A patient safety alert has been issued by NHS England to raise awareness of the need for proper storage and management of thickening powder used as part of the treatment of people with dysphagia (swallowing problems). The thickening powder is added to foods and liquids to bring them to the right consistency/texture so they can […]

This summary offers an overview of the system and pulls together information on waiting times in A&E, ambulance response times, daily situation reports from the NHS, and information on flu rates. Winter health check – 6 February 2015 (document available on our archived website)

Issued at: 0827 on Fri 06 Feb 2015 There is a 70% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 0900 on Friday 06 Feb and 0900 on Sunday 08 Feb in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. More details about the weather […]

NHS England has today (Thursday) announced the organisations that have been approved to join the new Commissioning Support Lead Provider Framework, following a rigorous procurement process. The organisations from across the NHS and private sector have successfully met the tough quality and value for money tests to deliver the best support services to Clinical Commissioning […]

A TV presenter whose dad died from dementia has urged people with symptoms to heed the advice of medics and come forward as early as possible. Journalist Sarah Travers (40), who has worked for a variety of media outlets including ITV and the BBC, was devastated when her dad Ian died of the disease in […]

NHS England Chief Executive Simon Stevens, National Medical Director Sir Bruce Keogh and National Director for Patients and Information Tim Kelsey are to give their views on the latest advances in health informatics and their potential to transform healthcare. They will be among a programme of national leaders including Director for Strategic Systems and Technology […]

Issued at: 0829 on Wed 4 Feb 2015 There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions between 0800 on Wednesday 4 Feb and 0900 on Sunday 8 Feb in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. More details about the weather alert […]

Issued at: 0832 on Tue 3 Feb 2015 There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 0900 on Tuesday and 0600 on Monday in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. More details about the weather alert is available […]

Scientists are on target to develop a cure for dementia within the next 10 years, Alistair Burns, NHS England’s national clinical director for dementia has said. He says he is confident there will be a cure for dementia, or at least a drug that will significantly slow down its progression, by 2025. Professor Burns, 56, who […]

NHS England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Jane Cummings has praised the “Hello My Name Is…” campaign started by terminally ill Dr Kate Granger. The CNO spoke out as it was revealed that more than 100 NHS organisations have now signed up to the social media campaign launched by the 31-year-old hospital consultant. Dr Granger started […]