Northamptonshire County Council: Plan to save £55m unveiled A council plans to cut spending on agency staff and highways services, while boosting tax receipts, to tackle a £65m funding shortfall.
The "stabilisation plan" published by Northamptonshire County Council aims to save an additional £20m in 2018-19, on top of £45m in cuts already planned.
Government-appointed commissioners have been brought in to oversee the council, which has twice banned new spending.
Council leader Matt Golby said the authority faced "unprecedented times".
Plans to slash £35m had already been announced in the initial budget passed for this year. BBC Northampton
Tuesday, 2 October 2018
New £350,000 haematology and oncology bay opens at NGH to treat cancer patients
New £350,000 haematology and oncology bay opens at NGH to treat cancer patients Generous fundraisers and medics got together to officially unveil a new haematology and oncology assessment bay at Northampton General Hospital, which is aimed to keep cancer patients out of A&E.
Oncology and haematology patients are often ill between their treatment cycles and require emergency support and review, sometimes immediately. The urgent nature of these complications means that patients are unable to wait for outpatient appointments. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Oncology and haematology patients are often ill between their treatment cycles and require emergency support and review, sometimes immediately. The urgent nature of these complications means that patients are unable to wait for outpatient appointments. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Guidance: Improving people’s health: applying behavioural and social sciences
Guidance: Improving people’s health: applying behavioural and social sciences A comprehensive and collaborative strategy to enable public health professionals to use behavioural and social sciences to improve health and wellbeing. Public Health England
Integrating care for every community
Integrating care for every community Health and care needs are changing, with more people living longer with multiple long term conditions.
This new animation explains the challenges facing the health and care system and how partnerships are being formed between the NHS, local government and the third sector in every part of the country. NHS England
This new animation explains the challenges facing the health and care system and how partnerships are being formed between the NHS, local government and the third sector in every part of the country. NHS England
Emergency £240m to free up hospital beds
Emergency £240m to free up hospital beds An emergency £240m will be pumped into social care in England to ease pressure on the NHS this winter by enabling more elderly people to be cared for at home.
The cash will help councils pay for measures like housing adaptations and care packages, Health Secretary Matt Hancock will tell the Tory conference.
Getting people back home will "free up hospital beds", Mr Hancock will say.
Winter months often place hospitals under strain. In January, one in five patients faced long delays for a bed. BBC News
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The cash will help councils pay for measures like housing adaptations and care packages, Health Secretary Matt Hancock will tell the Tory conference.
Getting people back home will "free up hospital beds", Mr Hancock will say.
Winter months often place hospitals under strain. In January, one in five patients faced long delays for a bed. BBC News
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NHS to suffer £2.7bn cuts 'after government miscalculation of public sector pension costs', research suggests
NHS to suffer £2.7bn cuts 'after government miscalculation of public sector pension costs', research suggests The NHS will suffer cuts worth £2.7bn after the government miscalculated the pension costs of public sector workers, new analysis by the House of Commons library has shown.
The research suggested that government underestimated the costs by as much as £4bn a year.
That money could have paid for the salaries of over 61,900 nurses, the Labour Party, which released the research, said. The Independent
The research suggested that government underestimated the costs by as much as £4bn a year.
That money could have paid for the salaries of over 61,900 nurses, the Labour Party, which released the research, said. The Independent
As a black nurse, I see the crushing racial inequality across the NHS. This has to stop
As a black nurse, I see the crushing racial inequality across the NHS. This has to stop | Donna Kinnair Black doctors and nurses are paid far less than their white colleagues. The NHS must address the barriers and prejudices in its system
Some years ago a fellow black nurse said to me that I had been described by a nursing leader as “the only acceptable black nurse”.
I’d like to say we’ve come a long way since then, but the enormous ethnic pay gap in the NHS shows there’s a long road yet to travel. As revealed last week, black doctors and nurses are on average paid thousands of pounds less than their white colleagues. There are still those who divide our workforce between “acceptable” and “unacceptable”. The Guardian
Some years ago a fellow black nurse said to me that I had been described by a nursing leader as “the only acceptable black nurse”.
I’d like to say we’ve come a long way since then, but the enormous ethnic pay gap in the NHS shows there’s a long road yet to travel. As revealed last week, black doctors and nurses are on average paid thousands of pounds less than their white colleagues. There are still those who divide our workforce between “acceptable” and “unacceptable”. The Guardian
Physical restraint used on 50% more NHS patients with learning disabilities
Physical restraint used on 50% more NHS patients with learning disabilities Growing numbers of patients with learning disabilities are being physically restrained in mental health units, despite ministers telling NHS trusts to use such techniques less often.
Staff in NHS mental health hospitals deployed restraint on such patients 22,000 times last year, almost 50% more than the 15,000 occasions in 2016, BBC research has found.
That included a rise in face-down or “prone” restraint, which is particularly controversial and has been widely criticised as dangerous. Used 2,200 times in 2016, the figure rose to 3,100 in 2017.
The disclosures, made by Radio 4 programme File on 4, prompted criticism from health charities and the minister who, in 2014, ordered trusts to reduce their use of restraint. The Guardian
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Staff in NHS mental health hospitals deployed restraint on such patients 22,000 times last year, almost 50% more than the 15,000 occasions in 2016, BBC research has found.
That included a rise in face-down or “prone” restraint, which is particularly controversial and has been widely criticised as dangerous. Used 2,200 times in 2016, the figure rose to 3,100 in 2017.
The disclosures, made by Radio 4 programme File on 4, prompted criticism from health charities and the minister who, in 2014, ordered trusts to reduce their use of restraint. The Guardian
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Cost of lifesaving heroin withdrawal drug soars by 700%
Cost of lifesaving heroin withdrawal drug soars by 700% Treatment agencies warn of extra drug-related deaths unless price hike is addressed
A 700% spike in the price of a drug used to wean addicts off heroin has caused alarm among treatment agencies, which warn of a rise in drug-related deaths unless urgent action is taken to make it more affordable.
Buprenorphine is an alternative to methadone that reduces the symptoms of withdrawal and lessens the desire to use heroin. It is estimated that more than 30,000 people in England use the drug, which offers a reduced risk of overdose compared with methadone. The Guardian
A 700% spike in the price of a drug used to wean addicts off heroin has caused alarm among treatment agencies, which warn of a rise in drug-related deaths unless urgent action is taken to make it more affordable.
Buprenorphine is an alternative to methadone that reduces the symptoms of withdrawal and lessens the desire to use heroin. It is estimated that more than 30,000 people in England use the drug, which offers a reduced risk of overdose compared with methadone. The Guardian
More than one in four weekend GP appointments left unused, investigation finds
More than one in four weekend GP appointments left unused, investigation finds More than one in four GP appointments are left unused at weekends, amid a “shocking” failure of policies to improve access to family doctors, an investigation has found.
Ministers have repeatedly promised to expand opening hours of GP surgeries, so that working people are able to get appointments during evenings and weekends.
But the research from areas offering such access shows 37 per cent of Sunday appointments are being left unfilled, along with 24 per cent of Saturday slots, and 23 per cent of those on weekday evenings. The Daily Telegraph
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Ministers have repeatedly promised to expand opening hours of GP surgeries, so that working people are able to get appointments during evenings and weekends.
But the research from areas offering such access shows 37 per cent of Sunday appointments are being left unfilled, along with 24 per cent of Saturday slots, and 23 per cent of those on weekday evenings. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Revealed: 'Shocking' 25% of evening and weekend GP appointments empty Pulse
- Extending access to routine GP services must be based on patient need, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Quarter of weekend and evening GP appointments wasted due to 'lack of of demand', despite record waiting times The Independent
I've seen lives destroyed by hospitals losing test results
I've seen lives destroyed by hospitals losing test results While the rest of society has embraced a paperless culture, some NHS records are still written on easily lost bits of paper, says Dr Mike Brooks. The Daily Mail
Hospital patients should volunteer and give back to the NHS to make it 'work so much better'
Hospital patients should volunteer and give back to the NHS to make it 'work so much better' Hospital patients should give back to the NHS by volunteering when they are better, according to the head of a watchdog.
Sir Robert Francis, who today took charge of Healthwatch England, said more people should be offering their help for free to the health service.
The 68-year-old added the NHS would 'work so much better' if everybody did their bit.
But, Sir Robert stressed, volunteers must not be expected to make up for short-staffing or to do the work of paid employees. The Daily Mail
Sir Robert Francis, who today took charge of Healthwatch England, said more people should be offering their help for free to the health service.
The 68-year-old added the NHS would 'work so much better' if everybody did their bit.
But, Sir Robert stressed, volunteers must not be expected to make up for short-staffing or to do the work of paid employees. The Daily Mail
Monday, 1 October 2018
Raise prices and restrict alcohol to stop harmful drinking, says WHO
Raise prices and restrict alcohol to stop harmful drinking, says WHO Governments should raise the price of alcohol and restrict its availability in a bid to reduce harmful drinking, the World Health Organization has said.
The WHO's alcohol guidance for governments - called the Safer plan - released on Friday, outlines five strategies governments can implement to reduce the harmful use of alcohol by 10 per cent globally over the next seven years.
Restricting booze-related advertising, cracking down on drink driving and improving treatment are also advocated in the WHO guidance. The Telegraph
The WHO's alcohol guidance for governments - called the Safer plan - released on Friday, outlines five strategies governments can implement to reduce the harmful use of alcohol by 10 per cent globally over the next seven years.
Restricting booze-related advertising, cracking down on drink driving and improving treatment are also advocated in the WHO guidance. The Telegraph
NHS must adopt 'plain English approach' to stop confusing MPs - iNews
NHS must adopt 'plain English approach' to stop confusing MPs - iNews The NHS must adopt a “plain English approach” as healthcare jargon leaves two-thirds of MPs baffled, according to new research which is leading to calls for the NHS to reduce its use of “special words”. Labour MPs claim to have a better understanding of terms such as “system approaches” and “holistic care” than their Conservative counterparts, but are more likely to want the language to be simplified and explained more clearly. Just 12 per cent of the MPs surveyed believe that the language used to describe the current changes in the structure of the NHS is simple and easy to understand. And only just over half (55 per cent) feel sufficiently well informed to scrutinise healthcare issues in Parliament. iNews
Ambulance service efficiencies 'could save NHS £500m' - Public Finance
Ambulance service efficiencies 'could save NHS £500m' - Public Finance Making ambulance services in England more efficient could save the NHS £500m by 2020-21, a major review has claimed.
An NHS Providers’ report, led by Lord Carter and published yesterday, found if more patients were treated at the scene by paramedics the acute health sector could save £300m in two year ’s time.
By eliminating differences in productivity and improvement between the 10 ambulance trusts could save £200m for the health services, it also found. Public Finance
An NHS Providers’ report, led by Lord Carter and published yesterday, found if more patients were treated at the scene by paramedics the acute health sector could save £300m in two year ’s time.
By eliminating differences in productivity and improvement between the 10 ambulance trusts could save £200m for the health services, it also found. Public Finance
NHS under severe strain with 12% drop in mental health nurses - Health Europa
NHS under severe strain with 12% drop in mental health nurses - Health Europa
The Mental Health Network reports evidence of the NHS under severe strain, with a drop in mental health nurses.
Workforce statistics for June 2018 show 35,674 registered nurses working in mental health NHS trusts in England, which is a drop of more than 12% on the 40,602 mental health nurses employed less than a decade ago in September 2009. Health Europa
The Mental Health Network reports evidence of the NHS under severe strain, with a drop in mental health nurses.
Workforce statistics for June 2018 show 35,674 registered nurses working in mental health NHS trusts in England, which is a drop of more than 12% on the 40,602 mental health nurses employed less than a decade ago in September 2009. Health Europa
See also:
- NHS – mental health service under severe strain The HR Director Magazine
A Year Of Integrated Care Systems: Reviewing The Journey So Far
A Year Of Integrated Care Systems: Reviewing The Journey So Far The King’s Fund, September 2018
Integrated care systems represent a fundamental and far-reaching change in how the NHS works across different services and with external partners. This report is based on interviews with eight of the ‘first wave’ integrated care systems to understand how they are developing and to identify lessons for local systems and national policy-makers. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service
Integrated care systems represent a fundamental and far-reaching change in how the NHS works across different services and with external partners. This report is based on interviews with eight of the ‘first wave’ integrated care systems to understand how they are developing and to identify lessons for local systems and national policy-makers. Lancashire Care Library and Information Service
Chief medical officer to draw up social media guidelines for children
Chief medical officer to draw up social media guidelines for children Health secretary Matt Hancock has asked the UK’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dame Sally Davies, to draw up official guidelines setting out the maximum amount of time young people should spend on social media.
Mr Hancock made the announced in an interview with the Observer newspaper in which he revealed that he limits the social media use of his own children. It comes amid growing concerns that excessive use could be linked to mental health problems in children. OnMedica
Mr Hancock made the announced in an interview with the Observer newspaper in which he revealed that he limits the social media use of his own children. It comes amid growing concerns that excessive use could be linked to mental health problems in children. OnMedica
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Call to reform pay-review process
Call to reform pay-review process The BMA has called for fundamental reform of the pay-review process for doctors and dentists.
In a joint statement to the health secretary Matthew Hancock, the BMA and British Dental Association warn that confidence in the independence and effectiveness of the DDRB (Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration) has been destroyed by the interference of successive governments, with the review process ‘no longer acceptable’ to doctors.
The letter follows a BMA survey of almost 13,000 doctors in England earlier this year which found that nearly three quarters described the Government's pay offer as highly unacceptable. BMA
In a joint statement to the health secretary Matthew Hancock, the BMA and British Dental Association warn that confidence in the independence and effectiveness of the DDRB (Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration) has been destroyed by the interference of successive governments, with the review process ‘no longer acceptable’ to doctors.
The letter follows a BMA survey of almost 13,000 doctors in England earlier this year which found that nearly three quarters described the Government's pay offer as highly unacceptable. BMA
NHS Improvement and NHS England face 20 per cent budget cuts - Health Service Journal (press release)
NHS Improvement and NHS England face 20 per cent budget cuts - Health Service Journal (press release) NHS England and NHS Improvement must cut their costs by 20 per cent through developing a new joint operating model, according to plans discussed by senior figures today.
The paper outlining how system leaders were approaching the development of the new single operating model was presented to a “meeting in common” of leaders from both organisations in Skipton House, London.
The paper, entitled Next steps on delivering a single operating model and shared culture, said: “Following the funding settlement and ambition for the long term plan, we must have a sharper focus on improving productivity and efficiency… HSJ
The paper outlining how system leaders were approaching the development of the new single operating model was presented to a “meeting in common” of leaders from both organisations in Skipton House, London.
The paper, entitled Next steps on delivering a single operating model and shared culture, said: “Following the funding settlement and ambition for the long term plan, we must have a sharper focus on improving productivity and efficiency… HSJ
Mentally ill held without charge for lack of NHS beds
Mentally ill held without charge for lack of NHS beds Police are illegally detaining more than 4,000 vulnerable mentally ill people in custody a year because of a lack of NHS beds, an unpublished inquiry by the cabinet office reveals.
The 4,500 arrested people who are as young as 15 and need mental health care are being held for up six days without charge, mostly in police cells, because of NHS delays in finding a bed. The Telegraph
The 4,500 arrested people who are as young as 15 and need mental health care are being held for up six days without charge, mostly in police cells, because of NHS delays in finding a bed. The Telegraph
Schools braced for head lice invasion
Schools braced for head lice invasion Schools are facing a big rise in the number of head lice outbreaks this winter as a result of a “shortsighted” government policy that will hit children from low-income families hardest, teachers and head lice experts have warned.
A change in NHS England guidance, rolled out over the summer as a cost-cutting measure, means GPs are now routinely prevented from prescribing any treatment for the parasites. Head lice are likely to become increasingly prevalent in schools over the next six months as a result, the health charity Community Hygiene Concern predicts. The Guardian
A change in NHS England guidance, rolled out over the summer as a cost-cutting measure, means GPs are now routinely prevented from prescribing any treatment for the parasites. Head lice are likely to become increasingly prevalent in schools over the next six months as a result, the health charity Community Hygiene Concern predicts. The Guardian
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Nurses pass vote of no confidence in union over pay deal handling
Nurses pass vote of no confidence in union over pay deal handling Royal College of Nursing members angry with their union’s handling of changes to the NHS pay deal have voted to pass a motion of no confidence in the organisation in a unprecedented move amid accusations it had misrepresented expected pay increases.
It came after a protracted saga within the RCN after its former general secretary Janet Davies admitted it had wrongly told members they would all be in line for an immediate 3% pay increase this year following the end of the 1% pay cap. The Guardian
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It came after a protracted saga within the RCN after its former general secretary Janet Davies admitted it had wrongly told members they would all be in line for an immediate 3% pay increase this year following the end of the 1% pay cap. The Guardian
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NHS will offer free insomnia app to millions of poor sleepers
NHS will offer free insomnia app to millions of poor sleepers The NHS is to offer free therapy via smartphones to millions of insomniacs.
Under the programme being piloted across the South East, patients will be able to download an app which has been dubbed “a digital sleeping pill”.
The strategy is the first NHS roll-out of “direct access” digital medicine - meaning that the health service is funding the app which anyone living in the area can download. The Telegraph
Under the programme being piloted across the South East, patients will be able to download an app which has been dubbed “a digital sleeping pill”.
The strategy is the first NHS roll-out of “direct access” digital medicine - meaning that the health service is funding the app which anyone living in the area can download. The Telegraph
Children's lack of sleep is 'hidden health crisis', experts say
Children's lack of sleep is 'hidden health crisis', experts say Thousands of children and teenagers face a mounting sleeplessness crisis, with the number of admissions to hospital of young people with sleep disorders rising sharply in six years, the Guardian can reveal.
Experts have described the problem as a hidden public health disaster, putting the surge down to a combination of exploding obesity levels, excessive use of social media before bedtime and a mental health crisis engulfing young people. The Guardian
Experts have described the problem as a hidden public health disaster, putting the surge down to a combination of exploding obesity levels, excessive use of social media before bedtime and a mental health crisis engulfing young people. The Guardian
One in four evening and weekend GP appointments unused
One in four evening and weekend GP appointments unused Research suggesting that one in four evening and weekend GP appointments in England are going unfilled has been described as “shocking” by critics of the government’s controversial drive to guarantee access to family doctors at weekends.
Around half a million appointment slots have been left empty on evenings and weekends, according to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) from 80 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). The Guardian
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Around half a million appointment slots have been left empty on evenings and weekends, according to data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) from 80 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). The Guardian
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Friday, 28 September 2018
Petition launched against proposed closure of Finedon Health Centre
Petition launched against proposed closure of Finedon Health Centre A petition has been started against the proposed closure of a medical centre.
Finedon Health Centre in Regent Street in the town is part of Burton Latimer Medical Centre.
However, the medical centre is looking to close the Finedon branch and has launched a consultation with patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Finedon Health Centre in Regent Street in the town is part of Burton Latimer Medical Centre.
However, the medical centre is looking to close the Finedon branch and has launched a consultation with patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Health inequalities: the NHS plan needs to take more responsibility
Health inequalities: the NHS plan needs to take more responsibility The NHS has a critical role in reducing health inequalities. When we look at what determines our health, we know that treatment comes in third place: after the wider determinants of health, and our health behaviours. But even third place means that around 10–20 per cent (or more, by some estimates) of our health outcomes are directly determined by the NHS. Crucially, NHS leaders have huge control over that chunk and they can influence beyond that into the wider determinants and our behaviours. We should therefore be expecting a lot from the long-term plan on health inequalities. The King's Fund
Research and analysis: Severe mental illness (SMI): physical health inequalities
Research and analysis: Severe mental illness (SMI): physical health inequalities Comparing physical health conditions between people with SMI and the general population by age, sex and deprivation using primary care data. Public Health England
2.5m patients across England may see their GP surgeries close in the next five years, creating a "catastrophic" impact on patient care, says RCGP
2.5m patients across England may see their GP surgeries close in the next five years, creating a "catastrophic" impact on patient care, says RCGP The College says drastic action must be taken to address the workload pressures that are making a career in general practice untenable – and for more initiatives to be implemented to increase retention of the GP workforce. Royal College of General Practitioners
Leading as a junior doctor
Leading as a junior doctor This toolkit is designed to help junior doctors build, sustain and run their own local leadership and engagement structures. It includes a number of case studies which showcase good practice from across the country as well as some practical guides to help with the day-to-day management of these groups. It also summarises the relevant academic literature and explains how different local leadership structures relate to existing contractual requirements. Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management
Contaminated blood scandal: Where does the UK's blood supply come from now?
Contaminated blood scandal: Where does the UK's blood supply come from now? The UK government has apologised to victims of a scandal that involved thousands being infected with HIV and hepatitis viruses from blood products imported from the US in the 1970s and 1980s.
It has become known as the contaminated blood scandal.
The patients in question, most of whom had haemophilia - a blood disorder caused by a lack of clotting agents in the blood - were actually infected with a product derived from blood called Factor 8.
It is one of the proteins found in plasma (the clear liquid making up most of our blood's volume) which is involved in clotting.
So where does the UK source its blood products from currently and how are they screened? BBC News
It has become known as the contaminated blood scandal.
The patients in question, most of whom had haemophilia - a blood disorder caused by a lack of clotting agents in the blood - were actually infected with a product derived from blood called Factor 8.
It is one of the proteins found in plasma (the clear liquid making up most of our blood's volume) which is involved in clotting.
So where does the UK source its blood products from currently and how are they screened? BBC News
Placenta complications: 'Women must know the risks'
Placenta complications: 'Women must know the risks' Expectant mothers should be told that the risk of placenta complications rises after a caesarean or fertility treatment, according to top doctors.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines said early diagnosis of conditions placenta praevia and placenta accreta was vital.
They added doctors should discuss with women the safest way to give birth.
The conditions can lead to heavy bleeding and sometimes put mother and baby's lives at risk. BBC News
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines said early diagnosis of conditions placenta praevia and placenta accreta was vital.
They added doctors should discuss with women the safest way to give birth.
The conditions can lead to heavy bleeding and sometimes put mother and baby's lives at risk. BBC News
Female genital mutilation in England and Wales 'not being properly investigated' due to lack of data
Female genital mutilation in England and Wales 'not being properly investigated' due to lack of data The scale of female genital mutilation (FGM) in England and Wales is not being properly investigated due to a lack of consistent high-quality data, according to new research.
FGM, a term which refers to any procedure that intentionally alters female genital organs for non-medical reasons, has been illegal in Britain since 1985 but the law was strengthened in 2003 to prevent girls travelling to undergo FGM abroad.
However, it is estimated that in 2015 there were more than 100,000 women and girls living in the UK who had endured female genital cutting, which is linked with severe long-term complications.
The new report - by experts from The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Salford and a prominent barrister - suggested the mandatory reporting of FGM was "more symbolic" than genuinely effective. The Independent
FGM, a term which refers to any procedure that intentionally alters female genital organs for non-medical reasons, has been illegal in Britain since 1985 but the law was strengthened in 2003 to prevent girls travelling to undergo FGM abroad.
However, it is estimated that in 2015 there were more than 100,000 women and girls living in the UK who had endured female genital cutting, which is linked with severe long-term complications.
The new report - by experts from The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Salford and a prominent barrister - suggested the mandatory reporting of FGM was "more symbolic" than genuinely effective. The Independent
Government spending on children at risk of neglect or abuse slashed by more than a quarter in five years, figures show
Government spending on children at risk of neglect or abuse slashed by more than a quarter in five years, figures show Government spending on children at risk of neglect or abuse has been slashed by 26 per cent over the past five years, new figures show, leading campaigners to claim they were being left to “fend for themselves”.
Budgets for “early intervention” children’s services, designed to help stop family problems such as abuse and neglect spiralling out of control, have dropped by £743m in the last five years, data from the Department for Education shows. The Independent
Budgets for “early intervention” children’s services, designed to help stop family problems such as abuse and neglect spiralling out of control, have dropped by £743m in the last five years, data from the Department for Education shows. The Independent
Black medics in NHS paid thousands less than white medics
Black medics in NHS paid thousands less than white medics Union says findings show BME staff face unacceptable barriers and discrimination
Black doctors in the NHS are paid on average almost £10,000 a year less and black nurses £2,700 less than their white counterparts, the biggest study of earnings by ethnicity has found.
The revelations, based on analysis of 750,000 staff salaries in the NHS in England, prompted claims of racial discrimination. The Guardian
Black doctors in the NHS are paid on average almost £10,000 a year less and black nurses £2,700 less than their white counterparts, the biggest study of earnings by ethnicity has found.
The revelations, based on analysis of 750,000 staff salaries in the NHS in England, prompted claims of racial discrimination. The Guardian
No more excuses: the NHS must fund the drug that stops people getting HIV
No more excuses: the NHS must fund the drug that stops people getting HIV | Timothy Hildebrandt Our research shows that fears of a public outcry over PrEP are fuelled by negative media coverage, not facts.
In a ruling last week, the high court overturned the drug patent extension for Truvada, a highly effective anti-HIV drug, opening the door for generic versions of the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug to be made available in the UK at a fraction of the cost. The hope of many sexual health campaigners is that this lower price will compel NHS England to provide full access to the drug.
Despite large studies in the UK and worldwide that have demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing HIV and research showing how access to it could save billions of pounds in lifetime treatment costs for those newly infected with HIV, in June 2016 the NHS decided it would not fund the drug. While the high court overturned this decision just months later, NHS England continued to drag its feet. Claiming that issues around large-scale PrEP implementation were not sufficiently understood, another trial – involving 10,000 individuals over three years – was launched . The Guardian
In a ruling last week, the high court overturned the drug patent extension for Truvada, a highly effective anti-HIV drug, opening the door for generic versions of the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug to be made available in the UK at a fraction of the cost. The hope of many sexual health campaigners is that this lower price will compel NHS England to provide full access to the drug.
Despite large studies in the UK and worldwide that have demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing HIV and research showing how access to it could save billions of pounds in lifetime treatment costs for those newly infected with HIV, in June 2016 the NHS decided it would not fund the drug. While the high court overturned this decision just months later, NHS England continued to drag its feet. Claiming that issues around large-scale PrEP implementation were not sufficiently understood, another trial – involving 10,000 individuals over three years – was launched . The Guardian
Breast cancer deaths set to rise as unhealthy lifestyles roll back decades of progress
Breast cancer deaths set to rise as unhealthy lifestyles roll back decades of progress The number of women dying from breast cancer will begin rising for the first time in decades due to unhealthy living, a new report predicts.
By 2022, three decades’ of progress cutting the death toll in Britain will be in reverse, despite improvements in medical science, experts have said.
Breast Cancer Now, which led the new research, said that while modern medicine means an individual woman’s chance of beating cancer is getting better, more are developing the disease in the first place due in part to preventable lifestyle factors. The Daily Telegraph
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By 2022, three decades’ of progress cutting the death toll in Britain will be in reverse, despite improvements in medical science, experts have said.
Breast Cancer Now, which led the new research, said that while modern medicine means an individual woman’s chance of beating cancer is getting better, more are developing the disease in the first place due in part to preventable lifestyle factors. The Daily Telegraph
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Hospitals 'regularly break the law' by not paying invoices on time
Hospitals 'regularly break the law' by not paying invoices on time A third of NHS trusts regularly break the law by failing to pay non-NHS invoices on time, an investigation has revealed.
Not a single trust included in the data made all its payments to suppliers on time last year, and 44 of them paid more than half of their invoices late.
One paid only five per cent of bills on time, while the value of another trust's overdue payments came to more than £404 million.
And combined, all 137 trusts racked up £7.9 billion which they failed to pay within the 30-day time limit during 2017-18. The Daily Mail
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Not a single trust included in the data made all its payments to suppliers on time last year, and 44 of them paid more than half of their invoices late.
One paid only five per cent of bills on time, while the value of another trust's overdue payments came to more than £404 million.
And combined, all 137 trusts racked up £7.9 billion which they failed to pay within the 30-day time limit during 2017-18. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Revealed: The slowest invoice payers in the NHS Health Service Journal
Thursday, 27 September 2018
Pictures show new £12 million building to reduce waiting times at Northampton's A&E
Pictures show new £12 million building to reduce waiting times at Northampton's A&E A new assessment unit will open next week to relieve pressure off the NGH A&E department and allow medics to assess patients quickly in a different facility without needing to admit them as in-patients.
The Nye Bevan Building Emergency Assessment Unit, named in honour of the architect of the NHS, is a £12 million investment by NGH providing 60 beds, a mix of small wards and individual rooms including dedicated rooms for vulnerable patients who might need end-of-life care or who are suffering from infection. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The Nye Bevan Building Emergency Assessment Unit, named in honour of the architect of the NHS, is a £12 million investment by NGH providing 60 beds, a mix of small wards and individual rooms including dedicated rooms for vulnerable patients who might need end-of-life care or who are suffering from infection. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The impact of integrated care teams on hospital use in North East Hampshire and Farnham
The impact of integrated care teams on hospital use in North East Hampshire and Farnham This briefing examines the early effects on hospital use of introducing multidisciplinary integrated care teams in North East Hampshire and Farnham. It presents the findings of an evaluation conducted by the Improvement Analytics Unit, a partnership between NHS England and the Health Foundation
CQC inspection regime having an impact but there is room for improvement, landmark report finds
CQC inspection regime having an impact but there is room for improvement, landmark report finds Care Quality Commission (CQC)’s ‘Ofsted-style’ inspection and rating regime is a significant improvement on the system it replaced, but it could be made more effective, according to the first major evaluation of the approach introduced in 2013. The King's Fund
Lord Carter's review into unwarranted variation in NHS ambulance trusts
Lord Carter's review into unwarranted variation in NHS ambulance trusts Lord Carter’s review identifies unwarranted variation in the delivery of ambulance services, as well as the potential savings of £500 million that could be made in efficiencies by 2020/21. NHS Improvement
See also:
See also:
- Ambulances not an A&E taxi service, NHS warned BBC News
- 'An ambulance is NOT a taxi to A&E', report says The Daily Mail
- Ambulances ‘being used as taxis’ heaping needless pressures on A&E, watchdog warns The Daily Telegraph
Shropshire baby deaths review expanded to cover decades
Shropshire baby deaths review expanded to cover decades An NHS trust at the centre of concerns over its maternity services has been asked to hand over hundreds of records to regulators, BBC News has learned.
The Shrewsbury and Telford trust will have to provide details over almost two decades of all stillbirths, maternal and neonatal deaths and significant harm in maternity services.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said "all potential cases" should be looked at.
The trust has always said it would cooperate fully with a review. BBC News
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The Shrewsbury and Telford trust will have to provide details over almost two decades of all stillbirths, maternal and neonatal deaths and significant harm in maternity services.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said "all potential cases" should be looked at.
The trust has always said it would cooperate fully with a review. BBC News
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Government apologises 'unreservedly' to victims of contaminated blood scandal
Government apologises 'unreservedly' to victims of contaminated blood scandal The government has said sorry for the infected blood scandal at the inquiry into the treatment of thousands of people given products containing hepatitis and HIV.
But the son of one of the victims said that the apology does not “feel genuine”.
The government told the inquiry on Wednesday the treatment of information surrounding the use of contaminated blood products has been “at worst, a cover-up, at best a lack of candour about past events”.
Eleanor Gray QC made the comments to the Infected Blood Inquiry on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care. The Independent
But the son of one of the victims said that the apology does not “feel genuine”.
The government told the inquiry on Wednesday the treatment of information surrounding the use of contaminated blood products has been “at worst, a cover-up, at best a lack of candour about past events”.
Eleanor Gray QC made the comments to the Infected Blood Inquiry on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care. The Independent
Are we really on the brink of a cure for Alzheimer’s?
Are we really on the brink of a cure for Alzheimer’s? A new study has inspired headlines claiming a cure for Alzheimer’s disease could be available within six years – but are we genuinely on the verge of an effective treatment? The Guardian
Separating fact from hype in the study of cancer and obesity
Separating fact from hype in the study of cancer and obesity Findings of a report from Cancer Research UK about cancer in women are challenged by David Steinsaltz. The Guardian
Air pollution kills six million people every year: it's time for us to wake up to this grave threat
Air pollution kills six million people every year: it's time for us to wake up to this grave threat The government was applauded for its draft Clean Air Strategy, published in May, when it recognised that air pollution is now the leading environmental risk to human health in the UK and for setting out policies to reduce that harm.
It is currently estimated that air pollution will make 2.4 million ill in England between now and 2035. And the health and social care costs of air pollution could reach £18.6 billion by 2035.
However, critics have expressed concern that key policy areas, such as road transport, are not fully addressed in the strategy – potentially limiting the health benefits that could be realised. The Daily Telegraph
It is currently estimated that air pollution will make 2.4 million ill in England between now and 2035. And the health and social care costs of air pollution could reach £18.6 billion by 2035.
However, critics have expressed concern that key policy areas, such as road transport, are not fully addressed in the strategy – potentially limiting the health benefits that could be realised. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 26 September 2018
Medical unit will relieve pressure on hospital's A&E
Medical unit will relieve pressure on hospital's A&E A medical unit to help relieve pressure on accident and emergency services in Northamptonshire is preparing to open.
The £12m A&E assessment unit at Northampton General Hospital is almost finished.
It is designed to help assess patients without needing to admit them as in-patients, which should cut waiting times and reduce pressure on staff. ITV News
The £12m A&E assessment unit at Northampton General Hospital is almost finished.
It is designed to help assess patients without needing to admit them as in-patients, which should cut waiting times and reduce pressure on staff. ITV News
Hospital porter used England flag to treat unconscious man in Northampton town centre - Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Hospital porter used England flag to treat unconscious man in Northampton town centre A Northampton General Hospital worker was forced to use whatever came to hand when a football fan suffered a head injury in front of him.
Porter Nathan Loughran was walking through Northampton town centre with friends after watching a televised England match when they found himself in the middle of a large fight near George Row.
In the midst of the chaos a man not part of their group fell to the ground, smacking his head hard on the kerb and prompting Nathan to spring into action using first aid skills he had learned at NGH. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Porter Nathan Loughran was walking through Northampton town centre with friends after watching a televised England match when they found himself in the middle of a large fight near George Row.
In the midst of the chaos a man not part of their group fell to the ground, smacking his head hard on the kerb and prompting Nathan to spring into action using first aid skills he had learned at NGH. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Harnessing the winds of change – early learning on integrated care systems
Harnessing the winds of change – early learning on integrated care systems Working with a group of leaders from one of the ‘first wave’ integrated care systems (ICSs) the other day, I was reminded yet again of how important ‘local weather’ conditions can be – in this case influencing the nature of collaborative working between staff from four NHS organisations. To date, the work of the integrated care system has been held by a small group of leaders and a few senior staff from participating organisations. The senior leadership group was discussing how to increase local capacity for system working. There was recognition, as in other ICS areas, that other groups of staff such as clinicians and middle managers must become more involved to achieve the desired changes in patient care and population health. The King's Fund
The spread challenge: how to support the successful uptake of innovations and improvements in health care
The spread challenge: how to support the successful uptake of innovations and improvements in health care This report outlines the challenges facing the NHS in improving the uptake of new ideas and practices, and the need for new approaches when developing national and local programmes to support the spread of innovation. It highlights key recommendations for practitioners involved in spreading health care improvement. The Health Foundation
The size and structure of the adult social care sector and workforce in England, 2018
The size and structure of the adult social care sector and workforce in England, 2018 This report provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the adult social care sector and workforce in England, based on data from the National Minimum Data Set for Social Care (NMDS-SC). Skills for Care
All the lonely people: loneliness in later life
All the lonely people: loneliness in later life This report presents new evidence about what Age UK knows about loneliness amongst people aged 50 and over, what increases the chances of people experiencing loneliness and how best to help those older people who are persistently lonely. The focus throughout is on the need for approaches to reducing loneliness to be tailored to the circumstances of the individual.
World alzheimer report 2018: the state of the art of dementia research: new frontiers
World alzheimer report 2018: the state of the art of dementia research: new frontiers This report looks at a broad cross section of research areas including basic science; diagnosis; drug discovery; risk reduction and epidemiology. With the continued absence of a disease modifying treatment, the report also features progress, innovation and developments in care research. It highlights an urgent need for increased and sustainable funding for dementia research. Alzheimer's Disease International
CIPD and Mind launch guidance for managers to support mental health at work
CIPD and Mind launch guidance for managers to support mental health at work The CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, and Mind, the mental health charity, have today jointly published a revised mental health guide for managers to improve support for those experiencing stress and mental health issues at work.
The updated guidance follows recent CIPD research which found that less than one in three organisations (32%) train line managers to support staff with poor mental health. Mental ill health is now the primary cause of long-term sickness absence for over one in five (22%) UK organisations. A recent Mind survey of over 44,000 employees also found that only two in five (42%) felt their manager would be able to spot the signs they were struggling with poor mental health. CIPD
The updated guidance follows recent CIPD research which found that less than one in three organisations (32%) train line managers to support staff with poor mental health. Mental ill health is now the primary cause of long-term sickness absence for over one in five (22%) UK organisations. A recent Mind survey of over 44,000 employees also found that only two in five (42%) felt their manager would be able to spot the signs they were struggling with poor mental health. CIPD
Hernia mesh complications 'affect more than 100,000'
Hernia mesh complications 'affect more than 100,000' Up to 170,000 people who have had hernia mesh implants in England in the past six years could face complications, the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme has found.
In that time, there have been about 570,000 such operations and the complication rate is said to be 12-30%.
Some patients have been left unable to walk or work, others left suicidal.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency continues to back the use of hernia mesh. BBC News
In that time, there have been about 570,000 such operations and the complication rate is said to be 12-30%.
Some patients have been left unable to walk or work, others left suicidal.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency continues to back the use of hernia mesh. BBC News
EpiPen shortage 'worrying' for people with allergies
EpiPen shortage 'worrying' for people with allergies A shortage of EpiPens is causing worry for people with allergies in the UK.
The makers of the adrenaline injection pen, which is used to treat severe and life threatening allergic reactions, say the supply problems are due to manufacturing issues.
The Department of Health said they were working with the manufacturers to "resolve the supply situation as quickly as possible".
They said limited supplies were being closely managed. BBC News
The makers of the adrenaline injection pen, which is used to treat severe and life threatening allergic reactions, say the supply problems are due to manufacturing issues.
The Department of Health said they were working with the manufacturers to "resolve the supply situation as quickly as possible".
They said limited supplies were being closely managed. BBC News
NHS England Is Not Prioritising Care For The Dying - This Is Bad News For Us All
NHS England Is Not Prioritising Care For The Dying - This Is Bad News For Us All NHS England seems to be signalling they don’t particularly care where people die or how people die. It’s as if once illness becomes no longer treatable you are no longer a priority.
NHS England is currently consulting on its long-term plan for the NHS. Covering the next ten years, the plan will set out how the NHS will deal with the challenges of providing care to an ageing population under extreme financial pressure. At the time of writing, NHS England will not be prioritising the care that people need when they are dying in its plan for the next decade. Huffington Post UK
NHS England is currently consulting on its long-term plan for the NHS. Covering the next ten years, the plan will set out how the NHS will deal with the challenges of providing care to an ageing population under extreme financial pressure. At the time of writing, NHS England will not be prioritising the care that people need when they are dying in its plan for the next decade. Huffington Post UK
Monkey pox: Contagious disease confirmed as having spread in UK for first time as third case discovered in Blackpool
Monkey pox: Contagious disease confirmed as having spread in UK for first time as third case discovered in Blackpool Another person has been quarantined with monkeypox in the UK after the potentially fatal virus spread following the first ever cases earlier in September, public health officials have confirmed.
A healthcare worker from the Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been put in isolation at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle after treating one of the earlier victims before their infection had been diagnosed. The Independent
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A healthcare worker from the Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been put in isolation at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle after treating one of the earlier victims before their infection had been diagnosed. The Independent
See also:
- Monkeypox case in England Public Health England
- Monkeypox: Heathcare worker is third UK case of disease BBC News
- Third monkeypox case hits the UK The Daily Mail
Contaminated blood scandal: many medical records disappeared, inquiry hears
Contaminated blood scandal: many medical records disappeared, inquiry hears Victims’ QC says many patients believe their experiences amount to evidence of cover-up
Evidence of medical cover-ups in the NHS’s contaminated blood scandal must be investigated and those responsible encouraged to apologise, the infected blood inquiry has been told.
The inquiry, which opened on Monday, will investigate how thousands of people with the blood-clotting disorder haemophilia were given blood by people who were infected with the HIV virus and hepatitis C. At least 4,689 British haemophiliacs are thought to have been treated with contaminated blood in the 1970s and 80s. So far, half have died.
The inquiry will try to figure out the exact number of people who have been infected, examine the impact the infection had on people’s lives, investigate whether there was any attempts to conceal details of what happened, and identify any individual responsibilities as well as systemic failures. Theresa May announced the inquiry last year, following years of intense pressure from MPs and campaign groups. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Evidence of medical cover-ups in the NHS’s contaminated blood scandal must be investigated and those responsible encouraged to apologise, the infected blood inquiry has been told.
The inquiry, which opened on Monday, will investigate how thousands of people with the blood-clotting disorder haemophilia were given blood by people who were infected with the HIV virus and hepatitis C. At least 4,689 British haemophiliacs are thought to have been treated with contaminated blood in the 1970s and 80s. So far, half have died.
The inquiry will try to figure out the exact number of people who have been infected, examine the impact the infection had on people’s lives, investigate whether there was any attempts to conceal details of what happened, and identify any individual responsibilities as well as systemic failures. Theresa May announced the inquiry last year, following years of intense pressure from MPs and campaign groups. Continue reading... The Guardian
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British teenage girls are among the heaviest drinkers in Europe – and have overtaken boys
British teenage girls are among the heaviest drinkers in Europe – and have overtaken boys British girls are among the worst in Europe for binge drinking, despite drinking less than previous generations, new research shows.
The study for the World Health Organisation shows that teenage girls in England, Scotland and Wales take three of the top six places in a drinking league table comparing 36 European nations.
And teenage girls in the UK are now more likely than boys of the same age to have got drunk at least twice, the figures show. The Daily Mail
The study for the World Health Organisation shows that teenage girls in England, Scotland and Wales take three of the top six places in a drinking league table comparing 36 European nations.
And teenage girls in the UK are now more likely than boys of the same age to have got drunk at least twice, the figures show. The Daily Mail
Number of children going to hospital with rotten teeth rises to 26,000, NHS figures show
Number of children going to hospital with rotten teeth rises to 26,000, NHS figures show Growing numbers of children with tooth decay are being admitted to hospital, damning figures show.
More than 26,000 children aged five to nine were taken to hospital in the past year because of rotten teeth, NHS figures have revealed.
The number has risen for the second year in a row and is more than double the amount of children who needed treatment for tonsillitis. The Daily Mail
More than 26,000 children aged five to nine were taken to hospital in the past year because of rotten teeth, NHS figures have revealed.
The number has risen for the second year in a row and is more than double the amount of children who needed treatment for tonsillitis. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 25 September 2018
Autistic children in Northamptonshire 'struggling' due to delays in diagnosis and help, watchdog report says
Autistic children in Northamptonshire 'struggling' due to delays in diagnosis and help, watchdog report says Both the education and the emotional health of autistic Northamptonshire children is suffering due to delays in assesment.
That is the conclusion of a report by the county's health watchdog, Healthwatch Northamptonshire which spoke in depth to 12 families who have a child with autism or ADHD.
It found that the route to any help from the NHS and Northamptonshire County Council is so maze-like parents are sometimes unsure if they are even on the official pathway. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
That is the conclusion of a report by the county's health watchdog, Healthwatch Northamptonshire which spoke in depth to 12 families who have a child with autism or ADHD.
It found that the route to any help from the NHS and Northamptonshire County Council is so maze-like parents are sometimes unsure if they are even on the official pathway. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Life expectancy progress in UK 'stops for first time'
Life expectancy progress in UK 'stops for first time' Life expectancy in the UK has stopped improving for the first time since 1982, when figures began.
Women's life expectancy from birth remains 82.9 years and for men it is 79.2, the figures from the Office for National Statistics, for 2015-17, show.
In some parts of the UK, life expectancy has even decreased. BBC News
Women's life expectancy from birth remains 82.9 years and for men it is 79.2, the figures from the Office for National Statistics, for 2015-17, show.
In some parts of the UK, life expectancy has even decreased. BBC News
Loneliness among over-50s 'is looming public health concern'
Loneliness among over-50s 'is looming public health concern' Greater numbers will feel impact of widowhood, poor finance and ill-health, says Age UK
Soaring numbers of over-50s in England will suffer from loneliness in the coming years as a result of widowhood, ill-health and money problems, according to a new analysis.
More than two million people of that age will be lonely by 2025-26, a 49% increase on the 1.36m who were socially isolated in 2015-16, according to projections by Age UK. Continue reading... The Guardian
Soaring numbers of over-50s in England will suffer from loneliness in the coming years as a result of widowhood, ill-health and money problems, according to a new analysis.
More than two million people of that age will be lonely by 2025-26, a 49% increase on the 1.36m who were socially isolated in 2015-16, according to projections by Age UK. Continue reading... The Guardian
Tainted blood scandal: another 25,000 victims could be infected
Tainted blood scandal: another 25,000 victims could be infected The tainted blood scandal could have infected at least 25,000 people and is continuing to kill victims, the chairman of an independent inquiry has warned.
Sir Brian Langstaff also suggested criminal trials could follow the independent Infected Blood Inquiry, as he promised to investigate allegations of a cover-up and hold those responsible to account.
His comments at the Inquiry’s opening on Monday came as it was confirmed former health secretaries, top civil servants and senior doctors would be compelled to answer questions in public about their involvement in the scandal for the first time. The Daily Telegraph
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Sir Brian Langstaff also suggested criminal trials could follow the independent Infected Blood Inquiry, as he promised to investigate allegations of a cover-up and hold those responsible to account.
His comments at the Inquiry’s opening on Monday came as it was confirmed former health secretaries, top civil servants and senior doctors would be compelled to answer questions in public about their involvement in the scandal for the first time. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Contaminated blood victims: How lives have been torn apart - their own words The Daily Telegraph
- Infected NHS blood inquiry opens with tribute to victims The Guardian
First cancer patient in the UK is treated with 'groundbreaking' radiotherapy
First cancer patient in the UK is treated with 'groundbreaking' radiotherapy Barry Dolling, 65, from Selsdon in Surrey, has become the first person in the UK to receive radiotherapy treatment from the MR Linac machine at the Royal Marsden in London. The Daily Mail
Almost one in three knee operations and one in five hip replacements are done privately
Almost one in three knee operations and one in five hip replacements are done privately The Royal College of Surgeons warned the growing number of operations being carried out outside of NHS hospitals means young surgeons are not getting the experience they need. The Daily Mail
Monday, 24 September 2018
Child mental health: Camhs 'not fit for purpose'
Child mental health: Camhs 'not fit for purpose' Children with mental health problems are not receiving treatment until they are in crisis and sometimes suicidal, doctors have told the BBC.
A letter leaked to Panorama reveals at least one area's child and adolescent mental health service (Camhs) to be rationing care. Leading psychiatrist Jon Goldin described the service as "not fit for purpose". The government said it was investing an extra £1.4bn in child mental health. BBC News - Health
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A letter leaked to Panorama reveals at least one area's child and adolescent mental health service (Camhs) to be rationing care. Leading psychiatrist Jon Goldin described the service as "not fit for purpose". The government said it was investing an extra £1.4bn in child mental health. BBC News - Health
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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
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