Free parenting classes trial launched

The Government has announced plans for free parenting classes in three pilot areas, as well as a new information service advising on pregnancy through to parenting issues. The free classes scheme has up to £5m available funding, and will take place in Camden, Middlesbrough...<<Read More>>

Health Innovation Challenge Fund develops new technology

The NHS is set to benefit from new UK-led technologies, developed through the Health Innovation Challenge fund, supported by the Department of Health and the Wellcome Trust. Experimental products currently being developed include a system...<<Read More>>

Closure confirmed for ‘failing’ Belton Surgery

Belton Surgery, serving 1,200 patients, will close in June, NHS Norfolk and Waveney has confirmed. The surgery had failed to meet clinical standards and was likely to fail inspection, the trust stated. A substitute surgery is available three miles away in...<<Read More>>

Statins could halve stroke deaths

The NHS should consider giving statins to healthy people in order to prevent heart attacks and strokes, new research recommends. Published in the Lancet, a study of 175,000 patients concluded there would be a significant reduction of risk if statins were prescribed to more people. Statins are...<<Read More>>

New system to improve ambulance response

Changes to the way 999 calls are received could save at least 150 lives, and cut over half a million wasted ambulance journeys a year, pilots in London and the West Midlands have shown. From June, ambulance staff will be given an...<<Read More>>

Increased support for post-natal depression

A new Government strategy aims to provide personalised support for mothers giving birth, with particular focus on those who suffer postnatal depression, miscarriage or stillbirth. The strategy includes one-to-one care during labour with a...<<Read More>>

Information Commissioner concern at risk register veto

The Information Commissioner, who was over-ruled by ministers when they decided last week to veto publication of the NHS transition risk register, has said that decision was unjustified and against policy. Chris topher Graham said this case did not meet...<<Read More>>

Praise for £2.4m mental health ward upgrade

Two hospital wards for adults with mental health problems have been officially re-opened after a £2.4m refurbishment. Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust upgraded its K1 and K2 wards in Bolton – which will shortly be renamed...<<Read More>>

Plans for UK-India health collaboration

The UK and India can work together to improve primary healthcare in both countries, according to a new report. India plans to achieve universal health coverage, and health has been identified by the India-UK CEO Forum, established by the British and Indian prime ministers in 2010, as a...<<Read More>>

NICE approves rejected cancer drug after price drop

Cancer charities have hailed a “resounding triumph” after a drug that extends life for people with advanced prostate cancer was approved for NHS use in England, after NICE reversed its earlier decision to reject it for not being value-for-money...<<Read More>>

Labour launches anti-reforms ‘NHS Check’ service

Labour leader Ed Miliband is set to offer to join forces with Britain’s nurses as he addresses the Royal College of Nursing Congress in Harrogate. Encouraging nurses to join them against the Government’s reforms, Labour is launching a new...<<Read More>>

MPs warn of medicine shortages

Patients in England are facing shortages of some medicines, according to the All Party Pharmacy Group of MPs. This is mainly due to drugs being bought cheaply within the UK and then sold at higher prices elsewhere in Europe, they warn. The MPs investigated shortages which have caused...<<Read More>>

CSSs present issues at Checkpoint 2

While most commissioning support services (CSSs) have passed Checkpoint 2 – the outcome of the second stage in the business review process – there are 12 which either have issues that need rapid management or that cannot continue, the NHS Commissioning Board Authority has reported...<<Read More>>

Welsh language proposals could limit recruitment

Plans to increase Welsh services in health and social care in Wales could have a negative impact to the ongoing recruitment drive for more doctors, the BMA has said. The proposed framework – More than Words – suggests patients should be able...<<Read More>>