Well-being cafe inspired by Kettering man who killed himself A mother whose son took his own life five years ago said a mental health cafe named after him aims to fulfil his ambition "to make his name".
Johnny's Happy Place on Rockingham Road, Kettering, was founded after the death of Johnny Mackay in October 2014.
Johnny's mother Denise Mackay said: "He used to say to me 'Mummy one day I'm going to rock the world, I'm going to make my name'.
"He didn't, but we are trying to do that." BBC Northampton
Monday, 21 October 2019
These are the 10 worst GP practices in Northampton ranked for patient satisfaction
These are the 10 worst GP practices in Northampton ranked for patient satisfaction The majority of patients surveyed at all the practices in Northampton were happy with their GPs - but these ones had the lowest scores. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
National roll-out of electronic prescription service
National roll-out of electronic prescription service The service will help GPs and pharmacists prescribe and dispense medicines faster and more securely and make it easier for patients to pick up repeat prescriptions. Department of Health and Social Care
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Cancer research: Scientists seek clues to how disease 'is born'
Cancer research: Scientists seek clues to how disease 'is born' British and American scientists are teaming up to search for the earliest signs of cancer in a bid to detect and treat the disease before it emerges.
They plan to "give birth" to cancer in the lab to see exactly what it looks like "on day one".
It is just one of the research priorities of the new International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection. BBC News
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They plan to "give birth" to cancer in the lab to see exactly what it looks like "on day one".
It is just one of the research priorities of the new International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection. BBC News
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Air pollution is now a ‘health emergency’, head of NHS England warns
Air pollution is now a ‘health emergency’, head of NHS England warns The head of NHS England has warned of a “health emergency” as new figures revealed hundreds more children and adults are suffering cardiac arrests, strokes or severe asthma attacks because of days of high air pollution.
Stunted lung growth in children and links between pollution and lung cancer was also found by researchers who looked at nine cities across England. The Independent
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Stunted lung growth in children and links between pollution and lung cancer was also found by researchers who looked at nine cities across England. The Independent
See also:
- Higher air pollution days trigger cardiac arrests and hospitalisations King's College London
- Personalising The Health Impacts Of Air Pollution: Interim Statistics Summary For A Selection Of Statements King's College London
- Air pollution 'triggers hundreds more heart attacks and strokes' BBC News
- NHS boss declares air pollution 'health emergency' The Daily Mail
- NHS boss announces air pollution 'emergency' as major study shows our dirty air is killing us The Daily Telegraph
- Scores more heart attacks and strokes on high pollution days, figures show The Guardian
- Two North Northants councils say what they are going to do about climate change Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS hospital fined £135,000 after a 350 per cent rise in breaches of ban on mixed sex wards
NHS hospital fined £135,000 after a 350 per cent rise in breaches of ban on mixed sex wards An NHS hospital has been fined £135,000 after a 350 per cent increase in breaches of rules banning mixed sex wards.
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded 809 breaches of mixed-sex accommodation rules in the 12 months ending in August - up from 177 the previous year.
The NHS says trusts are expected to have a “zero-tolerance” approach towards placing men and women on the same wards, which it says is essential for ensuring safety, privacy and dignity for patients. The Daily Telegraph
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded 809 breaches of mixed-sex accommodation rules in the 12 months ending in August - up from 177 the previous year.
The NHS says trusts are expected to have a “zero-tolerance” approach towards placing men and women on the same wards, which it says is essential for ensuring safety, privacy and dignity for patients. The Daily Telegraph
Google gets green light to access FIVE YEARS' worth of sensitive patient data from NHS
Google gets green light to access FIVE YEARS' worth of sensitive patient data from NHS Google has been given the go-ahead to access five years' worth of sensitive NHS patient data.
In a deal signed last month, the internet giant was handed hospital records of tens of thousands of patients up and down England.
New documents show the data will include medical history, diagnoses, treatment dates and ethnic origin.
The news has raised concerns about the privacy of the data, which could now be harvested and commercialised. The Daily Mail
In a deal signed last month, the internet giant was handed hospital records of tens of thousands of patients up and down England.
New documents show the data will include medical history, diagnoses, treatment dates and ethnic origin.
The news has raised concerns about the privacy of the data, which could now be harvested and commercialised. The Daily Mail
Friday, 18 October 2019
New children's commissioner at 'failing' Northamptonshire council
New children's commissioner at 'failing' Northamptonshire council The government has appointed a new commissioner at a crisis-hit council's children's services department.
Andrew Christie has replaced Malcolm Newsam, who announced he would be leaving his role at Northamptonshire County Council last month.
Mr Newsam took up the role in 2018 after an Ofsted report found people in its care were at "potential risk".
In July, inspectors said the authority was still "failing to keep children safe". BBC Northampton
Andrew Christie has replaced Malcolm Newsam, who announced he would be leaving his role at Northamptonshire County Council last month.
Mr Newsam took up the role in 2018 after an Ofsted report found people in its care were at "potential risk".
In July, inspectors said the authority was still "failing to keep children safe". BBC Northampton
The deteriorating state of the NHS estate
The deteriorating state of the NHS estate In recent years, the charmingly named ERIC (Estates Returns Information Collection) data collection has contained some deeply alarming news about the condition of NHS buildings and equipment. The King's Fund
Suicide prevention: identifying and responding to suicide clusters
Suicide prevention: identifying and responding to suicide clusters This toolkit, based on research of suicide clusters, is part of Public Health England's support for the government’s suicide prevention strategy.
Departmental overview: Department of Health and Social Care 2019
Departmental overview: Department of Health and Social Care 2019 This report is designed to provide a quick and accessible overview of the Department and its performance over the last year. It focuses on the Department’s responsibilities and how it spends its money, key developments in its areas of work and findings from our recent reports. National Audit Office
Pathway navigator ‘critical’ to cutting lung cancer waiting times say experts
Pathway navigator ‘critical’ to cutting lung cancer waiting times say experts An admin role, described as ‘critical’ in helping to cut lung cancer waiting times and speeding up diagnoses, continues to face national funding challenges says a new report by the UK Lung Cancer Coalition (UKLCC).
According to Pathways Matter – the first report to track uptake of NHS England’s National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway [NOLCP] guidance and identify barriers – the appointment of a patient pathway navigator can help to more than double the number of lung cancer patients receiving treatment by day 49.
However, securing funding for the role remains ‘challenging’, according to interviews among 17 of the 19 Cancer Alliances.
According to Pathways Matter – the first report to track uptake of NHS England’s National Optimal Lung Cancer Pathway [NOLCP] guidance and identify barriers – the appointment of a patient pathway navigator can help to more than double the number of lung cancer patients receiving treatment by day 49.
However, securing funding for the role remains ‘challenging’, according to interviews among 17 of the 19 Cancer Alliances.
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Ending smoking in the UK could lift over a million people out of poverty
Ending smoking in the UK could lift over a million people out of poverty Analysis of Government data carried out for Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) finds that the deadly addiction of tobacco, and the enormous profits of the tobacco industry, drive over a million (1,011,000) people into poverty in the UK.
Seven out of ten adult smokers want to stop smoking, and three quarters regret ever having started, but most did so as children, before realising how hard it is to quit. More than two thirds of those who try smoking go on to become regular smokers, developing an expensive and often lifelong addiction causing disease, disability and premature death.
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Seven out of ten adult smokers want to stop smoking, and three quarters regret ever having started, but most did so as children, before realising how hard it is to quit. More than two thirds of those who try smoking go on to become regular smokers, developing an expensive and often lifelong addiction causing disease, disability and premature death.
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Clinical research improves health of UK economy and NHS
Clinical research improves health of UK economy and NHS The value of clinical research to the NHS, the UK economy and jobs market has been evaluated in a new report, which provides an assessment of the economic impact of the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network's (NIHR CRN) activities to support clinical research in England. Medical Xpress
Fat found in overweight people's lungs
Fat found in overweight people's lungs Fatty tissue has been found in the lungs of overweight and obese people for the first time.
Australian researchers analysed lung samples from 52 people and found the amount of fat increased in line with body mass index.
They said their findings could explain why being overweight or obese increased asthma risk.
Lung experts said it would be interesting to see if the effect could be reversed by weight loss. BBC News
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Australian researchers analysed lung samples from 52 people and found the amount of fat increased in line with body mass index.
They said their findings could explain why being overweight or obese increased asthma risk.
Lung experts said it would be interesting to see if the effect could be reversed by weight loss. BBC News
See also:
- Fatty Airways: Implications for Obstructive Disease (abstract) European Respiratory Journal
- Overweight people develop fat in their LUNGS and it can make it harder for them to breathe The Daily Mail
- Obese people are 'drowning in their own fat', as it blocks airways in the lungs, study finds The Daily Telegraph
- Fat accumulates inside lungs of overweight people, study finds The Independent
Female doctors called 'naughty girls' amid toxic 'old boys' club' at BMA
Female doctors called 'naughty girls' amid toxic 'old boys' club' at BMA The British Medical Association has an “old boys’ club” culture which has seen women “treated as of less importance” and subjected to lewd sexual remarks and advances, a damning investigation has found.
The independent review of sexism and bullying at the medics union describes a “toxic” environment, in which professional women are addressed in demeaning teams such as “naughty girls, little ladies and wee lassies”.
Daphne Romney QC was commissioned by the BMA to carry out the investigation after female doctors spoke out against sexual harassment and sexism by senior members of the trade union. The Daily Telegraph
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The independent review of sexism and bullying at the medics union describes a “toxic” environment, in which professional women are addressed in demeaning teams such as “naughty girls, little ladies and wee lassies”.
Daphne Romney QC was commissioned by the BMA to carry out the investigation after female doctors spoke out against sexual harassment and sexism by senior members of the trade union. The Daily Telegraph
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Thursday, 17 October 2019
Corby BAME doctors say racism is rising
Corby BAME doctors say racism is rising Black and minority ethnic Northamptonshire GPs say they are facing an increasing level of racism while at work.
The county’s two clinical commissioning groups have vowed to tackle the issue after GPs Dr Sanjay Gadhia, Dr Joanne Watt and Dr Miten Ruparelia, who all practice in Corby, spoke out about their personal experiences and the growing occurrences at the joint CCG board meeting. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The county’s two clinical commissioning groups have vowed to tackle the issue after GPs Dr Sanjay Gadhia, Dr Joanne Watt and Dr Miten Ruparelia, who all practice in Corby, spoke out about their personal experiences and the growing occurrences at the joint CCG board meeting. Northamptonshire Telegraph
A healthy foundation for the future: the final report of the young people’s future health inquiry
A healthy foundation for the future: the final report of the young people’s future health inquiry This report summarises the work of a two-year inquiry into young people’s future health. It urges the government to overhaul policies across housing, transport and education and adopt a whole government approach to secure the future health of today’s young people. The recommendations for action include calls for a consistent approach to discounted and free public transport for students across the UK and a review of the impact the current testing regime in schools has on mental health. The Health Foundation
Policy paper: Healthy ageing: consensus statement
Policy paper: Healthy ageing: consensus statement This statement by Public Health England and the Centre for Ageing Better sets out our shared vision for making England the best place in the world to grow old.
EU reciprocal healthcare arrangements: Brexit guidance
EU reciprocal healthcare arrangements: Brexit guidance This briefing provides an overview of some of the guidance that the UK government has published on reciprocal healthcare after Brexit. House of Commons Library
Genetic tests: Experts urge caution over home testing
Genetic tests: Experts urge caution over home testing People should not make health decisions based on genetic tests they do at home, experts have warned.
The University of Southampton team, writing in the British Medical Journal, warn results can be unreliable.
The geneticists said the tests could be wrongly reassuring - or lead to unnecessary worry.
23andMe, one of the companies offering tests, said there were "many cases" where results had prompted further checks and preventative treatment. BBC News
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The University of Southampton team, writing in the British Medical Journal, warn results can be unreliable.
The geneticists said the tests could be wrongly reassuring - or lead to unnecessary worry.
23andMe, one of the companies offering tests, said there were "many cases" where results had prompted further checks and preventative treatment. BBC News
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- Direct-to-consumer genetic testing The BMJ
- Caution needed over commercially available genetic testing, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Doctors slam popular genetic tests such as 23andMe for sparking confusion and fear in patients The Daily Mail
NHS doctors too busy to care about patients, says Bodies creator
NHS doctors too busy to care about patients, says Bodies creator Jed Mercurio, a former doctor, says medical dramas ignore the cynicism that infiltrates job
The writer behind the TV hits Bodies, Bodyguard and Line of Duty has said medical dramas do not show how cynical and jaded doctors are in real life.
Jed Mercurio, a former doctor who created the cult medical series Bodies, said hospital doctors were often too busy to deeply care about their patients. The Guardian
The writer behind the TV hits Bodies, Bodyguard and Line of Duty has said medical dramas do not show how cynical and jaded doctors are in real life.
Jed Mercurio, a former doctor who created the cult medical series Bodies, said hospital doctors were often too busy to deeply care about their patients. The Guardian
Charity launches legal action against NHS fees for pregnant migrants
Charity launches legal action against NHS fees for pregnant migrants Maternity Action says bills of £7,000-plus deter vulnerable women from seeking care
A charity has launched a legal challenge against the policy of charging vulnerable migrant women £7,000 or more to access NHS maternity care.
Maternity care falls under “immediately necessary service” in the UK, which means it must never be refused or delayed regardless of a patient’s immigration status. The Guardian
A charity has launched a legal challenge against the policy of charging vulnerable migrant women £7,000 or more to access NHS maternity care.
Maternity care falls under “immediately necessary service” in the UK, which means it must never be refused or delayed regardless of a patient’s immigration status. The Guardian
Mental health hospital to hand out free e-cigarettes to those trying to quit smoking
Mental health hospital to hand out free e-cigarettes to those trying to quit smoking One of the UK's largest mental health hospitals is to hand out free e-cigarettes to those trying to quit smoking, in a deal with a vaping retailer.
The trust said it would help patients “transform” their health.
But critics last night said the deal - believed to be the first of its kind - was “extraordinary” at a time when the safety of vaping is under increasing scrutiny. The Daily Telegraph
The trust said it would help patients “transform” their health.
But critics last night said the deal - believed to be the first of its kind - was “extraordinary” at a time when the safety of vaping is under increasing scrutiny. The Daily Telegraph
Experts warn that parents who don't vaccinate have forgotten the devastating impact of diseases
Experts warn that parents who don't vaccinate have forgotten the devastating impact of diseases Parents have become complacent about vaccinating their children because they have forgotten the impact of devastating diseases, experts warned last night.
Many today have no idea what illnesses such as measles, polio or diphtheria could do to children because vaccination campaigns wiped them out in the UK generations ago.
Yet many of these viruses are still circulating abroad and could return amid falling uptake of childhood immunisations such as the MMR jab, doctors warn. The Daily Mail
Many today have no idea what illnesses such as measles, polio or diphtheria could do to children because vaccination campaigns wiped them out in the UK generations ago.
Yet many of these viruses are still circulating abroad and could return amid falling uptake of childhood immunisations such as the MMR jab, doctors warn. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 16 October 2019
Nearly half of NGH A&E patients could have been treated elsewhere yesterday
Nearly half of NGH A&E patients could have been treated elsewhere yesterday Northampton General Hospital is urging patients to use other NHS services as almost half of patients seen by A&E doctors yesterday could have received treatment elsewhere.
Northampton General Hospital is experiencing intense pressure on their A&E department this week, and doctors are asking patients to choose the most appropriate service for their needs and seek advice as soon as they start to feel unwell. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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Northampton General Hospital is experiencing intense pressure on their A&E department this week, and doctors are asking patients to choose the most appropriate service for their needs and seek advice as soon as they start to feel unwell. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
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- Busy Kettering A&E breaks patient number records and warns people of long waits Northamptonshire Telegraph
CIO interview: Hugo Mathias, CIO, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
CIO interview: Hugo Mathias, CIO, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust For all the talk of a ‘paperless NHS’, replacing legacy systems and eliminating paper records is a challenge – but one that Hugo Mathias is tackling through real-time information and cultural change. Computer Weekly
Digital-first primary care: helpful disruptor or unnecessary disruption?
Digital-first primary care: helpful disruptor or unnecessary disruption? Digital-first primary care – a model of general practice where patients use smartphone and desktop apps to book and conduct their consultations remotely – has generated a huge amount of interest and debate. Is it the Uber of general practice that will make it easier for people to get hold of a GP? Or is it going to cause the demise of general practice as we know it by creating a two-tier system? The King's Fund
Modern screening can be more personalised and convenient to save lives says new report
Modern screening can be more personalised and convenient to save lives says new report The NHS has the opportunity to upgrade cancer screening to save thousands more lives each year, a major report said today.
Leading expert Professor Sir Mike Richards was jointly commissioned by NHS chief executive Simon Stevens and Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock to make recommendations on overhauling national screening programmes, as part of a new NHS drive for earlier diagnosis and improved cancer survival.
In his report, Sir Mike, who was the NHS’ first cancer director as well as the CQC’s chief inspector of hospitals, called for people to be given much greater choice over when and where they are screened. NHS England
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Leading expert Professor Sir Mike Richards was jointly commissioned by NHS chief executive Simon Stevens and Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock to make recommendations on overhauling national screening programmes, as part of a new NHS drive for earlier diagnosis and improved cancer survival.
In his report, Sir Mike, who was the NHS’ first cancer director as well as the CQC’s chief inspector of hospitals, called for people to be given much greater choice over when and where they are screened. NHS England
See also:
- Review of national cancer screening programmes in England NHS England
- NHS screening 'needs to fit with busy lives' BBC News
- Women must be offered breast cancer checks and smear tests during their lunch hour, report demands The Daily Mail
- NHS to offer women mammograms and smears in lunch breaks in bid to boost cancer survival rates The Daily Telegraph
- Offer cancer screenings during lunch breaks, report urges The Guardian
- Cancer screening services need major overhaul to halt ‘worrying decline’, report warns The Independent
Making the NHS the best place to work: support for engagement to improve our people’s experience at work
Making the NHS the best place to work: support for engagement to improve our people’s experience at work This resource , developed in partnership with NHS Employers, provides extra support and examples of good practice to those organisations seeking further help with staff engagement. NHS Improvement
Mental health sick leave rises for emergency workers
Mental health sick leave rises for emergency workers More emergency service staff are taking sick leave due to poor mental health, figures suggest.
Data for 57 fire, police and ambulance services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland shows the number of staff who took time off due to mental ill health rose by a third between 2014 and 2018.
Workers have been urged to "seek help" after traumatic events.
The government said it was funding support for workers to "counter the stigma" around mental health. BBC News
Data for 57 fire, police and ambulance services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland shows the number of staff who took time off due to mental ill health rose by a third between 2014 and 2018.
Workers have been urged to "seek help" after traumatic events.
The government said it was funding support for workers to "counter the stigma" around mental health. BBC News
Mum left without food for 10 days after Calea safety alert
Mum left without food for 10 days after Calea safety alert A woman who relies on liquid food after having most of her intestines removed was left without supplies for 10 days after a safety alert.
Jenny Evans, 31, from Grosmont near Abergavenny, is fed intravenously with a liquid that is tailored exactly to her needs.
She hooks up to it four nights a week, and while she sleeps it infuses into her blood over the course of 12 hours.
But she feared she would end up in hospital after the supply was delayed. BBC News
Jenny Evans, 31, from Grosmont near Abergavenny, is fed intravenously with a liquid that is tailored exactly to her needs.
She hooks up to it four nights a week, and while she sleeps it infuses into her blood over the course of 12 hours.
But she feared she would end up in hospital after the supply was delayed. BBC News
There’s a binge drinking boom among older people – what does it mean for the nation’s mental health?
There’s a binge drinking boom among older people – what does it mean for the nation’s mental health? Although enjoying a glass of red wine now and again may be healthy for your heart and gut, drinking too much alcohol can put you at higher risk of developing many serious health conditions. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to a number of health issues, including developing certain types of cancer, stroke, heart and liver disease, and brain damage. In older people, drinking unhealthy levels of alcohol can be even more damaging to health, and may cause memory loss, high blood pressure, balance problems, and worsen mental health. The Independent
Little progress made in tackling air pollution in Europe, research says
Little progress made in tackling air pollution in Europe, research says European Environment Agency found levels of fine particulate matter stalled after decades of reductions
Little progress has been made on tackling air quality in Europe, new research shows, despite public outcry in many countries and increasing awareness of the health impacts of pollution.
Levels of the dangerous fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can lodge deep in the lungs and pass into the bloodstream, appear to have reached a plateau across Europe, after more than a decade of gradual reductions. The results come from the European Environment Agency’s Air Quality in Europe 2019 report, published on Wednesday, which collates data taken from thousands of monitoring stations in 2017. The Guardian
Little progress has been made on tackling air quality in Europe, new research shows, despite public outcry in many countries and increasing awareness of the health impacts of pollution.
Levels of the dangerous fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can lodge deep in the lungs and pass into the bloodstream, appear to have reached a plateau across Europe, after more than a decade of gradual reductions. The results come from the European Environment Agency’s Air Quality in Europe 2019 report, published on Wednesday, which collates data taken from thousands of monitoring stations in 2017. The Guardian
Cortisone injections for hip and knee pain are more dangerous than was thought
Cortisone injections for hip and knee pain are more dangerous than was thought Cortisone injections for hip and knee pain lead to more complications than previously thought, research has found.
The anti-inflammatory jabs are used by athletes to mask pain, and to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis.
But the study by Boston University School of Medicine found that the treatment could speed up a joint's disintegration and force patients to have total knee or hip replacements. The Daily Telegraph
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The anti-inflammatory jabs are used by athletes to mask pain, and to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis.
But the study by Boston University School of Medicine found that the treatment could speed up a joint's disintegration and force patients to have total knee or hip replacements. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? (open access) Radiology
- Cortisone injections may accelerate arthritis, study finds The Daily Mail
Worsening drug shortages are causing patients to be admitted to hospital
Worsening drug shortages are causing patients to be admitted to hospital Worsening drug shortages have caused some patients to be admitted to hospital, a major survey has revealed.
One in four pharmacists said their patients have come to harm because they could not get vital medication, a poll by the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) found.
Some chemists told the pharmacy union that people with epilepsy have suffered seizures because of a shortage of anti-epileptic drugs. The Daily Mail
One in four pharmacists said their patients have come to harm because they could not get vital medication, a poll by the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) found.
Some chemists told the pharmacy union that people with epilepsy have suffered seizures because of a shortage of anti-epileptic drugs. The Daily Mail
NHS chief says that GP surgeries should send MMR jab reminders to parents
NHS chief says that GP surgeries should send MMR jab reminders to parents GP surgeries should text or phone the parents of children who have missed their MMR jab, the Government's health protection chief urges today.
Duncan Selbie calls on family doctors to go through the 'painstaking task' of searching their records to hunt for unvaccinated patients.
Families which have slipped through the net should be called or sent text reminders inviting them to the surgery, he says. The Daily Mail
Duncan Selbie calls on family doctors to go through the 'painstaking task' of searching their records to hunt for unvaccinated patients.
Families which have slipped through the net should be called or sent text reminders inviting them to the surgery, he says. The Daily Mail
Tuesday, 15 October 2019
Doctors warn visitors to keep away from Northants hospitals after rise in people with norovirus bug
Doctors warn visitors to keep away from Northants hospitals after rise in people with norovirus bug Medics are warning patients to stay away from visiting friends and family in hospital if they have been infected by the norovirus bug.
With health services across Northamptonshire seeing a higher than usual number of patients with norovirus, doctors are telling loved ones to stay away from hospital for two days after diarrhoea and sickness symptoms have stopped to avoid it spreading. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
With health services across Northamptonshire seeing a higher than usual number of patients with norovirus, doctors are telling loved ones to stay away from hospital for two days after diarrhoea and sickness symptoms have stopped to avoid it spreading. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Growing pressures on access and staffing risk creating ‘perfect storm’ for people using mental health and learning disability services
Growing pressures on access and staffing risk creating ‘perfect storm’ for people using mental health and learning disability services The Care Quality Commission’s annual assessment of the state of health and social care in England shows that quality ratings have been maintained overall – but people’s experience of care is determined by whether they can access good care when they need it.
This year’s State of Care considers the pressures faced by health and social care as a whole – but focuses particularly on inpatient mental health and learning disability services, the area where CQC is seeing an impact on quality.
While the overall quality picture for the mental health sector, which includes community mental health services, remains stable, this masks a real deterioration in some specialist inpatient services which has continued after 31 July 2019, the cut-off point for the data included in the report. Care Quality Commission
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This year’s State of Care considers the pressures faced by health and social care as a whole – but focuses particularly on inpatient mental health and learning disability services, the area where CQC is seeing an impact on quality.
While the overall quality picture for the mental health sector, which includes community mental health services, remains stable, this masks a real deterioration in some specialist inpatient services which has continued after 31 July 2019, the cut-off point for the data included in the report. Care Quality Commission
See also:
- The state of health care and adult social care in England 2019/19 Care Quality Commission
- Care Quality Commission presents mixed picture of the state of care in England The Health Foundation
- The King's Fund responds to the Care Quality Commission's State of care report The King's Fund
- More than half of A&Es 'not good enough' BBC News
- Half of NHS A&E departments 'are inadequate or require improvement' The Daily Mail
- More than half of A&Es now failing as breakdowns in non-emergency care sees flood of desperate patients The Daily Telegraph
- More than half of A&Es provide substandard care, says watchdog The Guardian
- A&Es may struggle to cope this winter as most are ‘inadequate’ or ‘require improvement’, inspectors say The Independent
Politicians should avoid the temptation of another NHS top-down re-organisation
Politicians should avoid the temptation of another NHS top-down re-organisation Most commentators think a general election is not far off. Whether the current incumbent returns or there is someone new in the hot seat that is the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, there will be no shortage of complex and urgent issues to occupy their attention, whether it’s overcoming deep and pervasive workforce shortages or grasping the nettle of social care funding and reform. The King's Fund
Queen's Speech has no concrete proposals for social care and worrying lack of reassurances for future workforce
Queen's Speech has no concrete proposals for social care and worrying lack of reassurances for future workforce Professor John Appleby, Chief Economist at the Nuffield Trust responds to the social care announcement in the Queen's Speech 2019.
See also:
See also:
- Queen's Speech 2019 The Cabinet Office
- The King's Fund responds to today's Queen's Speech The King's Fund
- Queen's Speech: New laws on crime, health and the environment BBC News
- What we learned from the Queen's Speech BBC News
Rough sleepers in homeless hotspots to benefit from NHS mental health outreach
Rough sleepers in homeless hotspots to benefit from NHS mental health outreach Towns with high rates of homelessness are set for investment in specialist mental health care, as part of NHS services for rough sleepers across the country.
The NHS-funded services in seven parts of the country will bring in new psychiatrists, psychologists and other experts to offer homeless people advice and treatment to tackle underlying mental ill health. NHS England
The NHS-funded services in seven parts of the country will bring in new psychiatrists, psychologists and other experts to offer homeless people advice and treatment to tackle underlying mental ill health. NHS England
Role of the arts in improving health and well-being
Role of the arts in improving health and well-being Arts interventions, such as singing in a choir to improve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are considered non-invasive, low-risk treatment options and are increasingly being used by Member States to supplement more traditional biomedical treatments. The Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report on arts and health, which will be launched on 11 November 2019, maps the global academic literature on this subject in both English and Russian. It references over 900 publications, including 200 reviews covering over 3000 further studies. As such, the report represents the most comprehensive evidence review of arts and health to date. World Health Organization
Head injuries: Cheap drug 'could save thousands of lives a year'
Head injuries: Cheap drug 'could save thousands of lives a year' A cheap and widely available drug could save hundreds of thousands of lives a year worldwide if it was routinely given to people brought into hospital with head injuries, UK doctors say.
Tranexamic acid helps stop bleeding in and around the brain when blood vessels have been torn.
A large international study in The Lancet now suggests it improves patient survival rates if given early enough. BBC News
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Tranexamic acid helps stop bleeding in and around the brain when blood vessels have been torn.
A large international study in The Lancet now suggests it improves patient survival rates if given early enough. BBC News
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Women get half as many heart attack treatments as men
Women get half as many heart attack treatments as men Women appear to be half as likely to receive treatment for heart attacks as men, suggests research published today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
This gender imbalance is all the more surprising given that a new blood test is diagnosing more women with a heart attack. OnMedica
This gender imbalance is all the more surprising given that a new blood test is diagnosing more women with a heart attack. OnMedica
Six-year-old girl at centre of life-support treatment case dies
Six-year-old girl at centre of life-support treatment case dies Doctors had advised child’s transfer to palliative care but her parents opposed recommendation
A six-year-old girl who was at the centre of a high court life-support treatment dispute has died, lawyers have said.
Doctors treating the child had said she should stop receiving life-support treatment and move to a palliative care regime, but her parents, who are also doctors, disagreed. The Guardian
A six-year-old girl who was at the centre of a high court life-support treatment dispute has died, lawyers have said.
Doctors treating the child had said she should stop receiving life-support treatment and move to a palliative care regime, but her parents, who are also doctors, disagreed. The Guardian
Britain's first blind and deaf medic says seeing and hearing doesn't make you a better doctor
Britain's first blind and deaf medic says seeing and hearing doesn't make you a better doctor Well-meaning folk used to tell Alexandra Adams she couldn’t ski. Blind people can’t, they said. People who are blind and deaf certainly can’t.
It turns out, though, that determination (or ‘sheer stubbornness’, as she puts it) can triumph over disability. The Daily Mail
It turns out, though, that determination (or ‘sheer stubbornness’, as she puts it) can triumph over disability. The Daily Mail
Monday, 14 October 2019
Developing allied health professional leaders: an interactive guide for clinicians and trust boards
Developing allied health professional leaders: an interactive guide for clinicians and trust boards This is a guide to professional development opportunities and possibilities to support allied health professionals (AHPs) lead at all levels. It describes the common features of the AHP leadership journey, by combining insights and evidence from trust executives and chief AHPs. Its primary audience is aspiring AHP leaders and those with responsibility for developing the AHP workforce. NHS Improvement
NHS bids to cut up to 100 million plastic straws, cups and cutlery from hospitals
NHS bids to cut up to 100 million plastic straws, cups and cutlery from hospitals The NHS will slash the use of plastic in hospital canteens as part of its drive to reduce waste and make hospitals healthier for patients and staff.
Major high street names and suppliers including Marks & Spencer and WH Smith are backing the call by NHS chief executive Simon Stevens to dramatically cut the amount of single-use plastics in hospitals, as part of a package of measures in the NHS Long Term Plan to reduce the environmental impact of the health service.
Retailers operating in hospitals have committed to cut the use of avoidable plastics starting with straws and stirrers from April with cutlery, plates and cups phased out over the following 12 months. NHS England
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Major high street names and suppliers including Marks & Spencer and WH Smith are backing the call by NHS chief executive Simon Stevens to dramatically cut the amount of single-use plastics in hospitals, as part of a package of measures in the NHS Long Term Plan to reduce the environmental impact of the health service.
Retailers operating in hospitals have committed to cut the use of avoidable plastics starting with straws and stirrers from April with cutlery, plates and cups phased out over the following 12 months. NHS England
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- The NHS will slash the use of plastic in hospital canteens The Daily Mail
RCP publishes census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees 2018
RCP publishes census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees 2018 The 2018 census of consultant physicians and higher specialty trainees, produced by the Medical Workforce Unit (MWU) at RCP on behalf of Royal College of Physicians London, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG), has been published.
8,656 doctors contributed to this year’s census, with the aim of providing the three colleges, their partners and others with robust data on the state of the consultant and higher specialty trainee (HST) physician workforce in the UK.
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8,656 doctors contributed to this year’s census, with the aim of providing the three colleges, their partners and others with robust data on the state of the consultant and higher specialty trainee (HST) physician workforce in the UK.
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Mother's sepsis warning after hospital failure
Mother's sepsis warning after hospital failure A hospital trust in Nottingham is being asked to explain what changes it’s made after an inquest found failings in the treatment of a five-year-old girl who died.
Ava Macfarlane died from sepsis in December 2017.
The hospital says they have made a "number of changes" since her death. BBC News
Ava Macfarlane died from sepsis in December 2017.
The hospital says they have made a "number of changes" since her death. BBC News
Slow walkers more likely to get sick when old, study finds
Slow walkers more likely to get sick when old, study finds Walking slowly could be a sign you’re more likely to get sick in later life, according to new research.
A simple test to measure the speed someone walks could predict their chance of getting diseases like Alzheimer’s decades before symptoms develop, scientists say.
Researchers found 45-year-olds who naturally walked slowly had brains and bodies that showed signs of “accelerated ageing” on a 19-measure scale. Their lungs, teeth and immune system were all in worse shape than people of the same age who walked faster. The Independent
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A simple test to measure the speed someone walks could predict their chance of getting diseases like Alzheimer’s decades before symptoms develop, scientists say.
Researchers found 45-year-olds who naturally walked slowly had brains and bodies that showed signs of “accelerated ageing” on a 19-measure scale. Their lungs, teeth and immune system were all in worse shape than people of the same age who walked faster. The Independent
See also:
- Association of Neurocognitive and Physical Function With Gait Speed in Midlife (open access) JAMA Open Network
- Slow walking at 45 'a sign of faster ageing' BBC News
- People who walk slowly at 45 have higher risks of dementia, study finds The Daily Mail
Dominic Cummings accused of conflict of interest over NHS fund
Dominic Cummings accused of conflict of interest over NHS fund Boris Johnson’s aide was consultant for AI startup that could win share of £250m fund
Boris Johnson’s most senior aide, Dominic Cummings, is facing conflict of interest accusations over a consultancy role he undertook for a government-endorsed healthcare startup that is in position to receive a share of a new £250m flagship public fund.
Cummings advised Babylon Health, a controversial artificial intelligence (AI) firm working within the NHS, on its communications strategy and its senior recruitment, an investigation by the Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism can reveal. The Guardian
Boris Johnson’s most senior aide, Dominic Cummings, is facing conflict of interest accusations over a consultancy role he undertook for a government-endorsed healthcare startup that is in position to receive a share of a new £250m flagship public fund.
Cummings advised Babylon Health, a controversial artificial intelligence (AI) firm working within the NHS, on its communications strategy and its senior recruitment, an investigation by the Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism can reveal. The Guardian
My tears as a junior doctor were a ‘flaw’ that, in psychiatry, became my greatest strength
My tears as a junior doctor were a ‘flaw’ that, in psychiatry, became my greatest strength I burnt out as a GP but in mental health I could take time with patients and, at last, make a difference
“If you’re going to reject me, then reject me,” I said. I was deep in the bowels of Leicester University, being interviewed for a place at medical school. I was 35, a fact the learned professor interviewing me returned to again and again. How would I cope with the workload? Would the four hours’ driving each day prove too much? How would I support myself through my studies? Concerns that travelled through my own mind. Unlike the questions I asked myself, though, the queries in that interview room were all prefixed with “at your age”. I didn’t see my age as a problem, and eventually I told him so. The Guardian
“If you’re going to reject me, then reject me,” I said. I was deep in the bowels of Leicester University, being interviewed for a place at medical school. I was 35, a fact the learned professor interviewing me returned to again and again. How would I cope with the workload? Would the four hours’ driving each day prove too much? How would I support myself through my studies? Concerns that travelled through my own mind. Unlike the questions I asked myself, though, the queries in that interview room were all prefixed with “at your age”. I didn’t see my age as a problem, and eventually I told him so. The Guardian
School gates 'breeding ground' for vaccine myths, says NHS chief
School gates 'breeding ground' for vaccine myths, says NHS chief Head of health service in England calls for crackdown on misinformation about jabs
School gates can be a “breeding ground for harmful myths” about vaccines, the chief executive of NHS England has said, as he called for a zero-tolerance approach to misinformation about their alleged dangers.
Simon Stevens said it was often the parents who did their best to find out more about the impact and effect of vaccines on their children who were liable to be deceived by “fake news”. The Guardian
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School gates can be a “breeding ground for harmful myths” about vaccines, the chief executive of NHS England has said, as he called for a zero-tolerance approach to misinformation about their alleged dangers.
Simon Stevens said it was often the parents who did their best to find out more about the impact and effect of vaccines on their children who were liable to be deceived by “fake news”. The Guardian
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Hospitals paying locum doctors record sums of £4,000 per shift
Hospitals paying locum doctors record sums of £4,000 per shift Hospitals are paying locum doctors record sums of almost £4,000 each per shift in a bid to plug a growing staffing crisis across the health service.
A Daily Telegraph investigation reveals a sharp rise in “eye-watering” payments made via agencies, despite repeated pledges to clamp down on spending on temporary medics.
In most cases, the sums covered not just the hours worked, but time doctors spent on call – including when they were sleeping. The Daily Telegraph
A Daily Telegraph investigation reveals a sharp rise in “eye-watering” payments made via agencies, despite repeated pledges to clamp down on spending on temporary medics.
In most cases, the sums covered not just the hours worked, but time doctors spent on call – including when they were sleeping. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 11 October 2019
Age UK might have to close centres in Northamptonshire if funding is axed
Age UK might have to close centres in Northamptonshire if funding is axed Age UK Northamptonshire has said they might have to close some of their day centres if their funding is not renewed by Northamptonshire County Council.
Age UK runs seven day centres across the county for more than 300 individual elderly people every week - 63 per cent of those people have an informal carer at home. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Age UK runs seven day centres across the county for more than 300 individual elderly people every week - 63 per cent of those people have an informal carer at home. Northamptonshire Telegraph
New domestic abuse strategy to help tackle violence in Northamptonshire
New domestic abuse strategy to help tackle violence in Northamptonshire A new domestic abuse strategy has been developed to help tackle violence in communities across Northamptonshire.
The strategy brings together and builds on the work being done by agencies and voluntary groups to deal with domestic abuse and sexual violence. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The strategy brings together and builds on the work being done by agencies and voluntary groups to deal with domestic abuse and sexual violence. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
World Mental Health Day: These Northamptonshire services can be used without seeing a doctor first
World Mental Health Day: These Northamptonshire services can be used without seeing a doctor first
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is sharing information about their services which can be accessed by the person in need. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is sharing information about their services which can be accessed by the person in need. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Delivering general practice with too few GPs
Delivering general practice with too few GPs With an increasing number of GPs leaving clinical practice or working part time, and many practices unable to fill vacant GP posts, this briefing presents some ideas on how general practice can continue to be provided as the shortage of GPs becomes chronic. Nuffield Trust
RCP publishes guide to integrated care and the NHS Long Term Plan
RCP publishes guide to integrated care and the NHS Long Term Plan The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a guide for physicians on what they need to know about implementing the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP) to deliver more integrated care.
Integrating care is something physicians have been grappling with for decades. By integrated care we mean seamless, coordinated and locally designed care that puts patients at the centre of service organisation. It considers their needs in a holistic way, and develops high-quality services that meet those needs in settings accessible and convenient for patients.
Integrating care is something physicians have been grappling with for decades. By integrated care we mean seamless, coordinated and locally designed care that puts patients at the centre of service organisation. It considers their needs in a holistic way, and develops high-quality services that meet those needs in settings accessible and convenient for patients.
NHS taskforce to drive improvements in young people’s hospital mental health, learning disability and autism care
NHS taskforce to drive improvements in young people’s hospital mental health, learning disability and autism care NHS chief Simon Stevens has announced that a new taskforce will be set up to improve current specialist children and young people’s inpatient mental health, autism and learning disability services in England. NHS England
Health visiting in England: a vision for the future
Health visiting in England: a vision for the future This report was developed in response to the government’s request for stakeholder engagement to inform their plans to refresh the health visiting model for England and the Healthy Child Programme, and taking into account the drop in numbers of health visitors over the past four years. It sets out a new model of health visiting and has a particular focus on fifteen areas where health visiting can have a high impact on health outcomes. Institute of Health Visiting
Employers must embed mental wellbeing in a supportive culture
Employers must embed mental wellbeing in a supportive culture Employers must do more to protect the mental health of staff, the British Medical Association (BMA) has demanded. It is calling for staff wellbeing to be embedded into the organisational culture, for an end to stigma around mental health problems and for spaces where staff may rest and socialise. OnMedica
See also:
See also:
- Mental health and wellbeing in the medical profession British Medical Association
England sees 'worst summer on record' for A&E waits
England sees 'worst summer on record' for A&E waits This summer was the worst for A&E waiting times in England since the four-hour target was introduced.
Analysis by BBC Newsnight and the Nuffield Trust found an average of 86% of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged from A&E within four hours in the six months to September.
This is the worst performance in that period since the 95% target was brought in in 2004. BBC News
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Analysis by BBC Newsnight and the Nuffield Trust found an average of 86% of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged from A&E within four hours in the six months to September.
This is the worst performance in that period since the 95% target was brought in in 2004. BBC News
See also:
- NHS combined performance summary NHS England
- Combined Performance Summary: August–September 2019 Nuffield Trust
- Nuffield Trust response to today's NHS performance figures Nuffield Trust
- Is it becoming winter all year round for the NHS? Nuffield Trust
- NHS crisis: Waiting list for routine ops hits record high at 4.41 million The Daily Mail
'Unacceptable' delays in diagnosing secondary breast cancer
'Unacceptable' delays in diagnosing secondary breast cancer One in four patients with secondary breast cancer had to visit their GP three or more times before they got a diagnosis, a survey suggests.
A breast cancer charity said there should be more awareness that the disease can spread to other parts of the body.
GPs said they were doing their best for patients but symptoms could be difficult to spot. BBC News
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A breast cancer charity said there should be more awareness that the disease can spread to other parts of the body.
GPs said they were doing their best for patients but symptoms could be difficult to spot. BBC News
See also:
- GPs are highly trained to spot cancer – but need more diagnostics and time with their patients, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Thousands with incurable breast cancer 'have at least three GP visits before being diagnosed' The Daily Mail
- Quarter of women with incurable breast cancer sees GP at least three times before diagnosis The Daily Telegraph
- Thousands of women suffering 'avoidable' delays with diagnosis of incurable breast cancer, study finds The Independent
The grief over my daughter's suicide never ends, but I can help other junior doctors
The grief over my daughter's suicide never ends, but I can help other junior doctors As a doctor myself I know how isolating this job can be, which is why I am raising awareness of mental wellbeing at my trust
I first heard of my daughter Lauren’s disappearance in the early hours of the morning on 1 March 2017. Her car was found abandoned near a beach in Devon after she had been reported missing from her job in the A&E department of a NHS trust.
I remember suddenly feeling old, helpless and awfully afraid. Lauren was 26 and in her third year as a junior doctor in the south-west of England; I am a senior hospital doctor, approaching retirement and working in the midlands. It took only days to come to the inescapable but shocking conclusion that Lauren had taken her own life. Something I thought was unthinkable and only happened to other people had happened to me. The Guardian
I first heard of my daughter Lauren’s disappearance in the early hours of the morning on 1 March 2017. Her car was found abandoned near a beach in Devon after she had been reported missing from her job in the A&E department of a NHS trust.
I remember suddenly feeling old, helpless and awfully afraid. Lauren was 26 and in her third year as a junior doctor in the south-west of England; I am a senior hospital doctor, approaching retirement and working in the midlands. It took only days to come to the inescapable but shocking conclusion that Lauren had taken her own life. Something I thought was unthinkable and only happened to other people had happened to me. The Guardian
NHS doctor may leave UK over refusal of permission to remain for mother
NHS doctor may leave UK over refusal of permission to remain for mother Top child psychiatrist appeals to Johnson over Home Office’s ‘almost callous’ decision
A leading children’s psychiatrist plans to quit the NHS and move to Australia because of the Home Office’s “almost callous” refusal to let his mother stay in Britain.
Dr Nishchint Warikoo, the lead psychiatrist for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in Hampshire, said he and his family were being “forced to leave” the UK in order to stay together. The Guardian
A leading children’s psychiatrist plans to quit the NHS and move to Australia because of the Home Office’s “almost callous” refusal to let his mother stay in Britain.
Dr Nishchint Warikoo, the lead psychiatrist for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in Hampshire, said he and his family were being “forced to leave” the UK in order to stay together. The Guardian
Britain's obesity crisis costs every taxpayer £400 a year, and cuts life expectancy by almost three years
Britain's obesity crisis costs every taxpayer £400 a year, and cuts life expectancy by almost three years Britain's obesity crisis is costing every taxpayer more than £400 a year - and taking an average of three lives off our lives, international research shows.
Experts said the study of 52 countries by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was a “alarm call” about the scale of the damage caused by bulging waistlines. The Daily Telegraph
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Experts said the study of 52 countries by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was a “alarm call” about the scale of the damage caused by bulging waistlines. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- The Heavy Burden of Obesity: The Economics of Prevention Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
A third of England's 10 and 11 year olds are overweight, reveals shocking new figures
A third of England's 10 and 11 year olds are overweight, reveals shocking new figures England's 10 and 11 year olds are fatter than ever before, according to NHS figures that have today laid bare the nation's obesity crisis.
A third of children in Year Six are overweight, and almost a quarter – around 150,000 youngsters – are deemed obese or severely obese.
Children in poor areas such as Wolverhampton are four times more likely to be obese than those residing in Richmond or other affluent places, the data showed. The Daily Mail
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A third of children in Year Six are overweight, and almost a quarter – around 150,000 youngsters – are deemed obese or severely obese.
Children in poor areas such as Wolverhampton are four times more likely to be obese than those residing in Richmond or other affluent places, the data showed. The Daily Mail
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Thursday, 10 October 2019
Northampton General Hospital’s oldest volunteer celebrates her 90th birthday
Northampton General Hospital’s oldest volunteer celebrates her 90th birthday Northampton General Hospital's longest standing volunteer was showered with treats and presents as she celebrated her 90th milestone.
Gillian Welch has volunteered for Northampton General Hospital since 2000 and was spurred on to join the big-hearted team after her partner encouraged her to give it a go. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Gillian Welch has volunteered for Northampton General Hospital since 2000 and was spurred on to join the big-hearted team after her partner encouraged her to give it a go. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Does the NHS really have a new strategic health infrastructure plan?
Does the NHS really have a new strategic health infrastructure plan? Last week the Department of Health and Social Care published a concise 23-page document that trails a new government strategy for investing in NHS land, buildings, equipment and technology. Titled Health infrastructure plan: a new, strategic approach to improving our hospitals and health infrastructure, the document includes several headline announcements that are worth recapping. The King's Fund
First 'State of the Nation' report marks World Mental Health Day
First 'State of the Nation' report marks World Mental Health Day More than 4 in 5 children and young people report being happy with their lives, as landmark new report on children’s wellbeing is published. Department of Health and Social Care
Time to solve childhood obesity: CMO special report
Time to solve childhood obesity: CMO special report In her report, Professor Dame Sally Davies calls for action across industry and the public sector to help the government reach its target of halving childhood obesity by 2030.
The report sets out a range of recommendations for the government, which are supported by 10 principles, and builds on the work the government has already done. Department of Health and Social Care
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The report sets out a range of recommendations for the government, which are supported by 10 principles, and builds on the work the government has already done. Department of Health and Social Care
See also:
- Government needs to address root causes of obesity The Health Foundation
- The King's Fund responds to the Chief Medical Officer’s report and recommendations on childhood obesity The King's Fund
- Ban and tax our way out of obesity - top doctor BBC News
- Ban snacks on buses, says outgoing 'nanny-in-chief' Dame Sally Davies The Daily Mail
- Ban everyone from eating or drinking on trains and buses to end Britain's snack culture, says chief medical officer The Daily Telegraph
- NHS chief urges Boris to follow the evidence on sugar taxes The Daily Telegraph
- Ban eating and drinking on public transport to cut child obesity, says chief medical officer The Independent
The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England
The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the adult social care workforce in England and the characteristics of the 1.49 million people working in it. Topics covered include: employment information, recruitment and retention, demographics, pay, qualification rates and future workforce forecasts. Skills for Care
Brexit: What will happen to European Health Insurance Cards?
Brexit: What will happen to European Health Insurance Cards? European Health Insurance Cards let UK residents get medical care for free, or at a reduced cost, in 31 countries.
But if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, that will no longer be the case.
The government has asked all 31 countries to keep EHICs in use until 31 December 2020, no matter what happens with Brexit.
But only three have agreed to cover UK tourists if there's no deal. BBC News
But if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, that will no longer be the case.
The government has asked all 31 countries to keep EHICs in use until 31 December 2020, no matter what happens with Brexit.
But only three have agreed to cover UK tourists if there's no deal. BBC News
'There may be deaths': No-deal Brexit medical shortages could put lives at risk, top doctor warns
'There may be deaths': No-deal Brexit medical shortages could put lives at risk, top doctor warns People could die as a result of shortages of vital medical supplies in the event of no-deal Brexit, England's chief medical officer has warned.
Dame Sally Davies said the government could not guarantee there would be no deaths if the UK crashes out of the EU without an agreement and insisted that patients lives were at risk. The Independent
Dame Sally Davies said the government could not guarantee there would be no deaths if the UK crashes out of the EU without an agreement and insisted that patients lives were at risk. The Independent
Menopausal women wrongly prescribed antidepressants which make their symptoms worse, warn experts
Menopausal women wrongly prescribed antidepressants which make their symptoms worse, warn experts Women going through the menopause are being wrongly prescribed antidepressants which are making their symptoms worse and destroying their confidence, experts have warned.
New research has found over a third of women going to their GP with symptoms of the menopause are being offered antidepressants. Some 80 per cent of those women said they felt antidepressants were an “inappropriate” treatment for the symptoms they are suffering. The Independent
New research has found over a third of women going to their GP with symptoms of the menopause are being offered antidepressants. Some 80 per cent of those women said they felt antidepressants were an “inappropriate” treatment for the symptoms they are suffering. The Independent
The flu jab saves lives. This is a fact worth spreading
The flu jab saves lives. This is a fact worth spreading | Frances Ryan A bout of flu left me unable to move and on a ventilator for months. Getting more people vaccinated is vital
With winter approaching, we’re getting into the flu season – and right on cue, NHS England has announced that every primary school child in England is to be offered vaccination against it. This year’s vaccination campaign will be the biggest ever, with 25 million people being offered free vaccines, including 600,000 schoolchildren aged between 10 and 11.
Children, who are given the delightful term “super-spreaders”, are particularly liable to infect others, so all of them aged between two and 11 will be offered the nasal spray vaccine in the coming weeks.
Last year 1,700 people died of the flu, and more hospital admissions put even greater pressure on an overstretched NHS. The Guardian
With winter approaching, we’re getting into the flu season – and right on cue, NHS England has announced that every primary school child in England is to be offered vaccination against it. This year’s vaccination campaign will be the biggest ever, with 25 million people being offered free vaccines, including 600,000 schoolchildren aged between 10 and 11.
Children, who are given the delightful term “super-spreaders”, are particularly liable to infect others, so all of them aged between two and 11 will be offered the nasal spray vaccine in the coming weeks.
Last year 1,700 people died of the flu, and more hospital admissions put even greater pressure on an overstretched NHS. The Guardian
Government forced into U-turn over disability benefits for chronically ill
Government forced into U-turn over disability benefits for chronically ill Sick claimants were wrongly denied benefits because they were not taking powerful painkillers
Campaigners have forced a government U-turn after demonstrating that chronically ill claimants suffering severe pain were wrongly denied disability benefits on the basis that they were not taking powerful, opiate-based painkillers.
Bristol Law Centre said disability benefit assessors routinely assumed that if a claimant had been prescribed an “over the counter” drug such as paracetamol then their pain must be mild or moderate, and denied or reduced benefits accordingly. The Guardian
Campaigners have forced a government U-turn after demonstrating that chronically ill claimants suffering severe pain were wrongly denied disability benefits on the basis that they were not taking powerful, opiate-based painkillers.
Bristol Law Centre said disability benefit assessors routinely assumed that if a claimant had been prescribed an “over the counter” drug such as paracetamol then their pain must be mild or moderate, and denied or reduced benefits accordingly. The Guardian
GPs have stopped asking hundreds of thousands of patients if they are drinking too much alcohol
GPs have stopped asking hundreds of thousands of patients if they are drinking too much alcohol Nearly 1.6million patients haven't been asked by their GP if they consume too much alcohol following the end of a Government-run scheme.
Newcastle University experts scrutinised the move, which paid practices to screen new patients for excessive alcohol consumption.
Data revealed 92 out of every 1,000 patients were quizzed in 2006, two years before the financial incentive was introduced in England. The Daily Mail
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Newcastle University experts scrutinised the move, which paid practices to screen new patients for excessive alcohol consumption.
Data revealed 92 out of every 1,000 patients were quizzed in 2006, two years before the financial incentive was introduced in England. The Daily Mail
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Wednesday, 9 October 2019
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust digitises paper-based records in pursuit of better healthcare outcomes
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust digitises paper-based records in pursuit of better healthcare outcomes Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is digitising its paper-based records in order to boost the governance around its processes and improve the care it gives to patients. Diginomica
Harnessing data and technology for public health: five challenges Responding to the government’s prevention green paper
Harnessing data and technology for public health: five challenges Responding to the government’s prevention green paper In this long read, we set out five challenges that the government needs to address if it is to harness the full potential of data and technology in public health, and offer a suggestion to help address each. The Health Foundation
Developing allied health professional leaders: an interactive guide for clinicians and trust boards
Developing allied health professional leaders: an interactive guide for clinicians and trust boards This is a guide to professional development opportunities and possibilities to support allied health professionals (AHPs) lead at all levels. It describes the common features of the AHP leadership journey, by combining insights and evidence from trust executives and chief AHPs. Its primary audience is aspiring AHP leaders and those with responsibility for developing the AHP workforce. NHS Improvement
Standing up for patient and public safety
Standing up for patient and public safety This report describes the lack of clear roles, responsibilities and accountability for workforce planning and supply in England. In reality, this means that the health and care workforce is not growing in line with increasing population need for health and care services, and there are large numbers of vacant posts throughout the system. This impacts upon patient safety and outcomes, and leads to a challenging working environment for staff. To resolve this, the RCN makes the case for this to be resolved through legislation, alongside additional investment in the nursing workforce and a national health and care workforce strategy for England. Royal College of Nursing
Get it on time: the case for improving medication management for Parkinson’s
Get it on time: the case for improving medication management for Parkinson’s This report highlights problems that people with Parkinson's disease can face receiving their medication when having a hospital stay. These findings include: nearly two thirds of people who have Parkinson’s don’t always get their medication on time in hospital; more than three quarters of people with Parkinson’s asked reported that their health deteriorated as a result of poor medication management in hospital; and only 21 per cent of respondents said they got their medication on time without having to remind hospital staff. The report sets out recommendations hospitals should implement to improve medication management. Parkinson's UK
Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay man $8bn over breast growth
Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay man $8bn over breast growth US drug firm Johnson & Johnson has been told to pay $8bn (£6.6bn) in punitive damages to a man over claims he was not warned that an antipsychotic drug could lead to breast growth.
A Philadelphia jury made the award to Nicholas Murray, 26, whose case was one of thousands pending in the state.
His lawyers argued that J&J subsidiary Janssen put "profits over patients" in marketing the drug Risperdal. BBC News
A Philadelphia jury made the award to Nicholas Murray, 26, whose case was one of thousands pending in the state.
His lawyers argued that J&J subsidiary Janssen put "profits over patients" in marketing the drug Risperdal. BBC News
Hancock wrong on compulsory child vaccinations - top doctor
Hancock wrong on compulsory child vaccinations - top doctor The health secretary is wrong to think compulsory child vaccination will help tackle falling immunisation rates in England, a leading doctor says.
Matt Hancock has said he is "looking very seriously" at the option.
But Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health expert Dr David Elliman said it could be counter-productive and make people more suspicious.
He joined others in calling for vaccines to be offered in places such as supermarkets and music festivals. BBC News
Matt Hancock has said he is "looking very seriously" at the option.
But Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health expert Dr David Elliman said it could be counter-productive and make people more suspicious.
He joined others in calling for vaccines to be offered in places such as supermarkets and music festivals. BBC News
Violent hate crime against disabled has risen by 41 per cent in the last year, figures suggest
Violent hate crime against disabled has risen by 41 per cent in the last year, figures suggest Disability hate crime involving violence has risen by 41 per cent in the last year, figures suggest.
Offences with an online element have also gone up by 71 per cent, data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act showed.
The Leonard Cheshire charity sent requests to all 43 police forces in England and Wales, and the full responses from 25 forces showed there were 5,015 offences of disability hate crime recorded by police in 2018-19 compared to 4,111 the previous year – a rise of 22 per cent. The Independent
Offences with an online element have also gone up by 71 per cent, data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act showed.
The Leonard Cheshire charity sent requests to all 43 police forces in England and Wales, and the full responses from 25 forces showed there were 5,015 offences of disability hate crime recorded by police in 2018-19 compared to 4,111 the previous year – a rise of 22 per cent. The Independent
How putting NHS staff first is making hospitals better
How putting NHS staff first is making hospitals better | Denis Campbell Yoga, pilates and Dragons’ Den-style contests are among a host of innovations that are turning around failing trusts
How do failing NHS trusts get back to delivering high-quality care? The answer, a new study suggests, can involve emulating Dragons’ Den, the boss popping in at 3am – and staff doing less rather than more.
A report from NHS Providers sets out in detail how 11 trusts providing acute, ambulance and mental health care in England have used a negative rating from the Care Quality Commission as the catalyst for a turnaround in their fortunes. The Guardian
How do failing NHS trusts get back to delivering high-quality care? The answer, a new study suggests, can involve emulating Dragons’ Den, the boss popping in at 3am – and staff doing less rather than more.
A report from NHS Providers sets out in detail how 11 trusts providing acute, ambulance and mental health care in England have used a negative rating from the Care Quality Commission as the catalyst for a turnaround in their fortunes. The Guardian
Zantac is pulled from shelves in the UK
Zantac is pulled from shelves in the UK Zantac is pulled from shelves in the UK The manufacturer of common heartburn drug Zantac has recalled several batches over fears they could contain a cancer-causing chemical.
GlaxoSmithKline announced four different types of the medication, all only available on prescription, would be recalled in the UK.
Over-the-counter Zantac products, which people can buy without a prescription, are made by a different pharmaceutical firm and are not affected by the recall. The Daily Mail
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GlaxoSmithKline announced four different types of the medication, all only available on prescription, would be recalled in the UK.
Over-the-counter Zantac products, which people can buy without a prescription, are made by a different pharmaceutical firm and are not affected by the recall. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Zantac – MHRA drug alert issued as GlaxoSmithKline recalls all unexpired stock Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
- Prescribed Zantac heartburn medicine recall in UK BBC News
- Stomach ulcer medication recalled amid fears it has been contaminated with cancer-causing chemical, government warns The Daily Telegraph
- Zantac recalled urgently across world over cancer-linked chemical fears The Independent
Tuesday, 8 October 2019
Artificial intelligence in the NHS: getting the priorities right
Artificial intelligence in the NHS: getting the priorities right In August 2019 the UK government announced a welcome boost for artificial intelligence (AI) in health care, with £250m for a national laboratory in England. Public imagination is captivated by robots, but the new lab will prioritise technologies more likely to benefit the health system and patients in the short term, including algorithms to predict demand for hospital beds and tools that identify signs of disease from diagnostic images, all underpinned by a focus on ethical and fair AI. The Health Foundation
Time to level with the public about the scale of challenges facing the NHS
Time to level with the public about the scale of challenges facing the NHS NHS Providers is warning that a failure to present the public with the true scale of the challenges facing the NHS risks putting public faith in the health service 'on the line'. The warning follows a survey showing that the overwhelming majority (91%) of trust leaders do not feel there has been enough public debate about the challenges and opportunities facing the NHS and its long-term future.
The findings are contained in NHS Providers’ report The state of the NHS provider sector, which sets out in detail the growing pressures and difficulties trusts face, despite welcome funding pledges from government and a new long term plan for the NHS.
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The findings are contained in NHS Providers’ report The state of the NHS provider sector, which sets out in detail the growing pressures and difficulties trusts face, despite welcome funding pledges from government and a new long term plan for the NHS.
See also:
- NHS chiefs fear hospitals will not cope amid growing social care crisis The Daily Telegraph
Vulnerable people receive almost 13 million extra hours of home care
Vulnerable people receive almost 13 million extra hours of home care Vulnerable people across England received almost 13 million extra hours of home visits from social care workers last year, new statistics show. Department of Health and Social Care
Knife crime: Inside the London hospital treating the victims
Knife crime: Inside the London hospital treating the victims There were almost 15,000 knife crimes recorded in London last year - the highest since records began. Clive Myrie spent several weeks at the Royal London Hospital's trauma unit, where many of the victims are treated. BBC News
Summer heatwave 'death spike' seen in UK
Summer heatwave 'death spike' seen in UK There was an increase in deaths when Britain had its hottest day on record this summer, provisional figures for England and Wales show.
On 25 July, Cambridge recorded a temperature of 38.7C, exceeding the past record of 38.5C in Kent in 2003.
About the same time, deaths per day rose from about 1,100 to nearly 1,500.
Hot weather puts strain on the body. People with existing medical conditions and the very young or old are particularly vulnerable. BBC News
On 25 July, Cambridge recorded a temperature of 38.7C, exceeding the past record of 38.5C in Kent in 2003.
About the same time, deaths per day rose from about 1,100 to nearly 1,500.
Hot weather puts strain on the body. People with existing medical conditions and the very young or old are particularly vulnerable. BBC News
Children with gaming addiction to be offered treatment by the NHS
Children with gaming addiction to be offered treatment by the NHS Children who have a gaming addiction are to be offered treatment on the NHS, it has been announced.
As part of the new service, dedicated healthcare professionals will be able to accept referrals for young people aged between 13 and 25 who are seriously addicted to video games.
The service, which is part of the NHS-funded Centre for Internet and Gaming Disorders, will include treatment over Skype. The Independent
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As part of the new service, dedicated healthcare professionals will be able to accept referrals for young people aged between 13 and 25 who are seriously addicted to video games.
The service, which is part of the NHS-funded Centre for Internet and Gaming Disorders, will include treatment over Skype. The Independent
See also:
- ‘How my son went from gamer to compulsive gambler’ BBC News
- NHS launches first clinic for children addicted to video games The Daily Mail
- Web giants 'cashing in' on misery of children, says NHS boss, amid surge in treatment for gaming addiction The Daily Telegraph
- Children with video game addiction to receive NHS treatment over Skype iNews
Hospitals too often unsafe for Parkinson's patients, says charity
Hospitals too often unsafe for Parkinson's patients, says charity Some patients left unable to walk or talk because they do not get drugs on time
Many patients with Parkinson’s disease say they are not always given their drugs on time when in hospital, leaving some unable to walk or talk, according to a charity.
Parkinson’s UK said hospitals were too often unsafe for people with the disease, leaving them scared of ending up there. The Guardian
Many patients with Parkinson’s disease say they are not always given their drugs on time when in hospital, leaving some unable to walk or talk, according to a charity.
Parkinson’s UK said hospitals were too often unsafe for people with the disease, leaving them scared of ending up there. The Guardian
Thousands of military veterans 'let down by medical discharge failures'
Thousands of military veterans 'let down by medical discharge failures' Many veterans forced to leave without proper diagnosis or medical support, says charity
Military veterans are being “seriously failed” by the existing medical discharge process, which has led to tens of thousands being forced to leave the armed forces without a proper diagnosis or long-term medical support.
The veterans charity Help for Heroes said the experiences of those seriously wounded, with mental health problems or otherwise unable to serve could be vastly improved with the introduction of some basic medical practices. The Guardian
Military veterans are being “seriously failed” by the existing medical discharge process, which has led to tens of thousands being forced to leave the armed forces without a proper diagnosis or long-term medical support.
The veterans charity Help for Heroes said the experiences of those seriously wounded, with mental health problems or otherwise unable to serve could be vastly improved with the introduction of some basic medical practices. The Guardian
GPs are earning 14% LESS than they were in 2008, reveals study
GPs are earning 14% LESS than they were in 2008, reveals study GPs now earn 14 per cent less than they did in 2008, a study has revealed amid the nationwide shortage of family doctors.
Dwindling numbers have seen the average waiting time for an appointment breach the two-week mark across Britain.
Health leaders have repeatedly blamed the shortage on increasing work pressures, hefty tax bills and an ageing workforce.
But now researchers say the growing workforce crisis is only being worsened by a drop in income across the profession. The Daily Mail
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Dwindling numbers have seen the average waiting time for an appointment breach the two-week mark across Britain.
Health leaders have repeatedly blamed the shortage on increasing work pressures, hefty tax bills and an ageing workforce.
But now researchers say the growing workforce crisis is only being worsened by a drop in income across the profession. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Trends in GP incomes in England, 2008–2017: a retrospective analysis of repeated postal surveys (abstract) British Journal of General Practice
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