to tell the Government to stop leaving the NHS short staffed. Cancer Research UK
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To deliver the best cancer care in the world, the NHS needs enough trained and employed staff to carry out and interpret tests that diagnose cancer. Right now, that’s not the case.
And if it’s not working now, rising rates will only make this situation worse.
That’s why we’ve been campaigning to tell the Government to stop leaving the NHS short staffed. Cancer Research UK
See also:
- Full team ahead: understanding the uk non-surgical cancer treatments workforce Cancer Research UK
- More cancer specialists to be employed by the NHS Department of Health
- Cancer workforce plan: phase 1: delivering the cancer strategy to 2021 Health Education England
- NHS cancer specialists 'too busy manning the phones' The Daily Mail
- NHS cancer experts recruited in their hundreds to speed up diagnosis The Daily Telegraph
Payout after woman was kept alive against her will
Payout after woman was kept alive against her will The family of an 81-year-old woman has received a £45,000 payout after she was kept alive against her will.
Brenda Grant made a living will stating she feared degradation and indignity more than death after seeing her mum lose independence through dementia.
But the George Eliot hospital, in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, misplaced the document and she was artificially fed for 22 months.
The trust has apologised for its failure. BBC News
Brenda Grant made a living will stating she feared degradation and indignity more than death after seeing her mum lose independence through dementia.
But the George Eliot hospital, in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, misplaced the document and she was artificially fed for 22 months.
The trust has apologised for its failure. BBC News
How I beat type 2 diabetes with a liquid diet
How I beat type 2 diabetes with a liquid diet Nearly half of patients have reversed type 2 diabetes in a "watershed" trial, say doctors in Newcastle and Glasgow.
People spent up to five months on a low-calorie diet of soups and shakes to trigger massive weight loss.
Isobel Murray, 65, who had weighed 15 stone, lost over four stone (25kg) and no longer needs diabetes pills. She says: "I've got my life back."
The charity Diabetes UK says the trial is a landmark and has the potential to help millions of patients. BBC News
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People spent up to five months on a low-calorie diet of soups and shakes to trigger massive weight loss.
Isobel Murray, 65, who had weighed 15 stone, lost over four stone (25kg) and no longer needs diabetes pills. She says: "I've got my life back."
The charity Diabetes UK says the trial is a landmark and has the potential to help millions of patients. BBC News
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Two thirds of GPs say their practice will struggle to cope this winter
Two thirds of GPs say their practice will struggle to cope this winter More than two out of three GPs say their practice will struggle to cope this winter, amid warnings that seasonal pressure on top of what the BMA has called a 'year-round NHS crisis' will put patients at risk. GPonline
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Nick Robinson: cancer death statistics 'terrify' patients
Nick Robinson: cancer death statistics 'terrify' patients Doctors need to arm their patients with better information about cancer survival to stop them becoming “terrified” by “Dr Google”, the BBC journalist Nick Robinson has said.
The Today presenter, who was treated for lung cancer in 2015, said oncologists were failing to adapt to the digital revolution leaving patients at the mercy of online statistics they often do not understand.
Mr Robinson said his own research on Google and Wikipedia following his diagnosis had left him “anxious and depressed”, and that online statistics had made him wrongly believe he had just a one per cent chance of survival. The Daily Telegraph
The Today presenter, who was treated for lung cancer in 2015, said oncologists were failing to adapt to the digital revolution leaving patients at the mercy of online statistics they often do not understand.
Mr Robinson said his own research on Google and Wikipedia following his diagnosis had left him “anxious and depressed”, and that online statistics had made him wrongly believe he had just a one per cent chance of survival. The Daily Telegraph
How much have YOU cost the NHS?
How much have YOU cost the NHS? If you've ever sat down and wondered just how much you cost the cash-strapped NHS each year, here's your answer.
A new interactive tool jots up roughly how expensive you've been to the taxpayer-funded health service in terms of keeping healthy.
The handy quiz even compares your final answer to how much you've contributed to the NHS over the past year.
It comes as the NHS is facing its worst financial crisis in a generation as it struggles to meet the needs of the aging population on a very tightly-constrained budget. The Daily Mail
A new interactive tool jots up roughly how expensive you've been to the taxpayer-funded health service in terms of keeping healthy.
The handy quiz even compares your final answer to how much you've contributed to the NHS over the past year.
It comes as the NHS is facing its worst financial crisis in a generation as it struggles to meet the needs of the aging population on a very tightly-constrained budget. The Daily Mail
17,000 elderly at risk as care home teeters on the brink
17,000 elderly at risk as care home teeters on the brink A debt-ridden care home chain with around 17,000 vulnerable residents is on the brink of collapse amid a row between its wealthy backers.
Four Seasons Health Care could be tipped into administration within 10 days if it misses a £26m interest payment due next Friday that it has warned it may not pay.
Its owner, private equity firm Terra Firma which is run by tycoon Guy Hands, and key lender, US hedge fund H/2 Capital Partners, have yet to agree on a rescue deal as the deadline looms. The Daily Mail
Four Seasons Health Care could be tipped into administration within 10 days if it misses a £26m interest payment due next Friday that it has warned it may not pay.
Its owner, private equity firm Terra Firma which is run by tycoon Guy Hands, and key lender, US hedge fund H/2 Capital Partners, have yet to agree on a rescue deal as the deadline looms. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 5 December 2017
Awards for Northamptonshire health care workers who go the extra mile
Awards for Northamptonshire health care workers who go the extra mile Health workers who go above and beyond their everyday role to make a difference to patients, service users, carers and their families have been put in the spotlight.
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has just held its third quality awards ceremony. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has just held its third quality awards ceremony. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The future of the NHS must be settled through constructive argument not adversarial disputes
The future of the NHS must be settled through constructive argument not adversarial disputes The Budget has brought some welcome relief for the NHS in the form of £2.8 billion additional revenue funding and £3.5 billion capital investment over the parliament. Funding prospects for the next two years remain very challenging, but the Budget has at least created some breathing space to work through the implications for the NHS and patients. The King's Fund
How NEDs can support transformation
How NEDs can support transformation A report from NHS England and NHS Improvement summarises discussions held at two events earlier this year that brought together more than 200 CCG lay members and trust non-executive directors (NEDs).
One in five patients regularly miss GP appointments
One in five patients regularly miss GP appointments Up to one in five patients are regularly missing GP appointments in Scotland, with younger people the worst offenders, new research has found.
A study of more than 500,000 people in the country, published in the journal The Lancet Public Health, shows young males are most likely to not attend.
There is no centrally collected data on total number of GP appointments or how many of them are missed.
The study found 19% of patients missed more than two in a three-year period.
Younger, male patients aged 16 to 30 were found to be the worst offenders. BBC News
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A study of more than 500,000 people in the country, published in the journal The Lancet Public Health, shows young males are most likely to not attend.
There is no centrally collected data on total number of GP appointments or how many of them are missed.
The study found 19% of patients missed more than two in a three-year period.
Younger, male patients aged 16 to 30 were found to be the worst offenders. BBC News
See also:
- Non-attending patients in general practice (open access) Lancet Public Health
- Deprivation is biggest driver of missed GP appointments, research finds GPonline
A&E four hour performance figures well below 95% target
A&E four hour performance figures well below 95% target Only 82.45% of A&E departments are currently meeting the target of seeing patients within four hours of attending, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has reported.
The latest figures reveal that in the fourth week of November performance against the four hour target is well under NHS England's 95% standard, and has dropped considerably from 85.23% the previous week.
The underlying picture shows 15 increases and 38 decreases across the whole project group of 50 UK NHS Trust sites. Pulse
The latest figures reveal that in the fourth week of November performance against the four hour target is well under NHS England's 95% standard, and has dropped considerably from 85.23% the previous week.
The underlying picture shows 15 increases and 38 decreases across the whole project group of 50 UK NHS Trust sites. Pulse
More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped
More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped Seven hundred fewer nurses started training in England in 2017, the first year since the Government scrapped training bursaries in a bid to allow more nurses to be trained, UCAS figures reveal.
The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.
It comes as the hospital performance watchdog said there were at least 36,000 unfilled nursing vacancies in NHS trusts and foundation trusts at the end of September this year. The Independent
The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.
It comes as the hospital performance watchdog said there were at least 36,000 unfilled nursing vacancies in NHS trusts and foundation trusts at the end of September this year. The Independent
Why wait for an appointment when you can see a GP via phone?
Why wait for an appointment when you can see a GP via phone? People are more comfortable with using tech than critics of the GP at Hand app, which I launched, claim
Last month, I, alongside several colleagues, launched a new digital service that makes NHS GPs available to people – initially in London – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via their mobile phones.
GP at Hand harnesses technology to cut down the wait for a routine GP appointment from the current average of around two weeks to just a matter of minutes via video consultation. Face-to-face appointments are available on the same day or next if needed. Like any other NHS service, it’s free and means patients can see a GP when and where they want. Continue reading... The Guardian
Last month, I, alongside several colleagues, launched a new digital service that makes NHS GPs available to people – initially in London – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via their mobile phones.
GP at Hand harnesses technology to cut down the wait for a routine GP appointment from the current average of around two weeks to just a matter of minutes via video consultation. Face-to-face appointments are available on the same day or next if needed. Like any other NHS service, it’s free and means patients can see a GP when and where they want. Continue reading... The Guardian
More than one in four nurses are obese, new study shows
More than one in four nurses are obese, new study shows More than a quarter of NHS nurses are obese, with healthcare professionals more likely to be dangerously fat than those they care for, new research suggests.
Experts said the findings were “deeply worrying” and said patients would find it hard to stomach health advice from those whose weight was not healthy.
The research by London South Bank University and Edinburgh Napier University set out to assess obesity prevalence among healthcare professionals working in England.
It found that 25.1 per cent of nurses were obese, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) score of more than 30, compared with rates of 23.5 per cent in the general population. The Daily Telegraph
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Experts said the findings were “deeply worrying” and said patients would find it hard to stomach health advice from those whose weight was not healthy.
The research by London South Bank University and Edinburgh Napier University set out to assess obesity prevalence among healthcare professionals working in England.
It found that 25.1 per cent of nurses were obese, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) score of more than 30, compared with rates of 23.5 per cent in the general population. The Daily Telegraph
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Doctors push patients to pay £9,000 for non-emergency ops
Doctors push patients to pay £9,000 for non-emergency ops Doctors are recommending NHS patients pay up to £9,000 for non-emergency operations, from earwax removal to hip replacements, to beat waiting times as rationing fears rise.
The controversial move tells doctors to push 'self-pay' options, some of which cost nearly £9,000.
It is said to give GPs 'greater options to discuss with patients' but has sparked criticism from doctors and campaigners who brand the move 'shameless'.
This comes after news last week revealed patients are to be denied cough medicines, migraine pills and heartburn remedies under sweeping NHS rationing plans. The Daily Mail
The controversial move tells doctors to push 'self-pay' options, some of which cost nearly £9,000.
It is said to give GPs 'greater options to discuss with patients' but has sparked criticism from doctors and campaigners who brand the move 'shameless'.
This comes after news last week revealed patients are to be denied cough medicines, migraine pills and heartburn remedies under sweeping NHS rationing plans. The Daily Mail
Monday, 4 December 2017
Five practical ways for housing services to address health needs
Five practical ways for housing services to address health needs Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. We campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. However, we estimate that 65,000 families will be homeless this Christmas.
Bad housing and overcrowding lead to physical health problems like asthma, respiratory illnesses and heart disease. The stress of bad housing, and the uncertainty and instability within the housing market, lead to mental health problems. Indeed, in research Shelter commissioned earlier this year, we found that one in 20 adults have visited a GP in the last year with a mental health issue related to their housing. GPs said that housing issues were both a primary cause and also an exacerbating factor in their patients’ mental health problems. The Health Foundation
Bad housing and overcrowding lead to physical health problems like asthma, respiratory illnesses and heart disease. The stress of bad housing, and the uncertainty and instability within the housing market, lead to mental health problems. Indeed, in research Shelter commissioned earlier this year, we found that one in 20 adults have visited a GP in the last year with a mental health issue related to their housing. GPs said that housing issues were both a primary cause and also an exacerbating factor in their patients’ mental health problems. The Health Foundation
Policy paper: Government response to report on Brexit and health and social care
Policy paper: Government response to report on Brexit and health and social care This command paper sets out the government’s response to the report on the impact of Brexit on health and social care published by the House of Commons Health Committee in April 2017. Department of Health
The Fifteen Steps Challenge – Quality from a patient’s perspective: A toolkit for clinics and outpatient settings
The Fifteen Steps Challenge – Quality from a patient’s perspective: A toolkit for clinics and outpatient settings NHS England has published a document aimed at improving the experience of patients in clinics and outpatient settings.
The investigation of stillbirth
The investigation of stillbirth This briefing discusses the way that stillbirth is investigated at present and the government announcement about independent investigations in future. House of Commons Library
Meeting the quality challenge: sharing examples of best practice from clinical leaders in emergency departments
Meeting the quality challenge: sharing examples of best practice from clinical leaders in emergency departments This report provides practical examples of positive action that some trusts are taking to help meet the challenges of managing capacity and demand. The examples cover a range of areas including ambulance arrivals, initial patient assessments, staffing, managing deteriorating patients and specialist referrals. Care Quality Commission
Pledge to boost mental health support in schools
Pledge to boost mental health support in schools Children and young people in England are to be able to access mental health support at school or college under government plans to improve services.
The proposals include introducing a four-week waiting time for youngsters needing specialist support and new mental health support teams in schools.
It is hoped around one in four schools in England will have this provision in place by 2022.
Campaigners say it was welcome, but overdue and "only a start".
The issue of young people's mental health has long been of concern, with parents, charities and healthcare professionals warning that families are not getting the support they need. BBC News
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The proposals include introducing a four-week waiting time for youngsters needing specialist support and new mental health support teams in schools.
It is hoped around one in four schools in England will have this provision in place by 2022.
Campaigners say it was welcome, but overdue and "only a start".
The issue of young people's mental health has long been of concern, with parents, charities and healthcare professionals warning that families are not getting the support they need. BBC News
See also:
- Mental health: 'I was offered help two years later' BBC News
- Army of therapists to be sent into schools to tackle anxiety epidemic The Daily Telegraph
- £300m mental health initiative for schools is inadequate, says Labour The Guardian
- Mental health support to be offered in schools under radical overhaul of services for children and young people The Independent
- Mental health support to be offered in schools in £300m overhaul of services for young people ITV News
Cost of NHS negligence claims soars as staff fear speaking out on safety | Richard Vize
Cost of NHS negligence claims soars as staff fear speaking out on safety | Richard Vize Health service’s bill for costs has quadrupled in a decade as patients and families turn to court to find out whether mistakes were made
This week I met a man about to launch a legal action for negligence against the hospital where his wife and son almost died during childbirth. Two years later, she is still recovering and waiting for answers as to what went wrong. Exhausted by months of obstruction and denial, they believe going to court is the only way they will get an admission that mistakes were made. They don’t want money, just an apology and assurance that no one else will have to suffer as they did.
This entirely avoidable melodrama is being played out across the NHS. Friday’s report by the public accounts committee into the cost of clinical negligence in hospital trusts reveals that the bill has quadrupled in 10 years to £1.6bn and is expected to double again by 2021. Continue reading... The Guardian
This week I met a man about to launch a legal action for negligence against the hospital where his wife and son almost died during childbirth. Two years later, she is still recovering and waiting for answers as to what went wrong. Exhausted by months of obstruction and denial, they believe going to court is the only way they will get an admission that mistakes were made. They don’t want money, just an apology and assurance that no one else will have to suffer as they did.
This entirely avoidable melodrama is being played out across the NHS. Friday’s report by the public accounts committee into the cost of clinical negligence in hospital trusts reveals that the bill has quadrupled in 10 years to £1.6bn and is expected to double again by 2021. Continue reading... The Guardian
Near-record number of nurses start training despite drop in applicants
Near-record number of nurses start training despite drop in applicants A near-record number of aspiring nurses were accepted onto training courses this year despite falls in applications, suggesting entry requirements have eased, it has emerged.
Figures from the university admissions service Ucas revealed 2017 saw the second highest number of trainees accepted ever - 28,620 - however there was an 18 per cent drop in the applications from 18 and 19-year-olds in England.
The Government promised in October to create an extra 5,000 nursing places, part of a wider drive to cope with soaring patient numbers, however an end to bursaries in favour of student loans have been blamed for deterring people from the profession. The Daily Telegraph
Figures from the university admissions service Ucas revealed 2017 saw the second highest number of trainees accepted ever - 28,620 - however there was an 18 per cent drop in the applications from 18 and 19-year-olds in England.
The Government promised in October to create an extra 5,000 nursing places, part of a wider drive to cope with soaring patient numbers, however an end to bursaries in favour of student loans have been blamed for deterring people from the profession. The Daily Telegraph
Life expectancy has dropped because of antibiotic resistance, says ONS
Life expectancy has dropped because of antibiotic resistance, says ONS Antibiotic resistance has caused a fall in life expectancy for the first time, the Office for National Statistics has said.
Life expectancy in future years has been revised down after the statistics authority said that "less optimistic views" about the future had to be taken into account.
Opinions on "improvements in medical science" had declined, it said, and fears of the "re-emergence of existing diseases and increases in anti-microbial resistance" meant people would not live as long as was previously expected.
The ONS uses predictions about how medicine and science will improve to model how life expectancy will change. The Daily Telegraph
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Life expectancy in future years has been revised down after the statistics authority said that "less optimistic views" about the future had to be taken into account.
Opinions on "improvements in medical science" had declined, it said, and fears of the "re-emergence of existing diseases and increases in anti-microbial resistance" meant people would not live as long as was previously expected.
The ONS uses predictions about how medicine and science will improve to model how life expectancy will change. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Life expectancies Office for National Statistics
One in 10 catch an STI from a colleague at Christmas party
One in 10 catch an STI from a colleague at Christmas party The office Christmas party is a chance to let your hair down but there's a danger of waking up with something a lot nastier than a hangover the next day.
One in five say they've had a sexual encounter with a co-worker at the annual bash, according to a new survey.
And one in ten admit they've caught a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Worryingly, the fun could turn into a nightmare and result in your colleagues filing a complaint with managers or even land you with a law suit, the research also suggests. The Daily Mail
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One in five say they've had a sexual encounter with a co-worker at the annual bash, according to a new survey.
And one in ten admit they've caught a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Worryingly, the fun could turn into a nightmare and result in your colleagues filing a complaint with managers or even land you with a law suit, the research also suggests. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Sexual Health at Christmas Patient Info
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