Unison said its figures were based on responses from two thirds of ambulance trusts in England that pay commercial companies to provide cover for critically ill patients. The Daily Mail
See also:
Monday, 17 April 2023
The NHS is spending more than £1 million a week hiring private ambulances
The NHS is spending more than £1 million a week hiring private ambulances The NHS is spending more than £1million a week hiring private ambulances to attend emergency calls, according to research by a trade union.
UK approves first new antibiotic in over 20 years that kills superbugs causing UTIs
UK approves first new antibiotic in over 20 years that kills superbugs causing UTIs The first new antibiotic in more than 20 years that is capable of treating agonising bladder infections is set to be approved in the UK after a groundbreaking study revealed it was highly effective.
The drug, called gepotidacin, outperformed one of the antibiotics currently used to treat NHS patients suffering from the infections, curing more than half the participants who took it. The Daily Mail
See also:
Friday, 14 April 2023
Staff treat clients with ‘compassion and kindness’ at Northampton abortion clinic rated ‘good’ by CQC
Staff treat clients with ‘compassion and kindness’ at Northampton abortion clinic rated ‘good’ by CQC A Northampton abortion clinic has been rated ‘good’ in all areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in their first ever inspection.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) Northampton central abortion clinic, in St Giles Terrace, has been rated good in safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness to people’s needs and leadership. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
See also:
- BPAS Northampton Central Care Quality Commission
The role of regions in health and care: what can be done between systems and the centre?
The role of regions in health and care: what can be done between systems and the centre? The advent of integrated care systems (ICSs) has driven a renewed focus on the role of local places within health and care. While ICSs themselves are large and typically cover populations of more than 1 million people, the key building blocks that sit underneath them are much smaller in scale. The King's Fund
Are integration and innovation enabling better mental health provision?
Are integration and innovation enabling better mental health provision? As demand for mental health support increases, organisations are working in new and different ways to meet demand. In this long read we explore how. NHS Confederation
Offline and isolated: the impact of digital exclusion on access to healthcare for people seeking asylum in England
Offline and isolated: the impact of digital exclusion on access to healthcare for people seeking asylum in England This report finds that people seeking asylum in England are at risk of missing out on basic healthcare services because they have limited access to the internet and digital tools. Using a peer research approach, where refugees who have been through the asylum process interviewed people seeking asylum, the report provides a detailed picture of the barriers to online healthcare services. It highlights several barriers, including the affordability of devices and mobile data, a lack of Wi-Fi in asylum accommodation, and a lack of confidence in using technology and navigating websites in English. British Red Cross
NHS progress on waiting list despite busiest winter on record
NHS progress on waiting list despite busiest winter on record The number of people waiting longest for elective treatment has dropped for the third month in a row as services dealt with the busiest winter on record, new figures show.
The NHS has continued to progress against its elective recovery plan, with the number of people waiting more than 18 months for elective care dropping by a third between January and February to 30,000 (29,778), while the number of patients waiting more than one year dropped by 17,000 to 362,498. NHS England
See also:
- A&E Attendances and Emergency Admissions 2022-23 NHS England
- NHS Activity Tracker April 2023 NHS Providers
- NHS waiting lists reach record levels, but what about the 'hidden waiting list'? Healthwatch
- The King's Fund responds the latest NHS performance data The King's Fund
- NHS under severe and unsustainable pressure NHS Providers
- NHS Tracker: Find out about hospital waiting times in your area this winter BBC News
- 125,000 Brits had 12-hour A&E waits in February as true scale of crisis is laid bare for first time The Daily Mail
- NHS waiting list hits new record high though longest waits continue to fall Evening Standard
- One in 10 A&E patients in England face ‘dangerous’ 12-hour waits The Guardian
- Crowdfunding for medical care doubles amid record NHS waiting lists The Guardian
- 10% of A&E patients waiting more than 12 hours, NHS data shows The Independent
- NHS waiting times hit new record high as junior doctors' strikes continue ITV News
- NHS continues to cut elective waiting lists despite record strike and winter pressures National Health Executive
- NHS waiting list hits all-time high - with one in 10 waiting 12 hours in A&E Sky News
Cancer survival rates improve by almost 10%
Cancer survival rates improve by almost 10% Three in every four people survive their cancer the first year after being diagnosed with rates of survival for some cancers even higher, according to figures out today.
NHS England has published a one year cancer survival index which looks at survival rates in 2020 compared to 2005. The index also breaks down the figures by types of cancer and where patients live. Department of Health and Social Care
Thousands receive diagnosis after 60 new diseases found
Thousands receive diagnosis after 60 new diseases found Thousands of children with severe developmental disorders have finally been given a diagnosis, in a study that found 60 new diseases.
Children, and their parents, had their genetic code - or DNA - analysed in the search for answers to their condition.
There are thousands of different genetic disorders. BBC News
See also:
- Genomic Diagnosis of Rare Pediatric Disease in the United Kingdom and Ireland (open access) New England Journal of Medicine
Psychiatrists warn gamblers ahead of Grand National
Psychiatrists warn gamblers ahead of Grand National Problem gamblers are being encouraged to take preventative steps, such as putting blocks on betting websites, ahead of the annual Grand National horse race which runs on Saturday.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says this weekend will be challenging for many gamblers who struggle to control their betting habit.
Government proposals for tougher gambling laws are expected imminently. BBC News
Sunak backs greater role for private sector in providing NHS care
Sunak backs greater role for private sector in providing NHS care Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested there should be a greater role for the private sector in the NHS as he set out how he wanted to win voters’ trust on the issue.
Mr Sunak, who has made cutting waiting lists one of his five priorities, was speaking as official figures showed an estimated 7.22 million people were waiting to start routine hospital treatment at the end of February – the highest total since records began in 2007. Evening Standard
New nurses’ strikes likely in England if RCN members reject pay offer
New nurses’ strikes likely in England if RCN members reject pay offer Nurses in England will go back on strike this month if RCN members reject ministers’ latest pay offer, with officials saying the result of the three-week ballot is too close to call.
The Royal College of Nursing will announce the results of its vote on Friday after a lengthy consultation period in which many members have opposed the recommendation of union leaders to accept the government’s proposed deal. The Guardian
See also:
Hearing aids may lower risk of dementia, Lancet study suggests
Hearing aids may lower risk of dementia, Lancet study suggests Wearing a hearing aid slashes the risk of dementia in people who are hard of hearing, a study suggests.
In a study published in the Lancet today, researchers looked at health data of hundreds of thousands of people with varying levels of hearing loss.
Results showed those who did not use hearing aids had a 42 percent higher risk of developing dementia within 12 years compared to those who used the device. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Association between hearing aid use and all-cause and cause-specific dementia: an analysis of the UK Biobank cohort (open access) The Lancet Public Health
Thursday, 13 April 2023
The rise and decline of the NHS in England 2000–20: How political failure led to the crisis in the NHS and social care
The rise and decline of the NHS in England 2000–20: How political failure led to the crisis in the NHS and social care Multi-year funding increases and a series of reforms resulted in major improvements in NHS performance between 2000 and 2010, but performance has declined since 2010 as a result of much lower funding increases, limited funds for capital investment, and neglect of workforce planning. Constraints on social care spending has also resulted in fewer people receiving publicly funded social care and a repeated cycle of governments promising to reform social care but failing to do so.
This paper, from former Chief Executive of The King’s Fund Chris Ham, analyses how a major public service that is highly valued by the public was allowed to deteriorate. The King's Fund
Non-accidental injuries in infants attending the emergency department
Non-accidental injuries in infants attending the emergency department Clinicians in emergency departments (EDs) will see babies and young children with injuries that may be non-accidental. If the cause of such injuries is missed, there is a risk of further harm to the child. However, making a judgement about whether an injury might be accidental or not is complex and difficult.
This investigation explores the issues that influence the diagnosis of non-accidental injuries in infants (children under 1 year of age) who visit an ED. Specifically, it explores the information and support available to ED clinicians to help them to make such a diagnosis. Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch
See also:
Looking after your team’s health and wellbeing guide
Looking after your team’s health and wellbeing guide This guide, inspired by the NHS health and wellbeing framework, supports any team that is seeking to improve the health and wellbeing of members of the team, through a culture change approach. It is for all teams working in health and care, inclusive of all team forms and functions, across healthcare, primary care, social care and voluntary sectors. The guide has been co-designed with colleagues across health, social care and voluntary sectors. NHS England
Why no breakthrough in the junior doctors' strike?
Why no breakthrough in the junior doctors' strike? The government is being asked to bring in the conciliation service Acas to help end the junior doctors' strike.
The BMA, which represents junior doctors, says it believes working with ACAS gives "the most realistic chance" of ending the strike in England.
The NHS Confederation, which represents managers, has written to the BMA and the health secretary, asking them to consider this "as a matter of urgency".
The government says it remains open to involving ACAS to help end the strike. BBC News
See also:
- BMA calls upon Government to agree to go to ACAS to help settle junior doctors’ dispute BMA
- NHS Confederation responds to second day of junior doctors' strikes NHS Confederation
- Union 'misled' over Weston General Hospital junior doctor shortage BBC News
- Junior doctors' strike day two: A&Es could shut or only treat ambulance patients The Daily Mail
- BMA seeks arbitration to end junior doctor pay dispute GPonline
- NHS bosses urge Steve Barclay to accept Acas role in dispute with junior doctors The Guardian
- ‘I’m so scared’: Patients suffer as operations cancelled amid doctors’ strike The Guardian
- ‘Joining the picket line is a last stand’: junior doctors on the four-day strike The Guardian
- Junior doctors should halt strikes for Government to enter Acas talks – minister The Independent
- Junior doctors’ strike enters third day as government urged to break deadlock over pay dispute The Independent
- Junior doctors' union asks Acas to help end strike deadlock ITV News
- 'The system is broken': On the A&E frontline on second day of junior doctors' strike Sky News
Study reveals cancer’s ‘infinite’ ability to evolve
Study reveals cancer’s ‘infinite’ ability to evolve An unprecedented analysis of how cancers grow has revealed an "almost infinite" ability of tumours to evolve and survive, say scientists.
The results of tracking lung cancers for nine years left the research team "surprised" and "in awe" at the formidable force they were up against.
They have concluded we need more focus on prevention, with a "universal" cure unlikely any time soon.
Cancer Research UK said early detection of cancer was vitally important. BBC News
See also:
- The evolution of non-small cell lung cancer metastases in TRACERx (open access) Nature
Pharmacists sound the alarm over ‘devastating’ condition of community amid medicine supply issues
Pharmacists sound the alarm over ‘devastating’ condition of community amid medicine supply issues Pharmacy leaders have raised concerns that patients could be coming to harm as a result of medicine supply issues.
A new poll found that almost nine in 10 (87 per cent) believe that patient health was being put at risk because of problems with supply.
Almost all pharmacy owners (97 per cent) reported significant increases in wholesaler and medicine supply issues. The Independent
Inaction on diabetes has plunged the the UK into a wholly avoidable crisis
Inaction on diabetes has plunged the the UK into a wholly avoidable crisis The warnings about a looming, large and potentially lethal diabetes crisis in the UK have been sounded for years. Tragically, there is no longer any need for warnings.
Diabetes UK’s grim report confirms the worst: 5 million people are now living with diabetes, a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. The Guardian
See also:
Arcturus, the new Covid strain sparking alarm in India, is already in UK
Arcturus, the new Covid strain sparking alarm in India, is already in UK A new Covid variant wreaking havoc in India is already in Britain, MailOnline can reveal.
Health chiefs announced 'Arcturus' had been detected in the country last month. Almost 50 cases have now been spotted.
Hospitals in India are now on red alert, with compulsory face masks being brought back in some states to curb exploding infection rates which have soared 13-fold in the last month. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Covid: Staff propped up care homes without extra pay, says report BBC News
- Warning over new Covid variant 'Arcturus' that is causing carnage in India The Daily Mail
- India increases Covid booster jab production after surge in cases The Guardian
- New Covid variant sparks fear as India sees huge surge of infections The Independent
- New Covid variant ‘Arcturus’ is even more infectious than Kraken and could push UK cases higher iNews
NHS hospitals serving up the worst food are named and shamed in new table - so how does YOURS fare?
NHS hospitals serving up the worst food are named and shamed in new table - so how does YOURS fare? The dire state of hospital food has been laid bare in a fascinating new league table which ranks every trust.
England's worst-offending sites — located across Yorkshire and Cheshire — had an approval rate barely above 70 per cent.
The score comes from a survey of patients and staff, who were all asked to rank the offerings on a range of different factors. The Daily Mail
Wednesday, 12 April 2023
Striking junior doctors in Northampton want talks over pay
Striking junior doctors in Northampton want talks over pay Junior doctors at the beginning of a four-day walkout said they hoped it would prompt talks between their union and the health secretary.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has asked for a 35% pay rise, but Steve Barclay said this was "unreasonable".
Striking doctor Katy McDowall, a specialist registrar in maternity at Northampton General Hospital, said pay rates meant the NHS found it "really difficult retain staff".
Northampton General Hospital (NGH) said there would be "some disruption" and it would prioritise urgent care. BBC Northampton
See also:
- NHS faces most significant strikes ever NHS Confederation
- Emergency care to be prioritised during most disruptive industrial action in history NHS England
- All hands on deck as trusts call for talks to end strikes NHS Providers
- Junior-doctors' strike: Cancer survivor's anguish over cancelled op BBC News
- Ipswich and Colchester hospitals boss urges quick solution to doctors' row BBC News
- Singing strikers on the junior doctors' picket lines BBC News
- It will take ‘some weeks’ to recover from backlog caused by junior doctors strikes, NHS Confederation says Channel 4 News
- We're junior doctors who are striking this week... these are our reasons why The Daily Mail
- Hard Left union leader behind the most disruptive NHS strike in history goes on HOLIDAY The Daily Mail
- Fears junior doctor dispute that has crippled the NHS could drag on for months The Daily Mail
- The junior doctors’ strike is a defining point in the collapse of the NHS The Daily Telegraph
- Junior doctors’ union asks Acas to help end strikes deadlock The Guardian
- Junior doctors’ strike: hospitals ‘worried about overnight patient safety’ The Guardian
- I’ll tell you why junior doctors are striking: things are so unsafe we have no choice The Guardian
- ‘Joining the picket line is a last stand’: junior doctors on the four-day strike The Guardian
- Sunak tells striking doctors: Withdraw your ‘unreasonable’ 35% pay demand if you want a deal The Independent
- Junior doctors’ strike enters second day ITV News
- Why junior doctors feel it is necessary to strike as the NHS faces a pivotal week Sky News
Effectively embedding digital in your trust
Effectively embedding digital in your trust This guide, prepared with Public Digital as part of the Digital Boards programme, highlights key learnings from the programme's previous six leadership guides. It covers insights from NHS board leaders on a range of topics, including: digital leadership – understanding the role of the board; building and enabling digital teams; creating an effective digital strategy; making technology decisions; digital delivery; and optimising electronic patient record systems (EPR). NHS Providers
Learning disabilities: policies to reduce inpatient care
Learning disabilities: policies to reduce inpatient care Around 1.5 million people in England have a learning disability. The Government and NHS England are working to reduce health inequalities for people with a learning disability and have established national programmes to improve care and outcomes.
This briefing outlines health policies aimed at reducing inpatient care for people with a learning disability. House of Commons Library
A national framework to deliver improved outcomes in all-age autism assessment pathways: guidance for integrated care boards
A national framework to deliver improved outcomes in all-age autism assessment pathways: guidance for integrated care boards This national framework sets out the principles that should underpin the planning, design and delivery of an autism assessment pathway that works for everyone irrespective of where they live, their background, age, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexuality, disability, or health conditions. Implementation of this national framework will include taking actions to reduce known sources of health inequality that exist in access to, or experiences of, an autism assessment across England. NHS England
Record doctors and nurses working in the NHS helping to cut waiting lists
Record doctors and nurses working in the NHS helping to cut waiting lists There are record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS in England helping to deliver extra appointments, speed up diagnoses and cut waiting lists, according to the latest stats.
Data published today by NHS Digital shows in January 2023 there were almost 1.27 million full-time equivalent staff working in NHS trusts and commissioning bodies in England - over 48,700 more people compared to a year ago, an increase of 4%. Department of Health and Social Care
NHS drop-out rate an accident waiting to happen, says surgeon
NHS drop-out rate an accident waiting to happen, says surgeon A leading surgeon says a major drop-out rate of trainee doctors is "an accident waiting to happen" for the NHS.
Nigel Mercer was tasked with prioritising surgery across the NHS during the pandemic when services were under intense pressure.
His biggest fear with what he sees as an up to 40% drop-out rate is whether there will be enough doctors to replace his generation of medics.
The government said the majority of trainees go on to work in the NHS. BBC News
Parkinson's disease device trial at Addenbrooke's Hospital
Parkinson's disease device trial at Addenbrooke's Hospital A device that could potentially improve the mobility of people with Parkinson's disease is being trialled on inpatients at a Cambridge hospital.
The CUE1, worn on the sternum of the chest, delivers vibration and pulses intended to improve motor skills and alleviate stiffness.
It is hoped the device, being trialled at Addenbrooke's Hospital, will also reduce falls. BBC News
Over 1,600 ‘sexual safety incidents’ in one 59-bed children’s hospital
Over 1,600 ‘sexual safety incidents’ in one 59-bed children’s hospital A single children’s mental health hospital with just 59 beds reported more than 1,600 “sexual safety incidents” in four years, shocking NHS figures reveal.
Huntercombe Hospital in Maidenhead was responsible for more than half of the sex-related investigations reported in the 209 children’s mental health units across the country. The Independent
Covid no longer: Leading cause of death in England and Wales revealed
Covid no longer: Leading cause of death in England and Wales revealed Covid-19 has dropped out of the top five leading causes of death in England and Wales for the first time since the start of the pandemic, figures show.
Coronavirus was recorded as the main cause of death for 22,454 people in 2022, or 3.9% of all deaths registered, making it the sixth leading cause overall. The Independent
Hugely contentious study that claimed Covid jabs have killed 280,000 people in the US gets pulled
Hugely contentious study that claimed Covid jabs have killed 280,000 people in the US gets pulled The publisher of some of the world's most prestigious scientific journals has today sensationally retracted a study that wrongly claimed Covid vaccines have killed up to 280,000 people across the US.
The bombshell estimate was jumped on by anti-vaxx groups across the planet, who demanded roll-outs across the world were urgently suspended.
Springer Nature has now taken the rare step of retracting the paper, more than three months after it was initially published in one of its underling journals. The Daily Mail
See also:
Tuesday, 11 April 2023
Northamptonshire NHS offers advice to patients as junior doctors set to strike
Northamptonshire NHS offers advice to patients as junior doctors set to strike The NHS in Northamptonshire is offering advice to patients following the announcement that junior doctors will strike.
The BMA and HSCA have announced a junior doctors strike running from 06:59 on Tuesday April 11 until 06:59 on Saturday April 15. Northamptonshire Telegraph
The NHS Staff Survey 2022: what do the results tell us?
The NHS Staff Survey 2022: what do the results tell us? March 2023 saw the publication of the full 2022 NHS Staff Survey results with 636,348 respondents taking part, 46 per cent of the 1.3 million workforce who were invited to participate, down from 48 per cent in 2021. The drop in response between 2021 and 2022 means that we did not hear from more than 12,000 members of staff this year. Given the work pressures across all areas of the health service and the ongoing problems with retaining staff, ensuring all voices were heard in the survey this year was critical. The drop in responses reveals the confidence that staff have in the NHS’s ability to change following the results and is important feedback that we need to pay attention to. What else do the results tell us? The King's Fund
RCN launches new standards to boost the mental health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce
RCN launches new standards to boost the mental health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce The RCN was commissioned to produce education standards to provide those delivering the Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) programme with a universal framework to align training and establish higher quality assurance levels.
The programme, launched by NHS England in March 2021, is part of the response to the ongoing work-based stress, burnout and mental wellbeing challenges faced by the nursing workforce. It’s been designed to promote reflection on personal experience and have a positive impact on personal wellbeing as well as developing strategies to deal with stress in the workplace. Royal College of Nursing
Smokers urged to swap cigarettes for vapes in world first scheme
Smokers urged to swap cigarettes for vapes in world first scheme One million smokers will be encouraged to swap cigarettes for vapes under a pioneering new ‘swap to stop’ scheme designed to improve the health of the nation and cut smoking rates.
As part of the world-first national scheme, almost 1 in 5 of all smokers in England will be provided with a vape starter kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit as part of a series of new measures to help the government meet its ambition of being smokefree by 2030 - reducing smoking rates to 5% or less. Department of Health and Social Care
See also:
- Crackdown on illegal sale of vapes Department of Health and Social Care
- Vaping: Free e-cigarettes to be handed out in anti-smoking drive BBC News
- Vaping: New measures to crack down on illegal sale of e-cigarettes to teenagers BBC News
- Government to offer a million vape 'starter kits' in bid to make Britain smoke-free The Daily Mail
- Vaping: Govt to launch 'enforcement squads' in crackdown on illegal e-cigarette sales Sky News
- Vape starter kits for one million smokers in 'swap to stop' scheme Sky News
Health and Social Care Secretary statement on vaccination of at-risk children aged 6 months to 4 years
Health and Social Care Secretary statement on vaccination of at-risk children aged 6 months to 4 years Children aged 6 months to 4 years in a clinical risk group will be eligible for a Covid vaccine. Department of Health and Social Care
See also:
- Independent report: COVID-19 vaccination of children aged 6 months to 4 years: JCVI advice, 9 December 2022 Department of Health and Social Care
- National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published UK Health Security Agency
- Covid jabs for under fives in at-risk groups BBC News
- Covid origins: Chinese scientists publish long-awaited data BBC News
- Now the WHO sensationally turns on China over hiding of Covid data The Daily Mail
Junior doctors' strike: NHS braces for most disruptive walkout yet
Junior doctors' strike: NHS braces for most disruptive walkout yet Junior doctors across England have begun a four-day walkout, expected to be the most disruptive in NHS history.
More than a quarter of a million appointments and operations could be cancelled, and some hospitals say up to half of planned treatment is affected.
The British Medical Association, which is asking for a 35% pay rise, said "we've had no offer whatsoever" from Health Secretary Steve Barclay.
Mr Barclay said it was "extremely disappointing" patients were at risk. BBC News
See also:
- Three junior doctors would earn just £66.55 between them for taking out your appendix, says BMA in new advertising campaign BMA
- BMA asks: 'Is the Health Secretary really serious about ending the junior doctors' pay dispute and suspending next week's strikes?' BMA
- NHS braces for huge week of disruption and scaled down services NHS Confederation
- NHS set for ‘unparalleled levels of disruption’ during next round of strikes NHS England
- Statement on junior doctor strike The Society for Acute Medicine
- Junior doctors in England begin four-day strike (live) BBC News
- Junior doctors' strike: NHS chief calls for Acas help with talks BBC News
- Junior doctor strike: Union's pay demands 'unrealistic', says Steve Barclay BBC News
- Junior doctors' strike could hit up to 250,000 appointments, health bosses warn BBC News
- Avoid doing anything 'risky' this week, senior NHS official urges ahead of strike The Daily Mail
- Now GPs suspend routine appointments for patients to deal with four-day NHS strike The Daily Mail
- GPs scrap services to cope with ‘most disruptive strike in NHS history’ The Daily Telegraph
- NHS braces for 'most disruptive' junior doctors' strike yet Evening Standard
- Junior doctors in England begin four-day strike over pay The Guardian
- An imploding health service underpins junior doctors’ radicalisation The Guardian
- Junior doctors’ strike will have ‘catastrophic impact’ on waiting lists The Guardian
- Trained medics who could ease NHS crisis stuck in asylum limbo The Guardian
- Real cost of junior doctors’ strike revealed in leaked NHS documents The Independent
- Junior doctors' strike to be most disruptive in NHS history ITV News
- Britain braces for 'unparalleled' disruption from doctors' strike Reuters
- Why are junior doctors striking - and why could it be the worst NHS strike yet? Sky News
- Junior doctors strike: Patient care 'on a knife edge' as up to 350,000 appointments could be cancelled during four-day walkout Sky News
Four million calls to NHS 111 abandoned last year with waiting times of 25 minutes
Four million calls to NHS 111 abandoned last year with waiting times of 25 minutes Almost 4 million calls to the NHS 111 service were abandoned last year as callers struggled to get through to the helpline.
People calling 111 waited an average of 25 minutes to get through in December, figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care show. The Independent
Essex mental health inquiry pointless without legal powers, say families
Essex mental health inquiry pointless without legal powers, say families Bereaved relatives have said an independent inquiry into the death of almost 2,000 mental health patients across NHS trusts in Essex is not “fit for purpose” in the absence of legal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence.
The call for a statutory inquiry by 83 families comes after the chair of the review, Dr Geraldine Strathdee, published an open letter saying it would “not be able to meet its terms of reference with a non-statutory status”. The Guardian
The call for a statutory inquiry by 83 families comes after the chair of the review, Dr Geraldine Strathdee, published an open letter saying it would “not be able to meet its terms of reference with a non-statutory status”. The Guardian
See also:
Government accused of 'not getting to grips with the crisis' as six million a month give up GP visit
Government accused of 'not getting to grips with the crisis' as six million a month give up GP visit Almost six million people a month are giving up trying to see a GP due to long waits for an appointment, figures reveal.
Others are not seeking help because they are unable to get through to a receptionist or fear being a burden on the overloaded NHS.
A survey of 4,494 adults by the Office for National Statistics found that 43 per cent of those who required a GP appointment in the past month said it was 'difficult' or 'very difficult' to make one. The Daily Mail
See also:
- The impact of winter pressures on different population groups in Great Britain: GP practice access (dataset) Office for National Statistics
Three-quarters of women took avoidable health risks before getting pregnant, study says
Three-quarters of women took avoidable health risks before getting pregnant, study says Three-quarters of pregnant women took avoidable health risks before expecting a child, a study has revealed.
Almost 73 per cent of English mums-to-be had not taken folic acid before conceiving, it found.
The findings show that public health messages about protecting babies from neural tube defects such as spina bifida have not reached most people. The Daily Mail
See also:
- Women's preconception health in England: a report card based on cross-sectional analysis of national maternity services data from 2018/2019 (open access) British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Thursday, 6 April 2023
What does all the recent turmoil mean for the current status and future prospects of the health service?
What does all the recent turmoil mean for the current status and future prospects of the health service? The last 6 months have been exceptionally turbulent. We’ve seen economic turmoil, the sacking and resignation of the chancellor and the prime minister, unprecedented winter pressures in the NHS and public sector strikes. A tornado has whirled through public life. But does spring bring signs that the turbulence is subsiding? And where does that leave the health service? The Health Foundation
Deaths at home during the Covid-19 pandemic and implications for patients and services
Deaths at home during the Covid-19 pandemic and implications for patients and services There has been a steady increase in the numbers of people dying at home in recent years. These trends became entrenched during the pandemic, which could reflect people fearful of Covid-19 in hospitals and care homes just as much as broader patient preferences for dying at home. So did those dying in their place of residence receive the care they needed, at a good standard? This new research sheds light on the services used by people who died at home in England, before and during the first year of the pandemic. Nuffield Trust
Is Hewitt turning the tide of performance management or swimming against it?
Is Hewitt turning the tide of performance management or swimming against it? Patricia Hewitt’s independent review of integrated care systems (ICSs) is aimed squarely at one of the biggest challenges facing ICSs – the strong culture of top-down performance management in the NHS. The reforms introduced by the 2022 Health and Care Act, with their focus on collaboration across boundaries in local systems, represent a direct challenge to this hierarchical culture, and without a new approach to accountability in the NHS there is little hope of ICSs living up to their original promise. The King's Fund
Understanding the primary care research landscape
Understanding the primary care research landscape Research is a key driver of innovation and improvement. In the NHS it is a vital tool in improving medicines, patient care and pathways, as well as staff wellbeing. The majority of research in the NHS is currently carried out in secondary care, with very little primary care involvement. As a result, the quality of research in the NHS can be restricted in its scope by a smaller patient base and the range of conditions and experiences which present in hospital settings. NHS Confederation
Patients at risk during doctor strike - NHS bosses
Patients at risk during doctor strike - NHS bosses Hospital bosses in England say they cannot guarantee patient safety during next week's four-day strike by junior doctors.
London's Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust conceded patients could be harmed as managers struggle to staff rotas.
Other hospital bosses also voiced concerns over the walkout, which will affect both emergency and planned care.
The British Medical Association has refused to exempt any services but says it has plans to protect patients. BBC News
See also:
- 'Concerned doesn't begin to describe it' NHS Providers
- 'Concerned doesn't even begin to describe it': NHS bosses fear carnage from next week's devastating four-day junior doctors' strike The Daily Mail
- Why the next junior doctors' strike will put patients at 'unprecedented' risk The Daily Telegraph
- ‘Disruptive’ strike by NHS junior doctors gives rise to concerns over patient safety The Independent
- Hospital leaders fear for patient safety ahead of 'unprecedented' strike by junior doctors Sky News
Judge says parents and children should receive infected blood payments
Judge says parents and children should receive infected blood payments The parents and children of victims of the contaminated blood scandal should receive government compensation, a judge has said.
The chairman of the infected blood public inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, said it was time to "recognise deaths which have so far gone unrecognised".
More than 3,000 people died after contracting HIV or hepatitis C via NHS treatments in the 1970s and 80s.
The government must now respond to the recommendations. BBC News
New tool can spot those most at risk of developing lung cancer, say researchers
New tool can spot those most at risk of developing lung cancer, say researchers Lives could be saved by a new tool that identifies those most at risk of developing lung cancer, according to researchers.
The CanPredict tool can spot those most at risk of developing the disease over the next decade and put them forward for screening tests earlier, researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Nottingham said. The Independent
See also:
NHS in England to offer pioneering cancer drug to patients with ‘Jolie gene’
NHS in England to offer pioneering cancer drug to patients with ‘Jolie gene’ Health watchdog reverses decision not to recommend olaparib for patients with genetic fault
The NHS in England is to offer thousands of cancer patients the world’s first cancer drug to target an inherited genetic fault, after a U-turn by the health watchdog.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) opted last year not to recommend olaparib for breast cancer patients with the so-called “Angelina Jolie gene” because of its high cost. The pioneering drug’s list price is £2,317.50 for one pack of 150mg tablets, excluding VAT. The Guardian
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Wednesday, 5 April 2023
Most vulnerable in Northamptonshire invited to book Covid-19 Spring jabs
Most vulnerable in Northamptonshire invited to book Covid-19 Spring jabs Thousands of the most vulnerable people in Northamptonshire are being invited to top-up their protection from coronavirus and book a Spring Covid-19 vaccine from today (Wednesday, April 5).
Eligible groups for Spring Covid-19 jabs include residents in care homes for older people, people who are 75 and over and adults and children (aged five and over) with a weakened immune system. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Retaining NHS nurses: what do trends in staff turnover tell us?
Retaining NHS nurses: what do trends in staff turnover tell us? Nurse shortages are a key contributor to NHS workforce shortages. Registered nurse posts consistently account for more than a third of all full-time equivalent vacancies in NHS trusts in England.
Understanding how the NHS competes for nurses is crucial for better workforce planning and pay determination. In this analysis we examine the movement of employees into and out of the NHS nurse labour market in England between 2011/12 and 2021/22. The Health Foundation
Vacancy rates reach 23% in speech and language therapy
Vacancy rates reach 23% in speech and language therapy In January 2023 we asked managers of speech and language therapy services to tell us about vacancy rates and recruitment issues both in the NHS and the independent sector.
The results paint a shocking picture with the average vacancy rate reaching 23% across the UK. Of the managers who responded, 96% managing children’s services and 90% managing adult services said recruitment is more or much more challenging than at any time in the last three years. This is pan-sector with vacancies just as high, if not higher, in non-NHS services. Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy
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Independent report: Hewitt Review: an independent review of integrated care systems
Independent report: Hewitt Review: an independent review of integrated care systems The review set out to consider the oversight and governance of integrated care systems (ICSs). Each ICS has an integrated care board (ICB), a statutory organisation responsible for developing a plan for meeting the health needs of the population, managing the NHS budget and arranging for the provision of health services in the ICS area. ICBs include representatives from local authorities, primary care and NHS trusts and foundation trusts.
The review covered ICSs in England and the NHS targets and priorities for which ICBs are accountable, including those set out in the government’s mandate to NHS England.
The government is now considering the recommendations made by the review. Department of Health and Social Care
See also:
- Findings of independent review of ICSs published Department of Health and Social Care
- GPs must be central to discussions about the future of general practice BMA
- Hewitt calls for 10-year capital plan and payment system review Healthcare Financial Management Association
- LGA response to the Hewitt Review of ICS accountability and autonomy Local Government Association
- NHS Confederation responds to the Hewitt Review NHS Confederation
- Hewitt review: what you need to know NHS Confederation
- NHS Providers responds to the Hewitt Review NHS Providers
- On the day briefing: The Hewitt Review NHS Providers
- RCN responds to Hewitt Review Royal College of Nursing
- RPS England responds to Hewitt Review Royal Pharmaceutical Society
- Raft of NHS targets should be axed and best-performing bosses given more freedom to improve ailing £150bn-a-year service, Government-ordered review states The Daily Mail
- The NHS review asks the wrong questions The Daily Telegraph
- NHS leaders broadly welcome Patricia Hewitt’s review of healthcare Evening Standard
- How to read between the lines of the Hewitt review Health Service Journal
- NHS leaders broadly welcome Patricia Hewitt’s review of healthcare The Independent
- Hewitt: align council and NHS budgets to help ICSs unlock potential Local Government Chronicle
- Hewitt recommendations for general practice contract reform Pulse
Next steps to put people at the heart of care: a plan for adult social care system reform 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025
Next steps to put people at the heart of care: a plan for adult social care system reform 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025 This document sets out how the government proposes to make sure adult social care is of outstanding quality, personalised and accessible. It details how £700 million will be spent, including investment in: improved access to care and support; recognising skills for careers in care; driving digitisation and technology adoption; data and local authority oversight; support to enable people to remain independent at home; encouraging innovation and improvement; and joining up services to support people and carers. Department of Health and Social Care
See also:
- Government sets out next steps to support social care Department of Health and Social Care
- Funding changes signal an end to the government’s ambitious social care reform package Institute for Government
- Health Foundation response to social care plan The Health Foundation
- The King’s Fund responds to government social care reform package The King's Fund
- NHS Confederation responds to cut to funding for social care training NHS Confederation
- NHS Providers responds to social care workforce funding cut NHS Providers
- Government roll back on funding for social care a disgrace The Patients Association
- Government halves promised social care funding Royal College of Physicians
- Cuts to social care reform funding are a betrayal Nuffield Trust
- Fund for social care workforce has halved, ministers confirm The Daily Telegraph
- Adult social care budget cut ‘deeply disappointing’ Local Government Chronicle
- Charities accuse government of halving social care funding pledge Sky News
Rare tick disease found in England
Rare tick disease found in England A virus carried by ticks, which is common in many parts of the world, is now present in the UK and health officials are reminding the public how to avoid bites from the tiny bugs.
They say the risk of tick-borne encephalitis is very low - only one person is confirmed to have been infected in England so far, last year.
But the tick species which carries the virus is widespread in the UK.
Most people do not develop symptoms but swelling to the brain is possible. BBC News
See also:
- Tick-borne encephalitis detection in England UK Health Security Agency
- HAIRS risk assessment: tick-borne encephalitis UK Health Security Agency
- Tick bite risks and prevention of Lyme disease: resources UK Health Security Agency
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) NHS UK
- Deadly virus from tick bites that causes flu-like symptoms found in three patients in the UK The Daily Mail
- Hikers urged to check themselves for ticks after deadly virus found in UK The Guardian
- Tick-Borne Encephalitis Has Arrived In England. Should You Worry? Huffington Post UK
- Warning as deadly tick-borne virus detected in several areas in England The Independent
- Tick-borne virus detected in several areas in England, UKHSA warns Sky News
'Major moment in MS research' as new Octopus trial starts
'Major moment in MS research' as new Octopus trial starts Ailsa, now 47, is taking part in a groundbreaking new trial, which is looking into whether existing drugs can be repurposed to help slow MS progression.
The way it is designed means several drugs can be tried at the same time, and more can be added or dropped as results emerge.
The Octopus trial - so-called because it is a multi-arm, multi-stage trial - is being run by Prof Jeremy Chataway, from the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery UCLH in London, with £13m in funding from the UK's MS Society.
A similar trial design has been used to test drugs for prostate cancer and Covid. BBC News
Short works breaks do not prevent mental fatigue or increase efficiency – study
Short works breaks do not prevent mental fatigue or increase efficiency – study Stopping for tea breaks while at work does nothing to make people more efficient or prevent them from feeling tired, research suggests.
A study that simulated an office day – with tasks involving attention, concentration, learning, and memory – showed that healthy men who took a 10-minute break every 50 minutes were more likely to experience mental exhaustion. The Independent
See also:
- Regular short-duration breaks do not prevent mental fatigue and decline in cognitive efficiency in healthy young men during an office-like simulated mental working day: An EEG study (abstract) International Journal of Psychophysiology
NHS trust warned doctors on visas who chose to strike will be reported to BORDER FORCE
NHS trust warned doctors on visas who chose to strike will be reported to BORDER FORCE An NHS trust has sparked fury after warning that immigrant doctors who take to picket lines could be referred to Border Force.
An unnamed medic at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust messaged staff to warn that any medic on a work visa who strikes would have their 'absence' reported to the Home Office — which could make any future visa renewals 'problematic'.
The message, which was circulated on social media, drew the ire of junior medics and the British Medical Association (BMA), which said it 'will unnecessarily instil fear and doubt' among doctors. The Daily Mail
See also:
- BMA reassures international doctors of their right to strike BMA
- We’re always fully supportive of everyone’s right to strike without judgement, fear or consequence (Twitter) Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
- London NHS trust criticised after warning to striking staff on visas BBC News
- London NHS trust apologises after striking doctors warned they will be reported to Border Force Evening Standard
- Critically ill patients ‘will inevitably die’ due to junior doctors’ strike The Guardian
- As a cardiac surgeon, I am extremely concerned about risks of delaying surgery by strikes The Guardian
- Striking migrant doctors received WhatsApp warning them they’d be reported to Border Force iNews
GPs working long hours are up to 5 times more likely to prescribe opioids and antibiotics
GPs working long hours are up to 5 times more likely to prescribe opioids and antibiotics GPs working long hours are up to five times more likely to prescribe high levels of opioids and antibiotics, a study found.
Those experiencing signs of burnout such as emotional exhaustion, feeling detached from colleagues and patients and lower job satisfaction were more likely to overprescribe medications.
This was particularly true in more deprived areas, according to the government-backed study. The Daily Mail
See also:
- The association of strong opioids and antibiotics prescribing with general practitioner burnout (open access) British Journal of General Practice
Tuesday, 4 April 2023
New discharge lounge planned for Northampton General Hospital will help ease pressure
New discharge lounge planned for Northampton General Hospital will help ease pressure Northampton General Hospital is creating a new discharge lounge to support patients leaving hospital and their families.
The discharge lounge will support up to 16 patients – with four rooms and 12 chairs - and is at the Cliftonville Trust entrance. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
The cap on medical and dental student numbers in the UK
The cap on medical and dental student numbers in the UK This briefing provides an overview of government policy on training doctors and dentists in the UK. It highlights calls to lift the cap on medical and dental school places and explains some of the associated challenges. House of Commons Library
NHS England’s three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services
NHS England’s three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services On 30 March 2023 NHS England published a three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services. Following several national plans and reports, including the reports by Donna Ockenden and Dr Bill Kirkup, the plan brings together the key objectives services are asked to deliver against over the next three years. This briefing summarises the key contents of the plan. NHS Providers
From delegation to integration: lessons from early delegation of primary pharmacy, ophthalmology and dentistry commissioning to integrated care boards
From delegation to integration: lessons from early delegation of primary pharmacy, ophthalmology and dentistry commissioning to integrated care boards Delegation of primary pharmacy, ophthalmology and dentistry (POD) from NHS England to integrated care boards (ICBs) on 1 April 2023, provides an opportunity to transform care for patients but will need a realistic timetable and smooth transition if this transformation is to be achieved. This report provides evidence from nine ‘early adopter’ ICBs and argues that closer local collaboration between NHS systems and frontline providers can be the single biggest to driver to address local provision challenges. NHS Confederation
Independent report: Higher-risk patients eligible for COVID-19 treatments: independent advisory group report (March 2023)
Independent report: Higher-risk patients eligible for COVID-19 treatments: independent advisory group report (March 2023) Update to the independent advisory group report that identifies which patient groups are at highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and would benefit from new COVID-19 treatments. Department of Health and Social Care
UK’s next generation of medical researchers given funding boost
UK’s next generation of medical researchers given funding boost Over 1,200 researchers in medical research charities will receive over £50 million in funding to help solve some of the biggest global health challenges and secure the future of the UK’s world-class life sciences sector.
Announced by Science Minister George Freeman, Sunday 2 April, the funding will support researchers across 90 charities early on in their careers at a time when the UK is committing record amounts to R&D, reaching £20 billion a year by 2024/25. The £50 million investment is aimed at sparking a new wave of revolutionary medical research across the industry, including in dementia, motor neurone disease and brain tumour research. Department of Health and Social Care
Social care reform funding halved for England, government confirms
Social care reform funding halved for England, government confirms Funding promised to develop the social care workforce in England has been halved, the government has confirmed.
In 2021 the government pledged "at least" £500 million for reforms, to be spent on training places and technology over three years.
But that figure is now £250 million, according to the Department of Health.
A coalition of charities said this cut is "just the latest in a long series of disappointments" over social care. BBC News
See also:
- Millions cut from funding commitments for social care Evening Standard
- Halving social care workforce funding in England an ‘insult’, ministers told The Guardian
- Tory ministers accused of ‘insult’ to social care as reform funding halved The Independent
- Millions cut from promised social care funding labelled ‘an insult to the sector’ ITV News
England's new ambulance numbers not 800 promised, figures show
England's new ambulance numbers not 800 promised, figures show The number of new ambulances in England will be far less than the hundreds promised by the government, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.
In January, 800 new ambulances were announced, with a 10% fleet increase.
But vehicles being ordered by trusts are mostly replacements they were prevented from purchasing because of procurement changes and the pandemic.
NHS England said it was "delivering on its urgent and emergency care recovery plan". BBC News
In January, 800 new ambulances were announced, with a 10% fleet increase.
But vehicles being ordered by trusts are mostly replacements they were prevented from purchasing because of procurement changes and the pandemic.
NHS England said it was "delivering on its urgent and emergency care recovery plan". BBC News
Essex mental health inquiry: Staff could be compelled to give evidence
Essex mental health inquiry: Staff could be compelled to give evidence The government is actively considering whether to give full legal powers to an independent inquiry investigating the deaths of mental health patients.
Roughly 2,000 deaths at the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) are being examined.
The BBC understands Conservative Health Secretary Stephen Barclay is minded to make the inquiry statutory, which would compel witnesses to come forward. BBC News
NHS consultants to be balloted over strike action
NHS consultants to be balloted over strike action NHS consultants will be balloted over strike action next month, the British Medical Association has announced.
Senior doctors will vote from May 15 on whether to strike over pay in a move that could deepen the NHS crisis.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay has agreed to pay talks with the union to avert potential strike action. Evening Standard
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Antibiotics and resistance ‘two-way street’ between animals and humans – study
Antibiotics and resistance ‘two-way street’ between animals and humans – study Antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a two-way street between animals and humans, researchers have suggested.
The findings reveal the use of antibiotics in animals like cattle, pigs and chickens is associated with AMR in humans and using antibiotics in humans is linked with resistance in animals.
Experts across the world are determined to slow down the rise in AMR, which is partly fuelled by unnecessary use of antibiotics. The Independent
See also:
- Global antimicrobial-resistance drivers: an ecological country-level study at the human–animal interface (open access) The Lancet Planetary Health
NHS should abolish raft of national targets, Patricia Hewitt review says
NHS should abolish raft of national targets, Patricia Hewitt review says The NHS should abolish a raft of national targets while shifting its focus towards preventing ill health, according to a review by a former Labour health secretary.
The study by Patricia Hewitt, commissioned by the Government and officially published on Tuesday, says a few targets help concentrate minds but having too many makes them less effective.
It comes as the NHS continues to miss major targets on A&E waits, ambulance response times and cancer waits and treatment times. The Independent
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Healthy Start NHS food voucher scheme has ‘pitifully’ low take-up
Healthy Start NHS food voucher scheme has ‘pitifully’ low take-up The government has missed its target to increase the take-up of NHS healthy food vouchers aimed at vulnerable parents of young children, it has emerged, despite soaring grocery prices and rising food poverty.
The latest figures show that take-up of the ill-starred Healthy Start scheme, designed to help pregnant women and parents of under-fours in low-income families pay for fruit, vegetables, milk, and baby milk powder, has barely shifted in a year. The Guardian
Backlog in NHS genome service leaves families facing long wait for results
Backlog in NHS genome service leaves families facing long wait for results Families of children with rare genetic disorders are being made to wait more than a year for genome sequencing results under a flagship NHS programme, the Guardian has learned.
Senior doctors said worsening backlogs in the Genomics Medicines Service risked children not accessing treatments or support designed to give them the best outcomes. In other cases, parents wishing to know if their child has an inherited genetic condition in order to plan future pregnancies are being left in limbo for unacceptable time periods, experts said.
HRT could help ward off dementia - but only if women take it when their menopause begins
HRT could help ward off dementia - but only if women take it when their menopause begins Hormone replacement therapy can reduce the risk of dementia in women with early menopause – but only if they start treatment promptly, a study suggests.
Women make up around two-thirds of people with Alzheimer's, with early menopause linked to a heightened risk of the illness.
Now a study claims that those who are prescribed HRT from the onset of symptoms are at no greater risk. The Daily Mail
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