Thursday, 15 February 2018
Corby pharmacies hire security guards after armed robberies
Corby pharmacies hire security guards after armed robberies Three pharmacies in Corby have been forced to take drastic measures after a series of armed incidents. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Hidden from the targets: how long are patients waiting for NHS care?
Hidden from the targets: how long are patients waiting for NHS care? The NHS is not short of waiting time targets. These targets may cover everything from ambulance services to psychological therapy, but they are all constructed in a broadly similar way – the aim is for the NHS to see a set proportion of patients in a set amount of time, and the target is either ‘hit’ or ‘missed’. For example, at least 95 per cent of patients should spend no more than four hours in A&E departments and at least 92 per cent of patients should wait no more than 18 weeks from referral by a GP to receiving routine consultant-led treatment such as hip or knee surgery. The King's Fund
Life expectancy gap between rich and poor widens
Life expectancy gap between rich and poor widens The life expectancy gap between England's richest and poorest neighbourhoods has widened since 2001, a report says.
On average, a boy born in one of the most affluent areas will outlive one born in one of the poorest by 8.4 years.
That was up from 7.2 years in 2001, the Longevity Science Panel (LSP) found.
The government said it was tackling the issue, and added cancer survival rates were "at an all-time high".
The LSP report said the results were concerning and required further investigation to understand the causes.
But its authors said income inequality was the biggest factor. BBC News
On average, a boy born in one of the most affluent areas will outlive one born in one of the poorest by 8.4 years.
That was up from 7.2 years in 2001, the Longevity Science Panel (LSP) found.
The government said it was tackling the issue, and added cancer survival rates were "at an all-time high".
The LSP report said the results were concerning and required further investigation to understand the causes.
But its authors said income inequality was the biggest factor. BBC News
GMC confirms reflective entries could be used against doctors in court
GMC confirms reflective entries could be used against doctors in court GP leaders have demanded legal protection to stop reflective statements being used against doctors in court, as the GMC confirmed to MPs that no such protection currently exists. GPonline
UK employees back workplace wearables for mental health support
UK employees back workplace wearables for mental health support More than half of working adults in the UK would be would be prepared to wear devices designed to monitor their mental health and flag troubling symptoms, according to a new report.
The ‘AXA Health Tech & You State of the Nation survey’, conducted by YouGov, involved interviewing 2,000 adults about their attitudes towards mental health in the workplace.
It found that many workers feared raising mental wellbeing concerns because they were worried about being stigmatised by peers.
However, it revealed that workers are willing to adopt technology-driven strategies to help improve mental health in the workplace. Digital Health
The ‘AXA Health Tech & You State of the Nation survey’, conducted by YouGov, involved interviewing 2,000 adults about their attitudes towards mental health in the workplace.
It found that many workers feared raising mental wellbeing concerns because they were worried about being stigmatised by peers.
However, it revealed that workers are willing to adopt technology-driven strategies to help improve mental health in the workplace. Digital Health
Processed food, sugary cereals and sliced bread may contribute to cancer risk, study claims
Processed food, sugary cereals and sliced bread may contribute to cancer risk, study claims "Ultra-processed" foods including sugary breakfast cereals, chicken nuggets, pizza and pre-sliced bread may increase the risk of cancer, a study has claimed.
Fast foods and ready meals amount for 50 per cent of the average person’s diet in some developed countries and could be contributing to rising cancer levels, researchers working in Brazil and France found.
Teams from the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Sao Paulo found that a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake was associated with a 12 per cent increased risk of overall cancer. The Independent
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Fast foods and ready meals amount for 50 per cent of the average person’s diet in some developed countries and could be contributing to rising cancer levels, researchers working in Brazil and France found.
Teams from the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Sao Paulo found that a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake was associated with a 12 per cent increased risk of overall cancer. The Independent
See also:
- Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort The BMJ
- Ultra-processed foods and cancer (editorial) The BMJ
- Ultra-processed foods 'linked to cancer' BBC News
- Cancer warning over processed foods which make up half of UK diet The Daily Telegraph
Woman who died in A&E after overdose had 'inadequate care'
Woman who died in A&E after overdose had 'inadequate care' Coroner criticises ‘overwhelmed’ hospital but rules Bethany Shipsey intended to kill herself
A 21-year-old woman who died in an exceptionally busy A&E ward after taking an overdoseof diet pills intended to kill herself but received inadequate care, a coroner has found.
Bethany Shipsey died in Worcestershire Royal hospital on 15 February last year, a day described by hospital staff as overwhelming. She had swallowed tablets she bought online from eastern Europe that contained the industrial substance DNP. Continue reading... The Guardian
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A 21-year-old woman who died in an exceptionally busy A&E ward after taking an overdoseof diet pills intended to kill herself but received inadequate care, a coroner has found.
Bethany Shipsey died in Worcestershire Royal hospital on 15 February last year, a day described by hospital staff as overwhelming. She had swallowed tablets she bought online from eastern Europe that contained the industrial substance DNP. Continue reading... The Guardian
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NHS trusts transferring staff into subsidiary companies to cut VAT
NHS trusts transferring staff into subsidiary companies to cut VAT Labour warns of impact on staff and standards of ‘back-door privatisation’
Nineteen trusts have transferred non-clinical NHS staff into subsidiary companies, via a process previously described as akin to “back door privatisation”, and another 16 have plans to do so, an investigation has found.
The Health Service Journal research, published on Wednesday, suggests that almost 3,000 estates and facilities staff are already employed by eight trust-owned subsidiaries, with the majority having transferred from the parent trust. Continue reading... The Guardian
Nineteen trusts have transferred non-clinical NHS staff into subsidiary companies, via a process previously described as akin to “back door privatisation”, and another 16 have plans to do so, an investigation has found.
The Health Service Journal research, published on Wednesday, suggests that almost 3,000 estates and facilities staff are already employed by eight trust-owned subsidiaries, with the majority having transferred from the parent trust. Continue reading... The Guardian
'Opt-out' organ donations won't solve waiting lists deaths, says NHS chief
'Opt-out' organ donations won't solve waiting lists deaths, says NHS chief Theresa May’s plans for an “opt-out” organ transplant system will not solve Britain’s long waiting lists for donations, the NHS chief responsible for transplants has said.
Claire Williment said there was “no magic formula” to cutting down the tally of three people a day who currently die while waiting for a donor organ, and predicted switching to a system of presumed consent may only yield 100 extra donors each year.
The Head of Transplant Development at NHS Blood and Transplant, she said boosting donor rates required a combination of measures including more specialist nurses trained to seek families’ permission as loved-ones die. The Daily Telegraph
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Claire Williment said there was “no magic formula” to cutting down the tally of three people a day who currently die while waiting for a donor organ, and predicted switching to a system of presumed consent may only yield 100 extra donors each year.
The Head of Transplant Development at NHS Blood and Transplant, she said boosting donor rates required a combination of measures including more specialist nurses trained to seek families’ permission as loved-ones die. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Organ donations rising across the UK BBC News
10,000 dementia patients a year 'left on hospital wards'
10,000 dementia patients a year 'left on hospital wards' Up To 10,000 Alzheimer’s patients a year have been left on hospital wards despite being cleared to leave.
Figures show the NHS has spent £15 million a month to keep people in hospital because of a lack of social care beds.
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said vulnerable patients could die if they are not discharged at the right time. The Daily Mail
Figures show the NHS has spent £15 million a month to keep people in hospital because of a lack of social care beds.
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said vulnerable patients could die if they are not discharged at the right time. The Daily Mail
One in six post-operation infections resist antibiotics
One in six post-operation infections resist antibiotics Antibiotics are now failing to work in a fifth of patients who suffer an infection following hospital surgery, according to the first major study investigating the crisis.
The global research found that one in eight patients undergoing common procedures such as appendix removal developed an infection while recovering. Some 22 per cent of cases were found to be resistant to the antibiotics which should have protected them.
The study, published by the Lancet, tracked more than 13,000 patients in 66 countries, including those in the UK, who were undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. The Daily Mail
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The global research found that one in eight patients undergoing common procedures such as appendix removal developed an infection while recovering. Some 22 per cent of cases were found to be resistant to the antibiotics which should have protected them.
The study, published by the Lancet, tracked more than 13,000 patients in 66 countries, including those in the UK, who were undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. The Daily Mail
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Wednesday, 14 February 2018
New Kettering care complex could create 90 jobs
New Kettering care complex could create 90 jobs A national care provider is planning to build a nursing home and dementia care site in Kettering.
Avery Healthcare has submitted plans to create the care complex on the old Satra House site in Rockingham Road. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Avery Healthcare has submitted plans to create the care complex on the old Satra House site in Rockingham Road. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Using telecare for older people in adult social care
Using telecare for older people in adult social care A report from the Utopia project led by King’s College London describes how electronic assistive technology and telecare are used by local authorities in England to support older people.
Promising approaches to living well with dementia
Promising approaches to living well with dementia This report outlines a number of scalable and cost-effective interventions that can help to support people with dementia. It includes case studies of services and projects that support wellbeing and living well for people with dementia. Age UK
The ageing process and health
The ageing process and health This briefing summarises the evidence on the biological basis of ageing and outlines the ways in which public health policy can support better health in later life. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Majority of over-65s would like more sex, survey finds
Majority of over-65s would like more sex, survey finds Older people are often assumed to want amiable companionship in later life rather than passion-fuelled romance.
But a survey of 2,002 older Britons suggests 52% of over-65s feel they do not have enough sex, and nearly a third are happy to have sex on a first date.
It also found one in 10 over-75s have had multiple sexual partners since turning 65.
The charity Independent Age said its survey showed age was "no barrier to having a sex life". BBC News
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But a survey of 2,002 older Britons suggests 52% of over-65s feel they do not have enough sex, and nearly a third are happy to have sex on a first date.
It also found one in 10 over-75s have had multiple sexual partners since turning 65.
The charity Independent Age said its survey showed age was "no barrier to having a sex life". BBC News
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'Punished for a crime I hadn't committed'
'Punished for a crime I hadn't committed' Joanna is one of at least 9,000 non-smokers in the UK diagnosed with lung cancer every year.
The British Journal of Cancer predicts that lung cancer cases in the UK will double from 65,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2040 and that women will be worst affected. BBC News
The British Journal of Cancer predicts that lung cancer cases in the UK will double from 65,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2040 and that women will be worst affected. BBC News
Valentine's Day leads to spike in new pregnancies, NHS data shows
Valentine's Day leads to spike in new pregnancies, NHS data shows Valentine’s Day appears to have a significant impact on amorous activity as official NHS figures reveal it’s associated with a spike in women becoming pregnant.
In the week of the 14 February 2015 health service data shows a five per cent bump in officially recorded conceptions, 16,263 compared to the weekly average of 15,427.
But even data from the week after Valentine’s Day, where 16,344 new pregnancies are recorded, the period still lags behind Christmas’s impact on seasonal baby-making. The Independent
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In the week of the 14 February 2015 health service data shows a five per cent bump in officially recorded conceptions, 16,263 compared to the weekly average of 15,427.
But even data from the week after Valentine’s Day, where 16,344 new pregnancies are recorded, the period still lags behind Christmas’s impact on seasonal baby-making. The Independent
See also:
- Valentine's Day romance ends ... with a baby boom, NHS statistics show The Daily Telegraph
Vaginal mesh: New material which avoids serious injuries and side-effects discovered by scientists
Vaginal mesh: New material which avoids serious injuries and side-effects discovered by scientists New material is more flexible and could even promote wound healing, but campaigners warn other implants left women with serious internal injuries.
Scientists claim to have created a flexible vaginal mesh implant which will not cause serious injuries of the kind caused by existing rigid models which left women with life-changing injuries.
The unfolding scandal over the use of plastic vaginal mesh implants, which had their approval for use in the NHS withdrawn by watchdogs in December, has led to international legal actionand the death of at least one woman.
Now scientists from the University of Sheffield have developed a new form of implant which they said avoids the harmful properties of earlier models while still being able to be surgically useful. The Independent
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Scientists claim to have created a flexible vaginal mesh implant which will not cause serious injuries of the kind caused by existing rigid models which left women with life-changing injuries.
The unfolding scandal over the use of plastic vaginal mesh implants, which had their approval for use in the NHS withdrawn by watchdogs in December, has led to international legal actionand the death of at least one woman.
Now scientists from the University of Sheffield have developed a new form of implant which they said avoids the harmful properties of earlier models while still being able to be surgically useful. The Independent
See also:
- Campaigners slam material that could replace vaginal mesh The Daily Mail
'I missed serving my country': the military veterans joining the NHS
'I missed serving my country': the military veterans joining the NHS Step into Health works with 50 trusts to match the skills of former military personnel to careers in the health service
Richard Lloyd had dedicated 28 years to the armed forces when he moved with his family to Cumbria to run a guesthouse. But after four years he found something was missing. “I missed the cut and thrust of being in a big team. I missed that camaraderie, and doing service for the country,” he says.
Lloyd had spent his working life stationed in Iraq and assisting with peacekeeping operations in Bosnia in the early 2000s. He never thought he would find a second career in the NHS. But the 52-year-old veteran is one of a growing number of former military personnel carving out lives in the health service. Continue reading... The Guardian
Richard Lloyd had dedicated 28 years to the armed forces when he moved with his family to Cumbria to run a guesthouse. But after four years he found something was missing. “I missed the cut and thrust of being in a big team. I missed that camaraderie, and doing service for the country,” he says.
Lloyd had spent his working life stationed in Iraq and assisting with peacekeeping operations in Bosnia in the early 2000s. He never thought he would find a second career in the NHS. But the 52-year-old veteran is one of a growing number of former military personnel carving out lives in the health service. Continue reading... The Guardian
Tuesday, 13 February 2018
KGH restricts visiting arrangements after flu admissions
KGH restricts visiting arrangements after flu admissions Kettering General Hospital has temporarily restricted its visiting arrangements.
The hospital has seen an increasing number of patients being admitted over the past few days with viral symptoms caused by influenza and the norovirus bug. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The hospital has seen an increasing number of patients being admitted over the past few days with viral symptoms caused by influenza and the norovirus bug. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Public expectations of the NHS
Public expectations of the NHS In a guest blog for our NHS and the public project, Bobby Duffy, Managing Director of Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute, explores public expectations of the NHS and other public services. The King's Fund
What do winter pressures mean for paediatric care?
What do winter pressures mean for paediatric care? As a paediatric registrar working in London, for me winter is synonymous with long and stressful shifts. Over the past decade there has been an increase in emergency admissions as well as A&E attendances, especially for infants. Those on the frontline are experiencing mounting workload pressures, particularly over winter months.
We offer good paediatric care in the UK, but it could be much better. Worryingly, we have one of the highest infant mortality rates in Europe, with poor health outcomes strongly linked to rising child poverty and social inequalities. Understaffing and service design issues exacerbate the problem.
To illustrate what this means for patients over winter, let’s consider the fictional case of baby Ollie, a nine-month-old who was premature and spent the first month of his life in a special care baby unit. The Health Foundation
We offer good paediatric care in the UK, but it could be much better. Worryingly, we have one of the highest infant mortality rates in Europe, with poor health outcomes strongly linked to rising child poverty and social inequalities. Understaffing and service design issues exacerbate the problem.
To illustrate what this means for patients over winter, let’s consider the fictional case of baby Ollie, a nine-month-old who was premature and spent the first month of his life in a special care baby unit. The Health Foundation
Healthy homes: accommodating an ageing population
Healthy homes: accommodating an ageing population This report argues that creating more modified homes, which encourage older people to keep mentally and physically fit for longer, could help save the NHS and social care system billions of pounds each year. It calls on the government to introduce financial incentives for construction companies to build for older living. Institution of Mechanical Engineers
See also:
See also:
- Housing for older people House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee
New antibiotic family discovered in dirt
New antibiotic family discovered in dirt US scientists have discovered a new family of antibiotics in soil samples.
The natural compounds could be used to combat hard-to-treat infections, the team at Rockefeller University hopes.
Tests show the compounds, called malacidins, annihilate several bacterial diseases that have become resistant to most existing antibiotics, including the superbug MRSA.
Experts say the work, published in Nature Microbiology, offers fresh hope in the antibiotics arms race.
Drug-resistant diseases are one of the biggest threats to global health.
They kill around 700,000 people a year, and new treatments are urgently needed. BBC News
The natural compounds could be used to combat hard-to-treat infections, the team at Rockefeller University hopes.
Tests show the compounds, called malacidins, annihilate several bacterial diseases that have become resistant to most existing antibiotics, including the superbug MRSA.
Experts say the work, published in Nature Microbiology, offers fresh hope in the antibiotics arms race.
Drug-resistant diseases are one of the biggest threats to global health.
They kill around 700,000 people a year, and new treatments are urgently needed. BBC News
A third of people with dementia in England 'not receiving full care'
A third of people with dementia in England 'not receiving full care' Age UK says many people do not have individual care package to which they are entitled
More than one in three people in England diagnosed with dementia are not getting the follow-up care they are entitled to, a charity has said.
The NHS specifies that everyone diagnosed with the condition should have an individual care plan that is reviewed at least once a year. Continue reading... The Guardian
More than one in three people in England diagnosed with dementia are not getting the follow-up care they are entitled to, a charity has said.
The NHS specifies that everyone diagnosed with the condition should have an individual care plan that is reviewed at least once a year. Continue reading... The Guardian
Eating disorders: NHS reports surge in hospital admissions
Eating disorders: NHS reports surge in hospital admissions Experts say NHS services are failing those in need of help as admissions nearly double in six years.
The number of admissions to hospital of patients with potentially life-threatening eating disorders has almost doubled over the past six years, amid warnings from experts that NHS services to tackle anorexia and bulimia are failing to help those in need. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The number of admissions to hospital of patients with potentially life-threatening eating disorders has almost doubled over the past six years, amid warnings from experts that NHS services to tackle anorexia and bulimia are failing to help those in need. Continue reading... The Guardian
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GPs urging long-term ill to attend group sessions
GPs urging long-term ill to attend group sessions Patients who have the same long-term condition, such as arthritis or diabetes, will take part in 90-minute ‘shared’ consultations – with their test results shown at the front of the room. The Daily Mail
NHS is refusing IVF to women if their husbands are obese
NHS is refusing IVF to women if their husbands are obese The Bath and North East Somerset clinical commissioning group (CCG) has drawn up proposals to stop funding IVF for women whose partners have a ‘body mass index’ of over 30. The Daily Mail
Monday, 12 February 2018
Documentary inside Northampton mental health hospital explores self-harming among teenage girls
Documentary inside Northampton mental health hospital explores self-harming among teenage girls A BBC Two documentary is following the story of three girls inside a Northampton mental health hospital.
"Girls on the Edge" premieres later this month and takes viewers inside the town's own Fitzroy House, at St Andrew's Hospital, for a "raw and honest" look at the journey to recovery for three girls. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
"Girls on the Edge" premieres later this month and takes viewers inside the town's own Fitzroy House, at St Andrew's Hospital, for a "raw and honest" look at the journey to recovery for three girls. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Evidence review: adults with complex needs (with a particular focus on street begging and street sleeping)
Evidence review: adults with complex needs (with a particular focus on street begging and street sleeping) Public Health England South East has carried out an independent review of the literature on homelessness, looking particularly at people living or begging on the streets to support efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness and the adverse outcomes associated with this. This review is aimed at local authorities and other stakeholders who are developing strategies and interventions to prevent homelessness and support adults with complex needs. Public Health England
Spatial competition and quality: evidence from the English family doctor market
Spatial competition and quality: evidence from the English family doctor market This paper examines whether family doctor firms in England respond to local competition by increasing their quality. It measures quality in terms of clinical performance and patient-reported satisfaction to capture its multi-dimensional nature. It finds that increases in local competition are associated with increases in clinical quality and patient satisfaction, particularly for firms with lower quality. However, the magnitude of the effect is small. Centre for Health Economics
Take sick children to pharmacies first, parents told
Take sick children to pharmacies first, parents told Parents of young children with minor illnesses should take them to pharmacies rather than GPs or A&E, a new NHS England campaign says.
It follows a survey which found just 6% of parents with under-fives would go to a pharmacist first.
NHS England said visits to GPs and A&E for these "self-treatable" conditions, like stomach ache, cost £850m a year.
But parents should not be put off seeing a doctor, a patients' group said.
GPs' leaders said parents of children with a very high temperature that doesn't go away should still seek help from a medical expert. BBC News
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It follows a survey which found just 6% of parents with under-fives would go to a pharmacist first.
NHS England said visits to GPs and A&E for these "self-treatable" conditions, like stomach ache, cost £850m a year.
But parents should not be put off seeing a doctor, a patients' group said.
GPs' leaders said parents of children with a very high temperature that doesn't go away should still seek help from a medical expert. BBC News
See also:
- Consider the pharmacist, but worried parents should trust their instinct, says College Royal College of General Practitioners
- Take your sick children to the pharmacy and not the GP, says NHS The Daily Telegraph
- Patients urged to think 'pharmacist first' to save millions of GP appointments GPonline
NHS: Alcohol related hospital admissions hit record high after addiction support services slashed
NHS: Alcohol related hospital admissions hit record high after addiction support services slashed The number of people being admitted to hospital due to problems with alcohol has hit a record high in England, new figures show, following steep cuts to addiction support services in recent years.
Alcohol-related admissions have risen by more than two-thirds in a decade, with the figure now standing at more than 1.1 million in 2017, according to data released by Public Health England (PHE).
Politicians and campaigners warn government cuts to public health infrastructure have “failed” thousands of vulnerable people as well as increasing pressures on hard-pressed frontline A&E departments. The Independent
Alcohol-related admissions have risen by more than two-thirds in a decade, with the figure now standing at more than 1.1 million in 2017, according to data released by Public Health England (PHE).
Politicians and campaigners warn government cuts to public health infrastructure have “failed” thousands of vulnerable people as well as increasing pressures on hard-pressed frontline A&E departments. The Independent
Liverpool NHS scandal shows how culture of denial harms patients
Liverpool NHS scandal shows how culture of denial harms patients If staff do not feel able to speak out about their concerns, something is rotten at an organisation’s core
The two most shocking revelations to emerge from the investigation into Liverpool community health NHS trust are that every part of the system failed, and it happened even as the trust was considering what it should learn from the Mid Staffordshire scandal.
The independent review by Dr Bill Kirkup into events at the trust between 2010 and 2014 shows the root cause of the trust’s problems was an inexperienced and bullying leadership obsessed with achieving foundation trust status, irrespective of the effect on patients. This toxic culture seeped into every part of the organisation, breaking the morale of frontline staff and inflicting serious clinical harm.
There was a climate of fear, intolerance, disbelief and insecurity Continue reading... The Guardian
The two most shocking revelations to emerge from the investigation into Liverpool community health NHS trust are that every part of the system failed, and it happened even as the trust was considering what it should learn from the Mid Staffordshire scandal.
The independent review by Dr Bill Kirkup into events at the trust between 2010 and 2014 shows the root cause of the trust’s problems was an inexperienced and bullying leadership obsessed with achieving foundation trust status, irrespective of the effect on patients. This toxic culture seeped into every part of the organisation, breaking the morale of frontline staff and inflicting serious clinical harm.
There was a climate of fear, intolerance, disbelief and insecurity Continue reading... The Guardian
GPs issuing thousands more fit notes for patients
GPs issuing thousands more fit notes for patients Rise of 9% in statements of fitness for work, with 13.5% increase in notes for mental and behavioural disorders
The number of fit notes issued by GPs has risen by nearly a tenth, with a larger increase for mental and behavioural disorders, research has shown.
A fit note is issued after the first seven days of sickness absence if the doctor assesses that the patient’s health affects their fitness for work. Continue reading... The Guardian
The number of fit notes issued by GPs has risen by nearly a tenth, with a larger increase for mental and behavioural disorders, research has shown.
A fit note is issued after the first seven days of sickness absence if the doctor assesses that the patient’s health affects their fitness for work. Continue reading... The Guardian
Almost two thirds of voters back extra 1p on income tax for the NHS
Almost two thirds of voters back extra 1p on income tax for the NHS Observer poll finds 65% support an extra penny in the pound ring-fenced for healthcare
Almost two thirds of voters back putting an extra 1p on income tax to solve the funding crisis engulfing the NHS and social care, a new poll for the Observer has found.
The Opinium survey found that 65% would be happy to pay an extra penny in the pound ring-fenced for health and social care, even after being shown what the increase would actually mean for their personal tax bill. Continue reading... The Guardian
Almost two thirds of voters back putting an extra 1p on income tax to solve the funding crisis engulfing the NHS and social care, a new poll for the Observer has found.
The Opinium survey found that 65% would be happy to pay an extra penny in the pound ring-fenced for health and social care, even after being shown what the increase would actually mean for their personal tax bill. Continue reading... The Guardian
Paraffin-based skin creams may be linked to hundreds of deaths, senior firefighter warns
Paraffin-based skin creams may be linked to hundreds of deaths, senior firefighter warns Paraffin-based skin creams may be linked to hundreds of deaths, a senior firefighter has warned.
Chris Bell, a watch commander with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the creams - used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis - are safe to use.
But he warned they can become flammable when they soak into fabrics, clothing, bandages and dressings, then come into contact with a cigarette, naked flame or other heat source. The Daily Telegraph
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Chris Bell, a watch commander with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the creams - used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis - are safe to use.
But he warned they can become flammable when they soak into fabrics, clothing, bandages and dressings, then come into contact with a cigarette, naked flame or other heat source. The Daily Telegraph
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Don't say 'good girl' to women in labour because it is disrespectful, midwives are told
Don't say 'good girl' to women in labour because it is disrespectful, midwives are told Midwives should not say “good girl” to women in labour because it is disrespectful, according to new advice.
Other words to avoid include describing a baby as big or referring to a woman in labour as “she” in the guide published in the BMJ.
In the advice, the authors admitted some might think such caution was “political correctness gone mad” but said changes were needed to “instill a culture of respect” for mothers-to-be.
The advice drawn up by maternity experts, has been backed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The Daily Telegraph
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Other words to avoid include describing a baby as big or referring to a woman in labour as “she” in the guide published in the BMJ.
In the advice, the authors admitted some might think such caution was “political correctness gone mad” but said changes were needed to “instill a culture of respect” for mothers-to-be.
The advice drawn up by maternity experts, has been backed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Humanising birth: Does the language we use matter? The BMJ
- The language guide midwives should use The Daily Mail
Friday, 9 February 2018
Minister's £1.75 million top-up for Northamptonshire's vulnerable adults 'will have minimum impact', says county council
Minister's £1.75 million top-up for Northamptonshire's vulnerable adults 'will have minimum impact', says county council A Local Government Settlement meant to address the prospect of collapsing councils will barely help Northamptonshire, County Hall has said.
Council leaders have been unsuccessful in attempts to persuade local government secretary Sajid Javid to loosen the purse strings and give the county appropriate funds for its growing population.
Huge bills for adult social care - as well as fixing the historically troubled children's service - have helped bring it to the brink of bankruptcy.
But an anticipated announcement from Mr Javid about extra money for all councils to deal with adult social care has been given a response that is, at best, lukewarm by council bosses. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Council leaders have been unsuccessful in attempts to persuade local government secretary Sajid Javid to loosen the purse strings and give the county appropriate funds for its growing population.
Huge bills for adult social care - as well as fixing the historically troubled children's service - have helped bring it to the brink of bankruptcy.
But an anticipated announcement from Mr Javid about extra money for all councils to deal with adult social care has been given a response that is, at best, lukewarm by council bosses. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Priorities for the NHS in 2018/19 and beyond
Priorities for the NHS in 2018/19 and beyond The Budget on 22 November 2017 contained some obvious good news for the NHS: it provided more money, if not as much as we hoped. With more money comes the inevitable re-set of NHS plans and the new planning guidance came out on 2 February.
This is desperately late in the day given the new financial year starts on 1 April but was inevitable given the financial settlement for the NHS changed so significantly at the last minute. In theory, the government is supposed to issue its Mandate for the NHS first, which the planning guidance then translates into actions for the NHS. There has been no new Mandate. While this might appear to represent a risk – that the guidance may need to change once the Mandate is finally released – realistically its contents must have been agreed with both the Department and HM Treasury anyway.
I’ll run through some of the key changes around money, performance and reform. However, it is perhaps what the guidance did not say that really matters and I’ll cover this at the end. The King's Fund
This is desperately late in the day given the new financial year starts on 1 April but was inevitable given the financial settlement for the NHS changed so significantly at the last minute. In theory, the government is supposed to issue its Mandate for the NHS first, which the planning guidance then translates into actions for the NHS. There has been no new Mandate. While this might appear to represent a risk – that the guidance may need to change once the Mandate is finally released – realistically its contents must have been agreed with both the Department and HM Treasury anyway.
I’ll run through some of the key changes around money, performance and reform. However, it is perhaps what the guidance did not say that really matters and I’ll cover this at the end. The King's Fund
Learning from the vanguards: staff at the heart of new care models
Learning from the vanguards: staff at the heart of new care models This briefing looks at how the vanguards have broken down traditional organisational barriers across whole systems, how they have engaged staff in the programmes, communicated change and supported staff to work differently. Local Government Association, NHS Clinical Commissioners, NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation
Providing mental health support in UK schools
Providing mental health support in UK schools Almost half (45%) of school leaders have found it difficult to commission mental health support for their pupils, and over a third (34%) of counsellors and psychotherapists who work with children and young people said it was difficult to provide their services to schools.
A new report – Providing mental health support in UK schools – from Place2Be in partnership with BACP, NAHT and UKCP, provides a picture of the challenges faced by schools and school-based mental health professionals.
See also:
A new report – Providing mental health support in UK schools – from Place2Be in partnership with BACP, NAHT and UKCP, provides a picture of the challenges faced by schools and school-based mental health professionals.
See also:
The adult social care workforce in England
The adult social care workforce in England The Department of Health and Social Care is not doing enough to support a sustainable social care workforce. The number of people working in care is not meeting the country’s growing care demands and unmet care needs are increasing, according to today’s report by the National Audit Office (NAO).
Hip fracture patients waiting up to three months for rehab at home
Hip fracture patients waiting up to three months for rehab at home A major new audit conducted for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) reveals that hip fracture patients can wait up to 80 days before seeing a physiotherapist at home after being discharged from hospital.
Hip fracture is the most common cause of injury related death in adults. It costs the NHS and social care £1 billion per year. Hip fracture will affect one in three women over 50. Hip fractures are more prevalent than breast cancer.
The audit, which was conducted by the Royal College of Physicians reveals the average wait was 15 days, but some patients have to wait up to 80 days. The amount of rehabilitation patients received varied greatly, with some patients getting less than 1 hour per week.
NICE guidelines state after surgery, hip fracture patients should be offered rehabilitation at least once a day. The survey revealed four out of ten (43 per cent) missed a day’s therapy due to no physios being available.
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Hip fracture is the most common cause of injury related death in adults. It costs the NHS and social care £1 billion per year. Hip fracture will affect one in three women over 50. Hip fractures are more prevalent than breast cancer.
The audit, which was conducted by the Royal College of Physicians reveals the average wait was 15 days, but some patients have to wait up to 80 days. The amount of rehabilitation patients received varied greatly, with some patients getting less than 1 hour per week.
NICE guidelines state after surgery, hip fracture patients should be offered rehabilitation at least once a day. The survey revealed four out of ten (43 per cent) missed a day’s therapy due to no physios being available.
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Richard Handley: 'Gross failures' in constipation death
Richard Handley: 'Gross failures' in constipation death A "missed opportunity" for potentially life-saving treatment contributed to the death of a man from constipation complications, an inquest has found.
Richard Handley, 33, who had Down's syndrome, died at Ipswich Hospital on 17 November 2012.
Some 10kg (22lb) of faeces were removed from his body two days before.
Coroner Dr Peter Dean said there were "gross failures" in spotting Mr Handley was in a critical state after the surgery. BBC News
Richard Handley, 33, who had Down's syndrome, died at Ipswich Hospital on 17 November 2012.
Some 10kg (22lb) of faeces were removed from his body two days before.
Coroner Dr Peter Dean said there were "gross failures" in spotting Mr Handley was in a critical state after the surgery. BBC News
First human eggs grown in laboratory
First human eggs grown in laboratory Human eggs have been grown in the laboratory for the first time, say researchers at the University of Edinburgh.
The team say the technique could lead to new ways of preserving the fertility of children having cancer treatment.
It is also an opportunity to explore how human eggs develop, much of which remains a mystery to science.
Experts said it was an exciting breakthrough, but more work was needed before it could be used clinically. BBC News
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The team say the technique could lead to new ways of preserving the fertility of children having cancer treatment.
It is also an opportunity to explore how human eggs develop, much of which remains a mystery to science.
Experts said it was an exciting breakthrough, but more work was needed before it could be used clinically. BBC News
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Too few cancer patients are getting end of life care
Too few cancer patients are getting end of life care Over the past 20 years, there has been a rapid advancement in the treatment of cancer, leading to impressive survival rates for many and a general perception that we’re getting this cancer business cracked. But the stark reality is that half of all patients diagnosed with cancer in the UK still die of the disease.
The vast majority of research funding is directed towards developing new treatment options or towards strategies to improve early diagnosis – with less than 0.3 per cent of the £500m spent on cancer research allocated to palliative (end-of-life) care. The Independent
The vast majority of research funding is directed towards developing new treatment options or towards strategies to improve early diagnosis – with less than 0.3 per cent of the £500m spent on cancer research allocated to palliative (end-of-life) care. The Independent
Liverpool NHS trust 'dysfunctional' and unsafe, report finds
Liverpool NHS trust 'dysfunctional' and unsafe, report finds Patients suffered ‘significant harm’ and staff who raised concerns were bullied, inquiry concludes
Patients suffered “significant harm” because of multiple serious failings by a “dysfunctional” NHS trust, an independent inquiry has found.
Liverpool Community Health NHS trust (LCH) provided poor, unsafe and ineffective care to patients, including inmates at HMP Liverpool, the scathing report concluded. Continue reading... The Guardian
Patients suffered “significant harm” because of multiple serious failings by a “dysfunctional” NHS trust, an independent inquiry has found.
Liverpool Community Health NHS trust (LCH) provided poor, unsafe and ineffective care to patients, including inmates at HMP Liverpool, the scathing report concluded. Continue reading... The Guardian
The trauma trap: what's causing inequalities in emergency care?
The trauma trap: what's causing inequalities in emergency care? As US studies reveal worrying disparities in trauma treatment based on patient ethnicity, one surgeon urges more research into inequalities in UK emergency care
Ten years ago, when Dr Adil Haider, a trauma surgeon at Harvard Medical School, began investigating disparities in emergency centre outcomes based on information recorded in the US National Trauma Data Bank, he discovered a striking trend.
In the US, trauma is the number one cause of death for people under 47, and Haider had identified huge differences in patient survival rates based entirely on race. Compared to white patients with injuries of similar severity, black and Hispanic patients were found to have 20% and 50% greater likelihoods of death respectively.
When Haider compared uninsured black patients to insured white patients, the black patients were 80% more likely to die
It’s sometimes impossible to completely remove social judgement from clinical decisions Continue reading... The Guardian
Ten years ago, when Dr Adil Haider, a trauma surgeon at Harvard Medical School, began investigating disparities in emergency centre outcomes based on information recorded in the US National Trauma Data Bank, he discovered a striking trend.
In the US, trauma is the number one cause of death for people under 47, and Haider had identified huge differences in patient survival rates based entirely on race. Compared to white patients with injuries of similar severity, black and Hispanic patients were found to have 20% and 50% greater likelihoods of death respectively.
When Haider compared uninsured black patients to insured white patients, the black patients were 80% more likely to die
It’s sometimes impossible to completely remove social judgement from clinical decisions Continue reading... The Guardian
Autism charity accused of hiding horrific abuse at care home
Autism charity accused of hiding horrific abuse at care home The National Autistic Society has been accused of covering up a care home scandal likened to Winterbourne View “without the cameras" .
The charity ran a home in which residents were forced to eat chillies, repeatedly thrown into a swimming pool and forced to crawl around on all fours, a review has found.
Mendip House in Somerset was run by a male “gang” who threw cake at residents and forced them to fund staff meals out. The Daily Telegraph
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The charity ran a home in which residents were forced to eat chillies, repeatedly thrown into a swimming pool and forced to crawl around on all fours, a review has found.
Mendip House in Somerset was run by a male “gang” who threw cake at residents and forced them to fund staff meals out. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Safeguarding adults review: Mendip House Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board
Waiting times at major A&E departments worst on record in January, figures reveal
Waiting times at major A&E departments worst on record in January, figures reveal The NHS has suffered the worst pressure in its history this winter, Jeremy Hunt has said, as new statistics show record Accident & Emergency delays.
More than 1,000 patients faced trolley waits of more than 12 hours in January, after doctors had decided they should be admitted to a ward. The figure is the highest on record, and more than twice that the previous month.
Overall. just 77.1 per cent of patients at major A&E units were treated within four hours, against a target of 95 per cent.
The record low was reached despite the cancellation of up to 55,000 operations, in an attempt to relieve immediate pressures, in the worst flu season for seven years. The Daily Telegraph
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More than 1,000 patients faced trolley waits of more than 12 hours in January, after doctors had decided they should be admitted to a ward. The figure is the highest on record, and more than twice that the previous month.
Overall. just 77.1 per cent of patients at major A&E units were treated within four hours, against a target of 95 per cent.
The record low was reached despite the cancellation of up to 55,000 operations, in an attempt to relieve immediate pressures, in the worst flu season for seven years. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- The King’s Fund’s response to January NHS performance data The King's Fund
- NHS winter: Over 1,000 12-hour trolley waits in January BBC News
- NHS pressure: Hospital corridors 'the new emergency wards' BBC News
- NHS hospitals in England record worst ever A&E performance The Guardian
- Patients suffering as direct result of NHS wait-time failures The Guardian
- Hospitals almost full for fourth week in a row as NHS winter pressure continues GPonline
- Jeremy Hunt admits NHS winter crisis is 'worst ever' but says doctors and nurses 'knew what they signed up for' The Independent
- Jeremy Hunt tells ITV News that NHS winter crisis is 'worst ever' ITV News
The 202 nationalities working in the NHS
The 202 nationalities working in the NHS It's well-known that the NHS is reliant on foreign staff.
And a new infographic, released by a Parliament research group, reveals exactly where the workers in the health service are from.
The House of Commons Library picture shows there are 976,288 British staff working in the NHS - the equivalent of 87.5 per cent.
In contrast, 137,000 doctors, nurses and infrastructure staff are nationals of other countries, including just under 62,000 EU nationals - around 5.6 per cent.
Fears of an NHS staffing crisis have loomed since the historic Brexit vote in June 2016, as the numbers of EU nurses registering to work in the UK plunged. The Daily Mail
And a new infographic, released by a Parliament research group, reveals exactly where the workers in the health service are from.
The House of Commons Library picture shows there are 976,288 British staff working in the NHS - the equivalent of 87.5 per cent.
In contrast, 137,000 doctors, nurses and infrastructure staff are nationals of other countries, including just under 62,000 EU nationals - around 5.6 per cent.
Fears of an NHS staffing crisis have loomed since the historic Brexit vote in June 2016, as the numbers of EU nurses registering to work in the UK plunged. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 8 February 2018
What does the future hold for integrated care systems?
What does the future hold for integrated care systems? NHS England’s belated decision to change the name of accountable care systems to integrated care systems has the virtue of describing more accurately the work being done in the 10 areas of England operating in this way. Despite this, there is understandable confusion in many quarters about NHS England’s plans, and uncertainty about what they mean for the NHS in the medium term. King's Fund
Improving physical healthcare for people with severe mental illness in primary care: guidance for CCGs
Improving physical healthcare for people with severe mental illness in primary care: guidance for CCGs This guidance highlights the responsibilities of CCGs to commission services that deliver comprehensive physical health assessments and follow up care to people on the severe mental illness register in primary care, addressing the premature mortality experienced by people with SMI compared to the general population. NHS England
Brexit - the impact on the NHS workforce
Brexit - the impact on the NHS workforce A new resource, showing the impact that Brexit has had to date on the NHS workforce, has been produced by NHS Employers, NHS Providers and The Shelford Group.
The survey results, which have been used to produce the new resource, show that the number of healthcare providers with a strategy to recruit EU staff has fallen since the Brexit vote. Concerns about the impact of Brexit on the healthcare workforce has also deepened. A year on from the referendum 41 per cent of respondents now say they feel it will have a negative impact, compared with 19 per cent just after the vote. NHS Employers
The survey results, which have been used to produce the new resource, show that the number of healthcare providers with a strategy to recruit EU staff has fallen since the Brexit vote. Concerns about the impact of Brexit on the healthcare workforce has also deepened. A year on from the referendum 41 per cent of respondents now say they feel it will have a negative impact, compared with 19 per cent just after the vote. NHS Employers
Anti-obesity programmes in primary schools 'don't work'
Anti-obesity programmes in primary schools 'don't work' School programmes encouraging children to take more exercise and eat healthily are unlikely to have any real effect on childhood obesity, a study in the British Medical Journal suggests. More than 600 primary school pupils in the West Midlands took part in a 12-month anti-obesity programme. But the study found no improvements in the children's diet or activity levels.
Public health officials said they were working with industry to make food healthier. BBC Health News
Public health officials said they were working with industry to make food healthier. BBC Health News
Care sector: 'Short of nurses and other key staff'
Care sector: 'Short of nurses and other key staff' Low rates of pay and workload pressures mean care services can no longer fill key posts in England, a watchdog says. The National Audit Office said a lack of government planning and funding had undermined the "Cinderella" service and its 1.34 million staff.
The sector was struggling in particular to recruit nurses and senior staff to run services, causing the elderly and disabled to go without care, it said. The warning comes as ministers draw up plans to overhaul the sector. The government has promised a Green Paper with proposals to change the way care services work will be published by the summer. BBC Health News
The sector was struggling in particular to recruit nurses and senior staff to run services, causing the elderly and disabled to go without care, it said. The warning comes as ministers draw up plans to overhaul the sector. The government has promised a Green Paper with proposals to change the way care services work will be published by the summer. BBC Health News
GP share of NHS funding in England drops to 7.1%
GP share of NHS funding in England drops to 7.1% The share of NHS spending in England allocated to GPs will drop to 7.1% in 2018/19 following a £2.14bn hike to the funding uplift for the health service for the coming financial year. GP Online
Leeds NHS team leading the way in helping new mums tackle mental health illnesses - Yorkshire Post
Leeds NHS team leading the way in helping new mums tackle mental health illnesses A NHS unit in Leeds is leading the way in helping pregnant women and new mums dealing with mental health issues linked to the pressures of motherhood. Chris Burn reports. It is supposed to be the happiest time of your life, but for many expectant and new mothers the challenge of having a new baby - and the attendant pressures to act as though everything is going perfectly - puts considerable strain on their mental health. Yorkshire Post
Drug-related mental health admissions in NHS hit record high
Drug-related mental health admissions in NHS hit record high 82,135 hospital admissions had a primary or secondary diagnosis of drug-related disorders. The annual number of hospital admissions in England with a diagnosis of a drug-related mental or behavioural disorder has reached an all-time high, figures show.
There were 82,135 hospital admissions in the year to April 2017 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of drug-related mental and behavioural disorders, according to the NHS figures. That compares with 81,904 over the same period a year earlier and 38,170 in 2006-07. Guardian
There were 82,135 hospital admissions in the year to April 2017 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of drug-related mental and behavioural disorders, according to the NHS figures. That compares with 81,904 over the same period a year earlier and 38,170 in 2006-07. Guardian
Theresa May refuses to exclude NHS contracts from US trade deals
Theresa May refuses to exclude NHS contracts from US trade deals Prime minister is asked to give guarantee that US corporations will not have access to NHS. Theresa May has refused to rule out giving US companies access to NHS contracts as part of a future trade deal with Donald Trump’s White House.
At prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, the Liberal Democrat leader, Vince Cable, challenged May over how she would respond if Washington pushed for access to Britain’s public services for US corporations. Guardian
At prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, the Liberal Democrat leader, Vince Cable, challenged May over how she would respond if Washington pushed for access to Britain’s public services for US corporations. Guardian
Wednesday, 7 February 2018
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 Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, January 2018
This bulletin relates to an investigation into the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services. A combined community and mental health Trust reported the case of an 18-year-old man who died by suicide shortly after transitioning from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to the Adult Mental Health Service (AMHS). Identifies that some young adults may not be ready to transition to AMHS at 18 and benefit from additional short term support which may negate the need for AMHS. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service
This bulletin relates to an investigation into the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services. A combined community and mental health Trust reported the case of an 18-year-old man who died by suicide shortly after transitioning from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to the Adult Mental Health Service (AMHS). Identifies that some young adults may not be ready to transition to AMHS at 18 and benefit from additional short term support which may negate the need for AMHS. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service
How have public attitudes to the NHS changed over the past three decades?
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
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
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
See also:
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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