The holy month of Ramadan has started, and I would like to send my very best wishes to those Muslim staff working in our NHS, who like me, will be observing this special time of the year. Fasting plays an important central feature in Islam, as it does in many other religions. There are several […]
As Muslims begin to prepare for the month of Ramadan, the NHS has issued a reminder to those who observe the Islamic holy month to avoid social gatherings because of the risk of coronavirus. Ramadan will be marked all over the world from Thursday 23 April with month-long fasting and observations of spiritual reflection set […]
The NHS has launched a mental health hotline as part of a package of measures to support the NHS’ 1.4 million staff as they help people deal with the coronavirus. NHS staff will be able to call or text a free number staffed by thousands of specially trained volunteers, to receive support and advice for […]
NHS 111 helps people get the right advice and treatment when they urgently need it. Clinicians, such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists and paramedics now play an important role in NHS 111. In fact, over 50% of people who call 111 speak to someone in one of these roles. In many cases NHS 111 clinicians and […]
NHS contracting and payment during 2020/21 Contracting and finance guidance to cover the third phase of the NHS Response to COVID-19 in more detail has been published. This guidance sets out the key principles of the financial framework for the NHS for the period 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021. 2020/21 NHS Standard Contract […]
All organisations holding personal information need to meet the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force on 25 May 2018. It may help to bear some important principles in mind in relation to the GDPR and the responsible officer functions: Broadly speaking, the GDPR is intended to bring parts of the commercial sector […]
Leading change A Mental Health Nurse led the development and implementation of a ‘Learning Lessons’ framework at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT). This has improved patient safety and outcomes, staff and patient experience, the use of resources and demonstrable learning from incidents. Where to look NHS England’s ‘Serious Incident Framework – Supporting learning […]
This month saw the launch of the new user involvement guidelines in the northern region, outlining how best to involve people affected by diabetes in shaping their care and services. The guidelines are a key part of our user involvement programme to embed good practice across the NHS Diabetes Programme and ensure that involving people […]
England’s top doctor has welcomed new polling showing that patients and the public support NHS proposals focussing on fast treatment for those who need it in A&E. A national survey commissioned by Healthwatch England found that an overwhelming majority of people placed a high priority on early initial assessment on arrival at A&E for everyone, […]
As Britain bakes under record-breaking heat, the health service’s chief executive has paid tribute to staff going above and beyond to keep people safe and healthy. ‘Hydration stations’ in London’s hospitals, free ice creams and lollies for staff, ‘water buses’ for patients, and NHS staff weather stations are among the range of innovative solutions put […]