Amid a severe and ongoing winter crisis, it was revealed last week that the NHS has been “hemorrhaging” nurses, and the consequences may be dire. An ageing population will inevitably lead to greater demand strains on the NHS, but evidence has shown that an increasing patient-to-nurse ratio can increase the risk of inpatient deaths[1]. Furthermore, […]
An inexpensive, 16-week NHS lifestyle programme aimed at patients with type 2 diabetes can help to treat the disease. A new study led by the University of Glasgow and published today in Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, showed how effective the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service lifestyle programme was at […]
Technology and innovation are being invoked as saviours of an over-stretched NHS whose seventieth birthday is looming, particularly as both hospitals and general practices face unprecedented winter pressures. Whether teleconsultation, direct-to-consumer genetic testing or using artificial intelligence to predict risk of disease, the promise of these novel approaches seems compelling. Professor Tony Young, National Clinical […]
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What do we mean by the use of performing arts in community NHS treatment? In a previous article for the Hippocratic Post, I explained how working with the creative arts, and music in particular could improve wellbeing. In this article I will give examples of NHS community based performance projects which enhance well-being and quality […]
NHS England is proposing to draw a new line between when the NHS will help someone, and when citizens are required to fall back on their own private resources when it comes to prescriptions for over-the-counter medicines. This may or may not be a good idea, but it certainly shouldn’t be motivated by a funding […]
The Royal Society of Medicine and ITN Productions have launched ‘21st Century Healthcare,’ a news and current affairs-style programme which explores the need for a collaborative approach to medicine to encourage new thinking. The programme brings to life the solutions to some prominent healthcare issues. ‘21st Century Healthcare’ showcases clinicians, academics and innovators who are […]
That cricketing and clinical concepts collide has become apparent to me as a nurse spectator enjoying numerous cricket matches. I’ve noticed many cricketing terms and ideas that wouldn’t be out of place in a ward environment when discussing diagnosis, disease and death. As I look at Father Time removing the bails from the wicket above […]
Most people would agree that research is necessary to improve clinical care: research tells us which treatments and services work, and which don’t, so that we can provide patients with the most appropriate, and most effective care. But an important question is: how much of the research that is done in biomedicine actually leads to […]
Responding to the budget statement, Dr Taj Hassan, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine welcomes extra funding for the NHS but says the service needs much more. ‘The Chancellor’s announcement of £2.8bn extra funding over the next two years for the NHS in England is very welcome indeed, but still a long way […]
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Two thirds of medics would not recommend their career to the children, finds a new survey conducted amongst senior hospital doctors, GPs, trainees and charity supporters by the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF). This news comes despite the fact that traditionally it has been a family career throughout generations. The results tie in with the […]
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