External contributors – Page 9
-
CommentThe CQC is losing the confidence of NHS trust leaders
Trust leaders express support for NHS England and CQC’s regulatory changes but raise concerns over increased burden, lack of focus on outcomes, and discrepancies in inspections. Collaboration, transparency, and contextual understanding are called for
-
CommentTrans guide clashes with NHS commitment to prioritising patient need
Jo Bibby - writing in a personal capacity - reviews the NHS Confederation guide that aims to promote inclusion, but also lists down concerns around legal uncertainty and its applicability to all NHS staff
-
CommentThe NHS needs a dedicated agency to drive the use of new technology
A serious strategy to innovate is needed to save the health service. Barbara Harpham gives an insight on how this can be achieved
-
CommentWaiting list hits new record as 65 week target slips away
For most patients, waiting times are not coming down
-
CommentThe overlooked role of analysts in the NHS long-term plan
Andi Orlowski talks about the recent NHS workforce plan overlooking the importance of analysts in implementing data and AI innovations, despite their crucial role in training staff, evaluating algorithms, and ensuring equitable outcomes and the need for recognition and investment in this professional workforce
-
CommentAgency staff keep the NHS on its feet and deserve the government's respect
Agency staff deserve more respect than the NHS workforce plan shows them, with the plan being based on a poor understanding of NHS staffing costs, and failing to present a cohesive strategy to make effective use of agencies, writes Kate Shoesmith
-
CommentAs a priest I believe the workforce plan is an insufficient tribute to NHS staff
The Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally highlights the significance of adopting a comprehensive perspective, providing aid to healthcare professionals, and tackling health disparities to ensure the future well-being of the nation on the occasion of the NHS’s 75th anniversary.
-
CommentGushing endorsement of workforce plan was premature
David Oliver writes about the publication of the NHS long-term workforce plan while criticising the perfunctory praise it received, highlighting concerns about retention, dilution of skill mix, lack of postgraduate training support, and inadequate consideration of non-clinical roles
-
CommentTackling the four fold regional difference in life saving stroke care
Thrombectomy stroke treatment is a life-saving procedure, but England’s low treatment rates are causing patients to miss out. Urgent action is needed to prioritise 24/7 access and improve outcomes
-
CommentThe .001 per cent investment that can open the NHS's analytics goldmine
Andi Orlowski writes about the need for a resourced workforce plan to train and retain data analysts in the NHS, ensuring analytical capabilities align with NHS values and standards
-
CommentDistrict councils are the NHS’s natural health improvement partners
District councils play a crucial role in addressing health inequalities and the wider determinants of health within integrated care systems, emphasising the need for prevention and local partnerships, writes Ian Fytche
-
CommentStop debating whether ICSs are the answer - get on and make them work
As national advisers on the development of integrated care systems, Donna Hall and Sir David Pearson provide insight and support to emerging national guidance and policy, to local systems on different aspects of their journey towards integration and are involved in initiatives which build bridges between local government, social care ...
-
CommentYear one of ICSs has been tough – here’s what they need in year two
The first year of integrated care systems has been fraught with challenges, many of which are likely to continue for the foreseeable future, writes Sir Julian Hartley. But, he argues, with the right support, these fledgling organisations have great potential.
-
CommentThe impact of junior doctor strikes on patient outcomes
A recent study on the impact of junior doctor strikes in the English NHS suggests that overall patient outcomes were not significantly worse, but certain patient groups, particularly black patients, experienced higher readmission rates. Careful consideration is needed in responding to future strikes to avoid potential inequalities in care quality
-
CommentFamily hopes are being dashed by post pandemic aftershocks
The latest data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has shown that more people than ever before having fertility treatment. HFEA Chair, Julia Chain, explains that despite patient numbers reaching pre-pandemic levels, aftershocks from covid-19 are standing in the way of some patients trying to have a baby
-
CommentThe case for embedding welfare rights advisers throughout the NHS
Dr Sarah Beardon argues ICSs need to think more strategically about developing health justice partnerships, which should to be implemented at scale for the benefit of communities nationwide
-
CommentSocial investment funding: a lifeline for the NHS
The potential for social investment has been demonstrated on an individual service level and now is the time for it to fuel ICS-wide innovation funding to support transformation and improve patient care, writes Katy Nex
-
CommentThe lessons learned by health secretaries in the NHS's first 75 years
On the occasion of NHS’s 75th anniversary, Jennifer Dixon writes about former health ministers recognising NHS’s enduring popularity, chronic underinvestment, and political challenges as they emphasised public support, fairness, and the inefficiency of alternative models
-
CommentEnshrining visiting rights in law
Julia Jones highlights the proposed bill granting patients the right to a care supporter, emphasising patient choice while elaborating on the cross-party support and endorsements from various organisations
-
CommentGovernment’s reluctance to invest in the NHS workforce is a false economy
Nick Moberly on the need for a stronger neurology workforce to tackle delays and reduce emergency admissions.