Displaying items by tag: NHS

Thursday, 21 March 2024 21:44

MPs warn of 'unsustainable' social care crisis

A critical report from the Commons public accounts committee has warned of a deepening crisis in adult social care, leaving millions vulnerable. Chronic understaffing, rising waiting lists, and inconsistent funding have put immense pressure on councils. The sector, grappling with a shortage of essential staff and financial strain, is described as being 'on its knees'. Local authorities supported over a million people at a cost of £23.7 billion in 2022/23, yet concerns persist about funding effectiveness and the exploitation of care sector staff. The department of health has been urged to provide stable funding and clear leadership to address these challenges and to fulfil its ten-year vision for sector reform. Meanwhile, in the ongoing Covid inquiry a key role is being played by organisations which represent those affected by the pandemic, particularly in the care sector, including families and carers, many still dealing with trauma. Their efforts include pushing for Gloria’s Law, inspired by the plight of actress Ruthie Henshall’s mother, Gloria, who experienced isolation and deterioration in care during the lockdown.

Published in British Isles

NHS England has announced that children will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers at gender identity clinics, except as part of clinical research trials. This significant policy shift follows an independent review and a dramatic increase in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) - from under 250 to over 5,000 in a decade. Puberty blockers, used to pause physical puberty changes, have been at the centre of debate due to concerns about consent and long-term effects. The trust which runs GIDS will close at the end of March, replaced by two new services at Great Ormond Street and Alder Hey hospitals. These will offer a more holistic approach to care, including experts in neurodiversity, paediatrics, and mental health. Currently, fewer than 100 children are on puberty blockers and will continue their treatment. This decision has been described as a 'landmark' by health minister Maria Caulfield, who has emphasised child safety and evidence-based care. See also

Published in British Isles

NHS England leaders have responded positively to the £6bn budget increase from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, aimed at addressing rising demands, tackling the care backlog, and upgrading outdated IT systems. The budget for 2024/25 will see a £2.5bn increase for day-to-day operations, raising the total to £164.9bn, slightly higher than this year's £163.2bn. Julian Hartley, CEO of NHS Providers, viewed the funding as a temporary relief from financial strains, while Matthew Taylor, chief of the NHS Confederation, felt the amount was insufficient to significantly improve the service. Additionally, £3.4bn over three years is allocated to enhance NHS productivity, with £2bn targeted at modernising inefficient IT systems. This investment is expected to save time and resources, potentially leading to £4bn savings over five years. The budget also includes £430m to improve patient access to care and reduce waiting lists, partially through enhanced use of the NHS App. However, adult social care remains underfunded, causing concern among organisations like the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and Age UK. The budget also acknowledged the need for reform in children's residential care, setting aside £165m to curb profiteering. Yet, it falls short in addressing the housing crisis, with no substantial investment for new social homes and a capital gains tax cut that could negatively impact renters.

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The junior doctors’ strike, the longest-ever in  NHS history, resulted in the postponement of over 113,000 patient operations and appointments - bringing the total since December 2022 to  1,333,221. Patients are bearing the brunt of this action, facing multiple cancellations, eroding confidence in healthcare. NHS leaders warn that the strike's impact could linger for months. As colder weather increases the demand for hospital treatment, the strain on staff remains considerable. Experts suggest that the number of cancellations could be twice as high as reported, as hospitals refrained from booking pre-planned operations during strikes. The British Medical Association has called for a 35% pay raise for junior doctors, citing a 26.1% real terms pay cut between 2008 and 2022. When the Government offered an 8.8% pay rise and an additional 3%, the doctors rejected it. NHS consultants recently took strike action and negotiated a 4.95% pay increase to add to the Government's 6% offer. The strike's aftermath will continue to affect healthcare services, prompting calls to end such actions.

Published in British Isles

Junior doctors in England are currently engaged in the longest strike in NHS history, demanding a 35% pay increase from their current hourly rate of £15-£17 to around £20. Despite five weeks of unsuccessful talks last year with the British Medical Association, the Government remains firm in its refusal to negotiate during the strike. The doctors, who claim strong public support, argue that their six-day strike is the only way to get the government's attention regarding their pay and working conditions. Health secretary Victoria Atkins is accused of pushing medics out of the negotiation room. Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chair of the BMA’s junior doctors committee, stressed the necessity of the strike, citing a workforce crisis and the government's alleged unresponsiveness to other forms of dialogue. Public opinions are mixed, with some expressing sympathy for the doctors’ plight, acknowledging their critical role and the current economic pressures. Others, however, suggest gratitude for employment during difficult times. The strike has sparked concerns about junior doctors moving abroad for better pay and conditions; Dr Georgia Blackwell notes a growing trend of doctors relocating to countries like Australia for improved work-life balance and higher earnings.

Published in British Isles

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, has warned that upcoming strikes by junior doctors could push the NHS to a tipping point early in the new year. The strikes coincide with typical winter pressures, including cold weather illnesses, bed shortages, and increases in norovirus cases, potentially overwhelming the health service. Junior doctors in England have been on strike this week, and are planning a six-day stoppage from 3 January. The strikes have already led to the postponement of outpatient appointments and operations, with Cheltenham general hospital closing its A&E unit due to staff shortages. The dispute centres on their demands for a 35% pay rise. Recent talks between the British Medical Association and the department of health have not resolved the issue. Dr Vivek Trivedi, for the BMA, argues that the Government's offer of an additional 3% pay rise is insufficient. He emphasises that junior doctors need fair pay to prevent them from seeking employment abroad, and believes the public still supports their right to strike.

Published in British Isles

The NHS is confronting escalating A&E wait times as it faces one of its most difficult winters. In England, only 69.7% of patients were seen within the four-hour target last month. Ambulance delays have worsened, with one-third of patients experiencing waits of more than 30 minutes at hospitals. The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) reported significant ambulance service delays, leading to 149,000 lost hours and potential harm to 37,000 patients. The College of Paramedics highlighted the urgent need for investment in ambulance services and emergency department improvements. Despite preparations, the NHS's situation remains challenging compared to last year. The Health Foundation notes that its performance this winter depends on weather and seasonal viruses. Lib Dem spokeswoman Daisy Cooper criticised the government for inadequate preparation. NHS England's medical director and PM Rishi Sunak acknowledged the challenges, mentioning government efforts in early planning and funding to enhance A&E, ambulance services, and patient discharge processes.

Published in British Isles

The NHS backlog in England has reached a record high, with 7.77 million people waiting for non-emergency care by the end of September. What is more concerning is that about one million people are on multiple waiting lists for treatment, with some on up to five lists. The waiting list is now nearly 3.5 million higher than pre-pandemic levels. The Royal College of Nursing's chief nurse, Prof Nicola Ranger, attributes this to a shortage of nurses, and suggests the Government has lost control of waiting times. Although progress has been made in reducing waits of more than 18 months, ongoing strikes by healthcare workers have disrupted efforts. The strikes have cost the NHS an estimated £1 billion in premium rates and preparations. The Government's rejection of extra funding for strike-related costs has forced the NHS to use existing budgets, including those for IT and maintenance, to address the backlog. This has led to a relaxation of treatment targets, acknowledging the prolonged effort needed to address the backlog.

Published in British Isles

A study suggests that 95,000 to 167,000 people in England may have contracted Covid-19 in hospitals during the second wave of the pandemic, from June 2020 to March 2021. Researchers from Oxford University analysed data from 145 English NHS acute hospital trusts, considering factors like the availability of single rooms and vaccination of healthcare workers. The study found that 1% to 2% of all hospital admissions during this period led to hospital-acquired infections. The highest infection rates were observed in the north-west regions of England. The research underscores the importance of improving hospital design to limit the transmission of future pathogens and the need for measures to reduce hospital transmissions. Vaccination of healthcare workers was associated with lower infection rates. The findings are significant for protecting vulnerable patients, healthcare workers, and communities.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 28 September 2023 23:36

Family wins freedom to name their deceased daughter

A family has been allowed to name their late 19-year-old daughter, Sudiksha Thirumalesh, after being denied the opportunity to seek specialist treatment abroad due to restrictive reporting regulations. Sudiksha, who suffered from a rare genetic mitochondrial disease, was engaged in a legal battle with the NHS for over six months to seek experimental treatment that could potentially have saved her life. Although she was fully conscious and able to communicate, a court order prevented her and her family from raising funds to travel to Canada for a clinical trial. Sudiksha's situation gained significant media attention, especially after her tragic death. The family, who are committed Christians, have expressed their distress at the treatment they received from the hospital trust and the courts. They felt silenced, intimidated, and prevented from accessing potential life-saving treatment for Sudiksha. Now they hope to seek justice for her and raise awareness of how critical care decisions are made in the NHS and the courts. There are calls for a more transparent and open system to prevent similar ordeals for other patients and families.

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