New resources help nursing staff identify victims of domestic abuse The RCN has developed new support to help nurses and midwives identify and care for patients who have experienced domestic abuse.
The resources are designed to assist nurses and midwives in supporting their patients and clients, but also recognise that nurses and midwives may themselves be victims of domestic abuse, with information about ways to seek help and tips for staying safe online.
The resources have been compiled by a panel of experts, including RCN members, and have information for nursing staff who may be the perpetrators of domestic abuse.
They also include the key indicators for identifying cases of domestic abuse, using NICE standards and links to UK-wide guidance and publications. Royal College of Nursing
Thursday, 10 November 2016
WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience
WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience WHO has issued a new series of recommendations to improve quality of antenatal care in order to reduce the risk of stillbirths and pregnancy complications and give women a positive pregnancy experience.
Last year, an estimated 303 000 women died from pregnancy-related causes, 2.7 million babies died during the first 28 days of life and 2.6 million babies were stillborn. Quality health care during pregnancy and childbirth can prevent many of these deaths, yet globally only 64% of women receive antenatal (prenatal) care four or more times throughout their pregnancy.
Antenatal care is a critical opportunity for health providers to deliver care, support and information to pregnant women. This includes promoting a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition; detecting and preventing diseases; providing family planning counselling and supporting women who may be experiencing intimate partner violence. World Health Organization
Last year, an estimated 303 000 women died from pregnancy-related causes, 2.7 million babies died during the first 28 days of life and 2.6 million babies were stillborn. Quality health care during pregnancy and childbirth can prevent many of these deaths, yet globally only 64% of women receive antenatal (prenatal) care four or more times throughout their pregnancy.
Antenatal care is a critical opportunity for health providers to deliver care, support and information to pregnant women. This includes promoting a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition; detecting and preventing diseases; providing family planning counselling and supporting women who may be experiencing intimate partner violence. World Health Organization
Hospital admissions hit record high as population ages
Hospital admissions hit record high as population ages Hospital admissions in England rose to record levels last year, with 16.2 million admissions during 2015-16 - up from 12.7 million ten years ago.
Patients aged 65 to 69 - so called "baby boomers" - made up the single largest group of patientsa, with some 1.3 million admissions in 2015-16, according to figures released by NHS Digital.
See also:
Patients aged 65 to 69 - so called "baby boomers" - made up the single largest group of patientsa, with some 1.3 million admissions in 2015-16, according to figures released by NHS Digital.
See also:
STPs 'vital' for future of NHS, Jeremy Hunt tells health leaders
STPs 'vital' for future of NHS, Jeremy Hunt tells health leaders It is ‘vital’, said the health secretary, that ‘we stick with’ the plans to implement the NHS’ Five Year Forward View to move the service ‘towards accountable care organisations’ and a more preventative approach.
Mr Hunt’s comments to health leaders at the annual conference of the King’s Fund thinktank on Wednesday came amid mounting criticism of the STP process. GP Online
Mr Hunt’s comments to health leaders at the annual conference of the King’s Fund thinktank on Wednesday came amid mounting criticism of the STP process. GP Online
Plan launched to standardise mortality review in hospitals
Plan launched to standardise mortality review in hospitals A new programme has been launched to standardised the way hospitals review adult deaths.
The Royal College of Physicians’ National Mortality Case Record Review Programme will focus on investigating adult deaths in hospitals to understand where the weaknesses might be in particular systems, and to identify areas for quality improvement.
Most people who die in hospital have had good care, but research shows that between 10% and 15% have some sort of problem in their care, and around 3% of deaths might have been avoided.
The aim will be to replace the current varied systems with a single, standardised, national, evidence-based method, for mortality review in every acute hospital. OnMedica
The Royal College of Physicians’ National Mortality Case Record Review Programme will focus on investigating adult deaths in hospitals to understand where the weaknesses might be in particular systems, and to identify areas for quality improvement.
Most people who die in hospital have had good care, but research shows that between 10% and 15% have some sort of problem in their care, and around 3% of deaths might have been avoided.
The aim will be to replace the current varied systems with a single, standardised, national, evidence-based method, for mortality review in every acute hospital. OnMedica
NHS trusts on course to overshoot budgets by £850m, figures suggest
NHS trusts on course to overshoot budgets by £850m, figures suggest Overspend is projected to be more than three times the sum health bosses have deemed acceptable, according to the Health Service Journal
NHS hospital trusts are on course to overshoot their budgets by £850m this year, more than three times the deficit health service bosses said was acceptable, research has shown.
Such an overspend would be a setback for NHS England’s chief executive, Simon Stevens, and Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, as they have pledged to ensure that trusts end the year no more than £250m in the red. 'Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS hospital trusts are on course to overshoot their budgets by £850m this year, more than three times the deficit health service bosses said was acceptable, research has shown.
Such an overspend would be a setback for NHS England’s chief executive, Simon Stevens, and Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, as they have pledged to ensure that trusts end the year no more than £250m in the red. 'Continue reading... The Guardian
How apps can help patients take care of themselves
How apps can help patients take care of themselves Digital tech allowing patients to manage long-term health conditions is saving the NHS cash and transforming lives
In a shed next to his Portsmouth home, former soldier Paul Quinn plugs into state-of-the-art technology, costing only £20 and operated through his iPad, to manage his chronic, life-threatening respiratory disease. He exercises there with his wife Elizabeth, guided by printouts of routines he has pasted to the walls.
Since the 64-year-old started using the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management app he has lost weight, his depression has lifted, he sees his GP once a year (compared with twice-monthly visits previously) and he has not needed hospital treatment for 18 months. Quinn says he has his life back. This is not what he expected three years ago after developing acute breathing problems and being diagnosed with COPD. At that time he was handed an end-of-life pamphlet. Continue reading... The Guardian
In a shed next to his Portsmouth home, former soldier Paul Quinn plugs into state-of-the-art technology, costing only £20 and operated through his iPad, to manage his chronic, life-threatening respiratory disease. He exercises there with his wife Elizabeth, guided by printouts of routines he has pasted to the walls.
Since the 64-year-old started using the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management app he has lost weight, his depression has lifted, he sees his GP once a year (compared with twice-monthly visits previously) and he has not needed hospital treatment for 18 months. Quinn says he has his life back. This is not what he expected three years ago after developing acute breathing problems and being diagnosed with COPD. At that time he was handed an end-of-life pamphlet. Continue reading... The Guardian
One in ten NHS doctors in London turn to alcohol and drugs in bid to battle burnout
One in ten NHS doctors in London turn to alcohol and drugs in bid to battle burnout Thousands of doctors have turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with burnout and bullying at work, one of Britain’s leading GPs has revealed.
A unit set up to help medics with job-related mental health problems found more than a quarter were relying on drinking and prescription medication in order to deal with stress.
Dr Clare Gerada, head of the Practitioner Health Programme and former Chair of the Royal College of GPs, warned that working in the NHS is currently “an occupational hazard”, and that without action there “won’t be the staff to work in it”. The Daily Telegraph
A unit set up to help medics with job-related mental health problems found more than a quarter were relying on drinking and prescription medication in order to deal with stress.
Dr Clare Gerada, head of the Practitioner Health Programme and former Chair of the Royal College of GPs, warned that working in the NHS is currently “an occupational hazard”, and that without action there “won’t be the staff to work in it”. The Daily Telegraph
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
NHS England takes new steps to improve learning disability employment
NHS England takes new steps to improve learning disability employment As Mencap’s Learning Disability Work Experience Week kicks off, the number of NHS organisations pledging to employ more people with learning disabilities has hit 100, with NHS England calling on more trusts and hospitals to join the growing list.
The pledges have already led to ten new work experience placements which will begin this week across NHS trusts, hospitals and in the NHS England main London office, including in the Chief Executive’s and Chair’s office, with plans for more and longer term employment opportunities already in the pipeline. NHS England
The pledges have already led to ten new work experience placements which will begin this week across NHS trusts, hospitals and in the NHS England main London office, including in the Chief Executive’s and Chair’s office, with plans for more and longer term employment opportunities already in the pipeline. NHS England
How will the NHS cope this winter?
How will the NHS cope this winter? The headlines may be dominated by Washington politics and the Brexit debate, but NHS managers are focusing on one issue above others - the winter and what it will mean for already stretched services.
Temperatures have dropped this week, and the Met Office has warned of an increased risk of cold snaps between now and Christmas.
That has certainly been concentrating minds in the upper reaches of the NHS. BBC News
Temperatures have dropped this week, and the Met Office has warned of an increased risk of cold snaps between now and Christmas.
That has certainly been concentrating minds in the upper reaches of the NHS. BBC News
Medical training must give equal status to general practice, warns landmark report
Medical training must give equal status to general practice, warns landmark report The DH must urgently review medical school funding to improve training in primary care and tackle the perception of general practice being a 'less valued' career option, according to a landmark report. GP Online
See also:
See also:
- By choice – not by chance: Supporting medical students towards careers in general practice Health Education England
- New report shines spotlight on denigration of general practice in medical schools, says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
Watchdog reports rise in medical radiation incidents
Watchdog reports rise in medical radiation incidents An increase in the number of medical-related radiation incidents have been reported in England, according to the health watchdog.
In its annual report on activity relating to the enforcement of The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) notes an increase of 16% (1,277 notification) during 2015, on the previous year’s total (1,103).
The CQC says the rise is partly due to an increase in activity taking place, and more clinicians recognising the importance of reporting incidents of over-exposure. OnMedica
In its annual report on activity relating to the enforcement of The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) notes an increase of 16% (1,277 notification) during 2015, on the previous year’s total (1,103).
The CQC says the rise is partly due to an increase in activity taking place, and more clinicians recognising the importance of reporting incidents of over-exposure. OnMedica
NHS England proposes hospital ban on sugar-sweetened drinks
NHS England proposes hospital ban on sugar-sweetened drinks Chief executive calls for ban on sugar-sweetened drinks or vendor levy on sales to protect patients and staff
NHS England is proposing to ban sugar-sweetened drinks from hospital vending machines and restaurants, in a dramatic attempt to curb obesity that goes beyond the government’s plans for a sugar levy.
The chief executive, Simon Stevens, who has previously spoken out about junk food being sold in hospitals and the risk that health problems caused by weight gain could bankrupt the NHS, unveiled two radical proposals to cut obesity. The first is to reduce the amount of high-sugar soft drinks consumed in hospitals. The alternative to the outright ban is to impose a fee on vendors of sugar-sweetened drinks, which would amount to 20% of their sales. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
NHS England is proposing to ban sugar-sweetened drinks from hospital vending machines and restaurants, in a dramatic attempt to curb obesity that goes beyond the government’s plans for a sugar levy.
The chief executive, Simon Stevens, who has previously spoken out about junk food being sold in hospitals and the risk that health problems caused by weight gain could bankrupt the NHS, unveiled two radical proposals to cut obesity. The first is to reduce the amount of high-sugar soft drinks consumed in hospitals. The alternative to the outright ban is to impose a fee on vendors of sugar-sweetened drinks, which would amount to 20% of their sales. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- NHS in England ponders sugary drinks ban BBC News
- Hospitals face ban on selling sugary drinks from canteens and vending machines The Daily Mail
- NHS may ban sale of all sugary drinks The Daily Telegraph
Slipping Through the Cracks, Mental Health and Homelessness
Slipping Through the Cracks, Mental Health and Homelessness I remember, where I used to live, there was a homeless man who slept at night in an alcove opposite a Tesco Metro. Once he stopped me, randomly, and spent ten minutes talking about some recent trouble he had been involved in; he had been removed from a shelter and suffered abuse there and was looking to move to another. The reasons for his removal were clear. Alcoholism had done its work on him, and likely, many other things too. Perhaps he, like countless others who live in homeless shelters, or on the street, suffer with severe mental illnesses. Illnesses, that if untreated can chip away at a person’s life until there is little left. Huffington Post UK
Trainee midwife makes heartfelt plea with the Prime Minister to save student bursaries and not replace them with £50,000 loans
Trainee midwife makes heartfelt plea with the Prime Minister to save student bursaries and not replace them with £50,000 loans Alison Brindle, 38, from Bolton, wrote to Prime Minister Theresa May after working 50 hours in four days. Her message, which was posted on Facebook, has been shared more than 7,000 times. The Daily Mail
NHS discrimination warning as study finds those beyond screening age limits more likely to have cancer
NHS discrimination warning as study finds those beyond screening age limits more likely to have cancer Those at greatest risk for one of the most common cancers are being denied screening amid widespread age discrimination by the NHS, a major study suggests.
Research on more than 30,000 patients found that those over the age of 75 were 65 per cent more likely than younger patients to be suffering from bowel cancer.
Britain’s poor record on diagnosis has been blamed for its“shameful” place in international league tables, with one third of cancer sufferers dead within a year of disease being found.
Last night charities called for the NHS to review its practices, to improve the survival chances of thousands of elderly patients. The Daily Telegraph
Research on more than 30,000 patients found that those over the age of 75 were 65 per cent more likely than younger patients to be suffering from bowel cancer.
Britain’s poor record on diagnosis has been blamed for its“shameful” place in international league tables, with one third of cancer sufferers dead within a year of disease being found.
Last night charities called for the NHS to review its practices, to improve the survival chances of thousands of elderly patients. The Daily Telegraph
Tuesday, 8 November 2016
Northampton charity bids to reduce number of diabetes-related amputations
Northampton charity bids to reduce number of diabetes-related amputations A Northampton-based charity has vowed to “drive down” the increasing number of easily avoided diabetes-related amputations. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Domestic violence revealed as main reason Northamptonshire children are referred to social services
Domestic violence revealed as main reason Northamptonshire children are referred to social services The number of children known to social services in Northamptonshire has reached more than 11,000, according to new figures from the NSPCC. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Health charities warn of £1.9bn social care funding gap
Health charities warn of £1.9bn social care funding gap Three leading health charities have issued a call for the government to address a £1.9 billion social care funding gap through the Autumn Statement.
In a new briefing published today ahead of the Autumn Statement on 23 November, the Health Foundation, The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust analyse the state of health and social care finances, concluding that cuts and rising demand will leave adult social care facing a £1.9 billion funding gap next year.
The three organisations conclude that despite mounting pressures on the NHS, finding money to plug this gap is the most urgent priority. They urge the government to bring forward increases in social care funding planned for later in the parliament through the Better Care Fund to next year, warning that without this, thousands more older and disabled people will be denied access to the care they need, with severe consequences for the NHS.
See also:
In a new briefing published today ahead of the Autumn Statement on 23 November, the Health Foundation, The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust analyse the state of health and social care finances, concluding that cuts and rising demand will leave adult social care facing a £1.9 billion funding gap next year.
The three organisations conclude that despite mounting pressures on the NHS, finding money to plug this gap is the most urgent priority. They urge the government to bring forward increases in social care funding planned for later in the parliament through the Better Care Fund to next year, warning that without this, thousands more older and disabled people will be denied access to the care they need, with severe consequences for the NHS.
See also:
- The Autumn Statement: Joint statement on health and social care Health Foundation, King's Fund and Nuffield Trust
- Listening to the chorus of concern around social care The King's Fund
- Councils 'risk legal action' over care cuts BBC News
- Raft of legal claims against councils feared over cuts to home care The Daily Telegraph
Should local business rates fund local public health? There’s not a simple answer
Should local business rates fund local public health? There’s not a simple answerBack in March I suggested that the then Chancellor’s surprise announcement of a sugar levy in the budget drew attention away from what might turn out to be a far bigger – if seemingly more obscure – issue: the potential switch of the Department of Health local government public health grant to business rate funding, as part of a wider Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) consultation on how to increase the share of local government funding from local business rates rather than central government grants.
The principle of stronger reliance on local funding, as opposed to government grants, is one that local government has long argued for, given the UK is one of the developed world’s most fiscally centralised states. The argument goes that a government serious about devolution needs to devolve the means of raising revenue alongside the responsibilities for spending it. And moving more central government grant funding streams into business rates will create the incentive for local areas to focus on economic growth and the benefits that brings. The King's Fund
The principle of stronger reliance on local funding, as opposed to government grants, is one that local government has long argued for, given the UK is one of the developed world’s most fiscally centralised states. The argument goes that a government serious about devolution needs to devolve the means of raising revenue alongside the responsibilities for spending it. And moving more central government grant funding streams into business rates will create the incentive for local areas to focus on economic growth and the benefits that brings. The King's Fund
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