Monday, 24 September 2018
New tool available: older people with depression
New tool available: older people with depression A mental health network and Public Health England have issued a guide for commissioners and others interested in depression in older people. NHS Networks
The NHS long-term plan: factoring in multiple risks
The NHS long-term plan: factoring in multiple risks Crunch time is approaching for the NHS as details are pinned down for the long-term plan to set the future direction of the health service. Fresh thinking is required to ensure health services are working to improve the population’s health, not just reducing the burden of disease. King's Fund-Blog
NHS wins legal fight against pharma firms over sight-loss drug
NHS wins legal fight against pharma firms over sight-loss drug Health service wins right to give patients cheaper and effective Avastin treatment.
The NHS has won a legal battle against the pharmaceutical industry which will lead to patients with the most common form of blindness receiving a drug that is much cheaper but still very effective.
The high court backed a bid by 12 NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCG) in the north-east of England to give Avastin to people with worsening sight loss. The Guardian
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The NHS has won a legal battle against the pharmaceutical industry which will lead to patients with the most common form of blindness receiving a drug that is much cheaper but still very effective.
The high court backed a bid by 12 NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCG) in the north-east of England to give Avastin to people with worsening sight loss. The Guardian
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Contaminated blood scandal: Inquiry 'must uncover truth'
Contaminated blood scandal: Inquiry 'must uncover truth' Campaigners say it is time to find out the truth about the contaminated blood scandal that left nearly 3,000 people dead, as a public inquiry begins.
The inquiry is looking at how thousands of NHS patients were given blood products infected with hepatitis and HIV during the 1970s and 1980s.
Many say the risks were not explained, in what has been called the worst treatment disaster in NHS history. BBC News
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The inquiry is looking at how thousands of NHS patients were given blood products infected with hepatitis and HIV during the 1970s and 1980s.
Many say the risks were not explained, in what has been called the worst treatment disaster in NHS history. BBC News
See Also:
- 'I gave birth, and got Hepatitis C'. BBC News - Health
- Victims accuse ministers of breaking funding promise for contaminated blood inquiry The Telegraph
Health Secretary: The NHS needs to radically change the way it helps doctors and nurses who experience trauma in their daily work
Health Secretary: The NHS needs to radically change the way it helps doctors and nurses who experience trauma in their daily work The NHS needs to radically change the way it helps doctors and nurses who experience trauma in their daily work, the Health Secretary has said.
Matt Hancock said significant improvements in attitudes towards mental health across society, had not translated into giving enough support to those working on the NHS frontline.
The Health Secretary, who was appointed in July, said he planned to make major changes in the help and training given to those dealing with gruelling and potentially traumatic experiences in healthcare. The Telegraph
Matt Hancock said significant improvements in attitudes towards mental health across society, had not translated into giving enough support to those working on the NHS frontline.
The Health Secretary, who was appointed in July, said he planned to make major changes in the help and training given to those dealing with gruelling and potentially traumatic experiences in healthcare. The Telegraph
NHS sued for failure to help transgender patients with fertility
NHS sued for failure to help transgender patients with fertility Equality watchdog insists on the right to start a family later in life.
NHS England is to be taken to court by the UK’s equality watchdog for failing to offer fertility services to transgender patients.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will launch a high-profile judicial review action, a legal manoeuvre that is likely to prove controversial at a time when the NHS is struggling to balance budgets and provide core services. The Guardian
NHS England is to be taken to court by the UK’s equality watchdog for failing to offer fertility services to transgender patients.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will launch a high-profile judicial review action, a legal manoeuvre that is likely to prove controversial at a time when the NHS is struggling to balance budgets and provide core services. The Guardian
Health visitors struggling with ‘dangerously high’ caseloads
Health visitors struggling with ‘dangerously high’ caseloads Some are responsible for up to 830 children – when the safe limit is 250, study warns. Health visitors are struggling to care for families properly because they have “dangerously high” workloads in which some are looking after as many as 829 children, a study shows.
Falling numbers of health visitors mean that in most parts of England they are now looking after more – often many more – under-fives than the recommended maximum 250. The Guardian
Falling numbers of health visitors mean that in most parts of England they are now looking after more – often many more – under-fives than the recommended maximum 250. The Guardian
Obesity 'to be linked to more female cancers' than smoking
Obesity 'to be linked to more female cancers' than smoking Obesity is set to overtake smoking as the biggest preventable cause of cancer in UK women by 2043, a Cancer Research UK report predicts.
Currently, 12% of cancers in women are linked to smoking, and 7% to being overweight and obese.
But with the number of smokers falling and obesity rates projected to rise, the charity estimates that gap will disappear in 25 years time. The figures assume that current trends will continue. BBC News - Health
Currently, 12% of cancers in women are linked to smoking, and 7% to being overweight and obese.
But with the number of smokers falling and obesity rates projected to rise, the charity estimates that gap will disappear in 25 years time. The figures assume that current trends will continue. BBC News - Health
Friday, 21 September 2018
Hundreds of nurses will be encouraged to relocate to Northampton at NHS open days
Hundreds of nurses will be encouraged to relocate to Northampton at NHS open days Hospitals and NHS trust in Northampton are holding a series of open days, with some featuring on-the-spot interviews.
It is part of this autumn's ‘Best of Both Worlds’ recruitment campaign to attract hundreds of nurses and healthcare professionals to relocate and work in hospitals and the community across Northamptonshire.
NHS bosses are looking for nurses of all levels and specialisms as well as therapists and healthcare assistant roles. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
It is part of this autumn's ‘Best of Both Worlds’ recruitment campaign to attract hundreds of nurses and healthcare professionals to relocate and work in hospitals and the community across Northamptonshire.
NHS bosses are looking for nurses of all levels and specialisms as well as therapists and healthcare assistant roles. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
How children's services cuts are affecting one family
How children's services cuts are affecting one family As Northamptonshire County Council makes £70m worth of spending cuts, how does it feel for a needy family to have support withdrawn? BBC Northampton
‘Moving at the speed of trust’ – the journey to integrated care systems
‘Moving at the speed of trust’ – the journey to integrated care systems In May of this year, NHS England announced four new integrated care systems (ICSs) to join the ten existing systems. But ‘announced’ is not really the right word; as we have found in our work with the systems, creating an ICS is most definitely a journey and not an event.
We’ve been tracking these journeys over the past year, conducting interviews with more than 70 NHS and local government leaders and other stakeholders in eight of the first ICSs. Our new report, published today, sets out the findings from this work and identifies emerging lessons for local systems and national policy-makers. The King's Fund
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We’ve been tracking these journeys over the past year, conducting interviews with more than 70 NHS and local government leaders and other stakeholders in eight of the first ICSs. Our new report, published today, sets out the findings from this work and identifies emerging lessons for local systems and national policy-makers. The King's Fund
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Planning and preparing for later life
Planning and preparing for later life This review focuses on planning for later life (age 60 and over) from mid-life (age 40-60) onwards. It concludes that planning ahead could make it more likely that we achieve a good later life, including saving for retirement, taking actions to maintain and improve health and working out whether homes might need adaptations in the future. Centre for Ageing Better
What price safe motherhood? : charging for NHS maternity care in England and its impact on migrant women
What price safe motherhood? : charging for NHS maternity care in England and its impact on migrant women This study explores the experiences of women who faced charges for NHS maternity care. Most of the participants were socially and economically vulnerable but faced debts for bills which they were sent from the NHS. It shows how NHS charging gives rise to stress and anxiety among migrant women who are pregnant and new mothers. Some women were deterred from attending maternity care and so did not receive needed clinical care and social support with possible long-term consequences for their own and their children’s health. Maternity Action
Turning around the lives of dementia patients
Turning around the lives of dementia patients Confronting the stigma and isolation people with dementia face in some communities around the world. BBC News
Pre-sex HIV drug should be made available on NHS, MPs say
Pre-sex HIV drug should be made available on NHS, MPs say A drug that cuts the chances of contracting HIV during sex should be made available on the NHS in England to anyone at risk, three MPs have told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme.
Tory MPs Crispin Blunt and Nigel Evans, and Labour's Stephen Doughty said the Prep drug had been proven to be cost-effective during continuing trials.
A much cheaper version of Prep could soon be available to the NHS.
NHS England said it would "look at evidence from the trial".
Prep (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is available on the NHS in Scotland and Wales. BBC News
Tory MPs Crispin Blunt and Nigel Evans, and Labour's Stephen Doughty said the Prep drug had been proven to be cost-effective during continuing trials.
A much cheaper version of Prep could soon be available to the NHS.
NHS England said it would "look at evidence from the trial".
Prep (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is available on the NHS in Scotland and Wales. BBC News
NHS England 'ahead of target' on GP funding rise plans with £580m boost
NHS England 'ahead of target' on GP funding rise plans with £580m boost NHS England is 'ahead of target' to increase GP funding, it has claimed, amid an annual rise last year of £580m.
Official data released today showed that GP funding increased by 3.9% last year, rising to a total of £10.8bn in 2017/18.
NHS England said this marked the fifth annual consecutive real-terms increase to general practice funding and put it 'ahead of target' on its GP Forward View pledge for general practice to receive £12bn a year by 2020.
But the BMA said the figure was 'potentially misleading' because it included funding for drug reimbursements and other initiatives like GP services in A&E. Pulse
Official data released today showed that GP funding increased by 3.9% last year, rising to a total of £10.8bn in 2017/18.
NHS England said this marked the fifth annual consecutive real-terms increase to general practice funding and put it 'ahead of target' on its GP Forward View pledge for general practice to receive £12bn a year by 2020.
But the BMA said the figure was 'potentially misleading' because it included funding for drug reimbursements and other initiatives like GP services in A&E. Pulse
Lifeline public health services face £96m funding drop as councils are forced to make cuts, Labour warns
Lifeline public health services face £96m funding drop as councils are forced to make cuts, Labour warns Lifeline addiction support, sexual health clinics and stop-smoking services face cuts of £96m this year after “shortsighted and cynical” reductions to council budgets, Labour has claimed.
New analysis shows 85 per cent of English councils plan to slash spending on vital services to balance their books, as life expectancy rates stall, and drug-related deaths and childhood obesity levels hit record highs.
Sexual health services were among the worst hit, with services being stripped back by 95 councils at a loss of £17.6m of funding compared to the previous year, according to 2018-19 budget figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The Independent
New analysis shows 85 per cent of English councils plan to slash spending on vital services to balance their books, as life expectancy rates stall, and drug-related deaths and childhood obesity levels hit record highs.
Sexual health services were among the worst hit, with services being stripped back by 95 councils at a loss of £17.6m of funding compared to the previous year, according to 2018-19 budget figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The Independent
Ban on cigarette displays cuts children buying tobacco in shops by nearly a third, study finds
Ban on cigarette displays cuts children buying tobacco in shops by nearly a third, study finds The ban on displays of tobacco products in shops may have reduced the proportion of children buying cigarettes by 17 per cent, according to new research.
A study into buying habits suggests the introduction of the 2015 ban may have prompted an immediate fall in children’s tobacco consumption.
The research, by Imperial College London, assessed survey responses from 18,000 11- to 15-year-olds from across England between 2010 and 2016. The Independent
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A study into buying habits suggests the introduction of the 2015 ban may have prompted an immediate fall in children’s tobacco consumption.
The research, by Imperial College London, assessed survey responses from 18,000 11- to 15-year-olds from across England between 2010 and 2016. The Independent
See also:
- Child awareness of and access to cigarettes: impacts of the point-of-sale display ban in England (open access) Tobacco Control
NHS proposes A&E appointments system in targets shakeup
NHS proposes A&E appointments system in targets shakeup Patients may have to pre-book for emergency care as health chiefs look to Danish model
Patients could have to start booking appointments in A&E units, and those with only minor ailments wait many hours before they are seen, under a proposed shakeup of NHS targets.
NHS England chiefs are examining whether to relax the longstanding obligation to see 95% of A&E patients within four hours. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Patients could have to start booking appointments in A&E units, and those with only minor ailments wait many hours before they are seen, under a proposed shakeup of NHS targets.
NHS England chiefs are examining whether to relax the longstanding obligation to see 95% of A&E patients within four hours. Continue reading... The Guardian
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NHS trusts told to stop using subsidiary firms to save money
NHS trusts told to stop using subsidiary firms to save money Unions say ‘subcos’ risk creating two-tier NHS workforce in which some staff are paid less than others doing same job
NHS hospital trusts have been told to stop setting up private companies and transferring staff into them, a move that has provoked strong criticism from health unions and Labour.
NHS Improvement, which regulates the health service’s finances, has ordered England’s 240 trusts to “pause” controversial plans to create any more of the subsidiary companies. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS hospital trusts have been told to stop setting up private companies and transferring staff into them, a move that has provoked strong criticism from health unions and Labour.
NHS Improvement, which regulates the health service’s finances, has ordered England’s 240 trusts to “pause” controversial plans to create any more of the subsidiary companies. Continue reading... The Guardian
Conservatives back higher taxes to fund the NHS
Conservatives back higher taxes to fund the NHS Most Conservative voters now back higher taxes to fund the NHS, the British Social Attiudes Survey has found.
The polling, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research, found that 53 per cent of Conservatives Party supporters think the Government should increase taxes and spending on public services.
It marks a departure from data showing that for more than 15 years most Conservatives have said taxes should either fall or stay the same. The Daily Telegraph
The polling, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research, found that 53 per cent of Conservatives Party supporters think the Government should increase taxes and spending on public services.
It marks a departure from data showing that for more than 15 years most Conservatives have said taxes should either fall or stay the same. The Daily Telegraph
'Snowflake generation' is threatening the future of NHS by refusing to work nights or weekends
'Snowflake generation' is threatening the future of NHS by refusing to work nights or weekends The new generation of NHS workers is threatening the future of the health service by refusing to work nights or weekends, a health chief has warned.
Around the clock shifts are going unfilled due to millennial staff, often referred to as 'snowflakes', insisting on flexible hours, according to the trust chief executive who declined to be named.
The shift in the workforce is placing pressure on the health service and creating a generational clash with long-standing NHS staff, he said. The Daily Mail
Around the clock shifts are going unfilled due to millennial staff, often referred to as 'snowflakes', insisting on flexible hours, according to the trust chief executive who declined to be named.
The shift in the workforce is placing pressure on the health service and creating a generational clash with long-standing NHS staff, he said. The Daily Mail
NHS will become the first health service to use routine genetic testing
NHS will become the first health service to use routine genetic testing Professor Dame Sue Hill, NHS England's chief scientific officer, believes shifting treatments from being 'one size fits all' to a more personalised approach is the 'holy grail of the health system'. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 20 September 2018
Frustration at Northampton hospital clinic after calls to crucial phone line go unanswered
Frustration at Northampton hospital clinic after calls to crucial phone line go unanswered Northampton General Hospital bosses have apologised to patients of a facial treatment clinic after many struggled to arrange appointments.
The maxillofacial unit based in Billing Road offers a range of treatments related to the face - from mouth cancer, to jaw problems, orthodontics and dental surgery.
But patients of the clinic have told the Chronicle and Echo how they have simply been unable to make appointments in recent weeks due to the fact the phone lines there were not being answered.
The hospital said the problem was down to "staffing gaps", which have now been filled.
The maxillofacial unit based in Billing Road offers a range of treatments related to the face - from mouth cancer, to jaw problems, orthodontics and dental surgery.
But patients of the clinic have told the Chronicle and Echo how they have simply been unable to make appointments in recent weeks due to the fact the phone lines there were not being answered.
The hospital said the problem was down to "staffing gaps", which have now been filled.
One person quits smoking every 80 seconds in England
One person quits smoking every 80 seconds in England PHE encourages people to join in the mass quit attempt, Stoptober, and get the right stop smoking support for them.
Last year, nearly 400,000 smokers in England quit successfully, which is the equivalent to 1,069 smokers each day. Despite new smokers starting and ex-smokers relapsing, there are now 1 million fewer smokers in England since 2014.
Of the 6.1 million smokers in England, 6 in 10 want to quit but most try to quit using willpower alone (or ‘cold turkey’) despite this being the least effective method. The most successful quit attempts use a combination of effective stop smoking support methods. Public Health England
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Last year, nearly 400,000 smokers in England quit successfully, which is the equivalent to 1,069 smokers each day. Despite new smokers starting and ex-smokers relapsing, there are now 1 million fewer smokers in England since 2014.
Of the 6.1 million smokers in England, 6 in 10 want to quit but most try to quit using willpower alone (or ‘cold turkey’) despite this being the least effective method. The most successful quit attempts use a combination of effective stop smoking support methods. Public Health England
See also:
- Stoptober 2018 resources Public Health England
- 'Don't go cold turkey' to quit smoking BBC News
- Latest stop smoking campaign includes an online guide to where your nearest e-cigarette shop is The Daily Mail
Recommendations for future EEA migration post-Brexit
Recommendations for future EEA migration post-Brexit The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its recommendations for a future migration system post-Brexit.
The report follows a request from the Home Secretary in July 2017 to assess current patterns of European Economic Area (EEA) migration, what likely future patterns may arise, and the impact this will have on the UK. NHS Employers
The report follows a request from the Home Secretary in July 2017 to assess current patterns of European Economic Area (EEA) migration, what likely future patterns may arise, and the impact this will have on the UK. NHS Employers
Shropshire hospitals baby deaths review cases rise to over 100
Shropshire hospitals baby deaths review cases rise to over 100 A review into mother and baby deaths and injuries at hospitals in Shropshire is examining more than 100 cases, it is understood.
In 2017, Jeremy Hunt ordered an investigation into maternity care relating to 23 cases at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust (SaTH).
That figure expanded to 40 but is now thought to include 104 families.
Meanwhile, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has taken urgent action against the maternity department. BBC News
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In 2017, Jeremy Hunt ordered an investigation into maternity care relating to 23 cases at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust (SaTH).
That figure expanded to 40 but is now thought to include 104 families.
Meanwhile, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has taken urgent action against the maternity department. BBC News
See also:
- Shrewsbury baby scandal at maternity unit expands to 100 cases The Daily Telegraph
- Scores of cases of alleged poor care on Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust maternity unit to be reviewed The Independent
Public Health England accused of links with drinks industry
Public Health England accused of links with drinks industry Public Health England (PHE) has failed to learn the lessons over its partnership with the drinks industry, warn public health experts in The BMJ.
Last week, Ian Gilmore, a senior government adviser on alcohol policy, stepped down from his role at PHE after the agency partnered with Drinkaware, an alcohol education charity that receives funding from industry, for a new campaign encouraging middle-aged people to have more alcohol-free days per week.
In an editorial for The BMJ, Gilmore and colleagues Linda Bauld and John Britton, of the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, University of Nottingham, state that voluntary agreements with the tobacco industry in the second half of the 20th century served to “undermine, dilute or constrain measures designed to curtail their activities.” OnMedica
Last week, Ian Gilmore, a senior government adviser on alcohol policy, stepped down from his role at PHE after the agency partnered with Drinkaware, an alcohol education charity that receives funding from industry, for a new campaign encouraging middle-aged people to have more alcohol-free days per week.
In an editorial for The BMJ, Gilmore and colleagues Linda Bauld and John Britton, of the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, University of Nottingham, state that voluntary agreements with the tobacco industry in the second half of the 20th century served to “undermine, dilute or constrain measures designed to curtail their activities.” OnMedica
Millions of unpaid carers putting own health at risk to look after loved ones, councils warn
Millions of unpaid carers putting own health at risk to look after loved ones, councils warn Millions of unpaid carers are putting their own health at risk in order to look after loved ones as the adult social care system edges closer to “collapse”, local councils have warned.
Rising demand for care and the increasing cost of providing it is putting more pressure on families to look after loved ones, with many of the 5.7 million unpaid carers in England unable to take a break from their caring roles, according to the Local Government Association (LGA). The Independent
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Rising demand for care and the increasing cost of providing it is putting more pressure on families to look after loved ones, with many of the 5.7 million unpaid carers in England unable to take a break from their caring roles, according to the Local Government Association (LGA). The Independent
See also:
- Strain on unpaid carers putting adult social care at increased risk of collapse Local Government Association
- Carers action plan 2018 to 2020 Department of Health and Social Care
Smoking will be 'eradicated in England by 2030'
Smoking will be 'eradicated in England by 2030' Smoking will be “eradicated” in England by 2030 as roughly a thousand people quit every day, health chiefs have predicted.
More than a million smokers have kicked the habit since 2014, Public Health England said yesterday, leaving overall rates at their lowest ever, with just 14.9 per cent of adults smoking. The Daily Telegraph
More than a million smokers have kicked the habit since 2014, Public Health England said yesterday, leaving overall rates at their lowest ever, with just 14.9 per cent of adults smoking. The Daily Telegraph
Top journal RETRACTS six studies by disgraced celebrity scientist
Top journal RETRACTS six studies by disgraced celebrity scientist One of the world's top medical journals has retracted six papers by a celebrity scientist.
Brian Wansink, PhD, earned a name for himself with fun, relatable, and (most importantly) viral studies about the way we eat and the way food brands target us. The Daily Mail
Brian Wansink, PhD, earned a name for himself with fun, relatable, and (most importantly) viral studies about the way we eat and the way food brands target us. The Daily Mail
NHS pays £100,000 a day to compensate people scarred for life in hospital errors
NHS pays £100,000 a day to compensate people scarred for life in hospital errors More than three people a week are suing the NHS after being left permanently disfigured by treatment that went wrong.
Patients have lost limbs, gone blind or been scarred for life by the NHS and compensation claims are costing the health service more than £100,000 a day.
Since 2010 the NHS has paid compensation to 810 people who suffered a needless amputation of a limb. The Daily Mail
Patients have lost limbs, gone blind or been scarred for life by the NHS and compensation claims are costing the health service more than £100,000 a day.
Since 2010 the NHS has paid compensation to 810 people who suffered a needless amputation of a limb. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 19 September 2018
Northants health bosses draw up plan to prevent winter crisis
Northants health bosses draw up plan to prevent winter crisis The county’s health and social care services are pioneering a new way of working this winter in a bid to prevent another seasonal crisis.
In a national first, the county’s acute and community hospitals have joined with GP surgeries and social care to commission a demand and capacity plan that should lead to less hospital admissions this winter and shorter stays for patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph
In a national first, the county’s acute and community hospitals have joined with GP surgeries and social care to commission a demand and capacity plan that should lead to less hospital admissions this winter and shorter stays for patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Corby sleep apnoea sleep-tracker trial attracting attention from medics across UK
Corby sleep apnoea sleep-tracker trial attracting attention from medics across UK Some of Corby’s estimated 1,500 obstructive sleep apnoea sufferers have paved the way for easier diagnosis for patients around the UK after taking part in a ground-breaking trial.
Because diagnosing the dangerous sleep condition can be a time consuming process involving spending time at the overnight sleep clinic in Leicester, doctors in Corby came up with using an wrist-worn activity-tracker device to give people the chance to be diagnosed while they sleep at home. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Because diagnosing the dangerous sleep condition can be a time consuming process involving spending time at the overnight sleep clinic in Leicester, doctors in Corby came up with using an wrist-worn activity-tracker device to give people the chance to be diagnosed while they sleep at home. Northamptonshire Telegraph
What is the ethnicity pay gap among NHS doctors?
What is the ethnicity pay gap among NHS doctors? Following on from our work showing an overall gender pay gap in favour of men in the English NHS, John Appleby looks at how the pay of doctors in the health service varies by ethnic group. Nuffield Trust
The health and well-being of men in the WHO European Region: better health through a gender approach
The health and well-being of men in the WHO European Region: better health through a gender approach This first ever WHO report on men’s health and well-being in the 53 countries of the WHO European Region reveals men are living healthier and longer lives than ever before. But despite progress, many of them die far too young from preventable causes, and the reasons behind this go beyond biology. The new findings are prompting calls to use a gender approach to get men’s health on the agenda of health policy-makers in the European Region. World Health Organization
Meeting pathology demand: histopathology workforce census
Meeting pathology demand: histopathology workforce census This workforce census finds that only three per cent of NHS histopathology departments have enough staff to meet clinical demand. The report highlights the intense pressures that histopathologists face from increased workloads, such as new NHS screening programmes. In addition, services are facing more complex work as personalised medicine develops and guides new therapies. Outdated IT systems compound these pressures. Royal College of Pathologists
Clinical radiology: UK workforce census 2017 report
Clinical radiology: UK workforce census 2017 report This annual radiologist workforce report highlights the UK’s current and predicted future shortage of imaging doctors and urgently calls for more funding for trainees and better NHS retention and recruitment. The report shows that 10.3 per cent of UK radiologist jobs remained empty in 2017, with nearly a fifth of posts (18.4 per cent) in Northern Ireland unfilled. More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of unfilled NHS radiologist posts have been vacant for a year or more. Royal College of Radiologists
Pregnancy weight gain 'going unmeasured'
Pregnancy weight gain 'going unmeasured' Midwives are calling for official guidance on how much weight is healthy for women to put on during pregnancy.
One in five women in the UK are obese when they start pregnancy, yet there is no national target for what constitutes normal pregnancy weight gain.
Regular weigh-ins fell out of favour in the 1990s when it was suggested that they cause pregnant women unnecessary anxiety for little or no clinical gain.
Officials say they are considering whether to reintroduce them. BBC News
One in five women in the UK are obese when they start pregnancy, yet there is no national target for what constitutes normal pregnancy weight gain.
Regular weigh-ins fell out of favour in the 1990s when it was suggested that they cause pregnant women unnecessary anxiety for little or no clinical gain.
Officials say they are considering whether to reintroduce them. BBC News
Air pollution: ‘Toxic’ school run poses health risk to thousands of children, experts warn
Air pollution: ‘Toxic’ school run poses health risk to thousands of children, experts warn Children are most exposed to dangerous air pollution on the school run and in the playground, experts have warned.
While children only spend 40 per cent of their time on the school run and at school, they receive 60 per cent of their exposure to tiny particles of black carbon during those times, a study has found.
Peaks in children's exposure to the pollution were recorded while they travelling to and from school and during breaktime when they were likely to be in the playground, the report by Unicef UK and Queen Mary, University of London showed. The Independent
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While children only spend 40 per cent of their time on the school run and at school, they receive 60 per cent of their exposure to tiny particles of black carbon during those times, a study has found.
Peaks in children's exposure to the pollution were recorded while they travelling to and from school and during breaktime when they were likely to be in the playground, the report by Unicef UK and Queen Mary, University of London showed. The Independent
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NHS fees for maternity care 'putting migrant mothers at risk'
NHS fees for maternity care 'putting migrant mothers at risk' Vulnerable women becoming distressed by legacy of ‘hostile environment’, report says
Migrant mothers and their babies are being put at risk because they are too frightened of incurring large debts and falling victim to the so-called hostile environment immigration policy to access vital medical care, a report has found.
Mothers who are not settled in the UK are not eligible for taxpayer-funded treatment, and are charged 50% more than the normal tariffs for antenatal care, births and postnatal care. Some with secure immigration status have also been mistakenly charged for treatment. Attempts at debt collection launched shortly after new mothers leave hospital can trigger mental health issues among some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in the UK, the research found. Continue reading... The Guardian
Migrant mothers and their babies are being put at risk because they are too frightened of incurring large debts and falling victim to the so-called hostile environment immigration policy to access vital medical care, a report has found.
Mothers who are not settled in the UK are not eligible for taxpayer-funded treatment, and are charged 50% more than the normal tariffs for antenatal care, births and postnatal care. Some with secure immigration status have also been mistakenly charged for treatment. Attempts at debt collection launched shortly after new mothers leave hospital can trigger mental health issues among some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in the UK, the research found. Continue reading... The Guardian
Number of children getting the MMR jab declines for the fourth year in a row
Number of children getting the MMR jab declines for the fourth year in a row The number of children being given the MMR vaccine has fallen for the fourth year in a row, with immunity now at its lowest since 2011.
The jab protects against measles, mumps and rubella, and children are expected to have their first dose before their second birthday.
But only 91.2 per cent of children across England are meeting this target, meaning thousands have no protection against the three killer infections.
The number is down from 92.7 per cent in 2014 – the highest level of the past decade years – and from 91.6 per cent in 2017, NHS Digital data has revealed. The Daily Mail
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The jab protects against measles, mumps and rubella, and children are expected to have their first dose before their second birthday.
But only 91.2 per cent of children across England are meeting this target, meaning thousands have no protection against the three killer infections.
The number is down from 92.7 per cent in 2014 – the highest level of the past decade years – and from 91.6 per cent in 2017, NHS Digital data has revealed. The Daily Mail
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Tuesday, 18 September 2018
New guidance to help you with reflection
New guidance to help you with reflection New guidance has been published to support doctors to be ‘reflective practitioners’.
It has been developed in partnership with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), the Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (COPMED), the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Medical Schools Council (MSC).
A reflective practice toolkit includes a number of templates and examples for use with the guidance.
It has been developed in partnership with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), the Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (COPMED), the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Medical Schools Council (MSC).
A reflective practice toolkit includes a number of templates and examples for use with the guidance.
Preventing suicide in community and custodial settings
Preventing suicide in community and custodial settings This guideline covers ways to reduce suicide and help people bereaved or affected by suicides. It aims to: help local services work more effectively together to prevent suicide; identify and help people at risk; prevent suicide in places where it is currently more likely. It does not cover national strategies, general mental wellbeing, or areas covered by other NICE guidance such as self-harm or mental health conditions. NICE
Private provision of publicly funded health care: the economics of ownership
Private provision of publicly funded health care: the economics of ownership This briefing aims to improve understanding of how economics can or cannot help to resolve the question of whether the private ownership of health care provision is good or bad. The economics literature that informs this overview includes: the theory of the organisation of production; theories of behaviour and motivation and the role of incentives and payments in influencing decisions. Office of Health Economics
Hiding my psychosis for 10 years from the age of 12
Hiding my psychosis for 10 years from the age of 12 Luke Watkin was in year eight at school and alone in a corridor when he first heard a strange noise.
"I heard what sounded like a train brake, followed by a metal on metal noise.
"It was just something completely out of the ordinary. It was a bit of a shock to the system, something I just couldn't understand or really process.
"My experience at the time was quite terrifying."
It was his first experience of the mental health condition, psychosis. Luke was 12 years old. BBC News
"I heard what sounded like a train brake, followed by a metal on metal noise.
"It was just something completely out of the ordinary. It was a bit of a shock to the system, something I just couldn't understand or really process.
"My experience at the time was quite terrifying."
It was his first experience of the mental health condition, psychosis. Luke was 12 years old. BBC News
Targeted treatment for melanoma to be free on NHS
Targeted treatment for melanoma to be free on NHS Hundreds of patients with a type of aggressive skin cancer will be offered a targeted therapy on the NHS in England and Wales, which reduces the risk of it returning.
At present, they have to hope their cancer will not return after surgery.
The drug has been shown to improve the survival of people with stage III melanoma, with a particular mutation.
A skin cancer charity said making the treatment available on the NHS was "a huge step forward". BBC News
At present, they have to hope their cancer will not return after surgery.
The drug has been shown to improve the survival of people with stage III melanoma, with a particular mutation.
A skin cancer charity said making the treatment available on the NHS was "a huge step forward". BBC News
NHS smacks down hundreds of staffers for dodgy use of social media, messaging apps
NHS smacks down hundreds of staffers for dodgy use of social media, messaging apps More than a thousand NHS staffers have been slapped down for their use of social media and apps since 2013, with some even posting about patients.
According to figures released under Freedom of Information laws, at least 65 workers in the UK's National Health Service have lost their jobs because of the incidents.
The Times reported more than 1,200 employees had been disciplined for various unwise activities online, such as sharing patients' information, complaining about colleagues and gossiping about drinking. The Register
According to figures released under Freedom of Information laws, at least 65 workers in the UK's National Health Service have lost their jobs because of the incidents.
The Times reported more than 1,200 employees had been disciplined for various unwise activities online, such as sharing patients' information, complaining about colleagues and gossiping about drinking. The Register
The government must be clearer with the public about how it shares NHS data
The government must be clearer with the public about how it shares NHS data Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, has established himself as a passionate advocate of technology in the National HEalth Service. In a series of speeches over the summer, he has shown his frustration at the fact that the NHS is “one of the largest purchasers of fax machines on the planet”. He has promised almost £700m for its neglected technology division and warned that where a new service challenges the system “the right response isn’t to reject the new service but to change the system”.
This is welcome news. But new technology alone is not enough. The rules on the handling of data in the NHS urgently need reform, too. They are arcane, outdated and not fit for purpose. iNews
This is welcome news. But new technology alone is not enough. The rules on the handling of data in the NHS urgently need reform, too. They are arcane, outdated and not fit for purpose. iNews
UK heatwave caused hundreds of extra deaths this summer, figures suggest
UK heatwave caused hundreds of extra deaths this summer, figures suggest Hundreds of extra deaths were recorded in England as a result of a heatwave during spring and early summer, official statistics show.
In the last week of June, when temperatures rose above 30C, 382 more deaths occurred than the average.
During an earlier period of unseasonably warm spring temperatures in April, 243 more deaths were observed than the five-year average. The Independent
In the last week of June, when temperatures rose above 30C, 382 more deaths occurred than the average.
During an earlier period of unseasonably warm spring temperatures in April, 243 more deaths were observed than the five-year average. The Independent
Early gender tests 'leading to selective abortions of girls in UK'
Early gender tests 'leading to selective abortions of girls in UK' Blood tests used to reveal a baby’s gender are leading to the abortion of unwanted girls in the UK, MPs and charities have warned.
Labour MP Naz Shah, shadow women and equalities minister, said the government must act now to stop the misuse of Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) to abort pregnancies based on gender. The Independent
See also:
Labour MP Naz Shah, shadow women and equalities minister, said the government must act now to stop the misuse of Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) to abort pregnancies based on gender. The Independent
See also:
- Call to ban early baby gender tests BBC News
- Labour calls for ban on early foetus sex test The Guardian
Health Secretary Matt Hancock backs 'second pension' plan for care
Health Secretary Matt Hancock backs 'second pension' plan for care Health Secretary Matt Hancock has endorsed proposals for every adult in England to pay into a second 'pension' that will be used for funding their old age care.
Mr Hancock said he wants people take more 'personal responsibility' for their health and care by regularly saving from their salary. The Daily Mail
Mr Hancock said he wants people take more 'personal responsibility' for their health and care by regularly saving from their salary. The Daily Mail
Struggling ambulance trust will force patients to SHARE vehicles
Struggling ambulance trust will force patients to SHARE vehicles A struggling ambulance trust may get patients to share vehicles in a bid to improve response times under a controversial new policy.
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAT), which looks after almost six million people, is one of the slowest at responding to emergencies.
In a desperate attempt to improve its performance statistics and drag it off the bottom of the league table, it implemented the new policy last month.
However, the scandal-hit trust's move has been branded 'crazy', 'desperate' and even a 'mess' by outraged politicians and senior staff. The Daily Mail
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAT), which looks after almost six million people, is one of the slowest at responding to emergencies.
In a desperate attempt to improve its performance statistics and drag it off the bottom of the league table, it implemented the new policy last month.
However, the scandal-hit trust's move has been branded 'crazy', 'desperate' and even a 'mess' by outraged politicians and senior staff. The Daily Mail
Monday, 17 September 2018
Corby health body manages to balance its books
Corby health body manages to balance its books Corby’s health chiefs have said they have managed to balance their £110m books with some spare change at the end of the last financial year.
Corby Clinical Commissioning Group - the country’s smallest CCG - had a spending budget of £110.097m with £2.002m of savings to make. They managed it with £71,000 to spare.
Although the full accounts have not yet been signed off so are not available to view, interim chief financial officer Stuart Rees who joined Corby CCG on April 1, said that there was lots of work to do to ensure the organisation stayed in the black. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Corby Clinical Commissioning Group - the country’s smallest CCG - had a spending budget of £110.097m with £2.002m of savings to make. They managed it with £71,000 to spare.
Although the full accounts have not yet been signed off so are not available to view, interim chief financial officer Stuart Rees who joined Corby CCG on April 1, said that there was lots of work to do to ensure the organisation stayed in the black. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northampton-based charity spent £4 million on failed projects
Northampton-based charity spent £4 million on failed projects St Andrew's Healthcare spent millions of pounds on two projects that brought no benefit to its patients or staff, its latest accounts show.
The registered charity that runs St Andrew's Hospital has disclosed in its 2017/2018 annual report that £2,1 million was spent looking into whether it should expand its Birmingham operation, a venture which never transpired. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The registered charity that runs St Andrew's Hospital has disclosed in its 2017/2018 annual report that £2,1 million was spent looking into whether it should expand its Birmingham operation, a venture which never transpired. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Ambulance crews attacked 135 times in 12 months in Northamptonshire
Ambulance crews attacked 135 times in 12 months in Northamptonshire East Midlands Ambulance Service has welcomed the news that anyone who assault an ambulance crew member could face a doubled prison sentence.
It comes after frontline staff suffered 476 assaults since April, including five incidents involving spitting, five involving knives, two involving firearms and three involving racial abuse.
In Northamptonshire, there were 135 assaults in 2017/2018, eleven of which caused injury and 41 of which when the assailant was drunk. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
It comes after frontline staff suffered 476 assaults since April, including five incidents involving spitting, five involving knives, two involving firearms and three involving racial abuse.
In Northamptonshire, there were 135 assaults in 2017/2018, eleven of which caused injury and 41 of which when the assailant was drunk. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Acute medical care in England: Findings from a survey of smaller acute hospitals
Acute medical care in England: Findings from a survey of smaller acute hospitals This profile of smaller hospitals in England finds trusts struggling to recruit and retain acute medical staff. Services across the country are configured in a wide variety of ways, with little evidence of an 'ideal' model for acute medical care emerging from our research. Nuffield Trust
Social care funding in England: call for evidence
Social care funding in England: call for evidence This inquiry will focus on the funding challenges faced by the social care system in England. The Committee is seeking to assess the effectiveness of different funding models, the shortfalls in delivery and to make recommendations on how future social care demands can be met in England. The deadline for submissions is 9 October 2018. House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee
Pathologists shortage 'delaying cancer diagnosis'
Pathologists shortage 'delaying cancer diagnosis' Patients are facing delays in diagnosis because of severe shortages among pathology staff, according to a report seen by the BBC.
A survey by the Royal College of Pathologists found only 3% of the NHS histopathology departments that responded had enough staff.
Histopathologists are doctors and scientists who diagnose and study diseases such as cancer.
Hundreds more pathologists are now working in the NHS, health chiefs said. BBC News
A survey by the Royal College of Pathologists found only 3% of the NHS histopathology departments that responded had enough staff.
Histopathologists are doctors and scientists who diagnose and study diseases such as cancer.
Hundreds more pathologists are now working in the NHS, health chiefs said. BBC News
NHS bosses will be sacked if they fail to stamp out 'alarming' bullying of hospital staff
NHS bosses will be sacked if they fail to stamp out 'alarming' bullying of hospital staff NHS bosses will be sacked if they fail to stamp out what ministers admit are “alarming” levels of bullying of hospital staff, under a new crackdown.
A “fit and proper person” test is set to be toughened to include a legal duty to act on the victimisation of health workers by both patients and colleagues, The Independent has learnt.
A “fit and proper person” test is set to be toughened to include a legal duty to act on the victimisation of health workers by both patients and colleagues, The Independent has learnt.
The uncomfortable truth is that many psychiatric wards have a culture of sexual assault
The uncomfortable truth is that many psychiatric wards have a culture of sexual assault Sexual assault and harassment is “commonplace” on inpatient psychiatric wards, according to Dr Paul Lelliott, the deputy chief inspector of hospitals and mental health lead at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following the publication of an important, national report this week. This is not news to psychiatric patients, who have been raising the issue for more than 50 years. Will this report provide the #MeToo wake-up call on sexual violence that mental health services desperately need? Or will the currents of denial, avoidance, victim blaming and silencing that swirl around sexual assault, and which psychiatric discourse specifically enable, block progress as they have time and time again? The Independent
Matt Hancock, you need to hear what happened to my daughter during a mental health crisis
Matt Hancock, you need to hear what happened to my daughter during a mental health crisis My daughter has endured the most devastating lack of continuity of care during the past six years under a depleted mental health service. The Independent
See also:
See also:
NHS mental health crisis worsens as 2,000 staff quit per month
NHS mental health crisis worsens as 2,000 staff quit per month Pledge to boost services undermined by failure to retain thousands of key workers, minister admits
Thousands of nurses, therapists and psychiatrists are quitting NHS mental health services, raising serious doubts about ministerial pledges to dramatically expand the workforce.
Two thousand mental health staff a month are leaving their posts in the NHS in England, according to figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The news comes as services are already seriously understaffed and struggling to cope with a surge in patients seeking help for anxiety, depression and other disorders. Continue reading... The Guardian
Thousands of nurses, therapists and psychiatrists are quitting NHS mental health services, raising serious doubts about ministerial pledges to dramatically expand the workforce.
Two thousand mental health staff a month are leaving their posts in the NHS in England, according to figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The news comes as services are already seriously understaffed and struggling to cope with a surge in patients seeking help for anxiety, depression and other disorders. Continue reading... The Guardian
Sick of waiting at the doctor's? The app will see you now
Sick of waiting at the doctor's? The app will see you now The public sector should be leading the charge with queue-busting tech, not leaving innovation to private companies
It hasn’t been all that long since Matt Hancock was best known for his app, which he called Matt Hancock, in a very Ronseal approach to technology. Not long after being promoted from a digital minister to culture secretary, Hancock rolled out the app in a bid to keep his constituents up to date with local goings-on, and to create a space for feedback. Naturally, Hancock got the piss taken out of him on social media. But aside from legitimate data concerns with the app accessing users’ photos – seemingly even when permission was not given; but that, unfortunately, isn’t a niche breach – the derisive response was, for the most part, unjustified.
People can’t have it both ways: dissing politicians for not being innovative or digitally astute, and then mocking the few who seem genuinely interested in technology and how it can change politics for the better. Continue reading... The Guardian
It hasn’t been all that long since Matt Hancock was best known for his app, which he called Matt Hancock, in a very Ronseal approach to technology. Not long after being promoted from a digital minister to culture secretary, Hancock rolled out the app in a bid to keep his constituents up to date with local goings-on, and to create a space for feedback. Naturally, Hancock got the piss taken out of him on social media. But aside from legitimate data concerns with the app accessing users’ photos – seemingly even when permission was not given; but that, unfortunately, isn’t a niche breach – the derisive response was, for the most part, unjustified.
People can’t have it both ways: dissing politicians for not being innovative or digitally astute, and then mocking the few who seem genuinely interested in technology and how it can change politics for the better. Continue reading... The Guardian
Health regulator withholding vaccines results making it impossible to establish if drugs could be harmful
Health regulator withholding vaccines results making it impossible to establish if drugs could be harmful The failure of England's public healthy body to publish results of three major studies into vaccines for children makes it impossible for experts to establish whether the drugs could be harmful, scientists have claimed.
Hundreds of children took part in three potentially risky Government drug trials, but Public Health England (PHE) breached the law by failing to add the findings to the official register set up to allow the scientific community to scrutinise the outcomes.
Experts have accused PHE of an “incomprehensible” violation of the trust of parents who gave their consent for their children to take part in the tests. The Daily Telegraph
Hundreds of children took part in three potentially risky Government drug trials, but Public Health England (PHE) breached the law by failing to add the findings to the official register set up to allow the scientific community to scrutinise the outcomes.
Experts have accused PHE of an “incomprehensible” violation of the trust of parents who gave their consent for their children to take part in the tests. The Daily Telegraph
More than 3 million people in Britain now vape, data suggests
More than 3 million people in Britain now vape, data suggests ASH estimates there are around 3.2 million vapers in Britain in 2018 – in the region of six per cent of the total population. It is 10 per cent up on the amount estimated for 2017. The Daily Mail
Friday, 14 September 2018
Corby Urgent Care Centre changes put on hold
Corby Urgent Care Centre changes put on hold A plan to change access to Corby’s Urgent Care Centre has been placed on hold. Corby CCG had decided, controversially, to replace the current walk-in service with a new appointment-based GP-led ‘Same Day Access Hub’. Those plans were the subject of a judicial review with campaigners against the plans claiming victory after a judge ruled the CCG did not carry out the consultation it had promised. But now the health body has decided to instead search for an organisation to run the centre for another three years rather than immediately progressing with their previous plan. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
See also:
- ‘Bridges to be built’ between opposing sides in Corby Urgent Care Centre row Northamptonshire Telegraph
How children's services cuts are affecting one family
How children's services cuts are affecting one family As Northamptonshire County Council makes £70m worth of spending cuts, how does it feel for a needy family to have support withdrawn? BBC News
Northants health bosses want meeting ahead of service cuts
Northants health bosses want meeting ahead of service cuts Health bosses from across Northamptonshire are demanding a meeting with leaders at Northamptonshire County Council ahead of expected huge service cuts. There was strong criticism of the county authority at yesterday’s Health and Wellbeing Board meeting (September 13) that the authority is seemingly moving ahead with plans to cut its services without having an input from Northamptonshire’s various health services. There are fears the cuts could have a huge impact on communities. Health bosses, including the leader of Northamptonshire Health Foundation Trust Angela Hillery and Northampton General Hospital’s chief executive Sonia Swart, blasted the authority for not asking for their input. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS treatments in England fall by 675 a day, despite waiting list
NHS treatments in England fall by 675 a day, despite waiting list The number of consultant-led NHS treatments in England fell by more than 84,000 in the first seven months of 2018 compared with last year, and there was an increase in the waiting list for planned surgery.
Analysis by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) found that on average 675 fewer patients a day were admitted for planned treatment, including surgical operations, between January and July compared with the same period last year.
Statistics published on Thursday show that the number of people waiting longer than the recommended 18 weeks to start planned NHS hospital treatment reached its highest in a decade. The Guardian
See also:
Analysis by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) found that on average 675 fewer patients a day were admitted for planned treatment, including surgical operations, between January and July compared with the same period last year.
Statistics published on Thursday show that the number of people waiting longer than the recommended 18 weeks to start planned NHS hospital treatment reached its highest in a decade. The Guardian
See also:
- Hospital admissions have dropped by over 84,000 this year, despite rising waiting lists Royal College of Surgeons
Alcohol dependency at record high but fewer being treated, data shows
Alcohol dependency at record high but fewer being treated, data shows One in seven of 605,688 people needing help in England received treatment in 2016-17. Fewer problem drinkers are receiving treatment even though record numbers need help, figures from the House of Commons library show.
Just 80,454 people in England were treated in 2016-17 for addiction to alcohol,about one in seven of the 605,688 people being deemed to be “alcohol dependent”. The Guardian
Just 80,454 people in England were treated in 2016-17 for addiction to alcohol,about one in seven of the 605,688 people being deemed to be “alcohol dependent”. The Guardian
Whose Safety is it Anyway? Service user and carer involvement in mental health care safety #MHNR2018
Whose Safety is it Anyway? Service user and carer involvement in mental health care safety #MHNR2018 Alison Faulkner takes a recent study as the starting point for an exploration of mental health care safety, service user and carer involvement, raising concerns, risk, harm, power, relationships and much more. The Mental Elf
What will the NHS 10-year plan look like?
What will the NHS 10-year plan look like? Long-term planning is rare in Whitehall with the five-year election cycle driving most policy making.
But the NHS in England has a chance to break that mould with a 10-year plan.
That's what ministers have asked for - even though it will be a document which will possibly span the course of two future administrations, perhaps involving different political parties. BBC News - Health
But the NHS in England has a chance to break that mould with a 10-year plan.
That's what ministers have asked for - even though it will be a document which will possibly span the course of two future administrations, perhaps involving different political parties. BBC News - Health
Consultation on improving learning disabilities staff training
Consultation on improving learning disabilities staff training The government has announced a series of measures to address the inequality of life expectancy between people with learning disabilities and the wider population. NHS Networks
See also:
See also:
- Consultation announced to improve learning disabilities staff training Gov.UK
- The Government Response To The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) Programme: Second Annual Report King's Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
- Government response to the Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) Programme 2nd annual report Gov.UK
NHS opens international search for new innovations
NHS opens international search for new innovations NHS England is calling on the best innovators from across the world to apply to join two schemes that aim to ensure NHS patients benefit from new technology faster. NHS Networks
See also:
See also:
Thursday, 13 September 2018
Half of European clinical trials haven’t reported results
Half of European clinical trials haven’t reported results A new interactive website, eu.trialstracker.net, shows that 49% of clinical trials on the EU clinical trials register have not reported results. EU rules say clinical trial results must be reported onto the EU register for every trial there within 12 months of the end of the trial. Only 51% of trials on the register are currently complying with this. No one has ever been sanctioned for breaking the European rules.
The EUTrialsTracker also shows that European academic institutes are lagging far behind companies in complying with the reporting rules – 68% of company-sponsored trials that are due to report results onto the register have but only 11% of academic trials have. This means that nearly 90% of the trials sponsored by European universities, governments, charities and research centres are breaking EU rules.
CQC calls for guidance to improve sexual safety on mental health wards
CQC calls for guidance to improve sexual safety on mental health wards The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is calling for new national guidance to improve the sexual safety of people and staff on mental health wards, following analysis of how mental health trusts in England report sexual incidents.
In its Sexual Safety on Mental Health Wards report published today (Tuesday 11 September) the CQC shares its findings and recommendations after reviewing patient safety incidents reported to the NHS National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS). The report follows engagement with trusts, national bodies, organisations representing people who use services and individuals with direct experience of sexual safety incidents. NHS Networks
In its Sexual Safety on Mental Health Wards report published today (Tuesday 11 September) the CQC shares its findings and recommendations after reviewing patient safety incidents reported to the NHS National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS). The report follows engagement with trusts, national bodies, organisations representing people who use services and individuals with direct experience of sexual safety incidents. NHS Networks
Free flu vaccinations for social care and hospice staff
Free flu vaccinations for social care and hospice staff NHS England will again provide free flu vaccinations for social care staff who offer direct patient care this flu season. This year, the free jab will also be extended to include health and care staff in the voluntary managed hospice sector who offer direct patient care. NHS Employers
NHS suffering worst ever staff and cash crisis, figures show
NHS suffering worst ever staff and cash crisis, figures show The NHS’s staffing and financial problems are the worst they have ever been, official health service figures show. The number of vacancies across the NHS in England has hit a record high while NHS bosses have disclosed for the first time the service’s underlying deficit built up over recent years – £4.3bn.
At the end of June the health service had 107,743 unfilled posts, up 9,268 from the 98,475 total seen just three months earlier, NHS Improvement said in its latest quarterly report on the service’s performance.
The regulator warned that the NHS’s struggles to recruit and retain staff were so difficult that vacancies would become even more common during the rest of 2018-19. The Guardian
At the end of June the health service had 107,743 unfilled posts, up 9,268 from the 98,475 total seen just three months earlier, NHS Improvement said in its latest quarterly report on the service’s performance.
The regulator warned that the NHS’s struggles to recruit and retain staff were so difficult that vacancies would become even more common during the rest of 2018-19. The Guardian
Hancock attacks NHS block on progress as he says all patients should be able to Skype their GPs
Hancock attacks NHS block on progress as he says all patients should be able to Skype their GPs Every patient should be able to Skype their GP on a smartphone, the new Health Secretary says today as he attacks the NHS for blocking progress and vows to end a “postcode lottery” in access to care. Matt Hancock accused health officials of standing in the way of a healthcare revolution, as he detailed ambitions for an expansion of virtual GP services across the country.
The minister, who became Health Secretary in July, personally uses the “GP at Hand” app which is offered by the NHS in some parts of London. The Telegraph
The minister, who became Health Secretary in July, personally uses the “GP at Hand” app which is offered by the NHS in some parts of London. The Telegraph
Mental health crisis teams in England: lost in translation?
Mental health crisis teams in England: lost in translation? Rachel Rowan Olive writes her debut elf blog about a recent national survey of mental health crisis resolution teams and crisis care systems in England: Crisis Resolution Teams (CRTs) for working-age adults have been implemented across England since 2000. Their aim is to treat those in mental health crisis at home, reducing the need for hospital admissions. A recently published national survey (Lloyd-Evans et al, 2018) produced a snapshot of the care provided by CRTs across England in late 2016, testing how far they reflect the model set out in the policy guidance for their implementation. Mental Elf
From Brexit to the birth rate: why midwives are leaving the NHS – and causing a crisis
From Brexit to the birth rate: why midwives are leaving the NHS – and causing a crisis Almost 3,000 midwives ended their careers in England last year, and only 2,000 came out of university to replace them. Vacancy levels are set to keep rising, so why do the numbers no longer add up? So many midwives are quitting the NHS that the 2,000-plus would-be midwives coming out of university each year are making almost no dent in the profession’s longstanding and widespread workforce shortage.
Despite all those new graduates, the total number of what the NHS calls full-time equivalent midwives working in the NHS in England rose by only 67 last year to 21,601. In England last year, almost 3,000 existing midwives decided that delivering babies and caring for them and their mothers was no longer for them. The Guardian
Despite all those new graduates, the total number of what the NHS calls full-time equivalent midwives working in the NHS in England rose by only 67 last year to 21,601. In England last year, almost 3,000 existing midwives decided that delivering babies and caring for them and their mothers was no longer for them. The Guardian
Mumsnet is driving women to request caesarean sections, a leading midwife has warned
Mumsnet is driving women to request caesarean sections, a leading midwife has warned Horrific tales of childbirth from friends and social media forums like Mumsnet are driving women to request caesarean sections, a leading midwife has warned. Catriona Jones, a lecturer in midwifery at the University of Hull, said up to 14 per cent of expectant mothers now suffer from ‘tocophobia’, which is defined as an unreasonable dread of childbirth. Although women throughout the ages have been afraid of labour, Mrs Jones warned that harrowing accounts on TV dramas and social media were fuelling the problem and called on mothers to avoid sharing their birthing horror stories. The Telegraph
Wednesday, 12 September 2018
Press release: New flu vaccine available this winter for those aged 65 and over
Press release: New flu vaccine available this winter for those aged 65 and over A more effective flu vaccine is available this winter for those aged 65 and over, which could prevent deaths and reduce the burden on the NHS. Gov.UK - Public Health England
See also:
See also:
- Enhances flu jab to save 'hundreds of lives' BBC News
- NHS admits flu jab won't stop deadly Japanese flu from killing elderly this winter as vaccination will only protect against three strains Mail Online
NHS vacancies a 'national emergency'
NHS vacancies a 'national emergency' The shortage of NHS staff in England has started worsening again, official figures show. One in 11 posts is vacant with the situation particularly bad among the nursing workforce.
Experts described the situation as at risk of becoming a "national emergency" given the rising demands on the NHS.
It comes after sustained efforts by ministers and NHS bosses to tackle the shortages, including a new pay deal and recruitment and retention campaigns. BBC News - Health
See also:
Experts described the situation as at risk of becoming a "national emergency" given the rising demands on the NHS.
It comes after sustained efforts by ministers and NHS bosses to tackle the shortages, including a new pay deal and recruitment and retention campaigns. BBC News - Health
See also:
- NHS suffering worst ever staff and cash crisis, figures show The Guardian
- NHS loses 29 midwives for every 30 that it trains The Telegraph
Medicine isn’t a quick fix for society’s ills. Overdiagnosis can cause more harm | Zara Aziz
Medicine isn’t a quick fix for society’s ills. Overdiagnosis can cause more harm | Zara Aziz When health problems are triggered by economic issues, they are medicalised as anxiety and depression instead of poverty
There are many patients who live on in doctors’ memories. Lily was one such patient – a widow in her 80s with a spring in her step and a ready smile. An infrequent visitor to the consulting room, she was mostly found in her garden, tending to her flowers and vegetables. An accidental fall led to a head injury. A subsequent CT scan excluded a bleed on her brain, but showed a small tumour in the temporal lobe, a part of the brain processing sensory input. “It is slow growingand unlikely to cause any foreseeable problems,” her neurosurgeon said. The Guardian
There are many patients who live on in doctors’ memories. Lily was one such patient – a widow in her 80s with a spring in her step and a ready smile. An infrequent visitor to the consulting room, she was mostly found in her garden, tending to her flowers and vegetables. An accidental fall led to a head injury. A subsequent CT scan excluded a bleed on her brain, but showed a small tumour in the temporal lobe, a part of the brain processing sensory input. “It is slow growingand unlikely to cause any foreseeable problems,” her neurosurgeon said. The Guardian
£450k announced to help patients have their say on health services
£450k announced to help patients have their say on health services A windfall of £450,000 to support practical and innovative ways to help patients improve health services has been announced. The Building Health Partnerships programme has been awarded the money from NHS England and the National Lottery – through the Big Lottery Fund.
The funding will provide tailored support for co-production to 10 areas, helping to more easily
involve patients and carers in designing the services they use. For example, previous support helped launch a new programme in Essex to get early diagnosis for people with lung diseases.
The funding will also support leadership training and develop a ‘champions’ network’ where community representatives and commissioners can share the best ways to ensure communities and patients are at the heart of Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships’ (STP) and Integrated Care Systems’ (ICS) plans. NHS England
The funding will provide tailored support for co-production to 10 areas, helping to more easily
involve patients and carers in designing the services they use. For example, previous support helped launch a new programme in Essex to get early diagnosis for people with lung diseases.
The funding will also support leadership training and develop a ‘champions’ network’ where community representatives and commissioners can share the best ways to ensure communities and patients are at the heart of Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships’ (STP) and Integrated Care Systems’ (ICS) plans. NHS England
Current and future state of nation’s health revealed
Current and future state of nation’s health revealed Public Health England has published a report giving the most comprehensive picture of the health of England today and into the future. NHS Networks
See also:
See also:
- Current and future state of nation’s health revealed Gov.UK - Public Health England
National conversation with health and care staff begins
National conversation with health and care staff begins The secretary of state for health and social care has launched a new digital platform called TalkHealthandCare, which staff can use to post ideas, questions and challenges for government. NHS Networks
Tuesday, 11 September 2018
KGH specialists volunteering at events for people to have moles checked
KGH specialists volunteering at events for people to have moles checked KGH’s dermatology department is teaming up with BBC Radio Northampton to enable local people to get worrying moles or skin lesions checked out. The hospital has agreed to attend three public events as part of Helen’s Big Health Check 2018 in Rushden, Daventry and Northampton to enable as many people as possible to get advice from September 19 to September 21. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS England wants patients to check before they tick for free prescriptions
NHS England wants patients to check before they tick for free prescriptions NHS England and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) are launching a nationwide campaign to help people understand their eligibility for free prescriptions.
The Check Before You Tick campaign will encourage patients to check whether they are entitled to free prescriptions before claiming them to help reduce the £256m annual cost to the NHS when people incorrectly claim them for free. NHS Networks
The Check Before You Tick campaign will encourage patients to check whether they are entitled to free prescriptions before claiming them to help reduce the £256m annual cost to the NHS when people incorrectly claim them for free. NHS Networks
Hospitals to receive £145m to prepare for winter demand
Hospitals to receive £145m to prepare for winter demand The government is giving more than £145 million to NHS trusts across the country ahead of winter to improve emergency care.
The money will be spent on upgrading wards, redeveloping A&Es and extra beds at NHS trusts across England.
The funding from the Department of Health and Social Care’s existing budget will be spent on 81 new schemes. NHS Networks
The money will be spent on upgrading wards, redeveloping A&Es and extra beds at NHS trusts across England.
The funding from the Department of Health and Social Care’s existing budget will be spent on 81 new schemes. NHS Networks
NHS car parking charges petition handed to Number 10 - ITV News
NHS car parking charges petition handed to Number 10 - ITV News Campaigners have demanded an end to the “stealth tax” of NHS car parking charges in England by handing a petition into Downing Street.
Motoring campaign group FairFuel UK and Conservative MP Robert Halfon delivered the document, signed by more than 25,000 people, on Monday morning. ITV News
Motoring campaign group FairFuel UK and Conservative MP Robert Halfon delivered the document, signed by more than 25,000 people, on Monday morning. ITV News
England facing 'changing health needs'
England facing 'changing health needs' England is facing changing health demands due to an ageing population and the NHS must quickly adapt, says Public Health England.
It has compiled what it calls "the most comprehensive picture" of the nation's current health and future fitness.
It shows England's population is growing in size and people are living longer but not all in good health.
While smoking rates may be decreasing, diabetes, obesity, dementia and mental health issues are on the rise. BBC News
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It has compiled what it calls "the most comprehensive picture" of the nation's current health and future fitness.
It shows England's population is growing in size and people are living longer but not all in good health.
While smoking rates may be decreasing, diabetes, obesity, dementia and mental health issues are on the rise. BBC News
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Can technology save our NHS? - ComputerWeekly.com
Can technology save our NHS? - ComputerWeekly.com The NHS is in crisis. Plagued by increased demand, an ageing population, budget restraints and low staff morale, it has become increasingly clear that change is needed. According to NHS bosses, the change that will save our health service will come in the form of digital technology, which will lift a struggling health service out of its misery and deliver a new golden era.
Speaking at the NHS Expo in Manchester, NHS England’s national director for operations and information, Matthew Swindells, went as far as saying that without digitising the NHS, we are “condemning people to die”. Going fully digital, he believes, is the only way to save the NHS. Computer Weekly
Speaking at the NHS Expo in Manchester, NHS England’s national director for operations and information, Matthew Swindells, went as far as saying that without digitising the NHS, we are “condemning people to die”. Going fully digital, he believes, is the only way to save the NHS. Computer Weekly
Support good mental health with new digital gateway for workplaces - CIPD
Support good mental health with new digital gateway for workplaces - CIPD Last year the Farmer-Stevenson review, ‘Thriving at Work’, highlighted that an estimated 300,000 people lose their jobs each year due to mental ill health. According to Mind, employers want to make mental health a priority but a third don’t know where to go for information or guidance.
Mental Health at Work is a new, online gateway to resources, training and information that will change the way we approach workplace mental health. It’s funded by The Royal Foundation with Heads Together and developed by Mind and 11 key programme partners from the world of business and mental health, including the CIPD. CIPD
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Mental Health at Work is a new, online gateway to resources, training and information that will change the way we approach workplace mental health. It’s funded by The Royal Foundation with Heads Together and developed by Mind and 11 key programme partners from the world of business and mental health, including the CIPD. CIPD
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Mental health waiting times mean 75% of young people get worse before treatment, report warns - The Independent
Mental health waiting times mean 75% of young people get worse before treatment, report warns - The Independent Three-quarters of young people referred to NHS mental healthservices waited so long to be seen that their condition had deteriorated further by the time they got to a doctor, a report has found.
Young people and their parents are being left to “fend for themselves” for months on end while waiting to access child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), according to a report by charity Young Minds. The Independent
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Young people and their parents are being left to “fend for themselves” for months on end while waiting to access child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), according to a report by charity Young Minds. The Independent
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NHS care regulator says sexual incidents 'commonplace' in mental health units
NHS care regulator says sexual incidents 'commonplace' in mental health units Sexual incidents including harassment, assaults and rapes are “commonplace” in mental health units, mainly carried out by patients, the NHS’s care regulator has reported.
A total of 1,120 sexual incidents - 65 a week - occurred on mental health wards in England during April, May and June, according to the Care Quality Commission.
The figures included 29 alleged rapes. Another 457 incidents, more than a third of the total, involved sexual assault or sexual harassment of patients or staff. The Guardian
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A total of 1,120 sexual incidents - 65 a week - occurred on mental health wards in England during April, May and June, according to the Care Quality Commission.
The figures included 29 alleged rapes. Another 457 incidents, more than a third of the total, involved sexual assault or sexual harassment of patients or staff. The Guardian
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Self harm trebles among children and young adults post-social media
Self harm trebles among children and young adults post-social media Child psychiatrists have expressed alarm over a sharp rise in self-harm among teenagers since the advent of social media.
National research shows a tripling in poisonings via paracetamol and antidepressants among those aged between 10 and 24 in the UK between 1998 and 2014.
The figures come amid concerns about "an epidemic of mental illness" among young people, with the internet fuelling insecurity, anxiety and copycat behaviour. The Telegraph
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National research shows a tripling in poisonings via paracetamol and antidepressants among those aged between 10 and 24 in the UK between 1998 and 2014.
The figures come amid concerns about "an epidemic of mental illness" among young people, with the internet fuelling insecurity, anxiety and copycat behaviour. The Telegraph
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NHS to be franchised around the globe under post-Brexit plans
NHS to be franchised around the globe under post-Brexit plans The NHS is to be exported across the world as part of efforts to boost investment in Britain post-Brexit, under controversial new Government plans.
Hospitals and heath watchdogs will be encouraged to set up franchises in dozens of countries, with profits ploughed into supporting the health service.
The NHS will be asked to target up to £7bn of opportunities a year over the next decade, in a bid to share expertise and increase investment in frontline services. The Telegraph
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Hospitals and heath watchdogs will be encouraged to set up franchises in dozens of countries, with profits ploughed into supporting the health service.
The NHS will be asked to target up to £7bn of opportunities a year over the next decade, in a bid to share expertise and increase investment in frontline services. The Telegraph
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