Blundering hospital medics who failed to spot cancer cost the NHS £46.9million in compensation Hundreds of patients won compensation settlements from the NHS in the last four years after blundering hospital medics failed to spot their cancer symptoms.
The shocking figures mean that, in an average week, NHS hospitals are making three potentially-fatal diagnosis errors.
The 545 cancer mistakes cost the NHS a total of £46.9million in compensation over the last four years, with an average payout of almost £90,000 per person. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 14 February 2019
NHS made to pay £250,000 in fines for making junior doctors work beyond their contracted hours
NHS made to pay £250,000 in fines for making junior doctors work beyond their contracted hours The NHS has had to pay £250,000 in fines for making junior doctors work overtime, an investigation has revealed.
Junior doctors have worked beyond their contracted terms and conditions more than 63,000 times, an average of 2.1 times per doctor, since 2015.
The figures come from the first analysis since the introduction of a controversial contract in 2016, which led to the first strike action by junior doctors in 40 years.
The true figure is likely to be higher, as some junior doctors revealed they were discouraged from reporting by senior staff over fears they would look inefficient. The Daily Mail
Junior doctors have worked beyond their contracted terms and conditions more than 63,000 times, an average of 2.1 times per doctor, since 2015.
The figures come from the first analysis since the introduction of a controversial contract in 2016, which led to the first strike action by junior doctors in 40 years.
The true figure is likely to be higher, as some junior doctors revealed they were discouraged from reporting by senior staff over fears they would look inefficient. The Daily Mail
Prominent paediatrician slams the rate of suicide among doctors
Prominent paediatrician slams the rate of suicide among doctors A prominent paediatrician has slammed the appalling rate of suicide among doctors.
Dr Zeshan Qureshi, 33, claims doctors are twice as likely to take their own lives as a non-medic - a fact few take seriously.
Working as a paediatrician, Dr Qureshi has tragically gone to the funerals of many sick youngsters, but has also mourned the loss of colleagues who passed away from suicide. The Daily Mail
Dr Zeshan Qureshi, 33, claims doctors are twice as likely to take their own lives as a non-medic - a fact few take seriously.
Working as a paediatrician, Dr Qureshi has tragically gone to the funerals of many sick youngsters, but has also mourned the loss of colleagues who passed away from suicide. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 13 February 2019
Deal reached to keep Corby Urgent Care Centre open until 2021
Deal reached to keep Corby Urgent Care Centre open until 2021 Corby’s Urgent Care Centre will remain open without any changes to its services until at least 2021.
This morning (Wednesday) Corby CCG announced they had reached a deal with OnePrimaryCare, part of Leeds-based OneMedicalGroup, to run the Cottingham Road centre for two years from April 1 this year.
They said the service will run as before and will be uninterrupted, continuing to operate between 8am and 8pm every day of the year with patients able to walk in and be seen without an appointment. Northamptonshire Telegraph
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This morning (Wednesday) Corby CCG announced they had reached a deal with OnePrimaryCare, part of Leeds-based OneMedicalGroup, to run the Cottingham Road centre for two years from April 1 this year.
They said the service will run as before and will be uninterrupted, continuing to operate between 8am and 8pm every day of the year with patients able to walk in and be seen without an appointment. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
- Successful procurements mean Corby’s Urgent Care Centre will continue and an extra 1,000 NHS appointments a month will be available via a brand-new service NHS Corby Clinical Commissioning Group
Juggling work and unpaid care: a growing issue
Juggling work and unpaid care: a growing issue The report finds that 2.6 million people in the UK have quit their job to care for a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill, with nearly half a million (468,000) leaving their job in the last two years alone. The report findings also show that more people are caring than previously thought, with almost 5 million workers now juggling their paid job with caring – a dramatic rise compared with Census 2011 figures of 3 million. The report recommends that employers support staff with caring responsibilities to stay in the workforce through flexible working arrangements and increased Carers’ leave. Carers UK
Having HPV 'isn't rude or shameful'
Having HPV 'isn't rude or shameful' Having human papilloma virus (HPV) is not rude or shameful and is extremely common, experts say.
It comes as a survey of 2,000 women shows there are still stigmas around the infection, which can be passed on during sex and is linked to cancer.
Charities are concerned this could put women off getting smear tests.
Despite four out of every five getting HPV in their lifetime, many would worry about what their partner might think of them if they were diagnosed with it. BBC News
It comes as a survey of 2,000 women shows there are still stigmas around the infection, which can be passed on during sex and is linked to cancer.
Charities are concerned this could put women off getting smear tests.
Despite four out of every five getting HPV in their lifetime, many would worry about what their partner might think of them if they were diagnosed with it. BBC News
Thousands of fracture patients need NHS review after wrong metal plates fitted in hospital mix-up
Thousands of fracture patients need NHS review after wrong metal plates fitted in hospital mix-up Thousands of NHS patients who had fractures repaired with a metal plate need their X-rays reviewed after a hospital mix-up means some received implants which are liable to buckle.
About 5,500 patients who had plates fitted for limb fractures since February 2018 will now be reviewed, NHS Improvement and the British Orthopaedic Association said. The Independent
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About 5,500 patients who had plates fitted for limb fractures since February 2018 will now be reviewed, NHS Improvement and the British Orthopaedic Association said. The Independent
See also:
- BOA statement on NHS Improvement Patient Safety Alert on fracture fixation plates British Orthopaedic Association
- Wrong selection of orthopaedic fracture fixation plates NHS Improvement
- Fear wrong metal plates used to fix fractures BBC News
How retraining refugees could help tackle NHS staffing crisis
How retraining refugees could help tackle NHS staffing crisis Work placements aim to give medically qualified migrants access to UK jobs alongside English classes
When Horani Othman fled Syria with his Kurdish family in 2012, he arrived in the UK not knowing how he would make ends meet. Sent to live in Birmingham by the Home Office immigration authorities, he and his family were granted indefinite leave to remain last year. Now Othman, 54, is keen to get his career back on track. A pilot project in the Black Country is not only giving him valuable work experience in the UK, it could offer a solution to the growing crisis in NHS staffing levels.
Latest figures show that there are more than 100,000 vacancies for doctors and nurses. Brexit threatens to exacerbate the shortages: 9% of licensed doctors in the UK come from the European Economic Area, while in the West Midlands alone, EU nationals account for 10% of all nursing staff. The Guardian
When Horani Othman fled Syria with his Kurdish family in 2012, he arrived in the UK not knowing how he would make ends meet. Sent to live in Birmingham by the Home Office immigration authorities, he and his family were granted indefinite leave to remain last year. Now Othman, 54, is keen to get his career back on track. A pilot project in the Black Country is not only giving him valuable work experience in the UK, it could offer a solution to the growing crisis in NHS staffing levels.
Latest figures show that there are more than 100,000 vacancies for doctors and nurses. Brexit threatens to exacerbate the shortages: 9% of licensed doctors in the UK come from the European Economic Area, while in the West Midlands alone, EU nationals account for 10% of all nursing staff. The Guardian
NHS ends block on smartphone GPs
NHS ends block on smartphone GPs GP appointments by Skype will be made available across swathes of the country after health officials dropped their opposition to the plans.
The controversial "GP at Hand" model run by private company Babylon is already in operation in London, allowing NHS patients to see a doctor virtually via its app.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock is one of its patients and has repeatedly said that such access should be offered to all patients wherever they live. The Daily Telegraph
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The controversial "GP at Hand" model run by private company Babylon is already in operation in London, allowing NHS patients to see a doctor virtually via its app.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock is one of its patients and has repeatedly said that such access should be offered to all patients wherever they live. The Daily Telegraph
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NHS figures reveal nearly 6million appointments were missed in the first five months of 2018
NHS figures reveal nearly 6million appointments were missed in the first five months of 2018 The NHS figures, collected every month, show around 116million GP appointments were made between January and May in England - meaning around five per cent are wasted by no-shows. The Daily Mail
1.3MILLION people were fined last year for wrongly trying to claim NHS prescriptions for free
1.3MILLION people were fined last year for wrongly trying to claim NHS prescriptions for free The number of people fined for wrongly trying to claim free NHS prescriptions topped more than 1.3 million last year.
A total of 1,379,957 penalty notices were issued across England in 2018 – which is a third more than last year and a 60 per cent increase from three years earlier.
Figures show that 1,052,430 were penalised in 2017, which was an increased from 864,366 in 2016.
The shocking statistics come amid a government crackdown on prescription fraud, which experts believe costs the NHS £256million annually. The Daily Mail
A total of 1,379,957 penalty notices were issued across England in 2018 – which is a third more than last year and a 60 per cent increase from three years earlier.
Figures show that 1,052,430 were penalised in 2017, which was an increased from 864,366 in 2016.
The shocking statistics come amid a government crackdown on prescription fraud, which experts believe costs the NHS £256million annually. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Slow-moving care home projects means Northampton area will be 500 beds short by 2022
Slow-moving care home projects means Northampton area will be 500 beds short by 2022 Parts of Northamptonshire are facing a shortfall of as many as 500 beds for elderly people by 2022 if projects to build new care homes do not get off the ground, a report has claimed.
A report by Carterwood chartered surveyors claims they have identified nine schemes in Northamptonshire that could provide care and housing for elderly people in the next three years but as of yet show 'no indication of development'. Northamptonshire Telegraph
A report by Carterwood chartered surveyors claims they have identified nine schemes in Northamptonshire that could provide care and housing for elderly people in the next three years but as of yet show 'no indication of development'. Northamptonshire Telegraph
A critical moment: NHS staffing, trends, retention and attrition
A critical moment: NHS staffing, trends, retention and attrition This is the third annual report analysing the staff profile and trends in the NHS workforce in England. It is intended to be read as an annual update, examining changes in the overall profile of NHS staffing in 2018
The past year has seen modest growth of 1.8% in the total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff. However, this is against a backdrop of more than 100,000 vacancies reported in total by trusts, including more than 41,000 vacant nursing posts.
Staffing in some key areas is a problem. The number of GPs is falling, as is the number of nurses and health visitors working in community and mental health services. The Health Foundation
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Analysis of the NHS staff profile and trends in England in 2018 largely confirms the trends identified in our previous reports, showing an ongoing deterioration for some key staff groups.
Analysis of the NHS staff profile and trends in England in 2018 largely confirms the trends identified in our previous reports, showing an ongoing deterioration for some key staff groups.
The past year has seen modest growth of 1.8% in the total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff. However, this is against a backdrop of more than 100,000 vacancies reported in total by trusts, including more than 41,000 vacant nursing posts.
Staffing in some key areas is a problem. The number of GPs is falling, as is the number of nurses and health visitors working in community and mental health services. The Health Foundation
Can video consultations combat global doctor shortages?
Can video consultations combat global doctor shortages? Would you be happy to see your doctor online? Growing numbers of patients seem to be attracted by the convenience. And doctors are also finding it useful as health services come under pressure from growing and ageing populations.
Lydia Campbell-Hill, a 35-year-old doctor from Cornwall, England, says switching to online consultations has transformed her life. BBC News
Lydia Campbell-Hill, a 35-year-old doctor from Cornwall, England, says switching to online consultations has transformed her life. BBC News
Young people told - become a care worker
Young people told - become a care worker Young people in England are being targeted by the government in a bid to recruit thousands of more care workers.
The Every Day is Different campaign will be promoted on social media and online platforms to get the under-40s to take up jobs such as care workers, therapists and activity co-ordinators.
There are currently more than 100,000 vacancies in the sector - a figure which some warn may rise after Brexit.
It comes as a report says a lack of community staff may damage the NHS. BBC News
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The Every Day is Different campaign will be promoted on social media and online platforms to get the under-40s to take up jobs such as care workers, therapists and activity co-ordinators.
There are currently more than 100,000 vacancies in the sector - a figure which some warn may rise after Brexit.
It comes as a report says a lack of community staff may damage the NHS. BBC News
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More than 5,000 safety incidents recorded in hospitals as NHS faces £3bn funding gap for repairs
More than 5,000 safety incidents recorded in hospitals as NHS faces £3bn funding gap for repairs NHS hospitals are “falling apart” due to an “alarming” crisis which has seen the urgent repair bill jump to £3 billion, figures have revealed.
New analysis from The Sunday Times has revealed hospitals were waiting on some £3.06 billion in 2017-18, an increase of more than 100 per cent in three years.
There were also more than 5,500 serious safety incidents last year, with surgeries delayed or cancelled due to infrastructure problems such as burst pipes or broken heating. iNews
New analysis from The Sunday Times has revealed hospitals were waiting on some £3.06 billion in 2017-18, an increase of more than 100 per cent in three years.
There were also more than 5,500 serious safety incidents last year, with surgeries delayed or cancelled due to infrastructure problems such as burst pipes or broken heating. iNews
A&E departments working ‘beyond limits of resilience’, emergency chiefs warn as waits grow
A&E departments working ‘beyond limits of resilience’, emergency chiefs warn as waits grow The performance of A&E departments in some trusts is below levels set in last year’s record-breaking winter crisis, according to emergency medicine bosses who warn staff and bed shortages mean hospitals are “at or beyond the limits of their resilience”.
Despite milder weather and the absence of a major flu outbreak, which added to 2018’s “perfect storm” of pressures, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has said conditions in A&E are “grave indeed”. The Independent
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Despite milder weather and the absence of a major flu outbreak, which added to 2018’s “perfect storm” of pressures, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has said conditions in A&E are “grave indeed”. The Independent
See also:
- Latest RCEM Winter Flow data shows Emergency Departments are “at or beyond the limits of their resilience” Royal College of Emergency Medicine
Cover-up fears as hundreds of contaminated blood files 'vanish' before inquiry can see them
Cover-up fears as hundreds of contaminated blood files 'vanish' before inquiry can see them Victims of the contaminated blood scandal have raised fears of a cover-up after it emerged hundreds of "crucial" documents were removed by government officials and are now missing.
Following the start of the Infected Blood Inquiry last year a Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) found around 950 files relating to blood policy had been "checked out" by staff over a period of years.
The report was released under Freedom of Information laws to campaigner Jason Evans, whose father died in 1993 having contracted hepatitis and HIV. The Independent
Following the start of the Infected Blood Inquiry last year a Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) found around 950 files relating to blood policy had been "checked out" by staff over a period of years.
The report was released under Freedom of Information laws to campaigner Jason Evans, whose father died in 1993 having contracted hepatitis and HIV. The Independent
NHS ageism means elderly people with depression far less likely to be referred for therapy
NHS ageism means elderly people with depression far less likely to be referred for therapy NHS ageism means GPs are failing to properly treat depression in the elderly, research suggests. Experts said older patients were far less likely to be referred for psychological therapies, and more likely to just be given pills.
The study by University College London and the University of Bristol found that almost four in ten people over the age of 75 are suffering some signs of depression.
But the research found older patients were far less likely than younger ones to be referred for therapy, with GPs often assuming depression was a natural consequence of old age. The Daily Telegraph
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The study by University College London and the University of Bristol found that almost four in ten people over the age of 75 are suffering some signs of depression.
But the research found older patients were far less likely than younger ones to be referred for therapy, with GPs often assuming depression was a natural consequence of old age. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Management of depression and referral of older people to psychological therapies: a systematic review of qualitative studies British Journal of General Practice
- Too many older people given 'antidepressants instead of therapy' The Guardian
Department of Health must approve all NHS texts, tweets and emails about Brexit
Department of Health must approve all NHS texts, tweets and emails about Brexit The Department of Health has insisted on approving all texts, tweets and emails sent out by the NHS concerning Brexit.
A leaked email from the director of communications at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) revealed any 'external communication' must be cleared to ensure the public gets 'consistent and clear information'.
This comes after the NHS Blood and Transplant Authority tweeted earlier this month about blood donor sessions being moved from Dover for six months to avoid traffic disruption during Brexit. The Daily Mail
A leaked email from the director of communications at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) revealed any 'external communication' must be cleared to ensure the public gets 'consistent and clear information'.
This comes after the NHS Blood and Transplant Authority tweeted earlier this month about blood donor sessions being moved from Dover for six months to avoid traffic disruption during Brexit. The Daily Mail
Monday, 11 February 2019
The Topol Review: Preparing the healthcare workforce to deliver the digital future
The Topol Review: Preparing the healthcare workforce to deliver the digital future The Topol Review, led by cardiologist, geneticist, and digital medicine researcher Dr Eric Topol, explores how to prepare the healthcare workforce, through education and training, to deliver the digital future. Dr Topol appointed a Review Board and three Expert Advisory Panels. HEE provided the secretariat team to facilitate the Review.
The Topol Review is now published and it makes recommendations that will enable NHS staff to make the most of innovative technologies such as genomics, digital medicine, artificial intelligence and robotics to improve services. These recommendations support the aims of the NHS Long-Term Plan. Health Education England
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The Topol Review is now published and it makes recommendations that will enable NHS staff to make the most of innovative technologies such as genomics, digital medicine, artificial intelligence and robotics to improve services. These recommendations support the aims of the NHS Long-Term Plan. Health Education England
See also:
- Preparing health care workforce for a digital future will require Herculean effort at all levels The Health Foundation
- Alexa-like bots will listen out for suicidal patients under NHS technology revolution The Daily Telegraph
- Robots and AI to give doctors more time with patients, says report The Guardian
Developing innovative volunteer services in the NHS: Key insight and learnings
Developing innovative volunteer services in the NHS: Key insight and learnings This report summarises the key Insight and Impact findings from the five hospital trusts in the first Helpforce innovators programme. In order to support continuous improvement and impact management, the trusts collected both insights data, which is predominantly anecdotal and observational, and impact data, which is designed to measure impact in a more systematic, robust way. Helpforce
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Is young people's mental health getting worse?
Is young people's mental health getting worse? Poor mental health among children and young people has been described as an epidemic and an "escalating crisis".
The number of children seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) in England, has more than doubled over the past two years.
But establishing how much of this represents an actual rise in young people experiencing problems, and how much is down to better awareness of symptoms and diagnosis, is difficult. BBC News
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The number of children seeking help from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) in England, has more than doubled over the past two years.
But establishing how much of this represents an actual rise in young people experiencing problems, and how much is down to better awareness of symptoms and diagnosis, is difficult. BBC News
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Breast cancer: Scan younger women at risk, charity says
Breast cancer: Scan younger women at risk, charity says Younger women with a family history of breast cancer should receive annual screenings to pick up the disease earlier, a charity says.
Breast Cancer Now funded a study which found cancers were detected sooner when 35 to 39-year-olds at risk had annual mammograms.
NHS screening often starts at the age of 40 for women with a family history.
Experts need to balance the benefits of doing more checks against causing any undue worry or over-treatment. BBC News
Breast Cancer Now funded a study which found cancers were detected sooner when 35 to 39-year-olds at risk had annual mammograms.
NHS screening often starts at the age of 40 for women with a family history.
Experts need to balance the benefits of doing more checks against causing any undue worry or over-treatment. BBC News
Knife crime epidemic adds to over 50% rise in teen stabbings needing hospital care
Knife crime epidemic adds to over 50% rise in teen stabbings needing hospital care NHS hospitals treated more than 1,000 stabbings, glassings and other blade attacks on teenagers last year – a rise of more than 50 per cent per cent since 2013, the health service has revealed.
Last year there were 1,012 admissions for young people between the age of 10 and 19 as a result of knife attacks and assaults with sharp weapons. This is up from 656 assaults in 2012/13, and the numbers are rising, health chiefs warned. The Independent
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Last year there were 1,012 admissions for young people between the age of 10 and 19 as a result of knife attacks and assaults with sharp weapons. This is up from 656 assaults in 2012/13, and the numbers are rising, health chiefs warned. The Independent
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Concerns over birthing options as NHS shuts midwife-led centres
Concerns over birthing options as NHS shuts midwife-led centres Trusts say midwives needed in hospitals, as critics argue women’s right to choose under threat
They are places where birth balls, water pools and attentive midwives help women have their baby in a calm atmosphere without doctors intervening medically in the process of delivery.
But NHS chiefs have sparked controversy by shutting eight birth centres in England, prompting criticism that pregnant women are being denied the choice of place of birth that all have been promised. The Guardian
They are places where birth balls, water pools and attentive midwives help women have their baby in a calm atmosphere without doctors intervening medically in the process of delivery.
But NHS chiefs have sparked controversy by shutting eight birth centres in England, prompting criticism that pregnant women are being denied the choice of place of birth that all have been promised. The Guardian
UK hospital admissions for addiction soar as treatment budgets fall
UK hospital admissions for addiction soar as treatment budgets fall MPs say freedom of information data reveals cuts ‘simply a false economy’
More than half of the local authorities in England have cut their budgets for alcohol and drug treatment, even though admissions to hospital for problems related to addiction are soaring, say MPs.
Liam Byrne, the chair of the cross-party parliamentary group for children of alcoholics, and Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, have both spoken of the trauma of growing up with an alcoholic father. They are among the MPs campaigning against the cuts. The Guardian
More than half of the local authorities in England have cut their budgets for alcohol and drug treatment, even though admissions to hospital for problems related to addiction are soaring, say MPs.
Liam Byrne, the chair of the cross-party parliamentary group for children of alcoholics, and Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, have both spoken of the trauma of growing up with an alcoholic father. They are among the MPs campaigning against the cuts. The Guardian
Third of antibiotics prescribed by doctors are 'unaccounted for', warns Chief Medical Officer
Third of antibiotics prescribed by doctors are 'unaccounted for', warns Chief Medical Officer A third of the antibiotics used in the NHS are prescribed despite there being no evidence of an illness requiring them, the Chief Medical Officer has said.
Dame Sally Davies warned that the struggle to contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is being hampered because family doctors too often hand out the drugs to “validate” that a patient is feeling unwell.
She pointed to research indicating that approximately 33 per cent of all prescriptions for antibiotics are recorded with no associated diagnosis. The Daily Telegraph
Dame Sally Davies warned that the struggle to contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is being hampered because family doctors too often hand out the drugs to “validate” that a patient is feeling unwell.
She pointed to research indicating that approximately 33 per cent of all prescriptions for antibiotics are recorded with no associated diagnosis. The Daily Telegraph
NHS could free up £100MILLION a year by cutting back on agency workers
NHS could free up £100MILLION a year by cutting back on agency workers NHS hospital regulators claim filling temporary vacancies using an internal pool of staff rather than expensive agencies would reduce the wage bill by a fifth. The Daily Mail
Friday, 8 February 2019
Health Secretary visits new assessment unit at Northampton General Hospital
Health Secretary visits new assessment unit at Northampton General Hospital Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health, has praised staff at NGH's new assessment unit.
And the minister said he hopes other hospitals copy the Nye Bevan Unit's successful model, which aims to eliminate unnecessary A&E visits.
Mr Hancock said: "The new unit has made a big impact on A&E. It means people can get into a hospital bed, if they need it, faster than before. "I'd like to replicate this elsewhere in the country." Northampton Chronicle and Echo
And the minister said he hopes other hospitals copy the Nye Bevan Unit's successful model, which aims to eliminate unnecessary A&E visits.
Mr Hancock said: "The new unit has made a big impact on A&E. It means people can get into a hospital bed, if they need it, faster than before. "I'd like to replicate this elsewhere in the country." Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Older patients spared dementia and falls by NHS tech roll-out
Older patients spared dementia and falls by NHS tech roll-out Digital checks that can prevent dementia and falls in older people, and save lives through diagnosis of sepsis, are among a range of tools being made available in hospitals across the country, as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.
One in eight hospital patients is affected by delirium, which can make people unsteady on their feet, increases the risk of developing dementia and can result in longer hospital stays or admission to a care home.
However, these problems can be avoided through timely and effective care, with a scheme in Salford increasing the number of patients correctly diagnosed with delirium by 34%, through the introduction of screening for all over-65s who are admitted to hospital. NHS England
One in eight hospital patients is affected by delirium, which can make people unsteady on their feet, increases the risk of developing dementia and can result in longer hospital stays or admission to a care home.
However, these problems can be avoided through timely and effective care, with a scheme in Salford increasing the number of patients correctly diagnosed with delirium by 34%, through the introduction of screening for all over-65s who are admitted to hospital. NHS England
Age UK’s Personalised Integrated Care Programme: evaluation of impact on hospital activity
Age UK’s Personalised Integrated Care Programme: evaluation of impact on hospital activity Nuffield Trust -Age UK’s Personalised Integrated Care Programme (PICP) aims to improve the lives of older people through practical support, underpinned by a change in the way that the health and care system works together for these people locally. This report analyses the hospital use of 1,996 older people who had received a service from PICP in eight areas in England, compares their activity to that of a carefully selected control group. King's Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
Involving NHS staff in research
Involving NHS staff in research The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute -This report highlights the role of NHS staff in research and explores how the full potential of their involvement could be better realised. It describes the ways NHS staff are making their mark on the research process – from designing studies, to collecting data, to disseminating and implementing research findings. It identifies some of the key reasons NHS staff get involved in research and looks at some of the barriers to active involvement. King's Fund - Health Management And Policy Alert
NHS hospitals are the fullest they have been all winter with 95% of beds occupied
NHS hospitals are the fullest they have been all winter with 95% of beds occupied NHS figures for last week have revealed hospitals in England had the fewest free beds of any week so far this winter, as a spike in norovirus, diarrhoea and vomiting has led to more bed closures. Mail Online
NHS to screen for lung cancer in trucks in supermarket car parks
NHS to screen for lung cancer in trucks in supermarket car parks Health chiefs hope £70m spend will save lives in areas with high death rates from disease
The NHS is spending £70m placing mobile scanning trucks in supermarket car parks in a bid to cut deaths from lung cancer by encouraging patients to undergo a check-up.
NHS England chiefs hope the initiative will improve Britain’s poor record on the early diagnosis of lung cancer and survival rates. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease. The Guardian
The NHS is spending £70m placing mobile scanning trucks in supermarket car parks in a bid to cut deaths from lung cancer by encouraging patients to undergo a check-up.
NHS England chiefs hope the initiative will improve Britain’s poor record on the early diagnosis of lung cancer and survival rates. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease. The Guardian
Thursday, 7 February 2019
Higham Ferrers surgery's staff problems a factor as health watchdog rates it as 'inadequate'
Higham Ferrers surgery's staff problems a factor as health watchdog rates it as 'inadequate' Health watchdog inspectors have rated a Higham Ferrers GP surgery as 'inadequate', highlighting staffing issues that led to poor services and morale. Higham Ferrers Surgery in Saffron Road was given a rating according to whether it is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Though found to be 'good' in terms of being effective, it was deemed 'inadequate' in the responsive and well-led categories, and 'requires improvement' in the safe and caring criteria. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Embedding the learning from speaking up - Health Service Journal
Embedding the learning from speaking up - Health Service Journal Moving from a blame culture to a learning culture is an integral part of Freedom to Speak Up. Dr Henrietta Hughes explains how the National Guardian’s Office is helping organisations embed learning through its case review process. Health Service Journal (HSJ)
Polypharmacy: getting our medicines right
Polypharmacy: getting our medicines right A report from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society summarises the scale and complexity of the issue of polypharmacy. NHS Networks
Assisted dying: 'I wish the law let me have him for longer'
Assisted dying: 'I wish the law let me have him for longer' Geoff Whaley has motor neurone disease and has decided to end his life rather than experience the final stages of the illness.
Assisted suicide is illegal in the UK, so he and his wife Ann have travelled to a clinic in Switzerland. They would like the UK to change its law, and have met peers and MPs to explain their views. BBC News
Assisted suicide is illegal in the UK, so he and his wife Ann have travelled to a clinic in Switzerland. They would like the UK to change its law, and have met peers and MPs to explain their views. BBC News
Children and electronic devices - how to keep young people safe
Children and electronic devices - how to keep young people safe Mobile phones should be banned from the dinner table and bedtimes as part of a healthy approach to devices, the UK's four chief medical officers have said.
Children should also take a break from screen-based activities every two hours, the guidance said. They also said technology companies must do more to keep children safe. BBC News - Health
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Children should also take a break from screen-based activities every two hours, the guidance said. They also said technology companies must do more to keep children safe. BBC News - Health
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Cervical screening intervals should be extended
Cervical screening intervals should be extended Women would be better protected by a switch from cytology (smear) testing to screening for high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection with longer intervals between examinations, suggests a study* published today in The BMJ.
UK researchers concluded that screening for HR-HPV infection works well in practice and is more sensitive than smear testing, offering greater protection against cervical cancer. On Medica
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UK researchers concluded that screening for HR-HPV infection works well in practice and is more sensitive than smear testing, offering greater protection against cervical cancer. On Medica
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Students paid up to £3,500 to catch potentially deadly diseases for science
Students paid up to £3,500 to catch potentially deadly diseases for science Cash strapped university students are being paid as much as £3,500 to be infected with dangerous tropical diseases including typhoid, malaria and pneumonia.
The UK students are among a growing number of healthy volunteers being paid to be infected with exotic bacteria and viruses for scientific research at institutions including Oxford University and Imperial College London.
The UK is a world leader in the study of infectious diseases and the experiments - known as “challenge trials” where human guinea pigs, mainly students, are “challenged” with an infectious disease - have become a popular way to progress the development of new vaccines at a fraction of the cost of field studies. The Telegraph
The UK students are among a growing number of healthy volunteers being paid to be infected with exotic bacteria and viruses for scientific research at institutions including Oxford University and Imperial College London.
The UK is a world leader in the study of infectious diseases and the experiments - known as “challenge trials” where human guinea pigs, mainly students, are “challenged” with an infectious disease - have become a popular way to progress the development of new vaccines at a fraction of the cost of field studies. The Telegraph
How is your hospital coping this winter? Performance tracker breaks down figures for local trusts
How is your hospital coping this winter? Performance tracker breaks down figures for local trusts England's worst performing hospital trusts have been named and shamed in an interactive tool.
Using only the name of a town or a postcode, the NHS Performance Tracker can reveal if hospitals are meeting health service targets.
A&E waits, patient safety incidents, the proportion of full beds and cancer waiting times are all measures included.
The handy tracker is regularly updated with the latest NHS figures, released every week during the winter by officials. Mail Online
Using only the name of a town or a postcode, the NHS Performance Tracker can reveal if hospitals are meeting health service targets.
A&E waits, patient safety incidents, the proportion of full beds and cancer waiting times are all measures included.
The handy tracker is regularly updated with the latest NHS figures, released every week during the winter by officials. Mail Online
Wednesday, 6 February 2019
Air ambulance saves Corby couple twice in six years
Air ambulance saves Corby couple twice in six years A Corby couple say they owe everything to the air ambulance after being airlifted to hospital twice in six years. Stacey and Conor Price, of Boughton Road, are so grateful to the charity they’ve agreed to be the faces of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance valentine fundraising campaign. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Richer, older men more likely to drink to excess, figures show
Richer, older men more likely to drink to excess, figures show NHS Digital data shows one in five people say they drink more than 14 weekly units of alcohol
One in five people drink more than they should, according to the latest official statistics, with richer, older men most likely to consume so much alcohol that they are risking their health.
Overall, 21% of people aged 16 and over in England drink more than the 14 units a week recommended by the UK’s four chief medical officers, a fall on the previous year. The Guardian
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One in five people drink more than they should, according to the latest official statistics, with richer, older men most likely to consume so much alcohol that they are risking their health.
Overall, 21% of people aged 16 and over in England drink more than the 14 units a week recommended by the UK’s four chief medical officers, a fall on the previous year. The Guardian
See Also:
- Baby boomers driving up hospital alcohol admission numbers as millennials turn their backs on drink The Telegraph
- Britain's sobering up: Number of younger adults consuming alcohol to danger levels PLUMMETS - but boozy baby boomers are still pushing up drink-related hospital admissions Mail Online
- Alcohol deaths in England at record high after 6 per cent rise in a year, NHS data shows The Independent
Governance and accountability for integrated health and care
Governance and accountability for integrated health and care HS Clinical Commissioners - This explainer for the NHS and local authorities, produced in association with the Centre for Public Scrutiny, outlines some of the key governance and accountability challenges that these organisations may face when seeking to work more collaboratively and potential solutions. It also highlights some of the key enablers from those systems that have already progressed on this journey and what they need to go further. King's Fund - Health Management And Policy Alert
Does hospital competition reduce rates of patient harm in the English NHS?
Does hospital competition reduce rates of patient harm in the English NHS? Competition and Markets Authority - Previous hospital mergers have reduced the number of distinct organisations offering publicly funded and provided care in the English National Health Service, reducing choice and between-hospital competition in some areas. This working paper tests the impact of variation in concentration on a new quality indicator: the prevalence of patient harm from falls, pressure ulcers, blood clots and urinary tract infections. King's Fund - Health Management And Policy Alert
Dementia risk factors not known by half of population
Dementia risk factors not known by half of population Half of UK adults cannot identify any key risk factors for dementia, according to a study by Alzheimer's Research UK.
The charity surveyed 2,361 people and found that only 1% were able to name the seven known risk or protective factors for dementia.
The six risk factors are heavy drinking, genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes. Physical exercise is a protective factor against the disease. BBC News - Health
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The charity surveyed 2,361 people and found that only 1% were able to name the seven known risk or protective factors for dementia.
The six risk factors are heavy drinking, genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes. Physical exercise is a protective factor against the disease. BBC News - Health
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Ministers pledge to clamp down on incompetent NHS chiefs
Ministers pledge to clamp down on incompetent NHS chiefs Ministers will pledge to clamp down on failing NHS managers and do more to protect whistleblowers, under new plans.
New standards for health service leaders will set out standards they have to meet, in a bid to drive out bullying and incompetence.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock will today promise to create “a more just culture in the NHS, starting at the top”. The Telegraph
New standards for health service leaders will set out standards they have to meet, in a bid to drive out bullying and incompetence.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock will today promise to create “a more just culture in the NHS, starting at the top”. The Telegraph
Tuesday, 5 February 2019
Corby family who lost baby help fund KGH project
Corby family who lost baby help fund KGH project Special skylight tiles have been fitted at KGH’s special care baby unit after a donation from a Corby family who lost their son. The 28 skylight tiles – which give a realistic image of the sky along with clouds and other natural features - have been fitted above the unit’s 18 neonatal and intensive care cots to support and promote brain development in premature and poorly babies. Northamptonshire Telegraph
One of the largest mental health trials launches in schools
One of the largest mental health trials launches in schools Hundreds of children and young people will learn how to use a range of innovative techniques to promote good mental health through one of the largest studies in the world of its kind.
To mark Children’s Mental Health Week (4-10 February), the Education Secretary Damian Hinds announces that up to 370 schools in England will take part in a series of trials testing different approaches to supporting young people’s mental health. GOV.UK
To mark Children’s Mental Health Week (4-10 February), the Education Secretary Damian Hinds announces that up to 370 schools in England will take part in a series of trials testing different approaches to supporting young people’s mental health. GOV.UK
HEE publishes update on developing and strengthening AHP roles
HEE publishes update on developing and strengthening AHP roles The growing influence and increasingly enhanced role of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in delivering safe and effective health care as part of an integrated service is highlighted in a review published today by Health Education England (HEE). Health Education England
Polypharmacy: new guidance available
Polypharmacy: new guidance available The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has today published guidance on polypharmacy for pharmacists and all healthcare organisations involved with medicines.
Polypharmacy: Getting our medicines right provides a summary of the scale and complexity of the issue of polypharmacy. It outlines how healthcare professionals, patients and carers can find solutions when polypharmacy causes problems for patients and points to useful resources that can help. Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Polypharmacy: Getting our medicines right provides a summary of the scale and complexity of the issue of polypharmacy. It outlines how healthcare professionals, patients and carers can find solutions when polypharmacy causes problems for patients and points to useful resources that can help. Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Universal personalised care: implementing the comprehensive model
Universal personalised care: implementing the comprehensive model Personalised Care will benefit up to 2.5 million people by 2024, giving them the same choice and control over their mental and physical health that they have come to expect in every other aspect of their life. This document confirms how we will do this by 2023/24. It is the action plan for the rolling out personalised care across England. NHS England
NHS England launches 'Help Us Help You' Pharmacy campaign
NHS England launches 'Help Us Help You' Pharmacy campaign The NHS England has launched their ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign today, 4th February, encouraging the public to use their local pharmacy as their first port of call for managing minor illness.
The community pharmacy teams have already received a resource pack and these materials are displayed in their pharmacies. Participation in the campaign and displaying the materials are mandatory as the PSNC and NHS England decided to list this as one of the six public health campaigns for the year. Pharmacy Business
The community pharmacy teams have already received a resource pack and these materials are displayed in their pharmacies. Participation in the campaign and displaying the materials are mandatory as the PSNC and NHS England decided to list this as one of the six public health campaigns for the year. Pharmacy Business
NHS Improvement recognises the leadership contribution psychologists can offer
NHS Improvement recognises the leadership contribution psychologists can offer New guidance from NHS Improvement says psychologists have a great leadership contribution to make to the NHS, but existing structures and expectations can make it hard for them to reach strategic management roles. Clinical leadership – a Framework for Action has been endorsed by nine professional bodies, including the British Psychological Society. The British Psychological Society
New data reveals 'shocking' uptake of yearly health checks
New data reveals 'shocking' uptake of yearly health checks Nearly half of people in England with a learning disability did not receive an annual health check last year, new data has revealed.
NHS figures released last week showed only 55 per cent of people with learning disabilities had a health check in 2017-18.
Although this has increased from 43 per cent in 2013-14, it is still far short of the new health check uptake target included in the long-term plan. The long-term plan set a goal of having at least 75 per cent of people aged 14 and over with a learning disability get a health check from their GP each year. HSJ
NHS figures released last week showed only 55 per cent of people with learning disabilities had a health check in 2017-18.
Although this has increased from 43 per cent in 2013-14, it is still far short of the new health check uptake target included in the long-term plan. The long-term plan set a goal of having at least 75 per cent of people aged 14 and over with a learning disability get a health check from their GP each year. HSJ
Tube teddies help sick kids understand their illnesses
Tube teddies help sick kids understand their illnesses A Glasgow woman is putting a smile on the faces of sick children after creating teddies that look just like them.
Fiona Allan, 28, suffers from a serious genetic condition that caused her to be given a nasal feeding tube and a surgical catheter.
She found it hard to adjust to her new appearance but felt even more for children going through the same thing.
Now her teddies with feeding tubes and stoma bags are in demand.
And they are making a difference. BBC News
Fiona Allan, 28, suffers from a serious genetic condition that caused her to be given a nasal feeding tube and a surgical catheter.
She found it hard to adjust to her new appearance but felt even more for children going through the same thing.
Now her teddies with feeding tubes and stoma bags are in demand.
And they are making a difference. BBC News
Scottish researchers find 100 genes linked to depression
Scottish researchers find 100 genes linked to depression An international study led by the University of Edinburgh has discovered more than 100 genes linked to depression.
Experts studied data from two million people in 20 countries.
They found genetic variations affected nerve connections in the parts of the brain controlling decision-making and personality.
The more gene variations their subjects had, the more likely they were to be depressed.
Researchers believe their discovery could lead to better treatments. BBC News
Experts studied data from two million people in 20 countries.
They found genetic variations affected nerve connections in the parts of the brain controlling decision-making and personality.
The more gene variations their subjects had, the more likely they were to be depressed.
Researchers believe their discovery could lead to better treatments. BBC News
Nearly half of GPs would want assisted death, poll suggests
Nearly half of GPs would want assisted death, poll suggests
Almost half of GPs would want to be prescribed drugs to help them die if they were terminally ill and suffering unbearably, a poll suggests.
The survey of more than 1,000 family doctors found most would want the option of “assisted dying” under certain circumstances.
The poll, commissioned by a pressure group in favour of assisted dying, comes as the Royal College of Physicians questions its members on its position. The Telegraph
Almost half of GPs would want to be prescribed drugs to help them die if they were terminally ill and suffering unbearably, a poll suggests.
The survey of more than 1,000 family doctors found most would want the option of “assisted dying” under certain circumstances.
The poll, commissioned by a pressure group in favour of assisted dying, comes as the Royal College of Physicians questions its members on its position. The Telegraph
Carers quitting jobs from pressure
Carers quitting jobs from pressure More than 600 people a day leave their jobs because of the demands of being a carer, says research from a charity.
The pressures of looking after an elderly, ill or disabled relative have made almost half a million people quit their jobs in the UK in the past two years, says Carers UK.
The report calls for more flexibility in the workplace for carers.
The charity's head, Helen Walker, says that 15% of the working population is "now working and caring". BBC News
The pressures of looking after an elderly, ill or disabled relative have made almost half a million people quit their jobs in the UK in the past two years, says Carers UK.
The report calls for more flexibility in the workplace for carers.
The charity's head, Helen Walker, says that 15% of the working population is "now working and caring". BBC News
The NHS 10-year plan doesn’t do enough for children | Al Aynsley-Green
The NHS 10-year plan doesn’t do enough for children | Al Aynsley-Green The government’s NHS 10-year plan, which launched last month, has been broadly praised by children’s organisations. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, for one, celebrates that “it lays the foundations for an NHS with infants, children and young people at its core”. But does it? The Guardian
FGM 'increasingly performed on UK babies'
FGM 'increasingly performed on UK babies' Female genital mutilation (FGM) is increasingly being performed on babies and infants in the UK, the Victoria Derbyshire programme has been told.
FGM expert and barrister Dr Charlotte Proudman said it was "almost impossible to detect" as the girls were not in school or old enough to report it.
In one report, in Yorkshire, a victim was just one month old.
The National FGM Centre said it was "not surprised" that victims may be younger now. BBC News
FGM expert and barrister Dr Charlotte Proudman said it was "almost impossible to detect" as the girls were not in school or old enough to report it.
In one report, in Yorkshire, a victim was just one month old.
The National FGM Centre said it was "not surprised" that victims may be younger now. BBC News
Monday, 4 February 2019
Kettering hospital says size of A&E department is hampering patient drop off times
Kettering hospital says size of A&E department is hampering patient drop off times Kettering General Hospital says it is working hard to reduce the number of one hour-plus patient handovers from ambulances to A&E but is being hampered by the size of its department and winter pressures. The hospital has been in breach of the government’s target which says there should be no patient handovers to A&E from ambulances that take longer than an hour. These are classified as ‘black breaches’ and latest figures show that in November there were 56 breaches. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Celebrity ads for diet aids should be banned says top doctor
Celebrity ads for diet aids should be banned says top doctor Social media companies should ban "damaging" celebrity-endorsed social media ads promoting weight loss aids, England's top doctor has said.
Some celebrities with large followings are promoting products such as diet pills and detox teas on social media.
Prof Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, argues these products have a damaging effect on the physical and mental health of young people. BBC News
Some celebrities with large followings are promoting products such as diet pills and detox teas on social media.
Prof Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, argues these products have a damaging effect on the physical and mental health of young people. BBC News
See also:
NHS England to go on Brexit 'tour' of trusts - Health Service Journal
NHS England to go on Brexit 'tour' of trusts - Health Service Journal NHS England will conduct a “rolling tour” of NHS providers to ensure everyone is “geared up” for a possible no-deal Brexit. HSJ
Children as young as 12 'competing to become better self-harmers'
Children as young as 12 'competing to become better self-harmers' Children as young as 12 are competing with each other to commit worsening acts of self-harm on websites, a groundbreaking study reveals.
They described wanting to become “better self-harmers” and match horrific injuries they saw on Tumblr, one of the sites they chose because posts receive little scrutiny.
It is the first time researchers have been able to lift the lid on experience of such sites, after securing approval to interview young self-harmers. The Telegraph
They described wanting to become “better self-harmers” and match horrific injuries they saw on Tumblr, one of the sites they chose because posts receive little scrutiny.
It is the first time researchers have been able to lift the lid on experience of such sites, after securing approval to interview young self-harmers. The Telegraph
Government urged to cut key childhood vaccine from three doses to two
Government urged to cut key childhood vaccine from three doses to two
The government is being urged to change the dosing schedule of one of the key childhood vaccinations, potentially saving the NHS millions of pounds.
Last July a key advisory group, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), recommended that the dosing schedule for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) be reduced from three to two doses. However, the Department of Health, which normally implements JCVI policy quickly, has still not indicated whether or when it will make the change. The Telegraph
The government is being urged to change the dosing schedule of one of the key childhood vaccinations, potentially saving the NHS millions of pounds.
Last July a key advisory group, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), recommended that the dosing schedule for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) be reduced from three to two doses. However, the Department of Health, which normally implements JCVI policy quickly, has still not indicated whether or when it will make the change. The Telegraph
Postcode lottery ‘scandal’ of the stroke patients denied treatment
Postcode lottery ‘scandal’ of the stroke patients denied treatment Stroke sufferers are missing out on a “game-changing” treatment because the NHS is struggling with a lack of specialists to perform the procedure, experts are warning.
The shortfall is so severe that it is threatening to derail efforts to increase tenfold the number of patients who have a mechanical thrombectomy, a revolutionary procedure that can make a huge difference to the prospects of someone who has suffered an ischaemic stroke – the commonest form of the disease. The Guardian
The shortfall is so severe that it is threatening to derail efforts to increase tenfold the number of patients who have a mechanical thrombectomy, a revolutionary procedure that can make a huge difference to the prospects of someone who has suffered an ischaemic stroke – the commonest form of the disease. The Guardian
Left in the lurch: mothers-to-be devastated as maternity scheme ends
Left in the lurch: mothers-to-be devastated as maternity scheme ends A midwifery plan held up as a template for future NHS care has suddenly closed – and nobody really knows why. With her first baby due in a few weeks, Gemma Ricketts had made careful plans for a home birth, helped by a midwife she had come to know and trust during her pregnancy. A private maternity service called Neighbourhood Midwives, funded by the NHS, had offered her and many others exactly the kind of attention that was last month trumpeted by Matt Hancock, the health secretary, as he set out plans to make Britain “the best place in the world to give birth” – personalised, continuous care by a named midwife and greater choice for the expectant mother when planning her delivery. The Guardian
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Help NHS obtain cystic fibrosis drug, ministers urged
Help NHS obtain cystic fibrosis drug, ministers urged Campaigners are calling on the government to urgently intervene over the cost of a drug that could extend the lives of thousands of children but which manufacturers have set at £105,000 per patient per year, a price the NHScannot afford.
For more than two years an emotive battle has been raging over Orkambi, which tackles the cause of cystic fibrosis. Previously, children with the genetic disorder did not often survive to adulthood and even today, half will be dead before the age of 32. Orkambi could extend lives, but negotiations over the price the NHS should pay have been in stalemate since July, with the pharma company that makes it refusing to reduce the price. The Guardian
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For more than two years an emotive battle has been raging over Orkambi, which tackles the cause of cystic fibrosis. Previously, children with the genetic disorder did not often survive to adulthood and even today, half will be dead before the age of 32. Orkambi could extend lives, but negotiations over the price the NHS should pay have been in stalemate since July, with the pharma company that makes it refusing to reduce the price. The Guardian
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Provide sanitary products free in all hospitals, says doctors' union
Provide sanitary products free in all hospitals, says doctors' union Two out of five hospital trusts and health boards in the UK do not give sanitary products to patients who need them, or only in emergencies, an investigation by the BMA has found.
The doctors' union says pads and tampons are a basic need and should be available free to inpatients.
But in some trusts, razors and shaving foam were handed out free while sanitary products were not.
The BMA has written to NHS England asking for action to be taken. BBC News
The doctors' union says pads and tampons are a basic need and should be available free to inpatients.
But in some trusts, razors and shaving foam were handed out free while sanitary products were not.
The BMA has written to NHS England asking for action to be taken. BBC News
See also:
'Shocking' rise in obesity-related cancers among young adults
'Shocking' rise in obesity-related cancers among young adults
Rates of obesity-fuelled cancers are now rising in successively younger age groups, a landmark study shows.
Experts said "shocking" levels of disease linked to growing waistlines across the globe threaten to reverse decades of progress in the war on cancer.
The Lancet study shows that rates of obesity-related cancers are rising faster in adults aged 25 to 49 than in older generations - despite the fact cancer is seen as a disease of old age. The Telegraph
Rates of obesity-fuelled cancers are now rising in successively younger age groups, a landmark study shows.
Experts said "shocking" levels of disease linked to growing waistlines across the globe threaten to reverse decades of progress in the war on cancer.
The Lancet study shows that rates of obesity-related cancers are rising faster in adults aged 25 to 49 than in older generations - despite the fact cancer is seen as a disease of old age. The Telegraph
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‘Dickensian diseases’: gout, whooping cough and scarlet fever on rise
‘Dickensian diseases’: gout, whooping cough and scarlet fever on rise There has been a sharp rise in hospital visits for diseases that were common during the Victorian era, such as scarlet fever, whooping cough and gout, research reveals.
Despite certain illnesses virtually being eradicated in the 1950s, hospital attendances for some “Victorian diseases” have risen by 52% since 2010-11, an increase of over 3,000 admissions a year.
The rise has been put down to sustained cuts to local authority public health budgets, which experts say have resulted in the services that protect against illness being scaled back. The Guardian
Despite certain illnesses virtually being eradicated in the 1950s, hospital attendances for some “Victorian diseases” have risen by 52% since 2010-11, an increase of over 3,000 admissions a year.
The rise has been put down to sustained cuts to local authority public health budgets, which experts say have resulted in the services that protect against illness being scaled back. The Guardian
300,000 extra operations could be carried out every year 'if surgeons planned holidays in advance'
300,000 extra operations could be carried out every year 'if surgeons planned holidays in advance'
An extra 300,000 operations could be carried out in England if surgeons planned their holidays in advance and managed their time better, watchdogs have suggested.
Regulators said better scheduling of surgery, and planning ahead could mean around 290,000 more operations carried out annually.
NHS Improvement on Monday urged hospitals to use a simple model, which means surgical staff agree their annual leave six weeks in advance and plan their surgical lists afterwards. The Telegraph
Regulators said better scheduling of surgery, and planning ahead could mean around 290,000 more operations carried out annually.
NHS Improvement on Monday urged hospitals to use a simple model, which means surgical staff agree their annual leave six weeks in advance and plan their surgical lists afterwards. The Telegraph
See also:
Friday, 1 February 2019
Doctors in Northampton area sign thousands off sick, many with mental health problems
Doctors in Northampton area sign thousands off sick, many with mental health problems Doctors in the Northampton area sign 67 fit notes every day, many for mental health conditions, according to the latest NHS figures. GPs working in the NHS Nene Clinical Commissioning Group area issued a total of 24,409 notes between October 2017 and September 2018.
People in work need a fit note, previously called a sick note, if they are off work for more than seven days. Up to that point they can self-certify that they are unwell.
Mental health is the most significant single cause. Of the notes signed in Nene, 4,237 or 17% were issued for mental health problems. A further 2,553 were the result of musculoskeletal conditions such as back problems. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
People in work need a fit note, previously called a sick note, if they are off work for more than seven days. Up to that point they can self-certify that they are unwell.
Mental health is the most significant single cause. Of the notes signed in Nene, 4,237 or 17% were issued for mental health problems. A further 2,553 were the result of musculoskeletal conditions such as back problems. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Rothwell tops obesity scales
Rothwell tops obesity scales Rothwell weighs in at number one when it comes to the rate of obesity in the north of the county. The town has the highest ratio of adults identified as obese based on GP registers, closely followed by Desborough. The figures, published by NHS Digital, show every single district in the parliamentary consituencies of Kettering and Wellingborough has an estimated higher rate than the national average. In the Corby and East Northants constituency every area bar three is above the national average, which is 9.7 per cent. Northants Telegraph
Investigation into the management of health screening
Investigation into the management of health screening The National Audit Office (NAO) has found that the proportion of eligible adults receiving health screening is inconsistent across different areas in England and that services are not operating to the ‘agreed standards’.
All the screening programmes investigated 1 failed to meet the ’standard’ target for the percentage of eligible people attending screening appointments in 2017-18. However, the bowel screening programme nearly achieved the target with coverage2 of 59.6% against a standard target of 60%. For the first time in 2017-18, the Department also set a ‘lower threshold’ target3, which all, except for the cervical programme, met. The cervical programme achieved coverage of 72% against a standard target of 80% and a lower threshold of 75%. National Audit Office
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All the screening programmes investigated 1 failed to meet the ’standard’ target for the percentage of eligible people attending screening appointments in 2017-18. However, the bowel screening programme nearly achieved the target with coverage2 of 59.6% against a standard target of 60%. For the first time in 2017-18, the Department also set a ‘lower threshold’ target3, which all, except for the cervical programme, met. The cervical programme achieved coverage of 72% against a standard target of 80% and a lower threshold of 75%. National Audit Office
See Also:
- Health screening 'not meeting targets', report finds BBC News - Health
- NHS England cervical screening backlog revealed by watchdog The Guardian
- Smear results for 150,000 women left in backlog amid NHS failings The Telegraph
Participation: its impact on services and the people who use them
Participation: its impact on services and the people who use them This research found that the impact of using participation approaches within health and social care was positive overall where most reported either health or economic outcomes, and only a small number of projects reported social outcomes. It concludes that co-production methods such as peer support, volunteering and co-delivery of services were beneficial, particularly for more efficient use of services and cost savings. King's Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
Research and analysis: UK One Health Report: antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in animals and humans
Research and analysis: UK One Health Report: antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in animals and humans A joint report on antibiotic use in animals and humans and antibiotic resistance in the UK between 2013 and 2017. Gov.UK
'Trauma packs' being stockpiled in UK over fears of no-deal Brexit
'Trauma packs' being stockpiled in UK over fears of no-deal Brexit Emergency “trauma packs” flown into the UK during terrorist attacks are being stockpiled in Britain by the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson over concerns of a risk to life from border delays in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The company said the move was being made due to the danger posed to the “routine and rapid” provision of the vital emergency equipment it provides to the NHS in times of emergency from a distribution plant in Belgium.
Hospitals do not generally keep large stocks of such emergency packs due to the risk of the devices or medicines contained within them running past their product shelf life. The Guardian
The company said the move was being made due to the danger posed to the “routine and rapid” provision of the vital emergency equipment it provides to the NHS in times of emergency from a distribution plant in Belgium.
Hospitals do not generally keep large stocks of such emergency packs due to the risk of the devices or medicines contained within them running past their product shelf life. The Guardian
NHS England to ban GPs from advertising private services
NHS England to ban GPs from advertising private services Move seeks to prevent further ‘blurring’ of divide between NHS-funded and private care
GPs are being banned from advertising private healthcare services in their surgeries and from allowing for-profit family doctor firms to offer care there, amid growing concern that it is prompting patients to pay for treatments that they could receive for free.
The move by NHS England is intended to stop the divide between NHS-funded and privately paid-for GP care becoming ever more “blurred”. It will stop GP practices from charging patients to see a doctor more quickly or for other services that under the NHS should be free. But it will allow them to keep seeking fees for signing passports, providing medical reports for insurance or other purposes, or for physiotherapy. The Guardian
GPs are being banned from advertising private healthcare services in their surgeries and from allowing for-profit family doctor firms to offer care there, amid growing concern that it is prompting patients to pay for treatments that they could receive for free.
The move by NHS England is intended to stop the divide between NHS-funded and privately paid-for GP care becoming ever more “blurred”. It will stop GP practices from charging patients to see a doctor more quickly or for other services that under the NHS should be free. But it will allow them to keep seeking fees for signing passports, providing medical reports for insurance or other purposes, or for physiotherapy. The Guardian
Innovative HIV prevention projects reached 170,000 people in 2018
Innovative HIV prevention projects reached 170,000 people in 2018 PHE is funding 14 projects to help develop innovative, community-led ways of preventing HIV NHS Networks
£8.7bn shortfall in prevention spending
£8.7bn shortfall in prevention spending A survey of local authority leaders estimates an £8.7bn shortfall in spending on preventive services. NHS Networks
Thursday, 31 January 2019
KGH maternity care scores highly
KGH maternity care scores highly Staff at KGH say they are “really pleased” after their maternity care scored highly in a patient survey. Families gave the hospital’s maternity care the thumbs up in the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Maternity Survey 2018, published yesterday (January 29). The survey involved 102 women who gave birth at KGH during February 2018 filling in a questionnaire on their experience of their maternity care. Northants Telegraph
Research and analysis: Smoking prevalence in young adults aged 18 to 34 years
Research and analysis: Smoking prevalence in young adults aged 18 to 34 years Detailed ad-hoc analysis of smoking prevalence, calculated from the Annual Population Survey. Gov.UK
Leukaemia sufferer, 11, is the first NHS patient to receive a revolutionary cancer treatment
Leukaemia sufferer, 11, is the first NHS patient to receive a revolutionary cancer treatment An 11-year-old boy is the first to receive a pioneering cancer therapy that uses the body's own immune system to fight his leukaemia on the NHS.
Yuvan Thakkar, from Watford, was given Kymriah - a type of immunotherapy called CAR-T cell therapy - at Great Ormond Street Hospital last week. The youngster was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2014, which is curable via chemo in around 90 per cent of children sufferers.
But after Yuvan's cancer failed to respond to two rounds of chemo and a bone marrow transplant, CAR-T is his 'last hope'. Kymriah - also known as tisagenlecleucel - was approved for Yuvan after NHS England struck a deal with Novartis, the pharma giant behind the drug, to offer it at a reduced price. Mail Online
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Yuvan Thakkar, from Watford, was given Kymriah - a type of immunotherapy called CAR-T cell therapy - at Great Ormond Street Hospital last week. The youngster was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2014, which is curable via chemo in around 90 per cent of children sufferers.
But after Yuvan's cancer failed to respond to two rounds of chemo and a bone marrow transplant, CAR-T is his 'last hope'. Kymriah - also known as tisagenlecleucel - was approved for Yuvan after NHS England struck a deal with Novartis, the pharma giant behind the drug, to offer it at a reduced price. Mail Online
See Also:
- First child given pioneering CAR-T cancer therapy BBC News - Health
Annual learning disabilities statistics released
Annual learning disabilities statistics released NHS Digital has released annual figures on the health and care of people with learning disabilities. NHS Networks
Guidance: Health matters: health and work
Guidance: Health matters: health and work Provides actions that employers in general, local authorities, and the NHS workforce can take with regards to health and work. Gov.UK
E-cigarettes 'much better for quitting smoking'
E-cigarettes 'much better for quitting smoking' E-cigarettes are almost twice as effective as nicotine replacements for helping smokers quit, a study suggests.
A trial found 18% of smokers who used them to quit remained smoke-free after a year, compared with 9.9% of those using nicotine-replacement treatments. The study of 886 smokers is the first to test how effective modern e-cigarettes are for quitting. Researchers hope their findings will lead to vaping devices being routinely offered by stop-smoking services. Public Health England has already called for e-cigarettes to be made available on the NHS within five years, pointing to a body of research that suggests they are at least 95% less harmful than cigarettes.
However, up until now there had been a shortage of evidence on how effective they were as stop-smoking tools. BBC News - Health
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A trial found 18% of smokers who used them to quit remained smoke-free after a year, compared with 9.9% of those using nicotine-replacement treatments. The study of 886 smokers is the first to test how effective modern e-cigarettes are for quitting. Researchers hope their findings will lead to vaping devices being routinely offered by stop-smoking services. Public Health England has already called for e-cigarettes to be made available on the NHS within five years, pointing to a body of research that suggests they are at least 95% less harmful than cigarettes.
However, up until now there had been a shortage of evidence on how effective they were as stop-smoking tools. BBC News - Health
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The GP substitute will see you now
The GP substitute will see you now An army of more than 20,000 physios, pharmacists and paramedics are to be recruited to work alongside under-pressure GPs, NHS bosses say. The new staff will work with GPs, taking responsibility for some of the 300 million bookings made with practices each year.
They will also provide continuing care to patients in the community. NHS England said this should allow GPs to spend more time with the sickest patients. The average appointment lasts about eight minutes, which GPs say is not enough time to deal with the complex issues an ageing population presents with. BBC News - Health
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They will also provide continuing care to patients in the community. NHS England said this should allow GPs to spend more time with the sickest patients. The average appointment lasts about eight minutes, which GPs say is not enough time to deal with the complex issues an ageing population presents with. BBC News - Health
See Also:
- GPs surgeries to hire 20,000 support staff as part of major overhaul The Guardian
- Pharmacists and physios to take over routine GP appointments - but health chiefs say it will mean the sickest get longer with family doctor The Telegraph
- NHS launches revolutionary plan to cut GP waiting times Mail Online
'No-deal' Brexit would mean patients and services suffer
'No-deal' Brexit would mean patients and services suffer The government’s ‘no-deal’ Brexit arrangements for EU citizens add to the uncertainty that trusts face in recruiting and retaining the EU staff that they need to operate, NHS Providers have warned. They said adding new barriers for people who want to work and live in the UK will cause patients and services to suffer. On Medica
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NHS England: NHS body could help struggling 'last partner standing' practices
NHS England: NHS body could help struggling 'last partner standing' practices An NHS body could take on the lease of practices that find themselves in a ‘last partner standing’ situation, NHS England has said. Speaking at the Westminster Health Forum Event in London last week, NHS England director of primary care workforce and infrastructure Ian Biggs presented the emerging themes of the upcoming General Practice Premises Policy Review.
Mr Biggs said talks with the BMA GP Committee and the RCGP are ongoing but solutions – which include the introduction of a body that could shoulder the lease of practices in ‘last partner standing’ situations – are being explored. Pulse
Mr Biggs said talks with the BMA GP Committee and the RCGP are ongoing but solutions – which include the introduction of a body that could shoulder the lease of practices in ‘last partner standing’ situations – are being explored. Pulse
Wednesday, 30 January 2019
Women left alone when anxious in labour, despite pledges to tackle Britain's poor maternity record
Women left alone when anxious in labour, despite pledges to tackle Britain's poor maternity record One in four women are being left alone while anxious during labour, despite pledges by ministers to tackle Britain’s woeful maternity record.
The survey by NHS watchdogs shows no progress ensuring women received support while giving birth - and worsening failings in post-natal care.
Almost half of mothers said they were not given enough support after birth, with rising numbers saying they had wanted to see a midwife more often. The Telegraph
The survey by NHS watchdogs shows no progress ensuring women received support while giving birth - and worsening failings in post-natal care.
Almost half of mothers said they were not given enough support after birth, with rising numbers saying they had wanted to see a midwife more often. The Telegraph
See also:
- Almost a QUARTER of new mothers are left 'alone' during childbirth Mail Online
- Maternity services survey 2018 Care Quality Commission
Just another day: 24 hours in the NHS – compromised care, staff shortages and serious stress
Just another day: 24 hours in the NHS – compromised care, staff shortages and serious stress UNISON - Almost half of NHS workers on the front line of patient care say there are not enough staff on their shift to ensure patients are treated safely and with compassion, according to the results of a snapshot survey of NHS staff. The report calls for an increase in NHS funding and mandatory safe-staffing levels in England and Northern Ireland. King's Fund
A model employer: increasing black and ethnic minority representation at senior levels across the NHS
A model employer: increasing black and ethnic minority representation at senior levels across the NHS NHS England - This document outlines the ambitions set by NHS England and NHS Improvement and reflected in the Long Term Plan, for each NHS organisation to set its own target for BME representation across its leadership team and broader workforce. The strategy will provide accelerated, intensive support to local NHS organisations on increasing the recruitment of BME staff at senior levels King's Fund
Patients left hunting for check-ups as number of new dentists falls by a fifth
Patients left hunting for check-ups as number of new dentists falls by a fifth Experts are warning of a growing shortage of dentists, with the number of new recruits falling by a fifth in just two years.
Researchers said the shortfalls were making it harder to find a dentist in many parts of the country, with a steep fall in levels of NHS provision.
Dentists said patients were being forced to undertake round trips of 65 miles to have a check-up, with some cases left attempting to extract their own teeth. The Telegraph
Researchers said the shortfalls were making it harder to find a dentist in many parts of the country, with a steep fall in levels of NHS provision.
Dentists said patients were being forced to undertake round trips of 65 miles to have a check-up, with some cases left attempting to extract their own teeth. The Telegraph
UK retirees in EU will lose free healthcare under no-deal Brexit
UK retirees in EU will lose free healthcare under no-deal Brexit Burden on NHS could increase after 29 March if pensioners return to UK for treatment. British nationals who have retired to EU countries including Spain and France will no longer have their healthcare covered by the NHS in the event of no Brexit deal, the government has said. The Guardian
NHS trust chief in no-deal Brexit medicine warning
NHS trust chief in no-deal Brexit medicine warning NHS trusts could "quickly run out of vital medicine" in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the chief executive of a leading hospital group has warned.
Dr David Rosser of University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) said that, despite NHS stockpiling, shortages would likely occur due to "unprecedented" distribution challenges.
Medicine shortages could lead to some operations being postponed, he said.
The Department of Health said planning for a no-deal Brexit was "ongoing". BBC News
Dr David Rosser of University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) said that, despite NHS stockpiling, shortages would likely occur due to "unprecedented" distribution challenges.
Medicine shortages could lead to some operations being postponed, he said.
The Department of Health said planning for a no-deal Brexit was "ongoing". BBC News
Do you need antibiotics? A simple blood test could tell you in a few seconds
Do you need antibiotics? A simple blood test could tell you in a few seconds The Government’s newly announced five-year action plan for tackling antimicrobial resistance sets out an important target to reduce the use of antibiotics in the UK by 15 per cent.
Nowhere is this more important than in GP surgeries, where more than three quarters of all antibiotics are prescribed. Over half of these are for respiratory tract infections, despite there being little evidence to support their use. The Telegraph
Nowhere is this more important than in GP surgeries, where more than three quarters of all antibiotics are prescribed. Over half of these are for respiratory tract infections, despite there being little evidence to support their use. The Telegraph
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