Increase 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”.
Out-of-hours care
The Conservatives have vowed to make GPs take back responsibility for out-of-hours care from NHS trusts and private companies. The pledge comes in a wake of an inquest into the death of a pensioner given an overdose by a German locum providing after-hours care.
NHS could save millions by flying patients to India
Tens of millions of pounds could be saved and waiting lists slashed if NHS patients were treated aboard according to figures seen by The Independent on Sunday. The NHS currently pay for patients who meet strict criteria to receive treatment in Europe, but only if the flight is under three hours. This means patients are denied access to scores of internationally renowned hospitals outside of Europe. Global health experts at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore have been exploring potential for bilateral agreements to trade health services between the UK and India. Their preliminary findings from a two-year study suggest a two-way agreement would benefit both countries.
Homeless turn to A&E for help
Many homeless people are now being transferred from the streets to hospitals. The figures obtained by the Conservative Party’s Homelessness Foundation, which includes Shelter, Crisis and other homeless charities show that on average one homeless person is admitted to hospital for problems related to drugs or alcohol every three hours.
Banning trans fat in foods
The UK Faculty of Public Health is urging ministers to eradicate artificial fatty acids, known as trans fat, which are found in thousands of foods, including biscuits and margarine. The move is needed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
IVF
Senior fertility doctors have rejected calls for a ban on women over 50 receiving fertility treatment at British clinics after it emerged that a 59 year old woman is trying to obtain IVF. The guidelines currently state that the NHS does not give IVF to women over 40 and private clinics generally do not provide the treatment for women over 50.
Parliamentary Update
House of Commons
Adjournment: role of charity trustees (Tom Levitt)
House of Lords
PQ quality of care homes for those with dementia