England

NEWS: Prescription charges see hike

April 10, 2024

Charges for prescriptions and prescription prepayment certificates (PPCS) will increase by 2.59% (rounded to the nearest 5 pence) from 1 May 2024. Charges for wigs keep reading

Pancreas disease treatment with doctor illustration

NEWS: NHS offers artificial pancreas to diabetics

April 3, 2024

As reported by BBC News, tens of thousands in England set to benefit from ground-breaking technology, as NHS rolls out new system to manage type keep reading

NEWS: GP phone upgrades slash wait times

April 3, 2024

As reported by NHS England, patients see improved access to GP appointments with the nationwide roll-out of advanced phone systems Almost every GP practice in England keep reading

Silhouette of protesting man with loudspeaker and crowd of people with raised hands and banners

NEWS: Junior doctors stand firm on strikes

March 25, 2024

As reported by The BMA, amid ongoing pay disputes, junior doctors across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland vow to continue striking, highlighting unity and patient keep reading

This directive follows several notable incidents where trusts experienced prolonged challenges in fulfilling statutory reporting requirements post EPR implementation, as observed in institutions like Royal Surrey and St. Peters, Oracle Cerner, alongside Frimley and Manchester, both on Epic platforms. Maintaining patient oversight amidst EPR deployments The correspondence, obtained by Digital Health News, underscores the critical importance of retaining an understanding of patient needs throughout the EPR implementation process. It stresses the significance of monitoring both clinical and non-clinical activities to facilitate effective reporting at a national level, thereby supporting financial, operational, and clinical quality oversight. Addressing reporting interruptions NHSE acknowledges recent instances where providers encountered disruptions in business-critical reporting, often enduring prolonged periods of cessation due to the challenges posed by EPR implementation. It reiterates that the submission of mandated returns forms an integral part of providers' licensing obligations, urging them to leverage established governance mechanisms to address identified risks during EPR system rollouts. Ensuring data integrity amidst challenges Providers are reminded that even in the presence of data quality or completeness concerns, mandated submissions must proceed. Any arising issues should be promptly communicated to NHS England's national and regional teams, with particular emphasis on frontline digitisation engagement teams in cases where providers receive EPR funding. NHSE underscores the imperative of treating such challenges as high-severity risks, warranting prioritised remedial actions. Enhanced governance for EPR deployments To bolster business continuity assurance, NHSE has introduced augmented governance measures for EPR go-lives. Preceding each EPR deployment, regional directors will present evidence and assurance of a trust's capability to sustain reporting to the national Quality and Performance Committee, seeking formal approval to proceed. Further details on this process are forthcoming. Support and guidance for providers In addition to governance enhancements, NHS England is collating insights from providers with completed EPR implementations to compile an EPR Data Migration and Reporting Reference Guide. This comprehensive resource encompasses aspects of procurement, data migration, governance, testing, and training. NHS England's frontline digitisation team offers supplementary support through masterclasses, targeted training, and peer networks to facilitate EPR implementation. NHS England's letter emphasises the critical need for healthcare providers to maintain statutory reporting obligations during the transition to electronic patient record systems. By proactively addressing challenges and maintaining reporting obligations, practice managers can safeguard the continuity of care and operational effectiveness within their healthcare settings.

Importance of statutory reporting: EPR implementation

March 14, 2024

NHS England has recently circulated a letter to healthcare leaders underlining the necessity of complying with nationally mandated returns during the transition to electronic patient keep reading

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NEWS: £35 million boost to maternity safety

March 13, 2024

As reported by The Department of Health and Social Care, England announced significant investment to enhance maternity care, including hiring more midwives and providing specialist training keep reading

NEWS: Smokers’ misconceptions on vaping health

March 1, 2024

As reported by BBC News, despite evidence showing e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking, fewer smokers in England perceive vaping as safer, raising concerns among health keep reading

Doctor checking patient arterial blood pressure in hospital

Data reveals hidden high blood pressure in young people

May 2, 2023

As reported by the BBC, experts are warning that a “considerable” number of young people in England unknowingly have risky high blood pressure According to keep reading

NHS figures reveal millions wait more than a fortnight to see a GP in England

April 21, 2023

As reported by the BBC, NHS figures have revealed that nearly 5m patients each month in England wait more than a fortnight for a GP keep reading

Female doctor advice consulting diagnosis and check-up at hospital clinic. Patient explain health problems and symptoms to Professional physician. medical, medicine, treatment, therapy, pharmacy

NHS approves use of pioneering cancer drug

April 12, 2023

As reported by the BBC, NHS England is to offer hundreds of patients the world’s first cancer drug to target an inherited genetic fault Cancer keep reading