Women told they aren't 'thin enough' for eating disorder treatment, MPs told Patients who fear they have eating disorders are being told by GPs they aren't "thin enough for treatment", according to a woman who was denied help.
The woman's MP, Wera Hobhouse, highlighted her story during an emotional debate in Westminster Hall.
In some cases, GPs were denying patients help because they didn't fall under the Body Mass Index (BMI) category of "anorexic", said Ms Hobhouse. BBC News
Wednesday, 17 October 2018
More than 19,000 babies under one at risk of severe harm in their own homes, report finds
More than 19,000 babies under one at risk of severe harm in their own homes, report finds Thousands of babies under the age of one are at risk of severe harm in their own homes as children’s services across England struggle with unprecedented financial pressures.
A new analysis of government data shows that 19,640 children less than a year old were identified by local authorities as being “in need”, largely due to risk factors in the family home – yet many are not known to services.
The report, by the Children’s Commissioner for England, found that in all, around 50,000 vulnerable youngsters were living in households with a “toxic trio” of domestic abuse, drug or alcohol addiction, and mental health problems. The Independent
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A new analysis of government data shows that 19,640 children less than a year old were identified by local authorities as being “in need”, largely due to risk factors in the family home – yet many are not known to services.
The report, by the Children’s Commissioner for England, found that in all, around 50,000 vulnerable youngsters were living in households with a “toxic trio” of domestic abuse, drug or alcohol addiction, and mental health problems. The Independent
See also:
- Estimating the number of vulnerable babies Children’s Commissioner
Revealed: NHS England sent 154 eating disorder patients to Scotland
Revealed: NHS England sent 154 eating disorder patients to Scotland Cost of cross-border care doubles in four years amid beds shortage, figures show
A severe shortage of beds for patients with life-threatening eating disorders has forced the NHS to send more than 100 patients from England to Scotland for treatment since 2016, the Guardian can reveal.
At least 154 vulnerable patients, mainly women and some teenagers, had to travel hundreds of miles from their homes in order to receive residential care in Glasgow and Edinburgh, costing the NHS millions of pounds annually. The Guardian
A severe shortage of beds for patients with life-threatening eating disorders has forced the NHS to send more than 100 patients from England to Scotland for treatment since 2016, the Guardian can reveal.
At least 154 vulnerable patients, mainly women and some teenagers, had to travel hundreds of miles from their homes in order to receive residential care in Glasgow and Edinburgh, costing the NHS millions of pounds annually. The Guardian
Asthmatics warned avoiding flu jab is like 'playing Russian roulette’
Asthmatics warned avoiding flu jab is like 'playing Russian roulette’ Doctors say winter colds can trigger potentially fatal flare-ups of the illness
Britain’s 5.4 million asthma sufferers are “playing Russian roulette with their life” if they do not have the flu jab before this winter, doctors are warning.
Asthmatics need to get immunised because colds and flu are the main trigger for potential fatal flare-ups of the disease, according to the charity Asthma UK. The Guardian
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Britain’s 5.4 million asthma sufferers are “playing Russian roulette with their life” if they do not have the flu jab before this winter, doctors are warning.
Asthmatics need to get immunised because colds and flu are the main trigger for potential fatal flare-ups of the disease, according to the charity Asthma UK. The Guardian
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- Flu vaccinations for people with asthma Asthma UK
The mental health crisis is down to government policy, not stigma
The mental health crisis is down to government policy, not stigma | Clare Allan Rather than locate the problem in the individual, let’s talk about the slashing of council budgets, legal aid and education spending
I have a radical proposal for tackling the mental health crisis. Let’s just stop talking about stigma. I’m not suggesting stigma isn’t a problem. I’ve written about it myself. But all this talk of stigma has become a politically convenient red herring.
It is another way of locating the problem in the individual, “If only he’d felt able to talk …”, and in the attitudes of others towards the individual, rather than where a very large portion of it belongs: in government policy. From attempts to demonise people on sickness benefits as morally inferior scroungers, to the decimation of social care and mental health services, to repeated failures to heed the warnings of mental health professionals, activists and carers, to the devastating impact of welfare reforms, successive Conservative governments have failed people with mental health difficulties at every conceivable turn. Not surprisingly, Theresa May wields the great stigma decoy at every opportunity. “We can end the stigma that has forced too many to suffer in silence and prevent the tragedy of suicide taking too many lives,” she said last week at a Downing Street reception to mark World Mental Health Day, where she also announced the appointment of a new minister for suicide prevention (Perhaps we can all talk to her?), and “up to” £1.8m for the Samaritans.
If people are so reluctant to seek help, why are the waiting lists so long? The Guardian
I have a radical proposal for tackling the mental health crisis. Let’s just stop talking about stigma. I’m not suggesting stigma isn’t a problem. I’ve written about it myself. But all this talk of stigma has become a politically convenient red herring.
It is another way of locating the problem in the individual, “If only he’d felt able to talk …”, and in the attitudes of others towards the individual, rather than where a very large portion of it belongs: in government policy. From attempts to demonise people on sickness benefits as morally inferior scroungers, to the decimation of social care and mental health services, to repeated failures to heed the warnings of mental health professionals, activists and carers, to the devastating impact of welfare reforms, successive Conservative governments have failed people with mental health difficulties at every conceivable turn. Not surprisingly, Theresa May wields the great stigma decoy at every opportunity. “We can end the stigma that has forced too many to suffer in silence and prevent the tragedy of suicide taking too many lives,” she said last week at a Downing Street reception to mark World Mental Health Day, where she also announced the appointment of a new minister for suicide prevention (Perhaps we can all talk to her?), and “up to” £1.8m for the Samaritans.
If people are so reluctant to seek help, why are the waiting lists so long? The Guardian
Disgraced doctor behind vaccine autism fears wins annual award for bad science
Disgraced doctor behind vaccine autism fears wins annual award for bad science The man who published a widely-dismissed paper claiming the MMR vaccine could make children autistic has been ridiculed with an award for bad science.
Andrew Wakefield, a former gastroenterologist who is now believed to be in a relationship with the model Elle Macpherson, has been awarded the 'Rusty Razor' award for pseudoscience by magazine The Skeptic. The Daily Mail
Andrew Wakefield, a former gastroenterologist who is now believed to be in a relationship with the model Elle Macpherson, has been awarded the 'Rusty Razor' award for pseudoscience by magazine The Skeptic. The Daily Mail
Replacing regular desks with standing work stations 'increases engagement'
Replacing regular desks with standing work stations 'increases engagement' Sit-stand desks were tested on NHS employees in Leicester, where 77 workers given the option to stand cut there sitting down time by about 90 minutes every working day. The Daily Mail
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Tuesday, 16 October 2018
Cardiologist asked Northampton patient to excite herself during examination to raise heart rate - Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Cardiologist asked Northampton patient to excite herself during examination to raise heart rate A heart doctor faces being struck off after asking a woman to sexually excite herself during a medical examination at Northampton General Hospital... three years after asking the same thing of a different patient.
A tribunal heard that locum cardiologist Dr Nilesh Jagjivan made the lewd suggestion of Miss A, who was a medical student and was shadowing him, after he had offered to examine her for an irregular heartbeat. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A tribunal heard that locum cardiologist Dr Nilesh Jagjivan made the lewd suggestion of Miss A, who was a medical student and was shadowing him, after he had offered to examine her for an irregular heartbeat. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Doomed to repeat? Lessons from the history of NHS reform
Doomed to repeat? Lessons from the history of NHS reform NHS leaders are now hard at work on a long-term plan for the health service, due to be published in the coming months. Those who have been involved with health care in England for some time could be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu, as NHS history is littered with similar plans. So what lessons can be learned from these previous plans, and how can we ultimately ensure that this time is a success? Nuffield Trust
Progress on the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health: On the road to parity
Progress on the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health: On the road to parity The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Mental Health has published a new report into the delivery of the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health (FyFV-MH). The FyFV-MH was published in 2016 and is the Government's five-year strategy to transform mental health services by 2020/21.
This report comes halfway through the FyFV-MH and is the result of the APPG's inquiry into the delivery of the Government's strategy. It asks what has gone well, what needs to be improved and outlines what the focus beyond 2020/21 should be.
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This report comes halfway through the FyFV-MH and is the result of the APPG's inquiry into the delivery of the Government's strategy. It asks what has gone well, what needs to be improved and outlines what the focus beyond 2020/21 should be.
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New nursing associate standards published
New nursing associate standards published Find out about the new nursing associate standards and resources available to support them. NHS Employers
Physician associates at The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Physician associates at The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust The Royal Free London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has successfully recruited two physician associates. This case study explores how the introduction of physician associates within urology at the trust has helped to increase educational opportunities for junior doctors, reduced workload intensity and improved continuity care for patients. It describes how the trust developed a business case for the roles, how physician associates were integrated into the workforce, and the education and training involved. NHS Employers
Crackdown on painkillers amid addiction fears
Crackdown on painkillers amid addiction fears Two painkillers are to be reclassified as class C controlled substances amid concerns people are becoming addicted to them and misusing them.
The drugs - pregabalin and gabapentin - are also used for epilepsy and anxiety.
The move, announced by the Home Office, means it will now be illegal to posses the drugs without a prescription and it will be illegal to supply or sell them to others.
The government acted after experts said tighter controls were needed. BBC News
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The drugs - pregabalin and gabapentin - are also used for epilepsy and anxiety.
The move, announced by the Home Office, means it will now be illegal to posses the drugs without a prescription and it will be illegal to supply or sell them to others.
The government acted after experts said tighter controls were needed. BBC News
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NHS 'failing self-harming over-65s' despite suicide risk increasing with age
NHS 'failing self-harming over-65s' despite suicide risk increasing with age The NHS is not referring the vast majority of older people who self-harm to specialist psychiatric support, despite their chances of committing suicidesignificantly increasing, a study has found.
Researchers from the University of Manchester found that over-65s whose medical records showed reported self-harm were 20 times more likely to die from suicide in the following year – but just 12 per cent were referred to psychiatric specialists.
Over the entire 13 year follow up period, unnatural deaths – predominantly suicides – were 145 times higher among older people who self-harmed. The Independent
Researchers from the University of Manchester found that over-65s whose medical records showed reported self-harm were 20 times more likely to die from suicide in the following year – but just 12 per cent were referred to psychiatric specialists.
Over the entire 13 year follow up period, unnatural deaths – predominantly suicides – were 145 times higher among older people who self-harmed. The Independent
GPs will not tell couch potatoes that exercise could boost their health
GPs will not tell couch potatoes that exercise could boost their health Most GPs are failing to give patients basic advice to do some exercise, despite evidence it can halve the risk of major diseases, experts say.
Public Health England (PHE) said GPs too often failed to raise the topic - because they were ignorant of the benefits of exercise, or were not sure how to bring it up.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock today called for “a culture shift” in medicine where referrals for exercise were as common as doling out a drug prescription. The Daily Telegraph
Public Health England (PHE) said GPs too often failed to raise the topic - because they were ignorant of the benefits of exercise, or were not sure how to bring it up.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock today called for “a culture shift” in medicine where referrals for exercise were as common as doling out a drug prescription. The Daily Telegraph
The damning vaginal mesh dossier: The shocking failures behind the scandal
The damning vaginal mesh dossier: The shocking failures behind the scandal That failure of regulatory oversight is bad enough. But we can also reveal that the new evidence was tainted by a multi-million- dollar deal between that company and the Swedish doctor who invented TVT. The Daily Mail
NHS pays out £100million to disabled children left brain damaged at birth in just 24 hours
NHS pays out £100million to disabled children left brain damaged at birth in just 24 hours The NHS paid out more than £100million within just 24 hours to disabled children who suffered brain damage at birth.
The High Court approved settlements in 11 cases on Monday and Tuesday last week, which breached the monumental sum in total.
One of the payouts was for a record £37million, which was awarded to a six-year-old boy who suffered a catastrophic brain injury after contracting herpes in hospital.
Negligence victims receive up to three times what they used to after ministers decided to alter how payouts are calculated last year. The Daily Mail
The High Court approved settlements in 11 cases on Monday and Tuesday last week, which breached the monumental sum in total.
One of the payouts was for a record £37million, which was awarded to a six-year-old boy who suffered a catastrophic brain injury after contracting herpes in hospital.
Negligence victims receive up to three times what they used to after ministers decided to alter how payouts are calculated last year. The Daily Mail
Monday, 15 October 2018
Dad of autistic girl sees off Walsall Council gag order
Dad of autistic girl sees off Walsall Council gag order Bethany, 17, who has autism and extreme anxiety, has been locked in a seclusion room for almost two years.
Her father Jeremy, 50, had been fighting an injunction sought by Walsall Council banning him from discussing her plight.
The council said it wanted to protect Bethany by shielding her identity.
Her family, whose surname cannot be published, told BBC File on 4 she has been kept in seclusion at St Andrew's Hospital in Northampton for 21 months. BBC Birmingham
Her father Jeremy, 50, had been fighting an injunction sought by Walsall Council banning him from discussing her plight.
The council said it wanted to protect Bethany by shielding her identity.
Her family, whose surname cannot be published, told BBC File on 4 she has been kept in seclusion at St Andrew's Hospital in Northampton for 21 months. BBC Birmingham
Child health in England in 2030: comparisons with other wealthy countries
Child health in England in 2030: comparisons with other wealthy countries The health of today’s children and young people (CYP) will be one of the key factors in determining whether England is healthy and prosperous over the next 50 years. In our reports, published October 2018, we used long term historical data on key CYP health outcomes and various projection modelling methods to estimate CYP outcomes in 2030 in England compared with other wealthy European and western countries, and we outline recommendations. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
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See also:
- Child health report should 'set alarm bells ringing' Nuffield Trust
- Children 'should be weighed up to age 18', report says BBC News
- UK baby death rate could climb to twice the levels in other western countries The Daily Mail
- Infant mortality in England and Wales could soar without action, study warns The Guardian
- Infant mortality in England will be 140% higher than EU states by 2030 without radical action, report warns The Independent
- Doctors warn of 60 per cent rise in child mental health problems in the UK by 2030 iNews
Nurse shortage leaves incurable breast cancer patients abandoned without critical care
Nurse shortage leaves incurable breast cancer patients abandoned without critical care. Thousands of incurable breast cancer patients continue to be denied crucial nursing care three years after UK Government cancer strategies promised to deliver access to a designated nurse for all cancer patients, reveals Freedom of Information data from charity Breast Cancer Care.
Shockingly, the figures - released on the international awareness day for the disease – expose that almost three quarters (72%) of NHS Trusts and Health Boards across England, Scotland and Wales do not provide a dedicated nurse for people living with incurable breast cancer.
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Shockingly, the figures - released on the international awareness day for the disease – expose that almost three quarters (72%) of NHS Trusts and Health Boards across England, Scotland and Wales do not provide a dedicated nurse for people living with incurable breast cancer.
See also:
- I never want anyone to feel the isolation I did after my secondary diagnosis Breast Cancer Care
- Terminal breast cancer patients 'abandoned' in nurse shortage. BBC News
- Thousands of terminal breast cancer patients 'abandoned' due to NHS nurse shortage The Independent
Dance lessons for the lonely - on the NHS
Dance lessons for the lonely - on the NHS GPs in England are being given permission to prescribe patients "social" activities, such as dance classes, to tackle loneliness.
The strategy, announced by Prime Minister Theresa May, will also see postal delivery workers checking in on isolated people during their rounds.
The government says about 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in over a month.
And many GPs see between one and five people a day suffering with loneliness. BBC News
The strategy, announced by Prime Minister Theresa May, will also see postal delivery workers checking in on isolated people during their rounds.
The government says about 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in over a month.
And many GPs see between one and five people a day suffering with loneliness. BBC News
New checks to crack down on free prescription fraud
New checks to crack down on free prescription fraud Patients claiming free prescriptions in England face checks before medicine is issued in an effort to stamp out fraud.
Prescription fraud currently costs the NHS in England an estimated £256m a year.
A new digitised system to be piloted next year will mean pharmacies can instantly verify who is entitled to free medication.
But pharmacists have opposed similar plans in the past, saying they harm patient trust. BBC News
Prescription fraud currently costs the NHS in England an estimated £256m a year.
A new digitised system to be piloted next year will mean pharmacies can instantly verify who is entitled to free medication.
But pharmacists have opposed similar plans in the past, saying they harm patient trust. BBC News
Health innovation hampered by drive for profit, report warns
Health innovation hampered by drive for profit, report warns Health innovation in the NHS is hampered by a drive for profit, economists warn.
In a new report, led by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, director of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP), it’s claimed NHS patients are being let down by a global health innovative system which fails to deliver the treatments they need at prices government can afford.
The report, The People's Prescription: Re-imagining health innovation to deliver public value, warns that health innovation is being hampered by a drive for profit and calls for a major overhaul of the system to ensure more drugs and treatments are developed for critical health needs. OnMedica
In a new report, led by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, director of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP), it’s claimed NHS patients are being let down by a global health innovative system which fails to deliver the treatments they need at prices government can afford.
The report, The People's Prescription: Re-imagining health innovation to deliver public value, warns that health innovation is being hampered by a drive for profit and calls for a major overhaul of the system to ensure more drugs and treatments are developed for critical health needs. OnMedica
PHE issues national warning to GPs after rabid bat found in UK
PHE issues national warning to GPs after rabid bat found in UK GPs have been instructed to consider a rabies injection for any UK patient exposed to bats, after the find of dead rabid bat in England.
The note from Public Health England said the European Bat Lyssavirus 1 was detected in a dead serotine bat found in Dorset, and that it was the first time this particular virus has ever been confirmed in the UK.
According to the notice, the bat rabies virus is 'related to the classical rabies virus and can lead to clinical rabies in humans'. Pulse
The note from Public Health England said the European Bat Lyssavirus 1 was detected in a dead serotine bat found in Dorset, and that it was the first time this particular virus has ever been confirmed in the UK.
According to the notice, the bat rabies virus is 'related to the classical rabies virus and can lead to clinical rabies in humans'. Pulse
Patients given 'needless' appointments because NHS funding pays hospitals to create work, trust chief warns
Patients given 'needless' appointments because NHS funding pays hospitals to create work, trust chief warns Doctors in overstretched hospitals feel forced into giving patients needless appointments so that they don’t lose funding, an NHS trust boss has said.
The health service’s financial system means that hospitals are given more money for generating work for themselves – and penalised for helping patients avoid coming in for treatment.
With hospitals facing record demand and a 50 per cent rise in patients having to wait six months or more, Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said these payment rules were hampering efforts to modernise the health service. The Independent
The health service’s financial system means that hospitals are given more money for generating work for themselves – and penalised for helping patients avoid coming in for treatment.
With hospitals facing record demand and a 50 per cent rise in patients having to wait six months or more, Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said these payment rules were hampering efforts to modernise the health service. The Independent
Brexit: most doctors and nurses now think NHS will get worse
Brexit: most doctors and nurses now think NHS will get worse Opposition to leaving the EU has grown to 75% among medical professionals, new YouGov polls finds
A clear majority of the UK’s doctors and nurses think that the NHS will deteriorate after Brexit, with the result being longer waiting times and staff shortages, according to a new poll of medical professionals.
The survey by YouGov also suggests that opposition to Brexit has grown among doctors and nurses, with 75% saying they would now vote to remain in the EU, up from 66% who said they voted that way in 2016. The Guardian
A clear majority of the UK’s doctors and nurses think that the NHS will deteriorate after Brexit, with the result being longer waiting times and staff shortages, according to a new poll of medical professionals.
The survey by YouGov also suggests that opposition to Brexit has grown among doctors and nurses, with 75% saying they would now vote to remain in the EU, up from 66% who said they voted that way in 2016. The Guardian
Folic acid to be added to UK flour in effort to reduce birth defects
Folic acid to be added to UK flour in effort to reduce birth defects Exclusive: ministers finally overcome food industry objections on compulsory fortification
All flour is to be fortified with folic acid after ministers swung behind a plan that medical experts say will reduce the number of babies born in the UK with serious birth defects, the Guardian can reveal.
The policy, which will be introduced within weeks, comes after minister were convinced by their own advisers that it would reduce the risk of babies developing spina bifida and other conditions that involve severe disability or death. The Guardian
All flour is to be fortified with folic acid after ministers swung behind a plan that medical experts say will reduce the number of babies born in the UK with serious birth defects, the Guardian can reveal.
The policy, which will be introduced within weeks, comes after minister were convinced by their own advisers that it would reduce the risk of babies developing spina bifida and other conditions that involve severe disability or death. The Guardian
NHS to launch national 'crutch amnesty' amid concern equipment is going to waste
NHS to launch national 'crutch amnesty' amid concern equipment is going to waste The NHS is to launch a national “crutch amnesty” to deal with concern that perfectly good medical equipment is going to waste cluttering up homes across the country.
Patients are being urged to return wheelchairs, walking frames and other aids to local hospitals, as part of a war on waste across the NHS. Ministers are concerned that hospitals do little to track down such equipment – and even refuse to use unwanted aids when patients attempt to return them. The Daily Telegraph
Patients are being urged to return wheelchairs, walking frames and other aids to local hospitals, as part of a war on waste across the NHS. Ministers are concerned that hospitals do little to track down such equipment – and even refuse to use unwanted aids when patients attempt to return them. The Daily Telegraph
Failure to stop medicine rip-offs is 'costing the NHS £200 million a year'
Failure to stop medicine rip-offs is 'costing the NHS £200 million a year' The NHS is wasting around £200million a year on over-inflated drug prices because officials haven't used their powers to crack down on rip-off merchants.
Prices of some medicines have rocketed by up to 12,500 per cent by manufacturers because of a loophole that means the health service will still buy them.
Some 70 generic medicines were found to have had their prices hiked in 2016, and only 19 of those have had big price reductions since.
This is despite the Department of Health and Social Care having had the power to impose a lower price for 18 months, to avoid wasting taxpayer money. The Daily Mail
Prices of some medicines have rocketed by up to 12,500 per cent by manufacturers because of a loophole that means the health service will still buy them.
Some 70 generic medicines were found to have had their prices hiked in 2016, and only 19 of those have had big price reductions since.
This is despite the Department of Health and Social Care having had the power to impose a lower price for 18 months, to avoid wasting taxpayer money. The Daily Mail
Friday, 12 October 2018
More people being sectioned in Northamptonshire because of delays in mental health treatment
More people being sectioned in Northamptonshire because of delays in mental health treatment More people are being sectioned under the Mental Health Act in the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, reflecting a trend seen across the country.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists said that while reasons for the rise were complex, one factor is that people are waiting too long to receive help for mental illnesses.
On March 31 this year, a snapshot was taken of people detained under the Mental Health Act in the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. On that date, around 45 were sectioned, up from 30 at the same time in 2017. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The Royal College of Psychiatrists said that while reasons for the rise were complex, one factor is that people are waiting too long to receive help for mental illnesses.
On March 31 this year, a snapshot was taken of people detained under the Mental Health Act in the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. On that date, around 45 were sectioned, up from 30 at the same time in 2017. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A short history of NHS winter funding
A short history of NHS winter funding Words can sometimes take on a whole new meaning in the NHS. A good example is the ‘non-recurrent’ funding that continues to be provided year after year to help the NHS cope with additional pressures over winter. The King's Fund
NHS on course for even tougher winter
NHS on course for even tougher winter Performance against the headline A&E target is already at the levels that just three years ago we were seeing in January, in the depths of winter. Nuffield Trust
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Making the most of the money: efficiency and the long-term plan
Making the most of the money: efficiency and the long-term plan This report says trusts recognise their responsibility to maximise efficiency but a different approach will now be needed as the current method of driving efficiency in the health service is no longer sustainable. The report says the forthcoming NHS long-term plan, backed by the new funding settlement, can provide a vision for a transformed and sustainable NHS. It concludes that the success of that plan will depend on the ability of the health service to deliver stretching levels of efficiency. NHS Providers
NHS funding: clinical commissioning groups
NHS funding: clinical commissioning groups This paper gives details of funding allocations for each CCG in England from 2013/14 to 2020/21. It also describes the process used to allocate the funds. House of Commons Library
Doctors can prescribe medical cannabis from November in UK
Doctors can prescribe medical cannabis from November in UK Doctors will be able to prescribe cannabis products to patients from 1 November, the Home Secretary Sajid Javid says.
The new regulations apply to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Mr Javid decided to relax the rules on when cannabis products could be given to patients after a review into medicinal cannabis earlier this year. BBC News
The new regulations apply to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Mr Javid decided to relax the rules on when cannabis products could be given to patients after a review into medicinal cannabis earlier this year. BBC News
NHS waste scandal firm has been 'vilified', boss says
NHS waste scandal firm has been 'vilified', boss says The boss of the firm at the centre of the NHS clinical waste scandal has hit back against claims of mismanagement.
Garry Pettigrew, managing director of Healthcare Environmental Services, told the BBC his company had been "vilified for providing an excellent service".
The firm has been stripped of NHS contracts after hundreds of tonnes of clinical waste piled up at its sites. BBC News
Garry Pettigrew, managing director of Healthcare Environmental Services, told the BBC his company had been "vilified for providing an excellent service".
The firm has been stripped of NHS contracts after hundreds of tonnes of clinical waste piled up at its sites. BBC News
Charge for migrants to use NHS to double to £400, government announces
Charge for migrants to use NHS to double to £400, government announces The surcharge that migrants must pay to use the NHS will be doubled to £400, the government has announced.
Immigration minister Caroline Nokes said the charge, which applies to migrants from outside the the EU, represented “a good deal for those seeking to live in the UK temporarily”.
The higher fee, which will be subject to parliamentary approval, will ensure migrants make a “fair contribution”, she said. The Independent
Immigration minister Caroline Nokes said the charge, which applies to migrants from outside the the EU, represented “a good deal for those seeking to live in the UK temporarily”.
The higher fee, which will be subject to parliamentary approval, will ensure migrants make a “fair contribution”, she said. The Independent
Health department cannot guarantee 'supply of medicines' after Brexit, MPs warn
Health department cannot guarantee 'supply of medicines' after Brexit, MPs warn Vital drug shortages could become more likely when the UK quits the European Union, MPs are warning after health ministers were unable to give guarantees on how they would prevent fallout from a ”no deal” Brexit.
A report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on medicines shortages last year found no evidence that the government was adequately prepared for similar disruption from leaving the EU. The Independent
A report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on medicines shortages last year found no evidence that the government was adequately prepared for similar disruption from leaving the EU. The Independent
Easing of visa rules for doctors is temporary, says Sajid Javid
Easing of visa rules for doctors is temporary, says Sajid Javid NHS groups alarmed at possible U-turn over medical staff’s exemption from migrant cap
The government’s decision to allow many more overseas doctors and nurses to work in the NHS was only temporary, Sajid Javid has said, in a move that has prompted concern that tough restrictions on numbers may be reimposed.
The home secretary hinted at a possible U-turn on the relaxation of strict limits on medical staff allowed to come to Britain in a letter to the government’s advisers on immigration. Instead they could once again be included in the annual cap on the number of highly skilled migrant workers given work visas. The Guardian
The government’s decision to allow many more overseas doctors and nurses to work in the NHS was only temporary, Sajid Javid has said, in a move that has prompted concern that tough restrictions on numbers may be reimposed.
The home secretary hinted at a possible U-turn on the relaxation of strict limits on medical staff allowed to come to Britain in a letter to the government’s advisers on immigration. Instead they could once again be included in the annual cap on the number of highly skilled migrant workers given work visas. The Guardian
Caesareans now used in one in four UK births, major new report reveals
Caesareans now used in one in four UK births, major new report reveals One in four UK babies is now delivered by caesarean section, new figures reveal as experts say women are increasingly scared of natural birth.
A major international study, published in the Lancet, shows rates of C-section delivery have increased from 19.7 per cent in 2000 to 26.2 per cent in 2015, putting Britain among the highest in Western Europe for use of the procedure. The Daily Telegraph
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A major international study, published in the Lancet, shows rates of C-section delivery have increased from 19.7 per cent in 2000 to 26.2 per cent in 2015, putting Britain among the highest in Western Europe for use of the procedure. The Daily Telegraph
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Rates of severe obesity soaring among children, new figures show
Rates of severe obesity soaring among children, new figures show Rates of extreme obesity among children have risen by more than a third in a decade, new figures show.
The official NHS data shows obesity is continuing to rise among children - with more than one in five classed obese by the time they leave primary school.
And rates of severe obesity have reached a record high - with a rise of more than a third in just over a decade.
In total, 4.2 per cent of children leaving primary school are now classed as “severely obese” - compared with 3.2 per cent in 2006/7 - and just 0.4 per cent in 1990. The Daily Telegraph
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The official NHS data shows obesity is continuing to rise among children - with more than one in five classed obese by the time they leave primary school.
And rates of severe obesity have reached a record high - with a rise of more than a third in just over a decade.
In total, 4.2 per cent of children leaving primary school are now classed as “severely obese” - compared with 3.2 per cent in 2006/7 - and just 0.4 per cent in 1990. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- National Child Measurement Programme, England - 2017/18 School Year NHS Digital
- Record high levels of severe obesity found in year 6 children Public Health England
- Severe obesity four times more likely in poor primaries BBC News
- Severe obesity levels have hit a record high among Year 6 children The Daily Mail
WannaCry cyber attack cost the NHS £92 MILLION
WannaCry cyber attack cost the NHS £92 MILLION The WannaCry computer hacking scandal which crippled the NHS last year cost the health service £92 million, a report revealed today.
Around £72 million was spent on IT support in the wake of the virus, while a further £20 million was added to the bill from 'lost output'.
In response, the Government says all health trusts should make plans to upgrade their cyber security, in a move which could cost up to £1 billion.
But leaked emails seen last week showed NHS chiefs are reluctant to pay for the higher protection, saying it 'would not be value for money'. The Daily Mail
See also:
Around £72 million was spent on IT support in the wake of the virus, while a further £20 million was added to the bill from 'lost output'.
In response, the Government says all health trusts should make plans to upgrade their cyber security, in a move which could cost up to £1 billion.
But leaked emails seen last week showed NHS chiefs are reluctant to pay for the higher protection, saying it 'would not be value for money'. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Securing cyber resilience inhealth and careProgress update October 2018 Department of Health and Social Care
- Cyber-attack cost NHS £92m – DHSC Health Service Journal
NHS waiting list is the longest for 11 years
NHS waiting list is the longest for 11 years The NHS waiting list in England is the longest it has been in 11 years, official figures have revealed today.
A staggering 4,154,559 people – around six per cent of the entire UK population – were waiting to start hospital treatment at the end of August.
This number is the highest it has been since August 2007, and more than 3,000 people have been waiting more than a year for routine treatment.
A&E departments are also getting busier and cancer treatment waiting times have been missed for the 32nd month in a row, NHS data showed. The Daily Mail
A staggering 4,154,559 people – around six per cent of the entire UK population – were waiting to start hospital treatment at the end of August.
This number is the highest it has been since August 2007, and more than 3,000 people have been waiting more than a year for routine treatment.
A&E departments are also getting busier and cancer treatment waiting times have been missed for the 32nd month in a row, NHS data showed. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 11 October 2018
New interactive online data tool provides easier access to mental health statistics
New interactive online data tool provides easier access to mental health statistics National mental health statistics that shed new light on care and treatment for patients are now available at the click of a mouse thanks to the latest interactive data hub created by NHS Digital.
NHS England staff must explain if they refuse to have flu jab
NHS England staff must explain if they refuse to have flu jab Health workers in England who refuse to take up the offer of a free flu jab will be asked to explain why they do not want to be vaccinated.
The measures have been introduced in an effort to cut sickness rates and protect patients over winter.
Members of staff who decline the jab could be moved away from critical areas if they work with vulnerable patients.
Last year saw the worst flu season in a decade but only 64% of staff received the flu vaccine. BBC News
The measures have been introduced in an effort to cut sickness rates and protect patients over winter.
Members of staff who decline the jab could be moved away from critical areas if they work with vulnerable patients.
Last year saw the worst flu season in a decade but only 64% of staff received the flu vaccine. BBC News
NHS watchdog warns good healthcare is becoming more of a postcode lottery
NHS watchdog warns good healthcare is becoming more of a postcode lottery CQC chief blames ‘geographical disparities’ in England for lack of access to quality care
Patients in England are increasingly being subjected to “care injustice” in which they can access either no or poor quality hospital, mental health and social care services, the NHS watchdog has warned.
Access to good care is more and more of a lottery depending on where people live, with some areas providing only services that have been deemed substandard, according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Guardian
See also:
Patients in England are increasingly being subjected to “care injustice” in which they can access either no or poor quality hospital, mental health and social care services, the NHS watchdog has warned.
Access to good care is more and more of a lottery depending on where people live, with some areas providing only services that have been deemed substandard, according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Guardian
See also:
- The state of health care and social care in England 2017/18 Care Quality Commission
- CQC State of Care report worrying but sadly not surprising Nuffield Trust
- Public faces 'care injustice' as NHS struggles BBC News
- Social care crisis is crippling A&E leading to record overcrowding The Daily Mail
- 'Care injustice' means some patients have no access to good quality NHS and social care, watchdog warns The Independent
Mental health services under-resourced, says Matt Hancock
Mental health services under-resourced, says Matt Hancock Health secretary says services are ‘way off ’ what is needed, as suicide prevention minister appointed
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, has conceded that mental health services have been under-resourced and undervalued as he announced the appointment of a minister for suicide prevention.
Jackie Doyle-Price, a health minister, will be given the new brief and tasked with ensuring that every local area has effective plans in place to stop unnecessary deaths, and investigating how technology can help identify those most at risk. The Guardian
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, has conceded that mental health services have been under-resourced and undervalued as he announced the appointment of a minister for suicide prevention.
Jackie Doyle-Price, a health minister, will be given the new brief and tasked with ensuring that every local area has effective plans in place to stop unnecessary deaths, and investigating how technology can help identify those most at risk. The Guardian
More than 300 leading academics warn Public Health England it will risk its reputation
More than 300 leading academics warn Public Health England it will risk its reputation More than 300 academics and experts from Britain have warned the body they will begin to withdraw their help and advice if the body goes ahead with plans to work with the charity Drinkaware. The Daily Mail
District nurses ‘spend 88 days a year on admin’
District nurses ‘spend 88 days a year on admin’ District nurses spend more time on administrative work than with patients, the head of the NHS said yesterday.
The average community health worker now spends just 87 days a year in direct contact with patients compared to 88 days on paperwork, a report found.
Simon Stevens told the NHS Providers conference in Manchester that the ‘hugely frustrating’ situation was one of many issues that needed dealing with in the long-term plan for the health service. He warned that the £20billion-a-year boost for the NHS must not be squandered, saying that it would be ‘looked on with some jealousy’ by teachers or the police. The Daily Mail
The average community health worker now spends just 87 days a year in direct contact with patients compared to 88 days on paperwork, a report found.
Simon Stevens told the NHS Providers conference in Manchester that the ‘hugely frustrating’ situation was one of many issues that needed dealing with in the long-term plan for the health service. He warned that the £20billion-a-year boost for the NHS must not be squandered, saying that it would be ‘looked on with some jealousy’ by teachers or the police. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 10 October 2018
Northamptonshire County Council: £65m of cuts agreed
Northamptonshire County Council: £65m of cuts agreed A cash-strapped county council which had commissioners appointed after it faced a financial crisis has agreed a £65m package of cuts.
Northamptonshire County Council's cabinet backed a so-called "stabilisation plan".
Planned spending cuts on agency staff and highways services are among the main proposed savings. BBC Northampton
See also:
Northamptonshire County Council's cabinet backed a so-called "stabilisation plan".
Planned spending cuts on agency staff and highways services are among the main proposed savings. BBC Northampton
See also:
- Northamptonshire County Council's stabilisation plan not without 'risks' Northamptonshire Telegraph
New mental health campaign launched across the Midlands
New mental health campaign launched across the Midlands Public Health England’s new Every Mind Matters campaign encourages adults in the Midlands to look after their mental health as they do their physical health.
Improving children and young people’s mental health services
Improving children and young people’s mental health services This report examines whether the government is on track to meet its ambitions for children and young people’s services, taking the policy document, Future in Mind as the starting point. It focuses on how the government decided to implement Future in Mind; whether it is on track to deliver improved mental health services to young people; and accountability for spending and outcomes. National Audit Office
See also:
See also:
- Mental health waiting lists 'stole my youth and teenage years' BBC News
- Child mental health services will not meet demand, NAO warns The Guardian
- Mental health treatment still failing six years after dramatic change promised, health secretary admits The Independent
- Nearly 500,000 children have no-one to talk to when sad, survey finds The Independent
The Lancet Commission on global mental health and sustainable development
The Lancet Commission on global mental health and sustainable development A decade on from the 2007 Lancet Series on global mental health, which sought to transform the way policy makers thought about global health, a Lancet Commission aims to seize the opportunity offered by the Sustainable Development Goals to consider future directions for global mental health. The Commission proposes that the global mental agenda should be expanded from a focus on reducing the treatment gap to improving the mental health of whole populations and reducing the global burden of mental disorders by addressing gaps in prevention and quality of care. The Commission outlines a blueprint for action to promote mental wellbeing, prevent mental health problems, and enable recovery from mental disorders.
See also:
See also:
- Matt Hancock calls for world to unite in responding to the challenge of mental health Department of Health and Social Care
- World in mental health crisis of 'monumental suffering', say experts The Guardian
- UK must double mental health spending as global bill expected to top £12trillion by 2030, landmark report warns The Independent
Prime Minister appoints minister for suicide prevention
Prime Minister appoints minister for suicide prevention A minister for suicide prevention has been appointed in England by the prime minister as the government hosts the first ever global mental health summit.
Theresa May said the appointment of Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price to the new role will help tackle the stigma surrounding suicide.
While suicide rates are falling, 4,500 people take their own lives every year.
The appointment comes as ministers and officials from more than 50 countries assemble in London for the summit. BBC News
See also:
Theresa May said the appointment of Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price to the new role will help tackle the stigma surrounding suicide.
While suicide rates are falling, 4,500 people take their own lives every year.
The appointment comes as ministers and officials from more than 50 countries assemble in London for the summit. BBC News
See also:
- PM pledges action on suicide to mark World Mental Health Day Prime Minister's Office
- Theresa May appoints first ever minister for suicide prevention The Independent
The NHS in numbers: What the service does in one day
The NHS in numbers: What the service does in one day The NHS is huge. It's the world's fifth-biggest employer and around 10% of government spending in the UK goes on it, so it's easy to get bogged down by the numbers.
So let's break it down. What does the NHS do in a single day? BBC News
So let's break it down. What does the NHS do in a single day? BBC News
Significant changes to tariff proposed for next year
Significant changes to tariff proposed for next year Regulators have proposed sweeping changes to NHS payment tariff rules, beginning next year, which could see significant swings in income for trusts.
The plans in a tariff engagement published by NHS England and NHS Improvement today include:
The plans in a tariff engagement published by NHS England and NHS Improvement today include:
- Confirmation of a “blended approach” to paying for urgent and emergency care
- A revision of how the market forces factor is calculated, which could see shifts in income of up to 2 per cent next year
- Confirmation of substantial changes to outpatient tariffs
- Changes in payment for maternity services
Health Service Journal
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
See also:
- 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
See also:
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%).
See also:
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%).
See also:
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
See also:
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.
See also:
The report uses Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to providers of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and local authorities in England.
See also:
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
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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
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