Patient Safety
Death rates higher after weekend admissions, study confirms
Patients admitted to hospital at weekends have a greater chance of dying than those admitted on a week day, a large-scale review of NHS data has reiterated.
Fears over 'destabilising' C difficile fines to be investigated
The possibility that fines for C difficile infections will have a “destabilising” effect on some hospitals next year is to be investigated by the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
PM responds to HSJ's criticisms of reforms
David Cameron has defended his government’s health reforms at prime minister’s question time from the criticisms set out in HSJ’s joint leader with Nursing Times and the BMJ.
Health bodies caution against Cabinet Office open data push
A government consultation on more open use of data has found strong support for increased transparency in public services. But health organisations have urged caution due to the potential for leaks of sensitive information.
Hinchingbrooke plans set out by new owners
The private provider at the first NHS hospital to be taken over by a private sector firm have set out their vision to turn around its fortunes.
Poor outcomes continue for heart failure, audit reveals
Heart failure outcomes remain poor with variations in quality of care across the country and a lack of access to specialist management, according to a major national review.
Warning as social care funding falls £0.5bn
Spending on older people’s social care in England has fallen by half a billion pounds, according to a new report.
Health board fined after patient contracts Legionnaires'
A health board has been fined after an “entirely avoidable” chain of events resulted in a hospital patient being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, the Crown Office has said.
More private clinics to treat implant patients for free
Two more private firms have agreed to remove PIP breast implants free of charge.
Fears over hundreds of staff employed without security checks
A Scottish health board has demanded an urgent review after it emerged a private contractor failed to perform necessary checks on employees at a hospital.
Insurance scheme planned for cosmetic surgery patients
An insurance scheme for patients who undergo cosmetic surgery could soon be introduced, following the recent breast implant scandal.
EU laws 'putting patients at risk'
NHS patients are “at risk” because of European laws, the heads of two royal colleges have said.
Lansley outlines further 'steps' to address breast implants concerns
Health secretary Andrew Lansley has set out a “series of steps” in response to continued concerns over the safety risks posed by French Poly Implant Prostheses (PiP) breast implants.
Murder suspect nurse released on bail
A 46-year-old male nurse suspected of murdering three hospital patients at Stepping Hill Hospital has been released on police bail.
Cameron announces 'Nursing Forum' review of care standards
Prime minister David Cameron has announced a “Nursing Forum” inquiry to address concerns about care standards and patient safety.
Nuffield Health makes pledge on implant surgery costs
Nuffield Health will cover the clinical investigation and surgery costs of all its patients who have had PIP implants, the organisation has announced.
Government unveils extra £150m for home care
The government has announced an extra £150m for patients to receive care at home rather than in hospital.
'Failing' social care system putting older people at risk
England’s “failing” social care system is leaving 800,000 elderly people “lonely, isolated and at risk”, say experts who have today urged the government and the Labour party to begin social care reform.
Rise in number of hospital infections
More people than ever picked up infections while spending time in hospitals last year, it has been reported.
NHS Confederation calls for end to hospital-or-bust NHS
At least one in four NHS patients would be better off being treated at home under new community-based services, the head of the NHS Confederation has said.
More on Patient Safety
Why physical health checks for mental health patients are vital to their wellbeing
Improving the provision of physical health checks for people with severe mental illness provides an opportunity to make a major difference to the health and wellbeing of this vulnerable group, write Drs Kallol Sain and Sweta Patil.
Why improved design is key to reducing violence against NHS staff
A pilot scheme intended to reduce assaults on NHS employees by improving accident and emergency waiting areas is a vital first step in making sure staff feel safe and protected at work, says Noel Walsh.
Why shifting DVT management into primary care can improve clinical outcomes
DVT can be clinically very difficult to diagnose but early recognition and appropriate treatment can improve clinical outcomes.
Why it is vital trusts learn lessons from coroners' reports
When a patient dies, the Coroners Rules 1984 allows coroners to produce a report that has the single purpose of preventing future deaths, if it is deemed the risk of death will continue to exist. Joanna Trewin has some advice on how trusts can avoid these - and what to do if they don’t.
How speaking up improves safety and saves lives in the health service
Some keep quiet, even when risks are known. Richard Pound examines how we can get everyone to speak up
Healthcare without wires: the next generation of technology for health organisations
The use of wireless technology in healthcare looks set to become the norm. Dominic List looks at the benefits for organisations ready to adopt the new generation of technology.
