http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alertLatest health news update from the Royal College of Nursingwebteam@rcn.org.ukNews30http://www.rcn.org.uk/images/rss/RCN_.gif http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alerthttp://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2011/wednesday_06_aprilThe Guardian contains a comment piece by Jacky Davis, co-chair of the NHS Consultants Association. She criticises the idea of GP commissioning saying it could skew a doctor's view of their patient, making them a consortium cost rather than a person. The piece mentions that the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of GPs and the BMA have also recently called for the proposals for the new NHS bill to be withdrawn. A comment piece in The Daily Express by Ann Widdecombe says, that David Cameron should push ahead with the NHS reform and Simon Jenkins from The Evening Standard also says that David Cameron and Nick Clegg must have the courage to reorganise the NHS. The Times reports that Andrew Lansley will be given the public backing of both David Cameron and Nick Clegg today, as the leaders make clear that they trust the Health Secretary to force through all necessary changes to his NHS reform plans. A comment piece in The Times says the proposed reforms are all about structures and systems, but they miss what really matters is the attitude of the staff. Dr Peter Carter was interviewed last night on Channel 5 News about the reforms.2011-04-06http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2011/tuesday_05_aprilThe media continue to report on the Government’s plans to pause on the health reforms. The Times reports Health Secretary Andrew Lansley promised yesterday to "pause, listen and engage", as he tried to fight of criticism over his health reform plans. However, no substantial changes in direction are expected, with health sources suggesting the Bill will still be back in the Commons by the middle of June, only about two weeks later than expected under the previous timetable. In a report published today, the all-party Commons Health Select Committee demanded significant changes to the plans to hand 60 per cent of the NHS budget to GPs. Dr Peter Carter is quoted as saying: “We have long said that no single profession can have sole responsibility for commissioning healthcare, and without a mix of healthcare professionals, including nurses, we believe that the new model of commissioning will fail.” The Guardian says that Andrew Lansley has accepted that membership of new GP-led commissioning consortia should be expanded. He will agree today with the broad principles of proposals made by the health select committee. In a separate article a number of experts offer their opinion on what the Government should do regarding its planned NHS reforms. The Financial Times report the Commons health select committee has recommended that Andrew Lansley should drop plans for GP consortiums to buy care, instead creating NHS commissioning authorities with representation from doctors, nurses, social care staff and local government officials. The Daily Telegraph has also published a Q&A on the health reforms, which mentions that the RCN have pointed to job losses occurring in the NHS.2011-04-05http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2011/saturday_2-_monday_4_aprilNHS paying £120an hour for agency nurses: The Sunday Mirror reports NHS hospitals are paying more than £120 an hour for private agency nurses, and private firms are charging as up to £1,200 for a single shift. Dr Peter Carter said: "This is just another example in a long list of a failure to manage NHS finances, which both costs the taxpayer and affects the quality of care. This is often an expensive and short-sighted way of ensuring safe staffing levels. At a time when the NHS in England is having to make £20 billion in efficiency savings spending like this unacceptable”.2011-04-04http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/tuesday_29_marchThe Daily Mail’s GP, Dr Martin Scurr looks at the issue of bed sores and standards of care in hospitals. Dr Peter Carter comments at the Mid Staffordshire inquiry are mentioned. He said: “Where you have a high incidence of pressure sores that is definitely an indicator that something is fundamentally wrong”.2011-03-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/saturday_26-_monday_28_marchA number of papers this weekend reported on the TUC march against public service cuts. More than 100,000 people, including hundreds of RCN members took part in the march to voice their protest against cuts that are currently taking place across all areas of public services. Dr Peter carter was interviewed on Sky News, on why nurses were marching and their concerns. Vince Cable, Business secretary has said the government is listening to the trade unions but will not change its deficit-cutting strategy because of Saturday’s march. The Financial Times reported that Ed Milliband, Labour leader, took a political risk by joining the rally.2011-03-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/wednesday_23_marchFigures in the NHS workforce census show a rise in the number of staff working for the NHS in England over the past decade. Over the past year the number of managers has fallen by 2,770 while the number of clinical staff rose by 2,707. However, unions fear that hospitals are starting to cut jobs to save money and that the number of nurses and doctors will now start to fall. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Daily Telegraph saying: “These figures mask the reality of what is happening on the ground. Despite the rhetoric of protecting healthcare services, we know that tens of thousands of NHS posts are earmarked to be cut and that nurses and healthcare assistants are being stretched to breaking point”2011-03-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/tuesday_22_marchThe Daily Mirror Online carries a video of three RCN members and Janet Davies handing in a letter orgainsed by the RCN. Over 22,000 people have co- signed the letter asking Chancellor George Osborne to protect the NHS from cuts. The Evening Standard and The Metro also carried the same photo.2011-03-22http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/wednesday_16_marchThe number of European nurses registering to work in Britain has almost doubled since registration rules were relaxed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Before the rules were relaxed, all nurses were required to have practised for 450 hours in the previous three years to join the register. Howard Catton, Head of Policy said: “There is a risk that we have created a public protection black hole. The regulator and employers need to work together to monitor the skills and qualifications of nurses that are coming in from European countries, and produce assurances that these are kept up to date”.2011-03-16http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/tuesday_15_marchDoctors are to debate toughening their opposition to the government's plans to overhaul the NHS in England. Some 350 delegates will come together today to attend an emergency meeting of the British Medical Association (BMA) amid grassroots anger about the plans which could see increased competition. BMA leader Dr Hamish Meldrum said doctors were worried about the "very dangerous" plans. The Department of Health said it wanted to "work closely" with the BMA and was committed to the future of the NHS.2011-03-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/saturday_12-_monday_14_marchThe NHS will be unable to cope with patients suffering from long-term illnesses like diabetes and asthma unless there is radical reform, the Health Secretary has warned. Andrew Lansley said the NHS must change, including providing more support to keep people out of hospital which would help to save money. Dr Peter Carter said the NHS reforms are leading to thousands of job cuts, including among nurses who specialise in long-term conditions. He added “"We need more investment and support for specialist nurses and others who care for these patients in a range of settings. We hear from nurses who are already too busy to provide the high-quality care that they would like to. Despite this we know of tens of thousands of NHS jobs being cut which will leave the most vulnerable patients at risk. We agree with the Government's diagnosis, however we are not sure about their prescription2011-03-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/wednesday_2_marchhe Guardian reports that under the health and social care bill, which is going through parliament, GP practices could be partially floated on the stock market. In documents obtained by Channel 4 news and passed to the Guardian, one private health firm, IHP, proposes that the commissioning budget for patients be handed over to a private company in which family doctors would own a 20% stake. The Department of Health said a national commissioning board and regulator would prevent perceived or potential conflicts of interest. Dr Peter Carter said he did not "want perverse incentives [being created] for the leaders of the new consortiums to underspend. It would send out mixed messages to NHS staff if they are seeing cuts in frontline services in one part of the NHS and bonuses elsewhere”.2011-03-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march_2010/tuesday_1_marchEvening Standard feature about the work of health visitors, and how plans to recruit thousands more will have major impact on lives of families with young children. Dr Peter Carter is quoted saying: “It is well known that health visitors make a significant impact on the health of young children and families”.2011-03-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/saturday_26-_monday_28_februaryThe Times report that NHS bosses are refusing extra pay for staff working on the day of the royal wedding, which has been declared a bank holiday. While police and other public sector will receive higher rates for working on April 29, NHS trusts in England will treat the national holiday as a normal working day. Josie Irwin, the RCN's head of employment relations, said: "Most people in England will have a day off and those who work will mostly be paid Bank Holiday rates”. All the NHS trade unions regard the employers’ position as mean-spirited.2011-02-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/wednesday_23_februaryFalse Economy, a cuts campaign website supported by the TUC and a number of unions has revealed that more than 50,000 NHS staff posts are set to be cut by local health trusts across the UK. False Economy’s figures have been collated for the most part from NHS trusts themselves under the Freedom of Information Act but also include figures published by the RCN Frontline First campaign. They also used press reports and foundation trusts’ annual plans published by the national regulator Monitor. The RCN said the figures merely confirmed its own fears, adding that 27,000 posts NHS posts were earmarked in November. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Guardian, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph online and BBC News Online saying “We understand that the Government wants to protect front line services. However … our own research has established that the gap between the rhetoric of protecting the front line and what is actually happening locally in hospitals is increasing all the time”.2011-02-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/tuesday_22_februaryPolly Toynbee in The Guardian today comments that the plans to open the NHS to more private sector operation is to be extended to other public services.2011-02-22http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/saturday_19_-_monday_21_februaryAn opinion piece by Dr Peter Carter on NHS cuts was published in the News of the World Dr Peter Carter said: “The shocking job losses announced this week were more evidence that instead of being protected, the NHS faces some of the most severe cuts in its history. The RCN revealed in November that 27.000 NHs posts were set to be axed- but we now fear that was just the beginning. The idea that cutting 500 to 600 jobs from a hospital will not affect patient care is ludicrous”.2011-02-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/tuesday_15_februaryA report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman today highlights ten examples of poor care given to older people in the NHS. The report looks at 10 cases which it said were inadequately investigated by the NHS, in which older men and women were treated badly, often towards the end of their lives. Dr Peter Carter is quoted widely in the newspapers saying: “There can be no hiding place for inhumane treatment or poor care. The overwhelming majority of nurses will join us in condemning the failures outlined by the Ombudsman. However, we know that the NHS is expected to save up to £20bn in England alone, and with 27,000 posts already earmarked to be lost there will be an impact on frontline care.”2011-02-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/saturday_12_-_monday_14_februaryAlcohol abuse to cost NHS an extra £1.5 million by 2015: The number of people admitted to hospital in the UK because of problem drinking could rise to 1.5 million a year by 2015, according to a report, ‘Making Alcohol A Health Priority ‘by Alcohol concern. The report calls on ministers to invest more in treatment services and says a 50p a unit minimum price on drink will save thousands of lives.2011-02-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/wednesday_9_februaryHealth Secretary Andrew Lansley is being pressured to delete provisions from the Health and Social Care Bill to prevent senior GPs, and managers of the new GP consortia which will start commissioning healthcare from 2013, receiving financial rewards if they do not spend the whole of their allocated annual budget. Dr Peter Carter said: “If a consortium makes a surplus, that it could be great. But there should be no question of it being put back into people’s pay packets or giving people bonuses. This is taxpayers’ money. Any surplus should be ploughed back into patient care, not extra pay and bonuses for those who are already reasonably well-paid”. Peter outlined his concerns to the MP’s on the cross-party commons health select committee. His call was supported by Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of GPs and John Healy, the shadow health secretary2011-02-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/tuesday_8_februaryThe Times publishes a letter by eight leading health charities, including the British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society and Breakthrough Breast Cancer calling on MPs to make crucial changes to the Health and Social care bill to ensure the NHS will be answerable to everyone. They argue that plans to make GP consortia accountable to the public are far too weak and the proposed reforms do little to give patients a stronger voice at a local level.2011-02-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/saturday_5_-_monday_7_februaryA RCN survey of 1,900 nurses found that fewer than one in ten nurses feel they have the right number of staff to deliver good quality care to patients. Most nurses believe poor staff staffing compromises patient safety. They say they are under mounting pressure in the face of job losses and recruitment freezes. Dr Peter Carter said: “The results of the survey act as reality check for those saying that cuts aren’t biting in the NHS. It is deeply worrying that some nurses are telling us they do not have enough staff to deliver quality care and that safety could be compromised”. The RCN has said 27,000 jobs could be cut at NHS trusts across England. The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, The Daily Telegraph and The Metro reported on the survey. Dr Peter Carter was interviewed on Sky News and on ITV Daybreak. Howard Catton was interviewed on BBC London radio and in a Sky News package.2011-02-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/wednesday_2_februaryThe Daily Mirror reports that many health and medical organisations have serious concerns over the government’s health reform. The article notes that the RCN is one of the organisations and includes a quote from Dr Peter Carter: “It will be very important that none of the recent improvements to the NHS are placed in jeopardy. Of particular concern is the sheer scale and pace of the change as the NHS is tasked with saving £20 billion”.2011-02-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february_2011/tuesday_1_februaryPlans to overhaul the NHS in England have passed their first Commons hurdle after a six-hour debate. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said they would make the NHS "fit for the demands of the 21st Century". But Labour said "free market political ideology" was driving a plan that would break up the NHS. The bill was backed by 321 to 235 at second reading.2011-02-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/january_2011/saturday_29-_monday_31_januaryThe Times has published a comment piece by Dr Peter Carter ahead of the second reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. Dr Carter talks about how it is worrying at a time when the NHS is being challenged to make £20 billion of savings, the new commissioning process, led by consortia of GP practices, is silent on the role of nurses. He believes nurses play a vital role in giving vulnerable people a voice and the recent NHS reforms threatens their role. He concludes that the health bill needs to give nurses the voice to speak up for patients. David Cameron also comments on the need for his much-criticised NHS reforms. He states that nurses “will continue to play a vital role”.2011-01-31http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/january_2011/thursday_20_january_2011Health and Social Care Bill presented to Parliament: The Health and Social Care Bill was yesterday laid before Parliament detailing a number of proposals, including plans to give general practice consortia 80% of the health budget, encouragement of more competition with private companies, and an expansion of Monitor’s role. Andrew Lansley has said that the proposals would save £10 billion over the next decade. The Independent and The Times say that the RCN is concerned about the reforms while at the same time the NHS is being asked to save £20 billion. The Times quotes Dr Peter Carter who said, “The stakes could not be higher for this substantial Bill”. Janet Davies was also interviewed on the BBC News Channel on the subject. The Daily Express outlines concerns that hospitals will be more likely to pursue private patients rather than NHS patients if restrictions are lifted. Andrew Lansley has said that the savings would be “enough to pay for over 40,000 extra nurses or over 11,000 extra senior doctors”, while giving the NHS “a stable financial basis for the future.” The Financial Times contains a piece detailing the pros and cons of the Health and Social Care Bill and also an opinion piece on Health Service reforms. Tony Blair’s former health advisor, Julian Le Grand has come out in support of the reforms saying that they are “evolutionary, not revolutionary” and that they follow on logically from previous reforms.2011-01-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/january_2011/saturday_15-_monday_17_januaryHealth leaders warn: The Times has published a letter from medical and health professionals including Dr Hamish Meldrum of the British Medical Association, Dr Peter Carter of the Royal College of Nursing, Karen Jennings of Unison, Karen Reay of Unite, Professor Cathy Warwick of the Royal College of Midwives and Phil Gray of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, concerning the speed for reform in the NHS. The letter mentions they fear the speed and scale of the reforms, suggesting that the proposal to introduce price competition between the NHS and private companies risks undermining the care of patients by putting cost before quality. The letter accompanies an article in The Times, discussing the concerns over the NHS reforms. Peter Carter was interviewed by BBC News and Sky News. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley responded to the criticism with a letter saying how the NHS reforms will make sure attention is firmly focused on patients.2011-01-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/january_2011/wednesday_12_januaryhe Daily Mirror reports, 3,000 health workers have lost their jobs in a single week, according to figures by NHS pressure group Health Emergency. The Royal College of Nursing figure of nearly 27,000 posts earmarked for cuts is mentioned.2011-01-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/january_2011/tuesday_11_januaryThe RCN has said that rejection is the only logical outcome of proposals to freeze incremental pay for NHS staff in England. Dr Peter Carter also said that members have said loud and clear, that they are angry about the proposal, that it won’t work and that it is divisive. Last night, Unison announced that it was rejecting the proposals.2011-01-11http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/january_2011Sir Terence English, the surgeon who conducted Britain's first successful heart transplant and whose pioneering work has saved the lives of hundreds of people has joined the right-to-die campaign. The Independent notes that most medical organisations are opposed to doctors assisting suicide, while only the Royal College of Nursing is neutral on the issue.2011-01-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/wednesday_22_decemberAccording to government figures more than 300 people are currently in intensive care with flu, the majority of whom are thought to have swine flu, although the exact number is unclear. New figures on the number of deaths from flu and swine flu will be released by the Health Protection Agency tomorrow. In The Daily Mirror Shadow Health Secretary John Healey has urged Andrew Lansley, Health Secretary to "get a grip" on the flu crisis.2010-12-22http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/tuesday_21_decemberBBC Online article on how the snow is adding to the winter pressures on the NHS, causing staff shortages, record calls to ambulance services and dwindling blood supplies. The Royal College of Nursing said while winter planning had improved, this would be a testing time for the NHS. Some ambulance services are urging people to only call 999 for life threatening emergencies, and to avoid venturing out in cars. Meanwhile, the NHS is appealing for people to donate blood.2010-12-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/monday_20_decembere Observer reports on a deal which would allegedly result in 35,000 nurses, cleaners and medical secretaries being made redundant unless staff accept a pay deal that could see them lose up to several thousand pounds a year. It is reported that the Department of Health’s own calculations means that the losses will happen if NHS staff in England reject a two-year freeze on their pay increments in return for no compulsory redundancies. Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN Dr Peter Carter is quoted as saying: “Nurses are are dealing with the effects of increased demand for health services at a time when 27,000 posts have already been identified as at risk. Nursing is the backbone of the NHS and government and employers need to be aware of the importance of morale. This winter is likely to be a major test for the NHS and the government." The Observer has also published an editorial calling for a halt to the proposed NHS reforms.2010-12-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/wednesday_15_decemberDr Peter Carter was interviewed on BBC News 24 and Sky News on the RCN response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee report, which says the NHS and social service will be tested “to the limit” by the government’s efficiency saving requirements over the next four years. Dr Peter Carter challenged how the savings could be made without affecting patient care and services. He said the RCN had already identified 27,000 posts ear-marked for cuts. The Daily Telegraph and The Times carried Peter’s comments.2010-12-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/tuesday_14_decemberThe NHS and social services will be tested "to the limit" by the government's efficiency saving requirements over the next four years, according to a report by the House of Commons Health Select Committee. The MP say the spending review settlement represented a "significant challenge" for the NHS. The report calls for the Department of Health to deliver a "credible plan" for where the efficiency gains will be made. Dr Peter Carter is expected to be interviewed on BBC News 24. We issued a response saying: “This report echoes our fear about the current efficiency challenges facing the NHS. We fully support the Committee’s view that efficiency savings should not be about cuts, but achieving more with the same amount of money. Sadly, with 27,000 posts already ear-marked for cuts, this message is clearly not reaching NHS Trusts. Some Trusts are already cutting jobs and services at an alarming rate, making short-sighted decisions to plug the gaps in their budget2010-12-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/saturday_11-_monday_13_decemberCancer patients do not have regular support from specialist nurses, despite valuing them. Patients who had one-to- one support from specialist nurses had significant higher rates of satisfaction across all aspects of their care. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Health alongside a study showing that on-to-one support for cancer patients could save the NHS £89 million by reducing unnecessary hospital stays and GP visits. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Daily Mail saying: “Specialist nurses should be protected from short-term cutbacks with led to reductions five years ago. The government should heed the calls for patients and preserve the life-line which many rely on”.2010-12-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/wednesday_8_decemberThe Royal College of Nursing has said that health orgainisation must priortise, plan and monitor their staffing levels to ensure safe care. New guidance on safe staffing levels also said that 40 per cent of nurses said that care was being compromised on at least a weekly basis due to short staffing. The report also showed there are currently eight patients per registered nurse across the NHS and the number has risen from seven patients per registered nurse in 2007. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail saying: “We have seen time and again examples of failing care when poor staffing levels have been the key factor. With the NHS beds running near to capacity it is absolutely vital that staffing level are prioritised”. Howard Catton, Head of Policy was also quoted saying: “An example of compromised care was when a patient’s condition deteriorated, but there were too few staff to pick up on the change quickly”.2010-12-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/tuesday_7_decemberThe Independent reports the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley will press ahead with NHS pilot schemes under which GPs will take charge of £80bn of the £100bn health budget for commissioning services for their patients. The scheme will be rolled out nationally from 2013 in changes that will eventually see the 152 PCTs disappear. However, the Treasury is thought to have reservations about the scheme. One Minister said: “The concern is whether it is the right time to make such a big change because the NHS is under pressure to make huge efficiency savings. There could be significant financial risks”.2010-12-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december_2010/saturday_4-_monday_6_decemberThe number of patients becoming malnourished in hospital has doubled in just three years. Official figures show that a record 13,500 patients fell victim to some form of nutritional deficiency over the last year. Dr Peter Carter was quoted in The Daily Mail, saying: “These figures are a cause of concern as good nutrition is one of the fundamental elements to improving the health and well being of patients. Nurses want to ensure they can serve the nutritional needs of patients, however with 27,000 posts to be earmarked to be cut in the NHS, steps need to be taken now to provide safe staffing levels and the right level of skill to ensure nutrition is a priority in hospitals”.2010-12-06http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november_2010/tuesday_30_novemberThere were almost 57,000 physical assaults on NHS staff last year - a rise of 3.6%, according to figures published by the NHS Security Management Service. Across England, there were 56,718 assaults in 2009/10, up from 54,758 in the previous year. 1,128 criminal sanctions were given out including cautions, prison sentence or fines. Dr Peter Carter was quoted in The Daily Mirror and The Daily Telegraph. He said: “Many trusts have worked very hard to reduce the levels of assaults against staff, however despite this there have been a staggering 57,000 assaults on staff in the last year. Assaults on staff are never justified but the worry is that if pressures increase and people wait longer the level of frustration will rise”. The Daily Telegraph (p12) and The Daily Mirror (p.14).2010-11-30http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november_2010/saturday_27-_monday_29_novemberThe Dr Foster hospital guide, given exclusively to The Observer, shows that tens of thousands of patients may have died needlessly because of substandard NHS care. The guide identifies 19 NHS hospital trusts with significantly high death rates. The Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said the guide would provide information allowing people to make better choices about their treatment. The same report identified that blood clots that are largely preventable kill more people in English hospitals than superbugs. It is thought that blood clots kill more than 25,000 hospital patients a year. At least 10,000 are believed to die from superbugs such as MRSA. Dr Peter Carter was interviewed on Sunday afternoon on the BBC News Channel.2010-11-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november_2010/wednesday_24_novemberMillions at risk of hospital blood clots as guidance ignored: Up to eight million NHS hospital patients may be at risk of life-threatening blood clots because guidelines are not being followed about their prevention, according to a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Thrombosis Group, which found that only 14 hospital trusts in England were even close to meeting guidelines. VTE prevention programme, a unique partnership between the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has been formed to help the NHS focus on better care to patients and to improve health outcomes."2010-11-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november_2010/wednesday_10_novemberThe Daily Mirror reports the ultimate sacrifice of Britain's nurses in the world wars - to be honoured at a special ceremony this evening at The Royal College of Nursing headquarters in London. The roll of honour will bring together the 2,000 names of unsung heroines who died in battle or as result of war service. The roll of honour will be kept at the Royal College of Nursing's headquarters. It is part of a 10 year project by Edinburgh University Researcher Yvonne McEwan. Dr Peter Carter said: It’s about recognising the service and incredible bravery of these women”.2010-11-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november_2010/saturday_6-_monday_8_novemberNHS chiefs to face hospital scandal inquiry: NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson, medical director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh and the nursing director Christine Beasley, are all to give evidence to an inquiry into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, where negligence is said to have caused the deaths of hundreds of patients. Martin Yeates, the former chief executive of Stafford Hospital, has claimed that he is also a victim of the scandal. In what was described as a "gross and terrible breach of trust", patients were left without food or drink and in soiled beds.2010-11-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november_2010/tuesday_2_novemberStandards for the care of sick babies have not improved in England despite government action, according to the charity Bliss. They found services in special care baby units are still being stretched to the limit and not meeting minimum standards. Fewer than a third of neonatal units have enough nurses to meet minimum standards set by ministers and the NHS. Dr Peter Carter was interviewed on Daybreak on ITV1 speaking about the financial and emotional strain placed on families.2010-11-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/oct_2010/saturday_30_october_-_monday_1_novemberNearly 100 bereaved relatives and victims who suffered from appalling NHS care at Stafford hospital are to be paid a total of more than £1m, following Britain's largest ever group claim against a single hospital. In total, 97 families will receive compensation of up to £27,500 each. Yesterday an inspection report by Care Quality Commission revealed that the hospital was still failing to meet many standards of patient care, despite making progress.2010-11-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/oct_2010/wednesday_20_octoberAll the papers preview today’s Comprehensive Spending Review. The Daily Express says the scale of the government's austerity package will be laid bare today as one in 10 public-sector workers face losing their jobs. More than half-a-million posts will be slashed as the coalition unleashes its measures to drastically reduce the UK's budget deficit.2010-10-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/oct_2010/tuesday_19_octoberPatients visiting London hospitals are paying parking fees higher than the £4-an-hour cap set by the Department of Health. According to the survey conducted by parking website ParkatmyHouse.co.uk, those attending St Bartholomew's and University College hospitals have to pay £6 an hour to leave a car near the hospital while those visiting St Mary's or the Heart Hospital are paying £5 an hour for parking.2010-10-19http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/oct_2010/saturday_16_-_monday_18_octoberThe Independent reports that the NHS has axed nearly 15,000 jobs over the past nine months despite the government's pledge that health would be protected from its programme of huge public-sector spending cuts. Figures collected by the Royal College of Nursing call into question the degree to which the health service has been protected. Dr Peter Carter said: “We believe that the government genuinely wants to protect frontline services, but what we are seeing on the ground are thousands of job cuts, vacancies frozen, staff down-banded and services closed”. The RCN highlights several trusts that had made cuts.2010-10-18http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/oct_2010/wednesday_13_octoberDr Peter Carter was interviewed as part of a feature on the NHS on BBC1’s Breakfast Show this morning. The feature looked at the efficiency savings that are currently being made within the NHS, including a ‘prudence programme’ at Basingstoke Hospital. The piece was also in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review, to be announced next week.2010-10-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/oct_2010/tuesday_5_octoberThousands of elderly people will benefit from home visits as part of a campaign to keep them out of hospital. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley will tell the Conservative Party conference today that pensioners discharged from hospital will get six weeks of state help to improve post- hospital care.2010-10-05http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/wednesday_29_septemberA profile of Dr Peter Carter by Denis Campbell is published in The Guardian today. Peter gives a candid interview about how the government’s proposal for the health service to save between £15bn-£20bn by 2013-14, will have an impact on patient care. He gives examples from the RCN Frontline First campaign on cuts to the health service happening around the country. He also identifies areas of savings that could be made and gives examples of waste in the NHS, including over-ordering of medication and electrical equipment needlessly left on all day.2010-09-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/tuesday_28_septemberLarge supermarket chains would benefit from a £700m windfall if minimum pricing for alcohol was introduced across the UK, according to new research. The Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that setting a minimum price would mean the financial gains would go to the retailers and manufactures, rather than adding to “much-needed” tax revenue. The IFS said the UK government should instead look at raising alcohol taxes if it wished to target excess drinking.2010-09-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010NHS hospitals are prescribing unlicensed drugs because they are cheaper, according to documents seen by the Daily Mail. The documents show that in at least one case, hospitals are giving patients an unlicensed drug costing £1,250 a year rather than buying the newly launched official version, which costs £44,000 a year.2010-09-27http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/wednesday_22_septemberA campaign to raise awareness of early signs of cancer in England will be launched by The Department of Health in January 2011. Local areas have been given a share of £9m to spend on initiatives to highlight symptoms of bowel, breast and lung cancer and encourage people to check themselves for such signs that they have one of the conditions.2010-09-22http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/friday_17_septemberA review into childcare in Britain, carried out by Sir Ian Kennedy, concluded that GPs and nurses should receive extra training in the field. The review was commissioned last year following the death of Baby P. The review has described local health services for children and young people as “mediocre”.2010-09-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/wednesday_15_septemberThe head of the NHS’s biggest authority is facing questions over its finances. Ruth Carnell, chief executive of London’s strategic authority is under pressure to explain the “financial black hole” faced by trusts. Earlier this year, it emerged six health organisations in the capital were desperately short of cash.2010-09-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/tuesday_14_septemberThe TUC has backed a resolution calling for co-ordinated campaigns and industrial action against the cuts. Leaders of the country’s biggest unions criticised the governments spending cuts, which they claimed have already led to more than 200,000 public sector job losses or redundancy threats.2010-09-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/saturday_11-monday_13_septemberMinisters have indicated that plans for a national ban on hospitals in England charging patients for parking, made by the previous government, would be abandoned as part of a drive to give individual NHS trusts more control. Consultation response due to be published soon.2010-09-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/wednesday_8_septemberMinisters will go to Europe to negotiate a means of excluding junior doctors from the EU directive that limits their working hours and compromises both training and patient care, the Health Secretary said yesterday.2010-09-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/tuesday_7_septemberOpinion piece by Alan Leaman, the chief executive of the Management Consultancies Association, claims that describing NHS use of management consultants as wasteful is wrong. "First, it is cost effective and given the right brief, consultancies bring an invaluable external perspective, focus and discipline, with knowledge and understanding that cannot be generated in-house”.2010-09-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/sept_2010/saturday_4_-_monday_6_septemberAlmost a quarter of junior doctors drop out of their NHS training after two years, according to the first survey since a European directive imposed a cap on their working time. The findings have been blamed in part on the EU ruling that limits junior doctors to a maximum 48-hour working week.2010-09-06http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/friday_27_augustIncrease in obesity surgery There has been a nine-fold increase in the number of people undergoing surgery for obesity in the last five years. Obesity surgery is now costing the NHS £29 million per year, according to figures from the NHS Information Centre. In 2003-04, there were 480 surgical procedures. Last year, there were 4,286. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11097566 http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/aug/27/nhs-obesity-operation-ninefold-increase http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/195768/NHS-squanders-millions-on-fat-surgery The Financial Times, pg 22010-08-27http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/wednesday_25_augustAccording to the figures published by the Health Protection Agency, there have been half a million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK last year and one in 10 of 15-24 year olds with an STI became infected again within a year. The rise is in part due to more testing, and the use of tests which are more sensitive at picking up signs of an infection - but experts believe unsafe sexual behaviour is also part of the story.2010-08-25http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/tuesday_24_augustThe Journal warns that thousands of health workers face the axe in the region over the next four years. Figures from the RCN’s Frontline First campaign show that out of £800m in savings, around £369.5m will be permanently cut from health budgets in the North East and Cumbria.2010-08-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/monday_23_augustThe NHS spent £313 million on management consultants last year - as thousands of staff faced job cuts. The Times reports that the sum revealed by the government would pay for 10,000 nurses and equals the amount the NHS spent on treating lung and skin cancer. Royal College of Nursing chief executive Dr Peter Carter said: "The figure is a scandal at a time when nurses are seeing frontline services cut and being asked to accept a pay freeze." Dr Carter was also interviewed by the BBC and ITV on Saturday.2010-08-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/wednesday_18_augustImposing spending cuts on the NHS could actually help people's health, according to David Hunter, professor of health policy at Durham University. He says cutting the NHS budget would focus attention on weaning people off lifestyles that lead to preventable problems like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.2010-08-18http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/tuesday_17_augustThe Department of Health has announced that from January all patients must be placed in single sex accommodation unless there is “clinical justification.” Several newspapers report that thousands of patients stayed in mixed sex wards last year. RCN Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery Janet Davies yesterday appeared on BBC News 24 channel and ITV’s lunchtime news to comment on the proposals. Mary Dejevsky has written an opinion piece in the Independent on patient privacy in this context.2010-08-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/wednesday_11_augustA new superbug that is resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics has entered UK hospitals, experts warn. They say bacteria that make an enzyme called NDM-1 have travelled back with NHS patients who went abroad to countries like India and Pakistan for treatments such as cosmetic surgery. Although there have only been about 50 cases identified in the UK so far, scientists fear it will go global.2010-08-11http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/tuesday_10_augustA poll and citizens' jury conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers has concluded that the NHS should not be exempt from cuts to public spending. Three in five people on the jury opposed exempting international aid from the cuts, while 91% agreed that healthcare spending should no longer be ringfenced.2010-08-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/saturday_7_-_monday_9_augustProfessor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, has criticised the public's attitude to food, alcohol and cigarettes which he claims is causing growing levels of disease and early death. He backs the call by Andrew Lansley, Health Secretary, for people to take more responsibility for protecting their health. He also said that parents who smoke near their children at home or in cars are committing a form of child abuse, adding that parents should take more responsibility.2010-08-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/wednesday_04_augustSteve Jamieson, Head of Nursing Department appeared yesterday on a new topical debate show 3@ three on ITV discussing the burden on alcohol on the NHS. You can watch Steve on ITV player.2010-08-04http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/tuesday_03_augustA campaign of national strikes over cuts to spending, pay and pensions by public sector workers is being drawn up by trade union leaders including Unite and Unison. The national day of action on October 20 will take place the same day as the spending review, when George Osborne will reveal details of £83 billion cuts to public spending.2010-08-03http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august_2010/saturday_31_july_-_monday_2_augustEU rules that restrict the number of hours that junior doctors work are reported to be reviewed by the government. The Department of Health indicated that it was to renegotiate Britain's position in relation to the Working Time Directive, including an opt-out for some NHS workers. A survey by the Royal College of Surgeons found the reduction in working hours has led to 61% of consultants operating without assistants and two-thirds of trainees having less time to gain hands-on experience in theatre.2010-08-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/wednesday_28_julyThe government has announced a £50m fund which should give very sick cancer patients access to drugs sooner. From October, rather than next year, doctors in England can offer drugs which have not been approved by the rationing body NICE. The announcement was made at the launch of a study showing that the UK is behind other countries in providing the newest cancer drugs.2010-07-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/tuesday_27_julyAndrew Lansley, Health Secretary has announced the number of health non-departmental public bodies is to be halved in an attempt to save up to £180million in a year. Eighteen health bodies will be reduced to between eight and ten over the next four years. Andrew Lansley said the aim was to save costs and cut bureaucracy in the NHS and essential work would be moved to other bodies. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Metro saying: “Many of the organisations facing significant change have been instrumental in protecting and promoting good health. It is vital that their benefits do not fall through the gaps in a reorganised service”.2010-07-27http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/saturday_24_-_monday_26_julyThe Sunday Telegraph reports plans to cut NHS services have been drawn by local trusts. The plans show restrictions on the on the basic treatments as part of cost-cutting measures, and some of the most common operations - including hip replacements and cataract surgery - will be rationed as part of attempts to save billions of pounds. Other cuts being planned include cutting hundreds of pounds from palliative care budgets, the closure of nursing homes for the elderly, a reduction in acute hospital beds and tighter rationing of NHS funding for IVF treatment, and for surgery for obesity. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Mirror and The Metro saying he is incredibly worried about the disclosures.2010-07-26http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/wednesday_21_julyComment piece by Leo McKinstry from The Daily Express discussing why the public sector must be brought under control. He talks about the opposition from unions on public sector cuts and how it will take the government real political courage to implement the programme of public sector austerity. The article cites the RCN figure 10,000 posts could go in the NHS.2010-07-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/tuesday_20_julyThe Daily Mail reports NHS managers made redundant by the Government could end up working in GP consortium. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley last week unveiled plans to axe a range of NHS organisations, potentially costing 20,000 managers their jobs. He said family doctors should take responsibility for health budgets. But now GPs have been told by their professional body to employ health service managers to carry out this task.2010-07-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/wednesday_14_julyThe Daily Mail reports nurses are spending less than half their time looking after patients because they are overwhelmed by paperwork and form-filling. The findings come amid growing concerns that nursing staff are being increasingly swamped by bureaucracy and target-chasing which prevents them from being able to care properly for patients. Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has introduced the contracts as part of a pilot scheme to increase the amount of time nurses spend at their patients’ bedside. Dr Peter Carter is quoted saying: “Nurses enter the profession because they want to care for patients and so measures that increase the amount of time they spend with patients are a good thing. However, it is often problems with resourcing that reduce the amount of time nurses spend with patients. It is vital that wards are sufficiently resourced so nurses can provide patients with the level of care they want and deserve”.2010-07-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010The papers report on what was announced yesterday in the government’s health white paper. Andrew Lansley, Health Secretary outlined plans which will see the NHS in England undergo a major restructuring in one of the biggest shake-ups in its history. £80 billion of NHS funding will be handed to GPs to buy care for patients in their area, with primary care trusts and strategic health authorities to be abolished by 2013. An independent NHS commissioning board will oversee the new regime and give funds to the GP consortia, while councils will take over the PCT’s public health role. Andrew Lansley says it will hand over power and choice over treatments to patients as well as cutting bureaucracy. A comment piece by George Monbiot in The Guardian criticises the White Paper claiming it removes all meaningful government regulation from the health sector. A comment piece by Nick Seddon in The Daily Telegraph says setting up an insurance system would provide better and fairer care than giving control of budgets to GPs.2010-07-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/saturday_10_-_monday_12_julyThe media are reporting on what will be announced today in the government’s health white paper. Andrew Lansley, Health Secretary is expected to announce huge reforms in the NHS, giving GPs having responsibility for much of England’s NHS budget, cutting bureaucracy to re-invest in front line services and patients having more choice and control over their care. The government is also expected to release tables showing the success rates of hospitals across the country in treating a range of diseases and illnesses. The Daily Express and BBC News Online quote the RCN figures that 10,000 jobs in the NHS are at risk. The Independent on Sunday quotes Dr Peter Carter: “Wider multi-disciplinary teams would be better equipped to decide how best to meet patient needs. Nurses have regular contact with patients and understand the needs of communities, and so should play a central role in shaping the local health authorities”. Melanie Phillips from The Daily Mail comments on the government opportunity to reform the NHS.2010-07-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/friday_9_julyBiggest revolution in NHS for 60 years: The government is planning to abolish strategic health authorities and primary care trusts and instead entrust responsibility for overseeing frontline patient care to doctors. The plan, contained in a white paper to be published next week, will see about £80bn distributed to family GPs and is designed to place key decisions about how patients are cared for in the hands of the doctors who know them. Tens of thousands of administrative jobs in the health service are expected to be lost as a result. The report on BBC Online also mentions the Royal College of Nursing’s finding that 10,000 jobs are already earmarked for cuts in the NHS.2010-07-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/wednesday_7_july10,000 NHS jobs earmarked for cuts: The Royal College of Nursing has received extensive UK wide media coverage today on its evidence that at least 10,000 NHS jobs are earmarked to be cut, despite promises that frontline health services will be protected. The RCN collected evidence of 10,000 posts that have been lost or are expected to be cut following recruitment freezes, not replacing retiring staff and redundancies. The RCN has launched a UK-wide campaign entitled Frontline First to expose the NHS budget cuts that could harm patient care, find waste in the NHS and to champion nurse-led innovations. Dr Peter Carter was quoted in The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Daily Mirror, BBC News Online and The Daily Mirror and interviewed by the BBC News and Talk Sport Radio. He said: “We are realistic about the need to find financial savings in the NHS but our figures expose the myth that frontline services will be protected as NHS bodies begin their drive to create huge efficiencies. Local authorities appear to be adopting a slash-and-burn approach to jobs which is shocking and will have a disastrous effect and only on the quality of care provided and also on the range of treatments available”. He added his fear was that specialist nurses, who work with people with long-term conditions such as diabetes and asthma, would be targeted along with nurses working on general wards. Broadcast interviews are also scheduled to take place around the countries and regions today.2010-07-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/tuesday_06_julyStephen Dorrell MP, the new chair of the Health Select Committee, said today that ringfencing the £100billion NHS budget would be of limited value and instead advocated a voucher plan which would enable patients to choose and buy treatment. Mr Dorrell was speaking at an event organised by the 2020 Public Services Trust, of which he is a commissioner. The Trust also says that 82% of the public believe the NHS should be protected from spending cuts.2010-07-06http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/saturday_3_-_monday_5_julyDoubt case on NHS plans: Andrew Lansley's plans for a radical revamp in the way the National Health Service works could face delay after they were rejected by the committee that resolves disputes between the government's coalition partners It is now unclear whether the revised publication date of July 12 for the white paper will hold, with the paper due to go to cabinet this week. The News of the World (p.22) reports that one of the plans is that GPs will have to take responsibility for patients at night instead of farming them off to poor quality medical companies.2010-07-05http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/friday_2_julyNational Audit Office report finds life expectancy gap is widening: The public spending watchdog the National Audit Office has found that the gap between average life expectancy and that of the poorest in England is widening. The report’s findings come despite an estimated total spend of £20 billion over the last ten years being directed at target areas. Life expectancy is now 77.9 years for men and 82 years for women but in poor areas it falls to 75.8 and 80.4 years. The auditors call for more investment to help GPs tackle problems like smoking and poor diet in poor communities.2010-07-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july_2010/thursday_1_july600,000 public sector jobs face the axe: The Office for Budget Responsibility has predicted that 600,000 public sector jobs, representing one in nine of the total, will be lost in the next six years. The Financial Times reports that David Cameron has said that the planned two-year pay freeze will help to prevent even greater job losses than the 600,000 forecast.2010-07-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/wednesday_30_juneDuring a debate at the BMA's annual conference, doctors said tougher measures are needed to tackle alcohol abuse, including a clampdown on supermarkets offering loyalty points for purchases. They also want police to get tougher on drunkenness on public transport. Other debates discussed included doctors voting to ban homeopathy on the NHS. Chairman Hamish Meldrum also called for family doctors to take over commissioning of hospital care.2010-06-30http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/tuesday_29_juneAn opinion piece in The Daily Mail by the Director of Civitas, an Independent think-tank on how we can cut costs in the NHS. The piece mentions the RCN calculation that management consultants cost the NHS about £350m a year.2010-06-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/saturday_26-_28_monday_juneBMA warns cuts to jobs and services: A survey by the BMA has found the care on the NHS is already being affected by redundancies, recruitment freezes and service cutbacks, despite the government’s pledge to protect frontline healthcare from severe curbs on spending. The Daily Telegraph mentions that the RCN said earlier this year that 5,600 jobs were under threat across 26 hospital trusts. Nadine Dorries, member of the Commons health select committee said that health funding should not be ring-fenced.2010-06-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010Nursing trainees face cuts: The Sunday Mirror reports that nearly 1,400 nurse training posts are being axed to cut costs. Six per cent fewer nurses will be trained this year than in 2009 - even though 180,000 NHS nurses - one in four - are due to retire in the next 10 years. The Royal College of Nursing is quoted as saying "It is very simple - patient care will suffer in the long term if we do not train enough nurses now.2010-06-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/wednesday_16_juneReport by Reform on tackling the budget deficit: Patients should be charged £10 for every GP appointment saving the NHS £1.6 billion by 2014, according to a report, entitled ‘Budget 2010, Taking Choices’ published by think-tank Reform. They also suggest cutting 32,000 hospital beds and cutting 250,000 staff to save more than £20 billion from the health budget.2010-06-16http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/saturday_12_-_monday_14_juneDisparity in NHS death rates: According to an investigation by The Guardian doctors in the NHS do not know how well they are performing and whether they are more likely than their colleagues to kill or cure their patients, because of a widespread failure to collect the information. The results of a major exercise looking at one particular procedure – vascular surgery- show a massive variation in death among patients admitted for planned operations and reveal that some hospitals have unacceptable high mortality.2010-06-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/wednesday_09_juneAndrew Lansley speech on NHS reforms: Following on from yesterday’s story on Andrew Lansley speech on NHS reforms, The Daily Mail reports that Andrew Lansley said nurses are being forced to spend the bulk of their time completing paperwork and filling in forms, limiting the time they can spend with patients. The article says that the RCN has repeatedly warned that nurses are being bogged down by the weight of administrative duties. Andrew Lansley speech is widely reported in all the newspapers with each covering different aspects of his speech. The Financial Times looks at the issue that hospitals will no longer be paid when patients are readmitted as emergencies within 30 days of discharge. The Daily Mail looks at how hospitals are to be ordered to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to tackling superbugs. A comment piece in The Daily Telegraph criticises the government for shying away from tackling what it believes is the fundamental problem facing the NHS – its monolithic, inflexible structure. Dr Peter Carter also took part in interviews with BBC Radio 5 Live and Talk Sport Radio.2010-06-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/tuesday_08_juneHealth reforms: Health Secretary Andrew Lansley is to announce today a series of major reforms that will see hospitals held responsible for patients' health and wellbeing for up to a month after they are discharged, and will be penalised financially if patients have to be readmitted within 30 days because their conditions were not treated properly. Hospitals will also be penalised financially for a wide array of so-called "never events" - things which should never happen to patients. These will include contracting an infection, such as MRSA, and bungled surgery.2010-06-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/saturday_5-_monday_7_juneA leaked copy of an inquiry report is to disclose that hospital errors allowed nurses at Airedale NHS Trust in Yorkshire to prescribe and administer powerful painkillers that led to the deaths of three patients and may have harmed dozens more. A police investigation was ordered into the deaths of three patients. One nurse was charged but never stood trial. It has been reported the final report will be released on Tuesday following a board meeting at NHS Yorkshire & Humber.2010-06-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june_2010/wednesday_2_juneNICE calls for curbs on alcohol: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has announced a series of recommendations to reduce the harm of excessive drinking. The recommendations include, introducing of a minimum price per unit of alcohol to discourage supermarkets from selling at a discount price, giving council powers to shut down off-licences in areas “saturated” with alcohol outlets and high level of drunkenness or anti-social behaviour. NICE has also said new initiatives are needed to help doctors, hospitals and the police screen people with potential drinking problems. The Daily Mirror and The Independent mention the RCN has backed the guidance for minimum pricing of alcohol.2010-06-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/saturday_29_may_-_tuesday_1_juneInfection rates for each hospital ward to be published online: Hospital patients are to be told online the number of superbug cases on every hospital ward every week. The move will be announced on Wednesday as part of Prime Minister David Cameron’s drive to open government. NHS patients will be able to check the number of MRSA and C. difficile cases on the ward they are being treated on or about to be treated under the new initiative.2010-06-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/wednesday_26_mayPrime Minister David Cameron used the Queen’s Speech to put forward a programme of 22 bills. The Financial Times and The Daily Telegraph have at-a-glance list of bills put forward and what they mean. The bills include measures to tackle the budget deficit, education reform and a pledge to hold a referendum on an alternative voting system. A health bill will be introduced to give doctors and their patients’ greater control with “devolution of power and responsibility of within the NHS”. An independent board commission will report within a year on establishing responsible and sustainable funding for long-term care for the elderly.2010-05-26http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/tuesday_25_mayChancellor outline cuts: Chancellor George Osborne outlined plans yesterday to cut £6.2bn to reduce the budget deficit. Many departments are facing cuts, however the NHS budget will be protected. There will be cuts to quangos, spending on consultancy and big IT projects and a civil service recruitment freeze. Child Trust Funds will be axed by January but funding for schools and Sure Start will be protected. The Financial Times reports at least 30,000 jobs and possible more than 50,000 will go this year as the cuts take effect. The Times reports that Vince Cable’s Business Department will bear brunt of the £6 billion in cuts.2010-05-25http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/saturday_22_may_-_monday_24_mayChancellor George Osborne is to spell out plans today to cut £6.2bn in spending - saying action needs to be taken now to start rectifying the UK's finances. Budgets for IT, property, advertising and recruitment are expected to be cut, while some quangos could be abolished. The Sunday Times reported that they have seen research which shows the number of job losses could reach 700,000, these include tens of thousands of health service managers as well as many thousands of doctors and nurses.2010-05-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/wednesday_19_mayWhistle-blowing: The NHS is still not doing enough to support whistleblowers, according to a study by the British Medical Journal. The investigation found the content of many policies was overly cautious and negative after viewing documents from 118 hospital foundation trusts. Some used words such as disciplinary too often, while others did not do enough to stress the ability of staff to go to outside bodies with concerns.2010-05-19http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/tuesday_18_mayNHS cuts: The BBC reports that the NHS is bracing itself for a "brutal" round of cuts - and staff fear they are in the firing line. Several major hospitals have already said posts will go and more announcements are expected soon. The BBC has learned a £2bn pot is being set aside in England to pay for one-off costs, such as redundancies and redeployments, to help fund the cuts. Managers were reportedly told by the Department of Health before the election to hold the money back.2010-05-18http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/wednesday_12_mayWard sisters help slash infection rates: The Daily Express reports that hospitals with previously high infection rates have slashed rates after putting ward sisters back in charge. Senior nurses at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust have been given allotted time to lead their staff and push through stringent improvements demanded by the Healthcare Commission. Peter Carter is quoted saying: “Patients need to know who is in charge, and they can be reassured when the ward sister has all the necessary authority, skills and resources. Where this pivotal role is empowered, ward sisters can ensure that care is well-organised and well-delivered and that the ward is clean. It is no surprise to the RCN that where this has happened, we are seeing massively reduced infection rates”.2010-05-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/tuesday_11_mayChildren should eat more fruit and vegetables: Children must be encouraged to eat more fruit and vegetables to reduce the risk of cancer in later life, according to The World Cancer Research Fund. Most of Britain’s youngsters do not get enough of the vital vitamins and nutrients included in fresh fruit and vegetables. Official figures show that children aged between five and fifteen have an average of three portions of fruits and vegetables a day.2010-05-11http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may_2010/saturday_1_-_tuesday_4_maySecret health cuts planned: According to the Sunday Telegraph planned NHS cuts would mean thousands of training posts for doctors and nurses could be axed across England. Dr Peter Carter is quoted as saying: “This flies in the face of what politicians have been saying, that they will protect front line services. If plans to cut training places for nurses go ahead on this scale, it would be nothing short of a disaster, and would directly hit the front line.” A separate article in The Times reports that the NHS is facing significant cuts in services across England and Wales despite election pledges from the main parties to protect health spending. The number of health bodies seeking advice on big changes to NHS services, including shutting down hospital units, has doubled over the past year. A total of 26 organisations across England approached the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP), the group of experts consulted on service changes, over the past financial year about restructuring care in their area - up from 13 in 2008-09.2010-05-04http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/wednesday_21_aprilMortality rates are a poor measure of hospital care: Death rates are a poor measure of hospital care and should not be used to trigger public inquiries, argue experts in a paper published in The British Medical Journal. They say the figures were a "poor test of quality" and urged inspectors to rely on other measures instead.2010-04-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/tuesday_20_aprilCall for donors to be paid for donating organs: Cash incentives and the payment of funeral expenses are two ideas being put forward to encourage people to donate human organs and tissue. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is asking the public if it is ethical to use financial incentives to increase donations of organs, eggs and sperm. Paying for most types of organs and tissue is illegal in the UK. The public consultation will last 12 weeks and the council's findings will be published in autumn 2011.2010-04-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/saturday_17-_monday_19_aprilCharities not receiving funds for the most vulnerable: A coalition of organisations, including the Alzheimer’s Society, The Patients Association and Arthritis Care, say in a joint manifesto that funds which were promised for the terminally ill, disabled children and carers in recent years have all been “sucked away” from their intended purpose. Of more than £770 million pledged for such causes in recent years, most never went to those who had been pledged support. In a letter to The Sunday Telegraph, the charities plead for the next Government to achieve new standards of transparency, and to keep promises made to the most vulnerable.2010-04-19http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/friday_16th_april15% of PCT are considering applying for abortion licence: A planned expansion of NHS abortion services could see women offered the procedure at GP surgeries, with one in in six health care trusts in England considering carrying out terminations in family doctors' practices, according to a Freedom of Information request by GP Newspaper. 15% of primary care trusts in England have either applied for, or are considering, an application for a licence to perform terminations in GP surgeries. Each surgery has to gain approval from the Care Quality Commission and the Health Secretary before abortions can be carried out.2010-04-16http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/wednesday_14_aprilConservative Party election manifesto: The Conservative’s launched their election manifesto, ‘Invitation to join the government of Britain’, yesterday in London. The Conservatives NHS reforms included, scrapping waiting targets, stopping closures of A&E and maternity wards, funding new cancer drugs and giving individual patients their own health and social care budget. The BBC published a series of reactions to the manifesto from different political parties and organisations including the RCN. The RCN welcomed plans to protect hospital staff if they raise concerns about patient safety. Janet Davies added that the RCN was committed to working with “whichever party wins the election” to maintain and improve care. The RCN is also calling for safe staffing levels, time to train, support for specialist nurses and sustained investment in services, staff and facilities.2010-04-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/tuesday_13_aprilThe Labour party launched their election manifesto, ‘A Future Fair for All’, yesterday at a Birmingham hospital. Gordon Brown highlighted NHS reforms including, every hospital becoming a foundation trust by 2015, patients be given legally-binding rights on treatment and waiting times. More GP surgeries will be open from 8am to 8pm and there will be extra health services on the high street. Everyone with a long-term condition will have the right to a care plan and an individual budget.2010-04-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/saturday_10-_monday_12_aprilHospital chiefs see 6.9% pay rise: The pay of National Health Service chief executives increased by 6.9 per cent last year on average, while nurses received 2.75 per cent increase, according to a report by Incomes Data Services. Janet Davies was quoted in The Daily Mail saying:” It is difficult to expect nurses and other staff to be happy with their pay award when staff in their boardroom are getting three times as much. At a time when the NHS is expected to make significant savings, pay must be seen to be fair”.2010-04-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/wednesday_7_aprilSpending cuts in Cardiff: Financial Times explores through a series of articles the key shifts of the past 13 years through the prism of election battleground seats. Today’s piece looks at Cardiff’s public sector economy. Nurses talk about how they could do lot more with extra investment. The article mentions that specialist nurses, with appropriate training could help save each hospital trust about £3m a year in superfluous medication, according to Tina Donnelly, Director of RCN Wales.2010-04-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/april_2010/friday_2-tuesday_6_aprilPatients warned about drinking: People being treated in accident and emergency departments with drink-related injuries are to be given advice by hospital staff on how to control their alcohol. The RCN recently accredited a training course to help nurses to intervene to help curb this behaviour in the long term. Janet Davies is quoted in The Daily Telegraph saying: “The time nurses spend with patients during follow-up appointments provides a valuable window of opportunity to encourage people to think about whether they might be drinking too much, and to signpost them to further information and advice”.2010-04-06http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/wednesday_31_marchProposal for National Care Service unveiled: Proposals for a national service for social care where "everyone will contribute and everyone will get their care for free", in a move billed by the government as "the biggest change to the welfare state since 1948", were unveiled yesterday. Decisions about how the service will be funded are being delayed until after the general election, when an independent commission will recommend the form of compulsory contribution that will be needed.2010-03-31http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/tuesday_30_marchNurses missing out on training: Nurses are missing vital training in areas such as life support, controlling infections and child protection, according to a survey by the Royal College of Nursing. Among the 3,000 nurses questioned, 32% were unable to attend their compulsory training this year. Of those, 44 % said they could not attend due to staff shortages. Janet Davies was quoted in The Metro, Daily Telegraph and The Times saying: “We know from previous economic downturns that training is often the first place managers look when they need to start making cuts”.2010-03-30http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/saturday_27_monday_29_marchNHS 'planning for massive loss of jobs and beds': According to internal SHA documents seen by the Daily Telegraph, the NHS is planning for budget cuts that could result in the loss of thousands of beds and tens of thousands of jobs. Under the proposals by ten Strategic Health Authorities, up to 10% of jobs could go in hospitals and clinics in some areas. There would also be cuts to ambulance services. A separate letter published in The Guardian by the presidents of associations representing six of the biggest surgical disciplines in the NHS has claimed that basic surgical procedures that could improve the lives of thousands of people are being withheld by NHS trusts for cost reasons.2010-03-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/thursday_25_marchBudget report sets out £4.35bn health savings: In his budget report, Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced how the Department of Health intends to achieve £4.35 billion of savings annually by 2012-13. The savings will focus primarily on driving down procurement costs and reducing staff sickness absence, as well as cuts to the IT programme, more efficient use of land and buildings and reductions in energy use. The RCN responded to the budget saying: “There has been significant investment in the NHS over the last decade, but we are concerned that the need to create massive efficiency savings could lead to a short term slash and burn approach across the service in the future.”2010-03-25http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/wednesday_24_marchA call to ban smoking in cars: Doctors have called for a ban on smoking in cars following growing evidence about the effect of cigarettes on children. The Royal College of Physicians wants England's imminent review of anti-smoking laws to consider such measures to protect the young. It says passive smoking results in 300,000 extra child visits to GPs in the UK every year for problems such as asthma and bacterial meningitis. Janet Davies is quoted saying: “The alarming evidence in the report makes it a moral duty to protect young people’s health from the dangers of passive smoking”.2010-03-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/saturday_20-_monday_22_marchCare homes will still cost thousands: The Conservatives claim people who need nursing home care will still face bills for thousands of pounds for their accommodation despite government plans for a new levy to meet the costs. Within the next fortnight, Andy Burnhman, Health Secretary, is expected to unveil proposals for a new levy to fund nursing home care as part of the social care white paper.2010-03-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/tuesday_23_marchGPs propose longer consultations with seriously ill patients: The Royal College of GPs is calling for doctors to spend more time with sicker patients while those with minor ailments should see a nurse, ring a helpline or go online for a video consultation. They also want appointments for standard patients to be increased from 10 to 15 minutes so doctors can spend more time with the people with long-term conditions such as diabetes, cancer and obesity.2010-03-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/wednesday_17_marchHospitals should axe thousands of beds: Nearly 30,000 hospital beds in England should be axed to save money and improve care, according to the think-tank Reform. The study, Fewer Hospitals and More Competition says the NHS focus should move away from hospital treatment as more people suffer from conditions, such as diabetes, which can be treated at home. It says a quarter of beds could be axed to fund more personalised treatment. Tom Sandford, Director of RCN England said: “Simply slashing bed numbers without planning for the long term would be completely irresponsible”.2010-03-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/tuesday_16_marchNHS spends millions on management consultants: An article in The Daily Mail focuses on how The Department of Health has spent £478 million on management consultants and accountants over the last five years. The article mentions that the RCN carried out a survey last year of NHS trusts which indicated they spent further £350 million a year on top of this. Peter Carter was quoted saying at that time: “These figures are utterly shocking when you consider the difference that this money could made to patients.2010-03-16http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/saturday_13-_monday_15_marchPublic views on the NHS: The Sun have published results from their YouGov poll on the public view of the NHS. The poll of 1,174 adults found 91 per cent agree there should be a cut in management spending to boost investment for frontline services and 63 per cent say putting targets ahead of patient care is the biggest concern. The piece has personal views from the public including a daughter talking about her mum’s poor care at Stafford hospital.2010-03-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/friday_12_marchNHS as ‘preferred provider’ policy comes under fire: Andy Burnham’s proposals that the NHS be the ‘preferred provider’ of care are said to have been watered down following alleged opposition to the idea among cabinet members. The expectation is that in new guidance on the NHS, there will only be a brief mention of the ‘preferred provider’ idea.2010-03-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/thursday_11_marchTom Sandford interviewed on Channel 4 News: Tom Sandford was interviewed on Channel 4 News on Tuesday evening discussing cuts and staffing issues. Tom was quoted as saying, "Without doubt whoever wins the election is going to be saying afterwards, ‘We've looked at the books, we're sorry, we know now information that we didn’t know then, and as a result of that information we're going to have to make savings on a bigger scale than we thought we were going to have to’."2010-03-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/wednesday_10_marchConcerns over NHS database: The British Medical Association has called for a halt in the development of a medical records database for patients in England. They say the computer-based Summary Care Records are being set up at "break-neck speed", sometimes without patients' knowledge.2010-03-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/tuesday_9_marchPatients treated in storerooms: Hospital patients are being treated in mop cupboards, storerooms and kitchens because wards are full, according to a survey by Nursing Times. Nearly two-thirds of the 900 nurses who took part in the poll said they were aware of cases of patients treated in areas not designed for care. Janet Davies, is quoted on BBC News Online saying: “While there may be, in occasional instances, legitimate reasons for treating someone in a non-clinical area, we are concerned at these findings. As pressures inside the NHS start to rise due to budget cutbacks, it is vital that nurses and other healthcare staff are confident that their concerns over failures in patient care will be heard."2010-03-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/saturday_6_-_monday_8_marchNHS trusts give inaccurate hospital performance data to public: More than half of hospital trusts inspected last year reported inaccurately their standards of care, according to an investigation by BBC Panorama, to be broadcast tonight. The majority of hospitals have been incorrectly assessing their own performance, leaving them open to accusation of misleading the public about levels of patient safety.2010-03-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/thursday_4_marchInquiry into NHS ‘preferred provider’ put off: An investigation into the legality of Andy Burnham’s decision that the NHS was to be the ‘preferred provider’ of services has been put off because primary care trusts in the east of England were ordered to halt the procurement for community services. Representatives of voluntary organisations and the private sector (represented by the NHS Partners Network) had previously brought the complaint about the legality of the policy.2010-03-04http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/wednesday_3_marchNurses and Midwives to renew pledge to care: The Prime Minister’s Commission on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery review out today states 20 key recommendations for the nursing and midwifery profession. They include a drive to improve the status of the profession to help restore public trust and a need for employers to prioritise the values of compassion and help nurses act as role models for healthy living. The commission also states that ward sisters and charge nurses should have their roles boosted and pay reviewed to underline the importance of the role. The RCN welcomed the review saying it “Marks a milestone for nursing … what is important now is turning this ambitious vision into reality”.2010-03-03http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/march/tuesday_2_marchBack-pain help for workers: Employers need to do more to help people with back and joint pain stay in work, according to experts. The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance called for a range of measures and rights to tackle the issue, which costs society an estimated £7bn a year. The alliance, an umbrella group representing 34 charities and health bodies including the National Osteoporosis Society, Royal College of Nursing and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, believes more should be done to help those already suffering ill-health.2010-03-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/saturday_27_february-_monday_1_marchSpecialist nurses: BBC News Online reports on the RCN campaign for guaranteed access to specialist nursing care for all patients with long term conditions. Peter Carter is quoted saying: "While the temptation may be to cut or downgrade specialist nursing roles, this would be a false economy which would only add to the growing cost of treating long-term conditions. Specialist nurses are a unique lifeline for patients and families, who are unequivocal in saying that the specialist nurse is the key factor in preserving their quality of life."2010-03-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/wednesday_24_februaryCall to invest in specialist nurses: The RCN has launched a campaign supported by almost 40 other leading health organisations for funding to be guaranteed for specialist posts, estimating that the nurses could save £56 million a year on care for Parkinson’s patients and £180 million by treating multiple sclerosis suffers at home. They surveyed almost 300 specialist nurses working in 60 NHS organisations and charities and found only 36% believed all those patients who needed specialist nursing currently received it. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Times saying: “Despite pledges from ministers to help to support more people in their homes and prevent unnecessary hospital visits, nursing posts were vulnerable when local health managers sought to cut costs. When the NHS was last in deficit in 2006, up to 23,000 nursing posts were lost, frozen or downgraded, in many cases depriving patients of specialist advice and care. While the temptation may be to cut or downgrade specialist nursing roles, this would be a false economy which would only add to the growing cost of treating long-term conditions”. The Liberal Democrats backed the RCN call with Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb saying: “Slashing NHS staff would be false economy and devastating for patient care”.2010-02-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/tuesday_23_februaryDementia leaflet: Angela Rippon speaks to The Daily Mail about her experience of seeing healthcare staff struggling to cope with her mother who suffers from dementia She welcomes a new leaflet launched by Alzheimer’s Society supported by the RCN, to help hospital staff improve care to people with dementia. The ‘This is me’ leaflet is filled out by the patient’s carer or relative to provide basic details such as name and address, as well as information about who knows them best, their hobbies, things that worry them and the state of their sight and hearing.2010-02-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/wednesday_17_februarySurrey hospital criticised for selling drugs aboard: A hospital trust has been criticised for selling more than £4m-worth of drugs abroad. The Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which has a licence to sell drugs, said it made £300,000 from the practice during the past year. The Department of Health said trading in medicines was "unacceptable" and could lead to shortages in the UK. But the trust said it ceased the trade in January and had not sold any drugs that were in short supply.2010-02-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/tuesday_16_februaryDrinks companies forced to put health warnings on alcohol: Tom Sandford, Director of RCN England is quoted in The Guardian on issue of alcohol labelling. The government has warned they may have to force drinks companies to put health warnings on alcohol after it emerged they were ignoring the voluntary code on labelling Tom Sandford said: “tougher action was needed on excessive drinking. Today’s report confirms what we already know the drinks industry has failed to stick by its promise to take voluntary action on alcohol labelling. We can’t afford to keep giving the industry the option not to make changes which are essential to protecting the nation’s health”.2010-02-16http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/saturday_13_-_monday_15_februarySocial care row: Attempts to reach a consensus on how to pay for elderly care in England appear to have fallen further apart amid angry exchanges from the three main parties on BBC One's Politics Show. Health Secretary Andy Burnham has called a cross-party conference on the issue after earlier talks broke down. Lib Dem Norman Lamb backed the idea but the Conservative’s Andrew Lansley said he would only attend if Labour scrapped a £20,000 dubbed a “death tax”.2010-02-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/wednesday_10_februaryHospitals under pressure from Afghanistan injuries: Defence chiefs must do more to tackle a sharp rise in the number of British troops in Afghanistan suffering from illness and minor injuries, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). The report found the treatment of badly wounded personnel is "highly effective" but thousands of working days are being lost to potentially preventable less serious complaints like stomach bugs and sprained ankles. The NAO also warned that hospitals in both Afghanistan and Britain were under growing pressure from the large number of troops being injured in Helmand Province.2010-02-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/tuesday_9_februaryProviding more NHS and social care to people in their own homes: The Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged to provide more NHS and social care to people in their own homes with new guarantees for cancer patients and elderly people. Gordon Brown said the plan forms part of the Government’s ambition to build a National Care Service and would mean people over 65 who ended up in a care home could stay at home instead.2010-02-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/saturday_6_-_monday_8_februaryGovernment promises a specialist nurse for every cancer patient: The Prime Minister will today promise a "personalised" revolution in health and social care, with one-to-one support from a specialist nurse for all cancer patients. Addressing an audience at the King's Fund, Mr Brown will pledge a reform of community healthcare, giving people the option of chemotherapy and dialysis without having to travel to a clinic or hospital. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Daily Telegraph as saying: “We are delighted that the government is pledging to invest in specialist nurses, as we know that their value for patients is both unparalleled and cost effective. We have been saying for some time that whoever wins this year’s general election will need to invest in specialist nurses to ensure that patients with complex needs are supported by experts who have the time and the resources to care. Investing in specialist nurses now is crucial not just to patients but to reduce the costs to the NHS from unnecessary complications. Specialist nurses can help all cancer patients to deal with their emotions, avoid unnecessary complications and have a high quality of life. These skills, alongside their very high standards of clinical care and knowledge, provide the very best in one-to-one care for patients so I am very encouraged that the contribution of nurse specialists is being recognised.”2010-02-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2NHS sick days: The Guardian Society reports on the issue of sick days in the NHS. The NHS health and wellbeing review published at the end of last year, found that 10.3m working days are lost through staff sickness every year. Following the publication of the review’s final report, a roundtable event gathered together occupational health experts, union representatives, senior NHS and independent healthcare managers and policymakers, to discuss the findings and its recommendations. Josie Irwin, Head of Employment Relations and Amanda Callaghan, Director of Communications, attended the event.2010-02-03http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/february2/tuesday_2_februaryFree personal care at home: An attempt to delay a bid to provide free personal care at home for some 250,000 people in England has failed. The House of Lords voted against a motion tabled by former health minister Lord Warner. He had argued that the government's proposal was "unaffordable" and proper consultation had not taken place.2010-02-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/saturday_30_january_-_monday_1_februaryMid Staffordshire: The Mid Staffordshire NHS foundation trust inquiry is expected to release its report this week. The report is expected to suggest that a culture of secrecy about poor working conditions may have contributed to more than 1,000 patients dying.2010-02-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/thursday_28_januaryChildren drinking two bottles of wine a week: Figures from the NHS Information Centre indicate that 11 to 15 year olds in the North East of England are drinking 17.7 units of alcohol a week on average – the equivalent of two bottles of wine. The figures also detail alcohol consumption in other regions in England. The lowest figures were in London where children claim to drink 11.3 units a week. The National Centre for Social Research, which carried out the research, suggests many of the respondents may have exaggerated their alcohol intake.2010-01-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/wednesday_27_januaryBlood clot checks for all hospital patients: All patients admitted to hospital in the UK should be assessed for the risk of dangerous blood clots, according to new guidance. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is focusing on the risk of clots in veins of the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). An estimated 25,000 people die from the avoidable condition each year. It comes after chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced in 2008 that all patients admitted to hospital should be screened.2010-01-27http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/tuesday_26_januaryYoung children taught about sex in schools: Seven year old children will be taught about sex and domestic violence and teenagers will learn the basics of parenting, under new government guidance. The proposals will be sent to all schools after a period of consultation. School secretary Ed Balls said: ‘Young people today grow up in a very different world to the one their parents knew as children...we want to give young people the facts”.2010-01-26http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/saturday_23_january_-_monday_25_januaryAll service veterans to get lifelong priority NHS care: Britain’s 5m service veterans, from survivors of the Second World War to those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, are to be promised priority healthcare on the NHS for the rest of their lives. Under a Labour plan announced this weekend all service personnel regardless of their rank or whether they saw active service, will be entitled to be placed at the top of the doctors and hospitals waiting lists.2010-01-25http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/thursday_21_januaryHospitals 'encourage the overweight to eat more to get operation': Patients requiring life-saving weight loss surgery are being refused treatment because of "inconsistent and unethical" hospital policies, according to the Royal College of Surgeons. Bariatric surgeons have warned that some patients are being forced to wait until they become more obese or until they develop life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes or stroke before they are deemed eligible for surgery.2010-01-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/wednesday_20_januaryBinge- drinking leaves no-go areas: Drunken violence has created “no go areas” throughout the country, according to statistics from a government funded poll by Ipsos MORI. One in four people are too scared to go out to certain areas near their home because of the amount of crime and disorder linked to alcohol abuse. The poll revealed widespread support for a ban on drinks promotions in supermarkets and off licences in problem areas. The Royal College of Nursing has also called for “bolder action”, including minimum pricing and tighter rules on labelling, sales and advertising.2010-01-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/tuesday_19_januaryBanning smoking in cars when children are present: The UK Faculty of Public Health has called for smoking to be banned in cars when children are passengers, in order to reduce their exposure on secondhand smoke. Dr Peter Carter is quoted in The Observer said: “A proposal worth is worth considering to protect children’s health”.2010-01-19http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/saturday_16_-_monday_18_januaryIncrease in nurses claiming benefits: There is a 40% increase in nurses signing on for benefits because of job shortages according to figures, obtained by the Nursing Standard. They show 1,225 nurses registered for benefits last month- up 40 per cent on the 875 in the previous December. Experts blame the surge on the fact most vacancies are for experienced staff and that hospitals are hiring part-time agency workers to save money. Josie Irwin, Head of Employment Relations is quoted in the Sunday Mirror said: “All the signs are that workload is increasing and morale is being affected”.2010-01-18http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/thursday_14_januaryDementia patients 'being failed by NHS' : A report by the National Audit Office has found that dementia is still not being seen as a priority and doctors and nurses lack knowledge and training on the condition. Janet Davies is quoted as saying, “It is deeply concerning that dementia care is still not getting the attention and investment it needs. In the absence of a cure, this devastating condition is likely to affect increasing numbers of people in years to come and must be seen as a priority. Training and education for healthcare staff working in all settings is vital if meaningful improvements for dementia patients are to be made. Greater investment is also needed for specialist dementia nurses, who provide support for dementia patients, their carers and families.”2010-01-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_januaryForty NHS trusts have rented space to fast food franchises: The Sun reports that forty of England's 170 NHS Trusts have rented space to fast food franchises including Subway, Upper Crust, Burger King and Starbucks. Five more trust are reported to have plans for outlets to open. The situation has been criticised by the National Obesity Forum and the British Heart Foundation, but the Department of Health said that “Goods and services should not conflict with the ethos and objectives of health and well-being”.2010-01-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/tuesday_12_januaryParkinson says care must be improved: After a year as the country's dignity ambassador, Sir Michael Parkinson has called on the government to improve the services for people in care settings. He has published a report on his personal account of the last 12 months. In the report he talks about his visits to various places of care, including hospitals, care homes and hospices and describes stories of good and bad care. The report mentions the RCN campaign, “Dignity at the heart of everything we do’ and the speech Sir Michael gave at Congress in 2009.2010-01-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/tuesday_5th_januaryConservative Party health pledges: Conservative leader, David Cameron has said that NHS will be his number one priority as he set out 20 health pledges as part of his pre-election campaign. These pledges contained in the first chapter of the Party’s draft manifesto, include the ending of mixed-sex wards, tackling MRSA infection rates, health equalities and maternity reforms. Dr Peter Carter, quoted in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun, said: “The most important thing for any incoming government is to maintain investment in clinical staff and training. We are encouraged to see signs that show Conservatives intend to take a firm stance on public health inequalities but we are disappointed to have not heard more about issues such as tackling alcohol abuse”.2010-01-05http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/2010_january/monday_4_januaryCameron lays out Tory plans for NHS: Conservative leader David Cameron is today expected to lay out his party’s plans for the NHS. The Observer suggests that these plans will see finances diverted to the most deprived areas of the country. The first chapter of the manifesto is also expected to include plans to create an independent NHS board and a pledge to double the number of single rooms over five years.2010-01-05http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/thursday_24_decemberTeenage alcohol and drug abuse up, but heroin use falls: Record numbers of teenagers are receiving help for drug and alcohol problems, but the number of those undergoing counselling for heroin and crack use is falling. A total of 24,053 under-18s in England were treated in 2008-09, according to statistics from the NHS National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA). This was 150 more than in the previous year, although the NTA believe demand for specialist services such as counselling and harm reduction is levelling off. The figures also showed that 745 under-18s were treated for cocaine addiction in 2008-09, considerably more than the 453 seen in 2005-06.2009-12-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/wednesday_23_decemberA&E patients held in wards in order to meet targets: According to a Freedom of Information request by the Conservative party, some patients attending A&E are being moved to emergency assessment units for an average of 17 hours before being seen, allegedly to avoid breaching the four hour target. The Government has said these figures are misleading as they include the time spent in assessment units where patients who need further observation or investigation before a diagnosis can be made are treated.2009-12-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/tuesday_22_decemberGordon Brown on Labour health policy The Daily Mirror features an interview with Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Amongst the topics discussed is Mr Brown’s belief that the Conservative Party has not made guarantees for patients such as a maximum wait of 18 weeks for NHS treatment. Mr Brown also highlights the Labour’s pledge that all cancer patients will see a specialist within two weeks of referral from a GP.2009-12-22http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/saturday_19_december_-_monday_21_decemberPrivate and third sectors challenge NHS competition rules The Financial Times reports that the private and third sectors are challenging the NHS over the policy that NHS organisations are now the preferred provider of NHS care. Both the NHS Partners Network and ACEVO (The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations) have approached the NHS Co-operation and Competition Panel and argued that preventing non-NHS organisations from bidding for NHS services breaches NHS rules on competition.2009-12-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/friday_18_decemberClinical negligence figures The Times reports that according to NHS Litigation Authority figures, the legal fees from clinical negligence claims in the NHS amounted to almost half of the £312 million won in damages by victims. Figures also showed that the NHS will payout over £800 million this year – a cost that includes both completed cases and continuing payments. In a separate report, figures obtained by the Conservative Party showed that there were 52,000 clinical negligence claims over the last five years in the NHS.2009-12-18http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/saturday_12_december_-_monday_14_decemberGovernment changes rules for ISA vetting system The Government is expected today to make some changes to ISA Vetting and Barring scheme. Following pressure by a number of groups, new recommendations may mean that around two million adults who would have been previously included on scheme, will now be exempt. The key change is that adults will now be vetted if they come into contact with the same group of children once a week or more, rather than once a month at present.2009-12-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/wednesday_9_decemberRow over swine flu vaccine for under 5s The Daily Mirror reports that NHS Trusts are planning to ask health visitors and district nurses to help vaccinate children aged under five against swine flu. The move comes as talks between Ministers and GPs on the national delivery of the vaccine to healthy children aged between six months and five years have reportedly broken down. NHS Trusts are now negotiating with local GP representatives.2009-12-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/tuesday_8_decemberQuestions on the safety of the swine flu vaccine The Daily Mail features a report on the swine flu vaccine, asking whether it is safe or not. Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline says that ongoing trials among a further 10,000 patients have produced positive results and thrown up no safety concerns. The report suggests that less than 50% of doctors and nurses will be having the vaccine, though it notes that the RCN believes the vaccine to be safe and is encouraging members to have it.2009-12-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/wednesday_2_decemberGovernment warned that planned social worker reforms need new funding John Chowcat, the general secretary of Aspect, the Association of Professionals in Education and Children’s Trusts has warned that the Government’s plans for social worker reform will need new funding. Under the proposals announced, social workers will be better paid, have their workloads reduced and receive better training, however funding would come from existing departmental budgets.2009-12-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/december/tuesday_1_decemberPatient safety ‘highest priority’ says Burnham Health Secretary Andy Burnham yesterday defended NHS performance targets saying that the best hospitals provided ‘high quality, safe care’ whilst meeting targets. His comments come after twelve hospitals were listed as ‘significantly underperforming’ in a Dr Foster report, with critics saying that targets mean that hospitals do not always make patient care their main priority. Mr Burnham said that patient safety was his ‘highest priority’ and said that the Care Quality Commission will be introducing more stringent methods of inspecting and analysing hospital performance. Following the weekend’s headlines on hospital performance, The Independent features an analysis of the health analysis company Dr Foster.2009-12-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november/saturday_28_november_-_monday_30_november12 NHS hospital trusts are ‘significantly underperforming’ according to report Dr Foster, the part-public, part-private organisation that analyses NHS data has published a report showing that 12 NHS hospital trusts are ‘significantly underperforming’ on patient safety. Although the report says that 27 trusts have unusually high mortality rates, it also shows that overall there has nationally been a 7% decrease in hospital mortality rates in the last year. News reports focus on the fact that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated eight out of twelve of the alleged failing trusts as having either good or excellent overall care. Dr Peter Carter was interviewed this weekend for Sky News and ITV News and is quoted in the Daily Mail saying: that ‘the public need confidence that the regulators have teeth to take prompt and decisive action where necessary, including making more unannounced inspections.’2009-11-30http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november/friday_27_novemberRegulators demand improvement in Basildon Monitor and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are intervening at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after concerns around leadership and quality of care. A recent CQC investigation into hygiene found failings at the Trust. A separate summary of CQC concerns about care said that basic nursing care was inconsistent and lacking in leadership. Cynthia Bower, the CQC Chief Executive said: “We want to act swiftly at Basildon to nip problems in the bud, working closely with other regulators. The trust has taken our concerns seriously but improvements are simply not happening fast enough. Our confidence in the management’s ability to deliver on commitments and to turn the situation around has been severely dented.”2009-11-27http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november/wednesday_25_novemberResearch funding diverted to social care The Times reports that Health Secretary Andy Burnham has said that £60 million from the NHS research and development budget will be used to fund the Government’s plans for social care. Mr Burnham said that a further £50 million from the NHS public health promotion budget would be used, with £60 million being generated by cutting spending on management consultants. However some health experts criticised the reduction in the research and development budget, saying that it could damage the NHS in the long-term.2009-11-25http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november/tuesday_24_novemberNHS must do more to reduce staff sickness says report A Government-endorsed report by Dr Steven Boorman has said that the NHS must do more to reduce staff sickness. The report found that the average NHS employee is off sick for 10.7 days per year, at a cost of over £500 million a year. Recommendations from the report were that staff should not smoke in view of the public and that staff should be offered better quality food from canteens. The report also said that individual trusts should be set targets to reduce smoking and obesity, with the Government pledging an extra £6.5 million to help Trusts implement the recommendations. Dr Peter Carter said: “We need a step change in the way the NHS manages staff health and ¬wellbeing,” adding that staff were working when “not well enough to do so”.2009-11-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november/tuesday_17_novemberDementia care ‘poor’ warns report A report from the Alzheimer’s Society has found that dementia care in the NHS is poor. The survey of 2,400 NHS staff and carers from England, Wales and Northern Ireland found that many patients over 65 are being kept in hospital too long and that their condition was worsening whilst being in hospital. The report also said that the specific care needs of patients - such as being given enough food and water - were often overlooked and called for nurses to receive better training in dementia care. Dr Peter Carter said: “For the majority of patients with dementia to leave hospital in a worse condition than when they arrived is simply unacceptable. It is vital that the government invests in better dementia training for all healthcare staff to ensure these patients receive good quality care.”2009-11-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november/saturday_14_november_-_monday_16_novemberThe Daily Telegraph today includes a letter from Dr Peter Carter, head of the Royal College of Nursing, saying that moving nursing to an all-graduate profession is not about elevating nurses’ status but instead to provide to the necessary training to match the increasing demands of the profession. Dr Carter is quoted saying: “What has changed is that the demand for caring skills has increased. With an ageing population and more people suffering from long-term conditions, nurses will need to deliver care in more settings, have advanced clinical skills and, where necessary, the ability to lead the delivery of services. These skills do not detract from the fundamentals of care.”2009-11-16http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november/friday_13_novemberThere is widespread coverage in the national press on the announcement from the Department of Health that nursing is to become an all graduate profession from 2013. Many papers report that the RCN has backed the Government’s move, however some critics suggested that the move could deter potential nurses from entering the profession. Dr Peter Carter, head of the RCN said: “Nursing roles are demanding and involve increasingly advanced levels of practice and clinical knowledge. We must ensure that the door to nursing continues to be as wide as possible.” The Times features a leader praising nurse led services and specialist nurses but warns of the dangers of making becoming a nurse more difficult, citing RCN research that in 2007 a third of nurses were thinking of quitting due to poor pay. The Times also features a letter from former RCN President Professor Dame June Clark, saying that the move was overdue and calling for “the old stereotypes of nursing” to be abandoned.2009-11-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/november/tuesday_10_novemberNurse Margaret Haywood wins Nursing Standard award RCN member Margaret Haywood has won the Nursing Standard Patient Choice Award at a ceremony in London. Margaret Haywood filmed patients for BBC Panorama in 2005 in order to expose poor patient care, and was struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council earlier this year. However, last month the decision was replaced by a one-year caution after a High Court settlement.2009-11-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/friday_30_octoberNHS hospital contract offered to private sector The Financial Times reports that the contract to run the Hinchingbrooke, an NHS district general hospital in Huntingdon has been offered to both the private sector and other NHS organisations. Under the terms of the offer the NHS would still own the assets of the hospital, with the new operator having to retain all current services. The NHS said that there was significant interest in the deal from the private sector.2009-10-30http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/thursday_29_octoberNHS accused of not protecting staff from assaults BBC News Online reports that the NHS has been accused of not doing enough to protect its staff from assaults and violence. Figures from the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service show that the number of attacks on NHS staff has decreased from 60,385 attacks in 2004-5 to 55,993 in 2007-8. During the same period, the number of criminal sanctions against offenders has increased by 0.5%, leading to the accusations that the NHS has not done enough to protect its staff. Janet Davies, Royal College of Nursing Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery, was interviewed on the subject this morning for BBC Radio 5 Live.2009-10-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/wednesday_28_octoberNHS accused of ‘gagging’ whistleblowing doctors The Financial Times reports that the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has alleged that the NHS is using confidentiality clauses to stop employees from raising concerns over patient safety when they leave the NHS. This is despite the fact that confidentiality clauses were banned under the Public Interest Disclosure Act. The BMJ cites a recent example of a senior consultant from NHS Liverpool Women’s NHS Trust who was subject to a confidentiality clause as part of his early retirement package.2009-10-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/tuesday_27_octoberHealth professionals urged to have swine flu vaccine NHS bosses have reiterated their call for health professionals to have the swine flu vaccine, saying that the jab will protect both themselves and their patients from swine flu. Andrew MacCallum, Director of Nursing at NHS Chelsea and Westminster Hospital said that he has written to senior nurses and midwives at his hospital encouraging them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The Royal College of Nursing has urged frontline staff to have the vaccine.2009-10-27http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/saturday_24_october_-_monday_26_octoberHospitals offering ‘assisted self-harming’ to patients The Observer reports on care plans in mental health units which outline the circumstances in which patients can self-harm. Under the care plans, patients must agree to get help from a nurse if their wounds require professional dressing. It is reported that some health professionals say that helping patients self-harm goes against their code of ethics, whilst other say that those who self-harm should be helped to avoid infection from dirty blades. Royal College of Nursing Mental Health adviser Ian Hulatt said: “It is a very complex and confusing issue, but then, so is the phenomenon of someone hurting themselves to feel better.”2009-10-26http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/friday_23_octoberNHS breast cancer screening age limit may be reviewed A report by two NHS managers into age discrimination in the NHS has recommended that women aged over 73 should be entitled to routine breast cancer screening. Presently women are screened between the ages of 50 and 70, with the upper limit expected to rise shortly to 73. The report’s recommendations were backed up by evidence that found that in Britain women aged over 80 had poorer access to tests and treatment than younger women, and that Britain has a higher death rate from breast cancer amongst women aged over 75 when compared to other Western European countries and America. According to The Guardian, Health Secretary Andy Burnham said that the Equality Bill would seek to make ageism in the NHS illegal from 2012.2009-10-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/saturday_17_october_-_monday_19_octoberRCN calls for guaranteed safe staffing levels. The RCN’s 2009 Employment Survey has found that four out of ten nurses say that patient care is compromised at least once a week due to staff shortages. The survey also found that 55% of nurses say that they are too busy to provide the level of care they would like to. The RCN also today launches its manifesto which calls on political parties to guarantee safe staffing levels. The RCN’s Labour Market Review today warns that there could be a shortfall in the number of nurses, with 200,000 nurses are due to retire in the next 10 years and there currently not being enough newly qualified nurses entering the profession to replace those retiring. Dr Peter Carter, head of the RCN, said: “Nurses and healthcare assistants feel up against it, worn down and exhausted by the pressure to make efficiencies and frustrated by being prevented from delivering the quality of care they want to be providing. Policy makers must look at the workforce in conjunction with their ability to deliver high quality and safe care.”2009-10-19http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/tuesday_13_octoberWhistleblower nurse Margaret Haywood reinstated: Margaret Haywood, an RCN member who was struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after she filmed poor patient care at the Royal Sussex Hospital for BBC Panorama, has been reinstated after the NMC reduced her sanction to a one-year caution. The High Court conclusion was announced yesterday afternoon and means that Margaret can return to work. Ms Haywood said: “I am delighted at the verdict which means I will be able to return to nursing. I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the patient and public interest in my case and would like to thank everyone who has supported me, including the RCN for running my appeal.” NMC Chief Executive Kathy George said that guidance would be published next year that explains to nurses and midwives how to appropriately raise and escalate concerns about patient care in a way that is safe for patients and doesn’t bring the professional into conflict with the code of conduct. Dr Peter Carter, head of the RCN, said: “We are pleased with today’s outcome, which means that Margaret will be able to continue practicing as a nurse. In reaching this conclusion it has been recognised that, while the case raised complex questions about competing duties, Margaret had an unblemished career as a nurse and contributed significantly to the care of patients. We would like to thank patients and the public for the vast support they have given her. We consider the matter satisfactorily resolved and all parties can now move on.”2009-10-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/october2/saturday_10_october_-_monday_12_octoberNHS spends £1.5 million on private healthcare for staff A series of Freedom of Information requests from the Liberal Democrats have found that between April 2006 and April 2009, the NHS spent around £1.5 million on private healthcare for 3,300 staff. The Patients Association criticised the figures, saying that it sends out mixed messages to patients. Dr Peter Carter, head of the Royal College of Nursing said: “These figure provide further evidence of a need for greater investment in treatment services for work-related problems, such as physiotherapy and counselling services.”2009-10-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/september/wednesday_30_septemberPrime Minister outlines election manifesto in crucial speech Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday delivered his much anticipated speech at the Labour Party conference, outlining some of Labour’s policies on health and social care for the next general election. Mr Brown announced that elderly people would be given free personal care, with the move being financed by restructuring bureaucracy at the Department of Health and the Department for Communities and Local Government. The Financial Times features an analysis of the plans, saying that around 350,000 people would get free personal care from September 2010, at a cost of £670 million a year. He also said that people who need to be tested for cancer would be able to see a specialist within a week. He also proposed and that Labour would scrap the £1,000 annual tax relief on childcare claimed by around 500,000 working parents, with the money being used to fund free nursery places for 250,000 two-year-olds. Another announcement was that teenage mothers who get support from the taxpayer will be placed in a network of supervised homes, aimed at helping them learn how to raise a child properly. However Labour’s campaign has suffered a setback this morning, with The Sun pledging its support for the Conservative Party in the next general election.2009-09-30http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/september/saturday_26_-_monday_28_septemberSick babies to get individual intensive care: Critically ill newborn babies will get constant one-to-one care from their own specialist nurse under a new government action plan. The final report of a government taskforce inquiry into neonatal care in England, expected to be published within weeks, will specify that all such newborns must always be looked after by their own nurse in order to maximise their chances of recovery. Staff shortages are so acute that only a third of newborns with major medical problems currently get one-to-one nursing care, even though the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Nursing say they all need it. The NHS is short of an estimated 1,700 neonatal nurses. Today’s Guardian also reports that one in eight mothers with twins or triplets are separated from their babies after birth due to a lack of specialist care units and staff.2009-09-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/september/friday_25_septemberSwine flu cases rise: The number of cases of swine flu diagnosed in the past week has doubled for the second week in a row, prompting suggestions that we are entering the second wave of the pandemic. The Health Protection Agency suggested there were 9,000 new cases last week, 4,000 more than the week before.2009-09-25http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/september/thursday_17_septemberHealth Secretary pledges to ‘drive up standards’ to make a ‘great’ NHS Health Secretary Andy Burnham spoke at the King’s Fund this morning, where he set out a series of proposals intended to turn the NHS into a ‘great’ organisation. He said that the service has to become more ‘people-focused’ with more attention on the bedside manner of health professionals, the cleanliness of wards and the quality of food. Some of the improvements would also see hospital budgets linked to patient satisfaction.2009-09-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/september/tuesday_15_septemberPolice chief calls for NHS ban for people who abuse health staff The chief constable of South Wales Police has said that people who abuse health service staff should be banned from using NHS services for non-life-threatening instances. The call came at the launch of an initiative to eliminate violence and abuse against NHS staff, which will include more thorough investigations from the police. Tina Donnelly, Director of RCN Wales said: “A strong commitment is imperative to reducing violent and aggressive behaviour and eliminating barriers to reporting incidents of violence. It is important to establish a culture of acceptance for reporting violent incidents as this is a positive step toward creating a safer work environment.”2009-09-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/september/saturday_12_-_monday_14_septemberRCN survey finds that school nurses are overburdened A survey from the Royal College of Nursing has found that school nurses are overstretched and overburdened, with the average school nurse looking after 2,590 pupils. The RCN said that the long-term health of a generation of adults could be put in jeopardy if the issues raised by the survey are not addressed. Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery of the Royal College of Nursing said: “As well as playing a key role in safeguarding vulnerable children, they are also central to the battle against child obesity, under-age drinking and teenage pregnancy. The fact that there is a shortage of nurses to meet the rising demand is simply unacceptable.”2009-09-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/september/friday_11_septemberChief judge tells of ‘enormous sympathy’ for assisted suicide cases Lord Phillips, the President of the new Supreme Court has said that he has ‘enormous sympathy’ for terminally ill patients who wish to end their lives through assisted suicide. Lord Phillips was the senior Law Lord who earlier this year ruled that the Director of Public Prosecutions must clarify the law on assisted suicide. However he told The Daily Telegraph that he doubted whether a change in the law would produce ‘a more satisfactory answer than the current rules. The articles mention that the Royal College of Nursing has recently moved to having a neutral stance on assisted suicide.2009-09-11http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/september/wednesday_9_septemberHealth Secretary speaks on payments for care In an interview with The Guardian, Health Secretary Andy Burnham has said that planned reforms to the care system must address the issue of homeowners who face having to sell their homes to fund care costs. Mr Burnham used the example of his own constituents, saying that people who have worked hard to buy their own home are ‘being let down by the current system’. Another article in The Guardian also discusses the wider debate on how care and support for older people will be funded.2009-09-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/saturday_29_august_-_tuesday_1_septemberContinued reaction to Patients Association report on nursing care failings The Independent yesterday had an opinion piece from Kieran Mullan, the Patients Association Policy Director. The article says that the current system for patient complaints is not effective, and that the Health Ombudsman should have a more active role. The article also mentions the Royal College of Nursing. The Daily Telegraph reports that the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme interviewed several nurses on their reaction to the Patients Association report. In the article Dr Peter Carter said: “Poor nursing care can never be excused but to use a survey which shows only two per cent of people reporting poor care to attack an entire profession is unacceptable”. The Sunday Express features an opinion piece on the subject from Patients Association President, Claire Rayner.2009-09-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/friday_28_augustDepartment of Health reacts to Patients Association report on nursing care failings The Department of Health has responded to the Patients Association report on failings in nursing care. Christine Beasley, the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer, said that in these cases the care offered to patients was ‘clearly unacceptable’ and that nurses should be struck off if their standard of care is at the level highlighted in the report. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing said that most nurses were “decent, highly skilled individuals.”2009-08-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/wednesday_26_augustReform of NHS pension scheme The Times reports that there will be changes made to the NHS pension scheme this autumn. The main change is that the employer’s contribution to the pension scheme has been capped at 14% of the employee’s salary. Health workers earning between £63,000 and £100,000 will now contribute 7.5% of their salary, with workers earning more contributing 8.5%. A further reform is that new NHS staff will now receive their full pension at 65 rather than 60.2009-08-26http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/tuesday_25_augustGPs refusing swine flu vaccination A survey from Healthcare Republic has found that many GPs may decline the swine flu vaccination, with 29% of GPs surveyed saying they would opt not to have the vaccine and a further 29% saying they were unsure. 71.3% of the GPs who said they would not have it said that their decision was based on concerns about the safety of the vaccine. The Times reports that the National Institute for Health Research has fast tracked 14 projects on behalf of the Department of Health to determine how contagious the virus is and whether closing schools would help to prevent the virus spreading.2009-08-25http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/saturday_22_august_-_monday_24_augustDepartment of Health spent £470m on management consultants in three years Figures obtained from a Freedom of Information act have found that the Department of Health spent £470 million on management consultants in the period from 2005-6 to 2008-9. The figures show that some of the contracts awarded are with firms that have hired senior civil servants and Labour figures, leading to accusations of ‘cronyism’. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing said: “We are unable to find any evidence about whether this represents good value.”2009-08-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/friday_21_augustCameron pledges on NHS spending Conservative Leader David Cameron said yesterday that if elected, the Conservatives would increase NHS spending in line with inflation during the period 2011-14. Mr Cameron also said that the Conservatives would increase efficiency and patient choice in the NHS by increasing competition and opening up services to other providers. The Times reports that if elected, the Conservatives would introduce a separate area of the budget for public health spending.2009-08-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/thursday_20_augustDecrease in number of deaths from MRSA and C.difficile Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that the number of deaths linked to MRSA and C.difficile decreased in the period 2007-8. The number of MRSA deaths fell to 1,230, a decrease of 23%, and the number of C.difficile deaths fell to 5,931, a decrease of 29%. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing said: “For any patient to die as a result of MRSA or C.difficile is an absolute tragedy, but these figures do show a move in the right direction. Nurses have worked hard to ensure infection rates are reduced, improving the quality of care for all patients.”2009-08-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/wednesday_19_augustNHS staff audit reveals that 45,000 NHS staff call in sick each day A national audit of NHS staff has found that over 45,000 staff call in sick each day – a level of absence one and a half times greater than in the private sector. The review found that a number of staff habits are having a negative effect on patient care. 1.4 million staff were found to have moderate to very poor mental health, with many staff saying that they felt intimidated by patients and relatives. The review also found that around one in five NHS workers smoke and that 40% do not exercise three times a week, as recommended by the Government. Dr Steve Boorman, an occupational health expert who compiled the audit, said that staff health should be a key standard used by the Care Quality Commission when they begin to assess hospitals on the quality of their key standards from next April.2009-08-19http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/tuesday_18_augustNurses unwilling to have swine flu vaccine A Nursing Times survey of 1,500 nurses has found that 37% of those surveyed will seek to be immunised when the vaccine becomes available. 30% saying they will not be seeking vaccination and 33% said they were unsure. Many nurses expressed concerns about their health if they were to have the vaccine, with 60% of those who said they would not want the vaccine saying that it was because of safety concerns. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing said: “The NHS Occupational Health Service and other community health services must ensure that getting vaccinated is as simple a process as possible. Health staff and patients suffer when nurses are off sick, so it is important that nurses do all they can to prevent themselves becoming ill.”2009-08-18http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/saturday_15_august_-_monday_17_augustRow over American health system and NHS: The Independent published letters, including one from Dr Peter Carter, responding to recent criticisms of the NHS which follow public debate about the possibility of a similar system being introduced in the United States. Dr Peter Carter said: “The last few days have seen much heated debate about the virtues of a national health service and so called ‘socialised medicine’. Much of the furore in America has seen fanciful misinformation and often deliberate untruths. Whilst no healthcare system in the world can be called perfect, the NHS is surely more preferable as a system to one where the poorest and most vulnerable are left to fend for themselves. In the United States, 46 million people have no health insurance whatsoever and it’s telling that those who criticise universal healthcare rarely fit into this category. Nurses are immensely proud to be working in the NHS. It is a social force for good, embodying a nation’s belief that no matter what you earn, you have the right to be cared for when you need it.” Further articles from the weekend and today’s papers continue the debate about the health service and report on the political fallout from the debate.2009-08-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/friday_14_augustSwine flu vaccine priorities announced: More than 13 million people in the UK are due to be offered vaccinations against swine flu as part of a national immunisation programme this autumn. Contrary to previous reports suggesting that the immunisation programme would begin with a mass vaccination of schoolchildren, the priority groups announced by the Chief Medical Officer yesterday include pregnant women, NHS and social care workers, those in contact with people with weakened immune systems and at-risk pensioners. The Daily Mail also reports that the vaccine will be given to children and babies with health problems. Yesterday it was also announced that swine flu infections have continued to fall this week, with an estimated 25,000 new cases being diagnosed.2009-08-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/wednesday_12_augustMissed appointments costing the NHS £600 million each year BBC News Online reports that missed NHS appointments are costing the NHS around £600 million a year. Figures show that around 6.5 million patients missed appointments between 2007-8.2009-08-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/tuesday_11_augustHospital scorecard rating scheme launched A website that allows NHS patients to rate and compare hospitals and specific treatments has been launched today. The website will rank hospitals using criteria such as mortality rates, cleanliness and quality of food. Health Secretary Andy Burnham said that the new system would help patients to make the right choices when looking for a hospital.2009-08-11http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/saturday_8_august_-_monday_10_augustRegulator warns Foundation Trusts to be ready for spending cuts The NHS Foundation Trust (FT) regulator Monitor has told FTs that they must be prepared for their funding to be reduced. The warning comes after three-year plans produced by FTs showed they were expecting a growth in spending by around 3-4% a year. The Times reports that Monitor has set Foundation Trusts a deadline of the end of September for submitting more realistic budget plans.2009-08-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/friday_7_augustNHS staff vacancies on the increase The latest figures from the NHS Information Centre show that the number of NHS staff vacancies in England have increased for the first time in five years. The figures also show that around 20% of vacancies are unfilled for at least three months. Nursing vacancies rose from 2.5% in 2008 to 3.1% this year. The Times discuss the issue of the impending retirement of the generation of nurses recruited in the 1960s and say that policy-makers need a ‘far-sighted approach to recruitment’. The Times’ carries a leader saying that the staff vacancy figures are an indication of the lack of funding that is available in the NHS. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing is quoted, saying: “While we are concerned about long-term vacancies, even unfilled short-term ones leave nurses under unsustainable pressure and, with higher workloads, too busy to provide the standard of care they would like. Rising vacancy rates are due to a combination of factors — more nurses are retiring and fewer are coming out of training; add to this an increase in demand for nurses, coupled with recent changes in migration policies, restricting recruitment from outside of the EU.”2009-08-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/thursday_6_augustPoll calls for tougher rules on sale of alcohol A survey of nurses, teachers, doctors, police and public health consultants has found that 62% of those surveyed think that there should be a minimum price per unit for alcohol. 77% want price promotions in bars, pubs and clubs that encourage excessive drinking banned. The survey was carried out by a number of health organisations including the Royal College of Nursing and the charity Alcohol Concern. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing said: “Alcohol misuse is our national disgrace. Up and down the country nurses see the devastating effect that alcohol has in blighting the lives of young and old alike. Our message is clear - there must be tighter regulation on the sale, labelling and advertising of alcohol to tackle this growing problem”. In a separate survey of 1,071 16 and 17 year olds from the charity Drinkaware, it was revealed that 8% of those questioned said that they drink at least once a week due to boredom. The survey also found that 29% of those questioned said that they have drunk alcohol due to boredom at some point in their life.2009-08-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/wednesday_5_augustConservative MP to launch campaign to strengthen the law on assisted suicide The Daily Mail reports that Conservative MP Nadine Dorries is to launch a campaign in the House of Commons to strengthen the law on assisted suicide. In the autumn the MP will start a private member’s bill outlining her proposals. The article notes that the Royal College of Nursing recently moved to adopt a neutral stance on assisted suicide. The Daily Telegraph today reports that Debbie Purdy is hoping that the proposed DPP policy guidance will allow her to die at home instead of travelling overseas.2009-08-05http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/tuesday_5_augustAssisted suicide laws will apply to Britain as well as overseas The Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, has said that the new guidelines on assisted suicide will apply to people who help loved ones die both in Britain and overseas. It had been assumed that any new guidelines would only apply to people who assist someone in dying abroad, however Mr Starmer said that the “broad principles” of the guidelines would also apply in Britain. The Times letters page features a printed letter from MSP Margo MacDonald, where she discusses assisted suicide and the Member’s Bill she has introduced into the Scottish Parliament on the issue. The Times and The Independent also feature letters on assisted suicide from members of the public.2009-08-04http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/august/saturday_1_august_-_monday_3_augustPratchett calls for ‘right to die’ Novelist Sir Terry Pratchett has said that he wants to be able to die on his own terms. Sir Pratchett, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, told the Mail on Sunday that ‘there are people who have a burning passion not to need to be cared for’. In the article he also discusses the role of nurses who work in end-of-life settings. The article notes that the Royal College of Nursing recently moved to adopt a neutral stance on assisted suicide. On Saturday, The Herald printed a letter from Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing, which outlines the position of the RCN on assisted suicide. Also a letter on Saturday’s Daily Telegraph letters page mentions our position on assisted suicide.2009-08-03http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/friday_31_julyDebbie Purdy wins High Court ‘Right to die’ case Debbie Purdy, an MS sufferer who wants to end her life in the Swiss Dignitas clinic, has won a landmark case to have the law on assisted suicide clarified. Ms Purdy had gone to the House of Lords to seek assurances that her husband would not be prosecuted if he accompanied her to the Swiss clinic. The Law Lords said that the law on assisted suicide is unclear and that her human rights would be breached if she was not allowed to end her life with respect and dignity. The ruling means that the Crown Prosecution Service will have to state when it would take action against people who help their loved ones end their lives abroad. Several media outlets note in their reports that the Royal College of Nursing has recently moved to adopting a neutral stance on assisted suicide. The Times features an opinion piece from Lord Falconer on the decision. He discusses the legal ramifications of the ruling from the Law Lords, saying that “the law should be clear enough for us to know what is and is not lawful.”2009-07-31http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/thursday_30_julyRoyal College of Nursing explains its position on assisted suicide In response to comments made in The Times’ opinion pages yesterday, The Times today printed a letter from Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing, which explains the RCN’s position on assisted suicide. The letter says: “Sir, Considering the understandably strong opinions held on the issue of assisted suicide, I feel it essential that the Royal College of Nursing’s recent change of policy is clearly understood. First, to clarify, the RCN’s position of neutrality is not implicit support for assisted suicide and we are absolutely not advising nurses to engage in dialogue with patients on this contentious issue. The law is clear that to do so would be a criminal offence. Second, in relation to the Bill in Scotland we are not working to help Margo MacDonald, MSP, to get her proposals through the Scottish Parliament. Third, it is important to make clear that our consultation process was robust. As well as drawing more than 1,200 detailed responses we also held discussions at our congress and took submissions from our forums. Overall our consultation reached 175,000 members. The RCN’s strength on this issue is that it is able to encompass a broad range of views and while through a representative council we have changed our stance to neutral — leading inevitably to passionate debate on all sides — it is clear that common themes of improving palliative care, safeguarding the nurse-patient relationship and protecting vulnerable patients are absolutely unmovable.”2009-07-30http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/wednesday_29_julyFormer doctor challenges police after admitting to paying for friend to end life at suicide clinic A former doctor and campaigner for the legalisation of assisted suicide has called for the police to arrest him after admitting that he gave a friend £1,500 to help fund the cost of going to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland to end his life. The 78-year-old former doctor was struck off the medical register in 2005 for helping a friend to die and is quoted in The Times as saying he would plead guilty as a ‘martyr’ if charged by the police. The same article notes that the Royal College of Nursing have moved to adopting a neutral stance on assisted suicide. Elsewhere in The Times Baroness Emerton writes an opinion piece that is critical of the RCN’s neutral stance. She says that her experience of the nursing profession is that ‘the majority of nurses remain opposed to helping their patients to kill themselves’ and that she believes that it is ‘dangerous’ for nurses to engage in dialogue on assisted suicide. She is also critical of the RCN’s consultation process, saying that the sample of nurses’ opinion taken is too small to warrant moving to adopt a neutral stance. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing, is quoted saying: “Actively assisting someone to die is a crime and we are not advising our members to do anything illegal. Our members are split 50/50 on changing the law and we feel that a neutral position on the issue is an accurate reflection of that. We do not accept that we have misrepresented their views.” The Times also features several letters on the subject of assisted suicide, with the neutral stance of the RCN being discussed.2009-07-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/tuesday_28_julyDoctors warned not to talk to patients about assisted suicide The Medical Defence Union has warned its members that they could face a criminal investigation if they discuss assisted suicide with patients. The Union’s solicitor, Ian Barker, said that members could be approached for advice by patients “as a result of the Royal College of Nursing stating in news reports that it wishes to ‘engage in a debate’ with its nurse members about assisted suicide and the recent media interest in this issue.” The Independent has an opinion piece which contains a brief segment on the RCN’s move to adopt a neutral stance on assisted suicide.2009-07-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/saturday_25_july_-_monday_27_julyRoyal College of Nursing adopts neutral stance on assisted suicide The Royal College of Nursing has moved to adopt a neutral stance on assisted suicide. The decision comes after the RCN Council voted on Friday in favour of the change. The RCN conducted a three month consultation of its members on assisted suicide, with 49% of members supporting the issue, 40% opposing and 9% stating they were neutral. On Saturday, a poll from The Times found that 74% of people want doctors to be allowed to help terminally ill patients to end their lives, with support being particularly strong from people aged 55-64. A poll from The Metro today found that 50% of people would consider helping a terminally ill friend or family member die. A spokesperson from Dignity In Dying said that “the law is clearly out of step with public opinion”. The issue received widespread coverage this weekend from both print and broadcast outlets. Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive, said: “Assisted suicide is a complicated issue and this was reflected in the range and variety of responses that we received. The split in responses shows that there is no overwhelming support among nurses for either opposing or supporting a change in the law. We fully support the common themes that came through the consultation, namely maintaining the nurse-patient relationship, protecting vulnerable patients and making sure there is adequate investment in end-of-life care.” Sandra James, Chair of RCN Council said: “In reaching our decision we considered individual members' opinions as well as the views from RCN branches and forums, and non-RCN affiliated bodies.”2009-07-27http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/wednesday_22_julyNHS hospital faces partial sell-off: Under plans from the East of England Strategic Health Authority, the private sector is to be invited for the first time to partially take over and run a large NHS hospital including its accident and emergency and maternity services. The Department of Health and the Treasury are reported to be backing plans to call for bids on Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdonshire.2009-07-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/thursday_23_julyGovernment launches consultation on mental health and wellbeing: The Government has announced the launch of a new consultation intended to improve the mental health of the nation. The New Horizons document aims to bring together the NHS, local authorities, schools, employers and the criminal justice system to target the root causes of poor mental health. People are urged to connect with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours and to take part in activities such as cycling and gardening. The proposals also suggest allotments, computer training and reading groups could be offered to over-50s to help them maintain good mental health. Dr Peter Carter is quoted as saying: "The chances are that everyone knows someone with a mental health issue, yet for far too long mental health has been hidden behind closed doors. Bringing the issue of mental health and well-being into the mainstream and making it everybody's business is clearly a step in the right direction."2009-07-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/saturday_18_july_-_monday_20_julyWarning of tax rises to maintain NHS spending: In a joint report, The King's Fund and the Institute for Fiscal Studies have warned that maintaining NHS spending levels would force either tax rises or cuts in the budgets of other departments. The report suggests that taxes would need to rise by £340 a year per family to prevent spending cuts.2009-07-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/tuesday_14_julyNational care service to help ageing population: Proposals to set up a national care service which provides care for our ageing population are expected to be announced today as the Government unveils its Green Paper on care and support. It has been suggested that plans will include a £10,000 “one-off” tax to stop thousands being forced to sell their homes or use savings to meet the cost of care. The system is expected to be partly funded by the State and partly by the individual. In a comment article in The Guardian, Polly Toynbee describes the proposals as “brave”, while highlighting the opposition they may face.2009-07-14http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/monday_13_julyFairer bursary system needed to keep more student nurses in training: The Guardian published a letter to the editor from the RCN responding to an article last week reporting that applications for nursing degrees have increased by 24%. Professor Peter Carter said: “It was encouraging to see that nursing saw the second biggest increase in university applications last year (Mature students fuel 50,000 shortfall in university places, 10th July) with applications up 24%. However, this figure is misleading and masks a worrying recruitment crisis in our nursing workforce. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has consistently stated that 200,000 nurses will retire over the next ten years and we have nowhere near the numbers needed to replace them. This is partly because of an unfair and discriminatory method of handing out nursing bursaries in England which results in a quarter of would-be nurses dropping out of their courses. This alone costs the taxpayer an estimated £99 million every year. Add to this the fact that whilst applications may continue to rise, the number of nursing places does the opposite. It’s hardly a surprise that the number of qualified nurses entering the market is so far short of where it needs to be given the huge numbers due to retire. With universities cutting available places and the government not funding students in a manner that keeps them in education the reality is we are facing a recruitment time bomb.”2009-07-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/friday_10_julyNursing degrees see a 24% increase in number of applicants: Figures from the universities admissions service Ucas show that the number of applicants to university nursing courses has increased by 24% in the last twelve months. The growth in applications is said to be partly due to a substantial increase in mature students applying to university. Across all subjects, the number of applicants aged 21-24 increased by 14.9%, with the number of applicants aged over 25 increasing by 18.8%.2009-07-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/thursday_9_julySocial Care Green Paper delayed: The Guardian reports that the Social Care Green Paper has been delayed due to concerns from within the Government that the document will be seen as a means of taking up to £10 billion away from benefit claimants. The document is expected to reform the social care system by offering people the opportunity to pay for residential care by making a one-off payment of £12,000, thus avoiding the prospect of having to sell their home to pay for care. The article says that the Government is now running out of time to launch the Green Paper before the summer Parliamentary recess on July 21st and a crucial by-election on July 23rd.2009-07-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/wednesday_8_julyHouse of Lords reject assisted suicide bid: The House of Lords have rejected a proposed amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill that would have lifted the threat of prosecution to those people helping terminally ill patients to travel to a country where euthanasia is legal. The vote was 194-141 against the proposal. The proposer, Lord Falconer, said that currently there was a legal ‘no-man’s land’ around assisted suicide, however opponents called the proposal the first step to legalising euthanasia.2009-07-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/tuesday_7_julyHouse of Lords to debate assisted suicide: The House of Lords will today debate a proposed amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill that says that the law should be changed to remove the threat of prosecution to friends and relatives who take a terminally ill relative abroad to kill themselves. The Daily Telegraph features a comment piece on the issue from Ian McColl, a former university professor, who says that recent votes on the issue at key conferences shows that doctors do not want the amendment to be passed.2009-07-07http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/saturday_4_july_-_monday_6_julyReport reveals thousands of patients are victims of neglect and errors in hospitals: A report from the Patients’ Association has found that thousands of patients have suffered cruelty, neglect or been the victim of errors in hospitals. The Patients’ Association said that over 5,000 people contacted their helpline in 2008 to say that either they or a relative had suffered poor care, with there being many instances of patients dying in pain or losing their dignity. The most common problems reported were NHS staff who lacked passion, or who failed to communicate. There were also many complaints of medical errors, or staff failing to act on key information from medical records. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said: “We will not defend nurses who behave in ways that are contrary to the principles and ethics on which nursing is founded. I do believe the vast majority of nurses are decent, highly skilled individuals, and most surveys of patient satisfaction back that up, but we have to face up to the fact that there are some who become inured to what patients are going through”. He also warned that “a target-driven culture” had increased pressure on staff to deal with higher numbers of patients more quickly.2009-07-06http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/friday_3_julyConservatives suggest economic downturn could mean NHS pay cuts: Conservative Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has hinted that the current economic climate may mean that NHS staff will have their pay cut. He said financial pressures could see the NHS move to a position “where pay is instead defined by what is necessary to recruit, retain and motivate the staff, and also what is affordable for local healthcare providers”. Josie Irwin, Head of Employment Relations at the Royal College of Nursing said: “Given that we are about to enter a period when there is a shortage of nurses, it would be foolish to freeze pay when we should be looking at ways to entice more people to join the profession”.2009-07-03http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/thursday_2_julyNHS needs to increase productivity to survive budget cuts: The Independent reports that on Tuesday, Audit Commission Chief Executive Steve Bundred told the Local Government Association Annual Conference that he considers Labour and Tory pledges to protect health and education from spending cuts is a ‘big mistake’ as they have been well funded by are inefficient. An accompanying opinion column says that despite NHS funding being protected for the next two years, the NHS needs to increase its efficiency now in order to be able to operate effectively if funding is cut after 2011. The column says there are plans from 2010 to cut the prices paid by Primary Care Trusts to hospitals for procedures and services. This would mean that hospitals will have to increase their productivity to maintain their income. However the column suggests more radical reforms, including the NHS abandoning costly procedures, such as tonsillectomies, that have been rendered obsolete by more modern treatments.2009-07-03http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/july/wednesday_1_july2,882 deaths a year in Scotland due to alcohol abuse: New figures from NHS Scotland show that alcohol contributed to 2,882 deaths in Scotland in one year. The figures include deaths that directly link to alcohol, as well as indirect links, such as drink-driving. RCN Scotland spokesperson Kate Macaulay said: “We welcome the measures that the Scottish Government is proposing to reduce excessive consumption if they result in lower levels of alcohol misuse and better public health. All of the practical measures that are being put forward by the Scottish Government must be matched by educational and health promotional work from the earliest ages right through to older adults if we are genuinely going to tackle this growing health time bomb.”2009-07-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/tuesday_30_junePrime Minister pledges health entitlements: Yesterday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced a series of entitlements for patients. Patients are now entitled to be able to see a cancer specialist within two weeks and will have a maximum wait of 18 weeks before starting hospital treatment. Mr Brown also said more detail would follow later in the year, including on reforming maternity services. Tom Sandford, Director of RCN England, said that cancer patients would be reassured that they will be seen within two weeks, but the majority of patients already are seen in this period. He added: “Whether it's called a standard, target, objective or entitlement, what matters is that clinical decisions drive patient care.”2009-06-30http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/saturday_27_june_-_monday_29_juneGovernment gives NHS patients new treatment rights Prime Minister Gordon Brown will today unveil the document Building Britain’s Future which includes six new ‘rights’ to be given to NHS patients. The rights include patients being entitled to an operation within 18 weeks after first seeing their GP and being entitled to see a cancer specialist within two weeks. Patients suffering from long-term conditions will have the right to die at home.2009-06-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/friday_26_juneFailings in health and social care contributed to child abuse death A report into the death of a 16-month-old girl in Doncaster in 2007 has found that health and social care authorities missed signs of abuse and neglect. The report found that authorities had ‘sufficient information to conclude that the child was at risk of significant harm’ but poor communication between departments meant that authorities did not make a proper assessment of the child. The report found that in the case of another child’s death from abuse, Doncaster council had missed signs that the child was at risk in their current household. The report went on to describe Doncaster Council’s Children’s and Services Department as ‘chaotic and dangerous’. The council has confirmed that a multi-agency training programme is now in place to ensure that everyone providing child services are meeting their responsibilities.2009-06-26http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/thursday_25_junePolice will not charge staff from hospital hit by superbug: A police investigation into the outbreak of C.Difficile at the Vale of Leven Hospital, Dunbartonshire, has resulted in no staff facing criminal charges. Campaigners have called for an independent public inquiry into the outbreak, which led to 18 deaths at the hospital. Theresa Fyffe, Director of RCN Scotland said: “Criminal proceedings would not necessarily have found the answers that the families of those who died deserve. It is important the public inquiry into the C.diff outbreak at Vale of Leven moves ahead as quickly as possible. Health boards need to ensure that they learn from what happened and implement any changes necessary to try to minimise the chances of such an outbreak in the future”.2009-06-25http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/wednesday_24_juneSmoking increasing in Scotland amongst teenage boys: Smoking amongst teenage boys in Scotland is increasing according to the Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey, which questioned over 10,000 13-15 year-olds. Figures showed that the number of 13 year-olds who are regular smokers was at 3% in 2008, down from 5% in 2006. However amongst 15 year-olds the number of boys who are regular smokers has increased from 12% in 2006 to 14% in 2008. The survey found a decline in teenagers who regularly consume alcohol. The number of 13 year-olds who drink alcohol on a weekly basis had declined from 14% in 2006 to 11% in 2008. Amongst 15 year-olds this number also declined, with figures falling from 36% in 2006 to 31% in 2008. However, amongst the 15 year-olds that do drink alcohol, the average weekly consumption is 21 units. Theresa Fyffe, Director of RCN Scotland said: “We need a culture shift in our attitude to alcohol. All of the practical measures that are being put forward by the Scottish Government must be matched by education and health promotional work in our schools and communities if we are genuinely going to change hearts and minds.2009-06-24http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/tuesday_23_juneChanging policy on hernia treatment: The Daily Mail reports that six regional health authorities are changing their policy on treating hernias. Rather than immediate surgery a policy of “watchful waiting” is now being adopted, with the patient only being given surgery if they are experiencing pain or if the hernia grows. Many hernia sufferers are said to experience debilitating symptoms post-surgery, which would be prevented by avoiding surgery. However critics argue that the change in policy is an attempt to cut costs with hernia surgery costing the NHS around £100 million each year.2009-06-23http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/saturday_20_june_-_monday_22_juneEconomic downturn stopping smokers quitting: A new study indicates that the economic downturn and concerns over job security and paying household bills are stopping smokers from quitting. According to figures to be presented at the UK National Smoking Cessation Conference, 23% of smokers said that they were planning to delay quitting, with 28% of smokers saying that over the last six months they have been too stressed to mount a successful to quit. Jennifer Percival, Royal College of Nursing Tobacco Policy Adviser, is quoted as saying “This study shows that over two million people are delaying quit plans and exposing themselves to the harmful effects of smoking for longer than they need to. We know that the earlier people quit, the better, so we need to make sure that those who are delaying quit plans are being offered effective options and support to help them to stop smoking successfully.”2009-06-22http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/friday_19_juneNHS meets target for C.Difficile reductions: New figures from the Health Protection Agency shows that cases of C.Difficile have been reduced by 36% in 2008/9 when compared to the same period last year. The NHS was set a target to reduce cases of C.Difficile by 30% by 2010/11. Figures showed that cases of MRSA in 2008/9 have reduced by 29%.2009-06-19http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/thursday_18_juneMPs report on Agenda for Change finds no evidence of savings and improved efficiency: The Commons Public Accounts Committee have published a report that criticises the Agenda for Change NHS pay reforms. The report claims there is no evidence that the reforms have delivered improvements to efficiency or a predicted saving of £1.3 billion since the scheme was introduced in 2005. Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said: “Critics are wrong to speak out after so little time to say the changes have not brought about improvements. It is no coincidence that in recent years the Healthcare Commission has rated more and more Trusts excellent or good, or that the 18 week target has been achieved way ahead of schedule. Transferring over a million staff to a new pay system in such a short time is no mean feat. NHS staff and employers have worked closely together to achieve this. There is plenty of evidence to show Agenda for Change has made the NHS a better place for patients and for staff.”2009-06-18http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/wednesday_17_juneNHS management training schemes proving popular amongst graduates: NHS Management say that their graduate training scheme has had 14,000 applications this year, an increase of 5,000 from 2008 The two year graduate management training scheme will have 240 graduates in its September intake, 20 more than last year. Experts say that graduates are looking for a job that will be more meaningful and rewarding, and that the NHS Management scheme is attractive to graduates as it offers job security and a pension.2009-06-17http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/tuesday_16_juneNurse contracts swine flu: A nurse who treated Jacqueline Fleming, the first person in the UK to die from swine flu, has been confirmed to have contracted the virus. The nurse, who worked at Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, is not said to be seriously ill. The Department of Health yesterday said that there are 1,391 confirmed cases of swine flu in Britain.2009-06-16http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/saturday_13_june_-_monday_15_juneHouse of Lords reform: A column in The Times proposes reforms to the current system of appointing peers to the House of Lords. The articles says that there should be strict limits on the number of peers appointed by the Government, and that the remainder of the House should be filled by members of professional bodies, suggesting the Royal College of Nursing as well as others including the British Medical Association and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.2009-06-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/friday_12_juneDepartment of Health meets target on reducing hospital superbugs: A report from the National Audit Office has found that the Department of Health has met its target to cut the infection rates of superbugs MRSA and C.Difficile. Cases of MRSA have decreased by 57% with cases of C.Difficile down by 41%. However cases of other infections are increasing, with cases of MSSA up by 9% in the period from 2004 to 2008. Health experts called on the Government to monitor and reduce cases of other hospital acquired infections. Dr. Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said: “More needs to be done.” The Daily Telegraph reports that cases of MRSA are still increasing in 10% of hospital trusts, with C.Difficile cases increasing in 20% of hospital trusts.2009-06-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/thursday_11_juneNurses earn £10,000 less than London tube drivers: The Daily Telegraph reports that the average London nurse earns £10,000 less than a London tube driver, who has an annual salary of £40,000. The article says: “The Royal College of Nursing confirmed that a qualified nurse would earn an average of £30,000 in London.”2009-06-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/wednesday_10_juneNHS budget cuts will put jobs at risk: Health experts fear between 2011 and 2014 there will be NHS budget cuts, estimated to be between £15 billion and £20 billion. These cuts are said to be putting NHS jobs at risk, with it also thought that many services in the NHS will have to be redesigned and streamlined in order to continue to function. The NHS Confederation are today expected to call for the NHS to adequately prepare for these reductions in funding. Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: “We agree with the NHS Confederation that there is still great potential for improvements in the way health services are delivered, but this is not a crisis. As the Prime Minister recently stated to the Royal College of Nursing, the NHS will continue to benefit from real terms growth year-on-year”.2009-06-10http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/tuesday_9th_juneNurse calls for reforms to end of life care: A senior oncology nurse has spoken to The Guardian calling for reforms to end of life care in the NHS. She says that the NHS needs to train specialist staff to support dying patients and their relatives.2009-06-09http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/saturday_6_june_-_monday_8_juneBritish nurse honoured: A British nurse has been given the Legion d’Honneur, a prestigious French military award, for her work on D-Day. Vera Hay, 87, became a member of the Queen Alexandra’s Nursing Corps in 1943 and landed on Gold Beach on D-Day. She later treated wounded soldiers in Bayeux, France.2009-06-08http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/friday_5_juneManagement consultancy costs NHS over £300m: According to a Health Select Committee report, over £300m was spent by the NHS on management consultants in 2008. The Health Select Committee said that they were concerned that the NHS does not keep centralised records of money spent on management consultants and called for a full breakdown of NHS spending on management consultants. BBC News Online also says that the Royal College of Nursing has previously called for the NHS to reduce their use of management consultants.2009-06-05http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/thursday_4_juneNurse contracts swine flu: A nurse working at Southern General Hospital, Glasgow has become the first British healthcare worker to be infected with swine flu. The 26-year-old nurse was treating a patient who is now in intensive care after becoming critically ill with the virus. Yesterday the Health Protection Agency announced that there were 18 new swine flu cases in England and 23 new cases in Scotland.2009-06-04http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/wednesday_3_juneIncrease in female doctors in NHS: According to new figures, the amount of female doctors in the NHS is increasing, with the majority of doctors in GP surgeries and hospitals expected to be women by 2017. Statistics also show that among female consultants, 44% are paediatricians and 49% are in public health. However, numbers are also increasing in traditionally male-dominated areas such as emergency medicine and anaesthetics.2009-06-03http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/tuesday_2_juneAssisted suicide hearing in House of Lords: MS sufferer Debbie Purdy will today address the House of Lords in an attempt to clarify the legislation affecting assisted suicide. As it stands, it is illegal for friends and relatives to help someone to travel abroad to commit suicide, however no-one has been charged over helping someone travel to the Swiss Dignitas clinic to die. Later this week Lord Falconer will table an amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill in an attempt to allow friends and relatives to help someone to travel abroad to commit suicide.2009-06-02http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/june/saturday_30_may_-_monday_1_juneNurses to get bigger pensions if they postpone retiring: The Department of Health is planning to offer nurses bigger pensions if they continue to work until 65. Nurses would usually retire at 60, however a shortfall of 25,000 nurses is predicted by 2016 with over 200,000 nurses expected to retire in the next eight years. Under the new proposals the minimum extra pension will be £400 per year. Nurses who stay on in employment will be able to draw their pension in addition to their salary as they continue working. Royal College of Nursing Senior Employment Relations Adviser Verity Lewis said: “It is great they have the choice to stay on”.2009-06-01http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/friday_29_mayLimited take-up of Patient Choice system: The Sun reports that new figures show that the Government’s Patient Choice scheme, that allows patients to choose the hospital for their operation, has so far had a limited take-up. Three percent of patients in rural areas and six percent of patients in urban areas are said to have used the scheme.2009-05-29http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/thursday_28_mayPrivate hospital charging insured patients more: According to The Daily Mail, the Nuffield Hospital in Chichester has a different pricing policy for insured patients, charging them more than patients without insurance. One patient says they received a £477 bill for an MRI scan, only to have the bill reissued at £720 once it became clear they had health insurance.2009-05-28http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/wednesday_27_mayWhistleblowers should be given better protection: The Daily Telegraph reports that an editorial in The British Medical Journal warns that another hospital scandal could ‘already be happening’ as staff are fearful of speaking out with their concerns. The BMJ goes on to say that NHS whistleblowers should be given better legal protection.2009-05-27http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/saturday_23_may_-_tuesday_26_mayNurses raised concerns about care standards at Gosport: The Independent on Sunday has a feature on the enquiry into patient deaths at Gosport War Memorial Hospital. The article says that in 1991 two nurses raised concerns into the care of elderly patients with senior hospital staff and the Royal College of Nursing, however the 'matter was closed' by the hospital trust. The article calls for a public inquiry into the incidents, saying that the trust 'inadequately investigated'.2009-05-26http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/friday_22_mayLetter proposing changes to Parliamentary system: The Times’ letters page features a letter proposing a new ‘united independents movement’. The changes would involve candidates being nominated by “non-partisan, non-political institutions that still enjoy widespread public confidence”, including the Royal College of Nursing. Other institutions named include the RSPCA, The Fire Services Association, Shelter and the National Trust.2009-05-22http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/thursday_21_mayCalls for £1.7 billion NHS surplus to be spent on frontline services: Health experts yesterday called for more money to be spent on frontline services after it was announced that the NHS has a budget surplus of £1.7 billion. The surplus is said to represent around 2% of the annual NHS expenditure, and experts have expressed concern that patients could be receiving a better service. Janet Davies, Royal College of Nursing Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery said: “A £1.7bn surplus is £1.7bn which must be spent on improving patient care and the Government must make clear how it plans to use this money. While we are encouraged that the NHS is on a firm financial footing, it is absolutely vital that this surplus goes straight to frontline services.”2009-05-21http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/wednesday_20_mayNHS management consultant spending: Figures from the Royal College of Nursing show that the NHS spent over £350 million on management consultants in England in 2008. In separate statistics compiled by Pulse magazine the average spent last year by each Primary Care Trust was said to be £1.2 million.2009-05-20http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/tuesday_19_mayChlamydia increase amongst teens: According to new figures, cases of chlamydia among under-16s increased by 58% from 2,474 to 3,913 in the four years since a national screening programme was introduced for chlamydia in 2003. Figures also show that in 2008 over 2,000 15 year-olds were infected with chlamydia.2009-05-19http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/saturday_16_may_-_monday_18_mayWales needs more nurses to care for sick and premature babies: Sick and premature babies in Wales are being put at risk by insufficient neonatal services, according to the Royal College of Nursing and the neonatal charity Bliss. Wales is said to lack dedicated ambulance crews for transporting babies. There are also staffing shortages of specialist doctors and nurses, meaning that babies often have to travel long distances for treatment without the necessary transport. Director of RCN Wales Tina Donnelly said: “Potentially, that's exactly what happens. If you know that you need higher specialist skills and you need to get a baby to that area very quickly and you can't because there's not the transport, the longer the baby is not with those clinical areas of expertise then potentially there is that baby being put at risk.” Speaking on the RCN’s claims that the country has a shortage of 120 specialist neonatal nurses, she also said: “These are a very, very specialised group of nurses. We have to be able to recognise that the training that needs to be in put in place will be at different levels. We're not even providing the first level of training here for those nurses in Wales.”2009-05-18http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/thursday_14_may_-_friday_15_mayThe man to defuse the nursing retirement timebomb: A feature article in The Times focuses on Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr. Peter Carter, who addressed the issue of the decline in nursing numbers this week at Congress. The article praises Dr. Carter for ‘raising the profile of the profession among the political elite’ with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Conservative Party Leader David Cameron speaking at Congress. Dr Carter said: “In the last year, the number of nurses asking the RCN for advice about mortgage payments or debt troubles rose by 76 per cent. A nurse earns on average just over £24,000. In the current climate, that does not go far. We need to get across to young people that nursing really is an attractive career. It’s clear that the image of nursing does not reflect the reality. People may come into the profession with good intentions, but things can go wrong if they’re not properly trained. These days, a nurse may be leading a team of experts in a specialist hospital, helping a 40-a-day smoker to stop or caring for a sick baby in an intensive care unit. They are the glue which holds the health service together. We’ve seen recent examples in Mid Staffordshire, Bristol Children’s Hospital and Harrow where terrible things happen due to a lack of trained staff.”2009-05-15http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/wednesday_13_maySchool nurses staffing crisis: School nurses are finding it difficult to cope with their workload according to a new survey from the Royal College of Nursing. The College found that nurses have been given significantly more work in child protection since the Baby P case. However school nurse staffing levels are dangerously low, with a nurse looking after 2,500 schoolchildren on average, and the College fears that this may mean that another child protection tragedy could go unnoticed. Dr. Peter Carter, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive and General Secretary said: “We believe there's a major problem. We don't think we are in a position to be able to afford children the protection they need and the assessments simply because there are insufficient staff. In the wake of Baby P, logic must suggest there’s a huge problem out there that we are not aware of. We become aware of it when there’s tragic consequences. Let's get upstream, let's get nurses into the schools because logic suggests there’s other Baby P's out there, that a lot of children are suffering but it’s not being recognised. School nurses tell us they are finding it really hard to cope. It really does point to a worrying state of affairs and we are not meeting the needs of our children.” The College said that the Government needs another 709 nurses for 3,343 schools in order to meet its target for 2010. Speaking on this, Dr. Carter said: “For the target to happen, we would need as much progress in one year as we have seen in the last four. If we had the school nurses we would be able to reduce obesity, we wouldn't have so many teenage pregnancies and we wouldn't have so many teenage abortions.”2009-05-13http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/monday_11_may_-_tuesday_12_mayRCN warns of NHS recruitment problems: The Royal College of Nursing has today warned that the NHS is facing major nursing recruitment problems. The College said that over 200,000 nurses are due to retire in the next ten years and that the Government is not doing enough to promote nursing to school children. A new survey from the RCN revealed that nursing is not considered a popular profession amongst seven to 17 year-olds, reasons cited including a dislike for blood and a low starting salary. Dr. Peter Carter, Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive and General Secretary said: “It's clear that the image of nursing does not reflect reality. Modern nursing is a dynamic career, providing an incredibly broad range of opportunities and a real chance to have an interesting, successful career that makes a real difference to other people's lives. Often older recruits join the profession after becoming disillusioned with seemingly more popular careers and wish they had done so years earlier. We want more young people to join the profession and experience all it has to offer.”2009-05-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/saturday_9_may_-_sunday_10_maySurvey reveals inadequate hospital facilities for nurses to clean equipment: A survey of 2,000 nurses from the Royal College of Nursing has found that there is a serious lack of facilities in hospitals for nurses to clean equipment. 37% of nurses surveyed said that they had no access to a room for cleaning equipment, with 32% saying that they have to decontaminate vital equipment in a bathroom. 34% of nurses in the survey said that they are responsible for cleaning equipment as part of their job, however they have never received any training on how to decontaminate equipment. Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr. Peter Carter, said: "Having the time and space to clean and then store essential everyday hospital equipment such as IV stands, commodes and patient cushions is crucial in keeping patients safe from dangerous infections. It's shocking that some nurses have no choice but to store equipment in hospital bathrooms. People need to recognise that fighting infection is about much more than just hand washing. Every trust should protect training budgets for nurses and make sure that every nurse in the country is given the opportunity to update their infection prevention training. Every nurse should have access to round-the-clock cleaning services. Overall, infection rates have been going down over the past couple of years, but that's from a very high point indeed." Shadow Health Minister Anne Milton said: "This is yet more evidence that nurses aren't getting the support they need. Given that three times as many people now die from hospital infections each year than die on Britain's roads it is simply unacceptable to find basic standards of hygiene are not being met because the resources aren't available. Nurses are being put in an impossible position. It's unfair on them and unfair on patients." The Department of Health said: "We have made substantial investment - an additional £270m a year by 2010/2011 - for the NHS to tackle healthcare associated infections. Trusts must make adequate arrangements for decontamination, out-of-hours cleaning and staff training in infection prevention and control."2009-05-12http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/news/RCN_health_news_alert/updates/may/friday_1_mayCommunications update2009-05-01