Watching quality

Watching quality Jennifer Dixon on why QualityWatch, a joint Health Foundation and Nuffield Trust programme, will provide much needed analysis on the quality of care in the UK. The Health Foundation

UK autism cases have 'levelled off'

UK autism cases have 'levelled off' The number of new cases of autism being diagnosed in the UK has levelled off, following the surge of the 1990s, according to researchers. BBC News

VIDEO: 'Too many mental health failures'

VIDEO: 'Too many mental health failures' Care Minister Norman Lamb has said there are "too many failures" in relation to the treatment of people with mental health conditions, and called for an end to "institutional bias against mental health" within the NHS. BBC News

See also:

• VIDEO: 'Genuine increase in demand' BBC News
• NHS mental health care in ‘crisis’ due to lack of beds, leading psychiatrist warn The Independent

'Mad cow protein' carried by 1 in 2,000 people

'Mad cow protein' carried by 1 in 2,000 people "Twice as many Britons as previously thought could be carrying the human form of "mad cow" disease, variant CJD," BBC News warns.

However, the number remains low – 1 in 2,000 – and it is uncertain whether people who carry the vCJD protein will develop any associated symptoms.

The state of medical education and practice in the UK: 2013

The state of medical education and practice in the UK: 2013 This report aims to provide a picture of the medical profession in the UK. It looks at major trends and identifies some of the challenges facing doctors. It finds that many patients are unsure how to raise concerns about poor medical care and reveals that doctors reported more concerns about their colleagues in 2012.

• Report
• GMC - press release

Millions of asthmatics receive substandard care

Millions of asthmatics receive substandard care NHS audit of asthma care essential to save lives. OnMedica

Long-term thinking is vital if NHS is to meet future challenges

Long-term thinking is vital if NHS is to meet future challenges A timeframe of at least five years is needed to enable the healthcare system to adapt to the 21st century.

New NHS guidance: Don't blame patients for being fat, doctors warned

New NHS guidance: Don't blame patients for being fat, doctors warned

Doctors should not blame patients for being fat, according to new NHS guidance. The Independent

See also:

• Don't blame obese patients for being fat, doctors told The Daily Telegraph
• Don't be nasty to fat people: NICE tells doctors to show respect to obese patients The Daily Mail