Monday 16 September 2013

NHS in Northamptonshire urge patients to get their blood pressure checked - Northampton Herald and Post

NHS in Northamptonshire urge patients to get their blood pressure checked - Northampton Herald and Post

Dr Matthew Davies, Assistant Clinical Chair and Long Term Conditions Lead at NHSNene CCG, said: “Knowing your blood pressure numbers really does count so we'd urge everyone to visit their local pharmacy to get their blood pressure levels tested during ...

News story: More than 5,000 patients carry out hospital inspections

News story: More than 5,000 patients carry out hospital inspections  Since April, teams of patient inspectors have carried out more than 4,600 ward inspections across the country covering things that matter most to patients - being treated in a clean, safe environment, tasty nutritious food, and high standards of privacy and dignity.
Early examples show that the inspections are particularly helpful for seeing hospitals through older patients’ eyes. Changes are already being seen as a result of the inspections. St James’s University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary have made changes to the signs at the hospitals so it is easier for patients to find their way around, and have installed benches along some of the longer corridors, where older patients found that the walk could be tiring.

Revalidation for nurses and midwives

Revalidation for nurses and midwives  To drive up public safety and confidence in the people providing their healthcare, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has committed to develop and implement a system of revalidation for nurses and midwives.  NHS Employers

Jeremy Hunt confirms commitment to balance patient safety and privacy

Jeremy Hunt confirms commitment to balance patient safety and privacy  People will be able to feel confident that information about their health and care is secure, protected and shared appropriately to create better services and deliver better care, Jeremy Hunt confirmed.
His comments came as the government’s full response to the Caldicott review on information governance was published, alongside new guidance from the Health and Social Care Information Centre that sets out the responsibilities of health and care staff towards personal confidential data.  NHS Networks

Endoscope-i can see clearly

Endoscope-i can see clearly  A Birmingham surgeon has created an endoscopic iPhone system so clinicians can record and view videos and images of endoscopies in real time.  EHI News

Has NHS Change Day made a difference six months on?

Has NHS Change Day made a difference six months on?  Although there is still much work to be done, NHS Change Day has demonstrated that patients' experiences can be improved
Six months ago, on 13 March 2013, NHS Change Day, a social movement to demonstrate how small changes can have a big impact, came of age. NHS staff pledged a change in their practice which would improve patient experience and/or clinical outcomes by spreading and adopting best practice and championing innovation. An ambitious target of 65,000 pledges was set with a view to demonstrating that collective action was possible and beneficial.
Even before Change Day, the pledge total was surpassed, helped by the absence of any "top-down" direction, a dynamic social media policy and an explosion of Change Day YouTube videos. Leicester hospitals went out into the streets to see what the public would like see changed about the NHS,Derbyshire Community Healthcare Trust put on a Harlem Shake and there was even a change day jingle courtesy of Harrogate and District NHS foundation trust.

The long term care revolution

The long term care revolution  It draws on substantial evidence about the views of older people and their carers in the UK, lessons from abroad, the implications for industry/providers. The report makes recommendations to government and industry leaders on key factors for revolutionising long term care for older people, including mainstream and specialist living environments.  NHS Networks

Supply options outlined for renamed ICSP

Supply options outlined for renamed ICSP  NHS England's planned patient platform, which is due to take over from NHS Choices, will have different components delivered by different providers.  EHI News

NHS challenged on stop smoking support for people with mental ill health

NHS challenged on stop smoking support for people with mental ill health  A new report challenges the NHS to examine the support they offer to people with mental illness to help them stop smoking.  NHS Confederation Press Release

Raising concerns: guidance for nurses and midwives

Raising concerns: guidance for nurses and midwives 
Nursing and Midwifery Council 
This guidance sets out broad principles that will help nurses and midwives think through the issues and take appropriate action in the public interest. This new edition includes information on recent legislation that offers protection to whistleblowers as well as updated information on organisations nurses and midwives can go to for further advice.

Copper kills norovirus

Copper kills norovirus  Researchers recommend care settings incorporate antimicrobial surfaces containing copper.  OnMedica News

NHS 'covered up' £4m of gag orders

NHS 'covered up' £4m of gag orders  The head of the NHS has been accused of a "systemic cover-up" after official figures disclosed that hospitals have spent more than £4?million on secret gagging orders.Telegraph

Forces to be tested for combat stress

Forces to be tested for combat stress  Every member of the Armed Forces will be given a mental health test under a new scheme to spot signs of PTSD in veterans.Telegraph