A lot of important things about healthcare have happened this week; new and updated items follow first.
Data for 24-30 November shows:
- influenza increased further and has now reached medium levels.
- COVID-19 was stable at baseline levels.
- respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increased further and is now circulating at medium levels.
- Norovirus varied recently remaining in expected levels; the highest rate is among children mostly aged 0-4 years.
The number of flu patients in hospital has hit a record high for this time of year. NHS leaders warn the country is facing an unprecedented flu season.On average 1,700 patients were in hospital with flu last week, more than 50% higher than the same time last year, and early indications are that hospitalisations have continued climbing sharply this week. The flu season has hit a month earlier than normal this year, with experts warning there appears to be a more severe strain of the virus circulating. The NHS urges those most vulnerable to get vaccinated against flu, especially those with conditions including heart, kidney and lung disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, neurological conditions & immunosuppression.
Meanwhile, NHS bosses urge patients not to clog up A&E with everyday niggles as new figures show thousands turned to hospitals for minor ailments including hiccups and ingrowing toenails last winter. Patients with minor conditions are advised to seek help elsewhere, including from pharmacists, GPs and NHS 111 (via the phone or online) as some can be managed at home. As winter pressures increase and local NHS services experience higher demand, we’re all asked to play our part by using services wisely. Please remember: A&E is for life-threatening emergencies or serious injuries only. NHS services work best when everyone chooses the right option for their needs, helping ensure emergency teams can focus on those who need them most.
Mid & South Essex local research highlights:
- 42% of people who visited A&E for a non-emergency said they went because they believed they would be seen faster.
- 22% later realised they could have been treated by another NHS service such as a pharmacy, NHS 111 or their GP practice.
- 43% of people locally say they have had a winter illness recently. More than half chose to manage symptoms at home, while a quarter sought advice from their pharmacy.
The British Medical Association has announced that Resident Doctors will strike again for 5 days from 17 December. The run up to Christmas is one of the busiest times for hospitals and the NHS.This will be the 14th strike by the doctors’ union since March 2023 and is expected to cause significant disruption, particularly in hospitals. The duties of medical professionals registered with the General Medical Council include: “Patients must be able to trust medical professionals with their lives and health. To justify that trust you [medical professionals including doctors] must make the care of patients your first concern, and meet the standards expected of you…. .” Are the Resident Doctors in breach of that duty and have they now lost public support whilst patients suffer the consequences of these strikes? During the last Resident Doctors’ 5-day strike the NHS maintained 95% of planned carewhilst maintaining critical services, including maternity services and urgent cancer care.
England’s Men’s Health Strategy was launched on 18 November:
- Landmark strategy published on International Men’s Day aims to tackle men’s mental health challenges, improve physical health and reduce inequalities so men and boys get on and live longer, healthier lives.
- As part of the strategy, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will team up on the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative and smash the stigma around mental health.
- Men with prostate cancer will also benefit from improved care through the strategy, alongside £3.6 million investment in suicide prevention projects targeting middle-aged men.
The Health Secretary has launched an independent review into rising demand for mental health, ADHD and autism services in England. It will look at both whether there is evidence of over-diagnosis and what gaps in support exist. There are long waits for therapy in many areas. NHS figures show rates of mental health problems and ADHD have increased significantly over the past two decades. Are people being referred on to waiting lists who do not need treatment? There is a need to examine this through a strictly clinical lens to get an evidence-based understanding so that those who need it get timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support.
An HIV Action Plan was launched on 1 December to tackle the stigma that remains a barrier for many people. Fear of judgement and discrimination means some people don’t get tested, leaving infections undiagnosed and untreated. Thousands of people across England will benefit from improved HIV testing and treatment under a new action plan designed to end new transmissions by 2030, backed by £170m. This programme will find and support people who are not accessing lifesaving HIV treatment and bring them back into care. HIV is now entirely manageable – with the right treatment, people can live long, healthy lives and cannot pass the virus on to others. Around 5,000 people are no longer in care, with reasons including mental health issues, addiction, poverty or fear of judgement.
Broomfield, Basildon & Southend Hospitals’ October Performance was:
- 74.9% (74.2% in September) patients were seen within four hours in the emergency departments, against the national standard of 78%. The expectation to meet the standard by the end of November was not met. Measures, including using direct assessment units and same day emergency care are being used, easing EDs’ pressures.
- 32 minutes (25) was the average time for ambulances to hand over patients. 75.9% of ambulances handed over within 30 minutes.
- 60.5% (59.6% in August) of patients received cancer diagnosis results within 28 days in September. Diagnostics, outpatient capacity, and support is being increased for thoracic, breast, histopathology and radiotherapy.
CQC rated the Leadership at Mid &South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT), which runs our hospitals at Broomfield, Basildon & Southend, inadequate after an Inspection in May. We’ve asked the Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) and Governors of MSEFT why they didn’t identify and address the inadequacies before CQC found them and if they are now considering their positions?
Commissioners MSE Integrated Care Board said: “The issues identified by CQC, including cultural and leadership weaknesses, are now subject to an urgent improvement plan overseen by the Trust and NHS England’s East of England regional team, with the ICB actively monitoring delivery and supporting system recovery. NEDs of the ICB and Trust Governors are engaged in this process, and the focus remains on strengthening leadership and governance.”
MSEFT’s new Chief Executive said: “We’re deeply sorry for having failed our patients and staff. ….. We’ve begun to make the changes needed with a detailed improvement plan supported by a new organisational structure which will simplify the way in which we operate to clarify roles and accountabilities. Our new operating model will strengthen clinical leadership across the Trust and equip our hospitals to deliver high quality care.” MSEFT’s Board meets in public at 1130 on 11 December at Southend Hospital. Anyone wishing to attend should contact mse.board.committeepapers@nhs.net for an invitation and more information.
In the report into the government’s handling of the Covid pandemic Chairwoman Baroness Hallett said the UK’s response could be summarised as “too little, too late”. Lockdown could have been avoided completely. Lockdown a week earlier could have saved thousands of lives. ‘Chaotic’ UK government criticised. Lockdowns left ‘lasting scars’. Politicians breaking rules undermined public confidence. Devolved governments relied too much on UK. The report’s long list of recommendations, includes:
- Improve communication between the four nations during an emergency.
- Improve consideration of the impact decisions might have on people – both by the illness and the steps taken to respond to it.
- Create expert groups to advise on economic and social implications, not just the science.
- Ensure decisions and their implications are clearly communicated to the public.
- Enable greater parliamentary scrutiny of emergency powers.
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