The NHS is set to take another major step towards improving patient access to mental health services with the introduction of five new waiting time guarantees, under plans set out today. The proposals could ensure that patients requiring urgent care will be seen by community mental health crisis teams within 24 hours of referral, with […]

NHS patients are set to benefit from early access to potentially life-saving new medicines, including cutting-edge gene therapies, thanks to a new Innovative Medicines Fund and £680 million of ringfenced funding, the NHS chief executive has announced today. The Innovative Medicines Fund (IMF) will build upon the success of the reformed Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), […]

A first of its kind report looking into race equality among England’s doctors has found that the number from black and ethnic minority backgrounds working for the NHS is the highest on record. New data published as part of the inaugural Medical Workforce Race Equality Standard (MWRES) commissioned by NHS Chief Executive, Simon Stevens shows […]

People can ‘grab-a-jab’ when they pop into Primark or while sunbathing in the park as the NHS vaccination programme seeks to maximise protection before COVID restrictions are lifted. With hot weather forecast for the weekend pop-up clinics will be running in all Commons across South West London, Greenwich parks in London and Liverpool’s Sefton Park. […]

England’s Chief Nurse has today reminded the public that everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules. COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday. However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in […]

Hundreds of thousands of text messages will be sent by the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination programme this week reminding people to bring forward their second dose appointment. Around 650,000 texts will be sent encouraging people to get their second jab eight weeks after their first, in line with updated guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination […]

Ambulance trusts in England will be given an extra £55 million to boost staff numbers ahead of winter, the NHS announced today. The funding will help the services to recruit more 999 call handlers, crews and clinicians to work in control rooms. It will also cover the recruitment and retention of liaison officers who manage […]

A National Patient Safety Alert has been issued on the risk of inappropriate anticoagulation of patients with a mechanical heart valve. National Patient Safety Alert – Inappropriate anticoagulation of patients with a mechanical heart valve About this alert All patients with prosthetic mechanical heart valves require life-long oral anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), […]

‘Skin snaps’ and rapid tests for same day diagnosis are among a package of measures to get more people checked for cancer, the NHS said today. The NHS is investing £20 million to speed up the rollout of these plans, so that thousands more people can get potentially lifesaving cancer checks. ‘Teledermatology’ is being used […]

As England prepare for the Euro 2020 final the country’s top doctor has urged everyone to “be a team player” and get their NHS COVID vaccination. The number of people who have received at least one jab could fill Wembley Stadium, which will host the game against Italy, more than 425 times over. The NHS […]