Monday, 17 February 2020
How safe are breast implants?
How safe are breast implants? Breast enlargement is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries worldwide. There are millions of satisfied patients, so just how safe are implants? BBC News
Mumps: Why adults might still need the MMR jab
Mumps: Why adults might still need the MMR jab Health experts are warning young adults are at risk of developing mumps because many of their age group missed out on getting two doses of the MMR jab as children.
Latest figures show cases of mumps in England have reached their highest level in a decade.
So why is mumps a risk, and how effective is the MMR vaccination? BBC News
Latest figures show cases of mumps in England have reached their highest level in a decade.
So why is mumps a risk, and how effective is the MMR vaccination? BBC News
NHS hospitals have only a few weeks left to get rid of their fax machines and are in 'desperate need of new systems'
NHS hospitals have only a few weeks left to get rid of their fax machines and are in 'desperate need of new systems' With an NHS ban on fax machines due to come into force next month, Dean Kirby asks why this outdated technology is still in use on the wards.
In an NHS hospital somewhere in the UK, a doctor is standing over to a fax machine waiting for a patient's medical records to arrive from a GP surgery.
The machine finally whirrs into life - only to be halted midway through delivering its life-saving message because of a paper jam.
This isn't a scene from a 1980s TV medical drama. It is happening right now in hospitals across 21st century Britain. iNews
See also:
In an NHS hospital somewhere in the UK, a doctor is standing over to a fax machine waiting for a patient's medical records to arrive from a GP surgery.
The machine finally whirrs into life - only to be halted midway through delivering its life-saving message because of a paper jam.
This isn't a scene from a 1980s TV medical drama. It is happening right now in hospitals across 21st century Britain. iNews
See also:
- Removal of fax machines from general practice NHS England
Watchdog warns of maternity risks at scandal-hit hospital – despite minister’s claim wards are safe
Watchdog warns of maternity risks at scandal-hit hospital – despite minister’s claim wards are safe An NHS hospital at the centre of a maternity inquiry is still putting babies and mothers at risk, the care watchdog has warned – contradicting claims by a minister to the Commons that the unit was a safe place to give birth.
Bosses at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust have been told by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to take action after it warned of safety risks following inspections at the end of January and earlier this month. The Independent
Bosses at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust have been told by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to take action after it warned of safety risks following inspections at the end of January and earlier this month. The Independent
A drug can stop HIV infection – so why isn't it available on the NHS in England?
A drug can stop HIV infection – so why isn't it available on the NHS in England? Major studies have shown that the prophylactic PrEP effectively ends the threat of contracting HIV. But gay men and other users are currently left to self-source it online
In August 2017, George was living in Glasgow when he received a call from his partner in South America. They had remained together despite the distance, a physical rather than emotional separation. George answered, and the voice on the other end of the phone dissolved into tears.
“He had just been diagnosed with HIV,” says George. “I was worried about him. I was worried for myself and my future health. And I was worried about what my family would think.” The Guardian
In August 2017, George was living in Glasgow when he received a call from his partner in South America. They had remained together despite the distance, a physical rather than emotional separation. George answered, and the voice on the other end of the phone dissolved into tears.
“He had just been diagnosed with HIV,” says George. “I was worried about him. I was worried for myself and my future health. And I was worried about what my family would think.” The Guardian
Our personal health history is too valuable to be harvested by the tech giants
Our personal health history is too valuable to be harvested by the tech giants | Eerke Boiten Action to prevent deeper access to our private lives and data is more essential than ever
Health data paints a rich picture of our lives. Even if you remove your name, date of birth and NHS number to “anonymise” yourself, a full health history will reveal your age, gender, the places where you have lived, your family relationships and aspects of your lifestyle.
Used in combination with other available information, this may be enough to verify that this medical history relates to you personally and to target you online. Consequently, whenever the NHS shares health data, even if it is anonymised, we need to have confidence in who it goes to and what they can do with it. The Guardian
Health data paints a rich picture of our lives. Even if you remove your name, date of birth and NHS number to “anonymise” yourself, a full health history will reveal your age, gender, the places where you have lived, your family relationships and aspects of your lifestyle.
Used in combination with other available information, this may be enough to verify that this medical history relates to you personally and to target you online. Consequently, whenever the NHS shares health data, even if it is anonymised, we need to have confidence in who it goes to and what they can do with it. The Guardian
BAME trainee doctors in 'climate of fear' over racism
BAME trainee doctors in 'climate of fear' over racism Many black, Asian and minority ethnic trainee doctors are experiencing a “climate of fear” at medical schools amid a failure to address widespread racism, according to the British Medical Association.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chairman, said the schools’ inadequate response to racism had left many BAME medical students afraid to speak out. The Guardian
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chairman, said the schools’ inadequate response to racism had left many BAME medical students afraid to speak out. The Guardian
Judges rule that doctors can stop providing life-support treatment to brain-damaged baby
Judges rule that doctors can stop providing life-support treatment to brain-damaged baby A couple who want doctors to keep providing life-support treatment to their brain-damaged baby have lost another legal battle.
Karwan Ali and Shokhan Namiq, who live in Manchester, had appealed after a High Court judge concluded that four-month-old Midrar was brain stem dead and said doctors could lawfully stop treating him. The Daily Telegraph
Karwan Ali and Shokhan Namiq, who live in Manchester, had appealed after a High Court judge concluded that four-month-old Midrar was brain stem dead and said doctors could lawfully stop treating him. The Daily Telegraph
Friday, 14 February 2020
CEO paid up to £220000 needed to manage new group that will merge Northampton and Kettering hospitals
CEO paid up to £220000 needed to manage new group that will merge Northampton and Kettering hospitals The group model that will soon see the management departments of two Northamptonshire hospitals merged, is now recruiting its first ever group Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital will keep their own A&E, maternity and paediatric services, but other services, as well as HR, strategy and finance departments will be merged. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton General Hospital and Kettering General Hospital will keep their own A&E, maternity and paediatric services, but other services, as well as HR, strategy and finance departments will be merged. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Worst January for people waiting longer than four hours in A&E
Worst January for people waiting longer than four hours in A&E Responding to NHS England's monthly performance statistics, Tim Gardner, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation, said:
‘Today's figures show NHS performance on the main waiting time targets is close to record lows. Despite the lack of a cold snap and flu being less severe than feared so far, this was the worst January for people waiting longer than four hours in A&E since records began. Performance against the 18 week target for non-urgent operations hit an all-time low. The Health Foundation
See also:
‘Today's figures show NHS performance on the main waiting time targets is close to record lows. Despite the lack of a cold snap and flu being less severe than feared so far, this was the worst January for people waiting longer than four hours in A&E since records began. Performance against the 18 week target for non-urgent operations hit an all-time low. The Health Foundation
See also:
- Combined Performance Summary: December 2019 - January 2020 Nuffield Trust
- NHS figures show new government must take rapid action Nuffield Trust
- Twelve-hour A&E wait times quadruple in a single year, the worst on record The Daily Mail
- Record number of A&E 'trolley waits' reached in January, NHS say The Guardian
Research and analysis: HPV vaccination uptake in men who have sex with men (MSM)
Research and analysis: HPV vaccination uptake in men who have sex with men (MSM) Report presenting human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake (initiation and completion) in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Public Health England
Coronavirus: No change in outbreak despite China spike, WHO says
Coronavirus: No change in outbreak despite China spike, WHO says Coronavirus cases are not rising dramatically outside China despite a spike in Hubei province, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.
The only exception was on a cruise liner docked in Japan, where 44 new cases were reported, bringing the total there to 218.
There was also no major shift in the coronavirus's pattern of mortality or severity, according to the WHO. BBC News
See also:
The only exception was on a cruise liner docked in Japan, where 44 new cases were reported, bringing the total there to 218.
There was also no major shift in the coronavirus's pattern of mortality or severity, according to the WHO. BBC News
See also:
- Detailed guide: Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice Department of Health and Social Care
- CMO for England announces ninth case of novel coronavirus Department of Health and Social Care
- Dentists threatened by coronavirus face-mask shortage BBC News
- Are coronavirus tests flawed? BBC News
- Coronavirus: Sharp increase in deaths and cases in Hubei BBC News
- Coronavirus: Hunt for contacts of latest UK case BBC NewsCoronavirus in Westminster: Infected patient went to bus conference The Daily Mail
- London coronavirus victim turned up at Lewisham A&E in an UBER The Daily Mail
- Nearly 800 Britons are tested for the killer coronavirus in a day The Daily Mail
- Coronavirus latest news: First London virus victim took Uber to hospital The Daily Telegraph
- Coronavirus: medical chief says UK hopes to delay any outbreak until summer The Guardian
- Coronavirus: How to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 Sky News
Mumps cases hit decade high in England
Mumps cases hit decade high in England Health officials are urging people to have both parts of the MMR vaccine after cases of mumps in England reached their highest level in a decade.
Outbreaks in universities and colleges raised the number of cases of the painful viral illness to 5,042 in 2019 - four times the number in 2018.
Most were in young adults who missed out on the MMR jab. BBC News
See also:
Outbreaks in universities and colleges raised the number of cases of the painful viral illness to 5,042 in 2019 - four times the number in 2018.
Most were in young adults who missed out on the MMR jab. BBC News
See also:
- Mumps outbreaks across England Public Health England
Government to allow more NHS staff to prescribe medicines as ministers relax rules post-Brexit
Government to allow more NHS staff to prescribe medicines as ministers relax rules post-Brexit The government is aiming to relax rules to allow more NHS staff other than doctors to prescribe drugs to patients.
It is part of new legislation presented to Parliament on Thursday, which will also seek to soften regulations governing the UK’s £74bn life sciences sector to make the UK more competitive post-Brexit.
Ministers hope to give more midwives, physiotherapists, paramedics and other staff the power to prescribe what the Department of Health and Social Care described as “low risk medicines” which it said could help reduce unnecessary GP appointments. The Independent
See also:
It is part of new legislation presented to Parliament on Thursday, which will also seek to soften regulations governing the UK’s £74bn life sciences sector to make the UK more competitive post-Brexit.
Ministers hope to give more midwives, physiotherapists, paramedics and other staff the power to prescribe what the Department of Health and Social Care described as “low risk medicines” which it said could help reduce unnecessary GP appointments. The Independent
See also:
- New bill gives hospitals power to develop personalised treatment Department of Health and Social Care
Safety watchdog launches probe into NHS maternity delays causing deaths and brain damage
Safety watchdog launches probe into NHS maternity delays causing deaths and brain damage A national investigation into maternity safety across England has been launched amid fears delays in delivering babies are causing deaths and leaving children with permanent brain damage.
Safety watchdog, the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) has said it will examine delays in delivering babies where there are suspicions the baby is in difficulty. It will make national safety recommendations for the whole health service. The Independent
Safety watchdog, the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) has said it will examine delays in delivering babies where there are suspicions the baby is in difficulty. It will make national safety recommendations for the whole health service. The Independent
Review launched into East Kent NHS trust after baby deaths
Review launched into East Kent NHS trust after baby deaths Government’s decision comes amid reports of at least seven preventable deaths since 2016
The government has announced an independent review into maternity services at an NHS trust where a number of babies have died.
“Immediate actions” have also been promised and an independent clinical team has been placed “at the heart” of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. It comes amid reports that at least seven preventable baby deaths may have occurred at the trust since 2016, including that of Harry Richford. The Guardian
See also:
The government has announced an independent review into maternity services at an NHS trust where a number of babies have died.
“Immediate actions” have also been promised and an independent clinical team has been placed “at the heart” of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. It comes amid reports that at least seven preventable baby deaths may have occurred at the trust since 2016, including that of Harry Richford. The Guardian
See also:
Homeopaths banned from practising quack autism 'treatment' by Government
Homeopaths banned from practising quack autism 'treatment' by Government A Government watchdog has warned homeopaths that they must stop practising so-called treatments for autism, but the NHS director wants the 'quack' practitioners struck off completely.
The Society of Homeopaths have been given a three month deadline to withdraw advertising for bogus 'cures' for autism.
The Professional Standards Authority today said it would only renew the societies accreditation on those grounds. The Daily Mail
The Society of Homeopaths have been given a three month deadline to withdraw advertising for bogus 'cures' for autism.
The Professional Standards Authority today said it would only renew the societies accreditation on those grounds. The Daily Mail
Thursday, 13 February 2020
Dad 'cannot speak' to autistic son at mental health unit
Dad 'cannot speak' to autistic son at mental health unit A father whose autistic son is at a mental health unit in England has said he has not been able to see or speak to him for three years.
Wayne Erasmus said his son Huw, 31, moved without notice from a unit in Carmarthen to Birmingham and then on to St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised concerns and criticised repeated failings in St Andrew's leadership.
St Andrew's said it had new leaders in place committed to making improvements. BBC News
Wayne Erasmus said his son Huw, 31, moved without notice from a unit in Carmarthen to Birmingham and then on to St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised concerns and criticised repeated failings in St Andrew's leadership.
St Andrew's said it had new leaders in place committed to making improvements. BBC News
Supporting a healthy childhood: the need for greater investment in services in England
Supporting a healthy childhood: the need for greater investment in services in England This briefing highlights that investment in services that would give children a good chance of having a healthy childhood has been severely lacking, with cuts commonplace. Today’s unhealthy and adversely affected children risk becoming tomorrow’s unhealthy and adversely affected adults. The briefing has two key recommendations: the development of a cross-government ‘healthy childhood strategy’, and a commitment in the March 2020 budget to reversing cuts to local authority children’s services and public health budgets in England. British Medical Association
Realising the neighbourhood NHS: delivering a new deal for primary care
Realising the neighbourhood NHS: delivering a new deal for primary care This report calls for general practitioners to become salaried employees of the NHS, rather than independent contractors, known as partners, who run their own GP practices. This move would overturn the historic model of general practice that has been in place since 1948. It argues that this shift, to be phased in, would enable the NHS in England to deliver better access to, and quality of, primary care in the community and would also help to address the workforce crisis in general practice. Institute for Public Policy Research
Britain's race to contain the coronavirus
Britain's race to contain the coronavirus There were 12 days between Steve Walsh leaving a business conference in Singapore and finding out he had been infected with the new coronavirus. When he was tested, he did not even have any symptoms.
But it was still enough to set in train a series of events that have left health officials battling to stop the disease - now named Covid-19 - from spreading across the UK. BBC News
See also:
But it was still enough to set in train a series of events that have left health officials battling to stop the disease - now named Covid-19 - from spreading across the UK. BBC News
See also:
- Detailed guide: Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice Department of Health and Social Care
- Ninth coronavirus case found in UK BBC News
- Coronavirus: 12 patients treated by two coronavirus GPs being traced BBC News
- Killer coronavirus poses a greater global threat than terrorism, World Health Organisation warns The Daily Mail
- Nurses 'in quarantine after treating patient with new suspected case of coronavirus' The Daily Mail
- NHS 111 is NOT asking if patients with coronavirus symptoms have been to China The Daily Mail
- It could be 'several months' before coronavirus outbreak ends The Daily Telegraph
- Yes, coronavirus kills, but it could also bring the NHS to a standstill The New Statesman
East Kent baby deaths: Scale of deaths at trust 'not clear cut'
East Kent baby deaths: Scale of deaths at trust 'not clear cut' The boss of an NHS trust at the centre of concerns about preventable baby deaths has claimed the scale of the failings is not clearly defined.
Susan Acott, chief executive of East Kent Hospitals Trust, said there had only been "six or seven" avoidable deaths at the trust since 2011.
However, the BBC revealed on Monday that the trust previously accepted responsibility for at least 10.
Ms Acott said some of the baby deaths were "not as clear-cut". BBC News
Susan Acott, chief executive of East Kent Hospitals Trust, said there had only been "six or seven" avoidable deaths at the trust since 2011.
However, the BBC revealed on Monday that the trust previously accepted responsibility for at least 10.
Ms Acott said some of the baby deaths were "not as clear-cut". BBC News
Children with arthritis 'facing delays to diagnosis'
Children with arthritis 'facing delays to diagnosis' Delays diagnosing and treating children with arthritis are leaving them in pain and at a higher risk of lifelong damage, a national charity has warned.
Arthritis is commonly thought to affect only older people, but 15,000 children have the condition in the UK.
Versus Arthritis says many children are not getting help soon enough.BBC News
Arthritis is commonly thought to affect only older people, but 15,000 children have the condition in the UK.
Versus Arthritis says many children are not getting help soon enough.BBC News
NHS trust withdraws ‘dangerous’ advice to women on how to achieve a ‘normal birth’
NHS trust withdraws ‘dangerous’ advice to women on how to achieve a ‘normal birth’ An NHS trust has been criticised for advising pregnant women to stay at home for as long as possible during labour to increase the chances of a “normal birth”.
University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust also suggested mothers should avoid having epidurals or inductions and should try to have a home birth.
The advice has been described as “shocking” by experts, who said the guidance was contrary to evidence and could be “dangerous” for mothers and babies. The Independent
University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust also suggested mothers should avoid having epidurals or inductions and should try to have a home birth.
The advice has been described as “shocking” by experts, who said the guidance was contrary to evidence and could be “dangerous” for mothers and babies. The Independent
One in six appendectomies on children are unnecessary new research shows
One in six appendectomies on children are unnecessary new research shows Hundreds of children are having needless operations to remove their appendix, researchers have warned.
One in six children who had surgery actually had a healthy appendix taken out, according to their study.
An estimated 1,600 youngsters are having appendicectomies unnecessarily each year in the UK, it found. The Daily Mail
See also:
One in six children who had surgery actually had a healthy appendix taken out, according to their study.
An estimated 1,600 youngsters are having appendicectomies unnecessarily each year in the UK, it found. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Appendicitis risk prediction models in children presenting with right iliac fossa pain (RIFT study): a prospective, multicentre validation study (abstract) Lancet Child and Adolescent Health
Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Make sure A&E is what you need as Northamptonshire hospitals 'under extreme pressure'
Make sure A&E is what you need as Northamptonshire hospitals 'under extreme pressure' Northamptonshire's hospitals are under extreme pressure and people need to make sure they definitely need to go to A&E before just turning up.
That is according to Kate Holt, the chief executive of Healthwatch Northamptonshire, an independent organisation which supports the NHS in the county and stands up for patients. Daventry Express
That is according to Kate Holt, the chief executive of Healthwatch Northamptonshire, an independent organisation which supports the NHS in the county and stands up for patients. Daventry Express
Number of people with diabetes in Northamptonshire reaches record 42,000
Number of people with diabetes in Northamptonshire reaches record 42,000 New analysis released this week by Diabetes UK shows that the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Northamptonshire has jumped from 40,486 to 42,112 since last year.
In the UK 3.9 million people are currently living with a diagnosis of diabetes, and 90 per cent of those with type 2. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
In the UK 3.9 million people are currently living with a diagnosis of diabetes, and 90 per cent of those with type 2. Northamptonshire Telegraph
See also:
Inspectors scold Northampton care agency for gaps in knowledge on how to keep patients safe
Inspectors scold Northampton care agency for gaps in knowledge on how to keep patients safe A Northampton agency that cares for people in their homes has been scolded by the healthcare watchdog for it's weak understanding of what to do if someone in their care choked.
Lighthouse Care Agency looks after people in their homes by helping them with eating and cleaning - but the CQC says they are unconvinced staff would know what to do if a patient began choking. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
Lighthouse Care Agency looks after people in their homes by helping them with eating and cleaning - but the CQC says they are unconvinced staff would know what to do if a patient began choking. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
- Lighthouse Care Agency Care Quality Commission
What the quality of work means for our health
What the quality of work means for our health Social, economic, commercial and environmental conditions are the strongest determinants of people’s health. This includes people’s access to homes that are safe, stable and warm; the availability of an adequate financial safety net; access to healthy, affordable food; and the quality of their work. This long read presents new analysis exploring changes in one of these wider determinants of health: the labour market. This includes the quantity and quality of employment over the last ten years, the implications of these changes for health, and what they mean for public policy. It is the first in a series addressing changes in the wider determinants of health and what they mean for health inequalities. The Health Foundation
Reducing variation in lung cancer care
Reducing variation in lung cancer care The UK Lung Cancer Coalition has published advice for clinicians, commissioners and policy-makers to help ensure that consistent and equitable treatment and care options are being offered to patients who present with similar profiles, regardless of where they live.
Coronavirus officially named Covid-19, says WHO
Coronavirus officially named Covid-19, says WHO The World Health Organization says the official name for the disease caused by the new coronavirus is Covid-19.
"We now have a name for the disease and it's Covid-19," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva.
It comes after the death toll from the virus passed 1,000. Tens of thousands of people have been infected.
Dr Ghebreyesus called on the world to fight the new virus as aggressively as possible. BBC News
See also:
"We now have a name for the disease and it's Covid-19," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva.
It comes after the death toll from the virus passed 1,000. Tens of thousands of people have been infected.
Dr Ghebreyesus called on the world to fight the new virus as aggressively as possible. BBC News
See also:
- Coronavirus: Health Secretary's statement to Parliament Department of Health and Social Care
- Government to monitor impact of coronavirus on UK medicine supply Department of Health and Social Care
- Coronavirus in the UK: 5 things you need to know about Covid-19 BBC News
- Coronavirus: UK businessman linked to virus cases speaks out BBC News
- Coronavirus: What it does to the body BBC News
- Coronavirus: Can it spread via door handles? And other questions BBC News
- COVID-19: World Health Organization finally names deadly SARS-like coronavirus The Daily Mail
- Health Secretary warns coronavirus outbreak will 'get worse before it gets better' The Daily Mail
- Men account for up to 68% of coronavirus cases, research suggests The Daily Mail
- Coronavirus: a quick guide to the outbreak sweeping the world The Daily Telegraph
- Brighton councillor claims coronavirus threat is being hidden The Guardian
- Coronavirus: Prisoner being tested for deadly virus identified The Independent
- Coronavirus news – live: UK schools allow children to ‘self-isolate’, as cruise ship cases grow and death toll rises to 1,100 The Independent
- Coronavirus news: Virus given name Covid-19 as identity of British ‘super-spreader’ revealed and death toll passes 1,000 The Independent
- Coronavirus: Two healthcare workers in UK test positive for deadly virus as GP surgery closed The Independent
- Further healthcare worker infected with coronavirus in UK OnMedica
- NHS 111 still 'directing patients with potential coronavirus to consult their GP' Pulse
Health inequality greater than previously thought, report finds
Health inequality greater than previously thought, report finds Women are living nearly ten years longer in poor health than previous estimates, while men are living an extra seven years, according to a report based on new NHS data launched by the health secretary on Wednesday.
The new analysis means that men on average are being diagnosed with their first significant long-term condition at 56 and women at 55. In the poorest areas, women are getting their first significant long-term illness at just 47 and men at 49 years old. The Guardian
The new analysis means that men on average are being diagnosed with their first significant long-term condition at 56 and women at 55. In the poorest areas, women are getting their first significant long-term illness at just 47 and men at 49 years old. The Guardian
Tuesday, 11 February 2020
Storage limit for frozen eggs, sperm and embryos to be reconsidered
Storage limit for frozen eggs, sperm and embryos to be reconsidered The government is seeking views on reviewing the current 10-year storage limit for eggs, sperm and embryos, to give more people the opportunity to start a family. Department of Health and Social Care
See also:
See also:
- Open consultation: Egg, sperm and embryo storage limits Department of Health and Social Care
Prioritising health in our future relationship with the EU
Prioritising health in our future relationship with the EU Following the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK now has until the end of this year to define its future relationship with the EU. The Brexit Health Alliance is concerned that the safety and health of patients and citizens could be overlooked during the negotiations over the next eleven months and has produced a briefing and summary to highlight why time is of the essence and health must be a priority in the future relationship negotiations. Brexit Health Alliance
Super-spreaders: Why are they important?
Super-spreaders: Why are they important? Super-spreading, where individual patients pass on an infection to large numbers of people, is a feature of nearly every outbreak.
It is not their fault but can have a significant impact on how diseases spread.
There are reports of super-spreading during the new coronavirus outbreak, which has centred on Wuhan, in China.
Briton Steve Walsh, who had been in Singapore, has been linked to four cases in the UK, five in France and possibly one in Majorca. BBC News
See also:
It is not their fault but can have a significant impact on how diseases spread.
There are reports of super-spreading during the new coronavirus outbreak, which has centred on Wuhan, in China.
Briton Steve Walsh, who had been in Singapore, has been linked to four cases in the UK, five in France and possibly one in Majorca. BBC News
See also:
- Coronavirus: British patient named as businessman Steve Walsh BBC News
- China launches coronavirus 'close contact detector' app BBC News
- Coronavirus: Senior Chinese officials 'removed' as death toll hits 1,000 BBC News
- Coronavirus death toll surpasses 1,000 as more than 100 people died in the China in one day The Daily Mail
- What the British government will do if coronavirus spreads The Daily Telegraph
- Coronavirus: a quick guide to the outbreak sweeping the world The Daily Telegraph
- GP practices forced to close as healthcare staff diagnosed with coronavirus GPonline
Child sexual abuse: Just 16% say NHS mental health services meet needs for adult survivors
Child sexual abuse: Just 16% say NHS mental health services meet needs for adult survivors Just 16 per cent of child sexual abuse victims say NHS mental health services meet their needs, according to a new report demanding ministers act urgently over insufficient funding for adult survivors.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse – led by the Labour MP for Rotherham, Sarah Champion – heard from nearly 400 victims from across the country in its inquiry.
It found that male survivors wait an average of 26 years before disclosing their abuse and that one in five did not report abuse to the police due to fear of further violence from perpetrators. The Independent
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse – led by the Labour MP for Rotherham, Sarah Champion – heard from nearly 400 victims from across the country in its inquiry.
It found that male survivors wait an average of 26 years before disclosing their abuse and that one in five did not report abuse to the police due to fear of further violence from perpetrators. The Independent
Matt Hancock’s local hospital faces inquiry on fingerprinting claim
Matt Hancock’s local hospital faces inquiry on fingerprinting claim West Suffolk hospital admits regulator did not approve tactics used in hunt for whistleblower
Misleading claims by bosses at the health secretary Matt Hancock’s local hospital that the NHS and regulators approved a controversial decision to fingerprint doctors in a hunt for a whistleblower are to be investigated.
In an urgent inquiry the accuracy of a statement by West Suffolk hospital will be examined after the Guardian revealed in December it had demanded fingerprints and handwriting samples from staff.
Misleading claims by bosses at the health secretary Matt Hancock’s local hospital that the NHS and regulators approved a controversial decision to fingerprint doctors in a hunt for a whistleblower are to be investigated.
In an urgent inquiry the accuracy of a statement by West Suffolk hospital will be examined after the Guardian revealed in December it had demanded fingerprints and handwriting samples from staff.
Don't trust apps that claim to spot skin cancer: Two miss the disease up to 21% of times
Don't trust apps that claim to spot skin cancer: Two miss the disease up to 21% of times Smartphone apps cannot be relied on to spot skin cancer, experts have warned.
Popular apps used as 'early warning systems' for suspicious moles do not pick up all cancers, according to a paper published in the British Medical Journal.
Experts from the universities of Birmingham and Nottingham said regulation of the apps - which take pictures of moles and tell people whether they are at risk - do 'not provide adequate protection to the public'. The Daily Mail
See also:
Popular apps used as 'early warning systems' for suspicious moles do not pick up all cancers, according to a paper published in the British Medical Journal.
Experts from the universities of Birmingham and Nottingham said regulation of the apps - which take pictures of moles and tell people whether they are at risk - do 'not provide adequate protection to the public'. The Daily Mail
See also:
Monday, 10 February 2020
Northampton General Hospital leads the way with artificial intelligence in UK-first for cancer patients
Northampton General Hospital leads the way with artificial intelligence in UK-first for cancer patients Radiotherapy patients at Northampton General Hospital are the first in the UK to be benefitting from the use of artificial intelligence for treating head and neck cancer.
This software learns how treatment plans have been generated for up to a hundred previous patients treated at NGH.
It then predicts the best possible plan for a new patients with head and neck cancer. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
This software learns how treatment plans have been generated for up to a hundred previous patients treated at NGH.
It then predicts the best possible plan for a new patients with head and neck cancer. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
It’s the Year of the Nurse, but will 2020 see nursing student numbers recover?
It’s the Year of the Nurse, but will 2020 see nursing student numbers recover? The previous Conservative government hoped that removing the nursing bursary in 2017 would mean universities would offer more training places, eventually leading to 10,000 more nursing students. Instead the number of nursing applications dropped, while acceptances remained broadly static. The new Conservative government has restored elements of the bursary, but will this be enough to address the decrease in applications of recent years? The King's Fund
Secretary of State makes new regulations on Coronavirus
Secretary of State makes new regulations on Coronavirus In light of the recent public health emergency from the novel Coronavirus originating from Wuhan, Secretary of State has made regulations to ensure that the public are protected as far as possible from the transmission of the virus. Department of Health and Social Care
See also:
See also:
- CMO confirms fourth case of coronavirus in England Department of Health and Social Care
- Statement from NHS England and NHS Improvement on Coronavirus NHS England
- Detailed guide: Coronavirus: latest information and advice Public Health England
- Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): interim guidance for first responders Public Health England
- Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): guidance for sampling and for diagnostic laboratories Public Health England
- PHE novel coronavirus diagnostic test rolled out across UK Public Health England
- Coronavirus 'imminent threat' to public health BBC News
- Coronavirus claims 97 lives in one day - but number of infections stabilises BBC News
- Coronavirus: Five Britons test positive for virus in France BBC News
- Coronavirus: Next Britons flown from Wuhan to be taken to Milton Keynes BBC News
- Health Secretary Matt Hancock warns coronavirus is a 'serious and imminent' threat to British public The Daily Mail
- Evacuation flight carrying 150 Britons home from coronavirus-hit Wuhan lands at Oxfordshire The Daily Mail
- Coronavirus latest news: Disease is now 'serious and imminent threat' in Britain, health secretary declares The Daily Telegraph
- Coronavirus: WHO warns spread outside China could be 'tip of the iceberg' The Guardian
- Coronavirus: number of confirmed UK cases rises from four to eight The Guardian
- Health alliance warns Brexit can leave UK exposed to global outbreaks The Guardian
- Coronavirus: Five Britons test positive for illness as first foreign nationals confirmed dead in China and death toll surpasses Sars’ The Independent
- Coronavirus: UK man linked to seven infections in three countries The Independent
Sector pulse check: the impact of the changes to the social care sector in 2019
Sector pulse check: the impact of the changes to the social care sector in 2019 According to this report, the number of social care providers who say they have been forced to cut support for vulnerable adults has doubled in the last 12 months as a direct result of financial pressures. The report also highlighted that providers are taking action to promote positive mental health within their organisations, and that the sector recognises the benefits of technology. Hft
NHS cancer patients 'missing out on basics information'
NHS cancer patients 'missing out on basics information' Cancer patients in England are missing out on basic information about their diseases because of staff shortages in the NHS, a charity has warned.
Macmillan Cancer Support said at least 120,000 patients a year felt topics including treatments and side effects were not fully explained.
The charity blamed "soaring" staffing pressures, which left people "in the dark" about how to prepare.
The NHS said satisfaction levels with cancer care were at a record high. BBC News
Macmillan Cancer Support said at least 120,000 patients a year felt topics including treatments and side effects were not fully explained.
The charity blamed "soaring" staffing pressures, which left people "in the dark" about how to prepare.
The NHS said satisfaction levels with cancer care were at a record high. BBC News
HIV in older people: 'I thought it was a young person's illness'
HIV in older people: 'I thought it was a young person's illness' When 59-year-old Ashley was in hospital with appendicitis, neither Ashley nor the doctors considered HIV.
"They said there's nothing wrong with you, you've had a virus - not knowing that I'd still got the biggest virus you could possibly get," Ashley recalls.
Ashley was diagnosed with HIV three years ago, after having unprotected sex.
But the late diagnosis meant the virus had already started to damage Ashley's immune system. BBC News
"They said there's nothing wrong with you, you've had a virus - not knowing that I'd still got the biggest virus you could possibly get," Ashley recalls.
Ashley was diagnosed with HIV three years ago, after having unprotected sex.
But the late diagnosis meant the virus had already started to damage Ashley's immune system. BBC News
Dying doctor warns of asbestos ‘hidden epidemic’ caused by NHS failures
Dying doctor warns of asbestos ‘hidden epidemic’ caused by NHS failures A doctor and mother of two with just months left to live has warned of a “hidden epidemic” of asbestos-related cancers among NHS staff and patients because hospitals have failed to properly handle the toxic material.
Kate Richmond, 44, has spoken out to raise awareness after she won a legal case against the NHS for negligently exposing her to asbestos while she was working as a medical student and junior doctor.
An investigation by The Independent has learnt there have been 13 prosecutions linked to NHS breaches of regulations for the handling of asbestos since 2010, while 381 compensation claims have been made by NHS staff for work-related diseases, including exposure to asbestos, since 2013, costing the health service more than £26m.
Kate Richmond, 44, has spoken out to raise awareness after she won a legal case against the NHS for negligently exposing her to asbestos while she was working as a medical student and junior doctor.
An investigation by The Independent has learnt there have been 13 prosecutions linked to NHS breaches of regulations for the handling of asbestos since 2010, while 381 compensation claims have been made by NHS staff for work-related diseases, including exposure to asbestos, since 2013, costing the health service more than £26m.
Revealed: how drugs giants can access your health records
Revealed: how drugs giants can access your health records Experts say information sold on by Department of Health and Social Care can be traced back to individual medical records
The Department of Health and Social Care has been selling the medical data of millions of NHS patients to American and other international drugs companies having misled the public into believing the information would be “anonymous”, according to leading experts in the field.
Senior NHS figures have told the Observer that patient data compiled from GP surgeries and hospitals – and then sold for huge sums for research – can routinely be linked back to individual patients’ medical records via their GP surgeries. They say there is clear evidence this is already being done by companies and organisations that have bought data from the DHSC, having identified individuals whose medical histories are of particular interest.
See also:
The Department of Health and Social Care has been selling the medical data of millions of NHS patients to American and other international drugs companies having misled the public into believing the information would be “anonymous”, according to leading experts in the field.
Senior NHS figures have told the Observer that patient data compiled from GP surgeries and hospitals – and then sold for huge sums for research – can routinely be linked back to individual patients’ medical records via their GP surgeries. They say there is clear evidence this is already being done by companies and organisations that have bought data from the DHSC, having identified individuals whose medical histories are of particular interest.
See also:
New mothers in England to receive health check six weeks after giving birth
New mothers in England to receive health check six weeks after giving birth Campaigners welcome move to assess women for physical and mental wellbeing
New mothers will be given a physical and mental health check six weeks after giving birth, in a victory for campaigners.
From April, the 600,000 women a year who have babies in England will undergo an assessment of their health and wellbeing with either a GP or practice nurse at their surgery. The Guardian
New mothers will be given a physical and mental health check six weeks after giving birth, in a victory for campaigners.
From April, the 600,000 women a year who have babies in England will undergo an assessment of their health and wellbeing with either a GP or practice nurse at their surgery. The Guardian
Just one in 10 GPs working full-time with 40% switching to locum work that earns them up to £200,000
Just one in 10 GPs working full-time with 40% switching to locum work that earns them up to £200,000 Old-fashioned GPs who work full-time in a family surgery are fast becoming a dying breed, according to figures obtained by The Mail on Sunday.
Just over one general practitioner in ten is now in a permanent, full-time position, statistics compiled by the General Medical Council (GMC) reveal.
Instead, four in ten now operate full or part-time as locums where they can earn up to £200,000 a year and avoid the administrative and financial burdens of running a surgery. The Daily Mail
Just over one general practitioner in ten is now in a permanent, full-time position, statistics compiled by the General Medical Council (GMC) reveal.
Instead, four in ten now operate full or part-time as locums where they can earn up to £200,000 a year and avoid the administrative and financial burdens of running a surgery. The Daily Mail
Boris Johnson plans new law to force Sir Simon Stevens NHS England chief executive to obey orders
Boris Johnson plans new law to force Sir Simon Stevens NHS England chief executive to obey orders Boris Johnson is planning to bring in a new law that will take power away from the head of the NHS and give it to Downing Street, it has been claimed.
Staff at No10 are concerned that NHS England's chief executive Sir Simon Stevens wields too much power over the health service.
Mr Johnson's chief aide Dominic Cummings believes current legislation allows Sir Simon too much freedom and restricts the Government's ability to tweak the healthcare system as it sees fit, reports The Times. The Daily Mail
See also:
Staff at No10 are concerned that NHS England's chief executive Sir Simon Stevens wields too much power over the health service.
Mr Johnson's chief aide Dominic Cummings believes current legislation allows Sir Simon too much freedom and restricts the Government's ability to tweak the healthcare system as it sees fit, reports The Times. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Boris Johnson to seize control over NHS with new law The Independent
Friday, 7 February 2020
Kettering Hospital rebuild blueprint work 'has already started'
Kettering Hospital rebuild blueprint work 'has already started' Plans are already under way to put together a bid for a £500m rebuild of Kettering General Hospital.
The hospital trust has been designated as one of the government's HIP2 shortlist of 40 hospitals across the country in line for a rebuild. In order for the scheme to go ahead, KGH bosses must first put together a detailed bid for their portion of the money. That process is likely to cost upwards of £2m in seed funding - which the trust is still waiting to receive. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The hospital trust has been designated as one of the government's HIP2 shortlist of 40 hospitals across the country in line for a rebuild. In order for the scheme to go ahead, KGH bosses must first put together a detailed bid for their portion of the money. That process is likely to cost upwards of £2m in seed funding - which the trust is still waiting to receive. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Disabled man left worried about future treatment at Northampton General Hospital after 28-hour stay
Disabled man left worried about future treatment at Northampton General Hospital after 28-hour stay A disabled man has been left worried about the next time he needs to treatment at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) after a frustrating experience.
Stephen Rodgers waited on a trolley in a side room for 17 hours before being given a bed following a fall in the shower on Monday morning (February 3). After around 28 hours in the hospital, the 63-year-old discharged himself as he felt others needed the bed more than him. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Stephen Rodgers waited on a trolley in a side room for 17 hours before being given a bed following a fall in the shower on Monday morning (February 3). After around 28 hours in the hospital, the 63-year-old discharged himself as he felt others needed the bed more than him. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2018/19
Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2018/19 Care Quality Commission -The Mental Health Act 1983 is the legal framework that provides authority to detain and treat people who have a mental illness and need protection for their own health or safety, or the safety of other people. The latest monitoring report finds there has been an improvement in the number of people beinggiven information about their rights and being offered the support of an independent mental health advocate (IMHA). However, services need to do more to ensure that they are complying with their human rights duties. King's Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
See Also:
See Also:
- CQC finds more focus on human rights needed by healthcare services when using the Mental Health Act CQC (Care Quality Commission)
- Detentions under Mental Health Act continue to rise On Medica
Jeremy hunt calls for public inquiry into NHS after baby deaths
Jeremy hunt calls for public inquiry into NHS after baby deaths Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt questions why mistakes seem to 'keep happening' after hospital trust scandals. BBC News
Contraception shortage 'causing utter chaos'
Contraception shortage 'causing utter chaos' A shortage of contraception is causing chaos and risks unplanned pregnancies and abortions, doctors are warning.
Leading sexual health experts have written to ministers warning that the supply shortage is beginning to lead to serious problems across the UK. A number of daily pills and a long-acting injectable contraceptive are thought to be affected.
The problem follows a shortage of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women last year. But there are signs that those supply difficulties might soon start to be resolved as a key ingredient is now being manufactured again. BBC News - Health
See Also
Leading sexual health experts have written to ministers warning that the supply shortage is beginning to lead to serious problems across the UK. A number of daily pills and a long-acting injectable contraceptive are thought to be affected.
The problem follows a shortage of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women last year. But there are signs that those supply difficulties might soon start to be resolved as a key ingredient is now being manufactured again. BBC News - Health
See Also
Guidance: Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): guidance to assist professionals in advising the general public
Guidance: Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): guidance to assist professionals in advising the general public This guidance will assist professionals in providing advice to the public on how to prevent spread of 2019–nCoV infection, what symptoms to look for, and what to do if they become unwell in a variety of settings. Public Health England
See Also:
See Also:
- News story: CMO confirms third case of coronavirus in England Gov.UK
- Coronavirus: Third case confirmed in the UK BBC News - Health
- Coronavirus in the UK: Third patient tests positive - but did not contract it in China The Telegraph
- Third UK coronavirus case found in Brighton, now in quarantine Mail Online
Complete vaginal-mesh removals 'leaving material behind'
Complete vaginal-mesh removals 'leaving material behind' Dozens of women who thought they were having a "complete mesh removal" have discovered material has been left behind, the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme has been told. BBC News - Health
Press release: £1.5 billion to deliver Government commitment for 50 million more general practice appointments
Press release: £1.5 billion to deliver Government commitment for 50 million more general practice appointments The Government and NHS England have committed at least an additional £1.5 billion in total for general practice over the next four years for additional staff, a key step towards delivering 50 million more appointments in general practice by 2024.
In addition to the Government’s commitment to invest in general practice under the Long Term Plan, this funding is for the recruitment of 6,000 more primary care professionals as well as for initiatives to support the recruitment and retention of doctors in general practice. Gov.UK - Department of Health and Social Care
See Also:
In addition to the Government’s commitment to invest in general practice under the Long Term Plan, this funding is for the recruitment of 6,000 more primary care professionals as well as for initiatives to support the recruitment and retention of doctors in general practice. Gov.UK - Department of Health and Social Care
See Also:
- New GP contract 'catalyst' to deliver promised funding and workforce to general practice, says RCGP Royal College of General Pracitioners (RCGP)
- BMA backs 2020 contract with £20,000 golden hello for partners and 'pared back' PCN plan GP Online
Thursday, 6 February 2020
Cancer support centre to be built at KGH
Cancer support centre to be built at KGH A centre to support people living with cancer, their relatives and carers is set to be built at Kettering General Hospital.
The hospital is working with Macmillan Cancer Support to create the centre, the first in the north of the county, which will be based in a courtyard garden area close to the main reception. It's not yet known how much it would cost to build. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The hospital is working with Macmillan Cancer Support to create the centre, the first in the north of the county, which will be based in a courtyard garden area close to the main reception. It's not yet known how much it would cost to build. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northants breast screening invitations struggling to reap results
Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northants breast screening invitations struggling to reap results Women called by Kettering General Hospital (KGH) for routine breast cancer screening mammograms are failing to respond to the invitations in increasing numbers, according to the latest figures released by NHS Digital.
Although KGH's overall ranking for 'first and all routine invitations' has improved year-on-year, with their England ranking rising from 42nd from 22nd overall, the unit had been in the top three just five years ago. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Although KGH's overall ranking for 'first and all routine invitations' has improved year-on-year, with their England ranking rising from 42nd from 22nd overall, the unit had been in the top three just five years ago. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Hospitals ordered to create ‘secure coronavirus pods’ to stop A&E being deluged
Hospitals ordered to create ‘secure coronavirus pods’ to stop A&E being deluged All NHS hospitals in England have been ordered to create secure pods to assess patients with suspected coronavirus, to avoid A&E departments becoming deluged.
Hospitals have been told to create “coronavirus priority assessment pods” in a bid to avoid a “surge in emergency departments”.
The letter, sent last week, instructs all chief executives and medical directors to have the pods up and running by this Friday. The Telegraph
Hospitals have been told to create “coronavirus priority assessment pods” in a bid to avoid a “surge in emergency departments”.
The letter, sent last week, instructs all chief executives and medical directors to have the pods up and running by this Friday. The Telegraph
See Also:
- Detailed guide: Coronavirus: latest information and advice Public Health England
- Coronavirus: NHS orders 'assessment pods' for every hospital BBC News
- A visual guide to the outbreak BBC News
- Northamptonshire man on board quarantined cruise ship in Japan where 10 passengers have tested positive for Coronavirus Northampton Chronicle & Echo
The state of the nation: sexually transmitted infections in England
The state of the nation: sexually transmitted infections in England Terrence Higgins Trust -This report, written with BASHH, calls for the Government to implement a new sexual health strategy, including the need for immediate steps to be taken on the threat of drug resistant STIs. The report shows that someone is diagnosed with an STI every 70 seconds. King's Fund - Health Management and Policy Alert
See Also:
See Also:
Ban term 'painkiller' to end obsession with drugs
Ban term 'painkiller' to end obsession with drugs Government adviser calls for change in culture on painkillers with greater focus on social issues.
Prof Jamie Coleman said the phrase raised unrealistic expectations - with "pain-reliever" a better option. Research suggests just one in 10 patients seeking help for long-term pain, benefit from strong painkillers. BBC News - Health
See Also:
Prof Jamie Coleman said the phrase raised unrealistic expectations - with "pain-reliever" a better option. Research suggests just one in 10 patients seeking help for long-term pain, benefit from strong painkillers. BBC News - Health
See Also:
Hospital whistleblower raised alarm over doctor seen injecting himself
Hospital whistleblower raised alarm over doctor seen injecting himself Exclusive: the Guardian can reveal details behind intervention at hospital in Matt Hancock’s constituency
A whistleblower raised the alarm over patient safety at Matt Hancock’s local hospital because of concerns about the behaviour of a doctor who had been seen injecting himself with drugs, the Guardian can reveal.
The incident had already prompted internal complaints from senior staff at West Suffolk hospital, but the whistleblower decided to take matters a step further when the same doctor was later involved in a potentially botched operation. The Guardian
A whistleblower raised the alarm over patient safety at Matt Hancock’s local hospital because of concerns about the behaviour of a doctor who had been seen injecting himself with drugs, the Guardian can reveal.
The incident had already prompted internal complaints from senior staff at West Suffolk hospital, but the whistleblower decided to take matters a step further when the same doctor was later involved in a potentially botched operation. The Guardian
Landmark study to transform cancer treatment
Landmark study to transform cancer treatment More than a thousand scientists have built the most detailed picture of cancer ever in a landmark study.
They said cancer was like a 100,000-piece jigsaw, and that until today, 99% of the pieces were missing. Their studies, published in the journal Nature, provide an almost complete picture of all cancers. BBC News - Health
See Also:
They said cancer was like a 100,000-piece jigsaw, and that until today, 99% of the pieces were missing. Their studies, published in the journal Nature, provide an almost complete picture of all cancers. BBC News - Health
See Also:
Heads Up: Tackling mental health through football
Heads Up: Tackling mental health through football Prince William has launched a new initiative aimed at normalising conversations about mental health. BBC News
Local partnerships and children’s mental health
Local partnerships and children’s mental health A report published by the Local Government Association sets out how councils and their partners can work most effectively together to support children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. NHS Networks
See Also:
See Also:
- Councils share good practice for supporting children and young people’s mental wellbeing Local Government Association
Call for crackdown on unsafe workloads after GP suicides
Call for crackdown on unsafe workloads after GP suicides Doctors' leaders and health regulators have called for an immediate crackdown on ‘unsafe’ workloads following the death of two GPs by suicide in the last nine months. GP Online
Staffing for safe and effective care in the UK : 2019 report
Staffing for safe and effective care in the UK : 2019 report Royal College of Nursing (RCN) - This report provides an overview of progress made against the RCN's safe staffing campaign principles during 2019. It includes country-specific updates as well as a look ahead to priorities during 2020. Kings Fund
See Also:
See Also:
- Staffing for Safe and Effective Care in the UK Royal College of Nursing
Wednesday, 5 February 2020
KGH joins pledge to cut down on plastic waste
KGH joins pledge to cut down on plastic waste KGH has joined a national campaign to cut down on single use plastics across the NHS.
On Friday, January 31, KGH signed up to NHS England's Single Use Plastic Reduction Campaign which aims to reduce waste from things like single-use cups, cutlery and food pots across the health service.
Last year, the NHS bought at least 163 million plastic cups, 16 million pieces of plastic cutlery, 15 million straws and two million plastic stirrers. Northamptonshire Telegraph
On Friday, January 31, KGH signed up to NHS England's Single Use Plastic Reduction Campaign which aims to reduce waste from things like single-use cups, cutlery and food pots across the health service.
Last year, the NHS bought at least 163 million plastic cups, 16 million pieces of plastic cutlery, 15 million straws and two million plastic stirrers. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Ian Paterson: Surgeon wounded hundreds amid 'culture of denial'
Ian Paterson: Surgeon wounded hundreds amid 'culture of denial' A culture of "avoidance and denial" allowed a breast surgeon to perform botched and unnecessary operations on hundreds of women, a report has found.
An independent inquiry into Ian Paterson's malpractice has recommended the recall of his 11,000 patients for their surgery to be assessed.
Paterson is serving a 20-year jail term for 17 counts of wounding with intent. BBC News
An independent inquiry into Ian Paterson's malpractice has recommended the recall of his 11,000 patients for their surgery to be assessed.
Paterson is serving a 20-year jail term for 17 counts of wounding with intent. BBC News
See also:
Parts of NHS 'seriously financially unstable', auditors find
Parts of NHS 'seriously financially unstable', auditors find Parts of the NHS are “seriously financially unstable” and trusts are building up levels of debt they are unlikely to ever repay, according to Whitehall’s spending watchdog.
The National Audit Office found that NHS provider trusts reported a combined deficit of £827m and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) a £150m deficit in the financial year ending 31 March 2019. The Guardian
See also:
The National Audit Office found that NHS provider trusts reported a combined deficit of £827m and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) a £150m deficit in the financial year ending 31 March 2019. The Guardian
See also:
- NHS financial management and sustainability National Audit Office
Access matters: achieving universal access to optimal lung cancer care in the UK
Access matters: achieving universal access to optimal lung cancer care in the UK UK Lung Cancer Coalition -
It is known that there is too much unwarranted variation in lung cancer care which is leading to sub-optimal outcomes for patients. This document is intended to provide some simple, practical ideas which clinicians, commissioners and policymakers could implement to help ensure that consistent and equitable treatment and care options are being offered to patients who present with similar profiles, regardless of where they live. King's Fund
It is known that there is too much unwarranted variation in lung cancer care which is leading to sub-optimal outcomes for patients. This document is intended to provide some simple, practical ideas which clinicians, commissioners and policymakers could implement to help ensure that consistent and equitable treatment and care options are being offered to patients who present with similar profiles, regardless of where they live. King's Fund
See also:
- Targeted lung cancer treatment gets initial ‘no’ for NHS in England Cancer Research UK
Patients admitted to NHS hospitals for alcohol fuelled-illnesses rises by a fifth in a decade
Patients admitted to NHS hospitals for alcohol fuelled-illnesses rises by a fifth in a decade The number of patients admitted to hospital for alcohol-related illnesses has spiked by a fifth in a decade, shocking figures show.
There were at least 357,660 people hospitalised for drink-fuelled conditions in England in 2019, a 19 per cent rise from the 300,930 recorded in 2009.
They include patients with liver damage, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes all caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Mail Online
There were at least 357,660 people hospitalised for drink-fuelled conditions in England in 2019, a 19 per cent rise from the 300,930 recorded in 2009.
They include patients with liver damage, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes all caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Mail Online
Smothering PCNs with early targets could stop them improving care
Smothering PCNs with early targets could stop them improving care Primary care networks (PCNs) will fail to improve patients' lives if they are ‘smothered’ with objectives in their infancy, NHS leaders have warned. GP Online
Coronavirus outbreak not yet pandemic, World Health Organization says
Coronavirus outbreak not yet pandemic, World Health Organization says The World Health Organization (WHO) says there is a "window of opportunity" to stop the deadly new coronavirus becoming a broader global crisis.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the steps China took to fight the virus at its epicentre were a good way of stopping its spread.
The praise comes as Chinese officials have been widely criticised for their initial handling of the outbreak.
On Tuesday alone, nearly 4,000 new cases were confirmed in the country. BBC News
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the steps China took to fight the virus at its epicentre were a good way of stopping its spread.
The praise comes as Chinese officials have been widely criticised for their initial handling of the outbreak.
On Tuesday alone, nearly 4,000 new cases were confirmed in the country. BBC News
The patients inspired to take up parkrun by their GPs
The patients inspired to take up parkrun by their GPs In the past 18 months, some 1,500 GP surgeries have signed up to encourage patients to take part in their local parkrun. Those who never thought they could run 5km (3 miles) and now consider the event a lifeline describe how the experience has improved their health and outlook. BBC News
Support your EU staff with our new resources
Support your EU staff with our new resources We have launched a number of new resources to help NHS organisations support eligible staff with the EU Settlement Scheme.
This includes an advice sheet detailing good practice that NHS trusts have implemented to support their staff, an eligibility flow chart to help colleagues understand if they need to apply as well as a recording of our January 2020 webinar, which discussed the political context and other ideas for supporting EU citizens in the NHS workforce. NHS Employers
This includes an advice sheet detailing good practice that NHS trusts have implemented to support their staff, an eligibility flow chart to help colleagues understand if they need to apply as well as a recording of our January 2020 webinar, which discussed the political context and other ideas for supporting EU citizens in the NHS workforce. NHS Employers
Tuesday, 4 February 2020
Northampton MP asks Commons for £6.5million to revamp NGH's children's A&E department
Northampton MP asks Commons for £6.5million to revamp NGH's children's A&E department
The MP for Northampton South has used a speech in the House of Commons to ask for £6.5m of funding to regenerate NGH's children's A&E. Andrew Lewer stood at Parliament this week at a debate over the Government's upcoming NHS funding bill to say Northampton's paediatric emergency unit was "in desperate need of updating."
The debate was to discuss how the Government should spend some £33.9billion promised for the NHS. Nnorthampton Chronicle and Echo
The MP for Northampton South has used a speech in the House of Commons to ask for £6.5m of funding to regenerate NGH's children's A&E. Andrew Lewer stood at Parliament this week at a debate over the Government's upcoming NHS funding bill to say Northampton's paediatric emergency unit was "in desperate need of updating."
The debate was to discuss how the Government should spend some £33.9billion promised for the NHS. Nnorthampton Chronicle and Echo
Northampton doctor who claimed 'graphic sexual emails' to junior nurse were 'marriage proposals' is struck off
Northampton doctor who claimed 'graphic sexual emails' to junior nurse were 'marriage proposals' is struck off A Northampton doctor who sent graphic sexual messages to a junior nurse's private email address has been struck off from ever practising again.
Dr Simon Richard, an anaesthetist at Northampton General Hospital, has had his name removed from the medical register for sending the string of "disturbing" emails he sent to a junior staff member. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Dr Simon Richard, an anaesthetist at Northampton General Hospital, has had his name removed from the medical register for sending the string of "disturbing" emails he sent to a junior staff member. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
NHS hospitals bring in sleep pods to help tired staff take a break
NHS hospitals bring in sleep pods to help tired staff take a break Help is arriving for overworked NHS staff as a growing number of hospitals bring in sleep pods for doctors and nurses to grab power naps during their shifts.
Pods have been installed or are being trialled by a dozen hospitals in England. Royal Wolverhampton NHS trust was the first to try them, in June 2018. “Too many staff end up exhausted because they have long, busy, sometimes stressful shifts, often with little chance to grab a break because pressure on the NHS is so intense,” said Prof Steve Field, the trust’s chair. The Guardian
Pods have been installed or are being trialled by a dozen hospitals in England. Royal Wolverhampton NHS trust was the first to try them, in June 2018. “Too many staff end up exhausted because they have long, busy, sometimes stressful shifts, often with little chance to grab a break because pressure on the NHS is so intense,” said Prof Steve Field, the trust’s chair. The Guardian
HIV vaccine hopes dashed by trial results
HIV vaccine hopes dashed by trial results Hopes have been dashed an experimental vaccine could protect people against HIV, the virus that causes Aids.
The National Institutes of Health has stopped its HVTN 702 trial, of more than 5,000 people in South Africa, as it found the jab did not prevent HIV.
Experts expressed "deep disappointment" but added the search for a preventive HIV vaccine must continue. BBC News
The National Institutes of Health has stopped its HVTN 702 trial, of more than 5,000 people in South Africa, as it found the jab did not prevent HIV.
Experts expressed "deep disappointment" but added the search for a preventive HIV vaccine must continue. BBC News
Building resilience: how local partnerships are supporting children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
Building resilience: how local partnerships are supporting children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing Local Government Association -
Too many children and young people nationally do not receive the support they need to improve their mental health and wellbeing. The purpose of this research, commissioned from Isos Partnership, is to explore some of the factors which are contributing to this nationally challenging context, and to develop an evidence base for how local government and its partners can work most effectively together to deliver a coherent and joined-up offer of support for children and young people’s mental health. King's Fund
Too many children and young people nationally do not receive the support they need to improve their mental health and wellbeing. The purpose of this research, commissioned from Isos Partnership, is to explore some of the factors which are contributing to this nationally challenging context, and to develop an evidence base for how local government and its partners can work most effectively together to deliver a coherent and joined-up offer of support for children and young people’s mental health. King's Fund
Nurses are undervalued because most are women says RCN
Nurses are undervalued because most are women says RCN A new study commissioned by the RCN shows that nursing is undervalued in status and pay, and that until both are enhanced, the UK will continue to experience severe nursing shortages.
The study, conducted by researchers at Oxford Brookes University, argues that the “old-fashioned view that caring for others is a feminine characteristic still persists in British society”. The study’s authors claim this has contributed to the suppression of nurses’ wages and working conditions for generations.
Nine out of 10 nurses in the UK are women. Their weekly pay is on average £15.42 per hour which is less than a third of that of doctors and dentists. RCN
The study, conducted by researchers at Oxford Brookes University, argues that the “old-fashioned view that caring for others is a feminine characteristic still persists in British society”. The study’s authors claim this has contributed to the suppression of nurses’ wages and working conditions for generations.
Nine out of 10 nurses in the UK are women. Their weekly pay is on average £15.42 per hour which is less than a third of that of doctors and dentists. RCN
Multimorbidity measure could lead to fairer GP funding system
Multimorbidity measure could lead to fairer GP funding system More than half of GP consultations with patients aged over 18 or over are with patients who have multimorbidity, research has shown.
But academics behind the new scoring system - the Cambridge Multimorbidity Score - warn that NHS 'services and policies have failed to respond to the pressures that multimorbidity places on primary and secondary care'. GP Online
But academics behind the new scoring system - the Cambridge Multimorbidity Score - warn that NHS 'services and policies have failed to respond to the pressures that multimorbidity places on primary and secondary care'. GP Online
Calls for better use of occupational therapists to reduce burden of sick leave
Calls for better use of occupational therapists to reduce burden of sick leave NHS workers take on average 14 days sick leave every year, well above the national average. Stress and depression are cited as the main reasons why and a lack of staff can cause major issues for frontline services.
A new report from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists says the problem could be addressed by employing occupational therapists directly within NHS occupational health services where they can provide specific vocational interventions and workplace modifications to get staff back to work. NHS Networks
A new report from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists says the problem could be addressed by employing occupational therapists directly within NHS occupational health services where they can provide specific vocational interventions and workplace modifications to get staff back to work. NHS Networks
NHS England: NHS 111 should deliver 'higher volume' of CPCS referrals
NHS England: NHS 111 should deliver 'higher volume' of CPCS referrals
More NHS 111 patient requests could be converted into Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) referrals, an NHS England director has said.
“In some parts of the country, almost every urgent medicine supply query that comes to NHS 111 is converted into a pharmacy referral,” Ed Waller, NHS England director of primary care strategy, said at the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) conference at the end of last month (January 23).
However, that is “slightly less true” in other parts of England, Mr Waller added. Chemist + Druggist
More NHS 111 patient requests could be converted into Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS) referrals, an NHS England director has said.
“In some parts of the country, almost every urgent medicine supply query that comes to NHS 111 is converted into a pharmacy referral,” Ed Waller, NHS England director of primary care strategy, said at the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) conference at the end of last month (January 23).
However, that is “slightly less true” in other parts of England, Mr Waller added. Chemist + Druggist
RPS urges new approach for training pharmacists, following reports of pharmacist-to-doctor conversion courses
RPS urges new approach for training pharmacists, following reports of pharmacist-to-doctor conversion courses The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has said that it would like to see “a new approach to training early careers pharmacists at foundation level, so that they can take up new roles across the NHS”, following press reports that pharmacists could be given the chance to retrain as doctors.
Sandra Giddley, president of the RPS, said the Society would “welcome early discussions with the government, NHS and education leaders to learn more about what changes are being considered”. The Pharmaceutical Journal
Sandra Giddley, president of the RPS, said the Society would “welcome early discussions with the government, NHS and education leaders to learn more about what changes are being considered”. The Pharmaceutical Journal
A QUARTER of people in the UK live in areas with toxic air pollution
A QUARTER of people in the UK live in areas with toxic air pollution One in four people in the UK are now subject to dangerous air pollution, experts warned last night.
A report by the British Heart Foundation estimates 15million people - a quarter of the British population - live in areas where average levels of toxic particles in the air exceed guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation. Mail Online
A report by the British Heart Foundation estimates 15million people - a quarter of the British population - live in areas where average levels of toxic particles in the air exceed guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation. Mail Online
More than 2 million women screened for breast cancer last year
More than 2 million women screened for breast cancer last year 2.23m women aged 45 and over were screened for breast cancer in 2018-19, a 4.5% increase on 2017-18 (2.14m), and a 26.0% increase since 2008-09 (1.77m).
The greatest increases are in the over-70 age range, where 218,000 women were screened for breast cancer in 2018-19, a 51.2% increase on 2017-18 (144,000) due, at least in part, to invites sent to women who had not previously received a final invitation. NHS Digital
The greatest increases are in the over-70 age range, where 218,000 women were screened for breast cancer in 2018-19, a 51.2% increase on 2017-18 (144,000) due, at least in part, to invites sent to women who had not previously received a final invitation. NHS Digital
Global rates of cancer are set to soar by 60% in the next two decades
Global rates of cancer are set to soar by 60% in the next two decades Driven by persistently high rates of HPV, hepatitis and smoking - especially in low-income countries - the world could see 60 percent more cancer cases in the next 20 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned in a new report.
Over 80 percent of these are expected to be diagnosed in low-income countries, according to the report released on Monday. Mail Online
Over 80 percent of these are expected to be diagnosed in low-income countries, according to the report released on Monday. Mail Online
Rebuilding our NHS: why it's time to invest
Rebuilding our NHS: why it's time to invest NHS Providers -
The long term plan for the NHS set out a vision for an NHS built around preventative and technologically-enabled models of care. This report argues that there needs to be an appropriate capital settlement to support the ambitious vision of the plan. King's Fund
The long term plan for the NHS set out a vision for an NHS built around preventative and technologically-enabled models of care. This report argues that there needs to be an appropriate capital settlement to support the ambitious vision of the plan. King's Fund
Patient assessments of non-clinical aspects of hospital care
Patient assessments of non-clinical aspects of hospital care
Patient assessments of NHS food, cleanliness and other non-clinical aspects of hospital care published today.
Results of the annual patient-led assessments of non-clinical elements of care, such as catering services, cleanliness and waiting facilities are published today.
Published by NHS Digital, Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) 2019 – England1 involves local people (known as Patient Assessors) going into hospitals as part of teams to assess how the environment supports the provision of clinical care. NHS Digital
Patient assessments of NHS food, cleanliness and other non-clinical aspects of hospital care published today.
Results of the annual patient-led assessments of non-clinical elements of care, such as catering services, cleanliness and waiting facilities are published today.
Published by NHS Digital, Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) 2019 – England1 involves local people (known as Patient Assessors) going into hospitals as part of teams to assess how the environment supports the provision of clinical care. NHS Digital
Baroness Parminter: The NHS is failing patients with eating disorders
Baroness Parminter: The NHS is failing patients with eating disorders Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses, affecting an estimated 1.25 million people in the UK. They are not a ‘diet gone wrong’ or a ‘lifestyle choice’. They can cripple lives and ultimately take them – anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. These devastating illnesses – which effect men, women and people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds – deserve better recognition and treatment.
If not caught early, like cancer, eating disorders are much harder to treat. While there is a national waiting time target for children and young people accessing services there is still no target for adults. A recent report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists found that people with eating disorders can wait up to 41 months for treatment, with adults waiting on average 30% longer than under 18s. Politics Home
If not caught early, like cancer, eating disorders are much harder to treat. While there is a national waiting time target for children and young people accessing services there is still no target for adults. A recent report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists found that people with eating disorders can wait up to 41 months for treatment, with adults waiting on average 30% longer than under 18s. Politics Home
PM urged to give NHS 100 new hospitals plus an extra £7bn a year
PM urged to give NHS 100 new hospitals plus an extra £7bn a year NHS leaders have urged Boris Johnson’s government to build 100 new hospitals and give the service an extra £7bn a year for new facilities and equipment.
They want the prime minister to commit to far more than the 40 new hospitals over the next decade that the Conservatives pledged during the general election. The Guardian
They want the prime minister to commit to far more than the 40 new hospitals over the next decade that the Conservatives pledged during the general election. The Guardian
Monday, 3 February 2020
Macmillan centre at Northampton General Hospital receives award for standard of care
Macmillan centre at Northampton General Hospital receives award for standard of care A specialist cancer support centre based at Northampton General Hospital has received an award for that standard of care it provides.
The Macmillan Information and Support Centre helps around 3,000 local people and their families every year, with help and support as well as wellbeing activities. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The Macmillan Information and Support Centre helps around 3,000 local people and their families every year, with help and support as well as wellbeing activities. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Mental health crisis cafe opens in Kettering for teenagers
Mental health crisis cafe opens in Kettering for teenagers A crisis cafe for teenagers struggling with their mental health will run every Thursday evening in Kettering.
The crisis cafe at Youth Works, Rockingham Road, will offer a safe place for children aged 12 to 18 to go and receive support for their mental health. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The crisis cafe at Youth Works, Rockingham Road, will offer a safe place for children aged 12 to 18 to go and receive support for their mental health. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Gender reassignment treatments for young people to get expert review
Gender reassignment treatments for young people to get expert review The use of hormone treatments for young people who want to undergo gender reassignment is to be examined by experts, it has emerged.
The announcement by NHS England comes just weeks after the start of a landmark legal challenge to the prescribing of drugs to delay puberty. The case has been brought against the Tavistock and Portman NHS foundation trust, which runs the UK’s only gender-identity development service (GIDS). The Guardian
The announcement by NHS England comes just weeks after the start of a landmark legal challenge to the prescribing of drugs to delay puberty. The case has been brought against the Tavistock and Portman NHS foundation trust, which runs the UK’s only gender-identity development service (GIDS). The Guardian
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)