Junior doctors’ working hours unmonitored by EWTD

The NHS in England is unable to provide information about the level of compliance of junior doctors’ working hours to the European Working Time Directive (EWTD), BMJ Careers reports. The directive limits working hours to 48 per week, and the...<<Read More>>

New healthcare vocational qualifications come in

Vocational qualifications in health and social care ‘go live’ this month, replacing the existing range of NVQs. Subjects on offer range from Health Informatics to Emergency Care Assistance, Maternity and Paediatric Support and... <<Read more>>

Research shows early intervention by befriending schemes improves the health and well-being of vulnerable groups

Befriending schemes are an effective way of improving the health and well-being of vulnerable and disadvantaged people according to a new report by... <<Read more>>

Lansley to stamp out ‘culture of fear’ within NHS

The health secretary, Andrew Lansley, has said that whilst he believes the ‘culture of fear’ to be present in a few parts of the NHS, he is dedicated to stamping it out. Lansley said that these pockets of fear in the health service could ‘deter staff from...

New whistleblowing guidance published

New guidance on whistleblowing has been published by the Social Partnership Forum.

The document was developed in response to issues raised in a number of high profile cases, such as the Healthcare Commission's investigation into emergency care at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust and builds on previously issued NHS advice.

The RCN is a member of the Social Partnership Forum which...

New Guidance To Protect Workers From Chicken Pox

Guidance to protect workers from Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), commonly known as chicken pox or shingles, has been published by the Royal College of Physicians’ Health and Work Development Unit, funded by NHS Plus, and includes a section aimed specifically at employers. The updated guideline extends previous recommendations with regard to pregnant women and people whose immune systems are compromised...

Audit of Boorman Review imminent

The Royal College of Physicians is to conduct the first national audit within the NHS of NICE public health guidance for the workplace, as recommended by the Boorman Review. Carried out over the summer and autumn by the Health and Work Development Unit (HWDU), the audit will involve all NHS trusts in England with an overall aim of improving health and wellbeing of all staff working for the health services.

The Boorman Review, published last year, called for staff health...