An NHS England patient safety alert has been issued today (20 February 2014) to all hospitals in England who administer spinal (intrathecal) chemotherapy, to minimise the risk of wrong route administration. The alert instructs hospitals to only use syringes and needles, and other devices, with non-Luer connectors when delivering this type of chemotherapy, as they […]

This alert provides new guidance on spinal (intrathecal) devices for chemotherapy that replaces guidance in previous alerts NPSA/2009/PSA004A and NPSA/2011/PSA001. All other guidance in previous alerts remains unchanged. Non-Luer spinal (intrathecal) devices for chemotherapy Non-Luer spinal (intrathecal) devices for chemotherapy (supporting information) Analysis of stakeholder engagement responses Patient safety alerts are shared rapidly with healthcare […]

There’s still time for delegates to sign up to Expo’s unique pop-up university offering more than 80 seminars running over the two-day event. The programme specialist learning to inspire and promote cutting-edge practice across healthcare. Delegates can choose from short, practical courses to create a tailor-made syllabus to suit their areas of interest. Leading practitioners […]

NHS England and the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery today commented on the current safety of children’s heart surgery at Bristol Children’s Hospital. It follows last week’s meeting between Sir Bruce Keogh and families of children who died at the hospital, where it was agreed that there should be an independent review, chaired by Sir Ian […]

The Care.Data Programme closed in 2016 In recent weeks, we have heard from patients, many GPs, their professional organisations and, groups like Healthwatch. They have told us very clearly that patients need more time to learn about information sharing, the benefits and their right to object. They have also told us that they understand why sharing […]

NHS England is calling for a debate about the future shape of dental services in England. It follows last summer’s “The NHS belongs to the people – a call to action”, which encouraged patients, the public, staff and partners to join the debate about the sustainability challenges facing the NHS in England. NHS dental services […]

The wife of television political commentator Andrew Marr is to give her account of how she found herself plunged into the world of being a full-time carer. Journalist Jackie Ashley will tell her intensely personal and moving story about how she helped her TV presenter husband in his battle for recovery from his stroke last […]

NHS England has welcomed the mental health crisis care concordat as an important step forward in improving care and standards for people in a mental health crisis. The Concordat, launched today by the Department of Health, is a joint agreement which describes how police, mental health services, social work services and ambulance professionals should work […]

From 1 April 2014, GP practices will be offered the opportunity to take part in an enhanced service which is designed to reduce avoidable unplanned admissions by improving services for the most vulnerable patients and those with complex physical or mental health needs.  The key components of the enhanced service will be for practices to: […]

Eleven financially-challenged health economies in England are to receive expert help with strategic planning in order to secure sustainable quality services for their local patients. Monitor, NHS England and the NHS Trust Development Authority have agreed to fund a series of projects to help groups of commissioners and providers work together to develop integrated five-year […]