Wednesday, 10 October 2018
Long-term NHS plan must be honest, realistic, achievable and clear
Long-term NHS plan must be honest, realistic, achievable and clear NHS leaders have warned of the effects on NHS staff of a “permanent cycle of public failure” as they miss key targets despite working harder than ever, thanks to rising demand and tough savings targets. NHS Providers’ chief executive Chris Hopson told delegates at their annual conference this morning that this paradox must end, as he called for a long-term NHS plan that is honest about demand, sustainable, achievable, clear and based on mutual respect. OnMedica
Body parts scandal: firm stripped of NHS contracts
Body parts scandal: firm stripped of NHS contracts Fifteen trusts have served termination notices to Healthcare Environment Services, minister says
Healthcare Environment Services (HES) has been stripped of NHS contracts after hundreds of tonnes of waste from hospitals, including human body parts, were allowed to pile up at its facilities, the health minister has announced.
HES is run by a husband and wife who have paid themselves almost £1m in dividends over the past two years despite the company losing around £1.7m. The Guardian
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Healthcare Environment Services (HES) has been stripped of NHS contracts after hundreds of tonnes of waste from hospitals, including human body parts, were allowed to pile up at its facilities, the health minister has announced.
HES is run by a husband and wife who have paid themselves almost £1m in dividends over the past two years despite the company losing around £1.7m. The Guardian
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- NHS waste handler stripped of contracts BBC News
- Troubled firm at centre of NHS body parts scandal STRIPPED of its contract The Daily Mail
- Troubled firm at centre of NHS body parts scandal 'underestimated' scale of human waste The Daily Mail
- Waste firm stripped of NHS contract after stockpiling human body parts The Daily Telegraph
- NHS supplier stripped of contracts after human body parts and organs found ‘piling up at facilities’ The Independent
Treatment of autistic girl who injured Alder Hey nurses 'atrocious', says judge
Treatment of autistic girl who injured Alder Hey nurses 'atrocious', says judge High court hears traumatised girl assaulted staff after seeing hospital’s shrine to Alfie Evans
A high court judge has criticised Liverpool council over its “atrocious” treatment of a severely traumatised girl with autism who injured nine nurses on an NHS ward.
The 15-year-old, identified as R, was said to have post-traumatic stress disorder from living in a war zone in Iraq for several years. The Guardian
A high court judge has criticised Liverpool council over its “atrocious” treatment of a severely traumatised girl with autism who injured nine nurses on an NHS ward.
The 15-year-old, identified as R, was said to have post-traumatic stress disorder from living in a war zone in Iraq for several years. The Guardian
Brexit could have a 'catastrophic' impact on cancer research and affect healthcare, scientists say
Brexit could have a 'catastrophic' impact on cancer research and affect healthcare, scientists say Brexit could have a 'catastrophic' impact on UK cancer research and may trigger a staffing crisis, a new study has said.
Overseas staff contributed to nearly 80 per cent of papers published in the UK between 2007 and 2014, and collaboration with EU scientists is increasingly common.
Restrictions on free movement after Brexit could risk undermining healthcare based on the research, according to a review led by Queen's University in Belfast. The Daily Mail
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Overseas staff contributed to nearly 80 per cent of papers published in the UK between 2007 and 2014, and collaboration with EU scientists is increasingly common.
Restrictions on free movement after Brexit could risk undermining healthcare based on the research, according to a review led by Queen's University in Belfast. The Daily Mail
See also:
- The impact of Brexit on UK cancer research The Lancet Oncology
English hospitals cut sugary drinks sales
English hospitals cut sugary drinks sales All 227 hospital trusts in England have signed up to a national target to reduce the amount of sugar consumed by patients, staff and visitors – more than half of the NHS's 1.3m staff are overweight. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 9 October 2018
Corby boy who needs round-the-clock care ‘is being failed’
Corby boy who needs round-the-clock care ‘is being failed’ An little boy from Corby who has astounded doctors who believed he would die in infanthood is being failed by those responsible for commissioning his care, according to his heartbroken family.
Five-year-old Logan Barton was born in March 2013 with a vanishingly rare chromosome deletion and an extensive list of chronic, potentially fatal, illnesses.
He needs round-the-clock care which his mum Wendy Barton says Corby NHS Clinical Commissioning Group is failing to find for him. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Five-year-old Logan Barton was born in March 2013 with a vanishingly rare chromosome deletion and an extensive list of chronic, potentially fatal, illnesses.
He needs round-the-clock care which his mum Wendy Barton says Corby NHS Clinical Commissioning Group is failing to find for him. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Long waits for mental health treatment lead to divorce, job loss and money problems
Long waits for mental health treatment lead to divorce, job loss and money problems PATIENTS are waiting up to 13 years to see an NHS mental health specialist, research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has found.
A ComRes poll of 500 British adults diagnosed with a mental illness found that over half (55%) waited more than four weeks from referral to see an NHS mental health specialist, one in four more than three months and 6% more than a year. Following the poll, RCPsych interviewed 25 respondents and found one man waited 13 years to get the help he needed.
For some, the long waits caused a deterioration in their mental health which in turn led to relationship problems including divorce (36%), financial troubles including getting into debt (32%) and work problems such as job loss (34%).
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A ComRes poll of 500 British adults diagnosed with a mental illness found that over half (55%) waited more than four weeks from referral to see an NHS mental health specialist, one in four more than three months and 6% more than a year. Following the poll, RCPsych interviewed 25 respondents and found one man waited 13 years to get the help he needed.
For some, the long waits caused a deterioration in their mental health which in turn led to relationship problems including divorce (36%), financial troubles including getting into debt (32%) and work problems such as job loss (34%).
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New report reveals UK doctors at greater risk of work-related stress, burnout and depression and anxiety than the general population
New report reveals UK doctors at greater risk of work-related stress, burnout and depression and anxiety than the general population We welcome the announcement made by NHS chief Simon Stevens that there will be national funding for a new mental health support scheme which will cover all doctors working in the NHS. The scheme will cover approximately 110,000 more doctors, in addition to those already supported.
A new report published today by the Society of Occupational Medicine and The Louise Tebboth Foundation offers evidence that this funding is indeed urgently needed. The report details evidence that UK doctors are at greater risk of work-related stress, burnout and depression and anxiety than the general population. The incidence of suicide, especially among women doctors and for GPs and trainees, is also comparatively high.
A new report published today by the Society of Occupational Medicine and The Louise Tebboth Foundation offers evidence that this funding is indeed urgently needed. The report details evidence that UK doctors are at greater risk of work-related stress, burnout and depression and anxiety than the general population. The incidence of suicide, especially among women doctors and for GPs and trainees, is also comparatively high.
Regulating the duty of candour: requires improvement
Regulating the duty of candour: requires improvement This research shows that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) “requires improvement” in how it regulates the statutory duty of candour. This is despite significant improvements since AvMA’s previous report in 2016. Action against Medical Accidents
Making hospitals safe for people with diabetes
Making hospitals safe for people with diabetes This report has been developed through conversations with people with diabetes, diabetes inpatient teams, healthcare professionals working in hospitals and hospital managers. It highlights the challenges facing diabetes inpatient services and shows what should be in place in all hospitals. Diabetes UK
Who are the young people 'not ill enough' to get help?
Who are the young people 'not ill enough' to get help? Every year thousands of mentally ill young people find the help they are receiving comes to an abrupt end when they hit a significant birthday.
Across Europe, it is a point reached somewhere between the ages of 16 and 21, marking the moment at which care from children's services comes to an end.
A significant proportion are in need of ongoing support and treatment, but among those moving into adult care many report feeling abandoned, neglected or poorly looked after.
Many others fail to get any support at all from adult services - their care reaching a very real cliff edge. BBC News
Across Europe, it is a point reached somewhere between the ages of 16 and 21, marking the moment at which care from children's services comes to an end.
A significant proportion are in need of ongoing support and treatment, but among those moving into adult care many report feeling abandoned, neglected or poorly looked after.
Many others fail to get any support at all from adult services - their care reaching a very real cliff edge. BBC News
Mesh 'last option' for incontinence
Mesh 'last option' for incontinence Women who need treatment for urinary incontinence should only be offered mesh surgery as a last resort, new draft guidelines for the NHS advise.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says non-surgical options, like pelvic muscle exercises, are the first to turn to.
The NHS in England has already put restrictions on mesh operations after safety concerns. BBC News
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says non-surgical options, like pelvic muscle exercises, are the first to turn to.
The NHS in England has already put restrictions on mesh operations after safety concerns. BBC News
See also:
- Health officials agree to only use controversial vaginal mesh as a last-ditch resort The Daily Mail
- Vaginal mesh should only be offered after all other options explored, new guidelines state The Daily Telegraph
- Vaginal mesh should be offered as last resort, health officials say The Guardian
- Vaginal mesh should only be offered by NHS ‘as last resort’ The Independent
Ipswich Hospital 'virtual workers' free up staff time
Ipswich Hospital 'virtual workers' free up staff time A hospital has brought in three "virtual workers" to act as medical secretaries work alongside its human staff.
The software used by Ipswich Hospital, run by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust, is designed to free up staff from "mundane and repetitive" tasks.
The computer automaton system helps deal with some of the 2,000 GP referrals the hospital receives.
The hospital claims the software will save the NHS £220,000 within a year. BBC News
The software used by Ipswich Hospital, run by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust, is designed to free up staff from "mundane and repetitive" tasks.
The computer automaton system helps deal with some of the 2,000 GP referrals the hospital receives.
The hospital claims the software will save the NHS £220,000 within a year. BBC News
More than one homeless person dies every day in the UK, study finds
More than one homeless person dies every day in the UK, study finds More than one homeless person died every day in the UK over the last 12 months, according to a new study.
A physicist, a former soldier and a travelling musician were among the 449 deaths recorded since October 2017, including 14 in one week alone.
Experts described the statistic as a “national scandal” and placed the blame on welfare cuts, high rents and a lack of social housing.
The true death toll is likely to be significantly higher, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, which produced the database with the help of Channel 4 news, local journalists, charities and grassroots outreach groups. The Independent
A physicist, a former soldier and a travelling musician were among the 449 deaths recorded since October 2017, including 14 in one week alone.
Experts described the statistic as a “national scandal” and placed the blame on welfare cuts, high rents and a lack of social housing.
The true death toll is likely to be significantly higher, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, which produced the database with the help of Channel 4 news, local journalists, charities and grassroots outreach groups. The Independent
Hospices care for 200,000 people a year, but they're powered by voluntary effort
Hospices care for 200,000 people a year, but they're powered by voluntary effort There’s a paradox inherent in the hospice movement: they’re integral, yet wouldn’t exist without volunteers and fundraisers
Hospices across the UK are this week supporting Hospice Care Week: seven days of events marking the extraordinary success of a movement that, in 50 years, has grown to become an essential arm of the nation’s health and care system – largely through voluntary effort.
But the week is at least as much a fundraiser as a celebration: although hospices have made themselves indispensable providers of free palliative and end-of-life care, they continue to rely on the goodwill of their local communities to keep going. On average, they receive only a third of their funding from the state; children’s hospices get even less. And for most, that contribution has been shrinking. The Guardian
Hospices would be in an even better position if their NHS funding support was both more substantial and more consistent
Hospices across the UK are this week supporting Hospice Care Week: seven days of events marking the extraordinary success of a movement that, in 50 years, has grown to become an essential arm of the nation’s health and care system – largely through voluntary effort.
But the week is at least as much a fundraiser as a celebration: although hospices have made themselves indispensable providers of free palliative and end-of-life care, they continue to rely on the goodwill of their local communities to keep going. On average, they receive only a third of their funding from the state; children’s hospices get even less. And for most, that contribution has been shrinking. The Guardian
Hospices would be in an even better position if their NHS funding support was both more substantial and more consistent
Private health firms squeeze out GP-run extended services
Private health firms squeeze out GP-run extended services ‘Creeping privatisation’ of local family services is compromising patient health, say critics
Profit-driven firms are squeezing traditional GPs out of running family doctor services because of rules that NHS bosses and ministers both believe harm patient care, the Observer can reveal.
Doctors, MPs and campaigners have hit out at the “creeping privatisation” of general practice, with private companies being handed contracts ahead of groups of GPs.
The government is saying one thing – collaboration – but the reality is that competition prevails The Guardian
Profit-driven firms are squeezing traditional GPs out of running family doctor services because of rules that NHS bosses and ministers both believe harm patient care, the Observer can reveal.
Doctors, MPs and campaigners have hit out at the “creeping privatisation” of general practice, with private companies being handed contracts ahead of groups of GPs.
The government is saying one thing – collaboration – but the reality is that competition prevails The Guardian
Boy, 6, awarded record £37m in NHS compensation after ‘catastrophic’ brain damage
Boy, 6, awarded record £37m in NHS compensation after ‘catastrophic’ brain damage A six-year-old boy has been awarded a record £37 million from the NHS in compensation after contracting a virus in hospital which led to “catastrophic” brain damage.
The boy contracted the Herpes Simplex virus which later developed into a devastating brain fever following his birth at Watford General Hospital, London’s High Court heard.
The hospital did not detect the infection quickly enough, citing a two-day treatment delay which resulted in “catastrophic damage to his brain,” the boy’s barrister Henry Witcomb QC said. The Daily Telegraph
The boy contracted the Herpes Simplex virus which later developed into a devastating brain fever following his birth at Watford General Hospital, London’s High Court heard.
The hospital did not detect the infection quickly enough, citing a two-day treatment delay which resulted in “catastrophic damage to his brain,” the boy’s barrister Henry Witcomb QC said. The Daily Telegraph
NHS patients asked if they would pay £10 to 'see a GP more quickly'
NHS patients asked if they would pay £10 to 'see a GP more quickly' EMIS Health, which runs the NHS's IT systems, sent a survey asking for people's opinions on privatising the NHS and experts worry the company is trying to get patients' information. The Daily Mail
Fraud costs the NHS £1.29bn a YEAR, report reveals
Fraud costs the NHS £1.29bn a YEAR, report reveals The NHS Counter Fraud Authority, set up in November last year, announced the damning numbers in its first annual report. It said the number will only rise if action isn't taken to stop it. The Daily Mail
Monday, 8 October 2018
Northants County Council paying for empty beds under care home contract
Northants County Council paying for empty beds under care home contract More than 140 beds are laying empty each week at private care homes being paid for by Northamptonshire County Council because the patients the authority is referring do not qualify under the contract.
A report released by the council this week has revealed that a huge percentage of the 204 beds it pays for across four health care centres run by Shaw Healthcare are unused.
The terms of the contract, which were agreed by the then Labour-run council 15 years ago, mean that a number of patients the council wants to refer to the beds are not eligible, so the beds remain unused. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A report released by the council this week has revealed that a huge percentage of the 204 beds it pays for across four health care centres run by Shaw Healthcare are unused.
The terms of the contract, which were agreed by the then Labour-run council 15 years ago, mean that a number of patients the council wants to refer to the beds are not eligible, so the beds remain unused. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
More than a third of Northampton cancer patients not sure if treatments are working
More than a third of Northampton cancer patients not sure if treatments are working More than a third of cancer patients treated at the Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust say they do not feel they have been kept fully informed about whether their treatment is working.
Patients who underwent cancer treatment with the trust between April and June 2017, were asked about their care as part of this year’s National Cancer Patient Experience Survey.
The survey monitors patients’ impressions of their diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Patients who underwent cancer treatment with the trust between April and June 2017, were asked about their care as part of this year’s National Cancer Patient Experience Survey.
The survey monitors patients’ impressions of their diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Access to children and young people’s mental health services – 2018
Access to children and young people’s mental health services – 2018 A new report by the Education Policy Institute assesses the state of children’s mental health services in England. The research examines access to specialist services, waiting times for treatment, and provision for those children that are not able to receive treatment.
The report uses Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to providers of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and local authorities in England.
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The report uses Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to providers of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and local authorities in England.
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NHS to prioritise doctors’ mental health
NHS to prioritise doctors’ mental health NHS chief Simon Stevens today announced a new mental health support scheme to cover all doctors working in the NHS. Speaking at a conference on ‘Wounded Healers’, Simon Stevens announced national funding for a new scheme for all NHS doctors in England, covering approximately 110,000 more doctors, in addition to those already supported. NHS England
Boots investigated over great-grandfather's fatal pharmacy error
Boots investigated over great-grandfather's fatal pharmacy error Regulators are investigating the actions of Boots after the death of a great-grandfather who was sent duplicate packs of prescription drugs.
Richard "Tony" Lee took a week of extra pills dispensed in error shortly before his death in December 2016.
The General Pharmaceutical Council, which regulates pharmacies, said it was investigating his daughter's complaint.
Boots said "extremely rare circumstances" led to the error and has now apologised to the family. BBC News
Richard "Tony" Lee took a week of extra pills dispensed in error shortly before his death in December 2016.
The General Pharmaceutical Council, which regulates pharmacies, said it was investigating his daughter's complaint.
Boots said "extremely rare circumstances" led to the error and has now apologised to the family. BBC News
Staff 'afraid to question care' at Shropshire baby death trust
Staff 'afraid to question care' at Shropshire baby death trust Junior staff at a health trust undergoing a review into its maternity care were frightened to raise concerns, a former nurse has claimed.
The nurse, who worked in the maternity department at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust for a decade, said colleagues often did not ask questions about the care patients received.
An independent review into a series of baby deaths and injuries at the trust is looking at more than 100 cases. BBC News
The nurse, who worked in the maternity department at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust for a decade, said colleagues often did not ask questions about the care patients received.
An independent review into a series of baby deaths and injuries at the trust is looking at more than 100 cases. BBC News
Too few children receiving treatment for ADHD, figures suggest
Too few children receiving treatment for ADHD, figures suggest Exclusive: Findings undermine Ofsted chief inspector’s claim that too many children are being given Ritalin
Children in England and especially girls are being under-treated, not over-medicated, for ADHD, new figures obtained by the Guardian suggest.
In June, Ofsted’s chief inspector of schools, Amanda Spielman, claimed too many children were being given Ritalin, the main drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She said reliance on drugs meant behavioural problems were not being addressed. The Guardian
Children in England and especially girls are being under-treated, not over-medicated, for ADHD, new figures obtained by the Guardian suggest.
In June, Ofsted’s chief inspector of schools, Amanda Spielman, claimed too many children were being given Ritalin, the main drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She said reliance on drugs meant behavioural problems were not being addressed. The Guardian
More than 260,000 diabetes inpatients had hospital medication errors in 2017
More than 260,000 diabetes inpatients had hospital medication errors in 2017 Diabetes UK calls on hospitals to improve patient experience for people with condition
More than a quarter of a million diabetes inpatients experienced a medication error at hospital last year, putting them at risk of serious harm or death, research by a leading charity has found.
Diabetes UK said more than 260,000 people with the condition had encountered errors during a hospital stay in 2017, 9,600 of whom suffered a serious and potentially life-threatening episode of hypoglycaemia because of poor insulin management. The Guardian
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More than a quarter of a million diabetes inpatients experienced a medication error at hospital last year, putting them at risk of serious harm or death, research by a leading charity has found.
Diabetes UK said more than 260,000 people with the condition had encountered errors during a hospital stay in 2017, 9,600 of whom suffered a serious and potentially life-threatening episode of hypoglycaemia because of poor insulin management. The Guardian
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NHS nurses told to dispose of clinical waste in patients' own dustbins
NHS nurses told to dispose of clinical waste in patients' own dustbins District nurses are being told to dispose of bandages and other clinical waste in patients’ own dustbins in the wake of the NHS body parts scandal.
A memo sent to carers tells them to use “sandwich bags and bin liners” to wrap up dressings, gloves, aprons and other clinical waste.
The nurses are specifically told not to use yellow or orange clinical waste bags, which cannot be taken away with household waste.
Bodily fluids, including blood, are to be flushed down a patient’s lavatory “for a temporary period” in what is described as “an alternative disposal process”. The Daily Telegraph
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A memo sent to carers tells them to use “sandwich bags and bin liners” to wrap up dressings, gloves, aprons and other clinical waste.
The nurses are specifically told not to use yellow or orange clinical waste bags, which cannot be taken away with household waste.
Bodily fluids, including blood, are to be flushed down a patient’s lavatory “for a temporary period” in what is described as “an alternative disposal process”. The Daily Telegraph
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GPs to see patients in groups of 15
GPs to see patients in groups of 15 Patients will be expected to see their GPs in groups of up to 15 under plans being considered by the NHS.
Doctors said group consultations should become “the default” option offered by surgeries for many conditions, in an attempt to cope with growing shortages of GPs.
The scheme is expected to be included in the NHS 10-year plan which is due to be published later this year. The Daily Telegraph
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Doctors said group consultations should become “the default” option offered by surgeries for many conditions, in an attempt to cope with growing shortages of GPs.
The scheme is expected to be included in the NHS 10-year plan which is due to be published later this year. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Shared GP appointments trialled - and patients 'like' them BBC News
- The doctor will see you ALL now: Patients to be asked to share GP appointments with up to 14 others The Daily Mail
- Some patients benefit from group appointments, GPs say The Guardian
- GPs to offer group appointments with up to 15 patients at a time The Independent
The £6,000 kick in the teeth: Parents forced to pay out for children's braces the NHS refuse to fund
The £6,000 kick in the teeth: Parents forced to pay out for children's braces the NHS refuse to fund Tens of thousands of families are being forced to pay up to £6,000 for dental braces for children who should get them free on the NHS.
A Mail on Sunday investigation has found that at least 20,000 youngsters a year are being denied the corrective treatment they need for seriously misaligned teeth. The figure could be even higher, but there are no official figures. The Daily Mail
A Mail on Sunday investigation has found that at least 20,000 youngsters a year are being denied the corrective treatment they need for seriously misaligned teeth. The figure could be even higher, but there are no official figures. The Daily Mail
GPs to text patients urging them to change unhealthy habits
GPs to text patients urging them to change unhealthy habits Patients could be sent text messages urging them to change unhealthy habits under radical proposals from the Health Secretary.
Matt Hancock wants to use data from patients’ own medical records – as well as more general information on population trends – to work out their risk of developing certain illnesses.
Patients would then be sent targeted public health advice via an app, email or text message which is based on their specific risk. The Daily Mail
Matt Hancock wants to use data from patients’ own medical records – as well as more general information on population trends – to work out their risk of developing certain illnesses.
Patients would then be sent targeted public health advice via an app, email or text message which is based on their specific risk. The Daily Mail
Nurses may soon be able to write sick notes to reduce the workload of over-stretched GPs
Nurses may soon be able to write sick notes to reduce the workload of over-stretched GPs Professor Gina Radford, deputy chief medical officer of NHS England, claims the health service is 'taking forward work to legislate an extension of fit note certification to other healthcare professionals'. The Daily Mail
Friday, 5 October 2018
Hospital beds crisis in Northamptonshire can be tackled with help of new computer system
Hospital beds crisis in Northamptonshire can be tackled with help of new computer system A new computer system is expected to help prevent patients from spending ‘too long’ in local hospital beds.
Northamptonshire County Council’s cabinet is set to agree to allow the authority to procure the system, which is currently a prototype and will soon go live.
It comes after recent research found that up to a third of 1,000 hospital beds in the county are occupied by a person who could have been discharged. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Northamptonshire County Council’s cabinet is set to agree to allow the authority to procure the system, which is currently a prototype and will soon go live.
It comes after recent research found that up to a third of 1,000 hospital beds in the county are occupied by a person who could have been discharged. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Approaches to better value: improving quality and cost
Approaches to better value: improving quality and cost The NHS is increasingly focusing on how it can improve the value of its services, to deliver the highest quality health outcomes for patients at the lowest cost possible. This report shares learning and insight from three NHS hospital trusts that have developed organisation-wide strategies for value improvement. The King's Fund
Reviewing the Better Care Fund: time to be bold?
Reviewing the Better Care Fund: time to be bold? The Prime Minister’s announcement in June of a new funding settlement for the NHS included a requirement for what Jeremy Hunt later described as ‘the full integration’ of the NHS and social care. Less attention was given to the announcement that the Better Care Fund (BCF) would be reviewed to make sure it supports that goal. The King's Fund
National mortality case record review: annual report 2018
National mortality case record review: annual report 2018 This report reveals that hospitals are using a standardised review approach to learn from adult acute deaths and improve patient care. It cites a number of case studies where the structured judgement review process has made positive contributions to improving healthcare for patients. Royal College of Physicians
Human body parts 'pile up' in NHS waste backlog
Human body parts 'pile up' in NHS waste backlog Hundreds of tonnes of human body parts and medical waste is piling up after a disposal company working for the NHS has struggled to incinerate it.
The government confirmed the waste had not been properly disposed of by Healthcare Environmental Services.
A spokeswoman said there was no risk to the public, but the waste material had not been incinerated in a timely fashion.
The anatomical waste is stored on sites in secure and refrigerated containers. BBC News
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The government confirmed the waste had not been properly disposed of by Healthcare Environmental Services.
A spokeswoman said there was no risk to the public, but the waste material had not been incinerated in a timely fashion.
The anatomical waste is stored on sites in secure and refrigerated containers. BBC News
See also:
- NHS waste backlog: Criminal probe over body parts 'pile up' BBC News
- Human body parts being stockpiled in their hundreds of tonnes by NHS-contracted waste firm The Daily Telegraph
- Body parts pile up as NHS supplier fails to dispose of human waste The Guardian
- Trusts alerted as firm stockpiles clinical waste and body parts Health Service Journal
- Government reviewing procurement process after 'human body parts' scandal Health Service Journal
- Human body parts and organs among tonnes of medical waste stockpiled by NHS contractor The Independent
Tighter cyber security deemed ‘not value for money’
Tighter cyber security deemed ‘not value for money’ The government is set to ignore recommendations from its top national cyber body that the NHS must meet a “minimum bar” for cyber security, even as the service continues to come under online attack.
A government commissioned review of the NHS response to the WannaCry global ransomware attack, published in February, recommended that all NHS organisations meet a cyber security standard, known as a cyber essentials plus, by June 2021. Health Service Journal
A government commissioned review of the NHS response to the WannaCry global ransomware attack, published in February, recommended that all NHS organisations meet a cyber security standard, known as a cyber essentials plus, by June 2021. Health Service Journal
The NHS doctor facing deportation after 16 years
The NHS doctor facing deportation after 16 years Highly skilled workers who want to live and work in Britain will get priority – that’s according to the Government’s immigration policy, outlined at the Tory conference this week.
And, just today, the NHS launched a drive to recruit more than 1200 doctors from Australia – to help boost GP numbers.
Yet a popular, highly qualified doctor in east Surrey, who’s lived here for 16 years, is now facing deportation after her application for indefinite leave to remain was refused. Channel 4 News
And, just today, the NHS launched a drive to recruit more than 1200 doctors from Australia – to help boost GP numbers.
Yet a popular, highly qualified doctor in east Surrey, who’s lived here for 16 years, is now facing deportation after her application for indefinite leave to remain was refused. Channel 4 News
Fifth of UK adults fear catching flu from jab, study finds
Fifth of UK adults fear catching flu from jab, study finds A new study claims some of the most common myths about being ill include “starve a fever” and “the flu jab gives you flu”.
A poll of 2,000 adults found one-fifth of the population fear catching flubecause they have had the flu jab.
This belief could be the reason why only 37 per cent of Britons are planning to be vaccinated against the virus this year. The Independent
A poll of 2,000 adults found one-fifth of the population fear catching flubecause they have had the flu jab.
This belief could be the reason why only 37 per cent of Britons are planning to be vaccinated against the virus this year. The Independent
NHS strikes deal for cutting edge cancer treatment for adults with lymphoma
NHS strikes deal for cutting edge cancer treatment for adults with lymphoma Patients with a type of cancer who have just months to live are to have access to a “game-changing” new treatment on the NHS in England, health chiefs say.
Up to 200 adults a year with a form of lymphoma will be able to receive the therapy as hospitals in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, London and Newcastle prepare to provide it.
The treatment offers new hope to patients with cancer of the lymphatic system who have run out of other options, experts believe. The Independent
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Up to 200 adults a year with a form of lymphoma will be able to receive the therapy as hospitals in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, London and Newcastle prepare to provide it.
The treatment offers new hope to patients with cancer of the lymphatic system who have run out of other options, experts believe. The Independent
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Women have wrongly been told they are pregnant as thousands of tests recalled
Women have wrongly been told they are pregnant as thousands of tests recalled Thousands of pregnancy testing kits are being recalled after women were wrongly informed they were expecting.
About 60,000 of the potentially faulty Clear & Simple digital pregnancy tests have been distributed in the UK and an unknown number have been found to give a false positive result.
China-based manufacturer Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech announced the recall following an investigation, admitting that a production error had led to its results “misleading consumers”. The Daily Telegraph
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About 60,000 of the potentially faulty Clear & Simple digital pregnancy tests have been distributed in the UK and an unknown number have been found to give a false positive result.
China-based manufacturer Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech announced the recall following an investigation, admitting that a production error had led to its results “misleading consumers”. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Digital pregnancy tests recalled in new alert amid false positive results Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
- Digital pregnancy tests recalled over inaccurate results BBC News
GPs being asked to run cookery classes to help battle Britain's obesity crisis
GPs being asked to run cookery classes to help battle Britain's obesity crisis GPs have been urged to prescribe healthy recipes in a bid to combat Britain’s obesity crisis.
Doctors are also being asked to run weekend cookery classes at their practices, in a bid to teach families how to eat a balanced diet.
Medics at the Royal College of GPs’ annual conference said doctors needed to take a bigger role in helping patients to choose their meals more wisely. The Daily Telegraph
Doctors are also being asked to run weekend cookery classes at their practices, in a bid to teach families how to eat a balanced diet.
Medics at the Royal College of GPs’ annual conference said doctors needed to take a bigger role in helping patients to choose their meals more wisely. The Daily Telegraph
NHS will recruit doctors from Australia as it 'pulls out all the stops' to try and hire more GPs
NHS will recruit doctors from Australia as it 'pulls out all the stops' to try and hire more GPs The NHS will offer Australian doctors a 'relocation package' of up to £18,500 to move to the UK as it tries to hire more GPs to battle a staffing crisis.
The health service will target GPs who previously left the UK for Australia and are looking to return home, as well as Australian GPs who want to live in the UK.
NHS England's director of care says the UK is 'pulling out all the stops' as it tries to bring in doctors from a country where training and quality are as high as at home.
Figures last week revealed as many as 2.5 million patients are at risk of losing their surgeries in the next five years because so many doctors are close to retiring. The Daily Mail
See also:
The health service will target GPs who previously left the UK for Australia and are looking to return home, as well as Australian GPs who want to live in the UK.
NHS England's director of care says the UK is 'pulling out all the stops' as it tries to bring in doctors from a country where training and quality are as high as at home.
Figures last week revealed as many as 2.5 million patients are at risk of losing their surgeries in the next five years because so many doctors are close to retiring. The Daily Mail
See also:
- NHS to recruit doctors from ‘Down Under’ NHS England
Thursday, 4 October 2018
Northamptonshire County Council: 'Mistakes' made in care contract
Northamptonshire County Council: 'Mistakes' made in care contract A former leader of a cash-strapped council - which is paying up to £2m a year for empty care beds - has admitted "mistakes were made" in the signing of the deal.
The 25-year elderly care contract was negotiated by Northamptonshire County Council in 2003 under Labour.
The authority said this week the centres had been operating below 30-50% occupancy for several years.
The previous leader said the deal was "unanimously accepted". BBC Northampton
The 25-year elderly care contract was negotiated by Northamptonshire County Council in 2003 under Labour.
The authority said this week the centres had been operating below 30-50% occupancy for several years.
The previous leader said the deal was "unanimously accepted". BBC Northampton
Home to school transport and learning disability services targeted in Northamptonshire County Council savings
Home to school transport and learning disability services targeted in Northamptonshire County Council savings Home to school transport funding will be severely reduced from next year as the county council tries to balance its books.
Savings plans will also target better contract management of learning disabilities suppliers in the two most visible budget cuts for 2019/20.
Northamptonshire County Council announced yesterday morning its new ‘stabilisation plan’ to make £20m of savings for this financial year, and a further update on addressing the £35m unfunded deficit from the last financial year (2017/18). Northamptonshire Telegraph
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Savings plans will also target better contract management of learning disabilities suppliers in the two most visible budget cuts for 2019/20.
Northamptonshire County Council announced yesterday morning its new ‘stabilisation plan’ to make £20m of savings for this financial year, and a further update on addressing the £35m unfunded deficit from the last financial year (2017/18). Northamptonshire Telegraph
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Changes to staffing patterns at A&E could improve viability of smaller hospitals, research suggests
Changes to staffing patterns at A&E could improve viability of smaller hospitals, research suggests Improving A&E triage processes, encouraging groups of clinicians to pool their capacity at the hospital ‘front door’ and ending the practice of separating out services like ambulatory care units could be essential measures to shore up smaller hospitals, researchers argue today.
These recommendations come in a new Nuffield Trust report looking at the ways in which hospitals serving between 140,000 and 300,000 people run medical services for acutely ill patients.
See also:
These recommendations come in a new Nuffield Trust report looking at the ways in which hospitals serving between 140,000 and 300,000 people run medical services for acutely ill patients.
See also:
- Rethinking acute medical care in smaller hospitals Nuffield Trust
Be the change : ensuring an effective response to all in psychiatric emergency equal to medical care - recommendations from the first international summit on urgent and emergency behavioural healthcare
Be the change : ensuring an effective response to all in psychiatric emergency equal to medical care - recommendations from the first international summit on urgent and emergency behavioural healthcare According to this report, care for people in mental health crisis does not adequately address the needs of the community it is intended to serve. It outlines ten recommendations that if fulfilled would make urgent and emergency psychiatric health care ‘minimally adequate’, and calls on governmental agencies, policy makers and health and social services to take radical action to address inequalities and improve mental health crisis care. NHS Clinical Commissioners
Industry funders involved in most aspects of funded trials
Industry funders involved in most aspects of funded trials Few industry-funded trials in high impact journals are conducted without the involvement of industry employees in their design, conduct and reporting but this fact is sometimes downplayed or even omitted altogether, according to research* published online today by the BMJ. Although academics believed industry collaboration to be beneficial, some reported loss of academic freedom. In their separate opinion piece**, two of the study authors urged academics to refuse collaboration where industry demands control over trial design, conduct, data, statistical analysis, or reporting. OnMedica
‘Tech tsunami’ putting NHS services at risk, GP leaders warn
‘Tech tsunami’ putting NHS services at risk, GP leaders warn A “tech tsunami” being championed by the likes of health secretary Matt Hancock is destabilising the NHS in a way that increases health inequalities and profits private firms, GP leaders have said.
Warning about the growing “digital divide” the chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, has called government to invest in NHS technology to ensure all patients can benefit. The Independent
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Warning about the growing “digital divide” the chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, has called government to invest in NHS technology to ensure all patients can benefit. The Independent
See also:
- RCGP Chair takes on tech firms who are using 'bully boy' tactics and creating a 'digital divide' in patient care Royal College of General Practitioners
- UK.gov asks biz for ideas on how to 'overcome' data privacy concerns in NHS The Register
Brexit uncertainty sees UK patients cut from heart attack drug trial
Brexit uncertainty sees UK patients cut from heart attack drug trial UK patients have been cut from an international clinical trial to test a new heart attack drug because of uncertainties about registering new medicines after Brexit.
The drug, dutogliptin, is being tested to see if it can help regenerate cardiac muscle after a heart attack and patients in Exeter, Leeds and Clydebank in Scotland were due to take part. The Independent
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The drug, dutogliptin, is being tested to see if it can help regenerate cardiac muscle after a heart attack and patients in Exeter, Leeds and Clydebank in Scotland were due to take part. The Independent
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Theresa May tells tragic tale of her god daughter's cancer death as she announces new NHS plan
Theresa May tells tragic tale of her god daughter's cancer death as she announces new NHS plan Theresa May has spoken about how the death of her god daughter from cancer has fuelled her determination to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The Prime Minister said a new cancer strategy would increase early diagnosis rates from one-in-two to three-in four within a decade.
Under the plans, the NHS will create a national network of “one stop shops” for cancer checks to drive up detection rates. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The Prime Minister said a new cancer strategy would increase early diagnosis rates from one-in-two to three-in four within a decade.
Under the plans, the NHS will create a national network of “one stop shops” for cancer checks to drive up detection rates. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Prime Minister announces new cancer strategy Health Service Journal
- The five key themes of Theresa May's conference speech The Guardian
Young doctors being attacked on social media by patients, top medic warns
Young doctors being attacked on social media by patients, top medic warns Doctors should limit their use of social media to avoid attacks by angry patients and shadowy lobby groups, one of the profession’s leaders has warned.
Dr Clare Gerada, former chair of the Royal College of GPs, said younger doctors in particular are increasingly subject to online “vitriol” and “hate”.
Now medical director of the NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP), a service to support under-pressure staff, she told The Telegraph that millennial doctors should take themselves off social media for periods in order to protect their mental health. The Daily Telegraph
Dr Clare Gerada, former chair of the Royal College of GPs, said younger doctors in particular are increasingly subject to online “vitriol” and “hate”.
Now medical director of the NHS Practitioner Health Programme (PHP), a service to support under-pressure staff, she told The Telegraph that millennial doctors should take themselves off social media for periods in order to protect their mental health. The Daily Telegraph
Australia set to be first country to wipe out cervical cancer
Australia set to be first country to wipe out cervical cancer Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer in the next 20 years, making it the first country in the world to wipe out the disease.
A study in the Lancet Public Health journal has shown that if vaccination and screening continue at their current level cervical cancer rates will drop to less than six in 100,000 by 2022 and to below four in 100,000 by 2035. The current rate in Australia is seven cases per 100,000, compared to 10 per 100,000 in the UK. The Daily Telegraph
A study in the Lancet Public Health journal has shown that if vaccination and screening continue at their current level cervical cancer rates will drop to less than six in 100,000 by 2022 and to below four in 100,000 by 2035. The current rate in Australia is seven cases per 100,000, compared to 10 per 100,000 in the UK. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 3 October 2018
Northampton mum’s plea to NHS to fund rare drug to change son’s life
Northampton mum’s plea to NHS to fund rare drug to change son’s life A Northampton mum-of-one is urging the NHS to pay for a rare drug needed to keep her son alive.
Six-year-old Archie Kambanis of Duston has a rare muscle-wasting condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and was diagnosed with SMA when he was just two. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Six-year-old Archie Kambanis of Duston has a rare muscle-wasting condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and was diagnosed with SMA when he was just two. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Maths, baths and computer models: ways to make health services more efficient
Maths, baths and computer models: ways to make health services more efficient Chris Sherlaw-Johnson looks at different approaches being used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health services, and explains the value they could bring to the NHS. Nuffield Trust
NHS key statistics: England, October 2018
NHS key statistics: England, October 2018 This briefing paper provides a summary of NHS demand, performance and capacity of services in England. It includes A&E statistics, waiting lists, ambulance data, delayed discharges, staffing levels including doctors and nurses, and more. House of Commons Library
GP at Hand's smartphone doctor ads ruled misleading
GP at Hand's smartphone doctor ads ruled misleading Adverts for a smartphone GP service that promised NHS doctor appointments "in minutes" have been ruled misleading by the Advertising Standards Authority.
The service offers a symptom-checker and free GP consultations via videolink on smartphones.
The ASA received complaints that the ads did not say users would first have to leave their GP, and registration could take up to three weeks.
GP at Hand said it thought the process was "self-evident". BBC News
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The service offers a symptom-checker and free GP consultations via videolink on smartphones.
The ASA received complaints that the ads did not say users would first have to leave their GP, and registration could take up to three weeks.
GP at Hand said it thought the process was "self-evident". BBC News
See also:
- ASA Ruling on Babylon Healthcare Services Ltd t/a GP at hand Advertising Standards Authority
- Ads for virtual GP at Hand service banned The Daily Mail
- Advert for GP access smartphone app banned by watchdog The Guardian
- Watchdog rules GP at Hand adverts were misleading HSJ
MP's 'horror' at getting £4.2bn to digitise NHS with no plan
MP's 'horror' at getting £4.2bn to digitise NHS with no plan A former minister has described his "horror" at being handed £4.2bn to create a "paperless" NHS in England by 2020 without a plan how to do it.
George Freeman's role was digitizing the NHS - but he had not been involved in the 2016 public spending talks.
And he said his civil servants were ordered to set out how they would spend the money only after it was allocated.
This is how things are done in government, said Mr Freeman, and, he suggested, why they go wrong. BBC News
George Freeman's role was digitizing the NHS - but he had not been involved in the 2016 public spending talks.
And he said his civil servants were ordered to set out how they would spend the money only after it was allocated.
This is how things are done in government, said Mr Freeman, and, he suggested, why they go wrong. BBC News
Government's £240m winter pledge for social care is a ‘sticking plaster’, experts say
Government's £240m winter pledge for social care is a ‘sticking plaster’, experts say A £240m emergency funding injection to prop up social care this winter and ease pressure on the NHS has been labelled a “sticking plaster” by patient groups.
Ahead of his speech to the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Tuesday, health and social care secretary Matt Hancock said the move would prevent hospital beds being used by people who could be better cared for in their homes.
But council leaders warned they cannot be expected to “turn services on and off” in response to short-term bailouts from the government. The Independent
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Ahead of his speech to the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Tuesday, health and social care secretary Matt Hancock said the move would prevent hospital beds being used by people who could be better cared for in their homes.
But council leaders warned they cannot be expected to “turn services on and off” in response to short-term bailouts from the government. The Independent
See also:
- £240 million social care investment to ease NHS winter pressures Department of Health and Social Care
- Matt Hancock on funding health services BBC News
Newly discharged mental health patients at much higher risk of death
Newly discharged mental health patients at much higher risk of death Such patients are 90 times more likely to die from drugs overdose than general population, research finds
People with mental health problems are at a hugely increased risk of dying from unnatural causes, including suicide, soon after they have been discharged from hospital, new research reveals.
Such patients are 38 times more likely to die of fatal poisoning and 90 times more likely to perish from a drugs overdose than the general population, according to a new study. The Guardian
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People with mental health problems are at a hugely increased risk of dying from unnatural causes, including suicide, soon after they have been discharged from hospital, new research reveals.
Such patients are 38 times more likely to die of fatal poisoning and 90 times more likely to perish from a drugs overdose than the general population, according to a new study. The Guardian
See also:
- Suicide Methods and Specific Types of Accidental Death and Fatal Poisoning Among Discharged Psychiatric Patients: A National Cohort Study (abstract) Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
- Discharged mental health patients ‘at greater risk of dying’ University of Manchester
‘I was left to fight alone for NHS whistleblowing protection’
‘I was left to fight alone for NHS whistleblowing protection’ | Benedict Cooper As his tribunal case is finally heard, Chris Day discusses winning protection for other junior doctors – and why he feels betrayed
Blowing the whistle in the NHS is meant to be easy. Medical bodies such as the Department of Health and Social Care, the General Medical Council (GMC) and individual hospital trusts all encourage the practice – on paper. But when Chris Day, a junior intensive care doctor, raised numerous concerns about understaffing and safety at the intensive care unit of Queen Elizabeth hospital in Woolwich, he found out all too quickly the toll it would take on his career.
Day says he made a “protected disclosure” to hospital management and to Health Education England (HEE) – which oversees junior doctors’ training and career development – about the understaffing. But he says that far from being believed, he became the victim of a pernicious effort to discredit him and the issues he’d raised. A number of counter-allegations were made against him, and his HEE training number was deleted, effectively forcing him out of his career. “Looking back it was incredible that so much effort was going into discrediting me and my safety concerns,” he says. The Guardian
Blowing the whistle in the NHS is meant to be easy. Medical bodies such as the Department of Health and Social Care, the General Medical Council (GMC) and individual hospital trusts all encourage the practice – on paper. But when Chris Day, a junior intensive care doctor, raised numerous concerns about understaffing and safety at the intensive care unit of Queen Elizabeth hospital in Woolwich, he found out all too quickly the toll it would take on his career.
Day says he made a “protected disclosure” to hospital management and to Health Education England (HEE) – which oversees junior doctors’ training and career development – about the understaffing. But he says that far from being believed, he became the victim of a pernicious effort to discredit him and the issues he’d raised. A number of counter-allegations were made against him, and his HEE training number was deleted, effectively forcing him out of his career. “Looking back it was incredible that so much effort was going into discrediting me and my safety concerns,” he says. The Guardian
NHS must follow the lead of driverless cars and embrace technology – even if it doesn't work perfectly, Health Secretary says
NHS must follow the lead of driverless cars and embrace technology – even if it doesn't work perfectly, Health Secretary says The NHS must follow the lead of driverless cars and embrace technology - even if it doesn't work perfectly, the Health Secretary has said.
Matt Hancock urged GPs to do more to adopt innovations such as virtual consultations via video, and the use of artificial intelligence.
The minister, who became Health Secretary in July, personally uses an app called “GP at Hand” which uses artificial intelligence to assess symptoms and offers smartphone consultations.
Last month he criticised NHS attempts to block use of such schemes, saying every patient should be able to benefit from such services. The Daily Telegraph
Matt Hancock urged GPs to do more to adopt innovations such as virtual consultations via video, and the use of artificial intelligence.
The minister, who became Health Secretary in July, personally uses an app called “GP at Hand” which uses artificial intelligence to assess symptoms and offers smartphone consultations.
Last month he criticised NHS attempts to block use of such schemes, saying every patient should be able to benefit from such services. The Daily Telegraph
Over a million women screened for cervical cancer wait longer than two-weeks for their results
Over a million women screened for cervical cancer wait longer than two-weeks for their results More than one million women screened for cervical cancer wait longer than the two-week target for their results, new figures show.
Only 53 per cent of women who were tested between August 2017 and 2018 received their results within 14 days, a Freedom of Information request found.
These delays create unnecessary anxiety and 'could put women off' attending their appointments, according to the charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.
The charity has today blamed the delays on changes to the NHS cervical screening programme, which has caused a shortage of staff to deal with the results. The Daily Mail
Only 53 per cent of women who were tested between August 2017 and 2018 received their results within 14 days, a Freedom of Information request found.
These delays create unnecessary anxiety and 'could put women off' attending their appointments, according to the charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.
The charity has today blamed the delays on changes to the NHS cervical screening programme, which has caused a shortage of staff to deal with the results. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 2 October 2018
Northamptonshire County Council: Plan to save £55m unveiled
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
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
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
See also:
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
See also:
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
See also:
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
See also:
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
See also:
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
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- 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
See also:
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
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