‘Urgent action required’ in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough as all see double-digit Covid infections

 ‘Urgent action required’ in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough as all see double-digit Covid infections The latest coronavirus data released this evening (Friday, August 14) by public health bosses have increasing rates of positive tests in three of our boroughs.

Northamptonshire’s COVID-19 positive case rate is now classed as significantly higher than the England average. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• Greencore's Covid 19-positive workers 'huge disaster' says council leader BBC Northampton
• Coronavirus: Northampton rough sleeper moves into flat after 15 years on streets BBC Northampton
• Director of health points to 'carsharing, housesharing and socialising out of work' for Covid-19 outbreak at Northampton factory Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Information on outbreaks in Northamptonshire was not published because director 'did not think public would be interested' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Number of Covid patients at KGH has reduced significantly - but don't be complacent Northamptonshire Telegraph

Court decides if 4-stone anorexic woman can refuse hospital treatment

Court decides if 4-stone anorexic woman can refuse hospital treatment A Court of Protection judge has been asked to decide whether a woman who has suffered from anorexia nervosa for more than a decade and now weighs around four stone is mentally capable of making her own decisions about ending hospital treatment.

Bosses at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have responsibility for her care and have asked the judge for a ruling. Wales Online

Better than cure: injury prevention policy

Better than cure: injury prevention policy In the United Kingdom, injuries are the leading cause of preventable death in children and young people, and of preventable years of life lost up to age 65. Although the UK has been a world leader in injury prevention policy, austerity and a lack of strategy have hampered further improvement. In a post-pandemic society, this report says the government should act on the renewed focus on public health to address the disconnect between the importance of injury prevention and its neglect in terms of funding, enforcement and strategy, to make the safety of the people the highest law. Institute for Public Policy Research

Decision making and mental capacity

Decision making and mental capacity This quality standard covers decision making in people aged 16 and over, using health and social care services who may lack capacity to make their own decisions (now or in the future). It aims to support implementation of the aims and principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant Codes of Practice. It is not a substitute for these. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Voices from lockdown: a chance for change

Voices from lockdown: a chance for change This interim findings report shows that services supporting the most disadvantaged women and girls face a perfect storm as the Covid-19 lockdown eases, with demand surging but emergency funding dropping off. However, the report also highlights how many women and girls’ services have innovated and adapted to the new circumstances, despite extremely challenging conditions. Agenda

Building back health and prosperity

Building back health and prosperity This cross-party commission report argues there is now a fundamental choice to be made between greater centralisation of NHS and social care services or a comprehensive health devolution approach which incorporates national entitlements and targets but embeds the delivery of an integrated NHS, social care and public health service within broader, powerful, democratically led local partnerships. Health Devolution Commission

£5 million for social prescribing to tackle the impact of COVID-19

£5 million for social prescribing to tackle the impact of COVID-19 The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has been awarded £5 million in funding to support people to stay connected and maintain their health and wellbeing following the COVID-19 pandemic. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Restrictions on household gatherings to continue in parts of North West, West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Leicester  Department of Health and Social Care
• Research and analysis: National COVID-19 surveillance reports  Public Health England

Public Health England 'to be replaced'

Public Health England 'to be replaced' Public Health England is to be replaced by a new agency that will specifically deal with protecting the country from pandemics, according to a report.

The Sunday Telegraph claims Health Secretary Matt Hancock will this week announce a new body modelled on Germany's Robert Koch Institute.

Ministers have reportedly been unhappy with the way PHE has responded to the coronavirus crisis. BBC News

See also:

• NHS chief slams ministers for trying to shift the blame for coronavirus failings onto health bosses The Daily Mail
• PHE has been a public health catastrophe The Daily Telegraph
• Hancock axes ‘failing’ Public Health England The Daily Telegraph
• Public Health England to be scrapped and merged with NHS program Digital Journal
• Ministers criticised over plan to scrap Public Health England The Guardian
• 5 Times Public Health England *Wasn't* To Blame For The Country's Terrible Coronavirus Response Huffington Post UK
• Matt Hancock to scrap Public Health England and set up new organisation for pandemic, reports say The Independent
• Government accused of ‘passing the buck’ with reported plan to scrap Public Health England The Independent
• After Matt Hancock’s snap decision to axe Public Health England, this is everything we could lose The Independent
• Health Secretary to replace Public Health England with specialist pandemic unit, says report Sky News

Coronavirus: Test for Covid-19 T cells immunity developed

Coronavirus: Test for Covid-19 T cells immunity developed A company in Cardiff has developed a test for coronavirus T cells - which can potentially provide longer-term immunity to the virus than antibodies.

The body develops T cells when fighting an infection and they can create more antibodies if a person is exposed again.

This means the immune system could remember how to fight Covid-19 even after original antibodies have faded. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: Appetite grows for home working and local lockdowns BBC News
• Coronavirus: Test, trace and the curse of the 0300 phone number BBC News
• Spring will be a 'new dawn' for Britain, says deputy chief medical officer The Daily Mail
• Public Health England still hasn't pinpointed 30,000 duplicated test results in coronavirus count The Daily Mail
• Thousands of Covid-19 survivors 'can't access NHS rehabilitation services as no proof they were infected' The Daily Telegraph
• Boss who blamed staff for Hillingdon hospital Covid outbreak quits The Guardian
• NHS needs thousands of British Asians to join Covid-19 vaccine trials The Guardian
• Parts of England to remain in tighter coronavirus lockdown The Guardian
• Tory MPs press Hancock for 'postcode-level' Covid restrictions The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Cover-up fears as reviews of Covid-19 deaths among NHS staff to be kept secret The Independent

Parents urged to stay up-to-date with children's vaccinations

Parents urged to stay up-to-date with children's vaccinations Parents are being urged to make sure their children are up-to-date with all their routine vaccinations.

The Local Government Association said high vaccine uptake could prevent infections and stop pressure being piled on the NHS. BBC News

The medical school trying to become anti-racist

The medical school trying to become anti-racist A major British medical school is leading the drive to eliminate what it calls "inherent racism" in the way doctors are trained in the UK.

The University of Bristol Medical School says urgent action is needed to examine why teaching predominantly focuses on how illnesses affect white people above all other sections of the population. BBC News

NHS chiefs’ plea: we need more cash for ‘winter risk’

NHS chiefs’ plea: we need more cash for ‘winter risk’ Rishi Sunak accused of breaking a pledge to give the NHS ‘whatever it needs’ after request for more beds is rejected

NHS chiefs are calling for the funding settlement unveiled by Theresa May to be drastically renegotiated, as they warn the service is already at increased risk this winter thanks to a shortage of resources. The Guardian

Coronavirus: Greencore staff self-isolate after outbreak

Coronavirus: Greencore staff self-isolate after outbreak Almost 300 people have tested positive for Covid-19 following an outbreak at a factory which makes M&S sandwiches.

Greencore in Northampton started "proactively testing" workers due to rising numbers of cases in the town.

Lucy Wightman, Director of Public Health at Northamptonshire County Council, said 299 workers had tested positive. BBC News

See also:

• Statement Regarding COVID-19 Outbreak in Northampton Greencore
• Nearly 300 workers test positive at M&S sandwich supplier in Northampton The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Nearly 300 staff test positive in outbreak at M&S sandwich supplier The Independent
• Health chief warns of local lockdown in Northampton after nearly 300 positive tests in food factory ITV News
• Greencore union carry out urgent 'thorough' track and trace process after 300 coronavirus cases confirmed at Northampton food factory Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Everything we now know about the Northampton coronavirus outbreak at Greencore where nearly 300 cases have been detected Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Coronavirus: Nearly 300 staff test positive for COVID-19 at factory that makes sandwiches for M&S Sky News

Standing up to the test: learning lessons for the next phase of the national Covid-19 testing strategy

Standing up to the test: learning lessons for the next phase of the national Covid-19 testing strategy This report aims to show the size of the task ahead to build a national test and trace service that will be fit for purpose for this coming winter. It says testing and tracing is an essential part of the national strategy to combat COVID-19. The report concludes that, despite the good progress shown by NHS Test and Trace since its creation in May, there is a difficult legacy the new service has to overcome. NHS Providers

Babies in lockdown: listenting to parents to build back better

Babies in lockdown: listenting to parents to build back better This report from Best Beginnings, together with Home-Start UK and the Parent-Infant Foundation, reveals the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 and subsequent measures on those pregnant, giving birth or at home with a baby or toddler. For generations, no other group of parents has had to navigate pregnancy, birth and beyond under such extraordinary circumstances. Best Beginnings

Future-proof the roof: the case for sustainable investment to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping post-Covid-19

Future-proof the roof: the case for sustainable investment to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping post-Covid-19 This report warns that the economic consequences of the pandemic will increase rough sleeping and force families into expensive and unsuitable temporary accommodation, like bed and breakfast, as local authorities struggle to manage rising homelessness levels. The government needs to properly fund homelessness support services in this Autumn’s Comprehensive Spending Review. Salvation Army

Largest home antibody testing programme for COVID-19 publishes findings

Largest home antibody testing programme for COVID-19 publishes findings Findings published by Imperial College London today suggest that 6% of the population in England, around 3.4 million people, have been infected with COVID-19. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Test and Trace service reaches more than 250,000 people since launch Department of Health and Social Care
• Detailed guide: Meeting people from outside your household Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: COVID-19: reducing transmission - what you can do to help Public Health England

Coronavirus vaccine: UK signs deals for 90 million virus vaccine doses

Coronavirus vaccine: UK signs deals for 90 million virus vaccine doses The UK government has signed deals for a further 90 million doses of coronavirus vaccine.

The vaccines are being developed by the Belgian pharmaceutical company Janssen and t he US biotech company Novavax.

It means the UK has placed orders for six experimental vaccines, taking its potential stockpile to 340 million doses. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus cases stable across most of England BBC News
• Fewer hospital patients in Covid-19 hotspots BBC News
• Coronavirus: Leicester patient first to join 'UK's largest' recovery study BBC News
• Coronavirus UK: 13 new fatalities in preliminary daily death toll The Daily Mail
• £3,200 fines for shunning face masks: Payment of £100 will keep on doubling for repeat offenders The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus: Wearing face masks could lower death rate 5% The Daily Mail
• What lockdown rules are easing from tomorrow in the UK? The Daily Telegraph
• We are massively overreacting to new Covid 'outbreaks' The Daily Telegraph
• Patients who refuse to wear a mask could be denied face-to-face GP appointment GPonline
• Covid shows need for devolved healthcare in England, says cross-party group The Guardian
• Easing Covid limits early 'could inflate deaths and deepen recession' The Guardian
• Government quietly drops 1.3m Covid tests from England tally The Guardian
• Coronavirus: NHS Test and Trace's national call centres fail to reach almost 40% of contacts The Independent

Routine operations in English hospitals down 67%

Routine operations in English hospitals down 67% The number of patients admitted for routine treatment in hospitals in England was down 67% in June compared with the same time last year, NHS figures show.

The number of people going to accident and emergency units in England in July was also down on last year, by 30%.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused disruption to many areas of the health service. BBC News

See also:

• People waiting for hospital treatment in England at highest level ever The Guardian

Why 'Zoom medicine' is not the answer to all our ills

Why 'Zoom medicine' is not the answer to all our ills | Josh Hall App-happy Matt Hancock wants telemedicine to be the new norm. But many chronically ill people depend on face-to-face care

Telemedicine has arrived in the NHS. The pandemic has seen a dramatic shift in the provision of healthcare, away from in-person appointments and towards remote arrangements. While this might appear to be a temporary measure for social-distancing purposes, at the end of last month, the health secretary Matt Hancock, said the changes are here to stay. The UK needs “more Zoom medicine,” he said, telling the Royal College of Physicians that “from now on, all consultations should be teleconsultations unless there’s a compelling clinical reason not to”. The Guardian 

Health experts call for extra funding to increase flu jab rates in Northamptonshire

 Health experts call for extra funding to increase flu jab rates in Northamptonshire Flu jab rates were below target for clinically vulnerable groups and the elderly in Northamptonshire last year, figures reveal, as the Government aims to ramp up vaccinations this autumn. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Outbreak of Covid-19 at Northampton food factory confirmed by health authority

Outbreak of Covid-19 at Northampton food factory confirmed by health authority An outbreak of Covid-19 has been confirmed at a food factory in Northampton.

Public Health Northamptonshire has confirmed that Greencore, in Moulton Park is experiencing an outbreak of coronavirus cases. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Sue asked to train as healthcare assistant after caring for coronavirus patients in first-time hospital job

Sue asked to train as healthcare assistant after caring for coronavirus patients in first-time hospital job At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Sue Adkins saw an opportunity to apply for a role at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) as a hospitality assistant.Sue, who was previously a carer, put herself on the frontline to help feed, dress and communicate with COVID-19 patients at the Favell Wing at Cynthia Spencer Hospice before they could return home. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Disability in the medical profession

 Disability in the medical profession A report from The BMA that outlines steps needed to improve support for doctors and medical students with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

The report highlights that hundreds of disabled doctors and medical students are not getting adjustments in their workplace and many say they’re too afraid to discuss their disability for fear of prejudice.

Hear us: the experiences of refugee and asylum-seeking women during the pandemic

Hear us: the experiences of refugee and asylum-seeking women during the pandemic A report from a coalition of eight organisations, surveyed over 100 asylum seeking women from England and Wales to hear how they are surviving during the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey was completed by women seeking and refused asylum, as well as those with leave to remain. These responses were supplemented by a survey of 24 staff and volunteers who have been supporting asylum-seeking women since the outbreak. Sisters Not Strangers 

Hospital discharge and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions (Covid-19)

Hospital discharge and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions (Covid-19) This guide discusses the lessons learned from hospital discharge and avoidance during the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights challenges faced and good practice to prevent unnecessary admissions going forward. Social Care Institute For Excellence

The broader value of vaccines: the return on investment from a governmental perspective

The broader value of vaccines: the return on investment from a governmental perspective Most value assessments of vaccination programs are carried out by taking the perspective of the health system. To stimulate the debate concerning the broader value of vaccination beyond this perspective, this report quantifies the related return on investment to the UK government. Office of Health Economics

See also:

• Realising the broader value of vaccines in the UK Office of Health Economics

Top nurse tells COVID generation: “your NHS needs you”

Top nurse tells COVID generation: “your NHS needs you” England’s chief nurse has issued a rallying call to those receiving their A-Level results tomorrow to join the thousands of their peers who have already applied to study nursing this year. NHS England

New UK-wide methodology agreed to record COVID-19 deaths

New UK-wide methodology agreed to record COVID-19 deaths The publication of daily data on coronavirus deaths will resume from today, following a review by Public Health England (PHE) of the methodology used to calculate the figures. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Detailed guide: Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics Department of Health and Social Care
• Guidance: PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary Public Health England

New £500m digital workplace framework launched by NHS SBS

New £500m digital workplace framework launched by NHS SBS A new procurement framework developed by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has been launched to assist NHS and public sector organisations to purchase cost-effective IT solutions, potentially saving an estimated £75m. National Health Executive

Coronavirus: England's contact-tracing app gets green light for trial

Coronavirus: England's contact-tracing app gets green light for trial England's revamped coronavirus contact-tracing app is set to begin public trials on Thursday.

The software will be based on Apple and Google's privacy-centric method of one smartphone detecting another.

Engineers are still trying to reduce how often the Bluetooth-based tech wrongly flags people as being within 2m (6.6ft) of each other. BBC News 

See also:

• Coronavirus: UK death count reduced by 5,000 under new rules BBC News
• Coronavirus: How will the world vaccinate seven billion? BBC News
• Number of Covid-19 patients needing hospital treatment has plummeted by 96% since April, data shows The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus UK: SAGE say 'no evidence' face shields work The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus England: Infection rates are rising in under-65s The Daily Mail
• Low infection rate shows 'limited role' of children during coronavirus pandemic The Daily Telegraph
• Coronavirus death toll in England revised down by more than 5,000 The Guardian
• NHS Test and Trace app for England to be launched three months later than planned iNews
• Coronavirus: Record 30 million people sought medical help from NHS 111 during pandemic The Independent

Breast screening women in their 40s 'could save lives'

Breast screening women in their 40s 'could save lives' Screening women for breast cancer from their 40s rather than their 50s could save lives without adding to the diagnosis of harmless cancers, a UK study has found.

The research was based on 160,000 women from England, Scotland and Wales, followed up for around 23 years. BBC News

See also:

• Effect of mammographic screening from age 40 years on breast cancer mortality (UK Age trial): final results of a randomised, controlled trial (open access) The Lancet Oncology

Northampton General Hospital allocated £2.9m to brace A&E for potential second wave in winter months

Northampton General Hospital allocated £2.9m to brace A&E for potential second wave in winter months The hospital has announced it will use the money to create a new A&E facility for children.

Northampton General Hospital will receive £2.9m from the Government to help it prepare for what could be another severe winter for its accident & emergency department. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Mental health services and COVID-19: preparing for the rising tide

Mental health services and COVID-19: preparing for the rising tide Mental health services have faced unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. They quickly and effectively moved to different ways of working to protect service users and staff. As we move to the next phase of the pandemic, we expect demand for mental health support to increase and to remain high for some time. This will have serious implications on resourcing and staff wellbeing.

This report from the NHS Reset campaign considers what mental health services need to prepare for the expected surge in demand. It also highlights how the health and care system can 'reset' the way care and support are planned and delivered in aftermath of COVID-19. NHS Confederation

See also:

• Coronavirus: Severe mental health problems rise amid pandemic BBC News

Research and analysis: COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes

Research and analysis: COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes Review into how different factors have affected COVID-19 risk and outcomes. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Detailed guide: Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics Public Health England

COVID-19 pay protection FAQs

COVID-19 pay protection FAQs Download answers to questions around pay protection during COVID-19 which have been developed by a working group of the NHS Staff Council Executive. NHS Employers

Coronavirus: Deaths of hundreds of frontline NHS and care workers to be investigated

Coronavirus: Deaths of hundreds of frontline NHS and care workers to be investigated The deaths of hundreds of NHS and social care workers infected with coronavirus are under investigation by medical examiners, The Independent has learnt.

Ministers have asked medical examiners in England and Wales to review all deaths of frontline health and social care staff infected with the virus to determine whether the infection was caught as a result of their work.

See also:

• Coronavirus: Exposure rate 'similar' in London and Stockholm BBC News
• Stockholm blow for hopes that herd immunity will combat the coronavirus The Daily Mail
• Are we heading for a second lockdown, and what are the current UK rules? The Daily Telegraph
• New Zealand investigating freight as possible source of Covid-19 outbreak The Daily Telegraph
• We have no idea if the Russian Covid vaccine is safe or effective The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Are politics trumping science in the global race for a vaccine? The Independent
• A third of NHS staff in two hospital units were infected with coronavirus without showing symptoms, study finds The Independent
• Coronavirus tracked: It took six months to reach 10m cases, but just six more weeks to reach 20m The Independent 
• NHS appeal for those who have had Covid-19 to donate their blood plasma NHS appeal for those who have had Covid-19 to donate their blood plasma ITV News
• Calling the NHS a 'Covid-only service' is untrue, unfair and potentially dangerous National Health Executive

NHS hit by thousands of malicious emails at height of pandemic

NHS hit by thousands of malicious emails at height of pandemic NHS staff reported a wave of malicious emails at the height of the UK’s Covid-19 crisis in March and April 2020, according to Freedom of Information (FoI) data obtained by the Parliament Street think tank from NHS Digital. Computer Weekly

Northampton 'could go into local lockdown' if guidelines are not followed

Northampton 'could go into local lockdown' if guidelines are not followed A county town was "odds-on" for a local lockdown within six months if people did not follow coronavirus guidelines, a police chief said.

Covid-19 cases in Northampton rose by 13 in the week ending 2 August, with 65 positive tests, putting it in the top 20 areas in England for infections. BBC Northampton

Government responds to inquest of Northampton pensioner who died after nine-hour-wait in A&E

Government responds to inquest of Northampton pensioner who died after nine-hour-wait in A&E The under-secretary for patient safety says the NHS "must do all it can" to learn from the death of a Northampton pensioner who died following a nine-hour-wait in A&E.

Mohan Acharya died in the early hours of March 8, 2018, nine hours after arriving at the emergency department with "chest pains and shortness of breath". He was 85. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Demand at Northamptonshire GPs closer to pre-pandemic levels

Demand at Northamptonshire GPs closer to pre-pandemic levels Demand at GP surgeries in Northamptonshire jumped in June, figures show, with activity closer to pre-coronavirus levels.

The Patients Association welcomed the rising numbers of people accessing their local doctor across England but warned continuing use of remote sessions must not become "the new normal” without assessing the benefits to patients. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Reflections on organisational development during Covid-19

Reflections on organisational development during Covid-19 The King’s Fund’s Advanced Organisational Development (OD) programme brings together experienced OD, leadership and HR professionals to develop OD capability in the health and care system. During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we hosted bi-weekly meetings with alumni participants of the programme, offering the group space to make sense of their experience.

Some of the reflections we heard are shared in this blog – the unexpected outcomes of the pandemic, which, amid the disruption, served to remind the group that change really can happen; the crucial future focus for OD; and the determination for OD to create a future based on social justice.

Our place: local authorities and the public’s mental health

Our place: local authorities and the public’s mental health This report, written with the Local Government Association, argues that people’s mental wellbeing will play a crucial role in every aspect of recovery planning, including schools reopening, workers returning from furlough, people who have been shielding, and in dealing with the economic and housing consequences of coronavirus, as well as planning for possible further spikes in infections. It concludes that a national focus is needed on helping everyone stay mentally well, backed-up by funding for councils. Centre for Mental Health

How might Covid-19 affect the number of GPs available to see patients in England?

How might Covid-19 affect the number of GPs available to see patients in England? This research briefing reveals that one in three GPs who singlehandedly manage a GP practice are at high risk of death from Covid-19. It estimates that this could potentially leave 710,043 patients without face-to-face appointments with their GPs if those at high risk take the difficult decision to limit direct patient contact. It argues that CCGs must ensure that they are aware of gaps in face-to-face provision of core general practice services, and must work with practices and primary care networks to find solutions. The Health Foundation

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes in primary care: 2020 progress report

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes in primary care: 2020 progress report This report sets out to explore how antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes are working to tackle antimicrobial resistance by asking clinical commissioning groups about their practice and experience of local stewardship. The purpose of AMS is to ensure ‘the right antibiotic for the right patient, at the right time, with the right dose, and the right route, causing the least harm to the patient and future patients’. It is a follow-up to the Patients Association’s 2016 report on the same subject, and highlights some progress and scope for improvement in key areas. Patients Association

New funding to double nursing apprentices and help deliver 50,000 more nurses

New funding to double nursing apprentices and help deliver 50,000 more nurses A new government package worth £172 million will help to train thousands more nursing degree apprentices. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Our response to the government announcement of funding for nurse apprenticeships The King's Fund
• NHS Employers welcomes nursing degree apprenticeship announcement NHS Employers
• Ministers plan thousands more nurse apprenticeships to help fill staffing gaps on hospital wards The Independent
• How a lack of proper planning led to an NHS staffing crisis iNews

Prime Minister confirms funding to prepare the NHS for winter

Prime Minister confirms funding to prepare the NHS for winter NHS trusts across the country have today been allocated a share of £300 million to upgrade their facilities ahead of winter, the Prime Minister will confirm.

The PM will also urge the public to feel confident to visit A&E for the treatment they need, reassuring those who remain concerned that strict social distancing and hygiene measures are in place to protect patients. Department of Health and Social Care

NHS Test and Trace service to strengthen regional contact tracing

NHS Test and Trace service to strengthen regional contact tracing NHS Test and Trace and Public Health England will extend its partnership with local authorities to reach more people testing positive and their contacts. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Largest testing programme for coronavirus shows virus continued to decline in June Department of Health and Social Care
• Research study into long-term health impacts of COVID-19 launched in the UK Department of Health and Social Care
• Update on Randox test kits Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Test and trace system 'successful', says health minister

Coronavirus: Test and trace system 'successful', says health minister The government has defended its test and trace programme in England amid plans to cut 6,000 contact tracers.

Health minister Edward Argar insisted it was a "successful system" and would be strengthened by giving more powers to local public health teams.

The plans mean people who have been in contact with confirmed coronavirus cases may get a knock on their door if tracers cannot reach them on the phone. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: Contact tracers to be reduced by 6,000 in England BBC News
• Coronavirus: Little evidence of Covid transmission in schools, says Williamson BBC News
• Coronavirus: Is the world winning the pandemic fight? BBC News
• Coronavirus: Randox recalls up to 750,000 test kits over safety concerns BBC News
• Coronavirus: NHS England scales back private sector deal BBC News
• Is it ethical to infect volunteers with Covid-19 to test a vaccine? The Daily Mail
• UK's coronavirus death toll could have topped 100,000 if we didn't stay at home, study suggests The Daily Mail
• Dominic Cummings' 260 mile trip to County Durham eroded public trust, study shows The Daily Mail
• Russia approves world's first Covid-19 vaccine The Daily Telegraph
• Anti-mask activists storm London supermarket demanding shoppers resist 'new world order' The Daily Telegraph
• Shutdown of NHS in second wave risks thousands of deaths, doctors warn The Daily Telegraph
• Rise in UK Covid cases above 1,000 a day breached government target The Guardian
• The Covid long haul: why are some patients not getting better? The Guardian
• Fifty million face masks bought by government cannot be used by NHS The Guardian
• Coronavirus: just 10 enforcement orders issued for breach of UK quarantine rules The Guardian

Social care at breaking point in England after 'lost decade' – report

Social care at breaking point in England after 'lost decade' – report Exclusive: government urged to quickly rectify years of policy failures and underfunding.

Policymakers’ failure to tackle chronically underfunded social care has resulted in a “lost decade” and a system now at breaking point, according to a report.

A team led by Jon Glasby, a professor of health and social care at the University of Birmingham, says that without swift government intervention including urgent funding changes England’s adult social care system could quickly become unsustainable. The Guardian

See also:

• A lost decade? A renewed case for adult social care reform in England (open access) Journal of Social Policy
• Birmingham researchers warn of impact of 'lost decade' in adult social care University of Birmingham

NHS hospitals ordered to remove drug after mistakes led to two baby deaths

NHS hospitals ordered to remove drug after mistakes led to two baby deaths All NHS hospitals in England have been told to destroy a powerful medicine mistakenly used by staff because its packaging looks the same as another drug.

A national safety alert was issued following several incidents, including two deaths of babies, in which patients were inadvertently given a dose of sodium nitrite – which is used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning – rather than sodium bicarbonate. The Independent

See also:

• Risk of death from unintended administration of sodium nitrite NHS England

First coronavirus death in more than a week is confirmed at Northampton General Hospital

First coronavirus death in more than a week is confirmed at Northampton General Hospital Covid-19 claimed its first victim in more than a week at Northampton General Hospital, taking the known number of lives lost to 664 across the country. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Challenging the culture on menopause for working doctors report

Challenging the culture on menopause for working doctors report We surveyed our members to understand specific challenges for doctors working through the menopause. This report looks at the experiences of doctors and areas of action which could support doctors during this time. The BMA

See also:

• Change of life? Tackling the menopause culture to retain senior doctors The BMA
• Female doctors in menopause retiring early due to sexism, says study The Guardian
• Female doctors are going through menopause with no support from bosses ‘due to sexist attitudes putting them off getting help’ The Independent

Principles for preceptorship

Principles for preceptorship Preceptorship is the structured start for newly registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates. The principles outlined in this guidance document are for professionals who design and oversee preceptorship programmes, those engaged on preceptorship programmes (preceptees) and those who support preceptees (preceptors). Nursing and Midwifery Council

Guidance: Healthcare education and training tariff: 2020 to 2021

Guidance: Healthcare education and training tariff: 2020 to 2021 Information about what the tariffs cover, how to use the tariffs and in what circumstances the national tariffs may be varied. Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Safety concerns halt use of 50 million NHS masks

Coronavirus: Safety concerns halt use of 50 million NHS masks Fifty million face masks bought by the government in April will not be used in the NHS because of safety concerns.

The government says the masks, which use ear-loop fastenings rather than head loops, may not fit tightly enough.

They were bought for healthcare workers from supplier Ayanda Capital as part of a £252m contract. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus: How does a Covid-19 pandemic come to an end? BBC News
• Coronavirus: How does test-and-trace work? BBC News
• Two-thirds shielding happy to return to work, ONS figures suggest BBC News
• Britain records 892 more coronavirus cases and 65 deaths The Daily Mail
• Banning all travel is better at controlling a pandemic than reopening with quarantine The Daily Mail
• NHS 'virtual wards' to treat long-term illness caused by Covid The Daily Mail
• England’s contact tracers 'making handful of calls' a month The Guardian
• Coronavirus vaccine: Which candidates are the most promising? The Independent
• Boris Johnson accused of ‘actively ignoring’ bereaved coronavirus families The Independent

Public Health England issues rare alert over illicit prescription drugs

Public Health England issues rare alert over illicit prescription drugs Surge in tablets sold as benzodiazepines, used to treat anxiety or insomnia, linked to hospitalisations and deaths

A surge in illicit prescription drugs that have been linked to hospitalisations and deaths in England has prompted health officials to issue a rare national alert. The Guardian

See also:

• Evidence of harm from illicit or fake benzodiazepines Public Health England

Number of empty beds in English care homes almost doubles in a year, survey finds

Number of empty beds in English care homes almost doubles in a year, survey finds The number of empty beds in care homes in England has almost doubled in a year, according to a survey of 256 providers.

Out of a maximum 9,735 beds, 2,404 were standing empty as of June 2020, a survey by 5 News of National Care Association (NCA) members has found. The Independent

Over Exposed and Under-Protected - The Devastating Impact of COVID-19 on Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Great Britain

Over Exposed and Under-Protected - The Devastating Impact of COVID-19 on Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Great Britain The survey (conducted by the Runnymede Trust and ICM in June 2020), illuminates why BME groups are at greater risk from Covid-19: they are more likely to be working outside their home, more likely to be using public transport, more likely to be working in key worker roles, less likely to be protected with PPE and more likely to live in multigenerational, overcrowded housing, so much less able to self-isolate and shield.

See also:

• Coronavirus: Ethnic minorities 'over-exposed' to Covid-19 BBC News

How to embed flexible working for nurses

How to embed flexible working for nurses This guidance signposts to the latest research and thinking concerning flexible working, highlights what nurses look for in a flexible role, and identifies a number of key enablers to successfully embedding a culture of flexible working. NHS Employers

NHS recruitment drive to help tackle loneliness and improve lives

NHS recruitment drive to help tackle loneliness and improve lives The NHS is recruiting a growing army of social prescribing link workers to combat loneliness and isolation fuelled by coronavirus. More than 1,200 are already helping people to improve their mental health and get more exercise by taking part in activities from gardening to ballroom dancing. NHS England

Coronavirus: Is the UK in a better position than we think?

Coronavirus: Is the UK in a better position than we think? Another day, another worrying coronavirus headline.

On Tuesday it was reported the UK's testing and tracing system was not good enough to prevent a second wave once schools reopen.

It came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week the brakes were being applied on the lifting of further restrictions.

And that was off the back of the announcement that parts of northern England were to have some of the lockdown restrictions reimposed on them.

The problem, ministers and their advisers warned, was that infections were on the rise. BBC News

See also:

• Schools 'must come before pubs and restaurants in future' BBC News
• Ministers admit struggling Covid contact tracing system MUST improve The Daily Mail
  
• Covid-19 survivors should be exempt from having to self-isolate, government scientific advisers say The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus England: Interactive map shows worst-hit areas The Daily Mail
• Why is the government buying Covid tests without evidence they work? The Guardian
• English councils with highest Covid rates launch own test-and-trace systems The Guardian
• Four key failings of England's Covid-19 test-and-trace system The Guardian
• Lack of special border measures before UK coronavirus lockdown was 'serious mistake' The Guardian
• Coronavirus: Leaked data reveals tens of thousands of NHS patients waiting a year for treatment The Independent
• NHS doctors demand guarantees that PPE failings will not be repeated if a second wave hits iNews

NHS: MPs pilot system to measure delivery of key pledges

NHS: MPs pilot system to measure delivery of key pledges MPs are to launch a new system for evaluating whether key health targets are being met in England.

A panel of experts reporting to the Commons health committee will assess progress made on policy commitments, starting with maternity services.

They will rate performance from "outstanding" to "inadequate" and seek to drive improvements where needed. BBC News

See also:

• Process for independent evaluation of progress on Government commitments Health and Social Care Select Committee   

Autistic man detained by NHS for 14 years to be released

Autistic man detained by NHS for 14 years to be released An autistic man detained by the NHS for more than 14 years could soon be released and allowed to live a “full and active life” after The Independent highlighted his case. The Independent

NHS heroes at Northampton General Hospital can keep their free parking - Northampton Chronicle and Echo

NHS heroes at Northampton General Hospital can keep their free parking Health unions have given a warm welcome to Northampton General Hospital's decision not to make staff pay for parking again.

Parking fees were scrapped for all NHS workers during the Covid-19 crisis yet government ministers last month warned the measure "could not continue indefintely." Northampton Chronicle and Echo

'I think it's crazy': What do Northampton residents told to shield from coronavirus make of national pause?

'I think it's crazy': What do Northampton residents told to shield from coronavirus make of national pause? Many people told to shield in Northampton because of their potential vulnerability to coronavirus are worried about the policy being paused when cases are rising again. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

See also:

• Worries over coronavirus in Northampton and specific advice need to be taken seriously, insist public health bosses Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• THIS is why Corby is facing stricter Covid-19 lockdown measures Northamptonshire Telegraph

Detailed guide: How healthcare providers can prepare for 1 January 2021

Detailed guide: How healthcare providers can prepare for 1 January 2021 This guidance sets out the actions that healthcare providers should take to prepare for 1 January 2021. Doing this will help to plan for and manage potential service disruption to healthcare.

This guidance is for commissioners and healthcare providers, including hospitals, care homes, GP practices and community pharmacies. Department of Health and Social Care

Technology and innovation for long-term health conditions

Technology and innovation for long-term health conditions This report, commissioned by the Academic Health Science Network, looks at four digital innovations in health services from the UK and the Nordic countries. The case studies illustrate the potential of digital technology to transform care. The King's Fund

The Henry Fords of healthcare: lessons the West can learn from the East

The Henry Fords of healthcare: lessons the West can learn from the East This publication examines the lessons Western nations could learn from some developing countries in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare. Health systems in Western countries are “plagued by inefficiency and productivity growth”: in adopting a new approach they could cut costs, increase quality, and reduce waiting times. Institute of Economic Affairs

Resilient health and care: learning the lessons of covid-19 in the English NHS

Resilient health and care: learning the lessons of covid-19 in the English NHS This analysis of the state of the health and care system in England in the run up to the Covid-19 pandemic finds that underinvestment in social and community care left four in five hospitals with ‘dangerously low’ spare beds as crisis hit. The report calls for a long-term approach for the health and care service in England, to build resilience for any future crisis and to ensure the system isn’t always ‘running hot’ during normal times. Institute for Public Policy Research

Life on hold: children's well-being and Covid-19

Life on hold: children's well-being and Covid-19 This report looks in depth at the impact of Coronavirus and the associated lockdown on young lives. The charity’s annual survey of children’s well-being was completed by just over 2,000 young people and their parents between April and June. It found 18 per cent of children were dissatisfied with their lives overall. That is a marked increase in a figure which has ranged from 10 per cent to 13 per cent over the last five years and the coronavirus crisis and lockdown is likely to explain the worrying surge. Children's Society

Testing 'may not prevent new coronavirus wave' when schools reopen

Testing 'may not prevent new coronavirus wave' when schools reopen Current testing and contact tracing is inadequate to prevent a second wave of coronavirus after schools in the UK reopen, scientists have warned.

Increased transmission would also result from parents not having to stay at home with their children, they say.

Researchers said getting pupils back to school was important - but more work was needed to keep the virus in check. BBC News

See also:

• Coronavirus testing: Demonstrating a 90-minute test BBC News
• Coronavirus: WHO says 0.6% of all patients die from infection The Daily Mail
• GPs told to restore patient activity to pre-pandemic levels in new NHS England guidance GPonline
• How cancer care was sidelined in the fight against Covid-19 – podcast The Guardian
• UK virologists criticise handling of coronavirus testing contracts  The Guardian
• England's bungled response to Covid-19 leaves it vulnerable to more outbreaks | Rowland Kao  The Guardian
• Coronavirus warning signs missed by scoring system used across the NHS The Independent
• GPs can't refuse patients who will not wear a face covering, says NHS England Pulse

Health committee launches inquiry into NHS staff burnout

Health committee launches inquiry into NHS staff burnout MPs have launched an inquiry examining workforce burnout across the NHS and social care, and the system’s ability to manage staff stress amid increased pressures during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pulse

See also:

• Workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee

UK warns drug firms to stockpile in case of Brexit disruption

UK warns drug firms to stockpile in case of Brexit disruption Companies should ensure six weeks’ worth of drugs for end of transition period, DHSC says

Pharmaceutical companies should stockpile six weeks’ worth of drugs to guard against disruption at the end of the Brexit transition period, the government has said.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has written to medicine suppliers advising them to make boosting their reserves a priority. The Guardian

See also:

• Detailed guide: Government contacts to help medical supply businesses after 31 December 2020 Department of Health and Social Care
• Correspondence: Letter to medicines and medical products suppliers: 3 August 2020 Department of Health and Social Care

Painkillers 'should not be prescribed for chronic pain'

Painkillers 'should not be prescribed for chronic pain' There is 'little or no evidence' the commonly used drugs work, according to England's health regulators, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). The Daily Mail 

See also:

• Chronic pain: assessment and management (guideline in development) NICE
• 'Patchy' access to chronic pain management therapies must be addressed if new NICE guidelines are to make a difference Royal College of General Practitioners
• GPs should not prescribe opioids, NSAIDs or paracetamol for chronic pain, says NICE GPonline

Health chiefs underline "get tested" message after new Covid-19 cases across Northamptonshire

Health chiefs underline "get tested" message after new Covid-19 cases across Northamptonshire New Covid-19 cases were confirmed in all seven boroughs and districts of Northamptonshire on the same day for the first time in a month.

Public Health Northamptonshire ramped up testing last week in an effort to track down cases that may have otherwise gone undetected after parts of the county were highlighted as potential coronavirus hotspots. Northamptonshire Telegraph

See also:

• 'Permanent' coronavirus testing centre in Northampton's Market Square is here 'for the foreseeable future' Northampton Chronicle and Echo
• Here's the extra guidance to follow in Northampton and Corby to slow to spread of Covid-19 Northamptonshire Telegraph
• KGH eases restrictions on bringing partners to pregnancy scans Northamptonshire Telegraph

What is Covid-19 revealing about innovation in the NHS?

What is Covid-19 revealing about innovation in the NHS? As we speak, Covid-19 is conducting its own natural experiment. Before the pandemic, there was an established narrative on the barriers to innovation in the NHS. Reports repeated similar lists of obstacles: lack of financial incentives, resistance by clinicians and a top–down system, among others. Research on social systems is a social activity. We all talk to each other. We read each other’s papers. There is safety in numbers. So there is a tendency to repeat the same things. The King's Fund

Adult social care and Covid-19: assessing the impact on social care users and staff in England so far

Adult social care and Covid-19: assessing the impact on social care users and staff in England so far This briefing provides an overview of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on social care in England. Part 1 describes how the pandemic unfolded in the social care sector from March until June 2020, and part 2 examines the factors that contributed to the scale and severity of outbreaks in care homes. Part 3 attempts to quantify the disruption to health and social care access from February until the end of April 2020. Health Foundation

A Spending Review for wellbeing

A Spending Review for wellbeing This briefing paper estimates that the economic and social cost of mental ill health in England has grown in the last decade to almost £119 billion a year. It sets out evidence-based priorities for how the 2020 Spending Review can improve the nation’s mental health and tackle mental health inequalities. The focus is on how areas of public spending outside of NHS revenue funding (already agreed) can be used to greatest effect. Centre for Mental Health

The experience of people approaching later life in lockdown

The experience of people approaching later life in lockdown This report, produced together with Ipsos MORI, looks at the impact lockdown has had on those aged 50-70, revealing dramatic changes to people’s lives and their plans for the future. Centre for Ageing Better

Cancer patient experience survey 2020: the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients in the UK

Cancer patient experience survey 2020: the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients in the UK The findings from this year's survey report indicate the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients, and their testing, treatment and care. For many cancer patients the Covid-19 pandemic appears to have had a significant impact on their testing and treatment, and most notably their care. This has resulted in a negative impact on the emotional well-being of many cancer patients whether they were hoping to finish their treatment, find out the results of their test, have their regular screening, or continue with care that could support them, in some cases for the remainder of their life. Cancer Research UK

NHS Rolls Out ‘Covid-friendly’ Cancer Treatments

NHS Rolls Out ‘Covid-friendly’ Cancer Treatments ‘Covid-friendly’ cancer treatments that are safer for patients during the pandemic will be expanded and extended through a £160 million initiative, NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens announced today. The funding will pay for drugs that treat patients without having such a big impact on their immune system. NHS England

Updates to the shielding programme on national and regional levels

Updates to the shielding programme on national and regional levels From Saturday 1 August, shielding guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable will be paused across England.

This means those who have been shielding over the course of the pandemic will no longer be advised to do so, and can begin to go back to work and school as long as the sites are COVID-secure.

People will also be able to go outside as much as they like, and visit supermarkets, pubs and shops, with social distancing guidelines still strongly advised. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Guidance: Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests Department of Health and Social Care
• Detailed guide: Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: New 90-minute tests for Covid-19 and flu 'hugely beneficial'

Coronavirus: New 90-minute tests for Covid-19 and flu 'hugely beneficial' New 90-minute tests that can detect coronavirus and flu will be rolled out in care homes and laboratories from next week. 

The "on-the-spot" swab and DNA tests will help distinguish between Covid-19 and other seasonal illnesses, the government said.

The health secretary said this would be "hugely beneficial" over the winter. BBC News

See also:

• Roll-out of 2 new rapid coronavirus tests ahead of winter Department of Health and Social Care
• Coronavirus analysis: We're now at the limit of easing lockdown BBC News
• Coronavirus: Lockdown easing on hold as shielding ends BBC News
• Coronavirus infections rising in England BBC News
• Coronavirus UK: 120 new fatalities in preliminary death toll The Daily Mail
• Coronavirus England: Cases rise 68% in fortnight The Daily Mail
• Fury over Boris Johnson's plan to pause shielding as experts say it's not safe to return to work The Daily Mail
• Urgent appeal for coronavirus survivors to donate blood plasma The Daily Telegraph
• Northern England witnessing ‘lasting ripples’ but not a second wave, analysis shows  The Daily Telegraph
• Coronavirus England: Boris Johnson looking at second-wave lockdown scenarios The Guardian
• Thanks to outsourcing, England's test and trace system is in chaos | Allyson Pollock The Guardian
• Secrecy has harmed UK government's response to Covid-19 crisis, says top scientist The Guardian
• All staff across three NHS trusts in north-west England being urgently tested The Guardian
• Coronavirus pandemic will be ‘lengthy’, World Health Organisation warns The Independent
• Coronavirus: Public switching off from lockdown rules due to ‘deplorable’ government messaging, say experts The Independent

Rare illness spread by ticks diagnosed in UK

Rare illness spread by ticks diagnosed in UK People are being urged to be on alert for tick bites, following the diagnosis for the first time in England of a rare illness.

Public Health England (PHE) says the risk to the public is "very low", but it's important to be "tick aware" when enjoying green spaces this summer.

Babesiosis is caused by a parasite which infects red blood cells. BBC News

See also:

• Rare tick-borne infections diagnosed in England Public Health England

Severe lack of funding for heart disease research revealed

Severe lack of funding for heart disease research revealed Urgent annual cash injection of £650m needed for cardiovascular conditions to match threat to nation’s health of cancer

A severe deficit has emerged in the funding of major health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and mental health, according to a new study calling for an urgent cash injection. The Guardian

Study shows frontline healthcare workers at greater risk of coronavirus, despite protective gear

Study shows frontline healthcare workers at greater risk of coronavirus, despite protective gear Frontline healthcare workers with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) have a three-fold increased risk of testing positive for coronavirus, compared to the general population, a study has found. The Daily Telegraph

See also:

• Risk of COVID-19 among front-line health-care workers and the general community: a prospective cohort study (opens access) The Lancet Public Health