How have public attitudes to the NHS changed over the past three decades? If you want to know whether the British public has changed its views about health care over the past three decades, then there is no better place to look than the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey.
Every year since 1983 the BSA survey, conducted by NatCen Social Research, has been asking members of the British public for their views on what it’s like to live in Britain and what they think about how Britain is run. The results give a snapshot of attitudes from a representative sample of more than 3,000 adults in Britain selected at random each year. The survey also provides valuable long-term trend data because some of the questions are asked every year. King's Fund
Wednesday, 7 February 2018
News story: Public Health England urges vigilance about spotting signs of scarlet fever
News story: Public Health England urges vigilance about spotting signs of scarlet fever Scarlet fever is a very contagious, seasonal bacterial illness that mainly affects children and is not uncommon for this time of year.
The latest Health Protection Report showed 6,225 cases of scarlet fever had been reported since mid-September 2017, compared to 3,764 for the same period last season. There were 719 cases reported for the most recent week (22 to 28 January 2018).
This increasing trend is in line with usual patterns although cases are currently higher than those reported at this point in the last 4 seasons. It is not possible at this point to determine what the final numbers will be for this season. Scarlet fever is a clinical diagnosis and not usually confirmed by laboratory testing so the activity we may be seeing may be due to increased awareness and reporting of scarlet fever, although the exact cause is still being investigated. Gov.uk
The latest Health Protection Report showed 6,225 cases of scarlet fever had been reported since mid-September 2017, compared to 3,764 for the same period last season. There were 719 cases reported for the most recent week (22 to 28 January 2018).
This increasing trend is in line with usual patterns although cases are currently higher than those reported at this point in the last 4 seasons. It is not possible at this point to determine what the final numbers will be for this season. Scarlet fever is a clinical diagnosis and not usually confirmed by laboratory testing so the activity we may be seeing may be due to increased awareness and reporting of scarlet fever, although the exact cause is still being investigated. Gov.uk
Theresa May's Wales-England A&E comparison 'not valid'
Theresa May's Wales-England A&E comparison 'not valid' The UK Statistics Authority has backed First Minister Carwyn Jones's criticism of Prime Minister Theresa May's use of accident and emergency data.
Mr Jones said a comparison of those waiting 12 hours or more at A&E in Wales and England was unfair as the figures are measured in different ways.
Authority chairman Sir David Norgrove said the comparison was "not valid".
A spokesman for Mrs May accepted the assessment but insisted A&E performance in England was better than Wales. BBC News
Mr Jones said a comparison of those waiting 12 hours or more at A&E in Wales and England was unfair as the figures are measured in different ways.
Authority chairman Sir David Norgrove said the comparison was "not valid".
A spokesman for Mrs May accepted the assessment but insisted A&E performance in England was better than Wales. BBC News
Why hiking the immigration health surcharge is bad for the NHS - New Statesman
Why hiking the immigration health surcharge is bad for the NHS - New Statesman his week, the government announced plans to double the immigration health surcharge from £200 to £400 a year.
The increase is not as steep as the tripling of the health surcharge promised in the Conservative Party 2017 election manifesto.Still, the government estimates that the increase may raise an extra £220m a year for the NHS. So it’s ironic that while it may add a couple of hundred million to NHS funds, it also makes it harder for trusts to recruit much needed health workers from overseas. New Statesman
The increase is not as steep as the tripling of the health surcharge promised in the Conservative Party 2017 election manifesto.Still, the government estimates that the increase may raise an extra £220m a year for the NHS. So it’s ironic that while it may add a couple of hundred million to NHS funds, it also makes it harder for trusts to recruit much needed health workers from overseas. New Statesman
Working conditions and bursary scrapping blamed for NHS nursing crisis - ITV News
Working conditions and bursary scrapping blamed for NHS nursing crisis - ITV News There is a shortage of nurses in the NHS due to the number of those leaving the health service and an insufficient level being trained.
The working conditions within is being blamed for those quitting the profession, while the scrapping of bursaries for those in training is being pinpointed a the reason why so few are in training. ITV News
The working conditions within is being blamed for those quitting the profession, while the scrapping of bursaries for those in training is being pinpointed a the reason why so few are in training. ITV News
Desperate for help: prescription drug addicts turn to the web
Desperate for help: prescription drug addicts turn to the web Lack of government-funded services means growing numbers have nowhere else to turn
Thousands of people dependent on prescription drugs are desperately turning to online help groups and calling up charity helplines because of a lack of government-funded services.
A growing number of people struggling with addiction to painkillers, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are guiding each other through the process of withdrawal on Facebook groups and websites. They say they have nowhere else to turn. The Guardian
Thousands of people dependent on prescription drugs are desperately turning to online help groups and calling up charity helplines because of a lack of government-funded services.
A growing number of people struggling with addiction to painkillers, benzodiazepines and antidepressants are guiding each other through the process of withdrawal on Facebook groups and websites. They say they have nowhere else to turn. The Guardian
Teenage antidepressants 'doing more harm than good'
Teenage antidepressants 'doing more harm than good' A leading expert in psychiatric medication has said the growing prescription of antidepressants to teenagers is doing more harm than good.
Prof David Healy questioned why they were being given the medication when clinical trial results were so poor.
Last year, figures obtained by BBC Scotland showed more than 5,500 under-18s in Scotland were prescribed antidepressants.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists said the drugs were an important option. BBC News
Prof David Healy questioned why they were being given the medication when clinical trial results were so poor.
Last year, figures obtained by BBC Scotland showed more than 5,500 under-18s in Scotland were prescribed antidepressants.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists said the drugs were an important option. BBC News
Jeremy Hunt launches review of manslaughter in healthcare after Bawa-Garba case
Jeremy Hunt launches review of manslaughter in healthcare after Bawa-Garba case Jeremy Hunt has told MPs that his senior clinical advisor will lead a review to draw a clear line between manslaughter and basic human error in healthcare following the controversial case of Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba. GP Online
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Young People's Mental Health Is On The Government's Agenda – But Do Recent Proposals Go Far Enough? - HuffPost UK
Young People's Mental Health Is On The Government's Agenda – But Do Recent Proposals Go Far Enough? - HuffPost UK This week is Children’s Mental Health Week. The latest figures show that 800,000 children in England have mental health disorders and between a sixth and a quarter of children referred to specialist treatment are turned away. Seventy-five per cent of lifelong mental health conditions develop by age 18, and people with serious mental ill-health live 10 to 20 years less than mentally healthy people. Figures released last week show a significant rise in self-harm in children as young as three.
The week is run by school counselling provider Place2Be – and provides a good opportunity to review the latest developments on children and young people’s mental health. HuffPost UK
The week is run by school counselling provider Place2Be – and provides a good opportunity to review the latest developments on children and young people’s mental health. HuffPost UK
More than 900 NHS deaths yearly may be caused by IT failings
More than 900 NHS deaths yearly may be caused by IT failings
More than 900 people a year may be dying because of poor NHS computer systems, experts say.
Computer scientists said the number of tragedies resulting from hospital IT programmes which fail to detect risks of lethal errors, is likely to dwarf the numbers killed in scandals which led to major changes and public inquiries. The Telegraph
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More than 900 people a year may be dying because of poor NHS computer systems, experts say.
Computer scientists said the number of tragedies resulting from hospital IT programmes which fail to detect risks of lethal errors, is likely to dwarf the numbers killed in scandals which led to major changes and public inquiries. The Telegraph
See also:
- NHS computer problems could be to blame for 'hundreds of deaths The Independent
NHS to offer 'gold standard' flu jabs next year amid concern over failings
NHS to offer 'gold standard' flu jabs next year amid concern over failings The NHS will offer stronger flu jabs next year amid concern that this year’s vaccinations have failed to work effectively.
Health officials said the public could expect “gold standard” protection from next winter, in a bid to cut death rates from flu.
It follows the worst influenza season in seven years, and criticism of NHS decisions to offer jabs which have not protected against key strains in circulation, and those which have previously failed to protect the elderly. The Telegraph
Health officials said the public could expect “gold standard” protection from next winter, in a bid to cut death rates from flu.
It follows the worst influenza season in seven years, and criticism of NHS decisions to offer jabs which have not protected against key strains in circulation, and those which have previously failed to protect the elderly. The Telegraph
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Call for NHS to do more to help terminally ill people die at home
Call for NHS to do more to help terminally ill people die at home NICE call comes as data for England show 5% rise in people dying at home and 11% drop in hospital deaths
The government’s health advisers are urging the NHS to do more to help terminally ill patients achieve their wish of dying at home.
The call by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) comes after figures showed that fewer patients were dying in hospital and more were passing away at home or in a care home or hospice. The Guardian
The government’s health advisers are urging the NHS to do more to help terminally ill patients achieve their wish of dying at home.
The call by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) comes after figures showed that fewer patients were dying in hospital and more were passing away at home or in a care home or hospice. The Guardian
Tuesday, 6 February 2018
Northampton hospital names new wards to honour town war hero and its first matron
Northampton hospital names new wards to honour town war hero and its first matron A Cobblers player who became the first black British Army officer will give his name to a new ward at Northampton General Hospital. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Refreshing NHS plans for 2018/19
Refreshing NHS plans for 2018/19 NHS England - This guidance, published jointly with NHS Improvement, sets out the plans for the NHS in light of the November 2017 budget announcements. It outlines how the additional funding will impact on emergency and urgent care, elective surgery and other core frontline services such as mental health and primary care. It is accompanied by revised CCG allocations for the financial year 2018/19. King's Fund
See also:
See also:
- Refreshing NHS Plans for 2018/19 NHS England
Research and analysis: E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products: evidence review
Research and analysis: E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products: evidence review In the government’s Tobacco Control Plan for England, Public Health England (PHE) was asked to update its 2015 evidence review on e-cigarettes and other novel nicotine delivery systems annually until the end of the current Parliament in 2022.
PHE commissioned a group of leading tobacco control researchers from the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS) to produce this report, which underwent international peer review. Gov.uk - Public Health England
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PHE commissioned a group of leading tobacco control researchers from the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS) to produce this report, which underwent international peer review. Gov.uk - Public Health England
See also:
- Local tobacco control profiles for England: February 2018 update Gov.uk - Public Health England
- E-cigarettes 'should be on prescription' BBC News Health
- NHS patients should be allowed to vape indoors and even in their beds, public health body advises The Telegraph
- Pregnant smokers told to use e-cigarettes Mail Online
HPV vaccine offered to men who have sex with men in England
HPV vaccine offered to men who have sex with men in England England is following Scotland and Wales, who have already introduced vaccination programmes for men. BBC News - Health
See also:
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Every NHS trust tested for cybersecurity has failed, officials admit
Every NHS trust tested for cybersecurity has failed, officials admit Assessments after WannaCry attack reveal vulnerabilities across whole of health system.
Every NHS trust assessed for cyber security vulnerabilities has failed to meet the standard required, civil servants have said for the first time.
In a parliamentary hearing on the WannaCry attack which disrupted parts of the NHS last year, Department of Health (DoH) officials said all 200 trusts had failed, despite increases in security provision. The Guardian
Every NHS trust assessed for cyber security vulnerabilities has failed to meet the standard required, civil servants have said for the first time.
In a parliamentary hearing on the WannaCry attack which disrupted parts of the NHS last year, Department of Health (DoH) officials said all 200 trusts had failed, despite increases in security provision. The Guardian
President Trump: NHS 'going broke and not working' - BBC News
President Trump: NHS 'going broke and not working' US President Donald Trump has sparked a backlash from UK politicians by attacking the National Health Service.
In a tweet criticising US Democrats pushing for a universal health system, he said "thousands of people are marching" in the UK because the NHS is "going broke and not working".
This was believed to be a reference to a Save the NHS march on Downing Street on Saturday, demanding more funding. BBC News
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In a tweet criticising US Democrats pushing for a universal health system, he said "thousands of people are marching" in the UK because the NHS is "going broke and not working".
This was believed to be a reference to a Save the NHS march on Downing Street on Saturday, demanding more funding. BBC News
See also:
- Theresa May rebukes Donald Trump over NHS comments The Guardian
- Royal College of GPs defends 'remarkable' NHS in response to Donald Trump tweet Royal College of General Practitioners
Missed NHS targets spell trouble - BBC News
Missed NHS targets spell trouble - BBC News It was late on a Friday and buried in a technical NHS document with no publicity surrounding it - but this was one of the most important health announcements in months.
The NHS in England says it will not this year hit the key target for treating or assessing 95% of patients in hospital Accident and Emergency departments within four hours.
This is very much at odds with the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's repeated assurances that the target could and would be hit in 2018. BBC News - Health
The NHS in England says it will not this year hit the key target for treating or assessing 95% of patients in hospital Accident and Emergency departments within four hours.
This is very much at odds with the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's repeated assurances that the target could and would be hit in 2018. BBC News - Health
Guidance on menopause and the workplace
Guidance on menopause and the workplace The Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) has produced guidance on menopause and the workplace. It pulls together the latest information on how menopause affects some women at work. NHS Employers
Funding boost for new mums’ mental health
Funding boost for new mums’ mental health The NHS has today confirmed that extra funding will be made available to improve the mental health of at least 3,000 pregnant women and those who have recently given birth.
The £23 million funding is part of a major programme of improvement and investment by NHS England which will see a total of 30,000 additional women getting specialist mental health care, in person and through online consultations including over skype, during the early stages of motherhood, supported by a total of £365m, by 2021. NHS England
The £23 million funding is part of a major programme of improvement and investment by NHS England which will see a total of 30,000 additional women getting specialist mental health care, in person and through online consultations including over skype, during the early stages of motherhood, supported by a total of £365m, by 2021. NHS England
Monday, 5 February 2018
State of child health: one year on
State of child health: one year on Report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health following up ‘The State of Child Health 2017‘ which uncovered alarming inequalities in the health and wellbeing of children across the UK and a clear disparity with the rest of Western Europe. One year on, our scorecard reveals that although progress has been made in some areas, in general, the picture for infants, children and young people remains largely unchanged across England. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service
Skip the pay and display machines at Northampton General Hospital with cashless app
Skip the pay and display machines at Northampton General Hospital with cashless app
Parking at Northampton General Hospital can now be paid using an app.
Visitors can now skip the pay and display machines and buy tickets for the hospital's seven onsite car parks from their phone with "PayByPhone".
The app offers the same options as the machines with text message reminders before tickets expire as well as the ability to extend parking duration remotely. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Parking at Northampton General Hospital can now be paid using an app.
Visitors can now skip the pay and display machines and buy tickets for the hospital's seven onsite car parks from their phone with "PayByPhone".
The app offers the same options as the machines with text message reminders before tickets expire as well as the ability to extend parking duration remotely. Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Not to be sniffed at: flu vaccination for NHS staff
Not to be sniffed at: flu vaccination for NHS staff Fears of a flu pandemic hit the headlines this winter and influenza-confirmed hospitalisations reached a level of ‘very high intensity’. The last flu pandemic in 2009 claimed 500,000 lives globally. During a mild flu season around a quarter of frontline staff may become infected with the virus, of which up to 59 per cent may not realise they are infected, so they could infect others, including the patients they care for. So, flu is not to be sniffed at.
However, only 63.9 per cent of NHS staff chose to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination this year. This begs the question: what more can the NHS do to improve rates of staff vaccination? King's Fund
However, only 63.9 per cent of NHS staff chose to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination this year. This begs the question: what more can the NHS do to improve rates of staff vaccination? King's Fund
Investigation into clinical correspondence handling in the NHS
Investigation into clinical correspondence handling in the NHS In October 2017 NHS England informed the Committee of Public Accounts that it had discovered a backlog of 162,000 items of clinical correspondence that had not been redirected. NHS England stated that a small proportion of GPs had not been complying with guidance and had erroneously been sending clinical correspondence and other material to Capita, the current provider of primary care support services for NHS England. Capita has no contractual responsibility for redirecting clinical correspondence. This investigation sets out the facts around the backlog of unprocessed correspondence. National Audit Office
In and out of hospital
In and out of hospital British Red Cross - This report proposes introducing automatic home assessments and other simple interventions for elderly and vulnerable people who are often admitted to hospital to reduce avoidable hospital admissions in vulnerable patients. The report contains analysis of first-hand accounts of frontline health and care workers who argue that there are too many missed opportunities to prevent many of these avoidable admissions. British Red Cross
The risks to care quality and staff wellbeing of an NHS system under pressure
The risks to care quality and staff wellbeing of an NHS system under pressure Picker Institute - This report, written in conjunction with The King's Fund, considers the relationships between the self-reported experiences and wellbeing of NHS staff, measures of workforce pressures in the health system, and patients’ experiences of their care. It uncovers striking associations between NHS staff and patients’ experiences in hospitals and NHS trusts’ reliance on agency health care workers. King's Fund
Record numbers of patients dying malnourished in NHS hospitals with nearly one case a day - Telegraph.co.uk
Record numbers of patients dying malnourished in NHS hospitals with nearly one case a day - Telegraph.co.uk Record numbers of patients are dying malnourished in NHS hospitals, with almost one case a day, new figures show. Charities last night said the figures were “shocking”... The Telegraph
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NHS 'should be funded by new tax' - BBC News
NHS 'should be funded by new tax' - BBC News A new ring-fenced tax to fund the NHS and social care has been proposed by a panel of health experts. The panel, set up by the Liberal Democrats, says the NHS in England should be given an extra £4bn on top of inflation in the next financial year. BBC News
NHS is crippled 'by a bossy culture' - The Times
NHS is crippled 'by a bossy culture' - The Times Autocratic management is a leading cause of poor NHS care, according to the compiler of a European health service league table that ranks Britain 15th. The Times
Up to 60,000 cancer test results may have to be reviewed after women wrongly given the all-clear
Up to 60,000 cancer test results may have to be reviewed after women wrongly given the all-clear
Up to 60,000 cancer test results may have to be reviewed after women were found to have been wrongly given the all-clear, the Sunday Telegraph can reveal.
The failings by NHS screening services could mean more than 1,000 women have been given the wrong result, after errors in one laboratory.
NHS screening services have begun reviewing a sample of cervical cancer screening results, after inspectors raised fears that mistakes were being made. The Telegraph
Up to 60,000 cancer test results may have to be reviewed after women were found to have been wrongly given the all-clear, the Sunday Telegraph can reveal.
The failings by NHS screening services could mean more than 1,000 women have been given the wrong result, after errors in one laboratory.
NHS screening services have begun reviewing a sample of cervical cancer screening results, after inspectors raised fears that mistakes were being made. The Telegraph
After Carillion and Capita, is PFI itself on the critical list?
After Carillion and Capita, is PFI itself on the critical list? Private providers have been entrusted with much of Britain’s infrastructure: even hospitals. What does the future hold now?
Long before the collapse last month of Carillion, one of the government’s go-to outsourcing and building groups, the signs of strain inside Whitehall over the future of financing public projects with private cash were clear. Since 2010 the government has signed 80 contracts under the private finance initiative (PFI). In the 13 years before 2010 it signed 620. The Guardian
Long before the collapse last month of Carillion, one of the government’s go-to outsourcing and building groups, the signs of strain inside Whitehall over the future of financing public projects with private cash were clear. Since 2010 the government has signed 80 contracts under the private finance initiative (PFI). In the 13 years before 2010 it signed 620. The Guardian
Fix the NHS: Protesters rally in London to call for government action
Fix the NHS: Protesters rally in London to call for government action Nurses, doctors, campaigners and unions call for funding and resource gaps to be filled
Health workers, activists and unions are marching in central London on Saturday to protest against government inaction over the NHS winter crisis.
Hospitals have been overwhelmed in recent weeks by a surge in admissions that has led to delays of up to 12 hours on emergency wards, patients left on trollies for hours and thousands of patients forced to wait in ambulances before receiving urgent care. The Guardian
Health workers, activists and unions are marching in central London on Saturday to protest against government inaction over the NHS winter crisis.
Hospitals have been overwhelmed in recent weeks by a surge in admissions that has led to delays of up to 12 hours on emergency wards, patients left on trollies for hours and thousands of patients forced to wait in ambulances before receiving urgent care. The Guardian
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Patients having to travel 70 miles to see a dentist amid NHS hiring crisis
Patients having to travel 70 miles to see a dentist amid NHS hiring crisis Patients are facing a 70-mile journey to see a dentist and the NHS faces an imminent recruitment crisis, a professional association has warned.
Low morale among NHS dentists has left practices are struggling to recruit, the British Dental Association (BDA) said.
A survey for the association found more than two thirds of NHS practices in England who had tried to hire in the past year had struggled to fill their vacancies.
Dentists carrying out the most NHS work are more likely to be disillusioned than those conducting more private work. The Telegraph
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Low morale among NHS dentists has left practices are struggling to recruit, the British Dental Association (BDA) said.
A survey for the association found more than two thirds of NHS practices in England who had tried to hire in the past year had struggled to fill their vacancies.
Dentists carrying out the most NHS work are more likely to be disillusioned than those conducting more private work. The Telegraph
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New mothers to be offered NHS counselling by Skype to tackle post-natal depression
New mothers to be offered NHS counselling by Skype to tackle post-natal depression New mothers will be offered counselling by Skype under NHS plans to tackle post-natal depression.
An estimated 140,000 mothers each year - one in five - suffer depression, anxiety and other mental health problems during pregnancy or in the months after their baby is born.
But thousands do not get support, with suicide the leading cause of death in expectant and new mothers.
Health officials today pledged to offer more help to women struggling with the "hugely emotional experience" of becoming a mother. The Telegraph
An estimated 140,000 mothers each year - one in five - suffer depression, anxiety and other mental health problems during pregnancy or in the months after their baby is born.
But thousands do not get support, with suicide the leading cause of death in expectant and new mothers.
Health officials today pledged to offer more help to women struggling with the "hugely emotional experience" of becoming a mother. The Telegraph
See also:
- Skype counselling could help new mums Mail Online
Hospitals cancelling urgent surgery despite NHS bosses' orders
Hospitals cancelling urgent surgery despite NHS bosses' orders Exclusive: shortage of intensive care beds in England leading to operations being postponed
Hospitals have been cancelling urgent surgery for patients with cancer, heart disease and other life-threatening illnesses, despite NHS bosses’ orders not to delay such operations.
Some patients have had their procedure cancelled several times, even though their poor health means the surgery is urgent. Others have had operations cancelled on the day they were scheduled to take place. The Guardian
Hospitals have been cancelling urgent surgery for patients with cancer, heart disease and other life-threatening illnesses, despite NHS bosses’ orders not to delay such operations.
Some patients have had their procedure cancelled several times, even though their poor health means the surgery is urgent. Others have had operations cancelled on the day they were scheduled to take place. The Guardian
Annual charge paid by migrants for using the NHS to double
Annual charge paid by migrants for using the NHS to double Immigration health surcharge, which doctors fear may encourage racial profiling, will increase to £400 a year
Charges paid by temporary migrants to the UK to use the NHS are to double, the government has announced. Ministers said the move would raise around £220m a year for the health service while ensuring that migrants made a “fair contribution” towards its costs. The Guardian
Charges paid by temporary migrants to the UK to use the NHS are to double, the government has announced. Ministers said the move would raise around £220m a year for the health service while ensuring that migrants made a “fair contribution” towards its costs. The Guardian
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Friday, 2 February 2018
Prostate cancer deaths overtake those from breast cancer
Prostate cancer deaths overtake those from breast cancer The number of men dying from prostate cancer has overtaken female deaths from breast cancer for the first time in the UK, figures show. An ageing population means more men are developing and dying from the disease. Prostate Cancer UK says advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are paying off, and increased funding could benefit prostate cancer. The biggest cancer killers in the UK remain lung and bowel cancer, with prostate now in third place. BBC News - Health
Curb rising NHS negligence payouts, health leaders urge
Curb rising NHS negligence payouts, health leaders urge Health leaders have written to Justice Secretary David Gauke urging him to reform the payout system for negligence claims against the NHS in England.
They say costs are spiralling, "unsustainable" and diverting vast amounts from frontline care. The NHS Confederation, the British Medical Association and medical lawyers are among the signatories.The Ministry of Justice has asked the advisory body the Civil Justice Council to look at ways to limit payments. BBC News - Health
They say costs are spiralling, "unsustainable" and diverting vast amounts from frontline care. The NHS Confederation, the British Medical Association and medical lawyers are among the signatories.The Ministry of Justice has asked the advisory body the Civil Justice Council to look at ways to limit payments. BBC News - Health
Flu rates overall on the decrease - but not everywhere, latest RCGP figures show
Flu rates overall on the decrease - but not everywhere, latest RCGP figures show Flu rates have decreased overall across England for the first time this year, but rates in some areas of the country still continue to increase, according to the latest figures from the Royal College of GPs' Research and Surveillance Centre. Royal College of General Practitioners
Tasers used 58 times in mental health settings
Tasers used 58 times in mental health settings Police drew, aimed or fired Tasers in mental health hospitals, wards, and clinics 58 times in the first six months of figures being recorded.
The government says a Taser should be a last resort - but campaigners say they should never be used in such settings. The data, from 43 UK area forces, covers the six months to September 2017, when Tasers were fired 22 times. BBC News
The government says a Taser should be a last resort - but campaigners say they should never be used in such settings. The data, from 43 UK area forces, covers the six months to September 2017, when Tasers were fired 22 times. BBC News
- Girl of 15 among mental health patients tasered by police i News
Home Office: Investigation into the Disclosure and Barring Service
Home Office: Investigation into the Disclosure and Barring Service The Home Office supports the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults by providing a way for employers to check, through the work of the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS), people’s background against police databases such as criminal records and government lists of people considered unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults. This service is widely used by organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector, such as schools and care homes, to check prospective employees and volunteers. National Audit Office
Is lack of sleep affecting your work?
Is lack of sleep affecting your work? Dr Justin Varney, PHE's leading expert on adult health and wellbeing, looks at the impact of sleep deprivation on our ability to function at work. NHS Networks
- Is lack of sleep affecting your work? Gov.uk - Public Health England
New animation highlights benefits of IAPT talking therapies
New animation highlights benefits of IAPT talking therapies A new animated video from NHS England promoting talking therapies for common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression launches on 1 February. NHS Networks
- Bernie's story: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies YouTube - NHS England
Thursday, 1 February 2018
Cancer patient waiting times at NGH meet and exceed national targets
Cancer patient waiting times at NGH meet and exceed national targets Northampton General Hospital met all its nine cancer targets during December 2017, ensuring that all patients were seen and treated within the national waiting time standards.
A report to the hospital's public trust board states that nearly 100 per cent of new cancer patients cared for by the hospital received treatment for their disease within 31 days of being told they need medical or surgical intervention. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A report to the hospital's public trust board states that nearly 100 per cent of new cancer patients cared for by the hospital received treatment for their disease within 31 days of being told they need medical or surgical intervention. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Pals raise huge £6k sum for Kettering hospital dementia garden appeal
Pals raise huge £6k sum for Kettering hospital dementia garden appeal Two friends have raised an amazing £6,126 for the Forget-Me-Not Appeal to establish a dementia garden at Kettering General Hospital. Northamptonshire Telegraph
County care home helping young men with autism to flourish
County care home helping young men with autism to flourish A Cransley home which caters for teenagers and young men has praised the efforts of its residents in learning new skills and contributing to the community while becoming more independent. Alderwood LLA (Living and Learning with Autism) has eight homes across the county, including one in Cransley which was recently awarded a CQC rating of ‘Outstanding’. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Brexit and mental health
Brexit and mental health NHS Confederation - This briefing outlines the possible implications of Brexit for the mental health sector. It focusses on the analysis relating to future workforce supply and legislation, research, regulation, cross border healthcare and public health. King's Fund
Psychosis patients 'not getting best care'
Psychosis patients 'not getting best care' A key government target for caring for people with severe mental health conditions in England is being missed due to underfunding, research suggests.
People experiencing a first episode of psychosis should be seen within two weeks and get a quality care package.But Liberal Democrat research indicates that while more people are being seen on time, few get the right treatment. NHS England said "the analysis inevitably gives only a partial and dated picture of progress".
New care and treatment standards for psychosis were introduced by the Department of Health in April 2016. BBC News - Health
People experiencing a first episode of psychosis should be seen within two weeks and get a quality care package.But Liberal Democrat research indicates that while more people are being seen on time, few get the right treatment. NHS England said "the analysis inevitably gives only a partial and dated picture of progress".
New care and treatment standards for psychosis were introduced by the Department of Health in April 2016. BBC News - Health
Nice approves life-extending drug for patients with incurable breast cancer
Nice approves life-extending drug for patients with incurable breast cancer A drug that can give women suffering from incurable advanced breast cancer an extra 16 months of life has been approved for general use in the NHS in England after a price cut was negotiated with the manufacturer.
The decision by Nice, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, to give the green light for NHS doctors to use pertuzumab, sold under the brand name of Perjeta by the Swiss drug company Roche, was enthusiastically welcomed by breast cancer charities. The Guardian
Press release: New figures show larger proportion of strokes in the middle aged
Press release: New figures show larger proportion of strokes in the middle aged The Act FAST campaign has re-launched urging people to call 999 if they notice even one of the signs of a stroke in themselves, or in others. In England, one in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime, and new statistics released by PHE show that 57,000 people had their first-time stroke in 2016. It is estimated that around 30% of people who have a stroke will go on to experience another stroke. Gov.uk - Public Health England
- First stroke estimates in England: 2007 to 2016 Gov.uk - Public Health England
- Average age of first stroke in England falls, figures show BBC News - Health
- Four in ten strokes now happening in midlife, fuelled by obesity epidemic The Telegraph
- Obesity crisis means stroke victims are getting younger: Patients aged between 40 and 69 now make up nearly four in ten attacks Mail Online
From Margaret Thatcher to Theresa May: 30 years of the public’s views about the NHS and public spending
From Margaret Thatcher to Theresa May: 30 years of the public’s views about the NHS and public spending Every year since 1983 the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, carried out by NatCen Social research, has also been asking the public about its views on the NHS and other public services. How has Britain’s unofficial religion fared over this time and what does this tell us about the future? Our new briefing presents the key findings and I am going to add a set of messages here. The King's Fund
Wednesday, 31 January 2018
GP struck off
GP who 'stroked 16-year-old's nipples' struck off medical register. A GP who stroked a 16-year-old girl's nipples and squeezed her breasts during an unnecessary examination has been struck off the medical register.
Ex-England rugby player Jonathan Raphael, 65, pulled down the girl's bra without asking for her consent at his surgery in Northampton.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) rejected his claim he was attempting to diagnose pregnancy. It found his actions were sexually motivated. BBC News Northamptonshire
Ex-England rugby player Jonathan Raphael, 65, pulled down the girl's bra without asking for her consent at his surgery in Northampton.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) rejected his claim he was attempting to diagnose pregnancy. It found his actions were sexually motivated. BBC News Northamptonshire
Appointment-only plan for Corby’s Urgent Care Centre approved
Appointment-only plan for Corby’s Urgent Care Centre approved A plan to change access to Corby’s Urgent Care Centre to appointment-only was approved last night (Tuesday). Northamptonshire Telegraph
Cancer shame as UK survival rates lag behind rest of world
Cancer shame as UK survival rates lag behind rest of world Thousands of British cancer patients are dying early because NHS survival rates are trailing behind the rest of the world, a report has found.
The largest study of cancer survival ever conducted puts the UK towards the bottom of global league tables for several common cancers.
Health charities last night called for urgent action to close the 'appalling' and 'unacceptable' gulf with other nations, blaming slow diagnosis and poor treatment. The Mail Online
The largest study of cancer survival ever conducted puts the UK towards the bottom of global league tables for several common cancers.
Health charities last night called for urgent action to close the 'appalling' and 'unacceptable' gulf with other nations, blaming slow diagnosis and poor treatment. The Mail Online
2017 survey of women's experiences of maternity care
2017 survey of women's experiences of maternity care This report finds that overall women reported positive experiences of maternity care over 2017 and there were small incremental improvements in results across almost every question. Whilst there have been general improvements overall, the results highlight the need for better communication and greater patient choice. King's Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
- Maternity Services Survey 2017 - Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- NHS leaves one in four mothers alone during labour or childbirth - The Guardian
- A quarter of mothers are alone during labour: Women say they struggled to summon help and claim midwives do not take them seriously The Mail Online
'Overwhelming' evidence for adding folic acid to flour
'Overwhelming' evidence for adding folic acid to flour There are fresh calls for the government to fortify flour with folic acid in the UK to help protect babies from common birth defects.
A new study concludes higher doses of the B vitamin, which can prevent spina bifida in unborn babies, will not harm the general public.
Folic acid is added to flour in more than 80 countries worldwide, but the UK has previously held off. Pregnant women are advised to take folic acid tablets, but many don't.
Fortification would provide extra cover, say experts. The idea of mandatory fortification has already been backed by health ministers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not England. BBC News - Health
A new study concludes higher doses of the B vitamin, which can prevent spina bifida in unborn babies, will not harm the general public.
Folic acid is added to flour in more than 80 countries worldwide, but the UK has previously held off. Pregnant women are advised to take folic acid tablets, but many don't.
Fortification would provide extra cover, say experts. The idea of mandatory fortification has already been backed by health ministers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but not England. BBC News - Health
- Public health failure in the prevention of neural tube defects: time to abandon the tolerable upper intake level of folate Public Health Reviews
- Deaths or birth defects of thousands due to folic acid 'avoidable tragedy' - The Telegraph
- Put folic acid in bread to protect babies from devastating medical conditons, says study: Pressure grows on Jeremy Hunt to tackle 'avoidable tragedies' The Mail Online
Just promising NHS money 'not good enough'
Just promising NHS money 'not good enough' More reform - not just extra money - is needed to ensure the NHS stays relevant, says Lord Darzi. BBC News
NHS England sets out plans to be first in the world to eliminate hepatitis C
NHS England sets out plans to be first in the world to eliminate hepatitis C England could be the first country in the world to eliminate hepatitis C, under ambitious plans announced by the NHS. NHS Networks
Lack of physical activity among girls leading to poor mental health and low aspirations, warn experts - The Independent
Lack of physical activity among girls leading to poor mental health and low aspirations, warn experts There is a "direct correlation" between a lack of physical activity by young British girls and them having poorer mental health and lower aspirations than their male counterparts, experts have warned. Boys aged between eight and 15 spend almost twice as much time doing sport activities as girls of the same age, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
They also revealed that girls spend an average of 25 minutes a day on sports activities, compared with 40 minutes for boys. The Independent
They also revealed that girls spend an average of 25 minutes a day on sports activities, compared with 40 minutes for boys. The Independent
Hunt urges NHS mental health units to prevent inpatient suicides - The Guardian
Hunt urges NHS mental health units to prevent inpatient suicides Jeremy Hunt is urging mental health units to prevent the scores of suicides by patients that occur on wards every year, which he says are due to failings of care by NHS providers.
The health and social care secretary wants to cut the number of inpatients taking their own life on NHS premises from more than 80 to none. The Guardian
The health and social care secretary wants to cut the number of inpatients taking their own life on NHS premises from more than 80 to none. The Guardian
The Government response to the Naylor review
The Government response to the Naylor review Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) - This document sets out the government’s response to Sir Robert Naylor’s review of NHS property and estates, published in March 2017. The actions outlined will drive transformation of the NHS estate and help the NHS to deliver the Five Year Forward View. King's Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
Tuesday, 30 January 2018
A design diagnosis: reinvigorating the primary care estate
A design diagnosis: reinvigorating the primary care estate A report from Reform finds that private sector finance can be used to upgrade the primary care estate and deliver value for money for the taxpayer. NHS Networks
NHS continuing healthcare: effective commissioning approaches
NHS continuing healthcare: effective commissioning approaches A report from NHS Clinical Commissioners suggests ways in which the provision of NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) in local areas can be improved for the benefit of patients and commissioners. NHS Networks
Transition from child and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services
Transition from child and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services This report outlines the findings of an investigation into the transition between mental health services for young people and those for adults. NHS Networks
5 years on: responses to Francis: changes in board leadership and governance in acute hospitals in England since 2013
5 years on: responses to Francis: changes in board leadership and governance in acute hospitals in England since 2013 Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham - This report, written in partnership with the University of Manchester and the Nuffield Trust, reveals that hospital boards report that they are placing a high priority on care quality and safety, and many invested significantly in nurse and medical staffing in the wake of the Francis Report. King's Fund
Oral health improvement plan
Oral health improvement plan This policy sets the direction of travel for oral health improvement and NHS dentistry for the next generation. It has a strong focus on preventing oral health disease, meeting the needs of the ageing population and reducing oral health inequalities. King's Fund.
The nursing workforce
The Nursing workforce House of Commons Health Select Committee - This report argues that too little attention has been given to retaining nurses in the NHS, which has resulted in more nurses now leaving than joining the professional register. King's Fund
NHS helps doctors enjoy high life at Alps conference - The Times
NHS helps doctors enjoy high life at Alps conference - The Times Hundreds of NHS doctors attended a conference at an Alpine ski resort last week, with many said to have been helped by their hospitals to pay fees of up to £440. The Times.
Could Calais be a lifeline for the NHS? - ITV News
Could Calais be a lifeline for the NHS? - ITV News NHS patients in the South East who have had their operations cancelled because of the winter crisis can now apply to be treated within weeks at a hospital in France. ITV News
New Cancer Drugs Fund benefiting thousands of patients and releasing £140million for the NHS
New Cancer Drugs Fund benefiting thousands of patients and releasing £140million for the NHS Thousands of cancer patients have benefited from speedy access to the new and innovative treatments due to new Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), which is also expected to release at least £140million into the NHS over the next five years. NHS England.
GPs boycott reflective entries for appraisal after Bawa-Garba case
GPs boycott reflective entries for appraisal after Bawa-Garba case A GP pressure group has urged the BMA to support doctors who 'refuse to engage in reflective log entries in their appraisals' following an 'unforgivable' High Court ruling last week. GP Online.
See also:
Transgender people face two-year wait for NHS appointment - BBC News
Transgender people face two-year wait for NHS appointment - BBC News Transgender people are waiting up to two and a half years for initial consultations at NHS gender identity clinics. This is despite an NHS England pledge in 2016 to bring waiting times to below 18 weeks by 2018. BBC News.
Government to review 1.6 million claims after disability benefit ruling - Sky News
Government to review 1.6 million claims after disability benefit ruling - Sky News The Government accepts it was wrong to prevent higher levels of claims being made for mental health conditions. Sky News.
See also:
Five Mental Health At Work Predictions For 2018 - HuffPost UK
Five Mental Health At Work Predictions For 2018 - HuffPost UK From ongoing productivity issues to the impact of eating disorders and domestic violence on employees, there are lots of reasons keeping mental health high on employers’ agendas. HuffPost UK.
May should push for referendum on NHS spending, says Tory MP
May should push for referendum on NHS spending, says Tory MP Robert Halfon says public could be asked every 10 years how much they want government to spend on health
The Conservatives should promise a referendum on raising NHS spending so the public can say how much more they are willing to pay for health services, the former deputy chair of the party, Robert Halfon, has said. The Guardian
The Conservatives should promise a referendum on raising NHS spending so the public can say how much more they are willing to pay for health services, the former deputy chair of the party, Robert Halfon, has said. The Guardian
Brexit could leave patients unable to access new drugs
Brexit could leave patients unable to access new drugs
NHS may only get newly developed medicines a year after other EU countries, report warns
Patients could face long delays obtaining new drugs or be denied access to them altogether as a result of Brexit, a coalition of doctors, NHS bosses and pharmaceutical firms warns. The Guardian.
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NHS may only get newly developed medicines a year after other EU countries, report warns
Patients could face long delays obtaining new drugs or be denied access to them altogether as a result of Brexit, a coalition of doctors, NHS bosses and pharmaceutical firms warns. The Guardian.
See also:
Now paramedics are hired to work in A & E
Now paramedics are hired to work in A & E NHS trusts in Herefordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent and Devon have advertised for ambulance staff to work in their emergency and urgent care departments. Mail Online.
Monday, 29 January 2018
Focusing on better-value care
Focusing on better-value care While the NHS waits for the government to respond to calls to put more funding into health services – the annual shortfall in funding is expected to reach £20 billion by 2022/23 – it is more important than ever that those working in the NHS ensure that existing budgets are being used responsibly. The King's Fund
NHS winter crisis: when a plan is not a plan
NHS winter crisis: when a plan is not a plan The government and the National Emergency Pressures Panel – the new panel set up by national NHS bodies and the Department of Health to respond to pressure on the NHS this winter – insist that the NHS has a better plan and is better prepared and ready for the challenges it is now facing than in previous years. The ongoing media interest and the experience of patients and staff would suggest that, despite all this planning, the NHS is in full-blown crisis. The King's Fund
NHS England announces consultation on ACO contracts
NHS England announces consultation on ACO contracts NHS England has announced it will be launching a consultation on the contracting arrangements for Accountable Care Organisations (ACOs).
There is widespread support for ending the fragmented way that care has been provided to improve services for patients and the NHS has been working towards this in a number of ways.
ACOs are just one of these ways and are intended to allow health and care organisations to formally contract to provide services for a local population in a coordinated way.
There is widespread support for ending the fragmented way that care has been provided to improve services for patients and the NHS has been working towards this in a number of ways.
ACOs are just one of these ways and are intended to allow health and care organisations to formally contract to provide services for a local population in a coordinated way.
Timetable for implementation of the workforce disability equality standard
Timetable for implementation of the workforce disability equality standard NHS England has published an indicative timetable for implementation of the workforce disability equality standard, find out more information. NHS Employers
Regulation of independent health care providers: consultation
Regulation of independent health care providers: consultation This consultation seeks views on proposed changes to the way in which independent health care providers are regulated. The proposed changes cover the quality ratings used and the methods used to monitor, inspect and rate services. The consultation will close on 23 March 2018. Care Quality Commission
NHS England lifts suspension on non-urgent operations
NHS England lifts suspension on non-urgent operations The suspension of non-urgent operations to ease winter NHS pressures in England is to be lifted from February.
Hospitals had been advised to defer non-urgent operations until mid-January, which was then extended in a bid to free up hospital staff and beds.
Announcing the end of the suspension, an NHS emergency panel said pressures on the service had eased in January.
Hospitals should be able to plan a "return to a full elective care programme" from next month, it said. BBC News
Hospitals had been advised to defer non-urgent operations until mid-January, which was then extended in a bid to free up hospital staff and beds.
Announcing the end of the suspension, an NHS emergency panel said pressures on the service had eased in January.
Hospitals should be able to plan a "return to a full elective care programme" from next month, it said. BBC News
Doctors 'being pressurised into manipulating patient records to meet A&E targets'
Doctors 'being pressurised into manipulating patient records to meet A&E targets' NHS doctors are being pressured into manipulating patient records to ensure hospitals do not miss waiting-time targets, according to frontline medics.
Senior managers are allegedly encouraging doctors to participate in fraudulent activity and whistleblowers say patient safety is being put at risk as trusts look to avoid breaches.
Hospitals are expected to have treated, assessed or discharged patients within four hours of entering A&E, and no patient should wait longer than 12 hours before being admitted to a ward, according to government rules. The Independent
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Senior managers are allegedly encouraging doctors to participate in fraudulent activity and whistleblowers say patient safety is being put at risk as trusts look to avoid breaches.
Hospitals are expected to have treated, assessed or discharged patients within four hours of entering A&E, and no patient should wait longer than 12 hours before being admitted to a ward, according to government rules. The Independent
See also:
- How accurate is hospital A&E data? BBC News
Number of young carers in UK soars by 10,000 in four years, figures show
Number of young carers in UK soars by 10,000 in four years, figures show The number of recognised young carers in the UK has risen by more than 10,000 in four years, prompting concerns that they are taking up the slack from increasingly pressured adult social care services.
An analysis of the most recent government figures by The Independent shows that in May 2017 there were 41,870 16-to-24-year-olds who qualified to receive the carer’s allowance, compared with 31,080 in 2013 – an increase of 35 per cent.
Those aged 16 and 17 saw an even bigger rise during the same period – up by 54 per cent from 1,400 to 2,150.
An analysis of the most recent government figures by The Independent shows that in May 2017 there were 41,870 16-to-24-year-olds who qualified to receive the carer’s allowance, compared with 31,080 in 2013 – an increase of 35 per cent.
Those aged 16 and 17 saw an even bigger rise during the same period – up by 54 per cent from 1,400 to 2,150.
NHS admits doctors may be using tools made by children in Pakistan
NHS admits doctors may be using tools made by children in Pakistan Closer scrutiny demanded as NHS supplier concedes surgical instruments in routine use could be product of child labour
Children as young as 12 are making surgical instruments in hazardous conditions in Pakistan, prompting fears that the tools could be used in the NHS, the Guardian has discovered.
In Sialkot, Punjab, where 99% of Pakistan’s surgical instrument production is centred, illegal child labour was witnessed in at least a dozen small workshops. Continue reading... The Guardian
Children as young as 12 are making surgical instruments in hazardous conditions in Pakistan, prompting fears that the tools could be used in the NHS, the Guardian has discovered.
In Sialkot, Punjab, where 99% of Pakistan’s surgical instrument production is centred, illegal child labour was witnessed in at least a dozen small workshops. Continue reading... The Guardian
Nursing has been woefully managed. No wonder there's a crisis | Richard Vize
Nursing has been woefully managed. No wonder there's a crisis | Richard Vize From ditched bursaries to poor pay, the policies behind the NHS recruitment and retention crisis have been laid bare in a new report
The health select committee’s report on the nursing workforce is a excoriating critique of the multiple errors in policy and practice that have created a recruitment and retention crisis. Indeed, it is difficult to identify a single aspect of nursing workforce management that is not being mishandled.
The UK has relatively few nurses compared with many EU countries – yet there are still 36,000 NHS nursing vacancies in England. Around 33,000 of these are filled with bank and agency staff, which ramps up costs.
It is difficult to identify a single aspect of nursing workforce management that is not being mishandled Continue reading... The Guardian
The health select committee’s report on the nursing workforce is a excoriating critique of the multiple errors in policy and practice that have created a recruitment and retention crisis. Indeed, it is difficult to identify a single aspect of nursing workforce management that is not being mishandled.
The UK has relatively few nurses compared with many EU countries – yet there are still 36,000 NHS nursing vacancies in England. Around 33,000 of these are filled with bank and agency staff, which ramps up costs.
It is difficult to identify a single aspect of nursing workforce management that is not being mishandled Continue reading... The Guardian
Saving the NHS means forcing us to change the way we lead our lives | Nick Cohen
Saving the NHS means forcing us to change the way we lead our lives | Nick Cohen It’s not just Big Macs that would have to go: M&S, Waitrose, transport and sport must be rethought for the common good
If you imagine a healthy future for Britain, or any other country that has put the hunger of millennia behind it, you see a kind of dictatorship. Not a tyranny, but a society that ruthlessly restricts free choice. It is a future that views the mass of people as base creatures jerked around by desires they cannot control. Expert authority must engineer their lives from above for their own good and the common good.
That we need to change radically was shown by a mass study of the health of 300,000 people that was at once entirely shocking and wholly predictable. Newcastle University found obesity and the lack of exercise (the two go together, of course) in the middle aged mean two-thirds will have more than one chronic illness when they reach 65. These bleakly titled “multiple morbidities” will afflict them simultaneously. (For in the future, illnesses will not come as single spies but in battalions.) Most are the natural consequence of our high calorie/low exercise world: arthritis, cancer, diabetes, dementia and strokes. Continue reading... The Guardian
If you imagine a healthy future for Britain, or any other country that has put the hunger of millennia behind it, you see a kind of dictatorship. Not a tyranny, but a society that ruthlessly restricts free choice. It is a future that views the mass of people as base creatures jerked around by desires they cannot control. Expert authority must engineer their lives from above for their own good and the common good.
That we need to change radically was shown by a mass study of the health of 300,000 people that was at once entirely shocking and wholly predictable. Newcastle University found obesity and the lack of exercise (the two go together, of course) in the middle aged mean two-thirds will have more than one chronic illness when they reach 65. These bleakly titled “multiple morbidities” will afflict them simultaneously. (For in the future, illnesses will not come as single spies but in battalions.) Most are the natural consequence of our high calorie/low exercise world: arthritis, cancer, diabetes, dementia and strokes. Continue reading... The Guardian
More than 7,000 doctors warn medics will be too scared to admit mistakes after pediatrician is struck off
More than 7,000 doctors warn medics will be too scared to admit mistakes after paediatrician is struck off Doctors have warned they may be less likely to admit mistakes after a pediatrician was controversially struck off for causing the death of a young boy.
More than 7,500 medics have signed a letter raising deep seated concerns about last week’s decision to strike Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba from the medical register.
It comes after Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, raised similar concerns, warning that the decision could have implications for patient safety if doctors felt they could not admit openly to their mistakes. The Daily Telegraph
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More than 7,500 medics have signed a letter raising deep seated concerns about last week’s decision to strike Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba from the medical register.
It comes after Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, raised similar concerns, warning that the decision could have implications for patient safety if doctors felt they could not admit openly to their mistakes. The Daily Telegraph
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NHS blunders led to 137 men losing a testicle in six years
NHS blunders led to 137 men losing a testicle in six years A series of NHS blunders have caused 137 men to lose one of their testicles in the past six years, according to latest figures.
Some £2.8 million in compensation was dished out to those who were affected by the 'devastating' incidents - around £20,000 each.
The statistics, released by NHS Resolution - which is the litigation authority, revealed some of the most horrific cases that have occurred. The Daily Mail
Some £2.8 million in compensation was dished out to those who were affected by the 'devastating' incidents - around £20,000 each.
The statistics, released by NHS Resolution - which is the litigation authority, revealed some of the most horrific cases that have occurred. The Daily Mail
Friday, 26 January 2018
Carer filmed slapping Kettering dementia patient
Carer filmed slapping Kettering dementia patient A carer has been caught on camera slapping and shouting at an elderly dementia patient.
It happened as Sabina Marsden, 78, was being looked after in her home in Kettering, Northamptonshire, on 13 June 2017.
The woman was sacked by her employer and given a police caution. BBC News
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It happened as Sabina Marsden, 78, was being looked after in her home in Kettering, Northamptonshire, on 13 June 2017.
The woman was sacked by her employer and given a police caution. BBC News
See also:
- Carer is caught on camera slapping Kettering OAP Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Expand the nursing workforce at scale and pace, say Committee
Expand the nursing workforce at scale and pace, say Committee The Health Committee say too little attention has been given to retaining nurses in the NHS, which has resulted in more nurses now leaving than joining the professional register, in its report into the Nursing workforce.
There are many causes for this shortfall, including workload pressures, poor access to continuing professional development, pay and a general sense of not feeling valued. Health Select Committee
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There are many causes for this shortfall, including workload pressures, poor access to continuing professional development, pay and a general sense of not feeling valued. Health Select Committee
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Report links childhood experience with mental health risks
Report links childhood experience with mental health risks People who have experienced abuse, neglect and other adverse childhood experiences are at much greater risk of mental illness throughout life.
This study found that adults who had suffered four or more types of adverse experience were almost ten times more likely to have felt suicidal or self-harmed than those who had experienced none. It also found that some opportunities offered through communities help build resilience to protect individuals from developing the mental health problems. Public Health Wales
This study found that adults who had suffered four or more types of adverse experience were almost ten times more likely to have felt suicidal or self-harmed than those who had experienced none. It also found that some opportunities offered through communities help build resilience to protect individuals from developing the mental health problems. Public Health Wales
NHS continuing healthcare: effective commissioning approaches
NHS continuing healthcare: effective commissioning approaches This report suggests ways in which the provision of NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) in local areas can be improved for the benefit of patients and commissioners and shares some of the approaches that have been developed by local CCGs which have proved to be effective in delivering their CHC commitments. NHS Clinical Commissioners
Calls for mandatory health information on alcohol labels
Calls for mandatory health information on alcohol labels The Royal Society for Public Health is calling for change in alcoholic drinks labelling, citing a public "awareness vacuum" on how alcohol affects health.
The society wants it to be mandatory to include the government's guideline to drink no more than 14 units a week.
Drink manufacturers could also warn of the link with health conditions such as bowel and breast cancer.
But a drink industry body said the public is "strongly opposed to cramming more information on a pack".
In its report, the RSPH suggests a drink-drive warning and using traffic light colour coding, similar to that used on many food items in the UK, could be helpful for drinkers. BBC News
The society wants it to be mandatory to include the government's guideline to drink no more than 14 units a week.
Drink manufacturers could also warn of the link with health conditions such as bowel and breast cancer.
But a drink industry body said the public is "strongly opposed to cramming more information on a pack".
In its report, the RSPH suggests a drink-drive warning and using traffic light colour coding, similar to that used on many food items in the UK, could be helpful for drinkers. BBC News
Winter flu outbreak is peaking, say health experts
Winter flu outbreak is peaking, say health experts The winter flu outbreak appears to be peaking, health officials say.
Officials are hopeful the worst of the season may soon be over after a fall in the numbers being admitted to hospital.
While the numbers still remain "very high" - around 4,000 in England last week - the rate of hospitalisation was lower then the week before.
The numbers coming to see their GP have fallen in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although small rises have been seen in England and Wales.
Public Health England's Richard Pebody said the fact flu rates had stabilised was a good sign and suggested "flu activity is starting to peak". BBC News
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Officials are hopeful the worst of the season may soon be over after a fall in the numbers being admitted to hospital.
While the numbers still remain "very high" - around 4,000 in England last week - the rate of hospitalisation was lower then the week before.
The numbers coming to see their GP have fallen in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although small rises have been seen in England and Wales.
Public Health England's Richard Pebody said the fact flu rates had stabilised was a good sign and suggested "flu activity is starting to peak". BBC News
See also:
- Flu rates 'levelling off' for the moment show RCGP figures Royal College of General Practitioners
- Flu death tolls hit 191 in the UK The Daily Mail
- 'Sharp increase' in cases of the winter vomiting bug The Daily Mail
- Flu cases remain at highest point this year as outbreak levels off GPonline
- NHS hospitals still in grip of winter crisis, figures show The Guardian
- Three times more people dying from flu in UK than last winter The Guardian
- One in three GP practices running out of flu vaccine Pulse
- More than 31,500 patients present to GPs with flu despite rise 'levelling off' Pulse
If I can come back from wanting to kill myself, so can others
If I can come back from wanting to kill myself, so can others Peer-to-peer support was the key to my recovery. Now I run a charity where I use my experience to help others with mental health problems
When I was a child, my mum said I had a depressive personality. I was prone to low periods that intensified as I reached adulthood and when I started my police career.
There was and still is a huge stigma around mental health, so I, like many others, tried to mask it in the hope it would go away. In secret, I visited my GP for what they thought was clinical depression, worried that my job as a detective would be compromised. I managed to convince other people that I was living a normal and successful life, but behind closed doors I was living a different story – just about managing to cope with my depressive episodes. When in a manic phase, I couldn’t sleep and would work 18-hour days. I wasn’t really looking at the evidence that I had a serious mental illness.
If peer-to-peer support was a huge part of my recovery, couldn’t it work for others? Continue reading... The Guardian
When I was a child, my mum said I had a depressive personality. I was prone to low periods that intensified as I reached adulthood and when I started my police career.
There was and still is a huge stigma around mental health, so I, like many others, tried to mask it in the hope it would go away. In secret, I visited my GP for what they thought was clinical depression, worried that my job as a detective would be compromised. I managed to convince other people that I was living a normal and successful life, but behind closed doors I was living a different story – just about managing to cope with my depressive episodes. When in a manic phase, I couldn’t sleep and would work 18-hour days. I wasn’t really looking at the evidence that I had a serious mental illness.
If peer-to-peer support was a huge part of my recovery, couldn’t it work for others? Continue reading... The Guardian
Public Health England 'increasing risk of eating disorders' in children with 100 calorie campaign
Public Health England 'increasing risk of eating disorders' in children with 100 calorie campaign Public Health England are increasing the risk of children developing eating disorders by telling parents to count calories, a leading charity has claimed.
The Change4Life campaign encourages parents to "Look for 100 calorie snacks, two a day max", to help them offer healthier snacks to tackle the obesity epidemic that is seeing a third of children leave primary school overweight or obese.
Eating disorder charity Beat said it was important that messages aimed at reducing obesity considered the impact they may have on those at risk of developing an eating disorder. The Daily Telegraph
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The Change4Life campaign encourages parents to "Look for 100 calorie snacks, two a day max", to help them offer healthier snacks to tackle the obesity epidemic that is seeing a third of children leave primary school overweight or obese.
Eating disorder charity Beat said it was important that messages aimed at reducing obesity considered the impact they may have on those at risk of developing an eating disorder. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Beat’s response to Change4Life’s 100 calorie snacks campaign Beat Eating Disorders
- Call for ban on chocolate price cuts to fight obesity crisis The Guardian
Doctor whose mistakes cost life of six-year-old struck off after High Court challenge
Doctor whose mistakes cost life of six-year-old struck off after High Court challenge A doctor whose mistakes cost the life of a six-year-old has been struck off after a High Court challenge.
Jack Adcock, from Glen Parva, Leicestershire, who had Down's Syndrome and a known heart condition, died at Leicester Royal Infirmary in 2011 after he developed sepsis.
Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter in 2015 and sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years.
Mr Justice Nicol said that neither Dr Bawa-Garba or a nurse who was on duty at the time "gave Jack the priority which this very sick boy deserved".
However, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal imposed only a sanction of 12 months' suspension. The Daily Telegraph
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Jack Adcock, from Glen Parva, Leicestershire, who had Down's Syndrome and a known heart condition, died at Leicester Royal Infirmary in 2011 after he developed sepsis.
Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter in 2015 and sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years.
Mr Justice Nicol said that neither Dr Bawa-Garba or a nurse who was on duty at the time "gave Jack the priority which this very sick boy deserved".
However, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal imposed only a sanction of 12 months' suspension. The Daily Telegraph
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