http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13702147

Re launch of plans for NHS changes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13757380

Hospital waiting time breaches are rising,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13801051

Labour attacks NHS bill amendments

Three quarters of changes concern altering name of family doctor groups and may obscure more serious issues


Randeep Ramesh, social affairs editor
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 31 August 2011 00.57 BST
Article history

Government Pledges Increase In NHS Funding
75% of the amendments to the NHS bill concern changing the name of GP bodies from ‘consortia’ to ‘clinical commissioning groups’

More than three quarters of the 1,000 ministerial amendments to the government's flagship NHS bill involve changing the name of the new GP bodies to purchase treatment on behalf of the patients, it emerged on Tuesday.

Until this summer, the government had been pushing the idea that family doctors would form "consortia" to buy care. However, David Cameron's team of experts, the Future Forum, advocated a name change since "consortia" gave the impression that GPs would be too powerful in the coalition's new look NHS.

Instead GP consortia are to be called "clinical commissioning groups" and will have governing bodies with at least one nurse and one specialist doctor.

The result, say critics, is a bureaucratic nightmare with a slew of meaningless amendments which could obscure some potentially disastrous changes to the NHS bill, already the longest and most complex in the NHS's history. MPs are to vote on the final report stage in the Commons next week.

Since the government only allowed two weeks to vote on the new bill earlier this summer, many say detailed scrutiny will be needed in the Lords to unearth the full implications for patients. Labour believe only one in 10 changes will be "new" amendments.

John Healey, Labour's shadow health spokesman, said that "having allowed so little time for the health bill committee to scrutinise the repackaged NHS plans, this again shows David Cameron and his ministers looking to railroad their legislation through the Commons. MPs will get only two days to debate these amendments next week, as the prime minister and his deputy hope to square everything off before their party conferences."

The department of health confirmed that the name changes would be "more than 75%" of the changes to the NHS bill.

Leading Lib Dem urges rebels to back the Health Bill
By Jane Dreaper Health correspondent, BBC News
Ministers believe their reforms will lead to better care


A leading Liberal Democrat who previously voiced misgivings about the Health Bill is urging party colleagues to back the reforms.

Norman Lamb had threatened to quit his post as Nick Clegg's chief adviser in April over the NHS restructuring in England.

The MP feared the plans posed a major "financial risk" to the NHS.

But now he is urging potential rebels to back the legislation, to give the health service "certainty".

The government's Health and Social Care Bill returns to parliament next week - and is likely to face a tough time in the House of Lords in October.

Mr Lamb, who was once the party's health spokesman, told the BBC: "Above all else, let's get the legislation through. Let's give some certainty to the NHS, so it can achieve the efficiency savings that are so important.

"Of course we've got to get it right and ensure that the amended clauses meet the objectives set by the listening exercise.

"The mass of opinion now recognises it's not in the interests of the NHS to obsess on a continuing basis about the minutiae of this bill."

The bill has been amended as a result of efforts to listen to criticism. But some critics complain the new version has introduced too many layers of bureaucracy, while others insist there's still too much emphasis on competition.

Despite the delay to the legislation, change is already happening on the ground.

"It's not in the interests of the NHS to obsess on a continuing basis about the minutiae of this Bill.”

Norman Lamb Liberal Democrat

GPs are forming new commissioning groups as they prepare to take control of a big chunk of the NHS budget.

And an auditors' report shows more than 7,000 staff have left the health service in the past year. Many were managers in primary care trusts. The average pay-off was £40,000.

Mr Lamb is a government whip and he also chairs the Liberal Democrats' federal policy committee.

He revealed that efforts to get the Health Bill on to the agenda at the party's annual conference have not been successful - although emergency motions could still be submitted.

He said: "The bill is much improved. We've achieved a political settlement.

"There's a much more evolutionary approach to clinical commissioning. And there's much better accountability in the governance arrangements for those groups.

"Inevitably there's a range of views, and I'm sure there will be a robust debate in the House of Lords. But let's now work together.

"Integrating services is a good thing - and I think this bill can deliver that. I'd commend it to the party."

Update,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14829485

As the bill goes to the Lords a warning, the overhaul of the NHS in England will cause irreparable harm, according to leading public health doctors.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15158292

Warning from surgeons over healthcare postcode lottery,
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/health-is-a-lottery-in-outofcontrol-nhs-warns-top-surgeon-2365155.html

Thousands of nurses expecting to lose jobs,

http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-specialisms/management/thousands-of-nurses-expecting-to-lose-jobs-rcn/5035909.article

Unison strikes over budget cuts, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15177645

Blurring the NHS / Private boundaries http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15182186

Honesty over cuts, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15131393 that would certainly be one of the biggest changes in the history of the NHS

Q&A: The NHS shake-up http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12177084

Archbishop of York says NHS 'must not be market-led' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-15227076

Protesters block Westminster Bridge http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15234631

Competition has not made NHS better, say experts, By Jeremy Laurance and Richard Hall The Independent

Government claims that competition has improved quality in the NHS and has saved lives are based on flawed research, experts say.

As ministers prepared to defend Andrew Lansley's health reforms, which reach the House of Lords this week, academics at the University of London have attacked a key pillar of the Health and Social Care Bill.

It came as the Cabinet and the Department of Health were put on alert to prevent a "peers revolt" that could lead to parts of the Bill being referred to committee – fatally stalling the legislation.

Liberal Democrats, led by Dame Shirley Williams, were alarmed that the duty of the Secretary of State to provide a free, universal and comprehensive health service was being weakened. Ministers are expected to offer concessions to reassure them.

Fears that the Bill will be a Trojan horse for the private sector are also fuelling protest. Some 2,000 demonstrators blocked Westminster Bridge yesterday during a demonstration organised by UK Uncut against "the wholesale privatisation of the NHS".

Andy Burnham, the shadow Health Secretary, said the legislation would turn the NHS into a free market and called on Mr Lansley to withdraw the Bill.

The latest criticism of the Bill, by Professor Allyson Pollock of Queen Mary, University of London, and her colleagues, challenges the evidence on which the reforms are based. Writing in The Lancet, she said that a study used by David Cameron to back the case for more competition in the NHS was littered with errors.

That study, by researchers at the London School of Economics, suggested that mortality rates for heart attack patients were lower in cases where more hospitals were within travelling distance of the patient's GP surgery. It also looked at outcomes from routine surgery on hernias, hips, knees and cataracts and concluded that greater choice of hospital led to better results for heart attacks.

Professor Pollock said the study offered no explanation of why the availability of choice for the routine procedures should have had any effect on the mortality of heart attack patients. Heart attack is a medical emergency and most patients have no choice about where they are treated. She added: "Our examination of this research reveals it to be fundamentally flawed. The paper simply doesn't prove either cause or effect between patient choice and death rates."

Lords to vote on delaying the bill, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15269207

From the BMJ
BMJ 2011; 343:d6535 doi: 10.1136/bmj.d6535 (Published 11 October 2011)
Cite this as: BMJ 2011; 343:d6535


Health and Social Care Bill

In defence of the NHS: why writing to the House of Lords was necessary

Martin McKee, professor of European public health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine martin.mckee@lshtm.ac.uk ,
Allyson M Pollock, professor of public health research and policy, Queen Mary, University of London a.pollock@qmul.ac.uk ,
Aileen Clarke, professor of public health and health services research, University of Warwick aileen.clarke@warwick.ac.uk ,
David McCoy, associate director of public health, Inner North West London Primary Care Trust, and honorary senior clinical researcher, University College London d.mccoy@ucl.ac.uk ,
John Middleton, director of public health, NHS john.middleton11@btinternet.com ,
Rosalind Raine, professor of healthcare evaluation, University College London r.raine@ucl.ac.uk ,
Alex Scott-Samuel, senior lecturer (clinical) in public health, University of Liverpool A.Scott-Samuel@liverpool.ac.uk

Last week more than 400 public health doctors, specialists, and academics from across the country wrote an open letter to the House of Lords stating that the Health and Social Care Bill will do “irreparable harm to the NHS, to individual patients, and to society as a whole,” that it will “erode the NHS’s ethical and cooperative foundations,” and that it will “not deliver efficiency, quality, fairness, or choice.” 1

The prime minister claimed that the letter actually supported aspects of the bill, while the secretary of state for health was dismissive, maintaining that people signed it without reading it and that it was “politically motivated” and unsupported by “a shred of evidence.”

These claims were wrong. There was no qualified support for the bill. Nor did signatories write in a political capacity.

Government wins key debate, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15269207

Battle for NHS reform in Lords is just beginning,
http://www.independent.co.uk/ife-style/health-and-families/health-news/battle-for-nhs-reform-in-lords-is-just-beginning-2369713.htmll

NHS pay rebanding ?

http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-specialisms/management/lansley-denies-pay-rebanding-taking-place-despite-evidence/5036475.article

NHS bill: Lib Dem peers signal end to rebellion, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15450552

NHS: study criticises treatment of children who later died after surgery,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/oct/27/nhs-study-treatment-children-died-surgery

Call for inquiries at 36 NHS hospital trusts with high death rates,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/oct/27/nhs-hospitals-high-death-rates

New NHS regulator 'risks failure'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/03/monitor-nhs-regulator-risks-failure

Report highlights lapses in patient care,

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/11November/Pages/patients-association-care-report.aspx

Health minister warns on targets as waiting times rise, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-15662275

Lansley warns NHS trusts not to cut services to save money,

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/lansley-warns-nhs-trusts-not-to-cut-services-to-save-money-6261922.html

Private Firm To Run NHS Hospital,Circle in deal to run Hinchingbrooke NHS hospital, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15436685

Nearly 50,000 NHS jobs 'under threat', http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15780965

Cuts are pushing mental health services to the edge, says study
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cuts-are-pushing-mental-health-services-to-the-edge-says-study-6265387.html

Strike means thousands of operations to be postponed, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15895102

But apparently essential and life saving stuff will not be affected.

NHS 'prioritising urgent patients' during strikes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15947778

Welsh NHS boards may go £50m in red despite extra cash, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-15966918

As long as we do not have to bail them out, they can do what they like!

Inquiry launched after leading surgeon resigns over NHS cuts

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/inquiry-launched-after-leading-surgeon-resigns-over-nhs-cuts-6270914.html

GPs 'denied freedom to make NHS reforms work' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16009998

Reforms are putting patients' lives at risk, say NHS trusts

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/reforms-are-putting-patients-lives-at-risk-say-nhs-trusts-6275530.html

NHS London needs 'urgent change', says King's Fund http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-16154806

RCGP chair Dr Clare Gerada has warned there are just five years to save general practice from ‘unravelling' after the NHS reforms go through.

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/13190612/gerada-five-years-to-save-general-practice

Public sector pensions: Most unions agree some changes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16243824

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board reduces services to cope with winter

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-16291034

Plan to let NHS trusts raise half of income from private healthcare,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/dec/27/cap-nhs-private-funds-coalition

Private patients could occupy up to 80,000 NHS beds under PM reforms

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/2011/12/27/private-patients-could-occupy-up-to-80-000-nhs-beds-under-pm-reforms-115875-23661380/#ixzz1hkSSV5Fh

A quarter of hospital patients 'should be discharged'

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/a-quarter-of-hospital-patients-should-be-discharged-6282459.html

Drop perilous NHS reforms, say leading health professionals,

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drop-perilous-nhs-reforms-say-leading-health-professionals-6283820.html

Nursing standards: PM aims to tackle 'care problem' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16425043

The PM should keep his bl**dy nose out.

Government ditches promise to fine hospitals who leave patients waiting months for treatment after they miss target

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2082173/Government-plan-tackle-hidden-waiting-lists-scrapped-just-months-fanfare-launch.html#ixzz1iuhg4NRK

Hospitals told to improve productivity, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16508982

Personally think that some hospitals and doctors need to scrap targets and start treating people - that would be a novelty

Getting rid of some of the so called managers would help

Oh how true!

Bed shortage leads to patients discharged and operations cancelled,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16548436

Andrew Lansley accused of giving health trusts 48 hours to apply for cash windfall

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/2012/01/13/andrew-lansley-accused-of-giving-health-trusts-48-hours-to-apply-for-cash-windfall-115875-23696840/#ixzz1jQi1dzMe

NHS 'facing neurology disease time bomb' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16581674

NHS trust bosses blasted by nurses, unions and medics

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health-news/2012/01/18/nhs-trust-bosses-blasted-by-nurses-unions-and-medics-115875-23705071/#ixzz1jr0HXfh4

NHS plans: Unions move to 'outright opposition' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16618207

Andrew Lansley: unions want to 'have a go at government' over health reforms

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/jan/19/andrew-lansley-unions-health-reforms

Posted By Ian on 19th Jan 12 at 1:04pm

 

Andrew Lansley: unions want to 'have a go at government' over health reforms

Unions want to have a go at Andrew Lansley. A few kicks up the khyber might work.

Government hands over a quarter of NHS budget before the reforms are passed by Parliament

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/2012/01/21/government-hands-over-a-quarter-of-nhs-budget-before-the-reforms-are-passed-by-parliament-115875-23709955/#ixzz1k8bVmPEs

NHS reform plans: Key MPs' group critical
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16669836

Tories pay to hit NHS targets they had vowed to scrap

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/tories-pay-to-hit-nhs-targets-they-had-vowed-to-scrap-6292877.html

NHS changes: Clegg says plans must go ahead http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16669836

The NHS bill will have catastrophic consequences. It must be opposed,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jan/23/nhs-bill-andrew-lansley

NHS reforms: Lansley defends shake-up after scathing report from MPs,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jan/24/nhs-reforms-lansley-defends-shake-up

Analysis: Squaring cuts and care

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9685000/9685026.stm

Sussex nurses 'face £480 a year pay cut' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-16704357

It's not too late to save the NHS from the barbarians,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jan/24/nhs-bill-privatisation-health-service

NHS shake-up: Ed Miliband urges David Cameron rethink
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16724389

NHS shake-up: Medical leaders consider position
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16729296

Andrew Lansley calls BMA 'politically poisoned' for opposing NHS shakeup,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jan/26/andrew-lansley-doctors-politically-poisoned

Government escapes rebellion by medics over NHS

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16743234

Lansley tells BMA: stop spreading lies about my health reform Bill

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lansley-tells-bma-stop-spreading-lies-about-my-health-reform-bill-6295399.html

Group of GPs warns of 'peril' if NHS changes fail
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16771304

A group of GPs already working for a clinical commissioning group, so they need the new legislation to exist (part of the changes which have already taken place before the act is passed) though they have received there budgets as 20% of the health budget is already spent. So a vested interest in seeing the changes progress is clear, as is the position of Chris Ham
the Chief Executive of The Kings Fund another group that should be declaring a business interest in the reforms.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jan/27/polarised-debate-nhs-bill

Andrew Lansley forced into major climbdown on planned health reforms,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/jan/28/andrew-lansley-nhs-health-reform-climbdown

Primary care funding down as drive to shift care out of hospitals stalls

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/13357894/primary-care-funding-down-as-drive-to-shift-care-out-of-hospitals-stalls

Best value services – or NHS sell-off?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jan/30/best-value-nhs-sell-off

Plans for NHS in England an unholy mess, say journals
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16788328

Doctors rebut claim most favour health reforms,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9052582/Doctors-rebut-claim-most-favour-health-reforms.html

Now for the NHS's life-saving surgery,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9052784/Now-for-the-NHSs-life-saving-surgery.html

Lansley’s experiment with the NHS must never be repeated

http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-specialisms/management/lansleys-experiment-with-the-nhs-must-never-be-repeated/5040835.article

Government accused of dramatic U-turn over £300m spare pot of NHS cash

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/2012/02/01/government-accused-of-dramatic-u-turn-over-300m-spare-pot-of-nhs-cash-115875-23729713/#ixzz1l7oTVBut

Northumbria trust takes over two Cumbria hospitals, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-16829662

Royal College of GPs calls for David Cameron to scrap health bill,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/03/royal-college-gps-health-bill

NHS reform: GPs and physiotherapists urges scrapping, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16861672

I do sometimes wonder whether these bodies are urging scrapping because it will affect their comfortable little lives, i.e. they may have to work harder? or is that me being cynical?

Everyone who loves the NHS must fight to defeat this health bill,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/feb/04/nhs-health-bill-ed-miliband

Well two things in that article make my flesh creep - Grauniad and Miliband; that combination is enough to set me up in opposition, whatever they are talking about!

P.S.
Went to the Chiropractor on Thursday and they rent out a room to an orthopaedic surgeon, so he can consult with his clients at a more convenient and presumably less costly place. He came out of his room as I walked into the building and I had such a shock. Went into reception and asked what Miliband was doing there - that surgeon, poor devil, is his double and it was not a pretty sight!

Looked like this

You got it!

Are you sure it wasn't Wallace?

Ed Miliband: cost of health Bill could pay for 6,000 nurses,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9063039/Ed-Miliband-cost-of-health-Bill-could-pay-for-6000-nurses.html

Backers of NHS shake-up turn against Andrew Lansley's plans,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/06/nhs-reforms-critics-andrew-lansley

NHS reforms: the plans and the results so far,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/06/nhs-white-paper-reforms-plans

Andrew Lansley has David Cameron's full support - No 10, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16930980

Lords urged to back NHS private work plan, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16933394

No alternative to NHS reforms, say coalition,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/09/no-alternative-nhs-reforms-coalition

Pensioner forces NHS to reconsider £80m private deal,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9072761/Pensioner-forces-NHS-to-reconsider-80m-private-deal.html

Health bill in fresh trouble as first signs of cabinet dissent emerge,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/09/health-bill-cabinet-dissent

Fear of NHS bill damage to Tories, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16976199

Andrew Lansley hits back over NHS bill, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16976199

David Cameron ready to force through NHS reforms

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/10/cameron-force-nhs-reforms

Tories fear row over health bill may 'retoxify' party on NHS,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/12/nhs-bill-toxic-conservatives-lansley

I didn't think they could be more 'toxic' than they are

Simon Hughes: Andrew Lansley should go after NHS change, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17002166

Stop the chaos and go back for a rethink
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/stop-the-chaos-and-go-back-for-a-rethink-682359

NHS productivity has risen in 10 years, undermining Lansley's case, says study,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/13/nhs-productivity-risen-lansley-study

Doctors dispute the diagnosis for NHS change,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/13/doctors-dispute-diagnosis-nhs-change

NHS patients 'will pay under health bill'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9081988/NHS-patients-will-pay-under-health-bill.html

GP commissioners lose heart over health bill 'wreckage'

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/13435558/gp-commissioners-lose-heart-over-health-bill-wreckage

The Health Bill – Good or bad for northern England?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/feb/17/health-healthbill-andrewlansley

NHS reform is needed to meet the challenges of the future
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/feb/17/health-healthbill-simonburns

Health Bill spells "the end of the National Health Service as we know it"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/feb/17/health-labour-andrewgwynne-healthbill-dropthebill

NHS reforms: GPs in health Bill summit at No 10,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9090210/NHS-reforms-GPs-in-health-Bill-summit-at-No-10.html

'No critics' to attend NHS meeting
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17083357

NHS reform: competition improves hospitals, report finds,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/20/nhs-reform-competition-improves-hospitals

Pressure mounts on Cameron over NHS summit,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/20/pressure-mounts-cameron-nhs-summit


David Cameron accused of divide and rule on health bill,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/19/david-cameron-nhs-summit-criticism

NHS changes: Lansley heckled in Downing Street protest, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17093082

NHS changes: The picture now
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16986808

NHS overhaul: hospital pass,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/feb/20/nhs-reform-hostility-cameron-lansley

No trust in government's handling of NHS, poll suggests
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17112846

Cameron admits failure to explain health reforms,

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-admits-failure-to-explain-health-reforms-7237422.html

Andrew Lansley limps on

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9096682/Sketch-Andrew-Lansley-limps-on.html

He's always seemed a bit limp to me

Lib Dem activists promise NHS bill trouble
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17121488

NHS reforms: medical leaders demand publication of risk assessment,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/22/nhs-reforms-risk-assessment-doctors

NHS 'will be Cameron's poll tax', says Ed Miliband
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17125002

Doctor faces disciplinary hearing for daring to question NHS reforms ,

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/doctor-faces-disciplinary-hearing-for-daring-to-question-nhs-reforms-7282737.html

Outperforming' NHS does not need radical reform, study concludes

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/23/outperforming-nhs-reform-study-concludes


Andrew Lansley wins battle to keep NHS risk assessment under wraps

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/22/andrew-lansley-nhs-risk-assessment1?intcmp=239

Defending democracy and the National Health Service
http://download.thelancet.com/flatcontentassets/pdfs/S0140673612602876.pdf

Health bill: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health calls for withdrawal,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9100740/Health-bill-Royal-College-of-Paediatrics-and-Child-Health-calls-for-withdrawal.html

Health reforms highlight Lib Dems fall from grace across Northern England,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/feb/24/health-cuts-nhs-healthbill

Tim Farron: NHS Bill should have been axed 'far earlier'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9104978/Tim-Farron-NHS-Bill-should-have-been-axed-far-earlier.html

Give way on NHS competition, urges Lib Dem president Tim Farron
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17156756

June Hautot is the sharp tip of an extremely big iceberg, Mr Lansley,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2012/feb/25/june-hautot-lansley-protest

Nine out of ten members of Royal College of Physicians oppose NHS bill,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/26/hospital-doctors-oppose-nhs-bill

Labour urges Liberal Democrat peers to halt NHS bill
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17169519

NHS bill is a mess, says former chief executive
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17169519

Critic of Health Bill claims Lansley 'smear'

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/critic-of-health-bill-claims-lansley-smear-7441054.html

NHS bill: Lib Dem peers urge rewrite
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17175495

NHS watchdog plans 'risk another Mid Staffs',

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9106799/NHS-watchdog-plans-risk-another-Mid-Staffs.html

NHS bill: Nick Clegg outlines changes aimed at Lib Dems
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17175495

Nick Clegg vows amendments to health bill – but No 10 says it won't change

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/27/nick-clegg-amendments-health-bill

Andrew Lansley: Lib Dem NHS reform amendments 'a joint effort'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9111400/Andrew-Lansley-Lib-Dem-NHS-reform-amendments-a-joint-effort.html

NHS changes 'won't be a market free-for-all'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17192715

Full text: Nick Clegg & Baroness Williams letter on NHS
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17184196

Ed Miliband: the Government is digging its own grave with the NHS Bill,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9113327/Ed-Miliband-the-Government-is-digging-its-own-grave-with-the-NHS-Bill.html

PM and Miliband clash in Commons over Everington call for health bill withdrawal

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/13535044/pm-and-miliband-clash-in-commons-over-everington-call-for-health-bill-withdrawal

Health bill debate: warning about treatment of wounded soldiers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/29/health-bill-debate-treatment-soldiers

So, it's fight for Queen and Country, get wounded and get s**t on

Cabinet colleagues on board with NHS shakeup, insists Andrew Lansley,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/mar/01/nhs-shakeup-andrew-lansley


Labour to target Nick Clegg in battle over NHS bill,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/mar/01/labour-nick-clegg-nhs-bill

NHS plc: Patients could have to pay for vital services, reveals damning report

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/nhs-plc-patients-could-have-to-pay-748013

BMA calls for 'active stand' against health bill,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9116604/BMA-calls-for-active-stand-against-health-bill.html

Why won't the government debate the 'Drop the health bill' e-petition?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/02/government-debate-health-bill-epetition

Yellow rebels take on Clegg over NHS 'betrayal'

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/yellow-rebels-take-on-clegg-over-nhs-betrayal-7469060.html

NHS changes unavoidable and urgent, says David Cameron http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17245193

NHS bill risks: Tribunal hears Freedom of Information battle, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17239992

Royal College of Physicians should say it opposes Bill, say fellows

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9127008/Royal-College-of-Physicians-should-say-it-opposes-Bill-say-fellows.html

Andrew Lansley heckled over 'rubbish' NHS reforms

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9125756/Andrew-Lansley-heckled-over-rubbish-NHS-reforms.html

Extra cash found for new NHS units and equipment or not so deep cuts as planned http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17277040

For the NHS's sake, we Lib Dems must ditch the health and social care bill

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/06/nhs-sake-lib-dems-ditch-health-bill

House of Lords backs health bill compromise amendment, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17265515

NHS reform and pension battles 'hitting patients' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17290245

Save our NHS rally: thousands march in health bill protest,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/07/save-nhs-rally-health-bill

NHS trusts can raise half of cash from private patients, say Lords

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9132116/NHS-trusts-can-raise-half-of-cash-from-private-patients-say-Lords.html

The health bill: decision time for Lib Dems

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/08/health-bill-lib-dems

Government must publish NHS risk register, rules tribunal,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9133623/Government-must-publish-NHS-risk-register-rules-tribunal.html

NHS bill changed in a thousand ways, Nick Clegg says
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17323504

Lib Dem members oppose NHS reforms in conference vote http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17330939

From Pulse
http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/13585672/gp-s-e-petition-gets-commons-debate-after-burnham-intervention


GP’s e-petition gets Commons debate after Burnham intervention
By alisdair stirling | 08 Mar 2012

The GP behind a petition aimed at getting the Health and Social Care Bill scrapped has secured a debate in House of Commons - despite being told it had been ruled out.


Dr Kailash Chand's ‘Drop the Bill' e-petition has now attracted more than 170,000 signatures - 70,000 more than the level of support needed to trigger a debate in the Commons under e-petition rules.

However, he was told last week that a debate had been rejected because MPs on the Backbench Business Committee had refused to allow it time.

But pressure from shadow health secretary Andy Burnham has secured a slot for the Drop the Bill debate and vote next Tuesday (March 13th). It will effectively form a last-ditch attempt by Labour and rebel Liberal Democrats to delay the bill, currently before the House of Lords and expected to reach the statute book on March 20th.

Speaking at a ‘Save our NHS' rally in London yesterday (Wednesday March 7) Mr Burnham said: ‘170,000 people have signed an e-petition and yet the government has denied them a debate on this health bill. This why tonight I am announcing that Labour will give them that voice with a House of Commons debate and Drop the Bill vote next Tuesday.'

Dr Chand, a GP and chair of Tameside and Glossop PCT said he was ‘delighted' about the news because the public was ‘sleepwalking into a disaster'. He said the debate was necessary to make people aware of what would happen to the NHS under the bill.

‘Its a recipe not just for a postcode lottery but for a taxcode lottery in that the treatment you get will depend on how wealthy you are. It will be down to what insurance you have.'

Dr Chand told Pulse that the issue was not about party politics, pointing out that he was a long-term critic of the Labour party - as well as a supporter. ‘I'm a socialist - but it's not necessarily about party politics,' he said

Sick' Ed Miliband spotted at football match

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/sick-ed-miliband-spotted-at-football-match-7562530.html

NHS bill: GPs offer to help with health changes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17348616

NHS will collapse without reforms, Andrew Lansley warns

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/13/nhs-collapse-without-reforms-lansley

NHS bill: Rebel Lib Dem MPs fail to derail plans http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17351686

Private firms bidding to run children's services

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9146982/Private-firms-bidding-to-run-childrens-services.html

NHS risk register is an essential read

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/15/nhs-risk-register-essential-read

Physicians reject NHS reform bill http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17398446

Oxford protesters occupy NHS building http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-17403869

Health warning for Andrew Lansley as David Cameron plans early reshuffle,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9150474/Health-warning-for-Andrew-Lansley-as-David-Cameron-plans-early-reshuffle.html

Doctors to challenge coalition MPs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17419609

Doctors bid to unseat 50 MPs in revenge over NHS bill

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/doctors-bid-to-unseat-50-mps-in-revenge-over-nhs-bill-7576423.html

Risk register is key to vote on NHS bill

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/18/risk-register-nhs-reform-bill

FPH’s position on the Health and Social Care Bill

http://www.fph.org.uk/

NHS bill: Labour force emergency debate on risk register
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17435159

Cabinet members 'bang table' over Lords NHS win http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17447992

Now make the NHS work

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/9155682/Now-make-the-NHS-work.html

Thousands of nursing posts cut: official figures,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9157932/Thousands-of-nursing-posts-cut-official-figures.html

Budget 2012: NHS savings of £500m helping to fund 50p tax cut, says Labour

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/budget/9164114/Budget-2012-NHS-savings-of-500m-helping-to-fund-50p-tax-cut-says-Labour.html

Patient care 'will suffer' under plans to throw out migrant nurses,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/mar/25/migrant-nurses-nhs

NHS reforms ‘will kill patients’, warns editor of ‘The Lancet'

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-reforms-will-kill-patients-warns-editor-of-the-lancet-7584578.html

Health reforms could damage NHS, warns draft risk register,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/mar/27/health-reforms-damage-nhs-risk-register

NHS reforms finally become law

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-reforms-finally-become-law-7592991.html

NHS reforms: what now for health service managers?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/mar/29/nhs-reforms-health-service-managers

Bureaucrats return to lead doctors' groups

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/bureaucrats-return-to-lead-doctors-groups-7606225.html

NHS reforms: what next for the health service?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/apr/04/nhs-reforms-health-social-care-bill

NHS reforms: GPs losing faith, BBC poll suggests http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17604351

Public interest 'high' in publishing NHS risk register
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17624747

Cynics say there are "lies, damned lies, and statistics". Now official figures from the NHS appear to have proved that old adage true, as they show that Britain has tens of thousands of 'male mothers'.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9194462/25000-men-need-an-obstetrician-or-gynaecologist-every-year.html

Use your new powers and freedoms, and innovate, Lansley urges NHS groups

http://www.pharmatimes.com/mobile/12-04-10/Use_your_new_powers_and_freedoms_and_innovate_Lansley_urges_NHS_groups.aspx

Regional hospitals 'could suffer' if local pay introduced

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9201072/Regional-hospitals-could-suffer-if-local-pay-introduced.html

Siobhan Benita: NHS backlash fuels independent bid for London Mayor

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/siobhan-benita-nhs-backlash-fuels-independent-bid-for-london-mayor-7645956.html

David Cameron faces pressure as NHS waiting times grow,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/apr/19/david-cameron-pressure-nhs-waiting-times

NHS waiting times 'rise by 6 per cent for routine operations'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9213071/NHS-waiting-times-rise-by-6-per-cent-for-routine-operations.html

One of the guys at work tripped on the kerb on his way to work one morning. He broke his shoulder. It took 4 weeks for them to operate meaning they had to break it again and put a plate in. Even the surgeon was less than impressed.

Unison attacks regional pay plans as divisive and unworkable

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/apr/22/unison-regional-public-sector-pay

NHS reforms: what now for social enterprise?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/apr/25/nhs-reforms-social-enterprise

NHS reforms will put children's lives at risk: NHS managers,

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9223616/NHS-reforms-will-put-childrens-lives-at-risk-NHS-managers.html

So you think the fight for the NHS is over? Wrong

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/apr/25/fight-for-nhs-is-not-over

I predict trouble ahead for public health

Moving public health to local government is a huge cultural shift, warns Dick Vinegar, the Patient from Hell
http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/apr/23/policy-patient-from-hell

Cabinet in confusion over NHS risk register publication

Ministers to decide whether to veto ruling that it should publish assessment of impact of the new Health and Social Care Act


http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/may/07/nhs-cabinet-confusion-risk-register-publication

Come back PCTs, all is forgiven

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/may/08/nhs-reforms-come-back-pcts

NHS reform risk report to remain secret

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-reform-risk-report-to-remain-secret-7723112.html

NHS risk register's publication vetoed by cabinet

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/may/08/nhs-risk-register-publication-vetoed

Edited NHS risk register is published in partial climbdown

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/may/10/edited-nhs-risk-register-published

NHS reforms: a recipe for complete chaos

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/may/15/nhs-reforms-recipe-complete-chaos

Ed Miliband pledges to scrap NHS reorganisation

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/ed-miliband/9267876/Ed-Miliband-pledges-to-scrap-NHS-reorganisation.html

Hospitals will close under Government plans to give patients more choice about where they are treated in a drive to push up NHS standards, senior health figures have admitted.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9269830/Giving-patients-choice-will-drive-hospital-closures.html

Lansley targeted by protestors at NICE conference - Pharma Times
http://www.pharmatimes.com/mobile/12-05-17/Lansley_targeted_by_protestors_at_NICE_conference.aspx

May 17, 2012
| Selina McKee

Disquiet over the government’s health bill came to the fore again at this week’s NICE conference, with one protestor tackling the Health Secretary over his refusal to publish the NHS risk register during his address to delegates yesterday.

As Andrew Lansley’s speech at the conference drew to a close, one aggrieved protestor – much to the surprise of a rather sedate audience - questioned the Health Secretary over his decision to keep the register under lock and key, and accused him of breaking of the law in doing so.

Outside the International Conference Centre in Birmingham, a small group of activists had also gathered to protest against the government’s healthcare reforms and cuts to services, indicating the unpopularity of the Bill.

Protest aside, Lansley’s speech was largely focused on the importance of NICE and the importance of good evidence to improving the health system.

Interestingly, far from the more backseat role some had forecast for the Institute going forward, Lansley said NICE ” will not be any less vital in the NHS, if anything it will be more”.

The Institute, he said, will examine the cost effectiveness of medicines “but will no longer be obliged to make yes or no decisions on access”, leaving its recommendations “even more applicable across the world”.

Quality Standards "key"

What will be central to driving NHS improvements are the Institute’s Quality Standards (QS), which will be a “backbone for the new commissioning system”, Lansley said. (From April 2013, the NHS Commissioning Board will operate as an independent body overseeing a system of clinical commissioning groups.)

Currently there are 17 such QS in circulation, but the Institute has been tasked with developing 180 of them, as well as a new programme of standards in social care that will be announced in April next year.

“We need to work with NICE to help improve innovation in the NHS,” Professor Malcolm Grant, chair of the NHS Commissioning Board, told delegates, and stressed that the Institute’s advice and QS must not go unheeded.

On the hot potato that is Value Based Pricing, Lansley merely reconfirmed that its aim is to secure value for taxpayers and reward innovation at the same time.

The new pricing system will be designed to reflect the added value of medicines to society, he said, noting that negotiations on the new arrangements are set to take place sometime in the second half of the year; the rumour mill is suggesting in September.

NHS education reforms 'lack detail'

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-education-reforms-lack-detail-7781267.html

Royal College of Physicians: Hospital beds cuts putting lives at risk

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/9326620/Royal-College-of-Physicians-Hospital-beds-cuts-putting-lives-at-risk.html

Bringing order to the chaos of NHS reforms

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/jun/14/bringing-order-chaos-nhs-reforms

Be brave on NHS, politicians told http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18511132

Innovation in the NHS: managing the media response

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/jun/26/innovation-nhs-media-response-change

The campaign to save the NHS is back on its feet

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jun/28/companies-seizing-slabs-nhs-regret

Hospital closures inevitable and NHS operation rationing will continue, warns think-tank

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9365881/Hospital-closures-inevitable-and-NHS-operation-rationing-will-continue-warns-think-tank.html

Nurse ratios to be published by trusts for first time from Nursing Times .net

A “quality dashboard” is currently being developed by the Department of Health, which is intended to act as a transparent measure of trust performance.

The dashboard will feature a range of information about trusts, including the number of registered nurses they have per bed. It will also include a doctor-to-bed ratio, staff and patient survey results and more traditional measures such as data on healthcare associated infections and mortality ratios.

Nursing Times understands trusts will be expected to update the information on their nurse-to-bed ratios at least every three months.

The inclusion of the workforce measure in the dashboard follows high profile debate about whether the government should set minimum staffing levels for hospital wards.

It is also one of the issues Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust public inquiry chair Robert Francis said he would consider when producing his report, which is due in the autumn.

Work to develop the dashboard is being led by DH national director for quality Ian Cumming. He told Nursing Times the measure was intended to start a conversation and not be a “pass or fail” for trusts.

“The nurse-to-bed ratio is one of a number of workforce measures. What we’re not doing is passing any judgement about what’s the right level of nurses to patients,” he said.

In a session at last week’s NHS Confederation conference in Manchester, Mr Cumming told delegates that while compiling the quality dashboard, his team had found that the registered nurse to open bed ratio currently ranged from 1.1 to 2.4.

Both the Royal College of Nursing and Unison have been calling for the introduction of mandatory staffing levels.

Unison head of nursing Gail Adams told Nursing Times the dashboard measure represented progress. But she said it was weakened by using nurse-to-bed ratios, rather than nurse-to-patient ratios and for failing to take account of the acuity of patients.

RCN head of policy Howard Catton echoed her concerns. He said: “The nursing workforce is so critical to patient safety that it needs a set of high level metrics to tell you about the nursing workforce. That’s something we have been calling for and we welcome [the dashboard].

“However, there is a risk that [by] measuring the bed, you are not measuring the usage of that bed and you’re not saying anything about the dependency of patients.”

He also pointed out that the nurse-to-bed measure would not reflect caseloads outside the acute sector. The government is increasingly keen to see traditional hospital services provided in the community, despite evidence that district nurse numbers are falling.

The dashboard is due to be published next month to allow organisations to get used to it and make any suggestions for improvement before it is rolled out fully next year.

NHS charging and rationing 'may be needed'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18694119

Andy Burnham says Labour local government is the 'last line of defence'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/local-government-network/video/2012/jul/04/public-health-democracy

Hospital services will have to close and merge with others if the NHS is to cope with financial pressures as well as improve care for patients, the head of the NHS Confederation has warned.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9372861/Hospital-services-need-to-close-to-improve-care-for-patients-head-of-NHS-Confederation.html

Cuts could be forcing doctors to operate with outdated equipment

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2170803/Cuts-forcing-doctors-operate-outdated-equipment.html#ixzz20AX2fe1o

Not the chloroform and leeches again!!

The leeches will not be working weekends either

Lansley unveils mandate for NHS Commissioning Board

http://www.pharmatimes.com/mobile/12-07-05/Lansley_unveils_mandate_for_NHS_Commissioning_Board.aspx

Why the BMA should be leading the change

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/jul/16/leadership-and-management-reforms

NHS report 'not sexed up', says author Marcus Longley http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-18877770

Nurse faces sack for Facebook hospital protest

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9418678/Nurse-faces-sack-for-Facebook-hospital-protest.html

NHS workers took 15 days off sick last year... compared with just SIX in the private sector

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2178222/NHS-workers-took-15-days-sick-year--compared-just-SIX-private-sector.html#ixzz21fxRSkMo

Thousands of nurses cut from the NHS: official figures

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9423559/Thousands-of-nurses-cut-from-the-NHS-official-figures.html

The missing element in the NHS

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jul/26/missing-element-nhs

Fuelling change: how NHS initiatives are cutting carbon – and costs

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/jul/31/nhs-initiatives-cutting-carbon-costs

Bankruptcy and criminal record may be no bar to top NHS roles

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jul/31/bankruptcy-criminal-record-nhs-roles

NHS changes threaten co-ordination of services

We need to work together to ensure quality standards for individual conditions but will the marketisation of the NHS result in a breakdown of co-ordination?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/aug/13/nhs-threat-coordination-services

NHS hospital trusts invited to expand abroad http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19328105

NHS 'brand' could be sold abroad to generate income, says government

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/aug/21/nhs-brand-sold-overseas-hospitals

Labour planned profit-making 'Brand NHS' two years ago

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9489763/Labour-planned-profit-making-Brand-NHS-two-years-ago.html

Are competition warnings to NHS trusts a sign of things to come?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/aug/23/competition-authority-warning-nhs-trusts

BMA warns Scottish NHS overhaul is 'doomed' unless GPs are involved

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/14484950/bma-warns-scottish-nhs-overhaul-is-doomed-unless-gps-are-involved

Senior government lawyers and auditors are to be sent into seven NHS hospital trusts on the brink of bankruptcy which have been saddled with “absolutely disgraceful” private finance initiative contracts


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9502335/Hit-squads-to-take-over-seven-NHS-trusts.html

NHS Commissioning Board 'struggling to recruit'
The health quango that will be tasked with spending a third of the NHS budget is struggling to recruit staff, it has admitted.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9504669/NHS-Commissioning-Board-struggling-to-recruit.html

Is the future of healthcare co-operative?

https://socialenterprise.guardian.co.uk/social-enterprise-network/2012/sep/03/healthcare-cooperative-future-private

Health warning over army of NHS 'temps'

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/health-warning-over-army-of-nhs-temps-8101469.html

Andrew Lansley moved in cabinet reshuffle http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19474896

David Buck: We need policies on public health at the centre of government

http://www.guardian.co.uk/local-government-network/2012/sep/04/kings-fund-david-buck-public-health

Mixed reception of Hunt as new health secretary
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19476608

Sky should be happy he is one of theirs


Andrew Lansley branded one of the worst health ministers since NHS foundation by union

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-lansley-branded-one-of-the-worst-health-ministers-since-nhs-foundation-by-union-8104485.html

How to get ahead in ... NHS management

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/sep/05/how-to-get-ahead-nhs-management

Jeremy Hunt has a tough job - but he also has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mend the NHS

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9523035/Jeremy-Hunt-has-a-tough-job-but-he-also-has-a-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity-to-mend-the-NHS.html

Andrew Lansley was a disaster who deserved to be sacked

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/sep/06/andrew-lansley-disaster-deserved-sack

Let us face down the enemies of social reform

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/9532605/Let-us-face-down-the-enemies-of-social-reform.html

More doctors on boards improves hospital performance
New research suggests that greater clinical leadership leads to better performance

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/sep/11/more-doctors-boards-improves-performance

I am ever so slightly afraid of Master Hunt too. Useless in previous posting and really far too young for the job. Glad Lansley gone and should have gone months earlier. Time will tell whether or not he was a "genius"

Healthcare network members survey: what you say on NHS reforms
Our latest research asked what our members thought of the government's NHS reforms. Here are some of the responses

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/sep/12/healthcare-network-members-survey-reforms

infographic

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/sep/12/member-survey-results

Hospitals 'on brink of collapse' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19577489

Survey reveals NHS staff fears over reforms

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/11/survey-reveals-nhs-staff-fears-reforms

A deadly directive

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/9542089/A-deadly-directive.html

We screwed up' - health minister on NHS reforms

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9544095/We-screwed-up-health-minister-on-NHS-reforms.html

“Antipathy” to the Government’s controversial health reforms has dragged down people’s satisfaction with the NHS, according to an influential think-tank.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9544230/Antipathy-to-reform-hits-satisfaction-with-NHS.html

New Edinburgh Sick Children's building gets go ahead http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-19635392

Jeremy Hunt must make tough decisions on closing NHS services
The new health secretary cannot ignore the mounting evidence for widespread reconfiguration of services

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/sep/20/jeremy-hunt-tough-decisions-closing-nhs-services

Hunt paves way for U-turn on casualty unit closures

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hunt-paves-way-for-uturn-on-casualty-unit-closures-8157189.html

Some NHS services cut despite pledge, says ex-minister Paul Burstow

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/23/health-mental-health

NHS 'could get worse from 2013' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19729970

Labour's policy waiting game

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/sep/28/labour-policy-waiting-game

NHS 'on high alert during change' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19729970

Reforms of the health service could mean fewer people are given the right to die in their own homes, a cross-party alliance of MPs, peers and charities has warned.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9576296/Cross-party-fears-that-NHS-reforms-risk-the-right-to-die-at-home.html

We're planning big improvements to the NHS
Starting tomorrow, the new NHS commissioning board will turn £85bn into the best possible healthcare

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/sep/30/new-nhs-commissioning-board

The Shadow Health Secretary promises Labour will repeal David Cameron's privatisation reforms of the National Health Service.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/9584217/Andy-Burnham-We-will-repeal-the-NHS-reforms.html

Where do NHS reforms leave charities?
Voluntary organisations need to understand their role in the new health landscape

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/oct/04/nhs-reforms-charities

The NHS has been left “in distress” by “the mother of all top-down reorganisations”, Britain’s top GP claimed today.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9587470/NHS-left-in-distress-by-health-reforms-claims-top-GP.html

BMA chief suggests raising taxes to help the NHS http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19827931

DAVID CAMERON: I'm on a mission to make our NHS better than ever

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2213670/David-Cameron-Im-mission-make-NHS-better-ever.html#ixzz28YxCQmuf

Cameron's plans for conference derailed by Jeremy Hunt
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/pol....nt-8200813.html

David Cameron pledges £140m to nurses to ease NHS red tape http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19854281

Why I fell out with Andrew Lansley over the NHS
Better-value healthcare is the way forward for the NHS – exactly what Tory reforms are not delivering

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/oct/10/lansley-nhs-value-tory-reforms-not-delivering

Integration? The opposite is true in Jeremy Hunt's NHS
The latest healthcare buzzword means nothing, but growing privatisation is reported to be fragmenting services

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/oct/11/integration-opposite-true-hunt-nhs

MPs campaigning to save local hospitals when they know reform could save lives will face opposition from doctors standing as protest candidates in the next Election, NHS bosses have warned.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9602259/Doctors-could-stand-against-marginal-MPs-on-NHS-Mike-Farrar.html

NHS reforms cost soars by £300m

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-reforms-cost-soars-by-300m-8216452.html

Anger at cost of NHS reforms

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/anger-at-cost-of-nhs-reforms-8217353.html

Foundation trusts can work it out
What key issues will be addressed at the Foundation Trust Network's annual conference?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/oct/23/foundation-trust-network-conference-key-issues

Potential pitfalls for public health directors
Their new position dangles precariously between central and local government – yet despite this there is palpable optimism

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/nov/01/public-health-directors-challenges

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/political/political-news/public-support-for-nhs-reforms-takes-a-dive/20000729.article#.UJL9MIZKCSo

Public support for NHS reforms takes a dive
The public is becoming more pessimistic over the impact of the Government’s changes to the NHS, with 43% saying they thought things would get worse under their reforms, a Department of Health commissioned poll reveals.

The Ipsos Mori poll of 1,015 people found 69% were happy with the running of the NHS, but a quarter of people said they thought the NHS reforms would mean cuts to services and 15% said they thought more of the services would be provided by the private sector.

Seven in ten mentioned either of these changes meant services would get worse.

The public was split over the outlook for the NHS, with 35% saying they thought things would get better and 32% making a bleak prognosis for the NHS over the next few years.

Some 43% said they expected the Government’s reforms to make things worse, compared with 38% in last December’s survey.

The number of people who thought the changes would provide good service in the future dropped from 50% in December last year to 44% this year.

With cuts on the way over half (58%) said they thought there should be limits on what is spent on the NHS, up 14% in 2006.

However, most people (67%) admitted they know little or nothing about the way the NHS is changing, although their knowledge of commissioning is increasing.

This time, one in five spontaneously mentioned the role of GPs and other healthcare professionals in commissioning, up from 13% in December 2011.

The involvement of GPs and other healthcare professionals in commissioning would improve things in the NHS said 42%, down 5% on last December’s survey.

NHS constitution reform to include new end-of-life care commitments
Measures may include suing health trusts that fail to fully discuss issues and striking off doctors who ignore patients' wishes

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/nov/04/nhs-constitution-end-of-life-care

NHS 'fragmenting' as hospitals opt out of national pay deals, warns Labour
Labour claims 31 NHS trusts are considering breaking away from wage agreements with staff in south-west facing pay cuts

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/nov/06/nhs-staff-regional-pay-labour

The real news: Jeremy Hunt is up to no good with the NHS
A blogger has taken the political left to task for fiddling while Hunt performs dodgy backroom operations on the health service

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/nov/10/jeremy-hunt-nhs

Healthcare sell-off makes GPs millions
£48m buyout exposes profits to be made by doctors from coalition's NHS reforms

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/nov/09/healthcare-sell-off-gps

Ministers hail first 'contract' with NHS

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9669164/Ministers-hail-first-contract-with-NHS.html

Hospitals are to be paid according to how many patients recommend its services to others, under a new NHS 'mandate' which sets out ministers priorities for the health service.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9675201/Hospitals-to-be-paid-for-patient-recommendations.html

Commissioning Board gets £95m to deliver NHS Mandate

http://www.pharmatimes.com/mobile/12-11-15/Commissioning_Board_gets_%C2%A395m_to_deliver_NHS_Mandate.aspx

The NHS, a cautionary tale
The proposal to close my local hospital draws together all the major narrative threads of the damage being done to the NHS

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/nov/16/nhs-hospital-closures-lucy-mangan

A senior NHS executive is in line to receive a £1 million lump sum when his job disappears as part of reforms to the health service.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9685171/NHS-manager-in-line-for-1-million-pay-out.html

NHS staff need to be creative to hit Qipp targets
The NHS has saved £5.8bn in the last year without compromising quality, but to continue to hit targets clinicians and finance managers must work together

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/nov/21/nhs-staff-creative-qipp-targets

Needs of dying overlooked by health reforms, claims charity

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9694529/Needs-of-dying-overlooked-by-health-reforms-claims-charity.html

David Cameron is accused of a 'sham listening exercise' on NHS reform after links to lobbyist are revealed
Leaked document shows how private health firms worked with Downing Street to ensure new legislation went ahead

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/nov/25/sham-listening-exercise-nhs-reform

There are two worlds in the NHS: policy and practicality

Half of the NHS is shiny and full of well-meaning planners. The other bumbles on with changes dreamed up 10 years ago

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/nov/26/two-worlds-nhs-policy-practicality

Tory MP: free medicines may have to be cut back as patients take more responsibility

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9703991/Tory-MP-free-medicines-may-have-to-be-cut-back-as-patients-take-more-responsibility.html

'Ofsted-style' rating plan for hospitals and care homes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20512916

The NHS is under strain but not yet in crisis
A mid-term verdict on the government's health policies reveals ministers have few answers as to what the future holds

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/nov/29/nhs-under-strain-not-yet-crisis

NHS under pressure from lack of joined-up care, says report
Newly published Dr Foster Hospital Guide shows lack of integrated care leads to overcrowded A&E departments

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/dec/03/joined-up-care-nhs-under-pressure

Health Minister: Dr Foster report shows NHS in good health

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9718733/Health-Minister-Dr-Foster-report-shows-NHS-in-good-health.html

Why the NHS reforms sow seeds of confusion

The Health and Social Care Act is Janus legislation that attempts to promote both competition and collaboration at the same time

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/dec/04/nhs-reforms-sow-seeds-confusion

Prime Minister's Questions: Cameron and Miliband clash over NHS http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20610575

Can innovation really be the raison d'etre of every NHS employee as David Nicholson hopes?

The chief executive of the NHS wants to make innovation the core business of the health service, but there is still a long way to go says our columnist Dick Vinegar

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2012/dec/10/david-nicholson-nhs-innovation-raison-detre

Hospitals to reveal performance data

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hospitals-to-reveal-performance-data-8423145.html

New NHS planning guidance puts patient first

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/12December/Pages/New-NHS-planning-guidance-puts-patient-first.aspx

Hospice care 'threatened by NHS reforms'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9754840/Hospice-care-threatened-by-NHS-reforms.html

Politicians who oppose NHS closures 'secretly support them'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9760981/Politicians-who-oppose-NHS-closures-secretly-support-them.html

Without local decision-making, public health reforms will fail
Government must hand control of health to councils if it wants the results communities desperately need to see

http://www.guardian.co.uk/local-government-network/2013/jan/02/public-health-local-decisions-birmingham

Fighting back against the Left-wing guerrillas

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9775821/Fighting-back-against-the-Left-wing-guerrillas.html

New Labour's short memory on NHS

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jan/02/new-labour-short-memory-nhs

NHS reforms urged after Stafford hospital report
Wide-ranging reforms of National Health Service to be recommended by £11m inquiry into scandal-hit hospital

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jan/06/nhs-reforms-stafford-hospital-report

Failing NHS bosses will go - Jeremy Hunt http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20924654

NHS reforms will fail unless GPs get behind them
The Patient from Hell urges GPs to get involved in implementing the reforms as he considers what 2013 holds for healthcare

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/jan/07/nhs-reforms-fail-gps

What healthcare managers can expect in 2013
As the NHS prepares for restructuring, health service leaders will experience difficulty, uncertainty and instability

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/jan/10/healthcare-managers-2013

Why NHS funding needs a total rethink
The health service no longer offers cradle to grave care, which is free at the point of use. It needs a new financial model

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/jan/16/nhs-funding-total-rethink

A bigger say in the NHS for patients
Greater patient involvement in the health service could lead to better quality care and more efficiency savings

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/jan/17/nhs-patients-bigger-say

The great National Health Service lottery
The proposed closure of Lewisham's A&E and maternity units isn't just a local matter. If our political leaders get their way with this one, your hospital may be next in the firing line

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2013/jan/19/lewisham-hospital-closure-protest-mangan

Sir David Nicholson: 'Hospitals are bad places for old, frail people'

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/sir-david-nicholson-hospitals-are-bad-places-for-old-frail-people-8459242.html

Handing healthcare funding to local government would be a shakeup too far
There's much to commend Andy Burnham's vision, but sharing the cash pool won't achieve integration – it's a culture thing

http://www.guardian.co.uk/local-government-network/2013/jan/25/health-social-care-council-funding

Conflicts of interest could undermine credibility of local Healthwatches
As public service cuts begin to bite, users need reassuring that their new local watchdog also has teeth

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/jan/29/healthwatch-conflicts-interest

The Marmot public health review: how much progress has been made?
The government and health workforce have welcomed the findings, but almost three years on there is still much work to do

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/01/marmot-review-progress-made

Most nurses are angels, yet the system can just crush the compassion out of them'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9858959/Most-nurses-are-angels-yet-the-system-can-just-crush-the-compassion-out-of-them.html

Health trusts call for urgent debate on national pay http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21416287

How do we fix the NHS? Ask frontline staff
Forget regulation, post-Mid Staffs, we need an entire overhaul of the system. Let's start by listening to workers on the ground

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/13/fix-nhs-frontline-staff-roy-lilley

Think every hospital should survive? You need to see a doctor
It is wrongheaded for MPs to claim that their local health establishments are a credit to their communities

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/17/bad-hospitals-should-not-survive

Francis report: creating patient power is the only way forward
The NHS needs more patient and user-led organisations, not watered down versions such as HealthWatch, or more red tape

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/19/francis-report-patient-power

NHS reforms will save 1,600 children a year

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/children_shealth/9879098/NHS-reforms-will-save-1600-children-a-year.html

Will progress on public health follow policy?
At the final debate in a series of four on responsibility for public health in England transferring to local councils, professionals in the sector discussed how they hoped the move would tackle inequalities.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/20/public-health-dialogue-policy

Calls for the resignation of Sir David Nicholson, the NHS boss, raise profound questions about how we are governed

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9883384/Should-one-man-take-the-blame-for-Mid-Staffs.html

Pioneers from around the world are showing how to improve health care

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9885965/Pioneers-from-around-the-world-are-showing-how-to-improve-health-care.html

The Lib Dems must not stand for any more lies over the NHS
The Tories have misled their coalition partners – and us – repeatedly over the true extent of their health service vandalism

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/22/lib-dems-not-stand-lies-nhs

Stewardship is the only way forward in the NHS
After the Mid Staffordshire hospital scandal, we need to rededicate ourselves to care and the principles of stewardship

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/22/mid-staffordshire-hospital-scandal

NHS heading for more competition under coalition
Despite the rhetoric around integrated care, the market-oriented thrust of the NHS reforms seems to be the only show in town

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/26/nhs-heading-for-more-competition

What the NHS can learn from innovative healthcare practices abroad
From clinical services to specialised care, there are many models of affordable healthcare that we can adopt in the UK

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/26/nhs-healthcare-innovative-practices

Three ways the NHS needs to change the way it delivers services
The workforce, self care and personalised medicine need to change if health services are to remain sustainable

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/27/lord-darzi-nhs-change-services

Culture change in the NHS should happen immediately, the chair of the public inquiry into the "disaster" at Stafford Hospital said.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9898006/Mid-Staffs-culture-change-must-happen-immediately.html

More than a broken leg: when patients and NHS staff really count as people
The health service needs a new mindset of personalised care so hospital patients and staff alike feel that they really matter as people

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/feb/28/patients-nhs-staff-personalised-care

NHS reform 'complete waste' warning http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21625758

It is “inconceivable” that the NHS can continue without making staff work longer hours, have shorter holidays, and possibly be paid less, according to managers who are pushing for regional pay.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9902866/NHS-needs-staff-to-work-harder-says-boss.html

GP leader urges rethink over health service competition
Dr Michael Dixon says ministers must revise wording of regulations proposed in section 75 of Health and Social Care Act

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/01/gp-leader-rethink-competition

Happier, more engaged NHS staff lead to better patient care
If care is to become more patient focused, the health service needs an improved culture from board to ward

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/mar/04/happier-nhs-staff-better-patient-care

The government is trying to privatise the NHS through back door regulations
New reforms break promises and will bring about irrevocable change that will be detrimental to many

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/mar/05/nhs-reforms-government-privatise

Government announces 'humiliating u-turn' on competition regulations in NHS

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/government-announces-humiliating-uturn-on-competition-regulations-in-nhs-8521622.html

What the NHS can learn from New Zealand's health system reforms
A not-for-profit company in New Zealand is exploring how best to tackle the problem of the country's ageing population

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/mar/06/nhs-learn-new-zealand-reforms

Coasting culture can kill, Jeremy Hunt warns hospitals

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/coasting-culture-can-kill-jeremy-hunt-warns-hospitals-8525746.html

We love the NHS too much to make it better
We adore our NHS so much that any criticism smacks of disloyalty – even eccentricity. So after the Mid Staffordshire scandal, how do we talk about what really needs to change

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/mar/09/love-nhs-making-it-better

A GP has been accused of electioneering after writing a letter to patients warning they may be put at risk by the Government’s health reforms

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9920597/GPs-NHS-reforms-warning-letter-is-electioneering.html

Health and care system 'struggling with dementia' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21747049

Patients who eat healthily and go to the gym 'should be able to jump NHS queues for operations and treatment'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2291901/Patients-eat-healthily-gym-able-jump-NHS-queues-operations-treatment.html#ixzz2NN5Fb5vU

How NHS Change Day will benefit patients
On Wednesday, NHS staff are being asked to make one change that will improve the health service

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/mar/13/nhs-change-day-benefit-patients

The NHS is suffering from “enormous sickness” in the wake of the Mid Staffordshire hospital scandal, David Cameron’s new patient safety tsar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9925745/My-cure-for-sick-NHS-by-David-Camerons-new-health-tsar-Don-Berwick.html

Ann Clywd to head review of way NHS handles complaints http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21785732

New criminal offence to stop NHS hospitals 'fiddling' figures to be introduced

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9934211/New-criminal-offence-to-stop-NHS-hospitals-fiddling-figures-to-be-introduced.html

Charlotte Leslie MP: Sir David Nicholson must not be allowed to appoint 'comrades' to senior NHS positions

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9936141/Charlotte-Leslie-MP-Sir-David-Nicholson-must-not-be-allowed-to-appoint-comrades-to-senior-NHS-positions.html

Ministers 'ploughing on regardless' with GP contract reform

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9938656/Ministers-ploughing-on-regardless-with-GP-contract-reform.html

NHS reforms: Are health organisations ready for their new roles?
Our latest survey asked healthcare professionals how ready they thought organisations such as clinical commissing groups and health and wellbeing boards were to take up their new responsibilities. Here is a selection of their answers

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/mar/20/nhs-reforms-new-roles-organisations

This hypno-birthing quackery shows profit has no place in healthcare
The very people parents should be able to trust are now reduced to selling their patients what may be no more than snake oil

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/mar/21/quackery-shows-profit-no-place-healthcare

Hospital staff to get more time with patients after bureaucracy crackdown
Health secretary is scrapping need for hospitals to collect scores of data in purge of NHS's 'gargantuan' bureaucracy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/22/hospital-staff-time-care-patients

Jeremy Hunt announces NHS managers will be blacklisted for failure and patients will rate individual wards in major shake-up

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-hunt-announces-nhs-managers-will-be-blacklisted-for-failure-and-patients-will-rate-individual-wards-in-major-shakeup-8550099.html

Hunt drops clause that puts NHS patients first

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9962200/Hunt-drops-clause-that-puts-NHS-patients-first.html

NHS structure changes come into force http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21964568

NHS reforms: From today the Coalition has put the NHS up for grabs

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9962195/NHS-reforms-From-today-the-Coalition-has-put-the-NHS-up-for-grabs.html

Jeremy Hunt orders fresh consultation on rewriting NHS constitution

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9970399/Jeremy-Hunt-orders-fresh-consultation-on-rewriting-NHS-constitution.html

NHS reforms: The flaw with the new NHS is that it’s a little too independent

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9974385/NHS-reforms-The-flaw-with-the-new-NHS-is-that-its-a-little-too-independent.html

NHS London shakeup was derailed by Lansley, former boss says
Ex-health secretary scrapped review hospital reorganisations in 2010 which would have shut A&E departments, says Dame Ruth Carnal

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/apr/17/nhs-london-shakeup-derailed-lansley

Prime Minister Cameron defends plans for nursing shake-up http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22209634

NHS bosses ponder hospital hotels to ease ward pressure http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22262357

Future of NHS at stake in Lords vote



News
Society
NHS

Letters
Future of NHS at stake in Lords vote

Earl Howe health minister
Health minister Earl Howe, who advised private healthcare companies of the 'huge opportunities' coming their way with NHS reforms.

Liberal Democrats made possible the passage of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. When the "competition" regulations to implement Section 75 of the Act (An engine for destruction, 23 April) appeared in February, their leaders in the Lords were taken aback by the wording and, as on previous occasions, sought reassurance from the same Earl Howe who had advised private healthcare companies of the "huge opportunities" coming their way on the very day the bill passed third reading in the Commons.

It appears they have been reassured yet again and will vote against the Labour motion to annul the marginally revised regulations today. Liberal Democrat peers with any conscience must oppose these regulations, which provide a legally enforceable basis for opening up the NHS to competition, contrary to ministers' stated objectives of allowing commissioners to decide if and when it should be used. Further, any peers with commercial interests who could stand to gain from the legislation should disbar themselves from voting against annulment. Not only the future of the NHS but the integrity of parliament is at stake.
Dr Anthony Isaacs
London

• Peter Carter, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, writes (Stop bashing the NHS, 22 April) that "I have no doubt that the health secretary wants to do well by our health service and the patients who use it. Yet, although his motives are good, I believe they are unintentionally misdirected."

This may well have been true of past governments' secretaries of state, but surely not the present ones. While the Conservatives were in opposition the office of the then shadow secretary, Andrew Lansley, was funded by the wife of John Nash, the chairman of Care UK. Once in government, Mr Lansley drove through the Health And Social Care Act to privatise the system. Then Jeremy Hunt took over. He found there is wriggle room in the system to hold up privatisation. The answer was simple: use regulations under the act to insist. This was driven back, so very similar regulations were presented and are before parliament now.

These are not the actions of people who support the NHS. They are the work of people who intend to turn the NHS into a kitemark for private profiteers.

It is time that friends of the NHS like Mr Carter woke up to the real plans of this government. We can only thwart them if we are wide awake, not dreaming of a past, more benevolent age.
Geoff Barr
Exeter

• Your article (23 April) on government plans to require all trainee nurses to spend a year washing and cleaning misses a key point. Follow the money. The proposals will mean a steady supply of 18- to 21-year-old prospective nurses who can be employed at low rates to staff hospital wards and care homes. This will enable employers to "drive down costs" and encourage "labour flexibility" by replacing existing health and care workers on low salaries with trainees paid even less.
Peter North
Brinton, Norfolk

• The government considers blood plasma supplier Plasma Resources UK "ripe for sale" to the private sector (Report, 23 April) and regulations under Section 75 of the Health and Social Care Act threaten to force widespread privatisation of NHS services and treatment. What are the implications for blood and organ donors? As a registered organ donor I would be horrified if it were the case that parts of my body could end up being involved in some chain of transactions to generate profit for some commercial firm. Similarly, would British blood donors be happy to find that their free donations could be a source of commercial profits in privatised NHS services?
Tom Voûte
London

A timely reminder that the coalition's unmandated NHS sell-off regulations are being discussed in the House of Lords this Wednesday. All those who believe our NHS should be run for public need rather than private profit are encouraged to assemble opposite the House of Lords from 12 noon to lobby all peers. Voting for the status quo is not always the right thing to do. On this occasion, however, it is surely morally obligatory.
Francis Prideaux
London

http://www.pharmatimes.com/mobile/13-04-23/NHS_secondary_care_investment_is_backing_the_wrong_horse_MPs_told.aspx

NHS secondary care investment "is backing the wrong horse," MPs told

Over the last 10 years, investment in the NHS acute sector in England has seen fast growth, but the primary and community sectors have experienced none - even though they are producing better outcomes and patient satisfaction rates at reduced cost, MPs have been told.
By investing in acute care but not primary and community care “we are backing the wrong horse,” Michael Sobanja, policy director of the NHS Alliance, has told the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Primary Care and Public Health.

“The NHS cannot survive without significant change – there needs to be a much greater focus on the development of primary care and public health,” said Mr Sobanja, giving evidence to an inquiry, held by the APPG to look at whether the original 1948 vision of the NHS - of a health service available to all and financed entirely out of taxation - might now be under threat.

We need productivity rather than efficiency - the NHS cannot cope without service redesign. People are being treated more intensively in hospital, but we need to restructure services rather than pushing more people through hospitals, Mr Sobanja told the MPs.

“The early stages of the Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme were about national initiatives, but QIPP 2 must be about service redesign and doing things differently,” he added.

The Group's co-chair, Nick de Bois, emphasised that the inquiry is looking at how to cut waste and help lessen demand on the NHS, to protect it and keep it safe for future generations, but it is not considering ways of funding other than through taxation. “I would hope that no parliamentarian would advocate a health service that is anything but free at the point of delivery or funded through taxation,” stressed Mr de Bois, who is Conservative MP for Enfield North.

In fact, the rapid growth in health spending in England has not been accompanied by an increased tax burden, Anita Charlesworth, chief economist at health policy think tank The Nuffield Trust, told the inquiry.

“Over the last 30 years, we’ve spent dramatically more on healthcare without the public feeling that they’re paying for it. There is not yet the perception that there is a problem. But we must use the NHS responsibly or we will lose it, and we must have this conversation with the public,” she said.

She also warned that the public are very concerned about the coming changes t the NHS. “They are being told that care needs to be moved more into the community but they wonder if the services will actually be there, so they need to be getting much more convincing evidence. We are putting so much effort into the closures but not into the new services,” she said.

Asked by the MPs what she believes to be the single most important thing that needs to be done in 2013-14 to help ensure a sustainable NHS for the future, Ms Charlesworth responded: “everything points to the centrality of primary care, but we have not seen any investment there. It is very difficult to explain why so many out-of-hospital services are run separately. We need a serious root-and-branch look at primary care as the hub of out-of-hospital care, and to revisit initiatives such as polyclinics.”

“And we won’t convince the population about the need for change without a proper conversation,” she added.

Michael Sobanja agreed. “The complexity of work undertaken by GPs has grown immensely in the last 10 years - many patients have long-term conditions and co-morbidities, and more people are now treated in primary care and community services. Yet there has been fast growth in the acute sector but none in primary care, which is producing better outcomes and patient satisfaction rates at decreased cost. We are backing the wrong horse,” he told the MPs.

NHS 'ring fence' threatened by plan to help social care
More than £1bn likely to be transferred from health budget to local authorities

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-ring-fence-threatened-by-plan-to-help-social-care-8590701.html

Health minister threatened with ejection from royal college
Earl Howe's position on advisory committee under threat as doctors claim he 'mis-sold' health reforms

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/may/05/earl-howe-royal-college-physicians

Female doctors who work part-time after having children put NHS under strain

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10101276/Female-doctors-who-work-part-time-after-having-children-put-NHS-under-strain.html

Tesco-style NHS plan 'ridiculous' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23031333

Live discussion: How to make the move from the NHS into the voluntary sector

http://www.guardian.co.uk/healthcare-network/2013/jun/26/make-move-from-nhs-voluntary-sector

The NHS is being dismantled by forcing it to conform to 'market forces'
The overwhelming consensus of researchers is that markets in healthcare globally either lower quality or increase costs

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jun/27/nhs-dismantled-market-forces

Naming surgeons with high death rates will help end NHS culture of secrecy, says Sir Bruce Keogh

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10147804/Naming-surgeons-with-high-death-rates-will-help-end-NHS-culture-of-secrecy-says-Sir-Bruce-Keogh.html

Why Jeremy Hunt's plans for Lewisham hospital are unlawful
The Save Lewisham hospital campaign is challenging Hunt's cuts at the high court. This is pivotal in the fight for all hospitals

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/02/jeremy-hunt-lewisham-hospital-unlawful

The NHS: distraction therapy
Mr Hunt has to get a grip of the failure of regulation to ensure high standards of patient care

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/03/nhs-therapy-editorial

Every vulnerable older person to have assigned medic, says Hunt
On 65th anniversary of NHS, health secretary proposes provision of GP or nurse to be responsible for patient at all times

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jul/05/vulnerable-older-person-assigned-medic-hunt

NHS 'heading for £30bn funding gap'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23258962#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Jeremy Hunt accused of turning NHS deaths into 'political capital'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jul/17/jeremy-hunt-report-nhs-hospitals

The rules

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/20/rules-essential-etiquette-guide

Hirschman proves the NHS suffers if the better-off stop using it

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/aug/02/hirschman-theory-proves-nhs-dies-betteroff

Too much reassurance is dangerous for the NHS'

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/aug/05/reassurance-dangerous-nhs

Patient safety 'must be top priority in NHS' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23572696

Andy Burnham interview: 'We've lost the art of thinking bigger'
Former health secretary Andy Burnham bitterly regrets letting the private sector loose on the NHS, is unsure about academies – and claims he has the big idea Labour needs to win next time

http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2013/aug/09/andy-burnham-interview-thinking-bigger

Jeremy Hunt: NHS must change if it is to be sustainable

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10235689/Jeremy-Hunt-NHS-must-change-if-it-is-to-be-sustainable.html

We should not miss the opportunity for change within the NHS'

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/aug/13/opportunity-change-berwick-report-nhs

Stop treating NHS 'as failing bank' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23717866

Physiotherapists given prescribing powers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23752418

Why healthcare managers welcome the Berwick report
The Berwick report repeats much we know already, but its consistency and the changes it suggests are positive

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/aug/15/berwick-report-welcomed-health-managers

£1.4bn of NHS money wasted on redundancy payoffs, says Labour
Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham says figures reveal true cost of coalition's health service shakeup

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/aug/25/nhs-money-redundancy-payoffs-labour

Coalition refuses to say which health bodies it would cut
Shadow health minister declines to say where he would cut administration to redirect funds to 'frontline' services

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/27/coalition-refuses-health-bodies-cut

Councils must face difficult decisions on NHS with leadership, not hyperbole
There a whiff of hypocrisy in local authorities aggressive opposition to changes to hospital services

http://www.theguardian.com/local-government-network/2013/aug/30/council-play-on-local-fear-over-health-reforms

Call for rare conditions drugs fund http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23930267

Playing politics with health: any takers for the tough job at the top?
Among the repertoire of skills required to lead NHS England, the element of theatre must not be neglected

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/sep/05/health-politics-chief-executive-nhs-england

Idealism can be the enemy of culture change in the NHS
We need a culture change but don't let that distract from the other problems facing the NHS

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/sep/16/idealism-enemy-culture-change-nhs

Jeremy Hunt’s £10m Harvard solution for NHS: Fifty top doctors could be sent on fast-track course to turn them into super-bosses
Special scheme to address lack of managers with clinical training
Jeremy Hunt targets 'medicore' officials presiding over failing hospitals
Ex-boss of Mid Staffs was appointed because of lack of suitable candidates
Health secretary to unveil new plan to tackle 11 worst hospitals in the UK


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2424768/Jeremy-Hunt-s-10m-Harvard-solution-NHS-Fifty-doctors-sent-fast-track-course-turn-super-bosses.html#ixzz2fKgJIVNl

Professionals need to be held to account on basis of transparent data
Information, data and measurement play a central role in understanding quality but it is not an alternative to it

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/sep/23/professionals-held-account-data

Innovation Awards shortlist

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/sep/25/guardian-healthcare-innovation-awards-shortlist

How to relieve pressure on the NHS
New model, the house of care, places the patient at the heart of the delivery system and encourages personalised care planning

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/oct/02/promoting-integrated-person-centred-care

Jeremy Hunt on collision course as he says no to NHS pay rises
Health secretary sparks new row with NHS staff by urging pay review body to scrap 1% rise due in April

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/04/jeremy-hunt-nhs-pay-rise-cancelled

How to improve the way medical research is applied in frontline care
Collaborations for leadership in applied health research aim to encourage staff in the NHS to adopt research-informed practices

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/oct/07/improve-medical-research-frontline-care

An NHS free at the point of use could soon be a thing of the past, officials warn

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/an-nhs-free-at-the-point-of-use-could-soon-be-a-thing-of-the-past-officials-warn-8876505.html

NHS reforms are posing a difficult challenge for health campaigners
Charities such as Macmillan must produce hard data to sway local commissioners

http://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2013/oct/17/charities-tactics-local-services-macmillan-press

Seven day opening for GP practices branded 'unrealistic'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10390445/Seven-day-opening-for-GP-practices-branded-unrealistic.html

NHS professionals agree that putting out a tender is a risky business
Our Patient from Hell reports on some surprising views from a recent health forum on choice and competition

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/oct/21/nhs-tender-risky-business-patient-from-hell

US health chief becomes new NHS boss http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24635890

Drive for transparency on NHS treatment to be extended
Data to be collected on performance of doctors in 10 new areas of medicine and will include views of patients

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/31/drive-transparency-nhs-treatment-extended

GPs to reveal their salaries from next year
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has told family doctors they will have to reveal how much they earn from 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10451133/GPs-to-reveal-their-salaries-from-next-year.html

Hospitals in England told to publish staffing levels http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24994016

Francis report on Mid Staffs: government accepts recommendations
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/francis-report-on-mid-staffs-government-accepts-recommendations

The NHS must keep its pledge to embrace tech entrepreneurs
Creative solutions to the health sector's problems are unlikely to come from inside the NHS or from large IT companies

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/nov/25/nhs-pledge-tech-entrepreneurs-start-ups

Bruce Keogh: the NHS must create a better climate for innovation
NHS England's medical director on how leaders can empower more staff to share their ideas and improve services

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/nov/26/bruce-keogh-nhs-england-innovation

Francis report: Jeremy Hunt has prioritised blame over support
The government's response fits in with the wider political strategy of blaming individuals for shortcomings in the system

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/nov/27/francis-report-jeremy-hunt-nhs-policy

The reforms the NHS really needs make a rubbish election strategy
Andy Burnham deserves credit for championing new thinking on the kind of health service we need. But it's not soundbite-friendly

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/02/reforms-nhs-needs-rubbish-election-strategy

Will empowered patients be the cure for the NHS?
Transparency won't be enough to make hospitals safe and on its own can make matters worse

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/dec/05/empowered-patients-cure-nhs

Current healthcare systems “will not cut it” and radical changes are needed to meet patients’ needs, the new head of the NHS has said, in his first speech since accepting the top job

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/10509664/Current-healthcare-systems-wont-cut-it-says-new-NHS-boss.html

Will new integration fund be a catalyst or catastrophe?
The fund will pool budgets to enable greater integrated working, and is moving in right direction – but it brings significant risks

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/dec/17/integration-fund-catalyst-catastrophe

Clause 118 of care bill threatens hospitals with downsizing or closure
Public outcry saved Lewisham hospital, now the government wants to change the law to ensure that it can reconfigure hospital provision as it so desires

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2013/dec/18/care-bill-clause-118-threatens-hospitals

NHS reforms have cost £5m in lawyer fees, says Labour
Responses to FoI requests show 76 clinical commissioning groups have paid to use competition lawyers

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/30/nhs-reform-competition-lawyer-fees-labour

NHS could be 'overwhelmed' by people with long-term medical conditions
One of health service's most senior figures warns there needs to be a serious rethink of how patients are cared for

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/03/nhs-overwhelmed-long-term-medical-conditions

Public health 2014: biggest topics for the year ahead
The year 2013 was one of transition as councils took over responsibility for public health, but what will 2014 hold?

http://www.theguardian.com/local-government-network/2014/jan/13/public-health-2014-topics-year

NHS Change Day is about a different approach to leadership
A former mental health nurse organising pledges to improve patient care explains how to empower frontline staff

http://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2014/jan/31/nhs-change-day-jackie-lynton-grassroots-leaders

NHS 'getting better', says Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26043517

How has the NHS workforce changed since the coalition took power?
Numbers have not moved dramatically, but the mix of staff has changed

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/feb/13/nhs-workforce-change-2010

Ex-M&S boss to advise NHS managers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26175151

Papworth hospital's future in doubt after Treasury intervention
Heart and lung hospital's planned Cambridge move caught up in 'NHS politics' that may force partnership with loss-making trust

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/14/papworth-hospital-treasury-nhs-cambridge

NHS adviser Sir Stuart Rose has private health link

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-adviser-sir-stuart-rose-has-private-health-link-9129592.html

How NHS Change Day became the biggest movement in the health service's history
Thousands of staff and patients will take part in the second NHS Change Day, pledging to do something to improve the service

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/feb/27/nhs-change-day-staff

Public health authority formed to 'speak truth unto power' may be too close to the Government, MPs warn

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/public-health-authority-formed-to-speak-truth-unto-power-may-be-too-close-to-the-government-mps-warn-9152899.html

Thousands pledge to 'do something different' for NHS http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26383933

Will Labour's proposed health policy shortchange social care?
In seeking to integrate health and care provision, the Oldham report pursues two possibly contradictory approaches

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/mar/07/labour-health-policy-social-care

How can the NHS tackle its innovation deficit?
NHS England should focus on enabling providers and patients to co-create better ways of delivering care, says the organisation's head of strategy

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/mar/10/nhs-tackle-innovation-deficit

Hospitals: MPs debate greater closure powers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26485184

MPs grant powers to close local hospitals http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26531807

New drugs fast-tracked for severely ill NHS patients
People suffering with life-threatening conditions will get treatments still in development outside official clinical trials

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/mar/14/new-drugs-fast-tracked-severely-ill-patients-nhs

New NHS chief: Stakes have never been higher for service, warns incoming Simon Stevens

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-nhs-chief-stakes-have-never-been-higher-for-service-warns-incoming-simon-stevens-9226893.html

Chinese medicine could become available on the NHS
Jeremy Hunt indicates that health service may look at integrating traditional Chinese cures with Western medical techniques

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/nhs/10738330/Chinese-medicine-could-become-available-on-the-NHS.html

Simon Stevens sets out vision for radical NHS change and innovation
The new NHS England chief executive's first speech reveals his priorities for the health service, starting with pay and training

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/apr/03/simon-stevens-vision-nhs-change

NHS patients face charges for walking sticks, crutches and braces

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-patients-face-charges-for-walking-sticks-crutches-and-braces-9265907.html

Tell us your Health Hero: As the Prime Minister launches our hunt for unsung health workers, meet the inspirational woman who helps cancer patients smile

Daily Mail launches Health Hero Awards, with Boots and ITV's This Morning
Highlight healthcare workers using compassion and skill to make difference
Five finalists will be honoured with paid trip to Health Hero Awards dinner
The winner will also receive a £5,000 holiday
Prime Minister explains why he thinks these awards are so important
We tell story of nominee Bianca Effemey, who helps sick children


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2609504/Tell-Health-Hero-As-Prime-Minister-launches-hunt-unsung-health-workers-extra-mile-meet-inspirational-woman-helps-young-cancer-patients-smile-again.html#ixzz2zbgjYmMC

Seven ways to unify the NHS without the Better Care Fund
Joining up health and social care is not just about organisations working together – they also need standardised services

http://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2014/may/13/seven-ways-unify-nhs-without-better-care-fund

NHS must end mass centralisation, says new boss
In reversal of current policy, NHS England's Simon Stevens aims to expand local services to treat patients in own communities

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/may/30/nhs-england-mass-centralisation-simon-stevens

Labour vows to 'reset' the NHS after the next election

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/labour-vows-to-reset-the-nhs-after-the-next-election-9496310.html

Will an anti-innovation culture in the NHS kill off technological progress?
Hackday system has best chance of overcoming bureaucratic regulatory process that stops apps getting traction they need

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/jun/10/health-app-nhs-hackday-hospital

Nursing: Are we facing a trade-off? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27887086

Politicians manipulate NHS for votes, finds BMA survey
Doctors should run the NHS, as ministers only manipulate the health service to win votes, a survey by the British Medical Association has found

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10914101/Politicians-manipulate-NHS-for-votes-finds-BMA-survey.html

The NHS has been offered up to the private sector, says Britain's chief doctor

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-nhs-has-been-offered-up-to-the-private-sector-says-britains-chief-doctor-9557725.html

Health Secretary urged to intervene as thousands face loss of GP surgery after doctors quit blaming NHS reforms

GPs have quit leaving up to 6,000 patients without a doctors surgery
Dr Holly Hardy and Dr Karen Houghton can no longer cope with work load
Pair blame the Government's NHS reforms and cuts for crisis


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2679558/Health-Secretary-urged-intervene-thousands-face-loss-GP-surgery-doctors-quit-blaming-NHS-reforms.html#ixzz36QNNEjuP

Half of NHS bosses believe patients will have to pay for some services
Survey of NHS leaders finds 47% think it unlikely that comprehensive healthcare will be free at point of use by 2024

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/10/half-nhs-bosses-patients-pay-services-10-years

Manchester's hospital reform plan has been a failure
The baffling Healthier Together proposals will undermine patients' confidence in the NHS

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/aug/07/manchester-hospital-reform-plan-failure

NHS leaders and politicians have yet to convince patients of need for reforms
A big debate is needed ahead of the 2015 general election about how to fund a health service fit for the future

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/aug/11/nhs-leaders-politicians-patients-reforms

Pharmacies 'could play greater role' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-28756494

Chief Inspector of Hospitals: ‘People might believe in the NHS. But it doesn’t mean it’s perfect’

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/chief-inspector-of-hospitals-people-might-believe-in-the-nhs-but-it-doesnt-mean-its-perfect-9674847.html

Stop reorganising the NHS and invest more, says Royal College of Physicians
Ministers must stop reorganising the NHS and fund it properly, a Royal College has said ahead of the party conferences

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/nhs/11095329/Stop-reorganising-the-NHS-and-invest-more-says-Royal-College-of-Physicians.html

NHS is Labour's priority in election fight, says Ed Balls
Reform of health service would not be funded by extra taxes, says shadow chancellor touting credible and costed change

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/19/nhs-labour-priority-election-ed-balls

NHS chief executive calls on next government not to implement top-down reorganisation of service
Simon Stevens uses Today Programme interview to call for political parties to steer clear of radical change from above

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/11181731/NHS-chief-executive-Simon-Stevens-calls-on-next-government-not-to-implement-top-down-reorganisation-of-service.html

How to take back the NHS, before it’s too late
The coalition’s 2012 health reform act was disastrous. It can be overturned – but time is running out

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/01/david-owen-nhs-coalition-2012-health-reform-act

NHS bill for management advisers doubles to £640m
Labour claims management consultants have had ‘a field day’ due to the coalition’s radical restructuring of the NHS

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/09/nhs-management-consultants-bill-doubles-640m

2014: the highs and lows in public services
The raised profile of mental health, Simon Stevens’ five-year plan for the NHS and the drive to empower city regions have all been positive, but we still face cuts ‘on a colossal scale’

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/16/2014-mental-health-nhs-city-regions-colossal-cuts

Hinchingbrooke Hospital: Circle to withdraw from contract http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-30740956