GPs face the social care gap every day. But we can’t fill it | Zara Aziz Health professionals feel increasingly like social workers as we try to access care for the vulnerable. Making them liable for the cost of their illness is wrong
Hospitals and GP surgeries are busier than ever. The burden of ill-health is especially noticeable in poor people, those suffering from mental health conditions, and the elderly. I help to look after the health of all of these groups of patients in my role as a GP, as well as (to a lesser extent) young people and those suffering from acute or self-limiting illnesses. The Guardian
Wednesday 31 May 2017
Working at HMP Wandsworth: a healthcare environment like no other
Working at HMP Wandsworth: a healthcare environment like no other As a healthcare professional in one of the UK’s largest prisons, you’ll be exposed to a unique set of challenges and opportunities
HMP Wandsworth is soon to become a remand prison, meaning thousands more men will pass through its doors. To cope with this increased demand, the Offender Healthcare Service is recruiting.
Offenders have a vast range of physical and mental health needs, and substance misuse conditions. It’s estimated that 36% of prisoners in England and Wales have a physical disability or mental illness, and around 30% are estimated to have learning difficulties that affect their ability to cope with the criminal justice system. The Guardian
HMP Wandsworth is soon to become a remand prison, meaning thousands more men will pass through its doors. To cope with this increased demand, the Offender Healthcare Service is recruiting.
Offenders have a vast range of physical and mental health needs, and substance misuse conditions. It’s estimated that 36% of prisoners in England and Wales have a physical disability or mental illness, and around 30% are estimated to have learning difficulties that affect their ability to cope with the criminal justice system. The Guardian
NHS spending 'at its highest level in history'
NHS spending 'at its highest level in history' The study by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) found that annual spending on the NHS has reached £2,160 per person – up from just £500 in 1970. Daily Mail
NHS funding choices and the 2017 general election
NHS funding choices and the 2017 general election Nuffield Trust - This analysis of the major political parties manifestos has found that none of the parties have pledged to spend enough money on the NHS in England to close its funding gap, cope with increased demand and sustain high quality care. This briefing sets out four spending scenarios, setting them alongside a continuation of existing government plans and calculates how much money each would require by 2022/23. It finds that all the major political parties' plans fail to reach the lowest projecting of possible future NHS spending patterns and consequently spending as a proportion of GDP is set to fall under the three main parties' proposals. The King's Fund
NHS faces £500m-a-year bill post-Brexit for returning retirees, says thinktank
NHS faces £500m-a-year bill post-Brexit for returning retirees, says thinktank If current EU healthcare scheme for retired UK citizens ends, NHS costs will climb, with nurse and care worker shortages set to have a further impact
The NHS would be hit with a bill for an extra £500m a year if all the retired British citizens now living in Europe could no longer get care post-Brexit and returned to the UK, a report from a healthcare thinktank has calculated.
According to the Nuffield Trust, the cost of Brexit to the NHS and social care system would be higher still if the numbers of nurses and care workers currently coming to the UK from Europe fell. Its report says there could be a shortfall of 70,000 paid carers by 2025/26 if the migration of unskilled workers to Britain from Europe is no longer permitted. The Guardian
The NHS would be hit with a bill for an extra £500m a year if all the retired British citizens now living in Europe could no longer get care post-Brexit and returned to the UK, a report from a healthcare thinktank has calculated.
According to the Nuffield Trust, the cost of Brexit to the NHS and social care system would be higher still if the numbers of nurses and care workers currently coming to the UK from Europe fell. Its report says there could be a shortfall of 70,000 paid carers by 2025/26 if the migration of unskilled workers to Britain from Europe is no longer permitted. The Guardian
Tuesday 30 May 2017
Mental health and new models of care: lessons from the vanguards
Mental health and new models of care: lessons from the vanguards
Report on recent research with vanguard sites in England by the King's Fund and Royal College of Psychiatrists. King's Fund.
Union: KGH staff victims of ‘ludicrous’ £20 parking fees
Union: KGH staff victims of ‘ludicrous’ £20 parking fees
A trade union says a temporary £20 parking fee at KGH will mean staff will bear the burden of the addition of a second tier to Car Park B. Northamptonshire Telegraph.
A trade union says a temporary £20 parking fee at KGH will mean staff will bear the burden of the addition of a second tier to Car Park B. Northamptonshire Telegraph.
Sustainable workforce key to wider care challenges, says Health Foundation
Sustainable workforce key to wider care challenges, says Health Foundation
A Health Foundation briefing on the challenges facing the NHS and social care workforce in England, points to a combination of issues around recruitment, retention and morale. Health Foundation.
Healthy commissioning: how the Social Value Act is being used by clinical commissioning groups
Healthy commissioning: how the Social Value Act is being used by clinical commissioning groups National Voices - This report, produced in partnership with Social Enterprise UK, finds that only 13 per cent of CCGs can clearly show that they are actively committed to persuing social value in their procurement and commissioning decisions. King's Fund.
See also:
Commissioners ‘failing’ to consider wider societal issues OnMedica.
Commissioners ignore social value law NHS Networks
See also:
Commissioners ‘failing’ to consider wider societal issues OnMedica.
Commissioners ignore social value law NHS Networks
Autism diagnoses 'could be reduced under NHS plan'
Autism diagnoses 'could be reduced under NHS plan'
Proposals to reduce the number of children being diagnosed with autism are being considered by NHS commissioners in south-west London. BBC News.
NHS patients offered the chance to see a GP weeks earlier - if they pay - Telegraph.co.uk
NHS patients offered the chance to see a GP weeks earlier - if they pay - Telegraph.co.uk
NHS patients are being offered the chance to jump the queue to see a GP weeks earlier - if they pay for it. Touchscreen advertising within NHS practices is offering patients facing waits of almost a month a same-day appointment for £39. The Telegraph.
General election 2017: party manifesto pledges on health and care
General election 2017: party manifesto pledges on health and care
With the general election manifestos published, GPonline looks at what the three main parties in England are promising for health. GPOnline.
With the general election manifestos published, GPonline looks at what the three main parties in England are promising for health. GPOnline.
Hospital beds occupied by mental health patients at record high - iNews
Hospital beds occupied by mental health patients at record high - iNews
Hospital beds occupied by mental health patients are at an all time high, according to analysis published by the British Medical Association (BMA). Analysis by the union shows that almost 90 per cent were filled at the end of 2016 – a figure experts ... iNews
Hospital beds occupied by mental health patients are at an all time high, according to analysis published by the British Medical Association (BMA). Analysis by the union shows that almost 90 per cent were filled at the end of 2016 – a figure experts ... iNews
Which Political Party Has The Best Proposals On Mental Health? - HuffPost UK
Which Political Party Has The Best Proposals On Mental Health? - HuffPost UK
The manifestos of the three largest parties collectively contain 75 references to mental health — 70 more than the respective manifestos in 2010, excluding the indexes. Those that have read the recently released manifestos could be forgiven for ... HuffPost UK
Modified antibiotic successfully kills drug-resistant bug
Modified antibiotic successfully kills drug-resistant bug
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute in the US modified the drug so it works in three separate ways on bacteria, making it much harder for them to develop resistance. Mail Online
Friday 26 May 2017
Kettering General Hospital 'fiddled' waiting time records
Kettering General Hospital 'fiddled' waiting time records Thousands of patients were removed from a hospital's waiting lists in a bid to "fiddle" the system, it is claimed.
A BBC investigation found thousands of Kettering General Hospital patients had waited a year or more for operations.
David Phelan, a hospital trust governor, claims patients were removed from lists because national targets were being missed.
The hospital admitted there had been "anomalies" and that a thorough review of data had been carried out. BBC News
A BBC investigation found thousands of Kettering General Hospital patients had waited a year or more for operations.
David Phelan, a hospital trust governor, claims patients were removed from lists because national targets were being missed.
The hospital admitted there had been "anomalies" and that a thorough review of data had been carried out. BBC News
Northampton GP surgery ranked 'good' by inspectors after making 'significant improvements'
Northampton GP surgery ranked 'good' by inspectors after making 'significant improvements' Inspectors have upgraded a Northampton GP practice from 'requires improvement' to 'good' for providing safe care.
A report published by the Care Quality Commission said the Mounts Medical Centre, in Campbell Street, had 'significantly improved' since its last inspection in 2015 and has now been given the second-highest rating possible. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
A report published by the Care Quality Commission said the Mounts Medical Centre, in Campbell Street, had 'significantly improved' since its last inspection in 2015 and has now been given the second-highest rating possible. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
General election 2017: manifesto analysis
General election 2017: manifesto analysis These briefings aim to summarise the health and care aspects of political party manifestos in the build up to the 2017 General Election. National Voices
Supporting strategic commissioning: collaborative working between CCGs and AHSNs
Supporting strategic commissioning: collaborative working between CCGs and AHSNs This report aims to show how collaboration between CCGs and AHSNs can bring positive benefits to local patients and populations. It recommends that the most successful collaborations between CCGs and AHSNs will be ones that focus on a specific issue rather than on providing more general support. It also states that projects that focus on delivery at scale, will be the most impactful making AHSNs natural partners for commissioners working as a part of an STP. NHS Clinical Commissioners
NHS entering 'year-round crisis', BMA warns
NHS entering 'year-round crisis', BMA warns Chronic underfunding and 'bad political choices' have left health and social care services unable to cope, with winter pressures now turning into a 'state of year-round crisis', the BMA has warned. GPonline
I worried about working in psychiatry but one patient taught me how to listen
I worried about working in psychiatry but one patient taught me how to listen It took ages to earn Sandra’s trust – she showed me how people’s lives can be consumed by the cruel fate of mental health problems
In medicine, psychiatry isn’t seen as glamorous. As a student and while training, you fight with your colleagues for the sexy jobs in cardiology, intensive care or on the frontline. When the crash call goes off, it’s dramatic; chest compressions, ventilation, trying to be the hero you see depicted on television. A job in psychiatry wasn’t my first choice, if there was a crisis, what would I do? Come running with my pen and notebook? Not exactly Oscar-winning stuff.
I had my reservations as I was about to embark on 91 days as a doctor in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. Continue reading... The Guardian
In medicine, psychiatry isn’t seen as glamorous. As a student and while training, you fight with your colleagues for the sexy jobs in cardiology, intensive care or on the frontline. When the crash call goes off, it’s dramatic; chest compressions, ventilation, trying to be the hero you see depicted on television. A job in psychiatry wasn’t my first choice, if there was a crisis, what would I do? Come running with my pen and notebook? Not exactly Oscar-winning stuff.
I had my reservations as I was about to embark on 91 days as a doctor in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. Continue reading... The Guardian
Hospital trauma units across England on terror attack standby
Hospital trauma units across England on terror attack standby NHS England advises surgical teams to review staffing after Manchester bomb and be ready for ballistic and blast injuries
NHS hospital trauma units have been put on standby to deal with a potential fresh terrorist attack, possibly happening as soon as this weekend. The NHS has told every hospital in England, including the 27 that are specialist trauma centres, to “prepare for a further incident”. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
NHS hospital trauma units have been put on standby to deal with a potential fresh terrorist attack, possibly happening as soon as this weekend. The NHS has told every hospital in England, including the 27 that are specialist trauma centres, to “prepare for a further incident”. Continue reading... The Guardian
See also:
- NHS issues warning for possible terror attack this weekend The Daily Mail
- A&E and trauma units told to prepare for possible terrorist attack The Daily Telegraph
- UK hospitals 'told to prepare for bank holiday terror attack' The Independent
Midwives reveal what they wished women knew
Midwives reveal what they wished women knew Bournemouth-based midwives, Samantha Pantlin and Alex Williams, run The Naked Midwives, putting together programmes to ensure women are as prepared for birth as possible. The Daily Mail
6000 per cent rise in number of patients stuck on trolleys for 12 hours
6000 per cent rise in number of patients stuck on trolleys for 12 hours The number of patients waiting 12 hours on trolleys has risen by more than 6,000 per cent as hospital overcrowding reaches a record high, NHS figures show.
The Royal College of Surgeons said the situation had become “exceptionally worrying,” urging the next Government to draw up immediate plans to deal with the crisis.
Occupancy levels are now the highest on record - with 91.4 per cent of beds filled, compared to recommended rates of 85 percent, the statistics show.
More than 20 trusts regularly reached occupancy of at least 99 per cent during the period, the figures show. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
The Royal College of Surgeons said the situation had become “exceptionally worrying,” urging the next Government to draw up immediate plans to deal with the crisis.
Occupancy levels are now the highest on record - with 91.4 per cent of beds filled, compared to recommended rates of 85 percent, the statistics show.
More than 20 trusts regularly reached occupancy of at least 99 per cent during the period, the figures show. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Average hospital bed occupancy rate for 2017 sits at 92% The Daily Mail
- NHS A&E units are 'stretched to their very limits' The Daily Mail
Charlie Gard: Doctors can stop providing life support for sick baby as parents lose Court of Appeal fight
Charlie Gard: Doctors can stop providing life support for sick baby as parents lose Court of Appeal fight A couple who want to take their sick baby son to the USA for treatment have lost a legal battle in the Court of Appeal.
Chris Gard and Connie Yates want nine-month-old Charlie Gard, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, to undergo a therapy trial.
Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where Charlie is being cared for, say therapy proposed by a doctor in America is experimental and will not help. They say life-support treatment should stop. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Chris Gard and Connie Yates want nine-month-old Charlie Gard, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, to undergo a therapy trial.
Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where Charlie is being cared for, say therapy proposed by a doctor in America is experimental and will not help. They say life-support treatment should stop. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Thursday 25 May 2017
What do the manifestos mean for the NHS?
What do the manifestos mean for the NHS? There is more that unites the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat manifestos on the NHS than divides them. All three parties reiterate their commitment to the enduring principles of the NHS. All promise to increase NHS funding during the next parliament. And all outline plans to improve care and to deliver key waiting time and other standards. The King's Fund
Listening to patients, carers, staff and communities... do we care enough?
Listening to patients, carers, staff and communities... do we care enough? The message from every speaker and through every presentation at the Fund’s seventh annual leadership summit was clear – intensely portrayed by passionate descriptions and powerful images: we need to hear the stories, we need to work with compassion together, we need to care. The King's Fund
Flexible and user-led – why NHS trusts are switching to open source software
Flexible and user-led – why NHS trusts are switching to open source software Electronic patient record systems are expensive – could open source be the way forward for the NHS?
Many NHS trusts have started implementing electronic patient record (EPR) systems to improve efficiency and reduce paper waste. At a time of budget cuts, however, the multimillion pound price tag attached to an EPR implementation can be off-putting.
As an alternative, some are looking at open source software, in which the underlying code is made available for free, and users are able to tailor it to their own needs for no extra cost. This is different from proprietary software, where the supplier controls the source code and may charge licence fees. Continue reading... The Guardian
Many NHS trusts have started implementing electronic patient record (EPR) systems to improve efficiency and reduce paper waste. At a time of budget cuts, however, the multimillion pound price tag attached to an EPR implementation can be off-putting.
As an alternative, some are looking at open source software, in which the underlying code is made available for free, and users are able to tailor it to their own needs for no extra cost. This is different from proprietary software, where the supplier controls the source code and may charge licence fees. Continue reading... The Guardian
'I still feel raw': nurse tells of treating Manchester bombing victims
'I still feel raw': nurse tells of treating Manchester bombing victims Joe O’Brien talks of a patient who smiled despite horrific injuries and a doctor, whose daughter was at the arena, returning to treat the wounded
Joe O’Brien is a senior sister in the surgical department of Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport, where six of the 59 injured in the Manchester bombing were treated.
On Monday, I worked from 8am until 6pm as a surgery sister at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport. I was in bed that night listening to BBC Radio Four when I heard the words ‘Manchester’ and ‘incident’. I immediately thought about Declan, my son, a student who lives in central Manchester. I shot downstairs, spoke to my husband Sean. We rang Declan and established that he was OK, then I rang work and went in.
When I got there at 1.30am there were ambulances outside which had brought in six of the 59 casualties from the arena. They were stabilised in the A&E unit and brought to the surgical department where I work. They all had what we call lower limb injuries with foreign bodies – shrapnel injuries. Metal bolts and nuts, some an inch wide, had gone into them. They had caused real damage and left big holes in people. Shrapnel is like a large bullethole. It just destroys anything it goes through – arteries, bones, nerves, the lot. I’ve been in operating theatres since 1988 and it’s the most upsetting thing I’ve ever seen. Continue reading... The Guardian
Joe O’Brien is a senior sister in the surgical department of Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport, where six of the 59 injured in the Manchester bombing were treated.
On Monday, I worked from 8am until 6pm as a surgery sister at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport. I was in bed that night listening to BBC Radio Four when I heard the words ‘Manchester’ and ‘incident’. I immediately thought about Declan, my son, a student who lives in central Manchester. I shot downstairs, spoke to my husband Sean. We rang Declan and established that he was OK, then I rang work and went in.
When I got there at 1.30am there were ambulances outside which had brought in six of the 59 casualties from the arena. They were stabilised in the A&E unit and brought to the surgical department where I work. They all had what we call lower limb injuries with foreign bodies – shrapnel injuries. Metal bolts and nuts, some an inch wide, had gone into them. They had caused real damage and left big holes in people. Shrapnel is like a large bullethole. It just destroys anything it goes through – arteries, bones, nerves, the lot. I’ve been in operating theatres since 1988 and it’s the most upsetting thing I’ve ever seen. Continue reading... The Guardian
What do the election manifestos say about social care?
What do the election manifestos say about social care? From a dementia tax to a National Care Service, the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat election promises about social care examined
While the snap election appears to be about getting a mandate for Brexit, the controversy over social care proposals in the Conservative manifesto has ignited the issue. The three major political parties all have something to say about social care, which has been unfinished business through successive governments for at least the past 20 years.
Both the Liberal Democrat and Labour manifestos describe social care as being in a state of crisis, and the funding shortfall is well known (estimated at £2bn this year alone). The Lib Dems would introduce an immediate 1p rise in all rates of income tax and ringfence the additional revenue (which they calculate at £6bn) for NHS and social care services. In the longer term this would be replaced with a hypothecated health and care tax. The manifesto also pledges to “finish the job of implementing a cap on the cost of social care, which the Conservatives have effectively abandoned”. Continue reading... The Guardian
While the snap election appears to be about getting a mandate for Brexit, the controversy over social care proposals in the Conservative manifesto has ignited the issue. The three major political parties all have something to say about social care, which has been unfinished business through successive governments for at least the past 20 years.
Both the Liberal Democrat and Labour manifestos describe social care as being in a state of crisis, and the funding shortfall is well known (estimated at £2bn this year alone). The Lib Dems would introduce an immediate 1p rise in all rates of income tax and ringfence the additional revenue (which they calculate at £6bn) for NHS and social care services. In the longer term this would be replaced with a hypothecated health and care tax. The manifesto also pledges to “finish the job of implementing a cap on the cost of social care, which the Conservatives have effectively abandoned”. Continue reading... The Guardian
Drink and drug service cuts will hit overstretched A&Es
Drink and drug service cuts will hit overstretched A&Es Cuts to addiction services will impact A&Es and cost the NHS more in the long run, claims a Royal College of Psychiatrists professor. Budgets for services in some areas have been slashed by 50%. The Daily Mail
Warnings handed to hospitals on care double in a year
Warnings handed to hospitals on care double in a year The Care Quality Commission was forced to issue 135 'enforcement actions' against hospitals in England in 2016/17. Yet in 2015/16 the watchdog handed just 58 enforcement actions. The Daily Mail
Dementia patients should have GPS trackers, expert says
Dementia patients should have GPS trackers, expert says Dementia patients should have a tracking device implanted into their body in case they wander off and get lost, an expert believes.
Professor June Andrews, OBE, is adamant the chip under their skin could save many families the anxiety and distress if their relative goes missing.
While the trained nurse, who used to head up dementia studies at Stirling University, Scotland, thinks it could even potentially save lives.
Professor Andrews, who now works independently to improve the lives of people with dementia, is in favour of subcutaneous trackers. The Daily Mail
Professor June Andrews, OBE, is adamant the chip under their skin could save many families the anxiety and distress if their relative goes missing.
While the trained nurse, who used to head up dementia studies at Stirling University, Scotland, thinks it could even potentially save lives.
Professor Andrews, who now works independently to improve the lives of people with dementia, is in favour of subcutaneous trackers. The Daily Mail
Wednesday 24 May 2017
KGH to introduce temporary £20 all-day car park charge
KGH to introduce temporary £20 all-day car park charge Kettering General Hospital will temporarily increase its all-day parking charge to £20 while work on the second deck of Car Park B takes place. Northamptonshire Telegraph
What the public thinks about NHS and social care services
What the public thinks about NHS and social care services The Health Foundation commissioned Ipsos MORI to do a survey of the general public in Great Britain on their views about funding of the NHS, as well as the provision of NHS and social care services.
The survey was carried out in May 2017. We have analysed some of the findings from the survey. We have also provided comparisons with the results of an Ipsos MORI survey that we commissioned in 2015 and with NatCen’s British Social Attitudes survey of 2014.
The survey was carried out in May 2017. We have analysed some of the findings from the survey. We have also provided comparisons with the results of an Ipsos MORI survey that we commissioned in 2015 and with NatCen’s British Social Attitudes survey of 2014.
Patching up NHS cybersecurity: five lessons to be learned
Patching up NHS cybersecurity: five lessons to be learned Earlier this month, the NHS was hit by the largest cyber incident in its short digital history. The incident led to significant disruption of services for several days, with networks and email shut down as a precaution to contain the spread to vulnerable PCs. Ambulances were diverted from some trusts struggling to cope without IT systems in their emergency departments.
In the days following the attack, many have been quick to point the finger: at managers, at the national bodies, and at government. Laying blame is easy, but the harder task is to learn from the errors so that we can reduce the likelihood and limit the damage of similar incidents in the future. So what lessons are there for the NHS and government? The King's Fund
In the days following the attack, many have been quick to point the finger: at managers, at the national bodies, and at government. Laying blame is easy, but the harder task is to learn from the errors so that we can reduce the likelihood and limit the damage of similar incidents in the future. So what lessons are there for the NHS and government? The King's Fund
Latest NHS sickness absence statistics published
Latest NHS sickness absence statistics published Take a look at the latest NHS Sickness absence published statistics for 2017. NHS Employers
Social care: a step forwards or a step backwards?
Social care: a step forwards or a step backwards? This briefing examines the manifesto proposals for social care and outlines the current state of social care provision and funding. Institute for Fiscal Studies
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: Ethiopian wins top WHO job
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: Ethiopian wins top WHO job Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus from Ethiopia will be the next director general of the World Health Organization (WHO).
He will be the first African to head up the UN agency, after winning the most votes from 186 member states.
He replaces Margaret Chan, who will step down from her 10-year post at the end of June. BBC News
He will be the first African to head up the UN agency, after winning the most votes from 186 member states.
He replaces Margaret Chan, who will step down from her 10-year post at the end of June. BBC News
Assaults between care home residents reported daily
Assaults between care home residents reported daily Police recorded 1,200 assaults between residents living at care homes between 2014 and 2016, the BBC has found.
More than one assault a day was reported in England and Wales, an investigation by File on 4 revealed.
Some care workers said they were not always given full information about who might pose a risk.
The Care Quality Commission, the health regulator in England, said it was the responsibility of care providers to protect residents from harm or abuse. BBC News
More than one assault a day was reported in England and Wales, an investigation by File on 4 revealed.
Some care workers said they were not always given full information about who might pose a risk.
The Care Quality Commission, the health regulator in England, said it was the responsibility of care providers to protect residents from harm or abuse. BBC News
NHS faces staggering increase in cost of elderly care, academics warn
NHS faces staggering increase in cost of elderly care, academics warn 2.8 million people over 65 will need nursing and social care by 2025 – largely because of a significant rise in dementia-related disability, research finds
The NHS and social care system in the UK is facing a staggering increase in the cost of looking after elderly people within the next few years, according to major new research which shows a 25% increase in those who will need care between 2015 and 2025.
Within eight years, there will be 2.8 million people over 65 needing nursing and social care, unable to cope alone, says the research – largely because of the toll of dementia in a growing elderly population. The research, published by the respected Lancet Public Health medical journal, says cases of disability related to dementia will rise by 40% among people aged 65 to 84, with other forms of disability increasing by about 31%. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS and social care system in the UK is facing a staggering increase in the cost of looking after elderly people within the next few years, according to major new research which shows a 25% increase in those who will need care between 2015 and 2025.
Within eight years, there will be 2.8 million people over 65 needing nursing and social care, unable to cope alone, says the research – largely because of the toll of dementia in a growing elderly population. The research, published by the respected Lancet Public Health medical journal, says cases of disability related to dementia will rise by 40% among people aged 65 to 84, with other forms of disability increasing by about 31%. Continue reading... The Guardian
As a GP I feel powerless to help elderly people struggling to survive
As a GP I feel powerless to help elderly people struggling to survive I can refer people to mental health services and social care but they are overloaded and don’t provide much help
Recently a patient brought home to me how inadequate the help I can provide my elderly patients as a GP can be. Among more than 50 phone calls I fielded one day as one of the GPs dealing with urgent requests, there were two from a patient in her 80s who is the main carer for her husband who has dementia. She also has health issues and he is unaware of the problems they face. The receptionist learned far more about the difficulties they were having from the woman’s phone calls to the surgery and from observing them in the waiting room, than I did from my snatched telephone conversations and the scrawled note left for me. I found out later that the only way she could get to the surgery to bring the sample I requested was by locking her husband in the car outside. I knew that things were difficult, but this was a new low. Continue reading... The Guardian
Recently a patient brought home to me how inadequate the help I can provide my elderly patients as a GP can be. Among more than 50 phone calls I fielded one day as one of the GPs dealing with urgent requests, there were two from a patient in her 80s who is the main carer for her husband who has dementia. She also has health issues and he is unaware of the problems they face. The receptionist learned far more about the difficulties they were having from the woman’s phone calls to the surgery and from observing them in the waiting room, than I did from my snatched telephone conversations and the scrawled note left for me. I found out later that the only way she could get to the surgery to bring the sample I requested was by locking her husband in the car outside. I knew that things were difficult, but this was a new low. Continue reading... The Guardian
Number of GPs has fallen since NHS launched 5-year rescue plan
Number of GPs has fallen since NHS launched 5-year rescue plan The number of GPs has fallen since the NHS launched a "rescue package" to tackle crisis shortages of family doctors, official figures show.
Ministers have repeatedly pledged to bring in 5,000 more GPs, in response to a growing crisis, which has led to record numbers of practices closures across the country.
A year ago, health officials drew up a five-year plan, pledging to put general practice “back on its feet” by recruiting doctors from abroad, offering £20,000 incentives for trainees and bringing in extra support staff. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
Ministers have repeatedly pledged to bring in 5,000 more GPs, in response to a growing crisis, which has led to record numbers of practices closures across the country.
A year ago, health officials drew up a five-year plan, pledging to put general practice “back on its feet” by recruiting doctors from abroad, offering £20,000 incentives for trainees and bringing in extra support staff. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- New workforce figures "seriously concerning" says RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners
- Number of NHS doctors in England continues to fall The Daily Mail
- GP workforce remains below 2015 levels, official data show GPonline
Tuesday 23 May 2017
Northampton General Hospital rated as 'good' three years after highly critical watchdog report
Northampton General Hospital rated as 'good' three years after highly critical watchdog report An inspection by the Care Quality Commission has found "significant improvement" at Northampton General Hospital after the watchdog slammed its emergency and end of life care three years ago. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Nurse who gave KGH patient prescriptions without qualifications suspended
Nurse who gave KGH patient prescriptions without qualifications suspended A former KGH nurse who claimed he had the relevant qualification gave a patient prescriptions without the authority to do so. Northamptonshire Telegraph
Important first steps on the NHS estate
Important first steps on the NHS estate On the day NHS England published Next steps on the NHS five year forward view, the Department of Health published Sir Robert Naylor’s review on NHS property and estates.
The two documents are very different – while NHS England’s focuses on the delivery of an existing strategy, Sir Robert’s report sets out the vision for a new one. This is good news; as our evidence review, conducted to support Sir Robert’s review, highlighted, the NHS has been without an overarching estate strategy for a long time, and in the past it has been unclear as to where overall leadership for estate strategy lies.
The Naylor review comes at a time when capital investment is at its lowest level in real terms since 2005/6, with capital budgets frequently diverted to fund day-to-day activity – a trend likely to continue until 2019/20. The King's Fund
The two documents are very different – while NHS England’s focuses on the delivery of an existing strategy, Sir Robert’s report sets out the vision for a new one. This is good news; as our evidence review, conducted to support Sir Robert’s review, highlighted, the NHS has been without an overarching estate strategy for a long time, and in the past it has been unclear as to where overall leadership for estate strategy lies.
The Naylor review comes at a time when capital investment is at its lowest level in real terms since 2005/6, with capital budgets frequently diverted to fund day-to-day activity – a trend likely to continue until 2019/20. The King's Fund
A Teaching Care Home pilot
A Teaching Care Home pilot This series of reports evaluates a Department of Health funded pilot which aimed to empower the workforce in care home nursing and to ensure the future sustainability of the workforce in the sector. The pilot created five centres of excellence across England which would share learning and best practice and help to strengthen leadership and care culture in care homes. International Longevity Centre
Intersex patients 'routinely lied to by doctors'
Intersex patients 'routinely lied to by doctors' Doctors in the UK routinely lied to patients with disorders of sex development known as intersex conditions, the BBC finds. BBC News
Brexit could force 2,137 GPs out of NHS, warns RCGP
Brexit could force 2,137 GPs out of NHS, warns RCGP Brexit could mean that more than 3m patients across the UK lose their family doctor, the RCGP has warned. GPonline
Third Of Children's Mental Health Services 'Downsizing Or Facing Closure' Causing 'Real Urgency'
Third Of Children's Mental Health Services 'Downsizing Or Facing Closure' Causing 'Real Urgency' A third of children’s mental health services are downsizing or facing closure, a new survey has found.
Worryingly, 84% of NHS counsellors, psychotherapists and psychoanalysts say children now need to have more “severe” levels of illness in order to get help.
And 67% say waiting times have got longer over the last five years.
The findings were the result of a joint survey of 3,000 NHS counsellors, psychotherapists and psychoanalysts from the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Huffington Post UK
Worryingly, 84% of NHS counsellors, psychotherapists and psychoanalysts say children now need to have more “severe” levels of illness in order to get help.
And 67% say waiting times have got longer over the last five years.
The findings were the result of a joint survey of 3,000 NHS counsellors, psychotherapists and psychoanalysts from the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Huffington Post UK
We have to address the faultline between social care and the NHS
We have to address the faultline between social care and the NHS One is heavily rationed and means-tested, the other free at the point of use and tax-funded. And when assets are involved, the issue becomes politically toxic
In his first speech to the Labour party conference as prime minister in 1997, Tony Blair declared that he did not want his children to be brought up in a country “where the only way pensioners can get long-term care is by selling their home”. Twenty years later this remains a politically toxic issue – even though many people with care needs might wish they had a home to sell. The events of the past few days illustrate why the bold promises of successive governments to reform the way social care is funded have come to so little.
The Dilnot commission’s proposed cap on the lifetime costs of care was accepted by the coalition government in 2011 – albeit with the cap set at £72,000 rather than the £35,000 to £50,000 range proposed by Dilnot. It even made it on to the statute book as part of the Care Act 2014, and was generally welcomed as providing protection from the “catastrophic” costs faced by the one in 10 who need care costing at least £100,000. Implementing the cap was a Conservative manifesto pledge in the 2015 election but, barely 10 weeks later, the government announced this would be postponed until 2020 as the circumstances were “too difficult”.
Means-testing alone does not address the deeper challenges facing the social care system Continue reading... The Guardian
In his first speech to the Labour party conference as prime minister in 1997, Tony Blair declared that he did not want his children to be brought up in a country “where the only way pensioners can get long-term care is by selling their home”. Twenty years later this remains a politically toxic issue – even though many people with care needs might wish they had a home to sell. The events of the past few days illustrate why the bold promises of successive governments to reform the way social care is funded have come to so little.
The Dilnot commission’s proposed cap on the lifetime costs of care was accepted by the coalition government in 2011 – albeit with the cap set at £72,000 rather than the £35,000 to £50,000 range proposed by Dilnot. It even made it on to the statute book as part of the Care Act 2014, and was generally welcomed as providing protection from the “catastrophic” costs faced by the one in 10 who need care costing at least £100,000. Implementing the cap was a Conservative manifesto pledge in the 2015 election but, barely 10 weeks later, the government announced this would be postponed until 2020 as the circumstances were “too difficult”.
Means-testing alone does not address the deeper challenges facing the social care system Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS trusts overspend by £770m despite bailout funding
NHS trusts overspend by £770m despite bailout funding Trusts fail to limit overspending to £580m but make inroads into previous year’s £2.45bn figure
NHS trusts overspent by £770m last year in the latest sign that hospitals are finding it impossible to meet fast-rising demand for care while their finances are facing an unprecedented squeeze.
That total is £190m more than the £580m maximum that health service bosses had sought from England’s 236 NHS trusts in 2016-17. Continue reading... The Guardian
NHS trusts overspent by £770m last year in the latest sign that hospitals are finding it impossible to meet fast-rising demand for care while their finances are facing an unprecedented squeeze.
That total is £190m more than the £580m maximum that health service bosses had sought from England’s 236 NHS trusts in 2016-17. Continue reading... The Guardian
First-line antibiotics now fail in 1 in 4 pneumonia cases
First-line antibiotics now fail in 1 in 4 pneumonia cases More than 22% of patients did not respond to a first dose of antibiotics, a Californian study found. Meanwhile, G20 health ministers agree to tackle antibiotics resistance. The Daily Mail
Doctors never told man about aneurysm the size of a golf ball
Doctors never told man about aneurysm the size of a golf ball A man died after doctors found an aneurysm the size of a golf ball - but failed to tell him or take any action for five years, an inquest has heard.
A coroner has written to Jeremy Hunt following the death of John Higgs, who was repeatedly seen in hospital, without anything being done about the bulging blood vessel which went on to kill him.
Mr Hunt has been warned of “a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken” at Barnsley Hospital in South Yorkshire, unless its systems are overhauled. The Daily Telegraph
A coroner has written to Jeremy Hunt following the death of John Higgs, who was repeatedly seen in hospital, without anything being done about the bulging blood vessel which went on to kill him.
Mr Hunt has been warned of “a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken” at Barnsley Hospital in South Yorkshire, unless its systems are overhauled. The Daily Telegraph
Monday 22 May 2017
NHS funding choices and the 2017 General Election
NHS funding choices and the 2017 General Election The Nuffield Trust set out different scenarios about possible future spending on the NHS in England including an analysis and comparison of the latest pledges from the three main parties' manifestos.
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Social media and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Social media and young people’s mental health and wellbeing A new report, #StatusOfMind, examines the positive and negative effects of social media on young people’s health.
The report includes a league table of social media platforms according to their impact on young people’s mental health. YouTube tops the table as the most positive with Instagram and Snapchat coming out as the most detrimental to young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Royal Society for Public Health and Youth Health Movement
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The report includes a league table of social media platforms according to their impact on young people’s mental health. YouTube tops the table as the most positive with Instagram and Snapchat coming out as the most detrimental to young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Royal Society for Public Health and Youth Health Movement
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Nearly 3.5 million patients at risk of losing their family doctor through Brexit, warns RCGP
Nearly 3.5 million patients at risk of losing their family doctor through Brexit, warns RCGP New analysis from the College, released today, shows that 3,456,481 patients could be left without a family doctor if the 2,137 GPs across the UK, that the RCGP estimates are from the European Union, are forced to leave.
This constitutes 5% of the workforce in England at a time when NHS England’s GP Forward View has pledged 5,000 more full-time equivalent GPs by 2020 – but latest workforce figures actually showed a drop of 445 FTE GPs in the three months from September to December 2016. Royal College of General Practitioners
This constitutes 5% of the workforce in England at a time when NHS England’s GP Forward View has pledged 5,000 more full-time equivalent GPs by 2020 – but latest workforce figures actually showed a drop of 445 FTE GPs in the three months from September to December 2016. Royal College of General Practitioners
Mental health deaths probed at Essex NHS trust
Mental health deaths probed at Essex NHS trust Up to 20 deaths at an NHS-run mental health unit are being investigated as part of a police inquiry, the BBC has learned.
It follows fresh investigations into the death of Matthew Leahy, who was found hanged at Linden Centre in 2012.
His mother, Melanie Leahy, said her talks with Essex Police suggested the cases had taken place in the last 17 years.
The Essex NHS Trust said patient safety was a "top priority". BBC News
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It follows fresh investigations into the death of Matthew Leahy, who was found hanged at Linden Centre in 2012.
His mother, Melanie Leahy, said her talks with Essex Police suggested the cases had taken place in the last 17 years.
The Essex NHS Trust said patient safety was a "top priority". BBC News
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Cigarettes sold in plain green packs under new rules
Cigarettes sold in plain green packs under new rules New rules have come into force which mean cigarettes and tobacco must be sold in plain green packets and carry graphic health warnings.
The rules, which also end the sale of packets of 10, are designed to deter young people from taking up the habit.
Health groups have welcomed the measure, as the number of smokers in the UK continues to decline.
But a smokers' group says the changes "infantilise" consumers and will make no difference to public health. BBC News
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The rules, which also end the sale of packets of 10, are designed to deter young people from taking up the habit.
Health groups have welcomed the measure, as the number of smokers in the UK continues to decline.
But a smokers' group says the changes "infantilise" consumers and will make no difference to public health. BBC News
See also:
- E-cigarette laws to changed this weekend - Here’s how vapers will be affected Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS performance data 'likely to be delayed until after election'
NHS performance data 'likely to be delayed until after election' The publication of key financial performance data from the NHS in England will be delayed until after the election, the BBC understands.
Regulator NHS Improvement had wanted to publish data on the scale of hospital deficits but was advised against it by the government.
NHS Improvement said it was "disappointing" the results could not be published until after the election.
The Department of Health and the Conservative Party did not comment.
In a statement, NHS Improvement said a date for the publication of the figures had to be agreed with the Department of Health, but this had not been done when the election for 8 June was called. BBC News
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Regulator NHS Improvement had wanted to publish data on the scale of hospital deficits but was advised against it by the government.
NHS Improvement said it was "disappointing" the results could not be published until after the election.
The Department of Health and the Conservative Party did not comment.
In a statement, NHS Improvement said a date for the publication of the figures had to be agreed with the Department of Health, but this had not been done when the election for 8 June was called. BBC News
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GPs to be balloted over 'collective list closure' in GP crisis protest
GPs to be balloted over 'collective list closure' in GP crisis protest LMCs have ordered the GPC to ballot the profession over a possible mass closure of GP lists to highlight the crisis facing general practice. GPonline
NHS chief tells ministers: face up to the pay crisis
NHS chief tells ministers: face up to the pay crisis Chief executive of hospital trusts group issues warning that nursing morale and recruitment will be hit
Ministers should address mounting disquiet among NHS staff about pay and recruitment if the health service is to avoid a full-blown staffing crisis, the head of the official body that represents hospital trusts and mental health services says today.
The stark warning from Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, comes as GP leaders predict that 2,000 European-born doctors could leave the country because of uncertainty about their status caused by Brexit, with disastrous consequences for patient care. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Ministers should address mounting disquiet among NHS staff about pay and recruitment if the health service is to avoid a full-blown staffing crisis, the head of the official body that represents hospital trusts and mental health services says today.
The stark warning from Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, comes as GP leaders predict that 2,000 European-born doctors could leave the country because of uncertainty about their status caused by Brexit, with disastrous consequences for patient care. Continue reading... The Guardian
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Without action on antibiotics, medicine will return to the dark ages
Without action on antibiotics, medicine will return to the dark ages Continued overprescribing and abuse could lead to more people dying of resistant infections than cancer. Only global cooperation can solve the problem
When Prof Sally Davies published The Drugs Don’t Work in 2013, it wasn’t some allusion to a Verve number from the 1990s, but a sombre warning of the growing threat posed by bacteria evolving resistance to life-saving antibiotics. If this were left unaddressed, she argued, it would lead to the erosion of modern medicine as we know it. Continue reading... The Guardian
When Prof Sally Davies published The Drugs Don’t Work in 2013, it wasn’t some allusion to a Verve number from the 1990s, but a sombre warning of the growing threat posed by bacteria evolving resistance to life-saving antibiotics. If this were left unaddressed, she argued, it would lead to the erosion of modern medicine as we know it. Continue reading... The Guardian
Fury over sexist nurse recruitment campaign
Fury over sexist nurse recruitment campaign An NHS trust has been accused of sexualising nurses after a recruitment campaign was accidentally published.
The images, which have sparked outrage on social media, show young female nurses standing besides flirtatious messages.
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust intended to use the posters to attract recruits as part of its Remarkable People, Extraordinary Place campaign, however, they were mistakenly published without approval. The Daily Mail
The images, which have sparked outrage on social media, show young female nurses standing besides flirtatious messages.
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust intended to use the posters to attract recruits as part of its Remarkable People, Extraordinary Place campaign, however, they were mistakenly published without approval. The Daily Mail
Children will have worse health than their grandparents
Children will have worse health than their grandparents Children will be less healthy than today's over 65 year olds when they reach that age, says the UK's Economist Intelligence Unit. Too much sugar and too little exercise are to blame. The Daily Mail
Doctors 'too reliant' on depression questionnaire designed by Pfizer, campaigners warn
Doctors 'too reliant' on depression questionnaire designed by Pfizer, campaigners warn Depression is being overdiagnosed because GPs are too reliant on a “basic” questionnaire designed by a pharmaceutical company which also manufacturers psychiatric drugs, campaigners have warned.
The easy-to-use nine-question form sets the threshold for the condition “far too low” and results in patients being wrongly diagnosed and medicated, according an expert at the Council for Evidence-Based Psychiatry.
The PHQ-9 Patient Health Questionnaire was developed by academics funded by Pfizer, which owned the intellectual property and distribution rights. The Daily Telegraph
The easy-to-use nine-question form sets the threshold for the condition “far too low” and results in patients being wrongly diagnosed and medicated, according an expert at the Council for Evidence-Based Psychiatry.
The PHQ-9 Patient Health Questionnaire was developed by academics funded by Pfizer, which owned the intellectual property and distribution rights. The Daily Telegraph
NHS cyber attack: Everything you need to know about 'biggest ransomware' offensive in history
NHS cyber attack: Everything you need to know about 'biggest ransomware' offensive in history A global cyberattack using hacking tools widely believed by researchers to have been developed by the US National Security Agency crippled the NHS, hit international shipper FedEx and infected computers in 150 countries.
More than 300,000 computers were infected while the countries most affected by WannaCry were Russia, Taiwan, Ukraine and India, according to Czech security firm Avast. The Daily Telegraph
More than 300,000 computers were infected while the countries most affected by WannaCry were Russia, Taiwan, Ukraine and India, according to Czech security firm Avast. The Daily Telegraph
NHS to show parents how fat their child will become under 'shock tactics' to fight obesity
NHS to show parents how fat their child will become under 'shock tactics' to fight obesity The NHS is to use shock tactics in an attempt to scare parents into tackling their child’s looming obesity.
Parents will be shown 3D models showing just how overweight their child is set to become by the time they reach adulthood.
Trials involving almost 3,000 children have found that the forecasts terrified families into taking action. In the pilot schemes, parents of children aged five and six were asked to key in their child’s measurements.
They were then asked to watch a series of 3D graphics, showing a child their own age, digitally manipulated to look underweight, normal, overweight or obese. The Daily Telegraph
Parents will be shown 3D models showing just how overweight their child is set to become by the time they reach adulthood.
Trials involving almost 3,000 children have found that the forecasts terrified families into taking action. In the pilot schemes, parents of children aged five and six were asked to key in their child’s measurements.
They were then asked to watch a series of 3D graphics, showing a child their own age, digitally manipulated to look underweight, normal, overweight or obese. The Daily Telegraph
Friday 19 May 2017
Chance to put mental health at heart of NHS services could be missed
Chance to put mental health at heart of NHS services could be missed A key opportunity to revolutionise mental health care could be missed because flagship NHS schemes are not doing enough to put it at the heart of services, according to a new report by The King’s Fund and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The report, Mental health and new models of care, looks at mental health in vanguard areas – flagship NHS schemes that bring services together. These include groups of GP surgeries working collaboratively to cater for up to 50,000 patients and NHS organisations coming together to deliver the full range of health care in their area.
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The report, Mental health and new models of care, looks at mental health in vanguard areas – flagship NHS schemes that bring services together. These include groups of GP surgeries working collaboratively to cater for up to 50,000 patients and NHS organisations coming together to deliver the full range of health care in their area.
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- Mental health and new care models: Lessons from the vanguards The King’s Fund and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
NHS efficiency map
NHS efficiency map This map is a tool that aims to promote best practice in identifying, delivering and monitoring cost improvement programmes in the NHS. It contains links to a range of tools and guidance to help NHS bodies improve their efficiency. Healthcare Financial Management Association
Election briefing : a sustainable workforce - the lifeblood of the NHS and social care
Election briefing : a sustainable workforce - the lifeblood of the NHS and social care This is the third in a series of Health Foundation briefings ahead of the June 2017 general election. It focuses on the challenges facing the NHS and social care workforce in England, pointing to a combination of issues around recruitment, retention and morale. It highlights that the future workforce for the NHS and social care sector is at risk without urgent action from the incoming government to establish a sustainable and joined up workforce strategy. The Health Foundation
New report reveals the value of occupational health for the UK workforce
New report reveals the value of occupational health for the UK workforce A new report published by the Society of Occupational Medicine sets out the value proposition for occupational health services and the benefits of occupational health.
Occupational health: the value proposition cites evidence that shows organisations most commonly rank occupational health involvement as the most effective method for managing the problem of employee long-term absence from work. The document also reports that a healthy workplace culture and the adoption of a systematic approach to occupational health can contribute to the success of an organisation.
Occupational health: the value proposition cites evidence that shows organisations most commonly rank occupational health involvement as the most effective method for managing the problem of employee long-term absence from work. The document also reports that a healthy workplace culture and the adoption of a systematic approach to occupational health can contribute to the success of an organisation.
Meeting the needs of deaf people who have mental health problems
Meeting the needs of deaf people who have mental health problems As many as two in three deaf people in the UK struggle with mental health problems, but most find it too difficult to access psychological therapy.
Produced for the Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the charity SignHealth, Guidance for commissioners of primary care mental health services for deaf people calls for improvement to deaf people’s access to mental health services and offers practical steps to be taken by commissioners. The British Psychological Society
Produced for the Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the charity SignHealth, Guidance for commissioners of primary care mental health services for deaf people calls for improvement to deaf people’s access to mental health services and offers practical steps to be taken by commissioners. The British Psychological Society
Treating children with electroconvulsive therapy
Treating children with electroconvulsive therapy Electroconvulsive therapy - in which a small electric current is passed through the brain causing a seizure - is now used much less often than it was in the middle of the last century. But controversially it is now being used in the US and some other countries as a treatment for children who exhibit severe, self-injuring behaviour. BBC News
Chester hospital baby deaths to be investigated by police
Chester hospital baby deaths to be investigated by police Baby deaths at a neonatal unit with a "higher than usual" mortality rate are to be investigated by police.
Countess of Chester Hospital reported "a greater number of baby deaths and collapses than normally expected" between June 2015 and July 2016.
The police probe will focus on eight deaths, but a further seven during the same period will also be reviewed.
The hospital trust contacted police after a clinical review found no "definitive explanation" for the rise.
Six non-fatal collapses - where a baby's breathing or heart rate drop to dangerous levels - will also be reviewed, Cheshire Constabulary said. BBC News
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Countess of Chester Hospital reported "a greater number of baby deaths and collapses than normally expected" between June 2015 and July 2016.
The police probe will focus on eight deaths, but a further seven during the same period will also be reviewed.
The hospital trust contacted police after a clinical review found no "definitive explanation" for the rise.
Six non-fatal collapses - where a baby's breathing or heart rate drop to dangerous levels - will also be reviewed, Cheshire Constabulary said. BBC News
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- High baby deaths rate at Chester Hospital to be investigated by police The Daily Telegraph
Whose election promise adds up for the NHS?
Whose election promise adds up for the NHS? "Billions more for the NHS," is a familiar election battle cry.
This time, the pledges from the main political parties have been much anticipated because of the warnings about mounting pressures on the service.
Those commitments have now been made and, perhaps unsurprisingly, comparing them is like apples and pears.
As always with public spending figures, there's a need to dig into the detail beneath the headlines to work out exactly what each party means. BBC News
This time, the pledges from the main political parties have been much anticipated because of the warnings about mounting pressures on the service.
Those commitments have now been made and, perhaps unsurprisingly, comparing them is like apples and pears.
As always with public spending figures, there's a need to dig into the detail beneath the headlines to work out exactly what each party means. BBC News
Global standards on reporting clinical trial results agreed
Global standards on reporting clinical trial results agreed The large majority of clinical trials will have to be published in the future following a landmark agreement.
A group of the world's largest funders of medical research and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have agreed on new standards requiring all clinical trials they fund or support to be registered and results made public.
The joint statement was issued by the UK Medical Research Council, Indian Council of Medical Research, Norwegian Research Council, the Médecins Sans Frontières research arm Epicentre, PATH, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Institut Pasteur, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Wellcome Trust. OnMedica
A group of the world's largest funders of medical research and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have agreed on new standards requiring all clinical trials they fund or support to be registered and results made public.
The joint statement was issued by the UK Medical Research Council, Indian Council of Medical Research, Norwegian Research Council, the Médecins Sans Frontières research arm Epicentre, PATH, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Institut Pasteur, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Wellcome Trust. OnMedica
From bursaries to gender balance: what needs to change in nursing?
From bursaries to gender balance: what needs to change in nursing? Our expert panel took a constructive look at the state of nursing in the UK. Here are the best bits of the discussion
See the full exchange, including readers’ questions, here
On International Nurses’ Day, we brought together a panel of students, qualified nurses and educators to answer readers’ questions on the state of the profession. After a drop in student applications following NHS bursary cuts; a post-Brexit exodus of EU staff; and a possible strike by the Royal College of Nursing, there was plenty to discuss. Here’s what we learned. Continue reading... The Guardian
See the full exchange, including readers’ questions, here
On International Nurses’ Day, we brought together a panel of students, qualified nurses and educators to answer readers’ questions on the state of the profession. After a drop in student applications following NHS bursary cuts; a post-Brexit exodus of EU staff; and a possible strike by the Royal College of Nursing, there was plenty to discuss. Here’s what we learned. Continue reading... The Guardian
As a doctor I couldn't cure Jane but could grant her dying wish
As a doctor I couldn't cure Jane but could grant her dying wish Even when conventional medicine can offer no more, a thoughtful deed can give patients something worth living for
I hated my first job as a junior doctor on the medical wards. The district general hospital was busy and understaffed. I often felt out of my depth, trying to look after so many elderly and frail patients and found it hard to approach the terrifying registrar who bullied me, or the consultant who told me to “pull myself together” when I cried in a meeting. The long, lonely ward rounds of each day merged into the next. I often wondered if I was actually making any difference at all, in between clerking patients, prescribing medications, inserting cannulas and certifying the dead.
One patient changed all that. Continue reading... The Guardian
I hated my first job as a junior doctor on the medical wards. The district general hospital was busy and understaffed. I often felt out of my depth, trying to look after so many elderly and frail patients and found it hard to approach the terrifying registrar who bullied me, or the consultant who told me to “pull myself together” when I cried in a meeting. The long, lonely ward rounds of each day merged into the next. I often wondered if I was actually making any difference at all, in between clerking patients, prescribing medications, inserting cannulas and certifying the dead.
One patient changed all that. Continue reading... The Guardian
Pollution claims more lives in UK than other EU countries
Pollution claims more lives in UK than other EU countries Filthy air killed 6.5million people worldwide in 2012. Toxic emissions are responsible for an average of 25.7 deaths per 100,000 in the UK compared to just 0.4 in Sweden. The Daily Mail
NHS care 'among the worst in Europe' due to poor investment
NHS care 'among the worst in Europe' due to poor investment The NHS is among one of the worst health care systems in Europe due to poor cancer investment, a major study has found.
Britain has been ranked 30th in a global list of countries assessed for health care quality and access lagging behind many of its European neighbours.
Experts have blamed the low score on its lack of investment in specialist cancer care.
Researchers who analysed death-rate data from 195 nations judged the UK to be on a par with the Czech Republic and Portugal.
But Britain was beaten by Finland, Sweden, Spain (all 90) and Italy (89), all of which have similar health systems to the NHS, said researchers. The Daily Telegraph
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Britain has been ranked 30th in a global list of countries assessed for health care quality and access lagging behind many of its European neighbours.
Experts have blamed the low score on its lack of investment in specialist cancer care.
Researchers who analysed death-rate data from 195 nations judged the UK to be on a par with the Czech Republic and Portugal.
But Britain was beaten by Finland, Sweden, Spain (all 90) and Italy (89), all of which have similar health systems to the NHS, said researchers. The Daily Telegraph
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Thursday 18 May 2017
Get mental health right and we can get the whole system right
Get mental health right and we can get the whole system right John Cleese famously asked 'What have the Romans ever done for us?’ and received in response a litany of suggestions – sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, fresh water and public health. The sketch came to mind recently as I listened to a group of health professionals talking about the many ways in which good mental health care can help other parts of the health system. So, what has mental health ever done for us? The King's Fund
Nurse and midwife revalidation a success says NMC
Nurse and midwife revalidation a success says NMC Revalidation has recently celebrated its one year anniversary and today the NMC has published its fourth quarterly report. The final quarter of the first year has continued to show how successful revalidation has been with 48,598 nurses and midwives renewing their registration during this period.
Throughout this quarter 93 percent of those who were due to revalidate have done so successfully and there is no sign that revalidation has had an adverse effect on the register. So far over 200,000 nurses and midwives have successfully revalidated with the NMC. Nursing and Midwifery Council
Throughout this quarter 93 percent of those who were due to revalidate have done so successfully and there is no sign that revalidation has had an adverse effect on the register. So far over 200,000 nurses and midwives have successfully revalidated with the NMC. Nursing and Midwifery Council
Adolescent obesity and related behaviours: trends and inequalities in the WHO European Region, 2002–2014
Adolescent obesity and related behaviours: trends and inequalities in the WHO European Region, 2002–2014 This report reveals that the number of obese adolescents is continuing to rise in many countries across the WHO European Region. It highlights persisting inequalities in obesity among young people and indicates that ongoing health promotion and disease prevention efforts aimed at reducing childhood obesity are failing to adequately reach these groups. World Health Organization
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- Young Britons risk their health due to lack of exercise The Daily Mail
A creepy solution: Could ants tackle the 'antibiotic apocalypse'?
A creepy solution: Could ants tackle the 'antibiotic apocalypse'? I was born in India and, as a young child, I developed a serious gut infection that would have killed me if it hadn't been for antibiotics.
These days a young child in India, with the same condition, would be far more vulnerable because of the huge and rapid rise in antibiotic resistance in that part of the world.
The problem is not, of course, confined to India. It's estimated that antibiotic-resistant infections currently kill at least 700,000 people a year.
This is projected to rise to 10 million by 2050. What is particularly worrying is that as well as the emergence of antibiotic resistance and the threat it poses - there have been no new classes of antibiotics released in the past 30 years. BBC News
These days a young child in India, with the same condition, would be far more vulnerable because of the huge and rapid rise in antibiotic resistance in that part of the world.
The problem is not, of course, confined to India. It's estimated that antibiotic-resistant infections currently kill at least 700,000 people a year.
This is projected to rise to 10 million by 2050. What is particularly worrying is that as well as the emergence of antibiotic resistance and the threat it poses - there have been no new classes of antibiotics released in the past 30 years. BBC News
Artificial intelligence could cut GP workload and shorten appointments
Artificial intelligence could cut GP workload and shorten appointments Artificial intelligence apps could shave two to three minutes off GP appointments and filter out unnecessary appointments, GPs piloting the technology have said. GPonline
Swallowable gastric balloon could help the obese lose weight without surgery
Swallowable gastric balloon could help the obese lose weight without surgery Although not a replacement for bariatric surgery, temporary balloon could be used as early intervention or for those who do not want, or cannot have, surgery
A balloon that can be swallowed and then filled with water while in the stomach can help obese people to lose large amounts of weight without invasive surgery, a new study has shown.
Bariatric surgery to reduce the size of the stomach is highly effective, but anaesthesia for somebody who is very overweight can be risky. Those who want to undergo the surgery must also undergo a long period of preparation to ready them physically and psychologically. It is expensive, and there is a long waiting list in the UK, even though NHS guidance recommends it be considered. Continue reading... The Guardian
A balloon that can be swallowed and then filled with water while in the stomach can help obese people to lose large amounts of weight without invasive surgery, a new study has shown.
Bariatric surgery to reduce the size of the stomach is highly effective, but anaesthesia for somebody who is very overweight can be risky. Those who want to undergo the surgery must also undergo a long period of preparation to ready them physically and psychologically. It is expensive, and there is a long waiting list in the UK, even though NHS guidance recommends it be considered. Continue reading... The Guardian
Dementia and cancer deaths set to soar in England and Wales
Dementia and cancer deaths set to soar in England and Wales Research says projected rise will put NHS under intense pressure with a 42% increase in number of people needing palliative care
Deaths from dementia and cancer will soar between now and 2040, putting NHS end-of-life services under intense pressure, research has found.
The number of people in England and Wales dying from dementia will almost quadruple, from 59,199 in 2014 to 219,409 in 2040, according to estimates published in the journal BMC Medicine. Continue reading... The Guardian
Deaths from dementia and cancer will soar between now and 2040, putting NHS end-of-life services under intense pressure, research has found.
The number of people in England and Wales dying from dementia will almost quadruple, from 59,199 in 2014 to 219,409 in 2040, according to estimates published in the journal BMC Medicine. Continue reading... The Guardian
Wednesday 17 May 2017
Systems starting to return to normal at KGH after cyber attack alert
Systems starting to return to normal at KGH after cyber attack alert KGH says its systems weren’t infected in Friday’s cyber attack after the hospital’s IT team deployed a patch to prevent it in March. Northamptonshire Telegraph
State of child health: Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships
State of child health: Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships Following analysis of STPs, this report argues that the plans are failing to take into account the needs of infants, child and young people. It finds that while most STPs set out the case for change well and cover important key themes such as prevention, early intervention, more care delivered in the community, better mental health services and integrated working, there is a lack of detail underpinning the vision. It concludes that the lack of profile given to infants, children and young people (who comprise 25 per cent of the UK population) by the majority of STPs, is a cause for concern. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Protecting your organisation from ransomware
Protecting your organisation from ransomware This guidance outlines how to prevent a ransomware incident and what to do if your organisation is infect. It suggests simple steps to help organisations prevent a cyber attack. In response to the recent ransomware campaign, the NCSC has also published guidance for IT systems administrators which outlines responses to this specific cyber attack. National Cyber Security Centre
How to improve care for people with multimorbidity in Europe?
How to improve care for people with multimorbidity in Europe? Where do policy makers start if they want to prepare their health systems for the growing challenge of multimorbidity? This policy brief finds that Europe’s health systems are ‘disease-oriented’ and organised around single medical specialties, leading to fragmented care. It examines how to support patient-centred integrated care provision by changing clinical practice and reforming the health and social care system. World Health Organization
'Fat but fit is a big fat myth'
'Fat but fit is a big fat myth' The idea that people can be fat but medically fit is a myth, say experts speaking in Portugal.
Their early work, as yet unpublished, involved looking at the GP records of 3.5 million people in the UK.
They say people who were obese but who had no initial signs of heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol were not protected from ill health in later life, contradicting previous research. BBC News
Their early work, as yet unpublished, involved looking at the GP records of 3.5 million people in the UK.
They say people who were obese but who had no initial signs of heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol were not protected from ill health in later life, contradicting previous research. BBC News
NHS cyber attack: A&Es 'fully open' again
NHS cyber attack: A&Es 'fully open' again Patients are no longer being diverted away from A&E units following the cyber attack, NHS bosses say. BBC News
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Cancer drug price hike company investigated
Cancer drug price hike company investigated European investigators are looking at claims that Aspen Pharma excessively increased the price of cancer drugs. BBC News
Google DeepMind 1.6m patient record deal 'inappropriate'
Google DeepMind 1.6m patient record deal 'inappropriate' National data guardian says patient data transfer from Royal Free to Google subsidiary has ‘inappropriate legal basis’ as information not used for direct care
The transfer of 1.6m patient records to Google’s artificial intelligence company DeepMind Health has been criticised for its “inappropriate legal basis” by the UK’s national data guardian.
In a letter leaked to Sky News, the national data guardian, Dame Fiona Caldicott, warned DeepMind’s partner hospital, the Royal Free, that the patient record transfer was not for “direct care” since the data was initially used to test the app that the two organisations were working on, before patients were treated with it. Continue reading... The Guardian
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The transfer of 1.6m patient records to Google’s artificial intelligence company DeepMind Health has been criticised for its “inappropriate legal basis” by the UK’s national data guardian.
In a letter leaked to Sky News, the national data guardian, Dame Fiona Caldicott, warned DeepMind’s partner hospital, the Royal Free, that the patient record transfer was not for “direct care” since the data was initially used to test the app that the two organisations were working on, before patients were treated with it. Continue reading... The Guardian
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How much progress is the NHS making on workforce diversity? | Roger Kline
How much progress is the NHS making on workforce diversity? | Roger Kline Overturning decades of discrimination will not happen overnight but there have been small yet significant improvements
The NHS would grind to a standstill without the contribution of its black and minority ethnic (BME) staff. A fifth of nurses and midwives and a third of doctors are from BME backgrounds. Yet, by almost every measure, their treatment is poorer than that of their white colleagues. The latest report on the experience of these staff (pdf), drawn from nine workforce and staff survey metrics from all 236 trusts in England, makes sobering reading.
The more senior the pay grade, the less likely it will be filled by BME staff. Almost a quarter (24%) of nurses and midwives at entry grade 5 are from BME backgrounds, but this falls to 4% once senior management grades (8C and 8D) are reached. Continue reading... The Guardian
The NHS would grind to a standstill without the contribution of its black and minority ethnic (BME) staff. A fifth of nurses and midwives and a third of doctors are from BME backgrounds. Yet, by almost every measure, their treatment is poorer than that of their white colleagues. The latest report on the experience of these staff (pdf), drawn from nine workforce and staff survey metrics from all 236 trusts in England, makes sobering reading.
The more senior the pay grade, the less likely it will be filled by BME staff. Almost a quarter (24%) of nurses and midwives at entry grade 5 are from BME backgrounds, but this falls to 4% once senior management grades (8C and 8D) are reached. Continue reading... The Guardian
Breast screenings attendance improves with fixed slots
Breast screenings attendance improves with fixed slots Researchers from Queen Mary University found that offering women a specific time and place for a breast cancer screening improves attendance by more than 22%. The Daily Mail
Catch rogue surgeons by forcing private hospitals to disclose botched operations data, top doctors demand
Catch rogue surgeons by forcing private hospitals to disclose botched operations data, top doctors demand Private hospitals should be forced to reveal details of botched operations and unexpected deaths in a bid to catch rogue surgeons, doctors leaders have said.
The Royal College of Surgeons is calling for an “urgent” end to opaque practices in the private sector in the wake of the Ian Paterson scandal.
The Birmingham-based breast surgeon was convicted last month of performing unnecessary and dangerous operations on 10 patients, however experts believe the true number of victims may be over 1,000. The Daily Telegraph
The Royal College of Surgeons is calling for an “urgent” end to opaque practices in the private sector in the wake of the Ian Paterson scandal.
The Birmingham-based breast surgeon was convicted last month of performing unnecessary and dangerous operations on 10 patients, however experts believe the true number of victims may be over 1,000. The Daily Telegraph
'Dr Google' can help patient-doctor relationship, study finds
'Dr Google' can help patient-doctor relationship, study finds So-called "Dr Google" can have a positive impact on a relationship between a GP and their patient, a new study suggests.
Performing online searches for health information - colloquially known as using "Dr Google" - leads to a better mutual understanding of symptoms and diagnosis between a patient and their GP, a new research paper found.
Searching online before an appointment can generally have a "positive contribution" to a GP consultation, a team of researchers from Belgium found. The Daily Telegraph
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Performing online searches for health information - colloquially known as using "Dr Google" - leads to a better mutual understanding of symptoms and diagnosis between a patient and their GP, a new research paper found.
Searching online before an appointment can generally have a "positive contribution" to a GP consultation, a team of researchers from Belgium found. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- College advises patients to be cautious about using "Dr Google" to diagnose themselves Royal College of General Practitioners
Tuesday 16 May 2017
CYBER ATTACK: GP bosses urge Northamptonshire patients to attend appointments as usual
CYBER ATTACK: GP bosses urge Northamptonshire patients to attend appointments as usual GP patients in Northampton are being advised to attend booked appointments as normal even through surgeries were forced to shut down IT systems following Friday's massive cyber attack. Northamptonshire Telegraph
NHS Confederation election asks
NHS Confederation election asks This briefing discusses two of the NHS Confederation manifesto proposals in depth: the establishment of an Office for Budget Responsibility and Health and the commitment to an NHS funding target.
Love to Move: Chair-based gymnastics scheme boost for those with dementia
Love to Move: Chair-based gymnastics scheme boost for those with dementia A new chair-based gymnastics exercise programme has significant benefits for people with dementia, says a report.
More than 150 people have taken part in the Love to Move scheme run by the British Gymnastics Foundation (BGF).
And research by Age UK found the scheme to have "demonstrable benefits in the physical, emotional and cognitive aspects of older people".
The organisers now aim to train more people to deliver the programme and make it more widely available. BBC Sport
More than 150 people have taken part in the Love to Move scheme run by the British Gymnastics Foundation (BGF).
And research by Age UK found the scheme to have "demonstrable benefits in the physical, emotional and cognitive aspects of older people".
The organisers now aim to train more people to deliver the programme and make it more widely available. BBC Sport
Union condemns cuts to school nurses
Union condemns cuts to school nurses Cuts to crucial services are jeopardising the health of England's children, nursing leaders are warning.
The Royal College of Nursing highlighted figures showing reductions in the numbers of school nurses and health visitors.
The union said government cuts to public health budgets - held by local authorities - were to blame.
The Conservatives say they are protecting children's health, with over £3bn spent on public health last year. BBC News
The Royal College of Nursing highlighted figures showing reductions in the numbers of school nurses and health visitors.
The union said government cuts to public health budgets - held by local authorities - were to blame.
The Conservatives say they are protecting children's health, with over £3bn spent on public health last year. BBC News
NHS cyber-attack: No 'second spike' but disruption continues
NHS cyber-attack: No 'second spike' but disruption continues A "second spike" in cyber-attacks has not hit the NHS but some hospital trusts are suffering ongoing disruption due to Friday's ransomware attack.
Routine surgery and GP appointments have been cancelled across the NHS as it recovers from the global outbreak.
But the number of hospitals diverting patients from A&E has decreased from seven on Sunday to two.
They are the Lister Hospital in Hertfordshire and the Broomfield Hospital in Essex. BBC News
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Routine surgery and GP appointments have been cancelled across the NHS as it recovers from the global outbreak.
But the number of hospitals diverting patients from A&E has decreased from seven on Sunday to two.
They are the Lister Hospital in Hertfordshire and the Broomfield Hospital in Essex. BBC News
See also:
- Latest guidance for the NHS on protecting against cyber attack NHS Digital
- Ransomware and the NHS - the inquest begins BBC News
- Jeremy Hunt: 'Lessons will be learnt' from NHS cyber-attack BBC News
- Cyber attack that brought down NHS was 'poorly designed', says boss of expert who stopped hackers The Daily Telegraph
- Cyber attack: NHS ordered to upgrade outdated systems as disruption continues The Daily Telegraph
- The NHS got lucky – for now. Cyber-attacks will only get worse The Guardian
- Who is to blame for exposing the NHS to cyber-attacks? The Guardian
- Warning of NHS cyber-attack risk was not acted on, says cybersecurity adviser The Guardian
70% of UK workers still go to work even when they are ill, survey finds
70% of UK workers still go to work even when they are ill, survey finds A slightly sore throat and a bit of a sniffle won’t keep Brits out of work, new research suggests.
According to a report published by insurance company Aviva on Tuesday, millions of people in the UK have gone to work when they were ill instead of taking the day off, driven by heavy workloads and employers promoting a culture of face-time.
The report shows that seven out of 10 employees in private firms – the equivalent of 18 million nationally – have at some point come into the office despite being unwell. More than two in five of 2,000 employees surveyed for the report said that they feel their employer prioritises the performance of the company over the workforce’s health and wellbeing. The Independent
According to a report published by insurance company Aviva on Tuesday, millions of people in the UK have gone to work when they were ill instead of taking the day off, driven by heavy workloads and employers promoting a culture of face-time.
The report shows that seven out of 10 employees in private firms – the equivalent of 18 million nationally – have at some point come into the office despite being unwell. More than two in five of 2,000 employees surveyed for the report said that they feel their employer prioritises the performance of the company over the workforce’s health and wellbeing. The Independent
NHS needs to change, says expert, and both sides of politics should support it
NHS needs to change, says expert, and both sides of politics should support it Chris Ham, head of the King’s Fund, says campaigning over the state of A&Es and maternity units may be ‘good politics locally’ but jeopardises better care.
Politicians should support, not oppose, controversial changes to local hospital services in order to save lives, improve care and tackle doctor shortages, a former government NHS adviser is urging.
Professor Chris Ham, the chief executive of the influential King’s Fund health thinktank, said candidates standing in the election should not try to court popularity with voters by joining campaigns against the rundown of A&E and maternity units. Continue reading... The Guardian
Politicians should support, not oppose, controversial changes to local hospital services in order to save lives, improve care and tackle doctor shortages, a former government NHS adviser is urging.
Professor Chris Ham, the chief executive of the influential King’s Fund health thinktank, said candidates standing in the election should not try to court popularity with voters by joining campaigns against the rundown of A&E and maternity units. Continue reading... The Guardian
Why a simple 'sorry' could save the NHS millions
Why a simple 'sorry' could save the NHS millions When his 20-month-old son Tahmeed died in the Royal London Hospital after a series of catastrophic errors, the last thing his devastated father wanted from the NHS was money.
‘I had buried Tahmeed and I would have given anything to have him back,’ says Taufiqul Karim Suhrid, a cab dispatcher.
But he was shocked when, instead of explaining what had happened and apologising, Barts Health NHS Trust flatly denied the toddler’s death was a result of substandard treatment. The Daily Mail
‘I had buried Tahmeed and I would have given anything to have him back,’ says Taufiqul Karim Suhrid, a cab dispatcher.
But he was shocked when, instead of explaining what had happened and apologising, Barts Health NHS Trust flatly denied the toddler’s death was a result of substandard treatment. The Daily Mail
Nurses with dementia should be allowed to keep their jobs, says Royal College of Nursing
Nurses with dementia should be allowed to keep their jobs, says Royal College of Nursing Nurses who are diagnosed with dementia should keep their jobs and be allowed to continue caring for patients, the profession’s trade union has demanded.
The Royal College of Nursing said the health service should “set an example” to the rest of society by allowing staff with the degenerative condition to carry on working.
The organisation insisted nurses with the disease could continue practising without posing a risk to patients, but safety groups branded the proposal “frightening and extraordinary”.
Under current Nursing and Midwifery Council rules, which do not explicitly mention dementia, nurses must be able to deliver “safe and effective practice” and must take “all reasonable personal precautions” to avoid causing risk to the public. The Daily Telegraph
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The Royal College of Nursing said the health service should “set an example” to the rest of society by allowing staff with the degenerative condition to carry on working.
The organisation insisted nurses with the disease could continue practising without posing a risk to patients, but safety groups branded the proposal “frightening and extraordinary”.
Under current Nursing and Midwifery Council rules, which do not explicitly mention dementia, nurses must be able to deliver “safe and effective practice” and must take “all reasonable personal precautions” to avoid causing risk to the public. The Daily Telegraph
See also:
- Allow nurses with dementia to continue working BBC News
- Let nurses with dementia keep working, says union The Daily Mail
Monday 15 May 2017
NHS cyber-attack: Use services wisely, patients urged
NHS cyber-attack: Use services wisely, patients urged Patients have been urged to use the NHS "wisely" as it discovers the full impact of Friday's global cyber-attack.
NHS England said there was a "complex emerging picture", amid concerns over thousands of computers being switched back on after the weekend.
Seven trusts out of 47 that were hit are still facing serious issues, but patients have been told to turn up for appointments, unless advised otherwise.
Some GPs are asking people to consider whether they really need appointments.
The virus that hit the NHS in England and Scotland, known as Wanna Decryptor or WannaCry, has infected 200,000 machines in 150 countries since Friday. BBC News
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NHS England said there was a "complex emerging picture", amid concerns over thousands of computers being switched back on after the weekend.
Seven trusts out of 47 that were hit are still facing serious issues, but patients have been told to turn up for appointments, unless advised otherwise.
Some GPs are asking people to consider whether they really need appointments.
The virus that hit the NHS in England and Scotland, known as Wanna Decryptor or WannaCry, has infected 200,000 machines in 150 countries since Friday. BBC News
See also:
- NHS England statement on reported NHS cyber attack NHS England
- All email accounts suspended at NGH after cyber hackers target hospitals across the UK Northampton Chronicle and Echo
- KGH shuts down external IT systems to "maintain patient safety" amid ransomware alert Northamptonshire Telegraph
- NHS cyber-attack: Bosses fear further infections from ransomware BBC News
- Cyber-attack: Security minister says XP issue a 'red herring' BBC News
- NHS 'robust' after cyber-attack BBC News
- Who was hit by the NHS cyber-attack? BBC News
- NHS 'was repeatedly warned' of attack BBC News
- Next cyber-attack could be imminent, warn experts BBC News
- Fallon on cyber security: 'We warned NHS' about old system BBC News
- Ransomware and the WannaCry virus that crippled the NHS The Daily Mail
- NHS hack is part of huge global cyber attack The Daily Mail
- Cyber attack: Stay away from GP surgeries unless urgent, amid fears of Monday meltdown The Daily Telegraph
- Revealed: The 22-year-old IT expert who saved the world from ransomware virus but lives for surfing The Daily Telegraph
- Amber Rudd: 97% of NHS trusts operating 'as normal' The Daily Telegraph
- Every Government department is vulnerable to hackers, former civil service chief admits The Daily Telegraph
- GP practices shut down by NHS cyber attack GPonline
- The ransomware attack is all about insufficient funding of the NHS The Guardian
- Cyber-attack that hit NHS sparks bitter political battle over health spending The Guardian
- Jeremy Hunt 'ignored warning signs' before cyber-attack hit NHS The Guardian
- Cyber-attack could escalate as working week begins, experts warn The Guardian
- What is 'WanaCrypt0r 2.0' ransomware and why is it attacking the NHS? The Guardian
- NHS cyber attack: New dangerous version of WannaCry ransomware set to be released by hackers The Independent
Government inspectors rate Northamptonshire GP practice as 'good' after clean sweep of comment cards
Government inspectors rate Northamptonshire GP practice as 'good' after clean sweep of comment cards A watchdog has rate a Northamptonshire surgery as "good" after all of the comment cards it handed out to patients came back with positive feedback. Northampton Chronicle and Echo
Enabling professionalism in nursing and midwifery practice
Enabling professionalism in nursing and midwifery practice This guide is aimed at all nurses and midwives and sets out what professionalism can look like in everyday practice. It demonstrates how applying the values of the code of conduct should be at the centre of all nursing and midwifery practice. For employers, it identifies key principles which will help them to provide practice environments that support and encourage professionalism among nurses and midwives. Nursing and Midwifery Council
General election 2017: Labour pledges £37bn for the NHS
General election 2017: Labour pledges £37bn for the NHS Labour says it will spend an extra £37bn on the NHS in England over the next five years if it wins power.
The investment, including £10bn on upgrading IT systems and repairing buildings, would be funded by tax increases and capital borrowing.
Jeremy Corbyn blamed the NHS cyber attack on "Tory cuts", promising a service "fit for the modern day".
But the Tories said Labour's "nonsensical" economic plans would mean less money for the NHS. BBC News
The investment, including £10bn on upgrading IT systems and repairing buildings, would be funded by tax increases and capital borrowing.
Jeremy Corbyn blamed the NHS cyber attack on "Tory cuts", promising a service "fit for the modern day".
But the Tories said Labour's "nonsensical" economic plans would mean less money for the NHS. BBC News
Nurses to stage 'summer of protest activity' over pay cap
Nurses to stage 'summer of protest activity' over pay cap Nurses will stage a "summer of protest activity" across the UK over pay, the Royal College of Nursing has said.
Its members will also be balloted on industrial action unless the next government scraps a 1% pay-rise cap.
It comes as the union says figures suggest the NHS in England is drastically short of the nurses it needs, with 40,000 posts unfilled.
The Conservatives said half the workforce receive annual progression-in-the-job pay rises.
The RCN said a consultative ballot of its members in April showed a majority (78%) were prepared to go on strike, while 91% said they would support industrial action short of a strike. About 52,000 of the 270,000 RCN members eligible to vote took part. BBC News
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Its members will also be balloted on industrial action unless the next government scraps a 1% pay-rise cap.
It comes as the union says figures suggest the NHS in England is drastically short of the nurses it needs, with 40,000 posts unfilled.
The Conservatives said half the workforce receive annual progression-in-the-job pay rises.
The RCN said a consultative ballot of its members in April showed a majority (78%) were prepared to go on strike, while 91% said they would support industrial action short of a strike. About 52,000 of the 270,000 RCN members eligible to vote took part. BBC News
See also:
- Nurses threaten 'summer of protests' as four in five want strikes The Daily Telegraph
- Nurses vote in support of strike ballot over low pay The Guardian
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