 | Leader of Northamptonshire's mental health service, which was rated 'requires ... Angela Hillery, from NHS Northamptonshire Healthcare, has been shortlisted for the title of Health Service Journal's CEO of the Year after staff feedback that inspectors received in February. The report, published three weeks ago, rated the the trust ... and more » |
Friday, 18 September 2015
Leader of Northamptonshire's mental health service, which was rated 'requires ... - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Leader of Northamptonshire's mental health service, which was rated 'requires ... - Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Scientists apply to modify embryos
Scientists apply to modify embryos
UK researchers want to use a controversial new genetic technique to carry out research into infertility. BBC News
UK researchers want to use a controversial new genetic technique to carry out research into infertility. BBC News
Lives being put at risk - NHS report
Lives being put at risk - NHS report
Differences in access to key NHS services, including stroke and cancer care, is putting patients at risk, an official report suggests. BBC News
Differences in access to key NHS services, including stroke and cancer care, is putting patients at risk, an official report suggests. BBC News
Antidepressant paroxetine study 'under-reported data on harms'
Antidepressant paroxetine study 'under-reported data on harms'
"Seroxat [paroxetine] study under-reported harmful effects on young people, say scientists," The Guardian reports. Researchers have reanalysed data about the antidepressant paroxetine – no longer prescribed to young people – and claim important details were not made public.
Researchers who looked at data from the now infamous 1990s "study 329" trial of the antidepressant paroxetine, found reports of suicide attempts that were not included in the original research paper.
The makers of paroxetine, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), marketed paroxetine as a safe and effective antidepressant for children, despite the evidence of harms. The US Department of Justice sued GSK for a record $3 billion for making false claims.
The new analysis of thousands of pages of data contradicted the original claims that paroxetine was "generally well-tolerated and effective" for treating adolescents with depression. By contrast, the new analysis found "no advantage" from paroxetine and an "increase in harms", compared to placebo.
This new analysis found that the original study paper over-reported the effectiveness of paroxetine and under-estimated potential harms. It raises questions about how much we can rely on the reported results of medical trials, without independent access to review the raw trial data.
"Seroxat [paroxetine] study under-reported harmful effects on young people, say scientists," The Guardian reports. Researchers have reanalysed data about the antidepressant paroxetine – no longer prescribed to young people – and claim important details were not made public.
Researchers who looked at data from the now infamous 1990s "study 329" trial of the antidepressant paroxetine, found reports of suicide attempts that were not included in the original research paper.
The makers of paroxetine, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), marketed paroxetine as a safe and effective antidepressant for children, despite the evidence of harms. The US Department of Justice sued GSK for a record $3 billion for making false claims.
The new analysis of thousands of pages of data contradicted the original claims that paroxetine was "generally well-tolerated and effective" for treating adolescents with depression. By contrast, the new analysis found "no advantage" from paroxetine and an "increase in harms", compared to placebo.
This new analysis found that the original study paper over-reported the effectiveness of paroxetine and under-estimated potential harms. It raises questions about how much we can rely on the reported results of medical trials, without independent access to review the raw trial data.
Creating healthy workplaces: A toolkit for the NHS
Creating healthy workplaces: A toolkit for the NHS
This new toolkit aims to support NHS organisations to improve the staff health, wellbeing, effectiveness and productivity by providing practical, step-by-step information on how to implement the six pieces of workplace guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Latest Employer News
This new toolkit aims to support NHS organisations to improve the staff health, wellbeing, effectiveness and productivity by providing practical, step-by-step information on how to implement the six pieces of workplace guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Latest Employer News
Open consultation: The role of the National Data Guardian for health and social care
Open consultation: The role of the National Data Guardian for health and social care
This consultation seeks views on the responsibilities of the statutory National Data Guardian for health and social care. The responses will form a major part of the development for more detailed proposals to establish the National Data Guardian for health and social care on a statutory footing.
The National Data Guardian for health and social care will help to ensure that personal confidential data is held and used to support better outcomes from health and care services, at the same time providing confidence that there are thorough safeguards in place to protect personal confidential data. Department of Health
This consultation seeks views on the responsibilities of the statutory National Data Guardian for health and social care. The responses will form a major part of the development for more detailed proposals to establish the National Data Guardian for health and social care on a statutory footing.
The National Data Guardian for health and social care will help to ensure that personal confidential data is held and used to support better outcomes from health and care services, at the same time providing confidence that there are thorough safeguards in place to protect personal confidential data. Department of Health
Guidance: FGM enhanced dataset: guidance on NHS staff responsibilities
Guidance: FGM enhanced dataset: guidance on NHS staff responsibilities
This document provides support and guidance to NHS organisations to know how they can meet the requirements to collect and submit data about patients with FGM. This guidance relates to the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Enhanced Dataset by the Health and Social Care Information Centre and the forthcoming professional duty about FGM to be published October 2015.
This includes an explanation of the legal basis for the collection of the information. It describes what and how NHS organisations need to communicate with patients about this work. The document also explains additional work underway to support GP practices with this work. Department of Health
This document provides support and guidance to NHS organisations to know how they can meet the requirements to collect and submit data about patients with FGM. This guidance relates to the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Enhanced Dataset by the Health and Social Care Information Centre and the forthcoming professional duty about FGM to be published October 2015.
This includes an explanation of the legal basis for the collection of the information. It describes what and how NHS organisations need to communicate with patients about this work. The document also explains additional work underway to support GP practices with this work. Department of Health
Passive smokers have 20% higher risk of diabetes, new study finds
Passive smokers have 20% higher risk of diabetes, new study finds
Someone exposed to second-hand smoke has a 20 per cent higher chance of becoming a diabetic, according to a new study. Independent
Someone exposed to second-hand smoke has a 20 per cent higher chance of becoming a diabetic, according to a new study. Independent
GP funding per patient varies two-fold between CCGs, official data show
GP funding per patient varies two-fold between CCGs, official data show
GP practices in some CCGs receive twice as much per weighted patient as their counterparts in other areas, official data on payments to general practice reveal. GP Online
GP practices in some CCGs receive twice as much per weighted patient as their counterparts in other areas, official data on payments to general practice reveal. GP Online
'Super-gonorrhoea' outbreak across north of England sparks national alert
'Super-gonorrhoea' outbreak across north of England sparks national alert
Public Health England 'concerned' about drug-resistant strain first reported in Leeds but which has spread to Macclesfield, Oldham and Scunthorpe. Telegraph
Public Health England 'concerned' about drug-resistant strain first reported in Leeds but which has spread to Macclesfield, Oldham and Scunthorpe. Telegraph
Thursday, 17 September 2015
Guidance: Flu vaccination: easy read invitation letter template
Guidance: Flu vaccination: easy read invitation letter template
This letter is for health professionals to give to people with learning difficulties and their parents and carers/guardians, either by hand or by post, preferably with an accompanying information leaflet.
Staff can adapt the template format for GP surgeries and health professionals for patients to have their annual flu vaccination.
Download the file to add the name of the practice and other details as appropriate, or print as-is, add notes by hand and then photocopy to share. Public Health England
This letter is for health professionals to give to people with learning difficulties and their parents and carers/guardians, either by hand or by post, preferably with an accompanying information leaflet.
Staff can adapt the template format for GP surgeries and health professionals for patients to have their annual flu vaccination.
Download the file to add the name of the practice and other details as appropriate, or print as-is, add notes by hand and then photocopy to share. Public Health England
Outpatient appointment referrals survey
Outpatient appointment referrals survey
This survey indicates that too few NHS patients say that they are being offered a choice about where they receive care, indicating that more work needs to be done to promote patient choice across the NHS. 40 per cent of respondents to NHS England and Monitor’s annual survey into patient choice said they were offered a choice of hospital or clinic for their first outpatient appointment by their GPs. The survey indicated that, where patients are offered a choice, they are much more likely to be able to go to the hospital or clinic they want. Monitor - NHS Evidence
Survey results
Summary
Press release
This survey indicates that too few NHS patients say that they are being offered a choice about where they receive care, indicating that more work needs to be done to promote patient choice across the NHS. 40 per cent of respondents to NHS England and Monitor’s annual survey into patient choice said they were offered a choice of hospital or clinic for their first outpatient appointment by their GPs. The survey indicated that, where patients are offered a choice, they are much more likely to be able to go to the hospital or clinic they want. Monitor - NHS Evidence
Survey results
Summary
Press release
Investigation into the Cancer Drugs Fund
Investigation into the Cancer Drugs Fund
The National Audit Office has published the findings from its investigation into the Cancer Drugs Fund. The government set up the Fund in 2010 to improve access to cancer drugs that would not otherwise be routinely available on the NHS.
The Fund is unique in that no other condition has a dedicated fund to provide access to drugs not routinely available on the NHS. It was initially intended to run until March 2014, with a budget of £650 million, while a long-term pricing mechanism was worked out that would allow patients access to the drugs and treatments that their doctors thought would help them. In 2013, the government extended the Fund until March 2016. The Fund now has a total lifetime budget of £1.27 billion.
The National Audit Office has published the findings from its investigation into the Cancer Drugs Fund. The government set up the Fund in 2010 to improve access to cancer drugs that would not otherwise be routinely available on the NHS.
The Fund is unique in that no other condition has a dedicated fund to provide access to drugs not routinely available on the NHS. It was initially intended to run until March 2014, with a budget of £650 million, while a long-term pricing mechanism was worked out that would allow patients access to the drugs and treatments that their doctors thought would help them. In 2013, the government extended the Fund until March 2016. The Fund now has a total lifetime budget of £1.27 billion.
NHS maximum waiting times and patient choice policies
NHS maximum waiting times and patient choice policies
This briefing sets out policy on maximum waiting time standards and patient choice in the English NHS.
House of Commons Library
Briefing
Commons Library publications
This briefing sets out policy on maximum waiting time standards and patient choice in the English NHS.
House of Commons Library
Briefing
Commons Library publications
'Urgent' changes needed at Broadmoor
'Urgent' changes needed at Broadmoor
Broadmoor Hospital is told to make urgent changes after being rated inadequate in an inspection which highlighted the overuse of physical restraint on patients. BBC News
Broadmoor Hospital is told to make urgent changes after being rated inadequate in an inspection which highlighted the overuse of physical restraint on patients. BBC News
Anti-depressant was given to millions of young people 'after trials showed it was dangerous'
Anti-depressant was given to millions of young people 'after trials showed it was dangerous'
Millions of young people were prescribed a common anti-depressant on the basis of a notorious medical trial that actually showed the drug was neither safe nor effective in children and adolescents, a major review has confirmed. Independent
Millions of young people were prescribed a common anti-depressant on the basis of a notorious medical trial that actually showed the drug was neither safe nor effective in children and adolescents, a major review has confirmed. Independent
Improving communication about gender identity services – Will Huxter
Improving communication about gender identity services – Will Huxter
Welcome to the first of what I hope will be a regular series of on-line postings about NHS England’s work to improve gender identity services.
I have heard directly from individuals and organisations across the trans and non-binary community regarding concerns they have about limited communication from NHS England in relation to this service area. I want to use this blog to start to change that, by talking about the work both underway, and planned, in relation to gender identity services. I hope you find it useful.
Welcome to the first of what I hope will be a regular series of on-line postings about NHS England’s work to improve gender identity services.
I have heard directly from individuals and organisations across the trans and non-binary community regarding concerns they have about limited communication from NHS England in relation to this service area. I want to use this blog to start to change that, by talking about the work both underway, and planned, in relation to gender identity services. I hope you find it useful.
Health matters: a new resource to aid local public health professionals
Health matters: a new resource to aid local public health professionals
Health matters is a new resource for public health professionals. It is designed to support commissioning and delivering services across local areas. NHS Networks
Health matters is a new resource for public health professionals. It is designed to support commissioning and delivering services across local areas. NHS Networks
Nearly 200 children are treated for infection after a major outbreak of tuberculosis at a British school
Nearly 200 children are treated for infection after a major outbreak of tuberculosis at a British school
Health bosses revealed the results of a major TB screening programme when all pupils were tested at Teign School near Newton Abbot after two caught the infectious disease. Daily Mail
Health bosses revealed the results of a major TB screening programme when all pupils were tested at Teign School near Newton Abbot after two caught the infectious disease. Daily Mail
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Press release: E-cigarettes: an emerging public health consensus
Press release: E-cigarettes: an emerging public health consensus
We all agree that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking. One in 2 lifelong smokers dies from their addiction. All of the evidence suggests that the health risks posed by e-cigarettes are relatively small by comparison but we must continue to study the long term effects.
And yet, millions of smokers have the impression that e-cigarettes are at least as harmful as tobacco and we have a responsibility to provide clear information on the facts as we know them to be. It is our duty to provide reassurance for the 1.1 million e-cigarette users who have completely stopped smoking to prevent their relapse.
To be clear, the public health opportunity is in helping smokers to quit, so we may encourage smokers to try vaping but we certainly encourage vapers to stop smoking tobacco completely.
We know that e-cigarettes are the most popular quitting tool in the country with more than 10 times as many people using them than using local stop smoking services. But, we also know that using local stop smoking services is by far the most effective way to quit.
What we need to do is combine the most popular method with the most effective and that is why we are encouraging those who want to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking to seek the help of their local stop smoking service.
We all agree that e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking. One in 2 lifelong smokers dies from their addiction. All of the evidence suggests that the health risks posed by e-cigarettes are relatively small by comparison but we must continue to study the long term effects.
And yet, millions of smokers have the impression that e-cigarettes are at least as harmful as tobacco and we have a responsibility to provide clear information on the facts as we know them to be. It is our duty to provide reassurance for the 1.1 million e-cigarette users who have completely stopped smoking to prevent their relapse.
To be clear, the public health opportunity is in helping smokers to quit, so we may encourage smokers to try vaping but we certainly encourage vapers to stop smoking tobacco completely.
We know that e-cigarettes are the most popular quitting tool in the country with more than 10 times as many people using them than using local stop smoking services. But, we also know that using local stop smoking services is by far the most effective way to quit.
What we need to do is combine the most popular method with the most effective and that is why we are encouraging those who want to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking to seek the help of their local stop smoking service.
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