Ian Paterson: 'Sheer volume' of victims delays breast surgeon report Victims of disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson are still coming forward two years after he was jailed following hundreds of botched operations.
The "sheer volume" of patients giving evidence to an independent inquiry has pushed back a report into his malpractice, an official said.
Paterson is serving a 20-year sentence for 17 counts of wounding with intent.
About 150 patients gave evidence last year and dozens more are understood to have since come forward. BBC News
Monday, 8 April 2019
NHS offering £127m of contracts to private companies despite health secretary pledging: 'No privatisation on my watch'
NHS offering £127m of contracts to private companies despite health secretary pledging: 'No privatisation on my watch' The NHS is offering more than 20 contracts to private companies, despite health secretary Matt Hancock having insisted there would be "no privatisation on my watch", Labour has said.
The party released data showing 21 NHS contracts worth £127m are currently out to tender - 19 of which have been put out since mid-February.
The figures were revealed by House of Commons Library analysis and include a £91m contract to run an NHS assessment service in the South East, a £16m deal to provide health services in Leicestershire and a £6m tender for a GP surgery in High Wycombe. The Independent
The party released data showing 21 NHS contracts worth £127m are currently out to tender - 19 of which have been put out since mid-February.
The figures were revealed by House of Commons Library analysis and include a £91m contract to run an NHS assessment service in the South East, a £16m deal to provide health services in Leicestershire and a £6m tender for a GP surgery in High Wycombe. The Independent
NHS patients have cancer scans cancelled after supplier problems
NHS patients have cancer scans cancelled after supplier problems Scan delays in England leading to ‘stress and anxiety’ for those awaiting their prognosis
Concerns have been raised that problems related to the supply of a substance used to screen for cancerous cells is causing delays for NHS patients in England, with many exposed to repeated cancellation of scans at short notice.
Choline is a radiotracer injected into patients an hour before PET-CT scans, predominately when patients are feared to have a recurrence of prostate cancer. Without it the scans cannot go ahead. The Guardian
Concerns have been raised that problems related to the supply of a substance used to screen for cancerous cells is causing delays for NHS patients in England, with many exposed to repeated cancellation of scans at short notice.
Choline is a radiotracer injected into patients an hour before PET-CT scans, predominately when patients are feared to have a recurrence of prostate cancer. Without it the scans cannot go ahead. The Guardian
‘Second-class’ NHS workers struggle as pay gap widens
‘Second-class’ NHS workers struggle as pay gap widens Staff employed on minimum wage by private contractors across England missed out on £2,000 income boost
Tens of thousands of NHS workers are struggling to get by on the minimum wage because their private sector employers are failing to match public sector pay rises.
The estimated 100,000 low-paid cleaners, porters, security guards and catering staff who work for private contractors in hospitals across England are being treated as “second-class employees”, thanks to a growing pay divide between public and private sector workers, according to the country’s leading health union. The Guardian
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Tens of thousands of NHS workers are struggling to get by on the minimum wage because their private sector employers are failing to match public sector pay rises.
The estimated 100,000 low-paid cleaners, porters, security guards and catering staff who work for private contractors in hospitals across England are being treated as “second-class employees”, thanks to a growing pay divide between public and private sector workers, according to the country’s leading health union. The Guardian
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Molly Case, the NHS nurse who finds poetry on the wards
Molly Case, the NHS nurse who finds poetry on the wards Her impassioned poem defending the NHS thrust Case into the public eye. With a memoir out soon, she talks about how the job of caring continues to inspire her
Read an extract from Molly Case’s memoir How to Treat People
Not so long ago, first-person accounts of what goes on in the operating theatre or the emergency ward – and in the hearts and minds of those who work there – were hard to find. Author William Boyd said recently that when writing his novel about a surgeon, The Blue Afternoon, some years ago, he failed to unearth any descriptions of surgery by surgeons at all. But no more. The medical memoir has become a publishing phenomenon. The Guardian
Read an extract from Molly Case’s memoir How to Treat People
Not so long ago, first-person accounts of what goes on in the operating theatre or the emergency ward – and in the hearts and minds of those who work there – were hard to find. Author William Boyd said recently that when writing his novel about a surgeon, The Blue Afternoon, some years ago, he failed to unearth any descriptions of surgery by surgeons at all. But no more. The medical memoir has become a publishing phenomenon. The Guardian
Dementia patients should be offered music and dance therapy
Dementia patients should be offered music and dance therapy More people with dementia should be given music or dance therapy in a bid to prevent them being "over-medicalised", the Health Secretary has said.
It follows research which found that giving people with dementia personal playlists resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in the need for mind-altering drugs. The Daily Telegraph
It follows research which found that giving people with dementia personal playlists resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in the need for mind-altering drugs. The Daily Telegraph
Homeopathic medicine will be banned by the NHS because they are a 'misuse of public funds'
Homeopathic medicine will be banned by the NHS because they are a 'misuse of public funds' Homeopathic treatments will be blacklisted by the NHS after it emerged GPs are issuing thousands of prescriptions a year – despite being told to stop.
NHS experts say the alternative ‘medicines’ have no credible scientific evidence to support their continued use and are a ‘misuse of public funds’.
Since 2017, official NHS England guidelines have advised against prescribing the treatments which it warns are ‘at best a placebo’. The Daily Mail
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NHS experts say the alternative ‘medicines’ have no credible scientific evidence to support their continued use and are a ‘misuse of public funds’.
Since 2017, official NHS England guidelines have advised against prescribing the treatments which it warns are ‘at best a placebo’. The Daily Mail
See also:
- NHS still spending £55,000 a year on homeopathy, despite ban The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 5 April 2019
Having your fudge and eating it
Having your fudge and eating it Sally Gainsbury takes a closer look at NHS sustainability funds and control totals, and what they might actually mean for the providers who have played their part over the past three years. Nuffield Trust
Specialist mental health support for new mums available in every part of England
Specialist mental health support for new mums available in every part of England New and expectant mothers across the country can now access specialist mental health care in the area where they live, NHS England announced.
The landmark rollout of specialist perinatal community services across the whole of England, means that mums and mums-to-be who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other forms of mental ill health should be able to access high quality care much closer to home.
Five years ago two in five parts of the country had no access to specialist community perinatal mental health treatment, but there is now full geographical coverage for the first time, with services in every one of the 44 local NHS areas, and plans to develop them further.
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The landmark rollout of specialist perinatal community services across the whole of England, means that mums and mums-to-be who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other forms of mental ill health should be able to access high quality care much closer to home.
Five years ago two in five parts of the country had no access to specialist community perinatal mental health treatment, but there is now full geographical coverage for the first time, with services in every one of the 44 local NHS areas, and plans to develop them further.
See also:
- Bringing new mums back from crisis BBC News
Charter to strengthen relations between the Helpforce programme and staff in the National Health Service
Charter to strengthen relations between the Helpforce programme and staff in the National Health Service This charter shows how volunteers can make a valuable contribution to the NHS in England, without undermining paid staff or affecting patient safety. The aim is to ensure that the tens of thousands of people who give up their time to provide comfort and help to patients are given guidance about their roles. It’s also intended to safeguard against their use as cheap substitutes for trained health staff. Helpforce
Fourteen hospitals to pilot new A&E targets
Fourteen hospitals to pilot new A&E targets Fourteen hospitals have been chosen to pilot a new way to measure performance, which could pave the way for the end of the four-hour A&E target in England.
NHS England said last month that it was time to review the "outdated target".
But the move is controversial, with some seeing it as an attempt to move the goalposts because the target has been missed for more than three years. BBC News
NHS England said last month that it was time to review the "outdated target".
But the move is controversial, with some seeing it as an attempt to move the goalposts because the target has been missed for more than three years. BBC News
Parents being misled over kids' snacks, says child health expert
Parents being misled over kids' snacks, says child health expert Parents are at risk of being misled by "manipulative marketing campaigns" and "crafty messaging" on children's snacks, a child health expert has said.
Dr Max Davie said that given levels of obesity, it was crucial for parents to know what their children were eating.
It comes as University of Glasgow researchers examined seemingly healthy children's snacks sold in UK shops.
They found some snacks labelled as containing one portion of fruit or veg did not live up to the claim. BBC News
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Dr Max Davie said that given levels of obesity, it was crucial for parents to know what their children were eating.
It comes as University of Glasgow researchers examined seemingly healthy children's snacks sold in UK shops.
They found some snacks labelled as containing one portion of fruit or veg did not live up to the claim. BBC News
See also:
- Confused health and nutrition claims in food marketing to children could adversely affect food choice and increase risk of obesity (abstract) Archives of Diseases in Childhood
- Health claims on children's food 'are confusing', study finds The Daily Mail
- Three quarters of children's snacks which claim 'one of your five a day' are inaccurate The Daily Telegraph
- Three quarters of ‘healthy’ children’s snacks and drinks don’t meet five-a-day claims The Independent
Even one drink a day increases stroke risk, study finds
Even one drink a day increases stroke risk, study finds Even light-to-moderate drinking increases blood pressure and the chances of having a stroke, according to a large genetic study in The Lancet, countering previous claims that one or two drinks a day could be protective.
The UK and Chinese researchers followed 500,000 Chinese people for 10 years.
They say the findings are relevant to all populations and the best evidence yet on the direct effects of alcohol. BBC News
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The UK and Chinese researchers followed 500,000 Chinese people for 10 years.
They say the findings are relevant to all populations and the best evidence yet on the direct effects of alcohol. BBC News
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How is the NHS preparing for a no-deal Brexit?
How is the NHS preparing for a no-deal Brexit? Vital medical supply lines are at risk, it’s been suggested, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
Brexiteers have dismissed such concerns as “Project Fear”. In Wales, the NHS has secured extra warehouse space to stock-pile essentials and one major UK hospital food supplier says it has spent five million pounds on Brexit preparations. Channel 4 News
Brexiteers have dismissed such concerns as “Project Fear”. In Wales, the NHS has secured extra warehouse space to stock-pile essentials and one major UK hospital food supplier says it has spent five million pounds on Brexit preparations. Channel 4 News
Breast implants banned in France for cancer risk still on sale in UK
Breast implants banned in France for cancer risk still on sale in UK Breast implants banned in France because of their cancer risk will continue to be on sale in the UK, the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed.
The macro-textured and polyurethane breast implants for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, France's National Agency for Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) ruled.
It said they came with a slight risk of developing a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The Independent
The macro-textured and polyurethane breast implants for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, France's National Agency for Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) ruled.
It said they came with a slight risk of developing a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The Independent
Matt Hancock called in to settle Oxford hospital scanners row
Matt Hancock called in to settle Oxford hospital scanners row Health secretary to review private healthcare plan local MP calls ‘murky and opaque’
The health secretary has been called in to settle a row over a “murky and opaque” plan to privatise a key element of cancer treatment currently handled by one of England’s most highly respected hospitals.
The proposal to let the company InHealth take charge of the Thames Valley regional PET-CT scanning service, which is run by Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, has been set aside until the Department of Health completes a review of the procurement process. The Guardian
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The health secretary has been called in to settle a row over a “murky and opaque” plan to privatise a key element of cancer treatment currently handled by one of England’s most highly respected hospitals.
The proposal to let the company InHealth take charge of the Thames Valley regional PET-CT scanning service, which is run by Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, has been set aside until the Department of Health completes a review of the procurement process. The Guardian
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King's College hospital trust makes biggest overspend in NHS history
King's College hospital trust makes biggest overspend in NHS history London trust to record annual deficit of between £180m and £191m after series of setbacks
A leading London hospital trust is set to record an annual deficit of between £180m and £191m – the biggest overspend in NHS history, the Guardian can reveal.
King’s College hospital trust believes it overshot its projected £146m deficit for 2018-19 by a further £34m-£45m after it experienced a series of setbacks, documents seen by the Guardian show.
A leading London hospital trust is set to record an annual deficit of between £180m and £191m – the biggest overspend in NHS history, the Guardian can reveal.
King’s College hospital trust believes it overshot its projected £146m deficit for 2018-19 by a further £34m-£45m after it experienced a series of setbacks, documents seen by the Guardian show.
NHS could save 100 stillborn babies with better treatment of women pregnant with twins and triplets
NHS could save 100 stillborn babies with better treatment of women pregnant with twins and triplets Poor care for women pregnant with twins and triplets is resulting in 100 stillbirths a year, research suggests.
NHS hospitals' failure to follow official guidelines on multiple births is also responsible for 630 unnecessary C-sections and 1,300 infant admissions to intensive care each year, experts found.
Their research project, funded by the Department of Health, focused on ensuring 30 British maternity units followed official guidelines to the letter over a year. Experts found this vastly improved outcomes for twins, triplets and their mothers. The Daily Mail
NHS hospitals' failure to follow official guidelines on multiple births is also responsible for 630 unnecessary C-sections and 1,300 infant admissions to intensive care each year, experts found.
Their research project, funded by the Department of Health, focused on ensuring 30 British maternity units followed official guidelines to the letter over a year. Experts found this vastly improved outcomes for twins, triplets and their mothers. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 4 April 2019
Jorgie's family speaks: "We watched her failing. Nobody listened."
Jorgie's family speaks: "We watched her failing. Nobody listened." At the end of three days of complicated medical evidence looking at the death of little Jorgie Stanton-Watts, Zena Stanton was finally given the chance to address the people who said she holds responsible for her grandaughter's death.
Taking the stand, physically supported by her husband Bob. who kept his hand on her shoulder as she wept during her evidence, 68-year-old Zena spoke of how the loss of Jorgie, who died after she was neglected at Kettering General Hospital, had affected her ‘strong, united family’. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Taking the stand, physically supported by her husband Bob. who kept his hand on her shoulder as she wept during her evidence, 68-year-old Zena spoke of how the loss of Jorgie, who died after she was neglected at Kettering General Hospital, had affected her ‘strong, united family’. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Primary care networks and the NHS long-term plan
Primary care networks and the NHS long-term plan With NHS England stating that around 88 per cent of GP practices are already part of some form of wider collaboration with other practices, it might be tempting to think that that the new-found importance of primary care networks – groups of GP practices covering populations of 30–50,000 – in the NHS long-term plan is really evolution not revolution (they got 25 mentions in the plan: I counted them). It might be equally tempting for many to ignore the changes as being all rather parochial to the world of GPs – after all, they are formally part of the GP contract. Don’t fall for either temptation – both represent a misunderstanding of just how important the new primary care networks are meant to be. The King's Fund
Leave no patient behind: lessons from genetics on the risks of biased data
Leave no patient behind: lessons from genetics on the risks of biased data In the last two months, my Dad has been shuttling between various GP surgeries and hospitals, trying to get the dosage right for his warfarin treatment. This has required 15 appointments so far, with frequent frustration when the test results show the dosage is still wrong. As Dad rearranges yet another day around a visit to the doctor, his experience seems far from the vision of personalised care enabled by new technology, genetic testing and big data, as promised by NHSX and the Topol Review. The Health Foundation
Research and analysis: Urgent dental care in England: evidence review
Research and analysis: Urgent dental care in England: evidence review In 2016 NHS England recommended that urgent dental care should be transformed in line with the transformation of urgent and emergency care services more generally, and that a commissioning standard was needed.
This rapid literature review on urgent dental care provides evidence to inform the development of the commissioning standard for urgent dental care services and identifies research gaps. Public Health England
This rapid literature review on urgent dental care provides evidence to inform the development of the commissioning standard for urgent dental care services and identifies research gaps. Public Health England
Please procure responsibly: the state of public service commissioning
Please procure responsibly: the state of public service commissioning By examining the complex systems used by central government and local councils to procure public services, the report explains how public services are delivered and by who. It identifies several key areas where weak or underperforming elements in the commissioning cycle have led to failings in the procurement of public services and suggests potential solutions to some of these challenges. Reform
HPV vaccine linked to 'dramatic' cervical disease drop
HPV vaccine linked to 'dramatic' cervical disease drop The routine vaccination of girls with the HPV vaccine in Scotland has led to a "dramatic" drop in cervical disease in later life, new research suggests.
Human papilomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection and some types are linked to cervical cancer.
Researchers said the vaccine has nearly wiped out cases of cervical pre-cancer in young women since an immunisation programme was introduced 10 years ago.
They found the vaccine had led to a 90% cut in pre-cancerous cells. BBC News
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Human papilomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection and some types are linked to cervical cancer.
Researchers said the vaccine has nearly wiped out cases of cervical pre-cancer in young women since an immunisation programme was introduced 10 years ago.
They found the vaccine had led to a 90% cut in pre-cancerous cells. BBC News
See also:
- Prevalence of cervical disease at age 20 after immunisation with bivalent HPV vaccine at age 12-13 in Scotland: retrospective population study (open access) The BMJ
- The remarkable impact of bivalent HPV vaccine in Scotland (editorial) The BMJ
- Bivalent HPV vaccine in Scotland is having a considerable and sustained effect The BMJ
- Vaccinating 12-to-13 year old girls against HPV reduces their risk of cervical cancer The Daily Mail
Sexism, bullying and the NHS
Sexism, bullying and the NHS Bullying, sexism, aggression and rudeness are commonplace among the medical profession, doctors say.
In two separate developments, two GPs and the doctors' regulator have spoken out about their concerns. BBC News
In two separate developments, two GPs and the doctors' regulator have spoken out about their concerns. BBC News
Oxford hospital trust faced defamation threat from NHS
Oxford hospital trust faced defamation threat from NHS NHS England aimed to stop hospital trust opposing local privatisation of cancer scans
NHS heads threatened to sue one of England’s most admired hospitals for libel, for raising concerns that privatising a key element of cancer treatment would endanger patients’ health.
In an extraordinary move NHS England tried to stop Oxford University hospitals (OUH) NHS trust opposing its controversial decision to let a private firm take charge of cancer scanning. The Guardian
NHS heads threatened to sue one of England’s most admired hospitals for libel, for raising concerns that privatising a key element of cancer treatment would endanger patients’ health.
In an extraordinary move NHS England tried to stop Oxford University hospitals (OUH) NHS trust opposing its controversial decision to let a private firm take charge of cancer scanning. The Guardian
Ministers accused of cover-up over migrant health reports
Ministers accused of cover-up over migrant health reports Doctors’ leaders call for suspension of hostile environment NHS charging regime
Ministers have been accused of a cover-up for refusing to release official reports into whether migrants’ health has been harmed since they began being charged upfront for NHS care before they can be treated.
The leaders of Britain’s doctors, nurses and midwives are demanding the release of three government reviews into how hostile environment immigration policies have affected access to NHS care. The Guardian
Ministers have been accused of a cover-up for refusing to release official reports into whether migrants’ health has been harmed since they began being charged upfront for NHS care before they can be treated.
The leaders of Britain’s doctors, nurses and midwives are demanding the release of three government reviews into how hostile environment immigration policies have affected access to NHS care. The Guardian
Molly Case, the NHS nurse who finds poetry on the wards
Molly Case, the NHS nurse who finds poetry on the wards An impassioned poem defending her profession thrust Case into the public eye. With a memoir about the joy and pain of the job out soon, she talks about how it continues to inspire her
Not so long ago, first-person accounts of what goes on in the operating theatre or the emergency ward – and in the hearts and minds of those who work there – were hard to find. Author William Boyd said recently that when writing his novel about a surgeon, The Blue Afternoon, some years ago, he failed to unearth any descriptions of surgery by surgeons at all. But no more. The medical memoir has become a publishing phenomenon. The Guardian
Not so long ago, first-person accounts of what goes on in the operating theatre or the emergency ward – and in the hearts and minds of those who work there – were hard to find. Author William Boyd said recently that when writing his novel about a surgeon, The Blue Afternoon, some years ago, he failed to unearth any descriptions of surgery by surgeons at all. But no more. The medical memoir has become a publishing phenomenon. The Guardian
Poor diet causes one in seven deaths in Britain, Lancet finds
Poor diet causes one in seven deaths in Britain, Lancet finds Unhealthy diet causes one in seven deaths in Britain every year, a Lancet study suggests.
The research found lack of fruit and fibre is taking the heaviest toll, fuelling conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
The study by the University of Washington identified lack of wholegrain, nuts and fruits as the worst elements of the British diet.
Too much salt was the fourth biggest dietary risk factor, followed by too little vegetables. The Daily Telegraph
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The research found lack of fruit and fibre is taking the heaviest toll, fuelling conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
The study by the University of Washington identified lack of wholegrain, nuts and fruits as the worst elements of the British diet.
Too much salt was the fourth biggest dietary risk factor, followed by too little vegetables. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (open access) The Lancet
- The diets cutting one-in-five lives short every year BBC News
- Poor diet kills more than smoking and hypertension, Bill Gates study reveals The Daily Mail
- Western diet now killing more than smoking and high blood pressure, study suggests The Independent
Four medics are arrested over mistreatment and neglect claims at NHS Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Four medics are arrested over mistreatment and neglect claims at NHS Blackpool Victoria Hospital Four healthcare professionals have been arrested over allegations of mistreatment and neglect at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Last November, Lancashire Police were asked by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to investigate alleged incidents in their stroke unit. The Daily Mail
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Last November, Lancashire Police were asked by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to investigate alleged incidents in their stroke unit. The Daily Mail
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Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Northampton mental health hospital says '£250' offer to journalists to attend confidential meeting is not a bribe
Northampton mental health hospital says '£250' offer to journalists to attend confidential meeting is not a bribe Bosses of a Northampton mental health hospital that is offering journalists £250 to attend an off-record 'round table' meeting say the money is not a bribe.
St Andrew's Healthcare, which runs one of Europe's largest mental health facilities in Billing Road, is inviting 'opinion leaders' to an event in London tomorrow. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
St Andrew's Healthcare, which runs one of Europe's largest mental health facilities in Billing Road, is inviting 'opinion leaders' to an event in London tomorrow. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Government underestimates challenge of delivering NHS plan
Government underestimates challenge of delivering NHS plan While the NHS did balance its overall budget in 2017-18, there is a worrying level of disparity in financial health and patient experience at a local level.
The top-level picture hides warning signs that the NHS’ financial health is getting worse: increasing loans to support trusts in difficulty, raids on capital budgets to cover revenue shortfalls, and the growth in waiting lists and slippage in waiting times do not indicate a sustainable position.
It is unacceptable to simply offset surpluses and deficits in the presentation of these overall budget results. House of Commons Public Accounts Committee
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The top-level picture hides warning signs that the NHS’ financial health is getting worse: increasing loans to support trusts in difficulty, raids on capital budgets to cover revenue shortfalls, and the growth in waiting lists and slippage in waiting times do not indicate a sustainable position.
It is unacceptable to simply offset surpluses and deficits in the presentation of these overall budget results. House of Commons Public Accounts Committee
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Preventing amputations major concern as diabetes numbers rise
Preventing amputations major concern as diabetes numbers rise New data from the Diabetes Foot Care Profiles, published by PHE’s National Cardiovascular Intelligence Network, shows that the number of major lower limb amputations (above the ankle) continues to rise – with 7,545 major amputations over the past 3 years between 2015 to 2018, compared with 6,957 between 2012 to 2015.
The overall number of major amputations is increasing, as the number of people with diabetes rises, but the rate among people with diabetes is not significantly increasing. Public Health England
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The overall number of major amputations is increasing, as the number of people with diabetes rises, but the rate among people with diabetes is not significantly increasing. Public Health England
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When safeguarding becomes stigmatising: a report on the impact of FGM-safeguarding procedures on people with a Somali heritage living in Bristol
When safeguarding becomes stigmatising: a report on the impact of FGM-safeguarding procedures on people with a Somali heritage living in Bristol Female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered by the UN to be a ‘global concern’. International organisations routinely claim a 98 per cent prevalence rate among the Somali population (UNICEF 2013). As a consequence, Somalis living in the UK have attracted particular attention from FGM-safeguarding policy. This research presents the perspectives of Somali families living in Bristol with experience of FGM-safeguarding services. University of Bristol
How should we measure quality of life impact in rare disease? Recent learnings in spinal muscular atrophy
How should we measure quality of life impact in rare disease? Recent learnings in spinal muscular atrophy The measurement of quality of life in the context of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is challenging. This is because the disease is experienced by children and is rare, which makes data collection difficult. This briefing reports on a symposium that outlined some lessons that can be learnt from the SMA context that might be more widely applicable to other rare diseases. Office of Health Economics
'Unbelievable' failings in Claire Greaves hospital death
'Unbelievable' failings in Claire Greaves hospital death The parents of a woman who took her own life at a mental health hospital say failings in her care were "unbelievable".
Claire Greaves, 25, from Pontypool, was a patient at Cygnet Hospital, Coventry.
An inquest jury found care failings contributed to her death in February 2018 and reached an open conclusion. BBC News
Claire Greaves, 25, from Pontypool, was a patient at Cygnet Hospital, Coventry.
An inquest jury found care failings contributed to her death in February 2018 and reached an open conclusion. BBC News
'Should we get our baby vaccinated?'
'Should we get our baby vaccinated?' A growing number of parents are confused about whether to vaccinate their children, with many influenced by "anti-vax" material on social media. Can asking experts questions help one undecided couple find clarity? BBC News
Is ‘Total football’ the best model for running health and social care in the NHS?
Is ‘Total football’ the best model for running health and social care in the NHS? Total football is a style of play in which positions are fluid and the collective comes above the individual. Developed in the 1970s, its influence can be traced from the Netherlands to Barcelona to Manchester City, whose manager, Pep Guardiola, is a devotee of Johan Cruyff, the style’s most celebrated practitioner.
Less well known is that it is also, according to Jon Rouse, the chief officer of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, the model for the city’s new healthcare system. Just as players are given freedom to work things out on the pitch, so too are health and local authority leaders in the conference room. iNews
Less well known is that it is also, according to Jon Rouse, the chief officer of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, the model for the city’s new healthcare system. Just as players are given freedom to work things out on the pitch, so too are health and local authority leaders in the conference room. iNews
Toxic air lowers life expectancy by 20 months
Toxic air lowers life expectancy by 20 months Exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution is almost as dangerous as smoking, reducing life expectancy by an average of 20 months, according to a major study.
The report, the State of Global Air, is the latest in a slew of evidence on the links between air pollution and poor health.
It shows that breathing toxic air - both inside and outside the home - will cut the life expectancy of a baby born today by an average of 20 months, compared to a 21-month fall in life expectancy in a smoker. The Daily Telegraph
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The report, the State of Global Air, is the latest in a slew of evidence on the links between air pollution and poor health.
It shows that breathing toxic air - both inside and outside the home - will cut the life expectancy of a baby born today by an average of 20 months, compared to a 21-month fall in life expectancy in a smoker. The Daily Telegraph
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Male doctors accused of sending female medics unsolicited naked pictures amid BMA #metoo moment
Male doctors accused of sending female medics unsolicited naked pictures amid BMA #metoo moment Female doctors have accused senior members of the British Medical Association of sending unsolicited naked pictures and joking about women’s bra sizes, amid a culture of “institutional sexism”.
Medics said they were speaking up as part of the #metoo movement, warning that they had suffered harassment, sexism and discriminatory behaviour which must be stamped out. The Daily Telegraph
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Medics said they were speaking up as part of the #metoo movement, warning that they had suffered harassment, sexism and discriminatory behaviour which must be stamped out. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- BMA launches urgent inquiry into sexual harassment The Guardian
Deaths from heart disease plunge by more than half thanks to better healthcare and fewer smokers
Deaths from heart disease plunge by more than half thanks to better healthcare and fewer smokers Deaths through heart disease have plunged thanks to better healthcare and fewer smokers, a study shows.
Researchers who compared Britain with 20 other western countries found a 63 per cent fall in cardiovascular disease between 1989-91 and 2013-15. The Daily Mail
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Researchers who compared Britain with 20 other western countries found a 63 per cent fall in cardiovascular disease between 1989-91 and 2013-15. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Reduced Cardiovascular Disease Deaths in 21 Western Countries 1989-91 v 2013-154. What is the UK doing Right or What is the USA doing Wrong? (open access) Online Journal of Cardiovascular Research
Tuesday, 2 April 2019
Northamptonshire residents urged to find out more about diabetes risks
Northamptonshire residents urged to find out more about diabetes risks A ‘diabetes van’ will visit three county towns this week to help residents find out more about the condition.
The events will be held in Corby, Daventry and Northampton as part of Diabetes Prevention Week which runs today (Monday) to April 7 and aims to raise awareness of the causes and complications of Type 2 diabetes, particularly amongst groups at higher risk. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The events will be held in Corby, Daventry and Northampton as part of Diabetes Prevention Week which runs today (Monday) to April 7 and aims to raise awareness of the causes and complications of Type 2 diabetes, particularly amongst groups at higher risk. Northamptonshire Telegraph
How to address the challenge of multimorbidity?
How to address the challenge of multimorbidity? With slow progress being made on a promise to redesign health care for the people who use it, Charlotte Paddison argues for two key changes in how multimorbidity is tackled. Nuffield Trust
Improving physical ill-health and cardiovascular disease prevention in people with severe mental illness
Improving physical ill-health and cardiovascular disease prevention in people with severe mental illness The NHS RightCare Toolkit for physical ill-health and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention in people with severe mental illness (SMI) defines the core components of an optimal service for people with SMI who are at risk of developing CVD. NHS England
The key to building a successful work-based learning culture
The key to building a successful work-based learning culture This infographic and accompanying dedicated web section aims to support employers with understanding the key elements which need to be in place to successfully enable a culture of work-based learning, such as when implementing apprenticeships. NHS Employers
Vaginal mesh ban can be lifted with changes, NICE says
Vaginal mesh ban can be lifted with changes, NICE says Controversial vaginal mesh implants can be offered again on the NHS in England once certain conditions are met, health watchdog NICE has said.
Some women have been left unable to walk, work or have sex after having the implants, which are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence.
Use of vaginal mesh was halted across the UK last year amid safety concerns. BBC News
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Some women have been left unable to walk, work or have sex after having the implants, which are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence.
Use of vaginal mesh was halted across the UK last year amid safety concerns. BBC News
See also:
- Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management National Institute of Health and Care Excellence
- Fury as health chiefs U-turn on dramatic decision to ban vaginal mesh The Daily Mail
- Outrage as officials recommend controversial mesh implant The Daily Telegraph
- Vaginal mesh: New generation of women at risk of controversial procedure, campaigners warn The Independent
NHS dentist charges rise by 5% in England
NHS dentist charges rise by 5% in England An inflation-busting hike in dentistry fees mean NHS patients in England will pay £1.10 extra for a routine check-up.
The new charges, which begin on Monday, will also see the cost of a set of dentures rise by £12.80 to nearly £270.
Dentistry leaders say charges are increasingly being relied on and in the future dentistry could end up as an NHS service "in name only". BBC News
The new charges, which begin on Monday, will also see the cost of a set of dentures rise by £12.80 to nearly £270.
Dentistry leaders say charges are increasingly being relied on and in the future dentistry could end up as an NHS service "in name only". BBC News
Pre-eclampsia: NHS to roll out breakthrough test which speeds up diagnosis and can save lives
Pre-eclampsia: NHS to roll out breakthrough test which speeds up diagnosis and can save lives The NHS is set to roll out a revolutionary blood test for pre-eclampsia, after a trial showed it can diagnose the condition earlier in pregnancy and significantly reduce life-threatening complications.
Complications like stroke, seizures and maternal death fell by 20 per cent when doctors had access to placental growth factor (PlGF) testing, research led by King’s College London found. The Independent
Complications like stroke, seizures and maternal death fell by 20 per cent when doctors had access to placental growth factor (PlGF) testing, research led by King’s College London found. The Independent
E-cigarettes do not normalise smoking for young people – study
E-cigarettes do not normalise smoking for young people – study Tobacco use among children and teens continues to fall despite popularity of vaping
The sharp increase in the use of e-cigarettes has not led more British children to take up cigarettes or regard smoking as normal, the first study of its kind has shown.
Some health experts and anti-smoking groups have expressed concern that the growth of e-cigarettes might normalise the idea of smoking for young people. The Guardian
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The sharp increase in the use of e-cigarettes has not led more British children to take up cigarettes or regard smoking as normal, the first study of its kind has shown.
Some health experts and anti-smoking groups have expressed concern that the growth of e-cigarettes might normalise the idea of smoking for young people. The Guardian
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Parents who refuse vaccinations for their children are putting us all at risk
Parents who refuse vaccinations for their children are putting us all at risk Only 87.2% of children in England have had both MMR jabs by the time they're five, which means the rest of the population is in danger.
When fewer than 90% of people are vaccinated, 'herd immunity' drops which puts the most vulnerable of society at risk. Children, the elderly and the sick all have a higher chance of contracting diseases that could be prevented by vaccination. The Daily Telegraph
When fewer than 90% of people are vaccinated, 'herd immunity' drops which puts the most vulnerable of society at risk. Children, the elderly and the sick all have a higher chance of contracting diseases that could be prevented by vaccination. The Daily Telegraph
Judge to rule whether man can have sex with his wife years amid concerns over her mental capacity.
Judge to rule whether man can have sex with his wife years amid concerns over her mental capacity A judge is set to rule whether a man can continue to sleep with his wife of more than 20 years amid concerns over her mental capacity.
Social services bosses with responsibility for the care of the wife, who has learning difficulties, say there is evidence that her mental health has reached a stage which means that she no longer has the capacity to make decisions about whether she wants to have sex. The Daily Telegraph
Social services bosses with responsibility for the care of the wife, who has learning difficulties, say there is evidence that her mental health has reached a stage which means that she no longer has the capacity to make decisions about whether she wants to have sex. The Daily Telegraph
Interactive map shows the areas of England where cancer patients are most likely to die in a year
Interactive map shows the areas of England where cancer patients are most likely to die in a year Figures have revealed the areas of England where people are least likely to survive for a year after being diagnosed with cancer.
Nearly a third of cancer patients diagnosed in Leicester city centre will die within a year, making it the worst performing NHS group in the country by this measure – its 12-month survival rate is 67.7 per cent.
Only 20 areas in England manage to keep three quarters of their patients alive for a year after being diagnosed, the majority of them in or around London.
Whereas the worst performing areas are mainly in the Midlands and Kent, leaving people facing a postcode lottery if they are diagnosed. The Daily Mail
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Nearly a third of cancer patients diagnosed in Leicester city centre will die within a year, making it the worst performing NHS group in the country by this measure – its 12-month survival rate is 67.7 per cent.
Only 20 areas in England manage to keep three quarters of their patients alive for a year after being diagnosed, the majority of them in or around London.
Whereas the worst performing areas are mainly in the Midlands and Kent, leaving people facing a postcode lottery if they are diagnosed. The Daily Mail
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Monday, 1 April 2019
Northampton and Kettering hospitals work together to help crime victims
Northampton and Kettering hospitals work together to help crime victims Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital have agreed to join up with Voice, the free, confidential support service for anyone affected by crime in Northamptonshire.
The three organisations came together recently to sign an agreement that will see them working together to ensure patients and staff are able to access the specialist support provided by Voice. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The three organisations came together recently to sign an agreement that will see them working together to ensure patients and staff are able to access the specialist support provided by Voice. Northamptonshire Telegraph
New out-of-hours GP provider appointed in Northamptonshire
New out-of-hours GP provider appointed in Northamptonshire A new provider for the GP out of hours service has been appointed by the Northamptonshire CCGs (Corby CCG and Nene CCG).
From Monday (April 1) DHU Health Care will be operating the service for patients registered with a Northamptonshire GP. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
From Monday (April 1) DHU Health Care will be operating the service for patients registered with a Northamptonshire GP. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NICE at 20
NICE at 20 This Monday – 1 April 2019, or All Fools’ Day – is the sixth anniversary of the implementation of Andrew Lansley’s Health and Social Care Act, 2012. An Act that everyone from the Prime Minister down appears to agree now needs amending.
But it is also the twentieth anniversary of the arrival of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). And that has to be an occasion for a birthday cake and a few celebratory fireworks. The King's Fund
But it is also the twentieth anniversary of the arrival of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). And that has to be an occasion for a birthday cake and a few celebratory fireworks. The King's Fund
'She was so desperate, she swallowed a toothbrush'
'She was so desperate, she swallowed a toothbrush' "She is so desperate to end it all, she currently has a toothbrush inside her."
Jane Haines is talking about her daughter, Ayla, who has been in secure units for people with learning difficulties for seven years.
A government programme to move people out of these units after an abuse scandal is a failure, campaigners say.
The government said in 2015 it was committed to reducing inpatient numbers in England by at least 35%, although it has only relocated 20% so far.
That means 2,000 patients remain in them and the government has extended the original March 2019 deadline to 2020. BBC News
Jane Haines is talking about her daughter, Ayla, who has been in secure units for people with learning difficulties for seven years.
A government programme to move people out of these units after an abuse scandal is a failure, campaigners say.
The government said in 2015 it was committed to reducing inpatient numbers in England by at least 35%, although it has only relocated 20% so far.
That means 2,000 patients remain in them and the government has extended the original March 2019 deadline to 2020. BBC News
Ask children about social media use, psychiatrists urged
Ask children about social media use, psychiatrists urged Psychiatrists are being urged to ask children with mental health issues how long they spend online and what they use social media for.
Questions about technology should be a routine part of assessments, the Royal College of Psychiatrists says.
It is concerned about how time spent online impacts on mood, sleep, diet and behaviour.
The government is expected to announce plans to regulate social media companies soon. BBC News
Questions about technology should be a routine part of assessments, the Royal College of Psychiatrists says.
It is concerned about how time spent online impacts on mood, sleep, diet and behaviour.
The government is expected to announce plans to regulate social media companies soon. BBC News
Schools and NHS could be held accountable over youth crime
Schools and NHS could be held accountable over youth crime Teachers, NHS workers and police officers could be held accountable for failing to spot violent crime among young people under government plans announced on Monday.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid has launched a consultation to assess whether there is a "public health duty" to report concerns over children at risk.
He said he will use "all the tools" at his disposal to end violent crime.
A summit on serious youth violence is being held at Downing Street this week. BBC News
Home Secretary Sajid Javid has launched a consultation to assess whether there is a "public health duty" to report concerns over children at risk.
He said he will use "all the tools" at his disposal to end violent crime.
A summit on serious youth violence is being held at Downing Street this week. BBC News
New diabetes diagnosis every three minutes, new figures suggest
New diabetes diagnosis every three minutes, new figures suggest One person is being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in England and Wales every three minutes, according to new figures.
Data from 2017 revealed 202,665 people were diagnosed with the disease across the two countries in that year, equivalent to 23 people every hour.
Diabetes UK, which conducted the analysis, said the figures revealed the UK’s obesity crisis was fuelling a rapid rise in the number of people living with the condition. The Independent
Data from 2017 revealed 202,665 people were diagnosed with the disease across the two countries in that year, equivalent to 23 people every hour.
Diabetes UK, which conducted the analysis, said the figures revealed the UK’s obesity crisis was fuelling a rapid rise in the number of people living with the condition. The Independent
Fury as government delays promised social care reform for sixth time amid Brexit gridlock
Fury as government delays promised social care reform for sixth time amid Brexit gridlock The government has failed for the sixth time to hit its own deadline to publish details of care system reforms for adults with disabilities and the elderly, because of the Brexit gridlock wracking the Commons.
Charities claimed lives were being put at risk by minsters’ “dithering and delays” and warned vulnerable people denied care, such as those with learning disabilities, were at increased “risk of abuse and neglect”. The Independent
Charities claimed lives were being put at risk by minsters’ “dithering and delays” and warned vulnerable people denied care, such as those with learning disabilities, were at increased “risk of abuse and neglect”. The Independent
Transgender fertility rules updated by NHS
Transgender fertility rules updated by NHS Refusal to offer services will require ‘strong justification’ under revised guidance
A long-running battle between the NHS and the equality watchdog over transgender people’s right to access fertility services has ended with both sides claiming victory.
Guidance will be issued to all of the country’s 200-plus clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) – the NHS bodies that plan and commission services – saying that refusal to offer fertility services to people who are transitioning will need a strong justification. A failure to provide this could be challenged in court. However, in a move that will dismay some trans rights groups, NHS England need not instruct CCGs that they must offer the services, after the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) dropped its legal challenge. The Guardian
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A long-running battle between the NHS and the equality watchdog over transgender people’s right to access fertility services has ended with both sides claiming victory.
Guidance will be issued to all of the country’s 200-plus clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) – the NHS bodies that plan and commission services – saying that refusal to offer fertility services to people who are transitioning will need a strong justification. A failure to provide this could be challenged in court. However, in a move that will dismay some trans rights groups, NHS England need not instruct CCGs that they must offer the services, after the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) dropped its legal challenge. The Guardian
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University student died after hospital ‘assumed he was drunk’
University student died after hospital ‘assumed he was drunk’ A university student died after doctors failed to spot a head injury he sustained during a night out to celebrate his birthday because they assumed his condition was due to excessive drink, a coroner has found.
Maria Voisin, the senior coroner for Avon, said the death of 22-year-old Alex Green was “contributed to by neglect” by hospital staff. The Guardian
Maria Voisin, the senior coroner for Avon, said the death of 22-year-old Alex Green was “contributed to by neglect” by hospital staff. The Guardian
Matt Haig: teach children about mental health as readily as road safety
Matt Haig: teach children about mental health as readily as road safety Teaching children about wellbeing is as important as road safety, best-selling author Matt Haig has said as he calls for mental health to be added to the school curriculum.
However, Haig, who is known for his children's books which unpick mental health issues for young readers, warned against so-called 'helicopter parents' "editing" their sons and daughters' lives. The Daily Telegraph
However, Haig, who is known for his children's books which unpick mental health issues for young readers, warned against so-called 'helicopter parents' "editing" their sons and daughters' lives. The Daily Telegraph
Half of NHS trusts are providing poor care and hundreds of thousands are not being diagnosed
Half of NHS trusts are providing poor care and hundreds of thousands are not being diagnosed The NHS is failing dementia patients across huge swathes of Britain, official figures reveal.
Nearly half of England’s health boards offer poor standards of care, according to Ofsted-style scores.
The figures suggest hundreds of thousands of people are not even diagnosed. And many who do get a diagnosis have to wait for more than a year between their care assessments.
An estimated 850,000 people in the UK have dementia but the number is predicted to soar to two million by 2050. The Daily Mail
Nearly half of England’s health boards offer poor standards of care, according to Ofsted-style scores.
The figures suggest hundreds of thousands of people are not even diagnosed. And many who do get a diagnosis have to wait for more than a year between their care assessments.
An estimated 850,000 people in the UK have dementia but the number is predicted to soar to two million by 2050. The Daily Mail
All pregnant women will be tested to see if they or their partners smoke, as part of NHS drive
All pregnant women will be tested to see if they or their partners smoke, as part of NHS drive Under radical new NHS plans, all women and their partners will be screened to see if they smoke during pregnancy.
The NHS will offer all women a carbon monoxide screening test at the 12 and 36 weeks stage of pregnancy in a bid to persuade thousands to give up the habit.
The routine screening will come into effect in July. One in 10 women, around 65,000, smoke throughout their pregnancy. The Daily Mail
The NHS will offer all women a carbon monoxide screening test at the 12 and 36 weeks stage of pregnancy in a bid to persuade thousands to give up the habit.
The routine screening will come into effect in July. One in 10 women, around 65,000, smoke throughout their pregnancy. The Daily Mail
Friday, 29 March 2019
Hackers attempt to access Northampton General Hospital computers 240 times a day
Hackers attempt to access Northampton General Hospital computers 240 times a day Northampton General Hospital has warned its staff about opening suspicious emails after it revealed its software is fighting off hundreds of cyber attacks every day.
The hospital, along with the wider NHS, says it is continuing to see an increase in daily activity attempting to cause disruption and gain access to IT systems. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The hospital, along with the wider NHS, says it is continuing to see an increase in daily activity attempting to cause disruption and gain access to IT systems. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The state of care in independent doctor and clinic services providing primary medical care: findings from CQC’s programme of comprehensive inspections in England
The state of care in independent doctor and clinic services providing primary medical care: findings from CQC’s programme of comprehensive inspections in England This report gives an overview of care from inspection findings for doctors and clinics that provide primary medical services in the independent or private sector – that is those not provided by NHS organisations. It found that many services were responding to the needs of their patients, delivering caring services tailored to people’s requirements and needs. However, a number were not meeting the necessary regulations and not delivering safe and effective care. Care Quality Commission
Prevention before cure: prioritising population health
Prevention before cure: prioritising population health This policy paper contains a suggested framework for a cross-government approach to prioritising population health. The framework outlines four areas to consider: addressing the social determinants that influence health; increased and sustained funding for public health; prioritising prevention through the health service; and effective regulation to tackle key drivers of ill-health. British Medical Association
Implementing handovers and huddles: a framework for practice in maternity units
Implementing handovers and huddles: a framework for practice in maternity units This framework aims to provide a structure for maternity units to create and develop their own approach to effectively communicating clinical data and transferring key safety information. It describes the difference between handovers and huddles, the benefits of effective clinical handovers and the role of huddles in promoting safety. It is intended as a good practice guide for healthcare professionals involved in the care of pregnant women and their infants, regardless of the nature of the unit they work in or whether it is in the community or a hospital. NHS Improvement
Wide array of NHS figures named as the new NHS Assembly announced
Wide array of NHS figures named as the new NHS Assembly announced A diverse group of leading NHS figures, disability advocates and charity bosses have been named in the new NHS Assembly including trust chief executives, ex-government advisors, patient representatives and a Guardian columnist.
The NHS has announced that the NHS Assembly, a team of health and social care experts, is to be established by April 2019 and will be tasked with supporting the delivery of the NHS Long-Term Plan. National Health Executive
The NHS has announced that the NHS Assembly, a team of health and social care experts, is to be established by April 2019 and will be tasked with supporting the delivery of the NHS Long-Term Plan. National Health Executive
Jump in antidepressant prescriptions in England
Jump in antidepressant prescriptions in England A total of 70.9 million prescriptions for antidepressants were dispensed in England in 2018.
NHS Digital figures show that the number of drugs issued - for conditions like depression and anxiety - went up from 67.5 million in 2017.
The total is almost double the number dispensed in 2008.
The figure includes all items issued by the NHS in England, except those given out in hospitals or on private prescriptions. BBC News
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NHS Digital figures show that the number of drugs issued - for conditions like depression and anxiety - went up from 67.5 million in 2017.
The total is almost double the number dispensed in 2008.
The figure includes all items issued by the NHS in England, except those given out in hospitals or on private prescriptions. BBC News
See also:
- Prescription Cost Analysis - England, 2018 NHS Digital
- Rising prescription numbers not 'automatically a bad thing', says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- A nation of pill poppers: NHS dishes out more prescriptions than EVER before The Daily Mail
- Doubling in number of antidepressants doled out in a decade, NHS figures show The Daily Telegraph
- Antidepressant prescriptions in England double in a decade The Guardian
- Antidepressant prescriptions nearly double in a decade The Independent
Brexit: NHS no-deal fears prompt call for drugs export ban
Brexit: NHS no-deal fears prompt call for drugs export ban Pharmaceutical industry leaders want a temporary ban on drugs exports to prevent the NHS being hit by shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The call came from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
It told the BBC a drop in the value of the pound would create an incentive for wholesalers to sell medicines overseas instead of to the NHS.
The Department of Health says it is working closely with the industry to ensure continuity of supply. BBC News
The call came from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
It told the BBC a drop in the value of the pound would create an incentive for wholesalers to sell medicines overseas instead of to the NHS.
The Department of Health says it is working closely with the industry to ensure continuity of supply. BBC News
Newborn hip checks 'have failed to prevent late diagnosis'
Newborn hip checks 'have failed to prevent late diagnosis' The current system of checking newborns for hip problems is failing, resulting in too many late diagnoses and corrective surgery, a study suggests.
All newborns in England have their hips examined but only those at risk or with problems receive a scan.
Surgeons from Southampton Children's Hospital said the rate of late diagnoses had not improved since screening started, over 30 years ago. BBC News
All newborns in England have their hips examined but only those at risk or with problems receive a scan.
Surgeons from Southampton Children's Hospital said the rate of late diagnoses had not improved since screening started, over 30 years ago. BBC News
Easter eggs sold in January are fuelling obesity epidemic, doctors say
Easter eggs sold in January are fuelling obesity epidemic, doctors say Doctors and the public are calling for an end to creeping holiday seasons that mean supermarkets start selling Easter eggs in January, fuelling the UK’s obesity epidemic.
Polling by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) shows 77 per cent of people think supermarkets are pushing chocolatey Easter treats too early. The Independent
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Polling by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) shows 77 per cent of people think supermarkets are pushing chocolatey Easter treats too early. The Independent
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- Retailers urged to crack down on early Easter egg sales to tackle obesity Royal Society for Public Health
Dossier reveals 'petty tortures' of NHS trainee doctors denied leave
Dossier reveals 'petty tortures' of NHS trainee doctors denied leave Accounts include medic who was forced to work despite his wife having had a miscarriage.
Trainee doctors have been denied leave despite experiencing stillbirth or having a child or partner in intensive care, a dossier of young medics’ “brutal” treatment by the NHS reveals.
Hospitals have refused to let trainees take time off for their weddings and told them to use holiday entitlement rather than compassionate leave to attend funerals of relatives. The Guardian
Trainee doctors have been denied leave despite experiencing stillbirth or having a child or partner in intensive care, a dossier of young medics’ “brutal” treatment by the NHS reveals.
Hospitals have refused to let trainees take time off for their weddings and told them to use holiday entitlement rather than compassionate leave to attend funerals of relatives. The Guardian
GPs worst for NHS gender pay gap, with men paid 33 per cent more
GPs worst for NHS gender pay gap, with men paid 33 per cent more Male GPs are paid on average 33 per cent more than their female counterparts, a Government-ordered review has found.
The new figures reveal family doctors have the biggest gap among NHS clinicians, despite more than half the profession being women.
The difference in average earnings is nearly double the 17 per cent gender pay gap currently existing across the NHS doctor workforce as a whole. The Daily Telegraph
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The new figures reveal family doctors have the biggest gap among NHS clinicians, despite more than half the profession being women.
The difference in average earnings is nearly double the 17 per cent gender pay gap currently existing across the NHS doctor workforce as a whole. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- New data on gender pay gap in medicine Department of Health and Social Care
- Male NHS doctors earn 17% more than their female peers The Guardian
- NHS gender pay gap: Male doctors earn 17% more than female peers, review reveals The Independent
Care homes applying for hundreds more court orders to prevent elderly from going outside, figures reveal
Care homes applying for hundreds more court orders to prevent elderly from going outside, figures reveal Care homes and hospitals are applying for hundreds more elderly people to be locked inside, new data shows.
The figures, published today by the Ministry of Justice, reveal that there were 4,557 applications made by care homes and hospitals relating to Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) orders in 2018. This marked a 14 per cent increase on the previous year where there were 3,995 applications as charities warn that the increasing trend in applications are “deeply worrying”. The Daily Telegraph
The figures, published today by the Ministry of Justice, reveal that there were 4,557 applications made by care homes and hospitals relating to Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) orders in 2018. This marked a 14 per cent increase on the previous year where there were 3,995 applications as charities warn that the increasing trend in applications are “deeply worrying”. The Daily Telegraph
Thursday, 28 March 2019
Health provider terminates contract to run Northampton surgery
Health provider terminates contract to run Northampton surgery The alliance in charge of a Northampton surgery has announced it is terminating its contract, leaving the NHS to find a new provider.
Nene Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England are seeking another party to run Kings Heath Practice after the Northampton-based GP Alliance decided to pull out. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Nene Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England are seeking another party to run Kings Heath Practice after the Northampton-based GP Alliance decided to pull out. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The tipping point: considering the impact of the proposed changes to treatment waiting time targets
The tipping point: considering the impact of the proposed changes to treatment waiting time targets The totemic 18 week target for planned care is facing a radical overhaul. Jessica Morris breaks down what a change would mean for hospitals and patients. Nuffield Trust
50 years of NHS inquiries: Why they matter and what we can learn from them
50 years of NHS inquiries: Why they matter and what we can learn from them It is fifty years since what most people think of as the first NHS inquiry – into failures in care at Ely Hospital in Cardiff. The inquiry was set up in 1967 to investigate allegations of ill-treatment, the abuse of patients and theft by staff at the long-stay psychiatric hospital. The Health Foundation
1 million Brits at risk after missing vital inhaler check
1 million Brits at risk after missing vital inhaler check More than a million people with asthma in the UK could be at risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack because they did not get their inhaler technique checked by their GP or asthma nurse, according to new estimates by Asthma UK.
Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) people aren’t getting their inhaler technique checked, according to Asthma UK’s report, which included a survey of more than 10,000 people with asthma. This is an essential part of basic asthma care that everyone with asthma should be getting.
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Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) people aren’t getting their inhaler technique checked, according to Asthma UK’s report, which included a survey of more than 10,000 people with asthma. This is an essential part of basic asthma care that everyone with asthma should be getting.
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NHS joint working with industry is out of public sight
NHS joint working with industry is out of public sight NHS organisations are entering into working partnerships with drug companies, but the details, and even existence, of many of these deals are not being made available to the public, a BMJ investigation has found.
With government encouragement, the number of “joint working arrangements” is growing in England, and they brought more than £7.5m (€8.7m; $9.9m) into the health service in 2016 and 2017. Examples include several projects to review the medications of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and more than 20 that focus on patients with age-related macular degeneration. But many of these agreements ignore official guidance that urges openness and transparency. The BMJ
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With government encouragement, the number of “joint working arrangements” is growing in England, and they brought more than £7.5m (€8.7m; $9.9m) into the health service in 2016 and 2017. Examples include several projects to review the medications of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and more than 20 that focus on patients with age-related macular degeneration. But many of these agreements ignore official guidance that urges openness and transparency. The BMJ
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Life expectancy drops among poorer women in England
Life expectancy drops among poorer women in England The life expectancy of women living in the poorest areas of England fell by 100 days in recent years, Office for National Statistics data suggests.
Between 2012-2014 and 2015-2017, female life expectancy in the richest areas increased by 84 days, widening the gap between rich and poor by half a year.
In men, the gap also widened - but less markedly.
Life expectancy in the UK as a whole has stopped improving at the rate expected, the ONS said. BBC News
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Between 2012-2014 and 2015-2017, female life expectancy in the richest areas increased by 84 days, widening the gap between rich and poor by half a year.
In men, the gap also widened - but less markedly.
Life expectancy in the UK as a whole has stopped improving at the rate expected, the ONS said. BBC News
See also:
- Staggering level of variation in healthy life expectancy The Health Foundation
- Life expectancy of girls living in England's poorest areas falls by almost 100 days in five years The Daily Telegraph
Take over pharma to create new medicines, says top adviser
Take over pharma to create new medicines, says top adviser Part of the drugs industry should be taken over to make new antibiotics, an influential economist has argued.
Lord Jim O'Neill, who advised the government on antibiotic resistance, said he was shocked by pharmaceutical companies failing to tackle drug-resistant infections.
He said the solution may be to "just take it away from them and take it over".
The pharmaceutical industry said it was not standing still on the issue. BBC News
Lord Jim O'Neill, who advised the government on antibiotic resistance, said he was shocked by pharmaceutical companies failing to tackle drug-resistant infections.
He said the solution may be to "just take it away from them and take it over".
The pharmaceutical industry said it was not standing still on the issue. BBC News
600 years’ supply of cystic fibrosis drug destroyed in price row
600 years’ supply of cystic fibrosis drug destroyed in price row 8,000 packs of Orkambi go out of date during standoff between maker and NHS
Nearly 8,000 packs of Orkambi, the breakthrough medicine for cystic fibrosis, have been destroyed by the manufacturer while it has been in a stand-off with the NHS over the high price it wants to charge for the drug.
The US company Vertex has distributed 80,000 packs of Orkambi around Europe from its base in the UK since the drug was licensed in 2015. Other European countries with smaller numbers of people affected by the genetic disease have agreed to a high price, sometimes in order to give access to patients before negotiating downwards. The Guardian
Nearly 8,000 packs of Orkambi, the breakthrough medicine for cystic fibrosis, have been destroyed by the manufacturer while it has been in a stand-off with the NHS over the high price it wants to charge for the drug.
The US company Vertex has distributed 80,000 packs of Orkambi around Europe from its base in the UK since the drug was licensed in 2015. Other European countries with smaller numbers of people affected by the genetic disease have agreed to a high price, sometimes in order to give access to patients before negotiating downwards. The Guardian
U-turn over plans to privatise cancer scanning services
U-turn over plans to privatise cancer scanning services PET-CT scanners to remain at Churchill hospital, Oxford, and be operated by NHS staff
NHS bosses have made a significant U-turn over plans to privatise cancer scanning services after outcry from MPs, doctors and patients.
The rethink means the two scanners used for the tests at the cancer centre at the Churchill hospital in Oxford will remain there, after the new private contractor was forced to drop plans to move them elsewhere. The Guardian
NHS bosses have made a significant U-turn over plans to privatise cancer scanning services after outcry from MPs, doctors and patients.
The rethink means the two scanners used for the tests at the cancer centre at the Churchill hospital in Oxford will remain there, after the new private contractor was forced to drop plans to move them elsewhere. The Guardian
More than 50 bowel surgery patients should not have been operated on by well-known doctor, hospital admits
More than 50 bowel surgery patients should not have been operated on by well-known doctor, hospital admits More than 50 patients who were given a controversial form of bowel surgery by a well-known surgeon should not have been operated on, a hospital trust has admitted.
Dozens of women say they were left in severe pain after pelvic floor surgery using artificial mesh at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Tony Dixon, one of Britain's best known surgeons in the area, was suspended in 2017 after concerns were first raised and an inquiry examined 143 cases. The Daily Telegraph
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Dozens of women say they were left in severe pain after pelvic floor surgery using artificial mesh at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Tony Dixon, one of Britain's best known surgeons in the area, was suspended in 2017 after concerns were first raised and an inquiry examined 143 cases. The Daily Telegraph
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Psychosis more common in 'people living in areas plagued by pollution'
Psychosis more common in 'people living in areas plagued by pollution' Living in a polluted city could raise the risk of psychosis, according to a study.
Scientists have for the first time linked toxic air to intense paranoia and hearing voices in young people.
The researchers warned this could develop into psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar, mental health problems and suicide attempts. The Daily Mail
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Scientists have for the first time linked toxic air to intense paranoia and hearing voices in young people.
The researchers warned this could develop into psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar, mental health problems and suicide attempts. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Association of Air Pollution Exposure With Psychotic Experiences During Adolescence (open access) JAMA Psychiatry
- City air pollution 'link to teenage psychotic experiences' explored BBC News
- Psychotic episodes including hallucinations and paranoia linked to air pollution in groundbreaking UK study The Independent
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
Empathy and understanding in mental health
Empathy and understanding in mental health Emily, a senior peer support worker at Haven, explains the vital role peer support workers play in supporting people through mental health crisis. The King's Fund
Learning from invited reviews: 2019 full report
Learning from invited reviews: 2019 full report This report finds that where rare problems occur in surgical practice, poor team working between surgeons is often a major factor. Analysis of one hundred surgical reviews over ten years conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) identifies poor teamwork as an issue leading to problems in surgical practice in over three quarters (76 per cent) of the reviews. In more than two thirds (68 per cent) of the RCS reviews, timely recognition and resolution of concerns was an issue. Alongside the report, the RCS has developed an interactive web resource to help hospital teams improve the quality of discussions about surgical practice and the action that takes place in response to it.
Effects of market structure and patient choice on hospital quality for planned patients
Effects of market structure and patient choice on hospital quality for planned patients In 2006, patients were given the right to be offered a choice of at least four hospitals and this was later extended to the right to choose any qualified provider. The study used a quasi difference in differences strategy to investigate whether the relaxation of constraints on patient choice, led to larger changes in quality for hospitals with more rivals. Hospital quality is measured by whether a patient has an emergency hospital readmission within 28 days of discharge after their index treatment. Centre for Health Economics
Minister targets anti-vaccination websites
Minister targets anti-vaccination websites Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock wants new legislation to force social media companies to remove content promoting false information about vaccines.
He said the government is working with internet companies to identify misleading material on jabs, including Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
Artificial intelligence programmes could root out bad science.
MMR vaccine uptake rates are declining in many countries. BBC News
He said the government is working with internet companies to identify misleading material on jabs, including Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
Artificial intelligence programmes could root out bad science.
MMR vaccine uptake rates are declining in many countries. BBC News
Good nurse leadership linked to safer outcomes
Good nurse leadership linked to safer outcomes Correct staffing levels and strong ward leadership is key to creating safer healthcare.
This is the conclusion from a major new review of ward staffing published this week by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). OnMedica
This is the conclusion from a major new review of ward staffing published this week by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). OnMedica
NHS crisis: 200,000 nurses have quit since Tories entered government
NHS crisis: 200,000 nurses have quit since Tories entered government More than 200,000 nurses have quit the NHS since the Conservatives entered government, with three-quarters of these prior to retirement age, new analysis shows.
Across the NHS voluntary resignations have risen 55 per cent since 2011 and 163,094 nurses left the NHS early, figures compiled by the Labour party show.
Labour said the analysis, which has been verified by the impartial House of Commons Library, shows “staggering” numbers quitting because of Tory austerity policies and their failure to address soaring retirements. The Independent
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Across the NHS voluntary resignations have risen 55 per cent since 2011 and 163,094 nurses left the NHS early, figures compiled by the Labour party show.
Labour said the analysis, which has been verified by the impartial House of Commons Library, shows “staggering” numbers quitting because of Tory austerity policies and their failure to address soaring retirements. The Independent
See also:
- NHS staffing crisis: More than 200,000 nurses have resigned since 2010 The Daily Mail
- Number of NHS staff leaving for a better work/life balance triples The Daily Telegraph
- NHS England losing staff in record numbers over long hours – study The Guardian
- More than 160,000 nurses have quit NHS since 2010/11, data shows ITV News
More than one in ten primary school boys is labelled with mental disorder
More than one in ten primary school boys is labelled with mental disorder More than one in ten boys at primary school are being labelled as suffering from a mental disorder, amid growing concerns about their classroom behaviour, research suggests.
The NHS report, which examines the factors which may increase the risk of mental illness, found young boys were twice as likely as girls the same age to suffer such problems. The Daily Telegraph
The NHS report, which examines the factors which may increase the risk of mental illness, found young boys were twice as likely as girls the same age to suffer such problems. The Daily Telegraph
Ethical investments could help in fight against superbugs, says chief medical officer
Ethical investments could help in fight against superbugs, says chief medical officer Investors are being urged to put their money into companies that are developing new antibiotics and vaccines as a way of curbing the rise of superbugs.
Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England and a key figure in the global fight against superbugs, told a conference on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that ethical investment was one way of tackling the problem. The Daily Telegraph
Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England and a key figure in the global fight against superbugs, told a conference on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that ethical investment was one way of tackling the problem. The Daily Telegraph
What your GP receptionist really thinks of you: Doctor's assistant on the vile abuse she puts gets
What your GP receptionist really thinks of you: Doctor's assistant on the vile abuse she puts gets The average adult patient has to wait a month for a GP appointment, new research reveals. And this week one woman in Wales revealed she rang her surgery 250 times before getting through. No wonder many patients are furious and GPs’ receptionists often feel their wrath. But what is it like for them? Here, in an eye-opening weekly diary, one receptionist, Nicola Thomas*, 35, reveals the real reasons you are being kept on hold... The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 26 March 2019
Hard work of Northamptonshire's healthcare apprentices pays off at awards night
Hard work of Northamptonshire's healthcare apprentices pays off at awards night Young apprentices working in healthcare in Northamptonshire had their day last week at an awards ceremony this month.
The 26 winners of the Northamptonshire Trust and NHS Partners Apprenticeship Awards 2019 were announced at an awards ceremony on March 1. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The 26 winners of the Northamptonshire Trust and NHS Partners Apprenticeship Awards 2019 were announced at an awards ceremony on March 1. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NGH nurse Rebecca wins award after caring for colleague who collapsed on dut
NGH nurse Rebecca wins award after caring for colleague who collapsed on duty A staff nurse on the Collingtree Ward at Northampton General Hospital has won an award for going above and beyond for her patients.
Rebecca qualified as a nurse in 2011 and has worked most of her career so far on a Gastroenterology ward where she treats people with digestive system disorders. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Rebecca qualified as a nurse in 2011 and has worked most of her career so far on a Gastroenterology ward where she treats people with digestive system disorders. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NHS moved Royal Navy veteran, 94, 13 times between five hospitals in the final weeks of his life
NHS moved Royal Navy veteran, 94, 13 times between five hospitals in the final weeks of his life A 94-year-old Second World War veteran was made to move between hospitals 13 times in the final 10 weeks of his life, his family have revealed as they criticised his care.
Reg Thompson was first admitted to the Leicester Royal Infirmary after he fell at home on December 21 last year. He died at Kettering General Hospital on March 2.
During the 10 weeks between those dates, he spent time at five different hospitals on 11 different wards - some for just a matter of hours. The Daily Telegraph
Reg Thompson was first admitted to the Leicester Royal Infirmary after he fell at home on December 21 last year. He died at Kettering General Hospital on March 2.
During the 10 weeks between those dates, he spent time at five different hospitals on 11 different wards - some for just a matter of hours. The Daily Telegraph
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