New pricing scheme could be more effective Researchers from the University of Sheffield have stated that introducing a minimum price per unit of alcohol would be more effective than the current government policy. The results show that a minimum price of 45p to 50p per unit of alcohol could save more lives then the current … [Read more…]
Action over pay to take place in October The Royal College of Midwives have revealed that 82% of it’s members have voted in favour of industrial action over pay, after the first ballot of this kind for midwives. Midwives will now join other NHS workers, including healthcare assistants and porters, for strike action in England, … [Read more…]
NHS leaders strive for a commitment before the 2015 elections A collection of 21 health and social care leaders have called on political parties to make manifesto commitments of at least an additional £4 billion to fund NHS changes over the next parliament. The group of organisations supporting the ‘2015 Challenge Manifesto’ include the NHS … [Read more…]
Labour leader pledges to turn around health services Labour’s Ed Miliband has vowed to “save and transform” the NHS, planning to reveal more details in due course. Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham is also due to speak about what a £2.5 billion annual funding boost could mean for patients, although Mr Miliband has already stated that … [Read more…]
Public speak loud and clear against privatisation of the NHS Thousands of people took part in a pro-NHS rally in London, the finishing point of a 300 mile march from County Durham. Organised by group the Darlo Mums, based in Darlington, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 marched against privatisation of NHS services, with 30 individuals taking … [Read more…]
Family could pay £131 per week in car park fares to visit ill relatives New government guidelines have told hospitals across England to cut the costs of parking for certain groups, with relatives of seriously ill patients or those staying in hospital for a prolonged period given free parking or reduced charges. The suggestions also … [Read more…]
‘Foundation groups’ could be the norm in five years time Sir David Dalton, head of a government review, has revealed that the NHS could be developing ‘hospital groups’ within the next five years. Studying potential organisation forms for health services, the half completed review believes that chains could help create new positions for management among … [Read more…]
Funding fears may jeopardise system reforms Local councils in England have raised concerns over whether they have enough money to carry out social care reforms, including capping the amount of money patients pay for their own care. Innovative changes to the adult social care system aim to cap the amount some people pay towards their … [Read more…]
New directive said to create too rigid shift patterns The Department of Health is urging doctors to opt out of the European working time directive, which states that doctors cannot work longer than 48 hours per week. The health body says that the new EU scheme enforces too strict shift patterns, which has a detrimental … [Read more…]
MP’s warn about “shocking” treatment to whistleblowers MP’s have raised concerns about the treatment of employees in public services who alert seniors to wrongdoing, describing it as “shocking”. The Commons Public Accounts Committee has even stated that whistleblowers are often victims of bullying and harassment, with the report suggesting that they be offered legal and counselling services. … [Read more…]